Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
An inaccurate and politically dangerous narrative of a sensitive issue DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran in his column published in Stabroek News’ Sunday Edition of July 26, 2015, under the caption, “Sean Hinds,” gave his narrative of what gave rise to the death squads. His account is not accurate and it is politically dangerous, given the sensitive nature of this issue. I am disappointed that the learned attorney, political leader and opinion maker has pretended to be unaware of the damming revelations that surfaced locally of governmental sponsorship and control of statesponsored killers and killings that surfaced locally. These allegations about the involvement of a high level government minister in the activities of the killers of the state were initially made by George Bacchus. It is widely accepted that it was as a result of him making these allegations that Bacchus was eventually executed on the orders of high officials of the ruling PPPC which controlled the government at that time. Subsequently, in the US courts, in the trials of Roger Khan and his attorney Mr. Simels, more damning
evidence came to light about the extent of the involvement of other high officials of the PPPC government in the operations of Roger Khan’s death squad, which operated in Guyana with impunity. It is an indication of the state of comrade Ramkarran’s mind that he has conveniently ignored these matters and has chosen to stick with the discredited script of the PPPC and some Indian Rights Activists whose only concern was and still is, to portray every Indian person who was killed during the so-called “crime spree” of 2002 to 2006, as victims of African criminal elements operating under the political control of the African political leadership. I and other letter writers have previously debunked this irresponsible interpretation of this tragic period in our recent history. I wrote many letters on these killings and called for an objective and forensic examination of this sensitive matter. It seems that even the noble among us, even in light of new information, continue to have great difficulty dealing evenhandedly with this period of our history.
Until the nation is able to summon the necessary maturity, to deal with our political and social reality with a degree of honesty, we will continue to find political and racial reconciliation a difficult goal. Mr. Ramkarran’s narrative is unhelpful, since he made no reference to the role the PPPC leadership, some businessmen and the narcotics trade played in the evolution of the crisis. His script is also devoid of any mention of the role of statesponsored death squads. Let me remind the nation of what many among us will like to erase from our historical memory: (1) The PPPC came to power in 1992 in a political situation in which PNC urban African supporters took to the streets in a last-minute attempt to stave off the PPPC coming to power. In response, the PPPC, after it came to office, took a decision to neutralize the PNC’s political influence among the urban lumpen. That decision led to the setting-up of a special committee/think tank to work out and implement the necessary measures. This committee over time evolved into what in some
The Chief Justice and bail matters DEAR EDITOR, The matter of bail bothers me. Why does the Chief Justice have to be involved in the matter of granting bail? Is there some feeling that the Magistrates have no real authority to grant bail or to set the extent of bail?
Something’s amiss here. Surely there are instructions and guidance to the Magistrates on the circumstances and conditions under which bail can be granted, denied or quantified. Surely. So why is the invaluable time of the Chief Justice being
expropriated to deal with the mundane matter of bail? Come on Mr President, get your legal experts to work now to put a stop to this inane practice of wasting the Chief Justice’s time on the routine matter of bail. Carl Veecock
circles became known as the “dirty tricks committee”, which began to recruit African criminal elements and encouraged them to engage in crime with the assurance of state protection. The “Blackie “episode and his revelations of his connections with elements in the ruling party, stand out as a grim reminder. To protect themselves, the rulers ordered their killers in the police death squad to murder him even after he surrendered to the GDF officers. (2) The PPPC inherited a police force steeped in rogue behavior, but instead of using its newly acquired political
power to curtail this negative behaviour they instead chose to encourage and embrace it. The spectre of young African men killed extra-judicially were daily occurrences in the newspapers, the cry for justice fell on deaf ears, picketing, marches, petitions to regional and international organizations - Caricom, OAS and the UN - brought no redress. Meetings with President Jagan and other PPPC Presidents had no positive effect on the police killings – the PPPC leadership encouraged and exploited the situation. African policemen killing African young men for
an Indian-led government politically destabilized the African collective. This worked for awhile but it eventually backfired; (3) Beating and shooting by the police of public servants and nurses involved in legitimate industrial action, helped to radicalize African politics. African women demanded justice and they questioned the manhood of our men who seemed impotent to respond to this state aggression (4) Businessmen who recruited African lumpen elements in their economic crimes, paid members of the Continued on page 23
DEAR EDITOR, The recent revelations by the infamous Sean Hinds have made lots of people start talking, writing and assuming. As for me, I am wondering if there are persons in prison who are framed by some corrupt members of the Guyana Police Force, given the alleged links they had with Phantom Squads and Death Squads in Guyana. I’m also wondering if Sean Hinds sees the change of Government as an opportunity to gain financial rewards and just say those things as an attempt to blackmail members from the PPP who may have played pivotal roles in the past and want to avoid imprisonment. We could all assume, but we will have to wait to witness the outcome. For years allegations were being made against members of Guyana Police
Force, and these allegations impacted heavily on the institution. With Sean Hinds’ utterances about uplifting guns from Eve Leary, I wonder if any of those guns were placed on persons, and those persons were consequently charged for crimes that they had no knowledge of. How could we be sure that the guns recovered from crime scenes - especially if the persons in possession got killed - were not replaced, thus the deceased got blamed for the crimes and left the real
perpetrators to roam freely? Should we now believe ballistics test results are fair and not manipulated to protect others? I am just wondering how many people are in prison innocently and the real criminals are walking freely. Imagine how many families have been shamed because of allegations by the Guyana Police Force, and there is no way to defend these allegations because of the nonsense that used to happen. Sahadeo Bates
Are they really guilty?
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Strategic approach was needed for PAHO Rep. stresses crucial Berbice Health Authority – Minister importance of data management
By Desilon Daniels Following the termination of operations at the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton has revealed that the decision was a necessary one. In early June, Minister Norton suspended the BRHA’s operations with immediate effect. At the time, Norton had deemed the entity as illegal and had said that it had been operating for the past decade with no relevant legislation in place. However, the decision was not well-received by all; last week, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) hit out at the new government for its latest decision to terminate the BRHA. According to the PPP, the decision was taken without any real explanation as to what led to it. However, Dr. Norton indicated that the decision was taken because there was “no clear explanation” as to what the regional authority was all about. During an interview with Kaieteur News, Minister Norton explained that the BRHA had been severely mismanaged. “Even the doctor who was in charge did not even know how he was working,” Norton said. He opined that while good intentions might have been present during the establishment of the regional authority, he said that it had needed a strategic rather than a random approach. “It was not producing the kinds of results that one would have expected,” Dr.
Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton Norton stressed. He added that the BHRA was actually the same regional health system which always existed, but “it was being applied under this fancy name and with lots of resources”, he said. He emphasised the importance of a regional authority such as the BHRA which administered over regions 5, 6 and others. “Yet, we were still getting bad healthcare in the Berbice region,” he said. He continued, “So, we took things under control and we’re holding the regional health authorities really which is responsible for the system accountable for what is taking place.” According to Norton, his Ministry is not only looking to put an administrator in the Berbice Regional Hospital but also a medical superintendent. He explained that this will allow
for smoother running since there will be both a medical person and an administrative person. He said too that there ought to be a regional health officer responsible for the region. “The whole thing is that someone has to be accountable to somebody. When we go into the regions, when we go into the villages and so on and you see medical facilities that are totally rundown because persons weren’t taking control over them. There weren’t checks and balances and facilities were not being sustained or renovated or maintained,” Minister Norton said. Norton further said that not only must the new administrator hold persons accountable but those who are affected by a mismanaged system. In fact, he said, a meeting was recently held with a number of officials from all of the regions. Norton shared that in the meeting, these officials were informed about all of the regional health units that comprise their respective regions and the persons responsible for spending money allocated in t h e budget for the development of health in the region. “Everybody thinks that the Public Health Ministry is responsible for health in the whole country but that is not necessarily so; not even at the Georgetown Public Hospital, which is a corporation, or the one at Linden, which is run by a board.” “Why is it that we can’t give the Guyanese public a better quality of healthcare?” he questioned. He stressed that a number of areas in the health sector will come under review and their faults brought to the fore. Norton emphasised that the health sector needed to be better administered as its function was a key one for the nation.
The PAHO meeting in progress yesterday. “If we do not manage the data, then someone will mismanage it,” were the words of wisdom offered by Resident Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr William Adu-Krow, to the Ministers of Public Health yesterday. The occasion was a strategically planned meeting orchestrated by PAHO in order to orient the Ministers, Drs George Norton and Karen Cummings, along with Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr Trevor Thomas, with the mode of collaboration between the two entities. The meeting was convened at the Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters. Dr Adu-Krow in emphasising the importance of data underscored yesterday too that data not used within two years can in fact be regarded as useless even as he noted that “sometimes a lovely document is done, but it is of no use if it is going to sit on someone’s desk and not see the day of light.” “Sometimes, yes, the data can be used, but if data comes up and then you keep it for three years, four years and then the fifth year, it comes up the dynamics may have changed,” Dr Adu-Krow asserted as he appealed to the health officials to guard against possible delays with
data. In fact the PAHO Representative made it clear yesterday that his organisation, which has the capacity to support the Public Health Ministry, cannot in any way render needful assistance without the availability of data. And there is nothing to fear in availing data, as according to him, “we have a rule in PAHO we do not share Government’s data with anybody and we do not compare data with another Government’s data.” This rule was one crafted by PAHO/WHO Member States, Dr Adu-Krow said as he pointed out that they had particularly appealed for the non-disclosure when the Health in the Americas publication was being undertaken. “They did not want countries to be compared with one another because each one is different...so the data we collect are not for our own purpose; it is information bits that we need to help advise Governments better,” noted the PAHO Representative. But should there be forthcoming comments that suggest that PAHO has misused the local Ministry’s data, Dr Adu-Krow disclosed that “there are other means that we can go through if data that is shared with PAHO is
abused.” Among the tactics to secure data made available to PAHO is opting to classify data as “PAHO use only” and therefore such data cannot be cited outside of the organisation. “When that happens it means that we use that data to help work with you (Ministry); we cannot publish it, we cannot transmit it.” According to Dr AduKrow, any data that is eventually published on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website is first approved by the respective Governments. He assured that no data is deemed publishable until the requisite procedure is followed. This entails PAHO writing to the Permanent Secretary, after which the Ministry authorises its own personnel to compile the needed data which must be cleared before it is submitted to PAHO and then WHO in Geneva, Switzerland, for the purpose of publication. Stressing the importance of data disclosure, Dr AduKrow observed that it is always better to publish authentic data than to allow persons the privilege of publicising that which is less than bona fide. The views of the PAHO Representative were yesterday readily accepted Continued on page 23
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
‘Honest Cops Need Not Fear’ - INDECOM Commissioner declares probes should not stop police from doing their jobs
Assistant commissioner Hamish Campbell The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has poured scorn on claims that rampaging criminals are being allowed to spread mayhem because its rigid oversight of the police has caused some senior crime fighters to drop their hands. Amid a 16 per cent spike in murders this year, there are reports of rumblings within the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that some veteran street-smart crime fighters are nervous about being caught in the oversight body’s cross hairs. But INDECOM Commissioner Terrence Williams and his deputy, Hamish Campbell, in dismissing the claim, likened it to blackmail. “It is wrong for anyone to tell a police officer that he should lay down arms and almost put the country to ransom, saying, ‘I am not going to do my work if you make me accountable’,”
Terrence Williams, commissioner of INDECOM
Williams said during a Gleaner Editors’ Forum held last Friday at the company’s central Kingston offices. “Can you imagine a doctor saying I want to do your surgery, but you don’t check to see that I do it right, or a teacher saying I want to teach your child, but if you’re going to enforce the education code, I am not going to teach?” he reasoned. “INDECOM doesn’t make up any laws. INDECOM is trying to enforce the law of the land and the very rules and regulations of the police force. So if you are a police officer and you are trying to do your job honestly and fairly you don’t need to fear,” he added. Campbell, former detective chief superintendent with the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom who joined INDECOM in 2013, was more blunt, calling the claim “an odd bit of thinking”. “It’s an excuse I’ve heard
since I got here, and it’s really an odd bit of thinking. It’s not on an intellectual level at all that the high crime rate is the responsibility of 38 investigators in INDECOM,” Campbell said. Police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that a majority of JCF members harbour no resentment towards INDECOM, but accuse the oversight body of abusing its authority, especially in the first two years of operation. “Some persons felt that he (the INDECOM commissioner) was just trying to get scalps, and they resent the sense of unfairness with which the office operated,” said one source, who acknowledged that Williams is now “trying to do better”. Campbell and Dave Lewin, director of complaints for INDECOM’s central regional office, located in Mandeville, believe this is an argument being fed to junior police personnel by a small group of senior officers.
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Kaieteur News
10 charges for former prison escapee in Trinidad (Trinidad Guardian) Former prison escapee, Christopher “Monster” Selby appeared in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court yesterday on 10 charges, including the murder of PC Sherman Maynard. Selby, 30, is the only surviving member of a trio of prison escapees who broke out of the Port-of-Spain Prison on July 24. He appeared before Magistrate Marcia Ayers Caesar in the 8th Magistrate Court. The ten charges are: murder, escaping lawful custody, possession of a firearm, committing common assault on Kerron Prime, JeanMarc Hernandez, and Nicholas Singh, all of whom are prison officers. He was charged individually for each assault. A person can be charged with common law assault if they are threatening
Former prison escapee, Christopher ‘Monster’ Selby another person with a gun. Selby was also charged with shooting at police officers, Leon Grouse and Tishon Francis, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm armed with a firearm. The prison escapee was also charged for robbing Javid Ramcharitar of a Nissan Navara valued at $200,000. Together with two other prisoners, armed with a firearm, he is also accused of stealing two keys for prison gates valued at $140.
He was not called upon to plead to the charges. According to his lawyer Criston J Williams, Selby wanted to plead guilty to escaping lawful custody, but the police prosecutor, Inspector Winston Dillon denied his request because the Director of Public Prosecutions had to assign a state prosecutor to the case. Selby’s case was adjourned until September 1. Selby, along with fellow prisoners Allan “Scanny” Martin, 42, and Hassan Atwell, 41, shot their way out of the Port-of-Spain prison on July 24, killing Maynard as they did so and throwing the city into chaos. Maynard was shot in the front seat passenger seat of a police vehicle as he and two other colleagues were on sentry duty outside the prison. He died of his injuries while undergoing emergency surgery. Martin was killed in a shootout with police moments later at the Port-ofSpain General Hospital while Atwell was found murdered at East Dry River, Port-ofSpain a day later. Selby surrendered on July 26.
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Caribbean formatting climate change strategy for Paris meeting GROS ISLET, St Lucia — Government climate negotiators and civil society groups from the Caribbean who met with artistes and journalists here last week have discussed strategies to drum up local awareness and attract international attention as part of the region’s preparation for the climate change meeting in Paris at the end of the year. The plan is to roll out some of the projects simultaneously across the region ahead of the Paris talks and stage one or two others during the session. The Paris talks are called
COP 21 and will be the stage for the countries of the world to agree to reducing carbon emissions from power plants, factories, and other types of industry, in order to keep global temperatures down. Island states, according to published scientific data, are projected to suffer the most from increasing temperatures and the related sea level rise. As such, the Caribbean, as part of the Alliance of Small Island States, is seeking to start a movement among its own peoples to shine a light on the specific ways the region will be affected in hopes that it will sway the
developed world. If carbon emissions continue unabated, projections are that global temperatures will rise by as much as four degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Globally, the discussion is to keep it at two degrees, but the Caribbean wants to limit it to 1.5 degrees and has been using the slogan ‘1.5 to stay alive’. St Lucia’s minister of sustainable development Senator James Fletcher, who hosted the meeting, explained the rationale for the regional approach.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (CMC) – Delegates from several Caribbean countries are gathering here for a meeting of 22 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to establish common positions on international food safety standards. The Codex Alimentarius colloquium today is being attended by delegates from
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, the United States, Guyana and Jamaica. The meeting will also be attended by representatives of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the President of the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay, Fernando Fontán.
The event, organised by IICA and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), is an opportunity for the countries to identify regional positions of mutual interest and develop participation strategies for the forthcoming international Codex meetings on food h y g i e n e , n u t r i t i o n and foods for special dietary uses, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
C’bean countries represented at Codex meeting in Uruguay
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
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THE CHILDREN ARE NOW HOME EARLIER I have been asked by some parents to express their support to the new government for the two a.m. closing time for bars, pubs and discos. The parents have asked me to convey their appreciation to the Minister of Public Security. These parents are now able to sleep better because they no longer have to wait up, not knowing when their children will be coming home. They now are certain that with all the bars closed their children will not be partying right into sunrise the next day but will return home early. This allows the parents to sleep better. It is a good measure so long as it is sustained. There is going to be some pressure applied for the government to flex the present regulation.
Experience has shown, however, that once the government begins to be flexible, problems arise. The very laws which the government is trying to implement fall into misuse. There should therefore be no compromising with this new law. One of the concerns is whether the law can be effectively monitored. There are far too many watering holes in this country for the police to effectively monitor. So far the bars, pubs and discos have been cooperating. The system is working smoothly and the streets are deserted by 3 a.m. But there will come a time when some businesses are going to attempt to take advantage of the situation. This is why the police need support in monitoring
the new regulation. They should ask some community organizations to monitor what is going on, because there are so many watering holes in the country that it would be hard for the police to monitor. Another set of parents have asked me to raise another concern. They want to know what has happened to the massive clean-up campaign that was being undertaken by citizens and businesses. It has seemed as if those efforts were washed down the drain by the last flood, which seriously questioned whether such campaigns can make any meaningful impact on the drainage of the country. There were parts of the Forty Feet Canal which yesterday were becoming dry. But what was shocking
Dem boys seh...
Shaatie paving de way fuh he friends Everybody know when people win lotto is big party and celebration. When government officials thief big money is either dem get ketch and go to jail or dem find somewhere to get away and enjoy it. Most times dem does end up dead overseas. A man who get away with $300 million from GRA ketching he ass in de States. He bruck and he kicking snow. If he been in Guyana he woulda kick brick. De politicians who thief wholesale from de treasury dem planning fuh go away. Some of dem seh that dem get wuk overseas. One of dem seh that he get wuk in de Maldives. In case you don’t know what or where de Maldives is all about here is an explanation. The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 small islands mek out of corals. Corals mek up hundreds
of dem islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Malé, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops. Somebody tell dem boys that de Shaat scamp going and wuk deh. Wid that description of de country and de money dem banna thief, pick sense from nonsense. You think he going and wuk? Dem boys sure he going to pave de way fuh de rest of dem who full dem pocket fuh enjoy dem life in de Maldives. Dem boys hope Soulja Bai, Moses, Li’l Joe and Rum Jattan tek note. Dem better block up all dem airport, because when rat running he finding every hole. And dem rat start running already. Talk half and watch how Jenny gun pave de way fuh de rest of dem, but in a place of rest and no relaxation.
to discover was not just that the Forty Feet Canal could become dry. What was surprising was that the depth of the canal in most places is no more than two feet deep. That Canal used to be ten times that depth. It was deep and it was frightening to fall into that canal back in the day. If you did not know to swim and you fell into that canal, you could drown because the canal was very deep. It is now shallow. This entire canal needs to be re-dug. It is no longer as deep as it ought to be, which means that it is not holding enough water like it did before.
This is true of most canals. All the cleaning that is taking place is mainly removing weeds with the result that the storage capacity of these drains is not being improved. The other big problem is that many of the culverts are blocked off. They need clearing. Unless they are cleared, there will be nowhere for water to find itself from the gutters into the main drainage canals. This is the reason why so many areas flood. There is no way for the water to get into the main canal because the culverts are flooded. Now that the trenches are shallow, a lot of thieves are
hiding their loot in these culverts. They break into your home. They know that the streets are quieter now in the early hours of the morning and so they are afraid of being seen by the police with the loot. So some thieves are hiding their loot in the tubes that are used as culverts. The police should check these culverts regularly. Who knows what else they will find stuck in these culverts.
The Berbice butcher who allegedly strangled and buried an elderly cattle and rice farmer in a shallow grave in the backyard of his Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice home has been remanded to jail. Asif Hamid, 21, of Corriverton, Berbice, appeared yesterday before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that between July 27 and 30, Hamid murdered Henry “Beminal” Lalman, 78, of No. 36 and 55 Villages, Corentyne, Berbice.
Lalman’s decomposing corpse was found last Thursday afternoon in Hamid’s yard. The accused was one of his alleged victim’s customers, and operates a butcher shop and restaurant. Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Bridgmohan established that the victim had been strangled, after observing that the hyoid bone was broken. It is alleged that Lalmam disappeared after visiting some of his customers to collect money owed to him, including a sum of $220,000
for three cows he sold to the butcher. Relatives made a report at the Number 51 police station. Police got a breakthrough last Thursday when they received information that Lalman was seen visiting the butcher’s premises, but was not seen leaving. The police, acting on this information, searched the suspect’s yard and eventually found the missing man’s body buried in a shallow grave under a tree. Hamid is scheduled to return to court on the August 25.
Shallow grave murder accused remanded
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 04, 2015
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Dictatorial minds that discovered democracy since May 2015 The Trinidadians call it pappy show. Americans call it bulls**t. Mainstream language refers to it as a masquerade. The more emotionally writer will dub it as sick minds. I would like to think I fall into the last category, because I (and by extension, my family) were victims of the sick minds I shut my mouth when Dominic Gaskin of the AFC became the Minister of Business in charge of GOInvest, because if I had opened it to talk about Keith Burrowes, then people could have interpreted it to mean that as a known AFC supporter, I was trying to influence Gaskin’s attitude to Keith Burrowes. Mr. Gaskin could tell anyone with a straight face that since he became a Minister I have not had a word with him about anything at all. I have seen Mr. Gaskin only once since he became a Minister and that was for less than a minute when I saw him walking into the AFC offices one evening I chose to mention Mr. Burrowes now because he has resigned from GO-Invest. Mr. Burrowes was my student at UG. I always thought of him as a decent man. Mr. Burrowes was Chairman of GO-Invest when my wife became a victim of
Messrs Jagdeo and Ramotar. I will leave it to Mr. Burrowes to tell readers, if he chooses to reply to this column, what happened with my wife at GOInvest after her boss, Geoff Da Silva, left GO-Invest to become Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela. I hope Mr. Burrowes has the courage to face up to my factual statement that when he was Chairman of GOInvest in 2011, he requested the GO-Invest staff to meet with PPP’s presidential candidate, Donald Ramotar, only, and not the other candidates from APNU and AFC. Maybe there was an explanation and Burrowes should offer it. Let me add a footnote; when Burrowes did that, my wife was already out Our old parents had the right saying for people like Keith Burrowes – “you make your bed, you must lie on it.” Let me repeat what I wrote before in one of these columns; that saying was the exact words I uttered to Raymond Azeez when he called me on the phone about rumours of certain NCN bigwigs that will have to resign. I told Azeez he was an election candidate and an election candidate cannot be a public servant. It boggles the mind to know that Burrowes, Mark Ramotar of Chronicle, Molly
Hassan of NCN, Hydar Ally of the Public Service Ministry, and others of their ilk could actually stay and work with the APNU-AFC Government, when these people pledged loyalty not to the Government of Guyana, not to the territory of Guyana, but to the persona of Bharrat Jagdeo and the biology of the PPP. There is a certain UG academic that solicited money directly from the Office of the President during the tenure of Ramotar to fund a retreat for the Faculty of Social Sciences. Then Registrar, Vincent Alexander told me that was in the minutes of the Faculty meetings. It undermined the autonomy of UG. This same
woman announced that President Ramotar should be honoured by UG on the 50th anniversary. The Ramotar presidency is over, but I am certain this lady is going to turn up soon in the bosom of the new administration. One wonders why Dharamkumar Seeraj is crying about RPA being overlooked for board appointments. When did Seeraj discover that democracy is about fair-play? Seeraj sat on the Council of the University of Guyana where seven of the Council Members had PPP membership and four were PPP Members of Parliament. Seeraj represented the community of farmers on the
Council. Ask any other farmers’ association if they were consulted on the lawyer to represent them on UG’s Council. Ask the Bar Association if it was ever asked to name the UG Council member that spoke on behalf of lawyers. On the UG Council, there was a place for a representative of women. The most vibrant women group, Red Thread, was never asked even for an opinion. This was the way the PPP administered democracy in Guyana. It wasn’t democracy. It was dictatorship. This country has to endure the comical spectacle of a weekly press conference of the PPP in which a virtual
Frederick Kissoon mountain of accusations are being made against a new regime that is merely three months old. But that is not the horrific part of the spectacle. The accusations focus on grave depravities that the Guyanese people have come to associate with the twentythree-year-old reign of the PPP. Two words describe it – pathological barefacedness.
Gov’t takes control of key parliamentary committees The new government has paved the way to take control of the key parliamentary committees. By way of motion, the coalition government, A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), has changed the composition of the four sectoral oversight committees to reflect its parliamentary majority. The change came even as the Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continued to boycott the
National Assembly. While in Opposition separately as APNU and the AFC, they used their combined majority to change Standing Order 86 (2) to provide for them to occupy four of the seven seats on the Natural Resources, Economic Services, Foreign Relations and Social Services sectorial committees. The remaining seats were occupied by the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The opposition had argued that since Guyanese had given them
(APNU andAFC) the majority in the National Assembly, they should control the committees. In the 10th Parliament, it was the combined opposition that had the majority. As she rose to present the motion on Thursday, Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, pointed out that the Standing Order 86 (2) no longer represented the new government majority. She proposed sevenmember committees where four spots are occupied by Government, and three from the Opposition to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. Further, Ms Ally proposed that
both the Government and Opposition shall be elected to appoint one alternate member for each committee. The motion was supported by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman. In brief remarks, he said that the motion comes at a time when the government with a clear majority must be recognised. Trotman, who was the Speaker of the 10th Parliament, said he was happy that the motion could have been passed without any rancour and corruption. The motion was passed without opposition.
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Pradoville 2 matter handed over to State Assets Recovery Unit - NICIL oversaw transaction, kept CH&PA in dark
Minister Keith Scott
Bharrat Jagdeo
The Ministry of Housing has asked Government’s newly established State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) to look into the ‘Pradoville Two’ deal. The transaction is quickly evolving into a scandal which at first glance speaks of abuse of state resources by the previous administrations under the People’s Progressive Party. At the very least, Government officials said, the deal was improper. The matter is being examined under forensic audits being carried out at both the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and National Industrial Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Yesterday, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, disclosed that the area situated at Parcel 172 Plantation Sparendaam and Parcel 237 Plantation Goedverwagting, known by citizens as Pradoville 2 was “mutated” and sold subject to a Cabinet decision. While he did not say when, from indications, it was done under last Bharrat Jagdeo administration. His last term in office ended in 2011. The state-owned NICIL/ Privatisation Unit was authorized to do all acts
necessary to ensure the vesting of the new development project in the CH&PA, the body which is tasked with overseeing housing developments in Guyana. NICIL/Privatisation Unit is headed by Winston Brassington, an executive who oversaw a number of contentious multi-billiondollar public infrastructure deals. According to Scott yesterday, the allocation of parcels of land to the several former ministers, senior Government officials and friends close to the PPP administration, along with the method to determine the prices paid, were not assessed by the CH&PA. “The method of allocation of lands within this housing development as opposed to other schemes under the control of the Central Authority was not followed,” Minister Scott said in a statement to this newspaper. Regarding issues of whether the recipients, including Jagdeo and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, were owners of properties at the time of the sale, Scott made it clear the CH&PA seemed not have been in the loop as the paperwork is not there. Continued on page 21
Remigrants paid ten times the price that former President Bharrat Jagdeo paid for house lots. Remigrants paid $1,111 per square foot to Jagdeo’s $114 per square foot.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Dr. Thomas should not head GuySuCo because of Globe Trust track record - PPP The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) yesterday launched an invective against Dr. Clive Thomas’ selection as Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), claiming that as Thomas had presided over the failure of the Globe Trust and Investments Company Ltd., he should not preside over the sugar industry. This was the party’s position during a press conference held at its headquarters. When reminded of the
PPP/C’s decision to appoint Geeta Singh-Knight as a director on the GuySuco board, after her tenure at Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico) saw the financial collapse of the institution, General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee, claimed it was “not appropriate” to comment on it. Globe Trust began operating in April of 1991 and was licensed in 1999 to conduct depository business. It was also given the authority to engage in
Trust business. However, in 2000, and again in 2001, the Bank of Guyana launched inspections that found the institution to be in breach of the Financial Institutions Act. With the aim of liquidating the institution, the Company was seized in September of 2001. However, more than 5000 investors with their life savings tied up at the institution were left in the cold with this move. In the aftermath, there were several calls for the prosecution of the former Management team. “This speaks volumes of
Thomas’ stewardship. (This was)The first institution this distinguished, renowned and respectable economist was asked to oversee and it is a glowing manifestation of what is to be expected of his chairmanship of GuySuCo and his tenure as Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development,” Rohee declared. Rohee also claimed that ‘many’ of the former directors of GlobeTrust were now in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government, though he did not go on to name who these individuals were. The General Secretary also referred to Thomas’ championing of GuySuCo’s privatization, and the presence of representatives from Guyana’s largest European sugar customerTate and Lyle. According to Rohee, steps have already been taken towards privatization, as well as putting the corporation into
Tate and Lyle’s hands. Rohee was, however reminded of the PPP/C’s administration’s decision to take former CEO of Clico Guyana, Geeta Singh-Knight, fresh from the institutions collapse in order to make her a director on the GuySuCo board. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to make that comparative analysis. I don’t know if she was the Chairman of the Board of GuySuCo.” Rohee was also reminded of the fact that former President Donald Ramotar had been a part of the GuySuCo board during its declining years. At this point the General Secretary refused to “get into that”, declaring “If you want you can knock Geeta SinghKnight. I will knock Clive Thomas.” Singh-Knight’s appointment to the GuySuCo board ran into a firestorm of criticism after it was discovered that during her tenure as CEO of Clico, the
Guysuco Chairman Dr. Clive Thomas institution had breached the Insurance Act by investing more than it should have overseas. When the institution collapsed in 2009 following the global financial crisis in 2008, Clico workers were dismissed en masse and some 11,000 small policy holders were left in limbo.
Alleged $120M fraud…Ex-minister’s former assistant questioned, released on station bail
For questioning: Dr. Jennifer Westford Days after being charged with the illegal transfers of a number of state vehicles, a former Public Service Ministry staffer is again at the centre of investigations by the police. Yesterday, Margaret Cummings, former Chief Personnel Officer of the Ministry, turned up at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, in relation to a $120M complaint regarding to missing monies. Cummings was released late yesterday afternoon on bail and is to report again this morning as investigations continue, a senior police official disclosed. It is expected that very shortly, former Minister, Dr.
On bail: Margaret Cummings
Jennifer Westford, will be called in for questioning. Last week, in bombshell revelations, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, said that Government has found more than $120M unaccounted for at the Ministry. The monies were reportedly withdrawn between February and April, when Guyana was preparing for the General and Regional Elections on May 11. The monies were reportedly earmarked for training of staffers at the regional levels and withdrawn in tranches. However, checks with the intended recipients found that the withdrawn sums, each tranche to the tune of tens of millions, never reached the intended regions.
Trotman had indicated that the matter was handed over to the police. Investigators have reportedly been questioning staffers involved in the preparation of payments at the ministry. The idea was to determine if the procedures were breached. The questioning will now involve Westford and other senior officials who are either working at the Ministry and those who are no longer there. That particular ministry has been under a cloud since the David Granger-led administration took office in May. President Granger himself has said that he wants an Continued on page 23
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
Cargo vessel sinks in Pomeroon River - Captain and three-man crew narrowly escape death
The vessel that sank A Captain and his crew narrowly escaped death after a cargo-laden vessel which they were operating capsized in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River, last weekend. According to information disseminated from the Maritime Administration Department, (MARAD) the locally registered ship “CAPT. SAIF” sank off the coast of Guyana sometime between Saturday and Sunday evening.
The information is that the vessel departed from Georgetown at approximately 07:00 hours on Saturday August 1, 2015, with a consignment of general cargo. Four persons were on board, but according to the information available to the MARAD, one of them went missing. While detailed information about the incident was not provided, this newspaper understands that
the missing crew member, Guy Roach, 53, of Kitty, Georgetown, has since been rescued. Kaieteur News was however informed that the vessel was on its way to Port Kaituma, when it started to experience mechanical difficulties. The cargo vessel was said to be overweight with materials, when it went down. MARAD has since commenced investigations into the issue.
From page 11 Under regulations of the authority, persons or families who owned properties cannot be allocated new lands. “Those who were allocated the parcel(s) of land, whether they were the owner(s) of land at the time of allocation and the price attributed to each parcel of land, were not under the control of the Central Authority,” he said. As a matter of fact, the authority’s role in the Pradoville Two construction seemed to be limited. “The plans showing the survey of the area were done at the behest of NICIL/Privatisation Unit.” The infrastructural works were contracted to Atlantic Construction by NICIL/ Privatisation Unit. Scott did not make it clear whether the infrastructural works were tendered for. He said from evidence, CH&PA merely acted as the collection agency for the cost paid by the beneficiaries of the land. “The resident/owners paid to the Central Authority the sums stated on their Certificate of Title passed by the Registrar of Land.” Over the weekend, it was
revealed that NICIL paid more than $100M to remove a transmitting tower from the Pradoville Two land, an area of prime land on the East Coast of Demerara that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. An entire new facility had to be rebuilt along Dairy Road, West Bank Demerara. NICIL reportedly also spent tens of millions to build roads, drainage and culverts and lay pipes and in some cases, underground power cables. The developed house lots, complete with infrastructure, were then sold below market value to Jagdeo, several ministers and Government officials and friends. There is no evidence that the house lots sale was advertised or what procedures were used in the allocations of the parcels of the ocean-front properties. Jagdeo himself, according to details of allocations, received two parcels equivalent to two acres. On it, he built an imposing mansion, complete with pool and overlooking the seawall and the Atlantic Ocean. He paid a total of $9.8M. He had owned a property along the Ogle Airport Road in the community that was known as ‘Pradoville One’.
However, he sold that property to Trinidadian advertising executive, Ernie Ross. In effect, Jagdeo paid three times less than what ordinary citizens in the Diamond and Grove Housing Schemes, East Bank Demerara, would have been required to fork out. Jagdeo’s payment for the Pradoville Two parcels translated to $5M per acre which works out at $114 per square foot; the ordinary man pays $317 per square foot for his plot. The sale of the Pradoville Two house lots for such a low price would contrast starkly with what remigrants had to pay under the Government’s scheme for returning to Guyana. Remigrants paid more than ten times the price Jagdeo paid for the same size house lot. They paid $1,111 per square foot. Other beneficiaries included Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; former Head of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookhoo; former Ministers Clement Rohee, Priya Manickchand, Robert Persaud and even former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon.
Pradoville 2 matter handed...
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Professional painting services available for private and contract work- Tel: 6044036 Eagle’s fridge re-gas $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves - Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Thinking about building? Then Contact Creative Construction Services, we offer general construction at affordable prices –Call: 9829935 Hydraulic Specialist: Hydraulic Hose, Lubricants & Filters for all types of machine- 5 Bagotstown Public Road –Tel: 233-6001/ 613-7168 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 226-2145; 227-5037
Kaieteur News
WANTED Girls to work at Ressort in Bar – between 18-25yrs- Tel:6136613 Land to buy at Herstelling, Parfaite Harmonie & Diamond –Tel: 604-6724 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6121607 Domestic Cleaner wanted – Contact: 600-0051 1 Male to look after layer birds in the interior –Call: 6798765 Salesclerk, highly motivated, energetic with secondary education, must possess sales skill, key food, Mc Doom Village. Cook/Chef to work in Mahadia to work RH Hotel – Tel: 687- 0067 Yard Boy/Man to work in yard at Meadow Bank, preferably someone close to location –Call: 225-6046; 2260011 EXPERIENCED ARMED SECURITY GUARD. NEED POLICE CLEARANCE, REFFERENCE AND APPLICATION. AGE 30-45 –TEL:231-8344 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call 219-5354 (Monday- Friday) (8:154:15PM)
LAND FOR SALE 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 6259788
Tuesday August 04, 2015
SALON
FOR RENT
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Jacqueline Sookram, Cocoa Stix Spa & Salon- Tel:6928633. Specialised in facial, pedicure, manicure & massage.
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Friendship house lot for saleCall: 692-8513, 223-0733 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & CAR RENTAL Tuschen -$1.5M each,1-2 storey property @ Crane – PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTALCall: 604-6724 $4,000 & UPPER DAY-CALL: Luxury Gated Community- 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: Mall, Pool, intelligent PRO_AUTO RENTAL security system, well, solar. @YAHOO.COM Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: Call: 609-0783 225-7126/226-3693 Transported house land DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ Richmond Essequibo, large YA H O O . C O M / W W W. lot, next to Nursery School, DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM full up high, fruit Tree-$5MTel:682-5230; 628-9596 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low Eccles Waterfront and Bel Air security- Call: 698-7807 Gardens Ocean View land for sale- Contact:954-769-0576, Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick 1belair@mail.com up- Call: 690-6494
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956 Tractor Massey Ferguson, from Canada – MF165 -$1.8M, MF265-$2.2M, MF135 $1.2M, Ranger Pick Up Truck -$1.5M –Call: 682-5230; 6289596 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
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1 Mitsubishi Lancer – lady driven, 1st owner, alarm A/C, in excellent condition$900,000 negotiable –Call: 697-4131
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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 AT212, AT192, IST, EP-71 Starlet, Hilux pick up & 4 Runner, Canter, Honda 600 RR –Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 1 Toyota Pickup GRR 9565 & 1 ATV motor bike- Call: 660-0422 2008 FIELDER -$2.5M, 2008 RACTIS -$2.44M, CARINA 212 -$1.9M, NEVER REGISTERED & FULLY LOADED VEHICLES –TEL: 617-2891 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 Toyota Fortuner, 2012, 16,000 KMS, Automatic $16.5M –Tel: 688-5554; 6000979 1-212 Carina AC, CD, Mags & alarm, in excellent condition, never work hire - $1.150-Tel: 619-1047 One Mitsubishi Canter Fuso Crane Truck, Big Crane, 3 Ton 6 lugs excellent, GTT Series, price $4.5M –Call:6226746
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Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 One Toyota Allion (TV, Reverse Camera) PNN Series –Call: 690-9730, 604-4054 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 One Complete land Dredge with two Perkins engine for sale - $ 1.5M -Call: 684-6048 or 689-0217
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Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Dr. Jagan’s political children... From page 4 He viewed Yesu as an asset to neutralize anti-Jaganism among the business community and in helping to bring about democratic reforms in the country that would lead to free and fair elections. Yesu was at Jagan’s side at several business meetings that were addressed by Jagan who slowly became palatable to the business community and gradually acceptable to the US. At virtually every meeting, whenever Jagan appeared to stray from a business-friendly theme or shifted towards anti-Americanism, Yesu would kick his feet or groan and Jagan would shift back to a middle ground. So Yesu and other businessmen were largely responsible for Jagan’s middle-of-the-road approach in relations with America which was largely responsible for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. The business community was feeling at ease with a potential Jagan government and America was seeing a decreasing threat of Jagan to its regional interests. Across in the US, the ACG group had also moderated its anti-Americanism and reduced its participation in anti-American activities. Meanwhile, my doctoral History (with whom I had three courses) Professor Arthur Schlesinger at CUNY Grad Cen-
PAHO Rep. stresses crucial
From page 6 by the health officials. According to Senior Public Health Minister, Dr Norton, he has long been aware that “when you prevent data from being exposed you create that suspicion that something is being covered up, and I cannot agree (to that).” He continued by sharing his conviction that even the exposure of bad data can only be a move towards the path of working towards good data. He therefore committed his Ministry to addressing the situation of availing data belatedly, even as he insisted that “we cannot do the work like before...I don’t think we should ever limit the use of data.” However, a glaring challenge that the Ministry is currently faced with is a reduced data entry staff. Both Minister Norton and Permanent Secretary Thomas, made reference yesterday to the fact that the Ministry’s data entry department was formerly 17strong, but now there are a mere two staff members. “Probably the effort is there, but we need to change something, otherwise we would cry out for data and not have anything,” Minister Norton stated.
ter, with whom I had lengthy exchanges and pleaded for his assistance to help redemocratize Guyana, appealed to his contacts to assist us in our struggle for the restoration of democracy. Schlesinger was extremely influential in American politics and he spoke favorably about Jagan with his contacts at the US State Department, Congress, and the media fraternity. Thereafter, Jagan was featured in several influential newspapers and magazines. Even the conservative Wall Street Journal condemned the dictatorship in Guyana, likening it to apartheid South Africa in an editorial. Schlesinger expressed regrets for his role in the removal of Jagan from office in 1964 and the installation of Burnham, who Schlesinger described as “a racist and opportunist”. Schlesinger would later meet with Jagan (at the left wing Nation Magazine office in Manhattan) and personally apologized to him for the 1960s race riots and his removal from office. In remarks to me, he blamed the race riots and Jagan’s removal on “the role of the CIA”, swearing he had nothing to do with it.”That was their recommendation and we simply implemented them,” stated Schlesinger. While this was happening, Dr. Ramharack, Vassan and myself and a few others were lobbying Members of Congress and the State Department to intervene in Guyana to help restore democracy. Free and fair elections returned in 1992 leading to the rise of Jagan as President. Relations between Jagan’s government and the US blossomed and
grew, but suffered a severe setback following the death of Jagan and his wife. The political children of Dr. Jagan frittered away (“bilaway” as we say in panchayat politics) the goodwill that the Jagans, Yesu, the business community, and those of us in the US built and accumulated as political savings over the years. It was inexplicable why the PPP became unfriendly and hostile towards Yesu and other respected members of the business community and to America (indeed the ABC countries). Not surprisingly, PPP was removed from office. Several business people I interacted with said PPP’s removal from office was justified because of the arrogance of its leadership among other factors. “They (the arrogant leadership) would not listen”, was how they put it. The PPP owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Yesu and other business leaders who helped influence change in the PPP and to those of us who lobbied the US government to help restore democracy in Guyana. Instead of being thankful and grateful to and humble towards those who did so much for the party, Jagan’s political children displayed nimakharism and paid the ultimate price. Had the PPP heeded advice and a list of recommendations from Yesu and the business community and objective political analysts and critics like myself, it would not have lost office. Vishnu Bisram
An inaccurate and politically dangerous...
From page 5 police force to kill their African allies whenever they felt they were cheated of their share of the spoils; (5) The unprecedented rise in the narcotic trade brought its own cycle of violence and murder;( 6) As it relates to Buxton, the execution of Shaka Blair in his home and the failure of the PPPC government to bring to justice his killers was a turning point in the political history of that village; (7) The Mash Day 2002 jailbreak was not the brainchild of the African political leadership – formal or informal, the evidence will show that elements close to the ruling party were the intellectual authors, but elements in the African community invoked the “Blackie” experience and convinced the five escapees to go to Buxton - the rest is
history; (8) Faced with a crisis situation of its own making, the rulers then entered a criminal alliance with drug lords, to join the state in its so-called, “war on crime”. Hundreds of young African men became victims of these state-sponsored criminals, the Roger Khans of this world were untouchable and were seen in the Indian community as a hero, to quote Mr. Ramkarran,..” had the tacit support of Indians….” . To compound matters, the rulers developed their own gang and planted it in Buxton as part of the regime’s so-called counterinsurgency tactics, this worsened an already bad situation. Mr. Ramkarran mentioned the failure of the security forces to deal with the situation and suggested collaboration, it seems not to
strike him that the security forces had knowledge of the government and ruling party’s role in the crisis and felt constrained to act in the circumstances. I had previously made the point that the Indian community called on their leaders who controlled the state for justice. They got justice, both formally and informally. All those accused by the state are either dead or in jail awaiting trial. On the other hand, the PPPC regime did not bring to justice one person, police or phantom, to answer for any of the hundreds of extra-judicial executions. And it is worth noting that they left office without laying before the nation and the world an iota of credible evidence against the African political leadership. I rest my case. Tacuma Ogunseye
From page 12 overhaul to ensure a professional public service that has no political leanings and one that is peoplefriendly. However, a number of questionable transactions have since come to light which is raising alarming questions into the administration of the Public Service Ministry. For example, the new administration reportedly found several vehicles belonging to the state which were ordered transferred to
private individuals. In all, some 20-odd vehicles were requested to be transferred. Based on investigations, Westford and Cummings were both criminally charged and appeared in court last week for eight of the vehicles. They were placed on $800,000 and $1.2M bail respectively. According to Minister Trotman last Wednesday on the missing money, “tens of millions” appeared to be missing. He warned that there
is an ongoing investigation with things “bubbling up from the deep” by the day. He stressed that he was not “pinpointing a Minister”, but rather attention is being paid to the activities of the Ministry. A senior Government official had said that monies were withdrawn over a period of time, reportedly for use in the various regions. However, while the money was withdrawn, it was not delivered to where it was supposed to go.
Alleged $120M fraud…Ex-minister’s former...
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Govt. monitoring fuel prices Mahdia, nearby villages could be for possible tax reduction using hydro power by mid 2016 As crude oil costs continue to tumble on the world market, some countries are already enjoying lower gas prices. In Guyana the cost to fuel up at gas stations has remained the same, however, and the government says while it will look to review the prices, it is remaining cautious. “You don’t want a yoyosituation, up-down, up-down. We are reviewing the prices and trends and if the outlook is for prices to remain low then we will reduce the price as was done on previous occasions. If it (low prices) is a temporary aberration, however, then we wouldn’t,” said Minister of Finance Winston Jordan in response to questions on possibly lower fuel prices. The price of a barrel of crude oil averaged $52.41 last week — down $5.51 from a week earlier and $7.68 lower than the highest weekly average this year. Some analysts believe oil prices could slip to around $50 per barrel this week, US media outlets report.
Experts have told US media outlets that the price of crude oil is the biggest driving factor in gas prices right now. Since it has been falling consistently, gas prices have been following suit in countries like the United States. Currently, most US states offer gas at prices between US$2 (G$400) and US$3 (G$600) dollars per gallon. Only six states are charging a little over US$3. When the Finance Minister spoke to Kaieteur News recently he commented that the world prices have been fluctuating and as a result a few weeks back “the margins at GuyOil almost went to zero. They were literally buying gas and selling it back at the same thing. They weren’t making any margins and they pleaded with us to make a movement upwards.” Notwithstanding the plea of the national fuel-providing company, the Finance Minister informed that the government held out. “One has to be careful because it goes up and come down,” the
Minister added. He said the prices of fuel are constantly under review. “We will take a look at it this week and see if it holds and then I will ask GuyOil to take a look at it” the Minister said. Further, the Finance Minister pointed to the Guyana Power Light (GPL) which, when the price for a barrel of crude oil tumbled, the officials argued that though they were being heavily subsidized, they were running deficits and were using the increase to stave off past deficits before agreeing to a price reduction. “When the prices are lower you have to give some latitude for the companies to recoup losses that they have made previously before they actually make a sudden reduction in the price,” the Minister noted. In January as pressure mounted on the then Government, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) to reduce prices at GuyOil and the Ministry of Finance had announced that gasoline and diesel would be reduced at the pump by 30 percent.
Six granted hospitality internships in Barbados From page 13 McGrath, training is critical to the development of Tourism sector in any country and hope is placed in the awardees to return with their training to teach their fellow colleagues to better their respective organisations. He added that, “Staffs with international exposure make better staffs since they understand the requirements of customers coming from overseas”. He noted also all THAG
members were informed of the Ministry's initiative, and the companies furt h e r i s s u e d a l i s t of their prospective employees who are well established in the business to be a part of the programme. The employees were then short listed based on their résumés and experience to commence their training by THAG and the Ministry of Tourism. Adding to this, Director of the Guyana Tourism Author-
ity, Mr Haralsingh said, that even though this came with collaboration of the Ministry and the private sector, the private sector is basically the driving force behind the initiative. The Government however plays the facilitating role. The team is scheduled to depart Guyana on August 17. Housing and accommodation will be provided for them and is located approximately 10 minutes away from the Crane Hotel.
Director, Tumatumari Hydro Inc Herman Rohlehr addressing the leadership forum at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre The community of Tumatumari, home to a defunct 1500kW hydro power plant, could soon return to the renewable power supply following the reactivation of the facility in the area. Tumatumari Hydro Inc, a special, private sector company, with a 50-50 partnership between local and regional investors, has sought to invest in the rehabilitation and expansion of the plant to produce and sell bulk electricity. Director of Tumatumari Hydro Inc, Herman Rohlehr, has disclosed that the company is set to start initial operations in the second half of next year. “We look forward to having hydro-electric power on a modest scale in place by the end of July of 2016,” Rohlehr informed a leadership forum at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on July 31. The event was facilitated by the Ministry of Communities. The Tumatumari Hydroelectric Rehabilitation Project is one element of the Tumatumari Industrial Development Project, a Government statement indicated yesterday. The project is aimed at establishing a natural resource-based industrial operation that utilises water, forest and minerals in Region Eight. The provision of clean, relative, inexpensive, renewable energy (hydroelectricity) is at the core of the initiative, through the rehabilitation and operation of the existing Tumatumari Hydroelectric station. Phase One of the project entails rehabilitation of the hydro-electric plant to deliver 1.5mW of power and the construction of two 30kilometre power delivery lines. Phase Two will see the
facility expanded by the addition of two more 0.75 megawatts turbine. The primary consumers would be from Mahdia and other communities including Tumatumari and Micobie, and Troy Resources Guyana Gold Mining operations. It has a projected tariff rate of US$0.18 for a kilowatt of power. Rohlehr told the forum that the company intends to spend US$5M for Phases One and Two. The results of the investment should see the provision of low cost renewable energy for bulk supply to the communities and to residential distributors, including those that supply electricity to the approximately 600 existing consumers in Mahdia community. According to Rohlehr, Tumatumari Hydro Inc, has negotiated a power purchase agreement with the Mahdia Power and Light (MPL) Limited. The agreement provides for bulk electricity to be sold to MPL which would in turn, retail it to consumers. Rohlehr stated that the Tumatumari Hydroelectric Rehabilitation Project also provides for an additional 300 consumers in the planned Mahdia housing scheme development. It also caters for another 80 consumers in adjacent communities along the power line extension, including the Amerindian villages of Micobie and Princeville. He explained that the overarching Tumatumari Industrial development also includes two other components. These are, the Tumatumari Lumber Inc which will be engaged in the building, drying and finishing of lumber and a quarry project that will provide for dimension stones, which will be mined, cut and polished into black
granite. Rohlehr pointed out that these operations are to be adjacent to the hydroelectric power station. He noted that together, their upstream development will bring investment, value-added natural resource based industries, underpinned by cheap and reliable energy. In addition to a projected saving of approximately US$40M on fuel imports into Guyana over the first ten years of operations; based on the average oil prices of US$17 per barrel, the projects are set to enhance the potential for nearby ecotourism, improve the social and economic livelihoods within the hinterland communities and other benefits including, access to internet services through the planned introduction of broadband over power line technology, the Government statement said yesterday. They will also lead to the creation of up to 30 direct new jobs and an estimated 30 more indirectly and result in the equivalent of carbon dioxide emission savings of 10,000 tonnes per year, Rohlehr said. The hydroelectric station at the Tumatumari Falls on the Potaro River was the first hydropower station in Guyana. It was constructed by British Guiana Consolidated Goldfields Limited to power two large dredges for gold mining operations in the mid1950s. It had an installed capacity of 1500kW and used 2 x 750kW Francis turbines. However, following a prolonged workers’ strike, the operations were closed in the early 1960s. It was put back into use in 1976 by the Guyana National Service (GNS) to supply power to its administrative centre and other activities. Up to 1987, one turbine functioned.
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Calais crisis hardens tone of Britain’s immigration, EU debate
Migrants make their way along train tracks as they attempt to access the Channel Tunnel in Frethun, near Calais, France (REUTERS/PASCAL ROSSIGNOL) Dramatic images of migrants storming the Channel Tunnel from France have prompted Prime Minister David Cameron’s government to ramp up anti-immigration rhetoric and spurred Eurosceptics to amplify calls for Britain to quit the European Union. The government’s increasingly shrill tone has upset charities, churchmen and left-wing politicians, while anti-EU campaigners have seized on the crisis as proof that Britain is unable to protect its own borders while remaining in the bloc. Cameron, criticised by political rivals for referring to the migrants as “a swarm”, won an unexpectedly decisive election victory as recently as May. But the Calais events - in which hundreds of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East try nightly to scale fences - pose a political problem by spotlighting his failure to keep his promises on controlling immigration. That may make it harder for him to persuade voters to stay in the EU. Cameron has promised to overhaul Britain’s EU ties before holding a referendum on membership by the end of 2017. He has also vowed to cut net annual migration to the tens of thousands from the hundreds of thousands but repeatedly missed the target. Calais has long been a magnet for migrants seeking to try their luck at slipping into Britain, a country without identity cards where it is easier than on the continent for workers to melt into a
booming informal economy. What is different this time is that the migrants number thousands not hundreds, and disruption to freight and passenger traffic has been prolonged in the summer holiday season. French police union official Gilles Debove told Reuters some 1,700 attempts to enter the tunnel had been recorded overnight and a French riot policeman had been injured by stonethrowing. FATAL The crisis has proved fatal for some migrants, nine of whom have been killed trying to make the crossing. Now some French politicians are talking of scrapping treaties that allow Britain to operate border controls on the French side of the tunnel. Indeed one leading conservative Gaullist, Xavier Bertrand, suggested at the weekend that if Britain did not agree to start processing the asylum seekers, France should simply let them loose to try to breach the border. The British government has responded by holding a series of meetings of its emergency response committee, known as Cobra, and by pledging more security fencing and sniffer dogs. It has also promised to bring forward a law to tighten immigration rules, targeting landlords who rent properties to illegal immigrants with jail sentences, and has floated the idea of stripping families of failed asylum seekers of benefits.In an article on Sunday, Theresa May, the Home Secretary, spoke of the
need to convey the message that Britain’s streets were not “paved with gold”. But the government’s approach has angered some. Church of England Bishop Trevor Willmott warned the government not to forget its humanity. “When we become harsh with each other and forget our humanity then we end up in these stand-off positions,” he told the Observer newspaper. Habib Rahman, chief executive at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, called ideas to remove state support from families of failed asylum seekers the “worst kind of political posturing,” saying it would have a wider discriminatory effect. The Conservatives must tread a fine line. When in opposition in 2002, May warned that some people had begun to call them the “Nasty Party” due to their attitudes towards ethnic minorities. Cameron will not want his party to regain that epithet. But he is also under pressure from Eurosceptic MPs in his own party and the predominantly right-leaning press who want him to take a tougher line on immigration. “Why are we seeing illegal migrants ‘swarming’, as he (Cameron) rightly puts it, through razor wire to the Eurotunnel?” The Sun tabloid, part of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, lamented yesterday. “Nothing more vividly exposes Britain’s abject surrender to EU control. Mr Cameron says he will take back our borders and kick out illegal immigrants. It is all talk.”
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
We want Iran cooperation, not meddling, Gulf Arabs tell Kerry
US Secretary of State John Kerry listens (L) as Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah speaks during a news conference following a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Doha, Qatar, yesterday (REUTERS/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/POOL) Iran’s nuclear deal should bring stability and “good neighborliness” rather than interference, Gulf Arab states told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday as they began talks on the merits of its historic accord with world powers. Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid al-Attiyah, welcoming Kerry to Qatar for the talks with the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said the alliance wanted to spare the region “from any dangers and threats from nuclear weapons”. This should be done by authorizing the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in line with international rules, he said, speaking for the GCC as host of the meeting. “We look forward with hope to the nuclear agreement ... leading to the preservation of security and stability in the region, and we emphasize the importance of cooperation with Iran based on principles of good neighborliness, noninterference in internal affairs and solving disputes peacefully.” Most Gulf Arab states are worried that Iran’s July 14 accord with the United States and other powers will hasten detente between Tehran and Washington and embolden the Islamic republic to support paramilitary allies in the region. Last month, six world powers agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program, which the West suspects was
aimed at developing an atomic bomb but which Tehran says is for peaceful energy only. Speaking in Egypt on Sunday, Kerry said the United States had labeled Iran the world’s number-one state sponsor of terror, but this was precisely why it was so important to ensure Tehran did not obtain a nuclear weapon. “There can be absolutely no question that if the Vienna plan is fully implemented, it will make Egypt and all the countries of this region safer than they otherwise would be or were,” he said. Kerry added that he would discuss ways to ensure the future security of the region in Doha. In the Qatari capital, Kerry was to meet members of the Gulf Cooperation Council that groups Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman as well as Qatar. RUSSIAN GO-BETWEEN ROLE He will also hold trilateral talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir that U.S. officials say will focus on the war in Syria. Russia has been trying to bring about rapprochement between the Syrian government and regional states including Saudi Arabia and Turkey to forge an alliance to fight Islamic State militants who have taken large amounts of territory in Syria’s civil war. Kerry said last month he planned to discuss with
Lavrov combating Islamic State and the role Iran could play. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote an article published in several Arab newspapers to coincide with the talks, urging Gulf countries to work with Iran to counter a wave on instability in the Middle East. “We must all accept the fact that the era of zero-sum games is over, and we all win or lose together,” he wrote in Arabic, backing up his statement with passages from the Koran. Nonetheless, Iran remains in a struggle with Saudi Arabia and its allies for regional primacy. A deadly bombing in Bahrain last week, which the government linked to Iran, was taken by many as a sign Tehran cannot be trusted. U.S. officials say Kerry’s diplomatic outreach in Doha is a follow-up to a summit with Gulf Arab leaders that was called by President Barack Obama at Camp David in May and was snubbed by the leaders of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. At that meeting Obama replied to worries among Gulf states about the Iran deal by pledging to back them against any “external attack”. He stopped short of offering a formal defense treaty that some Gulf states wanted. Instead he announced more modest measures, including integrating ballistic missile defense systems and beefing up cyber and maritime security.
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Ex-trader jailed for 14 years by London court Ex-trader Tom Hayes was sentenced to 14 years in jail by a London court yesterday after being found guilty of conspiring to rig Libor benchmark interest rates following a seven-year global investigation. After a nine-week trial and seven days of deliberations, the jury of five women and seven men found Hayes, a 35year-old former UBS and Citigroup trader, guilty of all eight counts of conspiracy to defraud. In the first trial of a defendant accused of Libor rigging, Hayes had faced up to 10 years imprisonment for each count of conspiracy over the manipulation of London interbank offered rate (Libor), a crucial benchmark for around $450 trillion of financial contracts and consumer loans, between 2006 and 2010. The London trial, which kicked off on May 26, marked a new phase in the inquiry that has led to 21 people being charged and some of the world’s most powerful banks and brokerages paying around $9 billion in regulatory settlements. Justice Jeremy Cooke said
Former trader Tom Hayes arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London, yesterday (REUTERS/PETER NICHOLLS) a message had to be sent to the world about dishonest conduct in financial services. “Probity and honesty are essential as is trust ... The Libor activities of which you took part puts all that in jeopardy.” Hayes, who sat impassively as he received the verdict, had asked to say goodbye to his wife Sarah before entering the dock. They shared a brief kiss before he was locked in the dock to
hear his sentence. After Hayes left the dock his wife told Reuters the sentence was “horrific” as she made her way out of the courtroom. Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) had alleged Hayes set up a network of brokers and traders spanning 10 leading financial institutions and cajoled or bribed them to help rig for profit rates designed to reflect the cost of inter-bank
borrowing. Stephen Rosen, partner and head of the financial disputes team at London law firm Collyer Bristow, said the outcome was significant for the SFO. “This is a success for the Serious Fraud Office, which has put immense resources into pursuing this groundbreaking prosecution, seen as a test case to determine whether it can prosecute other allegedly dishonest Libor traders,” Rosen told Reuters. “It is now more likely to do so.” RED FLAGS The prosecution had said Hayes simply ignored “red flags” as a global investigation into Libor rigging allegations, instigated by U.S. regulators at the height of the credit crisis in 2008, gathered momentum in 2009 and 2010. Hayes, who has been diagnosed with mild Asperger’s Syndrome, said during his trial he had been transparent about trying to influence rates and that his managers were aware of and condoned trading methods that were common industry practice.
He said he received no training, that Libor was at the time unregulated, his requests for rate levels fell within a “permissible” range and that he left a trail of emails and computer chats because he didn’t think he was doing anything wrong. “(I was) either the stupidest fraudster ever because I wrote everything down, or there was an element of me that genuinely didn’t think about it,” Hayes has said in documents shown to the court. “I might be a lot of things, but I’m not stupid.” Although the court had been shown evidence that Libor manipulation was prevalent at UBS before Hayes arrival in 2006, Cooke said Hayes had developed the practices using interdealer brokers, external traders and rate submitters. Hayes’ counsel Neil Hawes said the conduct Hayes had been convicted for had been prevalent for at least five years before he arrived at UBS. Citigroup and UBS both declined to comment on the verdict. Hayes was given 9-1/2 years in jail for counts related
to his time at UBS and a total 4-1/2 years for various counts at his time at Citi. The two sentences are due to run concurrently. During 82 hours of interviews with SFO investigators in the months following his arrest in December 2012, Hayes admitted dishonesty. But he told the court he had only confessed because he was desperate to be charged in Britain to avoid extradition to the United States, where he also faces fraud-related charges. Hayes subsequently withdrew from a cooperation agreement with the SFO and pleaded not guilty in December 2013.
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Greek stocks plunge, banks hammered, after five-week crisis shut down Greece’s stock market closed with heavy losses on Monday after a five-week shutdown brought on by fears that the country was about to be dumped from the euro zone. Bank shares plummeted 30 percent before loss limits kicked in to stop investors selling any more. The main
Athens stock index .ATG ended down 16.2 percent, recovering slightly after plunging nearly 23 percent at the open. It was the worst daily performance since at least 1985 when modern records began, including a 15 percent fall when Wall Street crashed in 1987. By contrast, the broad European FTSEurofirst 300 index was in positive territory for the day. “The market tanked, as expected,” said Takis Zamanis, chief trader at Athens-based Beta Securities. Banking shares, which make up about 20 percent of the Greece index, were particularly hard hit. The overall banking index was down to its 30 percent daily limit. All five shares comprising the index - National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, Attica Bank and Eurobank - were locked down for much of the session at the limit with no buyers. Greece’s banks have seen deposits severely depleted as Greeks pulled out their euros for fear they would be forcibly converted into a new drachma outside the euro zone. The banks have been propped up by emergency money from the European Central Bank. Traders said they expected more bank-share losses in the next session. “Bank shares look like they have more room to slide on Tuesday before bids emerge,” said one fund manager who declined to be named. “It will take a few days for the market to balance out.” Some companies outperformed, mainly those with exposure abroad, although they still fell. “Buyers emerged for nonbank stocks, blue chips like OTE Telecom and (gaming group) OPAP, which shows that there is buying interest out there,” Zamanis said. OTE, which accounted for around 30 percent of the day’s turnover, lost 11.5 percent. There were only nine gainers, mainly small caps and with very small volume, exaggerating the moves. One, furniture maker Dromeas SA (DROr.AT), gained almost 29 percent after clinching a 30 million-euro deal to supply European Commission offices. FEARS FOR FUTURE Trading on the Athens bourse was suspended in late June as part of capital controls imposed to stem a debilitating outflow of euros that threatened to collapse
Greece’s banks and hurl the indebted country out of the euro zone. Since then, Athens has agreed a framework bailout plan with its European Union partners in exchange for stringent reforms and budget austerity. But implementation of the deal is some way off, keeping alive the threat of political and economic instability. There is also concern that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras may need to call a snap election. Yesterday’s losses stemmed from a number of reasons. Negotiations on the new bailout might bog down, for example, leaving the government and banks perilously short of cash. A report on Sunday in the newspaper Avgi, which is close to Syriza, said the government was seeking 24 billion euros ($26.37 billion) in a first tranche of bailout aid from international lenders in August. Of this, the newspaper said, 10 billion euros was earmarked for an initial recapitalization of Greek banks, 7.16 billion euros to repay an emergency bridge loan and 3.2 billion euros to repay Greek bonds held by the European Central Bank and others. In an interview with Ethnos newspaper on Monday, European Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici described an August deal as possible, but added it would be “ambitious”, suggesting that it would take hard work to achieve it. Meanwhile, Greeks th e m s e l v e s a r e b e i n g severely restricted on the b o u r s e . To l i m i t t h e possibility of using shares as part of euro-flight, the government and ECB have said no extra money can be withdrawn by Greeks from deposit accounts to buy shares. Greece’s dismal economic prospects may also weigh on the market. The European Commission says the Greek economy will shrink by 2 to 4 percent this year, a return to the recession that plagued the country for six years until 2014. On Monday, a survey showed Greek manufacturing activity plunged to a record low as new orders plummeted and the three-week bank shutdown caused serious supply problems. Greece’s economic sentiment also hit its lowest level in almost three years in July, a monthly report by the IOBE think tank showed.
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World Superbikes: Jonathan Rea WET OUTFIELD FORCES... inches closer to title in Malaysia BBC Sport - Jonathan Rea is on the brink of winning the World Superbike Championship after taking a win and a second place in the Malaysian round at Sepang on Sunday. The Northern Ireland rider enjoys a 144point lead over nearest rival Chaz Davies, with six races still to go. Rea, 28, is now poised to secure the title at the next round of the series
at Jerez in Spain on 20 September. The Kawasaki rider came from seventh on the grid to win race one but was edged out by Chaz Davies in the second race. Davies withstood a determined final-lap charge to claim his fourth win of the year by 0.091 seconds and delay Rea’s likely title celebrations for a further seven weeks.
RONDA ROUSEY TOLD BETHE... From page 34 tonight and I’m always on the quest to try to be the perfect fighter,” Rousey said. “I know that’s something you can’t really attain, but that’s a goal I’ll never reach that I can always pursue. I just feel like I’m one step closer to retiring undefeated and having a legacy. That’s my goal at this point.” The next challenge to Rousey’s throne will come against another one of her rivals. A third contest with Miesha Tate is on the horizon after “Cupcake” earned her fourth consecutive UFC victory this past month. Rousey defeated Tate once under the nowdefunct Strikeforce banner and was also
victorious in the rematch in December 2013. Although she seemingly has Tate’s number, Rousey said she believes the third bout will be the most difficult yet because Tate has spent more time in the octagon with her than anyone else. “I think Miesha is one of my greatest challenges because she already has an idea what she’s getting in there with,” Rousey said. “I’ve improved a lot since the last time we fought but I don’t have that element of surprise that I know she’ll bring something different every time. I’m eager to see what she comes up with this time.” For complete coverage of UFC 190, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
From page 32 chasing pack, irrespective of the final outcome of the Ashes. Bangladesh gain six points and no movement on the table but would have earned some respect for their plucky performance across both games. Things were just threatening to go awry for the hosts when the weather intervened. After a solid show for most of day one - the only day when play was possible steered by their captain Mushfiqur Rahim, they lost 4 for 31 in the last hour. By then, Dale Steyn had found substantial reverse swing after earlier becoming the 13th bowler, and second South African, to take 400 Test wickets. Steyn was in his 17th over when play stopped. He, and the rest of the two teams, spent the last four nights
Guyanese siblings... Tuesday August 04, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Reevaluate your motives. Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived. Take care when dealing with older relatives.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 OCT. 23) Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances. You can discuss your findings behind closed doors with your boss.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help. Your emotions have been pulled out of shape and you need to do a little backtracking.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Put your efforts into making changes to your domestic scene. Relatives will not agree with the way you are dealing with your personal problems.
GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions. Creative educational pursuits will payoff. You need to fulfill your needs and present your talents.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You need to reevaluate your situation. You need to look into some private matters before you can proceed with your plans. Children will want to help, too.
CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Lowered vitality could affect your work. Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You will find that joint ventures could easily turn out to be dead end projects. Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn't been playing by the rules. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. You may find that others do not do things the way you want; however, if the job gets done, let it pass.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) It's a good time for long awaited relationships to begin. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. PISCES (FEB. 20MAR. 20) Pleasure trips will be a form of healing for your emotional state of mind. You can make favorable real estate offers today. Minor health problems may flare up if you haven't been taking care of yourself or have been burning the candle at both ends.
From page 36 then join their Guyanese teammates gearing up for the Caribbean Regional Junior & Senior Championships to be held in Dominican Republic August 20-30, 2015. The Team & Events are: Nicholas Ali-Senior Narayan Ramdhani - Senior & Under-19 Juniors Jonathan Mangra - Under17 & 19 Juniors Tyrese Jeffrey-Under - 15 Juniors Priyanna Ramdhani - Under-15 Juniors Abosaide Cadogan - Under-13 Juniors Guyana will also take part in the Juniors Team Events.
What’s going on with American Pharoah after... From page 36 after all. A Baffert tradition leads him to Max’s Hot Dogs in Long Branch, New Jersey, before he runs his horses in the Haskell. He was there again before Sunday’s race and now he’s won eight Haskells - five more than any other trainer. ‘’Today, it was nerve-racking,’’ he said. ‘’I may have not looked nervous but believe me I was. I was feeling that hot dog I had earlier.’’ Wonder if he took one for the road. SIZING UP PHAROAH Gabriel Saez, who finished sixth in the seven-horse field, said all he tried to do was move up during race, ‘’but American Pharoah kept getting smaller and smaller.’’ Espinoza’s take? ‘’He ran like a champ.’’
waiting for it to restart. Heavy rain, some monsoonal, some caused by cyclone Komen, washed out days two, three and four and the aftermath made play impossible on day five. Despite the porous draining system, the outfield had taken too much rain. The umpires gauged it would take between four and five hours to dry before any action could begin, and it being the final day, decided that was impractical. Umpire Richard Kettleborough also said that the Chittagong ground drained well but Mirpur had not in the breaks between all the rain. Some of the South Africa players, including captain Hashim Amla, stood around the pitch, bowling a bit on one of the side pitches. But curator Gamini de Silva rushed to the middle, motioning them to leave the square. Later Amla joked that they were practicing their offspin ahead of their India tour. The Bangladesh players put up stumps as goalposts
for their final football match of the season. The coaching staff and manager also joined them and slowly, the presentation ceremony and the press conferences were held. When they were heading out for their football match an hour after the call-off, one of the Bangladesh players pointed to a teammate that they were not playing the match when the sun was blazing down. At exactly 1:23pm, however, it rained heavily in Mirpur. The early call-off started to make sense again, at the end of what has been an impressive series for Bangladesh against a South Africa still slowly stirring from a three-month break. Bangladesh will now enjoy some time off while South Africa return home for a limited-overs series against New Zealand before a highprofile tour of India and a home series against England. Scores: Bangladesh 246 for 8 (Mushfiqur 65, Steyn 330, Duminy 3-27) drew with South Africa.
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National Junior Men’s Hockey team Guyana women off to Trinidad opens account at Players Tournament & Tobago for Regional Super50
The National Men’s Junior Hockey Guyana’s National Junior Men’s Hockey team got off to a slow start in their opening match at the Players Tournament against Malvern Sports Club. The Guyanese struggled to adjust to the fast pace of the artificial turf and were given a master class in free flowing, high tempo hockey by a Malvern side which boasted five senior national players. By the end of the first half the Guyanese found themselves down 0-3. After making some tactical adjustments at half time Guyana firmed up their defence and scored one goal in the third quarter through a Keon McKenzie
Hyman cops gold in T&T Martial Arts tourney
Dellon Hyman displays his prizes Guyanese Dellon Hyman of the National Martial Arts Association continued his fine showing in Trinidad and Tobago where he is competing in several tournaments. Participating in the Dragon Cup IV which was held at Melbourne Youth Centre, Hyman won the open kata and traditional kata but finished third in sparring, while his countryman Trevon Wilson of Sudden Warriors placed fourth in sparring and grappling.
Tomahawk shot. The lead was then cut to one when Aroydy Branford latched onto a pass from Captain Mark Sargeant and sent a diving reverse shot under the advancing goalkeeper. Now within sight of tying up the score, Guyana employed a high press but this tactic also left them vulnerable to counterattacks. Malvern went ahead 4-2 when a misdirected clearance from goalkeeper Medroy Scotland rebounded favorably to a Malvern forward who made no mistake with the finish. Senior national Shaquille Daniels then put the Trinidadian side up 5-2, with a brilliant individual run which he finished powerfully past Scotland’s left post. The Guyanese didn’t flinch and scored less than a minute later with a Paramanand Dindial tap in on the last post off a Branford shot that was going wide of the upright. Although Guyana continued to press the Malvern defence held strong and maintained the advantage to end 5-3 victors. In their second match of the day against Queens Park, Guyana found themselves down early in the first quarter once again. Despite creating several goal scoring opportunities over the next two quarters the Guyanese forwards failed to convert. It was not until late in the fourth quarter that Captain Mark Sargeant drew his side level with a spectacular dive to finish a Hilton Chester through pass. The goal seemed to breathe new energy into the Guyana attack. Playmaker Branford weaved his way through three defenders then sent a powerful tomahawk shot toward the last post which was put in by Ato Greene. Guyana then dropped to half court and played solid defence to preserve their lead for the final five minutes. On day two Guyana rested their captain Sargeant and midfielder Leon Bacchus for their match against the under-21 training squad. Although completely dominating the match Guyana’s finishing was again poor but they managed to keep a clean sheet and run out 2-0 victors compliments of a Branford double. Although Monday is a tournament rest day, Guyana were down to take on Trinidad’s powerful national under-21 team which features several senior national players who recently returned from the Pan American games in Toronto, Canada. Both teams are preparing for the Pan American junior championships which are scheduled for Canada next year. The one off match was to take place at the National Hockey Center.
Guyana women’s team departed yesterday morning for Trinidad and Tobago for the WICB Regional Super50 Tournament which begins on Thursday. The Guyanese finished runnerup to Jamaica in the tournament last year in Dominica. President of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Drubahadur, had a meeting with the ladies Sunday evening where he pointed out that they are not short on talent and he is looking forward to see them bring home the title this year. He added that they did an excellent job in the last two years reaching the semifinal and final. He further noted that they may feel pressured but they need to approach the tournament match by match, be disciplined, focused and also have fun. He continued that they need not panic as there are seasoned players in the team who have represented West Indies. He called on these players to lead by example for the younger ones and be available to assist them when the need arises. He reminded them that they are a team and they need to remember that and put the team first at all times. The President recalled that the weather was not good for the past couple of months and as such they couldn’t get in practice matches. Nevertheless, GCB saw that they had practice sessions at the Guyana National Stadium and the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel during their encampment. He wished the players a safe and successful tournament, noting that they should feel happy and privileged to represent Guyana. He assured the players that GCB is confident that they will come back victorious. Chairman of the Senior Selection Panel, Rayon Griffith wished the ladies a successful tournament and told them to go out there and play competitive and professional cricket.
He added that regardless of the situation, they must always be disciplined because when one person misbehaves, she tarnishes the entire team and their country. Griffith also called on the players to respect their coach and manager and adhere to their rules. The Chairman reminded the experience players that they have the task of guiding the new comers and younger players and they have to be willing and proactive in that regard. He asked the young players not to hesitate to ask for help when they need it because they have to ask questions and pay keen attention to learn. Six teams will be competing in the tournament; these are Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, North Windward Islands, South Windward Islands. Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition and the two teams accumulating the most points will contest the final on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Guyana squad: Tremayne Smartt (captain), Erva Giddings, Subrina Munroe, Melanie Henry, Shamaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Katana Mentore, Mandy Mangru, Hasena Mohamed, Kavita Yadram, Akaze Thompson, Lashuna Toussaint, Heema Singh, Sheneta Grimmond, and Plaffiana Millington. The Manager is Carol Nurse and the Coach is Andre Percival.
WET OUTFIELD FORCES EARLY END TO MATCH The ground staff bring on additional covers, Bangladesh v South Africa, 2nd Test, Mirpur, 4th day, August 2, 2015 ©AFP
ESPNcricinfo - The rain was not even there but it had the last say in this series. The final day of the Dhaka Test was called off before the scheduled start of play, and despite clear skies, because the outfield was deemed too
waterlogged to play on. That meant four of the five days in this match were washed out and six of the 10 in the series overall, and will lead to questions over the wisdom of scheduling a series in the midst of the monsoon.
South Africa will wonder most about that. The cost of the shared spoils is five points on the Test rankings, which does not rob them of their No. 1 spot but will close the gap between them and the (Continued on page 31)
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
Upper Demerara Softball Cricket League to host 10/10 cricket and cultural show The Upper Demerara Softball Cricket League in collaboration with the GUYANA SOFTBALL LEAGUE will be hosting a 10/ 10 softball cricket tournament for males and females along with several cultural events that will be a first in Guyana. This tournament will emcompass all areas who will be allowed to play in their respective areas. Teams expected to participate will come from Wiruni to Moblissa. The teams will be divided into three zones and will see teams from the surrounding communities including Wiruni, Kwakwani to Ituni, Moblissa to Linden. The entrance fee for each team (male and female) is eight thousand dollars. Teams are required to buy their own balls as per normal. The same 10/10 rules that are played with will be applied. Teams wishing to have clarification can call the representative on tel number 639-0057, 682-7942, 442-1562. The only new rule is that teams will have to be resident in the areas mentioned before and be able to furnish that proof at the time of the tournament. The cultural aspect will have persons
being allowed to dance for 2 minutes to local music and a song selected randomly by the DJ and on every day of the games. This requirement was forwarded to all representatives of all areas by the GSL. The tournament will start on 16th August and conclude on the 7th September. Registration forms can be uplifted by calling the above numbers. The prizes for the cricket is as follows: 1st prize (male and female) $60,000 and a beautiful trophy; RUNNER UP(male and female) - $15,000 and a trophy; MVP (Male and female)Tournament - cash and trophy. Teams are asked to register as earliest and for teams in Wiruni, contact can be made with Rupert King 441-9192 and for Kwakwani to Ituni is Angela Grimmond on 688-5669, 696-8218, 679-3405. All others should contact Mortimer Denny on 442-1562, 630-0057, 682-7942. The winning teams will be entered in a major tournament organised by Guyana Softball League against the other winners from other areas involved in similar competition.
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Some extreme doping test results show athletes’ health at risk - expert KUALA LUMPUR/ SYDNEY (Reuters) Some of the readings from athletes’ blood tests leaked by a whistleblower for a report exposing suspected doping were so extreme they were “downright dangerous”, one of the experts cited in the report told Reuters on Monday. “There are real questions to be asked if there is no action taken, particularly for the results taken post-2009,” said Robin Parisotto, an inventor of the test used to detect the blood doping agent EPO. “Some of the values in these athletes were so extreme that they were downright dangerous and the risks to their health were indisputable.” The head of world athletics defended the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) anti-doping record as global sporting bodies called for a thorough probe into the latest allegations to plunge international sport into crisis. That followed a report by the Sunday Times newspaper and Germany’s ARD/WDR broadcaster on Sunday that they had obtained from a whistleblower secret IAAF data that indicated suspected widespread blood doping in athletics between 2001 and 2012. In an interview, Australian Parisotto, one of two scientific
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Lamine Diack speaks during a news conference for the Diamond League athletics meet in Doha May 10, 2012. (Reuters/Mohammed Dabbous) experts cited in the reports, said more than 800 athletes had recorded one or more “abnormal” results, defined as a result that had less than one chance in 100 of being natural. Such athletes accounted for 146 medals at top events, including 55 golds, the Sunday Times said. Parisotto noted that not all the abnormal results necessarily indicated doping, as factors such as the timing of tests, altitude and testing conditions could have led to some suspicious outcomes. “But there were values that were ... quite extreme and even taking into
Former National Basketball stalwart Heinrod David supports game in Berbice Former Guyana National Basketball Player Heinrod David, who now resides in the United States of America and played for the Hi Flyers Basketball Club while domiciled in Guyana, remembered his country of birth and has made a significant contribution. David through the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and the Berbice Amateur Basketball A s s o c i a t i o n (BABA) donated over forty pairs of sneakers to clubs, and to male and female players in the Ancient County. The donation was made on behalf of David by President of the GABF Nigel Hinds on August 2nd at the Vryman Erven Basketball Court in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Heinrod David, who represented Guyana Senior National Basketball Team between 1985 and 1995, currently resides in Maryland, USA. David coaches U11
Players and officials pose with the sneakers donated by Heinrod David to the Berbice Basketball Association. basketball and his team won the U11 USA National Championships in 2014. Hinds, who travelled to Berbice with the footwear to facilitate the donation, was assisted by Keith Myers president of BABA, who was on hand to facilitate the
donation, along with basketball executives Vibert Garret, and Kirk Fraser from the Berbice Basketball Community. The players expressed their heartfelt thanks for the kind and timely donation which will go a very far way
in helping them to enhance their game. They asked Mr. Hinds to express their sincere gratitude to David on their behalf and gave the assurance that that the pieces will be used entirely for the purposes intended. (Samuel Whyte)
consideration confounding factors, there was really no disputing what that data was telling us,” he said. In response to the reports, IAAF President Lamine Diack told Reuters: “There are allegations made, no evidence. We want to look into them seriously because to say that in athletics between 2001 and 2012 we did not do a serious job with tests is laughable.” Coming only weeks before track and field’s showpiece world championships in Beijing, the reports claim endurance runners suspected of doping had been winning a third of the medals at Olympic Games and world championships in that period. The reports did not say that any athletes had failed doping tests, only that the tests had been abnormal, which can sometimes be a sign of cheating. The allegations are the latest setback to tarnish the multi-billion dollar world of sport after the scandal at football’s global governing body, FIFA. PRESUMED INNOCENCE Athletics are a central part of the Olympics, the only sporting event that rivals football’s World Cup in scale and which collects billions of dollars from sponsors like Coca-Cola (KO.N), Panasonic (6752.T), Visa (V.N) and McDonald’s (MCD.N). International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach told reporters on Monday he had spoken to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) head Craig Reedie and had full confidence in that body to investigate the claims thoroughly, adding the IOC would act with “zero tolerance” if there should be a case involving results at an Olympic Games.
“But at this time we have nothing more than allegations and we have to respect the presumption of innocence for the athletes,” he said. Medals won could be affected if any cases of doping were subsequently unearthed using newer testing techniques that did not exist at the time. “I do not know what we are dealing with,” Senegal’s Diack said. “It is possible if we discover with new techniques that someone doped etcetera, etcetera then yes, otherwise no.” The reports also come weeks before a new IAAF president will be elected, with Sebastian Coe and Sergey Bubka of Ukraine bidding to replace the retiring Diack. POWER BATTLE Earlier, U.S. anti-doping agency chief executive Travis Tygart said an “aggressive review” was needed to protect clean athletes. WADA has said it was “very disturbed” by the reports. The IAAF noted that the reports were based on confidential information obtained without permission. A heavy preponderance of the “abnormal” results were from Russian athletes, according to the media reports. Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has said the allegations had “nothing to do with Russia” and they reflected a power battle ahead of the IAAF leadership vote. Russia accounted for 415 abnormal tests, followed distantly by Ukraine, Morocco, Spain, Kenya, Turkey and others. “A remarkable 80 percent of Russia’s medal winners recorded suspicious scores at some point in their careers,” the Sunday Times said. The allegations concern techniques to improve the ability of blood to carry oxygen, which can give an advantage in endurance events like cycling or running over medium and long distances. The Sunday Times and ARD said they were given access to the results of more than 12,000 tests of more than 5,000 athletes taken between 2001 and 2012.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 04, 2015
WIFBSC PRESIDENT, NORRIS GOMEZ BACKING HIS TEAM TO PERFORM WELL By Franklin Wilson in Ohio, USA compliments of NAMILCO, Ringbang, Crown Mining Supply, Fazias Collection, Queensway Long standing President of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Norris Gomez of Trinidad and Tobago says he is backing his team to do well at this year’s World Long Range and Palma Teams championships which will be contested at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA starting this weekend. The 66 year-old Gomez, a former BWIA Pilot who is still very active in the sport and a member of the West Indies team, noted that the team has a number of shooters, with most coming from Guyana and strongly believes that his team will excel. Training he said, went well for the individual countries and their shooters preparing for the World championships.
Joins Mahendra and Lennox Braithwaite for NRA US LR Championships “The world championships of course are important to us. This particular match has been going on I believe since September 1876 and to have these matches it’s really important because the shooters look forward every three years to come to these world championships.” Gomez pointed out that there are three Under-25 teams competing at the NRA US Championships which started yesterday at Camp Perry. He emphasized that it is unfortunate that the Caribbean does not have an Under-25 team. “I don’t know about the other territories but certainly in Trinidad you cannot shoot a rifle, you cannot get a firearms users license until you are 25 which means that our shooters are starting at an old age unless you are a cadet.” “The cadet force in Trinidad and I am pretty sure
Sharing a light moment at the Meet and Greet for the competitors at the World Shooting Championships. Some of the West Indies shooters in conversation with their counterparts from Great Britain. it’s throughout the Caribbean, with shooting being an
expensive sport, I don’t think that the cadet force puts out
RONDA ROUSEY TOLD BETHE CORREIA ‘don’t cry’ after UFC 190 knockout victory USA Today - RIO DE JANEIRO – Oftentimes a rivalry will fizzle after two combatants meet inside the octagon. That’s not the case with Ronda Rousey (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and Bethe Correia (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC). After her incredible 34second knockout of Correia in UFC 190’s main event, Rousey rubbed salt in the wound when she turned around and sent a message to Correia, who was unconscious on the mat. Rousey’s statement was inaudible in real time due to the massive uproar from the crowd at Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena. Following the fight, though, she revealed to MMA junkie exactly what was said. “I said the exact same thing she was saying to me at weigh-ins; she was screaming in my face at weigh-ins, she was saying, ‘Don’t cry.’ So, I turned around after I knocked her out and said, ‘Don’t cry,’” Rousey said at UFC 190’s post-fight press conference. Rousey and Correia exchanged many words in the lead-up to UFC 190. The most personal of those comments, however, was Correia’s suicide-related jab at the champion. “Rowdy” took the
comments personally and vowed to defeat Correia in the most devastating fashion possible. She did just that when a perfectly placed right hand to Correia’s temple sent the Brazilian crashing the mat face first. “Every fight is a challenge,” Rousey said. “This one was a challenge in its own way. I think one advantage that I do have against a lot of my opponents is they don’t really know what they’re getting into when they come in there. They can watch as much footage as they want but they don’t know what it’s like until they get in there with me.” Rousey has made it clear her intention is to continue defending her title in spectacular fashion until she decides to retire from the sport. With her third consecutive victory in less than one minute, the champion took another step toward that goal at UFC 190. Still, though, Rousey said there’s plenty more to learn. “I’m really happy that even though the last three fights were fast, they were finished very differently and I know I made some mistakes (Continued on page 31)
the kind of funds that is necessary for the shooters to practice and to learn the sport.” The WIFBSC boss said that it is left up to the clubs, like the Guyana NRA and the Trinidad & Tobago Rifle Association to try and get the youngsters involved. “And I think for this sport to continue, much less to get larger, the governments are going to have to make some sort of moves to change the legislations to allow kids to
start shooting at an earlier age. We have hosted the Greshon School from England on many occasions where the youngsters have come out and shot with us. These are kids that start at 12 years-old so by the time they get to 25 years-old they are professionals and that’s when we in the Caribbean now start.” Gomez expressed delight at having female Barbadian markswoman Shelly Ann Hinds as a member of the West Indies Team. “It’s a joy to have Ms. Hinds selected as one of us to compete against the best in the world. I think it is really good and augurs well for the sport and she can match anyone of us because there is no gender differentiation in shooting, male and female shoot shoulder to shoulder. There are no boys and girls they are all shooters.” Meanwhile, Gomez along with the Guyanese duo of Lennox Braithwaite and Mahendra Persaud are competing in the National Rifle Association of America Fullbore National Championships which commenced yesterday with competition at the 300, 600 and 900 yards ranges. Action will continue today at the 300, 900 and 1000 yards ranges.
Chess players gear up for inaugural James Bond c/ships
Ronda Rousey celebrates putting Bethe Correia on the canvas during UFC 190 fight at HSBC Arena. (Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports)
Attorney-at-Law, James Bond is an ardent chess player and the Royal Chess Academy in collaboration with him will host the inaugural JB Chess Invitational at the People’s National Congress Headquarters, Sophia on Saturday August 8 and 9 next. The tournament will be played in two categories, Junior and Open, with the former category comprising players 20 years and under. The winner of each category will win the JB Championship trophy and cash prizes. The tournament will be played over seven rounds under the Swiss system. The organizers have said that the competition will be conducted under varying time controls which will automatically make the competition more challenging. The tournament is open to local and international players and the organizers have also indicated that they are prepared to accommodate international players. “The organizers wish to have a very strong and competitive tournament where participants can have fun even as they compete for honours,” the release stated. The release also disclosed that the tournament has been structured in a unique and diverse way from other previous tournaments. Registration fees are $1,000 for adults and $500 for children. Activities commence at 16:00hrs each day.
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
Horse owner accuses PPP of skullduggery Still owed money by Political party since April
Mohammed Shariff at right receiving a trophy in an earlier race from Compton Sancho.
O
ne of the horse owners that participated in the PPP/C and friends horserace meet in April last has accused the PPP/C party of owing him money since last April and expressed disgust at the way things were done. Popular horse owner and businessman Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff of West Berbice is peeved at the way officials of the PPP and the organizers of the event are behaving and wants his money or answers. He said that he reluctantly decided to participate in the event which was not properly planned and was not a part of the racing calendar. He however took three horses to the event. He sensed something was amiss when controversy reigned at the end of the feature event. After being declared the winner with Spit Fire of this stable being given the edge over Jack In My Style of the Jumbo Jet stable for a winner purse of $1.2M, the decision was unceremoniously reversed and announced a dead heat. Shariff stated that there was no controversy in announcing the winner with all the judges unanimously deciding on the winner. There were no complaints from any of the jockeys. There was no Steward’s inquiry and no one was called to a probe. None of the judges was called for an inquiry. He also stated that you cannot get a steward’s inquiry after the results were announced and the trophy handed over. He only learnt that an announcement was made and the result was reversed to a dead heat. Shariff stated that if that was not bad enough, he did not hear anything from the organizers concerning payment despite many
efforts to make contact. He either received promises or phone calls went unanswered. He was out of the country ill, and upon his return he was told to make contact with Roy Hanoman. Mr. Hanoman expressed ignorance of the situation, but promised to investigate. Shariff stated that Hanoman returned a call about 15 minutes after informing him that he was told that only $400,000 was available. He subsequently received a cheque for that amount. A visibly upset Shariff stated that even if the final result was a dead heat, the first a second prizes of $1.2M and $600,000 should have been combined for a total of $1.8M divided by the two which should have been $900,000 each. He said that he received the $400,000 pittance with no explanation and since then he hasn’t heard anything from the PPP. He is also owed a further $250,000 after his horse Swing Easy placed second in the E1 and lower event which had a first prize of $500,000. In total he is owed $750,000. Other horse owners are also owed and want their money. Shariff is regretting that he participated in the event since in previous horserace meets organized by the PPP payment was always an issue. Shariff stated that he is now weighing his options, in order to receive his dues. Others in the racing fraternity want the new Government to help pass the long awaited horse racing legislation so that people would be held accountable. He would also like a law passed that clubs and promoters should lodge the prize money long before race day. He feels that the PPP horserace meet was a hoax which they got caught in. (Samuel Whyte)
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Ramdin was not axed from squad P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad (CMC) - Contrary to reports in some circles experienced wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin was not dropped from the West Indies team for the proposed tour of Zimbabwe. Information reaching CMC Sports indicates that the 30-year-old Test captain, was indeed picked in the squad which was due to play a tri-nation series with the hosts and Pakistan. The tournament was subsequently cancelled after Pakistan withdrew from the originally proposed dates of August 20 to September 3. The matches were to be played in Harare and Bulawayo. A source indicated: “Ramdin was picked in the squad for the tournament. He was and still is the number one wicketkeeper in West Indies cricket team and will continue to play a key role in
- source
Denesh Ramdin... remains highly-regarded as a member of Windies set-up the ODI team with young captain Jason Holder at the helm. “Yes, there was much discussion surrounding several members of the squad and the future of West Indies ODI cricket, for what was to be a crucial period... but to say that Ramdin was omitted is simply not true.”
With the tour of Zimbabwe off the West Indies’ next international assignment will be a full tour of Sri Lanka where they will play all three formats. The West Indies last toured Sri Lanka in 2010-2011 where they drew the Test series and lost the ODI series.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Guyanese siblings attending Badminton High Performance Centre in Mexico
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arayan & Priyanna Ramdhani, after competing and being part of the closing ceremony at the Pan Am Games in Toronto are now in Tijuana Mexico at the Centro de Alto Rendimeineto Baja California- Tij Mexico (Baja California High Performance Centre) where they are training for the Pan American Individual Junior Championships to be held August 510, 2015 at this Venue. Priyanna will be playing in the Under-15
events while her elder brother Narayan will be playing in the Under-19 Events in singles, doubles & mixed doubles. They will both be in the first year of their age group. At the conclusion of this tournament Narayan Ramdhani will attend the Pan Am Juniors Academy High Performance Training from August 10-15, 2015 at the Baja California High Performance Centre in Tijuana Mexico. Narayan and Priyanna will (Continued on page 31)
Narayan (right) & Priyanna Ramdhani do some time on the stationary bike during a workout.
Metro take Ministry of Foreign Affairs Domino title Metro Office Supplies Domino team won the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office Assistants organized Trophy Stall Ministries/ Agencies Emancipation Domino Competition last Friday at the Ministry’s ground. Metro won with 62 games from the Guyana Forestry Commission with 48, while the host ended third with 37 games. The Trophy Stall Trophies were
presented to the winning team while the second placed team was also rewarded for their efforts. The next event by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs group will be a Tapeball Cricket tournament for Ministries/ Agencies as a date to be announced shortly. Tape Ball teams can contact Coordinator James ‘Kool’ Lewis on telephone number 672-6179 or 613-0844.
What’s going on with American Pharoah after Haskell win
American Pharoah #4 with Victor Espinoza riding, won the $1,750,000 Grade 1 William Hill Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (Melissa Wirth/EQUI-PHOTO via AP) O C E A N P O RT, N . J . (AP) — When the music played about 10 minutes before the start of the Haskell Invitational, there was no way American Pharoah could lose. As the Triple Crown winner stepped onto the track for first race since sweeping the Kentucky D e r b y, P r e a k n e s s a n d Belmont Stakes, Monmouth Park’s Haskell anthem was blasting away over the sound system, and many in the record crowd of 60,983 were singing along: ‘’... tramps like us, baby we were born to run.’’ Pharoah fever was in the air, to the tune of Jersey
rocker Bruce Springsteen’s ‘’Born to Run.’’ Everyone seemed to catch it. Maybe even American Pharoah despite the earplugs he wears because he’s sensitive to sound. On a perfect summer day at the Jersey Shore track, r a c i n g ’s b i g g e s t s t a r delivered an encore performance to remember - a 2 1/4-length victory in the $1.75 million Haskell that was much more dominating than the margin indicates. ‘’It was pretty easy,’’ winning jockey Victor Espinoza said after American Pharoah raced second until midway around the far turn before seizing the
lead and taking control. ‘’For me the key was just coming out of there running.’’ A slight nudge by Espinoza gave American Pharoah the cue he needed to show off his blazing speed and cruise home without any urging. ‘’This horse, he just keeps bringing it,’’ trainer Bob Baffert said. ‘’He’s just a great horse.’’ For a day, Springsteen was probably happy to let American Pharoah be The Boss. And now that he’s won the first race of the start of the end of his career, here’s a look at what’s next for Team Pharoah: WHERE’S PHAROAH?
After the race, he was led back to the stall he’s been staying in at trainer Kelly B r e e n ’s b a r n o n t h e Monmouth Park backstretch. While Baffert jetted back to California on Sunday night, and owner Ahmed Zayat and family were celebrating somewhere in Jersey, the horse was headed back to California on Monday for some rest before he resumes training. NEXT RACE The biggest question is which race will American Pharoah run in next? There’s no answer right now, but the options include the Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 29, the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept.
19, and the Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita on Sept. 26. ‘’No clue,’’ Zayat said when asked about his colt’s next start. Actually, there are. Baffert says he’s not keen on running against older horses. Of the three options, only the Awesome Again is open to 3 year-olds and up. The other two are for 3-year-olds. And Zayat’s son and racing manager, Justin, has been saying his choice would be the Travers, which announced it would raise its purse by $350,000 to $1.6 million if American Pharoah runs. The Pennsylvania Derby also is likely to offer more money. ‘’We have to get him home first and see what we’ll do,’’ Baffert said. ‘’I want to do the right thing for American Pharoah. There are a lot of options out there. Every time I lead him out there I want to feel good about it.’’ What we do know is if all goes according to plan, American Pharoah’s final race will be the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, on Oct. 31. And then, he’s headed down the road to the breeding shed at
Coolmore’s Ashford Stud. IS HE BEATABLE? Even Secretariat lost, more than once. American Pharoah has won eight in a row, including seven Grade 1 races. He’s beaten all the other top 3-year-olds around - except one. While American Pharoah missed the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with a minor injury, Texas Red won the race. However, he missed the Triple Crown races with an injury, and on Saturday won the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. The win has trainer Texas R e d ’s t r a i n e r K e i t h Desormeaux anticipating a showdown, if not in the Travers, certainly the BC Classic. ‘’Keith’s always said it would be nicer to wait until the Breeders’ Cup before that matchup (with American Pharoah), but it’s inevitable, so why not?’’ Desormeaux’s assistant Julie Clark said Sunday at Saratoga. ‘’He (Desormeaux) had no interest in the Haskell, he didn’t want to meet him just yet, but I think his race impressed him and gave him some confidence.’’ HOT-DOGGING BAFFERT Maybe it’s the hot dogs (Continued on page 31)
Tuesday August 04, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Bartica triumph over Goshen in DeSantos/Phoenix SC friendly football match
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yrese Gomes registered a brace in the 10th and 18th minutes and received admirable support from Joshua Jones (38) to secure a convincing 3-1 victory for Bartica over Goshen when Michael DeSantos, in collaboration with the Phoenix Sports Club, staged an U-13 goodwill game at the Bartica Secondary School Ground last Sunday afternoon. Abraham Webb responded in the 35th minute for Goshen but his effort was too little too late in a game of interesting twists and turns. A decent crowd of family
members and supporters witnessed an enthralling game that was fiercely contested. Gomes’ theatrics stood out in the first half and was responsible for his team’s 2 nil lead when the whistle signaled the end of that session. The Goshen players remained undaunted and came out rejuvenated at the beginning of the second half. The passes were superb but the Bartica unit was up to the task, nullifying their every move. Goshen was then awarded a penalty kick after one of their players was brought down inside the box. The ensuing kick, taken by
D’Andrade wins Emancipation 5k race in Trinidad
The young footballers from the Bartica team enjoy a photo op moments after defeating their Goshen counterparts. ‘Mini Man’ was miraculously saved by Zico Dos Santos, the youngest player in the match. A small pool of water also contributed as the ball landed, and was slowed up before reaching the ‘keeper.’ Goshen was gifted an opportunity to narrow the score from a free kick about thirty yards out but one of their strikers botched the
chance which sailed over the head of the short Bartica custodian, Zico. Webb’s 35th minute effort narrowed the score but Jones changed the dynamics when he slammed in Bartica’s final success three minutes later to seal the deal for his team. Meanwhile, the organizers said that they are heartened by the support of sponsors as well as those that
attended the match. Mr. DeSantos said that the match is the first of what is expected to be a yearly feature. He said that so far, three communities are on board, Bartica, Karrau and Goshen while an invitation has been extended to Agatash community. The organizers also assured that the date for future tournaments will be soon
released. The match was preceded by a soccer clinic for boys 6-16 years old at the Bartica Secondary School Ground from Monday 20th Friday 24th July. 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.
Serenity restaurant supports Deon Carter dominoes
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Trinidad and Tobago-based, Lionel D’Andrade won the 13th Annual Emancipation 5k Freedom Run last Saturday in Sangre Grande. D’Andrade won the race in 15:26 with Trinidadians Kriston Charles (15:53) and Shakerm Noel (16:49) second and third respectively. The road race had 117 participants as they celebrated Emancipation Day. “I felt good this morning in the race and I am using it in preparation for the Banker’s Insurance Half Marathon this month end,” D’Andrade said.
erenity Restaurant and Bar of Durban Street has thrown their support behind the Deon Carter and Sparton dominoes competition which is set to commence on Sunday at the above named venue. 27 teams are expected to vie for supremacy with the winning team taking home a trophy and $150,000, the runner up a trophy and $75,000 and third place a trophy and $40,000. Entrance fee is $10,000 and double six time is 14:00 hrs. Timothy Fisher of Serenity Restaurant and Bar yesterday presented the runner up prize to secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Barbara Marshall at a simple ceremony held at Gaulding Place South Ruimveldt. He said that they are pleased to be associated with the sport and wished the teams well.
Timothy Fisher of Serenity Restaurant and Bar presenting the trophy and cheque to Barbara Masrhall in the presence of Deon Carter.
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WIFBSC President, Norris Gomez backing his team to perform well Joins Mahendra and Lennox Braithwaite for NRA US LR C/ships
Norris Gomez President WIFBSC
Mahendra Persaud is all smiles after the 900 yards range at the NRA US FB Nationals. Lennox Braithwaite leaves the 900 bank on day 1 of the NRA US FB Nationals.
BY FRANKLIN WILSON IN OHIO, USA COMPLIMENTS OF NAMILCO, RINGBANG, CROWN MINING SUPPLY, FAZIAS COLLECTION, QUEENSWAY
Guyana women off to Trinidad & Tobago for Regional Super50 The Guyana women’s cricket team and officials pose for a photo at Sunday’s team gathering.
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