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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

IT’S ABOUT CRIME-SOLVING

There are many things that would make people hold the wrong impression of a country and one of them is the police reaction to crime. There is crime in every country and the crime could be of varying degrees. There are the burglaries, the snatch and grab episodes, the murders and the kidnappings. Sometimes the crimes are senseless and leave one to wonder whether the perpetrator is merely an attention grabber. But then again, rarely do people commit crimes with the expectation that they would be caught. It is the rate at which the criminals are caught that makes countries seem better places to be than others. The United States has had more than its fair share of high profile shootings in the recent past. People have been known to take guns to schools and using them with deadly effect. Just over a year ago, in December 2012, a 20-yearold man shot and killed 26 people, including his mother. Twenty of those killed were kindergarten children. Since then there have been nearly three dozen shootings in schools alone. For this year there have been fourteen and in each case the police have arrested the perpetrators. There have been other crimes and many of these have been solved so people leave with the impression that the United States is a safe place. In neighbouring Trinidad where for this year there have been more murders than there have been days in this year one does not hear of people shying away from that country. Judging from the media reports, it is more violent than most countries in the world. In fact, it was recently dubbed the murder capital of the world. The killings there appear to be directed against specific people as opposed to Guyana where people are killed randomly. There were the elderly women who were killed in their homes by intruders who remain unknown. Just this week, an East Coast Demerara businessman was reportedly kidnapped right before his wife. A ransom was reportedly demanded but about three days later, the body of the businessman was found dumped in Le Repentir cemetery. As was the case of the elderly women, no one has been arrested and from indications, the police seem no closer to making an arrest. There was the bombing at the Boston Marathon and within a few days despite the crowds and the absence of eyewitnesses the police were able to kill one of the perpetrators and arrest the other. Bostonians feel safe. The result is that people in the Diaspora suddenly decide that Guyana is off limits. Many of them have cancelled planned visits because of the crime in Guyana. Indeed, former President Bharrat Jagdeo was aware of the reportage on crime in Guyana and he actually begged reporters to downplay their exuberant reports. Using the examples of what prevailed in other countries he said that the Guyanese reporter would not recognize that he is chasing away people when he reports and features crimes prominently in his newspaper. The truth is that there are not enough arrests and whenever there is a break in a case the information is not reported in the press. There have been attempts to analyse the reasons for Guyana’s crime situation. However, the local analysts do not have the resources as their counterparts in the developed world. Besides, they are rarely asked to psychoanalyse the perpetrator of crimes so there is no measure of what sparks criminal activities in a small country like Guyana. Why was the businessman kidnapped? And why was he killed when all indications were that the family would provide the ransom? There is one school of thought which suggests that the violent crimes away from domestic murders, may be linked to the some of the illegal activities that seem to be common in Guyana. If that is the case then the police should have no difficulty in solving many of these crimes but that is not happening. So Guyana continues to be perceived as a most unsafe place although its crime rate is nowhere as high as some of those that are believed to be safer than Guyana merely because the police there solve crimes.

Saturday April 12, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

Stories of contemporary human tragedies affecting the lives of Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, Although this article was written on the day of April 8th, 2014, when the stories commented on below were published, I would like to piggyback on the missive of Dr (Ms.) Janice Imhoff which addressed one of the subjects. These stories selected should not fail to evoke strong feelings of deep human emotions. The stories begin with the front page lead picture. It shows a bewildered-looking 21 year-old woman respectfully being escorted by non uniform ranks, presumably of the Guyana Police Force. The neat and tidy appearance of the young lady will usually be misconstrued in relation to someone with severe mental, emotional, social and very likely economic challenges. The deportment of this woman could easily see this condition go undetected, or much worse undiagnosed, when compared with the more prevalent extreme anti-social types seen around the city and to a lesser extent around other urban centres. The universal occurrence of infanticide has defied a conclusive theory of the reasons of such extreme behaviour. We have a verbal explanation of the expressed reason for the young lady’s alleged action. What is yet to be revealed is the latent intent that

resided in the mind of and the mental state of the young woman. The major question is, do we have the institutions to probe the motives of and to treat the underlying behaviour of such persons. By institutions, I speak of the facility of in-depth and intense psychiatric assessments and behavioural modification programmes. This story is akin to a similar one on Page 23. In this case an enraged mother reportedly attempted to use a bucket of water to take the life of her child. These two cases must stir even the coldest heart to be moved with empathy for the accused persons and moreover full sympathy with members of their families over the loss of innocent lives and the ongoing trauma of impending judicial intervention. The possibility of Post Partum Depression has been posited as a motivating factor in this second case, but it does not seem a fit for Hofasawa Awena Rutherford. Page 20 carries a short story but bears a touching commentary on the way senior citizens are treated. What is so difficult for the authorities in the postal system to ensure by basic forward planning to have the required monies in place to pay the pensioners? I leave the ramifications of this question to the social consciousness of those in authority. The apology provided was

timely, but better can still be done. Another assault on basic human decency, in this the 21st century, occurred in our neighbouring Caricom country of Trinidad and Tobago. Where else in this world would we have a hospital commissioned to the treatment of and the preservation of human life refusing to triage a casualty at its doors. These observations are not intended to express economic or political commentary by this writer. I do hope however, that those holding offices with responsibilities for these matters feel humanly and decently moved to give priority to these tragic issues touching the lives of our citizens. On the subject of hospitals, a keen eye would have observed on page 14 that a prisoner hospitalised as a patient in the main hospital of Guyana was shackled in uncovered leg irons around bare feet. This is nothing less than unfair and extreme punishment. Does it not remind us of a bygone era? At least, the leg irons should be padded, probably with leather around the area that goes around the feet. This is a medical matter, as it is one for the security services. This brings me to page 21 a header states, “ Minor crimes cause major deportation for Caribbean nationals” The official is quoted as stating “In truth (Continued on page 05)

Senior Counsel and its merits DEAR EDITOR, I read with great interest a letter written by my old New Amsterdam friend, Morty Coddett, that appeared in Wednesday’s issue of the Stabroek News under the caption “Why no women Senior Counsel?” I must congratulate my friend for the excellent article, but I wish to clarify a couple of points. He stated that the Solicitor General and the Director of Public Prosecutions are normally elevated to Senior Counsel, but I think that it was the persons who held the office that were given silk and not necessarily the office. I refer to Joaquim Gonsalves-Sabola as Solicitor General, who should have been elevated to a Court of Appeal Judge, but was asked to stay on, which he did until he went to the Bahamas as a judge and was later elevated to Chief Justice before he retired and later passed, as well as Julian Nurse who succeeded him. They were outstanding attorneys. Likewise, the DPP Manny Ramao and later George Jackman and Ian Chang. I had written a piece sometime ago stating that women are taking over the judiciary in the Caribbean. I

also know that Guyana is flooded with female lawyers, but I do not know if some of them merit being elevated and my good friend did not state in his letter of deserving cases. I do not know because I live outside of Guyana. He mentioned that no lawyer was elevated for the past five years. This is not unusual, but what bothers me is that there should be no political appointees as was done in a couple of cases in the past, and a comment

made by former President Bharrat Jagdeo that Nigel Hughes would never be considered for Senior Counsel. This gives the impression that “silk” is given by politicians. At the appointment ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago of 16 attorneys-atlaw to Senior Counsel in December 2011, President George Maxwell Richards was compelled to comment that the application for Senior Counsel (SC) status is

not strictly followed; and in Belize politicians had a say up to two years ago. Belize has the most Senior Counsel than any other jurisdiction in the Caribbean Community. There might be a change now that no-nonsense Guyanese Kenneth Benjamin is the Chief Justice of that Central American country. It is not easy to be elevated to silk in Barbados, Jamaica, and the Eastern Caribbean states. Oscar Ramjeet

Effective ‘management’ required in the sugar industry DEAR EDITOR, Is there a ‘magic potion’ or ‘miracle cure’ that can be used for our ailing sugar industry? Recent reports in the media, some following the budget debates, might give the impression that there is a ‘magic wand’ called “better management” that can be used to remove a curse and cleanse GuySuco of the disease called under-performance. Others might get the impression that we can push a button called “management” that will automatically motivate managers towards better management. Management is a “process” not an automatic switch or injection or medicine that can be taken for efficient performance. Effective Management depends on clear policies, realistic guidelines and practical directions emanating from the vision, mission, objectives and pragmatic targets of

the organization, set in a joint, consultative manner among wise, professional, independentthinking Directors, capable managers and reasonable workers’representatives. Effective ‘management’ is in the hands of all stakeholders, not only those called “managers”: the supervisors and foremen must exercise ‘delegated management’ and the rank-and-file workers must exercise ‘selfmanagement’ and informal ‘group management’ which eschew unreasonable behaviour and encourage commitment and responsibility. All of this can be greatly facilitated by clear, confident, honest and continual communication with all stakeholders in the industry which will encourage employee engagement and all-round responsibility for optimal performance. Nowrang Persaud

Saturday April 12, 2014

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

The rising tide of prosperity DEAR EDITOR, The quality of life of citizens in any country is dependent to a large extent on the size of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Countries with low GDP are unlikely to provide a high standard of living to their citizens whereas countries with high levels of GDP are more likely to ensure that their citizens are afforded a better quality of life. The size of a country’s Gross Domestic Product is therefore an important determinant in measuring the quality of life. This is why any decline in the growth rate of the economy is treated with so much concern by policymakers since it translates into a shrinking of the GDP and a consequential decline in the quality of life of citizens. One indicator of the share of the national wealth from a distributional standpoint is what economists refer to as the per capita income which is essentially the GDP divided by the total population. The higher the per capita income, the greater the likelihood of a better quality of life, even though this is not always true, since per capita income is little more than a crude statistical construct and does not necessarily reflect a true and accurate picture of living standards. I thought of making this observation if only to highlight a fact in our economic history when the size of our gross domestic product took a severe beating to a point where the economy instead of growing was getting smaller and smaller with each passing year. Those were the years when the country experienced what is known as ‘negative growth’ which in effect means that instead of the national pie increasing annually to compensate for an increase in population size

and inflationary tendencies, it is actually getting smaller. It does not take a trained economist to realize that in a scenario such as that alluded to above, the quality of life of the citizens as a whole declines, as there would be more mouths to feed from a shrinking cake. And yet this was what actually took place for the greater part of the twentyeight years when the PNC regime occupied the seat of political power. The few ‘ good’ years when there was some positive growth especially during the mid 1970s - resulted mainly from windfall prices of bauxite and sugar on the world market and not from any real increase in production and productivity. In fact one distinguishing characteristic of the PNC years was the downward trend in production in all the key areas of production in particular rice, bauxite and sugar. The country experienced a production crisis which emanated from a political crisis. The political crisis was due to undemocratic and authoritarian rule where all the institutions of the state were subdued by the doctrine of ‘paramountcy’ of the then ruling party. There is a dialectical interconnection between the economic base and the political superstructure of any society. The lack of democracy stifles economic growth and expansion which in turn results in a curtailment of the cultural and creative expressions of the citizens as a whole. In other words, the whole of society is poorer when the body politic is impaired through rigged elections and the suppression of democratic rights and freedoms as happened during the former PNC regime.

This is why the PPPC administration must be commended for putting in place measures and mechanisms to strengthen our democracy and democratic institutions. What we have today is a rule-based and law-governed society where there is full separation of powers and where the Executive arm of the State does not interfere in the work of the other two arms, namely the Legislative and the Judicial, as was the case under the PNC administration. More significantly, the current PPP/C administration has managed to grow the economy and secure the economic fundamentals for accelerated growth and development. The administration, led by President Donald Ramotar, deserves credit for being able to mobilize local and foreign investment and capital to grow the economy and create jobs at a time when several other countries are finding it difficult to do so. There can be no doubt that there are today growing levels of prosperity in Guyana which resulted from prudent management of the economy and good governance. This rising tide of prosperity has in a sense lifted all boats and set the stage for even higher levels of modernization and growth. Hydar Ally

Hinds has not responded to the gaping chasms in his argument DEAR EDITOR, David Hinds’ focus on his pride in his race still does not address the issues of logic and reasoning raised in my letter. I refer to his letter titled “I don’t mind being judged, among other things, by the colour of my skin—just judge me fairly” (KN, April 8, 2014). It seems to be responding to my letter titled “David Hinds plays the race card with the police brutality problem” (April 6, 2014). As an academic, David Hinds should know better than launch into a longwinded diatribe extolling his African-ness and his remarkable freedom-fighting history as a defence to my position that he intellectually

and logically made largely baseless, questionable and illogical contortions, contentions and conclusions on a matter that is racially tumultuous. I do not question Hinds’ ethnic or racial pride, identity or his incredible history of struggle. In fact, I celebrate it. What I question is a volatile letter he wrote that was logically shaky, intellectually disturbing, ethnically agitating and masqueraded on such unsteady reasoning that when logically explored and examined led to absurd and questionable results. This is not an issue of balking at discussing race or refusing to talk plainly about race, it is about the cogency of argumentation, the

necessity of proof and the demand for evidence along with rationality and logic in presenting positions, particularly on race in Guyana. Hinds has not responded to the gaping chasms in his argument, which I have highlighted. Extolling his valiant history of struggle or his racial pride does not address these issues. It is time we start using the public space provided by the fourth estate (media) to not only make a point but to make sense and provide logic and proof, particularly on racially divisive issues. That should come from everyone, especially renowned personalities like Hinds. M. Maxwell

Stories of contemporary human... From page 4 this administration, more than any other, has devastated immigrant communities across the country tearing families away from loved ones, simply because they drove without a licence.......”. This story has strong resonance with that of the one on Page 18 of the same issue. “Cocaine in Pastries”. These pastries were allegedly destined for the United States of America. If we should presume that the American offi-

cials were acting in good faith, as true professionals, we would be constrained to protest their actions when we see such brazen attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into their country, which are destructive to the health of its citizens. The most touching of the stories which almost moved me to tears was the one on page 5, “Spaying of a female dog.” An observant and kindhearted member of our society witnessed the ‘humane treatment’ being extended to

a female dog by a security guard, pupils and teachers of Smith Congregational School. This story barks vociferously to demonstrate that human kindness still lives in the hearts of many Guyanese. This is a great teaching lesson to our young people who should be encouraged to think of and treat other human beings the way the children of Smith’s treat ‘Brown Girl’. Byron W. Henry Toronto, Ontario

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Combined opposition cut $1.1B for Amerindian Development Fund The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) through its General Secretary Clement Rohee has described as callous, the position taken by the combined opposition to disapprove $1.1 Billion allocated by Government for AmerindianAffairs, particularly within the Amerindian Development Fund. According to Rohee, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) used their combined majority in the National Assembly to “impose cuts in Budget 2014.” It is in this context, the General Secretary of the PPP said, that his party “vehemently condemns the brutal assault perpetrated on our Amerindian citizens.” He said that the opposition’s action of cutting the entire capital budget and “denying of such crucial funds is demonstrative of the uncaring and hypocritical attitude towards our indigenous people.” According to Rohee, only a few days ago the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger “bemoaned what he called the lack of development in the hinterland regions…Prior to that a senior member of the APNU called for municipal airports in the Hinterlands, i m p r o v e d provisions of services in those areas” however, “less than a week after these two very parties have joined together to deprive Amerindian brothers and sisters and other residents of the interior of these very important developmental projects.”

…a brutal assault on Amerindian citizens says PPP The allocation of $1.1B in capital expenditure is “indicative of the importance the government attaches to our Amerindian brothers and sisters,” said Rohee. According to Rohee, the PPP “will not allow the opposition to deny the Amerindians their right to a better Guyana and will not shrug from its responsibility in continuing to implement measures to improve their livelihoods.” APNU had in justifying the $1.1B cut from the Amerindian affairs said; that based on reports it received from Amerindian villagers, the monies being allocated were being misused. As such, they (APNU) wanted a clear plan of how the money was being spent. Rohee however, “rubbished” the opposition’s pronouncement. “I think they should go and talk with the Amerindian people themselves to find out precisely what this money was expected to be used for and what such monies were used for in the past.” He described the opposition’s comments as purely political. He added that the combined opposition recently cut funding for the upgrading of hinterland and coastal airstrips, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ogle aerodrome. “This is a complete departure from what they said they wanted, with regards to hinterland development.” This ties in with the

Specialty Hospital which was disapproved by the combined opposition since everything came under one item and could not be delinked. According to Rohee these airstrips provide a “vital mechanism for the safe and timely delivery of food, medical supplies and other goods and services to hinterland residents also for the expansion of local trade which would bolster the economy and create more jobs.” He said that the opposition did not take into consideration that “cutting the funding of this much needed operation has denied

the provision of regional and clinical health services.” Rohee said that the AFC’s objection to the Specialty Hospital is “precipitated on the grounds of self interest of one of the senior members”. This self interest, he said, has resulted in the region being denied funding for the purchase of ambulances as well as water and river transport services among other things. The PPP General Secretary said that the Specialty Hospital is intended to provide specialized modern health services which only those who are financially endowed can readily afford.

“Those who lack the financial capacity have to seek these services of the Ministry of Health. It is an additional cost to the treasury and may not be timely since some patients have to be flown overseas,” said Rohee. These challenges, he mentioned, would be mitigated with the establishment of the Specialty Hospital in Guyana and “would ensure that all Guyanese regardless of their financial status would be given the opportunity to readily access these specialized services.” Rohee said that the benefits of such a hospital to persons internally and externally cannot be disputed. According to Rohee the

General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee opposition’s actions can only be seen as “vindictive politics”. The opposition should “cleanse itself of hypocritical characteristics and don’t deny Guyanese their right to continue to benefit from the projects that are envisioned for the transformation and modernization of our country.”

APNU justifies cutting Amerindian Development Fund By: Kiana Wilburg

The 2014 budget ignores the environmental damage to four hinterland regionsBarima/Waini, Cuyuni/ Mazaruni, Potaro/Siparuni and the Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo. That is the contention of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). It is calling on the government to take measures that will quickly support the improvement of the hinterland region. APNU leader, Brig. David Granger prompted members of the media fraternity to question whether this truly is

Leader of the APNU David Granger and Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan his position. If that is the case then why was the $1.1B provision for the Amerindian Development Fund not approved on Thursday in the National Assembly? However, APNU’s Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan, said that it was voted down because APNU was reliably informed that, that the money was being used to pollute and politicize the Amerindian communities. Granger noted that after careful examination of the 2014 budget, he concluded that it has the potential to dangerously divide the country into two nations-one poor and one rich. He continued, “These regions occupy over 70 percent of our national territory. They possess the country’s major logging, mining and tourism resources. They have been exploited for over a century and a half and continue to enrich the national treasury but remain underdeveloped themselves.

“Some mined-out parts have degenerated into mosquito-infested wasteland… Exploiting the economic resources, sustaining the livelihood of the residents and protecting the environment demand a new budgetary approach to the hinterland administration.” He called on the administration of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to quickly upgrade the centres of the hinterland Regions to township status with their own Mayors and Town Councils, in order to improve the quality of municipal government. He added that the hinterland residents have demanded permanent institutions not ad hoc programmes. “They want regional technical and agricultural development banks and regional athletics, swimming and sports centres. The 2014 budget has failed to present a comprehensive financial

plan for the development of their material resources and for the improvement of the quality of life for the residents of the hinterland. This failure will deepen the differences between the poorer western Essequibo and the more developed parts of the country.” Elaborating on the root cause of this failure was Bulkan. In his presentation, he said that this lies in the failure to honour the Constitution. Granger said, “We have received advice that the more than $1B fund was being improperly used by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for political purposes rather than for educational or developmental purposes. “The funds that have been used to establish the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurial Programme (YAEP) are controlled directly by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs… and everybody in that programme receives a stipend of $30,000 (Continued on page 11)

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CARICOM accredits first ever Sweden Ambassador The Caribbean Community (CARCIOM) through its executive officials received yesterday at Guyana’s Secretariat at Liliendaal the credentials for the first ever Sweden plenipotentiary representative to CARICOM Claes Hammar. The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, received the credentials. Ambassador LaRocque welcomed Hammar to CARICOM and spoke to the mutual benefits and cordiality of the bilateral union of Sweden and CARICOM. He spoke to the impact of climate change which he said threatens “our very existence, given the reality of sea level rise and the increased frequency and intensity of climatic events.” According to Ambassador LaRocque the effects of climate change is just one example of actions in the international arena “which has it genesis outside

of its borders but expose the vulnerability of small states particularly from exogenous shocks.” The Secretary General also spoke of the global financial, economic crisis which “continues to have a disproportionate impact on most of the economies of CARICOM member states.” He said that due to the flawed assumption that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita is the primary measure of development many small countries are denied of the needed resources to assist “in alleviating the situation we are faced with.” He said that it does not take into account other critical factors such as lack of resilience of these shocks. According to LaRocque, “The impact of such global phenomena on our small states is out of proportion to that of the more developed countries and impaired the capacity of small states to pursue the divide development path.” The Secretary General

spoke also to the proliferation of small arms in CARICOM member states. “The illegal trade in arms along with the international trade in illegal drugs has severely compromised the security of our citizens and threatens our economic and social development,” said LaRocque. He said that CARICOM played an active role in United Nations (UN) negotiations arms trade treaty and stressed the need for Sweden’s support and signature to the treaty since CARICOM looks “forward to collaborating with you on its implementation.” LaRocque spoke of Sweden’s contribution of US$5.2B for Overseas Development Assistance which he posited is evidence of its desire to assist those countries which are less fortunate. “I trust that in identifying countries that will benefit from your development assistance we will take into account the peculiar

Five held in kidnap/murder probe Five people are in custody as police intensify their investigation into the murder of spare parts dealer Rajendra Singh, who was shot and dumped in Le Repentir Cemetery four days after being kidnapped from his home. Commissioner of Police (ag) Seelall Persaud made this disclosure to journalists yesterday during his outreach programme in Albouystown. Because of the sensitive nature of the investigation, the Top Cop declined to provide further details about the identity of the suspects. However, indications are that police are making significant progress. Singh’s body was discovered in an isolated section of Le Repentir cemetery at around 09:30 hours on Wednesday. He had been shot twice in the head and a 9mm warhead was reportedly retrieved from the scene. His killers had used a jersey to tie his mouth and nose and his belt to bind his hands. They had also removed his pants, leaving him clad in his socks and his underwear. Investigators believe that Singh was killed in the cemetery sometime early Wednesday. The shocking discovery came even as Singh’s relatives had accumulated part of the ransom, which they had hoped to deliver to the kidnappers to secure his release. Singh was snatched from his store on the Foulis Public Road last week Saturday in the presence of his wife and two of his employees, by two gunmen who pretended to be customers.The men dumped

-Police Commissioner Singh in the trunk of his car and sped away.The vehicle, a Toyota IST, was found abandoned at Goedverwagting, a few miles away. The kidnappers subsequently made an initial demand of $50M for his release but reduced the ransom by half the following morning. The kidnappers had also warned Singh’s wife not to contact the police. They also demanded the tapes from the surveillance cameras that surrounded the business place. Although they were monitoring the subsequent telephone calls, investigators had admitted that they were unable to ascertain the exact

Rajendra Singh location from where they originated with a view to narrowing down where Singh was being held captive. Detectives had detained a woman who was listed as the owner of the SIM card from which telephone contact was made by the kidnappers to the businessman’s wife.

From left Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Sweden’s plenipotentiary representative to CARICOM Ambassador Claes Hammar vulnerability of small developing states.” He articulated that within CARICOM there are areas in which a significant amount of work has to be done to give those less privileged a better life and raise the standard of living. “There are distinct possibilities for us to work together to improve e.g. the prospects of our youths to rescale the large cohort of our unemployed and help build the human resource capital so necessary for our

sustainable development” said LaRocque. Sweden Plenipotentiary to CARICOM, Claes Hammar, in presenting his credentials spoke to his country’s foreign policy which he said actively contributes to freedom, peace and reconciliation around the world. “We work to promote democracy, human rights and sustainable development in cooperation with other countries, regionally and multilaterally.” He said that Sweden

recognizes the seriousness of the global challenges facing the environment and pledged “continued cooperation with CARICOM in this area where we have many common interests.” He said that Sweden has a commitment with the EU [European Union] that has strategic links with other global actors. Ambassador Hammar said that Sweden “is working for a world of equality, where everyone’s rights are respected regardless of gender, skin colour, beliefs or sexual orientation.” He said also that freedom of expression and religion must be further strengthened. According to Ambassador Hammar, Sweden which is the third largest humanitarian government, has a long standing commitment to peace keeping, conflict prevention, mediation and he believes that this commitment is also shared with Caribbean Countries. He said that they also share the vision that smaller countries need to be represented and make important contributions. Hammar said that he looks forward to the opportunity to enhance cooperation between Sweden and CARICOM.

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Taxi driver given $1M to bribe Sooba will continue to perform duties as Town Clerk – Minister Whittaker DPP official – court hears A taxi driver from Enmore, East Coast Demerara was yesterday hauled before the courts after he allegedly converted to his own use over $1M that was entrusted to him for a remand prisoner’s legal fees. Shamal Thomas, 32, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was granted $150,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charge. The court was told that between February 1 and March 28, Thomas was entrusted by Jennifer Sertima with $1.7M to solicit an attorney to represent Calvin King (charged for murder and robbery under arms). Instead, he allegedly converted the money to his own use. However, Thomas’s lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat, told the court that Sertima was offering his client money “to bribe someone in the Office of the Public Prosecution.” “I’m asking for reasonable bail to prove it your worship,”

- Council rejects notion, to recommend replacement- Mayor

Accused left: Shamal Thomas Fung-A-Fat said. He urged the court to consider that his client had no previous charges. Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant raised no objection and bail was allowed. The case will be called again on May 9 for statements.

King is the prisoner who is on remand for the deadly heist which occurred at the Lethem Post Office, Rupununi in January, last year. He is charged with murdering Security Guard, John Christopher as well as making off with $9,878,796 from the post office.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker has stated that Carol Sooba will continue to perform the duties of Town Clerk within the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC), despite the Supreme Court ruling, which was handed down by Chief Justice Ian Chang. However, Mayor Hamilton Green says after consultation with the majority of Councilors, the position being advocated by Minister Whittaker is stalwartly rejected. In a letter to Minister Whittaker, the Mayor described the decision for Sooba to continue in an acting capacity as Town Clerk as “reductio ad absurdum” stating that the Mayor and Councilors have already taken steps to deal with the fact that her (Sooba’s) appointment was ultra virus. He posited that it is now left to the Council to recommend the person they consider fit to carry out the duties of Town Clerk pending further action. On Thursday Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang ruled that the Minister does not have the power to appoint any person in a substantive position within the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. The Chief Justice however, ruled that while Sooba’s appointment was “legally defective, “his

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker decision did not prevent her from continuing to perform the functions of Town Clerk in a “de facto” capacity. In a letter to the Mayor yesterday, Minister Whittaker informed the Council of its position on the matter and outlined his expectations for compliance. The Minister outlined t h a t “ M r. C h a n g d i d caution that it needed a direct challenge by quo warranto, to the authority of Ms. Sooba to bring her de facto to an end. “ Under the circumstances set out…be informed that Ms. Carol Sooba continues to perform the duties as Town Clerk of the Georgetown Municipality; albeit in an acting position and the

Carol Sooba Minister of Local Government and Regional Development (ag) expects that the Mayor and the Council would understand and accept this ruling , having regard to the fact that decisions of the Chief Justice can be appealed” However, Deputy Mayor of the Georgetown M&CC, Patricia Chase Greene noted that while Council welcomes the ruling of the Chief Justice, they have noted the technicality with regards to the outcome. “We understand that there is some technicality with the ruling. However the Council will be seeking further legal advice on the way forward in this regard. Sooba was officially appointed Town Clerk by the Guyana Government on December 4, despite several objections about her lack of qualifications for the post. Following her appointment, Public Relations Officer of the Mayor and City Council, Royston King moved to the High Cou r t , c h a l l e n g i n g h e r appointment. King had also applied for the Town Clerk position. He was represented by Attorney – at – Law Nigel Hughes.

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THE SUB COMMITTEE WILL INSTITUTIONALIZE BACKROOM DEALS The latest surprise coming out of the National Assembly was a proposal made, purportedly by the Speaker, to have a sevenperson subcommittee of the Committee of Supply that would come up with amendments to the Estimates presented by the Minister of Finance. This suggestion which has been correctly identified as having no precedent in any parliament. It is a novel and unique proposal, one that is no doubt

made with good intentions but which if implemented will have serious and detrimental implications for the system of parliamentary democracy in Guyana. The proposal is quite imaginative. It gets an “A” grade on that score. On the face of it, it seems to be attempting to ensure that the National Assembly complies with an Order of the Court, to wit, that the opposition cannot cut the Budget. At the same time, it creates a mechanism to allow the opposition parties to

make proposals to do just this. This unprecedented and extremely creative device of a sub committee of the Committee of Supply which is being proposed has been described as allowing the opposition parties to make proposals to amendments to the Estimates, while at the same time ensuring that the National Assembly is compliant with Justice Change’s recent ruling. This column argues differently. It asserts that this proposal would not be

Dem boys seh...

Kit got to get dribbling bib Kit mekking a comeback because de Jagdeo crew don’t have a proper mouth piece. Was a time when nuff people use to want to talk fuh Jagdeo. In fact, since a man open he mouth he use to hear that is Jagdeo want this and was Jagdeo want that. If a man was to get a promotion and dem by-pass he de boss use to seh that is Jagdeo do that. Sometimes was true but then again, everybody want talk like Jagdeo and fuh Jagdeo. Now that Jagdeo ain’t even talking fuh heself dem tunning to Kit. Brazzy was de first in de crowd to bring out Kit. He mek Kit sin he soul about de Marriott. Of course dem boys talk and Kit get vex and write letters to de press. De other day Kit and Gerry team up fuh talk bout de money wha cut fuh de hinterland airstrip. Hap New did tell dem that it ain’t want cut de airstrip project but that Ash Knee try fuh link it to certain projects that nobody want to cut. Dem boys seh that Hap New use de argument bout birds of a feather. It seh that Ash Knee deliberately put de airstrip in a

position fuh get cut. Then he bring Kit fuh complain. Well as a spokesman Kit also tun a write man. He write de editorial fuh de Big Market paper. He write how dem sick people who live in de hinterland got to walk to town fuh see doctor. And he get pay fuh saying suh. Then he organize wid Gerry fuh hold a press conference but Gerry seh that Jagdeo ain’t deh round these days suh he got fuh hustle pun he own and he refuse to pick up people fire rage. He ask Kit if he ain’t see that everybody got dem own hustle. That was when Kit talk till he dribble. Dem boys seh that as a spokesman he got to get a dribbling bib. In fact, Brazzy want to talk bout de Marriott but Kit busy wid some other people. That is why nobody ain’t hear bout de Marriott. And since nobody can’t hear, dem boys sure that de hotel gun finish and people would never know who de foreign investor is. De truth is that dem never had foreign investors; that was dem local boys who hustle de treasury putting in some of de money. Talk half and keep far from Kit.

compliant with Justice Chang’s ruling. There is a fatal flaw in the proposal. If it is unconstitutional for the National Assembly to amend the Estimates, it will also be unconstitutional for any subcommittee to be established in order to make proposals to this effect. In other words, it does not matter what mechanism is created, any creature of the Committee of Supply, which submits proposals for amendments would in effect be undertaking a task that the court has deemed to be unconstitutional. The defense here, as reported in the media, is that the court cannot fetter the procedures of parliament. In other words, it is being suggested that since the Constitution grants to the National Assembly the power to make its own rules, then the judiciary can place no restriction on the creation of a sub committee. From this logic it follows that parliament is free to therefore establish this committee to propose amendments. However, since the court is the guardian of the constitution (and this is being implicitly recognized by the National Assembly by its recent ruling outlining a proposed sub committee), the court is empowered to guard against any device that can lead to unconstitutional actions. Since the court has outlawed amendments to the Budget by the opposition, it will be unconstitutional for the Assembly to establish a

subcommittee to in effect, do what the court has deemed illegal. Further, the Constitution grants to parliament the right to control its own affairs. Parliament does this through its Standing Orders. But these Standing orders cannot be in conflict with the Constitution. As mentioned before, these Standing Orders cannot, for example, violate the fundamental freedoms under our Constitution. Thus, even the Standing Orders while allowing parliament to control its own internal affairs must not abrogate the Constitution. This is made clear by the savings law provision in our Constitution which demands that any amendment to the standing orders of the preIndependence Constitution, be brought in conformity with the existing Constitution. The principle is clear A Standing Order cannot be amended or created which would conflict with the Constitution. And since the Constitution, as determined by the Court, outlaws amendments by the opposition to the Budget, no subcommittee cannot be created for either this expressed or implicit function. This proposal for a subcommittee creates another danger. It will institutionalize backroom dealings as part of the official

parliamentary process. If a subcommittee is created, it in effect allows for negotiations between the parties as part of a formal process of debating and examining the Estimates. Political deals may be made on premises and the Speaker may play a role in urging the parties to come to an agreement. But to institutionalize such deals through the devise of a subcommittee is outside of the remit of the Speaker and should not form part of the formal parliamentary process. The Speaker means well. He wants to avoid gridlock. He wants to avoid the paralysis of parliament. But he needs to be reminded that this is not his role. It is for the politicians to go into a backroom either in parliament or at Freedom House, Congress Place or the Office of the President and cut their own deals on this Budget. It would be irregular, and take Guyana down a slippery slope, if this backroom process becomes institutionalized through the creation of a subcommittee.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 12, 2014

M&CC to play minor role in major city cleanup A $2.8B allocation for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development was yesterday approved in the National Assembly but not before searching questions were asked about $2B set aside for the Haags Bosch dumpsite development and a major cleanup of the city. In the latter project, $1B has been provided for cleanup and environmental enhancement in the rural and urban areas. Minister Norman Whittaker admitted that while $500M will be used to clear drains and kokers in Georgetown, the Ministry will

APNU’s MP, Annette Ferguson

not just be passing the money over to the City Council. Rather, the city management will play a

stakeholder role in which several ministries, including the Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism and Public Works,

- MP wants overseeing role will also be participating. The state of the city has been a major thorn in the side of both City Council and the administration for years. City Council has accused Government over starving it for funds and the latter has been accusing the Council of mismanagement the affairs. With Local Government Elections long overdue, finances for capital programs and even the more mundane operations have been tight. Cemeteries, drains, garbage collections and

illegal vending have been major problems facing the City Council. The $1B allocation would be the largest sum in recent times to help the cleanup. Some $359M allocated for capital works in the Municipalities and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils also came in for scrutiny with the Ministry insisting that it has reworked how the Councils receive their annual assistance from Central Government. Regarding the Haags Bosch landfill project, aback Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Government disclosed that the monies will be used to complete the construction. That project had replaced Le Repentir dumpsite in the city which reached capacity and had to be closed a few years ago. The administration said that it was fine-tuning new solid waste legislations that will address how garbage is tackled by the country. The Minister admitted that while $1B has been requested, it is too early to tell how expensive the cleanup will prove as there is need for an in-depth assessment of the needs. The Opposition factions also queried whether the clean-up would clash with a $484M provision under the Housing Ministry for community infrastructure projects. The Government

Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker side assured that it would not. Annette Ferguson, a Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity, (APNU), wanted Parliamentarians from the various regions to help overlook the cleanup. Also passed yesterday were the allocations for Region One (Barima/Waini) for $1.76B, representing more than the $200M spent in that Region last year. Approval was also given to Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) for its $2.6B, also a $200M increase over the 2013 figures. Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) budget of $3.26B, almost $230M more than last year, was also given the blessings of the National Assembly

Man, wife nabbed with cocaine and ganja An East Canje man and his wife are now behind bars after they were apprehended with a quantity of cocaine and marijuana at their home. Shalwar Grant, called ‘Just Cut’, 41, and his wife Caliya Caple, 29, both of Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice, were on Thursday remanded to jail by Magistrate Shurdel Isaacs-Marcus when they appeared before her at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. They pleaded not guilty. According to prosecutor Sergeant Godfrey Playter, on

April 4, last, the police acting on information swooped down on the couple’s home and carried out a search. They eventually unearthed the illegal substance hidden in a pants pocket in a bedroom. They were arrested, told of the offence and taken to the station. The drugs were tested and weighed and found to be 3 grams of cocaine and five grams of marijuana. They were subsequently charged. Their next court date is Wednesday May 7, at the Reliance Magistrate’s court.

Saturday April 12, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

D’Urban Street resident Region One allocation approved joins centenarian club 2104 Budget debates...

by National Assembly The Budgetary allocation for Region One, Barima Waini, was approved by the National Assembly after the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker provided answers to 46 questions posed by the joint Opposition. For capital expenditure (new infrastructural programmes) Government allocated $273.085M for Regional Administration and Finance; $121.879M for Public Works; $58.339M for Education delivery; and $58.282M for Health Services. And, under current expenditure (mainly maintenance programmes) Government allocated $113.578M for Regional Administration and Finance; $188.907M for Public Works; $842.107M for Education delivery; and $348.252M for Health Services. The Minister was grilled by members of the Opposition primarily on allocations for infrastructural works such as roads and bridges, market tarmacs; rental of buildings, availability of skills in the Region to execute works; salaries and contract workers; and security services. As if expecting that the Strategic Action Security Services would have once again been awarded contracts

to secure Government buildings, members of the Opposition inquired on the increases of provisions for security and which firm would be securing the buildings. Strategic Action Security Services is no stranger to controversy. In mid-June 2013, police arrested Richard Kanhai, the main principal of Strategic Action Security Services, after a raid unearthed stolen property inclusive of OLPF laptops and a plough. The raid stemmed from police investigations into a spate of burglaries that took place on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara. In addition, the Ministry of Labour has filed a case in the Court against Strategic Action Security Services for violating the national minimum wage law. In fact, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, Labour Minister in his Budget speech said, “We prosecuted 19 cases which were reported for failing to pay the minimum wage. And, charges were filed against one of the largest security firms for violating the national minimum wage and that is the Strategic Action Security Service.” However, when Valerie Lowe, Alliance For Change, Member of Parliament inquired of the Minister if he is aware that Strategic Action

APNU justifies... From page 6 a month. Some don’t do any work…It has caused conflict between some of these Community Support Officers and the Toshaos who have no say in it. “We do not feel it is a justifiable use of the money and we voted against it because we feel it must be accountable.” The APNU Leader said that instead of “sharing out the money”, the government should invest in the establishment of a technical institute that the people have

been asking for. “We did not vote against the indigenous people, we voted in order to make sure that the YAEP is put on a proper footing and brought under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. In fact, the Ministry lacks the resources to run an educational programme.” Granger stressed that even the indigenous leaders in his coalition were against the “gift giving” habit of the government to the area which only promotes a dependency syndrome and not independence.

- Security allocations face scrutiny Security Service pays its staff $120 per hour he replied in the negative, promising that an investigation would have to be conducted, while thanking her for the information. The new national minimum wage law became effective on July 1, 2013. The new order stipulates a 40hour work week five days per week, eight hours daily. Whittaker related that owing to the new minimum wage order, allocations for security have increased. With regards to further questions on Strategic Action Security Service, Whittaker emphasized that it was the National Procurement and Tender Administration that awarded the contract to Strategic Action Security Service. Nonetheless, it is Cabinet that gives its no-objections to the awards of contracts. Many security services have found it difficult to compete with Strategic Action Security Service since the entity is somehow able to place the lowest bids.

Irish StewartMcAdams

Yesterday saw another addition to the centenarian club as Irish Stewart-McAdams turned 100 years old. Decked out in a pretty pink dress, the woman sat in the upper flat of her D’Urban Street, Georgetown residence, in front of two scrumptious looking cakes baked in her honour. McAdams, who seems to still have all her wits about her, was not too eager to speak with reporters but was yesterday surrounded by relatives and friends who gathered to wish her well and celebrate the landmark achievement with her. Growing up, the centenarian lived with her aunt and grandmother and attended the Charlestown Convent School. McAdams, who is unable to walk, continues to practice the Catholic faith. She got married at an early age and spent most of her life working as a seamstress.

Cops nab suspect in gas station employee’s murder Police have detained a suspect in the July 2013 heist in which 72-year-old gas station employee Victor Da Silva was killed and his employee Cecil Gajadar wounded. Kaieteur News understands that the 28-yearold suspect, known as ‘Milo’, was arrested on Thursday on Waterloo Street. Investigators were

reportedly told that the suspect had driven the car that the bandits escaped in after shooting the victims. Another man, 27-year-old Joseph Williams of Gordon Street Kitty, has already been charged for Da Silva’s murder. It is alleged that Da Silva, of Lot 10 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara and Gajadar, also 72, were heading by car

to a Water Street bank on July 8, 2013, when three bandits shot at them. Da Silva died at the scene after a bullet penetrated the windscreen and hit him in the chest, while Gajadar of Foulis/ Enmore, East Coast Demerara sustained a gunshot wound to the side of his head. The killers escaped with a bag containing some $8M.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 12, 2014

Insel Air to begin Miami, Aruba and Curacao flights from June By Latoya Giles A new airline has entered the local market promising flights from Guyana to Miami via Aruba and Curacao from June of this year. Insel Air, which is registered in Curacao, is expected to start flights from June 18, 2014 with an introductory price of $US 270 for a round trip. Chief Commercial Officer, of Insel Air, Jurgen Lippinkhof, told the media yesterday that the airline would be collaborating with Roraima Airways in this new initiative. He explained that Insel Air has several aircraft that operate flights throughout the Caribbean at present. Lippinkhof said that the main reason Guyana was chosen is because it’s the only English speaking country within the South American continent. He explained that passengers feel more comfortable coming to a country where they are easily understood. Further, Lippinkhof noted that since Guyana has received several good ratings from various tourism agencies, Insel Air sought to capitalize on this

- introductory flights low as $US 270 and tap into the market. He explained that the process of Insel Air setting up flights out of Guyana started almost a year ago. Lippinkhof said that the airline had to submit all maintenance, insurance policies and other relevant documents along with a due diligence plan to the Civil Aviation Department here in Guyana. He added that the airline would be offering introductory prices as low as $US 270 to $US 345 for round trips. It was noted that the prices are inclusive of all taxes. After six months of flights Lippinkhof said that the prices will change. Lippinkhof maintained that the airline is no “fly by night” operation. He explained that Insel Air is a scheduled carrier bounded by international legal obligations, so they can’t just “disappear”. Meanwhile, Captain Gerry Gouveia said that Roraima Airways was happy to collaborate with Insel Air. He said that this would afford

Roraima the opportunity to further extend its reach in diversifying the Guyana Tourism packages with a combination of Guyana, Aruba and Curacao. He noted that Roraima will facilitate the ground handling aspect of the operation while the General Sales Agent will be Diedre Davis. Roraima had previously served as ground handling agent for North American Airlines and Delta, among others. Gouveia noted that Insel Air will connect the Caribbean and South America by serving many routes. He said that one of the distinguishing advantages of flying with the new airline is the ability to access pre clearance of US customs and Immigration in Aruba, therefore entering the US as a domestic flight. Insel Air (formally Insel Air International B.V.) is a Dutch Caribbean airline that serves as the flag carrier of Curaçao, with its head office in Maduro Plaza, Willemstad. As of 2014, Insel Air

serves 20 destinations throughout the Caribbean, South America and North America The airline’s main hubs are Hato International Airport (Insel Air Curaçao) and Queen Beatrix International Airport (Insel Air Aruba) with a secondary hub at Princess Juliana International Airport. Insel Air started operations in August 2006 with one Embraer 110-P1 Bandeirante flying out of Curaçao to the neighboring island of Aruba. Soon afterwards, Insel Air began flights to the neighbouring island of Bonaire and also to Las Piedras in Venezuela. Starting January 2007, the airline began serving the Eastern and Northern Caribbean via Saint Maarten with a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 and with an additional McDonnell Douglas MD-82 in June 2008. Insel Air also added services to Miami via Curaçao and Bonaire at this time. In 2009, Insel Air began operating four new destinations – Medellin,

Charlotte, Barquisimeto and Caracas. Since then, the company has grown into an airline with thirteen aircraft, eleven which are owned by Insel Air. In 2012 Insel Air Aruba received its AOC certificate, giving the airline official authorization to perform services out of that island. Insel Air Aruba will begin operating 13 new routes Miami, Santo Domingo, Cuba, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Bonaire, Curacao, Caracas, Valencia, Maracaibo, Ecuador, Belem, and Manaus. Insel Air has interline agreements with the following

Chief Commercial Officer of Insel Air, Jurgen Lippinkhof airlines - Tiara Air, US Airways, Winair, GOL, Avianca, Blue Panorama, Hahn Air, and Air France and code share agreements with KLM and Surinam Airways.

Lodge Sorority Sisters honoured

Joan Baveghems (right) awarded for fifty five years of service to the political arena and social sector.

Una Barker (left) honoured for forty four years of contribution to her community and the religious sector. Members and Sorority Sisters of the Lodge Truth Church have honoured two of its female members for their outstanding contribution to religious and social work in their individual communities. Reverend Una Barker was honoured for 44 years of contribution to her community and the religious field, while Joan Baveghems was awarded for 55 years

serving in the political arena and social sector. The women were presented with tokens of appreciation during a small ceremony held at the Lodge Truth Church, last month. Members and sorority sisters of the Lodge Truth Church also congratulated the women on their landmark contribution given their faithful and dedicated service to society.

Saturday April 12, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Opposition axes $6.5B from CJIA Expansion A $6.5B allocation for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion project this year, fell victim to a negative vote by the Parliamentary Opposition Thursday evening, when it came up for a vote in the Committee of Supply consideration of the 2014 Budget estimates. As a result of the ruling of Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang, the opposition is refrained from amending the budget. Instead, it must approve or disapprove an entire line item. As a result, another $235M for the rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips and the Civil Aviation Department also fell victims given that they were included in the programme that was cut. An attempt was also made to cut the allocation for the Amaila Falls Access Road, but this fell through when the Alliance for Change (AFC) abstained from voting. Had the AFC voted for the cut it would have meant that a total of $13B would have had to be cut from the Public Works capital programme in order to negate the $1.3B allocations for the access road. Under threat when it went

to a vote, were allocations for the Demerara Harbour Bridge, roads, bridges and other works. Prior to the vote on the access road, A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Joseph Harmon questioned, why government would want to request $1.3B for the road when there is a signed project. “Why ask for money for a road that goes to no project?” Alliance for Change ( A F C ) Vi c e C h a i r m a n , Moses Nagamootoo, also voiced similar concerns over the road project. Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn, in response, told the House that there is a national project for the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project in the amount of 165MW of cheap, sustainable and renewable power. Benn recalled that Harmon as well as his colleague Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine had been flown out to the project and they at the time had expressed delight. The Minister recalled that there was an issue arising out of Parliament when there was a failed vote causing Sithe Global to walk from the project,

Detectives at the Anna Regina Police Station were summoned to Reliance Village, Essequibo Coast, following the discovery on Friday morning of the body of a female alcoholic. The body was lying face up in a trench, clad in a red blouse and brown skirt. The dead woman’s remains were subsequently transported to the Suddie mortuary for a post mortem. Dead is 53-year-old Banumanattie Ramcharran, a/k “Carmen”, formerly of Sparta Village. Reports are that the

woman said to be a heavy drinker, was seen walking around the Anna Regina market. She had attended a wake Thursday night, at Reliance. She reportedly left the wake unknown to her sister, Drupattie Persaud, of Reliance. Ramcharran’s lifeless body was discovered Friday morning by Reliance Villagers. They alerted her sister Drupattie, who summoned the police. No marks of violence were discovered on Ramcharran’s body. She was the mother of two.

Woman found dead in canal

…Amaila Falls access road slips through as AFC abstains According to the Minister “we cannot delay the finish of the construction of the road and hope to get it in time for the things we need to do…Guyana intends to build the hydro plant.” Prior to the vote on the airport expansion project, Nagamootoo said that the AFC is fully supportive of the allocation for the hinterland and coastal airstrips but lamented what he called the bundling of the projects together. “We have in the absence

of dialogue created a dilemma in relations to bundling, it will leave us no choice with the position we have taken.” Meanwhile, the political opposition also queried the allocations for fuel subsidy for the Transport and Harbours Department. According to Harmon, the majority of this money is being devoured by the two new Chinese ferries and he questioned the economic viability of using the two vessels. The Minister responded that while the

majority of the fuel subsidy for the department is indeed utilized by the two vessels, they transport three times the number of vehicles and persons than their predecessors. The impact that the use of the vessels has on the economy and citizens must be taken into account, he said. Questions were also raised over a $240M allocation that would be used to build an access road and terminal for the proposed bridge over the Corentyne

River. Both Harmon and Carl Greenidge of APNU questioned why Government was making the allocation when it was not in possession of the contract to build the actual bridge. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett intervened however, and indicated that the negotiations have not been completed as yet for the building of the Bridge and further it is Suriname that is going to be building the facility, not Guyana.

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Kaieteur News

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale.Call:6275416

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

FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108.

Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943

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Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203 Plywood - All Sizes @ B. Sooklall, High Street, Opposite Carnegie School. Shop Grade $1909 per –Tel: 621-1979 One small Canter- Call:6853883 Pure Rottweiler Pups Call:672-6402

1 -65 DAF 210 Engine Foreign used. In Excellent condition - Tel: 228-5655 or 628-1756 Complete 8 Bass sound system 70KVA generator – Tel: 610-1230, 673-5828 Hi-Fi Sound Connection.

Clean garden earth, also Bobcat & Excavator rentals. Tel: 626-7127 Pit-bull Pups – Call:649-4135 or 692-8633 3VZ Tacoma Engine $260,000 – Tel: 617-7113 1 Livable building on A triple lot @ 144 Stewartville , W.C.D length:139’X Width: 40’- Price$5,000,000, urgently contact:679-1366, 442-1831 Red Honda 250 Twister motorcycle – Contact:6713533; 681-2217 Brand new 60" Samsung LED with 3D smart TV. Interested person - Call: 6231615 Newly refurbished, threeseater suite - Tel:616-6060

EDUCATIONAL 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 9 Courses, Diploma in Computer Studies - $35,000 @ Micrographics Technology, Vreed-En-Hoop- Call:2643057 (Individual Teaching) Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology Courses, full courses or half courses. Classes begin April 28th Call: 673-5794, 648-1644

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 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600 & Original Games Call: 672-2566

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Two Storey concrete building. Price$32M, E.C.D. Call:661-9431 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. Prime Business property, huge land space, 200’X 50', next to Police Outpost @ Mc Doom 233-0570 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 Two storey concrete house and land at Lamaha Springs, Georgetown. Phone: 6141880 1 Storey Building, double lot at Pearl , $13 Million – Call:223-1319, 627-5171 1 – 2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M – Tel: 642-7898 Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact: 639-3619, 619-7299 Durban Street & Mandela Avenue 2 Flat, 7 bedrooms, fairly new concrete building - $30M negotiable – Contact B&G’s Realty :617-9717 Lamaha Gardens – 2 storey concrete buildings, 4 Bedrooms, Jacuzzi, Hot & Cold, etc - Call: 227-0464, 6463251 House lot: 98 N/W Grove, Post Office Street, Price $10M Contact: 625-6357 Kitty: $16M -$32M, West Bank - $20M, Lamaha Gardens - $55M, Continental Park - $62M – Call Diana: 2272256, 626-9382 Queenstown, second building, 3 bedroom cottage in good condition - $16M Contact B&G’s Realty - Tel: 617-9717

Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131

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Saturday April 12, 2014

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SALON

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

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1 Toyota RZ minibus in excellent working condition. Price: $1.5M negotiable, Call:675-3773 (Serious enquires only)

Secured Concrete bond 87’X32’, lots of yard space suitable for Car Mart; Public Road McDoom: Tel: 233-0570 Recently renovated unfurnished two-bedroom apartment in Norton Street Lodge – Contact: 678-6690 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD - Call: 622-3580 One bottom flat apartment at Enmore, E.C.D - $35,000 monthly - Call: 677-1495 Vacant one bedroom self contained apartment, Newtown Kitty - Tel:2275985 (from 5pm) Bond and parking place for rent at Bartica – Tel:602-9302 Grooming Palace: Hair Salon & Barber Station, located Lot 3 Aubrey Barker & David Rose St (Above Royal Castle) – Tel:621-6738 Fully furnished 2 storey concrete house, 3 bedrooms upper, 1 self-contained lower-flat fully grilled, garage @ Enmore Public Rd.– Phone:270-6260 Large house/Yard available in Bartica – Contact:231-9335

VACANCY One Trainee refrigeration A/ C Technician – Tel:231-0655 24 Hour East Coast Guy-oil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call: 670-8893/ 6959880/ 684-2838 Garden maintenance team vacancy, hard working, punctual, outdoor person – 1 8 - 3 0 y e a r s i n G.T. Call:648-1821 Canter Drivers, living in Essequibo & Berbice. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek Experienced cleaners & bartenders – Call:2258572 (Between 7am to 9am) Federal Management Security Services: Armed, Baton Officers, bus drivers. Located @ 120 Peter Rose Street, Queenstown - Tel:2260633, 226-0652, 226-0637 Warehouse staff and truck drivers for more information call: 609-7132. Send Applications to Maya @ 24 Saffon Street, C/town, G/Town.

LAND FOR SALE House lots in Friendship. Tel: 692-8513 Three Acres of land at Parika Backdam, E.B.E - Call:6174837 Promising mining blocks, already prospected - Tel: 6839910 La Parafaite HarmoniePrices:$1.2M, $1.4M,$1.6M, Tuschen- $3.2M, Herstelling (110ftX58ft) - $4.5M (high income) - Tel: 675-7292, 218-5591 Parika Highway - 45’X444’ – Call:227-0464; 646-3251 Campbellville , vacant land 60’X120’ price negotiable – Contact B&G’s Realty :6179717 or 682-4094 Republic Gardens, four lots together (50x100) each lot $12M per lot – Call: 646-3251, 227-0464

P&A Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Raum, Rush, IST, AT 212. Call: 661-9651 or 681-8474

One live-in housekeeper, to take care of infant. Long term employment – Call:697-8797 Drivers – Albion, Sales Manager, drivers, bond clerks, East Coast, R.A Soda Factory – Call:3302399, 330-2772 #7 Bakery Drivers for bus, manager & salesperson, accountant, checkers, drivers: Rosignol, RA Soda Factory - Call: 3302399, 330-2772 One Store Keeper between age 25 & 40, preferably from La Parfaite Harmonie / West Minister Area. Must be computer literate Call:673-2484 Female Accounts Clerk (for Eccles) 4 Subjects CXC atleast 2 years experience, knowledge of Peachtree. Email: vijai_ramnarine@ hotmail.com

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 Toyota RAV 4 PNN Series- Contact: 650-7875. Serious Enquiries only! Sold by first owner! Smart Choice Auto Sales: Unregistered: Premio, Allex, IST, Spacio, Allion - Call: 652-3820; 665-4529 Quantum Auto: 2003 Dark blue Raum with Alloy Wheels, TV/Nav, Silver Premio. Excellent Condition Call: 624-7684; 617-2378 Toyota Verossa, Price:$2.5M, PLL series, excellent condition Contact George: 603-7172 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 ACE small bus, excellent condition – Call: 666-2744/616-5622. Owner leaving country. Toyota Allion ( Black), Excellent condition, fully powered, A/C, 16" rims – Tel:622-0112 Toyota Vigo Truck, Toyota Carina 212 and Nissan Pathfinder, excellent condition, negotiable – Call:644-1144, 225-8427, 2643732 1 Carina AT212, PMM Series, very good working condition. Leather seats, flash drive deck, rims. Price negotiable – Call:663-1576 (Continued on page 23)

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Kaieteur News

Trini cops face bribery charges for freeing Guyanese Trinidad (Trinidad Express) - Three police officers last attached to the Chaguanas Robbery Squad appeared in court on Wednesday charged with agreeing to accept a bribe to forego the detection of a crime and prosecution of a Guyanese national. Constables Kevin Jacob, Selvon Joseph and Samuel Gardnier appeared before Chaguanas Senior Magistrate Gillian Scotland. They were jointly charged with the offence, while Jacob was charged with releasing Dasen Rose, knowing him to be an illegal immigrant. Joseph and Gardnier, who together had more than ten years in the Police Service, faced a Magistrate in Port of Spain last month, when they were granted $50,000 bail. Scotland yesterday read the charge to Jacob, 26, of Williamsville, which alleged that on February 27 at Chaguanas, being an agent of the State, a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), he allegedly corruptly agreed to accept $15,000 from Kerry Rambharan as a reward to forego the detection of a criminal offence and prosecution of a criminal offender. Jacob was charged separately that on the same day, while in Chaguanas, he also agreed to accept $20,000 from Rambharan. It was also alleged against Jacob that on February 28, at Main Road, Chaguanas, he misbehaved while performing the duties of the TTPS by willfully and intentionally releasing Guyanese national Dasen Rose from lawful custody, knowing him to be an illegal immigrant.

The officers, who were last attached to the Chaguanas Criminal Investigation Department Special Robbery Squad, were charged by Sgt Bryon Daniel of the TTPS Professional Standards Bureau. Inspector Walker, Sgt Seepersad and Cpl. Joefield were also involved in the case. Defence Attorney Taradath Singh asked for Jacob to be placed on reasonable bail. He described his client who had served nine years in the Police Service, as a wellknown and “well-rounded crime fighter”. Singh said Jacob was the father of one and was expecting another child. “He surrendered himself to the police yesterday morning after he learnt there was a warrant for his arrest,” Singh said. Police prosecutor Sgt Shiva Boodoo made no objection to Jacob being placed on bail. Scotland granted him $100,000 bail to cover the three charges. Jacob, Joseph and Gardnier will return to court on May 5. Shereza Khan, who appeared on Joseph’s and Gardnier’s behalf, asked for the matter to be transferred to Port of Spain. However, Scotland said she (Khan) could consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Scotland also said when the time came; the court could consider making an order.

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(From page 22)

VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered 2002 Toyota Premio - $2.6M negotiable. Call Sunil:227- 5950, 681-5470 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call:680-3154 AT 1 9 2 , 2 1 2 , A l l i o n , Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull minibuses, 7Seater Super Custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

TO LET Wings Two bedrooms apartment - Tel: 643-1131; 225-3234 Paradise $40,000, Campbellville - $80,000 – US$1200, Kitty – US$700 (many more) – Call Diana: 227-2256, 626-9382

TOURS Special Trip to Suriname A p r i l 2 4 th - 2 7 th 2 0 1 4 , Special Package Contact Ravi: 624-0622. Spaces are limited

One registered Allion 2003. In excellent condition – Call: 652-3820, 665-4529 Reduced Prices: Premio, Spacio, Axela, Raum, Allex, AT212, Tel: 681-4208, 2206262

Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter – Call:225-0188, 223-7500 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am-4:15pm) Do you need an excavator operator with 12 years experienced in mining? Contact: 696-2510 & 254-0624

One Toyota Raum – Tel:6964078 Toyota Allion PRR 9124, low miles, mags, reverse camera, etc. In excellent condition Call Ayube: 233-5557; 6101309 Toyota Carina 212, in excellent condition – Tel: 625-9511, 624-5650

WANTED

LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869 Ultravoilet Driving School @ 106 Brickdam. 25% discount – Contact:231-2372;6022583; 6584015 Alleyne’s Professional Driving School @ 651 East Ruimveldt, Best Prices Call :226-9181; 613-0223; 668-9331

One Toyota Hilux 4-Runner - $1.5M negotiable - Call: 6827220 or 602-0268

One salon assistant, must know to do corn-row – Tel:622-2643 or 225-8701 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

CHAINSAW LUMBER: Kabukalli, Shibadan, Silverballi, Simarupa, etc Tel: 653-9752 Couple to work in the interior to cook and work in store Tel:614-2464, 612-2057, 2251276

Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. UltraCool,call:225-9032,647-2943

1 General Domestic to work in Georgetown, must know to cook Indian & Creole dishes. Must be trustworthy - Call:656-6388

COOL TECH: Repairs Services & Installation of all types of home appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 WANTED Jobs available for people with computer experienced. Make $5,000-$20,000 Daily – Call:622-1957 Live in domestic – Tel:2209873 Models Needed Urgently for overseas advertising company. Earn up to $100,000 daily – Tel:622-1957 Make $5,000-$20,000 daily working from home – Call:622-1957 One cement block maker, good pay – Tel:622-1957 Wanted men to burn char coals – Call:618-0487 Wanted Chain Saw operators with own saws Tel: 618-0487 Labourers for wood concession. Accommodation provided $5,000 Per Day! – Tel:618-0487 One live in waitress, between ages 18-25. Salary -$50,000 monthly, boarding and lodging free – Tel:610-5043 Urgently Needed – two acres of land to buy near Drill Mahaicony Area – Contact: 225-4749 1 Live in maid –between 38 to 50 years old, must know to cook. Tel: 680-7397, 611-0200 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Cashier needed for supermarket on the East Coast, Age 25 to 50, must be knowledgeable. Tel:629-8469

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. We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 Thinking of starting your own business? We provide free training & assist with a group of customers – Call:681-3619, 619-0951 Technicians available for appliance repairs – washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, deep fryers, etc – Tel: 6190793; 218-0050

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 Urgently needed land to buy in low income areas especially La Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292 or 218-5591 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 Lorry Drivers to work labour lorry at Enmore Estate – Tel: 228-5655, 628-1756, 615-6683 Experienced drivers with mini-bus and hire car licensed, also contract vehicles needed - Call: 645-0025

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Saturday April 12, 2014

IMMIGRATION INFO: Immigration News For Our Community Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com.

Question #1: My father was recently denied a ‘waiver of grounds of inadmissibility’ so he’s more or less placed on a 10-year ban. I don’t know what the reapplication process is like after the 10year ban or what forms I have to fill out or documents I would need. Would you kindly point me in the right direction? Answer #1: The 10year ban may not be a result

of the denial of the waiver. The 10-year ban may have resulted from one of the following: (i) accumulated unlawful presence if he was in the U.S. illegally for more than one year and returned to his native country, (ii) removal/deportation proceedings in the U.S. and he returned to Guyana voluntarily or involuntarily, or (iii) commit fraud or misrepresentation to gain an

immigration benefit. The denial of the waiver could have been appealed to the Administrative Appeal Office in the U.S. Another waiver could be submitted with greater evidence of hardship if another I-130 interview is scheduled at the Embassy through a pending family-based petition. Question #2: My wife petitioned for me and my daughter and we are at the affidavit of support step in the process. How long will it take for me and my daughter to get an interview date knowing that my wife is a permanent resident? Answer #2: If you are

submitting affidavits of support that means your case is pending at the National Visa Center. After all the required documents are submitted to the National Visa Center, then an interview will be scheduled within two to four months. Question #3: I would like to know if a common law wife of 19 years together would get to go with her kids’ ages 8 and 14 and common law husband for petition filed by U.S. brother of common law husband. Answer #3: I n response to your question, you need to be legally married for common law wife to benefit from the visa petition. While petition pending, you all should marry and advise the petitioner to notify immigration of the marriage by sending the marriage certificate. Under F4 preference category (filed by brother/sister of U.S. citizen) marriage would not change the processing time of the pending petition. Question #4: I am a green card holder in USA. I got married last year. My wife is in India. She doesn’t have any visa. She tried for student visa twice, but she was rejected both times. Which visa should she apply for? What would be the easiest way to bring my wife to USA? Answer #4: You as a permanent resident should submit an alien relative petition for your wife to get lawful permanent resident status. The visas backlog/ processing time is only six to nine months. Widow of U.S. Citizen can Self-Petition A change in the law in 2010 allows the widow(er) s of U.S. citizens married any length of time to self-petition for immediate relative status, but must still file within two years of the death of the U.S. citizen spouse. Additionally, if the U.S. citizen spouse filed an I-130 prior to the death, the I-130 is automatically converted to an I-360 upon the death of the petitioner. The requirement remains that the widow(er) may not have remarried. Requirements to Qualify as a “Widow(er): The following requirements must be met for a widow(er) s to self-petition for lawful permanent resident status (or green card) after the death of their U.S. citizen spouse: 1. He or she was the citizen’s legal spouse; 2. The marriage was bona fide and not an arrangement solely to confer immigration benefits to the beneficiary; 3. He or she has not remarried; 4. He or she is admissible as an immigrant; and 5. In an adjustment of status case, that he or she

Gail S. Seeram meets all other adjustment eligibility requirements and merits a favorable exercise of discretion. Children of Widow(er) s: The child of a widow(er) whose self-petition is approved may be included in the widow(er)’s petition as long as they meet the definition for “child” under the immigration laws. Where the deceased citizen filed an alien relative petition for his or her spouse that was pending at the time of his or her death, and the alien relative petition can now be adjudicated as a widow(er)’s self-petition, the child(ren) of the widow(er) will be included in the widow(er)’s self petition. An individual qualifies as the “child” of a widow(er) depending on their age when the alien relative petition was filed. Q. Are my children, who are not the children of my deceased U.S. citizen spouse, covered under this new law? A. Yes. Regardless of whether your children are also the children of your deceased U.S. citizen spouse, the program covers your children in the United States, as long as they meet the definition of your “child” under the immigration laws. Q. What if I was legally separated or divorced from my U.S. citizen spouse at the time of his or her death? A. If you were divorced or legally separated from your U.S. citizen spouse at the time of his or her death, you are ineligible for this program. Q. What if I am a widow(er) who was removed or departed from the United States while an order of removal was pending? A. If the widow(er) is outside of the United States and had been ordered removed, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has discretion under the immigration laws to consent to the widow(er)’s reapplication for admission. USCIS will generally exercise discretion favorably and grant an application for consent to reapply for admission once all the requirements are met. Q. What if I am in removal proceedings? A. Your attorney or accredited representative is in the best position to advise you about your specific case.

Saturday April 12, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Amid “gas war” talk, Russia reassures Europe on supply KIEV/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to ease European fears of gas supply cuts yesterday after Brussels said it would stand with the new authorities in Kiev if the Kremlin carries out a threat to turn off the tap to Ukraine. Russia, which last month angered Western powers by annexing Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, has raised the price it charges Kiev for gas and said it owes Moscow $2.2 billion in unpaid bills. That has raised the specter of previous “gas wars”, when rows between the two former Soviet states led to problems with onward supplies to western Europe. A repeat of that scenario could hurt Russia as well as EU customers for its gas because Moscow depends for its public revenues on selling gas in Europe. “I want to say again: We do not intend and do not plan to shut off t h e g a s f o r Ukraine,” Putin said in televised comments at a meeting of his advisory S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l . “ We guarantee fulfillment of all our obligations to our European consumers.” The stand-off, precipitated by the overthrow of the Moscowbacked Ukrainian president after he rejected closer ties to the European Union, has brought Russia’s relations with the West to their most fraught since the end of the Cold War in 1991.

In a sign of efforts to calm tempers, aides to EU foreign policy chi e f C a t h e r i n e Ashton confirmed a meeting next Thursday involving Russia and Ukraine with Ashton and U.S. officials. After Russian troops took over Crimea last month, officials with the NATO military alliance said Moscow was massing forces on the border with mainly Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine, possibly as a prelude to seizing more parts of the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied yesterday that this was the Kremlin’s intention. “We cannot have such a desire. It contradicts the core interests of the Russian

Federation. We want Ukraine to be whole within its current borders, but whole with full respect for the regions,” state-run RIA news agency quoted Lavrov as saying. The Kremlin intervened in Crimea after President Viktor Yanukovich w a s p u s h e d out following weeks of protests in the capital that turned bloody in midFebruary. He was replaced by a government that wants close ties with the West, but which Moscow says is illegitimate and discriminates against Russian-speakers. R u s s i a ’s chief prosecutor said yesterday Moscow would not e x t r a d i t e Ya n u k o v i c h , whom he called Ukraine’s “legitimate president”, to face murder charges over protesters’ deaths. Though tension was still high around eastern Ukraine, where proR u s s i a n activists this week seized public buildings in two cities, the focus of the stand-off between Moscow and the We s t a p p e a r e d t o b e moving towards the vexed issue of gas. Saying the EU would stand together, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said member states would make a common response to a letter Putin has sent to European gas importers raising the prospect of cutting off supplies to Ukraine.

Perth (Australia) (AFP) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said yesterday he is “very confident” that signals detected in the search for Flight MH370 are from the aircraft’s black box, whose batteries are waning fast more than a month after the plane vanished. “We have very much narrowed down the search area and we are very confident the signals are from the black box,” Abbott said, while warning that the transmissions were “starting to fade.” Abbott was speaking in Shanghai before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, state news agency Xinhua said. Two-thirds of the 239 on board the Malaysia Airlines jet were Chinese. Xi later thanked Abbott for Australia’s efforts to search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight, and

Abbott expressed appreciation for China’s involvement, Xinhua reported. Four signals linked to aircraft beacons have been detected by the Australian vessel Ocean Shield using US equipment, with the first two analysed as being consistent with those from aircraft flight recorders. The beacons on the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders have a normal battery lifespan of around 30 days. The plane vanished March 8. The Australian-led search for the Boeing 777, which disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, is racing to gather as many signals as possible to determine an exact resting place before a submersible is sent down to find wreckage. “We are confident that we know the position of the black box flight recorder to within some kilometres,” Abbott said. But he warned much

remained to be done in “recovering wreckage from almost 4.5 kilometres beneath the sea, or finally determining all that happened on that flight.” The cause of the plane’s diversion remains unknown. The Ocean Shield is dragging a US Navy “towed pinger locator” to listen for emissions from black boxes. Striking a more cautious note than his prime minister, search chief Angus Houston said “there has been no major breakthrough in the search for MH370.” He said the Ocean Shield would continue to trawl for pings. “It is vital to glean as much information as possible while the batteries on the underwater locator beacons may still be active,” said Houston, head of the Perthbased Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) that is organising the challenging search.

Vladimir Puti

Australia ‘very confident’ signals are from missing jet

Saturday April 12, 2014

Kaieteur News

Venezuela’s Maduro, opposition spar in crisis talks Caracas (AFP) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leaders traded barbs during six hours of nationally televised talks that ended at dawn yesterday, a rocky first attempt to end deadly antigovernment protests. Opposition leaders demanded amnesty for people arrested in two months of protests and the disarmament of radical progovernment civilian groups they accuse of terrorizing demonstrators. Maduro rejected their demands in the talks that began late Thursday, but the socialist leader invited his political rivals to another meeting on Tuesday. The talks put the Venezuelan president in the same room as opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who refused to recognize his razorthin defeat to Maduro in last year’s presidential election. But the more radical wing of the opposition, which is seeking Maduro’s ouster through the street protests, was absent. “They were wrong if they thought that this farse of a dialogue would fool the international community,” radical opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a former lawmaker who was ousted from the ruling partydominated legislature, told reporters.

“Last night’s hoax gives us more reasons to stay in the streets,” said Machado, whose faction wants jailed opposition leaders and students freed before any talks. The protests have left 41 dead and more than 600 wounded, and prompted accusations of human rights violations by police. Attorney General Luisa Ortega Diaz said 175 people have been detained and that authorities are investigating 120 alleged cases of human rights abuses. After 15 years of socialist rule, protesters are denouncing rampant street crime, soaring inflation, poor job prospects and shortages of such essential goods as milk and toilet paper. Maduro has branded the protesters as “fascists” leading a US-backed plot to overthrow his government. Authorities have jailed three opposition leaders, accusing them of promoting the violence. The Maduro administration held “peace conferences” aimed at ending the protests, but the opposition refused to attend the meetings, which they described as a sham. The government and the opposition finally agreed to sit down at the same table at the insistence of foreign ministers of the UNASUR

group of South American nations. The foreign ministers of Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia attended the talks as “good faith witnesses,” along with a Vatican envoy. Maduro launched the talks with a one-hour introduction during which he railed against those seeking his ouster, warning there would be no negotiations “nor a pact.” The chosen political heir of late president Hugo Chavez urged the opposition to “condemn violence as a way of doing politics, as a form and strategy for changing governments.” Capriles warned that Venezuela was “in a deeply critical situation” but he insisted that he was not calling for Maduro’s ouster. “We don’t want a coup d’etat or a social explosion,” said Capriles, who last year gave the opposition its best election result since Chavez was elected in 1998. “We want this problem to be resolved,” he said, calling for the government to respect the constitution and “end the repression.” Ramon Aveledo, representative of the opposition umbrella group known as MUD, also demanded the government disarm pro-government civilian groups known as “colectivos.”

Caribbean Airlines pilots fed up

Jamaican pilots employed to Caribbean Airlines walk to the office of the carrier’s general manager at the Norman Manley International Airport Thurdday to deliver letters expressing their disgust at not being paid their full salaries since 2010. (PHOTO ASTON SPAULDING) J’cans join T’dad colleagues in expressing disgust over non-payment of incentivesJamaica Observer Caribbean Airlines (CAL) pilots in Jamaica Thursday joined their colleagues in Trinidad in registering disgust at the company’s failure to pay them their full salaries over the past four years. “They went out to the

airport (yesterday) and they issued letters addressed to the chairman, who is stationed in Trinidad, but they delivered them to the general manager here,” Gordon Woodstock, executive administrator of the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association, told the Jamaica Observer Thursday night. “The Trinidad pilots presented their letters on

Tuesday to the management there, expressing their disgust that they haven’t been paid their variable incentive pay from as far back as 2010,” Woodstock added. The move by the Jamaican pilots, he said, was a show of solidarity and unity with their Trinidadian colleagues, as the variable incentive payments to the Jamaicans have been long outstanding.

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Bishoo grabs career best 7-67, but T&T hold slim advantage From page 30 Jomel Warrican 24-8-42-2, Akeem Dewar 10.2-0-24-2, Ryan Austin 22-5-70-2. CCC in reply were 59 without loss from 16 Overs with Shacaya Thomas 33*, Kyle Corbin 21*; Nikita Miller 5-3-4-0, Damion Jacobs 1-0-2-0, Jerome Taylor 4-0-19-0, Sheldon Cottrell 60-32-0. In the other match played yesterday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Leewards Islands were toppled for 98 and by the close Barbados were 167-1 enjoying a lead of 65 runs.

Kraigg Braithwaite was unbeaten on 73 while Omar Phillips fell to Anthony Martin for 79. Scoreboard T&T 1st innings E Lewis lbw Bishoo 64 L Simmons c Singh b Joseph 12 D Bravo lbw Bishoo 61 J Mohammed c Griffith b Bishoo 17 J Augustus c Johnson b Bishoo 15 R Emrit c Barnwell b Bishoo 26 S Katwaroo wkpr Bramble

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Worry about a family member may be on your mind today, Taurus. This person could be all wrought up over work, money, or possibly a love affair that's broken off. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Uneasy feelings may be plaguing you throughout the day, Gemini. There could appear to be no valid reason for this. Everything seems to be going well for you, and no one close to you has anything heavy going on. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A friend, perhaps a woman, cou l d w e l l b e upset or even angry with you today, Cancer. Money might be involved in some way. There may be nothing you can do to reassure her at this time, so it's best to give what reassurances you can and then back off. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Is your boss a woman, Leo? If so, stay out of her way today. To put it mildly, she isn’t in a good mood. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Travel may cause more problems than it's worth today, Virgo. You may forget some vital items when packing or there could be too little time to get everything ready.

Colin Edwards to retire from MotoGP at end of season

b Bishoo 3 I Khan not out 37 M Richards lbw b Bishoo 20 A Jaggernauth not out 4 Extras: (2nb, 3w, 4lb, 6b) 15 Total: (for eight wickets; 93 overs) 274 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2128, 3-147, 4-164, 5-187, 6207, 7-220, 8-266 Bowling: Beaton 16-3-48-0 Joseph 15-5-44-1 (1nb) Barnwell 12-2-47-0 Shadir 12-0-50-0 Bishoo 34-1467-7 Griffith 4-1-4-0

Saturday April 12, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Children or possibly some close friends or a love interest could be upset today, Aries. The financial coffers aren't full enough to afford something they think they absolutely have to have right now.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Finances may cause an upset between you and a friend today, Libra. Perhaps this person owes you money and can't pay it back, or vice versa. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A social event could put you in touch with someone who's carrying around a lot of bitterness and anger, Scorpio. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) The workplace could be very hectic today as a colleague prepares to leave on an important business trip, Sagittarius. Nerves could be strained and tempers short. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may have a wonderful day today, Capricorn. Your imagination, intuition, and creativity are all high, and inspiration for new artistic works could be filling your heart and brain. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your home could be a very busy place today, Aquarius. Visitors could come and go throughout the d a y, probably annoying you at times. You might also find yourself having to soothe angry outbursts on the part o f a m e m b e r o f y our household PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Someone you work with might need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on today, Pisces. Stresses on the job extend beyond everyone's capacity to endure, so don't be surprised if at some point a colleague sheds a few tears. You might find your patience pushed beyond its normal limits.

Colin Edwards (Getty Images)

BBC Sport - Colin Edwards will retire from MotoGP at the end of the 2014 season. The Texan, 40, announced his decision ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix of the Americas in his home state but said: “I’m still racing this

year though!” The former World Superbike champion has claimed 12 podiums in a 22year career. “In testing this year I could see that I need to change my riding style and it is against my instinct to ride

differently so that has had an affect,” said the Forward Yamaha rider. “I want to spend more time with my wife and my children and of course I want to say thanks to Yamaha and everyone who has helped me in my career.” Edwards finished ninth in the first race of the season in Qatar last month.

PCB agrees conditionally ... From page 34 toned down but we lost the ground and our position was weak enough to crumble but PCB stood hard and we managed to get more than enough. I am happy that we are back in business otherwise nobody was ready to talk to Pakistan and they were chalking their own bilateral tour with the exception of Pakistan cricket.” Since July 2013, Pakistan have been without a long-term broadcasting deal, one of the major sources of income for the PCB. With no series scheduled against India until 2020, there could be testing times for the board ahead which is already dealing with a long-standing budget-deficit. In August 2013, the deficit was nearly 500 million Pakistani rupees. “Now PCB is in a position to go with a long-term deal next year and we have estimated an amount of Rs. 30 billions with our home series after every board have assured a slot in next eight-year cycle. Apart from the broadcasting rights we will be getting a share of ICC tournament, which has been increased from 0.3 to 1.3 per cent. So at the end of the day we have good news for our cricket.”

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Kaieteur News

Letter to the Sports Editor

Saturday April 12, 2014

Regional four-day cricket

A reply to Lester Sealy’s letter Bishoo grabs career best 7-67, but T&T hold slim advantage

Dear Mr. Editor, I am happy to reply to Mr. Sealey’s missive, April 11, 2014 in the Kaieteur News, in which he asked about my role in reviewing cost cutting measures in the GFF. Firstly, my tenure saw four General Council meetings, of which three were with this administration. At the first General Congress with this administration I cosponsored three pieces of policy interventions of which two are presently part of the GFF Constitution and the other led to the changing of the Auditor. Mr. Editor my contributions are in the minutes of the GFF hence, the comments made in paragraph thirteen of his letter are off the mark, since learning can only take place when there exists vessels wanting to be filled. Consequently, there is however merit in the point on the lax of the General C o u n c i l as it relates to activism of new ideas, but old

habits die hard Mr. Sealy. The Executive however must be allowed to function and those who failed us in the past must retire gracefully, but I acknowledge that this is not a view shared by some in the General Council. Mr. Sealey, while I acknowledge your point on the GFA situation in paragraph five of your letter, please say the same about those who have plundered the GFF in 2012/3 and before. Mr. Editor, the GFF Audit report is out and while the writer wanted me to influence expenditure he must alert his mind to the Opportunity Cost of registering the Beach Soccer team as against the U15 Team. The cronies he represent by intuition, did not register our U15 team in 2012 to play in 2013, so in prudence, I will support not going further into deficit if it was not for youth development. The GFF has two main sources of income, a grant from FIFA and levies from

tournaments, hence meeting financial obligations require assertiveness. Mr. Sealey this has happened since the elections to now even against the distractors going to courts, while still owing Associations Levies and not declaring their Books. Since we are discussing expenditure, would Mr. Sealey contrast the thirty six paid trips home in one year that the GFF in April 2012 signed in an undated contract with the National Coach as against repairs to a part of the GFF building by the GFF. I hope he gets help to analyze the present Audit report. Mr. Editor this is how prudent those before Mr. Matthias were to the extent that they want to return. In one year the GFF should be returned to a balance by the magic of Moses and Matthias, while the part time employer and associates of Mr. Sealey took years to build the deficit. Yours in Service, Eton Moses

Trophy Stall Male/Female Semi fixed for DCC this evening The Trophy Stall Female and Male Masters (40yrs and over) Softball cricket semi-finals will be played at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground this evening. The Finals are set for

Saturday April 26th also at DCC. Admission is free for the semi-finals tomorrow. From 3:00PM 4R Lioness vs. Lady Jaguars, while at 5:00PM: Pitch 2: Wellwoman vs Karibee Girls (First Semi-finals).

Pitch 1: Trophy Stall Angels vs winner of the 3Pm match. (Second semifinals) At 6:15PM: Pitch 1: Floodlights vs Park Rangers; Pitch 2: Industry Super Kings vs Success Masters.

By Sean Devers Test Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo made an auspicious return to the Guyana team after being dropped with a career best 767 but Trinidad & Tobago ended the opening day of their final preliminary round of the Regional four-day cricket tournament at Providence yesterday with a slim advantage. The 28-year-old Bishoo, who bowled 34 overs, bettered his previous best of 6-48 to capture his 11th five wicket haul but half-centuries from Evin Lewis (64) and Daren Bravo (61) spearheaded leaders T&T to a respectable 276-8 from 93 overs when stumps were drawn. Lendl Simmons, playing in his first match of the competition did not last long; hitting a catch to Vishal Singh off Keon Joseph at 35-1 in the 10th over after making 12, but that was Guyana’s only success in the first session as the visitors, who need to beat Guyana to lift their first Regional title since 2006, reached 116-1 by lunch in overcast conditions. The 22-year-old Lewis reached his fifty from 58 balls decorated with six fours and two sixes and by lunch was unbeaten on 56, while Bravo was on 42 at the interval as the Guyanese bowlers found life hard work on the placid

track. Lewis in particular was quick to pull anything short from pacers Joseph, Ronsford Beaton and Christopher Barnwell with Bravo, who took 17 balls to get off the mark, getting better the longer his innings progressed. Bishoo, struck seven overs after Lunch when he trapped the Left-handed Lewis LBW for 64 from 88 balls, 143 minutes with eight fours and two sixes to break the 83-run partnership and leave T&T, who already have assured of a place in the Final, on 128-2. Bravo soon reached his 21th half-century at this level before falling to Bishoo after hitting nine fours and a six from 112 balls and 144 minutes and the visitors, hunting their sixth Regional title, 147-3. Bishoo, who has 40 wickets from 11 Tests, then removed Jason Mohamed (17) and Jonathon Augustus (15) to leave the team from Carnival Country on 187-5 by Tea. Playing in his 50th match at this level, the Alboin legspinner took three more wickets in the final session although T&T ended the day with two batting bonus points. Bishoo, who had 5-71 against Barbados when Guyana lost by 136 runs at the same venue before being omitted for the last match

against the Leeward Islands, induced Skipper Rayad Emrit who made 26 and is one of four Trinidadians with centuries this season, to sky a catch to cover as he wasted a good start. The leg-spinner, who took his wicket tally in the competition to 20, then sent back Stephen Katwaroo (3) and Guyanese born pacer Marlon Richards, who hit a cameo 20 and added 46 with Imran Khan for the eighth wicket. Khan remained to the close unbeaten on 37 for Trinidad and Tobago who have won all four of their games at home but suffered their only loss when Barbados beat them in Barbados. Guyana, who have four losses and a draw and have no chance of progressing in the seven-team tournament, will be hoping to deny the visitors a 300 total by wrapping up the tail early on the second day, today. Meanwhile, the Combined Campuses & Colleges ended Day one of their Round seven, Regional Four-Day match against Jamaica trailing by 123 runs. Jamaica recovered from 44-5 to be 182 All Out with Carlton Baugh Jr hitting 57, Jerome Taylor 39, Tamar Lambert* 18, Marlon Samuels 12; Raymon Reifer 11-3-24-3, (Continued on page 29)

Saturday April 12, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Guyana Cup Fever Horserace meet fixed for Sunday April 20th Entries are set to close next Tuesday for the much anticipated Guyana Cup Fever horserace meet slated for Sunday 20th April (Easter Sunday) at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice. The meet which will be held in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing stables has so far attracted over 80 entries. So far it is the richest race meet for the year with prize monies totaling over $15M which includes cash and trophies. A packed and exciting day of racing is anticipated with eight races carded. The feature event is for horses classified C and lower over a distance of One mile with the winner set to run away with a whopping $2M

and trophy. The co-feature event for three year old horses bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies will see the animals racing over a distance of 1200M for a winning pocket of $1M and trophy. There is a race for fouryear-old animals over a distance of one mile for winning money of $700,000 and trophy. The E1 & Lower 1300M event will see the animals competing for a first prize of $600,000 and trophy. There is an event for G3 & Lower animals over a distance of 1300M for a pole position taking of $500,000 and trophy. The ‘H & lower gallop is also over 1200M for a first prize of $350,000 and trophy. The ‘I’2 and Lower race

has a winning pocket of $300,000 and trophy over 1000M. The final event for animals classified J2 and lower also over 1000M, is for a winning purse of $200,000 and trophy. Horse owners are reminded that they must pay at least 50% of their entrance fee before their animals are entered. Among the sponsors on board are Banks DIH Ltd, Digicel, Shariff Business Enterprise and racing Stables, Inshan Bacchus Business Enterprise, N and M Trucking and Auto sales. The events will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The top individual performers including top Jockey and stable will receive

SECC 40 over tourney

Federicks guides Jaguars to 9-wkt win A blistering 91 from Norman Federicks guided Jaguars to a nine - wicket victory over Golden Fleece when the South Essequibo Cricket Committee 40 overs tournament continued on Sunday last. Playing at Golden Fleece, the host batted first and were bowled out for 140 in 25 overs. Raj Parbattie led with 71, while Federicks, Sherwin Abrams, Radu Persaud and Fezal Mohamed claimed two wickets each. Jaguars hit off the required target in 20 overs. Federicks smashed eight sixes and four fours in

Norman Federicks his innings, while Sher Khan made 29 not out. At Pomona, Aurora Knight Riders took first strike and

posted 182. G. Phillips led with 54 and Z. Ahamad 42. Bowling for Invaders Masters, Ragesh Gopal snared 3 for 28 off 5 overs and there were 2 wickets each for Linden Daniels and Nand Kishore. Set a revised target of 135 from 22 overs due to rain, Invaders Masters ended on 131 for the loss of 6 wickets. Kazim Bacchus scored 43 and Indar Rampersaud supported with 22. Bowling for Aurora Night Riders, A. Maniram captured 3 for 17 off 4 overs and G. Phillips 2 for 26 off 5 overs.

accolades compliments of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. Interested persons can

contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Romel Jagroop (624-1798) and

Irshad Mohammed on 6641650. Race time is 12:30hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 12, 2014

NDC/Regal SCC T20 cricket-Wakenaam

Zeelandia, Sans Souci and Maria’s Pleasure register wins Zeelandia, Sans Souci and Maria’s Pleasure recorded victories when the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council/ Regal Stationery and Computer Centre T/20 cricket competition commenced on

Sunday last. In zone A, at Zeelandia, the host defeated Good Success by six wickets in the morning fixture. Good Success batted first and scored 110 all out in 17.3 overs.

Jaggernauth Manbodh made 14, Lokram Narine and Chandrika Ragnauth 13 each. Dharmendra Pooran, Hemraj Pooran and Navishaul Pooran claimed two wickets each. Zeelandia replied with 112-4 in 10 overs. Ricardo Adams stroked 79 (1x4,11x6) while Ryan Adams made 18 not out. Narine and Imran Khan snared two wickets for 30 and 35 runs respectively. Zeelandia overcame Sans Souci Jaguars by seven wickets in the afternoon game. Batting first the Jaguars scored 144 all out in 19 overs. Zameer Zaman blasted 58 off just 19 balls with six sixes while Jairam Ramadeen and Moin Khan made 20 and 16

Adams, Khemraj hit half centuries respectively. Hemraj Pooran, Ricardo Adams and Ry a n A d a m s captured two wickets each. The home team responded with 145-3 in 17 overs. Jaspaul Gangaram and Navishaul Pooran led with 30 apiece while Ricardo Adams scored 20. Moin Khan and Siddiq Mohamed had one each. Zeelandia have qualified for the semi finals. In Zone B, at 09:30 hrs, Sans Souci got the better of Maria’s Pleasure by 73 runs at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Sans Souci

took first turn at the crease and rattled up 191-7 in 20 overs. Gurnauth Khemraj top scored with 79 (7x4,5x6), Tulsiram Ramadeen scored 39 and Seon Venture 36. Lenard Lewis picked up 2-16 and Bernard Lewis 2-34. M a r i a ’s P l e a s u r e w e r e bowled out for 106 in 18.3 overs in reply. Reyaz Ally made 24 and Bernard Lewis 20. Devon Rambaran captured 3-7, David Fraser 2-18 and Jermaine Wolf 2-18. At 13:30 hrs, Maria’s Pleasure beat Noitgedacht by four runs. Maria’s Pleasure

scored 147-8 in 20 overs, batting first. Samuel (only name given) made 38 (3x6) and Bernard Lewis 18. Matthew Chung and Curtis Clementson had two wickets each. Noitgedacht were skittled for 103 in 17 overs in response. Omal Bacon made 18, Clementson 17 and Jaleel Brown 16 ; B e r n a r d L e w is claimed 2-16 and Samuel 2-21. The competition continues tomorrow with Good Success facing Sans Souci Jaguars at 09:30 hrs and Sans Souci playing Noitgedacht at 13:30 hrs. Both games are fixed for the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 12, 2014

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GTTA League heats up with wins Sri Lanka set to host for Titans, Blue Thunder, Malteenoes Pakistan for Tests in August T h e G u y a n a Ta b l e Tennis Association (GTTA) continued its robust Teams Table Tennis League last w e e k e n d a t t h e C l i ff Anderson Sports Hall with Titans ‘A’, Blue Thunder ‘A’ and Malteenoes ‘A’ all recording ‘B’ Class victories at the ongoing event. Titans ‘A’ team (Stefan Corlette and Alec Hopkinson) defeated Malteenoes Sports Club ‘B’ team (Kevon Corbin, Kevin Prass and Kristoff Sookhoo) 3-2. In the scores: Corlette defeated Corbin 17-15, 11-7, 11-8; Hopkinson defeated Prass 4-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-1; Sukhoo had a walkover; Hopkinson lost to Corbin 411, 15-13, 7-11, 11-6, 9-11 and Corlette defeated Prass 11-9, 12-10, 14-12. Blue Thunder ‘A’ (Remy Taitt, Devon Richmond and Vernon Rodrigues) beat NP Electronics (Michael Vieira, Xen Goliah and Sammy Boodhoo) 3-2. In the scores: Taitt defeated Vieira 11-6, 811, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7; Richmond lost to Goliah 1214, 11-2, 11-9, 4-11, 11-13; Rodrigues defeated Boodhoo 11-5, 11-9, 18-16; Taitt lost to Goliah 2-11, 211, 11-6, 6-11 and Richmond defeated Vieira 11-7, 11-9, 4-11, 11-4. Malteenoes Sports Club ‘ A’ ( S h e m a r B r i t t o n , Chelsea Edghill and Kyle Edghill) defeated Titans ‘A’ (Stefan Corlette and Alec Hopkinson) 3-1. In the scores: Britton lost to Corlette 11-3, 12-14, 10-12,

Chelsea Edghill 12-10, 6-11. Chelsea Edghill defeated Hopkinson 11-6, 11-9, 11-6; Kyle Edghill got a walk over and C h e l s e a Edghill defeated Corlette 11-7, 11-8, 12-10. Table Tennis Academy ‘A’ (Elishaba Johnson, Sunil L o g a n a n d Wa r r e n Hackshaw) won against Bank of Guyana (Jody-Ann Blake, Carlyle Bowman and Imran Khan) 3-2. In the scores: Logan defeated Bowman 11-9, 11-9, 13-11; Hackshaw lost to Blake 911, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11, 6-11; Johnson defeated Khan 117, 11-3, 11-2; Logan lost to Blake 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 8-11 and Hackshaw defeated Bowman 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-8. NP Electronics defeated Bank of Guyana 3-0. In the scores: Vieira defeated Khan 11-1, 11-2, 11-5; Goliah defeated Blake 11-5, 12-14, 14-16 and Boodhoo defeated Bowman 11-4, 116, 14-16. Table Tennis Academy

Shemar Britton ‘A’ defeated Malteenoes Sports Club ‘B’ (Kevon Corbin, Kevin Prass and Kristoff Sookhoo) 3-2. In the scores: Johnson defeated Prass 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 113; Hackshaw lost to Corbin 4-11, 12-10, 11-4, 7-11, 711; Logan defeated Sukhoo 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5 and Hackshaw defeated Prass 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9. Meanwhile, in the ‘C’ Class Competition, Bank of Guyana ‘B’ (Carlyle Bowman, Claude Henry and Nicola James) defeated Table Tennis Academy ‘B’ ( Te r r e n c e R a u s c h , Christopher Rausch and Kristie Lopes) 3-2. In the scores: Bowman defeated Christopher Rausch 11-3, 11-7, 11-7; Henry lost to Terrence Rausch 10-12, 511, 5-11; James lost to Lopes 7-11, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11; Bowman defeated Terrence Rausch 11-7, 9-11.11-8, 112 and Henry defeated Christopher Rausch 11-4, 11-3, 11-4.

Guyana beat host Uruguay 5-1 Guyana set up a rematch with Argentina today for third place after recovering from 10 down to register a commanding 5-1 win over host Uruguay in the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup ( M e n ) H o c k e y Championship in Montevideo yesterday. The Guyanese suffered an early setback after falling behind in the 5th minute when Alexis Lopez netted, but star player Jamaarj Assanah drew the game level in the 19th minute as the teams took the

break deadlocked 1-1. Three minutes after the resumption, Devin Munroe gave the Guyanese the lead through a field goal attempt beforeRobert France stretched their advantage with another field goal. Assanah then returned to score two goals to complete a hat-trick which gave the Guyanese an impressive win and an opportunity to set up a rematch with Argentina. They had beaten Argenmtina 5-3 in their opening encounter and

Jamaarj Assanah fireworks are expected in this game.Canada and the USA will contest the final.

ESPNcricinfo - Pakistan will play two Tests and three ODIs in Sri Lanka in August, officials from both boards have confirmed. No tour dates have yet been set in stone, but Pakistan is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in late July for a tour match before the internationals begin early in the following month. For Sri Lanka, the tour will be the third in quick succession, following an away tour of England, and the home series against South Africa. Neither the Pakistan series nor the South Africa tour had been prescribed for 2014 by the Future Tours Programme though the Tests against South Africa had been deferred from last year. Pakistan were facing a six-month drought ahead of their next international fixtures after the World T20. But the PCB managed to strike up a quick deal with Sri Lanka Cricket on the sidelines of the ICC meeting in Dubai to narrow the gap. The series will kick off a busy season for them, with

The teams last faced-off in Tests at the start of the year, in the UAE © AFP full series’ with Australia and New Zealand shortly after in the UAE. With these two Tests, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will bring their 2014 tally to nine Tests, provided all matches are played as scheduled. It will also be the second time the teams have squared off in a bilateral series in eight months, after Sri Lanka played three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s in the

UAE in December and January. They had also played each other in two Asia Cup fixtures. The teams had shared the Test series in the UAE, while Sri Lanka had won their previous Test series in Sri Lanka 1-0. Pakistan have played Sri Lanka five series in the past five years with home and away series in 2009, followed by Pakistan hosting Sri Lanka in 2011 and touring Sri Lanka in 2012.

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Kaieteur News

PCB agrees conditionally to ICC revamp ESPNcricinfo - The PCB has agreed to the proposed ICC revamp on the condition that it will be a part of bilateral series against all Full Members, including India, over the next eight years. The PCB’s chairman justified his move, reasoning that Pakistan can’t afford to be isolated from the rest of cricketing world, most of which had agreed to the wide-ranging changes suggested. The PCB, according to its chairman, will gain estimated Rs 30 billion (around $310m) in next eight years from the bilateral agreements. “Decision was made after sensing an isolation,” Sethi told a media conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “If we don’t play big teams we could be bankrupt in the next

Najam Sethi: “If we don’t play big teams we could be bankrupt in the next two years” © AFP two years so we have to stay in line and play our home series with India. Because our infrastructure is mainly run with the money

generated playing international cricket, it’s very important to play India because it generate major chunk of money. We have to run our cricket and we can’t sit out being isolated. Hence we had to go with them but we signed with all legal binding documents and the details of all fixtures will be released soon.” Sethi has also revealed that the world governing board has asked PCB to nominate a candidate from Pakistan for the ceremonial role of ICC president next year. The PCB is the last Full Member to have extended its support to the governance, finance and FTP changes in the ICC, which were proposed by the BCCI, the ECB and Cricket Australia in February. When the changes, which increase the power of those three boards within the ICC, were first proposed, four Full Members had come out against them: the PCB, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The proposals have since been revised and were approved by eight of the Full Members on February 8. SLC and the PCB were the only two to refrain from voting at that meeting, and SLC extended its support to the revamp 10 days later. The PCB had been opposing the position paper right from the start, citing that the revamp is against the principle of “equality” and had been objecting the proposal as whole. “Since January we understand that various factors have been (Continued on page 25)

Saturday April 12, 2014

Timothy Bradley ‘considered suicide’ after Manny Pacquiao win BBC Sport - Timothy Bradley says he considered taking his own life because of abuse he received following his controversial points win over Manny Pacquiao in 2012. Bradley was awarded a split decision victory, despite most observers believing Pacquiao had won the contest. The rematch, for the WBO welterweight title, is in Las Vegas this weekend. “Did I consider suicide? Hell yeah,” said Bradley. “I was thinking, ‘I don’t want to box anymore - I don’t even want to live anymore’.” The 30-year-old American, who is undefeated in 32 fights, received hate mail, death threats and abuse at petrol stations following his last meeting with Pacquiao. The rematch (at approx 04:00 BST on Sunday) will be at the same venue, the MGM Grand, and Bradley says he has overcome his demons with the help of his family. “I realised the important things in my life, realised who was important,” said Bradley, who absorbed brutal punishment but emerged with a 12-round

Timothy Bradley (AFP) unanimous decision over Ruslan Provodnikov in his first defence of the title, then won a 12-round split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. “It doesn’t affect me. I know who I am. I’m a great fighter.” In the build-up to his second meeting with 35year-old Pacquiao, Bradley has questioned his opponent’s hunger. Pacquiao has been fighting as a professional since 1995 and has 55 wins and five losses from 62 fights but, despite a comfortable points victory over Brandon Rios last November, some believe the Filipino’s best

days are behind him. Prior to the Rios fight, he was knocked out by Marquez, the first time he had been stopped since 1999. “I think he may lack fire,” Bradley said. “His motivation is not there. He’s been at the top for a very long time. “He has over 60 fights in the ring with all the best. He’s 36 years old. Maybe this is one fight too late for him.” That view was dismissed by Pacquiao, who expects to extend an illustrious career in which he has won world titles in eight different weight divisions. “I have to prove that I still have the killer instinct and hunger, to him and to myself,” said Pacquiao. The importance of inflicting a first defeat on Bradley is fully understood b y P a c q u i a o ’s t r a i n e r Freddie Roach. “This is a must-win situation and if we don’t win this fight we have to maybe consider retirement,” said Roach. “Some people think we are all done and we have to prove that we are not. We’ve had a great run. I don’t think that it’s close to being over.”

Nike boss excited at Brazil World Cup AUGUSTA, Georgia (AP) — Nike chairman Phil Knight has high hopes for the World Cup in Brazil this summer. His optimism has everything to do with having the swoosh on the h o s t c o u n t r y ’s f a m e d football team. Knight agreed to answer one question when approached by two reporters at the Masters, and the upcoming World Cup was atop the list. “Important, it’s 10 out of 10,” Knight said near the first fairway at Augusta National. “How excited am I and how optimistic am I? Twelve out of 10. We’ve been working hard. The players are really liking the product, and the product we have for the World Cup is great. We think, in terms of public perception, this will be the one where they see that we’re the leading soccer company,” Knight said. “And all of those things are lining up for us.”Nike is outfitting 10 of the 32 qualifying teams, outdoing rival Adidas for the first time.

Brazilian star Neymar wears his country’s jersey with the famous Nike trademark swoosh. (AFP)

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 12, 2014

Prosecutor to Pistorius: Did Reeva scream when you shot her? PRETORIA (Reuters) Oscar Pistorius’ trial heard crucial testimony on Friday as a prosecutor challenged the double-amputee sprinter over why his girlfriend had failed to scream when he shot her four times through a toilet door. Gerrie Nel, one of South Africa’s top attorneys, said it was beyond belief that Reeva Steenkamp would have remained silent in the cubicle with an armed Pistorius shouting and screaming in the adjoining bathroom. The prosecution alleges the 29-year-old model took refuge in the toilet during an angry row with the athlete, and he then shot her through the door. Pistorius, who says he fired at what he thought was an intruder, has testified that Steenkamp did not cry out during the incident in the early hours of February 14, 2013. However, under withering cross-examination from Nel - known in South Africa as “The Pitbull” - the 27-year-old track star was forced to concede he could not have heard whether she screamed or not because his ears were ringing from the sound of gunfire. People living nearby have testified to hearing a woman’s terrified screams before and during a volley of shots. “She’s awake. She’s in the toilet. You’re shouting. You’re screaming. You’re three meters from her. She would have responded. She would not have been quiet, Mr Pistorius,” Nel said. “She didn’t respond, my L a d y, ” a n a p p a r e n t l y distressed Pistorius replied, addressing judge Thokozile Masipa. “Did she scream at all

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IOC warns Pakistan of possible suspension BELEK, Turkey (AP) — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says P a k i s t a n ’s O l y m p i c committee will be suspended in July unless it complies with rules banning government interference. The IOC had set a previous deadline of December 1 for Pakistan to show that its Olympic committee and sports federations are being run without interference. The IOC said that the Pakistan government “has not kept its promises” but has

proposed further dialogue. The IOC says the executive board will suspend Pakistan from the Olympic movement at its next meeting in July if the country does not conform with rules guaranteeing the independence of elected sports officials. Suspension would mean that Pakistani athletes could not compete for their country in the Olympics. Pakistani Olympic officials would also be barred from international Olympic meetings.

Workers end strike near World Cup stadium Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius (C) arrives ahead of his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria April 9, 2014. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko whilst you shot her four times?” Nel continued. “No, my Lady.” “Are you sure? Are you sure, Mr Pistorius, that Reeva did not scream after the first shot?” Nel continued. “Are you, Mr Pistorius?” After a brief silence, Pistorius said: “My Lady, I wish she had let me know she was there.” “After you fired the first shot, did she scream?” Nel asked. “No, my Lady.” “Are you sure? Would you have heard her?” “I don’t think I would have heard her.” “Exactly,” Nel said. “A gunshot went off. My ears were ringing,” Pistorius said. “How can you exclude the fact she was screaming if you couldn’t hear?” Nel asked. Pistorius then conceded:

“My Lady, the sound of that gunshot in the bathroom, you wouldn’t have heard anyone scream. The decibels of the gunshot, I don’t believe you would have heard anyone scream. When I had finished firing the gunshots, I was screaming and I couldn’t hear my own voice.” ARGUMENT Nels followed up with his central accusation - that the couple had an argument and Steenkamp fled to the toilet pursued by Pistorius, who shot her through the locked door. Steenkamp was hit by three of the four 9 mm hollow-point rounds Pistorius fired. A police ballistics expert has testified that the first round hit her hip and the final one her head, killing her almost instantly. “You knew that Reeva went behind the door and

you shot at her,” Nel said. “You shot at her knowing she was behind the door.” Pistorius, who faces life in prison if convicted of murder, denied it, his voice wavering with emotion, before the court adjourned until Monday. The trial, now 21 days old, has gripped South Africa and millions of sports and athletics fans around the world who have seen Pistorius as a symbol of triumph over physical adversity. His disabled lower legs were amputated as a baby but, running on carbon fiber prosthetic limbs, he went on to achieve global fame as the “fastest man on no legs”, winning numerous Paralympic gold medals and reaching the semifinals of the 400 meters in the 2012 London Olympics against able-bodied athletes.

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — Workers have ended a strike at the World Cup stadium in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba after disrupting traffic for nearly two hours and forcing organisers to accept their demands. More than 100 workers are returning to work at the Arena da Baixada after organisers promised to begin paying salaries owed to them. The workers had blocked streets outside the stadium

yesterday, causing problems to drivers trying to get to work in the region. About 50 workers had been on strike since Monday and more joined the movement in recent days, threatening to halt construction at the already delayed-venue and raising concerns about whether it could be finished in time for the tournament. Curitiba officials said the work stoppage did not significantly affect the stadium’s renovation.

NBA roundup - Mills, Spurs top Mavericks DALLAS (AP) — Patty Mills scored 26 points starting in place of Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs moved to the brink of the top seed in the Western Conference with a 109-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Making his second start of the season and seventh of his career with Parker nursing a bad back, Mills had 11 points and a pair of steals in the third quarter when the Spurs turned a two-

point deficit into an 11-point lead. The Spurs beat the Mavericks for the ninth straight time in the regular season, a streak that has lasted more than two years. Tim Duncan had 20 points and 15 rebounds after leaving briefly in the first quarter because of a hyperextended right knee. Kawhi Leonard added 16 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and five assists.

t r o Sp Regional four-day cricket

Bishoo grabs career best 7-67, but T&T hold slim advantage

Bishoo about to capture another wicket during his 7-67 yesterday.

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Guyana beat host Uruguay 5-1 P.33

GTTA League heats up with wins for Titans, Blue Thunder, Malteenoes P.33

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