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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Democracy and Conflict Management Democracy is a system of conflict management, because it allows for the resolution of social conflicts through the rough-and-tumble competition in electoral and legislative arenas, replacing open confrontation on the battlefield for a seemingly unending process of bargaining and negotiation within the rules of the democratic game. As the late scholar Donald Rothchild perceptively argued in a seminal work on Kenya’s independence negotiations, democratic institutions offer ongoing opportunities and incentives for the continuation of bargaining and negotiation among parties in conflict, that is, some types of democratic institutions and practices may provide tangible reinforcement of moderation in politics, reinforcing the management of conflict among contending groups. Other scholars such as Ben Reilly and Andrew Reynolds have offered in-depth penetrating analyses of how different election systems, for example, can provide complex systems of incentives to encourage moderation, ethnic, racial and religious integration, and meaningful public participation in high-conflict, post-war societies. Despite its promises for nudging parties to compromise, there are deeply entrenched reasons why democracy is inherently difficult in deeply divided societies, especially those seeking to escape intractable conflicts and violent encounters. Parties in intractable conflict lack the inherent trust needed for democracy to prosper. For parties who were only recently in deep conflict or even war, embracing democracy as a post-war system of conflict management is inherently risky because there is usually a deep-seated lack of trust, a pervasive fear of uncertainty. Why should parties in conflict accept the likely uncertainties of elections in a post-war democracy - where there will be winners and losers at the polls? Why lose at the ballot box what was not lost on the battlefield? Majority rule can mean majority tyranny. Conflicts that are fought along identity lines in which there is a clear majority and minority (like Sri Lanka, Kosovo, or Northern Ireland) seem especially ill-suited to “normal” majority democracy because parties in conflict expect that political majorities will not respect the rights and interests of minorities. This is especially true when there is an expectation in society that voting will occur along ethnic lines, such that referenda, political parties, and election outcomes will be the outcome of polls that are essentially an “ethnic census.” This was definitely the reality in Guyana before the elections of November 2011, which dramatically changed the political landscape. With so many conflicts today fuelled by ethnic or religious ideologies, the core issue over which the war is fought exclusively defined ethnic identity - is a significant barrier to striking a democratic compromise. When absolute claims for self-determination and independence clash with inflexible positions on territorial integrity, as in Russia/Chechnya, there is little room for compromise on basic principles of democracy as an alternative to war. (Luckily Guyana has never reached this state and all our politicians agree on the need for an overarching “Guyanese” identity.) Democracy requires a basic consensus on a future of living together, which may be absent in many intractable conflicts today. The perils of introducing democracy after deep conflict or civil war are many and serious. Trust is weak, the issues are emotionally strong, the parties are faction-ridden and incoherent, and much is required of outside parties to guarantee a settlement. Can democracy work in deeply divided societies? The evidence is mixed. There are relative successes like South Africa to inspire our thinking about democratisation after civil war. The country has managed to sustain procedural democracy while making slow, and seemingly steady, progress toward democratic consolidation. On the other hand, the problems experienced by Cambodia (which suffered setbacks to democracy after a period of failed power sharing), or Bosnia (which has struggled with overcoming ethnic tensions) temper optimism about democracy as an effective post-war conflict management system.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Kwakwani needs better roads DEAR EDITOR, There are two important things that I would like the relevant authorities to address urgently. First of all I would like to say that I always love to visit my home in Kwakwani, it’s such a beautiful place to relax and a place that holds lots of wonderful memories. Someone once said that home is where the heart is and I believe that is why I continually go back from time to time. There have been lots of changes there over the past five years since I left, but one thing seems to remain the same, the condition of the roadways. The roads in Kwakwani are an important asset to its people, however, sad to say, they have not been improved
or even taken seriously. Almost everywhere you turn there is a pothole or a pool of water and it isn’t a pleasing sight. It should be better, but no one seems to care enough to push this cause of getting better roads as far as it should go. The roads are in terrible condition and this is evident from the Park to the Waterfront and all through the Lampisland district. Kwakwani has been mostly neglected for many years, its roads are sadly degrading in most places and I am very sure it’s costing the road users tens of thousands of dollars in repairs to their vehicles. So today I ask; where are the voices of the freely elected leaders of Kwakwani? Have they gone silent or retreated in the shadows? This issue
about our roadways has been around for years; however, up to now nobody seems to be worried too much about it. Sometimes you hear talking, but no action yet. I would surely wish for those who were voted for by the people in Kwakwani to start moving, more than talking and promising. The roads are vital to our community and they need to be given urgent attention. The only people who are capable of looking into this matter and dealing with it are the leaders in the community, they know themselves. Somebody needs to step up and do what they were supposed to have been doing a long time ago. Kwakwani is a beautiful place, but it (Continued on page 33)
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
Rafi, The Melody King: A Tribute DEAR EDITOR, It’s been thirty-three years since the day one of the greatest singers of all time passed on, after decades of bringing music to the ears of millions the world over, including so many of his diehard fans in Guyana. And since I pride myself as being one of the foremost devotees of this vocal legend and a ranking member of his unique, worldwide fan club, I consider myself duty-bound to impart to all music lovers, especially my fellow Guyanese devotees, my feelings on this, the thirtythird anniversary of that historic induction into immortality: The July 31, 1980 passing of the late, great, Padma Shree Mohamed Rafi. I recall vividly that pivotal moment, in August 1964, when I devoted myself with reckless abandon to the captivating sounds of Rafi, the Melody King of India. On a Saturday afternoon, at the 1:30 matinee, I saw the movie, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, at the Roopmahal Cinema, and what a pleasant surprise and treat it proved to me, then a skeptic regarding Bollywood movies and music. I was totally mesmerized by the delicious blend of the voice of Mohamed Rafi and the music of O.P. Nayyar. It was an instant conversion. Surinam radio at the time used to feature all the latest Bollywood songs, and repeat airing of the songs from this movie just drove me giddy with excitement. Mohamed Rafi toured Guyana once, in 1965. I distinctly recall that, as he descended the steps of the aircraft at Timehri, the welcoming group surged forward in an attempt to lift him shoulder high, in a true Guyanese display of hospitality. But right before they reached the bottom of the stairs, Rafi began a speech; and they all stopped in their tracks to listen. Even his talking was like music! He said that in his many worldwide tours, he had been greeted by much larger crowds, but that the welcome he was then receiving from the relatively small group was the warmest and most memorable to him, and that he
would cherish it as long as he lived. Many at the time, including myself, surmised that this statement was meant just to appease the crowd. But some eight years later I came to realize how sincere Mohamed Rafi was when he uttered those few words on the tarmac at Timehri Airport in 1965: In the mid 1970s, while living in Canada, I came across a brochure announcing a Rafi performance at a Toronto arena. Among other things, the brochure contained excerpts from an interview with Mohamed Rafi. One question posed was: In all your travels performing around the world, which to you was the most memorable? Without hesitation, Rafi responded, “Guyana in 1965,” and proceeded to describe the hospitality of Guyanese, and how he was greeted, both at the airport and at the many venues across the country. Needless to say I, the diehard Rafi aficionado and a Guyanese, was just overwhelmed with emotion at learning that my country occupied such a special spot in Rafi’s heart. His vocal prowess enabled Rafi to perform any song for any occasion, from the heart-wrenching sentimental (Haay Re Insaan Ki Majburiyaan – Ghunghat), to devotional (Hari Ka Dhyaan Lagaa Man Meraa – non-film, Oh Duniyaa Ke Rakhwaalay – Baiju Bhawra), to happy-go-lucky, rock ‘n roll ( Jaan Pehchaan Ho – Gumnaam), to classical (Madhuban Men Raadhikaa – Kohinoor) – you name it, he could do it; and he had the capacity to soar to notes very few mortals could. Also, as a Bollywood playback singer, he had that unique ability to style his vocal delivery to suit almost any actor, as, for example, the late Shammi Kapoor would have agreed. Some of the great melodies from Rafi’s vast repertoire of songs include Oh Duniyaa Kay Rakhwaalay, Suhani Raat Dhal Chukee, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho, Chahoonga Main Tujhay, Chaudivi Ka Chand, Suno Suno Ai Duniyaa Waalon Bapuji Ki Amar Kahaanee, Baharon Phool Barsaao, Madhuban Men Raadhikaa, Ehsaan Tera
Hogaa Mujhpar, and Jo Unki Tamanna, quite a few of which won Filmfare and other awards. His most prestigious honour was that of Padma Shree, conferred on him by the Indian government and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. One aspect of Rafi’s singing that may surprise most of us was something that was always associated with his singing buddy, Keshore Kumar – yodeling. But Rafi was also adept at yodeling and, in fact, did it in some of the older songs, including Hello Sweety Seventeen (duet with Asha Bhosle) and Oh Chale Ho Kahaan, to name a few. On July 31, 1980, after a session with music director, Laximikant-Pyarelall (LK), involving composition of a song, Shaam Phir Kyon Udaas Hai Dost, for the movie Aaspaas, Rafi, who was always one of the last to leave a studio, surprised LK by asking to leave early. As he was leaving, he uttered, in Urdu, the words, “OK, I will leave.” Later that night, he did leave us, succumbing to a massive heart attack at home. He was 55. The passing of Mohamed Rafi brought to an end an era unparalleled in the annals of Indian music. His funeral procession, fit for a king, was one of the largest ever in Mumbai. Befittingly, two public holidays were declared in his honour. His name lives on and his voice continues to thrill and comfort us all, including, I know, his countless fans in Guyana. Abel Peters
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Brassington and Contractor confirm increased price tag for Amaila Hydro Sithe Global’s President, Brian Kubeck, along with Technical Director for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, Winston Brassington, yesterday confirmed that the price tag has increased to US$858M. This is US$18M more than the figure quoted last week by a number of government officials including President Donald Ramotar. A high level team from Sithe Global, along with Brassington, yesterday met with stakeholders at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) where this confirmation was made. This was the second stakeholder consultation on the controversial subject within a week and this time around, the media was given preference in relation to clarifications on the ongoing project. Among the details that emerged during the course of the project is the fact that the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and the China Exim Bank will not be lending money to Guyana but rather to the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Inc (AFHI), the Special Purpose Company created for the Hydro Power facility. It was pointed out that Sithe Global owns 60 per cent of the company for its
US$157M it will be investing and Guyana will own 40 per cent for the “more than US$100M” the government has committed as part of its share in the project. Brassington told the audience that Guyana’s share for the project has increased from the initial US$100M. It was further revealed during the latest in the presentations on the project that the Government, through the raising of the debt ceiling, will not be providing a guarantee for the loans being incurred. According to Kubeck, the loans were negotiated for by AFHI, the company owned by Government and Sithe Global, but given that government is a minority shareholder it is considered a private company. The officials explained that the loans being borrowed for the project, namely from China and the IDB are being borrowed by this Special Purpose Company and not the Guyana Government. What the government is guaranteeing is the performance of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to make its payments to AHFI, which will in turn make payments to Sithe Global, after clearing additional expenses. The frank consultation
no final shareholder agreement, Power Purchase Agreement or Licence Govt. looks to guarantee GPL repayments, not loan Ram maintains tariff will increase by 23.6 per cent only 142 megawatts to reach National Grid A Section of those in attendance during yesterday’s consultations
also revealed that there is currently no binding shareholder agreement, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Final Licence for the development of the Hydro Power Plant. Brassington said that these are all currently at a
draft stage. Sithe Global is looking to build the Hydro Power plant to generate 165MW of electricity but this is not the amount of electricity that will be delivered to the Sophia Substation to be placed onto the national grid. According to Kubeck, some 23MW will be lost along the transmission line as the electricity makes its way to and from the plant to the Sophia Substation. He said that just about 142MW will actually reach the substation. According to Brassington the power company will be looking to take just over 1,050 giga hours, annually from the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant.
He said that currently, the national grid accounts for more than 700 giga hours of electricity. Linden which will be coming on stream with Amaila, will account for an additional 70 giga hours while they are expecting the more than 600 self generators including large scale ones such as Banks DIH and DDL onto the grid, thereby utilizing the majority of the electricity provided from Amaila. Asked to justify the assumption that the self generators would be coming back onto the grid, Brassington spoke to lower electricity tariff among other factors that will allow them to choose to. He later indicated that
Government would be removing all incentives such as waivers on the importation of fuel for self generators. At least one private sector observer, who was querying the benefits of opting back onto the grid, said that this was tantamount to forcing the self generators back onto the national grid. Senior Managing Director of the Sithe Global parent company, the Blackstone Group, Sean Klimzack, who also addressed yesterday’s consultation, said that to date Sithe Global has already expended some US$16M over the past six years developing the project. “The decision time for Amaila is now….what we are (continued on page 9)
The Blackstone Group’s Senior Managing Director, Sean Klimzack addressing participants
Thursday August 01, 2013
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Who will be held accountable? A political party is bigger than any individual. The interest of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) is supposed to supersede that of any individual. Thus, the party must never be seen as jeopardizing its future by failing to take action against any of its members, be it senior of junior, whose actions have brought the party into disrepute or seriously affected its support. As with any organization, the party may show empathy towards a member who has seriously erred or contributed to diminished support of the party. But it should never sacrifice the greater good of the organization just to protect any of its members. Even those judged to be the greatest and finest amongst its tanks must one day face
scrutiny and judgment. The time for such scrutiny and judgment is nigh. The Congress of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party will be held this weekend and foremost amongst the issues that is likely to top the agenda will be the performance of the party in the 2011 elections, when for the first time since free and fair elections were restored, the PPPC party failed to gain a parliamentary majority. The Congress must dispassionately examine the causes of this failure and let the chips fall where they must fall. Whatever the outcome of this analysis, the delegates will be required to hold persons accountable for the performance of the party and to take action. This is how parties have
historically demonstrated that the interest of the organisation remains superior to that of any individual. There are always political casualties arising out of the process of self- examination. In this way, a party corrects itself and erases its imperfections. It makes no sense for analysis to take place but for no one to be held accountable. That would reduce the task of analysis to a mere cosmetic exercise. The highest decision-making forum of any party must never be about political cosmetology. It will be the task of the delegates to question how it was that for six years the economy was growing impressively and yet the party failed to gain the majority that it had consistently attained
election after election. How is it that despite distributing so many house lots and establishing so many housing schemes, the party barely scraped fifty per cent of the total votes cast? Why did the housing programme fail to bring votes to the party? If the economy and its policies were not the problem, what was the cause of the disenchantment? Was it the ostentatious lifestyles that were sported by some individuals within the leadership, the massive mansions which were erected and which helped to galvanize opposition towards the government? Or was it a failure of the economic model to deliver development to rural communities where the bulk of the PPP support base
Brassington and Contractor confirm increased price tag for Amaila ... From page 6 asking for is a unified consensus view from parliament,� said Klimzack Brassington who provided an overview of the project told those gathered that there would be an annual saving of US$200M. This position was vehemently challenged by Eminent Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, who pointed to the fact that based on the 2012 audited statements, the GPL Company’s generation cost was some US$120M.
Brassington said that the figures used by Ram speak to the more than 700 giga hours of electricity generated for the national grid. He said that where the US$200M projection comes in, is based on the fact that the power company would be looking to take some 1,050 giga hours from Amaila at a cost of between US110 and US120M annually. He said that were GPL to generate the 1,050 giga hours of electricity using fossil fuel, it would cost exceedingly
more. Asked about the amount of money GPL would have to rake in, in order to make its payments for Amaila, as well as keep the regular generation on stream, along with maintenance and administrative costs, Brassington said that this would be provided at a later date. Further the consultation also revealed that the tariff for electricity will not be reduced by 40 per cent as had been indicated by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Head of
State Donald Ramotar. Brassington said that the tariff will be reduced by 20 per cent and what will be reduced by 40 per cent, is that of the generation costs. The tariff decrease was however challenged by Chris Ram who said that based on his calculations it would in fact be increased by 23.6 per cent. B r a s s i n g t o n subsequently agreed to meet with Ram for the two to go over the figures and come to a consensus on what the actual final tariff will be.
resides that accounted for the setbacks the party suffered? Or were mistakes made in terms of the campaign strategy and execution? If it is agreed that it was the ostentatious lifestyles of certain leaders that were responsible for galvanizing the opposition and disenchanting the support base of the party, then those who are guilty of extravagance must be held accountable and be removed from the leadership. There can be no other remedy. If on the other hand, the economic model that was pursued was flawed, in that it benefitted a few more than it did the many, or that it failed to address rural poverty and deprivation, then the architect of this model must be held accountable and asked to step aside. What about the election campaign? Was it efficiently executed? And who should be held responsible for any mistakes in strategy or failures to check the voters list, to do the groundwork or to ensure there was adequate monitoring at polling stations where it is alleged irregularities took place. Why also were the membership and supporters not told that nineteen polling stations were excluded from the total tally of votes cast in a Region which the PPP won comfortably? Would the inclusion of those votes have given the PPP a one seat
majority, instead of a one seat minority? If the delegates are convinced about the causes of the party’s ongoing loss of support, it must ask why have so many of its supporters turned their backs on the party. Having determined the causes of the loss of support, the Congress must hold those responsible accountable for the present predicament that the party finds itself in. The Congress would be failing in its duty if it refuses to sanction those leaders who brought the party to the present state of humiliation where it now has to beg the opposition to pass Bills in the National Assembly. Those responsible must be held accountable for this state of affairs. The delegates must remove those responsible from the leadership. If the party fails to do this, it will be guilty of rubberstamping the existing leadership and this can mean only one thing: that the party no longer belongs to the members but has been hijacked by the Princes who look down on the masses from their balconies. TO BE CONTINUED
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Today half of the nation speaks about its achievements for Guyana Whenever Emancipation Day comes around, I can’t help thinking of the book that influenced me early in my academic career, Alan Adamson, “Sugar without Slaves: The Political Economy of British Guiana, 1834 – 1904,” New Haven: Yale University Press, 1972. This book traces the contours of the freed slaves as they moved away from the plantation, build villages, only to find as Eric Williams wrote about Trinidad in his book, From Columbus to Castro, “The nineteenth century ended in nothing.” Adamson wrote; “The Negro was liberated from the plantation but he was not free to develop his own economy and culture.” Adamson documented the travails and agony of the freed slaves as they tried to erect an independent village economy. He details the horrendous obstacles placed in their way by the plantation owners to get them back on the sugar estates. Adamson describes the virtual destruction of the economy of the freed slaves by the white plantocracy. Someone needs to write a book titled, “From Emancipation to Jagdeo: The political economy of the
African Guyanese.” It will not be a pleasant historical compilation to read. The setbacks of the African economy in the past two decades has been so mountainous that very few sociologists in the Caribbean and Guyana would deny that the period in which the plantocracy put up obstacles to stop the birth of a village economy after Emancipation, closely resembles the political economy of the African Guyanese in 2013. Long ago, knowledge was greatly enhanced by the collection of data. Advanced scientific methods were nonexistent but previous generations long ago took great pains in compiling numbers. Statistics became one of the priceless tools in the advancement of knowledge. The compilation of statistics goes way back in history, and in the modern world, it guides every human being in understanding the social and scientific phenomena that impact on our lives. If we want to know how many saw a movie, bought a record, visited a museum, prefer to read a particular newspaper over another, statistics provide the answer. Statistics tell us that right here in Guyana there are
more suicides than in the rest of the world. Per capita, Black Bush Polder has a higher suicide rate than other parts of the world. Any statistical analysis of the African economy in Guyana in 2013 would tell a dramatic story of decline and possible demise. Perhaps the strongest way to put it is that not since the plantocracy forced the freed slaves to go back on the plantations (as described in Adamson’s book), has the economy of African Guyanese been in more danger of dissolution than today. It is interesting to note that the calls for ethnic balance in the security forces have been dramatically tailored off by Indian hegemonic activists. One possible reason for the intermission is that the advocates of this project fear a backlash. The role of the African Guyanese in the economy of their country is so razor thin that these hegemonic thinkers do not want to create an avalanche of demands by African rights activists for ethnic balance in other spheres of Guyana with the economy being the most visible sore point. Statistics tell the reality of the political economy of the
African Guyanese today. One suspects that without the access to statistics, the naked eyes can easily discern the ethnic imbalances in the most crucial spheres of life in Guyana today. One feels that it is so noticeable and commonplace that a commentator has no need to mention it. One can go so far and say that only an indecent mind would deny that these manifestations of ethnic imbalances do not exist. When I was small, I heard the cynical joke that if you go in the countryside and want to know which villages were populated by East Indians
and which by Africans, look at the state of the houses. I grew up, achieved manhood and heard that light remark among very educated people. Today, there is another factual joke making the rounds. If there is a football match on, look at the cars parked outside. If there is a chutney competition on a cricket ground, look at the SUVs parked outside. This is the reality of life in Guyana. And its imprints are boldly emblazoned on the face of this nation. It tells the story of ethnic imbalances, marginalization of and the
Frederick Kissoon uncertainty in the African community today. It is the tale of sadness and tragedy when you think of the priceless and immeasurable contribution of the African Guyanese people to the success of this country. Surely historical wrongs cry out to be righted.
Policewoman battered by fiancé over car keys Despite the zero tolerance on domestic violence, a police woman refused to give evidence against her fiancé in order to preserve her imminent wedding day. Magistrate Fabayo Azore read the assault charge to Michael Chester, 34, yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court, the particulars of which stated that on July 28, at North Ruimveldt, he unlawfully assaulted Onika Humphrey, causing her actual bodily harm. The defendant pleaded not guilty and before Magistrate Azore could utter another word, an emotional Humphrey, with tears settled in her eyes, begged the court not to proceed with the matter. “Your worship, I don’t want to go forward with the matter. I love him,” she said. Magistrate Azore, after
hearing the woman’s plea, requested to hear the facts of the case. Court documents revealed that on the said date, the Defendant and the Complainant, who have a child together, were having a conversation in their yard at 2491 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt, when Humphrey asked her fiancé for her car keys to go somewhere. The man became annoyed after she did not supply him with a plausible reason for her wanting to leave. He proceeded to punch the police woman several times to the face, slapped her around then held her by the hair and dragged her into the yard. A medical report revealed that the 25-year-old sustained injuries to the upper and lower back, neck, cheeks and lips, and suffered severe bleeding to the nose.
Upon hearing this, Magistrate Azore then asked, “After all this, you still don’t want to give evidence?” Humphrey then replied, “Your worship, I love him and he said he is sorry. He wants to work on the relationship and we are getting married next month.” Her response sent the entire court room into whisperings as many onlookers suggested that the couple definitely needs counseling or to be placed on a bond to keep the peace. However, none of these options were laid before the couple. Magistrate Azore dismissed the case based on no evidence being submitted by the victim. Meanwhile, Humphrey walked out arm in arm with her fiancé who kissed her on the forehead to which she smiled and responded, “I love you.”
AFC not invited to 2014 budget discussions Discussions on the country’s expenditure for next year have begun and the Alliance For Change (AFC), which has seven seats in the National Assembly, has not been included. This is according to party leader Khemraj Ramjattan, during a press conference last week. Ramjattan said budget discussions commenced on July 1 and neither the Ministry of Finance nor the Office of the President invited the AFC. “Last year, after the budget debates…we did have some of what I regard as regular and well intentioned meetings with the President… He indicated that we are going to be allowed to the Budget 2014 process on July 1,” he
Cathy Hughes said. Although, the preparation of the budget is an Executive function, grouse over its consultation process is not new. In February last, Ramjattan had sounded AFC’s displeasure with the budget 2013 consultations
and the party’s input into the document’s planning. Ramjattan said that he would have, “like(d) to see our proposals and we have given him a bundle of items including the procurement commission, including the Berbice River Bridge tolls being reduced; including Public servants’ salary increases; rice—better cultivation and drainage and irrigation systems and in relation to those very poor salaries and wages”, included in this year’s budget. According to Cathy Hughes, AFC’s Member of Parliament, next year’s Budget should cater to improving the social life of (Continued on page 16)
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Seawall vendors officially removed On Tuesday, the proverbial walls went tumbling down on four single mothers whose only source of income was the vending that they carried out on the Seawalls in the vicinity of the Kitty Pump Station, at the northern end of Vlissengen Road. The women’s stalls were towed away. The Ministry of Public works had some time ago issued a notice to the effect that the seawall and its embankment between Vlissengen Road and the Ocean View International Hotel will no longer be available for vending and/or recreational purposes. The prohibition notice was premised on the Ministry’s observation that vending had resulted in “damage to the sea defence infrastructure, excessive build up of garbage in the drains and canals, leading to flooding, the increasing traffic congestion and its r e l a ted safety risks, especially on Sundays and holidays.” It was proposed that all vendors, inclusive of mobile units, drink carts and hot dog
The vendors and their children standing in front of a stall that was about to be towed away. stands, be relocated to the section of the seawall between Camp Street and Vlissengen Road and had made arrangements for that section of the road to be made a one-way thoroughfare
heading east. In order to aid this move, the Public Works Ministry had activated the street lights on the embankment, a move, which necessitated cleaning the area to facilitate parking
and vending. The four vendors, who for more than a decade plied their trade on the seawall tarmac, are Justina Mohamed, Michelle Williams, Dolly Smith and Haline Bunbury.
The women are claiming that they are not opposed to the move but are disappointed that they were not offered a more suitable location to vend. They were offered grass-covered spots several metres west of the Kitty Pump station. According to the women, while they were still awaiting answers to determine their fate, the government just went ahead and “do what they want anyhow. We beg Benn not to but he think he is God.” The vendors said “We have to buy school clothes for our children. Welfare always checking a t t h e school to see if they going. But how they really think people getting money to send their children to school? We trying to make sure we children don’t have to come and do de same thing we doing.” The women claimed that the section where they are being sent is one where it is likely for them to get rob and “business won’t be bright.” According to them, Minister Benn dared them to take him to court. But the
women said that “we barely get money to survive, how we will take him to court. That same Benn is known as de ‘hammer man’ and he think he is God.” Williams said that for the first time in her life she had recently been able to purchase a chair set from courts on hire purchase. “Me ain’t even done pay for it, I now get me children to sit down in comfort and like they want it get tek back.” Williams, who has four children, three of whom are minors, added that she is a “‘pressure case’ and this ain’t doing good for me health at all.” Mohamed told Kaieteur News that she has a daughter attending the Bishop’s High School. She said that the lessons fee for her is overwhelming. The woman added that “Benn heself de tell me to send she UG. How he expect me to get the money to do that?” The consensus among the women is that the government “don’t care about them but they have to remember is we put them there.”
MV Kimbia now set for release in two weeks After sitting in the dockyard for the past seven months, the M.V Kimbia, Guyana’s premier North West vessel is scheduled for a new release date in August, the Transport and Harbours Department (TH&D) officials disclosed. The ferry was previously listed for a return to service last June. In an invited comment, General Manager of the TH&D, Marcelene Merchant yesterday, revealed that the Kimbia should be ready for the waters by August 15. Merchant explained that although the vessel has been released from the dockyard, the maintenance work is not yet completed. Merchant said that the delay was caused by additional repairs given that other mechanical problems were discovered when the vessel was under repairs. “The Kimbia is out of dock but still at Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) wharf. However the vessel has to undergo other minor
repairs to the super structure and Transport engineers are working simultaneously with GNIC... to overhaul the engines and generators.” She explained that the bulk of the work is almost complete. The vessel has been sitting in the dockyard pending repairs since January 13, 2013. The delay has had a severe impact on the transportation service of the North West residents. They have been forced to rely on the much smaller Lady Northcote and other private vessels at great costs to get to and from the district. Amidst reports of dispute between that c o n t r a c ted Maintenance Company, GNIC and the Transport and Habours Department (TH&D) earlier this year, this newspaper acquired information that the Vessel would have been released by June 12. GNIC and the Transport and Harbours Department entered into an agreement on
November 5, 2012 for the docking of the boat at a contract sum of $118M. However, subsequent to that, GNIC submitted another variation demanding an additional $79 M for unapproved work done to the vessel. The matter was resolved with only $25 M worth of that variation completed, as work deemed most critical and necessary for seaworthiness of the vessel was carried out. “It was essential or moreso critical, hence majors repair had to be completed to the frames….thus the critical areas were addressed.” Based on a disclosure made by Transport Minister Robeson Benn, during a visit to the dockyard that this may very well be last duties of the ferry to North West district, Merchant disclosed that plans are underway for the purchase of a new ferry. Although, Ms Merchant could not disclose the cost for the new vessel at this time, the value of vessel of this kind would be approximately
US$10 M. “This may be the last docking of the Kimbia, we expect a new vessel by next year … only recently we had submitted the sketch to Foreign Affairs Ministry,” the General Manger said. The new ferry is in all probability to be sourced from India.
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Kaieteur News
No Local Government Elections in 2013- GECOM
Local Government Elections cannot be held this year even if the four Local Governme n t B i l l s a r e passed in the National A s s e m b l y r i g h t n o w, something the joint Opposition Parties have been pressing for. According to Vishnu Persaud, Public Relations Officer of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the body will require time to adequately prepare to undertake such a task. He explained that GECOM could only hold elections once the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development makes the announcement and the Secretariat would require at least six months from the announcement date before it could actually hold elections. Persaud also pointed out that there are four Local Government Bills that have to be passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President before the elections could be held. As such, with five months remaining for the completion of 2013, Guyana will not have Local Government Elections.
Vishnu Persaud Since 1994, Guyana has not convened Local Government Elections and many local bodies have weakened. Within recent years, numerous Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have been disbanded and Interim Management Committees have been installed. On July 18, the opening session of a critical sitting of the National Assembly was characterized by an unusual silence, as Government refused to participate after the Opposition successfully brought the four Local Government Bills to the top of the agenda. The Alliance For Change (AFC) said moving these Bills to the top were to ascertain if Government was serious about holding Local Government Elections by year-end or early next year. Suspicions that Government did not want elections were vindicated with Government’s silence, the AFC said subsequently. A c c o r d i n g t o A F C ’s Parliamentarian Cathy Hughes, the party’s major priority is the holding of Local Government Elections for the need of
developing towns and communities across Guyana. She made r e f e r e n c e t o t he sour relationship between Government and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. The AFC has confidence in GECOM to host Local Government Elections in its current form, even though the party had some “encounters” with the body during the 2006 and 2011 National Elections. “There are lots of things GECOM has done that were up to good standards. We were not happy with the way they handled our seat in 2006 that we never received. And, of course we all know about the most recent elections and the miscount. We said very publicly what our concerns are... We feel confidently that GECOM is capable of holding Local Government Elections,” she said. Recently, one of GECOM ’s six Commissioners, Vincent Alexander exposed that the Chief Elections Officer (at the time) may not have made a mistake in calculating the wrong Elections result in 2011, a situation that was immediately corrected. Moreover, in 2006 a similar “mistake” was brought to GECOM’s and the Commissioners’ attention at a time when it could have been corrected. According to Hughes, the AFC does not have its own representation on GECOM and this should not be. “There shouldn’t be one representative that covers the Opposition…we, in fact, have seven seats in those 65 seats in Parliament,” she added. According to Persaud, the selection of Commissioners is not a task of GECOM but Members of Parliament are required to provide nominees and the President appoints the Commissioners.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Johnny P Supermarket robbed, driver shot
The supermarket shortly after the robbery.
Police were on the hunt for two armed bandits who last night shot the driver of a prominent South Ruimveldt supermarket, before escaping with over $400,000 in cash. Up to late last evening, doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) were operating on 63year-old Alfred ‘Freddie’ Fernandes, who was reportedly shot in his abdomen. Fernandes is a long-time worker at the popular Johnny P Supermarket on Aubrey Barker Street. According to neighbours and workers at the supermarket, the incident is not the first one to have occurred there. The bandits, who were
dressed in dark clothing, are believed to have been staking out the place for the while. Neighbours recalled that there was a strange man lurking in the area earlier on. The supermarket is housed on the bottom flat of a two storey building and Fernandes was reportedly heading upstairs, through a side door, when the bandits struck. The business had just closed its doors for the evening. The bandits are believed to have scaled a side fence and waited in the dark for the door to open, before pouncing. They did not ask any questions and reportedly shot Fernandes before grabbing a bag. Persons said they heard a
shot and saw two men running from a yard next to the supermarket. They entered into what appeared to be a yellow taxi. Persons saw one of the men removing the back number plate, shortly before they vehicle pulled off. The men were said to be armed with what appeared to be a revolver. A senior official of the supermarket disclosed that it is not normal that the supermarket would have that much cash lying around so late. In May 2008, the supermarket’s owner, Johnny Pires was robbed of a significant amount of cash and a firearm during a similar, late evening attack.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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PPP’s 30th Congress… The ruling Peoples Progressive Party is heading to Berbice this weekend for one of its most crucial congress in its 50-year history. One of the high points will be the elections of members of the Central Committee…some 35 of them, with another five as alternates. This time around, several longtime faces would be missing from the event, including Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, Janet Jagan, Moses Nagamootoo and Ralph Ramkarran. Both Jagan and Persaud have died while Nagamootoo resigned and is now the Vice Chairman of the Opposition Alliance For Change. Ramkarran resigned last year June after falling out over a critical piece on corruption that he wrote in the party’s newspaper, The Mirror. According to party officials, also most likely not seeking re-election are stalwarts Harripersaud Nokta, Clinton Collymore, Shirley Edwards, Cyril Belgrave, Feroze Mohamed and Philomena SahoyeShury. The developments would essentially leave the door open for a number of young faces to join the Central
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 01, 2013
Old stalwarts out; young blood to vie for leadership
President Donald Ramotar Committee, observers say. There are no guarantees of anyone, despite receiving popular votes, finding a place in the Executive Committee, which essentially makes the major decisions. In the 2008 congress held at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, elected to the Executive Committee were Ali Baksh, Komal Chand, Navin Chandarpal, Clinton Collymore, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Dr. Roger Luncheon, Zulfikar Mustapha, Harripersaud Nokta, Reepu Daman Persaud, Robert Persaud, Ulric Ramanah, Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira. Chandarpal is now
Dr. Frank Anthony
Priya Manickchand
reportedly ill. Colin Croal, brother of Minister Robert Persaud and currently the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry, along with Nigel Dharamlall, and public relations official, Romel Roopnarine, are reportedly the new faces likely to vie for a place on the Central Committee. Party insiders widely expect Priya Manickchand, the current Education Minister and daughter of Reepu Persaud, Dr. Vindya
Persaud, to also make their bids. It is unclear whether Bibi Shadick and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, will be seeking places. Insiders say that controversial Public Relations Officer, Kwame McCoy, who has been kept in the background recently at the Office of the President, is also reportedly signaling his intentions to be a part of the Central Committee. The Congress would be an all-important one for the
Navin Chandarpal
Jennifer Westford
ruling party which wants to regain footing after losing its majority in the National Assembly following the 2011 elections. The reasons for that loss and the plans for the next three years are all to be discussed during the Congress. The executives are elected during the Central Committee’s first meeting after the Congress. At the last Congress,
former President Bharrat Jagdeo secured the highest number of votes with 777; followed by Janet Jagan 671; Frank Anthony 658; Ramotar 637 and Nagamootoo 595. Dr. Roger Luncheon received 588 while Gail Teixeira was 558. The 30th National Congress is to be held over three days, starting tomorrow, at the J.C Chandisingh Secondary School.
Council will continue to operate toll... From page 13 him that the by-law which was signed on September 1st 2011 ‘is void, unenforceable and improper’. That meant then that immediately the toll booth should be disbanded.” Gordon said that the toll booth has been in existence since 1997. A by-law was subsequently signed in September2011 by Minister Whittaker, after Minister Kellawan Lall took more than two years to make a decision on it and subsequently demitted office. According to Gordon, within three weeks of being in office, Minister Whittaker
agreed and consented to the by-law as it relates to trucks passing through the Municipality. “Now in 2013, the cabinet is deciding that this thing is unenforceable and improper and illegal.” In alluding to the enforcement of tolls at the toll booth, Gordon said collection has literally doubled since, and that several truckers, especially the lumber truckers who had been paying, expressed satisfaction that all the other trucks, carrying fuel, gold etc, that were not paying, were now being made to pay. “They felt that they were carrying the burden,” Gordon pointed out.
He said that he was convinced that the decision to disband the toll booth had been made because a few persons with connections in high places did not want to pay the toll. “They don’t want to pay, so they’re going to call on whoever they have to call on, to remove the toll.” APNU Parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon, was also shocked at the decision, which she said if allowed to stand will result in several women losing their jobs, and consequently the ability to take care of their children. She too, viewed the move as political. Councilors Charles
Sampson and Gordon Calendar have both condemned the order to have the toll booth disbanded. Sampson pointed out that the government is one that likes confrontation and that while “we don’t like confrontation, it sometimes become necessary, and we are accustomed to fighting for our rights.” Callender in reiterating much of what was said by Sampson, said that he was prepared ‘to mobilize’, if it becomes necessary, to fight against what he considers to be an injustice to the people of Linden, and in particular, the employees of the Municipality. (Enid Joaquin)
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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LUSIGNAN MASSACRE TRIAL …
Prosecution and Defence present strong -”case is the biggest perversion of justice” –Hughes closing arguments - “trial made into circus by defence”-State Prosecutor The prosecution and defence squared off yesterday in the final leg of the Lusignan massacre trial, giving their closing arguments in the case against the two men who are accused of slaughtering 11 people between 25-26 January, 2008. The prosecution headed by Senior State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin is of the opinion that it is the defence that has made the trial into a “circus.” However defence Attorney Nigel Hughes believes that the case against the two accused, especially his client, James Anthony Hyles, known as ‘Sally’ is a “perversion of justice.” That was the summation he gave before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court. Attorney Roger Yearwood who is representing Hyles’ coaccused, Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Smallie’, had closed his case on Tuesday. In an almost two hour-
long address, Hughes told the court that there was a fabrication of information and conspiracy against the accused by the police. The lawyer said that the police were under immense pressure to find the perpetrators of the Lusignan killings and the “young, black” Buxtonians fitted the profile. He told the court that the police were in a rush to charge someone for the crime. He further indicated that in their “typical” manner of doing things, the police twisted the policing process for the evidence to work against the accused. Hughes elaborated on the evidence of Assistant Superintendent of Police Trevor Reid of the police’s Criminal Investigations Department. Hughes placed Reid as having a “Bossman” kind of authority over the prosecution’s star witness, Dwayne Williams, who confessed to being part of the gang of gun-wielding men who shot and killed the 11 Track A Lusignan residents.
Hughes said that Reid admitted in the witness box that anything to do with the witness had to go through him. The attorney said that Reid was the “Godfather and did what Godfather’s do, they protect their own.” He indicated that the witness was being protected as he was the police’s ticket out from under the pressure of tagging someone for the East Coast killings. Hughes said the police conspired against the accused because they were just too embarrassed to lose the case. He stressed that the star witness Williams, who confessed to killing some 32 persons, was going to walk free because he testified against the two accused. The number 32 persons referred to, came from the Bartica and Lindo Creek massacres and Lusignan; all incidents where Williams said he took part in. The defence attorney said that the prosecution’s star witness purchased his freedom at the expense of the
James Anthony Hyles (left) and Mark Royden Williams accused men. To find a way out, he said, Williams had to implicate the two men and was willing to do what he was told. According to Hughes, Williams received special treatment from the time he
was arrested and will not spend a day in jail. Hughes touched on the evidence of another prosecution witness Durwin Wright, who said Hyles admitted to killing the Track A residents, and that of Williams, who said that Hyles
Staff of the Maritime Administration Department attired in their African apparel
was in the backdam on the morning after the shooting. According to the attorney the times given by the two witnesses were contradictory since Hyles could not have been in the backdam on the morning after the shooting and in Buxton at the same time. However, the prosecution urged the court not to fall for any emotional submissions made in the trial. She charged that the matter was based on facts and the defence was relying on issues that were not heard in the court. Mursalin first denied claims of the police fabricating a story and conspiring against the accused before asking why the case was being focused on ASP Reid. She said that Hughes manufactured evidence that was never heard in court and asked the jury to convict the two accused. She touched on the evidence of Hyles’ aunt, a defence witness, who said that the accused was at home watching cricket when the shootings occurred. The prosecution had stated that there was no cricket showing on the day the Lusignan residents were killed and that the aunt had mixed up the dates. It was noted that this information had not been refuted by the defence. When talking about bias and perjury, she said it goes both ways not only for the accused. The police made no mistakes, she said before asking the jury to recognize the difference between a caution statement and an ordinary statement. On the issue of the two main witnesses, Wright and Williams, Mursalin said it boils down to which one of the witnesses the jury believes. She mentioned that Williams was 15-years-old and he could not remember when the accused left the camp (and was back in Buxton). Mursalin asked what reason would he have to lie on Hyles, since he (Wright) is still facing his murder charge in another matter? Wright, she pointed out, was also arrested before Hyles. She mentioned too that there is nothing wrong with Williams being a prosecution witness since the law provides for him to give evidence. The matter will continue on Friday when the judge will sum up and the jury will deliberate.
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Kaieteur News
Minister’s son rape allegations …
DPP perusing file The file concerning the sexual assault of a 27 year old woman, who was also allegedly beaten by Robeson Benn Jr, the son of a prominent government minister, is currently engaging the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Kaieteur News was told yesterday that the file has been dispatched to the office and will be completed soon. Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell had earlier stated that the Force was ensuring that ranks carry out a meticulous probe. Benn Jr has been accused of violently assaulting his 27year old ex-girlfriend at her
apartment in the wee hours of June 23, 2013. The woman had given her statement to the police in the presence of attorney Nigel Hughes. She was also examined by a doctor who has since forwarded his report to the police. Benn Jr. has since been released on bail after being taken into police custody. In a statement the young man claimed that he was invited into the home by the young woman. It is unclear what he has said in regard to the injuries the woman sustained. The woman was severely beaten to the face, which was left swollen and bloodshot. The woman said that she
was in bed when she heard a knock on the door around 04:00 hours on June 23rd last. She said that she was expecting a relative who was spending time with her, so she opened the door, only to be confronted by her exboyfriend. The woman said she immediately tried to shut the door but the younger Benn forced his way in. She said that after she kept insisting that he leaves, Benn became annoyed and began punching her to her face and about the body, leaving her entire face swollen and her upper body badly bruised. Things escalated and he allegedly sexually assaulted her. The woman estimated that her ordeal lasted about 20 minutes before her exboyfriend left. She claimed that during the ordeal, Benn was brandishing a gun. But in his statement to the police, Robeson Benn Jr denied that any gun was involved. The woman said that after the attack, she contacted close friends who took her to the Alberttown Police Station.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Taxi driver charged for defrauding vulnerable entrepreneurs A taxi driver was released on $750,000 bail after he appeared in court for allegedly swindling $2.4 million from a young business couple who had been trying to own their own home in Georgetown. Yesterday, Cecil Davis, 30, of 1542 Diamond Housing Scheme, was brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court where the charge was read to him. It is alleged that between May 18 and July 19, by false pretence, he obtained $2.4 million from Raymond James and Candace Sealy with intent to defraud. The defendant was not required to plead to the indictable charge. According to Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue, the complainants are owners of a dredge in Mahdia. During the period mentioned in the charge, they hired Davis to take them around the city and its environs to conduct their business. During the journey the taxi driver overheard them
discussing their need to purchase a house in Georgetown. The defendant then told the couple that he knows a reliable contact in the Ministry of Housing that could get them the house they are looking for at a reasonable price. Davis took them to a woman by the name of “Angela” who managed to convince the couple that she was an employee of the Ministry of Housing. “Angela” then took the couple to view two house lots on the East Bank of Demerara. The complainants were excited at the “sweet deal” they were getting. “Angela” told them that in order to get the house they would have to pay the full amount and it could be theirs in a matter of days. They then paid the woman the money mentioned in the charge and haven’t seen her since. They reported the matter to the police and the driver was picked up, since he was the person who initially arranged the deal.
Prosecutor Rambajue objected to bail, explaining to the court that investigations are still ongoing and there are similar allegations against the defendant that are also being investigated, hence other charges a r e l i k e l y t o follow. Attorney at Law Patrick Harris, who represented Davis, requested reasonable bail for his client since the offence is a bailable one. The lawyer added that the mastermind, who has not been arrested, seems to be “Angela” as it was she who collected the money and not his client. The Prosecutor indicated to the court that further advice from the DPP will have to be sought. The lawyer requested for his client to report to the station and lodge his passport as a condition attached to bail being granted. Davis was subsequently granted his pre-trial liberty and will return to court on August 12.
From page 11 citizens. Funds should be allocated for various institutions geared towards addressing social woes, particularly victims of Trafficking in Persons. She said if the AFC is allowed to have discussions with Government from the outset of the budget preparation, such matters could be raised and perhaps be included in the budget. “So you would have broad interpretations. So, when they start to allocate funds for organizations, there is a different perspective on those decisions, meaning if the AFC was represented
there, we would be able to say more money needs to be spent on a lot of social services,” she said. “There are more and more children on the streets begging now that school is out. Go at any main street corner and see children selling water and begging. And, therefore, we talk about people who have lost their lives because of mentally ill people living on the road. But the psychiatric hospital, that section that burned down years ago, has never been rebuilt. These are all things we could look at.” Speaking about another troubling issue, Trafficking In
Persons, Hughes said the AFC has met with President of the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization (GWMO), Simona Broomes and the horrid topic was raised, particularly the need to “have a shelter for victims, and resources.” “You can’t expect that Simona Broomes and a group of women or any other group or small NGOs to have a cake sale to deal with those issues. No, the money should come from the national purse. We must put aside money to deal with those issues. If we have a certain amount of money on our budget each year, is it justifiable to spend the money we are spending on the Marriott Hotel?” Hughes stated. The construction of the Guyana Marriott branded hotel and casino is projected to cost almost US$60M. According to Hughes, that money could have been used to equip locations in the interior with proper services and provide better checks and balances to protect women in the mining community. “Would it be there to give more jobs to young people and women in those areas…It’s not like there are not solutions; it is what we make a priority,” she added. Hughes said she shares a good relationship with Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster and is aware that the Minister has been speaking with the Guyana Police Force on this matter.
AFC not invited to 2014...
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Thursday August 01, 2013
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It will take more than175 years of freedom to erase 400 years of slavery Guyana will today join the rest of the Caribbean in celebrating 175 years of freedom from slavery, which to some is a relatively long time to have attained such a noticeable feat. However, there are others who consider 175 years as a rather short period considering the fact that Africans were enslaved for more than 400 years. Nevertheless, the fact remains that liberation was formally realised for all Africans brought to the Caribbean Colonies, including Guyana, by August 1, 1838. This achievement was however, followed by some noticeable highs and some very cataclysmic lows for the freed Africans in Guyana who were then expected to integrate themselves into the normal human existence, centuries after enduring slavery. Taking Charge Immediately after emancipation, the Africans in Guyana moved to procure lands and before long, they were creating communities, a move which was then dubbed the ‘Village Movement’. This, according to Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and African Rights Activist, Dr David Hinds, was characterised by the creation of African Villages along the East Coast of Demerara. “It is not that they just bought the land and created the villages, but one of the first things they set up was their churches and their schools; so that means education was uppermost in their minds,” disclosed Dr Hinds during an interview with this publication. Working together towards one common goal – the development of the African people – was an imperative so much so that there was distribution of farmlands, situated at the back of the villages with a view of ensuring economic stability. This, Dr Hinds emphasised, demonstrated their capability to put in place a political economy, whereby they were able to govern themselves. “What they did was remarkable; it has not been replicated anywhere in the African Diaspora...Guyana stands out in regard to the village movement,” insisted Dr. Hinds. In fact, this outstanding achievement is expected to be highlighted by one of the foremost recorders of African history, Eusi Kwayana, when he launches a book ‘The Village Movement’ on August 31, 2013, in New York, United States of America. The book, this publication understands, encapsulates
an interview between Dr Hinds and Kwayana about that period of the African Guyanese history. Downward Spiral But being in slavery for many centuries did nothing for the willpower of the former slaves. In fact they were constantly subjected to the “scars of bondage” or the “wounds of slavery”, which were manifested in a number of daunting ways. This, according to Dr Hinds, was due to the fact that slavery was a total institution which saw those enslaved as “non-persons...They had no dignity or worth in life. As a slave, you were a commodity, you had no rights...The master, if you behaved bad, could cut off two of your fingers and that’s it; nobody charged him for anything.” And although emancipation meant a reclaiming and a regaining of humanity for the freed Africans, it was a tremendous undertaking, Dr Hinds asserted. This, he said, was in part due to the fact that those who were enslaved were behind the rest of the peoples of the world in terms of development. This state of affairs has therefore allowed for the African society to be in dire trouble today, according to Dr Hinds. He attributed this to his belief that “we have had a ‘prolonged down’ over the last two decades or so, which hinges on the perception that the development of the peoples of a country is dependent on who rules, politically.” “That is a fact; and so African Guyanese, having become part of that national model now where there is no political power, they have found themselves on the margin of the society,” said Dr Hinds. He explained that ever since the attainment of Independence of May 26, 1966, “we have come to calculate the progress of the ethnic communities based on when they are in Government and for the last 20 years we have not had an African Guyanese Government.” Moreover, he intimated his conviction that the group that holds political power is in fact the group that has the power to distribute resources. “It has the power to determine who gets contracts, to determine who gets a job, to determine which village gets its roads fixed and the quality of schools in particular communities; so really as a Government you have total power....” As such, Dr Hinds expressed that “a ruling Government could, in a sense,
have power similar to that of a slave master on a plantation.” Multiplying Poverty As evident even today, Dr Hinds observed that without resourceful backing, there is no economic strength, a development which resulted in the African Guyanese being unable to acquire wealth and instead became increasingly plagued with poverty. There have however been a few who were independently able to overcome this shortcoming, he noted.
But according to the African Rights Activist, individual success has certainly not translated into the success of the communities. “We have lost that sense that those of us who did well would go back to the community and share our expertise, our wealth and our knowledge with our communities in order to lift and develop our communities...,” said Dr Hinds. He has deduced that the vast majority of African Guyanese who have done
well over the years are in fact “in exile, even when we live in the physical community, and that has hurt us.” This state-of-affairs, he said, is in complete contrast to the days when Dr Hinds was a young boy growing up in Buxton, East Coast Demerara. Teachers for instance, he disclosed, would back in the day offer free lessons to children of the community when they returned home from school in the evenings; something that simply does not happen now. As a result, he said, those with the
African Rights Activist, Dr. David Hinds knowledge are no longer giving backing to their communities with a view of (continued on page 32)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 01, 2013
Bandits riddle family function with beer bottles A newly wedded couple is currently nursing injuries to their faces and about their bodies after bandits riddled the bride’s maternal home with empty beer bottles, during an ‘after-wedding’ family get-together last Monday night. But the bride’s uncle, her brother, and two cousins ended up in the lock-ups, after the lone captured bandit, claimed that he was chased down and beaten. The Samaroo family of Lot 34 South Section Canal #2 Polder, West Bank Demerara is however, maintaining that while they did chase down their attackers, they had nothing to do with the man’s injuries. The family is claiming that they were unable to get to the man until after the police came, since he jumped into the nearby canal. His three other accomplices made good their escape. According to the family, they were “drinking and gaffing” downstairs at about 23:30hrs when they noticed four men attempting to jump their front fence. “So much awe went downstairs and these people still had the nerve to try and jump the fence. After we see them trying to come into the yard, we holler, and dem boys start run to the gate to stop them from coming in. Like they get frighten, so as them go fuh run, they pick up some beer bottles from awe garbage outside, and dem start pelting it pon we. Me daughter get cut up and had to get stitches and so. She husband get a bottle to he face and it buss up,” the bride’s mother related. The woman added that
The Canal #2 Polder residence that came under attack
after the men made a run for it, an alarm was raised, and neighbours began chasing them. One of the fleeing bandits jumped into the nearby canal and according to the family, he was later pulled out by the police with visible injuries. His face was covered in blood, the residents recalled. They explained that after he was pulled to safety, the bandit started calling out the names of his accomplices. They also told this newspaper that the police reportedly admitted to knowing the others, but did not attempt to pursue them. Instead, the residents said that the police ranks on the scene requested that the bride’s uncle Sookraj Samaroo immediately visit the Wales Police Station to give a statement on the night’s incident. Samaroo, who was under the influence of alcohol, was
therefore accompanied to the police station by his two sons and his nephew, the bride’s brother. At the police station, all four of them were arrested for allegedly beating the bandit, who is currently a patient at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The man’s relatives subsequently visited the police station, and related that their relatives were tied up with “big, big chains around their hands, foot, and necks”. “The police saying that they can only loose them if the bandit comes out okay. But my thing is that these boys didn’t even touch this man, so why they got to be in there wrap up in chains like they killed somebody? this is so unfair that it is almost unbelievable,” Samaroo’s sister told Kaieteur News. The men were subsequently released on $5000 bail each. Relatives are
doubtful that a proper investigation will be carried out, since they believe that the bandits have close links with the police. Neighbours who gathered at the family’s house were also very angry. They felt that bandits are being given more preference than the victims of crimes. Kaieteur News understands that there has been a spate of robberies in the area over recent months,
but no one has ever been arrested for them. “When bandits go in and kill two, three people in one house, the police don’t find anybody to arrest. But let we beat up a robber nah, you gon hear how much human rights talks gon come up. We ain’t saying to beat and kill them, but if the police is never there for we, we got to protect awe selves. Awe didn’t beat that man, but we probably would have. The
main thing is that we didn’t though. The police ain’t care about the people in the house who get pelt up in them face and so with bottle, they only looking at the one bandit who injured just because he stupid, and jumped into the dark, dark canal” one neighbour said. Out of fear, the overseas based bride and groom have since shifted to the city. “This is the same reason why people don’t want to come back to this country…it really sad…it’s unfair. This country getting from bad to worse,” one neighbour said. The family is currently in the process of seeking the advice of a Lawyer. “The worst things can happen to people in this area, but the only way you gon get the police to come, is if you pay them. Nuff time people does got to drive go to Wales and beg and transport them officers here with we vehicles,” another neighbour told Kaieteur News. Collectively, the residents of Canal #2 are also calling for the establishment of a police outpost in the area, as crimes are becoming more and more prevalent, with nobody getting justice.
Guyana-born doctor in Queens busted in addictive medications probe New York (New York Daily News) - A Queens doctor was busted Tuesday for allegedly acting more like a dealer than a healer — taking money for prescriptions for painkillers without examining patients, officials said. Anand Persaud, 44, who has offices in Jamaica, Queens, and Baldwin, L.I., was charged with illegally selling prescriptions for Oxycodone on two occasions. But investigators believe he made $1.4 million from 5,800 office visits in 2011 and 2012 in which he prescribed the addictive meds to patients, officials said. “It’s unconscionable that a doctor, a trusted licensed professional, would violate his professional duties and abuse his licence to traffic in prescriptions for narcotics,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, whose office conducted the investigation. Persaud, born in Guyana, and who faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in a Nassau County Court Tuesday and was ordered held without bail. He allegedly charged $250 or more for office visits in which all he did was write
Investigators leading Dr. Anand Persaud shortly after his arrest. prescriptions for the painkillers. A new law set to take effect next month will make New York the first state to require doctors to consult an online database showing
patients’ drug histories before prescribing a controlled substance. The law is designed to make “doctor shopping” by prescription drug abusers much more difficult, officials said.
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US Embassy celebrates Essequibo’s oldest celebrates another year Emancipation Guyanese style The U.S. Embassy in Guyana commemorated Emancipation Day this year with a small but rich celebration to mark the anniversary of August 1, 1834, when slavery was first abolished in the West Indies. As part of the heritage celebration, Embassy staff dressed in customary African clothing and enjoyed traditional Creole foods, including metem-gee, cookup rice, white pudding and mauby. In addition to hearing a
Lillian Elliot (right) enjoys an ice cream cone in the company of Essequibo’s second oldest, May Garraway. Praises and thanks were made to God on Wednesday evening by members of the Mashabo Adventist Church for extending the life of Essequibo’s oldest resident, 104-year old Lillian Elliot, when she celebrated another milestone. The woman marked the occasion of her birth anniversary with a simple service attended by close family and friends. Elliot’s longevity is credited to the fact that she remains very agile as a result of not being hampered by any life threatening ailments. She only suffers from sporadic eye pains. A native Amerindian, she resides in the Amerindian
Community of Mashabo, located east of the Essequibo Coast, with her daughter Norma Elstob. She has been there for the past decade after relocating from Torurab Creek in the Lower Pomeroon River, where she was born on July 31st, 1908. Elliot is independent when it comes to taking care of almost all of her personal needs. While she consumes all types of food, she is not allowed to prepare meals, explained her daughter, who has been caring for her mother for the past 10 years. Elliot routinely consumes cassava bread and fish, and the early riser usually takes her first bath in the black
water creek at Mashabo, unaided, after which she spends the remainder of the day quietly at home. In a recent conversation, Elstob related that her mother recently returned to the Coast after spending several months with her grandson, Michael Elstob in Berbice. Elliot delivered 10 children, eight of whom are still alive. She has countless grand and great grandchildren. Her late husband Teleophus Miguel was a farmer. Elliot also farmed in an effort to take care of her young children after her husband’s death. She never remarried. Her hope is to continue living long, unaided.
The staffers of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) definitely succeeded in beautifying its environs yesterday with their ethnic garb in preparation for today’s Emancipation Day celebrations
brief rendition of African history in Guyana, employees of the Embassy had a chance to experience poetry, skits, music and dancing in honour of Emancipation Day. As a special part of the Emancipation Day program, the U.S. Embassy hosted several members of the Visually Impaired Cultural Association of Guyana (VICAG). The VICAG seeks to foster cultural relationships with other visually impaired people; to bond with others
Two US Embassy staffers pose with two members of the Visually Impaired Cultural Association of Guyana during emancipation celebrations yesterday.
whose aims and objectives are the same throughout Guyana, the broader region, and the world and to advocate and inspire positive changes in attitude among visually impaired people and others. The Department of State encourages foreign governments and civil society organizations to increase their commitment and capacity to protect the rights and ensure the inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities.
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Emancipation messages PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY
The People’s Progressive Party extends warm wishes to Guyanese from all walks of life as the nation again pays tribute to the struggles and sacrifices which culminated with the birth of freedom and emancipation175 years ago. The party is proud to stand side by side with Guyanese of African ancestry who played no small role then in fighting against the injustices and inequalities which ate away at the moral, social, political and economic fabric of our societies in Guyana and nations around us. We believe that the story of emancipation and the struggle for freedom has lessons for all Guyanese regardless of their race, political or economic standing. These l e s s o n s have in turn enriched our nation resulting in the emergence of a strong multicultural society with high levels of tolerance for the diverse cultures which exists. Emancipation is a celebration for all Guyanese but even more so for our African brothers and sisters as their fore parents fought for freedom 250 years ago in
the Berbice Revolt led by Kofi; 190 years ago in the Demerara Revolt inspired by Kwamina; 179 years ago in the Essequibo Revolt led by Damon; and in so many other places at many other periods in our history. The PPP believes that Guyana today remains the land of the free, despite attempts aimed at undermining the progress that have been made in our country. Guyana still stands out as one of the most patriotic countries in the world where nothing replaces the pride of being Guyanese and of working together to build a brighter future for each other. The party is proud to have worked for decades to eradicate the high levels of poverty, underdevelopment, bankruptcy, and social inequalities which had for 28 years enslaved our people and retarded our forward movement. The PPP wishes to warn Guyanese that as they celebrate their hard earned freedom and emancipation this year, they must stand firm against any attempts made in the National Assembly by the
political opposition to hijack the development of our country. The opposition must not be allowed to “enslave” the future of our people while pursuing selfish aims and desires. The opposition must not be allowed to “weaken” our democracy. The opposition must not be allowed to “suppress” the economic and social progress of our country because of its one seat majority. The PPP nonetheless remains confident that the problems which currently confront us in the parliament will be resolved amicably as the will of the people must always prevail. We remain open and hopeful that our future engagement will bear fruit and that we will see the freedoms of our people being advanced and secured. In the struggle to build a strong and prosperous society in our times we must continue to be inspired by the victories of our ancestors who, fighting an enemy who had superior weapons, succeeded in liberating themselves and destroyed the hated system of slavery. Happy Emancipation to all Guyanese!
PROGRESSIVE YOUTH ORGANISATION August 1, 2013 marks the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. An occasion that is joyously celebrated by all. It commemorates a point in time when the struggles of our forefathers with the aid of abolitionists finally bore fruit and the criminal enterprise of slavery was overthrown. The Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) joins all Guyanese in its celebration of this milestone anniversary and encourages all to treat their fellow citizens with the respect and dignity that this occasion signifies. Unfortunately, it does not seem that the opposition parties in the National Assembly grasp the importance of this occasion. In their recent vote against raising the debt ceiling and the Hydro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill 2013, the
opposition once again showed that they are willing to sacrifice the needs of the people of Guyana for partisan political gains. Cheaper electricity would not only benefit supporters of the PPP/C but all Guyanese. However, the opposition again made it clear that the needs of all Guyanese are subservient to their desires. Stymieing the economic growth of the country is to the detriment of all Guyanese. President Donald Ramotar recently stated that “when we are united we can move mountains.” Guyana has for too long been dependent on the primary sector for economic growth. Our young people labour in the mines, on timber grants, in the rice fields and on sugar estates. Cheap power will give us the ability to become a
value added export nation. It will allow our best and brightest to remain in Guyana. It will allow our youth to become entrepreneurs and manufacturers and fulfill their destinies; destinies that our forefathers struggled for under the oppressive regime of slavery. The PYO, therefore, proposes that the opposition parties take heed of the needs of the Guyanese people and to embrace the significance of these 175th Emancipation Day commemorations. We demand that they work with President Ramotar and the PPP/C to make the lives of all Guyanese better. Our forefathers fought and died for the ideals of unity, freedom and self-determination, as their descendants let us not forsake their efforts for narrow ambitions! Happy Emancipation Day to all Guyanese.
WORKING PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE WPA salutes the African Guyanese community on the 175th anniversary of the abolition of chattel slavery. As African Guyanese reflect on what 175 years of emancipation have meant for their community, WPA reiterates its commitment to ethnic equality and unity as crucial cornerstones of our national wholeness. For the WPA, emancipation must mean a constant reclaiming of dignity, identity and humanity. We take note of initiative in the African Guyanese community to begin a conversation on the
condition of the community. We believe that such a conversation is a positive development that deserves the support of all political forces. This year’s Emancipation observances come at a time when the economic management of the country is under the microscope. As our government seeks to press forward with ill-conceived projects, poverty continues to escalate. WPA continues to believe that the destruction of poverty is an important aspect of the unfinished business of emancipation. In this regard WPA wishes to
associate itself with those forces in Guyana and the Caribbean who have dared to raise anew the issue of Reparations. WPA also uses this Emancipation anniversary to remember the Linden Martyrs on this one-year anniversary of their demise. The spirit of the Linden Struggle of 2012 reflects the best of the Emancipation Spirit. Finally, the WPA puts on record its support for a return of the Village Councils which in our view would be a crucial blow in favor of African Guyanese political empowerment.
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PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins the Guyanese people in celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Emancipation of enslaved Africans. The Party regards this event as the most significant in the foundation of our nation and the formation of our society. It was the first step in our country’s long march towards social equality, economic independence and political freedom. Africans in the united Guiana colonies of Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo regained their freedom on the 1st August 1838 after two hundred years of enslavement. Emancipation on that day commemorates not only the bloody sacrifices of the Africans who struggled,
suffered and were slaughtered for the sake of the freedom we all enjoy today but also the birth of the nation itself. The entire Guyanese nation should participate in this public celebration. Emancipation is Guyana’s most important national celebration. It marks the start of the most significant demographic change through the coming of the Portuguese, East Indians, West Africans and Chinese and the transformation of the coastal landscape through the creation of free villages and the diversification of the economy into the production of food crops, gold-mining and logging. It led, also, to the liberation of society through the popular movements for
educational development, labour organisation and political mobilisation. Emancipation celebrations in 2013 – an auspicious year – also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Revolt of 1763 led by Kofi and the 190th anniversary of the Demerara Revolt of 1823 inspired by Kwamina. Guyanese of all races are the beneficiaries and heirs of the sacrifices of our nation’s first freedom fighters. Emancipation, after all, was not a finite event that occurred 175 years ago. It was the commencement of a continuing process which must aim at providing a good life to all Guyanese. Happy Emancipation!
SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY On this 175th Anniversary of the abolition of slavery, in Guyana and all former colonies of Britain, the National Assembly salutes the African heroes who made it possible for us citizens of Guyana to enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we now do. We could never fully grasp the horror of slavery and the resulting damage that ensues unto today. We, the inheritors of the blood, sweat, tears and indignities heaped on the heads of our fore parents, have a sacred duty neither to forget nor diminish their efforts and sacrifices. I wish all Guyanese a Happy Emancipation Day, and to our
African brothers and sisters in particular, I remind you that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Never forget, never be unguarded! One such sacrifice was the life of Damon – A life that was taken on a specially erected scaffold in the forecourt of the Public Buildings at noon on the 3rd October, 1834. Damon, and those who stood with him, believed that they were entitled to their freedom. No force of arms was resorted to, and no open disobedience and resistance was unleashed. Their crime was that they had gathered in a Church’s compound, believing it to be a
place of refuge and salvation, to seek answers. As Speaker of the National Assembly I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to correct the injustice and barbarity meted out to Damon on that fateful day by moving the National Assembly to unanimously reverse the wrong committed against him. To this end, the parliamentary parties, civil society and the public will soon be engaged in a campaign to restore the honour and dignity of Damon, and to remove the stain left on the Public Buildings when he was unjustly hanged on October 3, 1834.
MADAME DEOLATCHMEE RAMOTAR, FIRST LADY OF GUYANA I join in extending greetings to all Guyanese and to all freedom lovers the world over who are today celebrating Emancipation Day 2013. I trust that the significance of this historic anniversary will resonate for all time because Emancipation marked a defining milestone in the struggle against human bondage and in the fight for freedom and dignity. Slavery remains the darkest chapter in human civilization. It was a travesty that must never again see the light of day. The seeds of the ideology of racial supremacy which gave rise to this heinous and to other abominable systems must be utterly and comprehensively discredited and rejected so that it may never again gain currency
in the modern world. We in Guyana must also not forget our own history in which the economic impulse for profits formed the basis of the introduction of slavery and other forms of servitude into our part of the world. Our history is decorated with the sacrifices and struggles of those who resisted these systems of oppression. On this Emancipation Day we can all take pride and draw inspiration from the heroic and epic struggles waged by our ancestors against all forms of human servitude. Slavery was abolished but its scars remain. More importantly there has been no recompense for the great human toll, the untold suffering, dislocation and deprivations that
it inflicted on millions of innocent individuals who were treated as non- persons. Justice for the victims of the slave trade is still outstanding. On this Emancipation Day, I join with all of those who have lent their voices to the plea for reparations for the most dreadful crime committed against humanity - slavery. I trust that the collective voices of all freedom- loving people will one day ensure a fair and just response from those guilty of the slave trade and of slavery. Happy Emancipation Day to all! May the glorious struggles of our ancestors inspire us to value even more the freedoms we now enjoy and for which they sacrificed so much.
ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE Greetings on the 175th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery On the occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, the Alliance For Change pays homage to our African ancestors who were forced to journey to this foreign land; many dying along the way, and their struggle for freedom. The history of Guyana and indeed of the Caribbean could not be written without recall of the greatest evil ever unleashed
on mankind; that of slavery. Likewise, who we are as a people cannot be defined if we fail to acknowledge the fortitude of our African ancestors, which saw them through the harsh reality of slavery and the struggle for freedom. All Guyanese, regardless of race or colour can learn from the examples of our African ancestors. Under the most severe of conditions they pooled their meagre earnings to purchase plots of land. Today,
we can do well to imitate this lesson of unity and of resolve and the many other lessons they taught us through their courage and endurance. 175 years after slavery was abolished and the subsequent period of apprenticeship, we the descendants must determine whether we have proven worthy of the sacrifices they made. As we celebrate our freedom, let us remember that it was bought with tears, sweat and blood. Long live a free Guyana!
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Zeelugt father hacks children to death, wife critical By: Romila Boodram and Javone Vickerie Several hours after one of the most gruesome attacks in recent times at Zeelugt Squatting Area, East Bank Essequibo, relatives as well as residents of the area were still trying to grapple with the fact that two innocent children were hacked to death by their father and their mother is battling for her life. Five-year-old Kimberley Houston and her little brother, two-year-old Tarif Lord were brutally chopped to death around 06:00pm yesterday at their home, which is located at the back of their grandmother, Bibi Khairool Houston’s lot 864 Zeelugt Squatting Area house. Up to press time last night, doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPGC) were battling to save the life of 21year-old Bibi Nazarena Houston whose right hand was severed and her fingers from her left hand were cutoff. The woman somehow managed to survive the savage cutlass attack by her 26-year-old reputed husband Richard Lord, but her faith will be decided in the next few hours. It is unclear what led the 26-year-old man to brutally murder his children. The injured woman’s relatives said that the man was very jealous and he recently accused her of cheating on him with another man from the village. According to the woman’s mother, her daughter eloped with the accused since she was 14 years old and ever since then; her life has been a “living hell.” “He does always say she deh with this body and that body. She can’t even get pictures with herself, all the pictures them he burn. He destroy her ID (Identification Card); is only recently she went and apply back for one and she had to leave it by me,” the elderly Houston said. The woman explained that last Wednesday, her daughter
Kimberly Houston
The house where the two children were murdered. The injured woman’s mother. and her husband had an argument and he chopped her on her body. “He beat her and chopped her on Wednesday, and Friday he left to go to work and my daughter packed her bags, call a taxi and left with the children. Before she left, she tell me she going at someone at Lallie Street, Zeelugt.” According to the elderly woman, her daughter did not return home and on Monday she went to the Leonora Police Station and made a missing person report. “When I finish from the station, I go to Lallie Street to look for her but I didn’t see her or the children so I went home back and I see he (Richard Lord) and he tell me that I hiding secrets for his wife. I tell him that I don’t know anything.” Houston, who was still in shock when this publication visited her at her home last night, said that someone told her that they saw her daughter roaming with the man she was accused of having an affair with around the area. “Today (yesterday) I went to the Vreed-en-Hoop Court and my other daughter called me and tell me that she (the injured woman) return home and she is at the back house, so I left and I went home and when I go at the back, I see the two of them sitting on the step so I turn and I say that y’all see how good y’all deh,
and y’all does fight so much,” the grieving woman stressed. According to the woman, later yesterday her granddaughter came to her house and told her that the man was “tormenting her mother. So I left and I go at the back again.” Khairool Houston added that when she reached at the back house, she called for her daughter, “I called out to her and she tell me that he (Richard) beating her and she face swell up. I tell her to come out the house and he shut the door fast and then I hear she hollering more. I called the police, when I come off the phone, I hear like lashes firing, so I ask my grandson to get me a wood to break the door.” “When I go on the landing to break the door, he opened the door and pushed me off the landing and run straight at the back with the cutlass. I couldn’t go in the house, but my neighbours go in and them come out back and tell me that the two children done dead,” the woman added. Neighbours of the victims said that the assailant had a history of physically abusing his wife. “Up to this morning (Wednesday) we hear he beating she bad and she family ah shout pon him but he is a mad man”, the neighbour said. The woman added that around 18:00 hrs yesterday
she heard the sound of the couple arguing. “I hear he keep telling she ‘yuh lie, yuh lie, yuh been with he, meh gon kill yuh in here today’, but we nah tek it serious because is ah everyday thing”, the woman said. She added that about 30 minutes after the intense argument, she heard the sound of the children screaming from within the small house. “I hear the lil gal ah scream out ‘daddy done’
and the lil boy screaming suh me seh he beating them,” the woman added. She stated that after relatives from the front house intervened, she realized that it was more than just a beating. The woman who was obviously shaken, told this publication that after the screaming, there was silence before the overflow of cries from relatives who were startled by the horrifying sight.
“When me go in the house, me see the two children dem lie down pon de ground in the corner. All me could’a do is cry. Dem poor lil children, dem he nah had to do duh,” the woman lamented. She however blamed last evening’s events on the relatives, adding that the man should have been behind bars a number of years ago. “He is a mad man. Nobody don’t talk to he through here because of how he stay. He had the woman like a child; beat she all over, beat she in front dem pickney. Them should find he and jail he,” the eyewitness said.
Council will continue to operate toll booth, despite a government order to cease- IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon Interim Management Committee Chairman Orrin Gordon has said that the toll booth at Kara Kara is operating and will continue to operate and collect toll, despite the order by Government that the booth be ‘disbanded.’ Emphasizing that Minister Norman Whittaker had approved the municipality’s 2013 budget, which included projections for the collection of toll from the Kara Kara Booth, to facilitate a raise of pay for the Town’s municipal employees, Mr. Gordon, during a press conference, said that the implementation of the order would result in a deficit of some $15 to $20 mil in the
Council’s income, thereby jeopardizing programmes and jobs, within the Municipality. The tolls include a $2000 charge for trucks transporting sawn lumber and $3000 for transporting logs, while 40ft container trucks and trucks transporting laterite and sand were charged $5000. Vending charges included $2800 for buses and $4000 for canter trucks. Gordon said that the Municipality has begun to pay increases to its weekly employees for about three weeks now, and was in the process of preparing to do the same for its monthly employees, who had already made representation for same, and which was approved by the Council. However, in order to do that, $1.8m more in revenues per month, was required. “So it means that if we needed to get $1.8m more, then we had to do some additional things to get that. The question was where we were going to get that money from? We agreed that one of the main sources to get that additional revenue would be the toll booth in Kara Kara, and that toll booth is expected to bring us an additional million dollars on top of what we normally get.” “Now once we get that we should be able- along with the other revenue sources-
car parks, markets and so onto make the additional money, to take care of workers emoluments; so we agreed on that.” He said that he subsequently received a call from Minister Whittaker, and had conversations with him, which hinged on the whole question of payments. “I did make mention to him that while as Minister you can make representation for payments to be made, you cannot go below payments that are above the minimumthose are decisions that have to be made by Council. And therefore if those decisions are to be made by Council, that is what we are here to discuss,” Gordon told the press conference. “He accepted, and we agreed and he said that he would get back to me, after I asked him to find 50% of the $1.8m for the next three months to pay workers’ salaries, and thereafter the Municipality would be able to take care of its business, because we were working very hard to do that.” Gordon said that the Minister did get back to him, and asked him to give him a couple of days, ‘to put himself in order’. However the call that he subsequently received from the Minister was to inform (Continued on page 14)
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It will take more than... From page 25 ensuring development and by extension bring an end to the ever prevailing poverty situation. The way forward In addition to seeking the support of Government and the private sector, it is the view of Dr Hinds that there is still hope for the African Guyanese of today. And the way forward he predicts is to unwaveringly return to the land. He alluded to a time when agriculture was viewed as an unreliable economical avenue but asserted that “while agriculture in the old way is over, we still in this technological age need
primary products.” According to him, since it is a well known fact that economic produce can today be turned into process foods, there can be striving partnerships between businesses and the small farmers to ensure that the processing market is satisfied. This can be done, he said, even as moves are being made to streamline national conversations to understand the situation of the African Guyanese in order to plot remedial strategies. This move will be kicked into motion through the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) in
Georgetown on Sunday August 4, 2013, in the form of a forum on “African Guyanese.” “We will begin to talk about our problems,” said Dr Hinds, who disclosed that the discussions will also be taken to Linden, the Essequibo Coast, the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara, the East Coast of Demerara, West Coast Berbice and even to the Corentyne. “Every Region and every community where Africans live, we are going there to have this conversation,” said Dr Hinds who disclosed that the next step will be to find recovery solutions.
DSFC affords youths the... From page 44 of the day. As James puts it, it was all about Digicel supporting the development of youths in Guyana. “We do look forward to next years’ Championship which I am sure will be much bigger than this year’s tournament. The support we received from our sponsor Powerade (Banks DIH) was overwhelming and very much appreciated. It was also a surprise to see so many from “corporate Guyana” supporting the Championship throughout the season and who were also present at the finals.” Without a doubt, the Digicel
Mickey Arthur reaches... From page 43 applied to his coaching role, and wishes him the very best in his future career.” Arthur, who took over as Australia coach in November 2011, had suggested there was a “deliberate campaign” against him after his sacking. The latter stages of his tenure were affected by problems both on and off the field. Four players were dropped for the third Test against India in March for failing to submit presentations on team strategy and Australia went on to lose the series 4-0. Batsman David Warner was fined in May for posting abusive comments to journalists on Twitter, then suspended and fined for punching England’s Joe Root in a bar during the Champions Trophy in June. Arthur was replaced by Darren Lehmann, whose side trail England 2-0 in the Ashes ahead of the third Test match, which starts at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Schools’ Football Championship is the biggest football competition this country has ever seen and it destined to get even bigger and better. James acknowledged the support of all and sundry pointing out that even though it is the brainchild of her company and CEO Gregory Dean, it could not have been a success without the support of all. “We are truly excited about its success, and we look forward to another fantastic year next year. A heartfelt thank you to all the teams who participated, and congratulations to the two schools who made it to the finals. Waramadong who
played a very, very good game, and to the winners Wismar Christianburg Secondary who defended and retained the Championship title. I would like to let all know that the Digicel’s Schools’ Football championship gives our youths the opportunity to UNITE as a team and work along with each other, DEVEOP their skills as individuals and as a team and EXCEL in the sport that they love.” Fans that attended the event on Sunday last did not leave empty handed as they were given tokens, compliments of DIGICEL.
Scotiabank and WICB... From page 42 stage in their cricket lives.” The Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Camps are being executed at the highest WICB and Scotiabank standards taking into consideration impeccable dormitory standards and provisions for
full coaching staff, including a full time on site physiotherapist. Special attention is also being paid to meals & hydration to teach the children the importance of balanced meals and nutritious diets in their success as athletes.
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Laventille-born John Estrada Ominous signs for Trinidad and Tobago coalition govt nominated US Ambassador to T&T BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC - A regional pollster is warning that the victory of former national security minister Austin “Jack” Warner in a byelection in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, is an “ominous” sign for the ruling People’s Partnership government headed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar. Peter Wickham, a director at the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), described Warner’s convincing victory in the Chaguanas West constituency, considered a stronghold of the ruling United National Congress (UNC), as historic and also ominous with the parties preparing for a Local Government elections by October. Warner, the interim leader of the newly formed
Austin “Jack” Warner
Kamla Persad Bissessar
Independent Liberal Party (ILP) defeated four other candidates including Khadijah Ameen, the UNC candidate, polling 12, 631 votes as against 5,126 for Ameen. “It is ominous. The reality is that right now the situation is not one where it can shake the moorings
of her (Prime Minister Persad Bissessar’s) administration. She still has a clear m a j o r i t y, t h e r e i s n o question there but I think the signals have been set. “The first signal was Tobago, this is the second signal. I think the third signal will be the Local Government elections.
Trinidad Express - UNITED States President Barack Obama yesterday announced his intention to nominate Laventille-born John L Estrada as the next Ambassador to this country. The disclosure was made in a White House press statement, in which the names of several other nominees were disclosed. Estrada, a decorated military officer in the US Marines, who left Trinidad at the age of 14, will replace Beatrice W. Welters, former United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, who resigned last October in keeping with the common practice of political appointees resigning ahead of the US Presidential election, held November 5. In the absence of an Ambassador, the US State Department’s most senior foreign officer in Trinidad and Tobago has been Deputy Chief of Mission, Margaret Diop, who assumed the duties and responsibilities of Chargé d’Affaires. Estrada returned to Trinidad in 2004 and gave a motivational speech to pupils of the Laventille Boys Government Primary School. John L. Estrada is Senior Manager for Lockheed Martin Training Solutions Incorporated, a position he has held since 2008. Previously, he was a business development specialist for Coalescent Technology Corporation from 2007 to 2008. Prior to his career in the private sector, Sergeant Major Estrada served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 34 years, rising to become the 15th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps, the nation’s highest-ranking enlisted Marine. He served as Sergeant Major of the Corps from 2003 to 2007. From 2001 to 2003, he served as Sergeant Major of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. From 2000 to 2001, he was Sergeant Major
Laventille-born John L Estrada, nominated today by US President Barack Obama to be the next US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. of the Recruit Training Regiment at Parris Island, and from 1998 to 2000 he was Sergeant Major for the Recruiting Station in Sacramento, California. In 2010, he was appointed as a Member of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Sergeant Major Estrada serves as a committee member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, a member of the national Board of Directors for Operation Homefront, and on the executive committee for the United Services Organization. Sergeant Major Estrada received a B.S. from the University of Phoenix.
Pilots association denies members planning strike action ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC - The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) says its members are not involved in any industrial action as the Antigua-based airline, LIAT, deals with a number of problems including flight cancellations in recent days. LIALPA said it had also taken objection to remarks made by the airline’s chief executive officer, Ian Brunton, who recently suggested that pilots were not being team players. Brunton had indicated that the cash-strapped company would not have had to further deepen its cash flow problems by, “pulling in contract crews which we may not need, if everybody puts their pedal to the wheel.” Last week, Brunton confirmed that LIAT had enlisted “contract crews” to
replace former Dash-8 pilots who are now flying new ATR aircraft. Brunton, speaking on a radio programme in Barbdaos, told the travelling public that it will be another “two to three weeks” before the new crews would be pressed into service as they have to “satisfy the regulatory system.” LIALPA said it was distancing itself from “any insinuations that were broadcast on live radio by Brunton” and was informing the public that its members “have not and are not currently undertaking any industrial action”. In addition, it said the pilots have “borne great hardship, including loss of vacation and entitled days off, in an effort to work with the company to introduce the new fleet of aircraft” and that the pilots have continued to
meet the full obligation of their assigned schedules of work within the scopes of their contract, Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation regulations, and the company’s operational requirements. “LIALPA regrets the inconvenience to passengers on its fleet caused by the introduction of these new aircraft but cannot take responsibility for its impact,” the union said, adding it remains hopeful that the management of LIAT “will work with them to put a structured plan in place to move the airline forward in a direction that will mutually benefit its customers and employees. “We continue to maintain our social contract with the Caribbean people with a firm commitment to transport you in a safe and timely manner,” LIALPA added.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Pentagon warns of tough Egypt’s rulers signal move against Brotherhood vigils trade-offs in face of looming cuts CAIRO (Reuters) Egypt’s army-backed rulers signaled yesterday that they could soon act to end weeks of sit-in protests by supporters of deposed President Mohamed Mursi, setting up a potentially bloody showdown with his Muslim Brotherhood. In a televised statement, the cabinet installed by Egypt’s army after it overthrew Mursi on July 3 said two Cairo vigils by thousands of his supporters represented a “threat to Egyptian national security”, citing “terrorist acts” and traffic disruption. “The cabinet decided to begin taking all necessary measures to address these dangers and put an end to them,” it said, handing the task to the Interior Ministry. A move against the vigils could bring a new round of bloodletting after security forces shot dead 80 supporters of Mursi’s Brotherhood at dawn on Saturday, deepening the turmoil convulsing the Arab
Mohamed Mursi world’s most populous nation. Minutes before the cabinet statement, judicial sources told Reuters that the Brotherhood’s supreme guide, Mohammed Badie, and two of its senior officials had been referred to court on charges of inciting violence. Badie has not yet been detained. Such steps will fuel global concern that Egypt’s new rulers plan to crush the
Brotherhood, which emerged from decades in the shadows to win power in repeated elections after a 2011 revolt toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak. The United States, treading a fine line with a pivotal Arab ally and recipient of $1.3 billion in U.S. military aid, urged restraint. “We have continued to urge the interim government to respect the right of peaceful assembly,” Marie Harf, deputy spokeswoman at the U.S. State Department, told reporters. “That obviously includes sit-ins.” Rights group Amnesty International called the cabinet decision “a recipe for further bloodshed” and a “seal of approval to further abuse.” Mursi’s supporters vow to stay put until the reinstatement of Egypt’s first freely elected president. The army has set its own “road map” for elections, promising a return to civilian rule, a process the Brotherhood has spurned.
Zimbabwe votes in third Mugabe-Tsvangirai showdown
Morgan Tsvangirai HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabweans voted in large numbers yesterday in a fiercely contested election pitting veteran President Robert Mugabe against Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who has vowed to push Africa’s oldest leader into retirement after 33 years in power. With no reliable opinion polls and amid allegations of vote-rigging, it is hard to say whether Tsvangirai will succeed in his third attempt to oust 89-year-old Mugabe, who has run the southern African nation since independence from Britain in 1980. In an initial assessment of the poll, Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Nigerian president heading an African Union observer team, said he thought the process had been “peaceful, orderly and free and fair”. “My hope is that this will be what the report will be from all polling stations throughout the country,” he told reporters. Both sides are forecasting landslide wins. In a country with a history of election violence the big question is whether the loser will accept the result of a poll whose run-up was dogged by logistical problems and reports of intimidation. Mugabe, who rejects past and present charges from critics of vote-fixing and
Robert Mugabe intimidation by his ZANU-PF party supporters, has said he will concede if defeated. “I’m sure people will vote freely and fairly,” he told reporters after casting his ballot in a school in Harare’s Highfields township. “There’s no pressure being exerted on anyone.” Polls closed at 1700 GMT (11:00 a.m. EDT), after a day that started with long queues of people braving unseasonably cold weather to stand in line from well before dawn. At one polling station in the eastern province of Manicaland, a key swing region, the queue of voters, many wrapped up in blankets, stretched for a kilometer (half a mile). “I got up at 4:00 but still couldn’t get the first position in the line,” said sawmill worker Clifford Chasakara. “My fingers are numb but I’m sure I can mark the ballot all the same. I’m determined to vote and have my vote counted.” The Election Commission said nationwide turnout was high, but with no breakdown between urban and rural areas it is impossible to say whether this will benefit Mugabe or his 61-year-old challenger. In Harare, the epicenter of support for Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, the mood was upbeat.
(Reuters) - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday outlined the stark choices facing the Pentagon if it keeps cutting $100 billion in spending annually over the next decade, including shrinking the size of the military, curbing pay and benefits, and reducing weapons programs. Hagel, unveiling the results of his four-month Strategic Choices and Management Review, said the Pentagon would cut overhead by almost $40 billion more over the next decade, and was looking at $50 billion in savings from compensation. He said the review also pointed to possible reductions of up to 70,000 troops from the U.S. Army’s active force, and up to 65,000 from the Army reserves, given the drawdown in Afghanistan and the end of the war in Iraq. But he said the department could come nowhere near achieving the
budget cuts required by law $500 billion over the next decade on top of $487 billion in cuts already begun - by just eliminating inefficiencies and waste. Reaching the total Pentagon budget cuts required under the process known as sequestration would require tough tradeoffs between the size of the military and weapons programs, Hagel said, warning that choosing size over capabilities would trigger a “decade-long modernization holiday.” Hagel did not identify any specific weapons programs to be cut, but vowed to protect certain programs, including the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter, a new bomber and submarine cruise-missile upgrades, if the military chose to preserve high-end capabilities over size. Hagel said decisions on how to balance the two stark options would be made in coming months. He said the final decision would be up to President Barack Obama. “Before this review, like many Americans, I wondered why a 10 percent budget cut was in fact so destructive,” Hagel said in prepared remarks. “This analysis showed in the starkest terms how a 10 percent defense spending reduction causes in reality a much higher reduction in military readiness and capability.”
Page 36
WANTED One experienced Carpenter/ Mason to work at New Hope, E.B.D- Call:266-2711/ 609-4594 Minibus driver for contract, living in Georgetown. Please Call: 675-3093 Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070 Night & day Jet men and cook needed- Call:684-6356 (11:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm) One live-in domestic. Call 617-1679 One three bedrooms apartment anywhere around town- Call:617-7865 Four experienced Welder/ Fabricator- Call:676-7226/ 613-7006 One experienced shop assistant to work in InteriorCall: 666-6836 Domestic & Handyman to clean yard. Call 227-5500/ 227-2027 One Handy Boy to work around yard in InteriorCall:666-6836 Live in waitress; must be honest & courteous. $50,000 monthly, accommodation free. Tel 610-5043 Sewing machine operators with factory experience. Call 626-2629. Attractive live in waitress. Call 327-0252/674-4665
Kaieteur News
WANTED 1 Family to work on Farm in Trinidad- Call:621-9828 or 698-8367 Live in Maid/ Domestic, must know to cook: Age 25-40 years- Call:671-9715 Wanted two male wash bay attendants 18-25 years to work in GeorgetownCall:227-5169 Maid & Internet WorkerCall:231-8421/223-9725 Bond Supervisor (over 35yrs) & Data Entry Clerk (over 25yrs) @ Survival Shopping Complex 173 Sheriff St. Call:227-5286-90
Do you need excavator operator for the Interior? 12 years experience in miningCall:254-0624/655-4440 City Taxi Service: Contract Cars Needed- Call:6601100 Live in waitress to work at a bar- Call:672-5860/604-6832 1 Nail Technician and 3 Barbers: Address: 1 Smyth & Durban St, Werk-en-Rust: Call: 674-8555 One live-in or live out maidcall:668-3985/264-3355/6837936 2 Cooks needed to work in Trinidad- Call:621-9828 or 698-8367
FOR SALE
FOR RENT
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY M E R C U R Y (QUICK SILVER) 9 9 . 9 9 9 9 5 % PURITY - $15,000 PER POUND CALL:604-6108
Eddie’s Auto Parts: Just arrive Japanese used partsCall:227-2835
1 Bedroom Howes Street, Charlestown: Very clean & grilled $30,000- call:226-2856/ 604-1788
500 Ton Cargo Ship with Contract- call: 687-6174 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 1 Cummins diesel nt-285HP & 1 Rolls Royce Perkins 330HP- Call:654-6167
Boat Captain With License For Essequibo River ResortTel:225-3557 1 Whole day maid for East Bank area- Call:614-4358
EDUCATIONAL Advance Diploma in Computer Technology for students completed CSEC 2013. Register now @ MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-En-Hoop. Call 264-3057 Summer Computer Classes. Ages 5-13, starting at $6,500 and up @ MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-En-Hoop. Call 264-3057 Enroll now for certificate in nursing practices: Home nursing, Geriatric nursing child care- Call:692-2063/6130803/685-9095 Construct a strong lifetime literacy: Choose Caribbean First Class NurseryElementary: Lessons and Adult classes- Call:684-7403
Pure Breed Pitbull Pups for sale- Contact Johnny @ tele: 628-9884
WE HAVE ANY SIZE AND AMOUNT OF PALMS: #1 PLANT SHOP, 70 SHERIFF ST. CALL:227-8094
1 Apple desktop computer, 1 Epson printer, 1 Whirpool Dryer & 1 baby swing. Call 662-6045
Makita Jackhammer (brand new)- call:653-1822
Games for PS 2, $900,PSP $900, Xbox360 $2600, PS 3 $2600, call:672-2566
Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $55,000 Futuretech call: 231-2206
Urgently needed 1 plot of land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie- Call:675-7292
Tibetan Pups for sale 6 weeks- Call:645-1208
1- 48’ Fishing Boat- Call:6120200/ 602-6477
Able bodied Male to work in Water store located in G/TCall: 678-1234
Mason & Carpenters $6000 per day: Porters $3500 per day: Ladies to do cleaning @ Tushen, W.C.D- Call:684-8231
Zack’s Lumber Yard Georgetown: Millcut form board $115 per BM, Softwood & H/wood $180 per BM- Call:687-5361/674-0013
1-2007 Honda Rincon 680cc 4×4 in excellent condition. 11- Lengths of 6"×50’ canvas fire hose- Call:654-6167
1- 20HP Mercury outboard engine. Call: 651-4699 or 686-0895
To work in Newly open Salon: Barbers, Nail Technicians & Tattoo Artist: Located opposite Kitty Police station- Contact:6445362 1 live in domestic from the interior- Call:644-8290
FOR SALE
General domestic, must be able to cook: Age 25-45 yearsCall:226-1877/641-3687
Experienced counter servers, roti/puri cooks, pastry makers & cleaners: Apply @ Hacks Halaal 5 Commerce St.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Pure Rottweiler Pups. Call 220-6879 2 Perkins 6 cylinders engines: Offers in the region of $650,000 each consideredCall Stephen 666-3080 Timber Harvester Sawmill just arrived from U.S.A with setter, sharpener and extended frame- Call:2612553/625-4393 Mix breed pups, Rottweiler and German Shepherd: Both male and female- Call:222-0410
BUSINESS PROPERTY, suitable for supermarket, hardware store, restaurant etc. W.C.D public roadCall:609-8132/672-8569 Newly constructed apartments, with & without A/C; Parking & security available, LBI East Coast. Call 628-8008/603-0000 3 Bedrooms unfurnished house to rent US$2200 per month: Located in Lamaha Gardens- Call:616-5415 Apartments $50,000-$70,000: Executive rental US$800: Entire house KingstonCall:675-7292
Canvas, Cloth & Knitted Hammocks for sale: Good quality & Good price- Call: 689-0554
House lots 50’×118’ New Hope, E.B.D: Serious enquires only. No prices on phone- Call:266-2711/6094594 2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at Parika. Call 226-7968 Parfaite Harmonie $1.1M, $1.2M, $1.5M- Call:675-7292 House lot for sale: Friendship, Diamond EBD & drafting of house plans. Call:223-0733, 2230730, 692-8513 American Pool TableCall:277-0578
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses for: Bridal accessories, Cake decoration, Floral arrangements, Cake & Pastry-contact Sharon:6728768/223-3303/612-4193
1 Freight Liner Hauler, 1- 48ft trailer, 1 Low Bed (hauler & trailer)- Call:613-6979
SERVICES Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115
2 A/C- (sizes 12 & 15), solar system 45 gallon (hot & cold) Call:691-9071/674-1231 Empty plastic fuel drums (55gal) Contact Nicky @ 2267948/646-6000/697-9610
3 Acres land @ Parika Main Dam, Farm Land- Contact: 617-4837/650-0402
FOR SALE/RENT
2 RCF 18 inch speaker, 2 solar panel & 1- 1,5000 watts Generic Generator- Call:6239679/624-6531 Pitbull Pups for saleCall:223-9497
LAND FOR SALE At Blankenburg W.C.D: 50ft×350ft- Tel: 265-6019, 696-3505, 261-6501, 718-7571106, 718-629-5141
MASSAGE
Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, m i c r o w a v e s , washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool. Call: 225-9032, 647-2943
1 Male English Mastiff Dog $150,000- Call:678-2814/6992322
The Gent’s Spa: Let beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse available- Call:657-5979
KS Photo Paper 300 sheet per pack $8000- Call:690-0998
Relax your mind and body with a massage- Call:622-6256
Wall dividers, Cabinets, Sofas, Beds & WardrobeCall:219-3732 (After 5pm)
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer. Call:2310655, 683-8734 Omar
Asphalt Roofing Shingles, pig feed, duck feed & shrimp meal- Call:266-2711/609-4594
For that relaxing and sensual happy ending- Call for appointment @ tele 699-3519
SONY PLAYSTATION 3 (250GB) + 2 games. Also gamediscs for PS2, PS3, XBox360- Call:609-8132/6728569 (Max)
Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick)
Grizzly 6" universal surface grinder, Ryobi 10" bench drill press, electronic DW625 electronic plunge cut routerCall:265-3070/645-1895
150KW Genset, 12" Moulder, 7 Head Moulder, Resaw & Crosscut Saw- Call:616-5595
Sawzall, porter cable model 347 7 1/4" heavy duty circular saw, Thakita, Grizzly 12" table saw- Call:265-3070/645-1895
1 CAT Engine 3164 & 1 JCB Back Hoe: Needs transmission onlyContact:691-1161/ 670-7235
S & N Mining Inc. Large Quantity Of Virgin Mining Mercury: Best In Guyana: $14,500LB, Wholesale Negotiable- Contact Carol: 649-8505 Ducklings- Call:617-9300 Delta Jointer, Delta ShaperCall:265-3070/645-1895 Delta 14" Band Saw, Grizzly G1021 15" planer, Grizzly G10147 combination sander, DeWalt D28474W-B3 Angle grinder- Call:265-3070/ 6451895
Bobcat 753, Air compressor, 40ft Aluminum container, cement mixer- Call:677-9155 1 -115 Evin Rude four stroke outboard engine: Asking price $60,000 in good condition: Price neg. Call: 649-8324 Electric Snow Cone machines- Call:266-2711/6094594 One Honda Honmel 1000 CBR, condition usedCall:610-7005/219-1342
ONLINE SHOPPING ZERO COMMISSION, WEEKLY SHIPMENTS,AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX.CALL: 2315789, 225-9030 FOR SALE 29" TV $50,000, 16cuft refrigerator $65,000, China Cabinet $30,000, 30" Stove $45,000 & 321 Suite $30,000: Good condition. Call: 686-3712 1-75HP Yamaha four stroke outboard engine in excellent condition asking price $950,000 price negCall:649-8324 Canter and Truck tyresSizes: 295.80 22.5, 195.85.16, 205.85.16- Call:222-3538/ 6600342
WE FILL OUT VISA FORMS:USA, UK & CANADA & CREDIT CARD SERVICES CALL: 231-5789 We repair LCD, Plasma, LED TV, Microwave, Washer & Dryer, Amp etc. Call:6472276/693-3277 Computer repairs in homesCall:675-7292 TV repairs, DVD, Microwaves, Amplifiers, Stereos, Washing machines etc. Call:693-2683 (Continued on page 36)
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 37
Letters... Where your views make the news
PPP’s Congress will not take Guyana out of its state of chaos DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese who have been following the political, social and economic developments over the past ten years have finally concluded that the PPP has been incapable of providing insightful explanations on the ongoing political turmoil that has engulfed the country- and the party’s Congress, that starts tomorrow, will not be able to take Guyana out of its state of chaos. Our analysis is based on two essential hypotheses. The first is that Guyana will never have a good PPP government until and unless there are solid laws in place to ensure viable and sustainable structures that would guarantee good, transparent and accountable governance. The repeated failures of this regime to deliver such governance are primarily the fault of the cabal and their wealthy friends who have complete control of the state apparatus and resources. The failures are more properly understood as failures in terms of greed, selfishness and corrupt practices as practiced by the aforementioned. The second hypothesis is that we have been witnessing and continue to witness the collapse of the socio-political and financial institutions such as the public hospitals where maternal deaths take place without proper explanation and the malfunctioning of educational institutions including UG and the technical colleges. The recent resignation of the Director of the UG Campus in Berbice clearly shows that the institution is in a terrible state of decay and the relevant authorities are incapable of solving the problem. We have often argued that the core of the problem is that over the course of the 21 years of PPP rule, there has been disorder after disorder such as the bankruptcy of CLICO, no Procurement Commission to reduce corruption, the lack of openness with respect to NICIL, no anti-crime legislation, the sneaky way radio and TV licences were granted to PPP friends and relatives by Jagdeo, and the PPP approval of a number of illogical and in many cases secret contracts such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, construction of a new airport, and the Specialty Hospital, to name a few. And to add insult to injury, the granting of a contract to a contractor who was not required to hire locals
to work on the Marriott Hotel. This collapse did not begin yesterday. It began the moment Jagdeo assumed power in 1999 and became increasing apparent over the past decade as the wealthy easily gained access to the state resources in return for kick-backs. His tyrannical rule, which the PPP regime has downplayed, pushed Guyana further into a state of chaos. Simply put, the collapse can be attributed to bad governance, which includes corruption, incompetency and poor public policies at the highest level. The problem is we have moved from one President to another, desperately trying to find some solution which would halt the disarray. But after 20 months in office, the new minority President has proven to be more incompetent than his predecessor. He has a visionless economic agenda that contributes very little to human development but has spread poverty in the urban centres and villages, thus plunging the country further into the abyss. Now, faced with a majority opposition, it is clear that we have reached a stalemate in governance known as gridlock and the minority PPP regime has emphatically stated that it will not compromise and there is nothing the people who are held hostage can do other than to consume the insults hurled at the opposition by the cabal. This is one of the classic failures of the PPP, which is more interested in helping economic barons and oppressing those in need. In a State filled with chaos, any semblance of order, rationality and intellectualism is gone and Guyanese are now entirely subjected to the forces of irrationality, mental instability, indiscipline and reckless adventurism. We would like to remind the public that this is what has been happening in Guyana under the current and
recent past regime, where no one has been arrested and charged for corruption. Instead of dealing with the scourge of corruption, the PPP cabal has put the onus on the people to prove to them where corruption has occurred. Many vagabonds have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar and yet the President has refused to discipline them. Why? Never in all Guyana’s politics, have we seen a government so full of inanity, viciousness, gutter- rhetoric, propaganda and seething animosity as this uncaring and anti-working class PPP regime. If the people do not act urgently, the ominous portent of this vile regime will devour them and thus place Guyana deeper into a state of chaos. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh
PROPERTY FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Prospect $13M, West Bank $18.5M, Section ‘K’ $40M, AA Eccles $60M- $40M- Call Diana@ 227-2256/626-9382
2- 2007 Toyota Avensis. Call 698-0674
2 Storey concrete house at Charlotte St. next to Office of the President: Asking $32M- Call:614-0335/6260017
1 Hilux Surf: Excellent condition: Price $1.5 millionCall:697-1849 1 Nissan Frontier 4×4 fully loaded, GPP series: Immaculate conditionContact:697-1849/227-4856
100ft×45ft 2-storey building located at Bourda Market area. Call 626-7765
Sale! Axio: TV, DVD $3.1M Neg: Pre-order Premio $2.5M Neg- Call: 655-3400
FOR SALE
Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales: For best price, wholesale & retail dealer in Japanese automobiles & parts- Call:233-5151/ 231-7839
Original games for sale call:265-3231
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
Classes in Designing and Sewing. Call Sharmela (Canadian-Trained) @ 6410784/626-2629
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Now Offering Nail Course $10,000- Call:604-3002 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD tele:265-4138,652-5800 specialized in everything for women & children
TOURS Suriname Carifesta Summer Tour: August 15th-20th & August 22nd-27th; Casino & Site seeing; Book early. Call 639-2663/644-0185/665-5171/ 227-8290 Visit Suriname for CarifestaContact Miss Williams @ 647-4788
CAR RENTAL Premio, Vitz call: 679-7139 Aidan’s Car Rental & PickupCall: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Progressive Auto Rental cars from $4000 per day. Call 643-5122, 225-8711; email www. progressive autorental. com
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Two yellow AT192 for the price of one: HB series, both working. Asking $800,000Call:621-3659 Sale! Sale! Toyota Premio (unregistered), fully loaded $2.5M- Call:617-2891/2202345 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered Premio, Allion, IST, Fielder- Call:652-3820/ 665-4529 1 AE91 (EFI)- Call:265-4346
Office Assistant @ EcclesCall:233-2546 One Upholster & two JoinersCall:219-1342/610-7005 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistantCall:688-9611/684-2838 Refrigeration, A/C Technician. Call 231-0655/ 683-8734
Model 192, PKK 3390 $1.1MCall:697-3191/697-8934
Male sales person for Plant Shop 18yrs-25yrs, must have secondary education- call 648-1821 (between 8:00am4:00pm)
1 Toyota Land-cruiser Prado PMM series- call:225-0188/ 225-6070 One Nissan Pickup: Good condition- Call:696-7664 or 614-8996
205 Mercedes Benz C180 compressor: PPP series: Navy Blue- Call:613-5955 1 Toyota AT170, AT192, AT212, Ceres, Vitz, EP 71 Starlet, Hilux Pickup Solid DEF. Call 644-5096/697-1453 New Raum, Premio, Fielder, Alex and Vitz: Never registered- call: 269-0432/ 686-0323 1 Enclosed Canter Truck for sale $650,00 Neg- Call:6760455 Raum 04, Nav $2.4M: Fielder Nav, SP $2.5M: Spacio 03 $2.4M- Call:609-8989/6165595 Axio Special- 2007, TV/DVD & Reverse Camera $2.950MCall:617-2891
ALYEA’S AUTO SALE PREMIO 03 $2.7 NEG, PREMIO 02 $2.6 NEG, AXIO 08 $2.950 NEG: 40 CROAL ST G/TOWN- CALL:6223823/231-7284
VACANCY
2 Ford F150: Price $4.5M & $3.5M- Call: 643-5249 / 2654979
1 Toyota Harrier $3M: Excellent condition- Call:2317831
DRESSMAKING
(From page 37)
Toyota Altezza, PNN, tiptronic. Call 622-0108 One G-Touring Wagon: HB series. Call 674-8982 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Spacio, IST, Axio, 212, Fielder, Verossa & AllexCall:609-8188/602-6307 Unregistered Nissan Bluebird Sylphy: Fully loaded, 17" rims- Call:692-9252
1 Live in maid must be from country & able to cook, age 35-45 years- Call:662-1124 or 611-0200 Needed sellers to walk & sell Tin fruit juices: Apply at Alabama Trading G/Town Ferry Stelling Vacancy exists for able bodied male cleaner: Apply at Alabama Trading G/Town Ferry Stelling One person to build chairs in work shop- Call:610-7005/ 219-1342
TO LET Fully furnished short term apartments @ Eccles call: 679-7139 Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: $5000 per night- Call:6680306/602-8769/694-7817 Furnished two bedrooms apartment in Linden for short term local & overseas guestsCall: 444-4704/ 614-4415 Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 227-1218
Unregistered Mitsubishi long canter $3,350,000Call:615-7526/653-4560
Furnished executive one or two bedrooms suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call 609-2466
One black Titan (2005) 4 wheel drive, fully loaded: $4.2M negotiable- Call:6782814/699-2322
Semi- furnished apartment: Single room $50,000 @ ‘B’ field Sophia- Call:661-3801
2003 Allion PRR series: Equip with alarm, HID, back up camera $2.5M- Call:667-0338
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 01, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Nature and Nurture DEAR EDITOR, Pope Francis continues to impress the international public not only with his humility and simplicity, but also by his courage to pronounce on controversial issues such as the attitude of the Church towards gays. He is reported to have said that gay people should not be marginalized but integrated into society
in what some analysts believe is a radical departure from positions held hitherto by the Catholic Church where gays and homosexuals were often regarded as taboo subjects to be avoided at best. This is indeed an enlightened stance taken by the Pope for which he must be commended. There is too much stigma
Kudos to Magistrate Moore DEAR EDITOR, Kudos to Magistrate Alex Moore for holding, or trying to hold the police accountable for their unprofessional and wasteful behaviour. Guyana needs more Magistrates and Judges with
demonstrated integrity and a sense of clear justice. Police officers must understand that they are not above the law. They do have extraordinary powers and they must be held accountable in such exercise. June Veecock
and stereotypes associated with homosexuals by the public at large, due mainly to a lack of understanding and appreciation as to the reasons people behave the way the way they do. The subject of same-sex marriage has now become a highly controversial if not divisive issue in many parts of the world, more particularly in the United States, where a number of states have legalized such marriages. Being gay is not a crime and persons with such orientation should not be treated as criminals or exhibiting deviant behaviour. The debate of whether such behavioral manifestations are the result of nature or nurture will continue for a long time even though a more acceptable explanation appears to be more of interplay between that of nature and nurture. Hydar Ally
Kwakwani needs better... From page 4 would look even more attractive with better roads. Secondly, I would like the local NDC and community leaders to start looking more urgently at the condition of the Linden to Kwakwani Highway. It is in a very depressing state at the moment and has been that way for months now. I don’t know why there aren’t any public complaints from the road users about the
condition of the road and how it is affecting travel. These things should have been prevented. The road is in dire need of repairs, there are lots of pools of water and badly damaged sections that need to be rehabilitated. If nothing is done it would soon become impassable. Traveling conditions are already difficult and the bus drivers are currently enduring heavy costs to repair their
vehicles. The road isn’t just a means of transportation, it is also a way of making a living for some people and it is Kwakwani’s most vital connection to the outside world for goods and services. This road needs saving today, and the leaders who are responsible for taking care of Region Ten need to look at this situation as soon as possible. Concerned Citizen Name & Address Provided
Thursday August 01, 2013
LCPL Cricket By Sean Devers A capacity crowd turned out at Providence last night to urge the Guyana Amazon Warriors on and they were not disappointed, leaving the National Stadium with smiles as broad as the Essequibo River. The Ramnaresh Sarwan led local side produced captivating cricket against arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Steel in an exciting 19-run victory as the inaugural Limacol CPL T20 cricket tournament got on the way in its Guyana leg. The colourful crowd rocked all night long in true Carnival fashion while the pretty Limacol CPL, Courts and Digicel girls provided additional entertainment for the pumped-up fans. When the dust had settled T&T’s Red Steel were restricted to 136-8 despite an exhilarating 54 from 17-year old wicketkeeper Nicolas Pooran from just 23 balls. This was in reply to Guyana’s Amazon Warriors’ 155-5 off their allowed 20 overs. Justin Guillen who scored a run-a-ball 22, backed away to cut and was bowled by Mohammed Hafeez to leave the Red Steel on 28-1, while Davey Jacobs (10) was bowled by left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul at 46-2 in the 9th over to the delight of the partisan crowd of well over 15,000. Ross Taylor (2) was next to go, LBW to Permaul and the visitors were 50-3 in the 11th over as the required rate climbed to 11.5. Darren Bravo was put down at point by Hafeez off Sunil Narine on 17 before Pooran hit his countryman for a six next ball. The Wicketkeeper then dumped Hafeez for two sixes in the next over to keep hopes alive in the tourist’s camp. With 67 needed from 36 balls, the partnership between Pooran and Daren Bravo was beginning to look ominous. Darren Bravo (23 from 25 balls) edged a catch to Denesh Ramdin off Krishmar Santokie at 93-4 in the 15th over and there was noticeable relief among the biggest crowd to watch a cricket match at Providence. Pooran was dropped twice off consecutive balls off Permaul in the 16th over and at 103-4 with 24 balls remaining, a game was still on. Dwayne Bravo (8) was caught off Narine after the third Umpire verified that a no-ball was not delivered at 105-5 but with Pooran, who hit Narine over cover for six, still there, a thrilling finish was anticipated.
Kaieteur News
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Capacity crowd get plenty to shout about as Amazon Warriors beat T&T’s Red Steel Pooran was not finished yet and consecutive sixes off Permaul reduced the asking to 31 from 14 balls. Permaul had the last laugh when Pooran lofted a catch to long-off at 124-6 in the 18th over. Cooper (0) and Kevin O’Brian (8) fell in quick succession to leave the score on 131-8 with 10 balls left in the riveting contest. But in the end 20 from the final over, bowled by Narine proved too big a task for the T&T based unit. Suleiman Benn (0) was bowled with the second ball and Narine finished with a wicket maiden. Permaul had 3-32 while there were two wickets each for Santokie and Narine. Earlier, Red Steel won the toss and invited the Warriors to bat first in cool conditions on a track with early ‘carry’ for the pacers. Lendl Simmons and Martin Guptill, who neatly tucked Miguel Cummins behind square in the opening over, gave the home side a solid 77-run foundation before Badree struck in the 10th over when he trapped Guptill for 32 from 21 balls
Guptill hits a big six over midwicket (Getty Images)
with three fours and a six. Cummings strayed down the leg-side twice in his second over and Simmons flicked him for four past a diving Pooran behind the stumps before the Bajan pacer again strayed into Simmons’ pads, conceding four leg-bys. Benn replaced leg-spinner Samuel Badree, whose first over cost seven runs, and was immediately dumped over mid-off for a boundary while Copper was struck for a six over long on by the elegant Guptill. Simmons then brought up the Warriors’ 50 in the sixth over with thumping straight six off Badree-operating in his second spell- and fireworks lighted up the night sky. The flag-waving and horn-blowing fans were given a sumptuous treat as they, like the gyrating Cheerleaders, who danced continuously throughout the contest on specially set up stages, had a ball of a time as they watched themselves on a huge TV screen. With pulsating music blearing in between overs and after every boundary and the
ram-packed crowd providing a kaleidoscope of colour beyond the boundary, Hafeez joined the well entrenched Simmons but was soon caught at square-leg for 13 off O’Brian at 98-2 in the 14th over as the run rate slowed a bit. The 100 came up in 14.3 overs as the towering James Franklin joined forces with Simmons who fell eight short of his fifty when he dragged Dwayne Bravo to deep mid wicket to leave the Warriors on 103-3 in the 16th over after facing 50 balls and hitting two fours and a six. The Red Steel skipper struck two balls later when Chris Barnwell was removed for a duck. Narsingh Deonarine (1) was then run out as the local side slipped to 106-5 in the next over. Sarwan who batted at number seven in the order, and the left handed Franklin carried their team to end with an unfinished 49-run stand from 22 balls. Franklin hit Bravo for a massive six over long-on into the noisy crowd in the mound while Sarwan whipped Bravo gloriously to the square-leg boundary. Franklin then
completed the over by attempting a paddle sweep and the ball eluded Pooran as the over cost 16 runs. Cooper went into Franklin’s legs and the pugnacious all rounder disdainfully deposited him into the stands and he repeated the doze in Bravo’s next over. Sarwan then smashed Bravo for a mighty six over mid-wicket which went 88 meters. The classy Guyana captain ended his unbeaten cameo with a ‘Dilscoop’ which sailed over the keeper’s for a one-bounce four. The final over from Bravo went for 21 runs and took the local team past the 150 mark with Sarwan on 21 from just 12 balls and Franklin on 26 form 20 balls decorated with three sixes. Bravo was the most successful and expensive bowler finishing with 2-14 from his four overs. Santokie was named man-of-the-match for his excellent bowling performance. The next match is tomorrow when the Warriors come up against Jamaica from 20:00hrs at Providence.
8TH CARIBBEAN PRE-CADET CHAMPIONSHIPS...
GT&T fulfills corporate obligations, supports C/bean Pre-Cadet C/ships Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) commendably fulfilled its corporate obligations after confirming sponsorship to the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) as part of the Body’s preparations for the upcoming 8th Caribbean Pre-Cadet Championships which is scheduled to be staged in Guyana from August 10-15, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Yesterday, during a simple presentation ceremony in the Company’s Canteen Public Relations Officer Nadia DeAbreu in the presence of fellow PRO Allison Parker handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to President of the GTTA Godfrey Munroe in the presence of other officials, parents and selected players. DeAbreu speaking at the occasion spoke of the interaction with the GTTA which according to her commenced last year, adding that the sponsorship is primarily for the regional tournament, but also has accommodation for other
organised programmes as well. She reminded also the other cost that the Company will accrue for branding and other related assistance for being a part of the championships. Munroe in his remarks first thanked the Company on behalf of the Executive Committee of the GTTA for its support and recognition for the development of sports and sporting organisations. “Sponsorship is a very significant component for the development of sports and it also affords the respective organisations and associations the opportunity to do more for the athletes as well,” Munroe said. He lauded GT&T for being the first Company to come on board, informing that it is because of their assistance in addition to other corporate entities that has enabled them to host an event of such magnitude, stating that without such munificence it would be difficult or even impossible to engage in such an undertaking.
The event according to Munroe acts as an incubator for the GTTA to be able to produce more stars and by extension the Caribbean. Munroe added that the hosting of such an event is extremely significant since it allows them to lobby the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for more grants, especially for training purposes etc. “It allows us to showcase many of our junior players and this programme is all part of the ITTF Global Development Initiative,” Munroe related. The GTTA Head disclosed that apart from host Guyana, six foreign countries have already confirmed participation and they include Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba and Suriname, while President of the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation Juan Villa is also expected to be part of the proceedings. The categories to be contested at the Caribbean Pre-Cadet tournament
include Boys singles, doubles and Mixed doubles, Girls singles, doubles and Mixed doubles in the respective age groups and two sessions will be held daily from 09:00 hrs-12:00 hrs and 16:30 hrs-20:00 hrs. National Coach Linden Johnson speaking with this newspaper said that the team has been in training for the past six weeks and has intensified preparations leading up to the start of the tournament. Meanwhile, those called are: Boys 11 Years and Under from Tyriq Saunders, Terrence Rouche, Kaysan Ninvalle, Niron Bissu, Yeudistir Persaud, Brandon Jaikarran,
Navendra Persaud, Isaiah Layne. Boys 13 and Under: Miguel Wong, Jeremy Singh, Khalil Ninvalle, Jordan Conway, Sandor Kanhai, Vincent Henry, Khalid Gobin and Amit Mookram. Girls 11 Years and Under: Salinas Jackman, Naveah Clarkston, Abigail Martin and Girls 13 Years and Under, Kristie Lopes, Priyanna Ramdhani, Simran Bissu, Davonna Bess, Britney Bunbury and Aneka Phillips. Admission on all the days is free and fans are being encouraged to come out and support Guyana, but more importantly witness the future stars in the sport.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 01, 2013
SM Jaleel sponsors Umpires Three share Golden Boot award and Referees panel for LCPL Beverage giants SM Jaleel and Companyheadquartered in Trinidad and Tobago have been confirmed as the official partner for the Umpires and Referees panel in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 tournament. The company’s products Busta soft drink and Fruta juices have been named the official beverages of the LCPL and along with other SM Jaleel products, will be available at all matches throughout the tournament, providing refreshment and hydration for players, umpires and thirsty, excited cricket fans. Vice President Marketing Anna Mohammed said the SM Jaleel and Company with their brands Busta and Fruta are proud to be the official soft drink beverages of the LCPL T20. “Busta has traditionally invested in cricket throughout the region and shares the view that the league will help develop the game of T20 as well as its players by providing an opportunity for identifying new talent and creating new West Indian cricket stars on an international level.” Mohammed stated that SM Jaleel vision of what the LCPL will accomplish both
regionally and globally. “We believe in the positive influence of the league and what it can bring to our region; that it will further augment our status as the world T20 champions with many of the best players, while bringing the Caribbean people together in unity. Promoting this positive and exciting global identity for the Caribbean is something Busta and Fruta are proud to be part of, and in that light we are thrilled to be on board as the official soft drinks of the LCPL T20. We wish all teams and players best of luck. Jamie Stewart Commercial Director and Consultant to the LCPL commenting on the partnership said, “Players and spectators have to keep refreshed on and off the field as do the umpires. Therefore, it is a great pleasure to welcome SM Jaleel and the Busta and Fruta brands to the LCPL as the Umpires and Referees Partner and Official Beverage of the LCPL. Busta has a great heritage with cricket in the region and we are excited to have them on board.” The LCPL T20 commenced on July 30 in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad and Tobago.
South African winger Habana races against a plane... and wins!
Chicago – Three players – two from the United States and one from Panama — entered the Gold Cup final on Sunday as the tournament’s joint-scoring leaders. Once the match ended 1-0 in favor of the Americans, the top of the goals table did not change. Thus, Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski (both of the U.S.) and Gabriel Torres (Panama) finished as the top scorers with five goals each and will share the award. It is the third time that Donovan has split top scoring honors. In 2003, he and Costa Rica’s Walter Centeno led the way with four goals each. Two years later, he finished level at three goals with DaMarcus Beasley (United States), Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala), Luis Tejada (Panama) and Wilmer Velasquez (Honduras). CONCACAF GOLD CUP PREVIOUS TOP SCORERS
1991 – Benjamin Galindo, Mexico (4) 1993 – Luis Roberto Alves, Mexico (11) 1996 – Eric Wynalda, USA (4) 1998 – Luis Hernández,
Chris Wondolowski Mexico; Paulo Wanchope, Costa Rica (4) 2000 – Carlo Corazzin, Canada (4) 2002 – Brian McBride, USA (4) 2003 – Walter Centeno, Costa Rica; Landon Donovan, USA (4) 2005 – DaMarcus Beasley, USA; Landon Donovan, USA; Carlos Ruiz, Guatemala; Luis Tejada, Panama; Wilmer Velasquez, Honduras (3) 2007 – Carlos Pavon, Honduras (5) 2009 – Miguel Sabah, Mexico (4) 2011 – Javier Hernandez, Mexico (7)
Landon Donovan
Gabriel Torres
Gov’t announces health, pension plan for athletes Habana beats the plane to the finish line after an explosive start. Daily Mail - Bryan Habana is known for being one of the fastest men in rugby but you would not expect him to have the wheels of an Airbus A380. The winger has previously kept pace with a cheetah but he was keen to show that he has not lost a yard following his recent move to Toulon. Powered by FOUR Rolls Royce engines, the jet can reach flight speeds up to
600mph but Habana showed off his explosive start by winning the race down the runway. It may not be the most conventional preseason preparation, but it should put the 30-year-old in good shape for Toulon’s warm-up against Racing Metro on August 2. Perhaps the Springbok was spurred on by Mick Jagger’s glamorous daughter, Georgia May, who was
waving the start flag. Habana is not the only high-profile arrival in the South of France this summer. Leciester ’s Martin Castrogiovanni has also signed for the French giants alongside Australian winger Drew Mitchell. The 30-year-old Habana has already enjoyed a glittering career and his sights are now set on a place in next year’s Rugby World Cup.
‘MOSCOW, I’M READY’:
GOVERNMENT yesterday announced plans for the introduction of health insurance benefits to cover some 1,500 Jamaican athletes. Minister with responsibility for sport, Natalie Neita-Headley, told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) that the health insurance plan forms part of Jamaica’s Sport Policy, which has been developed to fuel success in sports, as well as to enhance future development. “We are looking to cover some 1,500 athletes in the first instance and I speak broadly to athletes, being all sportsmen and women, not just those in athletics,” the minister said. The Sport Policy, the Minister said, also has a
pension plan for the athletes, which is still being discussed, with a view to making it a contributory scheme, similar to the one that pertains in the public sector. The minister’s announcement comes just more than a week after the Sunday Observer first reported the plight of Olympian Olivia McKoy, who has fallen on hard times and was forced to sell bag drinks on the streets of Kingston. Several persons, responding to the Observer story, have offered to help the struggling Olympian. She has, however, agreed to settle to a teaching job at the Hydel Group of Schools, owned by former senator Hyacinth
Bennett. Yesterday, NeitaHeadley told the JIS that a broad spectrum of individuals from the different sporting disciplines, who are now involved in representing Jamaica, either at the national or professional level, would be included in the 1,500. “Once the Sport Council is satisfied that we have given the best coverage to each athlete, it will then go to Cabinet for approval,” the minister said, adding that “it will then go to tender and an insurance company will be selected to give coverage to the athletes”. The minister pointed out that track and field has the largest number of beneficiaries. (Jamaica Observer)
Bolt warns World Championship rivals he’s Pepsi Sonics Vocational ready to win gold... while speaking RUSSIAN Programme ongoing Daily Mail - Usain Bolt will again be among the favourites for 100m gold when he in August competes in the World Championships in Moscow. And while maths has recently been used to explain his incredible speed - it was revealed his world record of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Championships was achieved by reaching 12.2
metres per second, around 27mph - the sprinter has demonstrated that languages are perhaps his real love. Bolt, for all that the serious business is about to begin, has demonstrated that his sense of humour remains intact. Featuring in an advert for Puma, the light-hearted sprinter can be viewed attempting to learn Russian
ahead of his expected success there next month. Apparently learning phrases such as ‘My name is Usain’, ‘I am from Jamaica’ and ‘have the other guys crossed the line y e t ? ’ , B o l t ’s l a n g u a g e ‘lesson’ is undertaken in the privacy of his changing room after a track session. ‘Moscow, I’m ready,’ he later warns.
The 2013 Pepsi Sonics Vocational Basketball Programme, which commenced last Saturday at the National Gymnasium continues during the week and is still open to interested participants, according to a release from the top-seeded club. “The first day was basically an introductory to the programme and fundamentals of the game.
Assistants were had from Merle Casey (Pepsi Sonics President) and Linda Whyte (One of the Vice-Presidents) and former national junior player, Mellisa Dow,” the release noted. Director of Sports, Neil Kumar, who will give a pep talk to the participants on sports and other relevant topics, will be visiting the programme that commences at 10am each
Merle Casey day, Monday to Friday, the club stated.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Cavaliers Sports & Tour Club outlines Race Walk month events The cream of the country’s race walkers will join several new comers and a host of overseas participants to compete for honours when the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club (CSTC) launches its 10th race walk month of activities with an emancipation day race walk today. The race will commence ay 06:30 hrs at the first busshed Kuru Kururu Linden Highway and proceed to the Soesdyke Community Policing Group’s office, Soesdyke junction for the finish. The CSTC activities which are being held under the theme Race Walking -A Healthy Sport is dedicated to the memory of its Late Founder\Co-ordinator, Ms Olga Harry, who died earlier this year. Several other races have been planned for the 10th Race Walk month of activities. On Sunday, August 11, walkers will converge at the Bust of the late Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham at
Vlissingen and Public Road, Kitty at 06:30 hrs for the Burnham Memorial Race Walk. The Race will proceed along Vlissingen Road en route to the Botanical Gardens, Regent Street. On Sunday August 18th Walkers will compete in the Linden Race Walk which gets underway at 06:30 hrs at the Linden Bridge (Wismar end) and proceed along the Winifred Gaskin’s Highway, up to the Bayroc Recreational Centre, Wisroc for the ending. The CSTC events continue on Saturday August 24, with the 1st Anna Regina Town Day Walk. The event will commence at 06:30 hrs at Queenstown and proceeds to the Damon Statue, Anna Regina for the finish. This will be followed by another race from Dartmouth to Damon Statue on Saturday August 31. The organisers will bring the curtains down on activities on Saturday, August 31 with a 10K around Soesdyke starting from 06:30 hrs. The race starts at Cecil
Harry’s photo Studio, Back Road and continues around the community and culminates at the place of origin. Sessions on Race Walking will be held during the month throughout the country, exhibition on Race Walking will be staged on Saturday, August 10 at the club’s headquarters Back Road Soesdyke. A 3-Day Junior Race Walking Camp will also be held. The club will also hold a special award ceremony on August 23. Among those that will receive awards are Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford, Kurshid Sattaur, Joseph L Da Silva, Kaieteur News reporter Michael Benjamin, national Race Walk champion Rudolph Mitchell and female Donna Ramkissoon. The late Olga Harry will also be remembered. According the newly appointed Co-ordinator of the CSTC, Cecil Harry, the executive body of the CSTC intends to intensify efforts to send a team of Race Walkers to the 2016 Brazil Olympics.
Neymar joins Messi and Co as he dons Barcelona shirt in friendly debut Messi and Neymar didn’t have much chance to strut their stuff on the pitch together (Getty Images)
Daily Mail - Barcelona’s new signing Neymar was denied a win on his debut when the Brazil forward came on as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw in a friendly at Polish side Lechia Gdansk. The standout performer in his nation’s triumph at last month’s Confederations Cup, Neymar joined up with his new team-mates on Monday and made the trip to Poland to feature in a Barca squad for the first time since joining from Santos.
He replaced Chile forward Alexis Sanchez in the 78th minute, just after World Player of the Year Lionel Messi had been substituted, and was welcomed with a series of robust challenges from the home players. New coach Gerardo Martino did not make the trip to Poland and will make his debut on the bench when Barca host Neymar’s former club in a friendly at the Nou Camp on Friday. A minute’s silence was held before the match in
Gdansk after Barca announced earlier on Tuesday that their former goalkeeper Antoni Ramallets had died at the age of 89. Ramallets made 473 appearances for the Catalan club between 1946 and 1961 and won six La Liga titles and five Spanish Cups. He was awarded the Zamora trophy for the top goalkeeper in La Liga five times and was part of the Spain squad that finished fourth at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.
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45-STRONG - Bolt, Shelly lead charge JAAA names 45-member team to World Champs Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce
Montego Bay, St James Double world record-holder Usain Bolt and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann FraserPryce are among four individual medallists from last year ’s London Olympic Games who were Monday named in Jamaica’s 45-member team to participate in the 14th IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, between August 10 - 18. Bolt, who will be seeking his third straight men’s 200m title after wins in Berlin, Germany, in 2009, and Daegu, South Korea, two years ago, will head the powerful 22member men’s team, while Fraser-Pryce, who won the women’s 100m in Berlin, has been included in the 23member women’s squad. Warren Weir and Hansle Parchment, who both won bronze medals in the 200m and 110m hurdles, respectively, in London, are also in the team, which is expected to start arriving in Moscow, tomorrow for the start of a week-long camp. Maurice Wilson, who was Head Coach for the team to Deagu and London has been named Technical leader, while Calabar High’s Michael
Clarke is the Head Coach. For the first time Jamaica has named two shot-putters, O’Dayne Richards and Raymond Brown, while female long-jumper Francine Simpson is in the team as well. A number of athletes in the team were being named to the first senior national team to a major global championship, including 400m runners Javere Bell and schoolboy Javon Francis, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Natoya Goule, and Danielle Dowie. Discus thrower Jason Morgan, the only Jamaican to achieve the B qualifying standard, was not named in the team. Morgan was unable to travel to the national championships in June as he was being sworn in as an American citizen that same weekend and had written to the JAAA. Full contingent: Men Usain Bolt, Kemar BaileyCole, Nickel Ashmeade, Nesta Carter, Warren Weir, Jason Livermore, Javere Bell, Javon Francis, Rushane McDonald, Hansle Parchment, Andrew Riley, Dwight Thomas, Leford Green, Annsert Whyte, Isa Phillips, Damar Forbes, O’Dayne Richards, Raymond Brown, Oshane Bailey,
Akheem Gauntlett, Omar Johnson, and Edinho Steele. Women - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Kerron Stewart, Schillonie Calvert, Sherri-Ann Brooks, Anniesha McLaughlin, Novlene Williams-Mills, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Patricia Hall, Natoya Goule, Danielle Williams, Andrea Bliss, Shermaine Williams, Kaliese Spencer, Ristananna Tracey, Danielle Dowie, Nickesha Wilson, Francine Simpson, Kimberly Williams, Carrie Russell, Natasha Morrison, Anastasia Leroy, Christine Day, and Rosemarie Whyte. Officials: Team leader Trevor ‘TC’ Campbell; assistant managers — Deon Hemmings-McCatty and Dave Myrie; technical leader - Maurice Wilson; head coach - Michael Clarke; assistant coaches - Fitz Coleman, Lennox Graham, Jermaine Shand, and Maurice Westney; Doctor - Derrick McDowell; Physiotherapist Mathew Parchment; Masseurs - Everold Edwards, Damion Rowe, Collin Turner, Gavin James and Dwayne Davis; team press liaison Dennis Gordon. (Jamaica Observer)
Christian Benitez: Striker died of heart failure BBC Sport - Former Birmingham striker Christian Benitez died of heart failure, according to Qatari club El Jaish. The Ecuador international, 27, was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains shortly after making his debut for El Jaish on Sunday. Benitez died hours later and his club confirmed that “official medical reports stated that the sudden death was caused by heart failure.” El Jaish say they will cover
all costs of returning Benitez’s body to Ecuador. “Sadness and sorrow prevailed all over the club after hearing the sad news,” read a club statement. “El Jaish management assures again its endless support to Christian’s family and stand by their side during this hard time.” Benitez, capped 58 times by his country, spent the 2009-10 season on loan at Birmingham from Santos Laguna but returned to the
Mexican side when the St Andrew’s club decided not to sign him permanently. Birmingham will hold a minute’s silence before their Championship opener against Watford on Saturday, while Blues players will also wear black armbands.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 01, 2013
29th edition of Guyana Fight Night
Amateur/professional boxers gear up for televised press conference
Mark Austin
Peter Abdool
Clive Atwell
Four amateur bouts will complement the four professional fights when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) in collaboration with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the National Communication Network presents the 29th edition of Guyana Fight Night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Saturday August 3 next. In an earlier report
Kaieteur Sport had inadvertently stated that the card would have been staged tomorrow night. This is not so and the boxers are assured that activities are slated for Saturday night. The amateur segment will get underway with Tefon Green of the Harpy Eagle’s Boxing Gym (HEBG) squaring off with Junior Henry in the 110-114lbs division, followed by a junior/flyweight clash between Tyron Lashley of the Rose Hall Jammers against Michael April of the Tiger Eye
Boxing gym (TEBG). Welterweights Linden Daniels (GDF) and Travis Fraser (TEBG) will next throw down the gauntlet followed by a heavyweight clash between Kelroy Evelyn (GDF) and Jason Barker of the Republican Boxing Gym. Thirty minutes after the amateur segment has concluded, the professionals will take to the ring and Laured Stewart will face off with Eversley Brown in a 4 rounds middleweight clash followed by the Anson Green/
Richard Williamson welterweight clash over a similar distance. Mark Austin, on the redemption trail will match gloves with former European Middleweight champion, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman in an 8 rounds jnr/ middleweight shindig just before the feature attraction which pits the skills of Clive Atwell against Barbadian Shurwayne ‘The Mauler’ Marshall in an 8 rounds lightweight contest. Meanwhile, the boxers are scheduled to grace the studios of the National Communications Network for the press conference at 13:00hrs tomorrow afternoon where the nation will be briefed of their training regimen and plans for their respective bouts. President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool will be joined by Tournament Organizer (GBA), Terrence Poole from 13:00hrs to brief the nation of the progress of the Guyana Fight Night initiative, the challenges encountered as well as plans for future cards.
Scotiabank and WICB deliver Kiddy Cricket Summer Camp across the Region - Students prepped for Grassroots & National Under-15 programmes Scotiabank and the West Indies Cricket Board have launched a regional Kiddy Cricket summer camp programme across 14 Caribbean territories throughout the months of August to September 2013. The camps will focus on delivering a series of intense coaching clinics for the most successful and talented grade six (6) students coming out of the recent Kiddy Cricket Festivals held across the English Caribbean. Territorial Development Officers are slated to deliver the main technical components of the camp, with the assistance of other support staff from the local cricket boards including umpires who will expose children to the rules of the game. Meanwhile guidance counselors from the schools across the Ministries of education across the islands will host personal development sessions. The participating territories in the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket summer camp will include Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados,
Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, St. Maarten, BVI, Montserrat. The Kiddy Cricket Summer Camps will take on two main formats including a series of day camps for smaller territories as well as overnight camps in larger venues. Each camp will host 60 children. Overnight camps will run for a period of 5 days and four nights, meanwhile smaller territories will host a series of day camps ranging from 2-4 days. Both camps will see the children participating in theoretical and physical cricket sessions from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. KJ Singh, Kiddy Cricket Officer at the WICB said that
the camps are foundation of the WICB’s development pathway for students and is essential as a bridge to take them to the next level. “With the help of Scotiabank, the WICB’s longstanding corporate partner, we are proud to introduce the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Summer Camp as a one of our overall strategic development initiatives to aid in the transition of Kiddy Cricketers to the next level of their cricket development. The aim is to identify and graduate potential talent to the WICB’s Grassroots and Under 13 & 15 Programmes. The campers are students who have shown immense potential and have are
interested in advancing in the sport. We are delighted to be exposing them to the technical training they need,” explained KJ Singh, Kiddy Cricket Officer at the WICB. Speaking on the Bank’s rationale behind supporting the camps, Scotiabank’s regional sponsorship manager Simone Hull Lloyd, said that the Bank was pleased to join with the WICB once again to provide an environment that would foster further growth and continued advancement of the students. “These are students who have gone through the programme from the first grade through to the Kiddy Cricket Festivals. We are proud to be guiding them to the next level of training which will see them getting familiar with advanced cricketing concepts, techniques, skills sessions, and equipment. They will be starting to use hard balls, batting pads and getting use to playing in protective gear such as gloves and helmets which is great preparation for the next (Continued on page 32)
Ansa McAl, Gizmos support Carter Dominoes
Marketing manager of Ansa McAl John Maikoo (left) presents the cheque to Deon Carter.
Organizing secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark Wiltshire (left) collects the vouchers from Ewart Samuels of Gizmos and Gad jets. Ansa McAl and Gizmos and Gadgets have thrown their support behind the Deon Carter Birth Anniversary Dominoes competition which is schedule to start on Sunday August 4. Ansa Mc AL under their product Stag Beer has sponsored the first prize of $200,000, while Gizmos and Gad jets has donated a number of gift vouchers which will be given to outstanding players.
Marketing Manager of Ansa McAl, John Maikoo, said the company is pleased to be associated with Dominoes, while Ewart Samuels of Gizmos and Gad jets stated that he expects a keenly contested tournament. Carter thanked both companies for their support. Among the teams slated to take part are TNT, Wild Bunch, F and H, C 7 and Thunder.
Drawing for GSCL 12\12 tourney set for Wednesday The drawing of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) Super 12\12 tournament will be done on Wednesday 7th at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) Sports Club at 17:30 hrs. The tournament was originally scheduled to commence on August 4 but has now been push back for August 10, matches will also be played on the 11th, 17th while the semifinals and final will take place on August 18. Among the teams that have confirmed their participation so far are Regal XI, Wolf ’s Warriors, defending champions
Memorex, Trophy Stall and Speed Boat. The winning team will cart off $600,000 and a trophy while the runner will take home $200,000 and a trophy. The man of the series will be given a three piece living room suite while the best batsman and bowler will receive trophies. There will be live radio commentary for the final and giveaways for the fans, music will be provided by the Caribbean Hot Shots ban. Everest Cricket Club, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, 5 Star Minerals of Bartica and Memorex are the sponsors on board.
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 43
Long serving cycle coach rewarded by overseas based Guyanese
F
o u n d e r , coordinator, organiser and coach of the Flying Ace Cycle Club, Randolph Roberts, was recently recognised for his unwavering and selfless service and performance over the years in the field of cycling. He was recently honoured by overseas-based Guyanese, Rawle Felix, at a simple presentation ceremony held at Felix’s home. Felix in brief remarks spoke of his long association with the FACC which spanned Guyana and overseas. He told of his admiration of the club and its members who stuck it out over the years against all odds. He mentioned of his association with the club. Felix over the years has assisted the club as a sponsor, purchasing air fares and made other tangible contributions. Now his family is sponsoring the Annual Grenville Felix Cycle race in honour of his father, who is 96 years old, and Guyana’s oldest living engineer who was trained by the British. Roberts or Ranny or coachman as he is called, was one of the founding members of the club some 26 years ago. Since then Roberts has stuck with it and has managed to weather all storms and obstacle that has come his way. Today, from humble beginnings, Roberts has actually single handedly guided the club to being one of the leading cycle clubs in Guyana. Apart from the present crop of riders, among some of the top cyclist to have emerged from the club, is Wazin Gaffor who set a junior record in the National
Park which still stands today, the Benjamin brothers Gary and Wilbert, Peter Millington, Russell Allen, Rudolph Blair and female Rhonda Persaud among others. Some still ride while others have gone on to successful careers in, education, business among other achievements. Roberts along with Hassan Mohamed can take the accolades of keeping cycling alive in Guyana by organizing the most races in the Country. The Flying Ace Cycle Club can also boast of organizing the most events in Guyana. Roberts over the years has been a recipient of a number of awards including from the Guyana Olympic Association, The National Sports Commission, the Regional Administration, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club among others. The club, which is headed by Businessman John Lewis for the past year, held close to 20 events, a number of which were for cyclists countrywide, some for Berbicians only and others for club members alone. The club also organise track events for members to keep them active. Another feature of the club is its regular recognition of athletes of other disciplines at its awards and presentation ceremony. Among all the activities, Roberts has been the live wire. Roberts thanked Rawle Felix and the Felix family for continuing to show fate and stick with the club. He also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the club over the years and hoped they would continue to lend their support for the success of the entity. (Samuel Whyte)
Mickey Arthur reaches settlement with Cricket Australia BBC Sport - Mickey Arthur has reached a settlement with Cricket Australia (CA) after the South African began legal proceedings over his dismissal as national coach. The 45-year-old was sacked in June, just 16 days before the Ashes started. The settlement is confidential but Arthur said he had “significantly reduced” his £2.4m compensation claim. “Both Mickey and CA agree that it is unfortunate that the dispute was not settled prior to the issuing of legal proceedings,” read a joint statement. “Cricket Australia appreciates the efforts that Mickey (Continued on page 32)
Roberts receives his rewards from Rawle Felix while 96 year Grenville Felix and 94 years old Rachel Michael among other family members savors the moment.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 01, 2013
DSFC affords youths the opportunity to Unite, Develop & Excel - crowd support at final was huge - Jacqueline James By Franklin Wilson
This photo shows part of the massive crowd at the final of the 3rd Digicel School’ Football Championship at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.
The final of the 3rd edition of the Digicel Schools Football Championship (DSFC) is still the talking point of football buffs not only in the city but every corner of Guyana. Those who would have read about the game in the Diaspora have also been weighing in on another successful year but more importantly, the quality of play exhibited in the championship game between the two best teams; c h a m p i o n s , Wi s m a r / C h r i s t i a n b u r g Secondary and Waramadong Secondary. Main sponsor and the entity behind this still emerging vision, Digicel, is most understandably delighted with the continued upward climb of the tournament as well as the wonderful support given by members of the public. Head of Marketing at Digicel, Jacqueline James spoke with Kaieteur News about the feelings of the company in relation to another successful tournament. Digicel, ever since its coming to the Caribbean has set a high standard and displayed admirable vision in promoting and developing the most important resource, which is the human resource. One would not have to cast their mind far back to the Digicel Kick Start Clinic (DKSC) which has seen hundreds of youths
throughout the Caribbean given the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world; England football Legend, John Barnes, the main resource person. Like the DKSC, the DSFC has been doing likewise, affording our youths the opportunity to exhibit their skills and what a success it has been. The most ardent of football fans would not have envisaged the quality of play they would have been treated to were it not for this tournament which Digicel has committed to in the coming years. James herself a football fanatic, did not hesitate to state her delight in seeing so many families and friends packing into the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary on Sunday last to support their team (s). “It was a delight to see that so many families and friends coming out to support our youths in the finals of the Digicel’s Schools’ Football Championship. We had people from across the length and breadth of Guyana, who came out in their numbers, which enhanced the excitement of the games played.” The weather was good on Sunday afternoon last and the players rose to the occasion as they sought to excite their own family members, friends and supporters. It didn’t matter who you were rooting for, good football was the order (Continued on page 32)
Thursday August 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
COFONA Emancipation Cycle race slated for Berbice
T
he Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) Group will be sponsoring a cycle road race set for Sunday August 11 in observance of Emancipation. The event which has been organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) is open to all Berbicians. The 45-mile event, which is being coordinated by Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts, is expected to pedal off at 09:00hrs from the New Amsterdam Municipal Market proceed to the No. 43 Bridge before returning to Main and Alexander Street for the finish. Cyclists from the two Berbice clubs, FACC and Trojan Cycling Club, are expected to battle it out
again in what is expected to be an intriguing affair as the riders aim for individual and club glory as the best in the Ancient County. Prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers overall and the top three juniors while there will be eight sprint prizes up for grabs. Top Berbice cyclists, Neil Reece, Elijah Brijjader, Dwight Holder, Ray Millington, Syborne Fernandes, Crawford Brothers, Gary Benjamin, Brian Harris, Audrel Ross and Triston Kamal among others are expected to be on the saddle for the day’s activity. COFONA, which is an overseas based Guyanese Group with chapters both overseas and locally, continues to contribute to the development of their home
Make-up artist Michelle Playter joins LCPL behind -the-scenes team A hard worker with a passion for fashion, Michelle Playter has been contributing to the local entertainment industry since she participated in the 2004 Miss Guyana Universe pageant. She is now the official make-up artist for the Guyana leg of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 cricket tournament which bowled off last night at Providence. Michelle joined the behind-the scenes LPCL team when she was picked to provide make-up for the Limacol girls for the three nights of action in Guyana. In 2002 Michelle began her journey towards fulfilling her dreams in the fashion Industry and since then she has won the Aubrey’s Miss photogenic Television contest and modeled at fashion shows for several of Guyana’s top designers including Sonia Noel, Derrick Moore, Michelle Cole and Roger Gary. She is now an established make-up artist, something she has been doing for the past 10 years. Michelle was one of the make-up artists for Sonia Noel’s Guyana Fashion Weekend, Wedding Expo, the Miss Guyana Universe
Michelle Playter
pageant and several weddings. The versatile young woman, who was born on CARICOM day 34 years ago, loves singing and participated in a recent National Song competition. Michelle still does catwalk modeling but her main contribution to the fashion arena is as a make-up artist. ( Sean Devers)
town. It was formed in New York and is made up of former New Amsterdam residents. The group is headed by educator, Doctor Leonard Lewis. The local chapter is led by Mrs. Marcy Williams. The group which has a number of other activities organised to celebrate Emancipation, is hosting activities under the theme: ‘From Resistance through Emancipation, towards Empowerment’. (Samuel Whyte)
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t r o Sp
Capacity crowd get plenty to shout about as Amazon Warriors beat T&T’s Red Steel
Sunil Narine (CPL/Getty Images)
8th C’bbean Pre-Cadet C/ships
Simmons hits Cummings for six (Getty Images)
Nicolas Pooran launches one into orbit (CPL/Getty Images)
GT&T fulfills corporate obligations, supports C/bean Pre-Cadet C/ships
GT&T PRO Nadia DeAbreu hands over the sponsorship cheque to President of the GTTA Godfrey Munroe in the presence of fellow PRO Allison Parker (centre and National Coach Linden Johnson and members of the squad yesterday.
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