Saturday August 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The APNU+AFC administration’s position on LGE is grounded in respect for the rule of law DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to a letter, signed by Norman Whittaker, captioned, ‘There must be adequate preparations for local government elections,’ which appeared in another section of the press, in which Mr Whittaker attempted to make a case for the further delay of the holding of local government elections (LGE). The Minister of Communities wishes to make clear, that the administration’s position on the matter is grounded in respect for the rule of law, respect for the rights of Guyanese to choose their leaders, and respect for democratic norms. Unlike the PPP regime, this administration intends to serve the people according to law, not rule citizens according to the whims and fancies of government officials. The issue of LGE is not one of preparedness, but one of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’s obligations to fulfill a constitutional and statutory requirement, and return sovereignty to the people who, according to Article 9 of the Constitution, “exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under the Constitution.” Mr Whittaker will recall that on February 10, 2014, the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill, was debated and passed, directing that elections be held on or before 1st August 2014. The PPP regime ignored that law, despite the public’s outcry for a return to democracy. We recall Leader of the Opposition David Granger’s public calls for the holding of LGE, we recall APNU’s sustained campaign for LGE, including weekly protests outside the Office of the President. The PPP regime is well aware of the importance of local government, Article 74
of the Constitution makes that abundantly clear. What is equally apparent is that party’s intense fear of placing decision-making power into the hands of ordinary people, where it rightfully belongs. The PPP’s terror of handing political power to Guyanese citizens stems from the fact that Freedom House knows that once Guyanese realize that they are the bosses and government is their servant, the PPP will never again be allowed to run a dictatorship in Guyana; the people will not permit it. In his letter, Mr. Whittaker attempts, too, to distract Guyanese with red herrings, speculative nonsense, and cavalier and careless irrelevancies. First, Mr Whittaker should be the last person to talk about disenfranchisement because, as the Minister of Local Government in the PPP regime, he was directly responsible for denying Guyanese their constitutional right to vote. Second, GECOM’s officials have repeatedly said, both publicly and in meetings with the Minister of Communities, that they will be ready to conduct LGE, within the timeframe desired by the administration. One therefore wonders if Mr Whittaker is better informed about GECOM’s readiness, than Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and Chairman, Dr Surujbally. Third, Mr Whittaker, apparently, needs to be reminded that his party, the PPP, in its 2011 manifesto, had promised to hold LGE within one year of being re-elected. Of course, we know how that turned out. Mr Whittaker may need to
be further reminded that in early 2012, he rose in the National Assembly and said, “The PPP and the PPP/C Government have always viewed local government reform and the need to have Local Government Elections as important not only for development but also important for the renewal of grassroots democracy in our country. We want to hold Local Government Elections. We want to hold Local Government Elections tonight.” Obviously, the refusal of the PPP regime to hold LGE while that party was in office, and anti-LGE rhetoric currently emanating from its officials, are at odds with the claim that Mr Whittaker made in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly. Fourth, Mr Whittaker claimed to be concerned that young people may not vote in LGE because they would be distracted by Christmas. May I point out to the former Minister that it is not government’s place to legislate who votes, rather, it is the duty of the administration to carry out the law and facilitate its enforcement. Finally, Mr Whittaker expresses concern that political parties be ready. And that is where the PPP and the APNU+AFC coalition do not see eye to eye. It is the view of the Minister of Communities, that ordinary Guyanese individuals and groups, in addition to political parties, should be empowered to administer their own affairs. In fact, politics should play the smallest role, at the local government level. Mark DaCosta Research Officer to the Minister, Ministry of Communities.
“Economic Empowerment Summit” in Buxton tomorrow
DEAR EDITOR, The Buxton First of August Movement (FAM) brings the curtain down on its Emancipation 2015 observances tomorrow, Sunday August 9, with an “Economic Empowerment Summit.” The Summit is aimed at bringing policy makers and experts face to face with villagers to initiate a discussion about the economic revitalization of the
village. The FAM wants to partner with government and the private sector to tackle the problem of unemployment in the village, restore the once high educational standards, fix the infrastructural problems, address the housing needs and revive the agricultural industry in the village The keynote address will be delivered by Minister of
State Hon. Joseph Harmon. Other speakers are Minister of Housing Keith Scott, Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton, Agriculturalist, Simpson DaSilva and Buxtonion entrepreneur, Morris Wilson. The Summit will be held at the Friendship Primary School beginning at 3pm. David Hinds For First of August Movement
The end result is what really frightens... From page 4 We can only conclude that it scares Mr Bisram that a successful APNU-AFC coalition government will be devastating for the PPP, since it will obviously mean that the APNU-AFC will draw more and more support from all the ethnic groups. The end result is what re-
ally frightens him, that is, such a process will ultimately cause the PPP to shrink as a force. This is why he invokes the term Burnham Constitution, to generate fear among the IndoGuyanese, hoping to keep them corralled in the PPP. In case he did not notice let us remind him again, that
on 11 May 2015 Guyanese elected and have since established a genuine, legitimate, and decent multi-ethnic and multi-party government. So Mr Bisram, look harder. The rest of the world has already seen this new Guyanese paradigm, even if you choose to play ignorant. Ivor Carryl
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Kaieteur News
Budget to offer increase in old age pension, concessions for miners With the theme, “A fresh start to the good life in a green economy”, the 2015 budget which will be presented in the National Assembly on Monday by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, is expected to reflect increase in old age pension, concessions for the mining sector and other goodies. During a press briefing yesterday at the Ministry of Finance, Jordan said that as it relates to the fiscal position of the county, it is “generally in good shape” in spite of the worrying performance of two of the nation’s biggest revenue earners, rice and sugar, in recent times. Though he was adamant about not revealing too much on the much anticipated budget, he did note that it was crafted around APNU+AFC’s 100-day plan. He said that most things will be in place, including significant increases for public servants, but with the exception of the reduction of Value Added Tax. He
reminded that the latter will not be adjusted until a review of the implications and the feasibility of such a move is completed. The Finance Minister said that in terms of inflation, “it is at such a manageable rate that you would not believe it.” With regard to the theme of the budget, the Finance Minister said, “Everybody aspires to a good life and government spending has to be done in relation to that good life”. He added, “We are nowhere near accomplishing the good life and one of the reasons for that is because of the bad governance we have had over the past 23 years”. The new administration, the Minister said, is employing a ‘fresh approach’ to the management of the country’s resources, with the aim of setting up the frame for how Government will be approaching the governance of the economy over the next five years. This new approach
includes a focus on better governance, social cohesion, building safer communities, linking the coastland with the hinterland, taking care of the environment, e m p h a s i z i n g green technology, support for the implementation of environmentally-friendly processes for the extractive sector and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund. Jordan said that Government’s aim is not only to ensure that “the good life” is achieved, but also, that all Guyanese are able to enjoy it in a clean and safe environment. Finance Minister added, “I could let you know that the deficit is one of the lowest in recent history, only because of the nature of activities during the year where expenditure was severely compressed…as a result the deficit of the Gross Domestic Product ratio and not our actual deficit, is one of the smallest in recent history.” (Kiana Wilburg)
Minister of Governance with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, has disclosed that an agreement has been reached between the BOSAI Minerals Company and its workers for them to stay on the job. The agreement will be, that the employees will work eight hours daily instead of 12 hours in an effort to prevent retrenchment. Further, he praised the workers in the mining town of Linden for being each other’s keeper, and agreeing to take a pay cut in order to facilitate
those who would otherwise have been out of a job. “This is a sterling example of how things can be resolved quickly, relatively easily and produce a win-win for all.” Minister Trotman said that the situation arose about a month ago when it was communicated by the company, that there were excess piles of ore and no markets for them. He said that since then the Government has been engaging the company and fostering discussions. BOSAI indicated that they would likely have to retrench some workers.
The Ministry of Social Protection also became involved in negotiations to facilitate an agreement that would be amenable to both parties. “BOSAI then proceeded to cut back on the staff and the union representatives took a different view. That is why there was some industrial unrest or action yesterday (Thursday). But we are very heartened by the agreement reached between the Ministry of Social Protection, Regional Chairman and the company which would see the workers remaining, but working less hours. I think an agreement has been reached which benefits everyone and we want to laud the efforts of the Ministry, the Union and the company to reach an agreement in the matter Continued on page 21
Bosai staffers take pay cut to avoid layoffs
Saturday August 08, 2015
After sinking Senator, Ed Ahmad faces jail
Businessman, Ed Ahmad (r) with fallen Senator John Sampson (l) in the good times. Less than a year after he pleaded guilty to one of 10 counts of fraud charges in a New York court, well known Guyana-born real estate broker, Edul Ahmad, is preparing to be sentenced. Prosecutors on Thursday wrote Judge Dora Irizarry of the Eastern District of New York Court asking her to issue orders that will prepare Ahmad for sentencing. The businessman was the star witness in the case brought by the feds against Senator John Sampson, who was found guilty late last month in a Brooklyn court. It was widely felt that the delay in Ahmad’s sentencing was because he was cooperating with the feds in the Sampson case. In February 2012, he reportedly wore a wire, recording Sampson during a meeting. In July, he gave testimony during a four-week trial. In a court request filed Thursday, Assistant US Attorney, Alexander Solomon, on behalf of Loretta Lynch, US Attorney, said that the government, with the consent of defence counsel, Steven Kartagener, wants the Court to order the United States Probation Department to begin preparation of the pre-sentence investigation report for the defendant, Ahmad. “Mr. Kartagener, Esq., has
requested to be present for any interview of his client conducted by the United States Probation Department.” Ahmad is well known to the tens of thousands of Guyanese living in the New York area, as he was well connected in the real estate business, before his downfall. A former policeman in Guyana, he appeared in a New York court before Judge Irizarry in October 2012 and pleaded guilty to count one of the ten-count criminal complaints against him, and told the court that his attorney has advised him that there is no viable defense to the charges against him. In admitting guilt, Ahmad told Judge Irizarry that between January 1995 and January 2009, within the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere, together with others, he knowingly and intentionally conspired to defraud several lending institutions, in a mortgage fraud scheme that lasted almost 15 years. The United States Attorney’s office alleges that Ahmad was part of a scheme that defrauded American lending institutions of approximately US$50 million, obtaining approval for mortgages on various properties by falsifying
documents submitted to the lending institutions, using a string of straw buyers, and other illegal practices. In detailing the allegations against the Queens businessman with strong political connections, Judge Irizarry outlined a scheme which had as its victims not only financial institutions, but also many ordinary New Yorkers, most of whom were Guyanese immigrants pursuing the American dream to own their own home, only to find themselves trapped in a real estate scheme, ultimately resulting in them losing their homes in foreclosure proceedings, while Ahmad and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars. Ahmad’s attorney had signaled intentions to challenge the financial loss attributed to him. Prosecutors had advised a term of between 121 and 151 months (10 to approximately 13 years) of imprisonment for Ahmad. Ahmad’s case has attracted much attention from the media in Guyana and in New York, fueled by his strong political connections in Guyana and the U.S. He reportedly has properties in Guyana and had shipped containers of building materials to former President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Saturday August 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Kamla: I have a plan when we win next elections
Chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee Khafra Kambon speaks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during Thursday’s Emancipation luncheon at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Port of spain. —Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar Thursday launch the People’s Partnership manifesto, which will outline and detail her Government’s vision for the further development of Trinidad and Tobago. The Prime Minister has repeatedly boasted the People’s Partnership delivered over 90 per cent of its promises in its 2010 manifesto during the past five years in office. With exactly 31 days to go before the general election on September 7, the PersadBissessar-led Partnership— comprising the Uni-ted National Congress (UNC), Congress of the People (COP), National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) and Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP)—has not yet presented its full line-up of candidates to contest the 41 constituencies. Persad-Bissessar hosted
an Emancipation luncheon at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Thursday, where she said she did not intend to speak politics but felt compelled to respond to a statement made by chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee Khafra Kambon. Kambon said if he were in politics, he would not want to win the general election, given the plummeting prices of oil and gas. Responding to Kambon’s statement, Persad- Bissessar pointed out the decline in the prices for oil and gas has been happening for quite some time now and may not end tomorrow. “My Government took very strong measures to ensure that we kept our economy afloat in the face of the falling oil and gas prices,” she said. She recalled on her way from her Phillipine home in South to Port of Spain, she queried why there was more
than usual traffic on the roads. “One of my security detail said to me, ‘Prime Minister, the country is doing well, plenty cars on the road’,” she said. She said he pointed out to her the registration of vehicles had reached PDJ, and there were over 1,300 new vehicles in this series thus far. “It’s a sign of an economy that is doing well, and so we have managed in the face of falling oil and gas prices, and I give you the assurance, I have a plan to ensure that when we win the next election, we will also have a plan,” she said. “I want to win that election because I want to continue to deliver, continue to make sure that every person in Trinidad and Tobago has equal opportunities to all the resources of this land, so that is the commitment I give you,” she added, to applause from the audience.
Cambios island-wide could close next week KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cambios island-wide could be shut down next week, causing jitters among its operators. Manchester businessman and executive member of the Jamaica Cambio Association Valenton Wint says the local cambio service is treading uncertain waters at this time following the threat of closure. Wint informed OBSERVER ONLINE a short while ago that commercial banks have “seemingly all joined forces in cessation of relationships” with cambios. He said a letter, advising of the shutdown, has been sent to cambios across the
island and that today National Commercial Bank issued a letter advising that they will no longer be accepting any foreign instrument from any cambio. “The banks claim that the ongoing impasse is as a result of pressure that they are coming under by their bankers overseas,” Wint said, adding that cambios are facing great difficulties at this time. “We are quite saddened because cambios are licensed entities that are regulated by the Bank of Jamaica and are legal entities,” added Wint. He said it was quite strange that banks were able
to impose restrictions and cause cambios to close their doors and nothing put in place by either the Bank of Jamaica or the Government to ensure that the foreign exchange market remains viable. “… Cambios were institutionalised by the Government of Jamaica and are audited quite frequently. We see it as a threat, not only to cambios, but also to remittances because the letters that they sent did in fact suggest that they will not be taking any foreign instrument from cambios or remittances,” said Wint. (Jamaica Observer)
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Saturday August 08, 2015
Republican debate smashes records as Trump dominates Reuters - The Republican candidates’ debate on Fox News Channel attracted 24 million viewers, more than double the prior record for a presidential primary forum, with social media data suggesting combative billionaire Donald Trump was the main attraction. Viewership for the raucous 10-way debate was the highest non-sports telecast in cable history, according to Nielsen data provided by Fox. Republicans will mostly welcome the attention to mainstream candidates like Marco Rubio, the U.S.
senator from Florida, and Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, as they try to prevent a Democrat winning the White House in November 2016 for the third time in a row. But the performance by reality TV show host Trump dominated the night. He courted controversy with the Republican establishment by refusing to rule out an independent bid for the White House and bristled when accused of making offensive remarks about women. The size of the audience blew past predictions by
media experts and was more than double Fox News Channel’s previous largest audience, the 11.8 million viewers who tuned in on election night in November 2012. “Clearly Trump was the catalyst for the audience,” said Alan Schroeder, a Northeastern University journalism professor who has written extensively about presidential debates. “When you throw in somebody like Donald Trump into a combustible formula like a live debate, it’s a very compelling thing for audiences,” he added.
Data suggested Trump was the biggest draw of the 10 candidates on the debate stage in Cleveland. In a show of hands immediately after the debate, participants in a Fox News focus group who supported Trump beforehand overwhelmingly indicated they had changed their minds about him. They criticized his refusal to commit to backing the eventual Republican nominee - if not Trump himself - and accused him of being no more forthcoming than traditional politicians. “I think he took out a gun and shot his campaign in the head,” said Florida Republican strategist Rick Wilson. But Trump also drew applause and cheers during the two-hour debate, and two online surveys on Friday suggested he was a winner. He had 47 percent of the votes - amounting to 42,980 clicks on Time’s website and 38 percent on Slate.com. Neither of the surveys had a margin of error and readers outside of the United States could vote. The polls “only tell you about the sentiment of the couple of thousand people
Donald Trump who decide to vote on that website at that time,” said Chris Jackson of Ipsos, which does polling in partnership with Reuters. The surveys yesterday were in contrast to more reliable online polls that ask participants about their party affiliation, gender, zip code and other details to ensure the poll has a representative slice of the population. Trump on Friday denied comments by Fox News debate moderator Megyn Kelly that he had used offensive terms in the past to describe women, including “fat pigs,” “dogs” and
“slobs.” “I didn’t say many of those things,” he told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show. “In fact, I’m going to have somebody call up and find out where these words came from because I don’t recognize those words.” The other Republicans on the stage largely avoided direct challenges to Trump, who has rocketed to the top of Republican opinion polls in the 2016 race. Previously, the mostwatched primary debate was a 2008 event that included Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Saturday August 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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THE PPP IS BEING TRUE TO FORM IN ATTACKING CLIVE THOMAS For the greater part of twenty-three years, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic had no uses for Guyana’s foremost economist, Distinguished Professor Clive Thomas. Cheddi Jagan did offer a ministerial position in 1992 but after the offer was rejected by the Working People’s Alliance in the interest of negotiations on the issue, Cheddi closed the book totally on the involvement of WPA personnel in his government. The only other involvement that Clive Thomas had with the PPP was when he was part of the National Development Strategy. Thomas also was the darling of the PPP for a short period after he had expressed support for former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s position on the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the European Union and the CARIFORUM grouping which included the countries of Caricom. Since the National Development Strategy never saw the light of day, one can safely conclude that Thomas had little or no involvement in the policies pursued by the PPP in its twenty-three unbroken years in power. That was a crying shame. A person of Thomas’s talent and experience should never have been sidelined by his country. The PPP sought to isolate him rather than use his knowledge for the benefit of the country.
Other countries in the Caribbean did not gobble him up because of his ideological leanings. At one time, he was considered one of the foremost leftist economists in the region. In later years much of his analysis was devoid of any Marxist tinge. The PPP has similar history. It should therefore have hardly had any problem in working with Thomas, especially since at one time he was in consideration for being the Prime Ministerial candidate under the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy. Thomas was in the opposition camp when the PNC was in power. Today, Thomas is being used by the very party which his own party had so fervently opposed. Thomas is on an Economic Advisory Council. He is also in charge of the State Asset Recovery Unit that is tracking down corruption by the former administration. He is an adviser to the government on Sustainable Development. He is also the Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and is on the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar corporation, the very company of which he has been appointed Chairman. The new government is making more use of Thomas than the PPP did in its twentythree years. History does move in mysterious ways. The PPP, however, instead of ruing its decision not to utilize Thomas, has done what
in recent years it has become quite adept at: cussing-down persons who are perceived to be aligned to APNU and the AFC. It has launched a broadside against Thomas and accused him of having been at the helm of Globe Trust when it collapsed. This may or may not be true, but the attack was not merely intended to highlight this act, but to go further and question the credibility of Thomas. This is what the PPP has evolved into: a party that is
prepared to attack the credibility of persons, instead of addressing the issues concerned. The PPP has solid grounds to otherwise question the multitudinous involvement within the new government. It could have humanely indicated that Thomas is now retired, is aged, and therefore the many responsibilities that APNU has placed on him will stretch his physical limitations. They could have, in other words indicated that Thomas is
likely to suffer from burnout because of his heavy workload. But not the PPP, they prefer to attack the man’s credibility. The PPP could have also argued that Thomas is in a clear conflict of interest by being on the Commission of Inquiry on GuySuCo and at the same time being the corporation’s Chairman. Thomas cannot wear these two hats at the same time. It represents a clear conflict of interest and he should be asked to give up one, at least
until the COI is over. He simply cannot be the Chairman of GuySuCo while he is Chairman of the Board. He should step aside. The PPP, however, has never had any regard for conflicts of interest and therefore they do not care too much about this important concept. What they care about are scurrilous attacks on people who are asked to serve their country.
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Saturday August 08, 2015
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Magistrate Judy Latchman and CEO, Olato Sam This country has some of the most amusing humans in the world. Maybe there are hundreds of Donald Trumps in Guyana waiting to contest the presidency. Two Guyanese that I would like to write on often are Magistrate Judy Latchman and Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam. I have never penned a column on Mr. Sam, but I have done several on Magistrate Latchman. In fact I took Ms. Latchman before the Judicial Service Commission. I will tantalize readers. Do you want to know what happened? I will give details bit by bit over the coming years. I was told by my editor, Adam Harris that to avoid libel I must shape my words the following way; “In my opinion, John Jones is not the
person who should be in charge of the blood bank.” Harris told me once the writer uses the words, “it is my opinion,” he/she is on safe legal ground. I checked with several lawyers who told me Adam is right but the words, “it is my opinion” can still get you in legal hot water, depending on what you say. In the situation with Adam, I had written that I do not think the person who is the current medical superintendent of the Georgetown Hospital, is the right person to hold that position. The doctor sent a lawyer’s letter demanding an apology from me. The paper requested I do an apology. I did. I wasn’t satisfied. I sought the advice of a sitting
judge and three lawyers. They all told me that a columnist and/or editor cannot lose a libel action for the mere expression that you think the holder of an office should no longer possess it or is not the right person to occupy that office. These four gentlemen said to me that an apology was not necessary. The judge laughingly said that if one can be sued for saying so, then cricket captains in every cricketing nation would have sued thousands of cricket journalists. How interesting that I am writing about that cricket example on the same day in the current Ashes series that England bowled out Australia for 60 runs. In Australia, sport journalists are calling for the sacking of the captain, Michael Clarke. I am sure Clarke isn’t going to send out any legal letter. It is my opinion that Chief
Education Officer, Olato Sam should be removed from his position. I now offer my reasons. In 2012, there was once a protest movement named the People’s Parliament. A few of us from that entity got involved in an incident in the compound of a high school in East Bank Essequibo which we, Georgetowners referred to as West Coast Demerara. The person at the centre of the action was a highranking member of the school board. He confronted some of us including this writer, Dennis Atwell of the AFC and Sharon Harding, mother of Colwyn Harding, the youth that has accused the police of torturing him by pushing a baton into his anus. The police ranks in question are currently on trial. This school official, in full view of school children and the deputy headmistress, unbuttoned his shirt so the gun in his waist could be seen. He was threatening me
menacingly. A mini-bus, no doubt that was summoned, drew up and a number of men with guns in their waistlines came out and advanced toward me. I was hurriedly escorted to my car by my People’s Parliament colleagues and told to leave immediately. The next day, Sharon Harding, Leonard Craig of the AFC and I submitted a letter to Mr. Sam in his office and requested an investigation. As Sam escorted us out of his office, I turned to him and said, “We will hear from you I trust.” Sam used one word which is an adverb that I vividly recall. He responded, “absolutely.” Despite dozens of calls to Sam on his land line and cell number, to this day we never heard back from him. Mahendra Boodhoo called me to say he complained to the owner of this newspaper, who recommended that I write about his plight. I am doing
Frederick Kissoon so now. Mr. Boodhoo said he was robbed at gunpoint of eight million dollars in goods. The men, one of whom was a UG student, were found guilty and given community service by Magistrate Latchman. I hope I don’t disappoint Mr. Boodhoo when I say that I cannot agree with first offenders being jailed. But I certainly disagree with the erratic sentencing policies of Ms. Latchman. I have written about this Magistrate several times before. In my opinion, she should be removed from the bench.
Saturday August 08, 2015
With $65M budget... By Desilon Daniels The Government of Guyana has committed $65M to the Guyana delegation slated to represent the nation during the upcoming CARIFESTA XII in Haiti. Come August 21, 80 Guyanese will make their way to Haiti where they hope to wow the rest of the Caribbean during the regional festival. This year’s CARIFESTA (Caribbean Festival of Arts) will run until August 30. During a press conference yesterday, a number of local officials briefed the media on what Guyana will be exhibiting in about two weeks. It was during this press conference that Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry revealed that not only was there a $65M budget for Guyana’s excursion but that this figure will be provided solely by the Government of Guyana. She explained that this budget will cover travel expenses to and around Haiti, accommodation and materials for the entire delegation. Minister Henry stressed that the budget was a necessary one for the promotion of culture in Guyana. “Culture is said to be the oil that keeps society running. It’s very important that we understand the role of culture in development, because through culture you get a better understanding of tradition, and it allows us to showcase what we have,” Henry said. She continued, “So you can’t be looking in terms of dollar value; it is the more intangible that contributes to development.” She added that Guyana has a rich legacy to upkeep in regards to CARIFESTA. The chartering of flights
Kaieteur News
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Guyana set to wow at CARIFESTA XII in Haiti and payment for block seats arrangement also ran up the costs. This year’s CARIFESTA, the twelfth edition, will see wide participation by Guyana. The majority of the delegates heading to Haiti were made up of the drama, dance and music crews. In terms of the visual arts component, Guyana has submitted 27 entries. These entries span paintings, drawings, and sculptures and will feature newcomers along with mature artists who have already exhibited at such a high level. Additionally, the pieces are on display at Castellani House until Monday. According to Ohene Koama, Acting Curator of the National Gallery, 27 pieces might be considered a small number to some persons but, due to the sizes of the pieces, it is actually an adequate collection to occupy the required space. He added that they are still unsure of the exact space that will be used for the exhibition in Haiti and therefore would rather be safe than sorry. Furthermore, dance will continue to be a main showcase for Guyana at CARIFESTA. Roshini Boodhoo, who is one of the coordinators for the dance component, explained that a number of local choreographers are on board including Vivian Daniels and Clive Prowell. “We ensure that the categories and styles of dance that we chose will best represent our culture here in Guyana,” she added. She further explained that, in order to achieve “perfection”, auditions were open to the general public instead of the usual hand selection of dancers. The selected dancers were required to know at least two
CARIFESTA officials ready to go! (From left) Ohene Koama, Seeta Shah Roath, Minister Nicolette Henry, Lennox Canterbury, Roshini Boodhoo, and Al Creighton styles of dance. The dance component will be executed under the theme, “Legends and rhythms of Guyana – a colourful dancescape” and Boodhoo expressed hope that Guyana’s rich cultural heritage would be explored through the theme. Furthermore, as part of the production in Haiti, there will be a “Guyana Night” performance. The CARIFESTA theme is under the general concept of embracing one’s roots along with a common future. With that theme in mind, the Guyana delegation came up with its own theme, “rice and rhythms of Guyana”. The participants in the performing arts will explore Guyana’s heritage through Guyanese folklore, legends and myths and express “rice and rhythms” through music, song, dance and drama. The entire programme will be linked through a musical theme. Additionally,
masquerading and drums are expected to make an appearance to add spice to Guyana’s performance. All aspects of Guyanese culture, whether it is Indian, African or otherwise, will be on display. Meanwhile, this year will see the addition of new components. The Guyana delegation will be expanding and will include body art this time around. The art will be created Steve Douglas, founder of Bravo Arts, and will also cover theatre makeup. Douglas will be hosting a body-painting exhibition, conducting a facepainting workshop, holding an interaction booth, and assisting with face-painting designs for the Guyanese contingency. Additionally, fashion will also be one of the areas Guyana exhibits in this year and will include designs by well known designers such as Randy Madray, Mwanza Glen
and Andrea Braithwaite. However, Guyana’s exhibition will not only be a song and dance affair. Symposiums are scheduled to be held and during these the Guyanese delegation will be given the opportunity to discuss issues affecting not only this nation, but others throughout the Caribbean. Along with the sharing of problems, the fora will also see the sharing of ideas and solutions to the raised issues. Guyana has a big legacy to live up to; this nation is the
first to host CARIFESTA in 1972 and hosted again in 2008. Guyana has also participated in all of the previous festivals and has been one of the frontrunners in participating in all disciplines. Henry stressed that Guyana will continue to strive to do this in the upcoming festival. Meanwhile, the Guyanese public can get a sneak peek into what will be presented in Haiti on August 16, when a free showing will be made available. This show will commence at 20:00hrs (8:00pm) at the Theatre Guild.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday August 08, 2015
IRS seeks $7.5M from cash jet pilot Guyana-born pilot Khamraj Lall, who is before the courts in the US for using his jet to smuggle more than $120M in cash, appears to be sinking in deeper trouble. His legal problems are spanning three different US courtrooms - in New Jersey, in New York and in Puerto Rico - the last is an unincorporated territory of the US. Lall has been convicted of bulk cash smuggling in Puerto Rico but was arrested last month and a slew of new charges laid. Out on bail awaiting sentencing in October for his cash smuggling guilty plea, he was suddenly arrested last month and refused bail. Now, prosecutors are not only accusing him of cocaine smuggling from Guyana some five kilogrammes of it, but says he deliberately structured deposits into several banks accounts, totally US$7.5M between August 2011 and November 2014. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has joined the prosecutors in moving to recover the US$7.5M. They want his two planes, a Lexus van, and properties he owns in New York, New Jersey and Florida and some US$442,000 he holds in several accounts. The Puerto Rico court has already ordered his bail be withdrawn and he be held in custody. In the IRS complaint
Khamraj Lall unsealed this week, a special agent who was investigating Lall’s financial banking records painted a picture of the pilot going all out not to alert authorities that he was dealing in dirty money. Under US tax laws, a cash transaction over US$10,000 must be reported using special forms to the IRS - the tax authorities. When he had initially appeared Puerto Rico last year, moves were made in New Jersey by IRS to seize his properties. The unsealed court documents yesterday spoke of how investigators viewed surveillance videos at the banks and saw the pilot and a relative depositing cash under US$10,000 on numerous occasions, in what is known
as structuring transactions designed to not to alert the authorities. Of the US$7.5M deposited, some US$7.1M was placed into 16 bank accounts and three credit accounts at JP Morgan, Wells Fargo and Citibank, in Lall’s name, in his children’s accounts and that of his relatives. Another US$367,000 was structured to accounts of third parties with whom the pilot was doing business with. On some days, he deposited as much as US$60,000 into the accounts. In November 2014 alone, 37 deposits were made totaling $218,000. He was warned by JP Morgan in October 2013 that his transactions were illegal and fell into a pattern that was not in keeping with regulations. But the pilot persisted. He continued over next year to conduct 527 transactions amounting US$3.3M - none were over US$10,000. He used the monies to purchase, improve and operate his private aircraft,
and buy real estate. The unrelated third party bank accounts were used to acquire business assets. IRS said in the complaint that they want back the US$7.5M, and if the cash and assets they found were not enough, they would be going after others he owned. Some US$442,000 he had sitting in accounts at the time of his arrests last year were frozen and this will be forfeited. In the drug charge filed last month, it became clear that while Lall was out on bail on the cash smuggling charge, he was being watched and investigated for laundering some of his apparently ill-gotten gains. The drug charge, filed in the New York court, said that between December 2013 and February 10, 2015, Lall smuggled five kilograms or more in cocaine to the US from Guyana. Lall’s arrest for the drug charge is connected to that of nine other defendants in February 2015. Edward Mighty, Seymour Brown, Andre Taylor, Ricardo
Bailey, Robert Wilson, Kenneth Harper, Desmond Bice, and Christopher Samuels, all of Rochester, New York, were charged also. They were accused of using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking. On February 10, 2015, officers executed a search warrant and arrested Gonzales at a residence in Brooklyn. Officers recovered 17 kilograms of cocaine and two handguns, including an UZI 9mm pistol. Officers also seized approximately $70,000 in United States currency. According to prosecutors, Lall’s indictment is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service; Criminal Investigation Division; the Rochester Police Department and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. According to court documents, Lall violated his bail in the bulk cash
smuggling by participating in another crime. Lall had operated from a private hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and controlled KayLees Gas Station at Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Lall was arrested after his jet made a stop to refuel in Puerto Rico, on its way to Guyana. Stashed in different parts of the plane was more than US$600,000 that prosecutors told the court was not declared by Lall. He reportedly took responsibility for the cash at the time of arrest. On board were his father and another person. It was disclosed that the pilot, who also owns a limousine service in Guyana, had flown Government officials. There were swirling questions over the operations of the hangar he has at Timehri. The PPP/C Government had denied that it granted the company any special privileges and said that the operations were in keeping with regulations.
Gender Equality Commission calls for urgent sentencing guidelines The Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) yesterday expressed “extreme concern” over the fact that two persons who were found guilty of Robbery under Arms were given a slap on the wrist. The judgment handed for that offence has forced the WGEC to renew its call for sentencing guidelines, but this time the call being made is described as “urgent. “ The Commission sent out a missive in which it pointed to reports in sections of the print media on August 4. The
reports highlighted the fact that two youths robbed a business premises of millions of dollars while using a gun and were sentenced to 150 hours of community work. It was indicated that “light sentencing was given based on a favourable probation report”. But the influence of the “favourable” report did not go down well with the equality commission. The Commission said that even with such a report from a social worker, “the Magistrate should have
recognized the serious nature of the offence and sentenced them accordingly.” Further, the WGEC said tha t a q u i c k p e r u s a l o f sentencing for robbery in the last few weeks would show, “without a doubt, that there is need for urgent guidelines since offences of a similar nature gets three years and more” . The Commission had, back in 2013, met with the former Attorney General Anil Nandlall to express similar concerns and had requested sentencing
guidelines. Also in that year, the Commission met with the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, to discuss the same issue. The Chancellor thereafter, facilitated a meeting with the Commission and all Magistrates where “sentencing guidelines” were among t h e f i v e i s s u e s raised. “ We share the concerns expressed with those who are of the view that there is urgent need for sentencing guidelines”.
Saturday August 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Indian nationals sent off - Insel Air mulls legal action
No Man’s Land! The Indian nationals sitting on the tarmac of the CJIA yesterday, after being refused as passengers on an Insel Air flight. The government of Guyana may soon find itself faced with a lawsuit by airline company, Insel Air. The company is contemplating legal action after its outgoing flight, 81-791, to Aruba and other connecting destinations, was cancelled and the aircraft grounded on Thursday due to reasons it maintains were misdirected. Immigration Officers had ordered Insel Air officials to take eight Indian Nationals out of the jurisdiction after they were refused entry to Guyana on July 19. They had arrived on an Insel Air flight from Curaçao and the pilot of an Aruba-bound Insel aircraft refused. As he spoke of the likely
Bosai staffers take... From page 6 peacefully and positively.” In the meantime, he lauded the selflessness of the workers at the company and the decision, which they have taken to ensure that the workers can remain on the job and earn an income. “I think the applause should be given to the workers who agreed to a pay cut by working less hours so that those that would have been laid off could remain on. So we want to applaud them, who made the sacrifices so that their brothers and sisters could get an income,” he said. On Thursday, workers at BOSAI launched a protest action, after it was reported that some 37 out of 600 workers would have been retrenched due to the lack of markets for the bauxite. The company had said that they began experiencing problems since 2014. Minister Trotman said that the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation.
lawsuit, Managing Director of the Roraima Airways, Captain Gerald ‘Gerry’ Gouveia said that as a result of Thursday’s episode, the airline was faced with a series of disrupted flights and an overwhelming number of peeved customers who booked across multipledestinations. Gouveia related that the eight Indian Nationals at the centre of the controversy sparked, have since departed Guyana. Gouveia’s company serves as the Ground Handling Service and General Sales Agents for Insel Air and he said the passengers who were similarly stranded because of Immigration’s actions have also been transported to their various locations.
Gouveia went to great lengths to explain to this publication that Insel Air Aruba and Insel Air Curaçao are different. He said while it was the Insel Air Curaçao carrier that brought the men on July 19, it was the Aruba carrier that was being bombarded by Immigration to facilitate their deportation. The Managing Director said the men would have traveled through several destinations before landing in Guyana. It was directly after spending a few hours in Curaçao that the men ventured to Guyana where their trip took a different turn. Though they had no Visa, Gouveia explained that many Indian nationals travel to this part of the world without visas
and would be issued with Visas-on-Arrival usually after a successful interview with an Immigration Officers. It is the right of the Immigration Officer to refuse landing, Gouveia said. The authorities, he said, should have ensured that the men were deported on an Insel Air Curaçao carrier. “They are two different companies. If the men were taken to Aruba, they would have been sent back to Guyana since they never landed there. Insel Air Aruba had nothing to do with it,” Captain Gouveia explained. He said, instead, a prolonged argument ensued and the pilot’s duty time expired, hence the flight on Thursday did not depart until yesterday morning. “Immigration had no reason to interfere with that flight. A lot of passengers were upset, but this is not an Insel Air Aruba or Insel Air Curaçao’s problem at all,” Gouveia emphasized. Insel Air is an airline which hosts a series of integrated flights and the Managing Director explained that Thursday’s disruption had far-reaching effects. “It’s an airline of integrated flights so when they disrupted that flight, there were persons stranded in various locations across the Caribbean, South America and other international locations. The disruption
caused a backlog throughout the network,” Gouveia clarified. The flight to Aruba was scheduled to leave Guyana at 06:45hrs, with connecting flights to Curaçao, Miami and other destinations. Many of the passengers had been at the airport for hours. Immigration made a huge blunder, according to Gouveia. “The airline is thinking of suing Guyana,” said the Roraima Airways Managing Director, who emphasized that Thursday’s disruption caused “massive problems.” Gouveia said that the company has already written to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) concerning the issue. Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, had said that the men were refused entry because they had no visas and the fact that they were travelling on one-way tickets. Gouveia is saying however that the men had two-way tickets since they had booked the outgoing leg of their journey with Panamabased Copa Airlines. The men, it was further claimed, could not show evidence of how they would have been able to sustain themselves during their stay in the country. The men were kept in police custody and Felix had maintained that it was the airline that was responsible for the men’s return to their
Captain Gerald Gouveia originating destination. Local authorities had taken the decision to have the men placed on an Insel Air flight departing for Aruba since they had no legal standing in Guyana. As the men were about to board the aircraft, the crew refused to let them on the plane leading to a stand-off, with local immigration maintaining their position that the airline take the men back to where they had brought them from. Eventually a decision was made for the flight to be cancelled as the airline also refused to budge. As a result, several other passengers who were scheduled to depart on the aircraft were left stranded. Some passengers that were peeved by the situation had hinted that they might be suing the airline.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One live in domestic, E.C.D – Tel: 603-5716; 644-9802 Female janitors, age 30 to 45. Please call 226-7352. 1 Male to look after layer birds in the interior –Call: 6798765
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 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 School Buses from land of Canaan to Georgetown, E.B.D and back, to get your children on board call: 6873017 Thinking about building? Then Contact Creative Construction Services, we offer general construction at affordable prices –Call: 9829935 Pool care & construction maintenance, water testing, pool chemicals, pool supplies, plumbing –Call: 602-5128; 653-4448 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766
ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 226-2145; 227-5037
We buy land in Herstelling, Eccles, Parfaite Harmonie & Elsewhere –Call:611-7223; 60-2207 Shift cashiers wanted for cosmetics/variety store on East Coast –Call: 220-2267; 642-1141 One babysitter and housekeeper needed between ages 35-40. Kindly contact 693-9068 for further information. Live in maid must know to cook-Call: 679-8765 Waitresses, live in or out for Bar- Call: 612-2522 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call 219-5354 (Monday- Friday) (8:154:15PM) One live in maid –Tel: 6755256 Night Security to work in G/ Town –Call: 218-1156 One kitchen assistant & one salesgirl to work in Madhia – Contact: 684-1718
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL$4,000 & UPPER DAY-CALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
SALON
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956
Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales! 25th Anniversary Sale: 2007 Toyota Premio -$3.3M, 2002 Premio $2.2M- Call: 226-8953
Tractor Massey Ferguson, from Canada – MF165 $1.8M, MF265-$2.2M, MF135 -$1.2M, Ranger Pick Up Truck -$1.5M –Call: 682-5230; 628-9596 1 Mitsubishi Lancer – lady driven, 1st owner, alarm A/C, in excellent condition$900,000 negotiable –Call: 697-4131
2006 Suzuki Escudo - $4.2M, 2005 Madza Axela -$2.1M, 2009 Axela -$2.9M –Call: 2261973, 609-3650, 226-8953
Jacqueline Sookram, Cocoa Stix Spa & Salon- Tel:6928633. Specialised in facial, pedicure, manicure & massage.
VACANCY International Employment: waiters, waitresses, cooks, housekeepers, bellboys, storekeepers, receptionists, Contact Recruitment Agency: 231-6296, 6509880 www.plzrecruitme.com Work from home, earn $5,000$20,000 daily Call MondayFriday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 6 3 8 - 0 5 9 5 www.jobfairworldwide.com Male Supervisor to work in housekeeping Dept. Tel: 2250198 or 233 South Road Lacytown. Accounts clerk contact rtilak@adamantiumholdings. com Supervisor to work at hotel in charity rtilak@adamantiumholdings. com 1 Cashier, Supermarket helper, 1 Accounts Clerk/Inventory clerk, must be computer literate, apply @ Nirva Supermarket –Call: 227-5771
Toyota RAV 4, late PMM series, fully powered, first owner -$2.5M-Contact: 6216363 (anytime) 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 2008 FIELDER -$2.5M, 2008 RACTIS -$2.44M, CARINA 212 -$1.9M, NEVER REGISTERED & FULLY LOADED VEHICLES –TEL: 617-2891 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:622-6746 One Honda CRV, Price $800,000, serious inquiries only –Contact: 689-6879 One L-Touring Wagon –Tel: 220-7518/ 627-5416 Toyota pit-bull (roof-rack), unregistered, Noah, Voxy – Call: 603-9700
LAND FOR SALE 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica R o c k , Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788 Luxury Gated CommunityMall, Pool, intelligent security system, well, solar. Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – Call: 609-0783 Eccles Waterfront and Bel Air Gardens Ocean View land for sale- Contact:954-769-0576, 1belair@mail.com
HEALTH Herbal nectar treatment for diabetic, hypertension and other sickness (follow me) sexual enhancers –Tel: 696-2957 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578
Saturday August 08, 2015
Parfait Harmonie (main road), corner lot (130ftX46ft) $2.8M, $1M, $1.5M, Herstelling (110ftX60ft) $4.5M –Call: 611-7223; 6042207 Transported house land Richmond Essequibo, large lot, next to Nursery School, full up high, fruit Tree-$5MTel: 682-5230; 628-9596
Toyota NZE PLL series, fully loaded mag rims, Deck/DVD/ reverse camera- $1.5M negotiable- Call: 609-1040 1 Isuzu Truck for sale, GTT series –Call: 660-4481; 225-2562 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, under 30,000KM –Call: 6968538; 688-0639 2002 Yamaha R6 in excellent condition – 27,000 mileage $995,000 –Call: 650-5500, 6612953 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Carina 212, Bluebird –Call: 652-3820; 6654529 Unregistered IST fully loaded & PRR series Sienta, excellent condition. Call: 6917475 Just arrived from UK brand new TM trucks- Good priceTel: 679-7587, 264-1582 1 Toyota 212 Yellow Cab, Excellent condition –Tel: 2235615
2005 Premio- $2.3M, 2004 IST -$1.9M, 2009 IST -2.7M, 2006 Allion-$2.3M- Call: 226-8953, 609-3650 2007 Allion -$2.9M, 2003 Avensis- $3.3M, 2003 Fielder - $2.0M, 2007 Fileder - $2.4M - Call: 226-8953, 609-3650 2006 Auris -$2.5M, 2003 Spacio -$2.1M, 2006 Rush $2.8M, 2003 HIlux -$4.4M Call: 226-8953, 226-1973 2004 Hiece -$3.0M, 2003 Verossa -$3.2M, 2007 Nissan Duelis -$4.6M, 2008 Xtrail $4.7M – Call: 226-1973, 6093650 2006 Bluebird - $2.5M, 2001 Carina - $1.9M –Call: 6093650 Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2003, body kit, fog, rear spoiler, dark interior, roof rack Call: 617-5536 Super Deals! Unregistered 07 Allion -$3.1M, 05 Allion $2.4M, Bluebird -$2.6M, Premio -$2.2M, Fielder (Sunroof), Axela (rims) –Call: 616-3413
TO LET Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824 Business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market –Call: 623-7731; 6290636 Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment: bath, toilet, kitchen, sitting area on High Road Greenwich Park, Parka –Tel: 649-6202/664-3508 FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS: FULLY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS (FRIDGE, STOVE, MICROWAVE, ETC) US $40 DAILY –TEL: 609-8132/672-8569 (MAX) 2 Bedrooms back upper flat apt- $55,000 @ Middleton St. C/Ville –Call: 223-1051; 6500716 1-2 bedrooms house in Wortmanville –Call: 616-2445 EDUCATION 9 Course Diploma in Computer $30,000, Job Placement after Completing – MicroGraphics, Vreed-Enhoop-264-3057
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 Green CRV PJJ Series @ Wieting & Richter Ltd, Water Street-Tel: 226-6150-7 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 Tohatsu 40 outboard engine in excellent conditionCall: 680-6192, 225-5447, 2255427 Bobcat, air compressor, cement mixer, John Deer, Diesel Engine –Call: 694-0535 One Complete land Dredge with two Perkins engine for sale - $ 1.5M -Call: 684-6048 or 689-0217 Dell desktop & laptop computers from $55,000. Free games & educational software- call FutureTech: 231-2206 Moving sale – all household items on sale –Call: 656-7133 1-40ft Keel Boat, 700lbs 5" seine, 3000lb ice box, 15 Yamaha Engine – ($2M)Call:660-1825 Used XBOX 360, PS Vita, PS3 I-pad & I-pods, XBOX one & games –Tel:621-7497; 6038643; 649-3277 Toyota 212, new model PPP Series –Tel: 684-5402 1 Complete music set (qsc amps, drive rack, bass boxes etc), also Yamaha 6000 watt generator –Tel: 623-2923 One welding machine- Call: 687-7725 One 1320CC Caterpillar Excavator –Call: 658-4450 XBOX 360 with 40 games$70,000 and new Nintendo Wii U $60,000 –Tel: 694-9810 52ft complete cabin cruiser. In excellent condition- Tel: 592654-2817, 592-622-2958 1-110 Lifan motorcycle –Call: 698-8235 Quality pine cupboard doors –Contact: 621-1278 FOR RENT 1 Bedroom bottom flat @ Austin Street, parking space available –Call: 628-7953 EDUCATION Simpli Royal School of Beauty – Pamela Dillon: 6654565; 225-2303. Hair, Skin, Nail Technology, easy payments. Continued on page 31
Saturday August 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Assistance to NCN to be announced during budget presentation - Trotman A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) on Wednesday last confirmed that steps are being taken to provide financial assistance to the National Communications Network (NCN), with allocations expected to be announced during the budget presentation on Monday. This comes even as the state agency is still owed sums by the current political opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C). The Party, however, has consistently refused to provide clarity on when their debts will be cleared. The sum owed is reported to have been accumulated by the PPP/C when it was in administration. The Party is said to have used extensive coverage from the state media entity, even at the exclusion of the then opposition APNU+AFC, during the recently concluded General and Regional elections. Giving an update on the financial status of NCN and the Government’s policy towards the media house, was Minister of Governance and Natural Resources Raphael Trotman at a post cabinet briefing. During the briefing, Trotman made the distinction that Governmental assistance to NCN would not be a cash bailout, but rather bridging the financial gap. Trotman also stated that the Prime Minister’s office, which is in charge of the
Minister of Governance and Natural Resources Raphael Trotman Information portfolio, had instructed state agencies such as NCN to give a breakdown of outstanding balances, in order to facilitate the allocations. This help, according to Trotman, is expected to be announced during Monday’s budget presentation. The Minister also indicated that contrary to reports, the money is not likely to be used to pay salaries. He also gave assurances that the financing will be nowhere near that allocated to Guyana Sugar Corporation. With a $17B shortfall expected from the sugar industry, the APNU+AFC administration plugged some $3.8B into the sugar corporation in June. Trotman also indicated that, in light of the agency’s longstanding monopolistic position, facilitated by the
equipment in its possession and its countrywide range, NCN should in fact have been in a stronger financial position. Thus, he expressed disappointment in the agency’s cash-strapped position. Meanwhile the PPP/C, which has faced much blame for the agency’s current predicament is still remaining tightlipped on when they will clear their bills to the state media agency and exactly how much is still owed. When asked during the PPP/C’s previous press conference on Monday whether the party had paid its bill, General Secretary Clement Rohee had refused to divulge any information about its debts, stating “that’s a private matter, I wouldn’t reveal that.” NCN has made demands that the PPP/C pay some
$13.5M owed for advertisements, which dominated the network during the campaign season. Though the party has repeatedly promised to pay its debts, it has always left the question of how much or when, as a grey area. Neither is NCN the only agency the PPP/C has been embroiled with for allegedly not honouring its debts. Back in May, the party became implicated in controversy surrounding payments for several billboards sourced and designed by local company, Impressions Inc. The billboards were originally designed for Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), but were converted into elections paraphernalia with A “Vote PPP/C” logo, as well as other campaign slogans placed on the billboards. When, however, the bills for work done were sent to GWI, the corporation refused to honour them. The misuse of state media has been a sore point for the APNU+AFC and upon assumption of office, the administration has made it clear that NCN, the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the Guyana Chronicle - all stateowned entities - will be cleaned up. This, they had said, was in light of widespread abuses of resources and the mismanagement of the corporations.
From page 22
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M. Tel: 625-5461. 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 629-4017 2 Storey concrete property for sale at 2nd Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D- Tel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities & furnished kitchen–Call: 662-9335; 6123244 One 3 bedrooms 2 storey concrete house @ 8 Street Foulis H/Scheme –Call: 2563360 or 685-8485 Prime commercial / professional property located in Robb Street, Bourda, 2 buildings, sold as package -$100M negotiable – Tel: 226-2409; 682-1602 Yarrowkabra Linden Highway 200’X100’ fully fence, house, chicken & pig pen –Call: 676-0931 Republic Park Phase 1, 4 bedrooms, 48M, negotibale Call:645-2580, 609-6516
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Offices- $50,000 @ 220 South Road –Call: 227-0711, 6846571 3 Bedrooms top apartment to rent at Peters Hall E.B.D$50,000 per month –Tel: 6048044 serious enquiries only 1-320 CL excavator –Call: 6098989 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 Hair & nail station: qualified technician @ Alyssa Beauty Salon & Tattoo Parlour, 103 Regent & Wellington Sts. (Multi Complex Mall) –Call: 684-1062 One bedroom apartment for working couple only with no kids –Call: 664-2861 Property for rent at #2 Canal Polder- Tel: 613-1860 Three bedrooms house @ Diamond 2nd Avenue $600USD, 2 Bedrooms apartment @ Sophia$45,000- Contact Raul: 6558361 Rooms! Students are welcome! Semi-furnished with stove, fridge, microwave, internet serviceCall: 223-1757 1 Two bedrooms bottom flat; to rent, West Ruimveldt $40,000 per mouth –Call: 6927377; 672-7194 New spacious 2 bedroom apartments with kitchen, bath, camera, grill, fenced, secured yard, Vreed-enHoop – Call: 682-5230; 6289596 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar, weekly & monthly rates –Tel:6593865; 629-2424, 227-2993
EDUCATION Makeup Classes @ La Vie Est Belle. Come register and be apart, its life changing! Call: 682-9699; 218-2092
Page 24
Kaieteur News
PAHO Rep. calls attention to unapproved health policies A number of health policies, though completed, are still awaiting approval. A number of these policies are reportedly stuck between the offices of respective health directors and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud. This state of affairs was earlier this week highlighted by Resident Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr William Adu-Krow, during a meeting convened at the PAHO Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters. The meeting was designed to enlighten Ministers of Public Health, Dr George Norton and Dr Karen Cummings, and Permanent Secretary (PS) (ag), Mr Trevor Thomas, about the partnership history between PAHO and the Health Ministry. According to Dr AduKrow, when he assumed the role of Resident Representative for the Guyana PAHO office 18 months ago “I was told that there were 12 policies still pending, some mainly with the CMO, probably with good intention, who wants to review almost everything, then it gets lost for a long time. So it would be appreciated if, PS, you can take a look at that.” While not specifying what policies are lagging behind, Dr Adu-Krow did acknowledge that although actions have suggested that the process has been improving “we have had a lot of policies that have been finished but not yet approved.” PAHO has over the years given support to the public health sector to help formulate policies that the Ministry had recognised as needful for its delivery of health care. This forthcoming support from PAHO usually
Dr William Adu-Krow, PAHO Resident Representative sees the contracting of a Consultant to aid the process. But according to the PAHO Representative, “there is very little point in spending money to have a consultant come and organise so that you have a policy drawn and then we get nowhere because it’s stuck at someone’s desk.” As such, Dr Adu-Krow appealed for efforts to be made to look into the situation of stalled policies with a view of having the process moved forward. “When a document like that is done by both PAHO and our national counterparts, and whatever decision that is taken, once we know of it, either it’s approved or it’s not...If it is not approved because we want this, this and this to be considered, then we can look at it again together, but if it is approved lets operationalise it. Let’s move on so that it can be useful to the Government,” stressed Dr Adu-Krow. Also at the recent meeting, another issue of concern raised by the PAHO Resident Representative was
the need for health economists. He divulged that persons within the Ministry under the previous Government had disclosed that between three and five young people who are qualified economists are within the Ministry’s employ. But according to Dr AduKrow, their qualifications might not have been sufficient for the health sector. “I keep maintaining that having a Bachelor’s training in Economics does not make you a health economist and it doesn’t make you someone who can do effective health costing.” He however noted that, PAHO has the capacity to help address this shortcoming. “I want to put it out there that within PAHO we have the ability to offer fellowships and it is up to you (health officials) to give us guidance where you want these fellowships to be, and I think I would say that health economics is probably one, in addition to public health, which we can talk about later.” He also emphasised the importance for Regional Public Health Officers to be among those that could benefit from fellowships in the area of public health and management. Among those who could be targets for management training, too, are the heads of various units at the central level, added Dr Adu-Krow. “We all in our own areas as public health practitioners, as doctors also... if you are going to take leadership positions you also would need some management training...So it is something that I would put out there for your thoughts and decision,” the PAHO Representative told the senior Health officials.
Saturday August 08, 2015
Gunmen attack ‘Turning Point’ owner - victim in stable condition
Collin ‘Fat Man’ Mc Ewan Owner of the well-known sports bar ‘Turning Point’, Colin ‘Fat Man’ Mc Ewan, is
now in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after a late-night attack at his night spot. The incident occurred as patrons gathered for a night of dominoes and merriment. According to initial reports, Mc Ewan was enjoying a game of dominoes when three gunmen entered the establishment and opened fire at him. However, despite being shot several times, Mc Ewan fired shots of his own at his assailants. After the exchange of gunfire, he ran onto the road, frantically imploring for help from bystanders, before he eventually collapsed.
It is unclear as to what became of the gunmen, but Mc Ewan was then picked up by friends and relatives who were at the location at the same time and taken to the hospital where he was rushed to the Emergency Unit Upon arriving at the hospital, a female, believed to be Mc Ewan’s spouse, cried in disbelief and fainted at the news of what transpired. Family and friends were consoling the woman while relating the incident to her. Up to press time, McEwan was reported as being stable and able to speak, as police detectives continued to investigate the incident.
Lawyers seek High Court redress for murder accused
By Rehanna Ramsay Attorneys-at-law Peter Hugh and Latchmie Rahamat have filed a constitutional motion in the High Court seeking redress for murder accused, Mark Thompson. Thompson, of Awarewaunu Village, South Rupununi, was incarcerated some five years ago for the murder of Brazilian miner, Jose Rodriguez De Oliveira. It was reported that on August 7, 2010 at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, Thompson chopped De Oliveira to death during a heated argument. The accused and the victim had allegedly been consuming alcohol, at the time. Hours after the incident, Thompson was arrested by police and taken into custody. According to court documents, Thompson was charged for the murder and underwent a preliminary inquiry at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, which lasted for approximately 2 years and 10 months. Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty presided over the PI. She subsequently committed the accused to stand trial at the Essequibo Assizes at the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature. But until now, the matter is on the list of criminal trials to be heard. It is upon these facts that Thompson’s Attorneys premised their application to have a High Court order to stay any further prosecution of the criminal charges against him. They are claiming that their client’s constitutional rights to due process and the protection of the law have been and continues to be infringed by the Judicial Arm of the State for which, he is entitled to constitutional redress. The lawyers are seeking a
Murder accused Mark Thompson declaration by the court that Thompson’s fundamental rights to hearing within a reasonable time guaranteed under article 144 (1) of the constitution is likely to be further infringed, if the criminal charge filed against him is not stayed. Additionally, the attorneys want the Court to grant an order that the applicant (Thompson) be granted bail and released upon reasonable conditions pending the completion of the trial should the court be not inclined to grant the order to stay the charge. Their request further is that the court make such orders or summons a directive, as it considers appropriate in the circumstances, concerning breaches of Thompson’s fundamental rights to damages and/or aggravated damages and compensation, or other forms of relief as the court deems just. According to a motion filed on July 18, 2015, Thompson’s dilemma is that he has been languishing behind bars for the past 4 and 10 months without any knowledge of when the charge which was instituted against him will be heard in a
trial. However, the attorneys expounded that under article 144 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, their client is entitled to a fair hearing of the criminal charges laid against him within a reasonable time in an independent and impartial court. “(But) there is an abuse of process on the part of the Judicial Arm of the State, which has resulted in breaches of Thompson constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time,” the attorneys said. They outlined that the undue and unreasonable delay has resulted in the accused losing contact with witnesses that are supposed to testify in the matter, in his defence, at the High Court trial. According to the document, the applicant claims that the witnesses might have relocated and since he has been on remand for the past 4 years, he is unable to say where they went or where they can be found at this point in time. “For the State to be allowed to continue the prosecution of the matter against the applicant will be nothing more than an abuse of process and flagrant disregard of the applicant’s constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time,” the court document related. The applicant is therefore seeking an order to stay any further prosecution of the criminal charge filed against him on grounds that the undue and unreasonable delay by the State to complete the matter is no fault of the applicant, and has operated to the detriment of his defence, because after approximately, 4 years and 10 months later his witnesses are no longer available.
Saturday August 08, 2015
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Kaieteur News
Saturday August 08, 2015
Greece says cannot handle migrants; UNHCR calls crisis ‘shameful’
Refugee crisis LESBOS, Greece/ GENEVA (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras asked Europe to help in handling tens of thousands of refugees coming in from Syria, Afghanistan and other war zones, saying yesterday his cash-strapped country could not deal with them alone. The influx has piled pressure on Greece’s services at a time when its own citizens are struggling with h a r s h c u t s and its government is negotiating with the EU and the IMF for fresh loans to stave off economic collapse. Boatloads of migrants arriving every day had triggered a “humanitarian crisis within the economic crisis,” Tsipras said after a meeting with ministers. “The EU is being tested on the issue of Greece. It has responded negatively on the economic front - that’s my view. I hope it will respond positively on the humanitarian front,” he said. The comments came as
the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) called on Greece to take control of the “total chaos” on Mediterranean islands, where thousands of migrants have landed. About 124,000 have arrived this year by sea, many via Turkey, according to Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR director for Europe. “The level of suffering we have seen on the islands is unbearable. People arrive thinking they are in the European Union. What we have seen was not anything acceptable in terms of standards of treatment,” Cochetel said after visiting the Greek islands of Lesbos, Kos and Chios. “I have never seen a situation like that. This is the European Union and this is totally shameful,” he added. At a makeshift refugee center at Kara Tepe, a hilltop about 5 km north of Lesbos island’s main town of Mytilene, about 50 white tents provided by the local council struggled to
accommodate the waves of people coming in daily. Rubbish littered the area and locals said 16 toilets were frequently blocked despite attempts by authorities to keep the area clean. Up to 10 people could be seen sharing one of the tents, while others lay on pieces of cardboard, jostling for space under the shade of olive trees in sweltering heat. “The government had battles on plenty of fronts and probably could not give as much attention to the problem,” the island’s mayor Spiros Galinos told Reuters. The UNHCR’s Cochetel said Greece had to step up its response. “We’ve told the Greek authorities that if it was a natural disaster, there would be mobilization of other assets including from the ministry of defense,” he said. “It’s easy, there are plenty of empty army barracks in Greece, there is plenty of uncultivated land that could be rented and sites could be developed.”
Swedish plan to question Assange at Ecuador embassy in UK stalled STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Swedish prosecutors’ plan to question WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at Ecuador ’s embassy in London has stalled as Ecuador has demanded Sweden give him asylum as a condition of the meeting, a Swedish official said yesterday. “You can’t give anyone asylum at another country’s embassy, that’s against international law,” Cecilia Riddselius at the Justice Department said. “If he wants asylum he has to come to Sweden.”
Assange took refuge in the embassy building in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations of sexual assault and rape against two women in 2010. He denies the accusations. Assange says he fears Sweden will extradite him to the United States where he could be put on trial over WikiLeaks’ publication of classified military and diplomatic documents five years ago, one of the largest information leaks in U.S. history.
Prosecutors first insisted Assange should travel to Sweden for questioning, but in a U-turn in March agreed to conduct the interview in London. In early June, prosecutors submitted a request for legal assistance to UK authorities and a request to Ecuador for permission to interview Assange. Riddselius said the Justice Department had done all it could to allow the questioning to take place, and the matter was now “completely in Ecuador’s hands”.
Saturday August 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Iraq cleric pushes anticorruption anti-corruption fight as protests flare
People shout slogans during a demonstration against corruption and poor services in regard to power cuts and water shortages, at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. Reuters/Thaier Al-Sudani Reuters - Iraq’s top Shi’ite Muslim cleric called on the prime minister yesterday to “strike with an iron fist” against corruption, as fresh anti-government protests erupted in Baghdad and Basra. Public anger at power cuts as temperatures soar past 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) and mismanagement of other services has triggered big protests in recent weeks in Baghdad and the southern oil city of Basra. As thousands filled main squares again yesterday, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani pushed Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who last month
ordered cuts to top officials’ salaries and perks including subsidised power for their homes, to go further. “What is needed from him is to be more daring and braver in his reforms and not to suffice with some secondary steps which he announced recently,” Sistani’s aide Ahmed al-Safi said in a Friday sermon. “The people ... will assist him in achieving that.” The protests could hamper government efforts to rally support in its fight to push Islamic State militants from territory they hold in the north and west of Iraq. In Basra on Friday, one sign depicted the city as a
bony “milking cow” — a reference to complaints that Baghdad has benefited from the region’s oil while neglecting basic services like power and water. “I call for fighting any corrupt official,” said government employee Muntadhar Hatam, 55. “They are more dangerous than Daesh (Islamic State). They are the terrorists.” Sistani, an octogenarian whose authority few Iraqi politicians would dare openly challenge, called on Abadi, a moderate Shi’ite Islamist, to pursue reform without regard for political affiliation or sect.
U.S. adds Russian oil field to sanctions list WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The United States has added a Russian oil and gas field, the YuzhnoKirinskoye Field, to its list of energy sector sanctions prompted by Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, drawing a prompt rebuke from the Kremlin yesterday. The federal government said on Thursday the field, located in the Sea of Okhotsk of the Siberian coast and owned by Russia’s leading gas producer Gazprom, contains substantial reserves of oil in addition to reserves of gas. “The YuzhnoKirinskoye Field is being added to the Entity List because it is reported to contain substantial reserves of oil,” according to a rule notice in the Federal Register. “Unfortunately, (this decision) further damages our
bilateral relations,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Adding the field to the list means a license will be required for exports, reexports or transfers of oil from that location, it said. The gas and condensate field was discovered in 2010, according to Gazprom. Douglas Jacobson, an international trade lawyer in Washington, said the addition “represents a new arrow in the quiver of U.S. sanctions on Russia.” He said the addition means that no U.S. origin items or non-U.S. origin items containing more than 25 percent U.S. content can be exported or re-exported to the field without a Commerce Department license, which he said was not likely to be issued.
“This goes beyond the current Russia sanctions, which prohibit certain items to be exported to Russia when they are used directly or indirectly in the exploration for, or production of, oil or gas in Russian deepwater (greater than 500 feet),” Jacobsen said in an email. The action builds on those taken since last year by the United States and the European Union after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its use of force in Ukraine. Last week, the United States imposed additional Russia and Ukraine-related sanctions, adding associates of a billionaire Russian gas trader, Crimean port operators and former Ukrainian officials to its list of those it is penalizing in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
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Saturday August 08, 2015
Brazil VP dismisses rumor of split with President Rousseff
Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff (R) listens to Vice President Michel Temer. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos BRASILIA (Reuters) Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer denied rumors yesterday that he was dropping the job of handling President Dilma Rousseff’s relations with her coalition allies in Congress. Temer has become Brazil’s virtual prime minister since Rousseff put him in charge of her ties with an unruly coalition. But his comment on Wednesday that the nation needed someone to resolve its political crisis caused friction within Rousseff’s Workers’ Party. Rousseff called Temer in for a chat on Thursday, according to an aide to the
vice president. Valor PRO financial news service reported that Temer, who leads the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Rousseff’s main ally, told the president at their meeting that he was throwing in the towel as political gobetween. “The rumors that I have stopped handling the political articulation are unfounded,” Temer said in a Twitter message. “I continue. I have a duty to my country and President Dilma.” The Temer aide told Reuters that Rousseff said she trusted the vice president and dismissed suspicions in
her party that he was angling for her job. With her popularity at rock bottom and the country sliding into recession, Rousseff has relied on Temer to push through austerity measures in Congress to try to reduce a fiscal deficit and save Brazil’s investmentgrade credit rating. A split with Temer would further undermine the Rousseff administration’s credibility and increase calls her resignation in the midst of massive corruption scandal at state-oil company Petrobras and the worst economic downturn in 25 years.
Senate gives green light for economic citizenship programme in St. Lucia CASTRIES St. Lucia – St. Lucia is set to become the fifth Eastern Caribbean nation to introduce a Citizenship by Investment programme, and the country’s Attorney General has suggested a regional body be established to constantly examine these types of initiatives. The Senate passed the Citizenship by Investment Bill this week, paving the way for St. Lucia to join Grenada, Dominica St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda in offering citizenship to the wealthy in return for substantial investment. “We cannot sit back as other countries participate in this process,” Minister for Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security, Senator Victor Phillip La Corbiniere told the Senate on Tuesday. “We must be at the forefront of it, both locally and at the international level. I would suggest perhaps that down the line, it may well be that countries in the Caribbean that have Citizenship by Investment
Victor Phillip La Corbiniere programmes may want to look at coming together in some kind of standing committee – perhaps a standing committee of CARICOM to keep this matter under constant examination and to be able to keep the government properly advised on developments taking place in this area, and how we need to be proactive in addressing some of these issues.” He said the programme would bring tremendous economic benefits to the country.
“We know that the Citizenship by Investment programme has the potential to generate significant sums of money, and it is important particularly at this time – in terms of the economic realities of the world and economic realities of St. Lucia – to look at various modalities such as this to raise the requisite revenue,” Senator La Corbiniere said. The minister said a board would be established to deal with matters related to the programme.
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Kaieteur News
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Rupie Shewjattan says he’s back England on the verge of series... The past year has taught local speedster Rupie Shewjattan a valuable lesson and that is, sometimes it takes time to get all the issues after the car to be rectified and after a period of consistent performances, he told this newspaper in an interview on Thursday, at his business location that he is back. “I want to send out a challenge to everyone that takes to the grid in the Group 4 division that I’m back and dominating the category is the goal I’ve set myself,” Shewjattan said. Shewjattan, who is no stranger to success, having dominated the Group 1 and 2 categories for some time, before taking a hiatus from the sport, has returned with his Mitsubishi Evolution machine purchased from former Caribbean speed king Jamaican Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore. According to Shewjattan, after experiencing problems with the handling of the car he decided to take some time off to get the problem rectified and was happy to report that all the issues that previously handicapped the car are in the past and fans could expect a good performance from him tomorrow. He stated that he is relishing the opportunity to race against drivers such as current Caribbean champion Kristian Jeffrey and his father Kevin as well as the other drivers such as Andrew King, a former champion as well Keith Evelyn Danny Persaud. Shewjattan paid respect to skills of
those drivers, but reminded that he will not be entering the race to be counted as ‘also ran’, but rather to rumble with the best there is. “I’m happy to report that the machine is in top condition and this evidenced by my showing at the Meet in April which despite the absence of many of the top drivers revealed to me that the recorded speed of the car was on par with any other in the group.” Shewjattan is no new kid on the block having entered competitive racing in 1996 when he chewed up the opposition in the Group 1 category with his EP 71 Toyota Starlet, before graduating to the Group 2 division, when he drove a EP82 Starlet with similar success. His exploits reached its peak when he raced in the Caribbean against some of the best drivers in the region at that time and according to him, his focus is to return to those days when his hunger for racing success was at an all time high. Fans have been warned not to miss the exciting Shewjattan as he turns up the boost tomorrow against the best there is locally. At stake is a place on the Guyana contingent for the Barbados leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship and Shewjattan plans to be on that squad. He extended thanks to the following sponsors, Auto Fashion, Palm Court, Buddy’s Housing Development, Corona, Auto Color, Agri Parts and AMI Inc.
Saturday August 08, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Rely on yourself and you will look good to superiors. Be honest if you wish to solve the problem.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Business partnerships should turn out to be quite lucrative. Don't make any unreasonable promises.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive. You can make money if you pursue your own business.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Nothing can be resolved if you don't want to talk about it. It is best not to upset the apple cart if you learn information that may damage a colleague's reputation.
GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Don't let yourself get rundown. Sit back. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You can make excellent investments if you are in the right place at the right time. Travel will result in new romantic attractions. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Do not jump to conclusions concerning your romantic partner. You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal. It's time to reconnect with some of the people you used to know. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Time is money and you must be ready to take action in order to reach your highest potential. Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Be careful not to hurt the ones you love. You can learn a great deal more if you listen rather than rant and rave. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. Sudden changes concerning coworkers may surprise you. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Your words will be taken out of context if you're evasive with coworkers or employers. Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You are best not to confide in anyone right now. You can make money through solid investment plans. Love could develop at social events that are work related.
From page 30 pushing hard at a ball from Wood outside off stump. The edge flew to first slip where Cook parried it, before pushing it back up in the air to allow second slip Ian Bell to claim the vital catch. Chances come and go One of the features of England’s performance on day one was their breathtaking catching as eight chances were all snapped up by the slips. Friday was a different story as errors crept into their game. Warner had two reprieves on his way to his fourth consecutive second-innings fifty of the series. Cook missed a routine slip chance to remove him for 10 and Bell shelled a tougher one when the left-hander had 42. The opening partnership had passed 100 when Rogers was given a let-off. Brilliantly caught at third slip by Root off a fierce Mark Wood bouncer, he was recalled when replays showed the pace bowler had marginally overstepped. Later in the day, as England pushed for their sixth wicket, Steven Finn was guilty of the same transgression to let Nevill off after he had edged to slip for two. England wobble … then rally … then declare After what Broad had described as a “perfect” first day, England were given a reality check by Mitchell Starc on Friday morning. The left-arm paceman, whose place had been under scrutiny following an underwhelming performance at Edgbaston, removed Root, nightwatchman Wood and Jos Buttler with some fast swing bowling to finish with a Test-best haul of 6-111. When Stokes fell for five, England were 332-8 but for the third time in the series, a lowerorder counter-attack from Moeen and Broad rallied the hosts. They put on 58 runs in 7.3 overs to dampen Australia’s spirits, affording Cook the luxury of declaring soon after the ninth wicket fell and putting Australia in before lunch. And finally... the millionth ball in England The second ball of Stokes’s second over in the Australian second innings was the 1,000,000th legal delivery bowled in Test cricket in England. As if to join in with the celebration of this milestone, Australian opener Warner punched it down the ground and past mid-on for four during that opening stand of 113. The day in numbers · The is the first time since 1968 that England have made a first-innings declaration in
Ben Stokes removed Peter Nevill who offered no stroke, England v Australia, 4th Investec Test, Trent Bridge, 2nd day, August 7, 2015 ©Getty Images an Ashes match without reaching 400 · Adam Voges’ 48 not out is the highest score by an Australian batting from four to six in their order · Steve Smith has now recorded four consecutive single-figure scores for the first time in his Test career · Ben Stokes is only the third English all-rounder to claim two centuries and two
five-wicket hauls in his first 15 Tests, after Len Braund and Sir Ian Botham · Stokes’s figures in this series prior to Australia’s second innings were 2-215 from 60.5 overs Scores: Australia 60 (Broad 8-15) and 241 for 7 (Voges 48*, Starc 0*) trail England 391 for 9 dec (Root 130, Bairstow 74, Starc 6111) by 90 runs.
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Saturday August 08, 2015
Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis National Novices boxing Championships
Highly anticipated slugfests as curtains raise tonight It has been almost a year since the executives of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) had experimented with the venue and taken boxing to the Mayor and City Council outdoor facility in California Square, East Ruimveldt. The residents of that community had responded favorably and flocked the venue in high anticipation. Of significant importance was the fact that the boxers did not disappoint and turned in spirited, action packed performances that kept the crowd on their feet and many
left the venue hoarse but satisfied that they indeed got their money’s worth. Those fans that nurture such nostalgic memories will be pleased to know that the GBA has once again planned another such event and tonight the boxers will don gloves when the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis National Novices boxing Championships get underway at the very venue. Lewis, Guyana’s first world champion, died earlier this year after he was struck down on the East Bank thoroughfare.
The committed boxing fan will readily admit that the boxers participating in the Novices championship are basically devoid of skill but what they lack in this department they compensate with the proverbial ‘punches in bunches.’ The coaches of the various gyms have been working overtime to get their boxers ready and if what was witnessed in the gyms during training sessions is transformed to the ring, fans will be treated to many slugfests. While all of the participating gyms boast
Pan Am Junior Chmapionships 2015 underway in Tijuana Mexico Guyana’s Priyanna Ramdhani and her partner Sarah Michelle Barrios Chiong of Guatamala blasted their way into the Under15 Girls Doubles Quarter-Finals at the Pan Am Juniors in TIJUANA Mexico Thursday. The pair faced Mexicans Jessica Bautista & Vanessa Villalobos and beat them on the TV Court in an exciting three setter: 21-19, 1421, 21-13. During the match, Priyanna, who played the back court mostly, won her points with variation of smashes and tight cross drops that their opponents found hard to return. In the Round Two of the Under-15 Mixed Doubles Priyanna Ramdhani & Lucas
Amaral of Brazil lost to Kevin Wang & Catherine Choi of Canada : 21-11, 21-6. In the Singles on Wednesday, Priyanna lost in the Girls Singles to Catherine Choi of Canada: 21-12, 21-11. Narayan Ramdhani in Round Two, lost his Boys Singles Under-19 in a close fight to James Pin Kuan Ho of Canada: 16-21, 18-21. The tournament is being played at the Centro de Alto Rendimeineto Baja CaliforniaTijuana, MEXICO (Baja California High Performance Centre). Priyanna Girls doubles match was set for TV Court yesterday.
formidable talent, all eyes will be on those pugilists from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Republican Boxing Gym (REP). These two institutions have shared the spoils over the last few tournaments and there seems to be bitter rivalry among them. The REP had earned its reputation back in the late seventies and early eighties when such fighters as Winston Richards and the Housner brothers, Allan and Dereck, had ruled the roost. Last year, this gym had dethroned the highly favoured Guyana Defence Force and obviously would be out to replicate the feat. They had suffered a setback after the coaching structure was changed after Wensel ‘Knacka’ Thomas, the man responsible for their transition, who had then single handedly transformed the team, has shifted his focus and has since started working with the recently formed Ann’s Grove Boxing Gym. Nevertheless the REP boxers are a clear threat to the GDF dominance. The boxers of the Ann’s Grove Boxing Gym will obviously feel that with Thomas in their corner, they
West Indies falter at final range, Braithwaite... From Page 34 Braithwaite, Persaud and Gomez, the only three West Indian shooters that competed in the NRA National Fullbore Championships also assisted with coaching yesterday. The Head Coach was T&T’s Carl Awong who was assisted by countryman Ezekiel Joseph and Tommy Greenaway of Antigua & Barbuda. Team Captain, Major Denis John Nelson of Jamaica in looking back at the performance of his team noted that they started out pretty well
but felt that the 1000 yards performance was disastrous. “The only exception to the day, we take a lot of pride out of Lennox Braithwaite from Guyana and Anderson Perry from Antigua. This was Perry’s first real team match and he did incredibly well.” The day’s performance he informed would be reviewed pointing out that today will be a full scale practice for all the shooters which he is hoping would put them in better form for the Palma Team match where they will be taking on, again, the best shots in the world.
are psychologically equipped to trade punches with their counterparts of the Republican Gym and by extension, the soldiers. Indeed, the anticipation is high and fans will be the beneficiaries. Boxers of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) will also be staking a claim for the championship prize and they ought not to be underrated. Their coaches, Sebert Blake and Joseph Murray are very experienced and have been working overtime to whip their charges into shape. Those boxers have been taken through their paces, technically, tactically and physically and are ready to match their counterparts from the other gyms. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) would also be fielding teams and the coaches of those
units will feel that they also have a chance at lifting the top prize. Police would be represented by a sevenmember team, while the New Opportunity Corps consists of six pugilists and is being coached by Lawrence Kellman, a fitness guru who is very committed to his tasks and will be sure to emphasize on fitness of his boys. Those representing the NOC are Selwyn Ramdeen, Omar Francis, Delon Isaacs, Melvin Gibson, Akeem Pashur and Shamal Giddings. Mr. Kellman has warned that they are a force to be reckoned with and will contest the divisions from bantamweight to middleweight. In all ten gyms from around the country will be vying for honours when the first bell sounds including Young Achievers, Harpy Eagles, Ricola and Caryll’s Boxing Gym among others. Fight time tonight is 7:00pm.
England on the verge of series victory over Australia BBC Sport - Ben Stokes took five wickets to put England on the brink of regaining the Ashes at a jubilant Trent Bridge. The hosts declared on 391-9 after Joe Root’s 130 and a rapid 58-run partnership between Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad on the second morning. Chris Rogers (52) and David Warner (64) briefly threatened an Australian fightback with a 113-run opening partnership. But Stokes produced some magnificent swing bowling either side of tea to post figures of 5-35 and reduce the tourists to 241-7, still 90 runs behind England, when bad light ended play. Adam Voges will resume on Saturday unbeaten on 48, but it is surely only a matter of time before England wrap up the series by taking an unassailable 3-1 lead with one match to play. An England victory would avenge the 5-0 whitewash down under in 2013-14 and extend Australia’s winless run on UK soil to four Test series. Sensational Stokes With Australia’s openers gaining in confidence with every crunching drive, England needed an inspiration, and Stokes was the man to deliver. Swinging the old ball both ways in a brilliant spell from the Radcliffe Road End, Stokes took three quick wickets to ignite the Trent
Bridge crowd. Rogers edged an away-swinger, Warner top-edged a pull to mid-on and Shaun Marsh prodded to third slip for two. In the space of 13 balls, Stokes had taken as many wickets as he had managed in his previous seven innings of bowling and, for the second successive Test, raised the prospect of an England victory inside two days. Even though Voges and Peter Nevill saw through 17 overs to all but see off that danger, Stokes had Nevill lbw and Mitchell Johnson caught by Alastair Cook off a devilish late away-swinger to put England within three wickets of glory. SMITH AND CLARKE FAILAGAIN Steve Smith’s 215 at Lord’s had appeared to validate his position as the world’s top-ranked batsman, but his form has deserted him ever since. A reckless drive to short point saw him fall for five, giving Stuart Broad his ninth wicket of the match and leaving Smith with only 26 runs in his last four Test innings. If Smith’s form has been patchy, Michael Clarke’s has been pitiable. The beleaguered Australia captain barely attempted an attacking shot as he cobbled together 13 runs off 37 balls before (Continued on page 29)
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NBS renews GCA 2nd division Guyanese Persaud, St sponsorship for 4th year Clair & Barlow included WICB Under-15 squad for UK tour...
The Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board has announced a 14-member WICB Under-15 Invitational squad for a tour of the United Kingdom later this month and three Guyanese have been included. Joshua Persaud, Kevin St Clair and Collin Barlow are the Guyanese named in the squad for the tour which runs from August 21-31 has been organised following an invitation from the England Barmy Army Colts. “The tour has the potential to become an annual event depending on its success this year,” said Manager, Cricket Operations of the WICB Roland Holder. “This will provide our younger players with the opportunity to showcase their skills against their peers from another country. It will serve as a great tool for talent identification and development for our 15-yearold players.” The tour includes a series of limited-overs matches comprising 50 overs-a-side, 45 overs-a-side and Twenty20
including an opportunity to play at the spiritual home of the game, Lord’s, against the Chris Gayle Academy on Monday, August 24. “There is a lot of excitement about the emerging West Indies talent that will be on display and this has added something extra to the normal fixture schedule,” said Mark Stear, the director of the England Barmy Army Colts. “We hope that this is the start of an annual invitation to the West Indies Under15s.” The captain of the WICB Under-15 Invitational squad will be named at a later date. SQUAD: Collin Barlow, Joshua Bishop, Kilano Brathwaite, Dane Edwards, Johnnel Eugene, Kirstan Kallicharran, Joshua Persaud, Nico Reifer, Dominik Samuels, Raewin Senior, Kevin Sinclair, Crystian Thurton, Sanjay Williams, Nyeem Young Team Management Unit: Robert Samuels (Head Coach), Courtney Walsh (Manager), Floyd Reifer (Assistant Coach), Beverly Nelson (Physiotherapist)
GCA expresses condolences following death of Ron Legall The Executives and Members of the Georgetown Cricket Association would like to express their sincere condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues and friends of the late Cricket Statistician Ronald Legall, Coiln Alfred, Public Relations Officer of the Georgetown Cricket Association stated in a release. The release stated, ‘Over the years, Ron or Leggie as he was familiarly called, grew up in the homes of most of us who listened to cricket commentary on the radio. Ron
was an excellent scorer/ statistician for the radio station. He was our Bill Frindall. After he had retired from active scoring, he assisted the Georgetown Cricket Association with the training of potential book scorers and was very meticulous when preparing his programmes. He was always willing to lend his wisdom and expertise to the development of cricket in Guyana. The game of cricket is poorer with his passing’, Alfred concluded.
NAMILCO is latest sponsor as 6th edition of the BOYCE & JEFFORD CLASSIC ... From page 35 events will attract lucrative monetary prizes worth US$500 with the respective winners pocketing US$250 with the second and third places winning US$150 and US$100 respectively. There will be added lucrative prizes with the winning club pocketing $600,000 (Guy) while the 2nd to 4th place finishers
will take home $400,000, $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. The most outstanding male and female athletes will receive $50,000 each. The organizers have also said that there will be several gate prizes, to the value of $250,000, for lucky patrons. Prizes include $30,000 cash, a smart phone, food hamper, watches and a gold chain among other items.
‘Sponsorship has provided opportunities for GT players’ says Roger Harper By Sean Devers
President of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) former Guyana and West Indies offspinning all-rounder Roger Harper told the gathering of New Building Society executives, GCA officials, players and the Media at yesterday’s launching of the fourth annual NBS 40-over second division cricket competition, that the sponsorship has provided opportunities for players in Georgetown to showcase and hone their talent. Harper added that these opportunities have led to a number of players going on to greater heights in the cricketing realm. This year saw twelve young cricketers who would have played in this competition for the last three years and benefitted from NBS’s sponsorship, which provided them the opportunity to display and refine their game to go on the represent Guyana at the youth level Ashmead Nedd, Alphius Bookie, Sachin Singh, Qumar Turrington and Robin Williams (U-15), Nedd,
Timothy McLmont, Raymond Perez, Sagar Heteramani (U17), Sherfane Rutherford, Tavin Imlach, Travis Persaud and Renaldo Renee (U-19) are the 12 players. Harper thanked NBS for their continued sponsorship and wished them well in the future. He said that the launching of this competition is timely as the weather appears to have finally improved and clubs are in the process of getting their grounds in shape to be ready for the start of the season. Two new teams have joined the other 14 in Sophia and Saints Stanislaus College, the only school team in the competition which is scheduled to commence on August 22 and will be played
in two zones with the top two teams from each zone advancing to the semi-finals. The other teams set to participate are GCC, Everest, Transport, Third Class, GNIC, Police, DCC, UG, Ace Warriors, GDF, Malteenoes, GYO, MYO and Diplomats. Vice-Chairman of NBS Seepaul Narine said, the entity through this sponsorship for the fourth consecutive year, is an expression of its confidence in the people at the helm of the GCA. “We at NBS strongly believe that this sponsorship will contribute towards the upliftment of cricket in Georgetown and by extension, nationally and regionally, which is very much needed when one considers
the current state of West Indies cricket. Hopefully, a cricketing star another Kanhai, Lloyd, Chanderpaul, Gibbs or Harper can emerge from this competition. This second competition provides an excellent opportunity for players with concealed talent to make a name for themselves,” Narine disclosed. The NBS Director congratulated the four Guyanese who were selected for the West Indies U-19 World Cup camp, especially Tavin Imlach, who played in the NBS 40-Over 2nd division competition. “We would like to wish the GCA every success in the running of the tournament and give our recognition of NBS corporate social responsibilities of the allocation eight million dollars annually for donation to charity and educational purposes inclusive of sports. This is our way of giving back to the community,” Narine said. GCC has won the NBS 40-Over 2nd division every year since it began and last year they defeated Transport Sports Club by 159 runs in the final.
National Junior Men’s Hockey Team qualify for semifinals as 2nd seed on goal difference The national junior men’s hockey team qualified for the semifinals of the Player Tournament, in Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday evening with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Queens Park in their final round robin match. Needing to win outright to qualify as the number one seed in the semifinal, the Guyanese seemed to be feeling the effects of Wednesday night’s match against power house Malvern. The Guyanese lacked the work rate and intensity that has been the hallmark of their tour so far. They found themselves down 2-0 within the first quarter despite having a much more balanced team than Queen’s Park. They were lucky not to concede more goals in the second quarter and seemed relieved to hear the half time horn. An animated pep talk by their coach at half time seemed to jolt the Guyanese into action and they started the third quarter with a higher
Ato Greene
Andrew Stewart level of intensity. With the majority of the action now taking place in Queens Park’s half of the field, Hilton Chester took a quick free hit and passed the ball out to Kareem McKenzie who sent it into the scoring area where it was skillfully deflected into goal by Ato Greene. The goal seemed to motivate the Guyanese even more and they piled on the pressure, creating several scoring opportunities which were all repelled by the Queens Park defence. Guyana
continued their high press in the fourth quarter and were rewarded with a penalty corner which was taken by Guyanese sweeper Andrew Stewart who unleashed a deadly drag flick into the top right of the goal to tie the game. Guyana pushed hard for the outright win but Queens Park held strong until time expired. In the penalty shootout things looked grim when Guyana’s Keon and Kareem McKenzie had their shots saved, but some aggressive
goalkeeping by Medroy Scotland kept them in it before captain Mark Sargeant, Leon Bacchus and Andrew Stewart all scored to secure the 3-2 penalty win. The result meant that Guyana and Malvern are now tied on points, although Malvern has secured the number one seed due to their superior goal difference. Guyana will have a second crack at Queens Park in the semifinal, while Malvern take on the U21 Training Squad Selection.
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Digicel Harvard Cricket Academy Guyana tour...
Persaud, Nedd shine as DCC beat Harvard Academy By Sean Devers A classy 89 from Joshua Persaud and a mesmerizing spell of left-arm spin bowling from Ashmead Nedd spurred DCC to an emphatic 157-run win over the touring Digicel Cricket Academy under-17 team from Trinidad & Tobago at the DCC ground yesterday. Persaud, short of practice, batted himself back into form on a flat track and slow outfield as he fashioned an accomplished innings decorated with seven fours and two sixes at DCC, put into bat in sunny conditions, were all out for 196 from 45 overs. Adam Reyes (4-30), Keon Mason (3-31) and Sanjay Browne (2-30) had tidy spells for the Academy unit who had no answer to the 14-year-old national under-15 and U-17 player Nedd and the pacer of 16-year-old Sherfane Rutherford, who was a part of Guyana’s Championship winning under-19 team, just back from Jamaica. Wickets tumbled in a heap as Rutherford (2-10 from 5 overs) supported Nedd, who befuddled the ‘Trini’ youngsters who were bowled out for a paltry 39 in 25.2 overs as Brandon Laloo (9) who was stumped off Nedd, top scored in an innings in which seven batsmen made
Ashmead Nedd
Joshua Persaud
ducks. Once Antonio Lochan was bowled by Carlton Jacques at 1-1 the left-handed Akeem Sookhoo who just could not get the ball off the square in an innings which was a slow as a turtle climbing mount Roraima, Guyana’s highest point. The patient left-hander was put out of misery in the 12th over when he was LBW to Nedd at 17-2 while Daniel Lewis (1) played no shot to a swinging full toss from Rutherford and was given out LBW two runs later. The next six batmen, including Skipper Mason, who played back to a ball to which he should have been forward to from Nedd and was bowled at 24-4, were all sent
packing before they had scored, the last two going by the run out route Earlier, apart from Persaud fluent half century the others batsmen were kept in check once Sachin Singh (4) was LBW to Reyes 23-1. Sagar Hatheramani (20), Keanu Harry (13), Timothy McCalmount (13), Jacques (13) and Nedd (12) all failed to build on good starts as off spinner Mason took his wicket tally to six on the South American tour, while left-arm spinner Browne who has been among the wicket in all three games so far, has five scalps. Today the visitors will play Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara from 11:00hrs.
For Females, Winner receives $50,000 + Trophy and Runner-Up $20,000 + Trophy. Player of the Series in all categories will receive a Trophy + $10,000. Player of the Match in Final will receive a Trophy + $5,000. The finals of this Softball Competition will be played on Sunday October 11th, 2015. Balls to be used by Males are
the white GFSCA/Trophy Stall balls. Females will use the yellow Floodlight Balls. The Petama Enterprise/ Motor Trend Softball Competition serves as the perfect build-up for the fifth GFSCA International Softball Tournament, “Guyana Softball Cup 5” which will be held on October 30th, 31st& 1st November.
Petama Ent./ Motor Trend Softball starts tomorrow
Four matches are slated for the DCC Ground in Lance Gibbs Street Queenstown tomorrow when the Petama Ent. /Motor Trend Softball cricket begins. Petama Enterprise of 16 Delph Street, Campbellville and Motor Trend Auto Sales, Spares & Repairs of Old Public Road, Enmore are the newest sponsors of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association organised Softball Tournament. Like all GFSCA Tournament it will be played in 3 Categories, Male/Female Open and Male Masters. Starting tomorrow on Pitch 1: 9:30 am, Savage Masters vs Tropical Spring; at 12:30pm Regal Masters vs Fishermen X11. Pitch 2: 9:30am: Wolf Warriors vs Regal; at 12:30pm Parika Defenders vs Park Rangers. Prizes for the Male Open and Male Masters are Winners $100,000 + Trophy, Runner-Up $25,000 + Trophy.
Saturday August 08, 2015
Courts continues sponsorship of Boyce & Jefford Classic - Digital Technology aboard for first time Courts Guyana Inc. yesterday continued is sponsorship of the Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic VI in show of their dedication to the development of sports and the advancement of what is Guyana’s most prestigious athletics competition. At the simple handing over ceremony at Courts Main Street branch, Public Relations Officer of the furniture and appliance giants, Roberta Ferguson, highlighted the reasons for sponsoring the event for a fifth consecutive year. “It has grown over the last couple of years and we want to commend them for maintaining a high standard that continues to attract international athletes, so it is just part of our role to develop sport,” Ferguson said. Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Committee that is in its sixth year of organising the competition, Colin Boyce thanked Courts for their generosity.
“Like Courts’ motto brining value home, we are committed to bringing valuable competition to the shores of Guyana and we hope Courts stay onboard to help us reach heights of international recognition that we have already attracted,” Boyce mentioned. Guyana’s top clubs and athletes will be matching strides for over $2M in cash and prizes with six international events attracting US$250, US$150 and US$100 respectively for first to third. The two-day event scheduled for next weekend will be held at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. Meanwhile, Digital Technology located on the Public Road in Diamond has contributed an LG Ipad valued at around $80,000 to be presented to a top female performer at the meet. The prize is to encourage female participation in sports.
GuyOil latest to support GMR&SC ‘National race of Champions’ Meet The Guyana Oil Company became the latest entity to add its support to the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet when Representative Devanand Mangal presented a cheque to Race Co-ordinator Desiree Lee yesterday. The sponsorship represents the Company’s long standing support to the fraternity of motor racing. Meanwhile, the GMR&SC has issued a notice to all users of the South Dakota Circuit that the facility will be closed to traffic from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs today and from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs tomorrow to facilitate the staging of its ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet. The club regrets any inconvience caused. The released added that vending rights for beverages can be sought from Southland Head Office on Brickdam, while vending rights for food could be had at the GMR&SC Head office on Albert Street.
- Circuit close to vehicular traffic from 06:00 hrs-18:00 hrs today and tomorrow
GuyOil Representative Devanand Mangal (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GMR&SC Race Co-ordinator Desiree Lee yesterday at the Club’s Head Office.
Could anyone stop Matthew Vieira’s quest for success? Even before he dreamt of entering into the sport of motor racing, the name Vieira drove fear into the hearts of many competitors and even at the tender age of 17 years, the mere mention of Matthew Vieira is having the same effect on his rivals. Young Matthew, whose father Mark Vieira is an illustrious motor racer both at home and abroad and who dominated the sport for a number of years seems to be
following closely in his dad’s footsteps and has quickly become one of the most talked about talent in the sport. The precocious young rider will be astride his newlyacquired Triumph Daytona 675R speed monster for tomorrow’s Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet, at the South Dakota Circuit. Vieira, speaking with Kaieteur Sport on Thursday
evening said that even though the Meet will be his first for the year, he is eagerly looking forward to getting back into the saddle and the expected challenge from the field. “We recently purchased the bike and while I will admit that we haven’t had the opportunity to get in adequate seat time, I still relish the opportunity to compete against my rivals and at the same time do my best.” According to Vieira,
work is continuing on modifying the bike to suit his style of riding, while the handling issues are being remedied as well, adding that the team is optimistic that all the issues will be ironed out before race day. Just to underline his confidence, the young speedster told this newspaper that while he understood the challenge he faces in terms of the quality of the other riders, who he referred to as highly skilled,
he was willing to assure the fans that, “they could expect a lot from me and I’m going to please them.” Vieira is expected to face a stiff challenge from the likes of Carlos Rodrigues, Elliott Vieira, Kevin Persaud and company. Quizzed on whether he was in a position to confirm the availability of Superbike supremo Stephen ‘Valentino Rossi’ Vieira’s participation in the Meet, he responded in the negative.
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Banks DIH Limited supports 9th annual $25M Guyana Cup As race day draws closer the excitement continues to build for the $25M ninth annual Guyana Cup 2015 horse race meet. Organized by the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise and friends, the mega horserace meet is set for Sunday 16th August at the Port Mourant Tu r f C l u b , C o r e n t y n e Berbice. The event which is by far the biggest sporting activity for the August holidays and is being staged with the support
of the Government of Guyana and the blessing of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). With over 100 horses expected to participate and Guyana pouring in support, thousands of patrons are expected to flock the venue for what is expect to be an exciting day of racing. Beverage giant Banks DIH Limited and telecommunication power house Digicel play major parts in the excitement.
Italian pair banned for life over match-fixing Rome (AFP) - Italian match-fixing pair Potito Starace and Daniele Bracciali were banned for life on Friday by the Italian Tennis Federation (FIT). The pair are accused of corruption having fixed matches for financial gain. Bracciali, 37, was also handed a 40,000 euro ($43,473) fine while Starace, 34, was penalised 20,000 euros. The sanction relates to an investigation conducted by the public prosecutor in Cremona, originally into match-fixing in football known as ‘Calcioscommesse’. Although the FIT tribunal decided to ban the pair, federation president Angelo Binagi said he hoped they would nonetheless one day prove their innocence. “We can only hope that Bracciali and Starace manage to demonstrate that they haven’t committed these serious acts that the tribunal has convicted them of,” he said. Both players were provisionally suspended for 40 days in February by FIT. They had already served short bans — six weeks for Starace and three months for Bracciali — in 2008 over another betting scandal. Starace is suspected of having thrown his ATP Casablanca final against Spain’s Mariano Andujar in 2011 when he lost 6-1, 6-2. Several bets were placed on a quick victory and Starace winning only a few games, despite the fact his record against Andujar at that point was five wins from five. Investigators say they have text message and ‘chat’ exchanges that point to possible match-fixing.
The Calcioscommesse scandal has seen numerous footballers and officials banned, including most notably current Italy coach Antonio Conte, who was handed a four-month suspension while he was Juventus boss for events that occurred when he was in charge of Siena.
Yesterday, Banks DIH Limited through its outdoor Events Manager Mr. Gavin Jodhan made good on the corporate commitments by presenting a cheque for a hefty sum to organizer Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed junior. The handing over was done at the Corporate entity’s Thirst Park location. Mr. Jodhan expressed his company delight in partnering with the organizer of the prestigious Guyana Cup activity. He stated that Banks DIH is always willing to partner with others in giving back to the community. The Beverage giants have been on board with the Guyana Cup since its inception and has been pleased how thing has been conducted so far. Mr. Mohammed thanked Banks DIH and Mr Jodhan for sticking with the Guyana Cup. He assured that the sponsorship will go a long way in helping with the success of the activity. The feature event is for A
Banks DIH Limited Outdoor Events manager Gavin Jodhan (left) presents the cheque to organiser Nasrudeen Mohamed Junior with Mohan Gary Ramdeo also sharing the moment. class horses for a whopping first prize of $3M and the Guyana Cup Trophy from a total package of $6M over 1800M. So far the likes of Guyana A class champion Score’s Even, defending Guyana Cup Champion CP Got Even, Spit Fire, Jack in My Style, Princess She Not, Diplomatic Cat and Curfew Tower and Treacle are expected to head up the track. The other events on the days programme are the Cofeature 1600M event for 3 yrs old horses bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies for a winning take of $2M
and trophy. There are Two races for two year old horses one for West Indies Bred animals for a winning take of $1.2M and trophy, while the second is for Guyana bred horses for a winners money of $400,000. The E class and lower event for a take home of $1M and trophy, the race for four year old West Indies bred animals for a winning take of $900,000 and trophy, the event for horses classified F3 has a first prize of $800,000 and trophy, and in the G3 and lower race the winner will run away with $600,000 and trophy.
The ‘I’ and lower race has $350,000 and trophy winning tag, while the event for unclassified animals has a take home of $150,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Race time is 12:00 hrs. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. (Samuel Whyte)
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Saturday August 08, 2015
NRA US National Fullbore Championships America Cup Team Match
WI falter at final range, Braithwaite shoots two possibles; Team GBR win By Franklin Wilson at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA with the compliments of NAMILCO, Ringbang, Fazias Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Queensway. Despite shooting two possibles at the 300 and 600 yards ranges as well as finishing with the highest individual points, reigning Caribbean Individual Champion, Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite, the West Indies Shooting team could not spring any surprises when the 2015 National Rifle Association of America (NRA) America Team Match was contested at Camp Perry, Ohio, yesterday. Coming up against the best shooters in the world, the West Indies team started off well and were very competitive after the first three ranges, 300, 600 and 900 yards. However, the Caribbean side faltered badly at the final range 1000 yards - as Great Britain once again proved their class as the best in the world by winning on an almost perfect
day for them. The British team, which visited Guyana and the West Indies two years ago, amassed a total of 2385 points and 263 V-Bulls to win ahead of rivals Australia which accumulated 2374 points and 255 V-Bulls. South Africa was next with 2353 points and 225 Vs; United States tallied 2347 points and 253 Vs; Canada 2338 points and 210Vs, New Zealand 2331 points and 230Vs while Germany had 2251 points and 217Vs. Japan and Barbados also competed. Shooting at Camp Perry for the majority of West Indian shooters is a first time and despite the challenging conditions tried their best to be on top. They started out well with good scores, each shooter entitled to 15 shots with two sighting shots at each range. A maximum of 75 points was available at each range with perfect shooting. This is exactly what the British and Australian shooters were able to achieve as they hardly dropped any shots at the first
Team West Indies following the NRA 2015 America Team Match at Camp Perry, Ohio.
two ranges. Braithwaite himself did not drop any at these two ranges, recording perfect scores of 75-7 at 300 and 75-
10 at 600. West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council P r e s i d e n t , Tr i n i d a d i a n Norris Gomez also started well as he dropped only 5
points at the two ranges, recording scores of 74-4 at 300 yards and 71-4 at 600 yards. Another Guyanese on the team, Dylan Field,
despite not having any kind of practice at Camp Perry like many other team colleagues, dropped 4 points after the first two ranges with scores of 72-4 and 74-7 at 300 and 600 yards; Antigua and Barbuda’s Anderson Perry, competing in his first full fledge senior championship outside the Caribbean was also promising with scores mirroring Fields with 4 and 10 Vs respectively. With another Guyanese, Leo Romalho just dropping 3 points (73-6 at 300 yards and 74-6 at 600 yards) after the first two, the West Indies had set a solid foundation on which to launch at the 900 and 1000 yards ranges despite the more accomplished countries were also doing well. But with the winds doing its work and being very tricky, it also brought with it its own challenges for the Caribbean side and it began to go downhill for them. After totaling 578 points at the 600 yards range, the best for the West Indians at any range collectively, they were only able to tally 560 at 900 yards and even worst, 522 at 1000 yards. When the final tally was made, the West Indies managed an overall total of 2233 points and 161 Vs. (Continued on page 30)
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NAMILCO is latest sponsor as 6th edition of the BOYCE & JEFFORD CLASSIC looms The countdown has long begun and with just one week to show time, athletics lovers countrywide are eagerly awaiting the start of the 6th edition of the Boyce & Jefford Classic scheduled for the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden August 15-16 starting at 13:00hrs each day. The organizers are busily putting the modalities in place for a qualitative show and have been soliciting the support of corporate Guyana. Yesterday morning, officials of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) responded affirmatively and Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce and his Co-Founder, Edison Jefford, trooped to the Eccles EBD location of the flour giants to receive a package from its administrators. NAMILCO’s contribution came in the form of certificates for the respective winners and runners up.
Officials of the Boyce & Jefford Classic and NAMILCO display the certificates for the winner of next weekend’s event in Linden at yesterday’s presentation at the sponsors East Bank location. The simple ceremony was conducted in the NAMILCO boardroom and was chaired by Affeeze Khan. Also in attendance were Finance Controller (NAMILCO), Fitzroy McLeod and Accountant, Vishal Lalbachan. Mr. Khan said that his organization is always pleased to reach out to sponsors of sports
activities since it is developmental to young people. He said that his administrators are impressed with efficiency and as such, readily responded to the appeal for assistance. Mr. McLeod expressed similar sentiments and reiterated that NAMILCO is always keen to partner with those organizations that
support young people’s development. He wished the organizers well even as he urged the public to support the initiative. Both of the organizers expressed deep gratitude to their benefactor for the kind gesture. “Sports development is only made possible through intervention like this from
the corporate community and we are indeed grateful for such support,” said Mr. Jefford. Mr. Boyce was equally gratified, “This is indeed a pleasing gesture and I trust that we would continue to receive such patronage from your firm in our future endeavors,” he said. The forum will be blessed with the presence of
four Jamaican athletes, Nicholas Maitland (200m), Keno Burrell (400m), Deandre Whitehorne (100m) and Seidatha Palmer (200m), accompanied by a coach from Racers Track Club, Patrick Dawson while another athlete, Bahamian Petra McDonald will compete in the 100m and 200m races. Several other Caribbean countries are expected to comprise a part of the meet including Trinidad and Tobago which is expected to send Mark London for the 800m male event and Tonya Nero for the 1500m and 3000m. Suriname’s 2014 bronze medalist in the 100m, Danielle Clarke, will also be a feature of the event. Additionally, Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal will compete in the (women) 1500m, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines Josh Hamilton will battle in the 100m and 200m sprint events. Those (Continued on page 31)
t r o Sp
Rupie Shewjattan says he’s back
Could anyone stop Matthew Vieira’s quest for success?
Matthew Vieira
Group 4 racer Rupie Shewjattan’s Mitsubishi Evolution. Inset: Rupie Shewjattan
Public Relations Officer at Courts Guyana Inc., Roberta Ferguson (left) hands over a replica of the sponsorship cheque to Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce yesterday at its Main Street branch.
Pan Am Junior Chmapionships 2015 underway in Tijuana Mexico
Courts continues sponsorship Digital Technology of Boyce & Jefford -aboard for first time Classic
Cashier at Digital Technology, Melissa Adams (second, left) hands over the LG Ipad to a representative of Boyce/ Jefford Track and Field Classic, Claude Bennett yesterday while Marketing Officer, Vineta Ranjit shares the moment.
Guyana’s Priyanna Ramdhani and partner Sarah Michelle Barrios Chiong of Guatamala.
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