Kaieteur News

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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

A CALL ANSWERED

Last Monday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented the Budgetary Proposals to the nation, in the National Assembly, under the theme “A Fresh Approach to a Good Life in a Green Economy.” His speech was an insightful analysis of the current state of the country’s staggering economy inherited from the former administration. It was the largest budget ever presented in the history of Guyana, with a whopping G$221B for the fiscal year 2015. It was a well-crafted budget with something in it for almost everyone, and the Granger/Nagamootoo-led government, especially the Minister of Finance, must be commended given the limited choices available. Devoid of the highfalutin jargon that often characterizes discussion of economic issues, Minister Jordan is convinced that his budget will place Guyana firmly on a path of sustainable growth. If nothing else, his near four-hour presentation, even though some say it was too long, required viewing or listening for any layperson seeking to gain a better understanding of the major strategies of the Coalition Government and the challenges it faces and must overcome to make noteworthy progress. The Minister’s presentation focused on a number of major issues: the imperative of achieving sustainable growth to support a continued high standard of living for Guyanese, and the urgent need for the Government to address the record high level of public debt that is placing a severe strain on the country and adversely affecting its development prospects. Minister Jordan’s speech was not in the partisan language of the typical politician looking to score points, but as a serious statesman befitting his status as the first Minister of Finance in the Coalition Government. It was his maiden budget presentation, which, with the exception of the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT), delivered on several of the important promises made to the people during the joint opposition’s election campaign. This year’s budget is not only record-breaking in terms of its individual provisions for the masses, but is also practical, in terms of real GDP growth forecast for this year and next. Among the highlights are significant increases in salaries and old age pensions; reduction in the Berbice Bridge toll; tax relief for gold miners; and a transfer of $8.2B from the national coffers to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The rice industry was boosted with a $23B subvention to support farmers; $33B was allocated to revamp the education system; $23B was allotted to improve health services, especially the public hospitals; $21B to improve national security, of which $11.9 billion will support the operations of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service, and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), while $9.1 billion is allocated to expand and upkeep the Guyana Defence Force. Subsidies have also been granted to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the Linden electricity supply and the Trade Unions, among others. While the Minister is convinced that sugar and rice along with bauxite, livestock, forestry and manufacturing are poised to improve in output, he did not provide any details. But the fact that the government has to provide a subsidy in the total amount of $31B to both sugar and rice in the 2015 budget tells a different story. How much longer will these two enormous industries be subsidized? What would happen if the sugar and rice industries remain unprofitable for the unforeseeable future? Like the government, the public knows that it would be overwhelmingly difficult to even remotely turn around GuySuCo, and that the rice industry could be in serious trouble should Venezuela carry out its threat to cancel its rice deal. The next few months will be crucial. While unloading the goodies to improve the physical infrastructure of the security sector and acquiring tools and equipment to bolster its image are important, they still are not

Thursday August 13, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Only great persons can succeed in turning back history; Mr. Jagdeo is certainly not one of them DEAR EDITOR, The imminent entrance of the PPP to Parliament with Mr. Jagdeo as the Opposition leader will signal the last gasp of the political aspirations of our former president, who, when this parliamentary session is over in five years, will seek re-election and lose convincingly, thus closing out a political career which will leave no real legacy, no real accomplishments and certainly, no real admiration and respect from the Guyanese nation as a whole. The politics of desperation and infantile hostility is already in motion, from the day of the party’s loss to the coalition and claims that they were cheated, boycotting parliament and the press conferences where peddling of lies became a common occurrence. Jagdeo and his chosen henchmen who will enter Parliament and those who will stay in Freedom House, are all united in protecting their ethnic political turf at all costs while demoting any “Jaganites” who despise the tactics of Mr. Jagdeo and blame him for the PPP’s historic defeat at the recent polls. Jagdeo and his cohorts are painting a picture to their supporters of the new government being involved in ethnic and racial preferences in job placements

and developmental policies across the country - to bait their traditional support base with the same old mantras which have been served up time and time again; for example, that we will have to use rice flour again or that the economy will collapse soon or that local elections will be rigged etc., etc., even to personal insults. The current leaders of the PPP, instigated by Mr. Jagdeo and his particular style of political behaviour, cannot fathom the end of their hold on power and thus their frantic crying out becomes their holy grail which they hope will influence their mainly East Indian supporters. But as time passes and positive results derive from good governance by the APNU/AFC coalition, the carping and bellyaching by the PPP leadership will resonate much less amongst their traditional supporters and leave Mr. Jagdeo with tremendous problems come the next elections - problems which will be compounded by apparent splits in the PPP; increasing hardship in raising money especially in the diaspora ; personnel deficiencies as cadres drift away to sustain their families; explaining their (PPP leaders) opulent lifestyles to their poor supporters and

lastly, presenting to the citizens of Guyana a list of their leaders who are not the same old ones we see now who lack vision and delivered nothing much when they were in power and who have really outlived their usefulness. Mr. Jagdeo thinks that he can turn back history and he will understand soon enough that only great persons can succeed in turning back history, and he is certainly not one of them. He had his chance to create history in Guyana in 1999, when he became President, with goodwill within and outside of Guyana, but he chose the other course of majoritarian rule and personal aggrandizement, factors which directly led to the PPP’s downfall. It is now too late to reverse history, because what he does not understand is that the collective memory of the masses of Guyanese citizens will never forget the mistakes he made, the venom in his arguments, and the greed he spread throughout Jagan’s party, a party which was supposed to be honest and moral. It is now too late in the political arena for Jagdeo, and his leadership of the PPP will spell certain failure in the elections to come - that is for sure. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)

Public officials create the atmosphere for dialogue or violence DEAR EDITOR, It was reported in the press that a Brazilian Radio host who was openly critical of his nation’s Government [was] assassinated during a live broadcast. It was said that he “was an outspoken personality who frequently railed against official corruption”. In 2014, Reporters Without Borders described Brazil as “One of the region’s deadliest countries for journalists”. The organisation disclosed that since 2000, a total of 38 journalists had been killed “in clear or probable connection with their work . . . covering sensitive stories such as drug trafficking, corruption or local political disputes.” Noting that “321 journalists have been the victims of violence from 2009 to

2014,” the group claimed that “local authorities were often involved in the attacks on journalists . . .” Editor, when a government publicly demonstrates disdain for criticism; exhibits intolerance for opposing views, and engages in verbal attacks against unfavourable commentary, it can create an environment for supporters to resort to violence as a means of silencing critics. The way that public officials respond to criticism could either defuse or incite violence against their critics. Of course a government has a right to respond to its critics or opponents. But its response must be grounded in facts and tempered with civility. If a critic makes a false claim or distorts its message, the government has an

enough to stem armed robberies and murders in the country. Greater efforts will have to be made to establish a well-trained and professional security force to fight crime. With such a huge budget, one would speculate whether the Treasury was really empty as stated earlier. Or is it that the Minister was able to locate and transfer billions of dollars scattered or found in various inactive accounts related to entities such as the Lotto Funds, NICIL, National Frequency Management Unit, Forestry Commission, Geology and Mines, among others? Whatever the case, the budget appears to have been good news for most Guyanese. For the poor and the working class there seems to be consensus that Minister Jordan answered their call.

obligation to set the record straight, but must do so with evidence and in an atmosphere of respectful exchange. If the “criticism” is libelous, the government has the legal recourse of filing a lawsuit. It is, however, unacceptable for government officials to engage in threats (veiled or otherwise) and uncivilised b e h a v i o u r, i n c l u d i n g blackmail, threatening to “expose skeletons”. It is reprehensible for those who occupy the seat of power to descend into name-calling and personal attacks against opponents. Here in Guyana, it is not uncommon for government

officials to engage in aggressive behaviour against critics. To express an opposing view is to make yourself a target for the government’s rage. Critics have been labeled “opposition forces” wanting “to destabilise and overthrow the democratically elected government”. One dissenter was labeled “a snake that betrayed his people” and a group of protesting women was described as “loonies . . . from the fringe”. It is public knowledge that the late Ronald Waddell “drew heavy criticisms” from the then president. Waddell had used his programme, Taking Care of (Continued on page 23)

Workers welcome working class budget DEAR EDITOR, I believe that the $221B budget presented by the coalition government - A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) - is a working class budget. It was themed: “A Fresh Approach to the Good Life in a Green Economy”. Trade union rights, human rights, and political democracy are all parts of the democratic way of life in general; all three are of crucial importance to the workers in any society if they are to maintain their human dignity as free men and women, and if they are to obtain a fair share of the wealth. This is because inclusionary democracy offers the only political environment in which trade unions can flourish. Sherwood Clarke, President CCWU

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Bharrat Jagdeo’s jaunt to re-enter public office Badly constructed roads and drains is a march in inconsistency and hypocrisy DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s jaunt to re-enter public office, which he said in March he has no interest in, is a march in inconsistency and hypocrisy. On Monday he was at it again. This time it is about wanting credit for parts of the National Budget presented by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan on Monday, 10th August. What credit in the budget is Mr. Jagdeo talking about and wants to claim? In the usual sense of allness, as he seeks credit, then he has to start from the beginning. He needs to give credit to the PNC for free education from nursery to univer-

sity that children of his era had. As president, he denied many Guyanese the same opportunity through his feepaying policy. He needs to give credit to the PNCR for the Guyana 21 Plan that he copied wholesale from to run the post-2001 government. Mr. Jagdeo needs to give credit to the PNC government for employing him at the State Planning Secretariat even though he was a member of the PPP. When he became president and had the opportunity to show a similar level of decency, he targeted those who were not his supporters for sustained marginalisation. Guyanese have not forgotten Dr. Roger Luncheon’s tes-

timony in the libel case brought by Mr. Jagdeo against Messrs. Frederick Kissoon, Adam Harris and Glenn Lall of Kaieteur News. He must also take his credit for wrecking the country, grinding the sugar industry into the mud; compromising the public sector; the bloodbath of 2002-2008 after the jail break; the phantom squads; for dividing the races further and allowing the drug economy to run free. There is a lot of credit-giving and credit-taking to happen. When Mr. Jagdeo starts giving and accepting credit where credit is due, then the credit he wants to claim from the Budget may be worthy to

look at. But then again, why is he seeking credit for something he has discredited. It is he who said the Budget is “seriously underwhelming” but still wants credit for something he thinks won’t make a positive impact, and is disappointing. If this isn’t inconsistency and hypocrisy, what else is? But I guess in this regard Mr. Jagdeo is deserving of his credit and such is duly given.Mr. Jagdeo plans to be in the 11th Parliament and it is said he may be elected Leader of the Opposition. He has to be careful his inconsistency and hypocrisy is not typecast of the Jekyll and Hyde personality. Vanessa Kissoon

DEAR EDITOR, Yes we can! If was done before it can be done again. The economic brilliance earlier Africans brought to this country in chains and having no formal education is phenomenal. No doubt this acumen would have surprised their former oppressors. The fact that the newly freed came up with a system to pool their moneys to purchase land from former enslavers, which we know as the cooperative movement, is a bright spot in African history that needs to be returned to. This economic success which has influenced Guyana’s tri-sector economy (i.e. private, state and cooperative) laid the foundation for

the post-slavery working class society and influenced our country being named the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. If there was confidence in 1763 to fight slavery, in 1838 to achieve emancipation and thereafter buy lands and create villages, in 1966 to achieve independence, in 1970 republican status and 2015 to bring about a change in government, these must not only be markers in history to sit back and tell stories about, but must reinforce, energise, mobilise, and propel the confidence needed to proceed, to want to make our lives better and leave a better world for those who will follow. Yes we can!Today the

Black race is a little battered and bruised. The fact that we are having conversations on this state of affairs is enough inspiration for what we can achieve when we stand up, dust ourselves off, and demand that we be counted as citizens, taxpayers, voters, and that the law works for us and protects us equally as it must for others. We must overcome. At this important moment in our lives, we need to ask tough questions. Questions such as: what will we do to make today and tomorrow better?Having contributed in a major way to the election victory of 11th May, we cannot relax and expect our lives will be better or things will fall

into place automatically. It is said, God helps those who help themselves, and this means we have to work, probably a little harder, to make our lives better. May 11th offered new opportunities, new beginnings to improve our condition of living. We must seize it!For starters, the Black family was for years calling on the PPP government to regularise lands bought by their ancestors. In July 2007 a motion was brought to the National Assembly by the late Mrs. Deborah Backer, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament, to determine the issue of ancestral land rights. This motion was defeated by the PPP who held the majority. This motion or similar must return to the National Assembly in order that this issue can be determined. The First of August Movement and similar Black organisations are encouraged to pursue this cause.If our ancestors bought lands, and given the culture back then, they did not see the need to have these lands transported, we, their descendants have a responsibility to safeguard their achievements and protect what naturally has been bequeathed to us. When you own land, you own country and control your destiny. Land has economic and intrinsic value, and we must move with immediacy to secure what is rightly ours. Yes, we can overcome. Sharma Solomon

The economic brilliance earlier Africans brought to this country is phenomenal

Guyana must respect and honour the CCJ’s ruling DEAR EDITOR, I have read a letter published in the Stabroek News dated August 10, 2015, written by Mr. Manzoor Nadir, where he expressed his views on the Rudisa/ CIDI matter.In his letter he categorically stated that Guyana should not honour the CCJ’s ruling, even though the CCJ ruled that Guyana did not produce any evidence to show that the Environmental Tax, which Rudisa/CIDI paid at the point of importing their beverages into Guyana, was passed on to consumers. It would be an insult should Guyana go on the recommendations of Mr. Nadir, primarily because we are now being governed by a law-abiding administration. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is recognized in Guyana as the highest and final decision-making body

within the Caribbean. We signed on to this in the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and we further agreed that the decision would be appealed to none. In my opinion, it is the PPP\C government that provided a weak defence at the CCJ which led to the decision. I was told by a distinguished professor at UG who is well versed in law that in court, it is not what the truth is; it is what can be proven. Mr. Nadir needs to recognize that Mr. Nandlall failed to establish reasonable grounds in defending Guyana’s position, and because of his failure, Guyana must honour the court’s decision. The courts are not available to be one-sided or partisan but rather to make lawful decisions based on the evidence provided. Some we will

win, some we will lose. It all depends on who represents our position. In conclusion, I therefore denounce the position taken by Mr. Manzoor Nadir who would have wasted his pen ink by articulating a position that is null and void in its entirety and call on all Guyanese not to support unlawful behaviour. The CCJ’s decision is final and it must be respected and honoured. Maybe Mr. Manzoor Nadir should be the Shadow Legal Affairs minister for the PPP\C in the National Assembly. Ganesh Mahipaul

in Linden

DEAR EDITOR, I’ve been very critical on the issues of badly constructed roads and drains in Linden. To name a few, the Blue Berry Hill/Wismar Hospital road which was constructed in 2011 is already broken up, and all roads in the Block #22 area are also broken up, and soakaways and drains are filled with sand to the point that taxi drivers refuse to take passengers in that area. The construction of the drain between Figgie’s Variety Shop and Winifred Gaskin’s Highway or One Mile Road is a marvel from the Captain Marvel comic book many of us read during our young age. That particular drain construction has proven our engineers and contractors are out of touch with reality. I’m not a surveyor, but, I’m knowledgeable enough to understand when some things aren’t done properly. I’m puzzled to understand why, with so many turns in and out of it, that drain between Figgie’s Variety Shop which is situated at the top of a grade or rising - and a soakaway which is always filled with sand at the bottom

of that grade at the entrance of the Bayroc Playfield, was done in that manner. Another Marvel is the elevated concrete drain on stakes which look like a flyover, which begins from a filled soakaway at a position of lowness to a height of about 2 feet continuously for about 75 yards which is intended to permit the flow of water to enter into the One Mile Road drain, which is very much impossible. I suggested long before the construction of the road and drain, both be raised to the level where water will flow freely instead of having a waste-of-time flyover drain and a useless culvert. The newly-built bridge at the entrance of Bayroc Playfield is also broken up. I wish while the Honourable President and his touring team are on a visit to Linden, they have a first-hand view at some improperly executed projects and make their comments publicly, because it seems our councillors and works inspectors aren’t doing justice for their pay. Readers please remember, we are all in this thing together. B. Winslow Parris

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Thursday August 13, 2015

Cabinet approves appointment of Mother protests daughter, 15, being kept in police lockups COI to probe education delivery An inquiry into the state of public education has been given approval by Cabinet to ascertain the efficacy of the delivery of education to the nation’s children. At Cabinet’s post press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that Cabinet has heard of and approved the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to conduct the investigation. This undertaking is designed to be a strategic move by Government, as according to Harmon, “you would recall that in the Minister of Finance’s budget presentation he alluded to the possibility that we are going to be looking carefully at the delivery of public education...” Moreover, the COI will be expected to examine “the way in which our children are actually educated and whether the education they are receiving is really preparing them for a future in Guyana.” Part of the mandate of the Commission, Harmon disclosed, is to give attention to the state of the public education with a view of providing strategic guidelines for the enhancement of education delivery. The Commission, the

Minister said, will consist of a chairperson, two vice chairpersons, and will include persons from the nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary levels. It is expected to also incorporate representation from the Teaching Service Commission, the Guyana Teachers’ Union, the political opposition, the Private Sector Commission, religious bodies, youth organisations and non-government organisations, among others. Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine last month revealed that the COI would be tasked with investigating exactly what obtains in the school system, by conducting hearings across the country, in order to provide a report outlining recommendations for the enhancement of education delivery. Based on the disclosure of the Education Minister, the work of the COI has already commenced. Despite moves by a cadre of experts to provide reports of the system, the Minister had yet stressed the need for a COI as, according to him, he was not quite satisfied with the lack of reports that layout implementable action plans. Last month, too, the Minister disclosed plans for the conducting of audits at

schools across the country. The audits were described as “a matter of importance,” by the Minister who revealed that audit teams will be conducting environmental audits of each school. “I need to know which schools need infrastructural work. I need to know about everything that is lacking in our school system,” the Minister asserted as he pointed out that the audits are critical to the implementation of strong, evidence-based national policies. It is the vision of the Minister to mobilise political parties over the next five years to work together to craft strategies for the education sector with a view of advancing the interest of the people. “Education is not something we need to fight over. A solid education system benefits everyone. Education is the foundation of what we do and what we will do,” he stated. He disclosed that he has already been able to draw on relationships established with his predecessor, Priya Manickchand, and other ministers of the previous government. And it is the hope of Minister Roopnaraine that the Guyana Teachers’ Union will be among his primary supporters in the sector.

Rose Hall money-changer shot during robbery A popular Rose Hall Town money-changer was yesterday shot and injured, in the region of his chest, by two gun-toting bandits, before being robbed by his assailants who escaped with an undisclosed quantity of money he had in his hands. According to information, Anil Sookraj, 25, of David Street, Rose Hall Town, was shot around 14:00 hrs opposite Demerara Bank where he regularly operates. Reports are that Sookrai called “Fat Man” was sitting

on a stand with a wad of money in his hand, soliciting business, when two men came up to him. The men demanded his money before shooting him. The man fell and the bandits grabbed up what they could before escaping. The men ran though different streets before reportedly boarding a car which was waiting in a back street and making good their escape. In the meantime, the injured Sookraj was picked up and rushed to the nearby private

Anamayah Memorial Hospital where he was admitted for emergency treatment. Sookraj was reportedly first hit in the left forearm as he tried to bar the gunman’s aim. The bullet reportedly exited his arm and re-entered the right side of his chest. The police were contacted and responded promptly. They scoured the area, but were unable to locate the men. Up to press time, Sookraj’s condition remains critical. Investigations are continuing.

Frustrated and worried sick, a 48-year-old mother of nine took to the streets yesterday to protest against her 15-year-old daughter being detained at the Whim Police Station lockups on the Corentyne. As Bridgette Moore braved the scorching sun and lobbied the Chancellor ’s Office at the Court of Appeal, Kingston, she recorded her dissatisfaction with the way the teen is being passed through the system as a result of decisions taken by Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer at the Albion Court. The young girl has been remanded in custody since her first court appearance on July 12 on an assault charge. The majority of the time, Moore says, the teen has been languishing in the Whim Police Station lockups. According to reports, the 15-year-old landed the assault charge after attempting to defend her pregnant sister, who came under attack by an older woman. The matter was forwarded to the Rose Hall Police Station and the teenager was subsequently hauled before the courts. At her very first court hearing on July 12, Magistrate Mittelholzer remanded her in custody. Since then, the child has been pushed around between the Whim Police Station lockups and the Juvenile Holding Centre in Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Policy dictates that youths older than 10 but younger than 17, who come in conflict with the law, are not supposed to be detained in the same environment with adult offenders. The Juvenile Holding Centre, in effect, is the facility where youths should be detained. The mother is claiming that her daughter is being kept in the lockups with other prisoners. The family of the teenager wants the relevant authorities to look into their situation

The teen’s distraught mother, Bridgette Moore with some urgency, especially since the teenager had been returned to the station lockups earlier this week. Speaking to Kaieteur News, the woman said she had told the Magistrate that she is employed in Georgetown and usually returns to their Rose Hall residence to take care of her teenage children on weekends. She said her daughter was kept there for two weeks in the lockups at the Whim Police Station but, the child was brought to the holding centre in Georgetown after some opposition. On Monday, there was another hearing before the said Magistrate and the child was again remanded, her mother explained. The Magistrate had on this last occasion ordered the child held in a city orphanage until October 9, her next court date. When the child was taken to the home, however, she was refused. The teenage girl was taken back to the Whim station lockups, much to her mother’s dismay. Frustrated and fed-up, the woman told Kaieteur News “I need to get

justice. I need the Magistrate and the Welfare to release my daughter,” she said. What the girl’s mother finds disturbing is that the other parties charged in relation to the altercation have been released on bail as the matters are being tried. “I got a small house, yes, but all nine of my children raise right there,” Moore lamented. The mother says she feels discriminated against because she occupies a onebedroom house. “All my children grow up in the same house. My biggest son is thirty and the youngest is thirteen. I raise all my children good,” she said. The woman is of the opinion that the Welfare Officer handling the case is being biased and failed to properly investigate into the child’s family situation. With the new school term fast approaching, Moore is particularly concerned for her child’s education. She wants her daughter to be released into her custody. She is reluctant for her daughter to be held by the State and is instead begging for government’s intervention to get her child back.

Eccles hit-and-run leaves one dead, vendor hospitalised A hit-and-run crash along the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara late last evening has resulted in the death of an unidentified female and the hospitalisation of a Bourda Market vendor. Injured is Erwin Whittington, 35, of First Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. Reports are that around 23:00 hours, Whittington was riding his motorbike, heading south along the Eccles Public Road. The woman was the pillion rider. As the vehicle advanced

towards the intersection at the traffic light, a red Starlet (motorcar) reportedly drove out from a street on the eastern side and collided with the Wittington and his companion, knocking them off the bike. Kaieteur News understands that the driver of the car did not heed the stop signal. After hitting the two, the driver sped away. The two were picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The woman was pronounced dead on arrival.

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Iraq PM sacks cabinet officials, says reform drive under threat Reuters - Iraq’s prime minister dismissed his cabinet secretary yesterday as part of an ambitious reform drive he said was under threat from corrupt politicians and Shi’ite militia leaders who use their armed followers for political ends .A year in office, Haider alAbadi has launched the biggest overhaul of the political system since the end of U.S. military occupation, enacting a risky package of measures designed to enhance his own power and strip authority from political chieftains who have run Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Lawmakers unanimously voted on Tuesday to eliminate a layer of senior government posts, scrap sectarian and party quotas for state positions, reopen corruption investigations and give

Haider al-Abadi Abadi power to fire regional and provincial bosses. The bold moves will strip some of Iraq’s most powerful people of official titles, including Abadi’s predecessor Nuri al-Maliki, whose post of vice president is one of those to be abolished.

An official in his media office described Abadi’s decision yesterday to sack his cabinet secretary and his aides as “part of a push to cut unnecessary government jobs”. Abadi’s reform package has garnered public praise from across party and sectarian lines as well as from Western governments. It is also backed by Iraq’s most influential cleric, Shi’ite Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. But in a televised speech, Abadi said yesterday he still expected resistance from beneficiaries of the old system. “The corrupt will not sit idly by,” said Abadi. “Those with interests and privileges will defend their interests and privileges. Some of them will even fight for them. They will attempt to sabotage every step we take towards it.”

Former U.S. President Carter says he has cancer Reuters - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said yesterday that recent liver surgery revealed he had cancer that had spread to other parts of his body. “I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare,” Carter, 90, said in a statement. “A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week.” Carter, a Democrat, served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981 after defeating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford. He was defeated for reelection in 1980 by Republican Ronald Reagan.The Carter Center in Atlanta said last week that he had undergone elective surgery at

sis was excellent for a full recovery.Carter cut short a trip to Guyana in May after feeling unwell and returned to Georgia, where he served as governor and a state senator. He had travelled to the South American country to observe national elections. At the time, the centre said only that Carter had departed after “not feeling well.” Republican Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and his wife issued a statement saying Carter was “in their prayers as he goes through treatment.”

Jimmy Carter Emory University Hospital to remove a small mass in his liver.It added that the operation had proceeded without issues and that the progno-

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Tomislav Salopek

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 13, 2015

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Hinterland Region next frontier for agricultural development – Govt. By Nicholas Peters Guyana’s hinterland region is the next frontier for agricultural development and ensuring the country’s food security. This is the position of the Government according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Minister Jordan made his statement during his maiden Budget presentation earlier this week. “Indeed, Mr. Speaker, our Intermediate Savannahs, Upper Demerara and Berbice Regions and Rupununi Savannahs will blossom into the next frontier for agricultural development by 2020,” said Minister Jordan. During his address, he explained that the Government will place greater emphasis on large-scale private investment in farming, especially in the Intermediate

Savannahs and Region Nine. The minister had identified a diverse range of crops which would be implemented in the hinterland, including corn, soybean, cassava and legumes, combined with fish and poultry-rearing in the region’s communities. This, according to the Finance Minister, will contribute to the Government’s aim of increasing the exports of “non-sugar and non-rice agricultural product” by an estimated 25 percent. The Minister also said that within the next five years, the Government will “increase production of agroprocessed goods by at least 50 percent... and reduce the imports of agro-processed goods.” He continued: “Research will be intensified on the

development of new crops such as carrot, cauliflower, broccoli, turmeric, ginger and black pepper to achieve import reduction, while crop diversification for export will focus on commodities such as coconuts, cassavas, plantains, pineapples, pepper, corn and soybean, with a view to strengthening food security along the coast and within the hinterland.” These sentiments mirrored those of Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, during his recent keynote address for the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA)’s 51st convocation at the institute’s Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara campus. “The interior savannahs have long been considered the next frontier for agricultural development, and a number of professionals have indicated the vast

Dem boys seh ...

Jagdeo deny that he do anything, not even building he mansion Is better fuh a man seh sorry than fuh deny that he do something wrang. Li’l children got a habit to deny everything when dem know that dem gun get licks. But a big man only got to do that when he get charge. Nuff big man does seh that he can’t get licks suh he should admit. Well if people listen to Jagdeo dem gun seh that he is not a big man, because he deny every wrang thing that he do. He had a lot of plans, but when people look at dem plans dem got to seh that somebody didn’t think too much. He plan de Skeldon factory because he seh that Guyana got to compete. He tek nuff money from China, but de factory never wuk. He tell de whole country that he gun mek it wuk, even if he got to go and do it himself. Now he telling people that he not responsible fuh de Skeldon factory. When Cricket World Cup was coming to Guyana he get people to build a hotel. One group build de Cacique Hotel. Dem couldn’t finish it. He lend dem money now he claiming that he wasn’t responsible fuh de hotel. He give away more concession than Toolsie Persaud, but he still seh that he not responsible fuh dem concession. He ain’t even think that he mek de Pee Pee Pee lose de elections, when he was de

man who go and start a cussing spree that mek even some prostitute blush. De man suh bareface that he even tun round and blame Donald. But de biggest plan he had was de Amaila Falls. He plan to finish de falls fuh US$550 million and he plan to finish de road fuh US$15 million. De road nearly cost US$40 million and de Falls project jump to nearly $1 billion. Jagdeo seh that he not responsible. Dem boys seh that he got to be de most irresponsible man. Since he not responsible fuh nutten, who responsible fuh de billions of dollars he give Babbie fuh dem drug contract? And he do it fuh nearly 20 years. De Enmore Packaging plant was he idea and he borrow de money, but he still seh that he not responsible. This is de same man who plan de fibre optic cable from Brazil. He spend millions of dollars and de cable ain’t wuk. It reach Georgetown and look like a man who had a serious road accident and bruck up. But Jagdeo seh that he not responsible. Dem boys want to know if he responsible fuh de mansion in which he live. He gun try fuh blame Gary Best. De next thing dem boys gun hear is that he not responsible fuh dem years he serve as president. He gun also seh that he not

responsible fuh de lawlessness that got everybody in he government thiefing and hiding money. When he pass that law fuh increase he pension, he gun seh that he didn’t responsible. Well somebody got to be responsible fuh mek him say sorry and pay fuh de wrang things that he do. He also got to pay fuh de suffering of de people. And to think that he going back to parliament. Talk half and ignore Jagdeo when he sing like Shaggy and seh ‘It wasn’t he’.

untapped potential in the region,” the Minister said. Of Guyana’s ten Administrative Regions, five of them (One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten) make up the Hinterland area, and account for over 76 percent of the country’s landmass. In addition to the Administrative Regions, a number of natural regions exist there which are distinct from the densely populated Coastal Plains. These natural regions are also viable options for implementing policies directed at improving the agricultural sector in the region, said Holder. Given the challenges of climate change and the growing demand for agricultural by-products, the Minister noted that a rapid

shift in the location of the country’s economic activity needs to happen. Recently, two major floods occurred in the densely populated coastal plains where the brunt of Guyana’s agricultural activity takes place and where approximately 80 percent of the country’s population resides. Those instances of massive rainfall, according to the Minister, highlighted the coast’s limited capacity in dealing with such natural phenomena. During the May 11 Regional and General Elections campaign trail the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) released their manifesto which indicated that the

development of the Hinterland region’s agricultural sector would be a priority for the government. According to Holder, as his Ministry moves forward in tackling the agricultural sector, the agency will be looking to focus more on the development of the country’s savannah regions. He remarked that the untapped potential of that area has been pointed out by a number of agricultural developers. Further, the Minister said that to improve the development of the Hinterland’s agricultural potential, capacity building in the academic level must be a priority. With regard to the GSA, he said that focus must be placed on upgrading both staff and student body (continued on page 17)

A clampdown in the issuance of diplomatic passports has started, with the new administration indicating that the issuance was widely abused in the past. According a senior Government official of the Ministry of the Presidency, it is believed that more than 300 of the passports were in circulation leading up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections. With a change in Government after the polls, the new administration had issued a public call for the passports to be given up. The passports were issued to ministers, diplomats, senior government officials, their spouses and children. It was learnt that even some business

executives were the recipients. Kaieteur News was told yesterday that almost half of the 300 diplomatic passports that were in circulation should never have been. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, had issued a public call for the passports, in the hands of a number of former ministers and government officials, to be returned. However, it appears that not much headway is being made. The administration is now saying that it does not rule out publishing the names of the persons who are refusing to heed the public call. Fears have been expressed that those extra diplomatic passports have

also led to an abuse of the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. In January, in a seemingly unrelated incident, a Canadian couple was reportedly found with a significant quantity of cocaine after using the VIP Lounge. They apparently used documents purportedly issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and presented by a former personal assistant to a Government minister, to airport officials. It was reported that the couple claimed that they were relatives of the government official. At least one former Minister, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, has said that she has turned in her passport.

PPP/C govt. shared out diplomatic passports “willy-nilly” - Official

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 13, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

All new govt.s make mistakes, but… It is psychologically impossible for any new government to step into office and become a whirlwind of coruscating success in six months. That isn’t going to happen. That never happened before. Large and small mistakes will be made, followed by some silly, faulty directions. In time, wisdom comes along and the wronged paths are carefully avoided. But aren’t some mistakes avoidable in the very few weeks? I think so. The Granger/ Nagamootoo administration

has some minor hiccups to deal with. It was Dr. David Hinds who was the first person to point to an oversized Cabinet. This bulky Cabinet had a logical explanation, but still it was too large. The plausible excuse was that the Government of Guyana is a coalition within a coalition. You have an APNU- AFC coalition, meaning that there has to be ministers from both formations. But APNU is also a coalition. The leadership of the PNC could have damaged its credibility by overlooking

the other small parties. It would have sent the wrong signal and in future elections other parties would not want to join up. But even with this mega Cabinet, some inelegancies ought not to be there. The President and the Minister of the Presidency essentially cover governance. The APNU-AFC Government has borrowed unnecessarily from the PPP regime. It has a governance triumvirate like the former PPP administration. It was the President, Roger Luncheon and Gail Teixeira as

Advisor on Governance. Joe Harmon replaced Roger Luncheon and Raphael Trotman replaced Gail Teixeira. But here is where confusion comes in. Even with a bulging Cabinet you still have Raphael Trotman holding two portfolios. Trotman also covers sections of the environment, forestry and mining. Enter Winston Felix. Mr. Felix was a Commissioner of Police, therefore you couldn’t assign him a low portfolio. But this is what he got. Trust me! I am

on the ground where I hear the vibes from all types of citizens. Guyanese found the Ministry of Citizenship absolutely amusing. They still do. Why not give back immigration matters to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and give Mr. Felix those three sections that Raphael Trotman has and title his portfolio, the Ministry of National Assets. If you compare the two persons, Felix and Trotman, Felix would know more of the mining areas and the parts of Guyana where forestry thrives, because as Commissioner of Police, he would have had more than a working knowledge of those geographical sections of our 83,000 square miles. I see the large Cabinet as a mistake. I see the Ministry of Citizenship as a mistake. I see the Trotman double portfolio as a mistake. The APNU-AFC leadership cannot correct the big number of Ministries, and I think the nation has come to accept that. But some other faults could be attended to. There is also the enigma of a certain huge ministry. Guyana’s two gigantic ministries are Public Infrastructure and Agriculture. I honestly don’t know which is bigger. The former has two ministers, the latter has one. Something isn’t right here. Education has two ministers, so do Finance, Health, Social Protection, Communities, Public Security, and Indigenous Affairs. Why does Agriculture have one? In this entire country, we cannot find a junior Minister of Agriculture? With the hospitalization of Mr. Noel Holder, the Agriculture Minister, it has

Frederick Kissoon been reported by at least one media house that Mr. Holder indicated he didn’t need a deputy. But why was that authority given to Mr. Holder when it was in the country’s interest for the Ministry to have two? Under the Cummingsburg Accord, the Agriculture portfolio was assigned to the AFC, and one would like to think that APNU felt it didn’t want to step into the jurisdiction of its coalition partner. Now that the nation knows that Mr. Holder doesn’t want a deputy, it brings into sharp focus how party politics operate in Guyana. It is for the AFC to look at the broader picture and install a junior minister. Why doesn’t Nagamootoo take Agriculture and Holder become Minster within the Ministry? The appointment of Noel Holder as a Minister of Government came as a deep, extensive and complete surprise to me. I will elaborate on this in the future. Finally, with sugar and rice in deep trouble, gold prices heading for the bottom of the well, and the revelation that the economy didn’t do too well in 2014, did we need to spend 65 million on an 80member entourage for Carifesta? Wasn’t that another example of an oversized formation and an expenditure we could not have afforded at this time?

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

GPHC admin changes locks to prevent access to terminated Matron

GPSU officials in discussion with Hicks. After months of turning up for work despite being issued with a letter of termination, Sister Colleen Hicks was on Tuesday denied access to the office of the Director of Nursing Services (Matron) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Hicks was earlier this year appointed to the position but was issued with a letter of termination by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan, who had informed that the decision was based on “gross insubordination”. The termination was slated to be effective on June 15, 2015. Hicks, who had sought the intervention of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), was advised to remain on the job. This publication was however informed yesterday that a decision was taken at the level of the hospital’s administration to change the locks on the door of the Director of Nursing Services. Hicks’ continued inability to access the office yesterday saw her informing officials of the GPSU who turned up at the public hospital yesterday to launch an investigation into the development. The CEO of the hospital was unreachable, but according to GPSU’s Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Dennis English, the way forward in addressing such situations is to “follow guiding principles and procedures and we have done that...We have made significant representation and definitely we are not happy that the matter is still not resolved.” English disclosed yesterday, too, that since the hospital’s CEO opted to not respond to a letter from the Union to rescind the termination decision, the GPSU had taken its concerns to higher authority. He was in fact making reference to a

meeting between the GSPU and President David Granger where the matter was raised and a decision was made for Minister of State Joseph Harmon to look into the situation. “It was public knowledge that we have gone beyond the CEO... We have written to the CEO who has shown little or no regard by not responding to our correspondence...,” said English who lamented the ‘lock changing’ development. “The locking of the door to the Matron’s office has put a whole other spin to the matter and because of that, among other things we are here....” said English, who with other representatives of GPSU, was seen in discussion with Sister Hicks. “All along she has been reporting for duty...so definitely we have to address this and as we speak we have already made representation in that regard,” English assured, as he expressed hope that “good sense will prevail.” Aside from English, the GPSU team, which visited and met with Hicks in the office of the Secretary to the Director of Nursing Services, included General Secretary (Ag), Kempton Alexander, and Industrial Relations Officers Jermaine Hermanstine and Loyette Williams. Hicks in an invited comment yesterday said that she is hopeful that there will soon be a solution to the situation. She went on to point out that the situation should have never reached to the stage at which it currently is, since the law – the Public Hospital Corporation Act of 1988 – that governs the hospital’s operations, does not support the action taken against her. Based on her perusal of the Act, Hicks insisted yesterday that the action taken against her constitutes a violation. Although her service has been terminated on paper,

Hicks said that she has been continuing her duties including advising nursing personnel on the way forward in improving their delivery of health care. She claims to have the support of the nearly 500 nursing personnel who fall under the purview of the Director of Nursing Services. And according to her too, the situation that persists has only served to demoralise the nursing staff, resulting in the poor delivery of care. But based on some senior health officials, Hicks’ insubordination, the reason for her termination, had in fact made it difficult for the operation of the facility to be efficient and effective. Following the issuance of Hicks’ termination letter, Assistant Director of Nursing, Sister Noshella Lalckecharan, was appointed by the hospital’s administration to act in the capacity of Director of Nursing Services. Lalckecharan however, proceeded on leave last week and has since been replaced by a senior departmental supervisor. Reports reaching this publication suggest that because of some nurses’ desire to empathise with Hicks, there has been a serious breakdown in respect and order at the public hospital. This, one official said, is characterised by the situation of insubordination being exhibited by other nursing personnel. This publication was informed that the action of one Senior Departmenal Supervisor against a junior staff member was even tantamount to assault, a matter that is currently being addressed by the hospital’s administration. Kaieteur News has been told, though, that the GPSU is supportive of the nursing staff’s signing of a petition that seeks to amplify what is being dubbed as “injustice” and “unfair treatment” of Hicks.

Page 11

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 13, 2015

Re-engagement of UK, other agencies in security initiative “showing promise” As the new government seeks to implement measures to combat spiraling crime, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has revealed that the Government is re-engaging the United Kingdom and other agencies for help, a course that is showing promise. In addition, Harmon announced that key Government officials have been formulating security policies, through weekly meetings of the much vaunted National Security Committee. This was conveyed during yesterday’s press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. “Government has put together a National Security Committee, comprising the Chief of Staff, Commissioner

of Police, Minister of Legal Affairs, the Prime Minister, Minister of Public Security and State and Head of the National Intelligence Committee.” Harmon stated. According to Harmon, the committee is mandated to meet on a weekly basis, where the crime statistics and the methodology employed by the police to fight crime are reviewed. “And then we assist in the allocations of resources to the police to deal with these matters,” he explained. Meanwhile, Harmon stated that international help is being provided to the Guyana Police Force. This help, according to Harmon, is forthcoming from foreign law enforcement agencies and includes training, improving

the capabilities of local police to handle crime scene investigations.” The Minister also revealed that help from the United Kingdom had been sought, in addressing the crime situation. Harmon also lashed out at the previous PPP/C administration, when the British training programme had been scrapped owing to their reservations. “We have re-engaged the British and other agencies and we have had good responses from those countries so far,” the Minister said. Harmon also revealed that the draft security plan will be released within a few weeks and is currently with the Minister of Public Security. “He is reviewing it and in

due course, we will make that plan known to the public,” Harmon stated. The Minister also revealed that elements of the plan have already been put in place, since the unpredictable nature of crime meant that Government could not wait until the master plan is fully unveiled. The APNU+AFC Administration has already laid out an elaborate plan in a bid to halt the spate of current criminal activity. The plan includes increased resources for the police force, to enhance its ground, air and river response capabilities. Apart from the proposed plans to deal with the situation, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Public Service Ministry fraud now in excess of $500M

Police investigations into the disappearance of tens of millions of dollars from the Public Service Ministry have now widened to include additional sums. The tally has now gone beyond $500M, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said yesterday. Police, who are handling the probe, have a team working at the Ministry of the Presidency to follow the money trail. Several staffers as well as former Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford and her ex-assistant, Margaret Cummings, are being questioned. Harmon yesterday explained that initially, after it appeared something was wrong, police were given the files. They were working on a figure of over $120M. The sums were withdrawn this year from the Ministry of Public Service accounts. It had been transferred from what was known as the Office of the

has implemented new measures, including the 2:00am curfew for nightspots and bars, as well as deploying vehicles that were earmarked for Community Policing Groups to the police force to bolster their fleet of patrol vehicles. Police re-organization and training is also part of the new strategy. After an earlier emergency security meeting, it had been indicated that the government was given a clear undertaken to the Guyana Police Force that it will provide the assets to go after criminal activity wherever it exists. According to Harmon, it means that the police ability to be able to go up in the air, using aircraft and helicopters to actually overlook difficult terrain, will be enhanced. In addition, the police’s increased capabilities will not only be confined to the land but will include sea as well, where piracy has been increasingly rampant. The resuscitation of the Police Marine Wing to give them greater flexibility and greater access to inland waterways is an important feature of the new government’s strategy. One of the most innovative measures to deal with the rising crime, announced by the

Government, has been the use of animals. “Crime is such a fluid thing that you cannot wait until the master plan is put out before you start responding to things that are happening on the street,” Harmon emphasized yesterday. Harmon also alluded to a greater level of co-ordination between law enforcement agencies, including the sharing of information consisting of intelligence and crime statistics. “We believe that with this and the other measures likely to be put in place when the plan is unveiled, we’ll be able to get to the root of this crime situation.” A sum of $21B was allocated for the security sector in last Monday’s budget presentation. Out of that $11.9B will support the operations of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service, Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), while $9.1B has been budgeted for the Guyana Defence Force. These allocations, according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, will be used to improve the physical infrastructure, upgrade the security fleet, acquire tools and equipment, and upgrade the security features of the machinereadable passports.

Sailor charged with attempted murder Questioned: Dr. Jennifer Westford and Margaret Cummings President and was to be used for training of workers in the various regions. However, there was no evidence that the regions were in receipt. Checks were also made on withdrawals going back to 2012. The amount that cannot

to be accounted for is in excess of $500M, Harmon said. Last week, both Westford and Cummings were questioned by police and released on bail. Police sleuths would have

wanted to know what role, if any, the two played in the withdrawals. It was only two weeks ago that both of the women appeared in court charged with the illegal transfer of eight vehicles belonging to the state. They were placed on a total of $2M in bail. Several persons from the Public Service Ministry who are involved in preparing documents for payments have been questioned. The new administration has said that it is investigating a number of irregularities at state agencies including the Guyana Oil Company and the Guyana Power and Light Inc.

“It was never my client’s intention to inflict wounds or cause the death of anyone,” said Attorney Leslie Sobers during a bail application for his client, Nigel Fraser, who is charged with attempted murder. Fraser, 20, of 1418 17th Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared yesterday before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Fraser is accused of inflicting wounds on Brutus Taylor, with the intent to murder him, on August 7, at Golden Grove Housing Scheme, EBD. He was remanded to prison until August 27, for report. Attorney Sobers during a lengthy bail application contended that his client never had intentions of inflicting wounds or causing the death of anyone. Sobers argued that Fraser was merely trying to defend himself since the virtual complainant (VC) held on to

his neck and refused to let go. Further, Sobers explained that the VC attempted to stab the accused to his heart. He added that his client received serious lacerations about his body at the hands of the VC. The attorney noted that granting his client bail would allow him to defend himself. He added that the accused has a fixed place of abode at the aforementioned address and has no intention of fleeing the jurisdiction. However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail citing the gravity of the charge. He pointed out that the VC is still hospitalized and received injuries to his abdomen, which resulted in his lungs being damaged. The lawyer intervened and informed the court that on the contrary, there have been several sightings of the VC around the community by persons. The Prosecutor told the court that he has not yet received a medical certificate on behalf of Taylor.

Thursday August 13, 2015

Budget 2015…

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Finance Minister chronicles early challenges of new Govt.

By Abena Rockcliffe Bemoaning the fact that his administration did not have the luxury of the “traditional honeymoon period” usually enjoyed by incoming governments, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan on Monday chronicled some of the early challenges faced by the new regime. He spoke of this to a House that remained void of an opposition, so basically, Jordan addressed his own colleagues in government. This must have served as an opportunity for them to pat themselves on the back for the handling of these challenges. Jordan said that Guyanese were only recently given the go-ahead to exhale after holding their breaths against the stench of corruption, nepotism and discrimination that had assailed their olfactory sense. “For too long, our people had to suffer under a Government that cared less about them and more about their friends and associates.” The Minister affirmed that with knowledge of the fact that Guyanese were looking forward for a speedy recovery, “our Government immediately buckled down to the task of governing this complex, multi-ethnic nation. We knew it was not going to be easy, especially since we had to deal with an opposition that refused to acknowledge its loss at the recent general elections, in spite of the declaration of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the pronouncements of all the international observers.” Jordan stated that the young government was confronted with a series of events, both local and international, that threatened the livelihood of thousands and the sovereignty of the country. “We learnt that the sugar company, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), was broke and needed an immediate infusion of cash, an estimated $16 billion, to

A House void of an opposition as the National Budget is being read keep it afloat for the rest of the year.” The first-time Minister said that the APNU+AFC government responded with alacrity, providing an initial amount of almost $4B; installing new management and board of directors and instituting a Commission of Inquiry that would examine, among other things, all options pertaining to the future of the sugar industry in Guyana. However, Jordan asserted, no sooner had his government put out the proverbial fire at GuySuCo, it was faced with a crisis in the rice industry. Jordan lamented the fact that the hard-working farmers, who had toiled mightily to return record rice production for the past three years, were confronted with uncertainty as to payment for rice shipped to Venezuela under the PetroCaribe barter arrangement. He said that unknowing to the farmers, the PPP/C Government had mismanaged the PetroCaribe Fund, leaving only a small

Guyanese were deceived ... From page 18 the final cost the consumers will pay. More importantly, the Amaila Falls project never contemplated delivering electricity to Essequibo…to the farmers there or to the hinterland. Persons would have to continue using fossil fuel or other means. Harmon believed that the administration's path now would be a comprehensive

look at energy within the framework of the country's development, taking into account not only hydro energy but also wind, and solar. One of the options would be what he termed a Potaro Basin Hydro Electricity Plan which would holistically look at hydro power. Amaila Falls could very well be part of it. Such an approach would be taking the heat off a single falls.

balance of US$0.8M in the fund at the end of May 2015, whereas outstanding payments to farmers was in excess of US$17M. Worse yet, Jordan said that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), under pressure from the PPP/C administration, was forced to offset the cash amounts due to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company—PDVSA— against future shipments, in order to ensure that current payments to rice farmers were made at the due dates. Once again, the Government came to the rescue, transferring over $5 billion to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) so that farmers could be paid. As he continued along that line, of all that the new government had to face less than 100 days in office, all was left was for Jordan to use the Creole adage “Old house pon old house.” The Minister said that the

early challenges to the young Government did not end at the aforementioned stumbling blocks. As if enough was not going on, “a massive flood, not unlike that experienced in 2005, inundated the land, sparing human lives, but destroying crops and livestock, and infrastructure,” said Jordan. He noted that the government moved “speedily” to activate its disaster preparedness procedures, made available emergency assistance to drain the water off the land as quickly as possible, provided help and shelter to those in need, and established a committee of experts to examine short and long term solutions to flooding in Guyana. Even as the government was dealing with those pressing domestic matters, Jordan said, it also had to grapple with its western

neighbour, “Venezuela, who was ratcheting up her unjust claim to virtually two-thirds of our country - a claim that was settled in 1899.” Jordan said that this time, through diplomatic and other initiatives, the government moved quickly to mobilize domestic and international support in defence of our sovereignty. “We will continue to utilize peaceful and diplomatic means in our search for a lasting solution to the controversy that was precipitated by Venezuela’s continuous questioning of the validity of the arbitral award of 1899,” said the Minister. Jordan stressed that the government’s handling of those incidents of potential crisis demonstrates its resolve to do what is right by the Guyanese people. He told his colleagues that although nearly half of those who voted in the recent

Guyana joins the world in observing ... From page 14 engagement by governments, United Nations entities, regional and multilateral organizations, youth and researchers. World Programme of Action for Youth, is setting a policy framework and guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people. Fifteen priority Areas adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations are Education, Employment, Hunger and poverty, Health,

Environment, Drug abuse, Juvenile delinquency, Leisuretime activities, Girls and Young women, Participation, Globalization, Information and Communication Technologies, HIV/AIDS, Youth and Conflict and Intergenerational Relations. Meanwhile, in light of this auspicious activity, the General Secretary of the United Nations issued his statement in relation to International Youth Day 2015. “In this landmark year, as leaders prepare to adopt a bold new vision for sustainable

development, the engagement of youth is more valuable than ever. At this critical moment in history, I call on young people to demand and foster the dramatic progress so urgently needed in our world,” said Ban Ki-moon. He further noted that, he applauds the millions of young people who are protesting for rights and participation, addressing staggering levels of youth unemployment, raising their voices against injustice, and advocating global action for people and the planet.

General and Regional Elections, “did not vote for us, we view this not as a rejection, but as an opportunity to forge accountable and inclusive governance - something that was lacking in the previous regime.” Jordan acknowledged that all Guyanese yearn for the good life - one in which the country’s patrimony is exploited in a sustainable and responsible manner that caters for future generations; where they have good jobs providing permanent incomes; where they have access to decent affordable housing, health care, pure water, sanitation and education; where they can live and retire comfortably and in a secure environment. “Our Government commits to providing that good life.”

Hinterland Region next ... From page 9 capabilities through local and overseas training. Such training, he added, would include familiarising, or rather re-familiarising, agricultural personnel and professionals with hinterland agriculture, crops and cropping patterns in the various communities. Capacity building in this regard would seek to modernise and reorganise farms as well as implementing agro-processing facilities and products in eco-zones, especially in the Northwest region and outlying areas of the country.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 24HRS Shutter/Door repairsCall Luk’s: 677-4695, 2230998, beat/match quotations for shutters and awnings from others. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 I N N O VA T I V E MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Floor sanding & lacquering house plans, estimate & painting –Call: 650-4362 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Building or Renovating? For quality services at affordable cost - Contact: 592-682-9935 or email: creativeconstructionservice 15@gmail.com.

Live in maid must know to cook-Call: 679-8765 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call 219-5354 (Monday- Friday) (8:154:15PM) One live in maid –Tel: 6755256 Night Security to work in G/ Town –Call: 218-1156 Laying birds to buy – Contact: 226-0772; 225-9304 2 Mason, 2 Labourer- Call 265-3586 between 7am-4pm Experienced taxi driver and dispatcher @ Princess Hotel Providence-Tel: 616-5419 One Cleaner, apply in person @ 4 First Street Albertown, left from Cummings Street – Call: 225-3234 We offer good price for new Herstelling land, we clean it and pay all legal fees-Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 Male Sales representative to work on commission in New Amsterdam, must have drivers license -Call: 609-3650 Office clerk: senior/junior. With CXC Maths/English, Computer Knowledge is an asset. Call: 219-5354 Live in maid/assistant, salesgirl, ECD –Tel: 603-5716; 644-9802

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL$4,000 & UPPER DAY-CALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494

Thursday August 13, 2015

SALON

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956

Jacqueline Sookram, Cocoa Stix Spa & Salon- Tel:6928633. Specialised in facial, pedicure, manicure & massage. Back to School Promotion10%-45% of all service for children, Monday – Friday (9-3pm) –Tel: 2258701; 622-2643

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Salon & Spa @ Aracari Resort! Available Now: Hollywood herbal skin whitening cream, scrub & sun block. Phone: 264-3312 or 6003927

VACANCY International Employment: waiters, waitresses, cooks, housekeepers, bellboys, storekeepers, receptionists, Contact Recruitment Agency: 231-6296, 6509880 www.plzrecruitme.com 2 Sales Clerk @ People’s Choice Café must be between ages 18 and 25. Call: 679-9449; 223-1645 Male Supervisor to work in housekeeping Dept. Tel: 2250198 or 233 South Road Lacytown. 1 Cashier, Supermarket helper, 1 Accounts Clerk/Inventory clerk, must be computer literate, apply @ Nirva Supermarket –Call: 227-5771 Sales Rep and office Assistant, preferably with experienced and from West Coast Demerara –Call: 2541801 Salesperson to work @ Berbice & Demerara Area, must have a vehicle & police clearance, attractive salary & commission- Call: 231-8344 Canter Driver, Delivery Person and warehouse staff, must have experience and police clearance, attractive salary. Call:231-8344 2 Accounts clerk with Grades 1 & 2 in Maths & English. Apply at Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D.

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom- Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glass top, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 2008 FIELDER -$2.5M, 2008 RACTIS -$2.44M, CARINA 212 -$1.9M, NEVER REGISTERED & FULLY LOADED VEHICLES –TEL: 617-2891

1 Self Contained, one bedroom apartment to rent in Diamond Housing Scheme, with Cupboard, water, lighting –Call: 6614842 Hair & nail station: qualified technician @ Alyssa Beauty Salon & Tattoo Parlour, 103 Regent & Wellington Sts. (Multi Complex Mall) –Call: 684-1062 Property for rent at #2 Canal Polder- Tel: 613-1860 2- Two bedroom apartment for rent @ Mon Repos, North East Coast, price $60,000 – Call: 688-6005

One Mitsubishi Canter Fuso Crane Truck, Big Crane, 3 Ton 6 lugs excellent, GTT Series, price $4.5M –Call:622-6746

2 Properties @ Bel-Air Park all convenience , furnished US-1800 & 4 bedrooms unfurnished US2,200, newly renovated –Tel:231-7839 (working hours)

Toyota pit-bull (roof-rack), unregistered, Noah, Voxy – Call: 603-9700

Two bedroom apartment to rent in Sophia -$35,000 –Call: 613-1847

Toyota NZE PLL series, fully loaded mag rims, Deck/DVD/ reverse camera- $1.5M negotiable- Call: 609-1040

One Lincoln Ranger 10,000 welder/generator-Call: 6279825 or 657-2440 Newly renovated one bedroom apartment in Herstelling –Tel: 265-2171, 690-6353

Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Carina 212, Bluebird –Call: 652-3820; 6654529 Just arrived from UK brand new TM trucks- Good priceTel: 679-7587, 264-1582 1 Toyota 212 Yellow Cab, Excellent condition –Tel: 2235615 One fully loaded Toyota Fun Cargo PLL 9098, excellent condition with Alarm, CD Player -$1.2M –Call: 641-9923, 627-5382 Unregistered IST fully loaded & PRR series Sienta, excellent condition. Call: 691-7475

TO LET Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment: bath, toilet, kitchen, sitting area on High Road Greenwich Park, Parka –Tel: 649-6202/664-3508 FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS: FULLY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS (FRIDGE, STOVE, MICROWAVE, ETC) US $40 DAILY –TEL: 609-8132/672-8569 (MAX)

ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 226-2145; 227-5037 EDUCATION Simpli Royal School of Beauty – Pamela Dillon: 6654565; 225-2303. Hair, Skin, Nail Technology, easy payments. 9 Course Diploma in Computer $30,000, Job Placement after Completing – MicroGraphics, Vreed-Enhoop-264-3057

Three bedrooms concrete top flat in Cane View Ave. South Ruimveldt Gardens $90,000-Call: 218-1949 1-2 Bedrooms apartment, salon fully equipped –Call Simone: 626-5317 APARTMENT AT GROVE$50,000 –TEL: 644-5151 HEALTH Herbal nectar treatment for diabetic, hypertension and other sickness (follow me) sexual enhancers –Tel: 6962957

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Dhal Puri for sale -$80 each –Call: 222-3393 1 Toyota Mark 2 car$160,000.00- Call Simone: 6265317 1 Green CRV PJJ Series @ Wieting & Richter Ltd, Water Street-Tel: 226-6150-7 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Yamaha 2006 R1 1000CC for $600,000, owner leaving country –Contact: 664-5296 One Complete land Dredge with two Perkins engine for sale - $ 1.5M -Call: 684-6048 or 689-0217 Moving sale – all household items on sale –Call: 656-7133 1-40ft Keel Boat, 700lbs 5" seine, 3000lb ice box, 15 Yamaha Engine – ($2M)Call:660-1825 Used XBOX 360, PS Vita, PS3 I-pad & I-pods, XBOX one & games –Tel:621-7497; 6038643; 649-3277 One welding machine- Call: 687-7725 52ft complete cabin cruiser. In excellent condition- Tel: 592654-2817, 592-622-2958 Lister Pitter AC1 6B-HP, generator 4KW, 110/220 Volts on wheels –Call: 6841068 Large Red snapper fishing boat 66ft, with 85 traps, all licenses working, 3yrs old – Call: 674-3735; 652-8970 Marine Parts, inboard engines, gear box, shaft, propellers, gland, all electronics, etc –Call: 6743735/ 652-8970 One transport property on Duncan Street, laser level, De walt Drill and refrigerator. Call: 600-7864 One Stall @ Stabroek Market, One STHL motor blower, one Tiller, 33.5 Farm land @ Kuru Kuru- Call: 225-7794, 679-1151 Green Heart Lumber: 10X10, 1 1 X 1 1 , 1 2 X 1 2 , 13X13,14X14,15X15,16X16, 17X17 and 18X18- Call: 6393450 EDUCATION Enroll Now At Xenon Academy! Tank Street Grove, E.B.D: Nursery, Primary & Secondary- Call Sir Bharrat 643-4045; 2662551 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578 Continued on page 31

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views

Public officials create the atmosphere for dialogue or... From page 4 Business, to rail against the government’s “sham” democracy. Both Kaieteur News and Stabroek News drew the ire of the previous administration; were branded “anti-government” and suffered at the hands of the Executive. Government ads to these news outlets were severely reduced. Kaieteur News was said to be “damaging the country’s image with its negative reporting.” And although we don’t know who did it, five of the outlet’s pressmen were ex-

ecuted on the job. A private TV Channel was axed as the home of the National Lottery Game. Its owner, a member of the main opposition party, was also a constant critic of government’s (mis)handling of the sugar industry. All of these actions had one objective: to silence anti-government sentiments. Even the matriarch of Guyana’s oldest party (GOP) – herself a former Head of State – did not escape the vitriol of her successor. He summarily dismissed her as “just a private citizen”.

She became a target just because she dared take a principled position against, what she saw as, attempts by the executive branch to silence the press. A former party faithful had lamented, “No one came to her defence.” The collective silence of party officials to the public rebuke of one of their co-founders, only confirmed the perception that the vicious silencing of anti-government critics, was part of their ethos. A well known columnist and former UG lecturer had been a fierce critic of the pre-

Is there anywhere citizens can be safe or feel safe again? DEAR EDITOR, It was between 11:00 and 11:15 pm on Friday 7th August. I was in the Charlestown community playing a game of dominoes. When the game was finished, a robbery occurred at the venue; people were running for their safety. While lying there on my belly I was thinking, “is there any place where persons can be safe?” Dominoes is a sport where small persons would

come out to play to have fun, and to know that they are being targetted or robbed is absurd. The Turning Point proprietor was shot in one ordeal while returning fire at the bandits and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. This is the third dominoes venue which has suffered at the hands of bandits. These dominoes clubs are there to keep the sport alive. I’m calling on the Minis-

ter of Public Security to take into consideration that people’s lives are at stake and they need to increase security and put street lights where needed so that persons can be safer. There are still too many guns on the streets and everyday people are being terrorized. Mr. Minister, is there anywhere citizens of this country can be safe or feel safe again? Frustrated

vious administration. He was, reportedly, branded by the then sitting president as “a self-confessed man-kisser” and a “sleaze ball”. According to one online dictionary, a ‘sleaze ball’ is “a disreputable, disgusting, or despicable person (also used as a general term of abuse).” The official didn’t debate his critic’s commentary. He verbally attacked the individual. That columnist was, reportedly, drenched with faeces and was also physically assaulted by some unknown character. Courtney Crum-Ewing was labeled “a nuisance,” albeit after his assassination. In the course of exercising his democratic rights, he had criticised and protested against a former government official and was calling on residents to elect a new government. He was murdered in cold blood. He was silenced. Speaking at Courtney’s funeral, retired Major General of the Guyana Defence Force, Joseph Singh, reportedly, said, “It would be naïve of anyone not to perceive that the murder of Crum-Ewing was somehow linked to his protest ac-

tivity and his public advocacy . . .” The experiences of the above-mentioned persons/ entities reveal four commonalities: (1) They were, in one way or another, critical of the government of the day; (2) Their criticism put them in the cross hairs of the rulers; (3) Government officials made no secret of their contempt for these critics and their message; (4) Attempts were made, some with deadly results, to silence them. Editor, an American news anchor once said, “In a democracy, you counter negative talk [criticism] with more talk.” It is my belief that public officials, by their reaction to criticism can, and do create an atmosphere where negative talk is answered with either more talk or violence. When leaders label critics as “enemies of progress” and “traitors,” sympathisers who are prone to violence, may see that as their cue to “silence the enemy.” We have to send a clear, strong message to our elected officials, that we will not countenance intolerance against opposing views and that political violence has no place in a civilised society. Remington Nelson

From page 22

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Republic Park Phase 1, 4 bedrooms, 48M, negotibale Call:645-2580, 609-6516 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities & furnished kitchen–Call: 662-9335; 6123244 Yarrowkabra Linden Highway 200’X100’ fully fence, house, chicken & pig pen –Call: 676-0931 17-15 Block X Diamond, E.B.D –Phone: 613-3944

LAND FOR SALE Luxury Gated CommunityMall, Pool, intelligent security system, well, solar. Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – Call: 609-0783 Eccles Waterfront and Bel Air Gardens Ocean View land for sale- Contact:954-769-0576, 1belair@mail.com Land at long Creek on Highway 100ftX200ft –Tel: 679-7159; 685-8926 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each, 1-2 storey property @ Crane – Call: 604-6724 Providence$3.5M, Herstelling -$3.5M & $2.5M, Farm - $2.2M, Parfait Harmonie -$1.2M, $1.5M & $2.8M, Eccles -$5MCall:611-7223; 604-2207

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 13, 2015

Two escape from N/A prison

Lawmen in Berbice and beyond were last night on high alert after two prisoners, remanded on

robbery charges, escaped from the New Amsterdam Prison on Penitentiary Walk.

Up to press time, details of the breakout were sketchy, but Kaieteur News was reliably informed that

around 21:35 hours the men broke out of a wooden cell, scaled the facility’s fence and escaped.

This publication confirmed that just before midnight, heavily-armed police ranks and prison

officers were scouring the area and its environs in search of the escapees.

YCG continues to promote entrepreneurship for women Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), known for creating opportunities for youths and communities to effect positive social change, strengthened by global partnerships, is currently running an entrepreneurship programme for local women in the business world. This volunteer service was established to offer young people from Guyana, and across the world, an opportunity to make significant contributions to community development projects, while gaining valuable leadership and problem solving skills. With this in mind, the YCG in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will be working together until December 2015 to provide training for the female entrepreneurs. This programme had commenced in April last with 44 successful business owners. The project aims to develop women in entrepreneurship skills, record keeping, marketing and other management skills

that would assist them in bettering their businesses. After undergoing the various training, the women will be provided with mentorship. The guides are assigned to help the budding entrepreneurs develop their businesses in various areas where they were once weak. “We have mentors who visit them at least once a month to support the women in improving their systems in their businesses,” said Dmitri Nicholson, Executive Director of YCG. Thus far 70% of persons receiving the training would’ve had mentors assigned to them. “As a result of this, businesses that were not previously registered are now being registered, amongst other things, since the women are now taking their enterprises more seriously,” Nicholson said. He further stated, “Some have started keeping records of their cash flow and they have improved in their recordkeeping skills, while others are working towards expanding and finding more

opportunities for their small businesses.” Throughout the programme, a small number of persons have discontinued the initiative, citing the lack of passion, and are now seeking new opportunities in other fields. In addition to that, the organization anticipates that they are moving to a stage where they would be able to facilitate a monthly workshop for those women on different topics, including public speaking, then on to areas such as assertiveness skills, which focuses on connecting the women to various distribution companies. Self-employed women building businesses in Guyana are welcomed at YCG to enrol in the programme to develop their entrepreneurship skills. However YCG does have a livelihood programme that continues to support women after this, with monthly workshops to commence from the month of August and onward. Youth Challenge Guyana believes that youth require the skills to make safe

Some of the team members of Youth Challenge Guyana decisions about their lifestyles to reduce conflict, improve self-esteem and allow youth to have a satisfying life. This is aimed at bringing about behavioural changes among youths by equipping them with specific skill to support a successful

life and community. Apart from this entrepreneurship programme, YCG offers Communication skills, Decision making skills, Conflict Resolution skills, Self-management, Assertiveness, Relationship skills and Stress

Management. With various project areas such as Peer Education, National Volunteer Teachers’ Programme, Parent Support and Mentorship, Local and International Field Projects and Volunteer Counselling and Testing.

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Germany sceptical over Greek bailout deal despite Tsipras confidence

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) confers with finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble during a debate in the Bundestag, in Berlin. (AFP Photo/John MacDougall) Athens (AFP) - Germany yesterday cast doubt on a hurriedly-concluded Greek bailout deal which Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said should promptly unlock default-saving funds for his debt-crippled country. Greece and its creditors reached a technical agreement on a third international bailout after marathon talks in the early hours of Tuesday morning but the deal must still be approved by eurozone member states.But Germany, the effective paymaster of European bailouts, has expressed caution over the proposal.“We have formulated questions,” Wolfgang Schaeuble’s finance ministry said in a statement. “These are part of the review process which is not yet completed.” As eurozone ministers prepared to examine the ac-

cord in Brussels tomorrow, Tsipras said he was confident the 400-page document — set for a parliamentary vote in Athens late tonight — would be approved.“I am and remain confident that we will succeed in reaching a deal and loan support ... that will end economic uncertainty,” he said.But in an apparent swipe at Germany, the 41-year-old premier said certain EU states had a “hidden plan to reshape the eurozone, using Greece as the excuse.”“Greece will not give them the excuse,” he said.Top-selling Bild newspaper cited a two-page German finance ministry document that raised questions about Greece’s debt sustainability, the role of the International Monetary Fund and on privatisations.Berlin is also unhappy about Greece’s annual budget targets being

scaled back, Bild said.Greece and its creditors are under pressure to finalise the 85-billion-euro deal by August 20 when Athens must repay some 3.4 billion euros ($3.8 billion) to the European Central Bank.A Greek government source said Tsipras had called an emergency session of parliament for today for a crucial vote on ratifying the deal.Eurozone finance ministers will then meet tomorow to give their verdict on the deal, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem’s spokesman said on Twitter. Separately, EU sources said Greece will tumble back into deep recession this year. The Greek economy, which crawled out of a sixyear recession only in 2014, will shrink 2.3 percent in 2015 and another 1.3 percent in 2016, they said.

Islamic State’s Egyptian ally says it beheads Croat – SITE Reuters - An Egyptian group allied to Islamic State has published a photograph it said showed the beheaded body of a Croatian hostage it threatened to kill last week, the SITE monitoring service said yesterday. Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the picture, which carried a caption that said: “killing of the Croatian hostage, due to his country’s participation in the war against Islamic State, after the deadline expired.”Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said au-

thorities were examining the image.“It is my duty to break the silence and tell the Croatian public that we cannot confirm with 100 percent certainty that it is true what we see, and which is horrifying,” he told a news conference. “I don’t know if we will be able to do it in the coming days, but what we see does not look good . I’m afraid that for the first time, what has happened to the citizens of other countries has happened to a Croatian citizen.

Tomislav Salopek

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Thursday August 13, 2015

WAGE DEAL Govt., unions finally sign wage agreement Jamaica Observer - The Government finally made a breakthrough in current wage negotiations with public sector workers, as eight of the 11 trade unions bargaining under the umbrella of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) signed a Heads of Agreement at Jamaica House Tuesday. The signing of the agreement ended seven months of bargaining between the Government and the unions,

which threatened to break down on several occasions over the level of pay increase. In the end, three of the unions, the union of Schools, Agriculture and Allied Workers, the Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel, and the United Union of Jamaica refused to sign, but the formalities went ahead anyway, as the required support of the unions was achieved. However, the Government

still has a number of other bargaining units, including public school teachers, doctors, nurses, air traffic controllers, and the police to settle with after their rejection of similar offers. Minister with responsibility for the public service, Horace Dalley noted that it took 14 drafts of the Heads of Agreement before the majority of the JCTU unions were finally convinced to sign the document. Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips described the achievement as historic, in terms of consolidating the partnership between stakeholders in the sector on the economy. Phillips said that the agreement reflected the kind of maturity which should characterise similar negotiations. “Among other things, it signifies the continued commitment of the public sector unions to the economic reform programme,”he said.Dalley admitted that obtaining an agreement with majority of the trade unions was “not easy”.

Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) signed a Heads of Agreement at Jamaica House Tuesday “Sometimes you are leaving a meeting on the cusp of an agreement, and when you go back you have to change [some things],” he explained. However, he said that his ministry was committed, on behalf of the Government, to personally ensure that “every

single aspect of this agreement is implemented”. In her address at the ceremony, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller noted, that prior to the receiving the claims from the unions and starting negotiations in March, the Government had

committed itself to end the six-year-old wage freeze in the public sector on this occasion. She admitted that there were 12 items from the previous agreement with the unions (2012-2015) still being pursued.

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Salty language lands Russia’s Lavrov in social media storm

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir attend a news conference after a meeting in Moscow, Russia. Reuters/Maxim Shemetov Reuters - It was meant to be a news conference about solving the Syria crisis and combating Islamic State, but an unguarded remark into the microphone from Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov grabbed all the attention.Even a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow joined the social media storm triggered after Lavrov let slip the less than diplomatic language on Tuesday as he and his Saudi counterpart Adel alJubeir met the press. Taped footage showed Lavrov waiting as part of the conference is translated into Arabic, checking his mobile phone, making notes, adjusting glasses, briefly rubbing

his forehead and then saying quietly: “Fucking morons.” It was not clear who or what Lavrov was referring to and his spokeswoman, who was present, said she did not hear the minister swear and that his talks with Jubeir went well.The two had earlier failed to resolve a disagreement over the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The reaction on social media included a contribution from ex-U.S. ambassador Michael McFaul in response to a suggestion that Lavrov had aimed the comment at the Saudi minister.That would be a major embarrassment for Moscow at a time when it has launched a new diplomatic

push over Syria. “Really? And he used to accuse me of undiplomatic language,” McFaul wrote on Twitter.Lavrov’s spokeswoman said he was not annoyed about the talks with Jubeir.“I cannot comment on what’s not related to the essence of the talks,” she said. “Interjections, noises, sneezing - I think it’s unnecessary to comment on lip reading. Everyone hears differently.” A Reuters photographer and cameraman present said the remark by Lavrov, known for often getting annoyed with photographers, appeared aimed at those who started snapping pictures as he raised his hand to adjust his glasses.

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Thursday August 13, 2015

PM: Govt. not involved Venezuela releasing jailed opposition leader in Rowley threats to house arrest

Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has dismissed any allegations that her Government was involved in a death threat against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. And she assured that she will never encourage anyone to lie for the benefit of the People’s Partnership.Responding to allegations by Rowley that the Government wanted him dead, Persad-Bissessar said: “I state categorically, the Government is in no way involved in any threat to anyone. Secondly, the Government is no way involved in getting friends or enemies to lie on anyone.”She was also referring to accusations of improper behaviour by Rowley against former Express investigative reporter, Anika Gumbs.PersadBissessar said any statements that Government was involved in alleged death threats made against Rowley were reckless.The PM was speaking to the media last evening during the screening process for the United National Congress (UNC) repre-

Kamla Persad-Bissessar sentatives at Paraiso Building, Claxton Bay. “I think that is a very reckless and dangerous statement,” she said. “If there is a death threat, I think the police have acted appropriately in increasing the security of the individual, but to say that that threat comes from the Government is totally out of order and absolutely not true,

totally inaccurate...so I condemn that statement.“I do not condemn the fact that there may be a threat, those are matters for the security services, for the police in our country and if I urge the police to do their job should the Opposition Leader have evidence, then that should go to the police, those reports should be made to the police,” she added.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — One of the Venezuelan opposition’s most prominent leaders started his first day of house arrest yesterday after a surprise release following a year and a half in prison. Daniel Ceballos, former mayor of the restive western city of San Cristobal, was released to a relative’s apartment in an upscale part of Caracas for health reasons late Tuesday night. The 31-year-old leader, who is awaiting trial on charges of civil rebellion, suffered from kidney and stomach problems during a 20-day hunger strike in June, according to his supporters. The release could signal that the country’s socialist administration is taking a new approach to the more than 50 anti-government activists human rights groups say remain jailed on invented charges. “Ceballos was jailed on some heavy charges. I think this is going to give the other prisoners a lot of reason to hope that the same thing will happen to them,” said Dimitris Pantoulas, a political and business consultant based in Caracas. In May, Ceballos won a

Maria Daniela kisses her father Daniel Ceballos, former mayor of the western city of San Cristobal, right, daughter Maria Veronica, left, and son Juan Daniel in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) primary from behind bars to run for a congressional seat, but elections officials later barred him from holding public office. He went on a 20-day hunger strike with another jailed opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, to demand that the government set a date for congressional elections and release the people they consider political prisoners. The election date has now been

set, and several prisoners have been freed. Ceballos was arrested in March 2014 on charges related to his support of antigovernment demonstrations in San Cristobal that helped ignite a nationwide protest movement. He is expected to be bound by standard house arrest rules prohibiting him from speaking publicly or engaging in political activity.

Caribbean nations need help with debt relief

Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler addresses the gathering at the Annual Meeting of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Debt Management Specialists. (Picture by Gercine Carter) Daily Nation - Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler wants the global community to do more to assist Caribbean countries with debt relief. “For us small states, it is not enough to just speak almost despairingly about our negative debt matrices, as if pouring scorn on us for dar-

ing to pursue the development of our people and societies,” Sinckler said. He was addressing delegates at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Debt Management Specialists at the Hilton Barbados yesterday.Sinckler said actions by the managers of

the global economic system had placed many Caribbean and Latin American countries in the “invidious position” of having to incur heavy outlays of fiscal expenditure while access to export markets was shrinking and the cost of interaction with private capital markets was increasing.

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Mobile Wizards to sponsor National Men’s Hockey 10/10 on the West Coast Squad reduced to 22

Mobile Wizards has agreed to sponsor a 10/10 Softball Cricket tournament on the West Demerara for males and females starting early September. The company which deals with cell phones will have the right to display and inform the public on the company’s works at any ground where the games are being played. The Guyana Softball League in collaboration with the West Demerara area board has forged this sponsorship in an effort to create interest in the game in the area. Teams will play with the same 10/10 rules as per the GSL but there is an addition as persons making up a team will have to be a resident of the area before they are allowed to participate, teams found wanting will be disqualified from the tournament. Additionally there will be a culture show as spectators will be given an opportunity to showcase their dance skills for two minutes

RHTY&SC to...

From page 32 Clement Brusch and Joel Pike. The remaining clubs are asked to submit their squads by Sunday 16th August, 2015, to email: foster_hilbert@yahoo.com. Blairmont Team: - Nick Ramsaroop (Captain), Shabeer Baksh - player/coach, Avishkar Sewkarran, Mahendra Singh, Zameer Inshan, Javed Karim, Parmanand Ramdhan, Derrick Cadogan, Waqar Hassan, Philburg Wilburge, Rameshwar Somwaru, Chandradatt Veerasammy, Nigel Trotz, Ramesh Boodram, Azad Isahawk. Shizad Ali - Manager: Mohamed Samad - Asst Manager/Coach.

each to local music chosen by Djs randomly. The entrance fee for the tournament is 5,000 dollars and the prizes up for grab are as follows: Winners (males and females) - $20,000 plus trophy, runners up - $10,000 plus trophy. Other incentives will be given to MVP tournament, man/woman of the finals, best dressed team and most disciplined team. Teams can contact Selena Azeez on number 646-0568/268-2458; Ravenna Rambo ‘bin’ -2761381/658-8933; Amiel Azeez on 268-2458 for details. Teams are urged to register early to avoid the delay of checking residency. A release informed that the GSL would like to inform the public that as the national body, only tournaments organised through this body will be able to produce national champions and only the tournaments that are administrated by the approved area representatives will be sanctioned and it has to be a collaborative effort. The list of approved representatives is as follows: Linden- Mortimer denny; EssequiboRamnarine Raghubar/Chintamanie/Harvey. Gobin/Asif Ahamad; Upper East Coast Herman Persaud; Lower East Coast - Mark Persaud; West Coast - Ravenna Ramgobin; East Bank - Shafeek Mohamed; Lance Adams - Georgetown; Abina Shultz-Corentyne females; James Hart - Upper Corentyne, Omeshwar Sirikishun /Teena Pooran - Lower Corentyne; Pinkey Arthur - New Amersterdam/ Canjie, Megan Thomas - Lethem, Latoya Sookram - Pomeroon. The above mentioned persons are asked to seek clarification when any approach is made. Presently only the 10/ten organizations in the various areas are under the GSL.

Thursday August 13, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Good intentions at work are not enough to get you through a busy day; you must make a plan and stick with it. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You don’t want to do things today in the same manner as you did them before. In fact, you’re interested in trying a new approach to nearly any activity you start now. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be so bored at work today that you check out for the weekend early. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your friends may be counting on you now and expecting you to join up with them later. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might start the day with your head in the clouds of your imagination. But your impractical approach to the day begins to shift as the changeable Moon enters your 3rd House of Immediate Environment. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It’s challenging to concentrate this morning, making it harder to complete

whatever you start. However, LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The Moon’s entry into your sign today shifts your attention from the rational world toward a more subjective perspective. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you think that you’ve been missing a significant piece of information, today might be the right day to do some serious research. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You might be unsure of your current destination, but a lack of clarity today won’t stop you from continuing on a road to somewhere. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today’s timing may be frustrating because you have high hopes about accomplishing a lot at work. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

It’s hard to keep your feet on the ground today, even if you have very practical goals at first. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might struggle to pay attention to your everyday affairs today because your imagination is running wild.

The local contingent of the national men’s hockey squad, presently preparing for the Pan American Challenge in Chicklayo, Peru from October 3-11, 2015, has been reduced to 22 players ahead of final selection. The squad has been in training since the beginning of April, with strength & agility sessions conducted three times per week by physical trainer Rudolph Blackman, in addition to field sessions, four times per week. The players spent the first two months improving their individual techniques and one on one attacking and defensive skills, before moving onto small unit play. They will spend the next three weeks focusing on positional play and situation specific systems and tactics. Goalkeepers Anthony Cole and Timothy Baker have been brought back into the squad to make competition for the position more intense, since only one goalkeeper will be selected in the final team. Also vying for spots on the final sixteen will be England based players Marvin

Police looking to re-arrest... From page 33 to give anything away to the opposition, but asserted that the Police are much more tactical than in previous years. According to Wilson, the team has matured to understand that they compete to win. “Years ago, we were dependent on talent, but now we are more tactical, we have the athletes to win, we have three athletes registered in all the events and we have urged them to ensure that they reach the finals in those events,” Wilson added. Police Progressive Youth Club will be depending heavily on their Olympian, Winston George and last year’s international 800m winner, Kevin Bayley among sprint ace, Tevin Garraway to bring home the bacon this weekend in Linden. The champion club will receive $600,000 while the runner-up gets $400,000; the third place club pockets $250,000 with fourth place taking home $150,000. In addition, $600,000 will be handed out in six international events, including the Asics Women’s 1500m, Under Armour Men’s 800m, Mings Products and Services Men’s 200m, Boyce/Jefford Women’s 200m, Brainstreet Group Men’s Long Jump and Women’s Triple Jump events.

Dannett and Matthew Taylor. Both men were in Guyana recently to be assessed by the coaching staff, they also played matches with the local players. Nine of the twenty two players named were also part of Guyana’s national under-21 squad that placed second at the Player Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago over the weekend. The final selection of sixteen players is expected to take place the first week of September. Guyana is scheduled to play their preliminary matches against Uruguay on October 3rd and against Venezuela on October 4th, in what is expected to be a highly charged affair. The nine team competition will also feature Barbados, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Puerto Rico. The top two teams in the competition will qualify for the Pan American Cup scheduled for 2017 in the USA. This will be the first time

Guyana’s National Men’s team will be competing in an international outdoor tournament since 2007, when they won silver and bronze medals at the ALBA Games and the Caribbean Cup respectively. Guyana made a successful return to international Indoor competition last year when they won Bronze at the Indoor Pan American Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay. 22 Man Local Squad: Field Players - Orland Semple, Stuart Gonsalves, Andrew Xavier, Mark Sargeant, Kareem McKenzie, Daniel Hooper, Shane Samuels, Robert France, Devin Munroe, Randy Hope, Colonel Heywood, Rayon Branford, Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Hilton Chester and Ato Greene. Goalkeepers - Medroy Scotland, Jason Hoyte, Anthony Cole and Timothy Baker.

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Thursday August 13, 2015

West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Team Profile By Franklin Wilson compliments of NAMILCO, Ringbang, Fazias Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Queensway. The West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council will be contesting the most prestigious match in the world known as the Palma Match, a 16-member Team event at the Viale Ranges, Camp Perry, Ohio USA on August 13-14, 2015. Kaieteur Sport is pleased to feature the profiles of the 16 Team Members, two Reserves and Coaching staff.

Mahendra Persaud

Ransford Goodluck

Norris Gomez

Anderson Perry

Name: Norris Gomez – Assistant Wind Coach Age: 66 Country: Trinidad and Tobago Experience: Shot at Palma 1982, 1985, 2003, 2007, 2015; Caribbean Championships since 1979. Five (5) times Caribbean Individual Champion

Name: Anderson Perry Age: 52 Country: Antigua & Barbuda Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2008

Name: Mahendra Persaud – Vice Captain& Assistant Wind Coach Age: 54 Country: Guyana Experience: Shot at Plama in 2003, 2007; Caribbean Championships from 1994; Caribbean Individual Champion in 1996, 2002, 2007.

Dylan Fields

Leo Ramalho Name: Leo Ramalho Age: 53 Country: Guyana Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 1992; Placed 3rd in Caribbean in 20

Michael Perez Name: Michael Perez Age: 52 Country: Trinidad and Tobago Experience: Shot at Palma in 2007, 2011; Caribbean Championships since 1994; Won Wogart (Highest Individual Team Score) in 2008.

John Fraser

Peter Persaud

Sigmund Douglas

Sherwin Felicen

Name: Sigmund Douglas Age: 56 Country: Guyana/USA Experience: Shot at Plama 1988, 2007; Caribbean Championships since 1982

Name: Dylan Fields Age: 46 Country: Guyana Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 1986

Christopher Joseph

Lennox Braithwaite Tommy Greenaway

Name: Lennox Braithwaite – Assistant Wind Coach Age: 50 Country: Guyana Experience: Shot at Palma 2003; Caribbean Championships since 1987; Individual Champion (Junior) 1987; Five (5) time Senior Individual Champion including 2012, 2013, 2014. Name: Ransford Goodluck – Assistant Wind Coach Age: 62 Country: Guyana Experience: Shot at Palma 1985, 2003, 2007, 2015; Caribbean Championships since 1979; Individual Champion 1995, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2010.

Jason Wood

Marlon King

Name: Jason Wood Age: 38 Country: Barbados Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since2014

Name: Peter Persaud Age: 43 Country: Guyana Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2014

Name: Marlon King Age: 55 Country: Barbados Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2000

Name: John Fraser Age: 52 Country: Guyana/USA Experience: Shot at Palma in 2007; Caribbean Championships since 1987.

Name: Sherwin Felicen Age: 37 Country: Guyana Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships debut in 2014

Ryan Sampson Name: Ryan Sampson Age: 46 Country: Guyana Experience: Shot at Palma in 2007; Caribbean Championships since 2001; won Caribbean Juniors in 2005 in Jamaica.

Name: Tommy Greenaway Age: 53 Country: Antigua & Barbuda Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2007

Name: Christopher Joseph – Reserve Age:55 Country: Antigua &Barbuda Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2007 Name: Rev. Dr. Olson Daniel – Reserve Age: 45 Position: Shooter – Reserve Country: Antigua & Barbuda Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2007 Name: Ezeikel Joseph – Assistant Wind Coach, Administrative Support Age: 54 Country: Trinidad & Tobago Experience: Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2001 (Continued on page 31)

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

West Indies...

Page 31

Govt. makes major contribution to Guyana Cup Horserace meet All racehorses to cross Berbice River Bridge free for event By Samuel Whyte

Rev. Dr. Olson Daniel

Major Dennis John Nelson

David Dumont Ezeikel Joseph

Paul Slowe Laurne Benjamin From page 30 Name: Laurne Benjamin – Administrative Support Age: 53 Country: Antigua and Barbuda Experience:Debut at Palma; Caribbean Championships since 2007 Name: Major Dennis John Nelson Age: 64 Position: Captain (NonShooting) Country: Jamaica Experience: Shot at Palma 2003, 2007, 2011; 5-time Caribbean Championships Individual winner Name: David Dumont – Adjutant Age: 43 Country: Bermuda Experience: Shot at Palma in 2010; Caribbean Championships since 2009

Name: Paul Slowe -Wind Coach Age: 60 Country: Guyana Experience: Shot at Palma 2007; Caribbean Championships since 1978

Carl Awong Name: Carl Awong - Wind Coach Age: 63 Country: Trinidad and Tobago Experience: Palma 2003, 2007: Caribbean Championships 1989

The new APNU/AFC government continues to blaze the trail by setting new heights as it continues to keeping most of its promises made on the campaign trail. The Ninth Annual Guyana Cup Horseracing extravaganza, which is set for this Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club, is the latest to get a major fillip from the government. The $25M event which is organized by the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise and friends in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club will see horses having to cross the Berbice River Bridge being allowed free of cost. The government has waived the toll for horses attending the prestigious race meet. At the launching of the event, Director of Sport Christopher Jones had given the government’s commitment to support the activity in whatever way possible. According to coordinator Nasrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed ‘Junior’, a request was made to Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Minister of State Joseph Harmon who immediately agreed to the request. The mega August Holiday event is being staged with the support of the Government of Guyana and the blessing of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) with major inputs from beverage giants Banks DIH Limited and Digicel among others. With attractive sums of monies available and over 100 horses expected to participate, thousands of patrons are expected to flock the venue for what is expect to be by far the biggest sporting activity for this period in Guyana. There will be endless deals and giveaways at the event. Most of the companies on board including Banks DIH limited, Digicel and the Auto Dealers have special packages and big discounts on their products, including vehicles being on display which will only be available at the event and patrons are expected to make full use of the opportunities. The feature event is for A class horses for a whopping first prize of $3M and the Guyana Cup trophy from a total package of $6M over 1800M. Looking good at

From left; Clyde Muntslag Assuria Operations Manager, observes as Rovin DeSouza of Jumbo Jet collects the sponsorship from General Manager Yogindra Arjuna, with Zamal Aslam Alauddin also from the organizers looking on. practice and set for the big day are Guyana A class champion Score’s Even, defending Guyana Cup Champion CP Got Even, and a fearsome pack of Spit Fire, Jack in My Style, Princess She Not, Diplomatic Cat, Curfew Tower, Treacle and the speedy Tiz A Holiday and new imports Guyana Time and Kazi Azaria among others are expected to give turfites a day to remember. The other events on the day’s programme are the Cofeature 1600M event for 3 yr old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies for a winning take of $2M and trophy. There are two races for two year old horses, one for West Indies Bred animals for a winning take of $1.2M and trophy, while the second is for Guyana bred horses for a winner’s money of $400,000. The E class and lower event is for a take home of $1M and trophy, then there is a race for four year old West Indies bred animals for a winning take of $900,000 and trophy, the contest for horses classified F3 has a first prize of $800,000 and trophy, in the G3 and lower race the winner will run away with $600,000 and trophy, the ‘I’ and lower race has $350,000 and trophy winning tag, while the event for unclassified animals has a take home of $150,000 and trophy. The number of sponsors continues to grow with overseas Insurance Company Assuria joining the sponsorship group. Also joining the fray is the Survival Supermarket, along with L. Mahabeer Cambio, Talgit Depo, and Atlantic Marine Supply among others.

Meanwhile, a number of experienced jockeys from around the Caribbean have already confirmed their participation and are expected to don their racing gear as they compete against their Guyanese counterparts for the prestigious rewards on offer. The cast includes Panamanian born Trinidadian ace rider Nobel Abrego with over 400 wins, and 300 seconds to his credit, who will be astride Guyana “A” class horse Score’s Even which makes the combination to beat. Ronald Ali, with over 160 career wins and presently fourth in Trinidad with 21 wins for 2015 so far, is expected to be riding for the Bacchus Racing Stables along with Joshua Stephens with horses such as Diplomatic Cat, Kari Azaria, Storm Bird and Untouchables among others. Jockeys Prayven Badree with over 140 wins and Kiran Razack have been flown in to straddle the more that 15 horses of the Jumbo Jet stable which includes Jack In My style.

The Shariff Racing Stables which is expected to field about 12 horses with the likes of Spit Fire, Plum Plum, and Princess She Not among others has secured the services of the experienced and skillful Brian Boodramsingh with over 260 career wins to keep its flag flying. Nela Mohammed is expected to do duties for the Jagdeo Racing Stables. Also coming is the seasoned Nicholas Patrick and overseas based Guyanese Michael Semple among others. Semple, a previous winner is being touted to wear the colours of the Elcock stables with the likes of defending champion CP Got Even, Curfew Tower and Tiz A Holiday. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. Race time is 12:00 hrs.

CID to battle Everest in softball match tomorrow Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Headquarters will take on host Everest Cricket Club Masters in a 10/10 softball affair tomorrow starting at 18:00 hrs. A keen contest is anticipated and the teams will come from CID - S. Persaud, W. Blanhum, C. Hicken, R. Alli, P. Azore, C. Parsram, H.

Jessemy, W. De Heart, B. Eastman, R. Dass, S. Reid, S. Singh, R. Sarrabo and M. Persaud. Everest Masters - R. Singh, K. Jaikarran, M. Singh, R. Shewjattan, H. Garbarran, S. Mohamed, R. Sarjoo, C. Rambarran, R. Gangaram, R. Jaisingh, R. Persaud, A. Prashad, S. Etwaroo and S. Khan.

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Thursday August 13, 2015

West Indies U15 selectee Edward Beharry and Co onboard for Black Hawks MA Int’l C/ships denied visa for tour to England The Black Hawks Martial Arts Management Network Association has gained the backing of Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited for the staging of their third International Guyana Open tournament which is slated for Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The company yesterday presented 150 trophies to the organisers at a simple ceremony held at their location in Charlotte Street, which will be given to the top three athletes in each event. The entity has a rich history in its support for sports; the biggest being the Kashif and Shanghai tournament. Edward B Beharry was established in 1937 as an importer, wholesaler and retailer for food products and has now evolved into a group of companies. Among their brands are Champion, Chico and Indi with a variety in the Pasta, Confectionery and Spices line. Brands Manager Debra Francis said they are pleased to be associated with the

tournament. “We believe that sport is important to the development of the youths. It is a major unifying factor so we see it as investment rather than just a contribution,” she added. Sensie Garfield Newton of the Black Hawks Academy said the event is the largest in Guyana with athletes from the host country, the Caribbean and North America vying for supremacy. He pointed out that it will be used as a yard stick to select a Guyana team for the North American Federation of Martial Arts (NAFMA) World Championships which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 21-23. The divisions include Forms (open/ traditional), Sparing, Self Defence, Team Kata, Combative Sport Weapon, Team Sparing and Grappling. Admission is $500for adults, children under 12, $300 and action gets underway at 10:00 hrs.

New Recreational Park to be opened in Cotton Tree

On Saturday August 22 and 23, 2015, the newly revived C3 Recreational Park will be buzzing with a hive of activity to commemorate the Grand Opening of its newest community and family oriented Park and Cricket Ground. The venue which is located just off the Public Road in Cotton tree has been abandoned for over 3 years and no activity has been carried out since. A new committee was established earlier in the year to oversee the resuscitation. The committee comprises of individuals from the Community namely; Bhoomeshwar Shivnarine as the Chairman, Goorprasad Budhu the Vice Chairman, Tage Singh the Treasurer, Vickram Singh Secretary; there are also 6 committee members. The C3 Park will be used to host cricket matches and other functions and will be developed into a friendly family oriented venue with Benabs, platforms, club house, paved walkway, wifi centre and a mini water park. On Saturday August 22, 2015 an Exposition and West Berbice Family Night event will be hosted. Patrons can expect to view and indulge in vending booths, International Bars, Food Court Dining, all games and inflated rides for children,

Cartoon characters like Barney, Dora, Diego and Sponge Bob and Mickey will be in the house to entertain the children. There will also be a live domestic band featuring, Bunty Singh, Aaron and Sandella, King Murphy Invasion One man band amongst other performing artiste alongside 71 Sounds System. Special entertainment packages will in store for children from Tons Of Fun party service. This will be the 1st time in West Berbice that an Expo and Family Night are promoted with a difference with the children being the focus of interest. On the following day Sunday the atmosphere will be transformed into a party like village for a grand cricket extravaganza featuring the Mighty Albion Cricket Club, Young Warriors, Western Berbice and East Coast Demerara. There will also be a feature game between Trophy Stall Girls and Karibee

Rice Female Team. The games are set to commence at 9:00hrs and much entertainment is expected. The event has been significantly supported by the Ansa Mc Al Brands, Carib and Makenson and fans can expect a big treat from the company as there will be giveaways and a special party stand will be set up to ensure at the atmosphere is electric. Others major sponsors on board this far includes Ram and McRae , Romell Jagroop Construction Services, Baljit Supermarket, Silver Lining Tyre Shop and Auto Rental, Berbice Bridge Incorporated, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market Mohamed Shariff (Nanku) Horse Racing Stables, Zaheer Shariff Rice Farms amongst others. The price for entry at the exposition and family night is $300 for adults and children under 10 Free. Admission to the Cricket is free and all are encouraged to come out and support. For further information on vending spots (food, games and selling booths) at the expo, contact can be made with Vickram on 611-4593 or Rex on 687-9009 or email at c3recreationalpark @yahoo.com.

Guyana Cricket Board failed to assist By Samuel Whyte A special plea is being made to the Government of Guyana to intervene and assist young West Indies U15 selectee Kevin Sinclair to make the trip with the West Indies team to England. This plea is being made after Sinclair was denied a British visa. The young man who was one of three Guyanese and the only Berbician on the West Indies select team which is scheduled to tour England, informed that he was told that he was denied the visa because he was not accompanied by anyone when he went for the interview. The dejected young man who hails from the depressed community of Angoy’s Avenue represents the Police Sports Club in Berbice and has been doing so since the age of 13. What is unfortunate is that Sinclair was not advised or assisted by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in anyway. The GCB which is responsible for cricket in Guyana should have advised or sent a representative to accompany the youngster to the embassy to make sure that all was well. Ever so often officials in charge of the various sporting organizations in Guyana are guilty of reneging on their responsibility and are

Commander B Division Assistant Commissioner B Division Christopher Griffith presents the gear to Sinclair (2nd right) in the presence of Deputy Superintendent Persaud and Sinclair’s mother. found wanting. Drastic actions should be taken against such officials who are put there to represent those in their charge. In this case officials of the GCB are the guilty party. Dejected and devastated the young man visited his sponsors - the Police B Division headquarters in tears to relay his plight and seek their assistance. Sinclair was recently recognized by the B Division of the Guyana Police Force for his outstanding performance

so far by Commander at Police B Division Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith and Deputy Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud. The young man and his family are appealing to the relevant authorities to intervene and assist him in fulfilling his lifelong dreams. A special appeal is being made to Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Ministers Nicolette Henry and Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to see what they can do for the youngster.

RHTY&SC to host Assuria Insurance 5-Overs KO Cricket Tourney Sunday 23rd August The Cricket Development Committee of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has set Sunday 23rd August, 2015, as the new date for the hosting of the Assuria Insurance 5-Overs Knock-out Second Division Tournament. The Tournament was first set for 21st June, 2015, and then on Caricom Day but both dates was washed out by the rainy season. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster announced that the Tournament would now be played at the Area “H” Ground and would involve twelve teams. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would be playing two teams Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” and “B”, while ten teams have been invited and they are Blairmont, D’Edward, No.43, Port Mourant, Yakusari,

Young Warriors, Police, Courtland, Tamarind Root and Cotton Tree. The Winning team would take home $70,000 and the Championship trophy, the losing finalist $30,000 and trophy, while third place would carry away $20,000 and trophy. Foster, stated that the Tournament is being organised under the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club “Say No the Drugs and Suicide Programme” and the messages would be promoted throughout the Tournament. He expressed gratitude to the Management of Assuria especially General Manager Yogindra Arjune for their sponsorship of the Tournament. Assuria recently opened a new branch for Berbicians in Williamsburg,

Rose Hall Town and the Tournament would be used to promote its work. The Rose Hall Town Bakewell teams for the Tournament are: A: - James Fraser (Captain), Khemraj Mahadeo, Vihal Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Brandon Prashad, Collis Butts, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Mark Papannah, Sylus Tyndall, Mark Fernandes, Roydel Lewis, Joshua Wilson, Justin Gobin and Michael Hicks. B: - Simon Lawson, Kumar Jeet Joseph, Jason Anderson, Denzil Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Keith Sinclair, Seeindra Marimutoo, Azad Khan, Surendra Kissoonlall, Joshua Gobin, Calvin Jeffrey, Surendra Budhoo, Matthew Pottaya, (Continued on page 29)

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Education enhances your sporting ability - Minister Scott at DCC Academy

Minister of Housing Keith Scott addresses the gathering at the academy. From left are DCC President Alfred Mentore, Coach Garvin Nedd and Travis Dowlin. By Zaheer Mohamed Cricket and Education

goes hand in hand, it is very difficult to go places if you

do not marry the two, were the advice of Minister of

Housing Keith Scott to the youths attending the

Botofago FC outguns Hi Stars in Osmond Cummings Memorial tourney

B

otofago Football Club (BFC) defeated their Under-13 and 21 counterparts in the Osmond Cummings Memorial tournament which was held in collaboration with Nigel “Mice” Cummings on Sunday last at the Silvertown All Stars Sports Club Ground. Under the theme, “Unite, Develop and Distribute”, Botofago’s Under-13 got the better of Milerock 5-0. It was all Botofago again in the Under-21 clash, they won 4nil. The winning Under-13 team received medals and a trophy and Rodwell Wong of Botofago Club received a ball for being the MVP. The Under-21team collected a trophy and replicas. Emerging as the MVP for Botofago U-21 was Donovan Francis who was presented with the ‘Golden Boots’ and Tevin David of Hi Stars was awarded a pair of boots for being the MVP for his team. Osmond Cummings was one of the first players in Botofago FC in the 1970’s and died on August 05, 2008. Osmond’s brother Nigel “Mice” Cummings, a former National player, who resides in the USA, stated that this memorial tournament is an annual event and he hopes to attract more teams that would take it to higher heights, similar to the Banks end of year tournament. Cummings said this year the tournament was held at

Demerara Cricket Club Academy. The minister, who is also a member of the club, visited the academy yesterday and said he was heartened to see so many youngsters attending the programme. He added that the club has nurtured a number of outstanding cricketers and told the participants to take the game seriously. “I have seen so many players developed in such a short period so this clinic will help to enhance your skills,” he told the youths. Scott lauded the executives for such a venture and urged the students to take their Education seriously. “I would often visit the club to witness the matches, and I am impressed with what I have seen. But besides playing cricket which teaches discipline, you must also take your education seriously,” he posited. The Minister said that the Government intends to ensure that the youths be given the opportunity to excel in both sports and academics. “You will be respected if you work hard to attain greater heights and in this way your country will benefit from you. This club

is the cradle for future West Indies teams and cricket and education will help you become well rounded individuals,” he explained. Coach Garvin Nedd thanked the executives adding that it is a blessing to work with the students. He noted that it is a challenge but wants to mold the players so that they can grow from strength to strength. Ex-Test Player Travis Dowlin said the sport needs the assistance of the Government to expand. “We all know the state of West Indies cricket at the moment so this course is instrumental in getting the youths to learn the basic which we think is very important.” “We also want holistic development because cricket like life is about making decisions, so in order for you to make a decision that will be beneficial emphasis must be placed on your education.” He indicated that it is a privilege to work with the students which is a way of giving back to the club. In closing, President of the club Alfred Mentore thanked the minister and all those who have assisted with the camp so far.

Police looking to re-arrest Boyce/Jefford title

P

Some of the prizes that were on display for the outstanding performers in the just concluded tournament in Linden. the Silvertown All Stars Ground the home of Botofago FC and the ground where Osmond started. “I am so happy to play the tournament here because it feels like home. This is Botofago ground and it is where Osmond started.” Cummings said his brother was his mentor: “My brother was very good, he played well but because of his temper he didn’t get far and he inspired and motivated me, so in his memory I decided to host a memorial tournament which would be done annually.” Sharing the same sentiments as Cummings was Linden Herrod who is also based in the USA and was a former football player for Upper Demerara and Osmond Cummings’

captain. Herrod said Osmond was his ‘buddy’ even in NY. “I am happy to come on board with Mice and to give back to the community because I know Osmond would have done the same thing.” Both Herrod and Cummings are hoping that sponsors can come on board next year because they hope to make it bigger and better. Cummings said he organized the U13 clash because he wants the younger ones to get involved so they could be groomed early. In speaking about his time and now, the former National player said the skill level is better now but they were more dedicated. “We had training sessions three times per day and we had to be at practice sessions every

day or we couldn’t play in a game. We also had to be at home at a certain time, couldn’t be on the road and let the coach see you.” According to Cummings he hopes to start a football academy not only for Botofago players but for Linden. He wants to see football the way it used to be because football is his passion. He hopes to see Botofago members back in the National team. “At one time Linden not only had 5 – 6 members in the team but they were starters and I want to see that again.” Cummings also donated school supplies to some 150 children of the community after having a fun day for them at the Middle Road playfield in Silvertown on Monday. (Jacquey Bourne)

olice Progressive Youth Club is looking to rearrest the Boyce &Jefford Track and Field title for a second consecutive year when the meet is held at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, Linden this weekend. Long-time Coach of the Club, Lyndon Wilson, said yesterday that his team has a great chance of defending the title they won last year despite the improved entries from their main opposition, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Linden. “I still think we have a great chance of defending our title. It is left to the athletes on the day to execute what we have been training them to do, which is win. Generally looking at the entries, there is a wide open chance that we can defend our title,” Wilson said. He admitted that the soldiers are their biggest

challenge in the club competition since he believes that “they are stronger now than in previous years”. However, he said that the Police “have their (GDF) numbers, but the title defence will be tougher this year. The Soldiers had already said that they are coming to win and believes that they have the arsenal to do so for the first time in the competition’s history. Apart from them, the Police must contend with Linden, Mercury Fast Laners and Super Upcoming Runners. “It’s going to be tougher than the previous years to defend our title. We have a few athletes to full some gaps, but everyone will give of their best. We have worked out ways and means that we will be accumulating points,” Wilson noted. He said that he does not want to identify those ways (Continued on page 29

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 13, 2015

Palma Team Match - Pinnacle of World Fullbore Shooting By Franklin Wilson at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA compliments of NAMILCO, Ringbang, Fazias Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Queensway Non-Shooting Team Captain of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Team competing at the World Championships has described the biggest match in the sports calendar, as its Olympics. This match known as the Palma is set to be contested over the next two days at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA where it is making a return after almost 40 years. The best teams in the world including Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and host USA will be battling at the 800, 900 and 1000 yards ranges today and tomorrow before the best nation in Fullbore Team Shooting in the world would be crowned champions. These said countries would have been battling in various competitions for the past two weeks here at Camp Perry. The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) Individual and America (Team) Match as well as the International Confederation of Fullbore

Rifle Association (ICFRA) World Individual Long Range Rifle Championship which ended on Tuesday with Australian Ben Emms winning, while the top West I n d i a n w a s G u y a n a ’s Mahendra Persaud who placed 121st of 407 entrants. The top Female was USA’s Sherri Gallagher who was followed by countrywoman Trudie Fay and Great Britain’s Jane Messer. Winning Veteran was Tom Whitaker (USA), ahead of Bob Steketee (USA) and David Calvert (Great Britain). It is now on to the team match and no doubt, the top individuals will now play integral roles in determining which of the teams will emerge as the best. The West Indies team will be banking on the form of Persaud, Ransford Goodluck and Lennox Braithwaite and the other shooters who have competed in the NRA Individual and Team competitions along with the ICFRA Individual so far. The Palma is the final competition on this tour and i t ’s m o s t i m p o r t a n t . Yesterday saw the team hard at practice on the three ranges that will be the battling ground today and tomorrow. Three of the C a r i b b e a n ’s y o u n g

Cometh the hour, cometh the range, WI shooters take aim at biggest event in the world

The West Indies during practice at the 900 yards range yesterday.

prospects have been added to the West Indies 16-man team, namely the Guyanese duo of Peter Persaud and Sherwin Felicien and Barbadian Jason Wood who have been doing well on tour so far. Captain Nelson noted that this represents the biggest rifle match that the We s t I n d i e s w i l l b e competing in, describing it as the Olympics of Rifle Shooting. Practice yesterday he said went very well and they

are looking forward to match shots with the best in the world from today. “The mood in the team is very good; we are experiencing a high in morale and we are expecting to do very well. Clearly we don’t have the depth to select from such as the USA or Great Britain who have over 100 to select their sixteenperson team from, but we will go out there and give it our all and hopefully, we can upset a few of the more accomplished nations.”

Several tennis players shine as Payless Variety Store annual camp ends

Officials and participants display their prizes following the activity.

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everal players ended the P a y l e s s Va r i e t y S t o r e sponsored yearly held August holiday camp, on winning notes when activities culminated with a table tennis competition at the Goed Fortuin Community Centre August 9 last. Activities were conducted under the auspices of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and facilitated participants between the ages of 5-25

years old. The table tennis tournament was successfully staged and Kristian Sahadeo won the 10 and Under Open Category, with Alexandre DeAbreau and Dravid Manohar finishing 2 and 3 respectively. Navindra Persaud won the 15 and Under Open category with Nickolas Jordon and Darren Manohar ending 2 and 3 respectively. Keron Patterson triumphed in the 18 and nd

nd

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Under Open category with Joshua Browne and Navindra Persaud occupying the 2 and 3 places respectively. Kristian Sahadeo and Ken Sahadeo distinguished themselves after being adjudged Most Valuable Player and Most Disciplined Player respectively. Coordinator of activities was GTTA/IAAF levels 1&2 certified coach, Muniram Persaud. nd

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South Windwards overcome Guyana, Barbados trounce North Windwards South Windward Islands defeated Guyana by seven wickets when the Regional Wo m e n ’s S u p e r 5 0 tournament continued yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago. Batting first at Gilbert Park, Guyana posted 158-7 in 50 overs. Shemaine Campbelle struck an unbeaten 49, while Subrina Munroe made 17 and Melanie Henry 16. Stacy Ann Adams and Afy Fletcher claimed two wickets each. South Windwards replied with 159-3 in 47 overs. Cordel Jack led with the chase with an undefeated 83 off 149 balls including five fours and one six while Rachael Cyrus scored 30. Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings and Akaze Thompson picked up one

wicket each. At Macaulay Park, Barbados thumped North Windwards by a mammoth 181 runs. Barbados took first strike and scored 201 all out in 44.2 overs. Kycia Knight cracked 65 and Malissa Howard made 62; Roylyn Cooper grabbed 5-31. North Windwards were skittled for 20 in 12.1 overs. Shakira Selman bagged 6-10 and Shamilia Connell 4-8.

Thursday August 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

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GOG funds return of National Blind Cricketer remains T

he body of National Blind Cricketer Gordon Sandiford was returned to his native Guyana on Tuesday night on a Caribbean Airlines flight from St Lucia where he died on July 31 during the 2015 West Indies Blind Council’s Regional Blind 40-overs and t20 Cricket tournament. The body was brought as Cargo in a box and covered with the National flag ‘the Golden Arrow Head’ by Director of Sports Christopher Jones. The hearse from the Jerrick’s Funeral Home in the Village of Paradise was afforded Police escort from the Airport to East Coast. Jones told reporters that it was the duty of the Guyana Government to bring the body home and pay for the cost of doing so since Gordon died while on National duty performing the role as a sporting Ambassador. “This is a demonstration by this Government of our commitment to support our

Director of Sport Christopher Jones puts the Guyana flag on Gordon Sandiford’s remains just after it arrived in Guyana Tuesday. National sporting Ambassadors in the good times and in the bad times. This is indeed a very sad occasion not only for his family and team mates but the entire nation has lost a talented young man who was in St Lucia to represent his country in Blind Cricket,” Jones said. “This Government will

continue to recognize the efforts of our sportsmen and women and do whatever we can to offer support. This is one step (bringing back the body) in showing that we care not only for the development of sports but for those who participate in it, especially at a national level,” Jones disclosed. The Director of Sports

GFF to honour judgment made in favour of Beckles - assets seized on Monday

In a move reminiscent of what the Soca Warriors did to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation in 2012, former Secretary of the Bartica Football Association (BFA), Carlton Beckles aided by marshals swooped down on the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Head Office on Dadanawa Street, Section ‘K’, Campbellville on Monday and seized a quantity of items in exchange for monies owed to him. The action stemmed from a judgment that was handed down in favour of Beckles by the High Court sometime ago, but was largely ignored by the GFF thus forcing Beckles to

execute the seizure of assets belonging to the GFF. According to reports received, among the items taken away were computers, television and washing machine among others. Beckles had instructed his attorney Gordon Gilhuys to file a writ seeking outstanding balances in excess of $1million for rental of the Bartica office, stipend for its staff and outstanding sums for transportation dating back to the Colin Klass administration. Contacted yesterday for a comment, GFF Communications Officer Rawle Toney told this newspaper via telephone that the matter has been settled and it is now a question of the GFF representatives going before the court and honouring the judgment to Beckles. Upon making the payment, the GFF expects its assets to be returned and the entire issue resolved. With Beckles claim being successful, many are asking whether or not more creditors will be tempted to

Carlton Beckles make similar moves against the GFF for outstanding payments for services rendered under previous administrations. F o r m e r O rg a n i s i n g Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major had threatened to take the Matthias-led administration to court for monies owed to him since 2012. Major had stated that he is owed approximately $1.2M which was used by the GFF “for the Golden Jaguars encampment and miscellaneous expenses during the CFU Cup.”

again offered his condolence to the family and team mates for the tragic loss. Jones, along with the Minister Dr Rupert Roopnarine visited to family before the body was brought back and $2.5 Million was given from the Lotto funds to assist the team prior to departure for St Lucia. The 28-year-old Sandiford, who hails from the East Coast Village of Plaisance, died on his way to

the Hospital after a trip with his team mates to Beach after Guyana’s washed out match against the Windward Islands on July 31 after experiencing trouble while in the Sea. According to team Manager Theresa Pemberton, the ‘BI’ (Totally Blind) Cricketer encounter some problems in the water and was brought to the Beach and given CPR before being taken by Ambulance to the hospital and succumbed

on the way there. A wake for Sandiford was held on Tuesday evening at the Guyana Society for the Blind. Former cricketer Mark Harper attended the wake. The funeral is set for Friday, with a viewing at the home from 1.30 -2.00, then 2.00 3.00 pm at the church (St Paul’s Church, Plaisance), while at 3.00 pm is the service thence to Plaisance Burial Ground for internment.

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Palma Team Match - Pinnacle of World Fullbore Shooting Cometh the hour, cometh the range, WI shooters take aim at biggest event in the world Team brief prior to practice at the 900 yards range yesterday.

Edward Beharry and Co onboard Govt. makes major contribution for Black Hawks MA Int’l C/ships to Guyana Cup Horserace meet All racehorses to cross Berbice River Bridge free for event

Anjuli Beharry-Strand (center), Sensie Garfield Newton (right) and Shi Dan Shi Corwin D’Anjou display some of the accolades.

BM Soat Auto Spares Manager Nazeema Ali presents the sponsorship to Rovin DeSouza of Jumbo Jet, while Survival Supermarket’s Supervisor Bibi Fletchman hands over their contribution.

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