Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 16, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Kaieteur News Discrimination, corruption and intolerance have 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

Scare tactics can lead to serious consequences Scare tactics are being used to garner votes during the upcoming elections. This is something that was once done extensively in small communities where landed people wanted to maintain control over the tenants. It was intended to make the people feel that they are better off where they are, that to take any step away from this path would be detrimental to their very existence. However, as civilisation progressed, the rulers found that it was futile to introduce fear tactics into any election campaign. Of course, as far back as the Second World War, people in the various countries that comprised the allies and the axis forces set about instilling in their peoples the need to fear the other. Adolph Hitler in Germany, for example, preached that the Jews were responsible for all the ills that befell the German people and that the solution rested with eliminating the Jews. He was successful because the German people actually believed him. History has proven that Hitler was so wrong. Today in Germany, the Jews are the people who have helped lift the country out of the ruins that the war left behind. Similar scare tactics led to the genocide in Rwanda. A most despicable use of radio led to the slaughter of hundreds who merely happened to be of a different tribe than the rulers. The message was that this other tribe would make life a living hell for those currently in power. It worked because the reaction was for the rulers to attack helpless people with guns and cutlasses. To this day the Rwanda massacre is considered the most horrendous in living memory. Sri Lanka was another case in point. Again there was the perception that the Tamils were superior to the more docile Sinhalese. The conflict was horrendous because again there was the slaughter. Now we come to Guyana where the ruling party is attempting to use similar tactics. Of course, there is not the drive for violence and this is so because the conflict would not be tribal. Both parties comprise members of every ethnicity in the country. In some cases, relatives straddle the divide, being members of both of the major political parties. What is the scare tactic? The threat of military rule. Guyana has never known a military intervention against the government except during the pre-independence days when Guyana was struggling for its independence. Since then there has been an army that has never shown an inclination to accede to power. However, the ruling People’s Progressive Party is preaching the message that the opposition is stocking its ranks with ex-military officers and ranks. But even before that accusation the ruling party has not been happy with the fact that the leader of the opposition has been a military leader. It never took into consideration that people still have lives outside the military. For, example, in every developed country, military service is compulsory. In the United States, every person is expected to serve the country by way of the military. Some of the leaders in Government had military careers but that did not mean that they would stage a military coup against the elected government. In the United Kingdom again, the leaders invariably had military careers. Just recently, the world was regaled with the military exploits of members of the royal family. In South America where there have been military governments there are many, even in the elected governments who have military experience but the threat of coups is almost nonexistent. So for the ruling party to go about telling people that the presence of former military men is a recipe for disaster is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. What is there to stop the people from taking things into their own hands and attack members of the opposition? And for its part, the government has embraced former military men. There is the head of the Disaster Relief Committee, senior people in the Ministry of Home Affairs, people in the Office of the President, people in the diplomatic services and people in other aspects of the public service. Of course, the PPP General Secretary offered the excuse that the government is in power and therefore has that right; that the opposition wants to get into power.

become the hallmark of Ramotar’s presidency DEAR EDITOR, President Ramotar, more than any other president, had the opportunity to be the nation’s finest. Were he committed to this nation and her people he could have used the experiences of his predecessors and the mistakes they made to help mould a 21st century Guyana. And when I speak about 21st century society, it is one built on the foundation that good governance has to be grounded in respect for universal principles, rights and the rule of law. Had he followed these tenets in our diverse society, his call now for another chance come May 11th could have been taken seriously by the citizens. Instead, what Guyanese received from the president is a continuation of Bharrat Jagdeo’s disregard for good governance, and like conjoined twins the two continue to preside over the nation’s patrimony as though it is their plantation and the people are their subjects. The people of Region 10 who Ramotar regaled with promises, sprinkled with the usual crass politicking, more than any other region bears testimony to a government that has no regard for its citizens, to the extent where after abusing and mistreating them, they have the gall to turn up at their doors and ask for another chance. It is one thing in politics to ask for a chance and another to seek this chance when you are digging in on violating the rights of those whom you rely on to give you that chance. Hadn’t Ramotar come to office with this abuser sense of entitlement, an attitude in politics that for too long is w o r k i n g a g a i n s t t h i s n a t i o n ’s development, he would have factored in the lessons of the 2011 elections. He would have taken note of the call by the citizens, through their ballot, for

the political parties to work together in the interest of all. Instead, he chose to disregard the will of the people as though the people are mad. In so doing he refused to undo the reckless abuse of workers’/ taxpayers’ moneys and continues the violation of the law in the management of the Consolidated Fund. He outrightly disregarded the will of the people through their elected representatives to restore prudent and accountable management for their moneys via the National Budget and other parliamentary actions. The president has refused to listen to the voices outside of those within his enclave and has abused his authority to silence the voice of the masses by shutting down parliament, in order that he can rule by decree rather than govern in the interest of the people. He continues in the footsteps of his conjoined twin, Jagdeo, to run roughshod over the people. He has demonstrated no regard for the representative nature of our system of government and the society’s principal political objective of inclusionary democracy (Article 13, Guyana Constitution) Specifically to Region 10, even though his government in 2012 signed an agreement with this region to work with them to ensure their wellbeing he has reneged on the agreement, following in the footsteps of his political twin who signed agreements and never honoured them. The workers at BCGI/RUSAL who were dismissed, their rights transgressed, his cabinet refused to have these workers’ grievances addressed, the laws respected and the recognised union speak on their behalf. This is the same tactic applied by Bharrat Jagdeo when he closed down the bauxite companies and sold them to foreign

capital for next to nothing. President Ramotar, whom some thought would have departed from Jagdeo’s bad policies and governance, has instead chosen to dig in and continue the process of violating laws and transgressing rights. Early in his presidency, I chose through this said medium, to encourage him to choose a different path from Jagdeo for the good of the nation, but he continues to embrace and implement these bad practices lock, stock and barrel. My greatest disappointment is that Donald Ramotar, who I know personally, had some of his apprenticeship in the trade union movement, which is a rights organisation, but the form of governance he embraces is in conflict with every principle the trade union embraces. Discrimination, corruption and intolerance have become the hallmark of his presidency. In this 21st century, he and Jagdeo are still settling scores for what they perceived happened in the 20th century, even though the major protagonists of that era, Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, had a cordial working relationship than what exists today in the political culture. In this same medium, I drew to the attention of the current crop of politicians the strengths of Burnham and Jagan in negotiating and arriving at consensus, where both parties were able to say to their constituents that we are able to deliver something for you. Instead, even as Ramotar claims that the PPP today is following in Jagan’s footsteps they refuse to negotiate and work with the opposition and independent sections of civil society. For him to now ask Guyanese for another chance come 11th May (Continued on page 5)

Show you care: During campaigning this topic should not bring up the rear DEAR EDITOR, Unless I am taking a blind view of the moral mayhem in Guyana, it is now apparent to even the most laconic or sententious that sodomy with young children has become the new sexual craze. The odour emanating from this cauldron of moral turpitude beggars swift intervention and the institution of punitive measures severe enough to serve as an eternal deterrent to future offenders. The recent discovery of the partly decomposed body of Shaquan Gittens, compounded by the fact that not only was he bound, had his genitals severed but was also sodomized, would cause any parent to become the instant victim of loss of sanity, amidst swirling homicidal urges and ruminations. The conduct of the perpetrator shocked the public conscience, as not only was it inherently base, depraved and running against the rules of morality, but also the duties owed between Man and society. Thankfully the suspect in the case of Shaquan Gittens was sought and

quickly arrested, with a confession of sort being thrown in for good measure. Sadly, the suspect has been deemed to be mentally ill, and by extension, perhaps mentally incompetent to stand trial. Sharing similar ignominy are the two yet to be solved murders that took place in Sophia in 2006 and 2010, of 13year-old Letroy Harris and 7-year-old Dacwaun Sutherland. Initial suspects have long been interrogated; no charges laid and have gone on with their lives. That’s all fine and dandy, but we should not for the briefest of moments forget that the sodomizers still lurk in our midst walking, talking and stalking among us on a daily basis. Perhaps we do know the guilty parties, but perhaps we still harbour lingering doubts, as we cannot believe that they are of a certain sexual bent. Again as the election vessel of change draws close to the shore, it is imperative that the populace, even up to and including young voters, all call on the political parties to openly state for the entire nation to hear and let it stand for the records, how they intend to address this scourge that is claiming the

land – sodomy and indignity to a human corpse. This issue of grave concern should not be allowed to bring up the rear (no pun intended) during campaign discussion. The Quran speaks out against sodomy/homosexuality, clearly stating that those who practice are a people transgressing beyond bounds, and would have a shower of brimstone rained down on them. On a diversionary note, the behaviour of the perverted attackers of these young citizens of unshaped minds, smacks of what in Guyanese vernacular can be called “advantage takers”. Surely, these pre-adolescent youngsters are no match mentally, physically or even energetically for their attackers, hence they become easy, unsuspecting prey. So to my fellow Guyanese, wherever you are near or far, travelling by road, boat or car, the issue must on the front burner be for each and everyone to see .Sodomy must be discussed as it affects all of us. To tell the truth, not just the youth. Yvonne Sam

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

This election is about removing a ruthless and criminal cabal from office DEAR EDITOR, Perception is what has Guyana in a state of disrepair from 1992 to date. Guyanese in general like to accept as gospel any rumours; be it halftruth or just plain lies. The PNC through the years looked the other way, and allowed the PPP to propagandize against all of its achievements from 1964 to 1992 in pursuing a unified Guyana, and at the end of the day, that Party has been demoralized by the perception that it is racist and has done untold damage to the PPP, its constituents (who are predominantly East Indians) and ultimately Guyana. Still we have not learnt! The PPP is using the world wide web to its advantage, with pages and blogs on Facebook (New Guy Media, Guyana Message Board, Guyanese living worldwide, Guyana Reliable Sources, etc.) sharing the same old lies; not in defence of their 23 years in office, but the continued vilification of the PNC with very little rebuttals. We just can’t keep doing the same things and

expect different results. Someone reminded me that the more vilification is left unresponded, the more it takes on a life of its own and people begin to believe it. In addition, Hitler also noted, “by the skillful and sustained use of propaganda, one can make a people see even heaven as hell or an extremely wretched life as paradise.” The PPP has done exactly that to its surrogates and die hard constituents; made an “extremely wretched life” for the masses in Guyana seems as “Paradise!” And they are willing to defend it, regardless of the consequences. Every single one of them has been programmed to say the same things. Now that the elections are less than a month away, the PPP propaganda machine has become increasingly ridiculous; even APNU+AFC Presidential candidate Brigadier Granger pictured praying is a talking point of ridiculous drivel. The PPP’s modus operandi is to survive, no matter what they have to say or do. We just cannot let these people rule Guyana any

longer. We must fight back with the truth. This election is not about the PNC. This election is about a 23-year-old government that is corrupt to the core. This election is about a government that marginalized several communities which support the opposition. This election is about bringing back some degree of hope for the Guyanese masses. More importantly, this election is about removing a ruthless and criminal cabal from office before many more have to suffer, or die without just cause. Finally, the voters must understand that there will be no “paradise” for them if the PPP is not removed from office. Everyone must be educated on the importance and urgency of voter turnout on Election Day. Voter turnout must exceed any time in the past. We must win this one for Guyana, we must take back Guyana, and as JFK pointed out, “things do not happen, things are made to happen.” Suffice to say, let us make it happen on May 11th 2015. Errol J Lewis

Donald Ramotar has learnt nothing from the message sent to him in 2011 DEAR EDITOR, When Donald Ramotar arrived in Bartica, as the people observed his statements, all they could have seen is a clueless and confused politician. As his every step was analyzed for signs of change, all they found was a slavish commitment to a continuation of a broken ideology called ‘Jagdeoism’ of “borrow more, tax more and spend more on friends and family”. Donald Ramotar has learnt nothing from the message that the people sent to him in 2011. If he had really listened to the people since 2011, he would have by now dumped Jagdeo and his “ism” and this family invasion onto the PPP List of Candidates would have never happened. We would have seen a set of creative new policies to fixing age-old problems in Guyana, such as measures to create the new jobs, cleaning up the garbage, providing greater access to functional literacy, more responsiveness of the health care system and most importantly, the creation of new opportunities for our people.

What we got instead at Bartica was more promises being regurgitated from 2011, because none of them were fulfilled. What we got was more debt since 2011, a depletion of the foreign reserves since 2011, more corruption in the Government since 2011 and greater examples of plundering of the Treasury by the PPP operatives. What we see on the PPP stage are a group of individuals who act entitled to office like if they were born as monarchs to rule Guyana forever, irrespective of their public performance. The disrespect for themselves, their office and the people has gone so far that on the voters’ list, some of them do not have a profession but list themselves as Ministers and President. How more “dotish” can these people get? Ramotar comes across tired and as someone who is campaigning as a necessary duty to help the PPP reach its goal since he is nothing but the fifth wheel to the PPP coach of corruption. He is rusty on the message and at

An opportunity to preserve the democratic essence of the state DEAR EDITOR, There is a positive correlation between democracy and development. The records will show that growth and development in Guyana was much more pronounced when the country experienced democratic rule as opposed to colonial, minority or dictatorial rule. Prior to the 1950’s when the country was under British colonial rule, there was limited growth but no development. The economy was exported- oriented with a narrow economic base. Sugar, and to a much lesser extent, bauxite and rice, were the main sources of foreign exchange earnings. There was a serious divergence between domestic needs and resource utilisation with most of the foreign exchange earnings going overseas. It was not until the emergence of nationalist leaders in the 1940’s most notably Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his wife Janet that organised

pressure was exerted to change the then prevailing status quo in favour of the ordinary people. This was particularly evident following the formation of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) in 1946 and the PPP in January 1950. Indeed, the first major assault against the status quo was in 1953 when the PPP under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan won a landslide victory at the polls, the first to be held under universal adult suffrage. The evolution of our politics since the 1950s is demonstrative of the classical Marxist-Leninist postulates of class contradictions and the role of the state as an instrument of class rule. The democratically elected Jagan-led PPP was removed from power by the British Government under pressure from the United States administration because of a perception that the PPP was too much to the left which could pose a threat to foreign dominated

Discrimination, corruption... From page 4 is tantamount to an abuser asking the abused to give them another. It requires strength to say, enough is enough. The abused, the people of this society, have a right to get up and say no more. What the Jagdeo/ Ramotar leadership needs is

time out from government to correct their evil ways. What this nation and her people need is breathing space to develop the appropriate climate and programmes to recoup from the lost ground we suffered by these two men leadership. Lincoln Lewis

business interests in the colony. The concern of the working masses was ignored and an interim government was imposed in 1953 to administer the affairs of the colony. During the four year tenure of the interim government, the country only marked time with no real progress and no development of significance actually took place. It was not until the PPP took office in the elections of 1957 that real development took place both in terms of an expansion in the delivery of social services and production of main exports in particular rice and sugar. Several new agricultural and housing schemes were opened up in several parts of the country. Emphasis was also put on health and education with the construction of several new primary and secondary schools including the University of Guyana. The economy grew at an accelerated pace despite the several roadblocks placed by Britain and other western powers to get developmental assistance from the socialist bloc. The removal of the PPP from the seat of government thanks to the intrigues and machinations of western vested interests in collaboration with local reactionary elements saw a reversal of the economic and

social gains made by the PPP regime. At a more fundamental level, the right to vote which was fought for and won by the PPP was taken away by the PNC regime which kicked out the UF from the coalition government and set up a de facto one party state. Under the twenty-eight years of PNC authoritarian and dictatorial rule the country was reduced to the second poorest country in the western hemisphere and life for the vast majority of the Guyanese people became a living hell. The country experienced a political crisis which resulted from the shameless rigging of national and regional elections in order to perpetuate minority PNC rule. That political crisis in turn led to an economic crisis which impacted adversely on the living and working conditions of the Guyanese people. In other words, the political crisis generated an economic crisis which in turn led to a social crisis which manifested itself in poor sanitary and housing conditions, falling education standards, a woefully deficient health sector to name but a few. The dialectical interplay between the polity and the economy was very much in evidence. It was not until the return of the PPP on October 5, 1992 after twenty-eight years of dictatorial rule that the

conditions of life of the Guyanese people began to show significant improvements. This is why it is so important that the democratic character of the state be preserved since as our own experience has demonstrated whenever there is a rupture in our democracy the consequences can be extremely painful and far reaching. This coming election on May 11 will once again provide the Guyanese people with an opportunity to preserve the democratic essence of the state and at the same time allow for an acceleration of our economic and social gains. Hydar Ally

every rally he complements his lack of readiness with a message from Jagdeo that is populated with half-truths and treachery. Thus this is all theatrics, not a genuine “campaign of care” for the welfare of the people. So clearly voters will not find the PPP campaign as honest, authentic and empathetic enough to trust them with their welfare. All the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal has done over the last decade was provide empty promises and divert huge chunks of the Treasury to private deals that enrich their friends and family. Is this why Ramotar wants to be president? To continue more of the same? Let the facts reveal that his son failed Guyana condignly and lost some G$10 billion on an incomplete and non-functional ICT project that was supposed to empower and facilitate an egovernment effort. This project was started since 2008 and still remains incomplete after billions have been sunk into it and now lost forever thanks to the gross incompetence and poor project management leadership from an extremely inexperienced project head. As a reward for his gross incompetence, he was bequeathed with a place on the PPP list of candidates in these 2015 elections. It is public actions like this that has now cemented Donald Ramotar into a politically and personally diminished position and which will cause him to lose these elections to a more genuine and robust team in the form of Dagga and Nagga. And if he does not know who are Dagga and Nagga, he is out of touch with the people. Sase Singh

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Kaieteur News

Luncheon refuses to identify US$6M drug supplier Despite being asked, yesterday, to reveal the identity of the person or company awarded a billiondollar drug contract for a local hospital; the lips of Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon remained sealed. During his weekly press conference held at the Office of the President, the politician cited the contracts for which Cabinet gave its “no objection”. Among those awarded for the Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM), the Head of the Presidential Secretariat said, that Cabinet also gave its blessings for the procurement of medical supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, to the tune of US$1.05M

which is equivalent to $219.8M. There was another award for which Cabinet granted its ‘no objection’ was that for drugs for the said hospital for $1.16B.? However, when asked to disclose the name of the preferred bidder for the health contracts, Dr. Luncheon said, “I generally have not used this occasion to either confirm or deny the identity of bidders.” In relation to when the bid was opened for the drugs and if it was in keeping with the purchasing trends of the Ministry of Health, the Cabinet Secretary could not at the time, give a definitive answer. He did state, however,

PPP/C postpones public forum

that given his awareness of the enormity in providing free health care for the entire nation, he can say without hesitation, that the annual purchases for drugs and supplies exceed the sum of the two said awards for which Cabinet granted its no objection. “But again, like I will be saying the fourth time, you guys have to give me some heads up before the press conference, in the interest of clarity and enlightenment…and so that answers can be provided to the questions asked of the poor Head of the Presidential Secretariat who is not the accountant general for the Ministry of Health,” he concluded. Under the revised criteria for the pre-qualification of suppliers of drugs and medical supplies, bidders must demonstrate a gross turnover of $1B (US$5M) and net assets of $500M (US$2.5M). One of the Ministry’s criteria, is that maximum score

will be awarded to applicants who have paid $50M in corporate taxes annually. The company with 50 or more employees, and warehousing capacity of 30,000 square feet in the city, will also gain an edge. The New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (NGPC) is the only supplier, locally, with a bond of that size. New GPC is owned by former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop. That company has been supplying the bulk of the drugs to Government for the past 15 years, ever since it was acquired by Ramroop in 1999. The political opposition has even linked this “sole sourcing practice” to the cause of the extreme shortage of pharmaceuticals existing in the local market. The opposition had also spoken to the pre qualification requirements for the supply of drugs which it said were changed to such an “unreasonable” extent that it

Thursday April 16, 2015

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon

leaves only New GPHC as a qualified applicant for the supply of pharmaceuticals. According to the revised prequalification criteria, maximum points will also be awarded in the evaluation process to the applicants who have been supplying Government for more than seven years without any negative reports. But even as that point is taken into consideration, New GPC has been a feature in the Auditor General’s report over the years with several instances focused on multimillion-dollar deficiencies in the procurement and supply of drugs to Government. Nevertheless, the Opposition during the past years made clear its position

on the matter. It has been iterating that there must be some supervisory role over this process through the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission which will be the body to ensure that all the rules are adhered to in order to secure value for money. It had emphasized that sole sourcing at this point, is being used as a “corrupt instrument” and the establishment of the Procurement Commission under an A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, will ensure that the playing field is evened out and the advantage being taken on the nation will come to an end.

US$15M Petro Caribe fund goes into Hope Canal President Donald Ramotar

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper

A forum arranged to facilitate public interaction between President Donald Ramotar, his Prime Ministerial running mate Elisabeth Harper, and members of the public was yesterday postponed for reasons that are yet to be confirmed. The forum, which was organised by Guyana Women Roundtable (GWR) and Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC), was arranged so that parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections could address public issues related to women’s rights and youth development. APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger (ret’d), and the party’s Executive member Catherine Hughes, participated in the activity which was held at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Parade Street, Kingston on Monday last. President Ramotar and PPP Prime Ministerial hopeful Elisabeth Harper, were to make their appearance at the same venue yesterday. In a press release GNYC

explained that yesterday’s event had been postponed until further notice. When this newspaper contacted Chairperson, Tiffany Daniels, she explained that the last unofficial communication she received was to the effect that PPP/C requested the meeting be postponed, because of issues with space and the air conditioning at the Parade Street, Kingston location. Daniels said, “I have not spoken to the PPP/C as yet, so I am not sure why the activity was postponed… but my last communication was that they had a problem with space and the air conditioning… because of complaints from people who were there.” When Kaieteur News contacted GWR Founder, Dr. Dawn Stewart, she explained that the PPP/C did not give a reason as to why the meeting has been postponed, and are yet to get back to the organisers to set a new date. However, both Stewart and Daniels expressed optimism that the meeting will take place in the near future.

Months after Essequibo rice farmers were seeking an audience with the Minister of Agriculture and senior members of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to sit and discuss the problems they face, yesterday former President, Bharrat Jagdeo took the opportunity to have a open discussion with farmers and party supporters. The venue was a public meeting on the lawns of the State House at Anna Regina. Jagdeo explained that for months now he had been hearing about the problems facing the rice industry. He added that marketing and early payments to rice farmers by millers have been two major issues facing the rice industry. This, he said, is not new; it has resurfaced again due to the large quantity of rice Guyana continues to produce over the years. “We can’t solve all the problems, we can’t ask everybody to buy our rice; there have been problems but we want to continue to work to address those issues.” He said that while Guyana exported 500,000 tons of rice last year, exports have grown from $10M to a $250 million. The former President said that when the Petro Caribe agreement was signed between Guyana and

A section of the gathering

Venezuela in 2009, Guyana could have exported seventy percent of rice to that high price market, unlike the thirty percent which the country is exporting today. He told his audience that the Petro Caribe deal came to fruition after he had discussions with the late Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, about a quantity of rice that Guyana couldn’t have sold. He said at the time he was the President of Guyana and was attending a meeting at the United Nations

when he spoke to Chavez who directed him to Maduro, the then Foreign Affairs Minister. The conversation between Maduro and him, he said, was successful. It subsequently led to him striking a rice deal. “I am hearing all kinds of claims; the fund was not open by chance. It was opened by a conversation. Farmers need to understand this.” Jagdeo added that the Petro Caribe deal is open to other Caribbean countries and it was as a result of the

fluctuation of oil prices.”Let’s say oil price is high, Venezuela said we give you some credit, this is for the entire Caribbean, while oil price is high. While Guyana is not the only Caribbean country that has access to the Petro Caribe arrangement, he said that the other countries have been utilizing their loan. In Guyana’s case the money is used to finance rice purchases. The rest of the money is sitting in the Central (continued on page 18)

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

Mom insists PS influences daughter’s delinquent behaviour Three weeks ago, Leomi Willis, began campaigning for the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) because of what she deemed as unacceptable behaviour by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). She objected to the treatment of young persons. She is the mother of the teen who was reported missing and who was found in the company of Permanent Secretary, Colin Croal at Kamwatta. The mother and Community Support Officer (CSO) had previously been a supporter of the PPP/C but a recent youth march in Mabaruma made Willis reconsider her political position. According to Willis what disturbed her was the involvement of underage persons participating in alcohol consumption at the rallies and youth marches. On Sunday, among those faces, to her surprise, was her 17year-old daughter. Permanent Secretary Croal was a part of the march involving the number of underage teenagers. In an interview with this publication, Willis revealed that she was shocked to find her daughter taking part in the PYO march, since in her view her daughter is a minor and went to participate without her permission. “I don’t have a problem with her associating with the party,” said Willis. “My issue is that my daughter started to drink and come home at odd hours of the night because she would be at these PYO events.” After talking to her daughter about her concerns, Willis said that she thought the matter had been resolved but once again she was surprised on a recent campaign trip to Kamwatta where she saw her daughter intoxicated and wearing a PYO jersey with other members.

Permanent Secretary, Colin Croal The mother said that she brought out her daughter from the village and called authorities to signal the filing of a report. She then related that one of her friends talked to the daughter, urging her to “behave herself” in the best interest of her parent. Once again, Willis said that she thought that this would be an end to her daughter’s behaviour, as she appeared to be remorseful. Shockingly, this was not the case. Willis revealed that her daughter went to the police to press charges against her for physically abusing her. Willis has denied those charges, and believes that her daughter is being forced to do so. Since Willis’ public endorsement of the APNU+AFC, she claims she has been receiving regular threats, to the point where she is afraid to leave her home. “I don’t feel free. I’m scared of all the threats they are sending me,” related Willis. She revealed that she is afraid the PYO group is trying to use her daughter against her. Things further escalated when the 17 year-old’s father on Tuesday reported her missing. He reportedly asked Willis whether she was aware that her daughter left Mabaruma on a plane to

Moruca. According to the mother, she believed that her daughter had left Mabaruma in Croal’s presence without permission. It was subsequently discovered that the daughter was in the compound of the airstrip with a friend. However, while the teenager is in the care of her mother, she continues to remain silent when questioned about her activities with Croal. “I think they [PYO] should respect mothers and fathers,” said Willis as she expressed concern over the involvement of the Permanent Secretary with her daughter. In an issued statement, the PYO confirmed that its members were at the Kamwatta community for an event accompanied by the Permanent Secretary. The statement said that members ranged from ages 14-35 and at no time was the teenager in question reported missing. The release stated that her mother was “fully aware” of her daughter’s involvement with the youth group’s activities. The PYO has denied that the young girl was intoxicated and condemns such behaviour, saying that the organisation adheres to the rules and regulations of the country.

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REVISITING CRITICAL SUPPORT What is far more important than knowledge of our past is a proper understanding of that past. A blinkered understanding of the past can lead to the same degree, if not worse, of ignorance than selective amnesia which attempts to erase those aspects of the past which is -politically convenient to suppress. One of the issues over which there has been either a misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt at distortion has been the issue of “critical support” which the PPP offered to the PNC in 1975. “Critical support” must not be confused with unconditional support. “Critical support” must not be confused either with forming a coalition of joining with the other party. When the PPP announced its position of “critical support”, the then General Secretary Dr. Cheddi Jagan went to great pains, including speaking to party groups around the country, to explain what this meant and why the PPP was offering it. He said:

“It means giving support for any progressive measure, opposing any reactionary moves and criticising all shortcomings. Above all, it means giving a firm message to imperialism and its lackeys that we will not tolerate any meddling in our domestic affairs, that despite the differences between the PPP and the government, we are prepared to unite our forces with the PNC forces to fight against intervention so as to safeguard our national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The decision of the PPP to lend “critical support” to the PNC government caused a major division within the leadership of the PPP. Ranji Chandisingh, for example, was of the view that given the leftist turn by the PNC, that the PPP needed to encourage Burnham to push Guyana closer to socialism. He felt that the PPP should not just offer “critical support” but unconditional support so as push Burnham faster and further towards socialism. He felt that if the PPP gave such support, it

Dem boys seh ...

Each child can build dem own nursery school in dem backyard Laughter is de best medicine. If you belly hurt you—laugh. If you head hurt you—laugh. If you behind hurt you—laugh. If you mouth hurt you—smile. Have a good laugh Brassington, Ashni and Jagdeo. De Marriott opening today and dem boys want to know how and whose hand it gun land in. Is then dem boys gun laugh. But then again, when you deh in pain, you can’t laugh and that is why dem three can’t laugh. Dem get ketch because dem plan was to use taxpayers money to build de hotel, then tek it over and kick out Badal from next door. As fate would have it, dem nah get fuh transfer nutten because dem boys open de eyes of all Guyana and expose dem wicked and evil plans. Dem still planning fuh thief de hotel but that is something dem can’t hide. It is like de Santa complex. Up to now, everything dem do was in secret. But one by one dem things coming out every day. Dem build a courthouse and tell de nation that it cost $46 million. When dem boys ask dem seh it fully air conditioned like if air conditioning does cost millions. De paint nah even dry pun that building, and dem open a li’l nursery school. De school got six classroom that look like six huts. Dem tell de nation that it cost $82.3 million. Dem seh that dem build de school for 120 children but de villages only got 60 children. Each pickney coulda build he personal nursery school in he backyard wid that kind of money and coulda hire a private teacher till dem children tun adults. When dem boys hear de story right away dem remember de NIS $69 million flat house in Berbice wha even smaller than de $46 million courthouse. Dem boys ask Luncheon how de building cost $69M he tell dem boys, “Well you know, it’s not de building alone. We had to cater fuh Ceeting Kapassity.” Dem boys see six wood bench in de compound. That is de ‘Ceeting Kapassity’ Doctor Luncheon was talking about. De $82Mschool got sick bay (one li’l bed and a medicine cupboard); a kitchen wid a $6,000 sink and a pipe that run outside in de yard—(no stove or cooking gas); washroom facility – (three toilet wid couple plastic bucket nearby); and administrative department (that got seating capacity like a judge and jury courtroom but no air conditioning) and of course, landscaping—two cutlass, one axe and fork. That’s $82 M, Priya and Armogan. Talk half and wonder how much millions fuh de Marriott landscape.

would move the country further and faster along the road to socialism. This caused a division within the leadership of the PPP because there were other leaders who felt that if the PPP went that route it would compromise itself and lose its moral authority to criticize any further deviations from socialism that may arise under the PNC. There were other views. One of which was the possibility that this initial thrust by Burnham could have been opportunistic and therefore the party needed to be supportive yet cautious in the manner in which it pledged its support. It was also argued that the party needed to be able to condemn the many wrongs within the society, including the rape of democracy under the PNC. All opposition parties practice a form of “critical support”. During the previous parliament, for example, the AFC supported the government on certain issues. They condemned on others. This is a form of critical

support. APNU also supported the government on the issue of the Cricket Administration Bill while the AFC opposed the government on this issue. This too is form of critical support. What therefore it may be asked distinguishes this form of critical support from the one that the PPP offered to the then PNC government in the 1970’s? In trying to understand how Jagan’s “critical support” was different from the traditional role of critical support practiced by opposition parties it is important to understand context. Burnham despite his avowed anti-imperialists stance was supported by the imperialist powers so long as he remained the alternative towards the more radical Jagan. The West in fact had said very little in condemning him for rigging the 1973 elections. The rigging of the elections forced a response from the PPP. After the elections of 1973, the PPP boycotted parliament and adopted a

position of non-cooperation and peaceful civil resistance. International forces had however began to weigh heavily on the PPP to reconsider its position towards Burnham given that he had established close ties with the Cuba and was moving fast to bring the country into socialism. Anthony P Maingot in an article entitled Socialism in the Caribbean argued that in June of 1975, the communist parties of the Caribbean at a conference adopted the noncapitalist path to development and promoted the formation of broad progressive forces to help forge the antiimperialist struggle. This conference was a decisive moment for the antiimperialist movement in the Caribbean. Pressures were brought to bear on communist parties in the Caribbean to forge progressive alliance in the interest of the antiimperialist struggle. Pressures were brought to bear on Burnham to forge a progressive anti-imperialist alliance with Jagan, and vice

versa. “Critical support” was borne out of this dynamic. It was borne out of the need to send a clear signal to imperialism that the Caribbean was entering into a new phase in the struggle for socialism. “Critical support” as offered by the PPP was therefore part of the unity of the Caribbean left and as part of the ideological weaponry of the Left against imperialism. Jagan of course also hoped that it would eventually help in finding a solution to the political crisis in the country. Critical support was however doomed to failure. Imperialism, as we are seeing in Venezuela today, is no pushover. It had Burnham on its frock tails. It knew his number and simply dialed it.

Elisabeth Harper’s son fails to file defence in $700 million lawsuit Reagan Pollard, son of People’s Progressive Party Civic, PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper, involved in a bitter court battle over $700 million owed to the overseas-based LLC Puruni Mining, has failed to file his defence in response to the court action against him, last December. Pollard is now seeking further clarification regarding claims outlined in the matter. Accordin g t o c o u r t documents the money was given to Pollard, a local miner, to be invested in the m i n i n g i n d u s t r y, b u t investors never received the agreed returns. The i n v e s t m ent was subsequently amended to become a loan agreement that Pollard agreed to repay.

but he has either “failed, neglected or refused,” to honour the agreement. The court documents specified that the defendant only issued payments to the tune of US$31,614. On April, I last, the court granted Pollard, 14 days to file an affidavit in his defence. But instead of presenting a response to the action, Pollard through his Attorney, is said to have filed a summons seeking further and better particulars in regard to claims made by LLC Puruni. The matter came up in

Reagan Pollard However, the legal document which was filed last December stated that, Pollard was scheduled to repay US$230,000 by last October

chambers before Commercial Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud, yesterday. In his representation of the overseas-based investors, Attorney Marcel Bobb, told the court that no further clarifications will be given, since all the particulars were already outlined in the statement of claim. He held that the defendant must file a response. As a result the matter has been adjourned to May 13. On that date, Pollard’s Attorney is expected to provide the (continued on page 23)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 16, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Comparing the PNC and the PPP in office Mr. Charrandas Persaud of the Alliance for Change had me once again as the guest last Tuesday evening on his Berbice television interview programme. The other two guests were Raymond Hall and Michael Carrington, both of the Alliance For Change. Charrandas asked all three of us to comment on the period of the PNC in government because he said in its election campaign, the PPP has completely blanked out the historic name of Desmond Hoyte. Before we come to Hoyte, let’s go back to my visit to Black Bush Polder last Sunday night which formed the subject of my Tuesday column. As we drove into

Yakusari, Dr. Ramayyah was speaking at the APNU-AFC public meeting. There was this aging East Indian man, in his middle seventies, braced against a car very close to the speaker. He was engaged in a heated discourse with Charrandas. I distinctly heard two remarks. He told Charrandas that the PNC Government destroyed everything (those were his exact words) and he advised Charrandas to think like an Indian. I won’t comment on the Indian remark because I don’t know what he meant. But the observation on the PNC Government is typical of the PPP’s campaign and each time this distortion of Guyanese history is

repeated by the PPP it should be confronted. One of the youth leaders of the AFC, Leon Hunte, who was with me kept urging me to answer this aging gentleman and I did after I heard those two remarks. I told him he was a relic of the past and it was a complete waste of time to engage him in a conversation. The myth of PNC destruction has become the backbone of the PPP’s campaign strategy. The object is to keep pounding in the ear of the average East Indian that the PNC Government did not develop Guyana. The historical record is a complete rejection of this fiction and educated Guyanese have to crush it. There were two PNC Governments – the Forbes Burnham period and the Desmond Hoyte enlightenment. Both of these administrations did phenomenal things for

Guyana. Two success stories of Forbes Burnham have rubbished the twelve year reign of Bharrat Jagdeo. First, the University of Guyana is Forbes Burnham’s achievement. Burnham took a part time university held up in the Queen’s College compound just months after Cheddi Jagan founded it and demitted office and made it into a top class institution at Turkeyen on a sprawling estate. UG is testimony to Burnham’s contribution to Guyana. What Burnham built, Jagdeo destroyed. UG is a virtual disgrace for an institution of higher learning. Compare the Demerara Harbour Bridge built in the seventies to the pathetic piece of construction on the Berbice River and you can easily compare the record of Forbes Burnham and Bharrat Jagdeo. Mr. Jagdeo’s twelve-

year rule was ugly and it is best personified in the ugly metal thing called the Berbice Bridge. The most horrendous dimension about this ugliness is Jagdeo’s passage which was built in the 21st century, yet it looks like it is from the 14th century. Back to Desmond Hoyte – all three of us on that programme contexualized the democratic governance of Desmond Hoyte. We informed Berbicians that it was Desmond Hoyte who opened up the economy, brought back banned food items and democratized the Guyanese society. It was important to inform Berbicians that on the level of morality, when the PPP Government is juxtaposed against the Hoyte administration, it is like Dracula versus Mother Theresa. Mr. Hoyte was a severe disciplinarian. He interdicted high PNC and Governmental officials who

Frederick Kissoon were accused of wrong-doing of which the Rabbi Washington prosecution stands out. The Jagdeo/Ramotar combination could easily be regarded as the most morally depraved period in West Indian history. The past fifteen years in the exercise of power has seen the descent into the cesspool of moral filth where men and women wearing coercive authority on their shirt-sleeve wallow in perverted, violent behaviour that would not be tolerated even in brutal military dictatorships I wrote three times in these columns and repeated it in an interview programme with Chris Ram as the host, that I honestly believe that type of immoral and obscene conduct in government that we have in Guyana under both Jagdeo and Ramotar, Adolph Hitler would not have tolerated among his elite circle. Both Burnham and Hoyte were purists in this regard. As the PPP continues with its caricatured version of the PNC in government, those in the Guyanese society who can articulate the facts of history must present an alternative discourse to the Indian people to whom this caricature is directed in order to win votes.

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Marriott Hotel: Foolish or crooked or deal? - Chris Ram By Chris Ram On Thursday the cream of the private sector would be gathering at the Kingston Marriott to celebrate what a leading private sector representative described as an impact investment, i.e. an investment in a company that not only provides a financial return to the investor but also social and environmental returns as well. One example of such a company would be one that produces solar lighting for those without access to electricity, while another would be one producing low cost mini-computers (tablets) for the needs of deprived kids. In both economic as well as financial terms, the Marriott Hotel provides neither a financial return to the investor, in this case a Government company named Atlantic Hotel Inc., nor any social benefit to the community. Let us see what the Government has had to put into the investment: 1. Land with a market rental value of $1 US per foot has been leased to the

company at half a US cent per square foot, i.e. 1/200 of its worth. 2. The land is estimated to be worth around US$75 million but the company can buy it at any time within 99 years for US$1 million. This model practically tells the investor to rent for next to nothing for the next ninety eight years and then exercise the right to purchase in the 99th year when the present day value of $1 million will be worth approximately US$491, using an 8% discount rate. 3. There is a concept of a negative rent and the nominal rent being paid is effectively a payment to hold an option for 99 years. 4. Investment in GT&T which has produced billions of dollars in dividends was sold for $30 million to partly finance the government investment in the Marriott. At least $20 million of this sum has been lent to AHI at zero rate of interest and not repayable until after fifteen years. In today’s value that US$20 million paid after fifteen years is worth US$6.3 million, using an 8% discount rate. 5. The Government has

given a generous tax holiday to the company including ten years for taxes on income and twenty years on duty and taxes on imports. 6. The Chinese contractor, which was awarded the contract even before it registered to do business in Guyana, has paid no corporate taxes on its profits, nor as is widely suspected were its all-Chinese labour force subject to tax on their income or to NIS. 7. All the development costs including multiple but useless studies, sewage diversion, interest during construction, and administration costs have been borne by NICIL, another Government company whose chairman is Dr. Ashni Singh, the Finance Minister, and is therefore not recoverable. 8. In addition to the more than US$20 million given to the company interest free for fifteen years, the Government is putting in another US$4 million by way of equity on which no return is guaranteed. Now, here is the kick: none of the concessions injected by the Government

is given any value in how control of the company is exercised. Another Chinese investor – ACE Investments Inc. – who invests US$8 million dollars in equity, is given control of the company while the government becomes a minority shareholder! Because Brassington as the sole director of AHI has decided that details of the investment are a private, commercial matter, no one is sure that ACE is prevented from exercising its controlling interest by selling its shares at any time and capitalise on all the concessions the Government has put into the company! This is either a foolish deal or a crooked one. No doubt, the top brass of the Private Sector Commission will be at the opening to give praise to the Government and so I hope that it’s Chairman, Ramesh Persaud, who is an accountant and is in the business of finance would be willing to answer the following questions: • Should a value not be placed on all the non-equity inputs in the company,

including tax concessions, land rent concessions and costs borne by NICIL for the benefit of AHI not recorded in AHI’s books? • Does it make financial sense that the price to be paid for a share by an investor coming in when the project is operational is the same as that paid by an original investor who has also made valuable cash and non-cash inputs? • Is the PSC aware that that is the nature of the arrangement with ACE? • Is the PSC aware that the Shareholders’ and Share Subscription Agreement were entered into in 2013 when the project and its financing were almost completed? • Does the PSC agree with the decision to dispose of shares in GT&T earning hundreds of millions to be invested in ANY investment that produces no return for fifteen years? • Would IPED of which the Chairman of the PSC is the CEO lend money or make advances to any person on the terms on which NICIL is lending AHI? I have not heard anyone make the case that the

Accountant/Lawyer, Chris Ram Marriott was conceived as a social investment for the benefit of any deprived individual or class of individuals, whether economically disadvantaged, physically impaired or socially underprivileged. In fact, a five star brand does quite the opposite – it is expensive, exclusive and selective. So any suggestion of a socially impactful investment is clearly nonsense. There has been some disingenuous attempt to make the financial case for the project using some heavily doctored projections contracted by Winston Brassington. The economic case is even weaker. Does any rational person say “international brand X (continued on page 24)

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Thursday April 16, 2015

Shifting CXC exams costing Govt. “hundreds of thousands of US dollars” – Dr. Luncheon “Hundreds of thousands of US dollars,” said Dr. Roger Luncheon when asked of the cost Government will incur to shift the dates of a number of Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations in order to allow for the May 11 Polling Day activities. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat made this disclosure as he hosted a post-cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President yesterday. He pointed out that while he was not in a position to give a precise figure, “I am told it’s hundreds of thousands of US dollars would be expended by the Government of Guyana in doing the rescheduling and meeting CXC cost for that.” According to him, the real issue associated with the shifting of the examinations dates, is linked to the reformulation of the examinations since examination papers that were set for May 11 cannot be used

locally for the new examination dates in later May and June. Because of the shift, new papers and a new set of logistics arrangements were put in place by CXC exclusively for Guyana, Dr. Luncheon informed yesterday. “I am told that work is indeed completed,” he added. But while Dr. Luncheon was very forthcoming to respond when questioned of the cost Government will incur, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has for nearly a week dodged a response in this regard. This publication even before that, attempted to contact both the Minister and her Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, to shed light on the cost factor. However, it was another Ministry official, although unable to state the cost, who told this publication that all measures are in place to facilitate the examinations.

“If you are asking about the cost I am not privy to that information,” said the official. She continued by adding that “at this point I can’t say what is the additional cost or if there was any at all.” CXC Pro-Registrar, Mr. Glenroy Cumberbatch, had told this publication that while assisting CXC member countries to shift examinations dates, if the need arises, is not a challenge to the Regional examining body, the only factor that is not immediately known is the cost that will be incurred. He informed that the associated cost to shift the date of the examinations therefore, will be one that the Government will have to pay in order to allow CXC to prepare and administer several parallel examination papers to local candidates. He had informed that, “that cost is being worked out and would form a contract between CXC and Government of Guyana.”

GECOM hails voter education as successful With over 570,000 Guyanese eligible to vote at the upcoming General and Regional elections, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has expressed the belief that its voter education campaign has been a success thus far. As General and Regional elections inch closer, GECOM has upped its game in getting relevant information to the electorate and part of its campaign involves frequent advertisements being disseminated to the public. When contacted yesterday, GECOM Chairman Steve Surujbally said the body’s public awareness campaign was “going satisfactorily”. Surujbally said too, that the adverts were disseminated to encourage Guyanese to be prepared to vote at the upcoming elections. Similarly, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Richard Francois emphasised the importance of the body’s voter education programme.

“We have to make sure that people understand the system and how to use the system when the time comes,” Francois explained. “We hope the message resonates with the public,” he added. According to Francois, there are over a dozen adverts coming from GECOM for this election season. These adverts, he said, are transmitted on television and on radio while other messages are placed within the print media. He said too, that GECOM has also been distributing flyers and using megaphones to get its messages out to the public as part of its “aggressive” campaign. Billboards have also been erected though no door-todoor campaigning is ongoing, Francois said. Francois added that the campaign began a few weeks ago and has been progressively intensifying. Meanwhile, Francois indicated that few of the questions reaching GECOM

deals with the Official List of Electors (OLE). “We haven’t heard questions really on lists and so forth,” he said. Instead, he said, most of the questions focus on the availability of jobs at polling stations. “So the programme does seem to be working,” Francois added. Since the launch of GECOM’s voter education campaign, the organisation’s commercials can be frequently seen on a number of television stations. The adverts touch on a number of elections related topics including, elections day procedure, the rights and responsibilities of voters, and the importance of exercising the democratic right to vote. The television adverts also include a sign language component. Surujbally further said that GECOM recently opened a Facebook page as part of its campaign. The body also has an ongoing series in local newspapers known as “Elections Corner”. Last month, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) had urged GECOM to commence a voter education programme. The party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee had said that GECOM must do this to sensitize voters about elections day procedures as well as the rights of voters at polling places.

Ever since the clash between polling day and the examinations was recognised, the Education Ministry had been in close collaboration with CXC. However Manickchand, had said, “we were not overly concerned…we expect mature behaviour that would not see us having security concerns.” She however, noted that the major concern was how to use the places of poll, which are schools that are deemed exam centres by CXC, to conduct the examinations under examinations conditions at the same time. Cumberbatch had also noted that CXC’s principal concern was to ensure that the Guyana candidates, who registered to write the examinations, had the opportunity to write them in the conditions that they

normally would. “The schools are the centres that are chosen and if the schools are to be used as polling stations, then it was not possible to have the two activities competing for the same space at the same time. Therefore, it was necessary to ensure that the candidates are not disadvantaged in any way on that given day,” said Cumberbatch. Because of the change in the examination dates the morning of June 15 will see candidates sitting the following CSEC subjects: Agricultural Science (Double Award)-Paper2; Agricultural Science (Single Award)-Paper 2 and Theatre Arts –Paper1. In the afternoon of June 15, the following CSEC subjects will be written: Electrical and Electronic Technology-Paper 1; Food and Nutrition –

Paper2. The CSEC examinations shifted to June 16 will include Home Economics: Management – Paper 2 and Technical Drawing-Paper 2 in the morning, and Electrical and Electronic Technology Paper 2 in the afternoon. Meanwhile, CAPE subjects set for the morning of June 15 are: Geometrical and Mechanical Engineering Drawing Unit 1 – Paper 2, History Unit 1 – Paper 2 and Art and Design unit 1 and 2 – Paper 2 and 3, while in the afternoon candidates will undertake the Communication StudiesPaper 2. The following morning CAPE candidates will sit French Unit 2 – Paper 2 and Environmental Science Unit 2-Paper 2, while in the afternoon they will be tasked with sitting Pure Mathematics Unit 1 – Paper 2.

Surujbally defends “padded” voters list - reveals reasons for increase For months, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has come under fire for what persons had deemed a “padded” voters’ list. For the most part, Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally had remained silent on the issue, only once slamming the allegations made against GECOM’s integrity. Howeve r, S u r u j b a l l y apparently has had enough since he recently issued a statement on the increase in the numbers on the voters’ list. In his statement, Surujbally lashed out at naysayers and opined that those making allegations “should and do know better”. He also hit out at implications that the list h a d b e e n p u r p o s e fully “padded” by a person or persons within GECOM. “Inherent in the word ‘padded’ is the overt, clear and indubitable message that some person or persons at the Guyana Elections Commission has/have brazenly…set out to undermine and tarnish the voters’ list and to make it questionable in its validity,” Surujbally wrote. Surujbally maintained that the act of purposefully padding the list was not only “quite impossible” with the number of checks put in place but its penalty would deter anyone from committing such an offence. “I would like to remind that there are great punishments, including jail

GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally that is associated with electoral fraud. Would a political party sympathizer love his or her party so much as to ‘take jail’ for his/her leader?” the GECOM head questioned. In 2011, the official list of electors (OLE) for the General Elections had 475,496 electors. This number increased greatly for the revised list of electors (RLE) for the upcoming General Elections; the number of electors rose to 570,786. The increase had garnered immediate alarm with political figures questioning the drastic rise. However, Surujbally in his statement listed a number of reasons for the possible increase, including outreaches and more frequent registration exercises, registrants coming of age and civic and voter education.

According to Surujbally, since house-to-house registration exercises were conducted in 2008, GECOM steadily improved outreach efforts and increased the frequency of its registration exercises. From the period 2011 to 2015, a total of seven exercises were undertaken, Surujbally said. Meanwhile, he said, 37,355 registered persons who would not have been 18 years at the time of the 2011 OLE had come of age. Furthermore, Surujbally opined that deceased electors played a huge factor in the OLE’s figure. “Let’s face it: many persons would have died during the 2011-2015 period without their deaths ever being reported,” he said. He added that out of 408 objections during the claims and objections period that followed the 7th cycle of continuous registration, only 42 were upheld. He continued, “The underreporting of deaths and emigration is a key challenge that requires a comprehensive approach and inclusion of all stakeholders. GECOM alone cannot address this problem.” Surujbally emphasised that voters’ lists are a “recurring bone of contention” not only in Guyana but all over the world. He said too that the most important consideration is ensuring that electors are unable to vote multiple times.

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

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GTU threatens industrial action to retaliate for non-payment of debunching monies Elections anxiety is in the air and could possibly escalate if the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is to make good on a threat to have its members engage in industrial action. This publication yesterday got word that the proposed action is currently in the planning phase and comes as an attempt to retaliate to the inaction of the Ministry of Education to honour the payment of debunching monies to teachers within the public education system. The industrial action plans were confirmed by GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte, who indicated to this publication yesterday that “we can’t just keep waiting in vain for the Ministry to honour its obligation.” According to him, the Union was mandated by its General Council, following a meeting on March 31 last, to embrace industrial action. The General Council consists of the Branch Leaders of the 39 GTU branches across the country. This publication understands that at the

meeting in question, the General Council mandated the Executive of the Union to first host a press conference in order to state its disappointment as it relates to the non-payment of the monies, and to outline the possibility of industrial action. However, ahead of an announcement of a press conference, this publication was informed that Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, had contacted the GTU’s General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, asking that she forward to him information related to the Debunching Agreement. According to Lyte all necessary information to facilitate the process was sent to Dr. Luncheon, but nearly two weeks have elapsed without any further word on the matter. Added to this, the GTU President said, that he is concerned that “the Ministry continues to be silent or unwilling to deal with this debunching issue,” especially in light of the fact that the payment is one that

will benefit all teachers when compared to other benefits such as vehicular duty free concessions, which target only Head and Deputy Head teachers. “Teachers are longing to have this payment made to them, but unfortunately, we have not heard a single word as to what will be done,” said the GTU President who noted that, “the Union is prepared to take industrial action maybe as soon as next week if nothing is forthcoming from the Ministry as it relates to when exactly this payment will be made.” Lyte noted that while industrial action can take various forms, the Union is looking at an extended sit-in, picketing action or simply asking teachers to stay away from work. “We are looking at our options right now and the form which we will adopt, but definitely if nothing is forthcoming, the Union will take some form of industrial action to vent its disappointment because apparently, talking about it is not working,” asserted Lyte.

GTU President, Mark Lyte He stressed that although the Union has been seeking answers on the issue for a prolonged period, - nothing has been forthcoming. Currently the GTU has some 7,000 teachers within its membership which translates to more than two-thirds of the public teachers’ population. Moreover, Lyte noted that industrial action could have

a significant impact on the education system. The education system is preparing to not only conduct the National Grade Two, Four and Nine Assessments, but also the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). “So it could have serious implications if the Union is to go down this road (industrial action). We really don’t want to go there; we really want to work along with the Ministry to ensure that we achieve an amicable resolution to this matter, but the Union cannot forever hold on and wait indefinitely on a word from the Ministry. I think that we have had enough time waiting and it is time for action,” added Lyte. The debunching payment is intended to cater to the salaries of teachers, whereby, those with the same status will be paid on a scale that is based on their years of experience. This would ensure that a senior teacher

who was trained 10 years ago will not be placed on the same salary scale as a senior master or mistress that was subsequently trained. But according to Lyte, “our teachers have not benefited one dollar from that debunching.” According to him, a task force that was set up to address this issue, completed its work since September in terms of categorising teachers and how they will benefit from the debunching. While the GTU has blamed the Ministry for this delayed payment, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand had earlier turned the blame on the Union but has however, not done anything to address the situation despite subsequently being provided with the relevant information from the Union to do so. “The last thing we heard about this matter, was last year when the Minister ranted and raved in the public; apart from that we have heard not a single word...” asserted Lyte yesterday.

Luncheon ready to engage in PPP laments GECOM’s delay in announcing final list of polling places debate on PPP/C’s broken promises

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday expressed its concerns with regard to the transparency of the recruitment of polling day staff and the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM)’s “intentional or unavoidable” delay in announcing the final list of polling places. This was done as PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee hosted the Party’s weekly press conference. The PPP had made several pleas to GECOM advocating for public vetting of Election Day personnel however, GECOM has responded on

each occasion giving details as to why this cannot happen. Further, GECOM made a commitment to the political parties that last minute changes to polling places will be avoided as much as possible and where unavoidable then it will be done in collaboration with the political parties. “Hence, the PPP calls on GECOM to start publishing these places for public knowledge and to avoid confusion on E-Day as in 2011,” said Rohee. The General Secretary

also reiterated the Party’s call on GECOM to intensify its voters’ education programme. “This must be done in every single hinterland, riverain and rural community where there is limited or no access to television and/or radio. Moreover, a targeted approach must be done to edify the thousands of first time voters on the list. The PPP is confident that proper voters’ education will serve to strengthen the electoral process and ease potential confusion on E-Day,” said Rohee.

Teen remanded on gun possession charge The 19-year-old who was nabbed on Monday in New Amsterdam, Berbice with a Berretta Pistol has been charged and remanded to jail. Trevor Sandy, 19, and unemployed, gave his address as 58 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice. He appeared on Tuesday in the Albion Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh and pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of ammunition without being the holder of a

firearm licence and being in possession of a firearm without being the holder of a licence. According to Prosecutor Sergeant Altia Solomon, the accused on April 13, last, at Main and Chapel Streets, had in his possession one Beretta Pistol and two rounds of matching ammunition. He was remanded to jail until Friday April 17, when he will next appear in court in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court.

According to information on the day in question at around 01:30 hrs on Monday morning, the police acting on information went to the area of Main and Chapel Streets, New Amsterdam, in the vicinity of Lim Kang Restaurant. Upon arriving at the scene the cops observed a man throwing something under a bus. The ranks quickly retrieved the object from under the bus. It was a gun.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon expressed at his press conference yesterday that he is ready to engage in any exchange with anyone who may want to question the election promises of the 2011 manifesto of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). This statement came after Kaieteur News asked Dr. Luncheon why the electorate should believe the promises of its Guyana Version 2.0 Manifesto given that many of the promises in the 2011 manifesto did not materialize. On April 6, the PPP/C in an advertisement in this newspaper made new, glowing promises to the local electorate should the party emerge victorious at the May 11 polls. In fact, the political party said it has upgraded its plans for the accelerated growth of the nation. But these plans are very similar to the attractive election promises sold to the nation when it contested in the 2011 election. Few of these promises were kept. In its “upgraded plan,” the PPP/C 20 years later is promising once again to simplify the tax system and enact the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Legislation. In 2011 it promised the

electorate that it will hold Local Government Elections and after failing to do this, despite numerous calls by civil society and the opposition, it is trying to convince the nation that it will be done this time around and before 2016. In 2011 as well, the PPP/C lured the voting public with another promise of establishing the Public Procurement Commission. This remains another broken promise. In spite of these glaring broken promises, Dr. Luncheon still said that he would hope that the sweeping statement on government’s failure to implement its 2011 programme in some parts of the manifesto can be qualified by critics. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat said, “There is no way that this administration can ever accept or concede that the 2011 manifesto which imposed certain obligations

and carried with it an undertaking made by the party for a PPPC administration, by far and large, have not been delivered. If indeed there are some who question that by far and large those undertakings haven’t been met, then we can have a debate on that matter and discuss with the 2011 manifesto in hand with what was and wasn’t being implemented or is being implemented.” While he is not necessarily hoping for a formal arrangement for the debate, Dr. Luncheon asserted that he would not hesitate to engage in any discourse on that subject because it deals with the PPP/ C stewardship and is a matter for which he has some responsibility to the citizenry. Further, in an elaborate four-page advertisement the PPP/C boasted that it is the only political party that has a record of moving the country forward on the path to development. It also stated that it has “delivered” on its promises.

GuySuCo worker killed ... From page 20 behaving as if nothing happened; they didn't even report the matter or highlight what happened. It appears as if this is being hidden although somebody died… They always have GuySuCo roundup on Channel 11 and they never

saw it fit to make an announcement.” According to the post mortem result, Corinne Greene died as a result of Hypertensive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a distinctive cardiac condition resulting from hypertension.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM VACANCY The #1 Plant Shop expanding: Need hardworking, literate, punctual workers, between age 18-28- Tel: 648-1821 Site engineer, road and architecture, 3-5year experience (male), must have ability to write construction Mothology plan – Tel: 6687104 Vacancy for body work man – Tel: 649-0659 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 1 Manager for a Hotel/Club @ Essequibo Coast, experienced in hotel industry, attractive salary & Accommodation – Contact: 226-9768; 642-7963 Cashier & office assistant @ Shell Service Station Providenc e E . B . D s h i f t work – (6am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) - email: shellramsburg@gmail.com. International Cruiselines, receptionists, cooks, waitresses, carpenters, cleaners, storekeepers, electricians, welders Contact Professional Recruitment Agency - 2316296, 650-9880 Miners, we provide workers for miners & we have land for you, GME Mining Sales –Tel: 231-7805; 695-5049

WANTED Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com Pump attendants, cashier at Shell Mc Doom Services Station – Contact: 627-2550; 670-6005 Live in waitress age 20 & older with Secondary Education @ Diamond Gate Liquior Restaurant, Lot 18-19 Belmont Mahaica - Tel: 2285013 1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Farm workers, 1 male clerkCall: 265-3586 1 mechanic to work in the interior must know about 6BT Cummings and Perkins –Tel: 691-6260 1 Carpenter, 1 Mason, 1 Painter – Call: 265-3586 Urgently needed land to buy in Fort Ordinance & Glasgow (Berbice) & Rosignol –Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223 1 Male, 3 female general workers @ Land Of Canaan E.B.D – Tel: 225-6337 Salesgirls wanted – Tel: 2276817 Experienced saw man and male cook – Tel: 681-3801 1 Inventory clerk, apply @ Technical Services Inc, Eccles Industrial Site, EBD.

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 -DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 Diamond, Kitty, Parfaite, South, Cummings Lodge, Sophia, Lamaha Gardens & Business –Tel: 231-2200; 663-2578 Church to rent @ 180 Charlotte Street - $150,000 negotiable -Contact: 2276817; 624-7341 One bedroom apartment 25FTX22FT prefer working couple or single person – Call: 638-8858

HOUSEKEEPER TO WORK AT HOTEL- CALL: 6382027 EDUCATIONAL Special after school classes for nursery students: phonics, reading, special etc for all ages, limited spaces – Tel: 675-4379 First AID/CPR course, St. John Headquarters, 110 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Tel: 225-9082, between 9:30- 15:30 Earn a Diploma in Computers: 9 Courses, Windows 7/8, and office 2013 @ MicroGraphics Vreed-EnHoop- Tel: 264-3057 Computer Classes For 2015, Common-Entrance students, 9 courses, $30,000 @ MicroGraphics Vreed-EnHoop Tel : 264-3057

SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Enterprise @ Lot 2 Croal Street, enquire about on international drivers permit “join us on facebook” Tel: 622-8162; 227-3869

SERVICES

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

Toyota Prado, Price$4.7M Neg. Call: 643-2403

Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com Call : 225-6496, 662-6045 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE - Call: 260-4762. Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 For tree & hedge trimming, weeding, clearing & spraying of land- Call:610-9187, 6489750 & 685-5425

Canter Truck, 3 Ton with tail lift, asking -$1.50M negotiable, very good condition, owner residing overseas –Tel: 687-4992; 6957845 Deals! Deals! Deals! Venus Auto Sale, new model Toyota Spacio, front and back camera/TV/CD/Navi – Call: 682-5117 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 New Model Allion $3.300, 2004 Spacio $2.050, Registered Spacio $1.7M Call: 655-3400 To y o t a Vo x y t o b e registered in “B” series $2.1M & ‘G’ series $1.7M - Tel: 617-2891 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom, Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Blow Out Sales @ Star Cars Auto Sale- Premio, Spacio, Bluebird, IST, Benz, Alteeza, free alarm- Tel: 679-3140 Toyota Premio 2003 $2.350M, Toyota Spacio 2004- $2.150M – Contact: 2275950; 681-7117 Truck GNN5366, Car PMM 755 – Contact:613-5212 Mercedes –Benz C200 Kompressor, left hand driver, automatic, 2005 model, low mileage, excellent condition, negotiable –Call: 624-5130 Unregistered Toyota IST fully Loaded - $2.1M – Call: 657-1796 1 L-Touring Wagon, flair kit, remote start- $1.450,000, 1 Honda CRV, $1.850, 000, 1 AT192 - $850, 000. All in good condition, price negotiable –Tel: 626-2884 Toyota Fun Cargo, PMM series, 1300cc, HID lights, AC -$1.150M –Tel: 677-9544

Two Cleaner -Age 16-18yrs. Referable from Eccles to Diamond - Tel # 600-5253 Manager for 704 Contact 223-5273/4 Office clerk: CXC English, mathematics. Live in, live out babysitter/domestic- Call: 219-5354

LEARN TO DANCE Learn To Dance Latin Style: Salsa, Merengue, Tango, Waltz Etc. Call:612-6475; 629-8842

TOURS Suriname tour return May 1st -5th, sightseeing of dolphins; shopping –Tel: 639-2663; 644-0185; 6655171

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc -Call: 225-9032, 647-2943

Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966

1 maid to cook & clean @ East Bank area –Tel:614-4358 Receptionist to work at Xenon hotel, must be between the ages 35-45 contact 223-5273/4 One DAF 55 truck driver with mechanical skills, preferably from the Land of Canaan area –Tel:592-227-5585 Minibus driver living in G/ Town for relief on SundaysTel: 687-8728

Thursday April 16, 2015

PEN PAL Male is seeking mature woman, with cool personality & 1, who is honest, believes in love. We here today….. Call: 687-58347

Toyota Raum new model, excellent condition, 1st owner -$1.3M negotiable – Contact Kim: 685-7728. 1 Toyota Vigo, manual transmission – Tel:6005759

Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 Stamp collection selling out, rare stamps, coins, documents, comic books, LP records, etc - Contact: 2276817; 226-5183; 624-7141 Cummings complete genset generator 4CYL 30KVA, 2011 Ducati 1198’s superbike, pearl white, CH series original – Tel: 684-2838 6X6 TM with free maintenance schedule includes accessories for logs & fuel –Contact: 670-6521; 680-3154 Male Enhancement - Tel: 642-6664 Computer paper, American locks, transformers, door exit device –Tel: 233-2725 1 Mini marine tanker capacity 11,500 Gallons – Tel:227-1744 or 657-9237 1 Exhaust box, 600 amp automatic, change over switch –Tel: 627-7835 One new Samsung refrigerator (French door with drawer), size: 35.78"WX70"HX35.67"D – Contact: 622-5512; 687-5006 Hymac, 200KVA CAT generators, portable, hours 07115, G3 John boat 14Ft, 25HP 4 Stroke Yamaha, 399 Massey Ferguson tractor – Tel: 601-1138 Unregistered 2006 Toyota rush - $2.9M negotiable, unregistered 2007 Mitsubishi hard top convertible -$2.8M negotiable, owner migrating – Call:629-2314 International Truck and trailer –Tel: 624-4076 Mitsubishi Galant 1994-1996 Sold as parts. Body Condition Good. $600,000.00 Tel:216 1079 6168027 TO LET Kitty two bedroom apartment, Cable TV, parking, Internet, Security Cameras $100,000 monthly –Tel: 6450247 Two bedrooms house @ Lot 499 Cane Ville E.B.D – Tel: 674-0169 or 627-9220 One apartment for rent @ Mon Repos, First Street E.CD –Tel: 220-7330 Continued on page 23

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

GECOM confirms 8 political parties for May 11 polls An agreement was signed yesterday by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the Electoral Observation Process of the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The agreement, according to GECOM, was compiled by the OAS and inked with the OAS Chief of Mission, Lisa Shoman and the Commission. The agreement clearly outlines the conditions under which the OAS will execute its electoral observation exercise, before, during and after the conduct of the May

11 General and Regional polls. GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, after the signing, took the opportunity to brief the OAS team on GECOM’s current state of preparedness for the efficient and transparent conduct of the upcoming elections. “He indicated that GECOM has already written to the eight political parties contesting the May 11, General and Regional Elections, informing them of their eligibility. He also mentioned that GECOM is on the verge of posting the Official List of Electors (OLE).” Surujbally also disclosed

- OAS sending 12 observers that GECOM has already finalized all the polling stations to be utilized on Election Day and is currently engaged assiduously in refresher training of polling day staff. “The Chairman also indicated that GECOM’s Civic and Voter Education programme is well underway with a variety of advertisements, info-mercials as well as public service announcements being published in the print and electronic media daily. He was keen to point out to the OAS

team that GECOM’s television info-mercials cater for persons living with hearing disabilities, via sign language.” GECOM said it is committed to working within the guidelines of the agreement signed and looks forward to positive electoral observation reportage from the OAS. The OAS Chief of Mission, Lisa Shoman, indicated that the OAS intends to field a team of about a dozen observers who will be strategically placed

across the country during Election Day. She also mentioned that the OAS representatives should be arriving in Guyana on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 and will be staying even after Elections Day. Accompanying the OAS Chief of Mission was the OAS Deputy Chief of Mission, David Álvarez Veloso and the Resident OAS Representative in Guyana, Jean Ricot Dormeus. Surujbally was accompanied by the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and the Public Relations Officer, Richard Francois.

Banned Suriname airline offered ‘lucrative concessions’ in Guyana A Surinamese owned airline that has been banned from flying to the EU was reportedly offered lucrative concessions to make Guyana a hub.

(From page 30)

LAND FOR SALE Vacant transported land at 303 Independence Boulivard, La Penitence, Georgetown, serious inquiries only – Call: 6229998 Blankenburg, 3 lots 75X76 each, $15M, all 3 lots, Parika, Peter Street, lot size 38’X150' - $7.9M-Contact # 650-0402/ 260-4988 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! – Tel: 669-8152 5 Star gated community with pool, mall, well, solar powered, get your land/ house-Tel: 609-0783 Large land (37X724) in Bagotvilles W.B.D, great for residential and family –Tel: 600-0036 or 223-1273 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, $1.4M, $1.5M, Ankerville Port Mourant -$1.5M, $2M Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223

Dilip Sarjoe, owner of Fly All Ways Airline of Suriname, a sister company of Suriname’s Blue Wing Airlines that has been blacklisted by the European Union, was promised lucrative concessions to make Guyana one of its hubs, according to people familiar with the development. According to a Curacao Chronicle report yesterday, the sources also said that this development and the concessions granted to Fly All Ways are shrouded in secrecy and lack transparency. In order to avoid the baggage of Blue Wing, owner Sarjoe has registered the company as a separate entity. Blue Wing has had many accidents and has been consistently blacklisted by

the EU. In July 2010, the EU banned Blue Wing from its skies. European Commission Vice President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said at the time: “We cannot afford to compromise on air safety. Where we have evidence that air carriers are not performing safe operations or where regulators fail in their obligation to enforce safety standards, we must act to guarantee safe skies for our citizens when they travel. We are ready to support those countries which need and want to build up their technical and administrative capacity to guarantee the highest standards of safety of civil aviation. The Commission is working closely with the European Aviation Safety Agency to

Ramesh Dookhoo further strengthen its efforts in providing technical assistance.” “With this fourteenth update, the carrier Blue Wing Airlines from Suriname is included in the list of banned airlines following measures

taken by a member state as a consequence of a series of accidents suffered by this airline, and serious deficiencies revealed during ramp inspections of its aircraft,” the press release added. In 2014, Fly All Ways acquired two of KLM’s Fokker 70s to ply its planned regional routes from the Paramaribo City Airport, Zorg en Hoop. The owner of Fly All Ways promised the government of Guyana to station one of the 80-seater Fokkers in Georgetown. The company will fly from Guyana to Barbados and other undisclosed destinations in the region. The Fokker 70s have an average age of 20 years; they were manufactured between the years 1993 and 1997.

Dilip Sarjoe is said to be the richest man in Suriname, who owns a collection of businesses in Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Miami. In 2008, his Rudisia Beverage Company was worth about US$500 million. He also owns a cement factory and the Suriname Times and is currently negotiating with Alcoa Aluminium, which is looking to sell Suralcao, its Suriname holding. In January, executive member of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo, announced that ‘Fly All Ways’ has made an application to add Guyana to its routes.

Elisabeth Harper’s son fails to file defence... From page 9 court with the response. Pollard became embroiled in the court battle over the alleged embezzlement of $700M which was invested by the group of foreign investors, (LLC Puruni Mining), a company incorporated under the laws of Delaware, United States of America. According to court documents on April 17, 2012 Puruni LLC formally entered

into a joint venture agreement with Pollard and his company, Reflex Mining Company Inc., for the purposes of operating a dredge or dredges on Pollard’s mining claims. The investors had agreed to fund the joint venture by providing a loan up to US$3 million but invested a total of US$2.8 million over a period of time. The deal turn sour after the investors were not receiving the agreed returns from Pollard.

Pollard eventually met with the investors who agreed to amend their previous agreement and settle the matter by turning their investment into a loan that he agreed to repay. This was after the investors threatened legal action against him. A document purporting to be some kind of promissory note was then prepared and signed by Pollard and his mother, Elisabeth Harper, agreeing to honour the

commitment to repay the $700M loan with interest, beginning October last year. In the document filed by Boston and Boston, the law firm representing the overseas- based LLC Puruni Mining, given Pollard’s denial to honour his obligations to pay despite repeated requests and demands by the plaintiff, the investors are seeking sum due and payable by the defendant with interest.

WANTED Urgently needed land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie, SchoonOrd, Eccles & Herstelling –Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223 Investors/Partnership needed to complete guest house on Soesdyke Linden Highway, must have $10 Million in excess – Tel:6000036; 223-1273

PROPERTY FOR SALE Grove Public Road property -$19M – Tel: 613-5645 Three Bedrooms transported property at Good Hoop E.C.D –Tel: 6211722 Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353,216-4338 Diamond -$22MM, Caneville - $2.4M, Parfaite $6M, La Grange -$22M, Roxanne Burham -$20M & Gated Community, Enterprise, Ogle –Tel:2312199; 618-7483 1 Water front house on 4 acre land @ Parika, 2 Land on Friendship, Public Road, 3 unfinished 2 storey house @ Sophia –Call:629-7611 WANTED Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 16, 2015

“Thwarters” invited to be proud and rejoice Even as opposition members prepare themselves to raise placards during the opening of the Marriott Hotel today, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Roger Luncheon has expressed hope that “thwarters” will join in celebrating the “historic event”. Luncheon was unreserved in his praise of the controversial Marriott Hotel during yesterday’s postcabinet briefing at the Office of the President. During his remarks, Luncheon indicated that President Donald Ramotar will be attending the hotel’s opening and will be greeting members of the international community along with locals. Luncheon noted that even those who had raised opposition to the multibillion dollar hotel had been invited to its opening. “I understand some of those who have been attempting to thwart the achievement of Thursday the 16th [Marriott’s opening], they have also been invited and I do hope – cabinet hopes – that they will join us

in being proud and rejoicing in the event – the opening of a state-of-the-art, five star hotel in the capital city of Guyana,” Luncheon said. Keeping up the onslaught of praises for the hotel, Luncheon said that the opening of such an “iconic entity” was an achievement Guyanese should be proud now. He said too that the hotel could have an impact on a number of sectors including entertainment, hospitality, travel and tourism. Furthermore, Luncheon stated that the hotel’s opening is part of an “integrated plan” to develop these sectors. The plan also includes the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to deal with the anticipated influx of tourists to the hotel, Luncheon said. Luncheon said too, that the hotel’s opening will undoubtedly translate into the creation of countless jobs for Guyanese. However, while Luncheon had nothing but high praises for the hotel, opposition members are in an uproar that the hotel will still open

- As controversial Marriott Hotel opens today

The Marriott Hotel ballroom will be a hub of activity tonight when the hotel holds its grand opening reception despite years of resistance. Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan who described the hotel as “an edifice of contempt” has

already signaled his intent to attend the event. However, he emphasised that he will not be attending the event as a guest but rather as a

protestor on the outside. Since the announcement of the hotel’s establishment about four years ago, the entity has been steeped in

controversy. The hotel has come under fire for a number of issues, including its investors and use of state funds for its construction.

Cabinet Secretary defends Jagdeo’s sanctioned Babu Jaan comments After the Media Monitoring Unit’s (MMU) public sanctioning of comments made by former president Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, has come out in defence of Jagdeo’s “racially divisive” language. During his weekly postCabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Dr. Luncheon, expressed Cabinet’s concern about what he referred to as “inference” by the MMU about impact of Jagdeo’s public address at Babu Jaan,

Port Mourant, last month. Last week the MMU made public its first report on the media’s coverage of the election campaign where it addressed the public outcry over Jagdeo’s delivery at a Memorial Ceremony held for former President and founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The report on the March 1 to March 31 period, focused on part of Jagdeo’s speech which it noted stirred significant negative public reactions. It also noted that Jagdeo’s delivery at the Corentyne,

Berbice memorial site, had been broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN), the MMU said that this opened the way for it to address the matter. The controversial part of the speech reads, “They (the opposition) shout about racism of the PPP, but they practise racism… In the last elections they went to some of the Afro- Guyanese villages and beat some drums at 6 o’clock in the morning and say let us throw out these coolie people. Get up, go out and vote, throw out the

Marriott Hotel: Foolish or crooked or deal? - Chris Ram From page 11 operates in Guyana and I must therefore visit that country”? Or does a rational person not say “I am thinking of visiting Guyana so let me see what my hotel options are”? No investor decides against coming to Guyana because HSBC or UBS (international banks) does not have a presence here so why do we think that an international hotel is any different? A local, actual example also undermines the economic argument. The GMSA plans to host the PPP/ C presidential candidate at a forum and decided that it would be held at the Pegasus. The President and some

members of the GMSA were overruled and the venue was suddenly changed to the Marriott. Is there an economic benefit to the switch from a business which pays tax to the Government to one that does not? The GMSA example is the beginning: we can expect business to be diverted to the Marriott to make the financial case for the Marriott. The economic case is at best minimal. I do not think any Guyanese does not welcome the Marriott brand but did it have to come at such an expensive cost to the taxpayer and as an investment by the government rather than by the

private sector? Scarce resources are about choices. Does the PSC really think that the Marriott is a more impactful project than an investment in University of Guyana, or a better equipped and paid police force? Finally, there are several legal issues which the project has raised, issues of constitutional violations, illegalities and misfeasance in public office. The project and those who have been part of the improprieties will be in the news for some time to come. There is of course a part two to all of this in the form of the proposed Casino. We will leave that for a later date. (Chrisram.net)

coolie people. That’s the kind of language they use. Anybody from our party who uses that sort of language, we will kick them out. This is our approach.” The MMU report stated that “at close up, he was speaking in a known PPP/C stronghold, before a predominantly East Indian audience, and, to boot, in a highly-charged political and ethnic environment.” It added, “Taking into consideration the historically and politically influenced divisions that persist up to now between Africans and East Indians in this country, and which are usually more pronounced during elections periods, the Unit came to the conclusion that the anecdotal illustration used by Dr. Jagdeo to make his point about racism, boomeranged disastrously, since it came over as a calculated exploitation, for political purposes, of the known fears and insecurities of one section of the population – East Indians.” Additionally the Unit wrote within its foregoing context, its conclusion that the remarks made by the former president “were racially divisive and should have been edited by all sections of the media that broadcast or printed the remarks verbatim.” According to Dr. Luncheon, while Cabinet

acknowledged that the statements were indeed made at the Berbice event, he explained that Jagdeo simply “disclosed” statements that were previously made by “others”, alluding to parties outside the current People’s PPP administration. Dr. Luncheon said that Jagdeo then defended himself by saying that were such statements made by any member of the PPP/C administration, that individual would be kicked out immediately. The Cabinet Secretary regarded the conclusion by the MMU as inferences and deemed it an illogical conclusion on the part of the Unit. “The ejection from membership could hardly, in a logical way, lead to an inference that those remarks were racially divisive,” Dr Luncheon said. “In this case the statements that the (former) President made were undisputedly statements accredited to others.” He explained that the statements were a disclosure of how the PPP Administration would treat any member of the party who made similar utterances. Dr. Luncheon was then asked if Cabinet took into consideration that Jagdeo’s statements weren’t repeated anywhere else or were never reported by anyone prior to the March 8 address at Babu Jaan.

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo “I would want to be at odds because what was unveiled at Cabinet was that those statements allegedly made by an AFC TV Personality were the substance of formal submissions to GECOM. “I was even told that the attention of the police had been invited formally by the governing party about those statements. So I have reason to feel that those statements were not made and died, until resurrected by Jagdeo at the Babu Jaan event. “They had already entered into the mainstream of condemnation by the governing party and I suspect others too in the people of Berbice.” As the MMU is a creation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr Luncheon expressed the opinion that the Unit should not be acting independent of the Commission. “It is felt that their output must and needs to be drawn to GECOM’s attention prior to its publication,” stated the Cabinet Secretary.

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

Iran says nuclear deal depends on lifting of sanctions (Reuters) - Iran said yesterday it would only accept a deal over its contested nuclear program if world powers simultaneously lifted all sanctions imposed on it. The comments by President Hassan Rouhani came the day after U.S. President Barack Obama was forced to give Congress a say in any future accord — including the right of lawmakers to veto the lifting of sanctions imposed by the U.S. Bolstering the role of a highly assertive Congress injects an element of uncertainty into the crucial final stages of negotiations between major powers and Iran, which are aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for relief from sanctions.

“If there is no end to sanctions, there will not be an agreement,” Rouhani said in a televised speech in the northern Iranian city of Rasht, echoing remarks made last week by Iran’s most powerful authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “The end of these negotiations and a signed deal must include a declaration of cancelling the oppressive sanctions on the great nation of Iran,” said Rouhani, who is widely viewed as a pragmatist. A tentative deal between Iran and the six world powers was reached in Switzerland on April 2, and aimed at clearing the way for a final settlement on June 30. Discussions will resume on April 21. However, different interpretations have

emerged over what was agreed in the framework, suggesting that nailing down a final agreement will be tough, even without the added complication of Congress. Many Congressmen have been highly critical of the U.S.-led negotiations, supporting Israel, which has said the framework proposal will not prevent Iran from developing atomic arms. Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. U.S. REASSURANCE While Israel said it was pleased with the move by Congress, Rouhani said it was a domestic U.S. issue that should have no bearing on the negotiations between Iran, the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China.

Small helicopter lands on U.S. Capitol grounds, one person detained: police Bomb squad checks the gyrocopter on U.S. Capitol grounds

(Reuters) - A small helicopter landed on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol with a single occupant aboard yesterday, but a bomb squad found nothing hazardous, U.S. Capitol Police said. Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said in a statement that one man was in custody with charges pending, but she declined to give further information. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the pilot was Doug Hughes, 61, a mailman from Ruskin, Florida. A U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman confirmed the person in custody was a rural letter carrier but did not give a name. Streets near the Capitol were temporarily closed while police investigated, according to a police statement that called the craft a “gyro copter.” Streets have

since been reopened and the aircraft removed. The copter resembled a small open-air helicopter with a single rotor on top. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it was investigating the incident. Security rules prohibit aircraft from flying close to the Capitol, White House and other locations without special permission. The FAA said the pilot of the gyro copter was not authorized to enter restricted airspace. In a bystander video that was obtained by the Associated Press, the copter is shown flying over the reflecting pool west of the Capitol and landing on the lawn. Nora Neus, 21, of Tenafly, New Jersey, told Reuters that after the craft landed, police

ordered the man in it not to move. She said he did not resist arrest. “It seemed relatively intentional, he just kind of landed and sat there,” said Neus, who was in Washington for a job interview. The Tampa Bay Times reported earlier yesterday that Hughes planned to make the flight to draw attention to the issue of campaign finance reform. He wrote letters addressed to each member of Congress calling for changes, the paper said. The security scare comes after a man shot himself dead in front of the Capitol on Saturday and sparked a temporary lockdown. In January, a small “quadcopter” drone crashed onto the White House lawn. The man who was operating it did not face criminal charges.

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Governing party treasurer arrested in Brazil kickback case Joao Vaccari Neto

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Federal police yesterday detained the treasurer of Brazil’s governing Workers’ Party in connection with an wide-ranging investigation into corruption scheme at state-run oil giant Petrobras. Joao Vaccari Neto was detained in Sao Paulo as he was heading out for an early morning jog, police and judicial officials told reporters at a news conference in the southern city of Curitiba,

where the investigation is being led. Vaccari’s sister-inlaw was also detained and his wife was questioned in connection with a series of unidentified deposits in her account that investigators suspect might be related to the kickback scheme at Petrobras. Vaccari has maintained his innocence, telling a congressional panel last week that all the donations made to his party during last year’s

campaign were perfectly legal. His lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment yesterday. Workers’ Party Congressman Siba Machado told reporters the party had convoked an emergency meeting to discuss Vaccari’s arrest. Dozens of congressmen and some former executive branch officials, including two former chiefs of staff to President Dilma Rousseff, are under investigation, but Vaccari is the seen as closest figure to the president yet implicated in the scandal. Rousseff herself, who served as chairwoman of Petrobras’ board during several years as the graft took place, isn’t implicated. More than 100 people have been charged in connection with the Petrobras scheme, and more than 50 politicians are under investigation.

Calls for “peace” following spate of St Lucia murders CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – The St. Lucia government has called for an end to what it described as the “senseless” killings that have erupted in a certain section of the capital earlier this month. “What sense

does it make to shoot and kill people who you grew up with, went to school with, and played games with?” said Acting Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Earlier this week, government announced changes to the operations at

Curacao and Aruba want cooperation agreements with Cuba - Dutch ambassador WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — With Washington and Havana working for the betterment of their relations, Curacao and Aruba should be proactive by way of cooperation agreements with Cuba to avoid being left behind when the American tourists rediscover Cuba, the new Dutch ambassador to Cuba said during a visit to Curacao. This was also the message given by the Dutch prime minister during his recent visit

to Panama for the Summit of the Americas. The Netherlands has had a formal presence in Cuba for years now and the officials indicated that, through cooperation agreements, both Dutch islands can complement each other with Cuba. Especially after the island opens its doors there will be many who would want to see what kind of benefits, there are for them after 50 years of economic embargo. (Curacao Chronicle)

the Castries Health Centre following the upsurge in murders near the facility in the past few days. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations said the changes are “to facilitate the revision of security arrangements to ensure the safety of clients and staff of the Castries Health Center”. The latest killing occurred on Sunday when 31-year-old Micah Joseph was gunned down near the main market in the capital. His murder was the fifth in eight days. Pierre said it was important for those using the guns against their neighbours to stop the killing and allow the country to return to the state of peace enjoyed during the first three months of 2015. Health Minister Alvina Reynolds issued a similar statement after doctors, nurses and other health workers at the Castries Health Centre were traumatized by the three fatal shootings in close proximity to their workplace. Reynolds said those involved in the killings “do not understand the implications of their actions on health workers, who are repeatedly forced to face such trauma.” No one has been arrested for the latest killing but police said they have so far detained four people in connection with the other murders committed last week. St. Lucia recorded its first murder for 2015 last week.

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Mayweather says Pacquiao too... England on top despite Blackwood... From page 31 being sued by two of the fighters in question, 18-year-old Shariff Rahaman and his brother, Hasim, 23, who allege battery, tortious assault, false imprisonment and negligent hiring and training. Still the “dog house” featured a carnival-like atmosphere that will continue to follow this mega title fight until May 2. Mayweather’s longevity in the sport has been attrib-

uted to his superb defensive skills. The May 2 fight is expected to be decided by Mayweather ’s brilliant counterpunching skills or Pacquiao’s blazing speed and power. But Mayweather says he sees some flaws in the boxing style of Pacquiao. ‘RECKLESS FIGHTER’ Mayweather described the 36-year-old Pacquiao (575-2, 38 KOs) as a “reckless fighter” who takes too many

chances, referring to Juan Manuel Marquez’s knockout of Pacman in December 2012. “He fought very, very recklessly in the Marquez fight,” Mayweather said. “I could have had the same type of career but my career wouldn’t have lasted this long.” Mayweather is in the fifth fight of a six-fight contract with Showtime, and he says this year will be his last on the job. “My last fight is in September,” he said.

Ambrose wants bouncer... From page 30 deliveries per over. A fast short-pitched delivery is d e f i n e d a s a ball which passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease. However, Sir Curtly said he is focused on improving the crop of fast bowlers

currently under his tutelage. “Obviously, it’s not going to happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s frustrating because you speak to them all the time and explain certain things and they understand, but somewhere along the line they stray away from the script and that sort of thing but I have to be patient.

Of course, I want to see results overnight, really, but I am a realist and it’s going to take some time,” he said. In November of last year, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died in hospital, in Sydney, two days after the international batsman was struck on the head by a ball during a domestic match.

Thursday April 16, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Be careful that you don't spend too much time with a person belonging to someone else. Don't make promises. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Focus on what's important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little. Entertainment should include your whole family. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Don't let your emotions interfere with completing your chores. You'll find you're detail oriented today. Any capricious behavior will confuse loved ones and your mood swings will result in loneliness. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You'll find it easy to meet new people. Do not ruffle feathers if possible. Don't blow situations out of proportion.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Your emotional state will vacillate You may meet that special person if you attend fundraising functions. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted. Real estate investments will payoff. Call siblings or old friends to catch up on recent news. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Travel could turn out to be more exciting than you imagined. Don't start any arguments unless you're prepared to accept irrevocable results. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Relatives will not agree with the way you are dealing with your personal problems. Make plans to do something special with the one you love. Overindulgence will mean poor health.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Your social skills with people may be more than just helpful. Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Lovers may no be truthful. You will learn valuable information if you travel today. C l e a r up domestic chores that have remained undone for some time.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Try not to allow superiors or those in a higher position to take advantage of you. Finish off old projects before starting something new.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Disputes may start because of a lack of honesty. Minor fevers or infections will develop if you're overstressed. Limitations at work might set you back.

From page 32 comfortably. Ballance showed signs of regaining the form that has evaporated during his time in the one-day side while Joe Root was as sparky as the first innings, putting Sulieman Benn over deep midwicket with a slog sweep. The stand-out batting of the day, though, came from Blackwood. His innings was not without fortune, having been caught on the second day off a Stokes no-ball on 21 and then dropped at slip on 43 - a tough chance to Tredwell off the same bowler whose face was soon turning a colour to match his hair. During the afternoon, Stokes and Blackwood were head-to-head again in an engrossing contest. Blackwood deposited a six over long-off which led to Cook reducing his slip cordon and, on cue two balls later, a thick edge went through the gap. The over ended up costing 14. You half expected to see steam come out of Stokes’ ears. The run of boundaries helped Blackwood skip into the 80s and there were few nerves on view as he used his feet to drill Tredwell for a boundary to take him to 98 before a gentle push down the ground brought up the hundred off 205 balls. Both chances England had to remove Blackwood before his half-century came from probing a channel outside off, just back of a length, where an angled bat left him vulnerable. They also went at him with a sustained spell of short-pitched bowling, which caused some uneasy moments but did not dislodge him. Broad, during a strong five-over spell before lunch, twice had him in bother, first when a bouncer was fended in the air but landed short of Jos Buttler and then when a delivery crunched into his forearm, requiring some treatment. But, as he had the previous evening, Blackwood did not take a backward step, suddenly emerging from prolonged periods of defence with an aggressive stroke. He was not afraid to loft over the off side as he did against Stokes and, more brazenly, against Anderson in the first over of the second new ball. Later, with three figures safely secured, he slugged the same bowler disdainfully through midwicket. At the start of day Blackwood had the experience of Chanderpaul for company. The pair were on the brink of reaching the crucial 80-over juncture of the new ball, having taken their stand to 93, when Chanderpaul was

lured into driving to one of two short covers, a victory for Tredwell and for Cook. The short-ball tactic did not shift Blackwood, but it succeeded against Denesh Ramdin. Switching to around the wicket paid off straight away for Broad when Ramdin gloved down the leg side as he attempted to pull out of the line. Holder, who flicked his second ball at short leg where Ballance could not hold a reflex catch, provided solid support for Blackwood in a seventh-wicket stand of 49 before the slide set in shortly after

Blackwood’s landmark. Holder drove low to cover, Tredwell getting some drift in a helpful breeze, then Roach edged a quicker delivery. As is often the case with West Indies, a touch of chaos was just around the corner and Taylor was run out having set off for a non-existent single to point. In the blink of an eye the innings was over as Benn bottom edged into his pads and looped a catch to short leg to push Anderson one wicket closer to Ian Botham. He now needs two for the England record.

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Thursday April 16, 2015

CFU Club Championship 2015...

Alpha United hammer Inter Moengotapoe 3-0

Alpha’s scorers (from right) Gregory Richardson, Daniel Wilson and Kithson Bain.

Alpha United Captain Gregory Richardson (with ball) being closely watched by teammate Kithson Bain as they combine efforts against Inter Moengotapoe.(Franklin Wilson photo) By Franklin Wilson Guyana’s top club side Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United recorded their first win in six outings against Suriname’s Inter Moengatopoe, a 3-0 win when the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship Group 1 kicked off yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Goals from Daniel Wilson, Captain Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Grenadian Kithson Bain allowed Alpha to break a long running jinx against the top Surinamese club side which

took them one step closer to winning the group. Inter Moengotapoe looked a solid unit in the opening minutes of the game and while Alpha were able to progress deep in the opponents defensive third, finishing was way off par. The leading Surinamese club side kept pushing forward, penetrating down the flanks and midfield where Alpha looked vulnerable. Alpha were also guilty of giving up the ball too easy in the opening exchanges. However, as the game matured, the local club

Kallicharran impressed...

Former West Indies batting star, Guyanese Alvin Kallicharran shows youngsters how to execute a batting technigue. From page 30 conducted by Kallicharran have been met with high commendations from cricketers and coaches. Kallicharran stated that the

GCB initiative to have past players like him coaching the young cricketers should help a great deal in the developmental aspect of the game.

champions were able to get a better flow and this resulted in the opening goal which saw Daniel Wilson shooting past goalkeeper Huiswoud Obrendo in the 27th after receiving a pass from Kithson Bain. It was ample reward for the Guyanese side which created the better plays and was most troubling in the visitors attacking third. Alpha were able to secure their one nil advantage up until the half even as Inter Moengotapoe searched for the neutralizing goal. Captain Richardson could have doubled the advantage on the stroke of half time but his powerful right foot shot was robustly blocked by Obrendo coming off his line in acrobatic style to deny Richardson and Alpha. Having lost to the visitors twice at home, a similar amount of occasions in French Guiana and once in Suriname, Alpha needed to up their game in the final 45 minutes to keep the visitors at bay and secure a victory. The way they came out suggested that they were on course for their first win in six encounters as they took the challenge to their rivals with improved efficiency in the midfield while nullifying plays on the flanks. With nine minutes gone in the second half, Panamanian midfielder Manuel Vargas, a regular with Alpha at this level, made an enterprising run down the right side, evading the Inter Moengotapoe midfielders and right side defenders, found himself just inside the area where he let loose a left foot bullet that was partially blocked by Obrendo. The ricocheted ball found the path of Captain

Richardson just at the top of the six yard box and despite being marked by two players he was still was able to outdo them as he headed past Obrendo to his right for the second goal in the 54th minute. Alpha were now in the driver’s seat and did their utmost to keep the opponents at bay. A few more chances came the way of the home team but they were not efficient in the final third as they would have loved to be. Bain, who came close to scoring on a few occasions, was finally able to get it right on the stroke of full time. Second half substitute Sheldon Holder took the ball almost to the goal line in the Inter Moengotapoe half

before squaring it back to find Bain just outside the six. Bain’s made no mistake with his powerful left foot shot that screamed past Obrendo to put the preverbal icing on the cake for Alpha’s 3-0 win. Speaking after yesterday’s game, Head Coach Dover said that their approach was to apply early pressure to the Surinamese side with a view of taking away their confidence as well as to get early goals. He noted that in a group with three teams and only one coming out, goals are very important. The experienced tactician took a closer look at the performance of his charges. “Well there are a few things that need working on

as we go back to the drawing board. Finishing is a situation that has plagued us but it’s good to see that we hit the nest three times but they were still a number of chances that we should have converted and that is an area well work on. We would try our best to strengthen our central midfield which is an area we need to secure for the next game.” Next in line for Alpha would be the Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago clash on Sunday but the side from Soca Land will first meet Inter Moengotapoe tomorrow. The entire Central FC side and management were in the stands at the Stadium to get a glimpse of both sides.

Ex-NFL star Hernandez gets life in prison for 2013 killing FALL RIVER, Mass. (Reuters) - Former National Football League star Aaron Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison yesterday for murdering an acquaintance in an industrial park near h i s Massachusetts home, concluding the first of two murder trials he faces this year. A Massachusetts jury found Hernandez, 25, guilty of first-degree murder in the June 2013 slaying of Odin Lloyd, who had been dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée at the time. During the trial, the men were described as having been in the early stages of friendship, but Hernandez soured on Lloyd after the man hung out with people the former New England Patriots tight end disliked. Massachusetts Superior Court Associate Justice Susan Garsh sentenced Hernandez to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the mandatory

Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison. (Reuters)

punishment for first-degree murder in the state. Hernandez, who had stood to hear the verdict, collapsed into his chair after the verdict was read, and court security officers handcuffed him. His mother and fiancée, who were in court, broke into tears. Members of Lloyd’s family welcomed the verdict but said the pain of losing Lloyd would linger. “I felt like I wanted to go into the hole with my son, Odin. I will never have a

grandchild from my son, or grandchildren. I will never get to dance at his wedding,” said Lloyd’s mother, Ursula Ward. “He was the big brother that everybody would love to have. ... These last couple of years have been the hardest time of our lives,” said Olivia Thibou, Lloyd’s younger sister. The Patriots cut Hernandez, a rising star with a $41 million contract, hours after his arrest on June 26, 2013, nine days after a teenage jogger found Lloyd’s body.

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament...

>>> Letter to the Sports Editor <<<

Sidique Mohamed Sparta Boss make it two from deserves selection two to secure next phase berth DEAR EDITOR, I refer to an article in the Kaieteurnews paper dated 2015-04-13 under the caption ‘NECC/CRICKETERS PROTEST AGAINST ECB CHIEF SELECTOR’ and wish to add a few dimensions to the issue. I once briefly served as Chairman of Selectors (Senior) of the ECB and indeed it is quite a difficult job. During my tenure, selectors were not paid but they are now being given a stipend. It is therefore inherent upon them to ensure that they are present to all trial matches as well as to visit the various committees and look at competition matches in order to spot talent and create a record of local performances. Unfortunately this is not the case with the current crop of selectors. I remain extremely disappointed in the manner in which teams are selected and quite ridiculously those who are entrusted in carrying out such duties are not qualified because they have played little or no competitive cricket at any level. Interestingly the Chairman of Selector of the ECB is even a national selector! He certainly does not have any technical knowledge and therefore his method of selection will be very limited and even flawed. I have known Siddiq Mohamed personally and will take the credit for being the first person to spot his talent as a Coach at the under 15 level. It was no coincidence therefore that he progressed rapidly within a short space of time and was rewarded by being selected in the national under 15 quad in 2013. He is a gifted player whose work ethic is unmatched by most of the current ECB players selected. I can attest to this since he trains regularly at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground and he is now a senior player for his club. Not many cricket competitions are being played on the Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon and the Essequibo Islands. In fact no youth cricket is played in the county. Therefore the selection of any youth team is not difficult based on the existence of talent, performance, technical capability, fitness level and the gut feeling of judging a cricketer. In this case Siddiq Mohamed should have been high on the list for selection

having represented the country, played at the under 17 inter-county level and took the most wickets in the recent trial matches. He is also a solid batsman also, yet he found himself batting at No. 9 in the trials. Just who really are the Coaches and technical personnel? Many of the players selected are not in any club, would have played very little cricket; simply because there are no structures for them. I have seen this unfortunate episode manifested itself a million times in Essequibo, even during my time as a youth player. In such cases there are always good players who are sidelined because the selectors don’t know them, are incompetent, biased and in other cases they destroy the evidence so as to encourage favoritism and bartering for players by the area committees, even if they do not deserve selection. This is quite a crass act by the ECB selectors to deny SiddiqMohamed his rightful place. It was indeed a devastating blow for the young cricketer and the ECB selectors must be held accountable. I wish to commend the executives and members of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee for representing its players and their continued vigil to expose the incompetency of the ECB. Just recently the President of the ECB, who also is the President of the Pomeroon Cricket Committee, banned a local player from the Pomeroon on the day he was to challenge the incumbent for the Presidency of the Committee! The local player would have organized a one day sports event for teams in the Pomeroon on the basis that cricket is starved in the area. It was not the first time that he would have done so and was not sanctioned. Why would an Official ban a player for promoting cricket when the very Committee cannot provide sponsorship and leadership for the Commmitte? Not surprisingly a senior official of the GCB was present when the ban was instituted. Will cricket ever rise in Essequibo? Siddiq Mohamed’s exclusion is only one dimension of cricket’s debacle in Essequibo. Elroy Stephney.

- North Ruimveldt, Weavers, Alexander Village, Ballerz Queen Street also win By Rawle Welch Missing two of their key players in Travis Grant and Gregory Richardson due to club commitments, Sparta Boss, just as they were required to do in their opening fixture, came from behind to earn full points and secure a spot in the next phase of the Busta Soft Shoe Football Competition which continued on Tuesday night, at the GFC ground. Playing in the final game of the night against a formidable Charlestown lineup, the usually efficient Sparta Boss unit fell behind after five minutes through a thunderous strike from Clyde Bascom, who unleashed from just around the halfway line to stun the opposing goalkeeper. However, unlike what had occurred in their previous encounter when they fell two behind, Sparta Boss gained the equalizer courtesy of a firm shot from close range by Denis Edwards in the 14 th minute as the game remained deadlocked at the half. Charlestown, however, seemed determined not to relinquish their advantage for too long and regained the lead two minutes after the resumption when the skilful Bascom rifled in once more from distance for a 2-1 lead. That advantage only lasted for one minute as Sheldon Shepherd restored parity when he beat the goalkeeper to his left from just inside the penalty area as the two teams treated the large crowd to some exciting exchanges. All the while, former national striker Devon Millington, who Sparta Boss was relying on to cut apart the Charlestown backline was being kept in check by some impressive marking. It took a beautiful sequence of passes between Shepherd, Millington and Edwards that staggered the Charlestown defence to untie the scoreboard and give Sparta Boss the lead for the first time. The play started just inside the Sparta Boss half as Shepherd found Millington on the left flank, before he cut inside drawing two defenders to him, but left Edwards wide open and all alone to slap past the hapless goalkeeper for a 3-2 lead. They held that ascendancy until the final whistle sounded.

Part of the action in one of the matches on Tuesday night at the GFC ground. In another fascinating encounter, Kitty Weavers held off a determined effort from Leopold Street to gain full points. The irresistible Andre Sookhoo’s brace in the 6th and 20th minutes failed to deter an equally resolute Kitty Weavers unit that was loaded with former club standouts. The North Georgetown based side took the lead in the fifth minute when Sherwin Vincent made good on a squared pass across goal to tap in from close range. However, Sookhoo was equal to the task as he netted one minute later to level the

proceedings, before Wendell St. Hill headed in following a floated cross from the right side for a 2-1 lead. Sookhoo was once again to the rescue of Leopold Street as he booted in from a pass by O’Kenie Fraser after twenty minutes, but Jermin Denard delivered the dagger on the stroke of full time rifling in a fierce right-footer to close the deal. GAME-1 Queen Street Tigerbay-5 vs Stevedore Housing Scheme-2 Queen Street Scorers Deon Alfred-21st, 22nd and 24th Darren Harris-20th and 25th

Stevedore Scorer Ryan Blackman-28th and 29th GAME-2 Ballers-2 vs Sophia-1 Ballers Scorer Amos Ramsay- 4th and 24th Sophia Scorer Dwayne Lowe-16th GAME-3 Alexander Village-2 vs California Square-1 Alexander Scorers Dwayne Lynn-19th Delon Williams-28th California Scorer Vashile Cantzlaar-20th GAME-4 Leopold Street-2 vs Kitty Weavers-3 Kitty Scorers Sherwin Vincent-5th Wendell St. Hill-10th Jermin Denard-30th Leopold Scorer Andre Sookhoo-6th and 20th GAME-5 North Ruimveldt-4 vs West Back Road-2 North Ruimveldt Scorer Jamal Hamilton-6th and 28th Joshua Browne-16th Nickosie Barker-20th West Back Road Scorer Jamal Haynes-13th Phillip Rowley-15th GAME-6 Sparta Boss-3 vs Charlestown-2 Sparta Scorers Dennis Edwards-14th and 27th Sheldon Shepherd-18th Charlestown Scorer Clyde Bascom-5th and 17th

Rookies’ category to return Come April 26 when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club host its first Circuit Meet of the year, fans will see the return of the Rookies category, a feature that was discarded a few years ago, but one that was eagerly anticipated for those entering the sport. A source from the entity told this newspaper that the re-introduction of the category will definitely inject much needed new life into the sport which has been dominated by a regular set of competitors who are either migrating or retiring. The source added that the close off date

for competitors to register is today at the club’s Headquarters on Albert Street. Meanwhile, A&R Jiwanram Printery Inc has indicated that it will be putting up $100,000 towards the restart of the Rookies category and the money will go to the top three finishers overall for the day with the driver that accumulates the most points set to receive $50,000, 2nd place- $30,000 and 3rd place- $20,000. The incentive it is hoped will encourage potential drivers to enter the category and stick with the sport.

GSCL Inc Independence Cup is May 1 The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL INC) will be hosting their second annual Independence Softball tournament commencing on May 1. The competition will continue on May 2 and conclude on May 3. Matches are expected to be played at Everest, GCC, DCC, GNIC and Ogle. The tournament will be played in the Open and Over-40 categories and entrance fee is $30,000 for both divisions. The winning team in both segments will

pocket a trophy and $200,000 and the runner up a trophy and $100,000. Teams are asked to note that only players who participated in this competition will be eligible to represent Demerara in the upcoming inter-county tournament. The launching and draw will take place on April 28 at GNIC pavilion at 17:00hrs. For more information teams can contact GSCL Inc assistant secretary Russell Jagbeer on 225-4802 or 226-4205.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 16, 2015

Police recruits successful Kwesi Mickle’s 5 for 20, 86 n.o. at Martial Arts C/Ships scrape West Canje through

2015 NBS 2nd division 40-over cricket competition in Berbice

- Basdeo’s 6 for 17 not enough to stop Young Royals A good all-round performance put in by Kwesi Mickle of West Canje highlighted the latest round of matches of the 2015 New Building Society Second Division 40-Over Cricket Competition in Berbice. He firstly took 5 for 20 from 8 overs to help restrict Fort Canje Warriors to 165 in 38 overs. In reply, after West Canje lost a wicket without a run on a board, he came in at No.3 and with him losing partners at a steady rate, he held his nerve and steered them to a one wicket win, still there at the end on 86 not out which included 4 fours and 3 sixes. No. 47 Pioneer offspinner, Khemraj Basdeo took 6 for 17 from 6 overs but his effort failed to stop Young Royals of Crabwood Creek posting 199 all out in 28 overs, they having to thank Kishan Singh who hit 75 (4 fours and 4 sixes) and Rajendra Sukhave 62 (6 fours and 3 sixes), the two of them putting on 140 for the 3rd wicket, 42 extras were also conceded. When Pioneer replied they found the off spin of Gobin Sugrim (4 off 18) and Sukhave (3 off 14) too much and were bowled out for 84 in 13 overs. Pacer Lakeram Jugesteer took 4 off 29 from 6 overs for Besty Ground Strikers to bowl out Goed Bananen Land for 95 in 21.4 overs, Besty Ground went on to win by 7 wickets. No. 70 M.Y.O’s off spinners Jameel Assad with 5 for 17 from 6 overs and Imran Khan 4 off 24 for 5.2 overs helped bowl out No. 69 Vikings for 126, helping their team to eventually win by 2 wickets. Other batsmen with half centuries were, Prabhudyal Baldeo and Avinash Sookraj both of Albion Travellers, Hassan Hussain of Fryish Road and Sheldon Phillips of Chesney Riders. In summarised scores: At Cumberland, West Canje beat Forth Canje Warriors by 1 wicket, Forth Canje Warriors, 165 in 38 overs with Totoram Sookanan 28, Linden Austin 25, Kwesis Mickle 5 for 20. West Canje 166 for 9 in 38.1 overs, with Kwesis

Superintendent Paul Williams (left), Kurliegh Simon (right) with the recruits and Trainers.

Kwesi Mickle

Ravi Sukhwa

Kishan Singh

Lakeram Jugisteer

Mickle 86 not out, Safraz Kadir 26, Royden Phil 4 for 24, Linden Austin 3 for 52, Balram Samaroo 2 for 9. At No. 48, Young Royals beat No. 47 Pioneer by 115 runs. Young Royals 199 in 28.5 overs with Kishan Singh 75, Rajendra Sukhave 62, Khemraj Basdeo 6 for 17. No. 47 Pioneer 84 in 13 overs with Gobin Sugrim 4 for 18, Rajendra Sukhave 3 for 14. At Goed Bananen Land, Besty Ground Strikers bet Goed Bananen Land by 7 wickets. Goed Bananen Land 195 in 21.4 overs with Davanand Cyril 30, defended Besty Ground Fighters 99 for 3 in 9.3 overs with Davanand Cyril 2 off 52. At No. 69, No. 70 M.Y.O, bet No. 69 Vikings by 2 wickets: No.69 Vikings 126 in 26.2 overs with

Viendra Gooniah 27. Jameel Assad 5 for 17 and Imran Khan 4 for 24. No.70 M.Y.O 127 for 8 in 26.1 overs with Fayaz Narinedat 25. At Albion Front, Albion Travellers beat Fryish Road by 15 runs. Albion Travellers 206 for 8 in 35 overs with Avinash Sookraj 63 and Prabhudyal Baldeo 57. Shakeel Garnett 2 for 16, Saif Latchana 2 for 31 and Zamin Hamid 2 for 51. Fryrish Road 191 in 34.4 overs with Hassan Hussain 46, Asif Gajnabi 46 and Saif Latchana 35, George Hughes 4 for 42, Bhupendre Matadin 2 for 43 and Prabhudyal Baldeo 2 for 44. At Kilcoy, Cheskoy Riders beat Chesney by 90 runs. Cheskoy Riders 244 for 9 in 35 overs with Sheldon Phillips 60, Isaak Kamaludin 34, Nasrudeen Bux 32 and Rakesh Ragnuth 26. Fazer Baccus 3 for 31 and Reaz Ramcharram 2 for 25. Chesney 154 in 26.2 overs with Narine Deonarine 40 and Zameer Khan 32. Ravendra Hardyal 3 for 17, Joel Johnson 3 for 28 and Levi Thomas 2 for 30.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is proud to showcase its ranks that were successful in two recent tournaments held locally at the National Gymnasium and Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) respectively. The successful ranks are recruits based at the Felix Austin Police Training College under the command of Senior Superintendents Paul Williams, while the Martial Arts Sensei Troy Bobb and Paul Ignatius worked with the young Lawmen during their preparation for the tournaments. On March 29 at the

Gymnasium, they copped 10 Gold, Six Silver and three Bronze Medals in the Great Diamond Mixed Martial Arts Championships. Marie Roberts (2 Gold), Khadya St Clair (2 Gold), Nikkita Scott (1 Silver), Orlando Hercules (1 Gold & 1 Silver), Michael Kendall (1 Gold & 1 Silver), Larnelle O’Conor (3 Bronze), Ryan Shannon (1 Gold & I Silver), Troy Bobb Jr (2 Gold & 1 Silver), Paul Ignatius (1 Gold) and Tekisha Williams (1 Silver) were the outstanding performers for Police. At CASH on April 5 at the Guyana Classic of Classics Martial Arts Tournament,

Marie Roberts, Khadya St Clair, Nikkita Scott, Michael Kendall, Troy Bobb Jr, Paul Ignatius and Tekisha Williams were the outstanding performers. “Self defence is an integral competent of the initial training for the recruits and the Force’s Administration is in support of its ranks who are desirous of taking the Sport seriously to a professional level,” Williams said. In the Classics of Classics Martial Arts Tournament there was a draw between Guyana and Trinidad where both Countries obtained 159 awards each. (Sean Devers)

Ambrose wants bouncer rule relaxed

Antigua Observer - St John’s, Antigua - Former fast bowler and cricketing legend, Sir Curtly Ambrose, believes the rule that restricts bowlers to only two short-pitched deliveries per over should be revisited. The former West Indies pacer, who is currently the team’s bowling consultant, said it takes away from the excitement involved in a good rivalry between batsman and a bowler. “I believe that if a bowler is overdoing the short ball, then the umpire should step in and say, space it out. But how could you be bowling to a batsman who can play the short ball very well, hit you out the park twice and then you as a fast bowler, you can’t do (anything)? You have to go back to bowling the length ball and wait until the next over, and to me that takes away the excitement,” he said. “I said so before and I will say again, there is no better

Ambrose wants the bouncer rules relaxed. excitement in cricket than a great fast bowler against a great batsman who can take you on,” he added. The rule, which first came about in 1991, was first referred to as the “bouncer rule” and its job was to restrict the bowler to one bouncer per

over per batsman. In the beginning, it was an “experimental” rule, and in 1994 it was turned into what we see in the current law book. The current law states that a bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched (Continued on page 27)

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Mayweather says Pacquiao too ‘reckless’ to win megafight Las Vegas (AFP) - Floyd Mayweather says it will be two “hall-of-famers” in their prime when he and Manny Pacquiao clash in the richest fight in boxing history on

May 2 at the MGM Hotel. In the only Las Vegas news conference he is giving ahead of fight week, Mayweather said Tuesday that he is not worried about

Travis Blyden continues to impress in T&T

Travis Blyden From the time the 2015 cricket season commenced in the first week in February, 25-year-old Guyanese legspinning All-Rounder Travis Blyden has been enjoying a productive time playing for Evergreen Sports Club in the T r i n i d a d & To b a g o ’ s Premier Two League. Blyden plays in all the formats for his Club, t20, 50overs and the three-day competition which is in its fifth round and with another t w o r o u n d s t o p l a y, Evergreen stands at fifth place on the points table. After losing first innings points to Moosia Cricket Club two weeks ago in a drawn game played at the Moosia ground at Honeymoon Park, Blyden scored 70 in the second innings. Last Sunday, in the 50over League at the Evergreen ground Pluck r o a d S o u t h Tr i n i d a d , Evergreen battled T&T prisons club in a game which was reduced to 35 overs because of rain. Evergreen won the toss and batted first, making 233-6 in 35 overs with Blyden being run out seven short of his century. His knock was decorated with 10 fours and a six. This was the third consecutive half century made by Blyden who has made four fifties so

far for the season. Former Guyana under19 right-hander Seon Hetmyer, the older sibling of West Indies under-19 opener Shemron Hetmyer, stroked 56 with seven fours, while Kevin Bissoondat supported with 54.The pick of the bowlers for Prison was Bridgelyall Singh who took 3-27. When Prisons batted they were bowled out for 133 in 31 overs with Avinash Seetaran taking 4-19. Blyden, who has five-wicket haul against Bamboo Sports club, offered support with 225. (Sean Devers)

spoiling his perfect 47-0 record. “He’s a future hallof-famer. I am a future hallof-famer and we are meeting at the pinnacle of our careers,” Mayweather said. “From the matchup, it is going to be a very exciting fight. “Our styles are totally different. I fight with smarts. Every move is calculated. Every move is thought about.” He also discussed how his training is progressing, Pacquiao’s strengths and weaknesses, retirement, and revealed that the thrill of boxing is gone and that at this point in his career, it just feels like a job. “No. I don’t enjoy it like I once did,” said Mayweather, who was fashionably late for his workout session. “It is at a point where it is business. It is my job. I go to the gym. I train. I know what I have to do,” he added, speaking from a tent outside his Las Vegas gym located in the middle of the desert city’s Chinatown district. “There was a time when it was fun but I am to a point now where I am really over all of that stuff.”

WBC/WBA welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) has help removing his gloves during a work-out at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 14, 2015 (AFP Photo/Ethan Miller) The welterweight unification fight, which has been the subject of on-off negotiations for six years, will not only be the richest fight but it will go a long way towards determining who was the greatest fighter of the era. The fight is expected to shatter records for total revenue with Mayweather earning about $120 million, while Pacquiao could receive about $80 million. Mayweather did allow reporters to watch him work out Tuesday. He said he is trying to rekindle his passion

for the sport by using some different training methods, like chopping wood and swimming laps. “I can have a good day in the gym and the sparring partners can have a good day on me. That don’t count. It counts under the lights when it is for all the marbles,” he said. There was no sign Tuesday of the controversy that arose prior to his 2014 Marcos Maidana fight. In September, Mayweather was ordered to appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission

after being accused of forcing fighters at his gym to allegedly endure 31-minute training rounds without a break. Mayweather testified to the commission that the marathon sparring sessions were staged in order to boost pay-per-view sales for his personal cable TV show to promote his next fight. In the episode Mayweather referred to his gym as the “dog house” adding “guys fight to the death. It is not right but it is dog house rules.” Mayweather is now (Continued on page 27)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 16, 2015

England on top despite Blackwood and Taylor Jermaine Blackwood was not afraid to attack, West Indies v England, 1st Test, North Sound, 3rd day, April 15, 2015 ©Associated Press

Ian Bell was run out after a mix-up with Gary Ballance, West Indies v England, 1st Test, North Sound, 3rd day, April 15, 2015 © Associated Press

ESPNcricinfo - An a b s o r b i n g Te s t m a t c h continued to unfold in Antigua on a day that included a maiden Test century, a four-wicket haul for a spinner who could not get in his county’s first XI last year and a searing opening spell of fast outswing. England, who earned a priceless lead of 104, finished with a considerable advantage of 220 but it was far from one-

way traffic. Long-suffering West Indies supporters, and many a cricket-lover in general, want to see the team show fight. They saw that quality in abundance from Jermaine Blackwood with a gusty maiden century to repel England, but the persistence of the visiting attack paid off as James Tredwell claimed 4 for 47 during a West Indies’ lower-order collapse. It was a tough slog for the

England bowlers on a surface appearing to die as the match progressed but they were impressive in their diligence. Stuart Broad, Chris Jordan and Ben Stokes all worked up eye-catching pace, while Tredwell, who removed the key scalp of Shivnarine Chanderpaul shortly before the second new ball, chipped through the lower order with subtle changes of pace and flight. West Indies’ last four

wickets fell for 19 - and the last three in 11 balls meaning a situation where something close to parity was not out of the question became a very strong position for England. However, the home side provided a stirring response with the new ball as Jerome Taylor moved it at pace to complete poor matches for Jonathan Trott and Alastair Cook. Trott, his footwork not in sync, was undone by late

swing when he edged a full delivery and Cook, in a manner now very familiar, prodded a catch to gully as Taylor came around the wicket. Both were quality pieces of bowling, but that will do little to quell concerns about the top order. Using the Dukes ball which Ottis Gibson, now the England’s bowling coach, introduced during his time as West Indies coach, the three quicks found extravagant

movement. Kemar Roach tested Ian Bell’s technique while Jason Holder seamed one past Gary Ballance’s outside edge direct to first slip (there was also one flung wide of second slip). Bell’s run out, after he was sent back by Ballance, left England 52 for 3 and grateful for every one of the runs they earlier led by, but by the close they were sitting significantly more (Continued on page 27)

Kallicharran impressed GAWA receives US$12,000 with talent in Guyana worth of Weightlifting sets Former West Indies great Test player, Alvin Kallicharran, who is conducting a Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Youth Developmental Programme across the country, said he is

impressed with the vast young talent he has met over the past days. Yesterday he visited Enterprise and Enmore grounds on the East Coast of Demerara and had

Alvin Kallicharran helps one of the youngsters with his batting technique.

sessions with the youths there. Some players highlighted a number of challenging issues with their techniques and Kallicharran was able to have a practical assessment of these pressing issues by creating drills and scenarios to emphasize and address the matters at hand. Speaking to the youths and coaches after the drills, he said, “Guyana is not short of cricketers in any way; there are a lot of talent present who need to be nurtured to go on to the higher levels.” Kallicharran also touched on the need for fast bowling to improve, noting that for this to happen, the right pitches have to be produced and fast bowlers must bowl a lot more overs in training and competitions. Earlier this week, he conducted similar session with players at Albion and Blairmont Community Centres in Berbice, and the Ghandi Youth Organisation in Georgetown. To date, all sessions (Continued on page 28)

(FROM LEFT) Pestano, Henry, Tucker, Pilgrim, Yassin, Erskine, Edwards and Nurse admire the ‘weights’ yesterday. At a simple presentation ceremony on the lawns of Olympic House on Main Street yesterday, the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA) received a donation of six weightlifting sets from the International weightlifting Federation (IWF). Two of the sets of the Weightlifting equipment are for Children, two for Ladies and two for men and the President of the GAWA Frank Tucker said this donation is a timely one and will assist in the development drive to promote the Sport in Guyana.

Tucker thanked everyone who supports weightlifting locally, adding that the equipment costs US$12,000 and promised to put it into good use adding that the next competition should be held in June. Also present yesterday presentation were GAWA’s first Vice-President Miss Subrina Pestano, General Secretary Seon Erskine, GOA President K Juman Yassin, GOA Secretary General Hector Edwards, GOA Vice President Karen Pilgrim, GAWA’s Aubrey Henry and Deon Nurse.

Thursday April 16, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 33

7th Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial Secondary Football

Representatives from the participating schools display the uniforms and balls donated to them by the Memorial Foundation.

Christianburg/ Wismar trounce LTI; Mackenzie & Wisburg draw

C

hristianburg/Wis mar trounced Linden Technical Institute 4-1, while Mackenzie High and Wisburg battled to a nil all stalemate when the 7th edition of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial Secondary Football Championships kicked off on Tuesday last at the Wisburg School ground, in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden. Christianburg/Wismar were led to victory on account of a brace of goals each from Kellon Primo (3, 56) and Shane Luckie (9, 46). Lucky was later evicted from the game via a straight red card in the 48th minute. LTI’s consolation goal came off the boot of Randy Hohenkirk in the 11th minute. According to the organisers, this year ’s competition will be reduced since the Memorial Foundation, a non-profit entity that promotes development through football at various levels in Linden, wanted to continue its positive input in the development of ‘The World Game’, and be able to meet refereeing obligations under the GFF’s new structure. The tournament now sees the eight participating schools split into two groups, where the top two teams in each group, after one round of play goes forward to contest the semifinal for a chance to play in the championship match; a

considerable change from its league / knockout format which exposed the youths to a lot more competitive football action. Before Tuesdays commencement, each of the eight participating schools received uniforms and balls from overseas based Lindener James ‘Gads’ Dennis who encouraged the youngsters to put their best foot forward in keen competition and fair play as they wear their respective gears with pride. Matches will continue today at the same venue with another double header. Harmony Secondary will engage Linden Foundation in the first game from 14:45hrs with the main event between New Silvercity Secondary and Marcia Craig Educational Institute. The Memorial Foundation is extending gratitude to the Guyana Yo u t h D e v e l o p m e n t Association of New York Inc., Fantasia Comfort Zone Taxi Service and Mr. James Dennis for their continued support towards the tournament.

t r o Sp CFU Club Championship 2015 = =

ALPHA UNITED HAMMER INTER MOENGOTAPOE 3-0

Alpha United’s Captain Gregory Richardson is denied by a robotic save from Inter Moengotapoe’s goalkeeper, Huiswoud Obrendo. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament...

Sparta Boss make it two from two to secure next phase berth - North Ruimveldt, Weavers, Alexander Village, Ballerz Queen Street also win

GOALLLLLL…Sparta Boss Sheldon Shepherd (partly hidden on the left flank) beats Charlestown goalkeeper to his left in their clash on Tuesday night, at the GFC ground.

England on top despite Blackwood and Taylor Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210