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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
When predictions fail Imagine yourself as a regular commentator on public affairs - maybe a paid pundit, maybe a supposed expert in some area, maybe just an opinionated billionaire. You weigh in on a major policy initiative that’s about to happen, making strong predictions of disaster. The plan by the government, you declare, will cause soaring interest rates; the dollar would be devalued and cause high inflation. But nothing you predicted actually comes to pass. What do you do? You might admit that you were wrong, and try to figure out why. But almost nobody does that; we live in an age of unacknowledged error. Alternatively, you might insist that sinister forces are covering up the grim reality. Quite a few well-known pundits are, or at some point were, “inflation truthers,” claiming that the government is lying about the pace of price increases. There have also been many declaring that the government is cooking the books, that the policies are worthless, and so on. Finally, there’s a third option: You can pretend that you didn’t make the predictions you did. I see that a lot when it comes to people who issued dire warnings about interest rates and inflation, and now claim that they did no such thing. In the United States Obamacare is working better than even its supporters expected - but its enemies say that the good news proves nothing, because nobody predicted anything different. Go back to 2013, before reform went fully into effect, or early 2014, before the numbers on first-year enrollment came in. What were Obamacare’s opponents predicting?The answer is, utter disaster. Americans, declared a May 2013 report from a House committee, were about to face a devastating “rate shock,” with premiums almost doubling on average. And it would only get worse: At the beginning of 2014 the right’s favored experts - or maybe that should be “experts” - were warning about a “death spiral” in which only the sickest citizens would sign up, causing premiums to soar even higher and many people to drop out of the programme. What about the overall effect on insurance coverage? Several months into 2014 many leading Republicans including John Boehner, the speaker of the House - were predicting that more people would lose coverage than gain it. And everyone on the right was predicting that the law would cost far more than projected, adding hundreds of billions if not trillions to budget deficits. What actually happened? There was no rate shock: average premiums in 2014 were about 16 percent lower than projected. There is no death spiral: On average, premiums for 2015 are between two and four percent higher than in 2014, which is a much slower rate of increase than the historical norm. The number of Americans without health insurance has fallen by around 15 million, and would have fallen substantially more if so many Republican-controlled states weren’t blocking the expansion of Medicaid. And the overall cost of the programme is coming in well below expectations. This is what policy success looks like, and it should have the critics engaged in soul-searching about why they got it so wrong. But no. It’s both easy and entirely appropriate to ridicule this kind of thing. But there are some serious stakes here, and they go beyond the issue of health reform, important as it is. You see, in a polarized political environment, policy debates always involve more than just the specific issue on the table. They are also clashes of world views. Predictions of debt disaster, a debased dollar, and death spirals reflect the same ideology, and the utter failure of these predictions should inspire major doubts about that ideology. And there’s also a moral issue involved. Refusing to accept responsibility for past errors is a serious character flaw in one’s private life. It rises to the level of real wrongdoing when policies that affect millions of lives are at stake. (From the New York Times)
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Let’s use our ballots to erase the ugliness and reclaim the beauty that is ours DEAR EDITOR, Ms. Ryhaan Shah has ignited a debate over the role of the “past” in Guyana’s public political discourse. She has accused the APNUAFC Coalition of urging Guyanese to forget the past—something she thinks is disadvantageous to the youth. Ms. Shah hints that the Coalition leaders, in their quest to win the imminent elections, are deliberately trying to hide the past. One is tempted, at first glance, to agree totally with Ms. Shah. In fact I sympathize with the underlying principle of her intervention. But the more she writes on the issue, it becomes clear that she is not primarily interested in rallying young people to study Guyana’s history in its totality as a
means of both understanding our present and informing choices, aspirations and dreams for a more cohesive and perfect nation. Rather, she seems more interested in remembering that part of our history, which she accuses the Coalition of wanting to forget. Unlike Ms. Shah, I do not believe the Coalition is wickedly trying to get us to forget the past. Rather, they are trying not to make the campaign about the demonization of that part of our past, which the PPP is bent on using to whip up insecurity and fear among a section of the electorate. The rhetoric of forgetting the past is common in ethnically divided societies such as Guyana. It arises from that politically correct
mindset that also drives the resort to an inflated Civic nationalism as a substitute for other nationalisms. This same mindset also drives us to incorrectly equate ethnic voting patterns with “racial voting.” This political correctness is understandable. In trying not to appear to exacerbate our fractured political culture, Guyanese politicians and political parties, including the PPP, and Civil Society reach for neutral language and narratives. But, over time, this political correctness leads to a collective ahistorical and uncritical mindset toward history and ethno-cultural identities. In the end, many become unintentional agents of silencing, minimization,
manipulation and distortion of history and identity. I was hoping this is where Ms. Shah would go. History is not a linear experience and narrative. It is also learned not only from books, but, critically, also from collective engagement of the present. As the collective human spirit confronts human wrongs in its quest for human rights, people discover their history in tangible and intangible ways. There is a lot to be alarmed about in every period of our history. Yet, there is also a lot to celebrate and nurture in those very periods. The 28 years that are being demonized by the PPP also produced some of our most sterling collective (Continued on page 23)
We need to look at bread and butter issues not cast aspersions on people’s character DEAR EDITOR, The military (GDF) and police (GPF) of this country have been under serious attack over the last few weeks leading up to the general elections on May 11. Are those in power saying that if one serves in our military or police and then moves on to other avenues of intellectual development, challenging job opportunities or creative entrepreneurship ( like Mr. Granger or Mr. Joe Singh) ,then that person is still captive to a military mindset? As if a military career is against the grain of quality service, unwavering dedication or a commitment to the positive aspects of democratic traditions. Editor, let me tell the public a story - a true story about my friend for years now who I met in Brooklyn, NY in the 1990s. Mr. Edmon Braithwaite served in the GDF and after serving honourably, left Guyana and moved to Brooklyn where he worked in management operations at Staples, a well known business throughout the USA, for a number of years. He then went into the wine and spirits business in Brooklyn as an entrepreneur, while involving himself in the Bedford–Stuyvesant (Bed-Sty) area where he was one of the founders and active members of the BedSty Business District. He also was selected to the
leadership programmes sponsored by the Clinton Foundation, President Bill Clinton’s brainchild; as well as Goldman-Sachs, a leading Wall Street investment firm. Edmon always tells me that his years in the GDF really gave him the foundation for a successful life, and, as the saying goes: “if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere”, gives credence to Edmon’s success linked to his early training in Guyana’s army. The things which are positive because of a military career are not being told to the public. Discipline,
problem-solving, conservative approaches to problems (not radical solutions which can backfire), co-ordination of resources to resolve serious situations and last but not least, a commitment to respect and regard civilian rule as paramount over any sort of military rule. For example, after the American Revolution was won at Yorktown in 1774, General George Washington and the now powerful Continental Army of America, immediately handed military power over to civilian control with Washington retiring to
civilian life at Mount Vernon - he later ran for and won the Presidency on the USA. Guyana’s military is steeped in the British tradition of military subservience to civilian rule and to orders from civilian superiors and has never violated that relationship. The Guyana Defence Force has never engineered a military coup and has all these years recognized and worked under civilian rules and regulations, including the 23 years of PPP government rule. There has never been any attempt by the GDF to usurp our (Continued on page 23)
Maybe we do need change DEAR EDITOR With general elections to elect a new government literally days away, I want to take this time to express my disgust with the stance taken by the PPP/C in relation to use or rather abuse of the media, both private and state-owned. In Berbice (not sure if it’s only Berbice only), we are constantly bombarded, from about 7 in the morning to sometimes 11 in the night with PPP talk shows and programmes, I have nothing against this, but being a young voter (I’m 23 years old), what I’m against is only seeing and hearing the views of the governing party, there are no APNU/AFC programmes being shown on television in Berbice, except for DTV channel 8 (which I can’t access). It should be noted that in Berbice there are about five, yes, five channels in Berbice, and only on DTV 8 and LRTVS channel 10, periodically, which sometimes shows some programmes of the opposition, but the ruling party predominantly gets more time to express its views and opinions.
Within the mediocre amount of channels we have here, there’s one NTN channel 26 which was recently launched just in time for the election; one can clearly see its bias in ignoring that there are other parties running for office, the opposition doesn’t exist in its book. It mirrors the operation of NCN Berbice, not a single opposition ad not a single programme. In this election, it is important to make a wise decision by choice of voting for the party who I think is right and I will only do this after hearing the plans and policies that BOTH parties have for me and the future of Guyana, including its youths. I can then make my decision on which party to choose after examining both, but as it stands, there are only the views of the ruling party being broadcast. It’s a mockery of the “return to democracy” phrase which is constantly feed to the Guyanese nation when the only democracy one can see is the PPP/C’s version. Maybe we do need change. M. Abel
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Do the President and GO-Invest live in different An open letter to President Ramotar worlds from the forest sector of Guyana?
DEAR EDITOR, Kaieteur News reported (‘‘Ramotar repeats 2011 election promises at GMSA luncheon”, 23 April 2015) remarks on the forest sector by President Ramotar at the GMSA business lunch on 22 April. The President was reported as saying ‘I believe the Chinese market and probably the Indian markets if I am not mistaken, they have a ban on the importation on certain finished wooden products’. It is not clear how such member countries of the World Trade Organization would impose bans contrary to WTO global trade rules, and I suggest that President Ramotar has been wrongly advised. Perhaps the President was thinking about the anti-dumping measures imposed by the USA on Chinese-made bedroom furniture, some of which is made from tropical timbers, including from Guyana. The under-pricing of timber logs exported to China, allowed by the Government of Guyana, contributes to the artificially low prices of the Chinese-made furniture, hence the US trade measure. The super-profits being made by the Asian
transnationals in Guyana are generated partly because of the excessively favourable investment arrangements provided to Bai Shan Lin (BSL) and other companies by the Government of Guyana. As these tax benefits for the Asian transnationals are provided from the taxes of Guyanese, Article 146 of the National Constitution 1980/ 2003 provides for us to be able to read the full text of these tax and other concessions. President Ramotar’s PPP/ C recently-issued election manifesto refers to ‘the rights and freedoms of the individual’ so I look forward to the immediate and full disclosure of the Bai Shan Lin and all other foreign direct investment (FDI) arrangements. Such disclosures would enable citizens to check the truth of President Ramotar’s claim at the same GMSA event that ‘I have been speaking to our finance people to ensure there is a level playing field’ for investors. GMSA members pointed out to the President that this was not true, that investment incentives publicised by GOInvest are not equally available and that decisions on incentives are being made
Is GRA sleeping? DEAR EDITOR, We have two weeks left before the General and Regional Elections. The ruling party knows that it is fighting for its life with rampant accusations of corruption. It has been the single most important issue that has Guyanese very unhappy. Corruption is the reason why our quality of life is the way it is - why our roads are falling apart; why projects like Amaila Falls hydro and the Specialty Hospital are in trouble. The most recent example is the much publicized issue of the Berbice Bridge which Government will more likely have to take over because of its cash situation. There is a big reason why we are where we are…our system of checks and balances is simply not working. The courts are in trouble because of skewed decisions; the police are accused of shaking down citizens and even the Guyana Revenue Authority seems to be sleeping. And I don’t use the word sleeping very lightly. There are a number of big businesses being established. You wonder where the money is coming from. Yet GRA seems to be taking a hands-off approach in going after tax evaders. While the small taxpayers
are being bled, paying double on the VAT, we have major companies like New GPC essentially getting away with murder. How else can you explain where one company would find US$30M to offer for the Bourda cricket ground and adjacent football facility to build a new stadium? Where is the money coming from? Mr. Sattaur, instead of joining the bandwagon of the ruling party whenever there are questions, to ask for evidence, there are cases where Guyanese are being ripped off. Check those highly favoured major entities, including some of the Chinese conglomerates. It would be interesting to see what taxes are being paid, relative to their enormous earnings. And while you are on that, please check on a few ministers who sold their homes before the stipulated 10-year period was up, for exorbitant sums, yet no Capital Gains taxes were paid. Mr. Sattaur likes to write letters when we the citizens raise concerns. I would love to see the reply to this. F. Hamed
non-transparently by (at least) the Guyana Revenue Authority. Such personalised administrative discretion contradicts another aspect of the PPP/C election manifesto - ‘Providing fiscal incentives to MSMEs, especially to encourage investment in the manufacturing sector’. In addition to revising the anti-Guyanese discriminatory clauses in the FDI arrangements for Chinese transnationals, President Ramotar, his ‘technical team’ and GO-Invest could copy normal practice in other countries by ensuring that the FDI wording accords with the long-established OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (latest edition 2011, http://www.oecd.org/ daf/inv/mne/48004323.pdf) and the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (latest edition 2010, http:// w w w. i b f d . o r g / I B F D Products/OECD-TransferPricing-GuidelinesMultinational-Enterprisesand-Tax-Administrations). For forest sector enterprises, President Ramotar and GO-Invest should also have noted that Bai Shan Lin, although a partly State-OwnedEnterprise of the Beijing Government, does not comply with either of the guidelines produced by the State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Commerce in Beijing: ‘Guide in sustainable overseas forest management and utilization by Chinese enterprises’ (2009, http:/// www.forestry.gov.cn/portal/ main/s/224/content401396.html) and ‘Guidelines for overseas sustainable forest products trade and investment by Chinese enterprises’ (2014, http:// w w w. f o re s t - t re n d s . o rg / documents/files/ doc_4377.pdf and http:// www.illegal-logging.info/ sites/files/chlogging/EIAComments-on-ChinaGuidelines-July-2014English_Final.pdf), or with the Chinese State Forest Administration’s ‘Guide on supply chain due diligence for companies trading, importing, processing, transporting or manufacturing forest products’ (2014, https:/ /www.globalwitness.org/ sites/ default/files/library/ Global%20 Witness %20due %20diligence%20 guidelines%20for%20 Chinese%20companies_%20 forest%20products.pdf). Bai Shan Lin also does not
comply with the ‘Guidelines for environmental protection in foreign investment and cooperation’ of the Ministries of Commerce and Environmental Protection in Beijing (2013, http:// e n g l i s h . m o f c o m . g o v. c n / article/policyrelease/bbb/ 2 0 1 3 0 3 / 20130300043226.shtml). As Bai Shan Lin claims to hold mining concessions for land and river dredging from GGMC, surely BSL also ought to be obliged to comply with the ‘Guidelines for mineral companies operating in foreign lands’ from the China Chamber of Commerce for Mining, Metals and Chemicals, a governmentaffiliated body (Stabroek News, 26 October 2014). The above-cited promises from the recently-issued PPP/ C manifesto have been made in previous manifestos, and have not been fulfilled. Would President Ramotar demonstrate good faith by putting these prior promises into action before the general election on 11 May? Or would the outgoing President prefer to be remembered as the Hogwash Man? Janette Bulkan
DEAR MR. RAMOTAR, We welcome you to Mabaruma as you visit to try and win our votes again at the upcoming elections. Right on cue, you have come to dole out gifts, monetary and otherwise, in a bid to cover up for the promises that your Government never fulfilled over the past 23 years. During that time we were fed goodies every five years and we made good on our contract to vote for the PPP. Now, our children have grown up and are producing offspring of their own, and we are in the same situation. Terrible roads; school buildings which are kind to the weather and not to our children, because the rain makes its way into the classrooms; Mabaruma Hospital is a mere camp site for the very ill where females and males share the same ward; school buildings which have taken up the entire yard space so our children no longer have a playing area; some schools have had no trained teacher for years; Electricity, only a few hours a day; Pure Water Supply, only a few hours a day; Massive cover-up for
frauds committed within the Administration - one of your supporters is being paid a salary for over five years and is not on the job; another has not been clearing advances and this has been allowed; one single contractor for buildings, supply of pure water et al; no regular steamer service as was promised 23 years ago Mr. Ramotar, just as we presume that you are tired of making the same promises, we also are tired of hearing them. Our children do not need toys now, they need books, they need trained teachers. One of our Nursery Schools is closed and the reason would surprise this nation. Do not use our children to make up numbers at your rallies; our female children are getting pregnant at the Secondary School because your Government failed to put proper measures in place; you open a Marriott Hotel and our people live in shacks. Mr. Ramotar, your Government has failed us miserably, and we want to tell you today it’s no longer time for gifts and handouts, it’s time for change. Residents of Mabaruma
The PPP’s promise of job creation is its biggest lie DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese should reflect on Glenn Lall and the Kaieteur News’ dedication and commitment to Guyana’s democracy with their unfailing efforts to make information accessible to the public. I do not promise to spend much time on the PPP’s manifesto later, so just tackling a headline from it recently on the ruling party committing to approach Norway and job creation, it’s clear that the PPP’s promise of the latter subject will stand at their biggest lie to Guyanese. The Low Carbon Development Strategy was Jagdeo’s own master plan to generate foreign currency while keeping Guyanese poor, by not facilitating the creation of more and better paying
jobs. Higher paying jobs would create a more demanding workforce, with Guyanese becoming more proactive against the PPP’s corruption and governance issues, and so present a threat to the PPP. The promise of job creation is a lie borne out by the PPP’s own 22 years in government. 5,000 clerical jobs every five years is not what Guyanese are looking for. In case the PPP didn’t get it, approximately 15,000 young adults leave secondary schools every year. Cheap electricity, which is essential to manufacturing and industrial growth and more and higher paying jobs, is still not available, because international contractors bounded by their own country’s laws, are unable to comply with the PPP’s system
of bribery and corruption. So the PPP managed to secure some cock-eyed Guyanese contractors to kick start the US$30 million road to nowhere at Amaila Falls. Where are these guys? They’re US$30 million richer. Job Creation under the PPP? Forget it. This threatens their very survival. Further, the PPP could triple spending in the social sectors, but if workers do not have access to better job opportunities they will always be living below their means, which is precisely the game plan of the PPP. Wise up, Guyana. Craig Sylvester
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Govt. is complicit in every act of corruption - James Bond With the issue of corruption on the front burner, APNU+AFC candidate James Bond has accused the current administration of playing a big part in Guyana’s corruption, while PPP/C candidate Clinton Urling opined that evidence must be shown. The war of words was fought during the radio programme Hard Talk which was broadcast on Sunday. During the programme, Bond opined that corruption is not only rampant in Guyana, but is being facilitated by the government of the day. Bond said that over the years, corruption has been frequently reported. However, he said, in most cases no one is jailed or criminally prosecuted. Noting Urling’s popular demand to “show me the evidence”, Bond likened the statement to that of a rape case where elements, such as proving penetration, is necessary. “The People’s Progressive Party/Civic, they have admitted there’s corruption and it smacks of
naivety - the statements emanating from my learned friend that, if you have the evidence, show me the evidence,” Bond said. However, though Urling admitted that corruption is indeed present in Guyana, he maintained that evidence must be present to prove this corruption. “People can make accusations against anyone…those allegations have to turn into empirical facts. You’ve got to argue on facts and not just focus on anecdotal evidence. The
corrupt, who investigates him? You have to ensure that you have institutions in place to investigate that sort of stuff,” he said. He went on, “We need structural change; we need real solutions.” He pointed out that enhancements were needed in the judicial system, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Guyana Police Force. He emphasised that laws needed to be in place to curb corruption. “Show me the institutions, show me the law,” he maintained.
“…projects have been so mired and clouded in darkness and lack of information that we don’t know anything about a lot of the projects in which taxpayers’ dollars are being pumped into” focus ideally should be on what is any government doing to curb corruption; it is important and critical in moving forward,” he said. Bond further said institutions must be in place to crack down on corruption, even if it is at the highest level. “Even Presidents can be investigated. If a President is
Urling pointed out that in the PPP/C’s manifesto a number of steps have been outlined to curb corruption. These steps include the creation of stronger penalties for persons guilty of taking bribes and a safe place for persons who are interested in reporting corruption. He emphasised, “we need to
move away from assumptions to evidence and facts and stop trying to hoodwink the nation with sound bites and the like.” Urling also opined that the PPP/C government, which has been in power since 1992, has over time improved the current systems to curb corruption. “No government is perfect and sometimes things have to be done in a phased approach; this PPP government from 1992 has made significant improvements in transparency and accountability measures,” Urling said. However, Bond maintained that though the
PPP/C candidate Clinton Urling (left) along with APNU+AFC candidate James Bond
evidence is present, the government lacks transparency and accountability. “Those are things that are missing from the People’s Progressive Party Civic,” he added. He further said that the Government of Guyana deprived the institutions that could detect corruption. Therefore, he accused the government of being complicit in every single act of corruption. “In every single ministry there is corruption and if we’re going to say show me the evidence then I’m saying, you’re not ready to assume leadership of this country,” Bond said. He continued, “These projects have been so
mired and clouded in darkness and lack of information, that we don’t know anything about a lot of the projects in which taxpayers’ dollars are being pumped into,” Bond said. Bond insisted that there were a number of instances where the government of Guyana should have launched investigations into matters. In particular, he noted the NCN scandal, along with the borrowing and replacing of money by Attorney General Anil Nandlall. “No country that I know that practices good governance encourages lawlessness by public officials,” Bond added.
Jagdeo closed army’s investigative unit for fear of arrests of Govt. officials - ex-soldier Attacks by former President Bharrat Jagdeo and his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) against ex-soldiers will only serve to unify them to vote for the Opposition, said a retired Lieutenant Colonel. In a letter to the editor, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), George Gomes, a principal in Kalibur Investigative and Security Services, was harsh in his criticisms of Jagdeo. He accused Jagdeo of closing a critical investigating section of the army which was tasked with investigating the persons behind the crime wave of the 2000s. He said that the former President has stated that the
alliance between the coalition and former military personnel is something to be feared. Specifically, he noted the statements by Jagdeo suggesting that the presence of the retired soldiers in a coalition-led Government will see the kicking down of doors of citizens. “These statements are an attempt to demonise both serving and former members of the Joint Services. Does he expect them to support his party after such despicable utterances? “I trust that those to whom he has referred, have noted these statements and Jagdeo’s attempt to disgrace our most noble profession. I
urge them to act and vote appropriately.” According to Gomes, he has also noted Jagdeo’s utterances at a recent Freedom House press conference that the army may have deliberately decided not to go after the criminals during the crime wave of the 2000’s. The former soldier said that as a result of the crime wave, the Guyana Defense Force established what was called the Military Criminal Investigation Department (MCID). “The aim of this department was not only to go after the known criminal elements, but also to pursue
the architects of the crime wave. “Jagdeo ordered the closure of the MCID, thus bringing to an end the process that would have ended the criminal activities. Jagdeo’s major fear was that this department, apart from exposing the criminal architects, may have also led to the arrest of senior Government functionaries.” Gomes said that the governing party’s attack on the military and veterans community has served to unify all joint services veterans to support the coalition. “That a Commander-inChief and a former Commander-in Chief have set out to demonise their country’s military is a clear indication of the depths to which the nation has descended. “The coalition offers us
Bharrat Jagdeo
Lieutenant Colonel (R’td), George Gomes the hope of rescue. Let’s throw our support behind David and Moses.” Gomes was referring to Brigadier (Rtd) David Granger who is the Presidential
Candidate and Moses Nagamootoo, the Prime Ministerial Candidate of the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (AFC). At least two former army chiefs, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Gary Best, and Brigadier (Rtd) Edward Collins have jointed with the ex-soldiers association in support of the Opposition coalition. The move has also worried the PPP/C.
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
T&T Gov’t moving to have Opposition Leader suspended from Parliament PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The coalition People’s Partnership Government says it is moving towards having Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley suspended from the Parliament after accusing him of providing false information to legislators in the so-called “Emailgate” scandal. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, addressing the 26th anniversary of the ruling United National Congress (UNC) in Couva, Central Trinidad, on Sunday night, said that the so-called emails that Rowley read out in Parliament suggesting that she and senior members of her Government were involved in a plot to undermine several State institutions, including the judiciary, were a hoax. “These are the facts, three sources have now shown that the emails have no substance, there is no truth, there is no basis for the fake emails Dr Rowley read in Parliament,” she told supporters, listing among the sources, the United States Justice Department. “We will deal with him in Parliament... I’ve already advised Dr (Roodal) Moonilal, based on these documents and others which we will deal with in the Parliament, we will file a motion of censure again against Dr Rowley on emailgate, but we will not stop there... we will also call in the House for Dr Rowley to be suspended from the service of the House,” she added. In 2013, Rowley told legislators that he had received in December the previous year, a total of 31 emails, from a “whistle blower” indicating how operatives within the Government had sought to undermine those institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the media. He said
Keith Rowley he had passed them on to the Office of the President. Rowley said the emails, dating back to September 2012, were from people concerned with the Government’s defence of the early proclamation of Section 34 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, that had the effect of allowing people whose trial has not started after a 10-year period to walk free and a verdict of not guilty entered against their names. Critics say that the clause was aimed at supporting businessmen Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson, who have been described as financiers of the ruling United National Congress (UNC), the biggest partner in the four-member coalition government. The two are facing fraud and laundering charges relating to the redevelopment of the Piarco International Airport in 2001. They are also wanted in the United States on a number of related charges. The Government later repealed the section and Prime Minister Persad Bissessar dismissed her then justice minister, Hebert Volney, a
former High Court judge, on the grounds that he misled Cabinet into believing that the Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Roger Gaspard, had supported the idea of the early proclamation. Rowley told legislators that the contents of the email collaborated strongly with events that unfolded in the country the previous year as the Government sought to defend its decision over the controversial legislation and read into the Hansard, the exchange of correspondences between people with email addresses like “anan@gmail.com, kamlapb@gmail.com, surujrambachan@hotmail.com, a n d garygriffith@hotmail.com purporting to come from senior government ministers and officials. Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said, while the email address was hers, she was not the author, and that she had passed them to the police for investigation. The emails allege exchanges between Persad Bissessar, then-attorney general Anand Ramlogan, former minister of local government Surujrattan Rambachan, and then-national security adviser, Gary Griffith. As she addressed the UNC public meeting on Sunday night, Prime Minister Persad Bissessar called on the police to release the information regarding their investigation into the emailgate, saying the country was heading into a general election. “I have legally all the Google records pursuant to a court order in the case filed by the Integrity Commission and all the emails for the month of September which Rowley sent out were fake.
T&T cop held in bribe sting A Siparia police constable has been arrested for allegedly accepting a $500 bribe from a man whom he arrested with two cocaine rocks in March and subsequently released without charge. Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to give officers instructions on what charges to lay against the 42year-old officer, who has 20 years service. He faces soliciting a bribe and misbehaviour in public
office charges. The officer remains in police custody after he was arrested on Saturday in a sting operation led by Inspector Anderson Pariman of the South Western Division. Police reports state that on March 24, the officer detained a man, searched him and found two cocaine rocks on him. The officer allegedly told the man he would not charge him if he gave him $2000. The man agreed to pay
him and they made arrangements to met. The man then reported the officer to the police and a sting operation was organised. On Saturday evening the officer went to China City Restaurant, Siparia, where he met the man and collected a $500 downpayment. The officer was immediately arrested and taken to the Siparia Police Station. Investigations are continuing.
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APNU+AFC HAS NO COUNTER TO THE PPPC’S STRATEGY The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPC) has a clear cut strategy for winning the elections. Their strategy is to ask the electorate to make a choice between continued progress under the PPP/C or going back to the dark dismal days of the PNCR. The PPP/C is executing this strategy like clockwork. They are not straying from the script. The PPP/C is focused and intense in delivering their message to their supporters. In so doing they have caused consternation within the opposition camp. The PPPC has been accused for fear mongering. But fear mongering is part of the strategy and it is indeed a legitimate strategy that has proven to be very effective. Days before the recent elections in Israel, the polls suggested that Benjamin Netanyahu was going to lose the elections. The polls were right. He was going to lose the elections. However at the last moment, his party played the fear factor. He instilled in his supporters the fear of his country being taken over by a government that would be sympathetic to the Arab population and to the Palestinians. It worked. Netanyahu was able to cobble a coalition that commanded the majority needed for him to form the
government. Netanyahu later apologized for comments that he had made about Israeli Arabs. But he had already achieved his objective of creating certain fears that swung votes his way. His objective was already achieved. The PPPC is spreading the fear factor. But this should not have surprised the opposition parties. For one, they should have anticipated that this would be the card that the PPP/C would play. The opposition parties should have had a counter. They have none. In fact they seem to have no clear cut strategy of their own. The PPP has effectively undercut the APNU+AFC’s campaign. The PPP/C has put a proposition
to the electorate. That proposition is that the electorate has more to fear from a militarized PNC coming back to power than all the corruption under the PPP/C. They have put a related proposition to the electorate: that the APNU+AFC than they have to fear under the PPP/C. But the PPP/C has also done better than merely stoking fears, fears that lie deep in the recesses of the minds of their supporters. The PPP has also pointed to the significant progress that has been achieved under the rule. They have shown that while the PNC destroyed the country, they rebuilt it and have brought Guyana its
finest hours. And if just to prove their point they unveiled the Marriot Hotel and then the very next day a synthetic athletic track. The PPP/C is turning it on and they have turned up the ante just the APNU+AFC roller coaster was taking a breather rolled during the election campaign of some of the project. APNU will come back strong towards the last week of campaigning but they seem to have no answer to the PPP/C electoral strategy. APNU+AFC should have been better prepared for this fear- mongering aspects of the PPP/C campaign. They should have looked back to all the previous PPP/C electoral campaigns. If they
had done their analysis they would have noted that this theme about going back to the old days of food shortages and a police State was always in the PPP/C’s arsenal and was always practiced. The PNCR has been unable to run from its record. It has never been able to run from what it did to this country. It has tried unsuccessfully to rewrite the political narrative of its time in power. It has tried to suggest that this past is not important. But it also had tried this latter strategy in the past and it did not work then. It is not going to work now. Instead of trying to run from the past, the PNCR should have been facing its
past, admitting to errors and terrors and then apologizing that would have put the past behind and not left so much baggage for the PPP/C to exploit to the hilt as is being done now. APNU+AFC should also have had a counter to the PPP/ C strategy. This strategy should not have caught them so vulnerable because it was predictable that the PPP/C would spin a web about the PNCR’s past. APNU+AFC should have seen this all along and prepared a counter strategy. They have not and will pay a big price for this oversight.
PPP lashes out at MMU over unfavourable review General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, yesterday lashed out at the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) for the reports that criticize actions by the state as reported in the media. Yesterday, at the Party’s weekly press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, Rohee said that the PPP “strongly condemns the biased and politically motivated attacks on the Party and its leaders, by GECOM’s
Dem boys seh...
Four man and dem cat Four man sit down round a table at de Pegasus gaffing yesterday. Dem start fuh talk from one ting to de next till dem end up boasting about who got de best cat. The first man, Bee Kay was a cantracktah, the second man was an Accountant, Ashni; the third man was a Chemist, Babby; and the fourth was a government official and former president, Jagdeo. To show off, Bee Kay call to his cat, “T-square, do your stuff.” T-square walk over to a desk, tek out some paper and a pen and promptly draw a circle, a square, and a triangle. De rest of dem agree that Bee Kay cat was pretty smart. But Ashni seh that he cat can do better. He called his cat and seh, “Spreadsheet, do yuh stuff.” Spreadsheet went out into the kitchen and come back with 12 cookies. He divide dem into 4 equal piles of 3 cookies each. Everybody agreed that Ashni cat was good, too. But Babby seh he cat can do even better than de two. He call his cat and seh, “Measure, do your stuff.” Measure get up, walk over to the fridge, took out a quart of milk, get a 10 ounce glass from the cupboard and poured exactly 8 ounces without spilling a drop. Everybody agreed that Babby cat was even better that Ashni and Bee Kay cats. Then the three men turned to Jagdeo and ask, “Wha you cat can do?” Jagdeo call out to his cat and said, “Coffee Break, do wha I does do.” Coffee Break jumped to his feet, eat out the cookies, drink out the milk, shit pon the paper, and backball pun de other three cats. De cat injured his back while doing so, and filled out a complaint report fuh unsafe working conditions, put in for Workers compensation and a hefty pension package and went home for the rest of the day pun sick leave. Talk half and keep you cat away from these four.
(Guyana Elections Commission) Media Monitoring Unit.” He said that recent public statements released by the MMU are full of “rhetoric and aimed at creating civil unrest during this very sensitive period in our country.” Rohee declared that the MMU must not be allowed to function in isolation and called on GECOM to take “full ownership and responsibility and provide proper guidance and supervision to this body.”
He found it necessary to note that the MMU is not an independent body, but rather an arm of the Elections Commission “hence, public statements must be vetted by GECOM to ensure that its reporting is accurate and responsible.” Further, Rohee said that the “wild and loose attacks on former President Bharrat Jagdeo seems to be opposition driven and draw much comparison to Kaieteur News, INews and Stabroek
News attacks on Jagdeo. The MMU should not be allowed to be used as the opposition mouthpiece and to operate as a law onto itself.” The General Secretary said that the PPP has had cause to write GECOM and the Commissioner of Police, complaining of racially inciting statements by leading members of the APNU+AFC Coalition on National television “however, to date, not a single response was received from GECOM’s
Media Monitoring Unit.” Rohee suggested that the “PPP and `its leaders seems to be the target of this unit while the opposition is allowed to utter and escape with all sorts of derogatory and racist remarks.” He then called on GECOM to take control of the MMU and to closely monitor its work and releases. “A more responsible and sober approach is needed to temper the election tension among our people,” said Rohee.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 28, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
When does the past begin? It is foolish to think that educated East Indians will not support the reelection of the PPP. Such people are not confined to Guyana. There are countless educated people in the US that will gladly vote for a white candidate that is openly antiBlack. When it comes to race, Humans have a dangerous fault line. It is doubtful that the Nazi Party could have remained in power if they had murdered six million Germanic people. For the average German, the
Jews were not their concern. One of the greatest ironies in American foreign policy is that one of the tightest security relations the US has since WW2 is with Saudi Arabia. Yet it is Saudi Arabia that has contributed heavily to the emergence of the Islamic State. The answer lies in ethnicity. Homo sapiens as Arthur Koestler so brilliantly argued, will willingly become a savage because the tribal instinct is uncontrollable. There are
educated Guyanese who probably have deep contempt for Bharrat Jagdeo and think that Bheri Ramsaran should be exiled. But the tribal instinct will drive these people to endorse and vote for the PPP on May 11 even though such a victory will deepen the presence and power of Jagdeo, Ramsaran and others. It doesn’t matter if the victory will mean a convicted rapist will become a minister, a child molester will be head of a public institution; a convicted thief will be appointed to an important job, the object is to protect the tribe over and above all sacred values. Make no mistake, Rickey Singh isn’t coming back to Guyana but
he wants his tribe to rule Guyana. When Ryhaan Shah talks about teaching young people about the past, she is referring only and only to the period of Forbes Burnham. It is Ms. Shah’s way of helping her tribe win the 2015 elections. When Dolly Hassan wrote, yesterday, that the past needs to be shown to young Guyanese, she is referring to the PNC in power and not 23 years of the PPP because the PPP consists of her tribe. Professor David Dabydeen will never settle his family in Guyana but he wants his tribe to govern his country of birth. Once you studied philosophy (particularly Koestler’s work on the nature of Homo sapiens) you will not be surprised that Varshnie Singh, the grieving, abused common-law wife of Bharrat Jagdeo, has sailed into the PPP election camp. The problem is Jagdeo, not the
PPP. The PPP is of the same tribe with Ms. Singh so she had to come on board. Thousands of Guyanese East Indians in “Little Berbice” in New York have hopes that their loved ones will join them in New York even if the US and New York have permanent Black leadership. But they will remain fanatically tied to the PPP because their tribe is in power in Guyana and they want the PPP to continue to dominate the other ethnicities. There is talk about the past as the present election campaign gets into the final stage but those who want young Guyanese to be educated about the past have a convenient starting point. By the past they mean the period that fits in with their racial instinct. They see the seventies and eighties as the past, not the nineties and not the past twenty years. They have another name for that period but it is certainly not the past. For them the past is about a Black man named Burnham and his ban on flour and channa. The past is not about 2004 when drug traffickers tied to powerful politicians devastated the social fabric of Guyana. When these educated Indians refer to the past and the need to teach it to young Guyanese, they mean the 1980 constitution of
Frederick Kissoon Burnham not the 1992 constitution of the PPP which is the same Burnham constitution. When these “learned” Indians ruminate about the past, the name Burnham must be centre-stage not the personality of Cheddi Jagan who in 1984 sat down with Mr. Burnham and decided to contest the 1985 elections as one united formation in which he would run as the prime ministerial candidate. Those who talk about the past are running away from talking about the present. The present is about corruption where Mr. Jagdeo built a house worth five million American dollars. The present is about the collapse of the University of Guyana, the imminent ruin of the NIS, the breakdown of law and order. The present is about those who want the young Guyanese to know the past while their families live beautiful lives in other countries where people don’t care about the past. Guyanese certainly need a break from the past.
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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New US$20M TAU campus “pleasing” to President Ramotar While Guyana has in recent years attracted a number of local and foreign investors that have been helping to bolster the economy, Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, yesterday singled out plans for a new campus for the Texila American University (TAU) as particularly pleasing to him. The new campus is slated to cost some US$20 million, according to the University’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Saju Bhaskar, who disclosed that construction, which has already started, is being undertaken mainly by Indian contractors with the support of local labour. According to Bhaskar, the first two blocks of the campus is expected to be completed by this year end and another two blocks is scheduled for a 2016 deadline. Once completed the campus will cater to 1,500 students, the CEO disclosed and will aid the growth of the University which already has another campus at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. According to Bhaskar, TAU had humble beginnings in Guyana with a mere seven students but in less than four years that number has grown to in excess of 400 students from over 35 countries complete with international faculty and support staff. But with a new campus in place, the CEO insisted that the students’ population is geared for further expansion. At a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday at Block 2442 Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara, the location of the new campus, the President shared his conviction that the project is one that will embrace the notion of Educational
Tourism which has great importance for the local economy. In fact he made it clear to the audience, of business people, members of the diplomatic corp, other government officials, among others, that such investments demonstrate the confidence that investors have reposed in Guyana over the last years. And according to the President, investment in education is of great importance to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) Government since a crucial factor for development is the quality of the people. “In that regard education plays a very important role and Texila University will not only be bringing students from abroad but they also have local students in the whole mix of their students...and that is extremely important for us because it will help us to lift our standards, make more possibilities more accessible; possibilities of education to our young people and to our people at large,” asserted the President. Touted as one of the best medical schools in the Caribbean Region, TAU, which has its origin in India, is said to offer career-oriented educational programmes at the Diploma, Bachelor, Masters/Postgraduate and Doctoral level through a wide network worldwide. Moreover, President Ramotar yesterday observed that TAU is poised to offer a much needed and very important service in the medical field as he made reference to Government’s plans for a Specialty Hospital. “I find that is important in delivering more quality health services in our country. As our population grows...that would be another investment that Government will be
From right: Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Dr. Madan Rambarran and others examine an artist’s impression of the new campus. putting in that would create another form of tourism, that is, health tourism and health tourism you know played a very important role in Indian’s development and it is a playing a good role in many countries’ development,” said the President. He is therefore confident that health tourism will offer Guyana an opportunity to deliver world class services to the population at affordable costs. Also speaking at the forum yesterday was the Minister of Housing and Water, who also has responsibility for Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali. He pointed out to the gathering that the University falls into Government’s overall plan of developing the East Bank corridor to connect with the East Coast corridor in creating one of the largest, most dynamic urban spread in the South American Hemisphere. “We have started this journey not only with the establishment of houses and
homes but we have also paid critical attention to what we want to create; we want to create an industrial zone, a commercial zone, a light industrial/commercial zone and we wanted to create an IT (Information Technology) educational hub that is second to none in the Region,” outlined Ali. He, like the President also emphasised the importance of education tourism underscoring that “if we continue on this dynamic pathway of encouraging universities, of encouraging teaching institutions and building modern infrastructure...we are not only doing so to become a major player in educational tourism but we are going to become the most important player in educational tourism in this part of the world.” Following the ceremony yesterday, President Ramotar was tasked with unveiling a billboard at the construction side after which he, in the company of TAU officials, played a role in the ceremonial groundbreaking.
President Donald Ramotar (second from left) in the company of Minister Irfaan Ali (third from left) and other officials of TAU participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Crime Chief takes statement from Nageer on Health Minister’s threats Crime Chief Leslie James yesterday interviewed women’s rights activist, Sherlina Nageer, about the highly publicized ‘slap and strip’ threats that Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran made to her. Nageer told Kaieteur News that she gave the senior police official a statement and is to hand over a recording of the confrontation to the Crime Chief today. “He took a statement and asked questions. He said that they will investigate soon, but he didn’t give me a deadline,” the activist said during a brief telephone interview. “We will wait to see what the outcome is, (but) we expect the police to act professionally and to treat this case like any other.” Leslie James, the Crime Chief, later confirmed that the meeting took place, but would only say that “the matter will be investigated,” when asked about other possible developments in the probe. An investigation is likely to result in police taking a statement from the Health Minister. Yesterday, Nageer and others (protestors) picketed the Office of the President to demand Dr. Ramsaran’s resignation. She said that a protest will also be staged today outside Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s office. The protestors will also be
- to receive recording of confrontation
Sherlina Nageer
Crime Chief Leslie James
pushing for the Attorney General’s resignation over recorded threats he had made to a Kaieteur News journalist. The activist had said that protestors are asking President Donald Ramotar to fire “two of the main miscreants in his government.” Dr. Ramsaran gained unwelcome publicity last week after he was recorded threatening to “slap” Nageer, “for the fun of it.” He was also recorded saying that he could “have some of my women strip her…” This occurred after Nageer queried the Health Minister’s presence outside
the Whim Magistrate’s Court, with other PPP supporters, in support of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Telling the activist to “Eff off”, Dr. Ramsaran also referred to the activist as an “idiot” and a “little piece of s**t”. Even after issuing an apology, Dr. Ramsaran was later recorded labeling Nageer a “miscreant,” and saying that she was in need of “psychiatric help.” Joining yesterday in condemnation of the Health Minister, the Guyana Human Rights Association yesterday stated that “the continued presence of Dr. Bheri
Ramsaran as Minister of Health and candidate on the PPP/C electoral list, is the direct result of the feeble levels of accountability in our electoral and political systems.” “Were Bheri Ramsaran facing a constituency-based fight for his seat, the furore he ignited by his abusive language and threats against Ms. Nageer, would have so doomed his chances that a swift resignation would have ensued. “Instead, on the one occasion in political life when candidates should be directly exposed to voters, we have the spectacle of the party leadership resisting universal condemnation and protecting him.” GHRA added, that the example of Bheri Ramsaran “highlights the real powerlessness of citizens and civic influence in our political system, particularly over MPs selected in their name by party leaderships.” “Ramsaran’s survival as a Parliamentarian, much less as a Minister, rests entirely with the leadership of his party. The only avenue for a voter wishing to signal their rejection of him as a candidate is to reject the entire party list, thereby rendering him a liability to all other candidates on the List.”
Lack of accountability creates the likes of Bheri Ramsaran - GHRA The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is the latest organisation to publicly condemn the actions of Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, who was recently caught on tape verbally abusing human rights activist, Sherlina Nageer. Ramsaran was caught on record threatening to ‘slap and strip,’ Nageer after she confronted him at a public demonstration exercise. The Health Minister had issued a public apology to the woman for his gross indiscretions but was subsequently recorded at another public forum after, describing Nageer as a miscreant who needs psychiatric. Ramsaran’s utterances resulted in numerous calls made by human rights bodies and concerned citizens, for his removal from public office. Yesterday, GRHA expressed the view that Dr. Ramsaran’s continued presence as Minister of Health and candidate on the PPP/C electoral list, is the direct result of the feeble levels of accountability in Guyana’s electoral and political systems. “Were Bheri Ramsaran facing a constituency-based fight for his seat, the furore he ignited by his abusive language and threats against Ms. Nageer, would have so doomed his chances that a swift resignation would have ensued,” the human rights organisation said in a statement. According to the GHRA, the example of Bheri Ramsaran highlights the real powerlessness of citizens and civic influence in our political system, particularly over MPs selected in their name by party leaderships. The GHRA says that Ramsaran’s survival as a
Parliamentarian, much less as a Minister, rests entirely with the leadership of his party. “The only avenue for a voter wishing to signal their rejection of him as a candidate is to reject the entire party list, thereby rendering him a liability to all other candidates on the List,” the body advised. The Non Governmental Organisation, (NGO) further noted that encouraging MPs and candidates into more direct and frequent interfacing with the public, as required by single-seat constituencies, would force them to cultivate the skills so woefully lacking in Mr. Ramsaran. “While expressing that Codes of Conduct can play a useful role in pinpointing what ought to pertain, the codes are not a substitute for a more accountable and fair system, “the GHRA said. As such, the group recommends that “rather than unenforced Codes of Conduct, the only effective avenue for raising the quality of the Guyanese electoral process is to remove the party monopoly over the system and re-establish direct influence of voters over elected officials, an agenda both major parties should have high among their priorities. The GRHA further noted that Dr. Ramsaran might have found useful had he been voter-conscious in his altercation with Ms. Nageer this phrase, “As for those whose wishes are against you owing to friendship for your competitors, gratify them also by the same means as the former, and, if you can get them to believe it, show that you are kindly disposed to the very men who are standing against you.”
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kurupung cops found guilty Govt. facilitates Chinese of corruption, cry foul takeover in mining, logging and commerce - Businessman As he outlined the reasons for endorsing A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, local businessman, Jacob Rambarran, said, recently, that too many incentives are being granted to foreign investors while Guyanese are left to fend for -+themselves on an unleveled playing field. Rambarran was recently interviewed by communications officer, Royston King, on a programme aired on RBS channel 13. During the interview, Rambarran touched on many issues which are negatively impacting G u y a n a ’s economy and by extension the quality of life being enjoyed by citizens. One of the many things he pointed to is that while Guyana has lots to offer, locals are being denied the opportunity to make a decent living. According to him, more than or equally disturbing is the fact that the government looks out for friends and families of those in ruling positions. Foreigners are being allowed to gain more from the country’s natural resources than born and bred Guyanese, he added. He said that Chinese nationals have control of the logging industry, the gold mining industry and have a firm grip on commerce. CHINESE IN GOLD MINING Rambarran pointed to recent revelations to the effect that Chinese are closing in on local miners with regards to the number of owned mining properties. A recent report stated that Chu Hongbo, who also owns Bai Shan Lin logging company, has 109 mediumscale mining prosperities, making him the third largest holder of medium scale mining permits in Guyana.
Businessman Jacob Rambarran The report has also highlighted Hongbo’s 72 mining claims pointing out that the claim system was intended exclusively for Guyana and it was never the intention of the mining Act to allow non-Guyanese persons and corporations to operate in the small and medium scale mining systems. Rambarran lamented that along with the many claims that Chinese nationals were able to get their hands on, they are also given duty free concessions. “But I read that one of the Chinese is now a Guyanese so that makes it ok.” Rambarran was referring to the defence mounted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to the effect that Hongo has attained Guyanese citizenship via naturalization hence his legal entitlement to claims. “Guyanese are feeling rejected in their own country…there are no incentives for them,” said Rambarran. CHINESE IN LOGGING The businessman then turned his attention to what is happening in the logging
industry w2hich Rambarran said has suffered a massive Chinese takeover. Bai Shan Lin is the largest logging company in Guyana. It has been accused of “raping” the forest, destroying roads and giving Guyana nothing in return. Reports are that the company has a policy to “chop down anything in its way” without replanting. “You see what is happening in the logging industry; the entire forest is being cut down,” said Rambarran. He said that billions of dollars in logs are being shipped out of Guyana and “(the Chinese) are not only taking from their own concessions, they’re also buying from the locals.” “Guyana is not gaining; I am not seeing the gain, but somebody is pocketing a lot of money because a lot is going out but I do not think the ordinary Guyanese is gaining anything. CHINESE IN COMMERCE Rambarran made no qualms to accept and admit that “Guyana needs foreign investment.” He said that the problem however, is that a level playing field is not being established. “We need to have a level playing field. I think if there is a leveled field people would not complain. Everybody paying full taxes but the Chinese are not doing so.” He said that Guyanese business people create jobs for Guyanese but “Chinese are here selling Chinese products, promoting China, keeping their people employed and keeping Chinese industry going. W need to look at our own industries and keep it going.” He lamented that the government is not seeing it necessary to do all it can to promote local business ventures. The result is that “Guyanese are presently at a disadvantage.”
Sophia bus driver granted bail for death of 4 year -old Paul John, who appeared in court three weeks ago for allegedly causing the death of four year-old Jayden Charles, on Water Street, Georgetown, was released on $250,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. John,31, of 971 North Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on April 4, he drove a m i n i b u s in a manner dangerous to the public
causing the death of Charles. The defendant made his first court appearance on April, 8 and was not required to plead to the charge. John was instructed to lodge his passport with the police. He was also ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station every fortnight, commencing from May 1. According to reports, John, who was the driver of minibus BPP 1702, had just
pulled off after dropping off two passengers at Giftland Office Max, on Water Street, when he ran over the child. After Charles was hit, the driver almost drove over the injured child’s body. It was only when a social worker raised an alarm that the driver picked up the child and took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he died while receiving treatment.
Two ranks from the Guyana Police Force will soon be given their marching orders after they were found guilty of corrupt practice, stemming from investigations into a matter at Kurupung earlier this year. The ranks, who escaped criminal charges, were tried departmentally and convicted yesterday, according to reports reaching this newspaper. However, there are reports that the ranks, who have a total of 25 years’ service, were denied the chance to appeal the decision although they had indicated their intention to do so. The ranks were
charged after the Police O f f i c e of Professional Responsibility concluded investigations, which resulted from reports that the two ranks had arrested 12 men on January 12, last, in relation to the possession of an unlicensed shotgun and nine cartridges. It is alleged that the two cops took a bribe to free the men. Kaieteur News was informed that the two ranks a Detective Corporal attached to the Bartica Police Station and another Corporal stationed at Kurupung were accused of demanding a $3M bribe to release suspects
following the firearm bust at Kurupung. The ranks are contending that no proper investigation was carried out; hence, no criminal proceeding could be proffered against them. They are also claiming bias on the part of the trial officer for their current predicament. A source close to the ranks told Kaieteur News that it is very strange that while the ranks were charged departmentally, the persons who claimed ownership of the firearms and ammunition have never been placed before the courts.
Airline customer seeks promised monetary refund Almost a year after he was promised reimbursement of taxi monies, due to delayed flights, a Travel Span Airline customer is now seeking to receive promised monies from the airline. The customer, who requested that his identity be withheld, claims that he bought a flight ticket to New York on June 24, 2014. He was scheduled to travel on August 9, 2014, however, when he showed up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to check in for his flight, he was informed that there was a flight cancellation until the following day. Already paying $5,000 to travel to the airport, the man was forced to pay another $5,000 to return to the city; not something that he catered for. Hoping that all was well,
the man returned to the airport the next day, completed checking in and was waiting to board his flight when he was then told that the plane had developed some mechanical problems. The flight was once again cancelled. He claims that he spent $12,000 to and from the airport that day. Finally the next day, August 11, 2014, the man returned to the airport and was able to successfully depart the shores of Guyana. He noted that he had to pay another $5,000 in taxi fare, bringing his taxi expense to a total of $27,000. He explained that on several occasions, the latest being some two weeks ago, he was in constant contact with David Goberdhan, the representative of the airline who had assured him that on
his return to Guyana he would be given back his money, but each attempt to retrieve his monies was futile. “Every time I contact them they saying that they have not got a settlement from overseas, so they are unable to do the reimbursement.” The airline had ceased flying. There was no talk of the money deposited with a local commercial bank. The man, who vowed to never travel onboard Travel Span Airlines ever again in the future, says that all he is asking is to be reimbursed with his monies, as it was the fault of the airlines delays that he used funds that were not initially catered for. Attempts to reach the Travel Span representative who allegedly pledged the refund, has been futile.
APNU+AFC promises Barticians... From page 19 to the government for far more than can be obtained from other companies. “But it's what you call cronies: friends of the regime, friends of the regime that have a monopoly. We are saying as soon as we get into power, we are going to stop this cabinet order and apply the procurement and tender process so that we can have a level playing field for all the supply of medications and medical supply.” He told the Barticians that the ruling party has been saying that the opposition has been blocking development through budget cuts but Norton made it clear that the APNU+AFC has no problem with development . “We are fully in support of development but like everything else you put us in Parliament for us to scrutinize the projects that the government is involved in,” he said. The crowd shouted “They thief we money, they thief we money.” Prominent Bartica businesswoman Kamla Persaud stated that the People's Progressive Party had forgotten their Region. She reminded the crowd of the 23-year-old mother who recently lost her life due to a botched abortion. She said too that a 47-year-old woman was eventually diagnosed with cancer after doctors at Bartica had told her that she was instead suffering from appendicitis and fibroids.
Persaud related too that her nephew who had been involved in an accident was a victim of improper diagnosis which resulted in his death. She said he did not receive the appropriate treatment during the critical 12-hour period to reduce the swelling of the brain. Persaud appealed to the nurses who were in attendance. She acknowledged that while they have rights they also have a responsibility to patients. She had a clear message for the nurses: “You are citizens and you have rights but you cannot tell patients 'I fed up seeing your face. Next time you deh hey I hope I ain't deh fuh see you.'” “It is time my fellow Barticians, fellow Guyanese it is time for a better tomorrow…Betters days are coming,” the businesswoman said.
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Kaieteur News
WANTED 1 Inventory clerk, apply @ Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site, EBD. 1 Shop assistant to work in the interior and 1 live I maid Tel: 691-6260 VACANCY The #1 Plant Shop expanding: Need hard-working, literate, punctual workers, between age 18-28- Tel: 648-1821 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 1 Manager for a Hotel/Club @ Essequibo Coast, experienced in hotel industry, attractive salary & Accommodation – Contact: 226-9768; 642-7963 Cashier & office assistant @ Shell Service Station Providenc e E . B . D s h i f t work – (6am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) - email: shellramsburg@gmail.com. International Cruiselines, receptionists, cooks, waitresses, carpenters, cleaners, storekeepers, electricians, welders Contact Professional Recruitment Agency - 2316296, 650-9880 One responsible couple to live/work as caretakers at private resort in Present Hope Parika. Tel:231-0363. Mon-Fri 9-4pm Experienced handyman and female shop/bar workers for Ekereku. Tel:231-0363. MonFri 9-4pm Work from home, earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.jobfairworldwide.com Exist for cashier & supermarket helpers apply in per with written application at NIRVA supermarket - Tel: 227-5771 One hotel cleaner - Contact 223- 5273/4 Security officers, excavator/ skid steer operator, kitchen assistant, waiter & waitresses- Call: 603-4094 Diva Hair Salon, Tortola BVI seeking professional Hairstylists & Nail Technicians, 5+ years experience. Call: 284-543-1410 Email bvisalonowner @gmail.com SECURITY GUARDS FOR LAND OF CANAAN BUSINESS, POLICE CLEARANCE REQUIRED. PART TIME WELDER/ FABRICATOR. 266 4427
LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Enterprise @ Lot 2 Croal Street, enquire about an international drivers permit “join us on facebook” Tel: 622-8162; 227-3869
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$4.7M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Smart Choice Auto Sale: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, IST –Call: 652-3820; 665-4529 1 Toyota 212 (New Model) in hire, was never register in private, A/C & Leather interior $1.1M Contact #6700382, 651-3021 One Toyota Allion 2004 motor car for sale, Unregister Call: 623-1615 Prado Land Cruiser TZ, Automatic Diesel, PHH Series -$5.2M, fully loaded – Tel: 233-2546; 688-5554 1 L-Touring Wagon, flair kit, remote start- $1.450,000, 1 Honda CRV, $1.850, 000, 1 AT192 - $850, 000. All in good condition, price negotiable –Tel: 626-2884 One fielder 2006 model $2.2M negotiable - Tel: 689-5103 One Toyota VIOS (Black) model – PMM series, price negotiable – Tel: 688-0868 One Mitsubishi Canter, Good condition, 2.5 ton, has dumper - $2.5M- Tel: 219-0468 Toyota Corona, stick shift wagon only $150,000 –Tel: 642-1141 Toyota Sienta; excellent condition, PRR Series -$1.7M Call: 626-1165 Madza Axela, PNN Series, price $1.650M negotiable – Contact:610-4663 Toyota AT212, AT192, Runx, Fielder wagon, 4 Runner, Tundra, Premio, RZ, Nissan Bluebird & Cargo small bus. Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 One 290 Tractor with plough and cage wheel –Tel: 6686976; 675-5575 Bedford Model M 4X4 truck – Tel: 693-2237
MASSAGE
FOR SALE
The Gent’s Spa: Massage done by Tiffany & Kandi – Call:657-5979
1- 318 BMW and register, cash 3.2 M, down payment 1.2 M- Contact # 616-0429
Tuesday April 28, 2015
SALON
FOR RENT
FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cummings complete genset generator 4CYL 30KVA, 2011 Ducati 1198’s superbike, pearl white, CH series original -Tel: 684-2838
Wash bay attendants –Tel: 646-8748 Live- in waitress $60,000 monthly. Live- in domestic $70,000 monthly (must know to cook)- Call:610-3974 One truck driver & bobcat operator preferably from E.B.D; 3 yrs experienced -Tel: 648-1588; 663-8639; 609-0766 One Accounts supervisor: must have solid experienced and relevant qualifications. Send applications & CV to rtilak@adamantiumholdings.com Three wash bay attendants to work in Georgetown – Contact Terry: 227-5169 One mature and knowledgeable live in maid, preferably from country area Tel: 691-7790 Domestic maid @ Diamond H/Scheme –Contact: 6268003; 227-8529 Live in waitress to work in bar –Tel: 604-6606
WANTED 1 Cashier for supermarket on the East Coast, computer knowledge a plus – Call: 6013679 General maid to work at Hilton Crest Hotel, shift work, experienced –Tel: 2236284. Apply in person. 1 salesperson / cashier to write bills in cosmetics & variety store on the East Coast – Call: 601-3679 2 Male, 3 female general workers @ Land Of Canaan E.B.D & G/Town - Tel: 225-6337 Experienced jetmen wanted for land dredge – Call: 6813801 Jet + Marack men to work in the interior –Tel: 694-2310
Live in home aid/domestic, needed in Republic Park $13,000 weekly, must be over 45yrs old – Call:675-0767; 667-2535 1 Male or female or couple to look after layer in the interior Tel: 691-6260 1 cook for family in the interior Call: 691-6260 1 Experienced driverContact Sarah: 225-8066 Investor for large scale poultry farm operation, land & duty free concession available –Tel: 692-1398; 6665634 Porters to work in Grocery Stall, experienced is an asset @ Stabroek Market. Tel: 683-9500 Top soil from Mahaica Area, please Call: 219-0468 Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com Live in waitress age 20 & older with Secondary Education @ Diamond Gate Liquior Restaurant, Lot 18-19 Belmont Mahaica - Tel: 228-5013
Apartments to rent @ 70 Bent Street Wortmanville $3,500 & $4,000 per day – Contact: 226-3309; 674-5760; 648-7154 & (218-1033 Saturday & Sunday only) Upper flat house at Waterloo Street. No Children $80,000 monthly Call: 623-0776 Large space for supermarket and living quarters @ Lot 22 Public Road Covent Garden E.B.D - Tel: 682-7490; 685-9284 1 Bottom flat 3 bedrooms apartment @ Grove Housing Scheme, 4th bridge, E.B.D $40,000 –Tel:619-4490 1- 95X50 business place for rent located at Mon Repos Public Road E.C.D -Tel: 6276789; 656-0602 Two Storey house to rent at First Bridge Grove E.B.D. Tel: 698-1134
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353,216-4338 Transported 3 bedrooms property at Good Hope E.C.D-Tel: 621-1722 Grove Public Road property -$19M – Tel: 613-5645 Transported two flat concrete property Block “8” Mon Repos E.C.D - $20M Tel: 625-1514 One three bedroom two storey concrete house @ Parfaite Harmonie 24X57 feet, Price $13M negotiable Call: 622-1782; 658-5803; 2690642
One 2 bedrooms apartment @ 35 Howes Street- Contact Pet Boy Shop, between the hours 11am-6pm - $45,000 monthly. One small house for rent @ Ruimzeight W.C.D - Tel: 6393099 One apartment on E.C.D for single or couple –Tel:2203353 Furnished two bedrooms apartment with AC available for long/short term rentalCall:665-2548 Grove housing Scheme: Three bedrooms top flat with garage, price $50,000. Phone: 680-6399; 692-2072 Bagotstown Public Road: 2 Storied Commercial property next to Rays Auto) 3,500 sq.ft –Tel: 233-2546; 233-5859 One two bedroom apartment bottom flat $40,000 @ Norton Street – Tel: 694-5583
Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com 1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com
Kitty two bedroom apartment, Cable TV, parking, Internet, Security Cameras -$100,000 monthly- Tel: 645-0247
Girls for waitress job at a sports bar on the E.B.D $18,000 weekly -Tel: 6936304
One upstairs 3 bedroom house; semi furnished, situated at Diamond Housing Scheme - Contact: 697-2456
LAND FOR SALE TO LET
Concrete fenced land in high income area in Continental / Republic Park –Phone: 2330570; 629-7426 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! Tel: 669-8152
Male Enhancement - Tel: 638-1627 1 Mini marine tanker capacity 11,500 Gallons - Tel: 2271744 or 657-9237 1 Wardrobe, gas stove & cylinder, blender, microwave, chest of drawers, chair set. Tel: 619-1510; 227-3120 3 Storey building 12 offices upper flat, established business @ 220 South Road. Contact: 601-3369; 218-2029 10 Acres Roadside land at Kuru Kuru for resort/ business- Contact: 6013369; 218-2029; 227-1042 Rottweiler and German shepherd mixed puppies, one month old - Contact: 641-1771; 601-5500 King size bed frame, LG set with surround system, 2 big carpets, cabinet set - Tel: 619-1510; 227-3120 Mixed bred pit-bull - Call: 618-5220 JUST ARRIVED!! 18" BRUSH CUTTER BLADES WHOLESALE & RETAIL QUANTITIES - CALL: 6148564/ 639-3675 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 AMERICAN BULLY PUPS GOTTILINE REMYLINE CALL: 220-7933; 6674845; 610-0068 House and land @ Diamond Housing Scheme E.B.D Call: 687-9107 Start your own business, one complete internet, $120,000 negotiable, and also Brazilian gents’ shoes at reasonable prices - Tel: 638-1783 152 Lavarda combine, excellent condition, grain cart, 165 Tractor, block machine small rice mill & paddy cleaner - Call: 6834104 Pure bred Rottweiler pups, 6 weeks old, vaccinated & de-wormed, male & femaleTel:627-1360 1 RT58c Grove Crane ,l $10 Million- Contact 650-0402 12X8 good caravan with 3 table top fryers, glass door fridge, class case & 1 (5) compartment food warmer – Tel:610-770 Continued on page 23
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
We are aware of the past, but we want a future DEAR EDITOR, I refer to some of the statements made in Ms. Ryhaan Shah’s letter in the April 25, 2015 edition of Stabroek News, “Only in Guyana could senior politicians posit that putting aside the past is the best way forward.” Ms. Shaw states that she will “further question the coalition on its campaign strategy of forgetting history”. By now, those of us old enough to vote, but young enough not to remember a pre1992 Guyana, expect to be continuously bombarded with it during election season. It can probably be deemed the most powerful weapon in the government’s limited arsenal.
The past is routinely used by the PPP to instill fear, distrust and division. Its campaign strategy seems to consist majorly of racebaiting, irrational fearmongering, lies and hypocrisy. Sadly, the fact that these things have been effective certainly goes without question. The past is relevant. I do not believe we can, or should, simply forget the past, but I do believe that we can use the past to learn; and the most important lesson that we can learn from our political past is this: if a government fails its people, it deserves to be voted out. Simple. Ms. Shaw, in a previous letter has spoken of cronyism, bullyism and racism under the
PNC. She speaks as if these things are lost in some bygone era, but these are things we are confronted with presently, under a PPP government. We can add to that blatant corruption, nepotism, lack of transparency and accountability, violence, intimidation and personal excess. These are not things we have to read about in history books, or newspaper archives or extract from the memories of our elders; these are things we can experience for ourselves. Now. Today. Has Ms. Shaw been keeping abreast of our current affairs? Does she thoroughly read the newspapers or does she use them solely for publishing thinly-veiled
Our country will rise again under the new government DEAR EDITOR, In its manifesto, the PPP says, “With economic sovereignty restored, our country started, in 2006, the most remarkable period of economic growth in its history. Since then, we have sustained nine years of uninterrupted economic growth, out-performing almost every single country in the Americas…” My question to the PPP: Why are the workers in Guyana still the lowest paid
in the Americas? They should be ashamed to mention any growth on one hand, and then condemn APNU/AFC for promising the workers of our country an increase in their salary. If, as the PPP claims, an APNU/AFC government will bankrupt our country, where under the heavens will the PPP get the funds to implement their “Santa Claus” list of promises? The PPP manifesto is full of promises, and these promises are all shallow and
Let’s use our ballots... From page 4 accomplishments. That period produced Walter Rodney and the WPA- an idea and movement that summoned our nation to explore its jointness, not as empty rhetoric, but as living day-to-day revolutionary action. Alas, that light was extinguished by a single-mindedly historical post-Jagan PPP, which has marched us to the point of disintegration. But again, in the midst of disorder and degeneration, our people
have slowly recaptured Walter Rodney’s dignified voice and spirit of resistance, hope and self-emancipation. It is that Rodneyite spirit that is embodied by the APNU-AFC Coalition. That is what the May 11 election is about - an electoral revolt steeped in all that is noble in our varied Guyanese history. Let us use our ballots to erase the ugliness that was painted on our Guyanese face and reclaim the beauty that is ours. David Hinds
We need to look at... From page 4 Constitution or try to bring even partial military rule to Guyana as has happened in many South American countr i e s . In these last few weeks before elections, issues about our children’s future are the most important facing us all as voters - we need to look at the bread and butter issues
which affect us on a daily basis, not on issues which really only cast aspersions on people’s character, including their racial, religious or job descriptions - any job a Guyanese does, from military service to the fire service to the garbage collectors, is a noble job and is deserving of praise from us all. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan(Jr.)
will never be implemented by them. It’s all elections gimmick. If one was ignorant, you would have thought that this party is currently in opposition. For a party to be in office for so long, and now be recommending solutions to the mountain of problems in the country, it is time for them to go. I am calling on all Guyanese to vote overwhelmingly for the combined opposition on May 11th. Our country will rise again under the new government. Charles Sugrim
letters of support for the government and contempt for those who would criticize them? These things are all unacceptable at any point in time, under any government administration. Ms. Shaw also labels a political ad featuring Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates of the APNU-AFC coalition as a “gimmick”, due to their use of a photograph and quote of the United States President Barack Obama. Would she label as “coincidence” a television ad by President Ramotar which begins by quoting the US President’s own ad verbatim, “In the next four months..?” The ad also labours to mirror President Obama’s dress and background setting. Such effort is taken to mimic the President, you almost expect Michelle Obama to stroll across the screen. Ms. Shaw goes on to express that Messrs David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, ”can never be Obama’s equals. They have neither the integrity nor dignity.” Even when you have to grasp for equality straws though, there’s little dignity or integrity to be found in copying someone else’s campaign material to a T. Finally, I do agree with Ms. Shaw regarding the principles of Northern Ireland’s Healing Through Remembering. Respect, diversity of opinion,
willingness to engage and inclusivity are principles that would be very relevant to Guyana’s own situation with past conflict. Unfortunately, I have seen only the eagerness of our government to use the past as a tool for division, rather than an instrument of reconciliation. This government insists on placing the past squarely in front of us, yet chooses not to examine it and see how far the current government has strayed from the ideals and vision of the party’s founding father, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Instead, the past is only used by the PPP/C to distract us from the present, but we don’t want to remain in either. We want a future. Essejae
(From page 22)
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com Call : 225-6496, 662-6045 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE - Call: 260-4762. Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 Eagle’s fridge re-gas $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL: 6294946 OR 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:231-0655,683-8734 EDUCATIONAL Special after school classes for nursery students: phonics, reading, special etc for all ages, limited spaces Tel: 675-4379 Computerized Accounting, 4 Courses $35,000, MicroGraphics- Vreed-EnHoop - Tel 264-3057 9 Course Diploma In Computer Studies $35,000 @ MicroGraphics Vreed-EnHoop Tel: 264-3057 CAR RENTAL Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security Tel: 698-7807
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Corentyne woman, family 20-year-old jailed for attacked and robbed cocaine in photo albums
A Corentyne housewife and her family were on Sunday evening attacked and robbed by five armed, masked and barefoot bandits who relieved her of over $11M in cash and jewelry. The hapless woman, Jasmattie Harrichand, called ‘Shalini’, 39, a housewife, lives at Lot 5 No. 46 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, with her husband, Ravindranauth Seelall Harrichand, c/d ‘Rajin’, 48. Her husband is a rice farmer. Also sharing the home is their son Ravindarnauth Harrichand, c/d ‘Ravi’, 21, who is also a farmer and their daughter Amrita Seelall Harrichand c/d ‘Valini’, 12, a student of Tagore Secondary School. At the time of the robbery the woman’s husband was not at home. The family was
robbed by five masked men who were dressed in long dark clothing and brown and black topes. The bandits were barefooted and were armed with three rifles, two knives, and one pistol. According to reports, about 22:15 hrs the woman was at home when she received a telephone call on her landline informing her that thieves were at No. 48 Village. At the time her husband was not at home, her son and a friend were downstairs. The woman subsequently “called out to them to come upstairs”. While they were in the process of going upstairs they were confronted by the bandits, who took them back to the lower flat, tied their hands behind their backs and were forced to lie face down. The bandits then demanded cash and jewelry, which was
handed over. Jasmattie and her daughter were gagged and made to kneel on the floor. The bandits escaped with a quantity of jewelry, one Blackberry cell phone, one Nokia cell phone, one Blu cell phone, two tablets, two cheques totaling $958,335.00, another for Demerara Bank valued at $375,840 and $350,000 in local currency. The family stated that during the ordeal the bandits questioned them about whom they were voting for. The bandits then placed them in a washroom, and made good their escape in an unknown direction. The police were subsequently informed and descended on the scene, but by then, the bandits had escaped. Investigations are continuing.
Father of 3 remanded for armed robberies
Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded a father of three to prison yesterday, after he was slapped with two counts of armed robberies. Particulars of the first charge stated that on March 28, at McKenzie, Linden, Daniel De Souza, 38, while in the company of others and armed with a gun robbed Kelly Quow of three gold chains, one Samsung cellular phone, an umbrella and one shoulder bag all totaling $448,000. It was further alleged that on the same day, at the same location, he robbed Jovan Wilson, of one Samsung phone valued $120,000, while in the company of others,
armed with a gun. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge after they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. De Souza’s attorney, Gordon Gilhuys related to the court that the police went to his client’s house and arrested him. He said that at the time of the alleged robberies the defendant was at work. The lawyer argued that the police cannot prove their case against his client, because he was never placed on an identification parade. But Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru informed the court that the defendant was positively
identified by the two victims. He continued that the victims, who were sitting in a car, were reversing from their yard, when a vehicle pulled up behind them with several men inside. They were held at gun point and relieved of the items mentioned in the charges. Investigations were carried out and the defendant was arrested and charged. The prosecutor objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He also asked that the accused be remanded to prison because investigations are still ongoing. This matter will be called again on April 28, at the Linden Magistrate’s Courts.
An American citizen who was promised a large sum of money to traffic cocaine, was handed a three year sentence yesterday, after he pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge. Antwon Brumfield, 20, of Nandy Park, admitted to trafficking 2.568KG of cocaine on April 24, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri. The charge was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru told the court that on the day in question at about
16:00hrs, ranks from the narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were monitoring outgoing passengers on a Caribbean airline flight destined for the John F. Kennedy Airport, USA. Mangru added that the defendant’s luggage was checked and during scanning, the ranks observed a bulky package inside of the suitcases. They contacted the defendant and searched the suitcases in his presence. Two photo albums were removed from the suitcases and ranks observed that two pages were thicker than the others. Further checks were made and the drug was
unearthed from the pages. Mangru said that Brumfield admitted that the drug belonged to him when questioned at the airport. He also informed the lawmen that he was offered US$10,000 to transport the illegal substance. When asked by the magistrate if he had anything to say before being sentenced, the defendant told the court “I was going through some hard times and I got the job so I took it.” He added that he was just trying to make life better for his family. In addition, he was ordered to pay a fine of $30,000.
Belvedere man wounded by marauding gang, hospitalized A Corentyne man is now hospitalized after he was wounded by a marauding gang as he was returning from a wedding house. According to information Devendra Roberts, 21, a labourer of Lot 18 Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice, was on his way home from a wedding house around 00:30 hrs on
Sunday when he was attacked by Nishal Lalbeharry, Krishna Anchella and others who were armed with broken bottles and pieces of wood. They allegedly dealt Roberts several lashes about his head and parts of body. He was wounded to his left side abdomen, chest and
lower back. He collapsed and was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was admitted in a serious but stable condition. The four suspects were subsequently arrested and are in custody. Charges are likely shortly.
Guyana to lead regional programme... From page 20 to improve scientific literacy by increasing the number of high school students wanting to study science subjects and by allowing students to be exposed to more experimental skills. He admitted that he had initially been clueless about the project but was nonetheless glad to have been invited by Guyana to help implement the project in the region. Years ago, the Micro-Science Experiments Project was initiated in countries in Africa where schools were too poor to have full laboratories. Instead, students at the secondary and tertiary levels were presented with por-
table labs to compensate. Years later, in 2011, Guyana and Jamaica were selected by UNESCO's Kingston, Jamaica Cluster Office to be the first Caribbean countries to implement the project. Though the project failed in Jamaica, Guyana has been making tremendous strides in the Science field and is now being used as a model. The two-day workshop will touch on a number of topics including challenges in Science Education in the Caribbean, better understanding the micro-science kits, and linking micro-science experiments with the inquiry-based science education.
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday April 28, 2015
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Nepal earthquake death toll tops Kerry says Iran, world 4,000; shattered villages plead for aid powers closer than ever
K AT H M A N D U , NEPAL—As the death toll from Nepal’s devastating earthquake climbed past 4,000, aid workers and officials in remote, shattered villages near the epicentre pleaded yesterday for food, shelter and medicine. Help poured in after Saturday’s magnitude-7.8 quake, with countries large and small sending medical and rescue teams, aircraft and basic supplies. The small airport in the capital of Kathmandu was congested and chaotic, with some flights forced to turn back early in the day. Buildings in parts of the city were reduced to rubble, and there were shortages of food, fuel, electricity and shelter. As bodies were recovered, relatives cremated the dead along the Bagmati River, and at least a dozen pyres burned late into the night. Conditions were far worse in the countryside, with rescue workers still struggling to reach mountain villages two days after the earthquake. Some roads and trails to the Gorkha district, where the quake was centred, were blocked by landslides — but also by traffic jams that regularly clog the route north of Kathmandu. “There are people who are not getting food and shelter. I’ve had reports of villages where 70 per cent of the houses have been destroyed,” said Udav Prashad Timalsina, the top official for the Gorkha region. World Vision aid worker Matt Darvas arrived in the district in the afternoon and said almost no assistance had reached there ahead of him. Newer concrete buildings were intact, Darvas said, but some villages were reported to be devastated. He cited a “disturbing” report from the village of Singla, where up to 75 per cent of the buildings may have collapsed and there has been no contact since Saturday night. In the villages that have been reached, World Vision said the greatest needs were for search-and-rescue teams, food, blankets, tarps and medical treatment. Timalsina s a i d 2 2 3 people had been confirmed dead in Gorkha district but he presumed “the number would go up because there are thousands who are injured.” He said his district had not received enough help from the central government, but Jagdish Pokhrel, a clearly exhausted army spokesman, said nearly the entire 100,000soldier army was involved in
to historic nuclear deal
The earthquake destroyed swaths of the oldest neighbourhoods in the capital rescue operations. “We have 90 per cent of the army out there working on search and rescue,” he said. “We are focusing our efforts on that, on saving lives.” Nepal’s Home Ministry said the country’s death toll had risen to 4,010. Another 61 were killed in neighbouring India, and China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported 25 dead in Tibet. At least 18 of the dead were killed at Mount Everest as the quake unleashed an avalanche that buried part of the base camp packed with foreign climbers preparing to make their summit attempts. At least 7,180 people were injured in the quake, police said. Tens of thousands are estimated to be left homeless. Rescue workers and medical teams from at least a dozen countries were helping police and army troops in Kathmandu and surrounding areas, said Maj. Gen. Binod Basnyat, a Nepal army spokesman. Contributions came from large countries like India and China — but also from Nepal’s tiny Himalayan neighbour of Bhutan, which dispatched a medical team. India sent helicopters, medical supplies and members of its National Disaster Response Force. China sent a 60-strong emergency team. Pakistan’s army said it was sending four C-130 aircraft with a 30-bed hospital, search and rescue teams and relief supplies. The United States announced an extra $9 million in aid, bringing total U.S. funding to $10 million, and said two transport planes would arrive with search and rescue personnel and supplies within the next day or so. Australia, Britain and New Zealand said they were sending specialist urban searchand-rescue teams to Kathmandu at Nepal’s request. Two teams of U.S. army Green Beret soldiers happened to be in Nepal when the
quake struck, and the 26 Americans — who were training with the Nepalese army — are staying to help with search-and-relief efforts. Medical and rescue teams from Russia, Japan, France, Switzerland and Singapore were expected in Kathmandu over the coming days, the Nepal army said. “We are appealing for tents, dry goods, blankets, mattresses, and 80 different medicines that the health department is seeking that we desperately need now,” said Lila Mani Poudyal, Nepal’s chief secretary and rescue coordinator. “We don’t have the helicopters that we need or the expertise to rescue the people trapped.” As people are pulled from the wreckage, he said, even more help is needed, including orthopedic doctors, nerve specialists, surgeons and paramedics. Well over 1,000 victims were in Kathmandu, where security forces and Indian rescue teams continued to recover the dead. In the course of an hour yesterday morning, seven were pulled from a collapsed three-storey building. At another site, the body of a 12-year-old girl was found. Acrid, white smoke rose above the Pashuputi Nath Temple. “I’ve watched hundreds of bodies burn,” said Rajendra Dhungana, 34, who spent Sunday with his niece’s family for her cremation at the temple, Nepal’s most revered. The earthquake destroyed swaths of the oldest neighbourhoods in the capital, largely a collection of small, poorly constructed brick apartment buildings. Many people were surprised by how few modern structures had collapsed. Some pharmacies and shops opened yesterday, and bakeries began offering fresh bread. Huge lines of people desperate for fuel appeared outside gasoline pumps. At one station, dozens sat waiting on motorcycles.
(Reuters) - The United States and five other major powers are closer than ever to a deal with Iran that would end a 12-year-old nuclear standoff, though more tough negotiations lie ahead, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday. Kerry was speaking at the United Nations on the opening day of a month-long conference taking stock of the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and ahead of a meeting in New York with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, their first face-to-face encounter since recent marathon talks in Lausanne, Switzerland. Zarif and Kerry, who met yesterday at the Iranian U.N. Ambassador’s residence across from Central Park, were expected to discuss efforts to secure a final agreement between Iran and the six powers by a June 30 deadline. “We are, in fact, closer than ever to the good, comprehensive deal that we have been seeking, and if we can get there, the entire world will be safer,” Kerry told the 191 NPT parties, adding that bringing Iran back into compliance with the pact was always at the heart of negotiations with Tehran. “If finalized and implemented, (an agreement) will close off all of Iran’s possible pathways to the nuclear material required for a nuclear weapon and give the international community the confidence that it needs to know that Iran’s nuclear program is indeed exclusively peaceful,” he said. Kerry added, however, that “the hard work is far from over and some key issues remain unresolved.” In remarks to Iranian state television upon his arrival in New York, Zarif echoed the concerns about unresolved issues in the talks with the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. “Beside taking part in the conference, we have come here to listen to Americans’ explanations on the U.S. administration’s undertakings and its domestic policies,” Zarif said. “We consider the U.S. government responsible for fulfilling its international commitments under international laws,” he said. “No government can evade such commitments because of its domestic issues.” Zarif appeared to be referring to U.S. Republican senators’ pledge to try to toughen
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry a bill giving Congress the power to review a nuclear agreement with Iran, a move that could further complicate the talks. IRAN CRITICIZES NUCLEARARMED STATES In a tentative deal reached between Iran and the six powers earlier this month in Lausanne, Tehran - which denies seeking nuclear weapons - agreed to curb sensitive nuclear work for at least a decade in exchange for ending sanctions that have crippled its economy. Diplomats need to iron out details about the timing of sanctions relief, the future of Iran’s atomic research and development program, the exact nature of International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring, and what kind of uranium stockpiles Tehran will be allowed to keep under any final accord. Another issue that remains unresolved is Iran’s past nuclear work that could have been related to weapons research. IAEA chief Yukiya Amano reiterated that he still could not confirm that Tehran’s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful. Amano also expressed hope that Iran would sign on to a more-intrusive IAEA inspection regime called the “Additional Protocol,” which the agency created after revelations about Iraq’s clandestine atom bomb program in the 1990s. “Implementation by Iran of the additional protocol would enable the agency to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in the country,”
Amano said. After the latest round ended without a breakthrough last week in Vienna, Iran and the six powers are expected to resume talks soon. Sanctions are proving to be a key hurdle. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said all sanctions, including the most severe restrictions on its energy and financial sectors, should be lifted the moment a deal is signed. But Western officials say this is not what Tehran agreed to in Lausanne. At the NPT meeting earlier on Monday, Zarif spoke on behalf of the 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement. He demanded the five nuclear weapon states scrap any plans to modernize or extend the life of their atomic arsenals, while branding Israel a threat to the region due to its presumed nuclear stockpile. “We call upon the nuclearweapon states to immediately cease their plans to further invest in modernizing and extending the life span of their nuclear weapons and related facilities,” Zarif said. Israel, which neither admits nor denies having atomic weapons, is not an NPT signatory. An Israeli official dismissed the Iranian criticism. Kerry spoke of Washington’s “unequivocal” commitment to disarmament, though he admitted that more needed to be done by the United States and Russia. “Despite significant reductions, the United States and Russia still possess more than 90 percent of the world’s nuclear weapons,” Kerry said.
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Tuesday April 28, 2015
US seizes 42 bales of cocaine in Caribbean Sea drug bust SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, CMC – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it has intercepted a vessel attempting to smuggle 42 bales of cocaine into the country through the Caribbean Sea. The CBP said the drugs, weighing 2,425 pounds, had a street value of US$30.8 million. It said the operation, led by the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), took place south of the island of Vieques, an east-
ern island off Puerto Rico. Air and Marine Agents intercepted a vessel Wednesday evening attempting to smuggle 2,425 pounds of cocaine, south of the island of Vieques. Two United States citizens were arrested, and a two-engine vessel was seized, the CBP said. It said US Magistrate Judge Justo Arenas authorized a complaint charging Adalberto Rodríguez-Ortiz and Angelo Burgos-Gómez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute co-
caine. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison, CBP said “This week federal and local law enforcement worked together to intercept thousands of kilograms of cocaine before they reached our shores,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We cannot, and will not, halt our efforts to protect our communities from the countless societal problems caused by drug trafficking.”
T&T PM taking her time on election date …says “No one will jumbie me to call a date before it is due” Supporters who were eager to hear an election date at the United National Congress’ 26th Anniversary Celebration in Couva yesterday left disappointed last night, after Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar revealed she had no intention of calling an early election. Addressing thousands of flag waving supporters at Rienzi Complex, Persad-Bissessar said she will not follow her predecessor, Patrick Manning, by calling elections before time. “Today, speculation is all over that I am going to announce the election date today. But listen carefully, the last time a man tried that he lost the election when he called it before time. “I say my track record speaks for itself. We have held every single election within time, according to the laws of T&T,” she shouted while trumpets blasted and horns blared. She added, “Today, I say I will continue to comply with the law. I give you the assurance that I will call the elections when the elections are constitutionally due under the law.” Sending a message to Opposition leader Dr Keith
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar greets supporters during yesterday’s 26th Anniversary Celebration of the party Rowley, who has repeatedly demanded the election date, Persad Bissessar said nobody will force her to call elections early. “No one will jumbie me to call an election before it is due. They could jump high, they could jump low, no election date will be announced before it is due. They could bark and shout, we will call it when it is due,” she said. Persad Bissessar also took Rowley to task, saying he was using Parliamentary privilege to bring members of
Government into disrepute. But saying that Government planned to move a motion of censure against Rowley in Parliament, Persad-Bissessar said this will be one of the ways of ensuring that people’s characters are protected. “I have instructed the leader of the House, Dr Roodal Moonilal, to file his motion of censure and we will call on the House for Rowley to be suspended from the services of the House,” PersadBissessar said.
St Lucia court sentences cathedral killers to life in prison CMC – Two men accused of setting fire to worshippers 15 years ago, have been sentenced to life imprisonment. After spending 14 years in jail during which a re-trial was held, the sentence was handed down on Friday in the High Court. The men – Kim John and Francis Phillip were sentenced in the aftermath of the December 31, 2000 tragedy in
which stormed into the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception here, shortly after midnight dousing worshippers with gasolene and setting them on fire. They also bludgeoned Sister Theresa Egan, 73, to death while Rev. Charles Gaillard, 62, died from severe burns to his body. In all, close to a dozen
worshippers suffered burns in the attack. The men had pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the Privy Council overturned their death sentence for murder. The crime – one of the heinous in St. Lucia’s history, the police said the men declared that they were Rastafarian prophets sent by God to fight corruption in the Catholic Church.
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Mayweather Sr calls for Rebecca Low and Samuel... son to retire after fight BBC Sport - Floyd Mayweather should retire after Saturday’s super-fight against Manny Pacquiao, according to his father. Mayweather, 38, has said he will fight one more time after the clash with Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The unbeaten American’s fight with Pacquiao is the fifth of a six-fight contract with broadcaster Showtime. “I hope he walks away after this fight.” said Mayweather Sr. “This is a gambler’s game and I don’t think Floyd should be gambling too much.” WBA and WBC champion Mayweather has won all 47 of his fights, 26 by knockout, in his 19-year
professional career. After his defeat of Oscar de la Hoya in May 2007, Mayweather relinquished his WBC lightmiddleweight title, only to come out of his brief retirement in July to announce his fight with Britain’s Ricky Hatton. Mayweather also retired in 2008 but returned 21 months later in May 2009 to fight Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight against Pacquiao is expected to be the richest in the history of boxing and they will walk away with about £200m between them. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Mayweather Sr, 62, added: “Once you reach that pedigree and make that kind
Floyd Mayweather (Getty Images) of money, you don’t have to fight no more. “Whenever you get in that ring, anything can happen. It looks easy but it ain’t as easy as it looks. He makes it look easy.”
Tuesday April 28, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your life certainly seems to revolve around human contact. You're an outgoing, cheerful, engaging conversationalist who enjoys bringing people together, though lately you've been yearning to be alone. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Sometimes friends become a person's real family. Your friendships are deep and enduring. Many people are eager to give you help today, so why are you reluctant to receive it? GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You've made it over the hump, Gemini. You've moved beyond the problems of the recent past and are entering a more peaceful phase. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The outlook for today is excellent, Cancer. The current alignment of the planets and the somewhat oppressive atmosphere of the past few days inspire you to change your surroundings and visit new places.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have a day of profound reflection ahead. While you may be tempted to think about how far you've come, your time would be better spent thinking about what the future holds. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This would be an ideal day to take extra good care of your body, Scorpio. Don't kid yourself that those back problems will just go away ditto that pain in your knee. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may have recently modified the material aspects of your life. Was it sufficient to stop there? More profound changes might be in order. Take a look at what motivated you to create the life you live now. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This will be a great day to meditate, Capricorn. You may be a bit dissatisfied with yourself because your various projects have yet to take form.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This will be a day rich in reflection, Leo. You're able to observe what is going around you while still retaining your distance.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It's an excellent day, but be careful not to go overboard. You might be tempted to think that minor financial difficulties are already behind you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some long-awaited recognition could come your way today, Virgo. You're finished with the hassles you've experienced recently and have now entered a calmer period.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're in the home stretch now, Pisces! Kiss your worries goodbye. Your efforts pay off in spades as people listen to your advice and bend over backward to please you.
(From page 33) Nathan Rahaman third. Meanwhile, Mohryan Baksh, Liam Carpenter and Chad DeAbreu finished first through third respectively in group G with Baksh (2-0) and DeAbreu (2-1) completing victories over Teija Edwards and Beau Fernandes respectively. Louis DaSilva (1st), Isabella Ramjohn (2nd) and Shiloh Asregado (3rd) occupied the winner’s row of Group H as DaSilva and Asregado secured 2-0 victories on Sunday. Results on Sunday: Group A Nyron Joseph beat Benjamin Mekdeci 3-0 (13/11, 11/ 1, 11/8) Akeila Wiltshire beat Alec Melville 3-0 (11/4, 11/5, 11/5) Category A: 1st Nyron Joseph 2nd Ben Mekdeci 3rd Akeila Wiltshire Group B Shomari Wiltshire defeated Alex Cheeks 3-2 (5/11, 7/11, 11/7, 11/6, 11/7) Daniel Islam beat Anthony Islam 3-1 (7/11, 11/9, 11/9, 11/ 5) Category B: 1st Shomari Wiltshire 2nd Alexander Cheeks 3rd Daniel Islam Group C Rebecca Low beat Makeda Harding 3-1 (8/11, 11/ 6, 11/8, 11/6) Category C: 1st Rebecca Low. 2ndMakeda Harding.
Old Beef Humphrey Memorial... (From page 34) the games are slated to be played at the All Saints Ground. In today’s games BHS is expected to take on VESS in a group ‘A’ encounter in game one, while game two, which is a group B encounter, will see BEI playing against CSS. Wednesday games will see the winner of game one playing TASS, while the winner of game two will meet NAMS. The final is set for Thursday. The winner and runner up teams will be presented with trophies and medals. Outstanding individual players including the most valuable player, top goal scorer and best goalkeeper will be presented with awards. The tournament is organized by the Hearts of Oak Master football Club and coordinated by former national player Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey. (Samuel Whyte)
3rdMaya Collins Group D John Phang beat Zachary Persaud 3-0 (11/4, 11/2, 11/3) Demetrius DeAbreu beat Samuel Ince-Carvahal 3-0 (11/ 8, 12/10, 11/9) Lucas Jonas beat Michael Alphonso 3-1 (9/11, 11/7, 11/ 6, 11/3) Ethan Jonas beat Dominic Collins 3-2 (9/11, 9/11, 11/8, 11/ 2, 11/1) Category D: 1st Samuel Ince-Carvahal. 2nd Ethan Jonas. 3rd Lucas Jonas Group E Jason Gomes beat Abosaide Cadogan 3-0 (11/5, 11/6, 11/2) Kirsten Gomes beat Madison Fernandes 3-1 (11/2, 11/7, 11/13, 12/10) Category E: 1st Kirsten Gomes. 2nd Madison Fernandes. 3rd Jason Gomes Group F Haley Carpenter beat Aliyah Persaud 3-2 (5/11, 11/ 8, 11/8, 9/11, 12/10)
James Mekdeci beat Nathan Rahaman 3-0 (11/6, 11/ 1, 11/4) Category F: 1st James Mekdeci. 2nd Gareth DaSilva. 3rd Nathan Rahaman Group G Mohryan Baksh beat Teija Edwards 2-0 (11/8, 11/3) Chad DeAbreu beat Beau Fernandes 2-1 (10/12, 11/4, 11/ 4) Category G: 1st Mohryan Baksh, 2nd Liam Carpenter, 3rd Chad DeAbreu Group H Louis DaSilva beat Isabella Ramjohn 2-0 (11/8, 11/ 2) Shiloh Asregado beat Noah Rahaman 2-0 (11/9, 11/ 9) Category H: 1st Louis Da Silva, 2nd Isabella Ramjohn, 3rd Shiloh Asregado Prizes were distributed by Ruth Abraham and Carl Ince, representatives of the sponsors Toucan Industries Ltd. under the Kraft brand.
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Kaieteur News
Busta Soft Shoe Football Competition
Lowe’s double sinks N/Ruimveldt -Quarter-finals on tonight at GFC
Busta representative Ravin Singh (4th right) presents a team Captain with their prize money in the presence of other team reps on Sunday. He is among the leading contenders in the Most Valuable Player race and his dynamic performance against hot favourite North Ruimveldt only served notice to the other aspirants that dismantling him from his perch will take some doing. Sophia’s pint-sized striker Dwayne Lowe, who has been the chief tormentor for opposing teams since the start of the competition, fired in both of his team’s goals to send North Ruimveldt crashing out of the tournament and set up a quarter-final engagement against a strong Sparta Boss unit tonight, at the GFC ground. Playing before another solid turnout, Lowe gave his team the ascendancy after thirteen minutes when he
booted in from close range. However, North Ruimveldt responded through Nikosie Barker, whose effort came in the 20th minute, before the effervescent Lowe returned to seal the deal five minutes later. In another enthralling encounter, Bent Street led by a double from former national striker Anthony Abrams rebounded from being two-nil down to beat West Back Road 3-2. Finding themselves down 2-0 after Jarel Tyrell (8th) and Odel Young (15th) had given West Back Road a seemingly comfortable lead at the break, Abrams turned up the heat in the second period, netting in the26th and 33rd minutes to book his team’s place in the
quarters. Ronson Williams booted in their second goal in the 25th minute. Tournament favourites Sparta Boss possessing players the calibre of Gregory Richardson, Devon Millington and Travis Grant, all of whom have donned national colours, survived a scare from a determined Globe Yard, before prevailing 2-1. Sheldon Shepherd, who received a red card after scoring Sparta’s opening goal and Grant were the marksmen for the winners, while Josiah Charles’ 24th minute strike had made things a bit interesting for a while. In the night’s first game, Kitty Weavers continue to progress without much atten-
Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Competition
Classix Six, Panthers, Speightland among those advancing to quarters tonight
It was another night of exciting action as play in the Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Competition continued on Sunday night, at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac. In the night’s full results: Game 1 Classic Six 1 Pokerburg 0 Classic Six scorer Romel Matthews 11th min Game 2 Amelia’s Ward Panthers 2 Aliku 0 Amelia’s Ward Panthers scorer Andel Norvell 3rd and 4th Game 3 Speightland 1 Amazings 0 Speightland scorer
Salesh Seaforth 7th Game 4 Retrieve Unknowns 1 Silent Assasins 0 Retrieve Unknowns scorer Darrell George 12th Game 5 1/2 Mile/1Mile 0 Wisroc 0 Wisroc won 2-1on penalty kicks Game 6 Russian 3 Coomacka 0 Russians scorers Travis Waterton 7th, aswald Benjamin 9th and Sterrance Aron 4th Game 7 Hardknocks 1 Attackers 0 Hardknocks Renne Allicock 7' Game 8
Star Boys 1 Silver Bullets 0 Tony Gilbert 19' own goal Meanwhile, the competition resumes tonight with quarter-final action at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac, starting from 19:00hrs. In the fixtures: Wisroc vs Classic 6 Unknowns vs Main Street Panthers Russian vs Speightland Hard knocks vs Starboys The night kicks off with three exhibition games, one involving females, before action in the competition commences. Prizes for exhibition games are $25,000, 15,000 and $10,000.
tion as they booted Broad Street out of the tournament with a 1-0 triumph. Sherwin Vincent’s 14th minute strike was just enough to help cement their place in the last eight. Meanwhile, all the teams in the eight groups received cash incentives from Busta representative Ravin Singh in the GFC Pavilion. The quarter-final matchups are as follows: 20:45 hrs - Bent Street versus Queen Street Tiger Bay 21:30 hrs - Kitty Weavers vs. Festival City 22:15 hrs - West Front Road vs. Cross Street Werk-enrust 23:00 hrs - Sparta Boss vs. Sophia Below are the night’s full results: Game-1 Broad Street-0 vs Kitty Weavers-1 Sherwin Vincent-14th Game-2 Sophia-2 vs North Ruimveldt1 Sophia Scorer Dwayne Lowe-13th and 25th North Ruimveldt Scorer Nikosie Barker-20th Game-3 West Back Road-2 vs Bent Street-3 Bent Street Scorer Anthony Abrams-26th and 33rd Ronson Williams-25th West Back Road Scorers Jarel Tyrell-8th Odel Young-15th Game-4 Sparta Boss-2 vs Globe Yard1 Sparta Scorers Sheldon Shepherd-11th Travis Grant-31st Red Card-Sheldon Shepherd20th Globe Yard Scorer Josiah Charles-24th
Tuesday April 28, 2015
FIFA 11 for Health launches in the Caribbean CONCACAF-supported pilot project to use football as vehicle to improve health San Juan, Puerto Rico – Seven pilot countries participated in a two-day FIFA 11 for Health workshop for the Caribbean, which concluded today in Puerto Rico. The programme, launched last year by CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb and Prof. Jiri Dvorak, FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer, promises to bring numerous benefits to the region by emphasizing the importance of national health to all Member Associations. The initial seminar was hosted by FIFA and attended by representatives of Member Associations, Governments and National Project Leaders from the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia. ”The FIFA 11 for Health programme has gained significant momentum since its inception, encouraging participation and investment from various organizations and governments to shape future ambassadors of football and sports in general,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. “CONCACAF welcomes this project to the Caribbean region, as it is designed to infiltrate society from a grassroots level, ensuring that our population remains fit and healthy through the power of football.” Key subject areas covered during the sessions included implementation strategy, training courses, project budget and responsibilities of the National Project Leader. In his opening remarks, Prof. Dvorak explained the importance of collaboration in order to maximize the programme’s outcomes. ”This project is designed to increase the level of physical
activity and improve awareness of communicable and non-communicable diseases globally,” he said. “We are excited to launch FIFA 11 for Health in the Caribbean and involve another region to meet our objectives in this area, and we look forward to working with CONCACAF federations to implement the programme.” Eric Labrador, President of the Puerto Rican Football Federation, expressed his gratitude to FIFA and CONCACAF for initiating such a valuable programme. ”For us, it is a privilege that Presidents Blatter and Webb have considered Puerto Rico as the hub to run this pilot project together with the other six pilot countries,” said Labrador. “We are counting on the support of the Department of Education and the Department of Recreation and Sports. Together, we are confident that we will continue in the quest to establish a healthier lifestyle for our youth.” The FIFA 11 for Health messages vary based on region and the following have been developed for the Caribbean: Play football: Respect girls and women, Protect yourself from HIV and STDs, Avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco, Control your weight, Wash your hands, Drink clean water, Eat a balanced diet, Get vaccinated, Take your prescribed medication, Fair play. The next phase is for participating countries to implement FIFA 11 for Health into school curriculums, using football as a vehicle to promote healthy living from a young age, so that the advantages of a healthier and longer life can be realized.
Organisers reverse... (From page 32) trophy ahead of Its My Choice and Joyful Victory. During that event Settling Jet fell just before the finishing line and broke its leg and also injuring jockey Rad Ramnauth. She So Special of the Jumbo Jet stable with Ross in the stirrups won the $240,000 first prize and trophy in a close race from Cat Messiah, Super Bowl and Bird man in the H1 and lower and 3 years old West Indies Bred maiden 1300M event. During that event the horse - Dem Girl Sugar fell and broke two of its legs and had to be put down. Affinity ridden by Kevin Paul won the J3 and lower event ahead of Little, Speed Vision and Miss Regina. The K class non winners’ event saw Massapaquea Dr of the Selso Crawford Stable with Rad Drepaul winning from Plane Land and Maggaline. The top stable on show was the Jumbo Jet stable. Jockey Randolph Richmond was the top jockey with Ross also performing creditable and were adjudged the top jockeys. Efforts to contact coordinator Dennis DeRoop proved futile since both his number were ringing out.
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
GCA/Noble House Sea Foods Second division tourney
GYO, MSC, Everest register victories Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Everest Cricket Club recorded victories when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament concluded on Sunday last. GYO defeated host DCC by an innings and 13 runs. DCC took first strike and were bowled out for 133. Dennis Squires led with 50 and Cleon McEwan made 43. Left arm spinner Trevon France grabbed 4-47, while Surendra Hirelall picked up three wickets. GYO responded with 222 all out. Heralall slammed 53, T. Liverpool 52 and Alex Ramalho 50. Keanu Harry claimed 4-61 and Squires 3-52. Trailing by 89, DCC were routed for 76, batting a second time. France snared 5-34 to finish with figures of 9-81. Devesh Ramjattan and Garfield De Roche supported with two apiece.
Khemraj Ramdeen (left) and Gavin Sookdeo Vishal Narayan Imran Hassan
Surendra Hiralall
At the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), the host got the better of Diplomats by eight wickets. Diplomats managed 166 all out, batting first. Devon Paul struck 53; Vishal Narayan bagged 5-54, Imran Hassan 3-17 and Steven Sankar 2-29. MSC were sent packing for 158 in response. Hassan cracked 70 while Paul
returned to take 5-59. Leading by eight, Diplomats were bowled out for 70 in their second turn at the crease. Sankar claimed 4-20 and Dellon Darlymple 3-23. Needing 78 for victory, MSC hit off the target in 15 overs, ending on 79-2. Hassan scored 30. At Everest, the home team
GABF bounces ahead despite lack of funding -Hinds puts Suriname tour in perspective By Edison Jefford The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) is trudging ahead with the development of its national male basketball team, despite the absence of corporate and/or government funding to ensure the country is properly represented at the Caribbean Championships. Following the corporate snubbing of the National Club Championships and Bermuda Series early this year, Guyana heads to Suriname this weekend under similar circumstances, with no funding forthcoming from the corporate community or Government. Guyana will tour Suriname during May 1-3, with the sole aim of continuing its preparations for the upcoming Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships, set for June 13-22 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Beginning with the National Club Championships, the Bermuda Series, and Challenge Series in Suriname are all GABF programmes designed to give Guyana its best opportunity at winning the Caribbean Basketball Championship. Guyana and Suriname are slotted in the same group for CBC 2015. The other teams in
Nigel Hinds the group are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, with Bermuda rounding out the fiveteam grouping. The two top teams in the group will qualify for the Final Four. Hence, the expectations at the federation are such that at the end of its first phase of preparations, it would have already played two of the teams in its group in Bermuda and Suriname. Hence, the need arose for support of its pellucid development programme. “The Challenge Series was initiated by the GABF to ensure that the Guyana National Basketball Team benefits from an international exposure, and also from playing in an understandably hostile environment abroad,” the federation indicated on
Sunday. “The federation has expended personal funds, and invested significantly in preparatory costs as it awaits sought after funding from the Guyana Government, Corporate Community, and Guyana’s Olympic Association to ensure the Guyanese teams are well-prepared for the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships; this Championship being the ultimate basketball event for CARICOM territories,” the GABF continued. Head of the GABF, Nigel Hinds informed that unlike Cricket, Football and Athletics, where the respective Federations and Associations receive annual funding from the governing bodies such WICB, FIFA and IAAF, GABF does not receive annual funding from its international affiliates, International Basketball Federation (FIBA). “Guyana is not an exception in this regard; the same non-funding policy extends to the other 200 plus members of FIBA,” Hinds disclosed. Nevertheless, Guyana continues to move forward with its programme to have an impressive showing at CBC 2015, and hope that they get the necessary funding from
overcame GNIC SC by an innings and 155 runs. Everest posted a commanding 389-4 declared, batting first. Khemraj Ramdeen stroked a
fine 161, while Raphael Singh scored 92 and Chris Surat 52. Orlando Fraser captured 4107 for the visitors who replied with 163. Clyde Butts scored 44. Gavin Sookdeo and Kevin Paul picked up three
wickets each while Javed Rasheed had two. Trailing by 226, GNIC folded for 71 after being asked to follow on. Sookdeo captured seven scalps, while Rasheed took 3-14.
Letter to the Sports Editor
The pain of losing a racehorse, better systems needed at meets Dear Sports Editor, It’s always a sad scene losing a racehorse to injury and having the animal put down. To the connections for the two animals which were euthanized Sunday, we feel your pain and our condolences to you. It’s always a sad sight to see an animal go down, even worst when it’s right in front of the cameras and grandstands. At the recently held race meeting at Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday, there were two such incidents where racehorses broke down and one had to be euthanized. The first accident took place right in front of the grandstand, while the other incident was at the homestretch turn. What shocked me was the fact there were no veterinarians on scene; not one. The horse that fell in the first race at the finish line was eventually taken away with a career ending injury, but was almost shot behind the stables. Also the callous nature with which the viewing public took over the scene, ensured its quick descent into a spectacle. PMTC authorities should have done more, and quickly, to ensure the animals were taken care of in a humane manner and with much more respect. Once it was determined the animal could not be saved, it should have been euthanized in the most respectable manner possible, and not have an animal hobbling around on three legs as everyone come up to say last
rites; wait another 15 minutes before being led away to its death. We might as well put up a ticket booth and charge $500 for viewing, for the spectacle surrounding the final minutes of both animals’ life garnered more watches than quite a few races. It was shameful, absolutely shameful to witness this, the shock and horror was still on the faces of the owners as they tried to best come to grips with their reality. Why wasn’t a vet on scene? Who verifies the injury and determine the horse must be put down? Who is responsible for putting down the animal? Whose gun is used, and is it a licensed firearm? Putting down a racehorse is not a spectacle. The horse should have been loaded into a “buggy”, driven to the top turn of the racetrack, way out of view, and euthanized. We’ve become so numb that the merciful act of putting a horse down could be viewed with sick pleasure. A tarp should have been erected, but then again these things are never thought out beforehand, and we are left with gunshots being fired and shouts of “you miss am, he just dead”, and gleeful grins. As I was walking towards the crowd gathered around the second animal that had to be put down, someone asked if I was headed to photograph the horse, I shook my head and took a shot of the crowd watching. Indecision and bad judgement was in good supply. The
winner of the feature race had to be determined by photo finish. There was no photo finish camera available and many were disappointed with the judges’ decision. Once again, these decisions are left for too long, lingering doubt about the integrity of the process led many to walk away. It’s unfortunate that our pictures were used to verify the winner in every race before this one, but somehow they used their natural eye version on this one. For the umpteenth time I will say this to officials at race meetings: THE CAMERA IS MUCH MUCH FASTER THAN THE EYE. At 30 frames per second, it captures all what you’ve missed in one blink. Photos have made the day and they destroyed many days, causing fights and opening up photographers to abuse from race fans. Race fans become upset, for they see us taking photos and video, yet these photos and videos are seldom used to determining the winner of these close finishes. We provide the photos for officials to look over, and in many cases have reversed an otherwise wrong decision, yet we are being verbally abused and threatened at racetracks. I wouldn’t even suggest a solution, for its staring us right in the face. The authorities with the help of Government need to invest in technology, perhaps some are comfortable with the mediocrity being displayed. Ron Elcock
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Organisers reverse decision in feature ‘A’ class event at President Cup meet By Samuel Whyte Controversy continues to plague sports in Guyana and horseracing is no exception. Sunday’s President Cup Horserace meet organised by the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic had its fair share with the decision of the feature race being reversed even after the winner was announced and the trophy was presented. Also during the day two horses were seriously injured with one having to be put down. The feature event, although having a small field, was full of action even as Guyana’s top horse Score’s Even was beaten into submission for the second consecutive race meeting. Score’s Even was looking for revenge having being badly beaten in its last outing at the Guyana Cup Fever Race a few weeks ago.
Having not loss two consecutive races since its dominance, all eyes were on the animal to perform. However it was Spit Fire rated D3 of the Shariff Racing stable with Randolph Richmond abode and Jack in My Style with Colin Ross on the mount that provided the fireworks. Spit Fire with a good reputation and imported from Trinidad with three wins from four starts in Guyana had entered as an underdog as it was racing for the first time in the feature event. Jack In My style had its fair share of starts in a feature event. As the horses raced out of the starting gates in the 1700M event Score’s Even took to the front being hard pressed by Spit Fire with Jockey Randolph Richmond on board. As the race got deeper Spit Fire continued to take the fight to Score’s Even. When asked for more, Spit Fire
The camera caught the two horses in the ‘A’ class event, Jack in My Style (foreground) and Spit Fire, thundering to the line in the controversial race. eased past Score’s Even and opened a lead of about three lengths as Jack In My Style began to run. Into the far turn
2015 A. Ally and sons Inter Secondary schools Berbice U-17 cricket competition
Half centuries for Sukhu and Chowramootoo highlight latest play The 2015 A. Ally and Sons Inter Secondary Schools Under-17 Cricket Competition for schools in Berbice continued recently with Rosignol Secondary registering their second consecutive outright win. Spearheading them to their recent victory over Woodley Park Secondary was firstly Alvin Chowramootoo who scored 50 not out to spearhead them to 213 for 9 declared in their first innings. Then with off spinner Geetesh Roopnarine taking 5 for 1 from 2 overs and left arm Suruj Bissondial 3 for 6 from 2 overs, Woodley Park were then bowled out for 40 in their first innings. Following on, they were skittled out for a embarrassing 22 with off spinner Hemchan Singh with 6 for 8 from 3.5 overs and Roopnarine with 2 for 14 doing the damage. Berbice Educational Institute did well to bowl out Canje Secondary School for 63 in their first innings with off spinner Ravindra Ramnauth taking 4 for 13. Then in their response, led by 61 from their Berbice Under-17 batsman Sasenarine Sukhu, BEI made 95 all out. Canje Secondary in their second turn at the crease, were 113 for 9 at the close to earn a draw. Ramnauth took 5 for 29 to end with match fig-
Sasenarine Sukhu ures of 9 for 42. After Lower Corentyne Secondary School chalked up 197 all out in their first innings against Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, their off spinner Karan Arjpaul took 5 for 8 from 4 overs and Berbice Under-15 left arm spinner Keith Simpson 3 for 12 to restrict Comprehensive to 81 all out in their first innings. Summarized scores: At Blairmont, Rosignol Secondary School beat Woodley Park Secondary by an innings and 146 runs. Rosignol Secondary 1st made 213 for 9 declared with Alvin Chowramootoo 50 n.o and Seeraj Bissoondial 29. Hanskumar Jodhan took 4 for 80 and Nandanie Arnold 4 for
65. Woodley Park Secondary 45 all out in their first innings with Geetesh Roopnarine 5 for 1 and Suraj Bissoondial 3 for 16. In their second turn at the crease, they made 22 with Hemchan Singh 6 for 8 and Geetesh Roopnarine 2 for 14. At Cumberland, Berbice Educational Institute took first innings points from Canje Secondary School in their drawn match. CSS 1st innings 63 with Ravendra Ramnauth 4 for 13 and Avash Seepersaud 2 for 11 and second innings 113 for 9 with Jamal Frank 22 and Isaiah Reid 21. Ravindra Ramnauth took 5 for 29 and Tagenarine Shiwmangal 2 for 3. BEI 1st innings 95 all out with Sasenarine Sukhu 61; Abdul Ramsammy 4 for 11 and Zeynil Ramsammy 3 for 21. At Area H, Lower Corentyne Secondary School took first innings points form Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary School in their drawn encounter. LCSS 1st innings - 197 with Veramootoo Senwasie 40, Kevlon Anderson 30 and Junior Sinclair 25. Alex Williams 3 for 30, Haifa Walters 2 for 29 and Surendra Budhoo 2 for 15. Corentyne Comprehensive 1st innings 81 with Karan Rajpaul 5 for 8 and Keith Simpson 3 for 12.
Spit Fire took over with Jack in My Style and Run Nana Run gaining ground as Score’s Even started to fade. Into the homestretch Jack In My Style with Colin Ross on mount drew up alongside Spit Fire as the animals thundered down the stretch towards the finishing line going neck and neck. In the end it was one of the closest of finishes in a feature event. However from the naked eye Spit Fire with Richmond seemed to have done enough
to win by a whisker with Jack In My Style second, Run Nana Run third and Score’s Even out of the money bringing up the rear in fourth. The hefty $1.2M and the President Cup was presented by Finance Minister Ashnie Singh. However after the race the connections of the Jumbo Jet questioned the final result with a dead heat being announced after a stewards’ inquiry was held and the decisions overturned after. The connections of the
Shariff Racing stable are now questioning the process and reasons for overturning the results with horseracing knowledgeable saying it was wrong. Some question being asked –you cannot get a stewards inquiry after the results were announced and the trophy handed over. There were no complaints by the jockeys in the race. The owners and jockeys were never call to any inquiry by the officials. The judges were unanimous in their decision, at no time any of the judges raised a dissenting voice. The judges were never called to any inquiry. There was no empirical evidence presented to overturn the decision already made. According to Shariff he is prepared to fight the decision to overturn the decision in awarding his horse victory. In other results, Release the Beast of the Jumbo Jet Stable with Ross riding was released with fury over the second half of the race to eat up the E1 and lower 1300M event and the $500,000 money and trophy from Swing Easy, Sent From Above and Passion for Song. The G2 and lower 1300M event saw Bridal Stone Corner with Richmond of the Marcel Crawford Stable producing a good run down the homestretch to take the $400,000 winners take and (Continued on page 30)
Golden Jaguars hold final session before Suriname friendly Effort and desire very encouraging – Shabazz With just two days away from their international friendly match against hosts Suriname set for Thursday evening at the Andre Kamperven Stadium in Parimaribo, the Golden Jaguars held their final training session yesterday afternoon at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz speaking with the media during a break stated that he is pleased with the effort and desire shown by the players to date in every aspect of the camp which he believes is good for the programme. ”The Guyana based players are really eager to show that they have a big stake in this programme.” Given the nature of the game here at the moment with regards to lack of competitive football, Shabazz noted that the Suriname game will be the
ideal test for the players to show how much minutes they can play at the international level. ”They don’t have the help of players coming in who are in season, so it will be an interesting truth that will be discovered after this game and exactly what we want to know going into the selection process for the qualifiers will be told to us.” Shabazz stated emphatically that they will be going all out to win noting that every time Guyana play Suriname the intention is to win. ”We have a big rivalry with this country, we have put tears in their eyes and they have put tears in our eyes, how can we forget. So we go and try to win and get a positive result, this is football.” Post Suriname, Shabazz signaled that the intention of
his Technical team is to secure two high quality opponents that will really test the Golden Jaguars ahead of the June World Cup Qualifying matches against St. Vincent & the Grenadines. ”We would like to get two games more against tough CONCACAF opponents, maybe Central America, maybe top teams in the Caribbean like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Santo Domingo, Guatemala, Honduras, those top teams that can beat us.” Guyana’s most successful Head Coach said he recognizes that it takes money in order to achieve his wishes. ”Of course it takes money to get these games and everybody put their money in elections so I don’t know. Everybody is focused on elections but we are focused on resurrection of Guyana’s football.”