Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

Minister Bheri Ramsaran and his thug behaviour

DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to share the cursing that I, a member of the public received recently from Mr. Bheri Ramsaran, current Minister of Health and PPP party member on the list for the upcoming general elections. The incident occurred on April 20, in Whim, Berbice, outside the Magistrate court, in the presence of a Guyana Times reporter who was interviewing Mr. Ramsaran at the time and in close proximity to numerous police ranks, lawyers, and other members of the public. I had gone to Whim to support Mr. Christopher Ram in his court case against former President Bharrat Jagdeo. I admire Mr. Ram for having the courage to take on the racial hatemongering of Mr. Jagdeo. This is a historic

case for Guyana, in my opinion, and should inspire more Guyanese, I hope, to confront the abuses of those in positions of power. After Mr. Jagdeo’s lawyers tried in vain to get the Magistrate to throw out the case, we exited the courtroom to see a crowd of PPP supporters massed outside. PPP party loyalists had been told to assemble there, but instead of coming on their own, most appeared to have been bussed and trucked in; vehicles with PPP campaign posters were parked nearby and people seen climbing in and being driven away after standing and shouting at Mr. Ram for a little while. We were not fazed; this was to be expected. What I didn’t expect, however, was to see Mr. Bheri Ramsaran, among the heckling crowd.

This was a little after 10 o clock on a Monday morning; surely I thought, the Minister of Health had other more serious business to attend to. Last Monday around this same time, I had stood outside the Ministry of Health with two families whose previously healthy young children had died after incompetent treatment by the staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital. Five year old Jaden Mars had been taken to the hospital after he fell and bit his tongue. The wound was less than 1cm. At GPHC, Jaden was given multiple doses of Ketamine. He died several days later, never regaining consciousness. Akeela Benons was a bubbly three year old who developed a feverthis past Mash Day. At GPHC, she

received several doses of Valium and died days later, also never regaining consciousness. Last Monday, the families of Jaden Mars and Akeela Benons, including Akeela’s75 year old great-grandmother, stood for over two hours in the hot sun outside the Ministry of Health where Bheri Ramsaran’s office is located. We were ignored as we have been every other time we’ve picketed there. Nobody came out of the compound to talk with us, except for a security guard who told us that the Minister would be vexed, that he didn’t like people picketing there. So when I saw Mr. Ramsaran outside the Whim courthouse on April 20, I was seized by a burning desire to Continued on page 55

The woes of a GPL contractor DEAR SIR, Last Saturday I received a telephone call from someone who identified himself as a representative of the PPP/C Administration. The person asked me if my family and I would be supporting the paty on May, 11, 2015. This was my response. I am a contractor at GPL Metering Department and I can tell you first hand that contractors are facing a crisis. With an average expenditure of approximately $80,000 per fortnight, excluding labour, and revenue of approximately $125,000, only $45,000 is left to be divided among three persons. Of course this was brought to the attention of management, but in their response they made it clear

that the company is offering nothing more, take it or leave it. In fact they hinted that contractors were inefficient at managing their business. An increase in production is dependent on a number of variables. These include weather conditions, availability of resources (pre-paid meters & service line) and demand for services. Nevertheless contractors have out-performed staff who get promotions and will be able to get a pension and gratuity. Moreover, it costs GPL three times what contractors are paid for staff to do the same job. Management is fully aware of the entire situation

but they continue to oppress contractors. They know that like cane cutters, line men skills are not really in demand elsewhere. Therefore contractors are in a precarious position. Either we accept the terms of GPL or go home. No one wants to go home so contractors stay. While the government is spending millions of dollars on reduction of technical losses and to provide a more efficient, reliable and sustainable service, contractors are being targeted, discriminated and to some extent, victimized. The latest move by management is a further reduction of the schedule of rates by 15 per cent. So tell me now; where in Guyana or even in any other developing

state can you pay a three-man team US$13 to inform and interact with customers, install an energy meter, build circuit, connect service cable, make accurate documentations, and bear the cost of transportation, tools and safety gears? If the PPP/C Administration really cares then I would expect them to address the concerns of the contractors, not if they return to power but now while there is still time. A fellow contractor has already submitted a letter to the Prime Minister concerning the crisis. Give us a better offer and then and only then will the PPP/C be eligible for consideration of support. Percy Henry

Two important Questions for Donald Ramotar – Answered!

DEAR EDITOR, Two questions above all hangs over Ramotar’s re-run for Presidency? Why does he want to be President? And will the voters find him competent and credible enough? The last three years clearly answered the second one. Ramotar has the unenviable record as the worst and most incompetent President in all of the history of Guyana. He has not planted the seed for one original public policy in his three-year reign. He was a disaster at cooperation politics, but rather used his powerful position to settle petty scores and also to ensure that his children are financially well set, irrespective of competence. He failed to do something about the high levels of functional illiteracy in Guyana, the crisis situation in the maternity wards of the public hospitals where mothers are now sharing beds after delivering their most precious gifts. He stood over the depletion of our foreign reserves by over $43 billion, which could have built over 12,000 brand new houses for the people. It is only an intellectually dishonest person who will tell you the drastic increase in imports because of the construction of that HOTEL and the works on the Airport are not the primary causes for this loss of reserves. As a result of the enormous capital outflows to import the steel and heavy equipment for these two projects, enormous pressure was placed on the central bank to sell dollars to shore up the local currency. End result – Guyana lost $43 billion in foreign reserves. So when Moses Nagamootoo mentioned this issue, the Minister of Finance was intellectually dishonest in his response to the next Prime Minister of Guyana. But long time gone; short time left! To compound the economic suppression of the poor in Guyana, there is a long term PPP debt that started to build in 2007. This debt is going to destroy the nation’s competitiveness and therefore the incoming APNU+AFC Government will have to deal with it. Over the last seven years, this Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal increased our debt by some US$591 million alone. That is some $124,000,000,000. So where is the 8 percent economic growth to show for all this debt? What we have instead is a stock of debt that is increasing at some US$90 million per year and a worsening deficit position thanks to a clueless Ramotar. This Jagdeo/ Ramotar cabal has left us in 2015 with such limited room to borrow more and with such a wide deficit; that the nation will have a very challenging next five years financially. This is the Ramotar/Jagdeo legacy and gift to Guyana. Sase Singh

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Minister Ramsaran verbally abuses, threatens to slap female activist Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran verbally abused activist Sherlina Nageer and later issued a carefully worded apology for his gross indiscretion. The activist felt the wrath of the Minister because she, from all indications, touched a nerve as she questioned him about his presence on a protest front. (See transcript below) It all occurred in Berbice on Monday. Ramsaran was leading a protest demonstration mounted outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court, Corentyne, Berbice, in support of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. As he was being interviewed by reporters, Ramsaran said that those who mounted the protest were representing Jagdeo and were against the “wife beater” Christopher Ram. At that point, Nageer interjected, questioning Ramsaran as to whether Jagdeo hasn’t abused his wife as well. Further, she asked the Minister why he

was wasting time on a protest line when he has more important issues to attend to as government’s point man on health. In response, Ramsaran shouted, “Shut your mouth and get out my face.” The exchange continued between Nageer and Ramsaran, and the activist pointed out that “we have children and women dying under your watch and what are you doing here wasting time. You have a responsibility to the People of Guyana and their health…this is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars, my money is paying your salary.” Those utterances further annoyed the Minister and so he decided to tell Nageer that she is an idiot. “Get the hell out my face! Please… I am having a private discussion. Please, Please, I am having a private discussion…I am a candidate of the PPP…F-off,” said the Minister. It did not end there, the Minister then called Nageer a “little piece of s**t”

and she responded calling him a “bigger piece of s**t.” Ramsaran then boasted that he would very well “slap her ass, you know, just for the fun…no, no, no, just for the fun…I can have some of my women strip her here.” Kaieteur News contacted Chairperson of the Women and General Equality Commission, Indra Chandrapal for a comment on the issue, but Chandrapal said that she was incapable of responding at the time. She promised to send out a release before the end of the day (yesterday). Up to press time Kaieteur News was unable to get that response. However, Red Thread sent out a statement condemning the actions of the Minister as they called him “dishonourable.” The women’s rights organization said that the Minister portrayed “lawlessness and the utter contempt for the Guyanese.” Red Thread added that while the PPP has been purporting to be a Party that upholds the rights of women and is sincerely interested in women empowerment, evidence suggests otherwise. The organization said, “We have this caring Government that on the one hand has spent money launching the Task Force on Sexual Offences at least four

times between 2010 and 2014. Nothing else has happened. This Government that cares so much about women has paid a consultant to draft a National Plan of Action that is supposed to be done by the Task Force…We even have a new Prime Ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper, who we are told will ensure that all of these things happen. And we are told that this new Prime Ministerial candidate will not debate the coalition’s Prime Ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo because he was disrespectful to her and the ruling party will not under any circumstances tolerate any disrespect of women.” The statement continued, “Let us for the moment set aside Attorney-General Anil Nandlall’s attempt, in the most disrespectful terms, to solicit the sexual services of a young female reporter for his uncle. Let us for the moment say okay that was terrible, but the PPP was not campaigning then, they were not electioneering, and had not recommitted to addressing these issues of sexual and domestic violence and other questions relating to women and children. But now that they have done all of this, what are we to make of the exchange between the dishonourable Minister of Health Bheri Ramsaran, when

‘Plain Talk’ returns to airwaves Plain Talk, a one-hour television programme hosted by Charted Accountant Christopher Ram, will return to the airwaves today at 20.00 hrs on Channel 9. Today’s programme will be in two segments – one dealing with health policy and featuring Dr. Surendra Persaud, and the other dealing with governance, accountability and corruption, featuring Pegasus CEO Robert Badal and civil society activist Fred Collins. Plain Talk will be rebroadcast on Channel 6 on Sunday evening. The programme, hosted by Mr. Ram, was considered one of the more informative programmes on television in which guests dealt with topical issues and were drawn out on their views.

asked by a concerned citizen who has repeatedly attempted to address the issue of maternal and infant mortality, how he had the time to appear in a protest in Berbice in the face of the continuing inadequate care offered by the medical institutions that are his responsibility?” Yesterday afternoon, Minister Ramsaran sent out a statement to the effect that he was “rudely interrupted by a woman who kept shouting and interrupting me throughout (an interview). I shifted away on several occasions in an attempt to avoid her but she persisted in interrupting the interview. It was unfortunate that I was provoked into anger and uttered harsh words at her for which I now regret. I therefore wish to apologize for uttering those words.” TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDING Minister Ramsaran (talking to operators): …And now we are here involved in this support action for Jagdeo, Bharrat Jagdeo, as opposed to this wife beater Mr. Ram, Christopher Ram, known for beating his wife. Sherlina Nageer: And Bharrat Jagdeo hasn’t had any issues with his wife? Mr. Minister Ramsaran why are you here? Why are you here and not doing your job? Minister Ramsaran: And you my dear, who are you? I am here… I am here… Which job? I am a candidate, I am a candidate Sherlina Nageer: You are the Minister. Minister Ramsaran: Shut your mouth and get out my face. Sherlina Nageer: No, you have children dying under your watch. Don’t touch me. Minister Ramsaran: I am not touching you. Please, I am not touching you… Sherlina Nageer: We have children and women dying under your watch and

what are you doing here wasting time. You have a responsibility to the People of Guyana and their health….it is your responsibility…this is a public road, this is a public road, I hope you all are recording this…this is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars. My money is paying your salary. Minister Ramsaran: We have less maternity deaths now, you idiot. We have less maternity deaths now. I am a candidate leading these people. We are going to win the elections and do better. Get the hell out my face! Please… I am having a private discussion. Please, please, I am having a private discussion…I am a candidate of the PPP…F-off Sherlina Nageer: He just told me to F off? Minister Ramsaran: Yes I did Sherlina Nageer: That’s the quality of the politicians…F-off, Foff…you have that recorded? Minister Ramsaran: That little piece of s**t Sherlina Nageer: I’m a little piece of s**t? Minister Ramsaran: Yes, yes Sherlina Nageer: Well you’re a bigger piece of s**t Minister Ramsaran: Idiot Sherlina Nageer: If I’m a little piece of s**t, you’re a big piece of s**t Minister Ramsaran: Officer, could you stop this woman harassing me? Sherlina Nageer: I’m harassing you? Look at where my hands are. Minister Ramsaran: Officer, I’m a candidate of the PPP and I’m here to support….Less women and children dying than under the PNC Minister Ramsaran: I would slap her ass, you know, just for the fun…no no no, just for the fun… Unknown: No Minister, Minister. Minister Ramsaran: I can have some of my women strip her here. No no no, I can.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Former Egyptian president Mursi jailed for 20 years (Reuters) - Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Mursi was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole on Tuesday on charges arising from the killing of protesters, nearly three years after he became Egypt’s first freely elected president. Mursi stood in a cage in court as judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef read out the ruling against him and 12 other Brotherhood members, including senior figures Mohamed el-Beltagy and Essam el-Erian. The sentencing was broadcast live on state television. The men were convicted on charges of violence, kidnapping and torture stemming from the killing of protesters during demonstrations in 2012. They were acquitted of murder charges, which carry the death sentence. A lawyer for some of the defendants said they would appeal. The United States expressed “concern” about the verdict but did not indicate that it would affect diplomatic relations with Egypt, a strategic U.S. ally in the Middle East. “Mr. Mursi, like all other defendants, must be afforded the basic legal right of due process. And the United States continues to be strongly opposed to politicized arrests and detentions,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters. Amnesty International described the ruling as “a travesty of justice” that “shatters any remaining illusion of independence and impartiality in Egypt’s criminal justice system”. The London-based human rights group called for Mursi to be retried in a civilian court “in line with international standards” or released. Leading Egyptian cleric Sheikh Youssef al-Qaradawi, who lives in pro-Brotherhood Qatar, criticized the ruling. “The judiciary in Egypt is no longer one of the three (branches of) power. Instead, all the powers and the country itself are now run by the

military,” he said in a statement. Egypt’s U.S.-backed government says the judiciary is independent and it never intervenes in its work. Displaying a four-finger salute symbolizing resistance to the state’s crackdown on Islamists, defendants in a makeshift courtroom on the outskirts of Cairo chanted “God is Greatest” after the verdict was read. The ruling is the first against Mursi, who says he is determined to reverse what he calls a military coup against him in 2013 staged by thenarmy chief, now president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Amr Darrag, a Mursi-era minister, said the Brotherhood would remain a powerful force, with younger members taking up leadership roles made vacant by the state’s crackdown. “The overall attitude of the Brotherhood (is) more revolutionary because the generation taking it over is young and more revolutionary and they saw what kind of an Egypt we’d have if they don’t do what they have to do,” he told Reuters in an interview in Istanbul. Mursi’s son, Osama, said his father plans a comeback despite the jail sentence. The state news agency MENA quoted a security source saying Mursi was taken by helicopter back to Borg al-Arab prison near Alexandria, where he has been held for more than a year. Mursi faces charges in four other cases including leaking secrets to Qatar, conspiring with the Palestinian militant group Hamas to destabilize Egypt, and organizing a jailbreak during the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak. After toppling Mursi following mass protests against his rule, Sisi proceeded to crush the Brotherhood, which he says is part of a terrorist network that poses an existential threat to the Arab and Western worlds. The Brotherhood says it is a peaceful movement that

Mohamed Mursi will return to office through people power, even though demonstrations have fallen to a trickle. Tuesday’s verdict did not appear to trigger significant protests, another sign of the Brotherhood’s waning influence. DEEP STATE Egypt’s deep state apparatus — the Interior Ministry, intelligence services and army — now appears to have a tighter grip than ever on the most populous Arab nation. While Mursi has become far less relevant, even within the Brotherhood, Sisi was elected president last year, winning over many Egyptians who overlooked widespread allegations of human rights abuses for the sake of stability and economic recovery. Egypt’s allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which also see the Brotherhood as a threat, have been pouring billions of dollars into the Egyptian economy to support Sisi since Mursi’s fall. Hundreds of Brotherhood supporters have been sentenced to death since Mursi’s removal and thousands more detained. By contrast, a court in November dropped its case against Mubarak over the killing of protesters in the 2011 uprising that ended his 30-year rule and symbolized hopes for a new era of political openness and accountability.

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

PEEPER STUMPS HIS BIG TOE Walking on the pavement on Regent Street, the main commercial street in Georgetown is like being caught in the middle of a sandwich. The pavement is once again being overrun: this time by both vendors and businesses alike. There is competition for space. The vendors are once again taking over the pavements. And in order to protect their interests, some shop owners have taken to selling on the pavement. As I was navigating my way down the pavement, I almost broke my big toe. It

collided with one of the pallets being used by a vendor to sell pirated movies. He saw me grimacing in pain and unapologetically asked me what had happened, pretending that it was not his encumbrances that left me in so much agony. If I had stumped my toe on one of the pavements in New York, I would have been a rich man today. I would have been able to sue the city for not keeping the pavements clear. But in Guyana, you have to take your knocks and keep quiet. There is no one to even complain to.

Dem boys seh...

Nuff scamps deh pun de list Scamp man does wear cap that he does pull down in he face. Jagdeo been wearing cap fuh a long time and now he got de whole Pee Pee Pee wearing cap. Rohee wearing cap and even dem woman wearing caps. Lumumba was wearing cap since de Pee Hen See days suh he was a scamp and that is why Jagdeo tek he in de party. Donald heself seh that Lumumba and Ten Edghill is two scamps. In Kitty he stand up pun de stage and tell de big audience that all who change dem name is scamp. Lumumba change he name from George Hopkinson to Odinga. Ten Edghill change he name from Cummings after he run into trouble when a man dead. All of dem wearing cap. Even Granger and Moses wearing caps now and that, got dem boys worried because dem boys want to know if dem also is scamps in de making. Dem boys would hate to believe that this country gun change one set of feathers fuh another set of furs. Whatever is de outcome after de election, people will decide whether to run or hide like how Donald and his Pee Em candidate running from debates. Dem boys want fuh tell dem that debate is de best

thing fuh de country. It can decide who win or who loss de election. And talking about loss, a woman loss she husband in a mall. Dem was shopping at the mall on Christmas Eve. The mall was packed with shoppers. Walking through the mall the wife suddenly noticed she husband was nowhere next to her. She get vex, not because she got shopping left to do, but because she thought he gone off wid another woman. She used her cell phone to call her husband. The husband answer his cell phone. She ask him in a strong tone of voice, “Wheh yuh deh?” The husband respond in a calm voice and said, “Honey do you remember the jewelry store we went into five years ago where you fell in love with a diamond necklace? I told you then we couldn’t afford it, but one day I was going to buy you that necklace.” With a pounding heart, the wife started to cry. “Yes, yes, sweetheart, I remember exactly where that jewelry store is located.” The husband said, “Well I’m in the bar right next to it.” Talk half and collect back dem wedding gift wha Jagdeo get.

The stumped toe was not the end of my woes. As I was trying to squeeze through the limited space that is now left for pedestrians using the pavement, I felt a bounce on my right side. I immediately knew what was happening. I quickly put my hand to my right side trousers’ pockets. I felt another hand already there. When I looked to my side, I saw a young man. He quickly pulled his hand out of my pocket and smiled at me. Talk about being barefaced! He had failed in his attempt to make me his latest pickpocket victim. Before I could restrain him he disappeared. I could not pursue him because the entire pavement was being overrun with pedestrians and vendors. Just then I felt hungry. Not knowing where I could get a tasty meal, I asked a passerby. He pointed me to a vehicle parked on the road, a big van from which the food was being sold. This is now the latest craze in vending. Vending on wheels! Persons turn up, park in the public parking spaces, and conduct their business. I was told that these vehicles that are selling food do not have their public health certificates displayed, which other establishments are required to do. I am not sure how many of them also pay taxes. What

I do know is that it is patently unfair for businesses that bear the brunt of local rates and taxes to have to compete with who are allowed to sell from vehicles alongside the streets. My problems did not end there. At one of the major junctions there are traffic lights with filters to direct when pedestrians should cross. Some persons however do not have the patience to wait on the “green man” that indicates when you should walk. They simply cross on the pedestrian crossing at the first opportunity. In order to regulate the situation, a policeman was placed at this busy junction. Instead of the guy being at the crossing, he was sheltering on the pavement under the extension of a store. However, no sooner did someone try to cross when he or she should not, the policeman shouted at them to wait. A few complied, but most did not. And the reason for the disrespect for the law is simply because the lawman was not respecting his work by standing in the comfort of the shade. I walked and walked on the pave until I came to a

commercial bank. Just then my cell phone rang. But guess what, I could not answer the phone because parked alongside the pavement was a cart selling pirated CDs and the cart was blaring music so loud that there was no way I could hear what was being said. And guess what? This was outside a bank. Now how can you have someone blasting music outside a bank where people may be transporting money and may need to get in touch with their chauffeurs? I am not surprised that so many persons are being robbed when leaving banks. There used to be rules long ago that prohibited vehicles from parking outside of banks. These days, the taxis are parking on the “noparking” signs outside the banks. In addition, vendors are plying their wares right outside the banks and this presents some security

challenges, because with all the crowding, bandits are going to find ways to observe you. At one junction you have a vendor selling water out of large containers. It is illegal for you to park at a junction. Yet here is a vendor permanently parked at a junction and nothing is being done about it. This is a problem for those in charge of the city which is controlled by the main opposition party. I am not certain if the opposition parties are going to address this issue after the elections. But Guyana desperately needs need greater compliance with its city bylaws. It needs more discipline. However, I cannot see how this is going to be achieved without addressing the nightmare experience involved in walking along the city’s pavements.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Tattered, torn, terrible clothes What must be one of the most shocking examples of barefaced deception in the delinquency of the human mind is the announcement by the PPP that if elected there would be a development fund for Berbice. The question that flies into your mind instantly is that the PPP was elected to government five times since 1992 yet there was never a development fund for Berbice

or Essequibo where they got the bulk of their votes. Why after an election in 2015, there would be a development fund? It burdens the mind with pessimism to think that there are people in Berbice who would believe this. And yes there are such people. But of course there are others too sensible, too sane, to voluntarily walk into the

PPP’s kingdom of slaves. Whoever advises the PPP leadership is incompetent. An incumbent government doesn’t have the semantic space to manoeuvre in an election campaign as its opponents who haven’t been in power. This limitation in rhetoric by the incumbent must always be borne in mind, because the accusation is never far away that when you

Trio charged with larceny of motorcycles Three men were on Monday arraigned before Magistrate Annette Singh, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, for stealing two all terrain vehicles (ATVs) from a storage bond. Ryan Primo of 78 W North Sophia, Jeremiah Frank 21, of South Ruimveldt Gardens and Kerry Dick, 20 of Lot 15E Pike Street, Sophia pleaded not guilty to the charge of break and enter and larceny. Particulars of the charge stated that between April 13 and April 16, at Ganges

Street, Prashad Nagar, they broke and entered the storage bond of Bula Enterprise and stole two Honda ATVs, valued $7M, property of the said establishment. Police Prosecutor Corporal, Deniro Jones, related that Frank was the mastermind behind the crime. He said that the vehicles were recovered and are currently lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station. Attorney Mark Conway made a bail application on behalf of Primo. During the

lawyer ’s submission, he indicated that the stolen ATVs were never found in his client’s possession. He further noted that his client was beaten by the police during his detention at the station. However, the prosecutor asked that Dick and Frank be remanded to prison because they have pending matters before the court of a similar nature, as well as robbery under arms. Jones noted, “It is while Continued on page 11

were in power you didn’t do what you say you would. This doesn’t deter the PPP. It continues with its never-ending motto of “judge us on our record.” Every PPP leader goes to PPP rallies and roadside campaign meetings and repeats that motto. And it is silly rhetoric, because the record is tattered, torn and terrible and best not spoken about. What is the record of the PPP? Its election campaign is fronted by a former president who had twelve years in power. His right hand man, Donald Ramotar, had more than twelve years of tenure as a Board member of Guysuco. The third in line in campaign activities is Clement Rohee. He has been a Cabinet member for twenty-three years. What has been the record of these men? Sugar has been in trouble for the fifteen years the Jagdeo/Ramotar combination has been in office. The largest state investment in the history of this country is the Skeldon sugar factory. This entity is yet to bring in even a penny in profits. Reeling from a devastated sugar industry, Berbicians were given a bridge over the river. But the money came mostly from the NIS which severely threatens its very existence because of that loss and a further six billion dollars

invested in CLICO which was lost too. Elated that they got a bridge, Berbicians woke one morning to find that the tolls were perhaps the highest for a bridge anywhere in the world. What is Mr. Rohee’s record? A survey by Vanderbilt University revealed that out of 28 countries in this hemisphere, the police force that was the least trusted is the one from Guyana. Mr. Rohee presides over the worst crime pandemic in the history of this country. If there is any record to go by, it is the breakdown of law and order under the PPP Government. This is a country where any hit-man can kill his victim with impunity; where any businessman could be robbed and killed at any time on a bright sunny day in front of hundreds of passersby. Most Guyanese know who the large drug traffickers and money-launderers are, but to date not one big fish has been caught in the net. This columnist has incontrovertible evidence of drug trafficking by a well known female citizen. He also has evidence of the official protection she receives. What is the PPP’s record on health? People die from medical problems at the Georgetown Public Hospital that even in countries wrecked by civil war you

Frederick Kissoon won’t find such medical incompetence. The Accident and Emergency section of the hospital has one of the most sordid balance sheets in the entire territory of Guyana. You fall sick and you have a little savings, you will spend it to go to a private hospital, not to the Georgetown Public Hospital. You cannot afford private treatment then pray to God that he intervenes to save you if you are a patient at the Georgetown Hospital. After fifteen years of Jagdeo and Ramotar, Burnham’s beautiful university at Turkeyen has collapsed. The Judicial system is a nightmare. If there is a record that the PPP has, then it does not exist in the judicial system in Guyana. You look around this tragic land and you see all the signs of moral breakdown. But as the campaign winds down to May 11, the PPP leaders tell their audiences to judge them by their record. What a stupendous irony. Once you judge them by that record then you will gladly vote them out.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

MARAD extends safety campaign to Region Two

MARAD’s Public Communications Officer handing lifejackets over to Lilydale Primary School. As part of its continuous safety campaign, a team from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) travelled to Region # 2, Pomeroon-Supenaam last Friday to distribute lifejackets and erect safety signs. A total of one hundred and ninety-two children’s lifejackets were distributed to four schools in the Pomeroon River; namely Martindale Primary School, Marlboro Primary School, Lilydale Primary School and the Hackney Primary School. The heads of these schools gleefully accepted the lifejackets on behalf of their students and expressed their gratitude for the timely initiative. The Officers from the Department demonstrated to the students and teachers the proper way in which they are to be worn, and stressed the importance of always wearing a lifejacket while aboard an open boat. Meanwhile, safety posters were erected at the Supenaam and Charity Stellings. “The MARAD will continue with campaigns of this nature throughout the country with the hope that it will inculcate a maritime safety consciousness in Guyana, an attitude of wearing a lifejacket, and most importantly saving lives on our waterways,” a statement issued by MARAD indicated. This publication recently reported MARAD’s Director

General, Ms Claudette Rogers, as saying that the failure to wear a lifejacket is in fact a violation of the Maritime safety regulations. “The licence and regulations clearly states that...there are safety regulations and you have to be compliant with the safety regulations,” asserted Rogers. Persons found to be noncompliant, according to her, could result in them being charged by the police and taken before the court. “They (police) are the enforcers, so if such a person is found n o t t o b e i n compliant then we can call in the police,” said the Maritime Director as she pointed out that the captain of the vessel has a responsibility to ensure that the passengers are compliant. According to Rogers, while the captains are ultimately the ones tasked with ensuring that passengers are secured before moving off, the vessel cannot be policed throughout the entire journey. However, Rogers noted that “what we have found though is that captains usually do not report these cases. While we are cognisant that it happens they don’t usually come forward and tell us.” This is due to the fact she noted, that some might see it as a rather tedious task since “we would have to get the passengers’ names and all other paraphernalia which sometimes become very difficult to get.” But this should not be a

Trio charged...

From page 10 they were out on bail, they committed this offence.” The prosecutor pointed out that Frank provided the police with a different address at the station, while adding that he is a flight risk and may not return to court for trial. Meanwhile, Jones had no objections to Primo being granted his pre-trial liberty and he was subsequently released on $300,000 bail. His co-defendants were remanded to prison. The matter will be called again on May 4.

challenge since the names of all passengers are recorded ahead of them boarding a vessel. However, Rogers noted that MARAD has engaged in activities to monitor the boating activities, though intermittently. An officer attached to MARAD also outlined that the captain reserves the right to refuse to move a vessel if all passengers, including children, are not wearing lifejackets. The officer recalled what she described as “a terrible accident” which occurred in the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Cuyuni/Mazaruni, Region Seven, which claimed the lives of 10 persons aboard a speedboat. According to the officer the common factor among the victims was that they weren’t wearing lifejackets.

A MARAD Officer demonstrating how lifejackets are worn.

Housing Ministry bids for annual Security Services For the provision of Security Services for June 2015 – May 2016 the Ministry of Housing and Water received four bids. The bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Ministry of Finance, Main Street.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment retendered and received a lone bid for the consultancy services for capacity building of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) field officers.

Still within the same sector, another single bid was submitted for consultancy services for the prioritization of hotspots for monitoring and enforcement of gold mining activities in Guyana.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Sir Shridath Ramphal well after stomach bug scare Well-known statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal, was admitted to a city hospital on Monday evening, but family members have confirmed that he is fine and is expected back to work today. According to his son-inlaw, Sir Ronald Sanders, the 86-year-old suffered a stomach bug resulting in a severe case of vomiting and dehydration. “He is perfectly fine. He had a stomach bug and they put him into hospital because he was vomiting and became dehydrated. He is now perfectly alright and he will be back at work tomorrow (today),” Sir Ronald said yesterday. Sir Shridath has reportedly been engaged by Guyana to help resolve a border dispute with neighbouring Venezuela. He flew in earlier this week. A trained lawyer, Ramphal became one of the most powerful diplomats rubbing shoulders over the years with powerful world leaders, including the likes of former US President Jimmy Carter, Germany’s Willy Brandt, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, India’s Indira Gandhi and Britain’s ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher. In his years as a Minister

Say no to corruption, it hurts us all.

Sir Shridath Ramphal under former President Forbes Burnham and at the Commonwealth Secretariat as the chief executive, he has doggedly used diplomacy, political canny and outward thinking to blaze a path for the cause of developing countries. He was a key figure in the fight to free Mandela from jail and to end apartheid in South Africa. A writer, a diplomat, a lawyer, statesman, international public servant and a go-to man for advice, his efforts to build integration in the Caribbean region and to smooth tensions around the globe have made him a legend. He was also the lead lawyer for Guyana in the maritime dispute between this country and neighbouring Suriname, in which an historic ruling was handed down in 2007.

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 19

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Page 36

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Page 38

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 39

Page 40

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 41

Page 42

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 43

Page 44

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

PSC renews call for political parties’ code of conduct In light of several controversial statements made by politicians on the campaign trail, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has issued a statement calling for the urgent implementation of the

Political Parties’ code of conduct. The code of conduct was prepared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) since April 14 and the draft circulated among the political

parties contesting the elections, with the intention of preventing politicians from making divisive and inflammatory speeches while campaigning. According to Chairman of

- only one party has signed on GECOM, Dr. Steve Surujbally, the drafts were prepared and sent out to the candidates, with the intention that the respective parties would review it, make recommendations or alterations to any parts that they disagreed with, and then resubmit them to GECOM. In the press release, the PSC commended GECOM for formulating the code and urged all contesting political parties to sign on and demonstrate ‘good faith and respect for the citizenry.’ It also called for the parties to place the well being of the nation before all other commitments. Eight parties - Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C), A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC), Independent Party (IP), Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP), National Independent Party (NIP), The United Force (TUF), United Republican Party (URP) and Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) - have been sent the document, with the intention that they would provide feedback to GECOM. Kaieteur News has so far been able to ascertain that only one party, the URP, has signed on to the code of conduct. When this publication made contact with the General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee, he denied seeing a copy of the code of conduct, General Secretary of the AFC, David Patterson, meanwhile confirmed that the party had received the draft, but owing to both presidential and prime ministerial candidates being out of the country ( in Canada, meeting with the Diaspora), the draft could not have been reviewed. He however stated that the candidates would peruse the draft, and affix their signatures as soon as possible. Leader of the TUF Marissa Nadir, also confirmed receipt of the draft, stating that though there were a couple minor kinks she would raise with GECOM, she did not have much of a problem with it and would sign on by the end of the week. She also mentioned one

PPP/C general secretary, Clement Rohee

TUF Presidential candidate, Marissa Nadir

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

IP Presidential Candidate Mark Benschop

aspect of the draft in particular, which called for candidates to exercise restraint over their supporters, stating that though she had no issues with it, “other parties should take note of that stipulation”. Presidential candidate for the Independent Party, Mark Benschop, also stated that he had received the draft and confirmed that he will sign on. He also expressed the hope that the two major parties would assent and adhere to the code of conduct. Pointing to the PPP/C’s statements on the campaign trail, he called for a cessation of such language, stating that “long gone are those days”. Most recently, former President Bharrat Jagdeo was cited by the Media Monitor-

ing Unit (MMU) for making ‘racially charged’ comments at Babu Jaan. A private court action filed by Attorney-atLaw, Christopher Ram, was subsequently brought against him following the release of the MMU’s report. He was slated to appear at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday last (April 20), on the charge of using ‘racially divisive’ lang u a g e . However Jagdeo never showed, instead having his lawyers appear on his behalf. The former president, along with other PPP/C candidates, has also been reported in sections of the media, as having made more divisive statements at other subsequent campaign rallies.

Sophia man on bail after alleged larceny A Sophia grass cutter was ordered to post bail in the sum of $80,000 after he was slapped with two charges of simple larceny. Wasim Pereira, 22 of North Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him by Magistrate Dylon Bess. Particulars of the first charge alleged that on April

12, at Prashad Nagar, he stole one bicycle valued $20,000, property of Stefan Joseph. It was further alleged that on April 17, at North Sophia, he stole one horse saddle valued $5000, $10,000 cash, along with other items, property of Yakhsaran Radish. Wasim explained to the

court that he was never convicted before, while adding that he has no pending or previous matters. Police Prosecutor, Traceyann Gittens had no objections to bail and the accused was released on $40,000 bail on each charge. The defendant will return to court on May 12.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 45

Arson suspected at L’Aventure Secondary APNU+AFC will pick up Jaden Mars case - Dr. George Norton

The section of L’Aventure School that suffered damage on Monday night An investigation has been launched to determine what could have caused a fire to break out on Monday night at L’Aventure Secondary School, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara. Reports reaching this newspaper indicated that at approximately 20:50 hours, a fire broke out in one of the school’s second form class-

rooms. According to the reports, it was the school’s security guard who raised the alarm summoning nearby residents, who immediately started a bucket brigade. The fire service was contacted at 21:02 hours, and arrived after the blaze had already been contained. When this newspaper contacted Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, he explained that

“there was no major damage to the school”, as the fire was contained by nearby residents who played a vital role in extinguishing the blaze. He noted however that, “some suspicious objects were discovered in the classroom where the fire began”, and as such, the matter is now a subject of criminal police investigation. Ministry of Education

Cheerful ‘Aunt Iris’ turns 101 At 101 years old, D’Urban Street, Georgetown resident, Iris Stewart-Mc Adam, fondly referred to as ‘Aunt Iris’ is still full of life and has lots to be thankful for. The cheery centenarian celebrated another milestone, two Saturdays ago, surrounded by close relatives and friends. When Kaieteur News visited her residence, a regallooking and cheerful Mrs. Mc Adam, was seated near a window observing passers-by on the busy street. Although, that is one of her favourite hobbies these days, the senior citizen reflected that she lived “a good life.” She is most thankful to God for allowing her to live a full life without many regrets. The devout Catholic said that a priest visited her home and blessed her on her birthday. “I spent my birthday well…We had lots of cake.” She was born on April 11, 1914 on D’Urban Street, but spent most of life at Broad Street, Charlestown. Mrs. Mc Adam, a seamstress by profession, only retired a few years ago. Expect for a little arthritis pain which has her confined to a wheelchair, this senior citizen insists she is still very much an independent woman. “I like to dress and look good,” she said, adding that she made her own clothing at one period of her life. Although she now has

persons also helps her to retain information. The cheery centenarian revealed her secret to longevity is “eating real good food.” “ Yo u g o t t o e a t a n d drink good... I like cow heel soup, salt fish and a lot of nice things to eat,” Mrs. Mc Adam emphasised, while adding that half of a y o u n g c u c u m b e r and a tomato, is part of her daily diet.

Iris Stewart-Mc Adam is 101 years old. caregivers Mrs. Mc Adam takes pride in being able to care for herself in little ways. She also spoke briefly about her family. “I was married twice and had three children, all of whom are dead now, but I have one surviving grandchild,” Mc Adam said. The centenarian says she keeps intact by reading and being as proactive as possible. “I like to read and be in tune with what is happening around me. I read a lot. Ask me anything and I can tell you… but I have a little trouble remembering things from years ago,” Mrs. Mc Adam said. This senior citizen also enjoys good company. She says having to converse with

Public Relations Officer (PRO) Suelle Williams, in an interview with Kaieteur News said that as far as the Ministry is aware, there was merely a small fire and it was successfully contained. She added that the Ministry is awaiting an official report from the fire service, so as to determine the origin of the fire, which classroom it started in, and the extent of damage. She explained that she was not in a position to make an official comment on whether or not classes at the school have been interrupted. A section of the school was destroyed by fire in September 2013. The blaze, that was suspected to have been electrical in origin, occurred on the third day of the new term that year and had displaced nearly 700 students. One year later, the Ministry of Education constructed and commissioned a new wing to the tune of $37.4M.

At an APNU+AFC press conference yesterday, Dr George Norton said that the coalition will pick up the Jaden Mars case, as “it may be the only correct thing to do.” Norton said that it is a reflection of complacency, to have the Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, openly saying that he “does not know why after one year the Jaden Mars reports are not out.” Norton then opined that the Guyanese public is being taken for granted by the Ministry of Health. The procrastination of results has given the insinuation that after a period of time the Ministry will forget about all these deaths and reports that are expected, according to Norton. The cases are being kicked under the carpet by the Ministry who is hoping that the Guyanese nation will forget it, Norton added. Making mention of the recent protest by mothers of two of the three children who died allegedly by negligence of health practitioners, Norton said that “this is something this coalition will certainly pick up immediately.” “We have seen up to recently the mothers were picketing outside the Health Ministry, wanting to have an end to the cases, begging for justice.” Norton pledged that investigations into these pending cases will be brought to an end in the shortest, possible time. Natalie Caseley, mother of Jaden Mars, has maintained

Jaden Mars her optimism of receiving justice for her son. She was one of the two mothers who protested outside the Ministry of Health recently. She claimed that she was informed by the Health Minister that a new investigation has been launched into the death of her son. Ramsaran has since admitted that the investigations have been long overdue, hence the investigation was launched. Mars died in December 2013, after he was believed to have been given an overdose of anesthetic by health practitioners at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The fouryear-old was rushed to the institution with a cut on his tongue.

Page 46

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

NY Alumni Association celebrates 40 years of co-ed at QC - to honour four distinguished females The Queen’s College of Guyana Alumni Association (NY), Inc., (QCAANY), yesterday announced its Weekend of Celebration from April 24th-26th, 2015, saluting 40 years of coeducation and enrollment of girls at the 170-year old institution. The marquee event of the celebration will be a Black-Tie Gala Dinner and Dance to be held on April 25th at Terrace On The Park in Queens, NY, under the patronage of Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Bayney Karran, himself a Queen’s College alumnus. The special guest and speaker will be Clarence I. Trotz, the Headmaster in 1975 when the first young women entered Queen’s College as students. The event’s honorees are four women, selected for their scholarly, professional and h u m a n i t a r i a n accomplishments and for their exemplary service to Queen’s College and Guyana. According to a statement from the association, the 2015 honorees are Dr. Michelle Mickle- Foster, Dawn HolderAlert, Amlata Persaud and Dr. Alissa Trotz. Dr. Foster is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KISRA, a faith-motivated non-profit organization in West Virginia, US, whose work was recognized in 2012 as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama. Additionally, she

Amlata Persaud

Dawn Holder-Alert

Dr. Michelle Foster

Dr. Alissa Trotz

participated in a number of programs aimed at expanding opportunities for QC students. Among these efforts, she recently led a partnership with West Virginia State University to conduct a college recruitment initiative at QC in February 2015. She has also spearheaded a multi-faceted needs assessment of the Camp Road school. Holder-Alert is a former executive of QC’s Old Students Association. Among other contributions, she single-handedly crafted documentation showcasing the accomplishments of scores of distinguished alumni over the years. A lawyer by profession, her representation and civic involvement in Guyana have been varied and numerous; she has represented the Guyana Bar Association at

the Linden Commission of Inquiry, served as Vice President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, and is a prominent member of the both Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers. Amlata Persaud is a Doctoral Fellow at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, pursuing an Ed.D degree in International Education Development. “Her research is centered on education policy-making and early childhood education in the Caribbean. Prior to enrolling at Columbia University, Ms. Persaud, Guyana’s first female Rhodes Scholar, was a consultant on Guyana’s national Millennium Development Goals Progress Report, and later served as the Head of the national program for

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), with specific responsibility for piloting M&E development in the education and health sectors.” Dr. Trotz, the association said, is an Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, and is also Associate Faculty at the Dame Nita Barrow Institute for Gender and Development West Indies. “An eminent scholar and educator, Dr. Trotz was appointed in 2013 to the P r e s i d e n t ’ s Teaching Academy, the highest recognition for teaching excellence at the University of Toronto. She is also recipient of the Guyana Cultural Association Award (New York) for Leadership in Education and for the past

seven years, she has edited a weekly newspaper column, In the Diaspora, in the Stabroek News. Dr. Trotz has been a member of Red Thread Women’s Organization in Guyana for the past two decades. Enrollment of girls at Queen’s College occurred in 1975, approximately 141 years after the premier institution first opened its doors as an Anglican Church grammar school providing an elite education for boys. Girls who had excelled at the national Common Entrance examination in 1975 were admitted to 1st Form. Girls were transferred from Bishops’ High School into 2nd, 3rd, 5th and Lower 6th Forms. Within two years, all forms were fully integrated. Reflecting on a number of systemic changes at Queen’s College since 1975 – first and most important of these being

coeducation – former Headmaster Clarence Trotz noted that once admitted, the girls quickly settled into the ways of the school, “competing fiercely with the boys for supremacy at all levels of academia, playing their full part in the life and activities of the institution.” This sentiment was echoed by Mr. John Campbell, President of QCAANY, who was a student at the school during the time that girls first enrolled. “The breadth and range of accomplishments of QC alumnae were to be expected because QC girls were, and continue to be, among the very best students in Guyana and they continue to perform outstandingly in their chosen professions and endeavors in Guyana and elsewhere.” This is evident from the number of highly accomplished alumnae from among whom this year’s four honorees were selected. Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, QCAANY is a 501(3) (c) non-profit organization established in August 1991. Its mission includes assuring the stability of Queen’s College and its ongoing contribution to academic excellence in Guyana, contributing financially and materially to the school, and associating with any other non-profit organizations involved in assisting Guyanese in Guyana and elsewhere.

Candidates must give the electorate a reason to vote for them “Without public scrutiny by the people that are going to elect you, there is no way that they would know what you’re going to do... The constituents have to be able to know exactly what you’re going to do, should they vote for you.” This is the assertion of Guyana Women Roundtable (GWR) founder, Dr. Dawn

Stewart. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Dr. Stewart stressed that while it is important for persons to participate in the electoral process, it is necessary for them to understand the issues that are affecting them. Stewart, whose organisation (GWR) recently teamed with Guyana National

Youth Council (GNYC) to organise issue forums with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/ C), and APNU+AFC coalition, said that citizens should be able to question those contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections on May 11, on their plans for Guyana, should they be elected to

office. “They [the electorate] should be able to ask, why should I vote for you? Why should I support you?” She cautioned that issue forums are not about what has happened in the past, but are more concerned with how candidates contesting the election could convince the electorate to vote for them, based on their plans for the next four or five years, should they be elected to office. Dr. Stewart lamented that crime, teenage pregnancy, increased violence against women, health care and education have been identified as the five greatest concerns of the people of Guyana, and it is necessary for candidates to stay away from lengthy speeches on the past, and focus on current issues that are affecting the people, their community and their country. She explained that the exchange between citizens and candidates on how candidates intend to utilise their votes “is a very

- GWR founder important tool in the democratic society in which we strive to build so therefore, it is undemocratic not to be able to come to the public and say to the public, and be questioned by the public, as to what you would do if they vote for you.” The issue forum organised by GWR in collaboration with GNYC proved to be a success for APNU+AFC candidates Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger and Catherine Hughes on April 13, last. Dr. Stewart said that as far as she knows, persons were quite satisfied with the answers that they got at that forum, and the professionalism with which it was done. The PPP/C, who were scheduled to make their appearance two days after (April 15), have since asked that their forum be postponed. While the two organising bodies await word from the

GWR founder Dawn Stewart PPP/C, with respect to a new available date for their issue forum, Stewart says that she remains optimistic that the party will follow through on its commitment as soon as it is available to do so. Following the issue forum, candidates are expected to sign a pledge, which entails all of the promises they make towards bettering Guyana by addressing the main issues affecting citizens.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 53

GTU says members to boycott SBA marking from next year Unless the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is prepared to pay for the marking of School Based Assessments (SBA), the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) will be advocating for teachers to desist from offering their services in this regard. This disclosure was made by GTU President, Mark Lyte, who told this publication yesterday that the intention is to embrace a decision made by the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) at a Council meeting convened in Belize last year. The CUT is a federation of teaching trade unions in the Caribbean, and according to Lyte, the local Union is very supportive of the position taken by the Federation.

According to the GTU President, the call for CXC to pay teachers for the marking of SBAs was premised on the fact that the examining body usually pays for the marking of the written aspects of examinations, but has never opted to pay for the marking of SBAs, although it translates to additional work for teachers. Some 2,000 local teachers are involved in the marking of SBAs on an annual basis and according to Lyte, the GTU, like the other Unions across the Caribbean, is desirous of seeing teachers being compensated for their added efforts. He noted that while a cost has not been worked out, it is hoped that the teachers will be paid per SBA folder marked.

- cites failure to pay teachers for additional work

GTU President, Mark Lyte Although the score of the SBA can amount to about 20 per cent of the total score of an examination, a candidate

Gay ex-lover distances self from acid attack - Says victim is obsessed

WOUNDED: Travis Joseph A Bartica-Potaro businessman, who is being accused of dousing his former partner with a corrosive substance on Sunday, is distancing himself from the gruesome attack which has left his ex-lover hospitalised. The businessman, Junior Da Silva said that when the victim was attacked, he was at

his business place working and he has surveillance footage and eyewitnesses to prove that he never left his business that night. Travis Joseph, 27, of Bartica claimed that he was burnt with acid around 02:30 hrs while he was sleeping. The father of one, who sustained burns to his face, right hand and chest, is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). While Joseph did not see who threw acid on him, he accused his former employer of planning the attack on him. He explained that he had made a police report at the Bartica Police Station against the businessman when he found out that he was involved in narcotrafficking. However, a police source from the Bartica Police Station yesterday told this newspaper that Joseph never made a report against the businessman or about any illegal trade. Meanwhile, the businessman said that the victim was never one of his employees, but was in fact, his lover. “We were in love…we lived together for one year. I used to support him and his whole family. He never worked when he was living with me. He had maids and at 11:00 o’clock the next morning, he use to be sleeping while I’m working,” the businessman stated. Da Silva, who operates a hotel and night club in Bartica, said that his ex-lover and his family have been trying to obtain money from him since their relationship ended. Continued on page 56

can however forfeit his/her entire examination score if an SBA is not submitted. For this reason, a senior teacher stressed the importance of SBAs to the examination process. Moreover, the GTU President said that while its members are prepared to adhere to the CUT decision, this will however be enforced until the New Year. “We feel that the time is too short for us to enforce it now, but if next year nothing is done by the time CXC comes around, we will adapt that position,” said Lyte as he alluded to the move by the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) which has already refrained from marking SBAs. “The GTU will follow suit as of next year if the CXC is unprepared to pay teachers for marking SBAs. We will supervise it and do the

corrections, but we will not mark it similarly to the action that has been taken by the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union, and I think that is something that most Caribbean country will adopt,” added Lyte. Barbados is the only Caribbean territory that has thus far enforced the decision. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in March reported that “as of this academic year, the teachers that belong to the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union will not be correcting school-based assessments. That is unless they are paid to do so by the Caribbean Examinations Council.” The news agency went on to report that President of the BSTU, Mary Ann Redman, had informed that the teachers however are mindful of the importance of the SBAs

and will not do anything that will jeopardize the students CXC or CAPE results.” But it was noted too that the teachers are now demanding that they be compensated for their hard work. Redman, the CBC added, related that while the teachers are correcting the SBAs as well as now imputing the marks, it has become too much of a burden. She, too, at a press conference, made reference to the fact that CXC already pays teachers to correct the written examinations, but continues to refuse to pay for the SBAs. Moreover, she outlined that her Union has the support of the CUT to enforce the boycott, adding that while most other Caribbean teachers’ unions agree with the move, they have yet to decide on what course of action they will take.

Guyanese woman, 70, found with underwear-filled coke New York (New York Daily News) - A 70-year-old Guyanese woman’s buns of steel were actually bags of cocaine, officials said Monday. Federal officers say they removed four pounds of cocaine from the thighs and buttocks area of the elderly woman who was allegedly hiding the drugs in her underwear and girdle. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers immediately became suspicious of Olive Fowler, 70, after she arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Georgetown on April 11. Fowler was “sweating profusely and avoiding eye contact with officers,” according to the complaint in Brooklyn Federal Court. After patting her down, the officers felt a “dense hard

The woman was wearing this clothing when she was held material” under her clothes. Fowler’s concrete curves were revealed to be two pairs of compression shorts over her underwear which contained a bag containing alleged cocaine. A CBP spokesman said the coke has a street value of

US$73,000. “This seizure is just another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these illicit drugs,” said Robert E. Perez, director of the New York field office of CBP.

Page 54

VACANCY The #1 Plant Shop expanding: Need hardworking, literate, punctual workers, between age 18-28- Tel: 648-1821 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 1 Manager for a Hotel/Club @ Essequibo Coast, experienced in hotel industry, attractive salary & Accommodation – Contact: 226-9768; 642-7963 Cashier & office assistant @ Shell Service Station Providenc e E . B . D s h i f t work – (6am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) - email: shellramsburg@gmail.com. International Cruiselines, receptionists, cooks, waitresses, carpenters, cleaners, storekeepers, electricians, welders Contact Professional Recruitment Agency - 2316296, 650-9880 Eden Bar & Lounge in Garden of Eden, experienced chef & waitress - Call: 6946247 Handy boy @ Christine’s Variety Store on Lombard Street – Contact: 227-8529; 626-8003 Bowser’z Pizza Lounge, Lot 10 Lusignan: waitress, cooks, bartenders, cashiers, delivery man- 7am-5pm/ 5pm-3am- Tel:674-6616; 6805092 Room attendants, security guards, handyman- Tel:2250198 or visit 233 South road, Lacytown Salesgirls apply at D.Singh & Sons 95 King streetCall:226-1316 Male supervisor for housekeeping dept.Tel:225-0198 or visit 233 South road, Lacytown Security officers, excavator/ skid steer operator, kitchen assistant, waiter & waitresses- Call: 603-4094

Kaieteur News

WANTED Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com

1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com One Graphic Designer, To Work Full-time- Call 269 -1273/ 269 -0044 1 Carpenter, 1 Mason, 1 Painter - Call: 265-3586 2 Male, 3 female general workers @ Land Of Canaan E.B.D & G/Town – Tel: 2256337 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Two Cleaner -Age 16-18yrs. Referable from Eccles to Diamond - Tel # 600-5253 Office clerk: CXC English, mathematics. Live in, live out babysitter/domestic- Call: 219-5354 Urgently needed attractive waitress –Tel:693-4154 Wash bay attendants - Call: 646-8748 1 Day time security guard, 60yrs & older, who don’t drink & smoke, preferably from G/Town – Call:623-3231; 225-3198 GIRL WITH EXPERIENCE IN COMPUTER. BE ABLE TO KEEPACCOUNT, DEAL WITH CLIENTS & BE FAST- CALL: 231-8529 SALESMAN FOR FOOD COMPANY, MUST GO TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF GUYANA IN CANTERS TO HELP LOAD & UNLOADCALL: 231-8529

DRESSMAKING

SALESMAN FOR A HARDWARE STORE MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN SALES & WITH CLIENTS. AGES 30-40YRSCALL: 231-8529 One (1) general worker to work shift system- Call:6657474

Learn to cut & sew at Enid Dressmaking, certificate classes @ Lot 66, 6th Street Alberttown –Contact: 2239106 or 643-7966

Urgently needed land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie, SchoonOrd, Eccles & Herstelling –Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223

Live in house keeper 3550yrs, long term employment, to take care of infant-Tel: 697-8797

CAR RENTAL

SALON

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 -DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

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

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

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

FOR RENT

Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com Live in waitress age 20 & older with Secondary Education @ Diamond Gate Liquior Restaurant, Lot 18-19 Belmont Mahaica - Tel: 228-5013

Wednesday April 22, 2015

WANTED 1 Inventory clerk, apply @ Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site, EBD. 1 Shop assistant to work in the interior and 1 live I maid –Tel: 691-6260 1 maid to cook & clean @ East Bank area –Tel:614-4358 Live- in waitress $60,000 monthly. Live- in domestic $70,000 monthly (must know to cook)- Call:610-3974 Domestic Help age 30-45 preferably from East Bank of Demerara –Tel: 225-8066

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 Five bedrooms house @ 107 Lamaha Gardens & large parking, AC rooms, hot & cold, purified water system Call: 661-8908; 335-3590 Apartments to rent @ 70 Bent Street Wortmanville $3,500 & $4,000 per day – Contact: 226-3309; 674-5760; 648-7154 & (218-1033 Saturday & Sunday only)

Male & female shop assistant to work in the interior salary $80,000 monthly, age 25-35 Call: 664-5199

Eccles 2 bedroom apartment for rent -$60,000 –Call: 6979031 between 1pm -3pm

1 Live in domestic salary $60,000 monthly –Call: 6885409 or 674-1767

Large space for supermarket and living quarters @ Lot 22 Public Road Covent Garden E.B.D-Tel: 682-7490; 685-9284

One Accounts supervisor: must have solid experienced and relevant qualifications. Send applications & CV to rtilak@adamantiumholdings.com

Grove housing Scheme: Three bedrooms top flat with garage, price $50,000. Phone: 680-6399; 692-2072 One (three) bedrooms flat concrete building, located @ 19 Street Diamond, preferably couples only. Tel:233-2805

Canter Truck, 3 Ton with tail lift, asking -$1.50M negotiable, very good condition, owner residing overseas -Tel: 6874992; 695-7845 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Toyota Voxy to be registered in “B” series - $2.1M & ‘G’ series - $1.7M - Tel: 617-2891 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom, Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Blow Out Sales @ Star Cars Auto Sale- Premio, Spacio, Bluebird, IST, Benz, Alteeza, free alarm- Tel: 679-3140

Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 Cummings complete genset generator 4CYL 30KVA, 2011 Ducati 1198’s superbike, pearl white, CH series original –Tel: 684-2838 Male Enhancement - Tel: 638-1627

One Toyota Cami PLL Series$1.3M negotiable – Call: 6793410

1 Mini marine tanker capacity 11,500 Gallons – Tel:227-1744 or 657-9237 Hymac, 200KVA CAT generators, portable, hours 07115, G3 John boat 14Ft, 25HP 4 Stroke Yamaha, 399 Massey Ferguson tractor Tel: 601-1138 3 Storey building 12 offices upper flat, established business @ 220 South Road – Contact: 601-3369; 2182029 10 Acres Roadside land at Kuru Kuru for resort/ business- Contact: 601-3369; 218-2029; 227-1042 1- 318 BMW and register, cash 3.2 M, down payment 1.2 M- Contact # 616-0429 Pure bred German shepherd pups –Tel: 220-2277; 2208904; 629-1471 Madza Axela bumper for sale - Tel: 691-5485 HIGHQUALITYROUGHOR DRESSED LUMBER AVAILABLE AT REDUCED PRICES. FREE DELIVERYCALL:600-1212 FOR DETAILS

One Toyota Premio & Toyota Spacio, excellent condition, owner migrating Tel# 6182576 or 678-0109 One Toyota VIOS (Black) model – PMM series, price negotiable – Tel: 688-0868

Just arrived!! 18" Brush cutter blades wholesale & retail quantities- Call:6148564/ 639-3675 Quantum magnetic analyzer, body scanning machine and foot spa detox machine for sales –Tel: 692-7886; 649-7884

One fielder 2006 model $2.2M negotiable –Tel: 6895103

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

Mercedes –Benz C200 Kompressor, left hand driver, automatic, 2005 model, low mileage, excellent condition, negotiable - Call: 624-5130 1 L-Touring Wagon, flair kit, remote start- $1.450,000, 1 Honda CRV, $1.850, 000, 1 AT192 - $850, 000. All in good condition, price negotiable –Tel: 626-2884 One Honda Civic 1500cc ESI, excellent condition, lady driven –Tel: 223-0849 Honda CRV 2001, Excellent Condition, price $2,050,000 – Contact: 624-6099 Mitsubishi Galant 1994-1996 Sold as parts. Body Condition Good. $600,000.00 Tel: 216 1079 6168027

PEN PAL Male seek mature woman, who’s honest, Cool personality, believe in love. We here today….. Call: 687-5837 Guys & Dolls; meet your match singles only! 1 Hour link –Tel: 592-223-8237; 6486098; 8:30am-5pm (both phones same hours) TOURS Suriname tour return May 1st -5th, sightseeing of dolphins; shopping –Tel: 639-2663; 644-0185; 665-5171 MASSAGE Relaxing massage servicesCall: 674-8147

EDUCATIONAL Special after school classes for nursery students: phonics, reading, special etc for all ages, limited spaces – Tel: 675-4379 Earn a Diploma in Computers: 9 Courses, Windows 7/8, and office 2013 @ MicroGraphics Vreed-En-Hoop - Tel: 2643057 Computer Classes For 2015, Common-Entrance students, 9 courses, $30,000 @ MicroGraphics - Vreed-EnHoop Tel : 264-3057

LAND FOR SALE Parfait Harmonie -$1.3M (80ftX50ft), Fort Ordinance $1.2M Berbice, Tuschen -$1.6M –Tel: 675-7292; 689-3339 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

LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Enterprise @ Lot 2 Croal Street, enquire about on international drivers permit “join us on facebook” –Tel: 622-8162; 227-3869 Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 Continued on page 55

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 55

Letters... Where your views make the news

That list of candidates reflects a family dynasty DEAR SIR, The PPP/C has put together a list of candidates comprising family and friends. The excuse that was proffered by that party is the need for continuity. The question is what do they want to continue? Looking at the list, the answer must be a family dynasty. At least the daughter of one Minister has been accused of spewing racial remarks on her Facebook page. What is really happening in Guyana? It must be noted that in 1992, when the President Cheddi Jagan took office, his wife Mrs Janet Jagan, worked for $1 a year. Such was the modesty and

decency of those two great souls. Compare this to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who gets a pension and perks of $3 million per month. And he is still of working age: Ordinary people, who contributed to the development of this country are forced to live off a pension of less than $20,000 or US$100 per month. Some of these pensioners are assisting to care for their grandchildren. Then compare Mrs Janet Jagan’s $1 a year to President Donald Ramotar’s huge salary and benefits. Add to that the super- salary and benefits of his daughter at the GGMC. Add to that the hundreds of millions of dollars paid to

US citizen remanded after drug bust at CJIA Magistrate Judy Latchman remanded a mother of one to prison yesterday after she was charged for cocaine trafficking. Patrina Dalrymple, 27, a US citizen, denied the allegation which stated that on April 20, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, she had 937 grammes of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Kerry Bostwick related to the court that on the day in question ranks from the narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) conducted a search on the defendant’s luggage. He stated that the illicit drug was found stashed in plastic parcels at the bottom of the woman’s suitcase. She was then told of the offence, arrested and charged. Dalrymple’s attorney, Adrian Thompson, during his bail application told the court that the police have no connection between his

his son for the failed fibre optic cable project, which the Guyanese people are yet to be properly informed about, and the fact that he is now on the list to collect a further set of money from parliament says a lot about this government. Add all of that, and one will get the picture of how much of taxpayers’ dollars are going to one family in the PPP/C dynasty. Do a total calculation and one will see the hundreds of millions of dollars paid out to the government clan. What a shame. The children of these Ministers and party comrades have been educated by the hard-earned taxpayers’ dollars. Now they have come to depend on the sweat of taxpayers to continue their nepotism and to sustain their fancy life styles with their name-brand gear, expensive vehicles, exotic and luxurious mansions and overseas university education. This is why the government was comfortable in the face of major industrial action by the University of Guyana; they do not care because their children and relatives are being educated elsewhere. The thing is when a taxpayer, including farmers, millers, small shopkeepers

and vendors, makes grave sacrifices to educate his/her upon graduation his child has no opportunity for a good job or decent quality of life because the PPP/C are aggressively pushing all of their children and relatives to the forefront of those positions. Many young people with degrees are wandering around because there are no jobs. Many degree holders and trained teachers have turned to street vending because it is better than the mediocre and meaning less employment available. The President and band of merry men talk glibly and clownishly about growth of the economy but it is really jobless g r o w t h , w h i c h continues to widen the chasm between the haves and the haves-not; the very poor and the super-rich, in Guyana. It is about the PPP/C, their relatives and friends; nothing for anyone else. Therefore, the children of the ordinary people are relegated to being servants to the PPP/C and their children forever. We must not allow this to happen in Guyana; we must vote collectively and solidly to get rid of the PPP/C. It is already late. Ranwell Jordan, Former Mayor of Georgetown

Minister Bheri...

Patrina Dalrymple client the drug. He pointed out that his client had no knowledge of the drug being inside of her suitcase and they are still trying to establish who placed it there. However, Bostwick objected to the woman being released on bail citing that no special reasons were advanced to the court. The matter will be called again on May 7.

Illegal firearm lands man before the court Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded a Linden saw operator to prison yesterday, after the police alleged he had an unlicenced gun in his possession. Wesley Campbell, who was unrepresented, denied the allegation which stated that on December 9, 2014, at Old Plain Sight Road, Kwakwani, he had one 12-gauge, singlebarrel shotgun. Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves related to the court that the police acting on information went to the home of the defendant and conducted a search. It was during the search the unlicenced firearm was discovered. The accused was then told of the offence, arrested and charged. Gonsalves objected to bail citing the prevalence and penalty attached to the offence should the accused be convicted. The matter was transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court for May 15.

From page 5 talk to him. I wanted to know why he was there heckling people, instead of working to ensure that his staff were properly trained, that better systems implemented in the public health setting to reduce deadly errors by his staff. Elections are around the corner and Mr. Ramsaran is on the PPP list of candidates. This, he told me, is what justified his presence at Whim. I pointed highlighted the fact that unacceptable numbers of women and children are dying at the public health facilities all around Guyana. I reminded Mr Ramsaran that as a citizen, my tax dollars are being used to pay his salary and I was unsatisfied with his performance. Minister Ramsaran’s response then was to curse me. “F off,” he yelled at me. “Get out of my face. You’re a little piece of shit.” The hostility rolled off him in waves. If we were alone, I felt that he would have hit me. I guess I should be glad that I wasn’t slapped like John Adams, the Amerindian schoolteacher from Aishalton. I have never been cursed in such a manner before in all my life, and by a Minister of government at that. Sherlina Nageer, MPH

(From page 54)

TO LET Spacious upper flat three bedrooms with one master, at Fist Bridge Grove, New Housing Scheme – Call: 6420550 One apartment for rent @ Mon Repos, First Street E.CD –Tel: 220-7330 3-Bedroom unfurnished bottom flat in Sa Silva Street, parking for 2 cars, overhead tank, fully grilled, price $80,000- Call:616-0537 1 bedroom apartment with parking & other conveniences $30,000. For Christian working couple. Available from 1st May,2015Contact:672-1586, 218-3463

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant One upstairs 3 bedroom Room D5 Maraj Building house; semi furnished, visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com situated at Diamond Housing Call : 225-6496, 662-6045 Scheme –Contact: 697-2456 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE - Call: 260-4762.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Grove Public Road property -$19M – Tel: 613-5645 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353,216-4338

Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664

Eagle’s fridge re-gas $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, Water front house on 4 acre 646-0966 land @ Parika, Land on Friendship, Public Road, REPAIRS AT LOW COST: AIRUnfinished 2 storey house @ FRIDGES, CONDITIONERS, Sophia - Call: 629-7611 WASHING MACHINES, (1) 2 storied concrete corner TVS, MICROWAVES, property, 3 bedrooms FREEZERS - CALL: 629upstairs, 4 self contained 4946 OR 225-4822 apartment downstairs, land: Mahadeo Construction for 95X65 & house: 65X32 – all construction, carpentry, Call: 642-0867; 644-6479 masonry, pluming, painting Transported 3 bedrooms etc. Free estimates and plan property at Good Hope Contact # 669-7376 E.C.D-Tel: 621-1722 Fazil Ali Constructionbuilding, repairs & construction needs: plumbing, carpentry, painting, trowel tex, electrical, mason etc.Call: 677-0465/ 275-0844

PROPERTY FOR SALE Newly built transported 2 storey (6 bedrooms) fully concrete building in Tuschen New Scheme $20M negotiable –Tel: 6807119; 627-6305

Page 56

Kaieteur News

Hope Canal Project “finally complete” After six deadlines and over two years of delays, the $3.6B Hope/Dochfour Canal is finally complete. But its grand commissioning is awaiting the availability of President Donald Ramotar. This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who granted a brief interview to Kaieteur News yesterday. While he was at the time unable to release details about the final cost of the project, Dr. Ramsammy insisted that the project was within its estimated budget. The Minister said that there are some last-minute finishing touches to be done, but if Guyana requires its use tomorrow, “it is definitely ready to kick in.” Ramsammy said that despite all the challenges the project has faced over the years, he is “very happy” that it is finally completed and emphasized that it is another testimony of the commitment of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in delivering on its promises to the people. The Hope Canal project

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has been deemed to be one of the largest infrastructure programmes in Guyana’s history. It has been purported that the relief channel would have the capacity to withstand floods greater than that which occurred in 2005. It was also constructed to ease the pressure of water on the East Demerara Water Conservancy at times when it reaches its maximum capacity, releasing it into the Atlantic Ocean, via a sluice. Since an 18-month completion period was

Gay ex-lover... From page 53 “They are trying to set me up. I would never hurt Travis because I had loved him. When the incident occurred, Travis’ brother called me and tell me that they want $10M to settle the matter, but I didn’t do anything,” the businessman stated. The businessman believes that his former sweetheart has planned this entire attack. “I am with another man and I don’t have time with him. He would be calling my phone, asking for things, but I does ignore him, because I don’t want anything to do with him…I moved on with my life, but he doesn’t want to move on because he wants to sit at home and I must mine he,” the businessman stated. “He is too obsessed.” Investigations are ongoing.

earmarked after construction started in February 2011, the project was plagued by many problems. Some were cited to be mainly the fault of parts needed for the project taking too long to reach Guyana’s shores and the negligence of the contractors during the construction of the canal. The three contracted companies for the project were Dipcon Engineering, BK International and Courtney Benn Contracting Services. There were talks of cost overruns on the project and even conflicting stories between Ramsammy and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, on the matter. Ramsammy had contended that there weren’t any cost overruns, but Dr. Luncheon asserted that there had to be, with a project that missed so many deadlines. But disclosure on that matter or even the possibility of the contractors facing any sort of punishment for their contributions to the delays of the project is yet to be disclosed. Over the years, the Hope Canal Project attracted staunch criticisms from the political opposition with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, deeming it to be an unnecessary extravagance from its inception. He had said that it is the belief of APNU that the project is not essential, because it does not address what is needed by the conservancy. Dr. Roopnaraine had said that what the nation needs is proper outlets for the Demerara River and improved internal arrangements for the Conservancy improved.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Two remanded for ganja in tins Two persons caught with marijuana were denied bail yesterday after the prosecution submitted facts to convince the court that they ought not to be granted their pre-trial liberty. They will make their next court appearance on May 7. Edmond Prescott, 59 of 214 Freeman Street, East La Penitence is accused of having 322 grammes of cannabis in his possession on April 20 at the said address for the purpose of trafficking. The police are also alleging that Dawn Barclay of Sparendaam had 300 grammes of cannabis in her possession, on the day in question at the aforementioned address, also for the purpose of trafficking. They pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to them at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Kerry Bostwick, told

Edmond Prescott the court that the police acting on information went to the address mentioned for Barclay, when they saw the woman putting a tin under the step. A search was carried out on the tin and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were found which was suspected to be cannabis. The prosecution noted that based on information

received from Barclay another search was conducted and Prescott was also arrested and charged. Attorney Adrian Thompson represented the defendants. However, his bail application was unsuccessful. During his submission the lawyer told the court that the police are not even aware of who had the drug in their possession. He pointed out that Barclay does not reside at the address mentioned in the charge and at the time of the police’s search she was visiting the premises. Further, Thompson noted that the drug was not found in Prescott’s possession. The prosecution strongly urged the court not to grant the defendants bail because special reasons were not provided by the defence. Magistrate Judy Latchman upheld the prosecution’s request and remanded them to prison.

Linden burn victim succumbs Ashawnti Parris, the woman who claimed that her lover tied her hands and burnt her in their Linden home on April 7, last, succumbed to her injuries last Sunday. She died around 14:45 hrs in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Burns Care Unit. The mother of one passed away two days after medical practitioners at the hospital had advised her relatives to make funeral arrangements. A post mortem examination on her remains will be done today. The woman had reportedly claimed that her lover burnt her in their Linden home after he thought she had an abortion. She was nursing fourth degree burns to her entire body. ”The doctors said all the layers of her skin were burnt. They cannot find any ‘good’ skin to repair other parts of her body…everything burnt, even her teeth,” one of the woman’s relatives had told this newspaper. The man who Parris alleged set her on fire was arrested but has since been released. A police source told this newspaper that the suspect has denied being at the house when his partner was burnt. The victim had given police a statement saying that she had burnt herself and that her lover was in no way involved. However, three days later, she reportedly confessed that she was tied and set ablaze by the suspect, with whom she had been living for eight months. It is unclear why the woman

Dead: Ashawnti Parris did not provide police with those details in the first instance. Investigators are now baffled by the two contrasting statements. According to the woman, around 11:30 hrs on April 7, she and her partner were involved in an argument. The woman’s mother, Kathleen Waldron, said that her daughter explained to a family member and a police detective from Linden, that her partner thought she had an abortion. She related that after the argument, the suspect allegedly took Parris inside the house and tied her hands together before pouring kerosene on her. ”She said that he then lighted her on fire and run out the house.

And he (the partner) wasn’t the one who saved her, it was some boy who run in the house and helped her,” the relative who was in the room when Parris made her confession, said. Waldron explained that her daughter would sometimes miss her menstruation. “He (Ashawnti’s partner) probably thought she was pregnant, but she wasn’t, because she went by me the Monday and she got her period right by me. She called him and ask him to drop underwear for her and a pad,” the mother recalled. She added that later that day, her daughter and partner got into an argument, but she was not aware what had caused the quarrel. Investigations are ongoing.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Saudis end air campaign in Yemen, seek political solution (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday it was ending a month-long campaign of air strikes against the Houthi rebels who seized large areas of Yemen and said it would back a political solution to bring peace to its war-ravaged neighbor. Iran, which has supported the fellow Shi’ite Houthis, welcomed the ceasefire, which followed months of factional fighting between the militant group and forces loyal to the government, which was driven out of the capital Sanaa. “Operation Decisive Storm has achieved its goals...(including) removing the threat to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries, especially in terms of heavy weapons,” said a statement carried by Saudi state news agency SPA. It said a new phase called “Operation Restoring Hope” was beginning. It would combine political, diplomatic and military action but would focus on “the political process

that will lead to a stable and secure future for Yemen.” Saudi spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri said the alliance may still target Houthis. “The coalition will continue to prevent the Houthi militias from moving or undertaking any operations inside Yemen,” he told reporters in Riyadh. BLOODSHED CONTINUED The Saudis called for a quick resumption of U.N.-facilitated talks to try to get a peaceful political arrangement for the country, which has a long history of internal fighting. Saudi Arabia had earlier signaled a change in its mission by ordering its National Guard, widely regarded as the kingdom’s best equipped military ground force, to join the campaign, but did not say what role it would play. The bloodshed in Yemen, racked by fighting between factions supported by different regional powers, had con-

tinued earlier in the day. At least 40 people, most of them civilians, were killed in two air strikes. One raid hit a security building in Haradh near Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia, killing seven soldiers and 13 civilians. Twenty people died in another strike in Ibb province when a bridge was hit as militia members drove across. The Houthis and military units loyal to the powerful former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have taken swathes of territory and forced the current president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, into exile in Saudi Arabia. The conflict created desperate shortages of food and other supplies in Yemen, where sea and airports are closed. Houthi politburo member Mohammed alBukhaiti accused the United States of worsening the “siege” on the country by sending warships to the waters off Yemen.

South Korea PM tenders resignation over bribery scandal Seoul (AFP) - South Korean Prime Minister Lee WanKoo was left in political limbo on Tuesday after offering to resign over a scandal involving bribery allegations against senior members of President Park Geun-Hye’s administration. Park is currently on a trip to Latin America and a presidential spokeswoman said she would formally decide on whether to accept the resignation when she returned next week. “I find it regrettable. I also feel sympathy for the agony of the prime minister,” the president said in a written statement from Lima after be-

ing informed of Lee’s offer. Lee, who has only been in the job for two months, tendered his resignation late Monday after the main opposition party said it would seek his impeachment. Lee’s office said he had reported to work Tuesday morning. The prime minister is a largely symbolic post in South Korea, where power is

concentrated in the executive. But under Park, it has proved to be a job that is both difficult to secure and equally tough to hold on to. The president’s first ever nominee withdrew after allegations about his past, and her initial prime minister was Chung HongWon, who then resigned after the April 2014 Sewol ferry disaster.

Page 57

Page 58

Kaieteur News

Sir Hilary Beckles dismisses Stuart’s invitation to enter politics BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Outgoing principal of the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles says he has no intention of accepting an invitation from Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and join the political fray in Barbados. “My aspirations are going in the other direction,” Sir Hilary told journalists. “I am looking forward to giving a few years to the University as vice-chancellor, to participate in the globalization of the University of the West Indies. This is where I want to put my energy,” he added. On Sunday night, Stuart accused Sir Hilary of presiding over an “alternative government”. Addressing supporters of the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP Prime Minister Stuart said that Sir Hilary, who is to assume the post of vice chancellor of the regional institution in June, would do well not to take his “bad habits’ into his new position. Stuart, accusing the academic of a “singular exhibition of bad, bad manners” said that for the first time in the Caribbean, “we have had a principal of a university descending from Mount Olympus, as he sees it, and deciding that he presides over an institution that is

Sir Hilary Beckles not just an institution of learning but that is an alternative government”. The Barbados Prime Minister was no doubt making reference to the recent remarks of the Cave Hill principal, who during a recent UWI student awards ceremony complained that the Government’s decision to cut back on spending in the education sector had set the Cave Hill Campus back 20 years and were nothing short of an assault on working-class women. Last August, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler in his 2013/14 budget presentation, said that effective 2014, Barbadian students pursuing studies at the

university’s three campuses will be required to pay their own tuition fees, while the government continues to fund economic costs. Sinckler said the tuition fees range from BDS$5,625 to BDS$65,000 (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) and that the new policy would reduce the transfer to UWI by an estimated BDS$42 million a year. Sir Hilary told reporters that he has written Prime Minister Stuart requesting a formal meeting, “where we can discuss matters in relation to education . . . the contribution Cave Hill can make to the development of the Barbados economy and to discuss a series of issues on how the university can play a role in lifting this country out of recession. “As soon as I receive the invitation to that meeting, I will be able to speak with the Prime Minister,” he said. “And I’m sure that when we have that conversation, we will discuss not only official business but we will also discuss some social issues as well”. Sir Hilary said that following his retirement from UWI he intends settling in St. Andrew “where I am going to build my little chattel house, and I will go back to the breeze of the east coast, from whence I came”.

US interested in ‘common ground’ with Venezuela: Kerry Washington (AFP) - The United States is interested in improving its ties with Venezuela, a relationship that has been “severely strained” in recent years, Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday. “The US remains open to further addressing our differences in attempting to find areas of common ground,” Kerry said during a speech at the State Department. “It is no secret that the relations between our two countries have been severely strained in recent years,” he added. In March, US President Barack Obama slapped sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials linked to human

rights abuses, including a crackdown on anti-government protests last year that left 43 people dead, hundreds wounded and thousands arrested. Earlier this month Obama spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for the first time, seeking to calm rising tensions over the sanctions, on the margins of the Summit of the Americas in Panama City. Maduro has accused Washington of backing an opposition plot to overthrow him in a coup that he says would have involved bombing the presidential palace. The US government has dismissed the charges as baseless. The two countries have lacked ambassadors in each other’s capitals since 2010, but the United States remains the largest buyer of Venezu-

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Should we get rid of the Privy Council? Trinidad Express - The public is being invited to a forum on Sunday where former prime ministers Basdeo Panday, and Sir James Mitchell of St Vincent will be among those discussing whether the Privy Council in London should be replaced by the Caribbean Court of Appeal. The programme will be held from 10a.m. at Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Chaguanas. According to a press statement from the law office of former Attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj: “two former Prime Ministers, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a former Attorney General and two leaders of political parties are among the speakers to talk on the question whether the Privy Council ought only to be replaced if the people of Trinidad and Tobago consent for such removal in a referendum held for that purpose”. The release stated that: “Former Prime Ministers Mr. Basdeo Panday and Sir James Mitchell of St Vincent and the Grenadines, political leaders of the ILP and MSJ Mr. Jack Warner and Mr. David

Basdeo Panday

Sir James Mitchell Abdullah, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Nizam Mohammed, former Attorney General Mr. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj S C. and former Member of Parliament Ms Mickela Panday will address the Public Education programme on Sunday. In 1962 and in 1976 on the attainment of Independence and Republic status the country got new Constitutions. Dr. Eric Williams, the then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago decided that retaining the Privy Council as the final Court of Appeal was not inconsistent with the sovereignty of Trinidad and To-

bago He also took the position that it in no way affected the principle of nationalism”. According to the statement: “The maintenance of appeals to the Privy Council is not a derogation of the national sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago for example, is legally bound by any decision of the International Criminal Court, or the International Tribunal of the Sea and other similar International Tribunals or Courts. That does not mean however that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago has been undermined”. Members of the Media and members of the Public will get an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers.

Venezuela receives $5b funding from China Cash-strapped Venezuela has received $5 billion in financing from China, President Nicolas Maduro announced Sunday as his country struggles with an economic crisis. “We just received $5 billion more in financing for development,” Maduro said in a radio and television address. He did not provide further details on the loan from China, a major political and economic ally of Venezuela. Plummeting global oil prices have caused huge distress for Venezuela, a member of OPEC that relies heavily on its oil revenue to keep its lumbering command economy

afloat. Inflation in 2014 reached 68.5 percent in the South American country and many basic goods are in short supply. China is Venezuela’s largest investor and the secondlargest purchaser of its oil. It has been a key ally of Venezuela since Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chavez came to power in 1999. In January, Maduro visited Beijing and said China had agreed to more than $20 billion in investments in Venezuela. Maduro did not say if the financing announced Sunday was part of that amount. (AFP)

Nicolás Maduro

Jamaica and US to discuss tax arrangements to encourage investors John Kerry elan crude oil. “I began my tenure as a secretary of state with a long conversation with the foreign minister of Venezuela in an effort to promote a more productive relationship,” Kerry said.

WASHINGTON, USA (JIS) — Jamaica’s finance and planning minister, Dr Peter Phillips, says the government is to engage in talks with the US government, aimed at reshaping its bilateral investment and tax arrangements in order to encourage more US investors to Jamaica.

“One of the things that we discussed with US President Barak Obama and his team (on their recent visit to Jamaica) was how to re-define arrangements and agreements to provide a practical, but more attractive environment for the US investors to the country,” he said. Addressing members of

the United States Chamber of Commerce at a special meeting last Friday, at its headquarters in Washington, DC, the minister said he would be interested in hearing more from the US Chamber of Commerce on how “we can find ways to boost US investments in Jamaica.”

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Kings XI end Royals’ run in Super Over The man with the most runs for Kings XI Punjab had been on the bench for their first four games of the season. Brought in because regular captain George Bailey had a shoulder injury, Shaun Marsh played two crucial innings to give Kings XI their second win. He first made 64 off 40, the highest score in a chase of 192, as Kings XI leveled the scores with Axar Patel’s lastball four. Marsh then watched David Miller depart off the first ball of the Super Over and went on to hit Chris Morris for three successive fours. Rajasthan Royals lost both their wickets halfway into Mitchell Johnson’s over, which ended their five-match winning streak. Shane Watson was bowled first ball by a yorker,

and James Faulkner, pondering a bye, was run out by Wriddhiman Saha. The chase had been slipping away from Kings XI. They were reduced to 59 for 3 in the ninth over when Glenn Maxwell top-edged a slog off legspinner Rahul Tewatia. But Marsh and Miller kept their side alive as they put on 58 off 35. While Miller took his time to get going, Marsh kept the runs coming in his usual flowing manner, timing boundaries both sides of the wicket and straight down the ground. Still, the asking-rate continued to climb steadily, and after Marsh top-edged a slog off Pravin Tambe, Kings XI needed 72 off the last five overs. Saha arrived and played a vital hand, swinging

and pulling four fours in the eight balls he lasted. Miller had found his range just before Marsh departed, and was now effortlessly launching sixes over deep midwicket. When he eventual l y failed to clear the off side boundary and fell for 54 off 30, 25 were required off 12. Johnson and Axar brought it down to 14 from the final over, and ran four twos and a single off the first five balls from James Faulkner. Axar sliced the last one to the deep point rope to take it to the Super Over. That they would be part of such a tight finish would not have been remotely on the Royals’ players minds after the total they put up.

Asked to bat by stand-in Kings XI captain Virender Sehwag, Ajinkya Rahane and Watson came within five runs of making it successive century opening partnerships. Rahane was troubled initially by the swing the Kings XI bowlers generated, but he responded with some stinging shots through the covers. Watson took his time and was on 14 off 23 at one stage. He suddenly sprung into action, hitting his next six deliveries for four fours and two sixes to end on 45 off 35. Steven Smith and Faulkner managed a run between them but Royals’ young Indian batsmen contributed swift cameos. Stuart Binny ended the innings with a four and a six off Anureet Singh but Marsh’s twin innings would overcome them. (ESPNcricinfo)

Page 59

Mayweather-Pacquiao: Still no tickets on... (From page 60) ticketing problems have not been caused by Mayweather’s camp. After the MGM takes its share of the tickets, each camp is allocated a percentage and is able to resell them to brokers at higher prices. Last week, Pacquiao’s manager, Michael Koncz, accused Mayweather’s camp of attempting to “manipulate the ticketing”. It has been announced that tickets will eventually be on sale for between $1,500 (£1,000) and $7,500 (£5,040) but those prices have already tripled on the resale market. One broker, Precision Concierge New York, is selling tickets for as much as $87,500 (£58,630). Even if they were sold at face value, the gate receipts would be in the region of $72m (£48.3m), far surpassing the previous

record of $20m for Mayweather’s 2013 fight with Saul Alvarez. This year’s Super Bowl took an estimated $71m. A representative of ticket search engine Seatgeek.com said very few tickets had been sold through the website so far, because buyers were unwilling to take the risk. Tens of thousands of tickets are expected to be sold for closed-circuit broadcasts of the fight at venues along the Vegas Strip, but no price has been set for them either. In addition, there have been a reported 15,000 requests for media passes, with most journalists not finding out until Thursday whether they will be accredited. The source close to Arum said he had not witnessed a fight build-up bigger than this in the almost 30 years he has been working in the sport.

CARICOM and WICB reach agreement... Wednesday April 22, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) What's driving you today, Aries? Why do you feel an obsessive need to get all your work done at once? If you're trying to impress someone, there's no need. Others already hold you in high regard.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Home might be a lonely place tonight, Libra. The other members of your household may be out or out of town. You might not feel up to any carousing, so you will probably choose to stay home and read or watch TV.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) If you're attending a class tonight, do something frivolous for the rest of the day. Read romance novels instead of great literature.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Usually you're quite social, Scorpio, but today you will feel like nothing more than working alone.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The desire to stay home alone and rest tonight might conflict with a need to go out with your friends, Gemini. You may be too stressed to put up with gossip or too much intellectual stimulation. CANCER (June 21–July 22) There will be a lighthearted, almost silly energy in the air today, Cancer. The Universe is encouraging you to give up your iron grip on that list of responsibilities and have some fun. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Leo, plans to attend a lecture may have to be postponed because someone who's going with you feels under the weather. Overindulgence in food or drink may be the reason. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A desire to make a big purchase might tempt you to overextend your credit cards and clean out your savings, Virgo.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Too much good food, good wine, and good conversation, Sagittarius? Not that any of this is undesirable, but you may be suffering from overload right now. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You usually don't mind being alone, Capricorn. In fact, you enjoy your own company. Tonight you're going to crave companionship. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is the day to listen and observe, Aquarius. There is a lot to learn from what's going on around you. You might be surprised at the impact of it. Too much talk now could prove fruitless and even set you back in some way, especially if talk is used to hide your insecurities. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Are you going out tonight with friends who mean a lot to you, Pisces? You might be tempted to eat and drink too much and spend too much money.

(From page 63) very shortly,” said Cameron. “I think the meeting was very positive. We have a shared vision. All of us want to see West Indies cricket back at the top and we are committed to making this happen”. The two sides were expected to discuss the abandoned tour of India last October, the reform and governance of West Indies Cricket, and the relationship between the CARICOM Committee on Cricket Governance and the WICB. Also in attendance were West Indies cricket legends who met with the four CARICOM Prime Ministers earlier in the day at the same venue. Reports from inside that meet say the legends- Andy Roberts, Sir Vivian Richards, Deryck Murray, Wes Hall, Gordon Greenidge , Garry Sobers and Michael Holding on the telephone from Miami and the Prime Ministers- were united on the need for change in the Governance structure of the WICB. “Today was a very important one for West Indies cricket in the sense that we had the views and of course clear passion of the legends that have built West Indies cricket,” Prime Minister Mitchell said. “They were here with us and express strong support for moving this process forward and eventually we were able to meet with the board to express the view for the necessity for change and I think we have reached a conclusion in that respect”. The second meeting

brought together Cameron face to face with Prime Minister Gonsalves who criticised the WICB chief following the abandoned tour. However the two were cordial to each other and were heard engaging in occasional

friendly banter before and after the session. The meetings occurred on the eve of the second test match between West Indies and England, which started at the Grenada National Stadium, yesterday.

Page 60

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

GCB/Raj Singh Insurance Brokers U-19 tourney

Adams, Paul propel Essequibo to 3-wicket win over Berbice

Imlach (131*), Travis Persaud (73) help Demerara to victory

By Zaheer Mohamed Left arm spinner Akieni Adams grabbed four wickets for 32 runs while Keemo Paul made use of a good pitch, cracking a fine half century to lead Essequibo to a threewicket win over Berbice when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Raj Singh Insurance Brokers Inter-County Under19 50-over tournament continued yesterday. Berbice recovered from 116-7 to post 219 all out in 37.4 overs batting first at Everest Cricket Club. Paul provided Essequibo with the breakthrough when he induced Leon Andrews (04) to nick a delivery to wicket-keeper Nathan Persaud, before Balchand Baldeo and Shimron Hetymer repaired the early damage with a second wicket stand of 76. Baldeo deposited pacer Neilan Cadogan for a maximum before Hetymer drove Paul for boundaries. Baldeo struck two fours and one six before he was bowled by Adams for 33 off 41 balls. Adams then removed Samuel Kishnasammy (00) and Hetymer in quick succession to leave the score at 894. Hetymer made 31 off 35 balls with six fours. The Berbicians continued to find the going tough against Adams and off-spinner Looknauth Chinkoo as they lost three more wickets for 27 runs - Clifton Lindie (10), Parmanand Ramdhan (18) and Daniel Lewis (02). But Kassim Khan propped up his team’s total with a robust 52 which came off 34 deliveries. The righthander smashed four fours and five sixes as he added 69 for the eight-wicket with Retesh Umroa (16). Zachary

Sherfane Rutherford smashes Renaldo Mohamed for one his 10 sixes in an explosive unbeaten 70 at Eve Leary yesterday

Travis Drakes

Kassim Khan

Persaud chipped in with 21 not out as Chinkoo picked up with 3-34 and Keano Harry 246. Grisean Grant had Parmesh Parsotam (08) caught at the wicket as Essequibo’s reply got off to a shaky start before Paul and Nathan Persaud steadied the chase with a second wicket partnership of 101. The pair mixed caution with aggression as Paul drove Grant elegantly through cover before cutting Baldeo to the point boundary while Persaud got into his stride with a towering six off Zachary Persaud. Paul continued to gather runs and smashed Persaud and Baldeo for fours before reaching his half century with a boundary off Daniel Lewis; his fifty came off 69 balls. Persaud was given a chance off Ramdhan when on 34, but was needlessly run out for 44 (3x4 2x6). Paul soon followed caught at the wicket by Umroa off Baldeo for 69 (10x4) before David Williams (00) was bowled by Khan,

leaving the score at 137-4. After Paul’s demise, Essequibo was largely indebted to Travis Drakes and Neilan Cadogan. Drakes added 45 with Sachin Persaud (06) before sharing in a sixth-wicket partnership of 35 with Cadogan. Berbice didn’t give up without fight, their bowlers didn’t bowl that badly, but it was the powerhitting of Drakes and Cadogan that gave Essequibo a positive result. Drakes hoisted Baldeo for sixes while Cadogan slammed Ramdhan for boundaries as they inched their team closer to safety. With 26 required from four overs, Drakes and Cadogan smashed Baldeo for maximums before Baldeo bowled them both in the one over, but Harry (06*) formalized the result with a huge six off Baldeo over mid-wicket. Drakes scored 47 (2x4 5x6) and Cadogan 18; Essequibo ended on 224-7 in 47.2 overs. Baldeo was the pick of the bowlers with 3-59 while Paul was given the man-of-thematch award.

Mayweather-Pacquiao: Still no tickets on sale for 2 May fight BBC Sport - Promoter Bob Arum is still unable to explain why there are no tickets on general sale for the superfight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2. The MGM Grand holds 16,500 but only about 1,000 tickets are expected to be made available to the wider public. Contracts with the MGM Grand remain unsigned, while tickets are also not on sale for other venues across Las Ve-

gas. Arum cut a news conference short on Monday before questions could be asked. Meanwhile, it was announced on Tuesday that Kenny Bayless, who has refereed many contests involving Mayweather and Pacquiao, will be the third man in the ring on fight night. Bayless refereed his first world title fight in 1994 and is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. The judges will be Burt

Clements, Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman, whose first world-title fights were in 1989, 1981 and 1997 respectively. A representative for Arum, who handles Pacquiao only, said technical issues were to blame for the aborted teleconference, but Arum said he was unhappy with the number of journalists on the call. Another source close to Arum told BBC Sport that, contrary to reports, the (Continued on page 59)

By Sean Devers It was one of the most brutal innings played at the Under19 in local cricket and those who were not at the Police ground, Eve Leary yesterday missed a truly memorable innings of explosive power-hitting. On a flat track, a small straight boundary and a lightning fast outfield, Sherfane Rutherford set the place on fire with a destructive unbeaten 19-ball 70 to help Demerara to a 66-run victory over the National Under-17s in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Raj Singh Insurance sponsored 50-over under-19 InterCounty Cricket tournament. There was no dawn in Rutherford’s innings as he began at high noon and scored 68 of his runs in boundaries as he completely dominated an 80-run unfinished fourth wicket stand with opener Tevin Imlach who scored 131 not out, but contributed only four runs to the partnership. Skipper Travis Persaud supported with an elegant 73 to see Demerara to a record 326-4 when their 50 overs expired in sweltering heat. The Under-17s replying to the highest total ever made in an Under-19 Inter-County oneday game, reached a respect-

able 260-9. Six batsmen passed 25 but none could go on to score a half-century for the U-17s. Rutherford returned with the ball to capture 2-50 and got support from Tariq Dharamlall (2-32) as Demerara, the defending champions, registered their second consecutive win already assuring their place in Saturday’s final with a final game to play tomorrow. Rutherford, who turns 17 in August and hails from Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara, joined Imlach when Travis Persaud clipped Mohamed (2-50) to short midwicket after hitting three fours and four sixes in a delightful 77-ball inning with the score on 246-4 and unleashed a murderous assault on the hapless bowlers as sixes rained everywhere. The left-handed Rutherford, who bowls right-arm pace, followed up his 96-ball 71 when he opened the batting against Berbice at Enterprise on Monday and took 88 balls to reach 50 but yesterday it was a totally contrasting knock as, given the license to play with freedom at number five, the powerful allrounder proceed the flay the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Rutherford’s hurricane 70

BEI, NA Multi open with wins in NSBF Berbice Conference The New Amsterdam Zone of the Berbice Conference of the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) tipped-off Monday evening with two games: Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) defeated Vryman’s Erven 31-20 and New Amsterdam Multilateral School beat New Amsterdam Technical Institute 34-24.

In the first game, Shemar France scored 22 points and grabbed four rebounds for (BEI) while Mark Wilson scored eight points with five rebounds for Vryman’s Erven. In the second game, Neil Wills had 17 points and six rebounds for NA Multi while David Hope scored six points and grabbed seven rebounds for NA Technical Institute.

ensured that the last five overs of the innings produced 92 runs after they only managed 100 in the first 30 overs. Renaldo Renee was LBW for a duck by Mohamed at 3-1 and off-spinner Arif Ali (2-33) had removed Vivian Albert (26) and Akshaya Persaud (1) as the host slipped to 58-3. Imlach and his captain built a solid foundation for a big score with their 188-run stand but Rutherford, who pounded pacer Timothy McCalmont for 31 runs in one over, helped his team post a far bigger total than they had anticipated. Umpire Ryan Banwari saved McCalmont from more punishment when the pacer, who had earlier bowled a ‘Beemer’, sent down another high full toss with the first delivery of the final over and was rightly ejected from the attack, and Rutherford duly reached his halfcentury in the last over. When the National U-17s began their reply they were off to a good start as Baskar Yadram, who smashed six fours and a six in an attractive 32, added 52 for the first wicket with Raymond Perez (33) before he threw his wicket away with a cross batted shot to Rutherford, who opened the bowling and was taken at mid-off. Every top order batsman except McCalmont (4) got starts but failed to build on them as the U-17s scored at a fast clip but just could not keep up the momentum since they all failed to occupy the crease for longer periods. Yadram, Perez, Adrian Sukhwa (31), Gavin Boodwah (35), Mohamed (27), Ramnarine Chaturia (39) and Ashmead Nedd (20) all wasted good starts. The tournament continues tomorrow with final round matches. Demerara face Essequibo at Enmore and the National U-17s play Berbice at Police.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 61

England founder on Samuels’ defiance At the end of another day of hot, sweaty toil, West Indies had provided another show of the character that Phil Simmons hopes to instil in this side. The scene had moved from Antigua to Grenada but West Indies, thanks to an innings of discipline and application from Marlon Samuels, were once again feeling in the pink. England were left looking a little bit red and a little bit ragged, despite only having to get through 70 overs after rain cut the morning session in half. The portents had been more promising for England, after winning the toss and inserting West Indies in helpful conditions. Having called correctly, Alastair Cook then received a second stroke of luck, with the news that Jerome Taylor, who menaced England’s top three in the first Test, had been ruled out with a shoulder injury. When James Anderson produced a sonic-booming inswinger in his second over to remove Kraigg Brathwaite it appeared everyone had received the script. The sight of England’s leading Test wicket-taker bending the ball adroitly in either direction was doubly heartening for the tourists, after his struggle for lateral movement in Antigua. Chris Jordan, too, had an early success but England’s fourman seam attack was only

intermittently probing. If their figures looked tidy enough, this was as much down to the batsmen not being required to play, as anything particularly unplayable. Cloud cover remained throughout the day but the feeling persisted that their lengths had not been full enough to exploit it. A couple of dropped catches added to the sense of frustration. West Indies were in need of some doughty defiance and it came from an unexpected quarter. Samuels’ dismissal as they attempted to salvage the Antigua Test bore the mark of lazy profligacy so often associated with his batting but on this occasion he showed the stomach for a fight - noticeably so during some feisty exchanges with Ben Stokes in the evening session. Having taken 21 balls to get off the mark, Samuels battled through to a halfcentury and finished the day six runs shy of a seventh Test hundred. He spun the wheel on occasion - too much selfdenial is not good for such a carefree soul - but was blessed by fortune, surviving an lbw review against the returning Moeen Ali on umpire’s call and then dropped by Cook at first slip on 32, driving at Jordan. By then, Cook surely knew his own luck had run out. England did succeed with a review against Jermaine

Darren Bravo battled at the crease for 81 deliveries © Getty Images Blackwood, shortly after Stuart Broad had missed a chance off his own bowling, but Samuels opened up his shoulders during an unbroken sixth-wicket stand with his captain, Denesh Ramdin. From 44 off 139 balls, Samuels hit 50 from his next 47, his blade flashing in more familiar style; when their fifty partnership came up, Ramdin had contributed four. It was a position of security that looked unlikely earlier on. Dotted all over the hills surrounding the National Stadium in St George’s are houses built on stilts. With the ball darting around, the footing for West Indies’ batsmen was equally precarious. Runs were hard to come

by and both openers fell before lunch; England claimed two more in the middle session, though this time they were firmly ascribed to batsman error. Darren Bravo had twice edged Anderson short of the cordon during his first spell - a sign that the pitch was not overly quick - but he buckled up and left well until inexplicably guiding Broad to slip after two hours of hard work in seeing off the new ball. Shivnarine Chanderpaul then scooped a full Stokes delivery into the hands of Moeen , diving forward at point, and West Indies were indeed wobbling at 74 for 4. Stokes had jarred his left knee while fielding midway through the second session but he was

Rutherford stars as DCC thump GT Select XI Sherfene Rutherford turned in a good all-round performance to lead host Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to a 12-run victory over A Georgetown Select XI in a T20 fixture played on Sunday night last. Rutherford hammered ten fours and four maximums in scoring 73 as DCC managed 182-8 in 20 overs after taking first strike. Trevon Griffith struck three fours and one six in 25 while Brian Sattaur made 12. Devon Lord took 2-23. Georgetown Select XI replied with 170 all out in 19.1 overs. Raymond Reifer blasted 62 (2x4 6x6), Gavin Singh 29 (1x4 2x6), Ronaldo Mohamed 21 (1x4 2x6) and Andrew Lyght Jnr. 18. Christopher Barnwell picked up 326 while Rutherford claimed 3-27. The game was organised to raise funds for Adrian Azeez Jnr., who was struck on the head by a ball while walking in the vicinity of the venue during a recent club match. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport after the game, President of

Captain of the victorious DCC team Chris Barnwell collects the trophy from club Secretary/Treasurer Ullanda Wiltshire in the presence of President Alfred Mentore (left), other officials and team members. the club, Alfred Mentore said that the gesture was necessary because Azeez Jnr. had to stay away from school and undertake private lessons at home due to the injury. He added that as a club, they will continue to monitor his progress and hope his condition improves. Mentore stated that due to the incident, they

have raised the fence three feet and will take it up an additional eight feet with mesh so the risk of similar incidents can be reduced. Among those who made the game possible were Sleep Inn Hotel, Bish Panday, Goodwood Racing Service, Roger Harper, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, 4R, Alvin Rambarran,

East Coast Cricket Board, Ramchand Auto Sale, Survival Super Market, Patrick Harding, Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell and Raymond Reifer. Life Time Real Estate donated $1,000 for each six that was hit and sponsored the trophy which was given to the victorious team.

able to bowl and touched 90mph. His combative approach, mixing in the odd full toss and overzealous overthrow, was welcome, with England’s bowlers otherwise seemingly affected by the soporific atmosphere. They could be forgiven a certain amount of lethargy, having sent down 129.4 overs in the fourth innings in Antigua. Four days later they were back in the field, looking to make capital in conditions that were more receptive to swing bowling. Lingering cloud cover and the dampness of the surface, which placed a heavy tax on run-scoring, encouraged Cook to attack with the ball. Ramdin admitted he would have done the same. The teams had travelled south to the Windward Islands for the second Test and the more tropical conditions were in evidence as only an hour’s play was possible on a showery morning. Heavy overnight rain had cleared before the scheduled toss but further squally weather delayed the start by an hour and 45 minutes. The line of England’s attack was not as threatening as it could have been but they removed both openers inside 14 overs - though Devon Smith was perhaps unfortunate to be given out caught behind after appearing to hit the ground whilst driving.

In Jordan’s second over, Smith was put down by Gary Ballance, stationed at leg gully for the flick off the pads - the chance was a sharp one but Ballance, having got one hand to the ball, might have been expected to hold on - but the batsman did not last much longer, given out attempting an expansive cover drive three balls later. He elected not to review and although replays suggested he had not hit it, without Hot Spot or the Snickometer, overturning the decision would not have been straightforward. There was no doubt about the delivery that cleaned up Brathwaite, which was vintage Anderson. His first over, a series of gentle outswingers, barely touched 80mph, although Brathwaite edged the final delivery on the bounce to second slip. Tired, Jimmy? No, just getting warmed up. He started his second over with a banana ball that nearly knocked Brathwaite off his feet, swerving in late from well outside off to hit middle and leg. Test wicket No. 385. That hinted at a potential clatter of wickets but there was little to rouse a healthy crowd, disappointed at the failure of Smith, the first Grenadian to play a Test at the ground. At least until Samuels’ riposte. (ESPNcricinfo)

Joseph Blatter backs Jeffrey... ( From page 62) of CONCACAF in 2012 in the wake of the infamous cash-for-votes scandal which resulted in the resignation of former FIFA strongman, Trinidadian Jack Warner. Blatter, 79, who is expected to prevail at the FIFA polls on May 29, praised the leadership qualities of Webb and the role he played in changing CONCACAF. ”I knew this congress was going to be important for CONCACAF because after 2012 when CONCACAF was going through a diffic u l t s i t u ation, he took over and changed CONCACAF. Today it was

for him as he got his confirmation as president and that is a huge success for Jeffrey Webb, my colleague, my friend, my brother,” said Blatter. ”Now that he has been reelected president of CONCACAF, and at the same time vice-president of FIFA, I am looking forward to serving with him for another four years”. Blatter faces challenges from Michael van Praag (The Netherlands), David Ginola (France), Luis Figo (Portugal) and FIFA vice-president Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein for football’s top job. (IANS)

Page 62

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Tournament MVP to be Squires tons up as MSC, DCC rewarded compliments of 2Js and Everest record victories

Supervisor of 2Js General Store, Loyette Barnwell hands over the cheque to Petra Organisation’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of Co-Director Troy Mendonca (2nd right), Ohnioca Brammah (centre) and staffers. Players participating in the inaugural Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament have even more encouragement to showcase their skills after organisers Petra Organisation received support for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) from local hardware giant 2Js General Store on Regent Street. During a simple ceremony that was conducted at the entity’s location yesterday, Supervisor Loyette Barnwell

handed over a cheque worth $50,000 which will go towards the tournament’s MVP to Petra Organisation’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of CoDirector Troy Mendonca and Ohnoica Brammah. Speaking at the occasion, Barnwell said that the entity was proud to be part of the tournament, adding that it is indeed a pleasure for them to be able to extend such generosity. Mendonca in his re-

sponse first expressed delight at the gesture, informing that Petra Organisation was happy to be associated with the business entity while stating that the incentive for the MVP is a step in the right direction. According to the Co-Director, 2Js has long been associated with the Organisation, adding that the goodwill further emphasises the strong relationship that exist between the two parties.

Guyanese footballers making their mark at SV Nishan 42 FC in Suriname

Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Everest registered victories when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Sea Foods second division twoday tournament continued last weekend. Host MSC overcame Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) by four wickets. Batting first GYO were bowled out for 95 in 41.1 overs. Chris Deonarine made 25 and Surendra Heeralall 22; Steven Sankar captured 5-25 and Shaquille Moseley 3-5. MSC replied with 169-8 declared. Ncosie Barker got 40 as Trevon France snared 4-51. GYO were bowled out for 109, batting a second time. Garfield De Roche cracked 56 while Sankar claimed 4-28, Delon Darymple 4-48 and Vishal Narayan 2-10. Set 36 for victory, MSC lost six wickets before reaching their target. De Roche claimed 2-15. At DCC - The host beat Diplomats by 51 runs thanks to a big hundred from Dennis Squires who was well supported by Sachin Singh. DCC rattled up 237-3 declared, batting first with Squires slamming 140 and Sachin Singh 60. Diplomats responded with 187 all out. Almando Doman scored 71; Squires snared 3-43. Leading by 30, DCC posted 172-9 declared batting a second time. Squires slammed 85; R. Mohamed grabbed 4-17. Needing 203 to win, Diplomats were sent packing for 171. S. Forde got 43; Antonell Atwell picked up 3-60 while

Dennis Squires

Riyad Sattaur

Steven Sankar

Sachin Singh

Dexter George and Lyndon Lyght had two each. At GYO - Everest Cricket Club thumped Ace Warriors by eight runs. Everest batted first and were bowled out for 119. J. Jeffrey took three wickets and C. Dick two. In response Ace Warriors were routed for 86. Neil McLean had 4-14 and Javed Rasheed

2-27. Enjoying a lead of 30, Everest were bowled out for 109 in their second turn at the crease. Dick claimed 5-24. Set a target 142 Ace Warriors was dismissed for 136. Roger Aron and Dick made 33 and 28 respectively while Riyad Sattaur took 5-25 and Rasheed 2-22.

Joseph Blatter backs Jeffrey Webb as potential FIFA President SV Nishan - Guyanese Andrew Murray is stooping 2nd left. Standing are Anthony Benfield (2nd right), Quincy Adams (left) and Kestor Jacobs (2nd left). Anthony Benfield, Andrew Murray, Richie Richards, Ryan Seales, Quincy Adams and Kestor Jacobs have all been making their contribution towards the rapid development of Suriname club side, SV Nishan 42 which has become a force to reckon with. The biggest win to date this season is the clubs victory of top division-one side and defending champions Inter Moengotapoe which they toppled 1-0 in the final of the Baker Cup two Saturdays ago compliments of an Andrew Murray goal; he netted 10 goals in the competition and a similar amount so far in the

second division competition. The win over Inter Moengotaope, which had won the Cup for the past four years, was just before they traveled to Guyana for the CFU Club Championship Group 1 play where they also lost both their games to Alpha United and T&T’s Central FC. SV Nishan in winning the championship proved that their climb was no fluke having also defeated the four leading clubs in the top league including the defending champions. The Guyanese players who joined the roster last

October have helped to add much needed fuel to SV Nishan which, prior to their signing, was lagging at the bottom of the second division in the Dutch speaking nation. But with careful investment by the club’s management, they have seen a big change in fortunes as they now are on the verge of winning the second division which they are currently leading with another four games to play. They are ahead of Robinhood, Jong Rambaan, Voorwaarts, Deva Boys, Papatam, Caravan, ACoconut, PVV, West United, KD and Boskamp.

Nassau (The Bahamas): Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Joseph Blatter has suggested that Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) boss Jeffrey Webb has the potential to become the leader of world football’s governing body. Blatter offered his comments at the conclusion of the 30th CONCACAF Ordinary Congress in the Bahamas on Saturday last that confirmed Webb unopposed for his second mandate as President, reports CMC. He said the 50 year-old Caymanian has demonstrated the capabilities necessary to lead FIFA one day. ”He is a leader of

Jeffrey Webb CONCACAF, he is already a leader in FIFA as he has a big task (as vice-president and chairman of the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Committee), and he will have a bigger task now in the next four years

(as CONCACAF president),” said Blatter, set for a fifth and likely final term as FIFA president. ”In his speech after the elections, if you were listening, and I am sure you were, he is already projecting himself (as a future leader of FIFA) and he is a winner, so let’s see where he is going”. This is not the first time that Blatter has been promoting Webb as a potential head of football’s government body. Two years ago during a function in the Caribbean celebrating reforms within CONCACAF Blatter remarked that FIFA could soon have a new president and that it could be Webb. Webb took over the helm (Continued on page 61)