Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
On whom does the onus fall for administering those integrity tests? DEAR EDITOR, Just a few days ago, in an unpublished comment I inquiringly posed the question “Who will police the police?— accountability mechanism needed”. Then almost as if someone was privy to my innermost thoughts, or I had the makings of a clairvoyant, here we have the President announcing the initiation of integrity tests geared towards fighting corruption inside and outside of the Police Force. Yes, integrity tests that are compulsory for the senior arms, or should that be the muscles of the law, as they struggle to control the damage that may be for all rhyme and reason, incorrigible. It should be immediately pointed out that integrity can be a behaviour or an action Integrity testing methods have been developed over the years to assess the honesty of potential employees. According to Collins English Dictionary, “an honest person is one who is not given to lying, cheating, and stealing - he or she is trustworthy, not false or misleading, genuine, and
characterized by sincerity and candor”. Integrity is defined as “adherence to moral principles, honesty; the quality of being unimpaired”. The two terms are generally employed to convey the same meaning. An integrity test is a specific type of personality test designed to assess an applicant’s tendency to be honest, trustworthy, and dependable. A lack of integrity is associated with such counterproductive behaviours as theft, violence, sabotage, disciplinary problems, and absenteeism. Integrity tests have been found to measure some of the same factors as standard personality tests, particularly conscientiousness, and perhaps some aspects of emotional stability and agreeableness. While I hail this bold move on the part of the Guyanese government in endeavouring to fight corruption inside and outside of the Police Force, it should be noted that most integrity tests ask very specific questions about things that an individual has done or believes is okay to do in the workplace. On a
cautionary note, if the employer does not follow through to ask the behavioural interview questions to dive deeper around these items, he may screen out high quality individuals who had issues in the past, but they do not today. Integrity tests have come a long way to partly providing solutions for problems facing organizations in regard to theft and other counterproductive workplace behaviours, something that has plagued the beleaguered force. While the tests are not to be seen as a panacea and do not provide straightforward solutions to organizations, their use has proved to be more beneficial for organizations, and this may be the case for the Guyana Police Force. Incidentally, concluding on another questioning note, “On whom does the onus fall for administering these tests, and who will score and review the results? Nothing ventured and nothing gained. Or is it just another case of ‘Talking Half and Leaving Half? Yvonne Sam
From page 4 Several development rounds took place with the assistance of the Carter Centre and the UNDP aimed at securing financing for development. In addition, several interventions were made at the bilateral and multilateral levels to either write-off or reschedule the country’s huge debt burden. After several rounds of negotiations, Guyana became one of the few countries of the world that benefited from debt write-offs under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. This was a major breakthrough for Guyana and released considerable financial resources which otherwise would have had to be spent on repaying
and servicing the debt burden. Because of good governance, the country was projected as a model of a third world country which has recovered from the trauma of economic and political disaster. I thought of providing that background information if only to show how far the country has evolved over time in terms of its capacity to mobilize financing for development. Today, Guyana is no longer a part of the IMF policy prescriptions, having exited the programme some years ago. This is a major economic advance, especially when seen against the background of what is taking place in several of the more advanced economies in the region which are still heavily dependent on the
IMF to finance their development. What we have in Guyana is something of a paradox, where the PPPC administration has successfully mobilized resources for development but the combined opposition is slashing the funds which are designed to stimulate the economy and accelerate the pace of our development. This is a very unusual situation which certainly is not in the best interest of the country and its citizens. The actions taken by the combined opposition is motivated by narrow partisan interests and has the potential to do harm to the economy and by extension the well-being of the people of Guyana. Hydar Ally
Mobilizing resources for development
GT&T must fix the 911 system DEAR EDITOR, GT&T must fix the 911 system. I, personally on behalf of the PSC investigated this issue. I went into the 911 room. There were 6 phones and six operators. I witnessed this first hand. The phones would ring, when the operator picks up the handset, there is total silence on the phone. I then used my cell phone
and called 911 while standing right there. It would be ringing in my ears but not on the desk, or it would ring on the desk and again total silence when the operator answers. This is an intermittent problem. Sometimes it happen, sometimes it does not. This is a technical problem. GT&T needs to fix it. They have the monopoly on land lines. It’s their service...they need to fix
it.
DEAR EDITOR, GT&T expresses our appreciation to be afforded an opportunity to respond to Captain Gerry Gouveia’s letter captioned “GTT must fix the 911 system”. Whilst we are not privy to the time, date nor location associated with Mr Gouveia’s reported investigations on behalf of the PSC, none of which were cited in his communiqué, we presume the following: •That Mr Gouveia’s visit was at Brickdam Police Station. •That Mr Gouveia’s visit and investigation did not occur in 2014. The Guyana Police Force officially requested in March 2006 that there be 4 dedicated lines for 911 at Brickdam, hence Mr Gouveia’s claim of 6 lines for 911 is not based on current reality at the Brickdam Police Station. GT&T is of the view that this matter, ref. 911, must be dealt with based on principles of professionalism, intellectual honesty and facts. Consequently, we wish to advise that and reiterate the following: 1. There are currently 4 dedicated lines for 911 service at Brickdam Police Station – all are working. 2. There are no current fault reports associated with
the 911 lines at Brickdam. As we have indicated, all emergency numbers: 911, 912 and 913 are tested weekly across the country and when faults are detected, GT&T treats same as a matter of priority. 3. This is without prejudice to the fact that any non-working service that occurs between periods of routine testing by GT&T at any Police facility is reported via established communications’ and Operating protocols and are immediately flagged as priority by GT&T. 4. There are no such reports currently nor are there any verifiable/substantiated reports emanating from the Guyana Police Force of fault reports year to date of “intermittent” faults associated with public voice
access to the 4 – 911 lines at Brickdam Police Station. We trust that the above clarifies and will not be responding to any further missives from Captain Gouveia on this subject since we believe that the public interest is best served by GT&T continuing to professionally cooperate with the relevant competent authorities at the appropriate forums with regards to initiatives associated with improving t h e 9 1 1 a n d i n d e e d the entire First Responders’ infrastructure, and not engaging in such exchanges in the media. We restate this commitment for the record. Russell Davis Director, Technical Operations & Planning Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company, Ltd
I believe that we have enough IT technical persons in Guyana who could help solve this issue. We do not need foreign help. I recommend that we organize a meeting with 10 of our top IT persons along with GT&T and Digicel. Let them solve the technical problem. This is a life and death issue. Captain Gerry Gouveia
Mr Gouveia’s claim is not based on current reality at the Brickdam Police Station
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Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
Home Affairs Minister stresses need for Anti-money laundering legislations… CFATF officials visit Reform in the Guyana Police Force to break deadlock - as Police Officers’ Conference continues
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee By Latoya Giles Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, has said that he has made a conscious decision to place significant emphasis on the issue of reform in the Guyana Police Force. The Minister made the comment yesterday at the Annual Police Officers Conference which is currently underway. “You are serving in the Force at a time when fundamental changes have been occurring in this country. Those changes must, as a consequence, have an effect on the way you police Guyana,” the Minister told officers. According to Rohee, the
force is steeped in traditions that have been developed over its 174 years of existence. However, he said that bureaucracies like the Guyana Police Force must go through reform processes if they are to remain relevant. Rohee said that the world has been developing and Guyana, being a part of the world, has been undergoing rapid social and economic changes. He said that these new realities have forced the government to review the way it governs, including the provision of safety and security to citizens. “It is not uncommon now for Governments to submit information on the performance of their countries on crime and other issues to the United Nations and Regional Organizations,” Rohee told officers. “We, as a country, have to provide information to International Organizations on issues relating to human rights, our fight against drugs and crime, human trafficking, domestic violence and a host of other issues relating to the safety and security of our citizens,” the Minister explained. Further, on the local front, Rohee said that citizens have
raising expectations and they yearn for the provision of better quality of services by the state. He said that one of the main demands of citizens is the need for the provision of a higher standard of policing by the Guyana Police Force. “If at the international, hemispheric and regional levels, Governments, including the Guyana Government, have to account to those Organizations for their stewardship, it is only logical that locally, our law enforcement and other agencies have to be accountable for the mandates they have to carry out,” Rohee said. Rohee said that it’s an accepted fact that the force has undergone many adjustments over its 174 years of history, but the time has come for fundamental reorganization to be undertaken to take the Force to a level where it is able to better serve societal needs. The Minister noted that citizens have long recognized that an institutional reform is required to be undertaken in the Force. He said that the realization has resulted in a number of initiatives that are now in place and those that are to come on stream to move
the Force forward. The Minister said that the critical issue in this developmental thrust that is now ongoing in the Force is the question of acceptance by all and sundry in your organization of the Institutional Reform Process. Rohee sought to make it clear that the objective of the Ministry was not to dismantle the organizational structure of the Guyana Police Force but to ensure that citizen security is improved by further developing the Force into an entity that could rise to the challenges posed by the demands of modern day policing. The main aspects of the Institutional Modernization Programme when successfully accomplished will result in the realization of the undermentioned outcomes for the Guyana Police Force Technological development, Capacity building, Improved training and the Modernization of the Administrative Systems among several others. Rohee noted that the process of reform of the force will not be undertaken without challenges because many persons are naturally apprehensive of change.
Chairperson of CFATF, Allyson Maynard-Gibson The region is deeply worried over the failure of Guyana to pass critical antimoney laundering legislations with two top officials expected in the country today with the hopes of breaking a Parliamentary deadlock. “The team will meet with both Government and Opposition members as a result of their concern over Guyana’s situation on antimoney laundering and its outcomes, and to reemphasise the importance of a Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) compliant Bill,” a statement from the
Attorney General Anil Nandall Government said yesterday. “Concerns are that the Bill may not be passed by the time of the CFATF plenary, and it is hoped that the imminent meetings with the CFATF members would provide the message to the opposition about the importance of having the bill passed, and about the repercussions of the failure to do so.” Expected today will be Chairperson of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Attorney General of the Bahamas, Allyson Maynard-Gibson. She will be accompanied by Executive Director of CFATF, Calvin Wilson. The non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill has heavily divided the National Assembly with the Opposition refusing to lend its support unless the Public Procurement Commission is established and President Donald Ramotar sign a number of critical bills. A Partnership for National Unity had said that its support is conditional on the President addressing outstanding issues such as the non-assent to Bills passed by the Opposition and the commencement order Continued on page 11
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Mediators held in Ukraine as U.S. ‘Pause’ perhaps needed in readies new Russia sanctions Israeli-Palestinian talks: Obama
Ukrainian soldiers stand guard near the Kramatorsk airport in eastern Ukraine April 25, 2014. REUTERS/Baz Ratner SLAVIANSK, Ukraine/ MOSCOW (Reuters) - The United States said it was working with allies to impose tougher sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, where armed pro-Moscow separatists seized a bus carrying international mediators, escalating the twomonth-old crisis. The separatist selfdeclared mayor of Slaviansk told Reuters the mediators were being held because they were believed to have a spy amongst them from the proWestern government in Kiev. “People who come here as observers bringing with them a real spy: it’s not appropriate,” Vyacheslav Ponomaryov said in front of a security service building
occupied by separatists where the Ukrainian government said the observers were being detained. German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said 13 observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) had been seized, including three members of the German armed forces, a German translator and a Danish national. “It is critical that we use all diplomatic channels to free this team immediately and unhurt,” von der Leyen said, adding that officials were trying to establish the captors’ demands. Moscow denies allegations it is directing the separatists, who have taken
control of large parts of eastern Ukraine over the past three weeks. But the White House said U.S. President Barack Obama and European allies agreed yesterday that Russia had escalated tension in the region, where the rebels have declared an independent “People’s Republic of Donetsk”. Britain and Germany agreed further sanctions were in order, building on targeted U.S. and European sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian individuals following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. But none of the three countries gave any details of what the sanctions might be, or when they might be enacted.
China wants more Latin American oil, president to visit in July (Reuters) - China might be slowing economically but it still wants to buy more oil from Latin America and invest in infrastructure in the region, with a presidential visit planned for July, Chinese and Brazilians officials said yesterday. As host of the 2014 football World Cup, Brazil is hoping Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is known to be a fan of the sport, will attend the final game on July 13 in
Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracaná stadium. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff recently said Brazil’s partners in the BRICS group of leading emerging nations asked for the summit that she will host be rescheduled for two days after the World Cup so their leaders could attend. Chinese Fo r e i g n Minister Wang Yi, on a one-day visit to Brasilia on a Latin American swing,
did not confirm Xi would accept Brazil’s invitation to attend the World Cup final. Wang reinforced China’s interest in setting up a fund to increase investment in infrastructure that is lacking in Latin America, where China gets much of its raw materials, such as iron ore, oil and soy beans. “There is great potential for further oil c o operation with Latin America.
SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said yesterday a “pause” might be needed in U.S.-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, suggesting leaders on both sides lacked the will to make the necessary compromises. Israel on Thursday suspended participation in negotiations with the Palestinians in response to President Mahmoud Abbas’s unexpected unity pact with the rival Islamist Hamas group, which Israel and the United States consider a terrorist organization. Speaking at a news conference in Seoul, Obama called the Palestinian move “unhelpful” and said it was one of a series of choices the two sides had made in recent weeks that had hurt the chances of reaching a peace deal. “There may come a point at which there just needs to be a pause and both sides need to look at the alternatives,” Obama said, offering a grim assessment of nine months of direct talks that were overseen by Washington but ultimately led nowhere. While Obama insisted he was not ready to abandon his quest for Middle East peace,
Barack Obama he said: “What we haven’t seen is, frankly, the kind of political will to actually make tough decisions, and that’s been true on both sides.” There was no immediate reaction from leaders in Israel or the Palestinian Territories, who have blamed each other for the latest in a string of failed peace efforts. Obama was careful not to apportion blame and left open the hope that one day the respective camps would overcome their mutual distrust and walk through what he said was the only door available to them to end their generations-old
conflict. “We will continue to encourage them to walk through that door. Do I expect that they will walk through that door next week, next month, or even in the course of the next six months? No,” he said. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has invested considerable time and political capital in the talks, visiting the Middle East more than a dozen times in a year to try to narrow the yawning divide that separates Israeli and Palestinians. The stalemate represents a blow to him at a time when the United States, Israel’s closest ally, has faced fierce criticism from friend and foe alike over its handling of Middle East problems such as Syria’s civil war, nuclear talks with Iran and Egypt’s upheavals. Obama acknowledged on Friday that achieving an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal - a goal that has eluded many previous U.S. presidents - had always been a “long shot” for his administration, which failed in a first-term peace initiative.But he said it was in U.S. interests to end a dispute that was “combustible”.
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Saturday April 26, 2014
Ecuador expelling US military group at embassy QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador’s government has ordered everyone in the U.S. Embassy’s military group, about 20 Defense Department employees, to leave the country by month’s end, The Associated Press has learned. The group was ordered to halt operations in Ecuador in a letter dated April 7, embassy spokesman Jeffrey Weinshenker said Thursday. The AP was alerted to the expulsions by a senior Ecuadorean official who refused to be identified by name due to the information’s sensitive nature. The expulsion does not affect the embassy’s U.S. m i l i t a r y attache, said an American official, who insisted on not being quoted by name because he was not authorized to disclose the information. He said yesterday that the group’s members had not yet left t h e c o u n t r y. P r e s i d e n t Rafael Correa publicly complained in January that Washington had too many military officers in Ecuador, claiming there were 50, and said they had been “infiltrated in all sectors.” At the time, he said he planned to order some to leave. Correa was in Spain yesterday and made no public comment about the issue. Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino also was in
Rafael Correa Europe, a ministry official said, saying only Patino could comment. Shortly after taking office in 2007, Correa purged Ecuador’s military of officers deemed to have close relations with U.S. counterparts. He also ended an agreement with Washington that allowed U.S. drug interdiction flights to be based at the Ecuadorean airfield in Manta. The U.S. Embassy spokesman said the military group being expelled has 20 Defense Department employees, not all of them uniformed. We i n s h e n k e r said Washington provided $7 million in security assistance to Ecuador last year, including technical training for maintaining
aircraft and cooperation in combatting drug trafficking, human trafficking and terrorism. Building relationships with counterparts in partner nations’ militaries is a big part of such missions, particularly as U.S. commercial influence ebbs in the region. Although it has shrunk during C o r r e a ’s administration, U.S. military cooperation in Ecuador dates back four decades, and Weinschenker said that “all the activities we have carried out have had the explicit approval of our Ecuadorean counterparts.” U.S. relations with the Correa government suffered strains even before Correa provided asylum in 2012 to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose organization published troves of leaked U.S. military documents and diplomatic cables highly embarrassing to Washington. Correa accused Washington, a close ally of neighboring Colombia, of meddling in Ecuador’s military and police, and he previously expelled at least three U.S. diplomats, including then Ambassador Heather Hodges in 2011. Hodges was the victim of a cable divulged by WikiLeaks that suggested Correa was aware of highlevel police corruption and did not act on it.
Chikungunya virus recorded in Antigua ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Less than 24 hours after St Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed an outbreak of the chikungunya virus, another Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is reporting its first case of the mosquito-borne disease. Antigua and Barbuda health officials yesterday held a news conference to confirm that an individual in his mid 60s had become the island’s first case. Medical Officer of Health, Dr Orita Zachariah told reporters that the case had been detected on April 22 and the victim between the ages 60 and 65 works in the capital, St John’s. The health authorities say they are also awaiting results of four other suspected cases from the Trinidad-based Caribbean
Public Health Agency (CARPHA). Chikungunya is a viral disease, carried mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and causes a dengue-like sickness. Symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe pain in the wrists, ankles or knuckles, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and rash. Joint pain and stiffness are more common with chikungunya than with dengue. The symptoms appear between four to seven days after the bite of an infected mosquito. The majority of clinical signs and symptoms last three to 10 days, but joint pain may p e r s i s t l o n g e r. S e v e r e cases requiring hospitalisation are rare. Dr Zachariah said that persons should remain home if they suspect they
have the disease while Chief health Inspector Lionel Michael said the Department of Health would increase vector control in a bid to prevent a spread of the disease. In January, CARPHA said it had received notification of 10 confirmed cases of locally acquired chikungunya virus infection on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. But since then Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines have reported cases of the disease. O n T h u r s d a y, t h e Ministry of Health in St Vincent and the Grenadines declared an outbreak of the virus after three cases were confirmed on the northern Grenadine island of Bequia.
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Parents are neglecting their children A few days ago, I saw a group of small boys roaming the streets. The look on their faces announced that they were up to mischief. They began by pelting a dog walking aimlessly on the road. Then they began to interfere with an old man. A young buxom lass passed by, and she attracted some attention from them. I wondered what next they would be up to. I did not have the time to wait and see, but I asked myself how the parents of these young boys could allow them to be straying. Parents are quick to blame the authorities whenever their children get into trouble with
the law. They are quick to make excuses which exculpate themselves from blame. They often blame the lack of employment for their children taking to a life of crime, but they never blame their own failings as parents. They are quick to say that it is harassment by the police that force their children to be deviant, never accepting that it is precisely because their children get away with rogue behaviour that encourages further acts of criminality. I refer to the broken windows theory. This theory states that, if a window in a building is broken and is left unfixed, this will encourage
Dem boys seh...
De big ones thief out de value fuh de local currency A country does mek money from taxes and Guyana is no different. De only thing different is that Guyana taxing people who pay so much tax that people does call dem taxi. Long time was de public servants who use to pay. Even before dem get pay de government use to tek out dem tax. Up comes Jagdeo wid he brains because de tax money was too small suh he decide fuh squeeze dem people some more. He introduce VAT. Dem boys seh that de VAT ain’t got bottom because de more money dem putting in is de more it want. That same VAT embarrassing Donald. He like de money that it collecting but at de same time he got a heart and he want ease de people. Of course, before he tun president people begin fuh ask he if he can’t ease de pressure. He mek a promise that he gun select a team to examine de VAT. Is nearly two years and de team still examining. Dem boys seh that dem sitting down and watching how de money coming in and going out. Is like de days when dem king and dem lords use to rule de land. De king sit down and de lords and knights would go round de country and collect fuh de king. That is why Jagdeo start VAT. He had all dem shop man and Khurshid collecting money fuh he. Now dem boys see that dem got to pay more. This time is from de fuel. Jagdeo did tax de fuel and gasoline. De tax suh high that at one time people did even stop driving car. At one time even dem ambulance couldn’t drive. That is why when people use to call fuh ambulance dem never use to get an answer. Is de tax pun de gasoline and dieseline. Things ain’t change and de other day Ash Knee call Donald fuh tell he that de country got nuff money and that he shouldn’t worry too much bout no budget cut. He seh that once Guyana got car it gun mek money from gas. But Donald know something wrong because every day de dollar losing value. Dem boys seh that de big ones thief suh much that dem thief out de value fuh de money. Talk half and beg Donald fuh ease wid de VAT
vandals to break more windows, and eventually to break into the building. The theory, therefore, is that problems should be addressed in their infancy, before they get out of hand, since small, petty crimes can lead to more major crimes. By simply preventing low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, a society can avoid the emergence of major crimes. Fixing “broken windows,” nipping crime in its early stages, is the strategy that led to the clean-up of New York City. I believe, however, that this approach is more relevant to Guyana, where there is a great deal of petty crimes that go unreported and which can lead the perpetrators to venture into more daring acts of criminality. I believe we have to begin to fix these anti-social ‘broken windows” at the level of the family. There are far too many parents who are allowing their children to go off playing with other boys in the community or neighbourhood without adequate supervision. Some parents pay no attention to children when they are at home. I once saw a mother sitting watching television, and when she was asked where her child was,
she could not give an answer. Neither did she care, as long as the child did not disturb her while she was watching The Young and the Restless. This is how problems originate, especially for young boys, who, as we say in Guyana, are “allowed to be boys.” They are allowed to roam free with other boys, some of whom can be bad influences. When in the company of other boys, the temptation arises to engage in some destructive behaviour, such as pelting an animal, or it may be simply raiding a fruit tree in someone’s yard, or it could be interfering with a weaker child on the road. As the gang gets away with certain acts, the members are emboldened to become more brazen. They may stop a school child and take away his/her money, or graduate to robbing someone of their watch or cell phone. This is why I am insisting that parents take responsibility for their children. If your child has to go out of the home, you should know at all times where he or she is going, with whom he or she will be, and what is being done. Today, too many parents are allowing their children to
go off unsupervised, and when they find out some of the mischief that their children are engaged in, it is too late, because a life of crime has already taken root. I do not excuse any parent who says that he or she had no control over what his or her children became. This is an admission of failure. Children are being given too much freedom to roam as they please, and this is leading them into the clutches of bad company. While it is easy to blame those who corrupt these children, ultimate responsibility must lie with the parents who failed to supervise their children’s free time. Some parents have no fixed time for children to return home. In my house, there are fixed mealtimes, and if you are not there at the scheduled hour, you not only have to make your own meal, but you have to give an explanation as to where you were. I urge parents, also, not to allow their children to loiter or to wander aimlessly with their peers. Children must be given constructive playtime. They should be encouraged to play games with their friends, not so much because
the games keep them out of trouble, but because they will learn to compete; and by competing they will want to do better, and by aiming to do better they will have little time to engage in deviant behaviour. Parents also need to give children designated chores around the home, to teach them responsibility. Even if it is to make up their beds in the mornings, children should be asked to help out around the home. The problem with many children today is not that they have too little free time; rather, it is that they do not have properly supervised free time. Instead of allowing their children to get into bad company, all parents should make an effort to be involved in a positive way in the lives of their young ones, so that they will never have to receive that dreaded call that something terrible has happened to their child through involvement in crime.
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Saturday April 26, 2014
Shadow Minister of Health calls for COI into procurement of drugs
Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton A failed attempt has been made by Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, to cast a smokescreen over the real drugs issues plaguing the health sector. This deduction was yesterday made by A Partnership for Unity (APNU) Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, as he offered his convictions on recent disclosures made by Dr. Ramsaran. Ramsaran said recently that health workers caught pilfering drugs will be locked-
up. The Minister recently expressed his view that clandestine activities, among others, have been linked to the shortage of drugs that has been facing the health sector in recent times. But according to Dr. Norton, “Even if health workers were pilfering, that can never cause a major drugs shortage.” He is convinced that the Health Minister is on a mission to create a facade to direct focus away from the real issue. And the real issue, according to Dr. Norton, is that of drugs procurement. According to him, in addressing the drug shortage situation the Minister should have been highlighting the need for a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to be conducted to ascertain the true cause of the prevailing challenge. This is particularly important in light of the fact that a legitimate auditing process had found that an individual tasked with procuring drugs at the health sector’s main tertiary institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation,
was delinquent in ensuring that the right quantities were supplied and at the right time. It is alleged that the person in charge of procurement was not utilising the relevant support staffers required to undertake the procurement process. “This was not the findings of the opposition, this was not my findings...these things were detected by an official audit,” said Dr. Norton who also holds the position of Head of Ophthalmology at the GPHC. But of even greater concern, Dr. Norton said, is that of the prequalification provision which permits Government to procure drugs from a particular buyer rather than others who are known to sell identical products at a much cheaper rate. According to Dr. Norton many private medical practitioners are known to take advantage of the cheaper prices at other pharmaceutical providers such as the International Pharmaceutical Agency and even the Mike’s and Roy’s pharmacies. Government’s continued move to embrace the prequalification provision, Dr. Norton said, is one that suggests
that it is prepared to “stifle out all other drug providers.” Moreover, he noted that the Minister should be directing attention to whether the Ministry, and by extension, the Government, is being robbed in its drugs procurement process. “He should be seeking to find out if we are being overcharged,” insisted Dr. Norton. “The Minister in ‘gangnamstyle’ and with flowery words is talking about locking people up but we are not convinced that he is trying to address anything,” added the Shadow Health Minister. “Until we are prepared to evaluate and have a COI we will continue to have the problems we are seeing...Nobody will be fooled by the Minister; nobody is even afraid by the Minister’s statements. The issue is to look at the cost we are paying for the drugs that are procured,” Dr. Norton firmly emphasised. The troubling development in the health sector, Dr. Norton added, leaves one to beg the question “whether we have the right people in the right positions.” He recalled that it was just such a question that was asked by President
Donald Ramotar when he commented on matters affecting the public health sector. Dr. Ramsaran, during a recent interview, disclosed that “there are known thieves in the system and they keep fetching out things.” The Minister, at the time, pointed accusing fingers at some health care workers whom he believes have been taking advantage of lax supervision. “In the night time for example it is difficult to have the same level of supervision (as in the day)...Some of the workers rotate at nights but we cannot have a police state. We have to have a mature work force.” The Minister added that the Ministry is currently putting measures in place to tackle the prevailing challenge that has been negatively impacting the delivery of health care. “Because we know things are continuing to disappear, we are putting systems in place but at the same time we would expect health care providers to have a conscience,” said Dr. Ramsaran even as he highlighted that it is clear that not all health workers are
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran engaged in such activities. According to him, the few who so engage are among those who have ready access to the drugs that disappear. The Minister without specifically detailing plans to combat the “troubling thieving” situation, expressed optimism that the media would not condemn looming actions when they are officially implemented. “I hope we don’t get too adverse criticism when we start to take measures and people start to get lock-up,” the Minister noted.
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Slain barmaid’s employer among two still held The employer of slain barmaid Jagwandai Ramnauth and a Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara man remained in custody yesterday, as police try to ascertain whether someone put a bullet into Ramnauth’s head because of an unpaid loan or a prolonged property dispute. The suspects were taken into custody shortly after the 46-year-old Ramnauth, called ‘Selena’, was found dead on Wednesday night at the Country Club Restaurant and bar, located at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara. However, police released two other men yesterday after placing them on an identification parade. Kaieteur News understands that the released men are the sons of the still-detained Cummings Lodge resident. Police have received reports that Ramnauth had sold a property in 2005 to the Cummings Lodge resident for $6M. It is alleged that the man gave Ramnauth $300,000, but then failed to complete the transaction after moving into the property. That matter is before the High Court. But the man’s wife told Kaieteur News yesterday that Ramnauth had sold the property to another man after
Jagwandai Ramnauth
spot during which one of the men pulled out a firearm and fatally shot her to the head, then escaped. Kaieteur News was informed that the owner was not at the bar when the incident occurred but he reportedly told investigators that he received a call shortly before 23:00hrs on Wednesday from a worker, who informed him that the barmaid had a “problem” with some people. According to police
sources, the owner claimed that he immediately went to the bar and found Ramnauth lying in a pool of blood behind the counter with a bullet wound to her forehead. The man has been renting the property and operating a restaurant and bar for several years. Rai Gurdat, one of the owners of the Chateau Margot property from which the business is operated, had told Kaieteur News said that he was asleep when police
visited his home. “I am staying at the back of the bar. I didn’t hear any music so I assumed business was slow. The police woke me up and ask if I heard any gunshots and I said no,” Gurdat said. He added that investigators took him to the bar and showed him Ramnauth’s body lying in a pool of blood on the floor. “I was shocked and I panicked. I didn’t hear any gunshots. Selena used to work hard, from morning to night, and she didn’t get paid for almost a year. The morning
collecting the down-payment. She alleged that the man has been attempting to have them evicted and even threw some of the family’s belongings out yesterday. Detectives are also probing reports that Ramnauth and her employer had a dispute over $500,000 that she had loaned him some time ago. There are also reports that the barmaid, of Bath Settlement, Berbice, was killed hours after she threatened to quit her job due to months of unpaid salary. Police in a press release said that Ramnauth was involved in an argument with a group of patrons at the night
From page 6 for the holding of Local Government Elections, among others, while the Alliance for Change (AFC) has called for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and more recently, said that it would also support APNU’s demands. The Opposition had sent the bill instead to a special select committee of the National Assembly for tweaking. The legislations are but part of a number of steps that Guyana and rest of the CFATF members have to take to stop dirty money from entering the financial
system. The Government is maintaining the bill is nonnegotiable as it came from the international community. The Opposition had made a number of amendments but last month, Attorney General Anil Nandlall submitted counter proposals. Under the legislations local banks, money transfers, cambios, casinos and pawnbrokers are among scores of entities that will have to take steps to reduce the possibilities of money laundering. This includes reporting of suspicious transactions and demanding proper identification
from customers. The legislations were first introduced early last year but rejected by the Opposition which claimed that they wanted time to study it. The wrangling continued and Guyana again missed a November deadline. CFATF has since warned its members to take steps to protect themselves from possible risks of Guyana. CFATF will be holding a review next month end at which point in time it will refer Guyana to the global body… Financial Action Task Force (FATF)/ International Corporation Review Group (ICRG). At the
- brothers released following ID parade
before she was killed, she said to me that as soon as the boss pays her, she will leave,” Gurdat claimed. Kaieteur News was informed that Ramnauth was not only a waitress at the bar but also manned the night spot whenever her employer was not around. According to Gurdat, workers quit working at the bar due to non-payment of salary and “Selena had to do everything. In the morning, she made cutters and cleaned, and in the nights she served.”
FATF review of Guyana, the nation stands to be blacklisted internationally. The task force is insisting that Guyana pass the relevant legislation and implement all the outstanding issues within its Action Plan, fully criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing offences, address all the requirements on beneficial ownership, strengthen the requirements for suspicious transaction reporting, improve international cooperation and ensure the freezing and confiscation of all terrorist assets.
CFATF officials visit to break deadlock
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Killing of salesman…
Kaieteur News
Suspects nabbed Armed youths target customers with gun in city hotel of Main Street businesses - unlicensed .38 revolver found
Bharrat Ramcharan Police believe that they have captured the bandits who escaped with a bag of cash last Thursday after killing Patsan Trading Services salesman, Bharrat Ramcharan, outside his John Smith Street, Campbellville workplace. In a statement released yesterday, police said that they have detained two men in connection with the robbery/murder and have also recovered an unlicensed .38 revolver with four rounds. Kaieteur News understands that the suspects were arrested
Saturday April 26, 2014
yesterday in a city hotel. According to a source, one of the alleged bandits was still dressed in the clothing he had worn during Thursday’s robbery. Reports are that the men were identified from images that were recorded on security cameras at Patsan Trading Enterprise. The 57-year-old Ramcharan, of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, was reportedly shot in the back around 14.40 hrs after he threw a bag of money over the gate of his workplace to prevent the bandits from making off with the cash. The slain man’s son, Raymond Ramcharan, said that his father was employed at Patsan Trading Services since around 1995. Kaieteur News understands that he has been robbed at gunpoint on at least two other occasions. However, a source said that on those occasions, Ramcharan had handed the money over to the robbers. Kaieteur News was told that Ramcharan, who had collected an undisclosed sum of money from customers, had just stepped out of his vehicle when two unmasked men on a CG motorcycle approached him. One of the men had a handgun. A source said that on seeing the bandits, Ramcharan immediately threw the money-bag over the fence, then stood with hands upraised.
The gunmen reportedly ran into the compound and snatched up the money-bag. They then ran out of the compound and shot Ramcharan before speeding off on their motorcycle. Kaieteur News understands that the shot salesman managed to stagger into the compound where he collapsed. He was rushed to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead. A man who lives a few doors away from Patsan recalled hearing gunshots and later running to the scene. He said that on reaching Patsan Trading, he saw a man lying in the yard. “I ask if is a bandit and they said is Bharrat,” the resident said. He said that he then saw employees placing the mortally wounded man into a vehicle. Kaieteur News was told that management of Patsan Trading closed the business place at noon yesterday. Police officials, including recently retired Commissioner Leroy Brumell, have repeatedly pleaded with businessmen to ensure that they have adequate security while transporting large sums of cash. Police are also grappling with a steady rise in armed robberies. The Force’s Public Relations Department recorded a 65 percent rise in firearm robberies at the end of last February.
Armed, homeless youths have now become the feared nuisances of the night. It is alleged that they have been attacking and attempting to rob persons who frequent businesses along Main and Middle Streets, Georgetown. One armed youth recently attempted to rob a businessman who was leaving a party at the popular night club, Palm Court. After discharging one round from his shotgun, the teenager escaped. The incident has now pushed the heads of the security for various businesses within the area to call on the relevant authorities, especially the Child Protection Agency and the Guyana Police Force to remove the children from the area before someone is seriously injured. One of the heads of the security for one of the businesses explained that on several occasions, he complained to the Child Protection Agency to look into the matter but since the children continue to linger in the area even up to last night, he feels that his call is falling
…victims, security personnel reach out to Social Services Ministry, police on deaf ears. The security officer said, “These youths are predominantly from the Tiger Bay area. In the day you would see some of them coming out to beg for change from customers and then at night they come out in the numbers. They approach persons in a very friendly way and then they attack. They harass people at Hibiscus Restaurant on Middle Street, New Thriving Restaurant and Palm Court. “My colleagues have even expressed that they have now made Gravity Lounge a target area. It is annoying and it is bad for business. These children should not be left to wander the streets and get themselves into trouble. The Ministry needs to get involved. Its inaction so far on this issue reflects poorly on it. “I know what can happen if this issue continues to be
ignored. It’s just that some people don’t want to injure them because they are teenagers. Many times we have to be holding back our customers, if not they would go to the extent of hurting these kids. “I am calling on them to take action and I hope they don’t wait to do so until one of these kids end up being badly hurt or worse, killed.” Director of the Child Protection Agency, Ms. Ann Greene yesterday said that the matter is one that is being taken seriously and moves have already been made to deal with the issue. Greene said that a sting operation was conducted recently in the area and 15 youths were removed and detained. She added that her Agency is currently working along with the Guyana Police Force on the matter. Further details on their plans will be released later.
Festival City teen granted bail on theft charges A teenage labourer was yesterday granted bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry when he appeared before her to face two larceny charges. The 19-year-old who resides in Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was taken to the Georgetown
Magistrates’ Court for his first arraignment. The police claim that on April 6, in Georgetown he stole $25,000 from Keith McKenzie. It is alleged too that on April 10, he stole a $5000 cellular phone from the said person. The teen pleaded not guilty to both
charges and submitted a bail application which was met with no objections from Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant. Bail was granted in the total sum of $85,000 for both charges. The case was transferred to Magistrate Faith McGusty for trial.
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
ImmigrationINFO ...Immigration News For Our Community
Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com. Question #1: My child’s father got a green card. Can he file for my four-year-old son in Guyana and myself or does he have to wait until he is a U.S. Citizen. And if he can file for both of us, what will the waiting period be like for us. Answer #1: The child’s father, a green card holder, can file for his son and the waiting time is about two years. Also, he can file for
you once you are legally married to him. The waiting time is also two years for a spouse of a green card holder. He must file two separate petitions. Question #2: I am trying to petition for my son in another country. Me and his mom are not together and were never married. We still talk on the phone and I support him financially. What support document do I send to immigration? Answer #2: In response to your question, if you are a permanent resident or U.S. citizen then you can petition for your son. If your son is married then you must be a U.S. citizen to petition for him. Since you were never married to his mother, you will have to prove legitimacy when you file for your son. Legitimacy is more than just your name on the birth certificate. Question #3: I was deported 2004 for an aggravated felony. My sentence was five years. Can I ever apply for a waiver for the USA? I am alone here. Answer #3: Yes, if a qualified family member files a sponsorship petition for you, then you may be eligible to file a waiver to seek reentry into the U.S. You must prove extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent
resident relative to win approval of the waiver. Note, for some aggravated felonies, there is a permanent ban from re-entering the U.S. Question #4: I married a born US guy last November. He filed for me and my son since November. When he went back they sent him two pieces of paperwork and he paid. Since February he did not get anymore. Do you know how long it takes for me to get an interview? Answer #4: It sounds like your case is at the National Visa Center and the visa fees were paid. Once the petitioner (your husband) submits the affidavit of support, police clearance, biographical, and certified original civil documents, the file will be transferred to the Embassy for scheduling of an interview. Usually, from start to finish, the processing time is one year.
The Prosecution star witness spent the entire day on the witness stand giving her evidence in chief when the matter of Beesham Gopaul called “Thackoor” 27 of No. 74 Village, Corentyne who is on trial for rape and robbery continued on Thursday in the Berbice High Court before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed Jury. Gopaul is on trial for allegedly raping and robbing an 18 year old mother of two on June 24, 2008 at No. 73 Village, Corentyne. The case started on Tuesday and is continuing with 11 jurors since one of the jurors was robbed the night before and was excused from the matter. State Prosecutor, Attorney at Law Renita Singh, in her opening address, stated that around 13:30 hrs on the day in question at No. 73 Village, Corentyne, the virtual complainant who was 18 at the time, was at home with her baby watching television. She was jolted when she felt something on her neck. She heard someone saying ‘Don’t scream or I will kill you.’ The woman was asked for her jewelry and she told the person that they were in the bedroom. She was then
forced towards the bedroom. Whilst going towards the room the perpetrator picked up a knife from the plate rack and placed it on her neck. She then noticed that what the bandit had before was a file. He then proceeded to rob her of two gold rings, four gold bands, one pair gold bangles, three pairs of earrings and $10,000 in cash. Her hands were tied behind her back with a baby napkin and she was told to lie on the bed. It was then that she saw Gopaul’s face and realized that it was someone she knew as ‘Thackoor’ for over 10 years around the area. He then instructed her to take off her clothes. He pulled down his pants and underwear and had sex with her. He then left, but before doing that he took her cell phone valued $30,000 and warned her not to holler. He threatened to kill the baby outside if she disobeyed. After a while she managed to free herself and went to her mother who lived a few doors away, and told her what took place. She then visited the Springlands Police station accompanied by her mother and husband. The police accompanied her to the Skeldon Hospital where she
was examined and a Medical Certificate issued. Later the same day she identified the accused at the Springlands Police Station. Being led by State prosecutor Renita Singh the virtual complainant gave a detailed report of what occurred on the day in question. The baby was on the bed. She managed to free herself and left the house about 10 minutes after the assault. When she first informed her mother about the incident she did not mention that she was raped because she was afraid. Under cross examination by Defence Attorney, Carolyn Artiga, the virtual complainant stated that the accused was wearing a shirt with blue and green stripes, black pants, black Boots and a green hat. She lives in a second lot and the place is mostly surrounded by bush. She did not inform her neighbour first or tell her mother that she was raped because it was the first time something like that had happened to her and she was confused and afraid. She said that when she saw the man at the police station he was wearing the same clothes. The matter is continuing.
Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com
Digital Form I-94 (Not Paper) Issued Upon Entry into U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has made the issuance of arrival records (Form I-94) a digital process in order to streamline passenger processing. Form I-94 provides international visitors evidence they have Continued on page 24
Prosecution star witness testifies in rape and robbery trial
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Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Houses located Ogle, Diamond, Herstelling, BelAir, Lamaha Gardens, ETC, Contact: 223-8479/684-4748, www.spaceseek.gy Almost brand new items to be sold: Refrigerator and microwave – Contact:671-2066 1,500 Acres of Land located in Berbice. Includes Machinery, Property and Multiples Vehicles, etc, Contact: 223-8479/684-4748, www.spaceseek.gy One 6125 John Deere tractor for sale. For more information contact: 670-3328 Pure breed German Shepherd puppies - $75,000 each – Tel:682-2148, 655-8674 Pure Rottweiler Pups - Call: 672-6402,264-2870 Pork - $380, Pork Chops - $650, leg pork - $480lb, salted pork $450 (8 Lbs pails) @ Geroge & Hadfield Sts. Red Honda 250 Twister motorcycle – Contact:6713533; 681-2217 Two 212 Carina, 2 AE100 Wagon – Tel:660-0018, 6411040 Honda Welder, 270 Amps, 2002 Tundra – Call:611-5114, 220-4495 Clean garden earth, also Bobcat & Excavator rentals – Tel:626-7127 Mixed bred German Shepherd and Rottweiler pups, fully vaccinated and de-wormed – Contact: 6291471, 220-2277, 220-8904 A BLACK XBOX 360 WITH 6 CONTROLLERS AND 10 AUTHENTHIC MICROSOFT DISC, EG BLACK OPS 2 – TEL: 6017152, 223-9987 Pure bred German Shepherd pups, fully vaccinated & dewormed – Contact: 629-1471, 220-2277, 220-8904 Sets of (3, 2, 1) seats pillow back cushion suite in excellent condition. Owner leaving country – Call:6971243 PORK WHOLE SALE, WHOLE, HALF & QUARTER CARCASS. NO HEAD! NO TROTTERS! – CALL:266-2711, 609-4594
FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108. Milking cows, 1 complete 3Y Shell, one short base EFI – Call: 231-1256 or 684-1336 Games PS2 - $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 - $2600 & PS3 - $2600 & Original Games Call: 672-2566 New Blackberry 9370 with memory card – Call:675-2239 Short foot puppies and dogs for sale – Call:276-4052 or 6872921 Male pit bull puppies Contact:225-6137 or 661-7204 Pure bred German Shepherd puppies with long hair fully de-wormed & vaccinated, good blood line breeding – Tel:696-4659 Pure breed Rottweiler pups, fully vaccinated & dewormed – Call:627-1360 1–48 Feet Boat with 900lb ice box, price negotiable – Tel:609-0783 Day-beds, office desk, vases, divider, wardrobe, table, radio set, photo frames, etc – Tel:226-2284 2 x M132 Laverda Combine, 3 x Pressure Pump 4x3 for gold field, 3 x 50 H/P 3 Phase Motor – call:627-0447 1-2640 MF Tractor 4wd with 1 – Rome Plough 20 dish, 1CAT Standby 3306,194KVA 3 Phase 60 Cylinder – Tel:6934596
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869
Property for sale.Call:627-5416 1-2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M – Tel: 642-7898 One three storey business property @ Middle St. Georgetown – Tel:619-7134, 225-6481 price negotiable. 2 Business properties on Whim Public Road Corentyne – Call: 619-7134, 225-6481. Price Negotiable One property for sale at Covent Garden Island, E.B.D – Call:265-3586 Double lot with house at Lot 254 East Bank Demerara, one block away from Public Road – Call: 621-1766 Two bedrooms concrete building with toilet & bathroom. House : 31ft X 21Ft, land: 120ft X 60ft - $8M at Anna Catherina, W.C.D – Call:276-0712 Furnished house for sale – price: $25M firm– Call:6691028 Dazzell Housing Scheme, Paradise, E.C.D, last street (22nd Street) – Tel:650-0716, 619-5357 One back lot for sale @ Lot 239 2nd Street, East Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown – Tel:691-4009; 679-3895 Vacant corner lot 58 ½” x 30" @ Garnette & Republic Streets, Newtown, Kitty ideal for business – Tel:6450616 Satya Cinema, Good Faith, Mahaicony – Call:641-8472 C A M P B E L LV I L L E MODERN CONCRETE 2STOREY COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OPEN CONCEPT LOWER OFFICES & MULTIPLE PARKING - $42M. RLT-PRO : 650-1234
CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com Progressive Auto Rental - carsCall: 643-5122 or 225-8711, Email:pro_autorental@yahoo.com Wings Car Rental - Call:6431131
MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses. New masseuses Amanda and Crystal – Tel:657-5979 Neisha’s Massage Service – Tel:674-8147
Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 6987807 EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course beginning May 6th 2014 – Call Abdul Electronics – 2266551 or 225-0391
Saturday April 26, 2014
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Two Bedrooms lower flat apartment, one month’s security - $40,000 per month @ Paradise Factory Rd, E.C.D – Contact:625-9939; 672-2677 Executive Four Bedroom House located in Bel-Air Park- USD $2500-Contact: 223-8479/6844748, www.spaceseek.gy Executive Houses & Apartments Located in Queenstown, Prashad Nagar, Kitty, Lamaha Springs, etc, Contact: 223-8479/ 684-4748, www.spaceseek.gy Office Spaces located in secure compound on New Market Street. Contact: 223-8479/6844748, www.spaceseek.gy One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD – Call:622-3580 House @ Lot ‘M’ First Street, Grove Housing Scheme, E.B.D – 3 bedrooms & bottom flat, big yard space – Tel:265-3055, 647-2296
VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guy-oil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant - Call: 670-8893/ 695-9880/ 684-2838 Federal Management Security Services: Armed, Baton Officers, bus drivers. Located @ 120 Peter Rose Street, Queenstown - Tel:2260633, 226-0652, 226-0637 Maid, receptionist, handyman, live-in security @ Lot 12 Henry Street - Call:2259211, 223-6284 Operators- training will be provided, driver/expeditor, security guards. Apply :Guyana Fisheries Wharf Limited Houston, E.B.D- Tel # 227-8176/7 Graphic Artist, CorelDraw & Adobe PhotoShop CS2, Apply to: Executive Office Service. 82 Albert St. & Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown Accounts clerk & Salesgirl: Apply in person with handwritten application at Alabama Trading, Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. Vacancy for porters: Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Ferry Stelling Stabroek. One machinist & one welder – Call:234-0780 or 613-1588
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Allion PRR 9124, low miles, mags, reverse camera, etc. In excellent condition CallAyube: 233-5557; 610-1309 First Class Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Raum, 212, Allex, Runx, IST, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela – Tel:6098188, 638-3045
TO LET 1 – Four bedrooms house with all modern conveniences, semi-furnished - $300,000 monthly, Happy Acres - Tel: 231-7839 (working hours) Two bedroom apartment to rent with toilet & bath located in Eccles – Call:2332252, 694-4563, 662-3837 Now Open! Harmony Inn, Georgetown Branch - $6,000 & $7,000 – Contact:6680306, 694-7817, 602-8769 Two bedrooms concrete bottom flat located at Middle Rd, La Penitence - $45,000 per month – Contact: 6669534, preferably working couple. Furnished two bedrooms apartment in Linden for short term local & overseas guest – Call:614-4415, 4444704 Available from May 1st: 1bedroom apartment - $28,000 & 2-bedroom apartment $35,000. Christian family – parking & telephone conveniences – Call:6238759, 218-3463 1 3-bedroom house to rent @ Lot 48 Norton Street, Bagotstown, E.B.D – Call David Simon:233-5089, Cell:650-0113 Space for office or canteen in Albertown – Call:225-6458 or 614-8022 Furnished and unfurnished two bedrooms apartment in Eccles, for short or long term – Tel:643-1131 Two bedrooms top flat furnished, for rent at Diamond, E.B.D. – Tel:2160644, 668-8403 LAND FOR SALE Blankenburg, Public Road W.C.D (38ftX150ft), (39ftX150ft) $16M each - Call: 658-0132 La Parafaite Harmonie - $1M & $2M, Herstelling $3M,Grove - $1.2M, 2Storey, 5-bedroom building @ Diamond, E.B.D - $48M – Call:675-7292, 218-5591 Lot 12 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, Market Street – Tel:220-7330 DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration. Lot 153 Barr St Kitty – Call:670-2653, 618-1706
One 8,000 Ford Tractor, one 450 Ford Towing Truck & size 16 & 17 tyres - Contact Floyd: 694-5599 One RX-8 Mazda fully air conditioned, stick gear, wheel lights, fog lamps, power windows - Tel: 653-2477 2004 Toyota Tundra GNN Series - $1.6M. Owner leaving country - Phone: 647-5919 AT170 Corona – Phone:2340475 or 628-2796 To y o t a R a u m , S p a c i o , AT212, AT192, NZE ,LTouring wagon,Fun Cargo, IST, Nissan E24 Caravan – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 One Toyota AT192, good condition – Price $850,000 negotiable – Tel: 616-1671 Reduced Prices: Premio, Spacio, Axela, Raum, Allex, AT212, Tel:681-4208, 220-6262 2008 Blue Bird - $3M, 2005 Spacio - $2.1M, 2006 Premio - $2.3M. ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTEREDCall:642-7295 Two Model M Bedford 4x4 Trucks – owner leaving country – Call:693-2237 AT192 Carina, HC series, Yellow – Price:$750,000.00 – Tel:676-8233 212, PMM series; first owner – Contact:658-4805 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30-seater buses; extra-cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Pre-order: AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN RZ & Pit-bull, 7seater Super Customs. Cash/ terms- Call:680-3154 1 -1RZ, 15-seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.5M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:628-0310 ; 672-5429 Unregistered Toyota Raum - Year 2004 , black interior, HID lights, power door, TV navigation – Tel:617-5536 Smart Choice Auto Sales: Unregistered: Premio, Spacio, Allion, Allex, IST, 212, Fielder, Voxy– Call:6523820; 665-4529 One new model yellow cab 212, in excellent condition – Call:691-5086 (Continued on page 23)
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Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news
A new, properly constituted GUYSUCO Board can be quite catalytic DEAR EDITOR, While transforming GUYSUCO might require much more than a new Board of Directors, there is no doubt that a new, properly constituted Board can be quite catalytic and can provide the type of leadership that the sugar industry needs to reverse its downward dip in production and productivity. However, recent utterances attributed to our political leaders indicate a tendency to focus on the need for the technical aspects of agriculture, engineering and finance with deafening silence about the all-important
PEOPLE aspects. Ironically, a recurring justification for resuscitating the sugar industry has been the impact its failure will have on the thousands of persons employed in the industry and the many thousands more who are directly and indirectly affected. Surely, the human side of the industry is sufficiently significant to warrant at least similar representation in the new Board as is being emphasized for the technical inputs. Given our respective profiles, this letter risks being misunderstood as ‘selfserving’; we can only
formally deny any such motivation! But as two professionals in the field of HRM in and out of the sugar industry, including periods of its heyday, we feel a sense of duty to register the need for a Board member with relevant Human Resource management insights and experience. Having said the above however, it is difficult not to detect the uni-dimensional view that a board could ‘transform’ the industry. Given the admitted ineffectualness of previous Boards, there is need for a more analytical evaluation of
DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the letter in your publication of April 21st 2014 under the headline ‘Ethical conduct should be included in police training’ and offer the following comments: 1. It is always disturbing when name and address are withheld, but as my friend said to me in the past,” you do not live here, so you won’t know what consequences can follow some published letters”. I disagree; 2. I have reason to believe that ethical conduct is part of the training that recruits go through as evidenced by the former COP Mr Brumell when on graduation of a batch of recruits, he said in his address to them that, he noticed that most of them expressed interests in working in the Immigration and Traffic Divisions, which were noted for bribery complaints, and that he expected them to avoid any such unethical conduct in their duties, for he would not hesitate to end the services of any such violator. Therefore it is reasonable to
assume that ethical conduct is part of the training of recruits; 3. However to say of such ethical conduct training (quote) “… it was obviously handled by those who were not properly equipped to obtain the required results.” is inappropriate because it cannot be established that none of the trainees absorbed and practised their training. Some of course would have, and would have conducted themselves appropriately; 4. Police officers have tremendous powers and that is why stern action should be peremptorily be taken when those powers are abused. The long tedious process of investigation, disciplinary hearings, written reports and recommendations for action, are total wastages for an organisation that has to be purposeful in the performance of its duties and functions; 5. I am not sure if police officers have annual training and refresher courses to attend, ( and here the Editor could add a parenthetical
elucidating comment ), but in my opinion, all police officers should have at least one week’s training to attend every year. This means that training should be a permanent feature of their attachment to the police force. Such training should not be simply routine, but should take into account every aspect of their job, trends in crime and systems of crime prevention, public complaints, analysis of crime stats region by region and locale, and of course proper conduct at all times; 6. Finally and this raises the veins in my neck, why do the police not cordon off crime scene areas, accident areas etc, so that they can proceed with their duties with the least intervention of onlookers? Most published pictures show the crowd and the police mixing it up in the scenario and that should not be, for the police should be in total charge. Maybe an item that should be included in the annual training. Carl Veecock
tainty, the treasury of Dr Rodney’s innermost thoughts is his widow Patricia, who was by his side every night, and also the faithful extended Rodney family members who were with him during those agonizing days. Certainly Mr. Ogunseye must have recourse to seek the complete truth directly from his leader’s family. The cock has already crowed for those with inflated irrelevance and no honour? Now, should Mr. Ogunseye’s letter of 3-4-2014 be prompted in emulation and defence of Dr Rodney’s multi-racial ideals he should be commended. How correct is his entire analysis is another matter. My response is also not intended
to nail him shut. So as not to test the Editor’s patience all Mr. Ogunseye’s queries cannot be addressed as per the usual. Sultan Mohamed
Police training and ethical conduct
Only the complete truth will resolve...
From page 4 WPA and all. How validated is his entire legacy, unalterably bequeathed to all Guyanese, not owned by race or the WPA, is made most striking that “his” party’s skeletons were all completely rejected at democratic elections. Now this post script act of vilifying Rodney’s extended family has sunk to a new low after his brutal demise. It is exactly why national cohesion has been historically elusive. What “golden eggs” Rodney had amassed is only what “his” WPA leftovers desperately crave. Let’s hope the long knives ease off on “Mother Goose”. With cer-
past decision-making failures, one reason for which is bound to be the indeterminate scope of authority and the real dimensions of their accountability. This time the mandate must be pellucidly printed out – ensuring that responsibility balanced with substantive authority that cannot be peremptorily over-ruled. Nowrang Persaud and E.B. John
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(From page 22)
WANTED One Legal Clerk – Call: 617-3851, 269-0504 Experienced cashier apply with application & Passport size photo to survival shopping complex – Tel:2275286/9 Handy boys to work, live in accommodation and meals free – Tel:228-5655, 628-1756 Live-in couple, husband: driving duties, wife: domestic. Good rates & accommodation – Tel: 227-1830 Girls to work at bar, preferably out of Town – Tel:223-4778, 653-0222 Large quantities of Purple Heart, greenheart and other woods needed. Also Nibi furniture. 218-5591 or 6757292 We buy all low income lands especially in La Parfaite Harmonie 218-5591 or 675-7292 Experienced sales girl and sales boy – Tel:609-1535,227-8529 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 One maid for East Bank Area - Call: 614-4358 Live in domestic and live in waitresses, 18-25yrs, boarding and lodging free $50,000 monthly – Tel: 6103974 Work from home; earn $5,000$20,000 daily, jobfairworldwide.com or 6221957 (computer skills required).
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Dating and relationship advice – Tel: 662-6862 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system, etc – Call:619-0793, 699-8802
One professional cosmetologist to work in Eccles - Tel: 639-7672, 658-4429 Looking for a small Toyota mini bus to buy – Call:684-5918 Kitchen Assistants: Come into Dian’s Deli, opposite Kitty Market. A one bedroom apartment between the cost of $30,000 $35,000 for rental – Contact:666-5276 or 680-2508 Urgently needed: One cosmetologist at Nalini’s Beauty Salon, Vreed-EnHoop Junction – Contact:6253899, 604-2900 Part-time salesman to sell locally manufactured Windows & Doors of High Quality - Telephone #6005253 Part-time worker for store. Experienced interior designer, one florist & stock clerk – Contact:691-1527 One mechanic to work in the interior. Must have knowledge about Cummings Engine – Call:681-6044
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NOTICE: Julie’s Tailoring @ 40 Charles St. Tailor will be retiring April 30th 2014. Please Uplift your garments ! Thank You!– Tel:227-8826 WANTED Hire Cars at Atlas Taxi Services – Tel:661-3043
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Mocha 9-year-old rape/murder trial A mixed 12-member jury listened, as a police witness read aloud the caution statement of rape/murder accused, Jevon Wharton yesterday. Wharton is accused of raping and murdering, nineyear-old, Barnwell North, Mocha resident, Sade Stoby, some time between, November 2, and November 5, 2007. He is facing a trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court, along with his co-accused, Charles Cush. The men were both teenagers at the time of the crime. Wharton now 23 years old, and his alleged accomplice Cush, 21, are being represented by Attorneys at Law Raymond Alli and George Thomas, respectively.
Kaieteur News
Accused admits having sex with victim The body of the nineyear-old girl was discovered a short distance from her home, at Barnwell North, Mocha on November 5, 2007. She had been brutally raped and drowned. On Tuesday, State Prosecutor, Judith Gildharie Mursalin told the court that a
When Stoby’s body was recovered, she was bloated and she had haemorrhaged from her head and chest. “There was a thick black mud in her trachea , her stomach was filled with dark black mud, blood in her vagina, her hymen was ruptured and her intestines
“Me and her walked until there was no shops… We went in de bush and Sade tek off she clothes and we continue doing, what we bin doing…sex.” post mortem exercise conducted on Stoby’s body by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed the cause of death, to be asphyxiation due to submersion compounded by blunt trauma to head.
were protruding through her anus; there was blunt trauma to head. “There was bruising of the vagina which indicated sexual activity just before her death,” the Prosecutor had said. After Justice Navindra
“Impact Albouystown Project”... From page 19 community. According to the Acting Commissioner, the Guyana Police Force is proud of its achievements in Albouystown.
Saturday April 26, 2014
“Our partners, the resident faith-based organizations, have indicated that they are happy, the private sector has supported and pledged continued support. We had expected resistance and we had some since in the planning stage, particularly from those who benefit from crime and disorder. However, we remain committed to base our policies on the principle to provide the greatest good to the greatest number of people,” Persaud told the audience, which included President Donald Ramotar and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee among other dignitaries. But the Top Cop will have to ensure that the successes
in Albouystown are not undermined by ranks who act contrary to the Force's motto which is 'To Protect and Serve'. “I've seen some of our members involved in all sorts of excesses against the very members of the public that we are supposed to serve. However, I've also observed members that have displayed great commitment and dedication to duty,” Persaud said. According to the acting commissioner, the present effort of the Force's administration is to seek to control excesses. To this end, the organization is committed to continue working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to realize the Force's strategic plan.
Singh ruled on a voir dire, (a trial within a trial), which was conducted to determine admissibility of Wharton’s caution statement, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Elston Baird, was allowed to read the statement aloud, to the court. According to Baird, on November 5, 2007 Wharton, who was sixteen years old at the time, told police investigators at Brickdam Police station that he met the girl, named Sade at the aqueduct bridge. “Me and she walked until there was no shops. We went in de bush and Sade tek off she clothes and we continue doing, what we bin doing…sex. Then we when
we finish she putting she clothes and she slip and fall and knock she head and I pick up me bicycle and ride away and on Saturday I bin back fuh see if I see she and she dead.” When the case commenced on Tuesday, Stoby’s mother was the first person to take the stand. The child’s mother gave an emotional recollection of the incident. The woman recalled vividly that her daughter went to school on November 2, but never returned. The woman said that after two days of a meticulous search, relatives discovered the body of her daughter, near a trench at Sixth Field Barnwell North.
Sade Stoby
ImmigrationINFO ...Immigration News... From page 21 been lawfully admitted to the U.S, which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status, and employment authorization. The automation means that visitors to the U.S. will no longer need to fill out a paper form when arriving to the U.S. by air or sea, improving procedures and reducing costs. Thereby, visitors will no longer receive a “white card” with a stamp of their entry date and the date they must leave the U.S. The current processing time for entering foreign visitors’ travel information into the I-94 database is 30 days or more. This new automation process will provide immediate upload and access to arrival and departure information for all travelers to the U.S. So, when you enter the
U.S. you will no longer be given a white paper (Form I94) to fill out with your name and it will no longer be stamped with your entry date and required departure date from the U.S. Instead, your passport will be stamped with your entry date and required departure date. If you wish to print a paper copy of your entry and departure for your records or for filing adjustment of status, then the information will be immediately available on-line at www.cbp.gov/I94. In order to access the information, the following security questions will have to be answered: name, passport number, date of admission, departure date, and class of admission. Initially, the I-94 automation process will be rolled out to the following airports: Miami, Chicago, and Orlando – with all U.S. airports to follow. The
arrival and departure information for all passengers will be available immediately upon arrival into the U.S. but upon departure from the U.S. it will not be accessible. Our office recommends all travelers to review and print the information that will be placed on-line at www.cbp.gov/I94 for accuracy upon their arrival into the U.S. As with any process that is electronic, there may be errors and you want to ensure that your arrival and departure records are correct so you have no problems or issues with your next entry into the U.S. and with future adjustment of status. This new process only applies to passengers entering the U.S. with a nonimmigrant visa – it does not apply to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders).
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
Jamaica National hosts member meetings to discuss new taxes Jamaica Gleaner - The Jamaica National Building Society is now planning a series of meetings with its members to discuss the recently announced taxes. The Finance Minister, Dr Peter Phillips, last week unveiled a $6.7 billion tax package. Included in the package is a tax on withdrawal from deposit-taking institutions, expected to raise $2.25 billion. Earl Jarrett, the general manager of Jamaica National Building Society says the proposed tax on withdrawals from banks and other financial institutions is being analysed to determine the appropriate course of action. The proposal is for a 0.1 per cent tax on withdrawals
Earl Jarrett of less than $1 million; 0.09 percent on amounts between $1 and $5 million; 0.075 percent for withdrawals between $5 and $20 million; and 0.05 percent on transactions greater than $20
million. This means that a person withdrawing $1,000 for examples would pay $1 in taxes, and a person withdrawing $100,000 would pay $100. Jarrett says the planned series of members’ meetings will discuss this issue and along with other matters of national concern. “We want to have full dialogue with members about new taxes,” Jarrett said noting that the Government was also planning to increase the Asset Tax on businesses; redirect the Special Consumption Tax from the Road Maintenance Fund to central government; increase the personal Income Tax Threshold; as well as other initiatives which would have an effect on the welfare of members.
Jamaican police increasingly facing murder charges MAY PEN, Jamaica (AP) — It’s been nearly a year since Sevina Giderisingh’s 20year-old son died in a confrontation with a police officer on the dusty outskirts of this tough Jamaican town where jobs are scarce and crime abounds. The only explanation she’s got from detectives in gritty May Pen is that an officer shot her eldest son in self-defence one afternoon last June after he was accused of stealing a taxi. But she says a witness told a starkly different story: Her slender son, Alphanso, was unarmed and on his knees begging for his life when he was shot. “Even if he got involved in something bad, my son had the right to go to court. This killing was a crime, but where’s the punishment?” asked a teary-eyed Giderisingh, clutching her son’s high school graduation photo while standing on a dirt road by parched fields where he died. It’s not an uncommon event in Jamaica’s poorest neighbourhoods, where police and soldiers regularly impose dusk-to-dawn curfews and residents say security forces behave as if they are at war. Lawmen are routinely accused of shooting indiscriminately; planting pistols next to dead bodies and collecting spent shells. But in an unprecedented investigation, 27 police officers across the island are facing murder charges brought by a commission created by Parliament about four years ago. Eight of the officers are based in a single
police division that includes the parish of Clarendon, where May Pen is the capital. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was established in August 2010. After years of wrangling with police, a Jamaican court ruled last year that the commission has the power to arrest and charge officers accused of abuse. Previously, that power fell to an internal police bureau, whose agents were accused of incompetence and showing up late to shooting scenes. Senior commanders of the Jamaica Constabulary Force have long dismissed accusations of unlawful killings and crime scene manipulation as exaggerated, noting that officers work in gang-ridden enclaves awash with illegal firearms. According to the United Nations, Jamaica has the world’s sixth-highest homicide rate. In addition to charging a growing number of officers, INDECOM suspects that police may have been involved at least nine other Clarendon slayings listed as unsolved homicides,
according to Terrence Williams, a Jamaican who heads the panel and was the former top prosecutor in the British Virgin Islands. In one of those cases, a masked assailant fatally shot a previously wounded suspect lying in a hospital bed. The death of Giderisingh’s son is among 1,900 cases dating back to 2008, being investigated by the commission. No determination has been made about what happened to Alphanso and no charges have been filed. Authorities have declined to comment on the killing. “I am praying that justice will be done,” Giderisingh said. “Not all police are bad, but the bad ones, they need to be cleaned out for the good of the country.” Susan Goffe, director of the civic group Jamaicans for Justice, said the allegations of doctored police reports raise “the question of whether there are many more persons being killed by police than are being reported.” Since 2000, security forces have reported killing nearly 3,000 people on the island of 2.7 million.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
GCB to conduct Team Mangers’ Seminar tomorrow The Guyana Cricket Board will be conducting a Team Managers’ Seminar tomorrow at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Resource Centre in Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. Director of Sports, Neil Kumar, and President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Drubabahur, will open the seminar. This Team Managers’ Seminar will be the first in a series of seminar activities geared at enhancing the knowledge base of Team Managers and potential Team Managers. Topics to be addressed at this first team
management exercise covers the functions, roles and responsibilities of Team Mangers, to role categories of team managers, to development of appropriate skills and personal characteristics of team managers, to differential leadership styles, to Good Practices- principles, core values and relevant code of ethics, inclusive of the WICB/ ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Officials. On successful completion of this first seminar activity, such individuals will be exposed to a second seminar for team mangers which shall
include such topics as Travel Planning and Requirements Travel logistics, application for visas, Filling of Immigration/ Emigration forms etc.), Report Writing, Players and Team Staff Appraisals, Proposals and the like. Whereas, the 3rd seminar in this series will focus more on the practical side of Team management matters through group interaction and role plays. The facilitators for tomorrow’s Team Mangers Seminar are Alvin Johnson, Grantley Culbard, Cecil Chin and Colin Stuart.
Saturday April 26, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't take anything you hear today at face value, Aries, especially where money is concerned. A wellmeaning friend could approach you with an opportunity not to be missed. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May20) This would be a good day to stay home and spend much of the day in bed, Taurus! You've been working especially hard lately, juggling both home and work with your usual aplomb. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Love is very much in the air today, Gemini, so take advantage of this auspicious environment! Invite your loved one over to play hide and seek under the bedcovers! CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is a day to stay close to home and organize the house. You might be thinking how you can best utilize your living space. It's clear that some improvements are in order, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need rest, Leo. Even though you have a long list of tasks, see if you can leave some for later. All signs indicate that you shouldn't stray too far from home today if you can help it. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're on your own when it comes to financial matters, Virgo. This may not be what you want to hear, but it's how things are. Trust that your business acumen will pull you through.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today would be best spent alone behind closed doors, if possible. There's a lot of tension in your household for some reason, Libra. Since there isn't much you can do about it, try to avoid it altogether. Let your family members fight it out among themselves. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There is a lot of tension in the air today, Scorpio. It isn't just affecting your home environment - everyone you meet seems out of sorts. You'll be happiest if you spend much of today in solitude. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You feel that life would run more smoothly if money didn't exist! The amount of time and energy you spend sorting out your financial affairs is frustrating. Unfortunately, Sagittarius, today will be a frustrating day. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Yo u f e e l i n v i n c i b l e , Capricorn, as though you can do anything. Enjoy this abundance of energy, for it's certainly unusual. Take care not to overdo it. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) This would be a good day to putter about the house, Aquarius. It isn't a good day to travel or begin any major projects. This could be just the excuse you've needed for taking a day off from your life! PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This isn't the best day for get-togethers, Pisces. What starts as a friendly lunch could wind up a gossip-fest. No one wins in that situation. You could fear leaving the table because of what they'd say about you.
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WICB must urgently intervene to... From page 28 of despair that I strongly conclude that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) must intervene to salvage any pride left in the administration of cricket in Guyana, albeit to legally address the GCB’s legitimacy. I recalled previously and prior to the regional tournament that the Honorable Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony had pronounced that the WICB President Mr. Dave Cameron was to visit Guyana and it was his hope that key cricketing issues could be resolved. The current scenario should be of concern to him like those in Guyana and across the Caribbean. Mr. Cameron must address this issue soon, since a collective effort from all stakeholders should be the key towards recapturing the pride and passion that our cricketers played with, mainly for the pure love of the game and to proudly dignify their nationality with success. I have enjoyed reading cricket statistician Sherwayne Walker’s recollection of history. His studious and profound display of former Guyana and West Indies allrounder Roger Harper’s resounding exploits is quite phenomenal, including him being mentioned alongside
the great Sir Garfield Sobers in achieving a rare feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in a regional match. Why is such invaluable human resource being neglected? I have even read a letter in one of the daily newspaper recently written by Mr. W.G. Boston which suggested that there are attempts by a group of individuals including members of the current regime to remove Mr. Harper as President of the Georgetown Cricket Association. If such claim is proven to be correct then our cricket is being plunged below the depths of the sea to be eaten by ravenous sharks. Ironically there are some of whom are swimming above the surface. The entire cricketing public respects Mr. Harper and he is a proven and professional leader. These attempts are only figments of the imagination of a group of current officials that have ruined the game and the psyche of many of the players. Further, they now want to impress by staging 20/ 20 tournaments and even leagues, give hand-outs (North Essequibo rejected a monetary sum because it did not recognize the GCB in its present form), yet there remains a myriad of problems
to be solved without the requisite resources such as the likes of Roger Harper. The CPL in collaboration with the WICB has sought the expertise of Mr. Harper because he is an outstanding Coach and Administrator. I can only envision therefore that under the tenure of Mr. Cameron whose winning platform was on the account of accountability, transparency and good governance that he will exult his leadership qualities to the fore. He has done so before by swiftly intervening and solving the crises within the Leeward Island Cricket Association. He therefore needs to act with the same vigor, regarding the administration of the GCB. Mr. Cameron should now be tasked or mandated by the WICB to take concrete steps towards salvaging the lost pride that so glowingly pervaded the rich history of Guyana’s cricket in the past. Yours Faithfully, Elroy Stephney
Unmask the ‘Baby...
From oage 32 hands when they had one member withdraw his candidacy after another member failed to achieve the highest office on the West side. Their actions are being instigated by the ‘Old Guard’, but today is the litmus test for all those who are sincerely in love with the sport of football - they must stand firm and in unison to do what is right. The sport has taken a path of development. The current executive has demonstrated unwavering awareness to what affected its forward thrust in the past and has sensibly steered clear of the obstacles, focusing intently on what are the best methods to boost the expansion of the sport. Starting at zero after inheriting a $30 million plus debt burden and being able to slowly but surely chip away at the arrears in addition to hosting a tournament that every association and team got rewarded financially was no easy task, but prudent stewardship and the willingness to chart a course of accountability made it possible. It is now up to the General Council to act and do so in a manner that demonstrates that beyond the shadow of a doubt football will be the ultimate winner. Get rid of the ‘Baby Warners’ they do not have football’s best interest at heart.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
WBC world featherweight championship fight
Atwell intensifies training regimen with technical applications Leaves for USA soon By Michael Benjamin When Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell enters the ring against Johnny Gonzalez for the latter fighter’s World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight belt May 24 next, the local pugilist will undoubtedly be up against the toughest customer of his fledgling career. For that reason, Atwell has upped the ante and has made several important adjustments to his training schedule which also includes a training stint at the world famous Gleason’s Gym, Front Street Brooklyn. The local multiple champion is currently honing his skills at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG), Albouystown, but leaves Guyana early next month where he will trade punches among the best in the business at the aforementioned training facility. He will be accompanied by his trainer, Lennox ‘Cappell’ Daniels. The decision to shift camps stemmed from a paucity in sparring partners
locally and Atwell’s management has opted for a short sojourn in the Brooklyn based training facility. While the pundits have lauded the new applications to his training regimen, Atwell’s training team is leaving nothing to chance and apart from the two hours early morning roadwork complimented by a rigorous two hours session in the ALBG in the afternoons, Atwell also engages in a special 45 minutes workout, three days per week at the Alpha Fitness Centre, Dowding Street, Kitty, under the tutelage of Andrew Hooper, a renowned American martial artist of Guyanese parentage with expertise in the physical fitness arena. Yesterday morning, merely two hours after completing a rigorous session in the National Park, Atwell was back at work, this time in the Dowding Street facility where Mr. Hooper carried him through his paces. While the early morning sessions in the National Park are specifically orchestrated for conditional purposes and the afternoon sessions to fine tune his boxing skills, the mid-morning session is geared towards
strength and conditioning with special emphasis on the assimilation of the local champion’s mind, body and lungs. Mr Hooper explained that since his charge is competing in high altitude terrain, he will be required to make the requisite adjustments in order to counteract the debilitating conditions in Mexico. As such, Atwell is required to don an elevation/ altitude training mask which according to his specialist trainer assists the user in the adjustment to the high altitude. He said that the mask, worn throughout the session, reduces the oxygen intake thus creating a high altitude scenario. The gadget seemed to be serving its purpose and this writer noted that Atwell wheezed as he attempted to cope with the effects of the mask. “He is coming around nicely and has shown great improvement from the time he started,” explained Mr Hooper. He further explained that the application necessitates a great deal of skill and technicality to achieve the required result. “We are now shifting gears but instead of stringently applying the pressure, I will
employ an ease and press model while easing him to his peak in order to attain optimum results,” explained Mr Hooper. Atwell’s training was indeed broad based and he was made to work out on a ‘ladder’ contraption that his trainer said aided in coordination, precision and speed. The champion was also introduced to a special type of exercise with a gadget comprising of rope material that Mr Hooper said ‘increased muscle tone and shoulder strength. Meanwhile, Mr Hooper said that his stint with the champion ends when he leaves for New York. Mr Hooper explained that though Atwell will not be using the mask while in North America, he will still be in tune for the high altitude transition three weeks later when he shifts camp to the Spanish country. “As a matter of fact, he will be conforming to the ease and press theory and I expect him to gel nicely for fight night,” a confident Hooper proclaimed. Some 50 minutes into the session, Atwell closed off with another intricate bit of work where he was required to wear a sling with a metal plate at the end which strengthened his neck muscles. Atwell then left the facility, tired but refreshed, for home where he enjoyed a much deserved rest before leaving for the afternoon sessions some three hours later.
Atwell currently resides in Dominica but has returned home and also works out at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Albouystown under the watchful eyes of veteran coach, Lennox ‘Cappell’ Daniels. The distinct difference in experience between him and Gonsalves cannot be ignored; Gonzalez is a veteran and has compiled a decent 63-8 record. He has registered 47 knockouts with a ratio of 74.6 percent. Atwell has an impressive 12-0-1 record and a flurry of late knockouts has improved his knockout ratio to a percentage of 53.85. While Gonzalez seemed to be the more experienced and while his record looms ominously, records and statistics can sometimes be misleading. Gonzalez, who won the title from Elio Rojas on points in April 2012, was initially slated to defend against Abner Mares. Those two had engaged in an earlier bout in August last year where Gonzalves had prevailed after he stopped Mares in the first round to retain his title. They were set for the second encounter when Abner incurred an injury to his ribs during training and was forced out of the fight paving the way for the Atwell encounter. Atwell’s last fight was against Jamaican, Glenroy Beckford, on Oct 14 last whom he knocked out in the second round. Before that he had disposed of Rudolph Fraser and won the local
featherweight title before taking on Revlon Lake for the local lightweight title. He then disposed of Trinidadian, Prince Lee Isidore for the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title and was on the verge of accruing the imminent bout. “I have noted that Gonzalez seems to be quite a force but I am already in training and plan to give this fight all that I’ve got,” Atwell intimated. Indeed the Mexican pugilist is a force to be reckoned and is as tough as nails. He won the title after a bruising fight with Elias Rojas and successfully defended several times. In his defence against Daniel Ponce DeLeon, Gonzalez was floored in round 8 from an accidental head butt that opened a cut over his right eye. He rose from the canvass, shrugged off that injury and went on to win the fight on points. He also rose from the canvass and defeated another tough customer, Eusebio Osejo, in February last year even after a further point was deducted from his score for intentionally spitting out his mouthpiece to procure more time. Should he achieve the feat, Atwell will follow in the footsteps of Andrew Lewis, Gwendolyn O’Neil, Vivian Harris, Gary St Clair, Wayne Braithwaite and Shondel Alfred. To date, sixteen Guyanese-born professional boxers have attempted such a feat with those mentioned above being successful.
WICB must urgently intervene to salvage the pride of Guyana’s cricket DEAR EDITOR, There has been magnanimous resentment from the local cricketing fraternity following the inexplicable and equally disastrous performance of the senior national cricket team in the just concluded regional four day tournament. The team not only remained at the bottom of the points standing after six matches, but they also failed to win any and lost four of them out-right. This has been the worst display by any standard by a national team in recent times and there are quite compelling reasons for such a drastic decline. Foremost is that the cricketing administrative atmosphere is heavily clouded in uncertainty and signs of manipulative governance, the noninclusion of key and critical
structures such as the Berbice Cricket Board, Georgetown Cricket Association and the East Coast Cricket Board which collectively must be seen as the live wires of cricket in Guyana, the nonexistence of a comprehensive cricketing plan and the poor functioning of the Cricket Development Committee previously headed by the now resigned but learned administrator Mr. Alfred Mentore. The appointment of an inexperienced Coach did not help the cause as well, since Mr. Esaun Crandon would have been recently playing with many of the players and certainly he has not developed the skill and authority quickly enough to draw the line as an experienced coach would. So the length of time at which the players were
trained, including the hiring of fitness trainers was only short term measure that the authorities presented to the players, instead of having a strategic work plan that should have been implemented since the previous year. I suppose the same process will occur again close to the next regional tournament. Compounding such critical issues are irreversible facts such as the ECB that is only providing lip service but has no institutional voice, the BCB who has withdrawn its support and the DCB which is still to be legally instituted. So where is the intelligence and capacity building status of the GCB in order for it to effectively and efficiently function? It is against these worrying and growing signs (Continued on page 27)
Saturday April 26, 2014
Kaieteur News
NAMILCO One Love Football Classic Final
Two finalists - Alpha vs GDF, only one winner of the $1.2M cheque Football fans in the city are gearing up for the championship game in the 7th NAMILCO One Love Football Classic at the Georgetown Football Club ground tomorrow evening in what is anticipated to be an enthralling finale. Guyana’s number one club side, Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United who are the defending champions, will be taking on old rivals and another top local club side, Guyana Defence Force in the championships game which has a winning purse of 1.2 million dollars at stake. A total of $1.8 million is up for grabs in this game alone so the stakes are very high; both teams have promised that it will be an intense battle of the best on the GFC square come tomorrow evening. They have been the two best teams with an unbeaten run of form in this tournament but one will surely leave the park as the only unbeaten team of the tournament, who would that be, is anybody’s guess. On paper, Alpha is the stronger of the two sides boasting a number of national stars as well as the dangerous Kithson Bain of Grenada and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson in their forward line. Both are capable of firing artillery that will down any opposition. Add Captain Dwight Peters, Mark Miller, Kirk Duckworth, Kester Jacobs,
Quincy Adams, Kelvin McKenzie and goalkeeper Ronson Williams to the fray along with the chief tactician, Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and you have a potent line up that can worry any opposition. Dover, in an invited comment, said that his charges will naturally be aiming to win tomorrow and will play an exciting brand of football. “We will be putting in a 100% team effort and have been training very hard for the game. Converting our chances will be our focus also since as you know, goals win matches.” So there’s no doubt that Alpha have high class weaponry available to them but this will in no way buckle the Army boys who have been preparing for a war in a sportsmanlike atmosphere. They have proven that once focused, they will upstage any opposing side and that is exactly what they are about to do come tomorrow evening according to Vice President with responsibility for Administration, Dwayne Moses. Whilst acknowledging that Alpha is the top side in Guyana, Moses was quick to point out that they have always given them a fight and tomorrow will be no different. “We are going all out to win this tournament and upset the defending champions. We have always had competitive encounters and keen battles. The GDF is on a path to be the best in Guyana.”
He also noted that training has been going very well to date and the team is focused, fit and hungry for combat.” Leading the army’s charge would be inspirational midfielder Eusi Phillips who would be expected to create avenues for scoring for forwards and brothers, Delroy and Delwin Fraser. Selwyn Isaacs and Seon Prince will combine in defence to negate any offensive moves by the opposition along with custodian, Carl Stevenson. The loser of the battle will walk away with $600,000. Facing off in the third place game are losing semi finalists, Fruta Conquerors and Riddim Squad. This will also be a good battle as both sides will be seeking to end on a high. The winner is guaranteed $400,000 with half that amount going to the loser. Meanwhile, Fruta Conquerors Club President Wayne Forde has disclosed that arrangements are in place to ensure that fans can have a fun time after the final is concluded. Popular sound system Slingerz Family has been contracted for the after football party tomorrow evening. Forde also noted that the tournament has always been used as a fund raiser for the club as they seek to enhance the Tucville Playfield and Club house on a continuous basis. Admission tomorrow is $1,500.
Kennard Memorial Turf Club holds first ever awards and presentation ceremony The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice has scored another first. The KMTC is considered one of the better horserace clubs in Guyana with facilities way above the others and as such has been setting a standard for the others to follow. For the first time ever the club will be holding an awards and presentation ceremony for sponsors and employees who have supported and been with the club for a number of years. The ceremony which will be held on Sunday April 27th at the KMTC facilities at Bush Lot, Corentyne is expected to get under way at 11:00 hrs. Four companies and three employees will be the center of attraction as they will be receiving awards. The companies to be honoured
are The Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) which has been the number one sponsor with the club and has been with the entity for over 40 years, Torginol Paints which has been on board for over 25 years, another company to be recognized is the P and P Insurance Brokers that has been associated with the entity for over 20 years. The other company to be recognized will be Metro Officer Supplies whose principals hail from the area and have a long and historic connection with the KMTC. Metro, which commenced operation since 1988, has since 2009 been providing the First prize and trophy worth over $1M for the Club’s annual Boxing Day meet. The three employees that will be recognized have all had long and dedicated years of service with the club.
Secretary Nickita Ross will be recognized for her dedicated and unwavering years of service, caretaker Elroy Johnson for helping the club keep its standard and recognized as one of the best in the country, while Ovid Hawke will receive an award for being the longest serving employee with the entity. Among those expected to officiate and give speeches at the ceremony are honorary President and retired Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard, Director of Sports Neil Kumar, well known businessman and head of the P and P Insurance Brokers Bish Panday, Club President Roopnarine Matadial and Pastor Quesi Henry. According to Justice Kennard as far as he can recollect the activity will be the first held by a horseracing entity in Guyana. (Samuel Whyte)
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Players gained a lot in... From page 31 the long serving GBA head, while the National Sports Commission (NSC) assisted with transportation to catch the Ferry to Suriname, the cost of the trip was funded by family members and friends. Ramdhani disclosed that Narayan Ramdhani, Priyanna Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra were the outstanding Guyanese in Suriname and should help in a big way for their next overseas tournament, the Pan American Junior Championships in the last week of July in Guatemala. “We have six local tournaments left for this year and the Pan American Junior Championships in July. There is also The Caribbean Championships in August, The Inter-Guyana Games in October/ September, The Suriname Open in November and hopefully the Pan American Olympic Festival Tournament in October,” the GBA executive revealed. He expressed satisfaction with the standard of Badminton in Guyana but he is also concerned with the number and quality of Badminton Halls in this country. “I am satisfied to see we are making it in the International arena and moving up but we need more Halls to play Badminton with the right height (30Ft) which can help us to carry badminton to a higher level. At the moment we play on concrete courts which are becoming a problem for the players getting a higher level as they have to do more intense training and the knees and ankles are used to a maximum,” Ramdhani explained. “We need our own Hall or Building and we will continue to try for this. We can also bring in the synthetic courts but we have to get a place to put them down as they can easily be damaged if it is put in a place where chairs or other stuff are placed on them,” Ramdhani continued. “I think we have good relationships but getting more help for badminton, especially for airfares for our top players would be a great help as the players perform at the best level and always keep our flag flying proudly at all international tournaments in the last seven years,” Ramdhani responded when asked what is the relationship between the Government and the GBA? “Maybe if every year a few of the top players are fully sponsored by the Government just for one international tournament it would be a plus. On the other hand, they are supporting us and assisting us when we re-
Narayan Ramdhani
quest their help however they can,” he opined. Ramdhani, who praised Director of Sports, Neil Kumar for his assistance, said the GBA is trying to get young people in as much areas as possible, interested in the sport as the Association tries to take the game outside of the City. “We are trying to do this as we did a few demonstrations and donated equipment to some schools in Georgetown and
one in New Amsterdam, but the follow up with the schools was very poor. We however plan to do a short course for PE Teachers to learn about the game and use it during the PE Classes. Already a few students in schools in Georgetown are doing Badminton for CSEC and we give them the classes for them to be better equipped to write the exam,” Ramdhani concluded.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
Trophies, medals, jerseys handed over Shabazz challenges leaders for LABA Under-19 final on Monday Letter to the Editor
to stop talk and deliver
DEAR EDITOR, The real issues facing Guyana football as it is with Caribbean football is leadership. The exit of Jack Warner and his key soldiers across the region has left room for a new leadership to emerge. But what we have not seen are leaders who have demonstrated an ability to bring about real change and according to Basdeo Panday, what we end up getting is exchange. F o r e x a m p l e M r. Matthias and his crew can no longer complain about what the last administration did or did not do. That could only buy you a few months as the wool drops off the eyes of the masses. People want to see what you are doing and not just hear talk and bad talk against your predecessors. So when Mr. Matthias gets his scribes to write stuff about my salary and people like Mr. Moses feel he is a big Pharisee they forget I am Jamaal, my name is not Jesus. And while this is the season of the crucifixion the people want to see production. The current GFF say they are focusing on development yet the national team has not played a single game in two years. This shows they do not have a clue of how football development takes place.
They lack in the reality that Caribbean people have become stupefied by a certain kind of rhetoric. When people desire power they campaign using watchwords like t r a n s p a r e n c y , accountability and inclusion but when they get power they often become worse than the Dictators whom they replaced. So Mr. President show us some transparency, how have decisions been made in your new GFF? Has there been inclusion and consultation with stakeholders in the game? Or has it been all about I, do as I say and let no dog bark. A good leader is able to mobilize the elements and resources available to him or her and despite the challenges, get people to work together for the common good. Football has demonstrated the ability to bring people together in Jamaic a , T r i n i d a d a n d Tobago and even Guyana when the national teams were doing well. All over the football, Governments and even the corporate sector have used the spirit that football generates, to promote their cause, goods or services. So while a football President does not have to be a Mandela or a Gandhi he must possess the quality to get
people working together. I have not seen people, despite having differences, trying to work together in Guyana. I see bitterness, alienation and the sidelining of stakeholders who can contribute but were on the opposite side of the electoral fence. In Guyana, Mr. Matthias wants to pay the National Coach US$600 a month and the coach is expected to bring unprecedented success. He does not want the foreign born nor top local based players because he wants to pay players US$10 a day when on international duty. And the Assistant Coach happy to get US$300 and claim he loves his country. You don’t love y o u r c o u n t r y, y o u l o v e mediocrity. By accepting this you are not helping the n a t i o n y ou are putting coaches back on the plantation. Can Mr. Matthias feed his family on those meagre earnings? If a federation has an executive with nobody capable of bringing money into the programme they must e i t h e r b r i n g t h a t intellect or person into the organization or vacate office. In the Caribbean they give the coaches nothing and want results but what yardstick do we use to evaluate the performances of our administrators. People who do will make mistakes but people who do nothing will remain perfect yet they will be incapable of getting the job done. As Bob Marley said you can fool some people sometimes but you cannot fool all the people all the time. Open your eyes GT your time is now. Jamaal Shabazz
GCU&SA to hold seminar The Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCU&SA) will host a seminar on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club. The class which starts at 08:45hrs is geared to discuss the latest changes to the laws of cricket, duties of the stand by/third and fourth umpire, attitude and mental preparation, match management, team work, on field communication, field technique and code of conduct.
From left Ashton Angel (Jr.) receives the items from Yvonne Alphonso, in the presence of June Harris and Candace Bellamy. Trophies, replicas, medals, T-Shirts all compliments of the United States based former Linden residents were handed over to the Linden Amateur basketball Association on Wednesday ahead of the final of this year ’s Linden Secondary Schools Under-19 basketball championship set for Monda y b e t w e e n Linden Foundation Secondary and Mackenzie H i g h S c h o o l . Yv o n n e Alphonso on behalf of the United States-based donors handed over the Championship T-Shirts and ALL Star Jerseys to LABA Organising secretary Ashton Angel at the Linden Mall on Wednesday. Also in attendance were Secretary of Victory Valley Royals Ms Candace Bellamy and June Harris. The trophies and prizes from United Statesbased sponsors arrived in the country earlier this week for
the 10th annual Linden Secondary Schools Under-19 basketball championship which has reached the deciding final stage. On Wednesday the organisers of the championship, the Linden Amateur Basketball Association, were presented with the trophies and replicas and medals at a simple ceremony at the Linden Mall in Mackenzie. The final of the Under-19 Linden Schools basketball championship is set for Monday at the tournament venue, the Mackenzie Sports Club. The schools which contested that tournament were Linden Technical Institute, Wisburg Secondary, Linden Foundation secondary, Mackenzie High, New Silvercity Secondary and the defending champions C h r i s t i a n b u rg/Wi s m a r Secondary. The U.S based sponsors have been with the
tournament over the past nine years and continue to give their donations for the championship this time around. The overseas sponsors are Marlon Josiah, who sponsored the winning Trophy and replicas, Orin Louison the runner-up trophy and replicas, Kenneth Chapman the third place trophy and replicas, Lennox Allicock the fourth place trophy and medals, while Alphonso is the donor for the Most Valuable Player of the final and Maxi Stephens the sponsor for the many individual awards at stake including the Best Rebounder and Most Points in the final. The Championship TShirts are donated by Sylvester Mann and the All Star T-Shirts by Louis Webster, while the basketballs to be used for the championship were donated by Leon Moe.
first innings 217 all out - Lance John 57, Wilfred Slack 45, Norbert Phillip 44. Bowling for Jamaica, Ray Wynter took 3 for 41 from 13.2 overs, Courtney Walsh 2 for 70 from 21 overs, Robert Haynes 2 for 57 from 24 overs. Jamaica second innings 213 all out - Hubert Chang 50, Colin Fletcher 31, Everton Mattis 31, Jeffrey Dujon 26. Bowling f o r Wi n d w a r d I s l a n d s , Stanley Hinds 3 for 45 from 17 overs, Winston Davis 3 for 70 from 22 overs, Thomas Kentish 2 for 44 from 18 overs. Windward Islands second innings 139 for 3 - Shane Julien 50 not out, Wilfred Slack 42, Lance John 29. Courtney Walsh took
2 for 26 bowling for Jamaica. Please note the match against Guyana was completely washed out at Albion. The 1982 Windward Islands Historic Team: Lockhart Sebastien Dominica Lance John - St. Vincent Wilfred Slack (deceased) St. Vincent Shane Julien (deceased) Grenada Irvine Shillingford (Capt.) Dominica Ignatius Cadette (wk) - St. Lucia Thomas Kentish Dominica Stanley Kinds - St. Vincent Norbert Phillip – Dominica Winston David - St. Vincent Albert Texeira - St. Vincent.
Windwards hoping to win first... From page 31 32. Bowling for Trinidad, Rangy Nanan took 5 for 51 from 35 overs, Larry Gomes 3 for 30 from 11 overs. Trinidad and Tobago second innings 158 all out, Richard Gabriel 34, Larry Gomes 31. Bowling for Windward Islands Winston Davis took 5 for 42 from 26 overs Stanley Hinds 3 for 72 from 24.2 overs. Versus Jamaica at Arnos Vale, Windward Islands won by 7 wickets. Jamaica first Innings 142 all out - Everton Mattis 30, Robert Haynes 28. Bowling f o r Wi n d w a r d I s l a n d s , Norbert Phillip took 6 for 41 from 19 overs, Winston Davis 4 for 45 from 18 overs. Windward Islands
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
Page 31
MOE to host Jump Rope (skipping) for Heart competition - Primary Schools in Linden to compete The Ministry of Education (MOE) is set to host the inaugural Jump Rope (skipping) for Heart Freestyle Championship for the Primary Schools in the Bauxite Mining town of Linden. This will be the first of many such competitions that will be held countrywide and will be done in collaboration with the Unit of Allied Arts and the Departments of Education in each Region. The Department of Education Region #10 will have the opportunity to set the pace as the first Region and this would be held during the Linden Town Week, 2014 celebrations where the Top 30 Freestyle Jumpers from the Primary schools will be on show on April 29, 2014. This competition will be held at the Wisroc/Amelia’s Ward Car Park and will coincide with a Health Fair which will be conducted by the Linden Hospital
Complex at the same venue. This individual competition will see participants being judged on areas including technique, creativity and acrobatic skills among others. Also on show will be members of various fitness groups around the town demonstrating their jump rope abilities. Jump Rope which is better known as skipping contributes to a wide range of fitness components such as r e s i s t a n c e , a g i l i t y, coordination, speed and strength. Coordinator of this a c t i v i t y, M r. L i n d l e y Langhorne, who is a Senior Physical Education Officer in the Department of Physical Education in the Ministry of Education, said that the activity has always been done from a recreational perspective for kids and adults alike throughout Guyana. But in 2010, Ms. Shauna
Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago was invited to facilitate a Jump Rope for Heart workshop with a group of selected Primary school teachers in Georgetown. This activity was then incorporated into the National Physical Display Championship in 2011 as a team competition. This form of the sport will mark the beginning of individual freestyle competitions where the first champion will be crowned and will go down in the annals of Guyana’s history. Each participant will be recognized at this memorable event which will bring a breath of fresh air to the Town Week activities. The first three participants will be awarded trophies. In addition to this freestyle competition there will be a “Last Man Standing” challenge where all participants will try to see who can skip the longest.
Windwards hoping to win first regional cricket title Windward Islands will contest their first Regional first class final this weekend against Jamaica, Statistician Charwayne Walker looks back at the Windwards first full Regional Season (1982) led by Dominican Irvine Shillingford and boasting English Pro Wilfred Slack. The Windward Islands had victories against Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. In 1982, Windward Islands Regional First Class Season vs Leeward Islands at Windsor Park Roseau Dominica they lost by 57 runs. Scores: Leeward Islands first innings - 384 all out: Vivian Richards 92, Luther Kelly 71, Ralston Otto 62, Eldine Baptiste 46. Bowling for Windward Islands, Winston Davis 3 for 88 from 30 overs, Wilfred Slack 2 for 15, Thomas Kentish 2 for 85 from 32 overs, Stanley Hinds 2 for 91 from 31 overs. Windward Islands first innings - 302 all out: Linton Lewis 115, Skipper Irvine Shillingford 48 and Stanley Hinds 47. Bowling for Leeward Islands, Noel
Guishard took 6 for 33 from 25 overs, Andy Roberts 2 for 59 from 22 overs. Leeward Islands second innings 115 all out, Luther Kelly 49, Jim Allen 34. Bowling for Windward Islands Norbert Phillip took 7 for 33 from 13 overs, Thomas Kentish 2 for 12 from 12 overs. Windward 140 all out, Lockhart Sebastien 34, Wilfred Slack 23. Bowling for Leeward Islands Andy Roberts finished with 5 for 52 from 18 overs, Noel Guishard 3 for 27 from 18 overs. Against Barbados at Kensington Oval, Windward Islands won by 4 wickets. Barbados first innings 269 all out - Collis King 87, Gordon Greenidge 64, Alvin Greenidge 39, Desmond Haynes 34. Bowling for Windward Islands, Thomas Kentish 6 for 69 from 16.2 overs, Winston Davis 3 for 86 from 19 overs. Windward Islands first innings 213 all out - Shane Julien 52, Linton Lewis 38, Lance John 34. Barbados second innings 184 all out - David Murray 55, Gordon Greenidge 26,
Collis King 24. Bowling for Windward Islands Norbert Phillip took 4 for 21, Stanley Hinds 3 for 62, Thomas Kentish 2 for 44. Windward Islands second innings 241 for 6 - Wilfred Slack 60 not out, Norbert Phillip 62, Lockhart Sebastien 60. Bowling for Barbados, Ezra Moseley 2 for 71. Playing Trinidad & Tobago at Queens Park Oval, Windwards won by 85 runs. Windward Islands first innings 332 all out - Lance John 69, Shane Julien 58, Lockhart Sebastien 50, Wilfred Slack 47, Norbert Phillip 43 not out, Irvin Shillingford 34. Bowling for Trinidad, Bernard Julien 4 for 59, Rangy Nanan 4 for 98. Trinidad first innings 281 all out - Larry Gomes 72, Kurt D’Heurieux 70 not out, Aneil Rajah 44. Bowling for Windwards, Stanley Hinds 3 for 60 from 21.4 overs Winston Davis 3 for 97 from 31 overs, Norbert Phillip 2 for 68. Wi n d w a r d I s l a n d s second innings 192 all out Wilfred Slack 40, Lockhart Sebastien 33, Lance John (Continued on page 30)
Schools Football Academy restarts - games slated for Linden and the City today Following a break for the Easter holidays, competition in the Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy resumed yesterday and will continue over the weekend at a number of venuesYesterday in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden, Linden Foundation and Wisburg Secondary were expected to face off in a female and male game respectively at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. Today at the same venue, New Silver City and
Wismar Christianburg will face off in a female show from 10:00hrs, the males will match skills from 11:30hrs. In the City, two matches are slated for the Ministry of Education Ground today and tomorrow. Today’s matches kicking off at 10:00hrs and will see St. George’s High taking on Tutorial High, w h i l e f r o m 11 : 3 0 h r s Bishop’s High comes up against Queen’s College, both matches are male affairs. Tomorrow will see
two more male matches being contested at the same venue, first up at 10:00hrs, Lodge Secondary will oppose North Georgetown with the main attraction bringing together Christ C h u r c h a n d Tu c v i l l e . Meanwhile, play in the Ancient County of Berbice will recommence on May 7 with Tutorial Academy playing New Amsterdam Secondary at the Esplanade ground. Points standings
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Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
GCA/Brain Street U-15 tourney Six teams, 3 matches, one day of excitement under lights Everest, GNIC, TSC record wins Floodlights Association Softball finals on today at DCC By Sean Devers All Roads lead to the DCC Ground in Queenstown today where exhilarating cricket in the Finals of Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s Trophy Stall sponsored Male and Female softball tournament is anticipated. The Day/Night affair will climax under the recently installed six floodlight towers and is scheduled to commence at14:00hrs. The action today will see Wolf Warriors facing Regal, Floodlights vs. Success Masters and in mouthwatering female action, Mikes Well-Woman opposing Trophy Stall Angels. The atmosphere at Softball encounters is usually full noise and excitement and this evening should be no different with some of the Country’s top softball players expected to showcase their talent in what should be three riveting matches involving six of Guyana’s leading teams. Live commentary at the venue, pulsating music, lots of beverages and food on sale will all be available for what should be a capacity turn out of Softball cricket fans. The, what should be
June Ogle high quality lights, is an initiative of Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association and Minister Frank Anthony and admission is only $200, while a fee of $500 entitles drivers of vehicles to park inside the ground for added security. In the first Final, Floodlights, spearheaded by the likes of the experienced Wayne Jones, Richard Persaud, Ricky Deonarain, John Sumair, Ramesh Narine and Lalta Gainda take on Success Masters, who have in their line-up Skipper Hakim Majeed and Khemraj Maheed, in a T/20
affair in the Masters over-40 division. At 18:00hrs, the country’s foremost female teams -Mikes Wellwoman and Trophy Stall Angelsclash in a battle of the Divas in a T/10 affair. Mike’s Wellwoman are a powerful unit and includes Skipper Abiena Parker, Latoya Smith, Haseena Mohamed and Zola Telford. West Indies ‘hardball’ players June Ogle and Tremayne Smartt will lead the Trophy Stall Angels charge and will expect support from Hema Singh and Monica Seals. At 19:15hrs, the country’s most powerful softball teams in the city, Regal (Guyana Softball Cup 1 Runners up) and West Coast Demerara side, Wolf Warriors, the losing finalist in the Guyana Softball Cup 111, face-off for top honors in the competition. Wool Warriors will pin their hopes on Amrit Rai, Azaz Azeez and Amir Nizamadin, while Regal will have in their side Richard Latif and Shaid Gittens The Chinese group travelling worldwide in their Recreation Vehicle (RV) is expected to make an appearance during the games at the DCC ground.
Star Party Rentals supports Quest Int’l Arrival Day T/20 cricket Star Party Rentals has thrown their support behind Quest International with the hosting of a T/20 competition dubbed “Arrival T20 in Enmore” at the Enmore Community Development Centre Ground. The company’s office manager, Kesheka Washington handed over a cheque of an undisclosed amount to Quest International for the staging of the event. Speaking at the presentation Washington stated that the company usually finds it necessary to give back since it is a functioning organization in society. She added that since the CEO, Lennox Cush is a former national cricketer and performed excellently in the shortest version of the game, the entity saw it as a relevant cause to assist. Benedict Prince, Planning and Organising
Half centuries for Hinds, Ramsammy, Raghobar
Zahir Bristol Joshua Raghobar By Zaheer Mohamed Everest Cricket Club, Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and Transport Sports Club came out victorious when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Brain Street U-15 limited overs tournament concluded yesterday. At Bourda, Everest defeated Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) by three wickets. GCC took first strike and posted 168 before they were bowled out in 54.2 overs. Joshua Raghobar led with 59 (2x4) while Stephon Wilson scored 27 (3x4) and Nestor Cupidore 15. Wilson and Raghobar gave them a bright start with an opening stand of 48, but GCC suffered a mini collapse following Wilson’s dismissal before Raghobar and Cupidore added 67 for the fourth wicket to stabilize their innings. However, the
rest of the batting failed to offer meaningful support as Kishan Bhola grabbed 3-16 and Yeudistir Persaud 2-34. In reply, the visitors lost their first wicket with the score on 11 before Yeudistir Persaud (11) and Gansham Premchand (10) steady the chase with a second wicket partnership of 49. GCC picked up a few more wickets to keep the game in the balance, but Zahir Bristol who top scored with 34 (1x4), Damien Persaud (15) and Joshua Persaud (14), kept their cool to see their team home in 42.1 overs, ending on 169-7. Khemchandra Hardyal snared 2-17, Wilson 2-28 and Emmanuel Dey 2-42. At GNIC, the home team overcame Malteenoes SC (MSC) by 103 runs. GNIC batted first and rattled up 183 all out in 28.5 overs. Christopher Campbell stroked 89 not out
(12x4,1x6), Kurt Lovell made 28 (2x4,2x6) and Haifa Walters 21 (2x4). Avin Gangadin claimed 3-31, Andrew Persaud 3-36 and Stece Norville 2-41. MSC were skittled for 80 in 28.1 overs in reply. Gangadin slammed 34 (4x4,1x6) and Norville 13. Dwayne Dick captured 3-12 and Paul Thomas 2-7. A t G a n d h i Yo u t h Organisation (GYO), TSC got the better of the host by seven wickets. GYO were bowled out for 127 in 40.1 overs, batting first. Anil Singh made 26, Danesh Alli 19 and Navindra Persaud 18. Joel Spooner, A k e e m M a l o n e y, J o e l Prostea and Colin Barlow picked up two wickets each. TSC responded with 130-3 in 23.1 overs. Mark Ramsammy cracked 66 and Adrian Hinds 34 not out. The competition continues today.
Unmask the ‘Baby Warners’ today
Kesheka Washington of Star Party Rental hands over the cheque to Benedict Prince of Quest International. Officer of Quest International who received the cheque, in a brief remark thanked Mr. Cush for being associated with this inaugural event, adding that it promises to be an exciting show. The tournament will be a four team knockout competition that will be held
on May 5th. The event which will feature two teams from Georgetown and two teams from the East Coast of Demerara is an initiative by the host to make T20 cricket more competitive on the East Coast of Demerara and to showcase local talent.
By Rawle Welch Today’s Guyana Football Federation Ordinary Congress provides the perfect opportunity for football lovers to unmask all the pretenders seeking to return as saviours of the sport. They are the ‘Baby Warners’ who have done more harm than good to the sport, but now hunt for refuge under the pretext of trying to salvage the sport from their own destruction. Over the past year, these cronies and past administrators of the sport have tried desperately to disrupt the development of what is indisputably the
biggest sport on the Planet and without a doubt one that enjoys widespread support in Guyana. After racking up over $30million in debt and failing to account for the expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars via FIFA, corporate community and others, the stakeholders placed with the responsibility of acting in the best interest of football must know who the real enemies of football are and come together to keep them out. T h e y a r e t h e understudies of ‘Papa Warner’ whose conduct is well documented in the annals of world football.
Failure to account to this nation about the proceeds of the Mexico World Cup switch, the expenditure of large sums of money over two decades and the heavy debt burden incurred and left for the present administration to pay, are all enough evidence to banish them from being involved in administration of the sport. They have attempted to morph themselves into the executive of some associations with the sole aim of controlling the General Council, but their intentions are well known. These ‘Baby Warners’ have already showed their (Continued on page 27)
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 26, 2014
Page 33
Matthias confident of General Council’s support at today’s Ordinary Congress “What we have is an Executive that remained in campaign mode since the last Congress,” President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias told two sections of the media y e s t e r d a y, d u r i n g a n interview ahead of today’s Ordinary Congress set for the Regency Suites on Hadfield Street, starting at 10:00 hrs. Matthias, who has been at the helm of the GFF for just one year following a F I FA / C O N C A C A F organised Electoral Congress, said that contrary to the talk of today’s Congress being a fiery session, he is confident of regaining the support of the General Council and those from the past regime who are noticeably fixed on continuing to destabilize local football will be defeated. The GFF Head, who has demonstrated an admirable attitude of disinclination to respond to the deliberate attempts of cohorts of the past regime to entertain the football community with falsehood, told this newspaper that the focus of the current executive will continue to be on the development of football and they will not allow themselves to be caught up in the morass that typified the previous administration. He said those who cut and run had to do so because they were straddled with the dictates of the past regime and evidently could not get
- cites creditors and Golden Jaguars debt as unpardonable we were left with,” Matthias said. The GFF Boss pointed to the Golden Jaguars being owed as a perfect example of the mismanagement that
Christopher Matthias
their own way within a structured system. Matthias added that the whole notion of being accountable, transparent and even empowering our affiliates was met with resistance from those that abandoned their posts and according to him it gave a clear indication of the level of interest they had in advancing football and its administration. The President when asked about the basis for the echo of no-confidence as being peddled by some in the media seemed non-plussed by the call since according to him a lot of football has been played in the short term of his Presidency, adding that the only other motive could be that those who lost office cannot get their way anymore in raping the coffers and undermining footballers.
“They had their way for over twenty years it is a new dispensation where accountability and transparency is the order of the day and while the few may not agree with the current style of governance it has been embraced by our affiliates,” Matthias stated. He spoke of those who’re seeking to return after leaving Guyana’s football in a financial ruin, disclosing that with the amount of money that had passed through the past regime’s hands the sport should have experienced real development. “We are now on a path of rescuing the sport and at the same time restoring credibility among our creditors, they left the GFF in a mess and to emphasise what I mean many of the creditors are now challenging the figures that
Players gained a lot in Suriname says GBA President By Sean Devers The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) sent a team to participate in the recently concluded Suriname Annual Easter International Tournament at the Walter Amo Sports Hall in Paramaribo, and President of the GBA Gokarn Ramdhani explained that the main aim of participating in the neighboring Dutch land was to keep the top players in form and expose the newer ones and he feels that the youths gained a lot in Suriname. “This competition was really to keep our top players in form since playing in the local competitions has become
too easy for them. It was also used to expose the new players coming up” Ramdhani who is also a Coach, explained. The former National player said the standard of the local players was excellent when compared with those on the international level in their various age groups. “The standard is excellent and we are the top in our age group especially in the Under-13, 15, 17 & 19. We are able to compete at the international level and this is shown with our players medaling in the last 7 years at these tournaments.” According to (Continued on page 30)
Jonathan Mangra
took place despite the hundreds of millions that the Federation got over the period 2010-13. Meanwhile, below is a true picture of football
activities that occurred over the past year” List of Tournaments & Games in the Respective Associations & Promotional Tournaments for 2013/2014 Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy – U15 G/town, Berbice & Linden
t r o Sp WBC world featherweight championship fight
Atwell intensifies training regimen for with technical applications Leaves USA soon
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In this composite photo Trainer Andrew Hooper (left) pounds away at Atwell’s midriff to develop tougher abs, while Atwell (left) on the pads with coach Lennox Daniels
NAMILCO One Love Football Classic Final
Two finalists - Alpha vs GDF, only one winner of the $1.2M cheque P.29
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