Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Kamla Persad-Bissessar: I don’t smoke weed
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE: Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) CEO Ken Ali, left, speaks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar before the start of Thursday night’s “leadership exchange” hosted by the state-owned media group. Seated from right are the panelists who posed questions to the PM — political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, former PNM councillor Isha Wells and economist Dr Morgan Job Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said Thursday night that she does not smoke marijuana. And she is considering creating a Ministry of Defence in her new term if she is reelected on September 7. She was speaking during what was dubbed a “leadership exchange” at the studios of state owned Caribbean News Media Group (CNMG) where she fielded questions from a panel comprising of political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, economist Dr Morgan Job and former People’s National Movement (PNM) councillor Isha Wells who asked the PM the question on whether she smoked marijuana. CNMG had invited the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to a leaders debate but
Rowley declined as he had already committed to two debates to be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission (TTDC) next month. The Prime Minister has said that she was only available to debate on July 30. Thursday night PersadBissessar answered questions on the economy, national security, governance and human and social development. Wells pointed out that last year there was a multi-million dollar drug bust where cocaine was discovered in juice cans shipped from Trinidad to Virginia, United States. She asked what was being done to deal with the issue of the drug trade. Persad-Bissessar said there was always room for improvement in dealing with national security issues and
in a new term the country can expect even more stronger measures. “I’m looking to, in our new term to create a separate Ministry of Defence,” said Persad-Bissessar, noting that at present there are the Ministries of Justice, Legal Affairs, the Ministry of the Attorney General and National Security. She said the protective services — the police and defence force fall under the National Security Ministry and a new Ministry of Defence can focus specifically on dealing with border control and locking down this country’s borders to prevent the infiltration of guns and drugs. “I do not regret shutting down the OPVs, they were bad for us...they are bad for us at this point in time,” she said.
PM says St Vincent’s billion dollar national debt is ‘manageable’
Dr Ralph Gonsalves Daily Observer - Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says his national country’s debt of EC$1.529 billion is manageable.Gonsalves, who is also Minister of Finance,
said the country’s national debt registered the least growth within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union during the year ended March 2015.
The national debt of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) increased by EC$14.13 million during that period, he said. This compares to Antigua and Barbuda’s increase of EC$139.5 million; EC$23.85 million in Dominica, EC$28.8 million in Grenada, and EC$149.17 million in St Lucia.“I’ve always said we have a manageable debt in St Vincent and the Grenadines, we are among the better performers in that regard in the Currency Union, and that we have laid out our strategies for growth and competitiveness among other things…” Gonsalves said Tuesday.
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PM Simpson Miller wants debt relief …Says proposal for 100 per cent write-off is timely Prime Minister - Portia Simpson Miller has supported a proposal made by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) for a debt relief strategy for middleincome countries like Jamaica. “Comprehensive debt relief for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that would gradually write-off 100 per cent of their multilateral debt stock is
timely. In our view, this proposal is worthy of serious consideration and support from the international community,” Simpson Miller told the United Nations Security Council Debate on the Peace and Security Challenges of SIDS in New York Thursday. The debt relief proposal was put forward by ECLAC at the 36th meeting of the Heads of Government of the
Caribbean Community (Caricom), held recently in Barbados. The regional trade machinery is considering the plan, which would see member states pursuing a gradual write-off of their multilateral debt. SIDS, although classified as middle-income, continue to buckle under the weight of large debts, while access to development funding is limited because of the United
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller addressing the United Nations Security Council at the UN Headquarters in New York Thursday. Also photographed are Foreign Minister A J Nicholson (left) and Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Courtenay Rattray. (PHOTO: UNITED NATIONS) Nations designation. Thursday, Simpson Miller also argued that the middleincome designation foisted on Jamaica and other Caricom countries limits their ability to access critical development financing. “This places in jeopardy our ability to finance our sustainable development objectives from domestic public resources,” she stated. The prime minister pointed out that “unsustainable public debt levels” for the Caribbean
averages 70.5 per cent, and that this is aggravated by large current account and fiscal deficits. The clamour for debt relief for Jamaica and other middleincome countries has been growing louder in recent months, and coming increasingly from various quarters, including United States economists and politicians. Jamaica’s foreign minister, Senator A J Nicholson, in a statement to the Upper House
on July 10, acknowledged that debt relief would create more fiscal space and help Caribbean governments to adapt to social, economic and climate change issues. Following US President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Jamaica in April, Nicholson said he strongly believed that “we are in a better position to be listened to, and for it to be acted upon, because of the way we have conducted ourselves over these past few years”.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
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THE RIOT ACT SHOULD ALSO BE READ TO THE BAUXITE COMPANIES The government has reportedly read the riot act to timber companies operating in Guyana. It has told them to shape up or ship out; either they begin to set up sawmills or run the risk of losing their concessions. The government would have had adequate time to study the agreements entered into with these companies by the previous administration. They would have also been able to appreciate just what were the shortcomings. They have reached the stage where they can now insist that the promises made to establish timber processing facilities be established. The government however needs to explain if indeed these companies are contractually bound to establish the value-added operations. Suppose it is just
a mere promise made by the companies but it is not bound in the companies’ contracts with the Government of Guyana. What happens then? How will the new government then proceed to withdraw concessions? The government will open itself to civil suit if it attempts to withdraw concessions that are not conditional on valueadded activities. There is also a wider implication. Investors will frown at the actions taken by the ruling APNU+AFC government and accuse it of pressuring foreign investors. Even if there is a condition in the contract between the foreign loggers and the government to invest in value –added production, there may be reasons why this cannot be done. The company for
example, as one company has done, can claim that it cannot attract the necessary investment to establish the factories. They may or may not hold up in the court. If there hostility to loggers, then it may be a legitimate excuse to contend that in such circumstances, the raising of investment capital becomes problematic. The government therefore should be careful in its pronouncements. It should press for the necessary investments to be made but at the same time, it has to ensure that it is standing on a strong legal limb because it is likely that any action it takes to roll back concessions are going to be challenged. A negotiated settlement is always a better option rather than a long protracted legal
Dem boys seh...
Soulja Bai got to change all dem holidays When you got position and money in you pocket or big office, nuff people does know you. As a matter of fact, everybody does know you. For example, tek dem two Ministers who end up in court this week. When dem use to move, dem had a drove of people walking behind dem. When dem get charge not a man, not even dem dog was at dem side. When Jagdeo get charge he and all didn’t have people to go to de court behind him. Donald had to hire couple trucks from Bee Kay and Naught fuh transport protestors outside de nice gyal magistrate court. Jagdeo and de two of dem crying. People see dem sit down at de side of Freedom House crying. When de shave ice man ask dem wha dem crying for, Jagdeo seh he not crying fuh heself. He crying fuh all of de rest who gun follow dem up de court steps, shortly, including Donald de Dummy. Dem got to pay fuh all de wrang things dem do to de nation. Dem did not only give away state assets to demselves, friends and
family, dem SOBs also give away holidays like if dem own de calendar. Dem give Emancipation Day, Arrival Day, Amerindian Day, Putagee Day, Chinese Day and White man Day. Dem suh accustom to give away that dem didn’t think. Kaka roach eat out dem brains, belly plus de other Bee wha Jagdeo don’t have. Dem boys seh that all dem had to do was mek one day a holiday fuh everybody and call it Everybody Day. If you call it Black man Day; Coolie man Day, Buck man Day, Putagee man Day, Chinee man Day and White man Day, then all of dem gun row among demself why dem name wasn’t de first one pun de list. That’s why dem boys seh call it Everybody Day, even if rain fall or sun shine whole day. It belong to all of dem. Soulja Bai should tek note and cut out all dem blasted holidays dis. Talk half and watch how all of dem gun get dem own day in court.
battle which could see the country losing the entire investment. In the Bahamas, there are serious problems now over the bankruptcy of an investor involved in the construction of a major hotel, one of the largest to be built in the Caribbean. The country has been thrown into a major tailspin because of this problem and the government is therefore seeking a negotiated settlement to the problem. It would be wise counsel
for the government of Guyana, before it makes public pronouncements, to enter into a negotiated settlement with the foreign logging companies. The future operations of those companies should be tied to the creation of local employment. But it is not just logging companies that should come under the radar. What about the bauxite companies. One of them promised a long time ago to build a smelter. That
has not happened and therefore the government also needs to read a riot act to those companies operating in our natural resource sector.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday August 01, 2015
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
What about a Black Guyanese entrepreneurial class? Let me be effusively unambiguous, graphically pellucid and illuminatingly clear – I would agree with any critic of the AFC-APNU Government who points to the consistent predominance of state appointments that is in one ethnic direction only. It will exacerbate the 60-year-old tragedy that is a country named Guyana. My revulsion against the rule of the PPP beginning with Cheddi Jagan in 1992 was that the PPP control of the state was premised on favoritism towards East Indians. The man, Jagan, himself had an employment bias towards Indians during his presidency. It is a stain that is written largely on the biography of Cheddi Jagan. Only a blind researcher or an indecent one would gloss over that fact.
If Walter Rodney was alive to see Cheddi Jagan as President, Walter would have driven Jagan out to sea. The bitter sin that African-rights activists have accused Walter Rodney of possessing was that he was too obsessed with bringing down Burnham that he didn’t care about seeing the essential philosophical flaws of Jagan. Those flaws were nurtured and fertilized by Janet Jagan. Those flaws led Jagan to throw Bharrat Jagdeo upon Guyana. Those flaws made Jagdeo throw Ramotar upon Guyana. The rest is history. I long suspected that the PPP, but particularly Bharrat Jagdeo, (in another column I will deal with Justice Chang’s injunction against me which still stands but which I have been able to get around because you can
use different words to convey the same meaning) were tilting towards ethnic cleansing in a non-violent way (but also in a violent way which led to the 2002 Mash Day jailbreak). At the level of the eyes, you couldn’t see it. I saw it when I spent two years researching employment and scholarship policies of the Jagdeo regime. I saw a horror story which I presented to an academic conference in the form of a paper titled, “Ethnic Power and Ideological Racism: Comparing Presidencies in Guyana.” What African Guyanese suffered under the PPP, we should of course never forget but to keep carping on it is psychologically unwise. Thinking about it leads to unhealthy thoughts. We should move on. Guyana needs to move on. One hopes
that what African Guyanese had to endure under the PPP, Indians won’t have to under the coalition government. We simply have to kill the Medusa of racial suspicion that has frozen the future of Guyana almost sixty five years ago. Medusa was a monster in Greek mythology that when she set her gaze upon you, you turned into stone. And that is what race-based policies by past governments have down to Guyana – turned it into stone. Mr. Clairmont Lye, not known at all to be a supporter of the PPP when the PPP was in office, has complained bitterly of the low level of East Indian representation on the state boards. No doubt this will hand the racists inside the PPP an anti-tank weapon from which they can fire their salvoes against the Granger/ Nagamootoo unity team. Whether contextually it was not possible to have an infusion of Indian faces, the claim of ethnic bias will cause reflections. Can you blame
Lye if he sees it this way? The answer is no. But at the same time our sociological analysis must be methodologically holistic not ethnically slanted. Ravi Dev has consistently argued that Guyanese Indians have an ethnic security dilemma that could only be addressed by ethnic balance in the security forces. Mr. Lye wants ethnic balance on state boards. But Indians who have these fears have to be analytically objective. African Guyanese have an ethnic security dilemma too. Dev admits this but proposes solutions to the Indian problem. That is understandablehe deals with solutions for his community. But if we are to save Guyana we must examine the dilemmas all our ethnic communities have.What about ethnic balance in the economy? What about ethnic balance in entrepreneurial formations in Guyana? Go to any part, and I mean any part of this 83,000 square miles of territory, and you see the monstrous ethnic imbalance in the
Frederick Kissoon capitalist nature of the Guyanese formation. East Indians dominate the economy ninety five percent to one percent for African with other races making up the other four percent. Among other races in Guyana, outside of Indian Guyanese, land-holdings are extensive. It seems that the only race that does not possess vast plantations of land is African Guyanese. I know some Portuguese Guyanese who have countless acreage of land that the combined population of African Guyanese do not have. It is time for ethnic balance in Guyanese capitalism.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Balwant Singh Hospital introduces state-of-the-art lab equipment By Desilon Daniels With the ultimate goal of raising the bar of the healthcare system in Guyana, the Balwant Singh Hospital yesterday introduced state of the art equipment into its laboratory, the first of their kind in Guyana and the Caribbean. But even while there was another achievement by the private institution, Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton, said that the standard of accomplishments seen at the private level must be replicated in the public health care system. Minister Norton’s comments came during brief remarks made before he cut the ceremonial ribbons on the two machines. With him was Balwant Singh Hospital Administrator, Dr. Madhu Singh, who explained that the introduction of the “state of the art” equipment was part of the laboratory expansion. According to her, the machines are two advanced lab analysers, manufactured by Roche Diagnostics Ltd. of Switzerland. The machines, she said, are the COBAS c 311 Analyzer – which are used for biochemistry tests – and the COBAS e 411
Immunology Analyzer, used for hormone assays and infectious disease markers. She added that the first machine is the only one of its kind to be installed in Guyana while the latter is the first such machine to be installed in the entire Caribbean. “These analyzers are capable of giving very rapid and reliable results. As we know, in making a diagnosis and commencing treatment, time is of the essence but so is reliability,” Dr. Singh said. She added that the hospital is looking to raising the bar for laboratories in Guyana. She said, too, that previously, a lot of the tests provided by the hospital were forced to be sourced overseas at great cost. “Therefore, we look forward to easing the burdens of the Guyanese patients by providing the results at much less costs and in a shorter time.” For Minister Norton, the latest achievement by the private hospital was indeed a commendable one. He noted that quality healthcare in Guyana is always expensive, even when systems are put in place by countries to adapt to fit its economy.
“In one way or the other, lots of money and a large part of the national budget of any country would be dedicated to healthcare,” Dr. Norton said before adding, “These equipment cost quite a lot of money but we know with quality comes expense... The Balwant Singh Hospital has shown us that they are moving always from one level to a higher level and the services we might not have had access to in the country before are available here.” However, he said, while the achievement marked another success for the private healthcare system, there was much work that needed to be done in the public system. He said that unless the public system moves in the same direction as private hospitals “many facilities might only be available at the private level.” Nonetheless, he said, his ministry is working towards certain goals and is looking towards reaching an international level. To do so, he added, all that is possible must be done to make certain tests available to the public. Dr. Norton, Dr. Singh and other hospital officials made their way to the laboratory
GuySuCo must bring costs down to remain alive From page 3 asked whether it would consider investing in the sugar industry and give the current challenges, whether any help can be forthcoming. In addition to the COI members at the meeting, present also were Professor Clive Thomas, the new Chairman of GuySuCo. Members of the Interim Management Team, Errol Hanoman, and Paul Bhim, also attended the meeting. On Monday, the commission will be meeting with officials of the workers' unions in the sugar industry – Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU); Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). They will also hear from Head of the Private Sector Commission, Major General (ret'd) Mr. Norman McLean,
and George Allen, a former GuySuCo executive, who in recent years has been working in the Jamaican industry. On Tuesday, the commission will meet with Dr. Yesu Persaud, former Head of Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) and former Deputy Chairman of GuySuCo. Dr. Persaud now heads the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI). Other persons who are expected to address the Commission include the Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts and Dr.Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and an official from the livestock division. Attorney-at-law/accountant, Christopher Ram, is also set to make a presentation to the COI. On Thursday, Yusuf Abdul, General Manager of GuySuCo Technical Services and Jairam Pitam, former Hu-
man Resources Director will be answering questions. With the commencement of the second crop, commissioners have resumed visiting the estates. The COI was among one of the first actions taken by the David Granger administration since being declared victors in the May 11th polls. The entire Board of Directors, headed by Shaik Baksh, and the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rajendra Singh, were sacked.
Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton cuts the ceremonial ribbon on one of the new equipment with the assistance of Balwant Singh’s Hospital Administrator Dr. Madhu Singh where the machines are being housed. There, the Minister grilled a hospital employee on the machines, its maintenance and the qualifications of the lab personnel to deal with the new equipment. According to Dr. Singh, four laboratory staff had undergone two weeks training by a Roche employee. The other lab personnel, who number about eight, will receive training from their co-workers shortly. The Roche representative explained that the training sessions had been very successful. She too expressed pride at the European’s company instalment of its 400 series equipment in the Caribbean. Additionally, Dr. Singh indicated that the hospital
had been interesting in acquiring the machines in excess of a year. Special conditions, including the installation of a new water filtration system, were also put in place to ensure that the equipment work at maximum capacity. Meanwhile, services provided as a result of the new equipment will be
provided to the public at much lower prices and at much faster rates. Furthermore, the equipment will aid the hospital in identifying a number of diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The purchase of the two machines reportedly cost about US$190,000.
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Saturday August 01, 2015
T&T, Guyana agree Police force hosts to Joint Commission ‘Emancipation Affairs’ Trinidad Express – Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have agreed to a Joint Commission to initiate and oversee collaboration in construction, education, business and other areas where it would be mutually beneficial to deepen ties. According to the Trinidad Express online news last evening, the Office of the Prime Minister, in a statement on the visit to T&T by President David Granger on Thursday and yesterday, said that bilateral talks were held between Granger and Prime Minister, Kamla PersadBissessar. The discussion, held Thursday at the San
Fernando Teaching Hospital, included Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development and currently acting Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senator Kevin Ramnarine, Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs, and officials from those ministries. Talks focused on enhancing the existing bilateral relationship in various industries, while both leaders exchanged views on deepening the collaboration already initiated in agricultural production, skills development, and energy cooperation, the Office of the Prime Minister stated. “Additionally, it was
agreed that a Joint Commission will be formed to assess the furtherance of these and other items such as construction, education and business,” the release disclosed. “President Granger welcomed the presence of Trinidad and Tobago’s expertise and companies and also noted that, in order for significant progress to be made, there must be sufficient political will.” Following the meeting, Persad-Bissessar and Granger departed for the South Campus, Penal-Debe, of The University of the West Indies, where Granger delivered the feature address at the ceremonial topping off and deed handover.
Kurt Clarke of Howes Street, Charlestown was remanded to prison by City Magistrate Ann McLennan for the University of Guyana (UG) Road, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown robbery/murder of Mahaica rice farmer, Hardat Kissoon. He is the second person to be charged with killing
Kissoon.The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge which states that on June 1, 2015 at UG Public Road, Clarke murdered 42-year-old Kissoon of Cane Grove, Mahaica, during a robbery. The matter was transferred to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s
Court for August 6. Kissoon, a father of three, was shot dead on June 1 at University of Guyana Road, Turkeyen, by a bandit who was posing as a minibus passenger. The 42-year-old from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, had joined the bus after leaving a city bank with $500,000. According to reports, the bandit had asked the driver to stop so he could get off. He held Kissoon at gunpoint and demanded his bag. He then shot the farmer in the chest before exiting the bus and escaping on a motorcycle with another accomplice.
Man charged with rice farmer’s murder
African wear which was in abundance at Police Headquarters Eve Leary. Being a policeman does not necessarily mean that you become alienated from social activities in society. Acting as a law enforcer is not the only the skill that members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have. In fact, most of them are talented in different areas. This was proven yesterday when the women’s arm of the GPF hosted its first ever ‘Emancipation Affairs’ at the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. The gesture which was entirely the initiative of the thoughtful law women was
well attended. The tent which was set up in the compound was ‘packed’ with women and a few men outfitted in African attire. Style, colour and fashion were not lacking as the African apparel being worn were seen in various ‘tastes’. There was a feel of African heritage as not only was t h e r e a r a n g e o f African wear, but there was a range of African traditional foods being served while those in attendance listened to the rhythmic drumming skills of both young and matured
drummers. The GPF choir did a great job in delivering their renditions of a few folk songs which had quite a few in the congregation singing along as if they had no intention of wanting it to stop. Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham said that the women’s group thought it would be a nice gesture to get involved in the emancipation celebrations. This group of women seemed to be good at dishing out some good initiatives including their first annual hat show in April last.
‘Pretty Boy’ remanded on murder charge Edward Skeete, also called “Pretty Boy”, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer the charge for the Turning Point, Tucville murder. The 28-year-old accused of Lot 309 Independence Boulevard, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between July 14 and July 24 at Georgetown, he unlawfully killed Rayon Clementson. The mason was unrepresented at court. The prosecution’s facts were not presented by Police Corporal Deniro Jones and the matter was adjourned to
August 14. Jones stated that according to police reports, Clementson, 25, of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara succumbed to his injuries after he was shot by a lone gunman while in the company of another man at Turning Point, Tucville. According to information received, Clementson was standing on the bridge at Turning Point when a man drove up on a motorcycle and discharged several rounds in his direction before fleeing. The now dead man was hit in his upper leg. It was believed that Rayon Clementson was also armed but did not get the
Edward Skeete chance to return fire as the suspect managed to flee the scene.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Social policy to support six-month maternity leave under consideration
Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer Primary health care simply defined is essentially health care that is based on scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technologies that are universally accessible to individuals, families and communities as a whole. This notion was recently amplified by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who pointed out that while the general delivery of health care, is a mandate of the health sector, primary health care is one that requires full involvement of respective communities. It is therefore expected that primary health care services are offered at a cost that communities are able to
bear, said Dr. Persaud as he asserted, “It is not things people cannot achieve or cannot afford to have access to, and it is usually developed in the spirit of self-reliance and self determination.” The involvement of communities, he said, is crucial to assess what people’s needs are from their perspective. “It focuses health beyond traditional hospital care...it is more towards health equity and production of healthy social policies,” asserted Dr. Persaud as he pointed out, “We are not only talking about Government policies and so on, but social policies - the way we behave among each other, the support men give to their wives or other pregnant women in society.” This, according to Dr. Persaud, can also translate to the amount of leave afforded women after they would have delivered their babies. “We are still tied with this three months NIS requirement and if you look carefully at the law it is really one month of confinement, and then two months after the mother has got her baby, so how is this woman breastfeeding this baby for six months,” questioned Dr. Persaud. The CMO, who was at the time speaking at a Maternal and Child Health/Expanded Programme on Immunization (MCH/EPI) half year review
meeting, disclosed that breastfeeding is seen as one of the tactics that can serve to combat obesity in babies. Moreover, he stressed the need for the implementation of social policies to address this shortcoming. A few years earlier, the CMO had told this publication of discussions which were leaning towards the possibility of having mothers in the CARICOM Region being eligible for six months of maternity leave to ensure new born babies are exclusively breastfed. This approach, he related is designed to tackle childhood obesity. According to the CMO, childhood obesity starts in the womb depending on the kind of nutrition mothers take and to the extent that they maintain health. He insisted that not only is breastfeeding important to the wellbeing of babies but they are less likely to be hooked on sugar or high calorie foods. “Sugar and salt are acquired tastes. If you don’t expose them to sugar they like what you give them and they grow up. Breastfeeding transitioning into complementary feeding is a much more acceptable way of controlling children’s weight,” he said. Dr. Persaud had moreover lamented that the three months maternity leave Continued on page 28
Special Magistrate to be appointed to oversee mining cases - Minister of State Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday said that Government plans to appoint a special Magistrate to oversee all mining matters which have been tied up in the court system. He made this declaration at the Princess Hotel on the occasion of 36th anniversary of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). He also called on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to put the country and its stakeholders first in its operations. The Minister promised that the organization would have new and improved systems, which will be put in place to ensure that the Commission is effectively managed. Harmon said that GGMC has the responsibility for the country’s natural resources and as such, should ensure that every action taken is in the interest of the country and its citizens. He said that President David Granger, during the course of the week, met with the Guyana Gold and
Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) and several members of the GGMC, where it was expressed that there were many irritants to the Commission’s work and efficiency and the mining sector as a whole. This, he related, included the increasing number of Court matters engaging the GGMC and the nonenforcement of existing laws governing the sector. Harmon said, “These are matters, which as a nation, we have to address because in the view of many, there are too many injunctions, tied up injunctions… So the whole system seems to be tied up by injunctions … and this is something we will have to address.” The Minister also said that Government has given its commitment to ensuring that the GGGMC operates in an environment which “unshackles all of these archaic rules and regulations and injunctions that ‘tie up’ the Commission and make it an ineffective tool of the State.” He said that the new
administration will be appointing a mining officer who will be responsible for dealing with regulatory issues. “Going to Court is wasting a lot of time and we were advised of the provision in the act for a Mining Officer, which is a particular Magistrate who is assigned to deal with mining matters…We will explore that possibility to ensure that a particular Magistrate is designated for that purpose even if it’s one day or two days a week, to deal with mining matters so that these matters can be cleared up as quickly as possible,” the Minister said. He said, “We believe that the protection of our natural resources, the national patrimony, is a serious responsibility which we have to exercise as a Commission. It is the intention of the government to provide the GGMC with the resources necessary to carry out duties in a fair and fearless manner,” Minister Harmon said, to much applause from the audience.
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PPP will appear for Budget Day - Luncheon Come Budget Day on August 10, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will make its first appearance in Parliament since it lost the 2015 General and Regional Elections. This is according to executive party member, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who stressed the party’s interest in the parliamentary process. In fact, he said, the “entire slate will be there for the purposes of the budget”. Dr. Luncheon made the statement during the PPP’s
most recent press conference held at its headquarters, Freedom House. Commenting on the PPP’s entrance into Parliament, Dr. Luncheon assured the public that the 11th Parliament would be constituted as designed. “In other words, a governing party – or in this case a governing coalition – and an opposition will be implanted in an attempt to discharge the constitutional roles of Parliament.” He further said that the new PPP parliamentarians
have undergone training in conjunction with Parliament as part of the party’s return. An induction exercise, he said, occurred on Wednesday and saw 10 of the party’s members participating. He added that the party’s participation on Budget Day has been translated by the PPP’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira. Teixeira is no stranger to the post and had functioned in the capacity for the PPP for a number of years. Luncheon confirmed that
A Thursday night shooting has left a young man fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. According to police
reports, the man, Desmond McPherson, 23, of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, was found on the roadway in the vicinity of the Turning Point Bridge, with suspected bullet wounds to his chest
sometime around 22:15hrs. Yesterday, when Kaieteur News visited the area, persons were unable to say what had transpired. The Proprietrix of the Turning Point establishment told the reporter that the shooting did not occur in the vicinity of her business place. Kaieteur News understands that McPherson and an unknown man were having some form of disagreement which led to him being shot. Sources have said that the shooting occurred in the “Big yard” on Arapaima Street which is located about a corner away from Turning Point. Investigations are ongoing.
Man found with bullet wounds in Tucville
former President Bharrat Jagdeo will “no doubt” be the Leader of the Opposition in the 11th Parliament. Meanwhile, questions still surround the appearance of PPP member, Dr. Jennifer Westford in the 11th Parliament. On Wednesday, Westford was slapped with four charges in relation to a vehicle scam at the Public Service Ministry. Westford is also reportedly being investigated in relation to another fraud at the Ministry. When questioned on whether Westford would still appear in Parliament as one of the PPP’s 32 parliamentarians, Luncheon said that she was “innocent until proven guilty”. However, in the next breath, he conceded that perceptions held by the general public were also important. “In politics, they say, perception is politics,” he added. He went on to stress that a decision has not yet been made in relation to Westford. “We have not made a decision; what we are deciding is the extent to which the perceptions of which you speak of will impact or influence the decisions of the executive and the leadership
PPP Executive Member, Dr. Roger Luncheon of the party.” He refused to further elaborate on whether his comments meant that the PPP was discussing possibly keeping Westford out of Parliament. The same position is apparently being taken in relation to former Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, who was charged just a day after Westford with using insulting language against a
female human rights’ activist. The PPP has been noticeably missing from Parliament since the commencement on June 10, last. Following the 2015 elections, the PPP won 32 of 65 parliamentary seats. However, it had expressed contention at the results and refused to attend parliament in protest of what it deems a “de facto government”.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Sugar can be profitable if focus is on Domestic, Caribbean markets - GuySuCo Chairman
Presidential Advisor and GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas By: Kiana Wilburg The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is revealing some realities. At the same time, it is becoming clearer to the Commissioners that policymakers will be faced with making tough decisions in the industry which employs over 16,000 Guyanese. The recently appointed Chairman of GuySuCo, Dr. Clive Thomas, said that one of these realities is that Guyana simply cannot compete on the world market with the giant sugar producers. The economist said that Guyana needs to stop trying to compete, and to do so fast. However, there seems to be, as the old maxim goes, “a silver lining in the cloud”. Dr. Thomas said that sustainability and profitability of the industry can be had if focus is given to production for the domestic and Caribbean markets. The Economist said, “I believe that we can save the industry from further problems if we scale down production. Sugar would be
profitable if we focus on the domestic market as well as the Caribbean. We have some protection in the Caribbean due to Caricom. We also have some protection within the European Market but that is only up to 2017. I hope the Commission agrees with my position. I don’t see a difference with regard to it.” Dr. Thomas currently sits as one of the Commissioners on the Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo. He is tasked with Financial and Economic Analysis. Others involved include Mr. Vibert Parvatan who serves as the Chairman, and John Dow and Joseph Alfred who are looking at Factory Operations. Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram, recently challenged the capacity of the CoI into GuySuCo, stating that its approach is unlikely to fix the problems facing the sugar industry. Ram noted that there are four critical challenges facing the industry. On his blog, www.chrisram.net, he identified these troubles to be whether Guyana can become competitive in sugar, given that its current cost of production is approximately US$0.40 per pound while the world sugar price is approximately $0.14 per pound; whether, how much, and for how long taxpayers should be asked to subsidise GuySuCo; whether, and to what extent, GuySuCo and Guyana should remain in sugar; and finally, if so, whether GuySuCo should remain in state ownership, alone or with private investors. He said that these issues not only seem beyond the scope of the Commission, but appear to have been presumed as answered for them. Quoting a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, Ram said that the Commission is required to “develop a 15-year plan which is expected to bring the industry back to profitability
and ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.” He emphasized, “Every day of GuySuCo in its present form costs the taxpayers millions of dollars. There is no luxury of time.” Dr. Thomas stressed that the CoI is indeed taking those issues into account. In fact, he expressed that he has even made presentations to the Commission on those matters. The Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development said that the Commissioners have visited several estates and conducted various interviews. He said that the Commissioners have also taken evidence from various persons so as to properly address the challenges affecting GuySuCo and the industry as a whole. He added, “Guyana cannot become competitive in sugar especially with the major players on the world market. Our cost of production is just too high. This was acknowledged and accepted during the CoI. However, I can’t say at this point if taxpayers would have to continue sustaining GuySuCo with subsidies. Government has already given a commitment on monies for the company already.” Cabinet in mid-June gave its approval for the release of $3.8B to GuySuCo. This was part of a request for $16.8B made through the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder for the rest of the fiscal year. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had insisted however that government “is not pouring money down a dark hole.” Harmon had said that the Agriculture Minister briefed Cabinet that the $3.8B will be used for the payment of wages and salaries, current payments to the National Insurance Scheme, payments owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the urgent
Father of four-month-old charged…
Trial to begin in September After four months of adjourned court hearings trial in the matter involving Kevin Critchlow and two nurses attached to the Plaisance Health Centre, will begin on September 22, 2015, at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Critchlow, who is the father of dead four-month-old Kevon Critchlow, who died in March following a routine visit to the Plaisance Health Centre, is being accused of threatening Nurses Tenisha Harry and Latoya Kellman
who he believe were responsible for his son’s death. The charges read that on the day in question, Critchlow being armed with a cutlass in one hand and while bearing the coffin of his son in the other hand went into the Plaisance Health Centre, making threatening remarks to the nurses. Critchlow was accused of blurting out “Blood will shed here today”, and chopping a table before leaving the health centre. The man is
maintaining his innocence. He has opined that he is now being framed and victimized by members of the health sector in their attempt to cover up being culpable for the death of his baby boy. Kevon Critchlow died in March, less than 24 hours after he was injected by a nurse at the Plaisance Health Centre. Although the preliminary post mortem indicated that the child died of brain hemorrhage the family maintains he was given a wrong injection.
- says Guyana simply can’t compete on the world market need to purchase fertilizers, fuel and lubricants and spares for equipment. He had said that the purchase of fertilizers to secure the first crop of 2016 cane as it is already late for the application. Harmon had said that the $3.8B approved also takes into consideration, payments overdue to suppliers. The Minister had said that this is necessary to reduce the backlog of debt created by the Corporation. As for the remaining $13B which is the balance of the $16.8B request, Harmon asserted that Holder will return to Cabinet to indicate when more funds would be needed and he will of course have to justify his requests. Harmon had said that Government has already mentally prepared for the likelihood of additional requests coming before year end. He said, however, that the money was granted on condition that it would be returned to the government’s coffers. Further, the Attorney-at-
Law, in his article pointed out that one of the major concerns about sugar and GuySuCo must surely be to break the cycle of subsidies into which the country and taxpayers have been trapped. He asserted that the country will not move forward if it has to treat economic entities as if they were social services. Ram said that no taxpayer can or will be happy with an endless flow of subsidies. “It seems to make more economic sense to spend the money on termination benefits and re-training rather than annual subsidies. The days for treating sugar patronizingly must surely be over by now. “Sugar in Guyana is more than GuySuCo. There are large private cane farmers in West Demerara, as there are in the Skeldon and Albion areas of Berbice. Not only are these operators not represented among the persons appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, but this “Commission of Inquiry” is not required to take
evidence. “It is almost inevitable then that important voices and views may be excluded. It does not even meet the minimum requirements which leading economist Professor Clive Thomas advocated a mere month ago.” He recalled that Dr. Thomas had written extensively on sugar and GuySuCo. In a series he did, he had identified two preconditions for charting the way forward. One was the establishment of a National Task Force leading widespread consultation, and the other, a professionally executed forensic audit. He concluded that the scope of the CoI, its composition and its methodology are too restrictive to solve the fundamental, existential problems facing the industry. Ram said that even if the CoI were to demonstrate out-ofthe-box thinking, the more controversial of its recommendations would have to be put to the country for wider discussion.
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Happy Emancipation Day! As Guyanese together celebrate 177 years of Emancipation from Slavery, it is hoped that as a nation we continue to embrace our Motto of – One People, One Nation and One Destiny. Below are some messages that were issued to commemorate this auspicious emancipation observance.
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM (PNC/R) On the 177th anniversary of the Emancipation of the Slaves, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins other Guyanese organisations and the Guyanese people in general, in commemoration of this most important milestone in our country’s march towards social and economic independence. On August 1, 1838, descendants of Africans in Guyana regained their freedom after two centuries of enslavement. Every August, therefore, it is fitting that the entire Guyanese nation should participate in the public celebration to commemorate not only the bloody sacrifices of the Africans who struggled, suffered and were slaughtered for the sake of the freedom we all enjoy today,
but also the birth of the nation itself which was the consequence of Emancipation. In fact, Emancipation is Guyana’s most important national celebration. It marks the start of the most significant demographic change through the coming of various ethnic groups – mainly the Portuguese, East Indians and Chinese; the transformation of the coastal landscape through the creation of free villages; the diversification of the economy into the production of food crops, gold-mining and logging; and, eventually, the liberation of society through the popular movements for labour organisation, constitutional reform and political mobilisation. In celebrating
Emancipation, we celebrate the diversity of the Guyanese nation and the rich cultural heritage of all our people. Emancipation was not for few, but for all. It is true that the African foreparents of the Guyanese people fought for freedom 252 years ago in the Berbice Revolt led by Kofi; 192 years ago in the Demerara Revolt inspired by Kwamina; 181 years ago in the Essequibo Revolt led by Damon; and in so many other places at many other times. Today, Guyanese of all races are the beneficiaries and heirs of our nation’s first freedom fighters. May all of the many activities taking place during this occasion remind us of the need for continuous struggle in unity to overcome and to win despite the odds.
GAWU, yet again joins in the national celebration marking the one hundred and seventy-seventh (177th) anniversary of the emancipation of the forefathers of our African Guyanese citizenry. This has become a joyful tradition and one which holds great significance for us. Freedom from physical bondage which brought on unspeakable brutality and exploitation spawned by colonialism/capitalism was undoubtedly a step along the way to our independence, the breaking of the colonial relationships and the forging of a Guyanese nation.
It must be noted that freedom in 1838 was won and attained from the heroic and self-sacrificing struggles of the slaves. Today, we must not only embrace those struggles but they should inspire us as a people to jealously guard our independence and our general sovereignty in times when renewed efforts are being, more and more, seen to re-establish colonial relations in various regions of the world. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) recognizes the major contribution of the descendants of those freed
African slaves in the continuous development of Guyana and in all areas of our country’s life – sport, culture, politics, security, foreign service. So many have received acclaim regionally and internationally too. Not only our AfroGuyanese citizens but, indeed, our country has come a far way in these past 176 years. Though our times are serious and challenging, we can draw strength and heed the lessons from our forefathers – our hopes for a better life, society and world are realizable in our unity and principled struggles.
GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION
THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN
This is a period when all Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora take the time to reflect on the past, consider the present and contemplate the prospects of the future. The truism is that no other
act against humanity can be compared to the atrocity of slavery; the pain and brutality of the whips has constituted the most unimaginable burden. Centuries of slavery could not break the indomitable spirit of the African people, but it inspired them to make sacrifices and to defer gratification to allow their descendants to enjoy the divine right of freedom. Let us consider the pride and glory of our ancestors
prior to their captivity and allow these values and beliefs, to guide us to the path of success. We must embrace a paradigm shift, we must remove ourselves from lawlessness, corruption and indiscipline, let us unite to build a better Guyana. Finally, let us commit ourselves to have positive attitude towards our environment. Let us join hands to restore the integrity and pride of our capital city.
Saturday August 01, 2015
GUY ANA TRADES GUYANA UNION CONGRESS 177 years ago the cry of freedom reverberated throughout the British Commonwealth. It was the cry of Africans, enslaved for hundreds of years in chattel slavery, now free! The achievement of emancipation, which was not without struggles, was among the first major accomplishment in a people’s march for self-determination. It is a march that has been paved with setbacks, challenges and achievements. Most importantly, this experience ought to serve as a reminder that freedom was/ is never free. Freedom requires eternal vigilance and sacrifices to preserve and defend gains, even as achievements are
marked along the way, and work is intensified to strengthen, deepen and advance the cause. The United Nations Declaration fortifies the principle that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights….are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” This principle is safeguarded in the Constitution, notably, Title 1 that guarantees the ‘Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.’ These instruments serve as reminder that the struggle must not cease until attainment is achieved for all.
And though the African community has much to be proud of, there remain concerns that ought to be addressed. Among the accomplishments are the roles played in laying the foundation of modern Guyana such as the establishment of the Village, Cooperative and Labour movements. Among concerns are the community’s socio-economic status and treatment in the political order. Thus it means the struggle for equality and freedom must continue. As this generation marks the achievement of their ancestors 177 years ago, may efforts be redoubled to safeguard and build on it.
The history of a nation is, essentially, the story of its people, “History” connotes past. And the past of a people – their arrivals, encounters, set-backs, challenges and achievements – must be recorded, remembered and studied in depth and objectively simply because people make nations. Guyana is not one of the homogenous societies of this world. It is comprised of its indigenous people and descendants coming from
Europe, Africa and Asia. These groups have had their varied and rich stories interwoven into one tapestry titled “Guyana”. Against these brief reflections, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) shares sentiments of observances and celebration with our AfroGuyanese community on another anniversary of Emancipation from European slavery which dates back to 1838.
We join with them and, indeed, the nation to reflect, and celebrate the outstanding achievements and encourage our brothers and sisters to plan constructively to pursue an even better future. Today, despite the advances made, our nation still face difficulties aggravated by a troubled world. FITUG sees the need for unity in these times, a main factor to help us face current challenges and score other victories.
The Cuffy250 Committee joins with the rest of Guyana in saluting the African Guyanese Community on the observance of the 177th anniversary of the formal abolition of slavery. We urge that, as we celebrate we should not ignore the uncomfortable truth about the state of the African Guyanese community. African Guyanese communities have been persistent victims of discrimination, stereotyping, and state violence. Stripped of their organizations, knowledge of and pride in their history and of their economic base, the African Guyanese community is in a worse state than it was in 1838. In this regard, this year’s observances should serve as a reminder to all Guyanese, especially those charged with governance at all levels, of the Emancipation promise of liberty, freedom and equality. Cuffy 250 calls for a determined commitment in
word and deed by government to make good on those promises; a commitment that must go beyond festivities. African Guyanese must also participate in the restoration of its equal standing in Guyana. We again urge African Guyanese begin
to plan as a collective to lift itself. We in Cuffy250 will set the ball rolling at our Third Annual State of the African Guyanese Forum to be held on Sunday August 9 at 10am at the Critchlow Labour College, where we intend to raise anew the quest for ethnic equality in Guyana.
FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT TRADE UNIONS OF GUYANA
THE CUFFY 250 COMMITTEE
Social policy to support six-month maternity leave under consideration From page 13 contradicts the six-month exclusive breastfeeding that is promoted by the local Health Ministry. “This was one of the things that came up…how we could start stimulating Governments to open the discussion about our mothers. We can’t have mothers going back to work in three mon t h s a n d w e a r e , insisting on, and think there is a value of breastfeeding for six months; so the two things do not coincide,” he stressed. Dr. Persaud had posited
that, “The Ministry would have to advocate for this (six months leave) but of course there could be some economic costs since Guyana is still a growing s o c i e t y. Ta k i n g i n t o consideration that many women may not have formal employment contracts, Government may have to prepare social security programmes,” he added. “Those are some of the things we want to get into. If we have cross-regional policies, Governments are more likely to comply. And countries must have standard,” noted Dr. Persaud.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 29
GT&T completes 1st phase of faster internet speed project
GT&T’s first phase of enhanced internet speed for customers, completed. The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday announced the completions of its Enhanced Broadband project, at least five months ahead of the original schedule. Guyanese who qualified are now benefitting from the
delivery of the fastest and most affordable broadband Internet services, the USowned company said. GT&T has the monopoly on landlines in Guyana, and with a US$30M fibre optic cable landed here a few years ago, has been promising faster speeds. Before this,
Guyana has been known for one of the slowest speeds and among one of the most expensive in the region. “This upgrade now gives Guyana one of the most affordable internet services in the region for the new speeds being delivered,” GT&T boasted yesterday.
PAT DIAL From time to time, consumers and other members of the public tell us about their ailments and the doctors whom they consulted or the hospital they attended. We usually inquired as to what treatments they received and the various fees they paid. The overwhelming majority of ailments are headaches, coughs and colds, sprains and muscular pains, athletes’ foot, ringworm, dandruff, constipation and diarrhoea, wasps and other insect bites and so on. Many of those patients who could ill-afford it, go to the private hospitals since there is still the strong pervasive myth that the treatment at the public hospitals is inferior, that only the poor go to the public hospitals and that the wait at the public hospitals is interminable. Several of our older membership who usually seek medical help from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) are satisfied with the institution. The hospital staff, especially the younger ones, is always courteous and helpful and the specialist doctors are as able and skilled as any. And the equipment is among the best and of course, tests and other basic medicines are free. Undoubtedly, waiting time is often very lengthy because of the numbers who go there for medical help. We would
recommend to patients who were fearsome of using the GPH facilities, to try them, especially for referrals. The main reason why patients today overburden both the public and private hospital facilities, is simply because any ailment generates fear and even panic among them and their families since they are unable to differentiate between common ailments and serious ones. Accordingly, thinking they are engaged in a lifesaving struggle, they hasten to the private hospitals for immediate treatment, expending money they could ill-afford. In the last generation, in most Guyanese families, and especially among the women and housewives, there was a fund of basic medical knowledge. They could immediately identify serious illnesses such as chest pains or severe stomach and urinary disorders, render firstaid, and seek immediate medical assistance. Simple ailments were successfully treated at home by the use of well-tried and safe OTC drugs, such as the almostforgotten humble smelling salts and sulphur drugs, scarcely ever venturing to touch antibiotics. And there was always the use of fruit and other herbal items such as ginger, cloves, tumeric, neem, tulsi, mint, limes, papaws, massages of various types, black salt and others. “Bush medicines” were never
used by most people because of their uneven effectiveness. The resuscitation of this culture of medical self-reliance could greatly relieve the overburdened medical services and save many families substantial sums of money, allow families to be more confident in dealing with illnesses and not to be overcome with fear. This culture which still survives in some country villages could be resuscitated by using several methods. Among them is the professional use of the print and electronic media to educate the population, trying to bring the formal medical profession on board and the availability of practical home nursing and home medicine books at the book shops and public libraries as had been the case in the past. Such books must be differentiated from “alternate medicine” books and would include “First aid manuals.” Also, such institutions as the Red Cross and the St John’s Ambulance and others should be persuaded to again mount regular and free “first aid” classes. A spin-off for the graduates of such classes is that they could be more easily accepted for training in the nursing profession, and could also provide first aid personnel to be employed whenever there are large congregations of people. GCA email: patdial26@gmail.com
CONSUMER CONCERNS...REVIVING CULTURE OF MEDICAL SELF-RELIANCE
The project was announced in March 2015 and was originally thought to take the entire year to complete. However, of July 31st, 2015, all eligible customers were upgraded, the company said. Interim Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, expressed satisfaction with how quickly the GT&T team executed the project, but is even happier with the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with our customers’ positive reception to our new blazing fast broadband internet speeds. Coming out of last year, we have adopted an approach to quicken the pace and extent of new and exciting services offerings. There are so many new and exhilarating developments in mobile communicationsbroadband, social media, online education, entertainment and other technology-driven applications. “We humbly submit that we plan to be the best provider in Guyana for bringing all of these services together for
corporate, small business and residential customers, and we plan to fight to earn every customer’s trust and business.” For its Enhanced Broadband project, GT&T said that it found the perfect opportunity to give something back to customers who have been loyal over the years. Customers have been enthusiastically sharing their positive feedback with GT&T. Georgetown resident and United Nations Development Programme official, Lelon Saul, has expressed great satisfaction with the enhanced speed that he now experiences. “Before I received the official letter telling me that my service was upgraded I had already experienced the difference in the speed and told my friends. My Netflix, browsing, upload and download experience has been nothing short of excellent. My gratitude to GT&T for taking us to the next level. I am a committed GT&T customer.” The new high speed Internet service is now sold
GT&T’s CEO (Ag), Justin Nedd in packages of Bronze, Silver and Gold in the range of 1.5 Mbps to 10Mbps and is offered to both residential and small business customers. GT&T said it will continue to upgrade areas that may have not been eligible for the first phase of this enhanced internet project. “Those customers who did not originally qualify for higher speeds because of the locations of their homes received a substantial benefit of a different form – a price cut that slashed their cost in half for their existing speed. This is not the last piece of exciting news that you will hear from GT&T in 2015. We plan to keep the energy rolling in the coming weeks and months with our new services, great prices and enhanced offers,” Nedd said.
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Kaieteur News
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Saturday August 01, 2015
SALON
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
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1 Toyota Pickup GRR 9565 & 1 ATV motor bike- Call: 660-0422 1 Toyota Raum Excellent condition, AC, recently sprayed -$1.1M negotiable, 1 IST Excellent Condition, AC, rims - $1.3M –Contact: 6429755 Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2003, body kit, fog, rear spoiler, dark interior, roof rack Call: 617-5536 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
Cheapest: Manual/ Automatic super GL buses, Canter, Hilux. Property in Bougainvillea Park for rent/ sale –Call: 616-7635 1-RZ Minibus BTT, Hardly worked; fully loaded, rims, USB Deck, A/C, excellent condition - $2.1M negotiable –Phone: 617-9143/ 660-8160 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glass top, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 Toyota Bus (pit-bull) 2008 model, AC, TV/DVD/NAVI, excellent condition -$2.7M negotiable, serious enquiries -Call: 690-4373; 639-4165 2008 FIELDER -$2.5M, 2008 RACTIS -$2.44M, CARINA 212 -$1.9M, NEVER REGISTERED & FULLY LOADED VEHICLES –TEL: 617-2891 1 Mitsubishi Canter, 14 Ft Tray, price negotiable –Tel: 619-6267 1 Ford F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, excellent condition, fully loaded, 6" lift kit, 1 Chevy Van –Call: 6105370 Chevrolet 2006 Silverado 1500 4WD pickup automatic – unregistered -$5.5M – Contact: 687-6884
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Unfurnished room for single working male (students preferred, but not compulsory in Georgetown) –Call: 2316842 after 4pm Vreed- En-Hoop Junction: Storage Bond, office, lessons place, games shop, other –Call: 680-9905 3 Bedrooms house up & down at Hope E.C.D $30,000–Tel: 610-1920
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One pair mature German shepherd dogs, excellent for guarding and breedingContact: 654-6355 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 36" Toshiba Smart TV$85,000, 32" Flat screen TV $44,000, Microwave $24,000, Washer/Dryer -Call: 227-5080; 642-1510 Instock subject to being unsold; 1,000 - 10,000 watts; Complete Solar Units- Mr. Beepat – 600 - 5253 One Mitsubishi Canter; Good condition; 2.5 ton, has dumper; $1.9M negotiableTel: 612-1848 Samsung S4 original Phone in excellent condition, unlocked, no issues – asking $55,000-Tel: 2260011/ 666-4634 D4H CAT bulldozer, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper truck, 20 lengths- plastic sheet piles– 1930 front end Contact: 2750538; 683-7225 Pile driv i n g h a m m e r s , w e i g h t 3 and 4 tons, 6 cylinder Leyland engine, 10 tons double steel wheeled roller –Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Pneumatic roller – 9 wheels, 2,500 GLS, steel tank, 2,000 GLS, steel tank , 428 CAT Back-Hoe Call: 275-0538; 683-7225
One AT170 Carina PFF Series in working order –Price Hair Motion’s Salon: Nails & $300,000 negotiable –Tel: 667Hair Stations to rent -$6,000 7337 –Tel: 670-4644 1 Generic Electric Start -7000 One two bedrooms EXL, 1 Stainless Steel apartment for rent, 13 Lyng plucking machine –Contact Sussex Street Charlestown – Harry: 661-2652 or 679-0567 Tel: 225-1418 Universal Sports- Tel:227Apartment for rent @ Parfaite 5080; 642-1510. Original Harmonie –W.B.D –Tel: 601- Brands: 50% off – running 5058 spikes shoes, 30% offApartment to rent First Field Sneakers (ladies & Gents) Cummings Lodge –Tel: 222- Used XBOX 360, PS Vita, PS3 3435 I-pad & I-pods, XBOX one 40x10 Space located on Public & games –Tel:621-7497; 603Road for bond, business, and 8643; 649-3277 office purposes –Call: 6130448, 672-8625
Toyota Fortuner, 2012, 16,000 KMS, Automatic $16.5M –Tel: 688-5554; 6000979 Toyota RAV 4, late PMM series, fully powered, first owner -$2.5M-Contact: 6216363 (anytime) 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.3M negotiable –Tel: 668-8431
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
TOURS Trip to Suriname for 5 days (21st -25th August) $34,000 per person, transportation & accommodation inclusive; food exclusive –Contact: 660-0312 Continued on page 31
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news
The Way Forward in Education DEAR EDITOR, In the next two weeks all of Guyana’s young people who wrote examinations will be anxiously visiting their respective schools or signing on to the CXC website to access their results of the May/June 2015 CSEC and CAPE examinations. It would be in order to pre-wish success and congratulations to all the expectant graduates of secondary schools countrywide. Many of them will be moving into the world of work, entering tertiary institutions locally and abroad and in some cases taking time out to recharge their batteries before deciding on the next step. For those who may be undecided either way, it would be wise to consider
applications to the Sixth Forms at schools of their choice. You will be required to specify your career of pursuit which will determine your correct placement in any of these Sixth Form schools. I invite all those contemplating students and their parents/guardians to consider the offer of an Associate Degree which is part of the Caribbean Examinations Council portfolio. Associate Degrees are further certification for those taking a package of CAPE subjects. Associate Degrees are offered in (i) Arts with specializations in Business Studies and Humanities, (ii) Science with specializations in Natural & Social Science and Applied Science. For
Business Studies specializations include Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Logistics & Supply Chain Operations. Specializations in Humanities include History, Sociology, Law, Modern Languages, Visual Communication, Performing Arts and Tourism. Specializations in Natural & Social Science include Mathematics, Information & Communication Technology, Natural Sciences, Environmental Studies, Food and Nutrition, Sports Studies and Agriculture. Specializations in Applied Science include Industrial Technology. The Caribbean Examinations Council’s awards of the Associate
Degrees are in response to the changing educational demands of the region and globally. These awards will enable persons to select for study, subjects that will meet specific requirements for work and for further education. In providing these articulated programmes of study, the transfer of credits will increase the opportunities for more persons to obtain tertiary education through collaborative and costeffective strategies. All concerned stakeholders are invited to visit cxc.org and download the CXC Associated Degree Handbook which explains all the detailed information for the guidance of students and parents/guardians. R. D. Mahadeo
The rice industry – a key factor is being overlooked
DEAR EDITOR, Like the myriad concerned Guyanese, I have been following the vicissitudes of the rice sector, and like most, if not all, look forward to the early resolution of the circumscribing factors. While the National Rice Industry Conference was instructive, and at least in a cursory manner addressed its sustainable development, I am of the view that a key factor is being overlooked, viz., the diversification of production to target the needs of the animal feed industry.
The latter, to my mind, illogically spends a lot of foreign exchange on the importation of corn. Now, from a nutritional viewpoint, corn like rice is basically a carbohydrate concentrate. The only advantage of yellow corn over rice is its pro-vitamin A content which is necessary for the yellowing of the egg yolk; this can be cheaply substituted for anyway. Against this background, it seems prudent that the rice industry czars in collaboration
with the animal feed manufacturers determine an acreage for the cultivation of short grain varieties (or other IRRI recently developed varieties), which are generally higher yielding than the long grain varieties currently cultivated for human consumption. As an animal feed, the amount of milling necessary will be minimal, as only the fibrous husk will need to be removed; there will be absolutely no need for polishing. The resultant savings in
processing will therefore further redound to the benefit of the rice millers, who may then share the bonanza with the farmers. The industry can then concentrate on satisfying a diversified local market for grain for human consumption, for animal feeds, and for blended flours a la Banks DIH; the CARICOM requirements may then become the major external market. Dr. V.O.M. Mc Pherson Animal Production Scientist
Top Trade Unionists should represent their membership on decision-making bodies
DEAR EDITOR, The trade unions in these parts have been traditionally associated with the political movements or ideologies; and since the rise of most of our political leaders can be traced through their activities
in the Trade Union Movement, the increasing demand for Trade Union participation in national economic planning is therefore being ignored at the peril of the movement, and of society generally.
The Invisibility of Women From page 4 we suggest that an independent body with adequate gender and diversity representation be set up to assist it. Simone Morris-Ramlall for Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) Vidyaratha Kissoon Andaiye Omattie Madray, Coordinator for ChildLink Inc. Patricia SheerattanBisnauth for Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Danuta Radzik Josephine Whitehead and Denise Dias for Help & Shelter Joy Marcus, Wintress White and Karen de Souza for Red Thread Dr. Janice M. Jackson Norma Adrain and Susan
Collymore for Red Thread’s Women’s Network; Grassroot Women Across Race Vanda Radzik Chelauna Providence and Schemel Patrick for SASOD Jocelyn Dow Nicole Cole, Raquel Thomas-Caesar, Nicolette Roach, Jessica Xavier for Citizen’s Against Rape Dr. Alissa Trotz Alicia Roopnaraine Renata Chuck-A-Sang Leila Jagdeo Kathleen Whalen Dr. Melissa Ifill Dr. Janette Bulkan Renuka Anandjit Bonita Harris Norwell Hinds Dr Nigel Westmaas Dr Wazir Mohammed Dr Kamala Kempadoo Dr David Hinds
The close association of the Labour Movement in our country with the politics in Guyana makes it imperative that Trade Unionists possess an intimate knowledge of the political system within which they operate, since they are becoming increasingly involved in the important processes of developmental economic planning and policy-making. It is only by their effective participation in these processes at all levels that we could hope to achieve the peaceful transformation of social and economic order to which we aspire.
The answer to this question lies in our concept of the role that must be played by Trade Unionists at various levels in their workplace and the society generally. At first glance we see: The top leadership who are responsible for the organisation and administration of their Unions, should represent their members on management boards, public board, commissions, and other decision-making bodies. Sherwood Clarke General President CCWU
Dentistry in Guyana is under... From page 5 criminals - quacks only deal in cash and do not deal with checks, insurance reimbursement, NIS coverage, and so they are not, like registered dentists, paying their “fair share” to the GRA. I have, on many occasions, seen, first hand, the work of quacks from every part of Guyana and I can assure the citizens of this country
that the dental procedures which they perform are criminal, not just in the sense of what is right or wrong based on legal parameters, but in their willingness to defy basic human decency in dealing with their fellow Guyanese who deserve a lot better. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.) President, Guyana Dental Association (GDA)
From page 30
TO LET Bagotstown Public Road -2 Storied commercial Property (next to Ray’s Auto) -3,500 sq.ft –Tel: 233-2546, 233-5859
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M. Tel: 625-5461.
Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment: bath, toilet, kitchen, sitting area on High Road Greenwich Park, Parka –Tel: 649-6202/664-3508
2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 629-4017
For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internetTel: 689-5877
Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353, 216-4338
One Spacious 3 bedroom house in Grove, fully grilled, telephone, 2 vehicle parking space etc, price $70,000Contact: 697-6591 or 266-0580
LAND FOR SALE 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 6259788 Friendship house lot for saleCall: 692-8513, 223-0733 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each,1-2 storey property @ Crane – Call: 604-6724 Luxury Gated CommunityMall, Pool, intelligent security system, well, solar. Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – Call: 609-0783 Parfaite Harmonie - $1M & $1.4M, new Herstelling (110ftX60ft) -$3M –Tel: 6117223; 604-2207
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities – $45M NEG. Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 2-Two storey concrete & timber properties on single plot @ Newtown Kitty Sale by owner $75M (GYD) – Call: 643-7061/ 673-8721 2 Storey concrete property for sale at 2nd Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D- Tel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 1 Newly built 2 storey house, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms at Diamond Scheme, Golden Grove –Price $13M negotiable –Tel: 692-8814 Stabroek! Brickdam & Winter Place, Corner lot (North Western) with building - $75M, Diamond$2.5M, GME Realty –Tel: 231-2199, 618-7483 Prime commercial / professional property located in Robb Street, Bourda, 2 buildings, sold as package -$100M negotiable – Tel: 226-2409; 682-1602
CAR RENTAL
HEALTH Herbal nectar treatment for diabetic, hypertension and other sickness (follow me) sexual enhancers –Tel: 696-2957
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494
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Saturday August 01, 2015
Cameron draws up plan to help tackle Calais migrant crisis
French gendarmes chase migrants near a closed petrol station who gather as they attempt to access the Channel Tunnel in Calais, France, July 30, 2015. (REUTERS/PASCAL ROSSIGNOL) Prime Minister David Cameron drew up plans to help France tackle a spike in attempts by migrants to enter Britain illegally via the Channel Tunnel, but warned there was no quick fix. Cameron is under pressure to deter the migrants, many of whom have travelled from Africa and the Middle East, after disruption to crossChannel passenger and freight traffic. He drafted the plans at a meeting yesterday of the government’s emergency response committee ‘Cobra’ after some politicians called for the army to reinforce border controls. “We’re going to take action right across the board. Starting with helping the French on their side of the border, we’re going to put in more fencing, more resources, more sniffer dog teams, more assistance in any way we can,” Cameron said afterwards. “This is going to be a dif-
ficult issue right across the summer.” Cameron, who spoke to French President Francois Hollande later in the day, also said government land would be used to ease disruption caused by queuing lorries on the British side of the Channel. Re-elected in May, Cameron has promised to cut net annual migration to Britain to the tens of thousands, a pledge he failed to keep during his 2010-15 term in office when it hit a near record high of over 300,000 people. The issue is a sensitive one as it plays into Britain’s debate about Europe ahead of an EU membership referendum Cameron has promised by the end of 2017. Migrants have long gathered in Calais to try to get into Britain. But Eurotunnel, the firm that runs freight and passenger shuttles via the Channel Tunnel, says numbers have swelled to around 5,000 people from about 600 and
that it is struggling to cope. It says migrants have also become better organised, mounting nightly attempts in large groups to storm the facilities. Eurotunnel has sometimes been forced to suspend its services, causing disruption at what is one of the busiest times of the year for British holidaymakers. The situation has caught the imagination of Britain’s tabloid newspapers, becoming a political headache for Cameron. He is under pressure to get tough on the migrants from many lawmakers in his ruling Conservatives. But he also has to contend with political rivals unhappy with the debate’s tone. The Labour Party has criticised Cameron for referring to the migrants as a “swarm”, saying the term was dehumanising and stirred public hostility against people sometimes fleeing poverty and conflict.
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour
(Reuters Exclusive) At the Taliban meeting this week where Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was named as the Islamist militant group’s new head, several senior figures in the movement, including the son and brother of late leader Mullah Omar, walked out in protest. The display of dissent within the group’s secretive core is the clearest sign yet of the challenge Mansour faces in uniting a group already split over whether to pursue peace talks with the Afghan government and facing a new, external threat - Islamic State.Rifts in the Taliban leadership are likely to widen after confirmation this week
of the death of elusive founder Omar.Mansour, Omar’s longtime deputy who has been effectively in charge for years, favors talks to bring an end to more than 13 years of war. He recently sent a delegation to inaugural meetings with Afghan officials hosted by Pakistan, hailed as a breakthrough.But Mansour, 50, has powerful rivals within the Taliban who oppose negotiations, notably battlefield commander Abdul Qayum Zakir, a former inmate of the U.S. prison in Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay.Zakir is pushing for Mullah Omar’s son Yaqoob to take over the movement, and a sizeable faction also supports Yaqoob.
Walkout at Taliban leadership meeting raises specter of split
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Palestinian toddler killed in West Bank;Jewish arsonists suspected
Mourners carry the body of 18-month-old Palestinian baby Ali Dawabsheh, who was killed after his family’s house was set to fire in a suspected attack by Jewish extremists in Duma village near the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday. (REUTERS/ABED OMAR QUSINI) Suspected Jewish attackers torched a Palestinian home in the occupied West Bank yesterday, killing an 18month-old child and seriously injuring his parents and brother, an act that Israel’s prime minister described as terrorism. The house in Duma, a village near the city of Nablus, had its windows smashed and fire bombs thrown inside before dawn as the family slept, the military and witnesses said. Graffiti in Hebrew reading “revenge” was scrawled outside, below a Star of David. The child’s parents and four-year-old brother were flown by helicopter to Israeli hospitals and were in critical condition. A second house, which was empty, was also set ablaze. It was the worst attack by Israeli assailants since a Palestinian teenager was burned to death in Jerusalem a year ago. That followed the killing of three Israeli teenagers by Palestinian militants in the West Bank. The Israeli military boosted forces in the area to search for the suspects, described by a spokesman as “two masked terrorists”, and prevent any escalation. The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas called for revenge. Ibrahim Dawabsheh, a Duma resident, said he heard people shouting for help from the house and rushed to it. “I saw two masked men outside,” he told Reuters. He went to get help and when he returned they had gone. “We found the parents outside with burns, they said there was another son in the house. We brought him out and then they said there was
another boy inside, but we couldn’t reach the bedroom because of the fire. He was left inside until rescue forces came,” Dawabsheh told Reuters. Pictures circulated by Palestinian media on the Internet showed a smiling, chubbyfaced boy, named as Ali Dawabsheh. Footage from the house showed blackened walls and singed family photos scattered across charred belongings. Several hundred people marched at his funeral procession calling for retribution. “With our souls and blood we shall redeem you, martyr,” they chanted as the child’s flag-draped body was carried through the village for burial. “TERRORISM” The attack was widely condemned in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shocked and promised that “all means” would be used to bring the assailants to justice. “This is a terrorist attack. Israel takes firm action against terrorism, no matter who its perpetrators are,” he said. After visiting the toddler’s brother at hospital, Netanyahu told reporters he had phoned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and said Israel was committed to find the assailants. Earlier, Abbas said he would submit the attack as evidence to the International Criminal Court. “It is a war crime, a humanitarian crime,” he told reporters. A spokesman for Abbas held Israel responsible. “Such a crime would not have occurred if the Israeli government did not insist on pursuing settlements and protecting settlers,” Nabil Abu
Rdainah said. Part of Netanyahu’s rightwing coalition is the prosettlement Jewish Home party. Its leader Naftali Bennett was quick to denounce the attack, but Palestinians accused the party of laying the ground for it.The U.S. State Department said in a statement it “condemns in the strongest possible terms last night’s vicious terrorist attack.” The United Nations, European Union, Jordan and other countries also issued condemnations. “PRICE TAG” Hamas spokesman Hussam Badran called for retaliation. “This crime has made occupation soldiers and settlers everywhere legitimate targets,” he said. Fearing the killing would provoke violence in Jerusalem, police restricted entrance to al-Aqsa mosque for Friday prayers to men over the age of 50 and to women.Some stone-throwing erupted outside the Old City, police said, with one officer lightly injured. In the West Bank city of Hebron stone-throwing clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers broke out after Friday prayers.Near Ramallah Israeli soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian who threw a fire-bomb at them, the military said and medics said he was seriously injured. The police said a special task-force was investigating the killing, along with the Shin Bet security service.Israeli Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the torching appeared to have been a “Price Tag” attack, a reference to settlers who exact retribution for Israeli government curbs on settlement expansion.
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Saturday August 01, 2015
Oil company wants to look offshore too Daily Nation - There are potentially up to 50 billion barrels of oil in Barbados’ waters, and a group of investors which has already committed to recovering hydrocarbons onshore is positioning itself to explore offshore. Having tendered bids to secure three of the seven blocks now available in Government’s 2015 Offshore Petroleum Licensing Campaign, Bajan Hydrocarbons Inc. has just secured $130 million worth of capital for the venture, chief executive officer Robin Birchall revealed. The funds are split between debt ($100 million) and equity ($30 million). “The Government has been very pragmatic throughout our conversations to date. They understand what we are trying to do and appreciate the potentially vast impact that industry success in the country could have on the socioeconomic development of Barbados,” Birchall told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY. And he said if it was successful, the Barbados-based private oil and gas company would be spending $52 million in pre-drilling costs in the first two years, with an additionally $390 million in spending, “assuming a well is drilled in each block”. It is likely to
Robin Birchall cost about $130 million to drill a well offshore Barbados. “We did a review of all the offshore blocks and we think there is potentially up to 50 billion barrels in place, which is not small by global standards, it’s a pretty decent size. To put that in perspective, that’s more oil than the remaining reserves lying in the United Kingdom North Sea,” he said. “If a discovery is made the capital expenditure to build the facility for production would be around US$3.5 billion and it would pay around US$650 million in total net taxes to the Government for 25 to 30 years. So the facility would be the single largest taxpayer by a signifi-
cant margin and the Government doesn’t have to put up a single penny to build it.“This is for a US$250 million recoverable oil field. That would make the country a surplus energy producer to the tune of about 30 000 to 65 000 barrels a day. It could start at about 75 000 barrels a day, it would run like that, then it would start to decline and then probably go down to about 25 000 barrels a day. So one single producing field would transform the economy and pay more tax than all the other sectors put together,” he added.Birchall has a background of 15 years in corporate finance in natural resources, oil and gas mining “all over the world”. Bajan Hydrocarbons has a senior core team with experience in the financial markets and the oil and gas industry.“Our technical team has an exemplary track record in health, safety and running environmentally secure projects, so we will manage our offshore operations to the highest of industry standards,” he said.As it awaits word on its bids from government, Birchall said Bajan Hydrocarbons was pressing on with its activities in Trinidad, where the company is searching for oil offshore the west and east coasts.
Venezuela supermarket looting leaves one dead, dozens detained
People loot from a supermarket. REUTERS/Wilmer Gonzalez CARACAS (Reuters) One person was killed and dozens were detained following looting of supermarkets in Venezuela’s southeastern city of Ciudad Guayana, the state governor said yesterday, amid the ongoing food shortages in the recession-hit OPEC nation.Shoppers seeking scarce consumer staples including milk, rice and flour
broke into a supermarket warehouse yesterday morning, leading businesses in the area to shut their doors, local newspaper Correo del Caroni reported.State governor Francisco Rangel of the ruling Socialist Party said the looting was politically motivated. “A group of armed motorcyclists arrived and said they were going to loot certain establishments,” he told Ven-
ezuelan television station Globovision. “I’m sure it wasn’t spontaneous but rather planned with a political motive.”Gustavo Patinez, 21, died of a gunshot wound to the chest, Correo del Caroni reported, adding that 60 people were detained. Shops in the surrounding area were either shuttered or protected by national guard and police.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Saturday August 01, 2015
NTN TV Berbice joins list of sponsors for BCB fundraiser at Albion SC Popular Television Station, NTN Berbice joins the long list of sponsors of the highly anticipated Berbice Cricket Board Fundraiser .....”Caricom Championship 2015". The tournament will be played today at the Albion Sports Complex. Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to organise a three day first division cricket competition for teams in Berbice. At the launching Anand Persaud, Managing Director of NTN presented a cheque of a substantial amount to BCB representative Mahendra Ramdihall.
Persaud stated from time to time they would give back to the community and the board can look forward for many more donations/ assistance in the future. He added he is an ardent cricket fan and is happy to learn that proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to reintroduced three day first division cricket in Berbice. Ramdihall thanked Anand Persaud and NTN TV for their generosity and promised good mileage for them and all sponsors. He explained that the board, because of high cost, is finding it difficult to attract a single sponsor for
National Junior...
From page 38 turf provides for the international game. The side will rely heavily on the poise and experience of national senior players Andrew Stewart, Aroydy Branford and captain Mark Sargeant since most of the team is young and inexperienced. National Junior Men’s Hockey Team 2015 Mark Sargeant (Capt), Medroy Scotland, Daniel
Hooper, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Meshach Sargeant, Rosario Ramsammy, Eleomar Silva, Andrew Stewart, Aroydy Branford, Leon Bacchus, Stephon Sprosta, Deheron Wilkinson, Troy Hodge, Ato Greene, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial and Shemar Boston. Coaches - Dwayne Alleyne & Robert Fernandes Manager - Devin Hooper
this important tournament, resulting in this initiative. He added that three day cricket is critical in the development process of players and the game in general. The new government was written to for help and it is the boards hope that help will be forth coming. He encouraged the general public to support NTN TV so that they can continue to give back to the community. He called on other businesses and private individuals to come on board to help the return of three day first division cricket in the county. Contact can be made as follows: telephone numbers 333-2375, 6554140 and 623-6875. Emails can also be sent to abeharry1970 @ yahoo.com and ros_haniff 2001@yahoo.com. The Caricom Championship will see eight top first division teams in Berbice taking part in a ten over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner up will
Saturday August 01, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You could be blind to the defects of those you love. You really can't do anything to change matters today. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You will be overly sensitive today. Resist any idle chatter. You may enjoy doing something musical for entertainment. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Travel will be on your mind; however, be careful and proceed with caution as minor accidents will cause delays. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You have to believe in yourself and your talents. Try to get away with your mate. Social get-together will bring you in contact with intelligent new friends. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Don't make promises that you can't possibly keep. To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Focus your efforts on your work. Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests. Try to deal with it quickly; don't dwell on past regrets.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Don't upset elders in your family who don't understand your present situation. Throw yourself into your work. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers. You will find that unfinished projects at home will be most satisfying. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates; however, avoid being lavish. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. This will not be the best day for communication or travel. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Try to convince a good friend to take a holiday with you. Unfortunately, your personal life may suffer from a lack spare time. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Try not to hesitate; act on your initial instincts. Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities. Uncertainties are still prevailing.
Mahendra Ramdihall (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Nalinie Ganeshnauth of NTN TV in the presence of her colleagues. receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. The teams will don coloured clothing and white balls will be used. Action begins at 10:00am sharp with the top Berbice cricketers on show. Young Warriors/Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh Combined will tackle Upper Corentyne/ Skeldon Combined in the opening game. Game two will see Albion CC taking on Bermine/Police Combined. Game 3 is Port Mourant vs Bush Lot/D’Edward Combined
Game 4 will see Blairmont/ West Berbice Combined vs Rose Hall Town. The preliminary games will play in a festival format to create nonstop action. The winner of game 1 and 2 play in the first seminal and the winner of game 3 and 4 play in the other. The BCB would like to thank the following sponsors so far: ANSA MCAL under the Carib Brand, Sentinel Security, East Coast Cricket Board/Georgetown Cricket Association, Anand Persaud of NTN Television, Tain, Republic Bank Berbice
Branches, Nand Persaud and Company Karibee Rice, NPG Packaging, P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited, ENetworks, Massy Industries, Massy Distribution, Hand in Hand Group of Insurance, Raffik and Sons Construction Services of Williamsburg, B Debydeen, Caterer of Albion Estate Road, Corentyne, New Building Society Ltd, Soogee Seubarran, Balram Shane of Rose Hall Town, Sunshine Supermarket, Tribhowan Jagdeo, Ronald Williams of Apex Insurance Brokers Inc, Sandeep Ramdass of Ishmail Poultry, popularly known as Pampey, Asheik and Sons Motor Spares and Auto Sale, Safraz Photo Studio, Rocky of Palace Taxi Service, Restaurant and Bar, LaGrill Restaurant and Bar, D Harricharran of Beauty and Home Design, Sheik Mohamed of Tiger Sports Club, Office Express, RHTY&SC, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Price is Right Supermarket of No 79 Corriverton, Venu Shopping Center and Beauty Saloon and TVG. Meanwhile, clubs affiliated to the Berbice Cricket Board are asked to get their grounds ready for the resumption of the cricket season. Players are asked to take note that the senior selectors will be there and will use this tournament as part of the selection process for the upcoming inter county limited overs competition. The senior female cricketers along with the management who recently won the inter county championship will be honored before the final. Several gate prizes will be up for grab for the fans with a well stock ANSA MCAL bar and musical entertainment present. Entrance is $300 for adults, children under 12 free. School children from primary and secondary schools in the area were given complimentary to attend.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 37
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition... Headquarters capture Police Inter-Division Third place playoff should be a gem Athletics C/ships again By Rawle Welch
By Edison Jefford Headquarters captured the Guyana Police Force InterDivision Track and Field title yesterday for an unprecedented 18th consecutive year, ensuring that the Championship spends another weekend in the lockups at its Eve Leary base. Headquarters handcuffed the title they have held captive since 1997 after amassing 487 points on the final day of the competition. ‘A’ Division was second with 345 points while ‘C’ Division was third with 276 points and ‘B’ Division fourth with 148 points. Guyana also arrested the ‘A’ Class or international title, finishing with 402 points ahead of Twin Island Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, with 102 points for second as St. Vincent and Grenadines finished third with 41 points. Julio Sinclair and Keith Roberts shared the ‘A’ Class Champion Male award with 26 points each while Kevin Bayley was Runner-up with 20 points. Trinidad’s Nikita Thomas was the Champion Overseas Female with Sheldon Mason taking the male prize. Emmanuel Sancho took home the Champion Male Youth Club title with Joanna Archer claiming the female award. Shion Boyer, Tiffany Carto and Tandika Burgess shared the Champion Female award. Yoel Benjamin was Champion Male ‘B’ Class with Clarence Greene as RunnerUp. The sprint events certainly ignited the sparsely populated National Track and Field Centre venue at Leonora yesterday with Police sprint ace, Winston George, returning to put on a show after his training stint in the United States of America. George blazed to 10.01 seconds in the 100m Male Invitational race ahead of Akeem Stewart, who ran 10.2 seconds and Tyrell Peters (10.9s). George returned in the 200m to win in the steamy 21.0 seconds ahead of Trinidad’s Che Hart (21.7s) and Roberts (22.5s) respectively.
The sprint rivalries continued when Peters won the 100m Youth Club Male in 10.7 seconds ahead of Emmanuel Sancho and Ronald Gobin, who posted 11.1 and 11.3 seconds in that order. Joshua Hamilton clocked 10.4 seconds to win the ‘A’ Class race ahead of Hart (10.8s) and Roberts (11.1) respectively. Tevin Garraway won the ‘B’ Class 100m Men for Headquarters in 10.5 seconds as Linton Mentis placed second in 10.7 and Owen Adonis third in 10.8 seconds. ‘C’ Division’s Trevor Benn led the way in the Senior Officers 100m race in 10.8 seconds ahead of Dennis Thomas (11.4) and Derwin Eastman (11.8s). Former national schools’ champion, ‘C’ Division, Deja Smartt sprinted to 11.7 seconds to win the 100m female race ahead of Headquarters’ Leota Babb (12.6) and Onika Eastman (13.3). Babb got on top of the podium in the Female Senior Officers 100m race with 12.8 seconds as Akeela Alves (13.0s) and Nadine Rodrigues (13.3s) completed a clean sweep for Headquarters. Kezia Bess won the Youth Club Girls 100m in 12.3 seconds ahead of Jevina Sampson (12.5) and Archer (13.5). Carto won the 400m Female in 1:04.4 from Cindy Fraser (1:09.0) and Keiandra Gordon (1:14.3) respectively. Arinze Chance blazed to an impressive 48.1 seconds in the 400m ‘B’ Class with Kareem Punch second in 48.6 seconds and Winston Dummett third in 49.9 seconds. Boyer won the ‘A’ Class 1500m Female race in 5:34.5 with Dellie Williams (5:56.2) second and Melissa Byass (6:10.6) third. Archer won the Youth Club event in 5:24 from Tabitha Bowman (5:34.6) and Bess (6:54.4). Rondel Austin won the Male Youth club 1500m race in 4:32.4 from Delon Bagot (4:50.0) and Moses Best (4:52.6). Bayley jogged to victory in the 1500m males in 5:36.7 ahead of Grivon Grant (5:40.2) and Jayon Johnson (5:46.7) respectively.
Michael DeSantos... From page 40 ‘Manny’ Caesar, Dacia Rampersaud, Gladwyn Tracey, Patsy Barker, Kamal Persaud, Mark Handy and Marthlyn Augustus.
Meanwhile, the organizers are assured of an action packed encounter and urge the support of those fans and patrons in the Bartica and adjoining communities.
Battle lines have been drawn for the conclusion of this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition tomorrow, at the National Stadium. Yesterday, Organisers of the Tournament Digicel held a Press Briefing at its Head Office to present an opportunity to the media to hear the plans and thoughts of the respective combatants in the final and third place playoffs and to field questions about their chances of winning. In attendance at the briefing were Digicel representatives Sherwin Osborne and Gavin Hope Head coaches and captains of the four teams that will appear on the day. Osborne, who introduced representatives of the four teams that included the two finalists defending champion Christianburg / Wismar and Chase’s Academic Foundation along with Waramadong and Annai. Osborne in his remarks spoke of the high quality that is expected among the teams, urging fans to come out and be a part of witnessing some of the most outstanding junior players in the country battle each other for the title. He also praised the efforts of the two teams from the remote regions of Seven and Nine who according to him were impressive enough to reach the last four, one for the first time. Waramadong Head Coach Louis Thomas, who has been at the helm of the school since the tournament’s inception first thanked Digicel for staging the event something which the players eagerly look forward to every year. He said the tournament continues to assist in the development of the players
GOG is committed... From page 39 scorer and most wicket taker respectively. Tahj Tavernier of Windwards received the award for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper, while Melius took home the prize for the highest individual score (79 vs Jamaica). Nyeem Young of Barbados was the best all-rounder. Match officials and members of the runner up team received medals while the victorious Guyana team collected a trophy and each member pocketed a medal.
and for this they are thankful for. Commenting on the team’s performance this year, Thomas spoke about the disadvantage of his players who are not fully engaged in organised football until the tournament comes around and this he noted is one of the weaknesses they face when coming up against teams such as Christianburg / Wismar that plays all year round. He, however, indicated that the team was in positive spirits and will be going all out to grab the third place position against Annai. Annai’s Head Coach Kelly Brasche in his comments also echoed similar sentiments to that of Thomas, thanking Digicel for allowing them the opportunity to be part of the tournament once again. He said it was a great opportunity for the team to have made it a step further, referring to their semi-final appearance as against last year performance when they exited in the quarter-finals. He informed that it was his first stint as the Coach and he would like to finish the tournament on a high by winning the third place playoff. “We want to finish third in the competition and we will be working real hard for that spot. It will not be easy Waramadong have some great players, but we are determined to finish third,”
Brasche stated. Captain of Waramadong George McFerlen opened by thanking his Coach for showing the interest and spending the time to be with the team, adding that their mind set is to finish third and every effort will go into achieve that goal. While shying away from predicting the outcome, McFerlen, who is in his first year as Captain would only
say that their focus is on the game tomorrow. His counterpart Garville Daniels in brief remarks said that third place is the real focus now and they are determined to complete the task. The winner in this game will be awarded $400,000, while the loser goes home with $350,000 all of which will go towards projects for the school in both cases. Starting time is 16:00 hrs.
Wins for Guyana... From page 43 Clarendon, Jamaica overcame Leewards by 23 runs. Jamaica batted first and scored 276-6 in 50 overs. Leewards replied with 244 all out in 47.4 overs with Alzarri Joseph scoring 97 (9x4,4x6). Miguel Smith snared four scalps while Odean Smith had three. At Manchester High School, Barbados trounced Canada by 151 runs. Barba-
dos took first strike and rattled up 272-4 in 50 overs. Leniko Boucher stroked 101 (11x4) and Lee-Germon Gaskin cracked 91 (8x4). Harsha Thanker and E. David claimed two wickets apiece. Canada were shot out for 121 in 33.1 overs in reply. Abraash Khan slammed 46 while David made 26. Keon Harding had 3-30 while Chemar Holder, Khalil Herbert and Ian Boyce had two each.
Guyana face North... From page 42 practice session at Providence. The tournament will be used to pick the West Indies team to face Pakistan from October 10 to November 2 in St. Lucia and Grenada. Guyana squad: Tremayne Smartt (captain), Erva Giddings, Subrena Munroe,
Melanie Henry, Shamaine Campbelle, Katana Mentore, Mandy Mangru, Haseena Mohamed, Kavita Yadram, Akaze Thompson, Rashuna Toossaint, Heema Singh, Sheneta Grimmond, Phaffiana Millington, Carol Nurse (Manager) Andre Percival (Coach)
WICCBVI Blind cricket in St Lucia...
Guyana, T&T share points in washed out game Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago had to share the points in their washed out game on Thursday at the Marsh Grounds in their opening game in the West Indies Cricket Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WICCBVI) Competition in St Lucia. TT won the toss and inserted Guyana to bat on a patch of grass that was trimmed very low to create a temporary pitch on a football ground. The Guyanese had a disastrous start being 10/ 4 but eventually had a recovery. The Guyanese innings was eventually halted in the 23rd over when the score was 176/ 7 due to persistent rain. Kevin Douglas top scored with 72 with 3 sixes and 8 fours and was needlessly run out. The not out batters were Douglas Tika on 10 and Crystal Aulder on 8. Due to overnight and early morning rain the game started an hour late at 10:30hrs resulting in the overs being reduced to 33 per team. Throughout the Guyanese innings there were a number of breaks due to the rain. The game was played in the most inappropriate conditions for blind cricket. The pitch was made of grass that was trimmed low and the field had no cricket pitch. The organizers and officials had to create
a pitch. The tall grass that was present on the area that was called the pitch made the ball bounce a lot and the B1 (totally blind) batters couldn’t cope in the early overs due to the quickness of the TT bowlers who were the B3’s (partially blind) that opened the bowling. Guyana’s scheduled match against the Windward Islands yesterday was called off after an unfortunate event. Manager of the team Theresa Pemberton told Kaieteur Sports that one of their team members, 28-year-old Gordon Sandiford died yesterday after a swimming outing. “After Guyana’s game against the Windwards was called off yesterday they were taken to the mall and then to the beach, he had some problems in the water, he was frothing through his nose and mouth, he was given CPR when he came out and then the ambulance came and he died on the way to the hospital,” Pemberton said. The Manager added that she sent a message via FB to the Director of Sports and also contacted Sandiford’s father. “I inbox him, I need to know what to do as we will have to bring his body back and only the government can assist us.” Pemberton informed.
Page 38
Kaieteur News
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
Saturday August 01, 2015
Regional U-19 cricket in Jamaica...
Could Christianburg/Wismar Guyana beat Canada to reach second consecutive final be dethroned? - Mills thinks so By Rawle Welch Over the past three years, the two teams that contested the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition final had a glaring disparity. The disparity was of such that one team always seemed to be at a distinct disadvantage in size and height, but this time around the two teams, defending champion Christianburg / Wismar and their opponent Chase’s Academic Foundation appears to have no such discrepancy, except maybe that the former are the three-time reigning title holders and knows all about playing on the biggest stage. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the final of the competition tomorrow, at the National Stadium, Providence and judging from all the talk that emanated during the press briefing that was held at the Digicel Head Office yesterday, fans could expect a sizzling battle for the top pize. Head Coach of the reigning champion Anthony Stephens when asked by the
media to make a prediction on the outcome responded by referring to his pronouncements of years ago when he pointed to the Lord Almighty as being the sole being with the answer. He, however, was positive that his charges will put up a good show and if that is enough then it should take them over the line. Stephens, who has been in charge of the team that has participated in every final to date, making them the most decorated team in the short history of the competition thanked the cellular company for sticking to its commitment to improve the level of the game locally and urged other relevant stakeholders to follow the path taken by Digicel. He said the two teams know each other well and fans could expect a very good game, especially with the two teams possessing some of the most talented young ballweavers in the country. Chase’s Head Coach Vurlon Mills, himself a national footballer also commended the Company for
National Junior Men’s Hockey team departs for T&T Guyana’s national junior men’s hockey team departed on Wednesday afternoon for Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) to compete in the Players Tournament which is scheduled for August 1st to 8th. This is the second phase in the Guyana Hockey Board’s three-year programme, which has received partial support from the Guyana Olympic Association through a team preparation grant. The programme is designed to prepare a squad to represent Guyana at the Pan American Junior Championships which takes place in Toronto Canada in June of 2016. The players had their first intense training session on the artificial surface, Thursday morning at the National Hockey Center. They were also expected to have a light session yesterday morning, before taking on Malvern Sports Club at 16:00 hrs followed by Queen’s Park at 21:00 hrs. Although this will be the first time any of the players have been exposed to an
international outdoor tournament of this level, their coaching staff has high expectations of the team which has shown steady improvement since their developmental tour in December of 2014. The coaching staff explained that the team’s focus will be on efficient execution and adjusting to the speed and high level of intensity which the artificial (Continued on page 36)
having the foresight to organise a tournament of such magnitude, referring to it as an investmnent well made. He thanked all the schools and their coaches and teachers who spent countless hours getting them prepared to participate in the tournament. Mills said the Digicel tournament is the biggest one at the schoiols level and every team would like to win it, but sadly there could be only one winner. Chase’s Academic Foundation will be appearing in the final for the first time and according to Mills, the players have shown the commitment and dedication from the first day of training and they are hungry to win. “The mood among the players is positive, they all know the importance of the game, they know the quality of the opposition and they know that they will have to play well to dethrone the champs.” He urged football fans to come out and watch the young players showcase their skills in the biggest schools tournament in this country. Meanwhile, Chase’s Captain Amanackie Forde exuded confidence about his team’s chances of winning, telling the gathering of the passion they share since the first day of training which is to win the title. Tevin Crawford of Christianburg / Wismar said since this year will be his last he would like to go out with a victory and the guys have all rallied behind him to date. “We are determined to end on a positive note and that is successfully defending our title,” Crawford closed. Up for grabs will be $1million for the winner and $600,000for the runner-up. Kick off time is 18:00 hrs.
Play Jamaica in tomorrow’s grand finale It will be a Guyana, Jamaica final in this year’s regional 50-over under-19 tournament cricket tournament in Jamaica sparking memories of the 2007 tournament in St. Kitts when Guyana reached one win away from winning their first ‘double title’ that year as a thunderous ton from Horace Miller snatched victory from the Guyanese at Warner Park. Host Jamaica yesterday got past Barbados by 39 runs in their final round game in which the winner advancing to tomorrow’s final. Guyana, who won the ‘double’ last year on home soil, yesterday qualified for their second consecutive 50 overs final when they beat last placed Canada by four wickets at the Manchester High School in Mandeville in their final round game but will not have the chance of defending their three-day title because the three-day format has been strangely discarded. The Guyanese, who took last year’s 50-overs title by virtue of their superior position on the points table after their final against the Windward Islands, was washed out at Bourda, reached 142-6 from 27.2 overs replying to the 138 all out in 34.1 overs made by the North Americans. Renaldo Ali Mohamed, who traveled from Tobago where he represented Guyana in the Regional U-17 tournament, generated good pace to finish with 3-25 from fours overs and got good support from fellow pacers Sherfane Rutherford (2-16), Kemo Paul (2-21) and offspinner Balchand Baldeo (226). Eight no-balls and 17 wides in 27 Extras aided the Canadians caused as Patel
Renaldo Ali Mohamed
Kemo Paul
top scored with 33. The Guyanese recovered from a poor start as Baldeo (30) and Paul (51) put together 73 for the third wicket, while Rutherford chipped in with an unbeaten 30 towards the end to see Guyana home as Thakar snatched 4-38 from 10 frugal overs to spark home thoughts of a dramatic comefrom-behind win. The Canadians won the toss in bright sunshine and opted to bat on a hard track with some bounce and pace in rural Jamaica and only Patel, batting at number nine offered any meaningful resistance with a 52-ball 33 decorated with five fours and a six as the top order failed to fire with four of the top five batsmen getting into the double figures but none passing 16. The teenagers from the South America mainland began their chase in horrendous fashion when First-Class player and West Indies under-19 left-hander Shemron Hetymer was LBW to Thakar for a duck off the
fifth ball of Guyana’s reply to leave the score on 5-1. Tevin Imlach (9), who got going with a spanking boundary off Thakar in the opening over, departed 14 runs later when Thakar struck again in the fifth over but Baldeo and Paul orchestrated ‘operation rebuild’ to take Guyana to 92 before Paul, who played some enterprising shots and reached the boundary four times and cleared it three times in back-to-back fifties in the competition, departed. Baldeo, who hit four fours in his patient 30 from 56 balls, fell to the impressive Thakar at 96-4 and when Parmanand Ramdhan (8) was removed, Guyana had slipped to 104-5 and in danger of a dramatic collapse which would have given Canada their only win. But that was not to be, despite the demise of Skipper Travis Persaud (6) at 121-6 as Rutherford, who hit an unbeaten 30 from 21 balls with three fours and two sixes and Kasim Khan (2*) saw Guyana to their third ever 50-over Final with an unfinished partnership of 21. Guyana, who has the most wins in the three-day format with 14, has only managed to win the 50 over tournament once since it was hastily arranged for the first time in 1998 to compensate for the rain ruined three-day tournament which was held in Trinidad. Meanwhile, Jamaica led by 76 from Leonardo Friginette and 58 from Abhijai Mansingh reached 251-8 and bowled out Barbados for 212 in 47 over as Odean Smith and Brad Barnes took three wickets each for the team from the land of Wood and Water.
Forbes Burnham Memorial Softball to commence on August 9 The inaugural Forbes Burnham memorial softball competition is set to bowl off on August 9. The tournament is being run under the auspices of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) and will be of 10 overs duration. Teams from regions 2, 3 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 will vie for supremacy with the winners from each area qualifying for the playoffs which will be held on August
29; the finals will be contested on August 30. Entrance fee is $10,000 and the winning team will receive a trophy and $500,000, the runner up a trophy and $300,000, third place and fourth place a trophy and $100,000 each. Teams are asked to provide balls for the preliminary games and those in Georgetown can contact Longsford Klass on 626-7259
or visit him at Regal Stationery and Computer Centre Seaforth Street for more information. President of the GSCL Inc Ian John told Kaieteur Sport that each Region must provide a winner by August 23 to facilitate the play off and finals on the aforementioned date. He added that transportation will be provided for the winners of the respective regions to
travel to Georgetown for the playoffs and finals. Coordinator Mark Walkes said the competition is being organized to observe the 30th death anniversary of the late president cde LFS Burnham. He informed that a number of activities are planned including dominoes, chess, Karate and basketball adding that some of the events started with a church service last Saturday.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 39
GOG is committed to the development of sport - DOS Christopher Jones
D
irector of Sport Christopher Jones told the gathering at the closing ceremony of the Regional U15 tournament, which was held at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion, that the Government of Guyana (GOG) is committed to the development of Sports. He said that they are wiling to work with any organization to ensure that sports expand, and the erection of Multi Purpose centres across Guyana is one of their plans. He stated that this will help the youths to participate in sports on a more regular basis which would help to indentify the talented athletes. Jones congratulated both the Guyana and the West Indies Cricket Boards for organizing a successful tournament and lauded the Guyana team for their achievement. Admirably led by skipper Ashmead Nedd, Guyana won the tournament for the second straight year after recording a 98-run victory over the Windward Islands in their final round
game at Providence. Despite two of their games being abandoned the Guyanese finished with 19.5 points while runner up Windwards ended on 18.2 with one game being abandoned. President of the GCB Drubahadur thanked the WICB for giving Guyana an opportunity to host the competition. He said that despite the tournament being hampered by the inclement weather, he is impressed with the talent of the players. He urged them to take the game seriously. The GCB head also congratulated the Guyana team. WICB director and GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie pointed out that the WICB has a lot in store for the youths and lauded the match officials for a good tournament despite the inclement weather. Barbados were given the award for being adjudged the most discipline team, while the Kimani Melius and Jason Alexander both of the Windward Islands were given the accolades for being the competition highest run (Continued on page 37)
Guyana captain Ashmead Nedd collects the winning trophy from Christopher Jones.
Members of the victorious Guyana U15 team display their accolades. Sitting second from right are GCB head Drubahadur, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie and chairman of GCB senior selection panel Rayon Griffith.
Page 40
Members of the Ann’s Grove Gym pose with some of the boxing gear. National coach Wincell Thomas is at right.
Kaieteur News
Saturday August 01, 2015
Ann’s Grove receives boxing equipment
T
he village of Ann’s Grove was on Thursday presented with a set of boxing gear complements of the President of Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle. The gear, comprising boxing gloves and head guards, was handed over to Kelvin Daly, who manages a recently formed boxing gym situated in the village. National coach Wincell Thomas has been seconded from the National Sports Commission and works with the Gym five days per week. Since its formation last month, the gym has seen membership increase to 25, including several females. While handing over the equipment, Ninvalle urged Daly to work closely with parents in the area. The GABA president also expressed hope that Ann’s Grove is represented at next week’s National Novice competition.
Michael DeSantos teams up with Phoenix Sports Club for clinic/football match He has resided in the Bahamas for a number of years but his allegiance to his place of birth, the mining town of Bartica, has inspired Michael DeSantos to return to his homeland to contribute to the development of the youths. Mr. DeSantos recently returned to Guyana on holiday and has teamed up with Phoenix Sports Club, an institution in his community, where he hosted a soccer clinic for boys 6-16 years old at the Bartica Secondary School Ground. Activities got underway on Monday July 20 and concluded Friday 24. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday afternoon, Mr. DeSantos said that he is very pleased with the response from the youths in the community. He revealed that the programme was very
interactive and commenced with just 21 youths. “When the sessions started, 21 participants were introduced to the intricacies of football but by the time activities concluded more than 65 boys had benefitted from the programme. The youths will get an opportunity to show off their newly acquired skill and knowledge when the organizers stage a U-13 game where Bartica will oppose Goshen starting at 16:00hrs. Mr. DeSantos has sponsored the trophy for the winning team while the winners and runners-up will receive medals. Several persons have donated to offset the cost of the prizes which includes 20 gold and a similar number of silver medals. Contributors include Natasha Harper, Wayne (Continued on page 37)
Some of the youths that formed two of the team that participated in the event.
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 41
Kevin Persaud eager to display his skills on August 9
I
n just his second year as a Superbike racer, y o u n g Q u e e n ’s College student Kevin Persaud has become one of the growing stars in the sport and one to watch for when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club stages its ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet on August 9, at the South Dakota Circuit. The young Persaud, who will be astride a 2011 Kawasaki ZX6R at the upcoming Meet, started his career in November 2013, during the final leg of the
Caribbean Motor Racing Championship in the ‘B’ Class and returned with two sixth placed finishes, a performance he said really encouraged him to return. Persaud whose father is one of the most sought after Superbike mechanics in the country, conceivably, had no other choice, but to become a racer, having grown up around those speed ‘monsters’ in his father’s mechanic shop, a place that is usually humming with activity come race time. Speaking with this newspaper, the soft-spoken
Young Superbike racer Kevin Persaud displays the chequered flag astride his 2011 Kawasaki ZX6R.
daredevil spoke of his eagerness to thrill fans at the South Dakota Circuit. Exuding the confidence that is so necessary in the sport, Persaud said he returned to the track the following March and immediately made an impact, registering two second placed finishes and a third to crown a solid performance and at the same time established himself as a force to reckon with. “I will be racing in the Super Stock category and some of the guys I will be going up against are
Matthew Vieira, Nicholas Boodhram and a few others, but I’m confident that I can do well against them,” he told this newspaper. He reckoned Matthew Vieira will be his toughest
opponent, but siad he will be going all out to change the trend which has seen him play second fiddle to the young Vieira on every occasion. “”I have lots of confidence that I will be on
the podium come race day and I’m even hoping to claim the top spot ahead of my rivals,” Persaud said. Kaieteur Sport wishes him every success in his endeavour.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday August 01, 2015
Guyana face North Windwards on Thursday in T&T Team include four players with WI experience
Coach Percival and Keeper Melanie Henry during a fielding drill.
By Sean Devers Runners-up Guyana will battle North Windwards at National Cricket Centre in Couva when the Regional Wo m e n ’s S u p e r 5 0 To u r n a m e n t o p e n s o n Thursday in Trinidad and the Guyanese are scheduled to depart for the Twin Island Republic early Monday morning. Last year, for the first time in eight years, Guyana
reached the final but the Jamaicans captured their fifth title by crushing the Guyanese girls by 218 runs at the Windsor Park in Dominica. Guyana ended ahead of T r i n i d a d & To b a g o , Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica in that order and Coach of the team, former Guyana First Class left-hander Andre Percival, is quietly confident of
improving on last year’s performances. The 2015 format will see six teams playing. Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago as well as composite sides pooling the talent of the North Wi n d w a r d I s l a n d s o f Dominica and St. Lucia, and the South Windward Islands of Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Each of the teams will play the other once in a
round-robin competition, featuring five rounds with the two teams accumulating the most points qualifying for the Final to determine the winner on Sunday, August 16, at the National Cricket Centre. Percival disclosed that his aim is to improve on last year’s performance, adding that winning is also important. “We have four players in our team who has played for the West Indies before and two who are new to Regional level and if we play to our full ability we should be very competitive,” said Percival, who played 31 First-Class games for Guyana between 1992 and 2005. “Our strength should be our all-rounders and pace attack. We have a quality fast bowling attack led by Subrena Munroe, Captain Tremayne Smartt and leftarm quickie Erva Giddings, who all played for the West
Indies,” Percival, who has seven First-Class fifties with a highest score of 96, disclosed. The Berbician, who also led the West Indies U-19s, feels that Shamaine Campbelle, the other West Indies player in the team, should play a key role with the bat. Percival admitted that former Windies batter June Olge, who missed the InterCounty tournament due to personal reasons, is one of the best openers in the West Indies and will be dearly missed. The two new comers are Mandy Mangru and Sheneta Grimmond while two wicketkeepers have been selected in Rashuna Toossaint and Melanie Henry. Off-spinner Phaffiana Millington should enjoy the Trinidad tracks while many of the players in the side, including Campbell who
West Indies pacer Subrena Munroe in action during a practice session. bowls leg-spin, can provide decent spin options. The team ended a one-week camp on Thursday when they had their final net (Continued on page 37)
Saturday August 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 43
Cable Television provider Enetworks lends support BCB fundraiser
C
able Television p r o v i d e r ENetworks has joined the list of sponsors for the Berbice Cricket Board “Caricom Championship 2015� fundraiser. The tournament will now be played today at the Albion Sports Complex starting at 10:00am. Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to organise a three day first division cricket competition for teams in Berbice. At the presentation ceremony held recently, Berbice Manager Janet Seepersaud said that her Company is delighted to be part of this tournament. She expressed confidence in the way BCB does business over the years and they willingly provided sponsorship for this event. She added that her company is happy to be in Berbice and provides a very important service in the field of television entertainment for the entire family. In closing, Seepersaud mentioned that the people of Berbice have overwhelmingly supported the business and it is only fitting that they make
contributions back to the communities. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Berbice Cricket Board was Mahendra Ramdihall, BCB representative. He thanked ENetworks for their timely and generous contribution towards this tournament. He added that the company always supports the BCB and other charities. He encouraged the general public to get hooked up with ENetworks for they provide a variety of entertainment channels at a very low cost. He called on other businesses and private individuals to come on board to help the return of three day first division cricket in the county. The 10 overs knockout competition with a 20 overs final will see the winner collecting $80,000 and trophy, runner up $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. Coloured clothing and white balls will be used. Entrance fee is $300 for adults, children under 12 free.
Regional U-19 tournament...
Wins for Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados
Kassim Khan
H
olders Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados registered victories when the Regional U19 50-over tournament continued Thursday in Jamaica. At Ewarton Recreation Park, Guyana defeated Windward Islands by 85 runs. Batting first, Guyana posted 257 all out in 49.5 overs. Keemo Paul led with 55 (5x4), Kassim Khan made
Keemo Paul 51 (2x4,2x6), Shimron Hetmyer 40 (5x4,2x6) and Tevin Imlach 36 (2x4). Doman Edward was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Gidron Pope and Jno Lewis had two each. Windwards were bowled out for 172 in 39.3 overs. Kassim Khan captured 4- 32, while Balchan Baldeo and Akshaya Persaud had two each. At Jamalco, (Continued on page 36)
Mahendra Ramdihall, BCB representative (right) collects sponsorship cheque from ENetworks Berbice Manager Janet Seepersaud in the presence of other staff members.
t r o Sp
Headquarters capture Police Inter-Division Athletics Championships again Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration), Balram Persaud (centre) joins Headquarters yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora as they celebrated winning the Police Inter-Divsion Athletics C/ships.
Could Christianburg/Wismar be dethroned? - Mills thinks so
Unite. Develop. Excel.
Digicel representative Sherwin Osborne (centre) poses with Head Coaches Vurlon Mills (left) and Anthony Stephens (right) and Team Captains Amanackie Forde (2nd left) and Tevin Crawford and the Lien Trophy yesterday at the Company’s Head Office.
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