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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Time to revisit and rearrange our agenda For what it’s worth, we are currently in our third decade of governance under ‘free and fair” elections. The last elections showed that even our entrenched ethnic voting may at last be shifting under the pressures of demographics, as much as its patent failure since independence. Some indicators of the improvement in the performance of democratic institutions relate to civil liberties and political rights, especially the performance and stability of the electoral system, which as mentioned, might finally ensure the regular turnover of elites here. But it is widely conceded that democracy is not solely related to political freedoms or the electoral system. Since demonstrated in so many other countries, a democratic system is now expected to deliver development and prosperity. As such, many demand that our democracy deals with economic, social and cultural rights. The success of democracy, they claim, cannot be measured solely on the sustainability of its political aspects, but must also be measured by its role in the process of development. But what is not so well appreciated is that democracy should not be achieved through nondemocratic means, and implementation of democratic means only does not necessarily result in a democratic situation. As an ideal, democracy aims to create a system that ensures the effective popular control of public affairs on the basis of equality (equal rights). From that sense, there are at least three dimensions inherent in the notion of democracy, i.e. popular control, public affairs and equality. The recognition of political freedom and improved electoral systems is only part of the required instrumental aspects and is related only to the aspects of popular control and equality. Of course, the implementation of instrumental aspects is not meaningless. Progress in the field of civil liberties and political rights is required to improve public control of power. Along with those areas, improving electoral systems and procedures (including oversight) has led to a formulation of the best ways to ensure and fulfill the rights of citizens in elections. The situation here may still be far from ideal, but it must be admitted that there is progress. Nevertheless, improvements in the instrumental dimensions oftentimes ignore the public affairs dimension. This shortfall brings about two problematic issues. First, vertical tensions emerge between elected public officials and the public who voted for them. The political process in the aftermath of elections witnesses the formulation of public policies entrusted or handed over solely to public officials. In fact, their real task and role is to manage, not define or determine the boundaries of public affairs. As a result, the management of public affairs becomes very elitist and increasingly determined by the interests of public officials. The term “public interest” mirrors “elite interests”. Second, are the horizontal tensions between different societal groups - in our case, ethnic. The narrow public space left by the dominant elite emerges as a “hot” arena for the contestation of interests and ideals between our ethnic groups. They fight each other to transform their ideas and interests into public policies, which often involves conflict between public and private interests. In more advanced countries, the struggle between private and public issues is not too obtrusive, because there are already clear boundaries separating the two. Such a gap of understanding may also interrupt the development process of our democracy. In turn, implications of the ignorance of the public affairs dimension will spark uncertainty as to which way democracy is headed. Democracy seems to be limited to the rules and regulations that facilitate power struggles and interests, without clarity on what the power struggle is for. We seem to fail to establish a logical correlation that links the importance of public control and equality on the one hand and public interest - general welfare - on the other hand. It is time now to revisit and rearrange our democratization agenda according to more advanced aspects of public affairs and the creation of welfare, while maintaining our previous democratic achievements.
Friday April 17, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Young voters are making history, what is Ryhaan Shaw talking about? DEAR EDITOR, Letter writers should seriously attempt to explore the collective details of the landscape they attempt to address outside of their intimate arenas and the sordid creatures they’re battling with. I am a father / grandfather; they all live in Guyana and are looking forward to a change of Government to transcend this dismal period of irresponsible Governance. Ms or Mrs. Shaw is implying that the coalition hasn’t given young people their History lesson. I am struggling to understand the thought process that has evolved with this convoluted script. Which History do you think our young people are unaware of? Let me suggest; the Jagdeo/Roger Khan era, that saw several hundred Guyanese murdered, or the immediate period we live in, with joblessness and thousands of drug addicts across the nation, some committing psychotic crimes, or the sixties that envelopes
Burnham and Jagan. Go walk opposite the human services building; there you will see the destitute, the junkies and nobody cares, that is the history of the NOW! that they’re concerned about . If you’re a mother, you will understand that young people, and they’re all around me, they want jobs now. They’re interested in earning to eat. They smoke drugs out of frustration, hopelessness and are disgusted by the nepotism of the PPPCult and its devotees; lacerated by scandals, dishonesty and chronic immoral behaviour. What History is Ryhaan Shaw talking about? David Granger has for nineteen years published ‘The Guyana Review, The Emancipation Magazine and numerous publications on the Village Movement and local history. At Austin’s there is a wide selection of local publications. You should understand that our youth read, the coalition youth are on
facebook , they drew my attention to issues, especially the current semiliterate racist babblings of a Minister’s daughter, who incidentally is a researcher at the Office of the President, is not qualified in anything and could not spell research. Most of Guyana are working class, with families; they can’t jump on a plane if ‘Deh get belly wuk. They die in child’s birth, waiting for service at the free hospital because they can’t afford the paid ones, the young and their parents are all vulnerable. There’s no debate about Jaganites or Burnhamites, in Guyana today, it’s about getting out the crooks, the hungry band-waggoners and not allowing them to use tax payers money to fix their and theirs scams. The ideal now rests with the creation of the history of accountability, and pay backjail time. Definitely, Ryhaan Shaw, you live in an ‘Other’ world. Barrington Braithwaite
Parents are supposed to tell their children to do the right thing Dear Editor, I refer to Ruel Johnson’s pertinent observations about the PPP’s 2015 electioneering strategy being best described as “Operation Shock and Yawn” (KN, April 3, 2015). I have noticed that since then, the PPP has considerably upped the ante on the shock factor. Their list of candidates has drawn significant attention from all spheres of Guyanese society. I wish to remind any undecided voter, who is not benefitting from the spoils of the oligarchy, about the following absolutely shocking views expressed by our leaders and their children, with these two categories often intersecting: Sam Hinds Jr. - Fortunately for us ordinary Guyanese the PPP were forced to bypass son of the outgoing PM from their “family-affair” list of candidates. I’m sure that it was not an automatic decision for the PPP to dismiss him as eligible, but someone in that Party’s leadership structure had to draw the line. Charles Ramson Jr. - The son of former AG Charles Ramson and newly appointed PPP hot-shot candidate Charles Ramson Jr. recently employed a
media release to air his view that “it would mean that the child of a senior officer in a business/company would never be able to work in that business/company. The reality is quite the opposite: most parents who own businesses have at least some degree of expectation of their children assisting in that business.” (iNews Guyana, April 12, 2015). With his analogy likening the leadership positions within the PPP and by extension the Government of Guyana, to that of a private family business, Ramson Jr. has clearly indicated how his party views the possession and distribution of power and influence. I wonder if we could have gotten Dr. Jagan or President Obama to endorse this view? Robeson Benn –With his son (Robeson Benn Jr.) and the son of his colleague, GRDB Manager Jagnarine Singh (Vishnu Singh), seemingly keeping low profiles, Father Benn has picked up the slack. It has been reported that this gentleman said at the PPP’s Linden rally “Every election time they bring lil children and women to skin their bamsies at us when we talking…every time they come to skin
their bamsie we must take out photos and put it on the internet” (iNews Guyana, April 13, 2015). What is the sickening obsession these men have with the posteriors of women and underage girls? Rima Rohee-Paul – It has been reported that this other newly appointed PPP candidate publically posted the following comment on Facebook: “Nick it is fact! I live with it! yea typical black woman; all black people are the same. U twist it and turn it they are all the same same dutty mentality. That’s why they will always be the same in life” (KN, April 14, 2015). I gather that Rohee-Paul has since abruptly closed her Facebook account. Might this be the precursor to Jagdeo’s promise of kicking racists out of their party? Editor, having juxtaposed these views and actions offered by these public figures with that of their children, I guess the PPP intends to revise the old adage to read: do as I say AND as I do. Parents are supposed to at least tell their children to do the right thing. In the PPP moral perversion seems to be encouraged and celebrated. George Bulkan
Mr. Jagdeo knows more about thugs than anyone else DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo has no moral authority to speak about thuggery in Guyana. It is thuggery when he locked Ms. Varshnie Singh out of the presidential suite, denying her food, clothes, money, vehicle, and drove fear into persons not to support her Kid is First Foundation that caused families and their sick children of Guyana to suffer more. It is under his era this country has seen the most bloodshed, criminal activities, fear and state narcomilitarisation. It was under his ruler-
ship that hundreds of Guyanese were left dead by a drug lord who was protected and supported by his regime. He is the one with the blood on his hands. President Ramotar confirmed Mr. Jagdeo’s thuggery when he said he would have slapped the Amerindian teacher from Aishalton for daring to dissent. This is how he is prepared to deal with Guyanese, when he cannot drive fear into them with his propaganda and hate mongering he will physically assault them into subjection. It is not by accident that President
Donald Ramotar brought Mr. Jadgeo back to campaign for the 2015 elections. It was under Jagdeo’s leadership that Guyana became the most corrupt and lawless country in the Caribbean. No wonder there is such a rise in crime and all these acts are signs of his thug culture. And the thug that he is he wanted to bring an American criminal thug, Bernard Kerik, to head the police force. Mr. Jagdeo can present no argument to give the impression that he is any different from what he (Continued on page 5)
Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Trinidad’s Mohan Jaikaran, who promoted Guyanese, has passed on DEAR EDITOR, Former New York-based businessman and cultural promoter Mohan Jaikaran has passed away in Trinidad. Mohan, as we called him, pioneered cultural programs in New York for the benefit of the Caribbean Diaspora, including Guyanese of both major races. He was a community builder and a promoter of local talent and culture. He also organized entertainment in Guyana during the 1990s and his TV station hosted Guyanese entertainers and politicians in Trinidad. His untimely passing is a significant loss to the media fraternity and entertainment in Trinidad and Caribbean diaspora in North America. I remember him fondly
for his kindness and willingness to make his NY entertainment club available for our political activities, especially during the years when we struggled for the restoration of democratic rule. Mohan, as we called him, played a significant role in helping to build the IndoCaribbean community in Queens by promoting Indian culture that served as bond to bind the immigrants together. He also hosted Afro entertainers from Guyana and Trinidad at concerts. And his many concerts around the city and in Toronto and Orlando featured both Indian and Afro artistes. Mohan made an important contribution to the politics of Trinidad and Guyana by making his
cultural club in Queens available for public meetings and fundraisers for the democratic struggle back home. Basdeo Panday, Cheddi Jagan, Bharat Jagdeo all appeared at his club for public meetings. His club also served as a political gathering for meetings by Winston Dookeran, Ramesh Maharaj, and several other politicians. Meetings were packed to capacity when Bas and Jagan spoke. Mohan would be remembered most for being an engaging cultural promoter, club owner, and radio broadcaster in NY and a TV and radio broadcaster in Trinidad. He worked long hours at his club and at his stations in Trinidad until recently when health began
to take its toll on him reducing his working hours. In Trinidad, he supported Kamla Persad Bissessar in her leadership challenge of Basdeo Panday in January 2010. After she won the general elections in May 2010, Mohan was rewarded with the Vice Chair of Caribbean Airlines, an area in which he wanted to serve. He visited Guyana several times in that capacity to improve CAL’s service meeting travel agents, customers, and government officials. He also advocated for CAL’s sponsorship of Guyanese cultural programs in Guyana and in NY. Mohan made his money going back to the early 1980s- organizing concerts in NY, hosting popular
Mr. Jagdeo knows more about... From page 4 condemned. And furthermore, after 23 years of a PPP government he should be ashamed to boast about bringing our Amerindian brothers and sisters from the hinterland to live in a hostel under poor conditions. Since the 1960s under the PNC government Amerindians were coming to Georgetown on hinterland scholarships. Almost half of a century after the government should be talking about hinterland development where Amerindians would have been able to access comparative level of
education as it is in Georgetown and be able to stay with their families and in their communities and serve. The government is doing nothing for educational development in our far flung areas other than building empty buildings. Imagine the disgrace, while boasting about Amerindians going abroad to become doctors and engineers, Mr. Jagdeo has not given an Amerindian doctor a vote of confidence to treat the belly wuk that he had. Instead he jumped on a plane to have it treated in the USA. What a shame! Mr. Jadgeo is nothing
more than a big mouth bully and when it comes to thuggery he has earned the right to another PhD. I have no problem with him calling me a thug because it takes a thug to deal with him and I don’t have a problem dealing with him. The present PPP is a clan of thugs. Whether it be Mr. Jagdeo’s thuggery to Mr. Anil Nandlall’s thuggery in threatening statements to Kaieteur News. He is bringing his poisonous tongue into Linden to divide the people. The unity the PPP saw in Linden/Region 10 in 2012 drove fear into the him he is
afraid of it, so he thinks he can set out to destroy. I have news for him- not in Linden/ Region 10! Cowards die many times before their death and Guyanese must stop being afraid of this loud mouth ordinary man, who unfortunately had power bestowed on him that he never expected in his wildest dreams to achieve, and doesn’t know how to use it. Vanessa Kissoon
artistes from India and the Caribbean. He brought I n d i a n c h a t n e y, s o c a , calypso and Bollywood t o g e t h e r. H e h o s t e d numerous artistes from Trinidad and Guyana at his entertainment club in Queens as well as at performances in Toronto. He also promoted cultural shows in Guyana, Florida, Toronto and Trinidad Mohan lived a simple life. I penned several articles about his entertainment club and on his cultural activities. He was passionate about promoting local artistes and several of them from Trinidad and Guyana owed their career to him. He was also committed and dedicated to people and promoted several activities without charge on his TV station. In a tribute, former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday said: “He was a very dynamic man. He was a businessman that did not fear to venture into a new prospect. His television station has contributed a lot to the development of Trinidad and Tobago by supplying information that the public needs.” In a statement, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar lamented his passing saying he was a “dedicated patriot and
pioneering businessman who had served the nation in many categories”. She said she was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Mohan Jaikaran. “He was a humble man who had a passion for helping people while seeking no rewards for his kindness. He was a pioneering businessman in the media and entertainment sector, and a philanthropist with an eye for talent”. The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) also expressed its “sorrow and heartfelt condolences” on Jaikaran’s death. “Mr Jaikaran’s influence and impact on the broadcast media landscape in T&T has been profound and inspiring. Fellow cultural promoter Rafi Mohammed said: “Jaikaran’s vision for Caribbean talent reaching the international market is unmatched. Many artistes owe their first taste of international exposure to this gentleman through many collaborations we did in the early days”. Mohan Jaikaran will be sorely missed for his contribution to culture and broadcasting journalism. A memorial service is planned in Maracas Club, Jamaica, NY on Sunday (Apr 19) from 5:00 P.M. Vishnu Bisram
Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
Samuda calls for full disclosure before signing US$5-b logistics projects MOU KINGSTON, Jamaica — Karl Samuda, the Opposition spokesman on Industry, Investment & Commerce has expressed concern that portfolio Minister Anthony Hylton intends to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday for the execution of US$5 billion in logistics-related projects with an entity about which “questions have been raised”. Samuda insists that no MOU be signed by Hylton without full disclosure of the particulars of the Krauck Systems and Anchor Financial Group LLC, the entity with which the Government is expected to sign the MOU. He said it is also important that the minister first satisfy the nation that an agreement of this nature is indeed warranted and will benefit the country in a mean-
Karl Samuda ingful way. “Anthony Hylton’s performance as minister so far has not been particularly inspiring. It has not served to build people’s confidence in his judgement and ability to make good on announcements and key deliverables,” Samuda said. “At a minimum therefore, the country must be
told the nature of the proposed investments, the projects that would be involved, the time frame within which said projects are to be realised, and the performance history of the principals of the entity as we seek to determine credibility and competence.” He said it would also be alarming if this MOU could in any way constrain, or have the effect of inhibiting JAMPRO’s remit and operations as the country’s chief investment promotions entity. “This would be an egregious encroachment on an organisation that has been faithfully executing its mandate over the years, and would amount to nothing more than a costly and counterproductive duplication of effort,” said the Opposition spokesman. (Jamaica Observer)
‘Take a breath,’ Barbados minister tells on Antigua PM over LIAT BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (WINN) — Barbados has responded to Antiguan concerns over an alleged plan to wind up regional airline LIAT to facilitate the start up of a new Barbadosowned airline. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne recently condemned the alleged plan, warning that it could be the demise of LIAT and damage Antiguan interests in the airline. Barbados and Antigua are two of the key shareholders in LIAT. The commerce minister in Bridgetown has taken offence to Browne’s comments on the issue. Barbados Today reports that “The outspoken minister of commerce Donville Inniss has told Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne to take a breath and have a sober conversation with his regional counterparts about LIAT, instead of making undiplomatic and outlandish statements.” The report quotes Inniss as saying: “I think Prime Minister Gaston Browne could be well advised to take a deep breath, pick up the phone and call Prime Minister Gonsalves, Prime Minister Stuart and Prime Minister Skerritt and have a very sober and reasoned discussion about LIAT and the future of LIAT.” However, as WINN FM has reported, former Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne (left) and Barbados Minister of Commerce Donville Inniss Lester Bird, an MP of the governing Antigua Labour Party, says he fully supports the position taken by Browne on the matter. Bird told The Bigger Picture that St John’s has the right to protect its LIAT interests, having invested heavily in the airline for decades. “It has a right to do so, because we put more money into it that any other country. Barbados only latterly bought the shares, but Antigua has been putting significant sums of money into LIAT for donkey’s years, so we are concerned about what impact it would have on our economy. We have a right to do so,” Bird asserted. “...And I wish somebody would sit down and work out all the contributions that Antigua has made to LIAT’s sustenance,” he added.
The LIAT debate has drawn comments from various quarters including those of former LIAT pilot turned critic, Barbadian Jimmy Lynch. He said part of LIAT’s problem is the airline being subjected to politicians meddling in a highly technical business they know nothing about. Lynch accused them of having made regional travel impossible by raising all the taxes and fees and turning aviation into a cash cow. Meanwhile in a letter to the editor, Kittitian writer Lorna Callender argued that the present issues of LIAT represent the lingering laxity of CARICOM leaders in strengthening the region’s integration. Callender queried whether LIAT will be left to fend for itself, as though it were a private corporate entity like Sagicor or Massy Stores.
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THE OPPOSITION HAS A RECORD TO DEFEND, AND IT BEGAN NOT IN 1964 BUT IN 2011 The happenings in Guyana’s elections campaign is nothing new. There is no major difference between what is being seen in the country today from what happened in the past. We have been down this road many times in the past. I have seen it all before and I have heard it all before. Nothing is surprising. I have heard the opposition parties since 1992 singing the same old tune. The lyrics may have changed, but it is the same beat and the same rhythm. I have seen umpteen times before the same old scenes. I have seen the posters on the lantern posts. I have seen the flags and buntings. I have witnessed poorly attended road-corner meetings. I have seen the huge political rallies. I have heard speakers in the past from both sides say cruel and unkind things about their rivals. Nothing has really changed. This is not the first time and it certainly is not going to be the last time that we will hear about “It is time.” In the past I have heard about, “Time for Change” and “Time Up.” The message is the same. It is only a tweaking of
the words. The opposition supporters are hyped up. They feel that there will be a change this time around. But have they not felt this way at every election from 1992 to date? At every election from 1992 onwards, the supporters of the PNC, PNCR and APNU have been led to believe that victory was in store. But still the PPPC won. The PPPC knows how to win elections; that is, free and fair elections. They won in 2011 but lost their majority because of complacency and the fact that the votes at a number of polling stations in Region 3 were not counted. This time there is not likely to be any complacency because the supporters of the PPPC, indeed the entire country, have had a taste of what opposition power would look like. They have seen what the opposition did to the tenth parliament with their one-seat majority. Many people feel that it is the PPPC who has a record to defend. But they are wrong. It is the AFC and APNU which has to defend what they did with their one-seat majority and how they were either outfoxed by the PPPC or adopted positions that
placed a hold on major developmental initiatives. Yesterday, the opposition elements were outside of the Marriott Hotel with placards. One of the placards tried to make a point that the government found money for the Marriott but could not find money for the University of Guyana. Well, the government has already negotiated billions of dollars for the revamping of the University of Guyana. How come the opposition missed that one? The political rallies of the opposition have been dominated, as they ought to be, with criticisms of the government. The opposition has said what it will do but it has mainly said this in a general way. There have been little or no details as to how the things it says it will do will be done. For example, there is a proposal about tax reform. But what is this going to entail, another study? The opposition should have rolled out specific tax measures and then said what are likely to be the effects of those measures and the compensatory measures, if any, that are going to be put in place.
The opposition has long promised to reduce VAT. But they are not saying by how much. The last election they spoke about a few percentage points. This is not going to bring any relief to consumers. Reducing VAT by less than 5% is not going to cause prices to fall. The opposition therefore has to spell out exactly by how much they propose to reduce VAT and more importantly, whether they will insist that all businesses pay VAT. One of the big concerns of the business community is that some businesses are not registered for VAT. The opposition is promising jobs. But how and where are these jobs going to be created? The government on the other hand has to
merely state what they are doing. They can point to one investment alone in the city that will soon unleash more than five hundred jobs. They can refer to the developments in call centres that have created thousands of jobs for the young people, whom the opposition is claiming do not have work. Is it that there are no jobs? Or is it that those who claim there are no jobs do not really want to take up the jobs that are available? The two specific things that the opposition has
promised are to increase wages by 13% and to build a road from Linden to Lethem. This 13% is a most disappointing offer. And the PPPC already has plans to build that road to Lethem. If this is the best that the opposition can offer, then not much should be expected of the opposition. But then again we have heard all of this before, have we not?
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Elisabeth Harper joins the comics Definitely I have never seen a comical figure in any country anywhere in the world as I have seen in Guyana. Muammar Gaddafi might have been the exception. Berlusconi in Italy made you laugh, but he wasn’t as funny as the types we see in the PPP. Three politicians in the PPP are the most hilarious in the world. You could search every piece of inhabited land on Planet Earth, but you will never find a version of Clement Rohee. How can people with education that support the PPP, whether in Guyana or in the Diaspora, not see the wisdom of advising the PPP to put Rohee in a far corner of Guyana away from the spotlight? There is no other politician; there has been no other politician like Clement Rohee, except for a certain other person, and he too is in the PPP. I would put him as
the number one court jester, but let’s deal with Rohee first. Mr. Rohee cannot discourse with the press even for three minutes without coming across as a comic and saying the most laughable things. If there is any aspect of the biology of the PPP that shows how dysfunctional it is, it is the latitude that is given to Rohee. Mr. Rohee makes you laugh each time he opens his mouth, but the number one facetious figure for me in politics is Charles Ramson. I choose to discuss Rohee first, because of the authority he has and his frequent public appearances, but for me the person that can cause you to seriously hurt yourself with uncontrollable laughter is Charles Ramson. Charles Ramson has no counterpart in the world. I would miss the opportunity to see Patrizio Buanne perform “Il Mundo”, any opportunity to have a chat with Barack Obama, any
opportunity to question Mikhail Gorbachev, any opportunity to talk with the Pope, if Charles Ramson has a press conference. I wouldn’t miss that meeting for the world. My favourite Ramson comedy piece is his letter in the January 30 edition of the Stabroek News titled, “Émigrés with solutions for Guyana should form a political party for a chance to implement their political programme.” I am saying no other human on Planet Earth would write such a letter. That letter was laugh galore. Every line contained a flowing list of big words, so big that they were larger than the combined great oceans of the world. Don’t take my word for it, please Google the letter and read it. And please be honest with me – tell me if you didn’t hurt your muscles laughing as if you had Saint Vitus Dance. For me, Charles Ramson is the world’s funniest politician. The list is in the following order Ramson, Rohee and Neil Kumar. As they say in street lingo – Kumar baad fuh days. Rohee said that “goat ain’t bite me” but the goat bit Kumar all over, including his brain. Could there be another sports official anywhere on Planet Earth who defended his government’s restriction of the use of public swimming pools by saying, “people must know they must bathe before they jump in a pool.” Sadly, Elisabeth Harper has become the PPP’s latest clown. Last week I did a column on the unprecedented hilarity she engendered when she released an email that exposed a conspiracy between APNU and the AFC to pay someone five million American dollars to scandalize her over the three million American dollars her son took from a Canadian woman for a mining investment, and for which she stood as guarantor. I went to David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo and told them that I could do the
job for one million American dollars thus saving them two million American. Granger and Nagamootoo told me that they don’t have five million Guyanese much less five million American dollars. Asked why Harper did it, the answer they say is obvious – she has joined Ramson, Rohee and Kumar. Elisabeth is at it again. Asked by an interviewer how she can stand to be next to Bharrat Jagdeo after Varshnie Singh’s horrible accusations of domestic abuse against
Jagdeo, Harper pulled out the Anil Nandlall guide on the public and private lives of PPP big-wigs (the book is not available at Austin’s but could be purchased at the bookstore on the ground level of the Marriott Hotel) It was Nandlall who said that when Ashni Singh, the Finance Minister, had a car crash with the accusation of alcohol use, Singh was not acting in his official capacity. Harper told her interviewer, the domestic abuse was Jagdeo’s private affair. Now
Frederick Kissoon that is laughable. When I was courting my wife, we loved a nice song, “Send in the Clowns,” by Shirley Bassey. Listen it on YouTube.
Dem boys seh...
De Bharriott open without a single smile De Bharriott open; couple people tun up fuh see who was going. Brassington try fuh bribe people wid champagne, passion fruit drink and some lemonade. He then give dem some fry sellebeh fuh chew. That is why none body was smiling this morning. De Marriott representative thought she was coming to see glitz and glamour; instead it was protest and plenty halla. Babita, de wanna be owner, was there but he was hiding. He stand up between two post till Donald Dumb cut de ribbon. Dem boys got photo showing that he, Babita, is a troubled man, a man in distress. He didn’t even powder he nose. Dem gyal watch one another and ask wha happen to de Mac powder that he does normally powder up he face wid. Babita best friend, Jagdeo, cut good card. He didn’t tun up because dem protester was waiting fuh him. Babita go back in de night fuh de reception and this time he powder up. Jagdeo, Brassington, Ashni and Babita is still de big ones in de Bharriott which dem boys believe will soon be transferred and renamed Babbiott. Dem boys can only pray that one day all four of dem gun find demself in a position like this crook. Granger still laughing as he remember that night wid he and he would be wife. This is de story he tell everybody. “I was the guy wearing the black suit jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend’s purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message. First, I’d like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn’t expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. I was wearing the jacket for a reason. My girlfriend was
happy that I just returned safely from Mabaruma as a Brigadier. She had just bought me that .38 Special revolver for my promotion, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn’t it?! I know it probably wasn’t fun walking back to wherever you’d come from with crap in your pants. I’m sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. (That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help rob us again). After I called your mother or “Momma” as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you’d done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, — on your credit card. A truck driver who fetching fuel for Terry tek 153 gallons and was extremely grateful! I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Ohh Pee, along with de few dollars in your wallet. I then dumped your wallet in de Bharriott compound. Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the Crime Chief and one to CANU, while mentioning President Ramotar as my possible target. The Crime Chief seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he got Digicel to trace your number etc.). I feel this type of pay back is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to clear your name. You going to jail and dem boys wish that Jagdeo, Brassington, Ashni and Babita was there to join you. Talk half and study wha does happen to criminals.
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Kaieteur News
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Police hunt killers in Angoy’s Ave. shooting death The shooting incident on Wednesday in which one man died and two others received injuries stemmed from acts of bullyism by some men, mainly two brothers who are known characters in the area. This is according to one of the injured persons. Dead is 46-year-old Patrick Boodie, called ‘Boodie’ or ‘Bossman’ of 189 Levi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam. Injured is his brother Calvin Charles, 44, a Porkknocker of 195 Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam. Also injured was their cousin Jason Nicholson, 28, a mason and taxi driver of High Dam. The alleged perpetrators have been identified as a 32year-old who was recently released from jail after serving three years on a drug running charge, and who is said to be the shooter, and a 34-year-old accomplice. According to Charles there was no dispute. He stated that he was asked by his nephews and nieces to
assist them in building a house on a plot of land at High Dam at the back of Angoy’s Avenue, since they have to remove from where they are presently residing. He said that he and his brother Patrick Boodie and five others went to the scene to clear the land and start construction of the house. The man stated that as they were constructing the house he decided to light some dry grass that was in the yard. The fire got out of hand and spread over to an empty land next door. He said that his brother told him that the men complained to his brother that the fire burnt some material on their land. So he, with the urgings of his brother, decided to go and investigate. Upon reaching the area, the man stated that one the men chucked him and he retaliated. He was unaware that another was coming behind him and dealt him a lash to his head. The man who had chucked him then
whipped out a knife and stabbed him to his left hand. He said he felt dizzy after losing blood, but was still able to escape and inform his brother what was going on. His brother then left and went to the scene and upon arrival he hadn’t time to inquire what was happening, as he was dealt a chop by one of the men and then fell to the ground. It was then that the ex-convict came up with a pistol and started shooting. The man said his brother was struck several times. The gunman continued shooting until the pistol was empty. Charles stated that upon seeing that he lunged at the shooter and hit the gun out of his hand, and they began to scuffle. He said he was getting the better of the exchanges when he saw the man’s friend approaching with a cutlass. He immediately had to run to safety. He said that the shooter then picked up the gun and a relative retrieved the
Injured brother, Calvin Charles
DEAD: Patrick Boodie warheads and they left the scene. Charles said he then tried to assist his badly wounded brother, who had received several gunshot wounds to his lower body and a severe chop in the vicinity of his left ear. His cousin Jason Nicholson was standing on his bridge nearby when he was struck by a bullet to his right upper arm. They were all rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Patrick Boodie was
pronounced dead on arrival. Nicholson was admitted for immediate attention and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Hospital. Charles received eight stitches to the head. He was
treated and sent away. The suspects who are said to be known drug dealers in the area have since gone into hiding. The police have launched a manhunt.
Five East Coast villages receive plaques “A nation that doesn’t know its heritage has no identity”- National Trust
In observation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Day of Monuments and Sites, the National Trust of Guyana (NTG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport has created a unique way to educate the public about Guyanese heritage. Under the theme ‘Celebrating Guyana’s Patrimony: A trail of our built
heritage’, yesterday’s ceremony saw Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony, unveiling five plaques, which will be erected at villages along the East Coast Demerara (ECD). The signs were specifically designed to provide information on the role that each village played in the 1823 Demerara Slave Revolt. Some of the villages include Turkeyen, Bachelors Adventure and Mahaica.
Students from St. Agnes Primary, Winfer Gardens Primary, St. Angela’s Primary, St. John’s College, and the Kuru Kuru Training Centre were all in attendance to get the first glimpse of the signs. NTG’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirvana Persaud explained that although the actual date for the observation is April 18, the ministry and NTG wanted to make sure that schoolchildren had the opportunity to visit
each of the exhibitions before they were transported to the various villages. “The whole world will be doing something like this for their respective countries, so this is our way of giving back to our country.” She added that there are usually all sorts of events to recognise the nation’s heritage, such as exhibitions, walks, songs and lecturers, and yesterday’s activity was an interactive exhibition for the students.
Culture Minister Frank Anthony and NTG CEO, Nirvana Persaud unveiling one of the plaques
She explained that “these signs are all a part of the NTG’s public awareness campaign to sensitise the public on our heritage,” since “a nation that doesn’t know its heritage has no identity.” Persaud stressed that “these exhibitions focus on Guyana’s built and tangible heritage… it is to ensure that we understand the sites that we see, and the heritage of our country.” Minister Anthony reminded the youthful gathering that it is important that we preserve our heritage as Guyanese. He educated the students on the 1823 Demerara Slave Revolt that was led by Quamina. Anthony told the students that during the rebellion, about 200 slaves
were brought down from the East Coast to Georgetown, and were eventually beheaded at Parade Ground (now known as Independence Park), which is bordered by Carmichael, Waterloo and Middle Streets, in Georgetown. He also discussed the involvement of Hermanus Hilbertus Post, in the establishment of primary education in Guyana, and explained that Post’s grave, which is located behind Grand Coastal at Le Ressouvenir, ECD, has also been identified as a monument, and part of our preserved heritage. The ceremony was followed by a series of interactive activities including games, puzzles and quizzes, which saw students winning prizes for answering questions about Guyana’s history and heritage.
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 17, 2015
Guyanese military are not to be used by this government to create fear - GTUC The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is calling on the People’s Progressive Party to stop its political fear campaign which is a threat to the peace of this nation. The call comes in the wake of statements by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, that government is worried about the influx of former military personnel into political leadership, and the recent pronouncements by President Donald Ramotar in Bartica. The GTUC is of the view that the positions taken by Luncheon and Ramotar are ominous signs that every Guyanese must condemn. Both men, as well as Works Minister Robeson Benn had alluded to Guyana becoming a militarized state under an A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU +AFC) coalition government given the number of ex-military personnel who have thrown
their support behind Presidential Candidate Brigadier (rtd) David Granger. Only recently, previous Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Real Admiral (rtd) Gary Best dropped a bombshell when he came out and endorsed the opposition coalition. According to the trade union umbrella body, any attack on the freedom of association and right to choice by any group of retired workers, regardless of which sector of the workforce they served in, is a threat to every senior citizen “Guyanese should be aware of these dangerous signs coming from any government, particularly one which from all evidence is bent on exercising total domination over all Guyana, where persons must live in fear of making choices outside of what the PPP government desires,” the GTUC said in a media statement.
The GTUC stated that the continued efforts to make Guyanese fearful of APNU +AFC based on the presence of military citizens, also casts unnecessary divisions between the people and the military, which from 1964 to 2015 has faithfully served and protected every Guyanese and the government of the day. “It is our military who laid down their lives to protect the sovereignty of Guyana when Ankoko was invaded and there was a threat on the New River Triangle. It is the Guyanese military and Guyana Police Force which the PPP has used to quell the post-2002 jailbreak spate of criminality,” the GTUC said. “It is the Guyana Police Force who protect the PPP’s privilege to govern and who ensure that citizens of this country abide by the law. They have done this even with limitations and efforts to undermine their performance
as a professional security force.” The GTUC said that the nation must be on guard and say “no more” especially when one listens to the PPP campaign, stoking fear and evoking racial sentiments. According to the GTUC, a military political/ alliance in a nation state is nothing unusual. What is unusual, it stated, is when the government uses wanted criminals and drug dealers to fight crime. “This nation is reminded that under the Jagdeo administration Ronald Gajraj, a former Lieutenant in the GDF served as Minister of Home Affairs and now Ambassador to Bangladesh.” The GTUC noted that serving with distinction in the Ramotar regime is retired Major General Joe Singh who was appointed as a Special Advisor on 1st March 2013. Prior to this appointment, Major General Singh, while serving as Chief of Staff, was courted by the then President
and Leader of the Opposition to accept the appointment of Chairman of the Elections Commission, which he did and subsequently presided over the 2001 elections. He has since held a number of key positions in both the public and private sectors. The GTUC said that there are many very senior former military and police officers giving professional service to the PPP government even as they denigrate the military in the opposition. Among the most prominent ex-military officers serving in an official capacity right now, is retired Major Keith Lowenfield, Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Backing up its claim, the GTUC noted that throughout the world, former military officers are represented among a nation’s most prestigious workers; the most trained and disciplined labour
force. They contribute in and out of the military and are valued labour force. Any talk therefore of militarisation under an APNU+AFC government by the PPP/C must therefore be matched with an evaluation of their own so called “militarisation” the GTUC said. “It must be matched with and compared to international norms, for it is evident that military men and women holding political/ government office after retirement is nothing unusual. For instance, many U.S Presidents from George Washington to George Bush were former military officers. Many Secretaries of Defence, the equivalent of Minister of Defence /Home Affairs are persons of military training. The position of U.S Secretary of State has also been selected from among former military trained officers,” the GTUC stated.
Scotiabank Bartica continues to give back to community APNU+AFC manifesto Scotiabank Bartica Branch, made a donation of $50,000 to the Bartica Regatta Committee yesterday. Branch Manager Carlos Prowell told Kaieteur News that it is an annual undertaking. Lennox Fredericks collected the cheque on behalf of the committee. This “giving back” initiative was preceded by a face-lifting activity at Agatash Primary School sometime last month. After being involved in community service for a number of years, Scotiabank embarked on an initiative to give back to Bartica. The
exterior of the school was repainted by the bank’s staffers. Prowell said that Scotiabank has recognised that it has a corporate responsibility of giving back to the community, and it has been fifteen years since the bank opened its Bartica branch. He boasted that from the very beginning the entity has been participating in such activities. The staff would customarily partake in cleanups and repainting of road signs. He explained that the staff went around the community
to pinpoint “where a lacking of need is.” This was in an effort to assess what the next project would be, as a major project is done every quarter. Agatash Primary was one such “needy” location. After talks with the Head Teacher who was very grateful for the initiative, it was agreed that the school would be the ideal project to begin with. Prowell said that it saved the school’s administration time and money. The exterior of what he described “a big school” was painted. It took some nine hours to get the job done. According to Prowell, the project was made possible by a fund-raiser held by staff and contributions by the bank. He opined that “it is very good to contribute back to the community we (Scotiabank) do business in.”
likely today
The manifesto of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) was delayed following efforts by the two parties to merge their respective programmes into one. This was confirmed by AFC General Secretary David Patterson, who however expressed the hope that it would be made available by today. The launch of the coalition’s manifesto had initially been slated for March 10. Though the entire document has not been made public, party officials have already spoken on a number of the parties’ plans, which form part of the manifesto. Most recently, Presidential candidate David Granger mentioned funding for the University of Guyana (UG) as a primary focus of the coalition, should they be elected. This comment was made at a recent forum hosted by Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) and Guyana Women’s Roundtable (GWR) at the Theatre Guild playhouse, Parade Street, Kingston AFC executive member Cathy Hughes also spoke of the need to implement a code of conduct for Government officials who would have committed indiscretions. This is in light of several controversies involving
David Patterson
Government functionaries. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has so far released a prelude of its 2015 manifesto, which the party has christened ‘Guyana version 2.0’, and in which there are details about the pursuit of the deep water harbour project, the creation of industrial and commercial zones and the continuation of the administration’s single parent training programme. In the excerpt, emphasis was also placed on job creation, investment into Information and Communications Technology (ICT), a national rice support system for farmers so that payments are made on time, as well as support for the sugar sector, among other ventures.
Albouystown labourer found under bed with cocaine remanded A labourer was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after the police found him hiding under a bed with cocaine in his pants pocket. Nisam Osmond, 27, of Albouystown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which
stated that on April 13, at Cross Street, he had two grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. According to the prosecution’s facts, the police visited a home at Cross Street and conducted a search on an apartment. The defendant was found lying under a bed. A
search was then conducted on his person and the drug was found in his pants pocket. He was then taken to the police station where he was charged for the offence. Nisam will make his next court appearance on April 30, before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
P.S. denies involving underage PYO members in alcohol consumption The following statement, published in its entirety and unedited, was issued by Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry Collin Croal: “I, Collin Croal, a candidate of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) condemn articles appearing in Kaieteur News Wednesday’s edition dated April 15, 2015 headlined “Permanent Secretary at center of missing teen report in North West” and Thursday’s edition dated April 16, 2015 headlined “Mom insists PS influences daughter delinquent behavior.” I wish to categorically deny the allegations of myself and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) members participating in or encouraging underage persons to consume alcohol at any of its activities. Further, in so as the particular “teen is concerned” where it was alleged of my involvement with her, at no time was I personally involved with her. I have not been in the Mabaruma sub-Region
Permanent Secretary Collin Croal since Monday morning having left in the company of Minister Carolyn Rodrigues for another sub-Region to continue my political work and not Tuesday as stated in today’s edition. My involvement is with the PYO–Mabaruma through their steering committee and not the individual members. I have remained quiet for the past 24 hours, however, despite there being a statement issued by the PYO–Mabaruma and an iNews article quoting
comments by the teenager in question, her sister and her father which showed that what is being peddled by Kaieteur News is far from the truth. This is an attempt by the opposition aided by Kaieteur News to besmirch my character, disrupt the gains and work of the PPP and detraction for the apparent lack of support for the opposition in the Region. The targeting of the PPP/ C through the PYO members does not go unnoticed. It is a continuation of the smear campaign by t h e Opposition aided and abetted by Kaieteur News e s p e c i a l ly targeting a number of prominent political persons. Kaieteur News has refused to carry the PYOMabaruma statement in its entirety and has failed to contact me or even correct their false story, but continued with its political associated message. The PPP/C and PYO should not be seen as a football field for a family that has divided political loyalty.”
Vulcanizing shop murder…
Elderly man found guilty of killing friend Donald Mopp, the elderly man accused of mortally injuring his friend in a brawl two years ago, was yesterday convicted of murder. Mopp, called ‘Chetty,’ 72, of Tucville, Georgetown, breathed heavily as the mixed panel of jurors delivered a unanimous guilty verdict for the crime, which was committed at Stretchy’s vulcanizing shop in Tucville on February 15, 2013,. Mopp stabbed his friend Winsel Roger Edwards, during a drunken brawl. The incident is said to have stemmed from a ‘name calling’ incident. The two men were reportedly consuming alcoholic beverages when they began calling each other names. The teasing intensified and Mopp became highly annoyed. He left the shop but returned sometime later with a knife. Thirty-three year-old Edwards called ‘Buck’ or ‘Roger’ of 320 Self Help Square, East Ruimveldt, was stabbed once in the vicinity of his heart. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. At yesterday’s hearing,
Mopp’s Attorney, Debra Kumar, requested a probation report prior to his sentencing. Her request was granted by presiding Judge, Roxanne George, who adjourned the matter to May 13, to facilitate the probation report The elderly man had maintained his innocence throughout the trial. In his defence, Mopp told the court that he could not recall what went on between himself and the victim on the day of the incident. “Myself and Roger were friends. I had no reason for wanting to kill him,” Mopp had told the court. However, in his evidence, Clairmont Greenidge, the proprietor of the vulcanizing shop recalled that ‘Chetty,’ was a regular ‘limer’ at the shop. He said that the elderly man would often come to the shop to hang out and watch television. Greenidge said that on the day of the incident, the men were tantalizing each other, during which Edwards called Mopp an “old anti-man” and Mopp retorted by calling him
Guilty: Donald Mopp (Edwards) a “faggot.” He recalled that Mopp left some time during the row, but he returned. Greenidge said that the elderly man attacked his younger opponent from behind. Both men are said to have toppled to the ground. Greenidge said that Edwards tried to get up, but he fell back and Mopp stabbed him. Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh testified that the victim died as a result of perforation of a blood vessel due to the stab wound. The matter was prosecuted by State Counsel Stacy Gooding.
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Ex US President Jimmy Carter to observe elections With just over three weeks left for general elections, former US President Jimmy Carter is expected to lead a team of observers from the Carter Centre for the May 11 polls. Carter Centre disclosed yesterday that it has launched an international election observation mission at the invitation of the government of Guyana. “The core team of experts will be joined this week by six medium-term observers, together representing nine countries. The Centre’s observers will meet regularly with representatives of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), political party candidates, civil society organizations, the international community, and citizen election observers to assess electoral preparations and the preelectoral environment, including election administration, campaigning, voter education, and other issues.”
Ex US President, Jimmy Carter They will be joined by a larger delegation of election observers in May, led by the 90-year-old Carter, who will assess the voting, counting, and tabulation processes. “I look forward to leading our delegation to observe Guyana’s elections on May 11,” said President Carter. “The Carter Centre has a long history in Guyana and great respect for the Guyanese people. These will be the
fourth elections we have observed there since 1992, and we trust they will be peaceful and inspire hope for the future.” With the Guyana mission, the Carter Centre reaches an important milestone: its 100th election observation. The first took place in Panama in 1989 during a hotly contested race that the Centre declared fraudulent. Since then, the Centre has observed elections in 38 countries. The Carter Centre’s election observation mission is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct that was commemorated at the United Nations in 2005 and has been endorsed by 49 election observation groups. The Centre assesses the electoral process based on Guyana’s national legal framework and its obligations for democratic elections contained in regional and international agreements.
Fifteen percent rise in murders Forty-nine people have been slain for the year, as statistics released by the Guyana Police Force indicated a steady rise in homicides and other serious crimes. The Force’s Public Relations Department reported that there were 47 murders between January and April 13, 2015, in comparison to 41 for the similar period last year. This is a 15 percent increase in homicides. There were two other murders up to yesterday, bringing the figure to 49. Kaieteur News murder statistics show that eight females were slain for the year,
- 49 people slain for the year with persons being charged in two of the killings. Two of them were minors. Police also recorded a four percent increase in serious crime between January and April 13, 2015, in comparison to the same period in 2014. Among the serious crimes police by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape and kidnapping. But police said that for that same period, robbery under arms overall
had decreased by 19 percent in comparison to the same period in 2014. “The statistics indicate a 27 percent decrease in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, and a percent decrease in armed robbery where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators. “The offence of rape has shown an increase of 62 percent up to April 13, 2015, in comparison to the same period in 2014.” Police also said that there (Continued on page 27)
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 17, 2015
US$60M Marriott opening greeted by protest APNU+AFC boycotts ceremony
President Donald Ramotar and Senior Vice President of the Marriott International Inc., Brenda Durham during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Guyana Marriott Hotel By Kiana Wilburg Anticipations were high for the much-touted grand opening of the Marriott Hotel at Kingston, the first of its kind in these parts. It was supposed to be a major project initiated by the former administration and now being completed by the Donald Ramotar government. Ahead of the May 11 general elections, it was expected to be a proud moment. But the expected spectacular event complete with pomp and fanfare fizzled yesterday, falling short of expectations. The mostly taxpayerfunded hotel saw heavy police presence and barricades around its environs, and as the proceedings of the event geared to start, protestors who were held at bay by police in front of the nearby Pegasus Hotel, broke the
barrier and defiantly stood in front of the Marriott, waving their placards and chanting loudly. There was a glaring absence of the Opposition at the event even though they were formally invited. Also absent was former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the man who pushed for the project despite misgivings by the Opposition. Members of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) were among the protestors. The police were unable to hold the demonstrators back, leading to a face-off at the entrance of the new hotel. Even though the protests threatened to overshadow the planned proceedings at the US$60M hotel, it did not deter President Donald Ramotar from proceeding with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The presidential car and security detail vehicles swept past the chanting protestors,
into the compound of the hotel. Government ministers seemed unfazed by the harsh comments of the irate taxpayers who were being blocked from protesting and in some cases, assaulted. The opening ceremony was, surprisingly, quite short as it saw brief remarks from President Ramotar and Senior Vice President and Regional General Counsel of the Marriot International Inc., Brenda Durham. Both said the event was indeed historic and that they look forward to seeing the success of the hotel in Guyana. Ramotar had also unveiled the plaque for the hotel with Durham at his side. Keys were presented to the President; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali, and NICIL head, Winston Brassington. Those present were also given the bronzecoated souvenirs.
This signs reflect the sentiments of the demonstrators
A Protestor argues with a female police officer for her right to peacefully protest While the red-carpet occasion continued, taxpayers were still engaged outside in heated exchanges with police officers. The chant was on: “The Ramotar/Jagdeo administration is worse than the anti-christ. They are cruel. But they have three more weeks, three more weeks until they meet the end of the road.” APNU Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan, explained that the hotel represents a brazen act of corruption, and it is clear that the end is near for a dying government. “I also want to speak on the barricading of all roads leading to the Marriott this morning (yesterday) where citizens sought a peaceful protest, but were prevented from so doing. While the PPP/ C is running ads incessantly on the radio, television, print media, etc., boasting and bragging about having returned democracy to Guyana and that today, unlike in the past, people have the right and freedom of assembly and expression, what occurred today proved that they are lying. “I want to call on them to pull these misleading ads forthwith and stop lying to the nation.” Another protestor said, “I am just fed up. We need better schools and hospitals, but they hustle to open this structure born out of lawlessness. It makes me sick. They told us they were getting investors to fund it and then Brassington got the belly to turn around and tell the nation that he used millions of our tax dollars to build it. They are criminals in fancy suits and they need to
go to jail. “Just imagine I come out here to exercise my constitutional right and these police officers just pushing me and telling me how I can’t come here. Are these people serious? Is like this government just abusing us, spitting in our face every day and we like the fools, the stupid, dumb people they think we are, must remain silent. Well, not at all. This Government has pushed us to the limit and come May 11 they will feel the wrath of the people. They will know the power of the X.” City Mayor Hamilton Green was also present. He said he was there to check the drainage systems, but was prevented from doing so. He alleged that two police officers assaulted him and arrested his security personnel. He was holding a placard too. The 197-room Marriott Hotel in Kingston was hailed by Government as one of the special projects to boost tourism and hospitality. But it started off on a rocky road. From the transfer of the lands to the murky details of the financing, there were many questions from the Opposition, leading to clashes even in the National Assembly. It was only after continuous pressure that Government finally released a partial feasibility study of the project. From the inception of the project, it has been one filled with controversy, as billions of taxpayers’ dollars were spent by Government on the edifice and without the authority of the National Assembly. It was supposed
to be a private/public partnership project. In the end, it ended up mostly a Government one. No big worry, except that Government is now planning to transfer a majority stake to a shadowy Hong Kong investor. The lack of transparency and plans by Government to sell 67 percent of its equity to the equity investor for a mere US$8M, along with a host of tax concessions have angered Opposition as well as other hoteliers who have been struggling to fill rooms. More than US$35M of taxpayers’ dollars were initially sunk into the hotel’s construction with no evidence of the hundreds of jobs promised during the construction to locals. The Chinese contractor, Shanghai Construction Group, reportedly imported scores of workers. The still-secret concessions and other benefits of the Marriott Hotel have also been heavily criticized not only by the Opposition, but by other hotels which said the unfair playing field gave Marriottbrand structure a big advantage over them and would spell the death knell for them. Last year, the Opposition, through Desmond Trotman, a former Parliamentarian, filed a court case blocking the hotel from transferring the lands and mortgaging it. It effectively blocked more than US$20M from coming in from the investors. The calls are now on for Government to sell shares of the hotel to locals instead of a virtually unknown foreign investor.
Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Desmond Hoyte paved the way for the PPP/C Voices have raised against the People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s usual campaign tactic of resurrecting the “dreaded Burnham era” - as party General Secretary Clement Rohee described it as a means of soliciting votes in General Elections. This upcoming election has been no different, but more people are becoming tired of this strategy and are saying frankly and publicly, “we are fed up.” This was made clear during a passionate address by prominent businessman and rice producer Sam Bacchus who during an opposition rally in Essequibo two Saturdays ago, urged citizens not to fall victim to the PPP/C’s scare tactic of reviving the Burnham name and capitalizing on what they believe is an experience under his People’s National Congress (PNC) government that should prevent Guyanese, particularly the Indo-population, from voting for any party associated with the PNC. The PPP/C’s PNC scapegoat has been dead for some 29 years, yet every election he is brought to life. “Well I don’t want to hear about that. I am an old person and I don’t want to hear about it, much less the young people who don’t even know him,” Bacchus said to the large gathering that congregated at Damon Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast. The guest speaker at the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) political rally
“I don’t want to hear what Burnham did”E’bo businessman tells rally
Sam Bacchus (left) became emotional after his passionate speech said also that Guyana is facing numerous problems under the PPP/C-government. He was angered by their widespread corrupt practices and failed projects, but became even more incensed when he explained that the PPP/C continues to blame Burnham when they are confronted with these issues. Bacchus insisted that he refuses to listen about what Burnham did more than 30 years ago. He noted instead, “let us be honest. Let us go to another page of the PNC under (former President) Desmond Hoyte from 1985 to 1992.” He said Hoyte reformed Guyana and brought fair elections to the country. He suggested that it was Hoyte who reformed Guyana and paved the way
for the PPP/C. “Did he not bring back all the food we were quarreling for? Did he not handle all the criminals… and weren’t all of you who believed in the capital punishment happy when he did?” The businessman went further, “I ask you, who it is that allowed for the first time for private millers to export rice out of the country?” To thunderous applauses, Bacchus charged, “It was Desmond Hoyte in the PNC days… 1985 to 1992.” “He brought us the Cambio. He introduced economic reform programmes and by 1992 the economy had turned around, and he held fair elections in 1992 when the PPP won and came to power.” “Lest we forget”, he
Relatives believe death in Lethem... From page 20 on Monday last. “When I see the papers with the police explanation, I said 'wow!'” Pedro exclaimed. The relatives subsequently went back to Eve Leary and met with officials from the division. “They did not tell us that he (Bovell) died. I guess they assumed that we had already read it in the papers. All they did was give us a form to fill out so that they could do the post mortem,” Pedro stated. The post mortem was done by government pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as asphyxiation due to hanging. However, according to Pedro, who claimed to have witnessed the post mortem, Bovell had a small puncture to his neck and an abrasion to his forehead. She said that during the post mortem, no blood was emitted from Bovell's body, something they found very strange. “I pushed my way and
observed the post mortem, and I observed a dent in the forehead and a stab wound to his neck. There was also a cut on his right knee. There was no bleeding and I believe that all the bleeding took place in the cell,” Pedro stated. She said that the police have invited her to give a statement about what she observed during the post mortem, but she declined. A source in Lethem had told this newspaper that a man who was called to clean the cell Bovell was in, had seen bloodstains there. The man was also reportedly seen with bloodstains on his clothing after he had completed cleaning the cell. The relatives said that what is also worrying is the fact that the police claimed that Bovell was arrested around 19:45 hours on Saturday. They claimed that Bovell had contacted his stepmother almost six hours before and told her that he was in police custody.
The police had said that a team of investigators from the police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) was sent to Lethem to probe the matter. The investigators will have to look into how Bovell got possession of a shoelace, which is among several items prohibited in police lock-ups. “When you are being placed into the lock-ups, they are supposed to search you and ensure that they strip you of your belt and shoelaces or anything that you can use to harm yourself or any other person in there,” a source who is attached to the OPR had told this newspaper. “We want justice and a fair investigation. I believe that my son bled his life away in the lock-ups,” said Wolford Henry. “Roy was a stable man and he had a network of family that he could have called upon at any time. He would not kill himself. The question is, is it suicide or homicide? I believe it is homicide,” the dead man's aunt Roxanne Pedro declared.
reiterated, “it was Desmond Hoyte who brought fair elections to this country in 1992.” Bacchus, an influential personality in his home
region of Essequibo, has thrown his support behind APNU+AFC. He is one of the country’s many prominent persons who endorsed the coalition, stating that Guyana has reached a point where it has to do away with this “winner takes all” politics and work in the interest of every group that comprises the nation. He advocated the need for a unity government, telling the gathering that he had promised that he would never mount another political podium unless it was a united force. Bacchus said the APNU+AFC coalition has a lot of good work to do. “They will spend your tax dollars wisely, with parliamentary approval and the necessary
oversight, on programmes that benefit people and not rulers.” He urged the gathering and all Guyana that they needed to understand that they are the electorate and, “we are the power in the country”. Subsequently, Bacchus read a list of citizen expectations which he told the opposition coalition that they must conform to. Among those requests, Bacchus said that Guyanese expect Constitutional Reforms, a return of the constituency system, and extremely important, the power to recall parliamentarians when they do not conform as well as transparent transactions. He urged the audience that it is time for change.
Fifteen percent rise in... (From page 13) has been no arrest so far in the investigations into the murder of Quincy Bowman, 31, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, whose body was found with a gunshot injury to the head in the vicinity of ‘Busta Bridge’, Festival City, on April 06, 2015. “The police have questioned a number of persons from the community as the investigations continue.” Kaieteur News had reported that a brother of the
slain man was also questioned but was released. Police said that investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death of Devi Ramadhar, 17, of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, whose body was found on the seawall at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, on April 11, 2015. The cause of her death is so far undetermined. However, two men were arrested and questioned by the police and later released on bail.
Ballistics tests are being conducted on the spent shells and a warhead that were recovered as investigations into the murder of businesswoman Shevon Gordon, 45, of Block 22, Wismar. Shevon Gordon was shot and killed during an armed robbery at her home on April 4, 2015. So far the two suspects in this robbery/murder have managed to evade capture by the police. Efforts are continuing to be made to apprehend them.
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Friday April 17, 2015
Works Ministry threatens to arrest, charge Timehri squatters - residents ask for promised homes
Young men who engaged in “bush cook” during the holidays By Zena Henry The Ministry of Public Works has threatened to arrest and charge Timehri residents who continue to “squat” on airport property. The government agency in a public missive Tuesday made their intentions known after they discovered new areas within the community that were being cleared for domestic and farming activities. The Ministry said that it is “extremely disturbed and disappointed by the barefaced actions of squatters who continue to clear lands vested to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), despite repeated warnings by the Police law enforcement officers, squatters persist to clear and burn sections of lands to erect structures and farms”. The Ministry claimed that on Thursday last, CJIA staff and police stumbled upon renewed activity in Timehri North, in the vicinity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ammo Dump and the NonDirectional Beacon (NDB). The Ministry said it
cannot condone squatting on lands allocated for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – the country’s main port of entry for international travellers. It said ‘Cease and desist’ signs will be erected in the area and law enforcement officers will “arrest and charge anyone who breaches the order”. The Ministry said that since 2008, they along with CJIA Authority have held meetings and engaged in one-on-one conversations with squatters on relocation options, the airport expansion and health and safety risks of living in proximity to the airport. Efforts have been made to encourage squatters to apply to the Lands and Surveys Commission for suitable alternative lands, however, many still refuse to take up the offer. The Public Works Ministry said that the airport expansion is crucial to Guyana’s development, and the Ministry and CJIA remain committed to the project. While the Ministry said that relocating squatters to suitable areas to ensure their source of income/livelihood
is at the top of their list, they wondered what could have stimulated the resumption of squatting on Airport and Public Lands earmarked for a critical national development project. In the same vein, Timehri North residents have also wondered what happened to the properties that they were promised from the government. Mentioning the environmental impact assessment policy which is absolute to ensure the fair and legal removal of the community, they say that the government has failed to provide an adequate relocation program for community members so that disruption of their lives is
One of the structures that the Ministry is opposed to limited. In a visit to the Timehri North community last week prior to the CJIA, Works Ministry release - this newspaper was told by residents that young, financially deprived residents were seeking areas to build small homes, as some of them have already started families. Many residents, including children, were seen engaged in “bush cooking”, games and other activities. They claimed that the community currently has no place for recreational or educational activities. They explained that the Guyana Defence Force’s ammo dump had been cleared sometime back and soldiers told them that the area would
be open for public movement which was initially prohibited. The area which the release spoke of is located more than a quarter-mile west of the airport expansion, a stone’s throw away from other residential houses and a short distance from where the Chinese contractors were mining sand for the project. The Timehri North Community Development Council (TNCDC) in previous clashes with the government has accused them of being uncaring and deceitful when they made promises that they did not fulfill and also tried to separate persons in the community by meeting with specific groups. The community maintains that the
government told them to prepare their homes and set up the necessary amenities so that their community could become regularized. Today, they claim, the government is asking residents to throw away all their sacrifices and relocate to an area unsuitable for them to live. They said no location was made clear, but one being hinted on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway has no amenities such as schools, health centre and recreational ground, among others. The residents are adamant that any government seeking to strip them of their homes is obligated to provide alternate, but suitable locations.
APNU+AFC to reform police force, implement SVU for domestic violence The coalition APNU+AFC has indicated that it intends to reform the police force, as well as implement a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to address issues of domestic violence At a recent forum held at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Parade Street, Kingston, APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate, Brigadier David Granger (ret’d), and Executive member, Catherine Hughes, addressed a number of concerns of women and youths in Guyana. The forum was arranged by the Guyana Women Roundtable (GWR) in collaboration with the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC), so that members of civil society could take their concerns to the candidates contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections. Among issues raised were the fact that the Guyana Police Force is in dire need
of more female officers, and the fact that police in general are not sympathetic enough when dealing with female victims of domestic abuse. According to Granger, the police force “needs persons who are capable of extending sympathetic counsel to victims of violence”. “Very often a station sergeant is not the best person (to deal with instances of domestic violence). Many who are victims of violence are disinclined to make reports about sensitive matters to persons who are strangers; and persons who they feel might not sympathise with them,” Granger asserted. The Presidential candidate opined that the salary that is currently being offered to members of the police force is not enticing, and would not attract and retain quality people. Granger said that the
Guyana Human Rights Association recently published records that indicate that most cases of rape and domestic violence in Guyana never ever make it to trial, and when they do, rarely end in convictions. In explaining that there needs to be a reform of the Guyana Police Force, Granger stated, “There is a failure in something called the Guyana Police Force, and we [APNU+AFC] recommend that the Guyana Police Force be reformed to deal more sympathetically with the heart of the population, who are women, and who make complaints of a domestic nature.” Catherine Hughes in her opening address at the forum, said that with respect to instances of domestic violence, very little has been done over the past few years. She said that as part of the APNU+AFC agenda, a
Special Victims Unit would be attached to every police station to deal specifically with these sensitive matters affecting women. If the party is elected after the May 11 polls, Hughes said that the aim would be to ensure that “when a woman goes into a police station to report an instance of domestic violence or rape… or any kind of situation with violence, there is a special unit, funded with the requisite social workers and psychologists that can deal with the situation and can provide some solution.” She stressed, however, that in the area of domestic violence, “we need to ensure that the psychologists and social workers dealing with the issue are being paid a salary that they can live on, and that there is proper training of all those tasked with handling such cases”.
Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 29
GDF probes beating of miner by suspected Army ranks A 23-year-old miner, who was formerly a Second Lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), is alleging that he was badly beaten by ranks stationed at Lethem, including a senior officer, on Sunday last. The assault reportedly began at a night spot in Tabatinga. He received severe injuries to his head, face and could barely manage to see through his left eye. The GDF has since sent a team to the area to investigate the report made, but thus far no one has been arrested or charged in connection with the matter. Melvin Shewprasad in his account of what happened said that he was contacted by the senior officer, who requested to borrow money, which he declined to do. Shewprasad said the man became annoyed after he had expressed that “the only time you does call me is when you want money”. The conversation ended. The gold miner alleges that during the wee hours of Sunday morning at the night spot, he approached the officer in a friendly manner
but was greeted with an offensive retort. He said that the man accused him of getting disrespectful, to which he replied “Because I didn’t lend you money I am getting disrespectful?” The angry officer told Shewprasad to “move from in front my face.” Shewprasad said that he continued to enquire if not lending the money was the cause for the man’s unfriendly responses. “Move out from in front my face before I lash you,” the man reportedly shouted, to which Shewprasad said he responded “seriously”. It was then that the assault began. Shewprasad said the officer struck him to the head with a Guinness bottle from which he was consuming, causing him to fall to the ground and momentarily lose consciousness. Bleeding from the left eye, Shewprasad said he was rescued by “an Amerindian woman who I know”. He said after he regained consciousness the woman had indicated that she had called a taxi; however the taxi took quite some time to arrive.
While outside the club, the injured man, who was still on the ground bleeding profusely, was attacked for a second time by the officer. “I managed to pull out from that.” He said the woman once again rescued him. On their way to a nearby yard where a taxi driver resides, the man who was being held upright by the woman, was stopped by an army vehicle. Shewprasad told this publication that a soldier (name given) came out the vehicle and started beating him. “He lashed me against my left shoulder with a metal object. I fell to the ground and started feeling kicks and cuffs about my body causing me to lose consciousness.” Shewprasad was subsequently rushed to the Lethem Hospital where he later regained consciousness.” It was only after regaining awareness that he was told by the woman who repeatedly came to his assistance that the assault ceased when another woman threw herself upon him as a shield.
Preliminary work started on “limited test” of voters’ list Preliminary work has already started for the “limited test” that is expected to be conducted on the 2015 voters’ list provided by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The preliminary list of electors has shown that since the last general election in 2011, the number of persons on the list has grown by 75,000; an extremely worrying figure for contenders. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was the first to express its rejection of the “seemingly bloated list,” while the Opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), recently voiced concerns about the increased number from 2011 to now. While GECOM cannot legally remedy the list, but has assured strict measures to maintain its integrity, some persons say it is possible for the information to be manipulated. However to quell concerns, watchdog body Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) announced its intent to conduct a survey to verify the authenticity of the grown list by an acceptable percentage. They will also be playing an observer role on Election Day and have already commenced training in this regard. To assist in carrying out
EAB Project Director Dmitri Nicholson their mandate, the United States Embassy pledged to release significant funding to the agency. EAB’s Project Director Dmitri Nicholson told the newspaper yesterday that the aid is expected before weekend and its implementation will be managed by the International Republican Institute (IRI). It will go towards training Election Day observers and used to facilitate the test among other things. As it relates to the activities linked to the testing, preliminary work has commenced, while the agency is awaiting certain information from GECOM following the two sides’ recent meeting. The election body is expected to
provide the list of new names which caused the increase on the general list among other things. Of these names, 1200 will be selected for testing. The proportional method of stratification will be employed in the important task of correctly representing each region according to their increases. The EAB says that its job will be to highlight inconsistencies to GECOM, if any. GECOM is legally charged to deal with any such matters involving elections and will thus be tasked with rectifying any matter that might surface. Along with the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB), the Organization of American States (OAS) will benefit from the US monetary contribution. The Embassy said that the resources, some US$300,000, would assist in efforts to ensure fair, free, and credible elections in Guyana on May 11, as both agencies have a proven track record of successful election monitoring missions and are widely respected. EAB noted that interested persons with no political agenda can contact the agency at email address eabguyana@yahoo.com to aid in the services they plan to provide during the election period. The agency will be engaged in observer activities.
Melvin Shewprasad The victim was still in a state of shock because he said that he and the officer were good friends. He disclosed that despite the fact that he was no longer in the army he would usually go over at the army base to play sports and the alleged assailant would even seek advice from him.
Shewprasad claims that the officer visited him at the hospital in an attempt to make peace, but he gave him the cold shoulder. “He said to me he’s sorry for what he’s done and if I need anything I should call him. I didn’t say anything to him.” Shewprasad said that the
Police took his statement at the Lethem Hospital, and the following day he went to the Lethem Police Station to make a follow-up statement. The man also refuted reports by other media entities that he was dishonourably discharged by the GDF and that he had a criminal charge before the court. “I never had a criminal charge.” He said that he was Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and was placed under close arrest for doing so; however he was never charged as the GDF discharged him via “Struck off Strength” in the interest of the Force. Shewprasad enlisted in the GDF in April 10, 2010 and was discharged on September 01, 2014. He is currently at his Meten–Meer–Zorg, West Coast Demerara residence recovering from the assault.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
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Friday April 17, 2015
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Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
US citizen get 3 years, fined $1.5M for cocaine possession An American citizen who was about to board a flight to New York, was busted yesterday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, with 692 kg of cocaine stashed in two suitcases. Security officer, Rueben Lang, 27, admitted that he had the cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced Lang to three years imprisonment, he was
also ordered to pay a fine of $1,598,400, which is three times the street value of the drug. The bust was made by the Narcotics Branch of the Guyana Police Force which is based at the airport. According to Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru, ranks of the narcotic branch were monitoring outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines Flight destined for John F .Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York. The defendant placed his
suitcases on the baggage scanner, and during scanning the police saw a “funny looking object” inside of the suitcases. The officers were then prompted to conduct a search in the presence of the defendant. Upon searching, several plastic parcels were found taped to the top and bottom walls of both suitcases. Mangru said that the parcels were probed and a whitish, powdery substance was unearthed from the
plastic bags. The substance was tested and confirmed to be cocaine. It was then, that the defendant was told of the offence, arrested and cautioned. Under caution the defendant told the officers, “This is my stuff. I am just trying to make some money”. He was subsequently charged. When asked by the magistrate if he had anything to say before sentencing, an unrepresented Lang told the court “I’m just a poor man trying to make some money”.
Jailed: Rueben Lang
Another person was yesterday brought before the court, after the police alleged that he falsely declared a large sum of money he was travelling with. Rajesh Seeogobin, of 19 Public Road, Prospect, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on March 17, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, he had £32,000, in his possession but only declared £30,000 with an immigration officer. The defendant’s attorney Glenn Hanoman
informed the court that investigations were carried out at the airport. He affirmed that his client had no reason to make a false declaration, since he declared £30,000 at the airport. The lawyer continued, “I don’t think he should even be charged. The other £2,000 belongs to his wife,” the attorney stated. Counsel requested that his client be released on reasonable bail since he is not a flight risk and is willing to go through with the trial. However, the attorney expressed his
dissatisfaction, because the money is still in the possession of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). He asked that the money be handed over to the defendant since he has business to conduct. Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru then told the court that he needs to seek advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as it relates to handing over the money to the man. Nonetheless, bail was granted in the sum of $100,000. The defendant will return to court on April 23.
(From page 30)
LAND FOR SALE
Fisherman charged with Businessman charged with fraudulent conversion false declaration of cash
On Wednesday a Mocha Arcadia fisherman was released on $40,000 bail after a charge of fraudulent conversion was brought before him. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry read the charge to Seepaul Nateram, 31 of 132 First Street Mocha, Arcadia, East Bank Demerara. Particulars of the charge stated that on April 7, at Houston, being solely entrusted with $190,000 by Jermaine Dharma, to purchase groceries, he fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit. Attorney Paul Fung-AFat asked that his client be released on reasonable bail so that he could resume his job. Even though his client entered a not guilty plea, the lawyer affirmed that the matter will not go to trial, since the defendant plans to fully
Seepaul Nateram compensate the victim. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru had no objections to bail. Nateram’s next court appearance will be on April 27.
Man, 68, busted with coke at CJIA An elderly man appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a drug trafficking charge. Sixty eight year-old Arthur Manget of Old Road, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara was remanded to prison, after denying he had 9.670 kg of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri. According to the facts, the defendant was at the airport when his suitcase was placed through a scanner. Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks observed a strange object in the defendant’s luggage. A search was conducted and the illicit drug was found. Field tests were carried out and the substance tested positive for cocaine. The matter has been adjourned to April 30, where
the defendant will appear before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
Schoolteacher on bail after allegedly stealing ATM card, withdrawing cash A school teacher, who allegedly took it upon herself to steal her friend’s ATM card and withdraw her money, was brought before the court yesterday to answer to two charges. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, read the charge to Patricia Sobers, 28, of First Street, Industry, East Coast Demerara. Particulars of the first charge stated that on December 28, 2014 at
Georgetown, she stole $20,000, property of Delecia Hall. It was further alleged that on the same day she stole $30,000, property of the said Hall. According to the prosecution’s facts, the victim and the defendant are known to each other. On the day in question the defendant stole the victim’s bank card and went to Scotia Bank on two occasions and
withdrew the money. A report was made by the victim to Scotia Bank and the institution’s camera footage was reviewed. Security footage from the bank showed the defendant withdrawing the money on both occasions. Since the prosecution had no objection to bail, it was granted in the sum of $25,000. Sobers will return to court on June 2.
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
PROPERTY FOR SALE Grove Public Road property -$19M – Tel: 613-5645 Three Bedrooms transported property at Good Hoop E.C.D –Tel: 621-1722 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 (1) 2 storied concrete corner property, 3 bedrooms upstairs, 4 self contained apartment downstairs, land: 95X65 & house: 65X32 – Call: 642-0867; 644-6479
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Sugar production way behind target - crop to continue a few more weeks
The sugar industry is set to extend the current crop with production lagging
The current sugar crop is likely to be extended to the end of May with production still lagging way behind target. As of last weekend, just 54,766 tonnes of sugar or 63 percent of the crop has been produced in the seven estates of Demerara and Berbice. This
is way shy of the 86,201 tonnes that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had set the industry for the first crop. While GuySuCo has not officially announced the target for this year, the delay in completing the first crop will have further implications
in the rising costs for the industry, which has been struggling with efficiency problems for years now. According to figures, as of last weekend, the flagship multi-billion-dollar Skeldon factory is continuing its poor run of performances, recording a mere 2,656 tonnes
PPP/C’s absence at public forum…
Air conditioning and space was never an issue - Organizers Organizers of the Public forum and Alliance for Change (AFC) executive member Cathy Hughes have rubbished claims that air conditioning was an issue during Monday’s public forum, in response to correspondence from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) camp that they postponed their participation because of air conditioning and space. The coalition, represented by Presidential candidate David Granger and Hughes, had faced the public’s questions on their plans for Guyana on Monday last, at the Theatre Guild playhouse with the understanding that President Donald Ramotar and Prime ministerial hopeful Elizabeth Harper would have their turn on Wednesday at the same location. However the PPP/C called for the postponement of their meeting, because of issues with space and the air conditioning at the venue. The forum, which was organized by the Guyana Women’s Roundtable (GWR) and Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC), was arranged so that parties contesting the General and Regional Elections could address public issues related
to women’s rights and youth development. Yesterday, when this newspaper made contact with the founder of the GWR, Dr. Dawn Stewart, she stated that there has still been no word from the PPP/C to the organizers on a new date for the public forum. She, however, expressed optimism that they will hear from the PPP/C in the next couple of days on a new date. According to her, neither air conditioning nor space were issues that affected the holding of the public forum. She stated that the facility had a capacity to seat 350, in addition to having balcony seats. When this newspaper made contact with Hughes yesterday, she expressed disappointment at the overall turn of events, since her party would have faced the public’s questions in an open forum on their planned initiatives on Monday. “It is disappointing to the organizations who would have organized the event. It is disappointing to civil society who turned out in their numbers on Monday. We used the same facility. The air conditioning could have been a bit cooler, but I don’t think it was a deterrent.” Stating that her party
wants to run a campaign based on issues, she expressed the hope that the PPP/C does indeed reschedule the meeting. “If they say they will reschedule, I hope they will do so. I will hold them to their word.” During the forum, APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger had touched on concerns raised by civil society regarding the inefficiency of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). In response, the presidential candidate had laid out plans for the revamping of the NIS, which he referred to as a “service cow” that had been used to “provide financial milk to the regime”. The inauguration of a Tax Reform Commission was also discussed, as well as the increase of income tax, thereby decreasing PAYE and Value Added Tax (VAT). He also spoke about the coalition reducing the tariffs on used vehicles if elected. The Public forums were viewed as a compromise after the planned presidential debates did not materialize, owing to the unfulfilled demands from the opposition for a prime ministerial debate as well.
of the 17,214 tonnes targeted. Grinding began almost a month late in mid-March and was set to last eight weeks. This was because work was being done to fix the punt Albion recorded 15,487 tonnes of the 19,548 targeted; Rose Hall 7,688 tonnes of the 9,366 targeted while Blairmont made 10,525 tonnes, just short of the 10,845 tonnes set. In the Demerara estates, Enmore still has some way to go, posting 5,779 tonnes of sugar for the crop, short of the 14,088 tonnes. Enmore had set 12 weeks to complete its grinding in early May. Wales is nearing its target of 6,892 tonnes, recording
GuySuCo’s CEO, Dr. Raj Singh
Agri Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
6,736 tonnes. At Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, 5,892 tonnes were produced last weekend, still short of the 8,248 tonnes set at the beginning of the year. That estate was supposed to stop grinding this week. Extending the crop will impact the expenses of GuySuCo which has been fighting to keep costs down. The industry is in deep trouble, with Government announcing recently that it was forced to sell the US$32M co-generation plant at Skeldon estate,
commissioned in 2009, to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to raise some US$30M. The US$200M Skeldon project has failed to produce as expected with one problem after the next. The industry itself is producing sugar at double the price it is selling for. Government has plugged more than US$50M in recent years which went mostly to help pay salaries and other overheads. The administration wants to spend $20B over the next five years to turn the fortunes of the industry around.
Bartica miner before court on drug trafficking charges Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded a Bartica miner to prison on Monday after he was found with a quantity of illegal drugs in his possession. Twenty-two year-old, Troy Gordon, of Sixth Avenue, Bartica, denied the charge which alleged that on April 9, at Arau Backdam, he had in his possession 31 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. It was further alleged that on the day in question at the same location he had 26 grammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. The prosecution told the court that on the day in question the police were carrying out routine patrols, when the defendant was stopped and searched. The drug was found in a haversack the accused was carrying. Gordon’s attorney, Latchmie Rahamat told the
court during her bail application that the substance was not found in her client’s possession. The lawyer explained that the police had visited the area and conducted a search on a Mining camp that is located next to the defendant’s Mining camp. Rahamat stressed that the narcotic was found in the
neighbouring camp and because her client was the only person around at the time of the discovery, he was arrested and charged. Since no special reasons were advanced to the court, the prosecution objected to bail. The defendant was remanded to prison until June 1, when he will appear at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court.
Friday April 17, 2015
Kaieteur News
World Bank wants C’bean to adapt to ‘new normal’ amid economic slowdown WASHINGTON, (CMC) – With China growing at a more moderate pace and commodity prices stabilising at lower levels, the World Bank has urged Latin America and the Caribbean to adapt to a “new normal”. In its latest report, the Washington based financial institution says average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the region is expected to reach only 0.8 per cent this year, and may remain at low rates in the future, “unless ambitious progrowth structural reforms are adopted”. The bank’s semi-annual report states that a boost in savings, which would need to be a key ingredient in a progrowth agenda, would also help rebuild monetary and fiscal policy maneuvering space. The report states that the strong growth of the 2000s is not likely to revisit the region, unless vigorous pro-growth reforms are adopted.
“The evidence suggests that the external shocks emanating from China’s deceleration and terms of trade changes are permanent,” said Augusto de la Torre, World Bank Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean. “In the absence of growth-friendly structural reform, this situation firmly points in the direction of an also permanent growth slowdown for the region, with rates that would be insufficient to support significant social progress”, he added. The report says beyond averages, the region continues to tell a widely diverse story, stating that commodity exporting countries in South America are growing at a much slower pace than commodity importers in Central America and the Caribbean. Especially hurting among the exporters is Venezuela with its economy expected to shrink again by five per cent in 2015.
Augusto de la Torre The report, issued amid the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings, finds that Latin America and the Caribbean decelerated more than all other emerging regions. “This reflects the amplification effects of an unusually strong decline in investment among commodity exporting countries in the region,” the report stated.
In Jamaica, small amounts of pot decriminalized KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Drug law amendments that partially decriminalize small amounts of pot and pave the way for a lawful medical marijuana sector went into effect Wednesday in Jamaica, a country where the drug has long been culturally entrenched. Justice Minister Mark Golding described the reforms as “long overdue” on the Caribbean island, where the drug is revered by members of Jamaica’s Rastafarian movement and used regularly by many ordinary Jamaicans. Jamaica’s Parliament gave the amendments final approval in February. The act makes possession of up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of marijuana, or “ganja” as it’s known locally, a petty offense that could re-
Mark Golding sult in a roughly $5 ticket but not in an arrest or a criminal record. Cultivation of five or fewer plants by any household is allowed. And Rastafarian adults are now permitted to use marijuana for sacramental purposes for the first time
since the homegrown spiritual movement was founded in the 1930s. The changes will also affect some tourists. Foreigners who are prescribed medical marijuana abroad will be able to pay for Health Ministry permits authorizing them to legally buy up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of local weed for medical or therapeutic purposes during their stay. Peter Bunting, the island’s national security minister, has assured that the new law “does not create a free-for-all in the growing, transporting, dealing or exporting of ganja. “The security forces will continue to rigorously enforce Jamaican law consistent with our international treaty obligations,” he said earlier this year.
4 magnitude earthquake rocks Trinidad and Venezuela P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC –An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 rocked Trinidad and Tobago Wednesday night but there were no immediate reports of damages or injuries. The United States Geological Survey said the quake was also felt in Venezuela and as far north as St George’s in
Grenada. It was focused at an epicentre around 34 kilometres north-northeast of Irapa in Venezuela and about 105 kilometres west-northwest of Port of Spain in Trinidad. The quake, which struck at around 10.24 (local time) was felt across Trinidad and Tobago, with light to moder-
ate shaking the norm. Many people took to the social networks to report on the tremor, but disaster officials here said there were no immediate reports of damages to infrastructure or injuries. Much of the Caribbean region is located in a seismically active zone.
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GCA tournaments President calls Paris 2024 bid ‘exemplary’ play on this weekend Reuters - Paris is an “exemplary candidate” to hold the 2024 Games and has a strong chance of winning, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach told French President Francois Hollande yesterday. Paris is a “very, very strong candidate,” Bach said as the two men appeared together in a news conference at IOC headquarters in Lausanne. ”France has a lot to offer the Olympic movement,” he added. “If it continues in this spirit you have all the trumps. Good luck to France.” Paris
Thomas Bach
narrowly lost out to London in the battle to host the 2012 Games. The French capital is ex-
pected to formalize its Olympic bid in mid-September and should find out in a year if it will make the shortlist.
Friday April 17th 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you're going to want to shut out the world and be alone with your thoughts, Aries. You're caught up in the introspective energies at play. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today indicates that you can expect to make a leap in your career, Taurus. Your intellect and communicative skills have served you well in the past months, paving the way for advancement. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you've been considering a career in writing or teaching, Gemini, this is an ideal day to put some plans into motion. Your imagination and inspiration are highlighted, as is your facility with words. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You aren't one to put much stock in the meanings of dreams, but you may have had a dream recently that was so accurate in its prediction as to be almost scary. Certainly it was uncanny. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're peerless when it comes to your ability to sway others to your point of view, Leo. Today you may be put on the spot and asked to defend a position in front of many people. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't be surprised if you get a sudden windfall today, Virgo. It may come in the form of cash. More likely it will be an opportunity of some kind.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have a quick mind, Libra, which you don't use to anywhere near its full capacity. Think of your brain as a thoroughbred horse, trained to run at high speed. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A day off is just what the doctor ordered, Scorpio. Try to get some rest. Spend time curled up with a good book. Only go out with friends if you're feeling absolutely stir crazy. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) With today's planetary energies, Sagittarius, you can expect a lot of contact with friends. In fact, just when you thought you'd never receive another invitation or attend another party, one comes your way. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You have a keen intellect and unparalleled persuasive powers, Capricorn. If you aren't an attorney, you should be. All signs indicate that your career is about to skyrocket. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your mental powers should be especially acute today, Aquarius. Your mind will be quick and receptive and your communicative abilities exceptionally sharp. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your creativity will be high today, Pisces, inspiring you to paint or write. If you're unable to take time to satisfy your muse, at least take some small steps to ensure your abilities don't lie fallow.
The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) first and second division tournaments will continue this weekend with several matches. In the lone Hadi’s World City Mall Inc. first division two-day match which starts tomorrow, Georgetown Cricket Club will play Guyana Defense Force with Colin Alfred and Shannon Crawford the Umpires calling play. Tomorrow in the Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament, Diplomats will travel to Demerara Cricket Club (Daniel Richmond and Yosef
Yisrael), Malteenoes SC will host Gandhi Youth Organisation (Cyril Garnath and Ashok Brijcoomar), Ace Warriors will tackle Everest and GYO (Reginald Grant and Heuvel Cunha), GNIC will entertain Third Class (Linden
Mathews and Leyland Liverpool), Transport SC will battle St. Stanislaus at UG (Joseph Jeffery and Clyde Layne) and Muslim Youth Organisation will stay at home to UG (Hortence Isaacs and Edward Bowen).
CORRECTION In yesterday’s edition in the article ‘Rookies category to return’ we inadvertently stated that the rookies will be rewarded financ i a l l y b y s p o n sor A&R Jiwanram. However, it was
brought to our attention that it would be the Group 1 drivers who will be given financial incentives from the sponsor. Kaieteur Sport regrets the error.
CONCACAF Announces Hall... (From page 39) Sports Federation’s Hall of Fame. Aaron Padilla Gutierrez Born in Mexico City on July 10, 1942, Mr. Padilla was known for his unlimited stamina and uncanny ball control during a distinguished playing career. He represented Mexico in two FIFA World Cups (1966, 1970), playing in six games. Beyond the football pitch, his passion and dedication led him to fulfill important roles within Mexican football. Mr. Padilla has been a leader within the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol Asociacion (FEMEXFUT), guiding its Disciplinary Committee (1992-2002) and the Referee Committee (20062012), eventually becoming an advisor to the Federation’s presidency. Previous CONCACAF Hall of Fame 2013 inductees include: Ariel Alvarado (Panama), Jesus Martinez (Mexico), Lincoln “Happy” Sutherland (Jamaica), and Joseph Ursulet (Martinique). CONCACAF President’s Award United States Women’s National Team - The U.S. women won a third consecutive gold medal and fourth overall at the Olympic Games, defeating Japan, 2-1, in the 2012 final. Mexico Men’s Olympic Team - Mexico added Olympic gold to its expanding resume of FIFA titles, posting a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the 2012 final. Mexico has also won two U-17 World Cups (2005, 2011) and one Confederations Cup (1999). Previous 2013 President’s Award recipients include: Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala), Ian Gaynair (Belize) and Woodrow West (Belize).
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Kaieteur News
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New documentary adds to WADA RHTY&SC/Ansa McAl May Day 5-over Tourney concern over Kenyan doping Reuters - A new Kenyan television programme that corroborates the findings from a 2012 German documentary alleging unethical doctors were providing banned drugs to athletes, has set off alarms at the World Anti-Doping Agency. ”This is of concern to WADA and the broader antidoping community,” WADA Director General David Howman said in a statement. “We will discuss the documentary allegations ... and will engage the authorities in Kenya next week during a regional meeting in Nairobi.” WADA said it has seen the Kenyan television program which contains a number of allegations surrounding the influence of the athlete entourage in relation to the provision of banned substances. ”Where evidence from the documentary leads to breaches of the World AntiDoping Code, WADA would
Kenyan marathon runner Rita Jeptoo (L) arrives at the Athletics Kenya headquarters after failing a doping test, in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, January 15, 2015. (Reuters/Thomas Mukoya) expect the appropriate bodies to fully investigate and take action,” said Howman. Kenya recently partnered with WADA and the Chinese and Norwegian anti-doping agencies to develop an effective antidoping program to help root out drug cheats in the east African country famous for its middle and long-distance runners. Dozens of Kenyan athletes have failed doping tests
in the past two years with government officials pointing the finger at foreign agents and Athletics Kenya’s failure to educate its sportsmen and women properly. Rita Jeptoo, a three-times winner of the Boston Marathon, is among the high-profile athletes to test positive for a banned substance after she was nabbed in an out-of-competition test last year.
Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Selection Committee has named their two teams that will contest the Club’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary Ansa McAl sponsored May Day 5-overs tournament at the Area ‘H’ ground. All the action is slated for Friday May 1st, next and will see a total of 12teams taking part. They are Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘A’, Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘B’, Young Warriors, Courtland, Fyrish, Chesney, Jai Hind, Block 4 Tain, Tamarind Root of Hampshire, Whim, Albion and Yakusari of Black Bush Polder. Organized by the clubs Cricket Development Committee, play will commence at 09:00hrs and the winner would take home $70,000 and trophy. There would also be
prizes for the man-of-the-finals, best batsman and best bowler while funds raised would be used for the RHTYSC Cricket Nursery Programme and massive antidrugs/suicide programmes which targets over 60,000 youths in Berbice. Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘A’ team: James Fraser (Captain), Vidal Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Akshay Homraj, Jason Alexander, Brandon Prasad, Mark Papannah, Roydel Lewis, Erva Giddings, Sherain Murray, Slyus Tyndal, Mark Fernandes, Joel Pike, Ryan O’Dell and Joshua Wilson. Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘B’ team comes from: Junior Williams, Surendra Kissoonlall, Surendra Budhoo, Kevlon Anderson, Clive Harry, Simon Lawson,
Ryan Tillack, Azam Khan, Kumar Jeet Joseph, Sunil Madimutoo, Joshua Gobin, Vitindra Kumar, Denzil Sinclair and Samuel Lewis. According to club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, they would be organizing three more tournaments similar to the Ansa McAl 5-overs along with the Busta Champion of Champions, this year. They would also be hosting a double wicket tournament in the fourth quarter of the year. The finals of the 2014 Busta Champion of Champions competition would be contested on April 25 at the Albion Community Centre ground under lights. Arch Rivals RHT Gizmos and Gadgets and Albion are the team clashing for the top prize of $100,000.
With eye on Gold Cup, U.S. tops Mexico in friendly
Farfan & Mendes Men’s Hockey First Division League Old Fort and the National Under-21 selection battled to a nil-all stalemate on Wednesday, at the GCC ground, Bourda in the penultimate match of the 2014 season. While pool leaders GCC with 12 points remain out of reach of all opposition, bragging rights remain as the National Under-21, which has been improving as the tournament progressed, has been putting pressure on their senior clubs. Old Fort began the match with a depleted side as some team members were late for the start. While the Under-21 made several raids through the midfield, defensive stalwart Dwight Sullivan and former international Ivor Thompson stifled their attacks,
before any real threat on the Old Fort net. The arrival of Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon for Old Fort brought new life to the team and Dove wasted no time in making his presence felt. Midway through the first half, Simon made a fine solo run from the left across the under-21 scoring circle only to be brought down by the under-21 deep defence earning his side a penalty stroke. Simon’s heroics were shortlived, however, as he failed to convert the stroke which was easily batted away by competent goalkeeper Medroy Scotland. While Mark Sargeant and Leon Bacchus put in a solid midfield performance for the
under-21, their efforts were matched by Simon and Jason DeSantos of Old Fort. Despite several close shaves, the match ended in a nil-all draw as both teams received a point each for their efforts. GCC will oppose the national under-21 today from 16:45 hrs at the same venue in the final match to conclude the 2014 season. GCC have played unbeaten throughout the tournament, dropping points to the under-21 in their first round clash which ended in a draw. In their previous encounter, the under-21 had surprised the veteran Bourda selection with two early goals, before GCC clawed their way back to a 2-2 draw.
CONCACAF Integrity Committee statement On April 18, 2013, at the request of the CONCACAF Executive Committee, the CONCACAF Integrity Committee released its Report of Investigation detailing organizational deficiencies within the Confederation. The Committee also issued subsequent recommendations to address and reform the issues outlined in its report. These recommendations were designed to supplement accountability and transparency initiatives already forethought by the Executive Committee. Presently, the CONCACAF Integrity Committee is pleased to report that two years following the release of its Report of Investigation, the Confederation has embraced more than 30 recommended organizational reforms promulgated by the Commit-
tee. Through the development of the Policies and Procedures Manual and the adoption of its amended Statutes at the recently held Congress, CONCACAF has created the legal framework that will allow for the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations. In this vein, the Confederation has developed new governance standards, approved a Code of Ethics, created reporting mechanisms and enforcement procedures, implemented financial compliance and reporting measures and solidified the Confederation’s fiscal position. We are confident that the Executive Committee’s leadership will continue to take steps to transform the organization and unite the Confederation’s 41 member associations.
Jordan Morris (left) scored the USA in a 2-0 win over Mexico. (Photo: Mexsport) San Antonio, Texas – The United States broke a scoreless stalemate early in the second half to earn a 2-0 win over Mexico in an international friendly before a capacity crowd of 64,369 at the Alamodome on Wednesday. Twenty-year-old Jordan Morris — currently a student at Stanford University — and Juan Agudelo scored the only goals in a game that saw the Americans extend their unbeaten streak against Mexico to six consecutive games (3W-3D-0L). Morris put the defending CONCACAF Gold Cup champion ahead 1-0 in the 49th
minute with his first international goal in just his third appearance. Michael Bradley played the ball into the middle of the Mexico defense to Gyasi Zardes, but his return pass took a deflection off a Mexican defender. A charging Morris ran onto it, took a touch and slotted a shot from eight yards under goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo. Exactly a year since he last made an appearance for the U.S., Agudelo replaced Morris in the 65th minute and it did not take him long to make his presence felt. Only seven minutes later, the 22-year-old
latched onto a long pass from Bradley. He shifted from left to right across the top of the box, before drilling a shot that went off Saucedo and inside the left post for a 2-0 advantage. Goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who was born in Mexico to American parents, replaced U.S. veteran Nick Rimando at halftime for his second cap. Mexico will returns to action on May 30, when it hosts Senegal in Tuxtla Gutierrez, while the will visit the Netherlands on June 5. (CONCACAF)
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Ballance hundred sets up victory push ESPNcricinfo - England toiled hard to extract two of the ten wickets they hunted for victory in the opening Test on a dying surface, gaining a huge lift late in the day courtesy of a breathtaking slip catch from Chris Jordan, after leaving West Indies a target of 438 or 130 overs to survive. Devon Smith and Darren Bravo had looked on course to bat throughout the final session before the intervention of Joe Root and Jordan, but the home side retained hope of being able to withstand the final day. The first two sessions went almost perfectly to plan for England as they scored comfortably to set up the declaration which came half an hour before tea. Gary Ballance’s fourth hundred in nine Tests, which came from 233 balls, banished doubts over his form following a difficult period in the one-day side and Jos Buttler’s brisk half-century helped propel the latter stages of the innings. Stuart Broad struck in the five-over period before tea with a perfectly directed short ball into Kraigg Brathwaite’s chest which was fended behind square to the specifically positioned backward short leg; as with Marlon Samuels in the first innings a plan had come together.
Another short ball then struck Bravo on the shoulder as he turned his head, but both he and Smith, who faced 131 balls in a sixth Test fifty, showed commendable resolve during the final session. England tested Bravo with the short ball and while his technique did not always convince he was aided by a surface that was becoming slower and lower. Still, it remained noticeable that England’s quicks again found much less movement with the new ball than their West Indian counterparts had done in both innings. In the end, it was the parttime spin of Root, which has previously nipped out important wickets against Australia and India, which lured Bravo into driving out of the rough. But, as with James Tredwell’s removal of Brathwaite on the second day, the wicket owed everything to the wonderful agility of Jordan who dived to his right with the ball going fine of him. It was soon being placed into the “best people had seen” category. Smith, who had driven and cut strongly, survived a tense final six overs alongside Samuels having moved to his first fifty since 2010, just a sixth in a 37-match career which stretches back to 2003. Tredwell created some tricky moments, extracting
some bounce to beat Smith, but Root gained more purchase out of the footmarks and found another edge from Smith, almost a carbon-copy of Bravo’s, which Jordan could not pluck out moments after his stunner. The wait continued for James Anderson as he searched for the two wickets to overtake Ian Botham’s England record. It was disgruntled Jimmy for stages of the second innings as the ball refused to move and he tried to create angles against the left handers by switching regularly between over and around the wicket. Reverse swing, another of Anderson’s skills, could yet be a factor and both he, and England, will remain well aware that a collapse is rarely far away for West Indies. England made positive progress during the morning session, adding 108 runs in 29 overs, as it quickly became clear West Indies were content to play a waiting game. Ballance was first to his half-century, from 125 balls, with a handsome cover drive and he looked increasingly comfortable following his first-innings battles and a tough start on Wednesday evening. Making the most of width, even on deliveries when not much was on offer, he was far more the player who churned out the runs
FIFA President Sepp Blatter likened to Jesus and Nelson Mandela
BBC Sport - Sepp Blatter has been likened to Jesus, Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill as 10 CONCACAF members gave their backing to the incumbent for the FIFA Presidency elections in May. The declarations were made at the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Congress. Dominican Republic FA president Osiris Guzman compared the Swiss to iconic historical figures, also including Moses, Abraham Lincoln
and Martin Luther King. ”Membership is sending a message that we continue to support Blatter,” said CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb. Blatter is one of four candidates. The others are ex-Portugal international Luis Figo, Dutch FA chief Michael van Praag and Jordanian Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who, along with Blatter, were all present at Thursday’s congress, but did not give speeches. The Trinidad & Tobago
Football Association praised Blatter, 79, as the “father of football”. The heads of football federations from Jamaica, Haiti, Turks & Caicos, Cuba, Panama, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Puerto Rico also expressed their support for Blatter, who is seeking a fifth term in office having been in power since 1998. There are 41 CONCACAF member associations. The election will take place in Zurich on 30 May.
against Sri Lanka and India last year than the one who has limped through recent ODI appearances. At lunch he was on 92 and he brought up three figures with a thumping straight drive against Sulieman Benn, who appeared keen to share a few words - perhaps not entirely congratulatory - with the batsman; Ballance later deposited the same bowler over long-on. Shortly after reaching his hundred he took a fierce blow on the arm from a Buttler straight drive, which needed some treatment, and then picked out deep midwicket, hitting against the wind rather than with it as he had earlier. Root was again very active at the crease, as was Ben Stokes when he arrived, meaning Ballance did not have to force himself out of a tempo he was comfortable with. Two strong drives off Jerome Taylor took Root to 49 and the fifty arrived from 68 deliveries. However, for the second time in the match he dragged into his stumps - this time playing a Jason Holder
Darren Bravo plays a flowing drive ©Getty Images delivery into the ground with the spin taking it backwards but the hard work in setting up the innings with Ballance had given England a formidable position. Stokes soon indicated that he would not be hanging around, reverse sweeping Benn for his second boundary. He was keen to keep going after lunch but was comfortably stumped as he charged at Benn in the first over after the interval. Buttler, though, was soon moving through the gears as he repeatedly reverse swept
Benn and Samuels. He twice cleared the straight boundaries off Benn in an innings which showed off his full repertoire. West Indies were showing signs of raggedness by the end but, much to their credit, it did not translate into their batting. It was still a long haul, though, to pull off the save. West Indies 294 and 98 for 2 (Smith 59*, Samuels 2*) need 340 more runs to beat England 399 and 333 for 7 dec (Ballance 122, Root 59, Buttler 59*).
Shotokan Karate-DO of Guyana hosts first International Grading Some 101 students from the Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (ShokoGuy) were graded on Saturday April 4th at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. At the commencement of the grading, Chief Instructor Sensei Chaves introduced the international examiner Master Peter Warren (7th Dan) of neighboring Barbados who is also a member of ISKF’s Technical Committee. Master Warren in his opening remarks expressed delight at being involved while conveying to the members, greetings on behalf of Master Okazaki, Master Yaguchi, and the ISKF Technical Committee. He stated that the ISKF was happy to have Guyana as part of their portfolio and a member of the ISKF family. Following this, Mrs. DanzieBlack, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. congratulated and presented certificates to those students who participated in the organization’s Etiquette and Service Quality Training last month. Being the first grading for the year under the International Shotokan Karate Federation there was much anticipation. Dan testing was done first by Master Warren and six
- 1st KYU students were examined. They did extremely well and their efforts paid off as they are now the new inductees to the black belt fraternity receiving promotion to Shodan rank (1st degree – black belt). These students are Timothy Khan 14 yearsold, Timothy Chand 13 yearsold, Loren Black 13 years-old, Kristalia Chaves 12 years-old, Reyad Yassin 12 years-old, and Kristian Chaves 10 yearsold. Storm Katchay also performed excellent during his testing and was successful in his acquisition for Nidan rank (2nd degree – black belt). All the other students who took their examination made good on their effort ensuring to excel and be promoted. These in summary are listed as follows: Two students moved to 1st KYU brown belt, 5 moved to 2nd KYU brown belt, and 5 moved to 3rd KYU brown belt. In the Intermediate group 8 moved to 4th KYU purple belt, 5 to 5th KYU purple belt and 21 moved to 6th KYU green belt. Fifteen (15) moved to 7th KYU orange belt, 25 to 8th KYU yellow belt, and 8 moved to 9th KYU 1st stage
yellow belt. Also in the KYU ranks, Aftab Khan stood out in his performance and skipped 7th KYU (orange belt) and was promoted to 6th KYU (Green belt). As the examination culminated, Master Warren gave helpful suggestions as to how the students can improve technically in both basic techniques and sparring tactics. He applauded the efforts made and encouraged them to keep up the good work. Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana HQ is located at the Karate Benab, National Park, Thomas Lands, and they are currently in preparation for the 2015 ISKF Camp and Goodwill tournament that will be held in Philadelphia, USA from June 12th -19th. The organization which was formerly the Japan Karate Association/World Federation Guyana and is now affiliated with the International Shotokan Karate Federation whose headquarters is in Philadelphia USA. ISKF is a traditional Shotokan Karate organization, founded by Master Teruyuki Okazaki (10th Dan), who studied directly under Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate.