Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

Society has been looking in the wrong direction in addressing domestic violence

DEAR EDITOR, I wish to use this opportunity to suggest to the Guyanese public and media, the urgent need for a paradigm shift with respect to the general perception of domestic violence and gender based violence. My compulsion for sharing this perspective emanated from a talk done by Jackson Katz, featured on TED.com (video can be viewed directly at http:// w w w. t e d . c o m / t a l k s / jackson_katz_violence_

against_women_it_s_ a_men_s_issue.html). The horrendous issue of gender based violence, particularly violence against women, has in recent years received laudable prominence by the local media, especially the private media outlets. This dastardly act must continue to stand out in the press and be abhorred upon. What Katz spoke of specifically is the perception of the issue and the way in which this can significantly alter society’s view with

Those with political aspirations should not lose the grassroots touch DEAR EDITOR, According to a BBC story, Norgewian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in his re-election bid took to the streets, not in his capacity as Prime Minister, but as a taxi driver. According to the Prime Minister he wanted to hear from ‘real voters’ before polls next month. This is indeed a novel and creative way to garner public opinion especially given the fact that opinion polls showed a drop in popular support. It is a well acknowledged fact that a good way of gauging popular opinion is to speak to taxi drivers, security guards and market vendors who seem to have a political instinct that is invariably correct. This is why it is important not to lose the ‘grass root’s touch especially for those with political aspirations. Hydar Ally

respect to dealing with the issue, and letting the blame fall where it should. Katz, an American antisexist activist, highlights the fact that the way society views violence against women is a contributing factor to the continuation of this contemptible and abominable act and an impediment to actively addressing the problem. He bluntly outlines the reality that society views violence against women as a “women’s issue” when it is in fact, at its absolute core, a “men’s issue.” When one thinks of ‘domestic violence’ and ‘gender based’ violence, the first thing that comes to mind is women and the abuse of women. Little or no thought is given to the actual perpetrators, ‘men’ (bear in mind gender based violence can entail men being the victims as well). What the perception of gender based violence and domestic violence as ‘women’s issues’ does, is it diverts attention away from the real issue. It detracts men from being concerned and as Katz said, “It gives men an excuse to not care.” For too long, society has

been looking in the wrong direction when it comes to addressing violence against women. Katz used simple sentence modifications to show how a ‘men’s issue’ suddenly becomes a ‘women’s issue’. Look at the term “John beat Mary.” This term puts the focus on the perpetrator of the abuse: John. Now let’s look at “Mary was beaten by John.” Already, the focus has started to shift from John (the perpetrator) to Mary (the victim). And even further with “Mary was beaten,” “Mary was battered,” “Mary is a battered woman.” By the last phrase, John was completely wiped out of the field of focus! This is where the media becomes unequivocally essential in ensuring that the right message is sent, when reporting on issues of gender based violence. A simple rearrangement of a headline from “Woman beaten to death” to “Man beats woman to death” can go a long way in changing the perception which inhibits the elimination of this problem. Another facet to this

unwanted scenario is ‘victim blaming’. This is the very last thing an abused individual needs, ‘blame’. Phrases such as “Why was she dressed like that?” and “What was she doing on the road that late?” are all too common. They expose the reality that subconsciously, our cognitive structures are designed to blame victims. Victim blaming only exacerbates the situation. The primary focus needs to be shifted to the perpetrators: MEN. Too many domestic violence workshops are swarmed by women, with few or no men in attendance. The reason for this seemingly unending spate of abuse by men is no secret. It is based on the social and peer culture of male dominance along with insecurity. We are cultured to accept that we as men have a certain role in society and when women start to rock the boat, we retaliate in whatever way possible, whether verbally or physically, to reaffirm our perceived niche of dominance. Recognizing the source of

the problem and putting the blame at the feet of abusive men is the first step to addressing the issue. What needs to happen next is something which we don’t see very often. We men need to break our complicit silence. This is only way the peer culture of male violence against women will change. Men who are not abusive need to stand up to men who are. We are not always the cause of the problem, but we are the violent reactors in the situation, and we also hold the solution. It is not fair for the burden of ending this plague to be placed on the shoulders of little boys. The current generation of adult men needs to act. Martin Luther King (Jr.) once said, “In the end what will hurt us the most is not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Let us stop treating violence against women as a domestic issue. It is a National issue and we all have a role to play, especially us MEN. Mahendra Doraisami

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Months of flooding leaves farming community in distress By Tiffanne Ramphal With executives of the opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) taking the opportunity yesterday to venture into the Coverden, East Bank Demerara community, residents seized the moment to air their concerns about the anguish they are suffering as a result of the deplorable drainage system existing in the community. It was reported by the residents that with the undertaking of a revetment project initiated by the Ministry of Public Works to reface an eroded culvert in the area, the backlands of the community are being severely flooded. The project reportedly began in January this year and was slated to be completed three months later. However, with the project already in its eighth month, works are deemed far from completion. According to chairman of the Coverden Farmers’ Committee, William Thomas,

AFC Executive Member, Trevor Williams, speaking to members of the media with the ongoing construction works to the existing culvert, the engineers blocked the main canal that is draining the village, without instituting alternative tracks for the water to go out. As a result, with the water remaining stagnant on the community’s farmlands, cultivated crops are either

The rehabilitative works to the culvert ongoing on the Coverden Public Road destroyed or washed away, sending the farmers into distress, since they depend primarily on their produce to bring in much needed finances. It was estimated that depending on the crop cultivated, each farmer has been incurring losses on a weekly basis of up to $100,000. Raul Clarke, one of the

farmers, lamented that with the blockage in the canal, his nine acres of farmlands are flooded out. “I lost more than 800 plantain, pumpkin… coconut float away from where you plant it because the water come up,” he said. Clarke informed that of the 27 bunches of plantains that he reaps on a weekly basis, he currently has not

been able to reap one. “I suffering dread right now. Behind there is like a graveyard right now, ‘cause the water come and deh on the land and flood out everything and kill everything. So I suffering right now… I ain’t even know what to do,” Clarke said. “Every single week I losing $50,000 or more.” Judy Thomas, another grieving farmer, related that with the flooding caused by the blockage of the trench,

scores of the crops are killed while those that have survived are not of the previous high quality. She said that to keep from incurring even more losses, she took it upon herself to create ‘make-do’ drains in order to keep her crops from being submerged in floodwaters. Executive member of the AFC, Trevor Williams, highlighted during the outreach, that farming is the (Continued on page 31)

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SHOULD THERE BE A TRIAL OF THOSE FOUND NOT GUILTY? Earlier this year, the editor and a journalist from this newspaper were summoned to appear before the courts in order to answer a charge of contempt relating to the publication of an article that reported on the deliberations of a voir dire. The editor and the journalist were reprimanded and fined, but the presiding judge was forced because of the admissions contained in the report on the voir dire, admissions that would obviously have infected the jury with bias, to terminate the

trial. This was how serious the court dealt with an issue which had the possibility of prejudicing the outcome of a trial. Now an even more ominous development has reared its head. A foreman of the jury - a most important position in a jury trial - has been accused of failing to indicate to the court that he was once a client of one of the defence attorneys. The foreman has since been banned for life from being a juror. The court cannot

however terminate the trial. The discovery that the foreman was formerly a client of one of the defence lawyers was made after the trial had ended and therefore there is nothing to terminate. It remains to be debated whether a charge of contempt can still be instituted against the foreman, and in making such a determination, consideration will have to be given to Guyana’s contempt of court laws and to the fact that the case has already ended. The case being heard was

a high profile case involving persons charged with the massacre of civilians, including children at Lusignan. This was no ordinary case and therefore now that the issue of the foreman being in a conflict of interest has arisen, it remains to be seen what action the Director of Public Prosecutions will take concerning the allegations that the foreman failed to indicate to the court that he was once represented in a case by one of the defence attorneys.

Dem boys seh

Amaila was like dem beat man Donald still thinking ‘bout Amaila, but dem got people who believe that de project dead. And is now de nation hearing that de money from Norway was going into de project. But that done. Now dem boys watching to see wha happen wid all de talk about de loan. From de start people been asking de government to explain wha really happening wid de project. Of course de government behave as though was a family secret and talk ‘bout confidentiality. Is now de very government trying to

share all de information dem have. But people know that de project can still go on. Amaila is one thing. Madness is another. It look like if dem man ain’t got respect fuh no woman. Dem boys seh that it certainly can’t mean that dem don’t respect dem mother and sister. A minister begging woman fuh lef dem man who beating dem. Wha de minister ain’t telling dem same woman is wha help she gun give dem till dem find dem foot. Everybody know that nuff woman does stay wid dem

man who does beat dem because is a case of rice in de pot and a roof over dem head. And de same minister would see a man beating a woman and run fun cover. But dem boys seh that talk fuh rain and talk fuh sun, she does mek sure that all who like beat end up in jail. A man did slap he wife and de minister hear. She mek sure de police get involve and de magistrate play a good part. Yet dem same woman when de court ready to act, does beg de magistrate fuh sorry fuh de man. De AFC

behave in de same way when it had to vote pun de Amaila project. De project was like de man who beat he woman. When de beating was going on, Prakash holler how he ain’t gun support de project. When it come to putting pressure, just like going to court, Prakash tun and tell people how he ain’t want bruck up, how he begging fuh a chance. Well in this case de beat man walk way and Prakash deh crying. De minister tekking note. Talk half and tell de world how Guyana lucky.

This despite the fact that it was said that during the juror selection process, the members were asked whether they ever had any association with the defence. They may have also been asked whether they knew any of the victims, the accused, or the families of either. The DPP will have to consider whether there are provisions in both the written law or in case law, or in both, that would provide for an approach to a higher court to annul the previous trial, because of the possibility of it being infected by bias due to the presence of the foreman who has admitted that he was once represented by one of the defence attorneys. The DPP will also have to decide whether there is a basis, both in law and in fact, to institute criminal contempt charges against the juror as was contemplated in the United States where a jury foreman in the Buju Banton case undertook research into certain matters and shared the

findings with other jurors. This was seen as prejudicial and thus led to questions about whether to institute a charge of contempt. The charge was never instituted. The Attorney General should also make known his concern, if any, about this issue of the foreman in the Lusignan massacre case, because it is a serious development for which it needs to be determined whether laws should be passed to deal with this matter. In other parts of the world, there would have been millions of persons demanding a retrial. Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but this is one matter in which the options for striking out to the verdict in the trial need to be explored. Can that verdict be struck down now or does it still stand? This is a matter which needs to be settled in a court of law.

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take three-minute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

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Infrastructural upgrades afoot for Demerara Harbour Bridge Plans are afoot for infrastructural upgrades on the Demerara Harbour Bridge as the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) opened three bids yesterday for the fabrication and supply of two extra large pontoons. The bids were opened at the NPTAB, Ministry of Finance, Main Street.

Under the Ministry of Local Government, bids were opened for the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme’s cleanup of dumpsites on the East Bank Demerara.

In addition, bids were also received for the cleanup of the dumpsites on the East Coast Demerara. Still within the sector, bids were opened for the supply and driving of cluster piles for the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

For the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) bids were submitted for the construction of a training room phase one. Bids were also submitted for the “supply of 8,000 1” DIA Hot Dip Galvanised Anchor Chains, 180 Snatch Blocks and Aids to Navigations” for the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

GRA received a lone bid for the procurement of electrical services. In addition, a lone bid was opened for the fabrication of 80 Buoys for the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works attracted bids for the rehabilitation of the Parliament Building roof at Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) received bids for the upgrading of the ground floor, sanitary block maternity building.

For the Regional Democratic Council, region one, bids were opened for the extension of electricity distribution to Bunbury.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 14, 2013

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Far from Heaven: The AFC’s entanglement with the PPP I was at a town hall meeting with Gerhard Ramsaroop of the AFC in Linden last year, called to discuss the Government’s intention to raise electricity rates. A rumour began circulating among the attendees that APNU had agreed to the electricity rate. In the audience, acidic adjectives were being thrown

at APNU. People became agitated. The anger was not directed at APNU as a party, but with a specific event – the meeting APNU had with the Government. The tipping point was why “our leaders are talking to this Government.” Those were the sentiments I heard among the attendees. Let’s go back to the letter in this newspaper that Elton McRae (of ACDA and the 1832 Coalition) wrote questioning the TUC’s dialogue with PM Sam Hinds and NICIL’s Winston Brassington over the exclusion of Guyanese labour at the Marriott Hotel construction. McRae wasn’t attacking the TUC or questioning its leader’s integrity. All he wrote was that given the nature of the Government, you aren’t

going to get anything from Hinds and Brassington. Leonard Craig (of the People’s Parliament) jumped into the exchange and was more candid with the TUC. He asked; what do you expect to get from the zero sum games the PPP plays? In my support of McRae, my friend Lincoln Lewis took umbrage over the mistaken belief that I implied that TUC was at fault. All I did was to echo the sentiments of McRae, Craig and hundreds of thousands of others – the PPP is not going to negotiate with the opposition and extend concessions; it is not in their nature, so why are you talking to them. The point I am making is that the large votes the opposition got in the last general elections came from people who don’t want their

parties to support policies and endeavours of the PPP Government, because they see the PPP as a group that is obsessed with power and will destroy Guyana rather than compromise with the opposition. I think the AFC leadership, with a few exceptions, appears naïve in the eyes of these voters, in that the AFC believes it can dialogue with the Government as what obtains in normal polities. But Guyana is not a normal polity and the PPP is an exceptionally negative political actor when comparisons are made in this hemisphere. What the AFC hopes to achieve by voting four times with the PPP in Parliament is a scenario that they will have to explain to countless people in the coming weeks and months. It is not the importance of hydro power for Guyana that people will raise. That has never been a sticking point with the population. Guyanese want hydropower. It has a long history dating

back to President Burnham, who almost made it happen. What people are going to ask the AFC is why you voted four times in the same day with the PPP in Parliament, when that party will attack you as soon as it gets what it wants, and how are you going to get the PPP to do some of the valuable things that the AFC and APNU want for Guyana. It will raise the nation’s curiosity when the AFC responds to a particular question on the composition of the Local Government Commission. The PPP insisted on an eight-member panel, but the opposition wisely rejected that long ago. And for valid reason – eight can give you gridlock while seven will result in a definitive verdict. Surely, the AFC must have questioned the PPP’s patriotic intention since the party entered Parliament in 2006. The questions must have been mountainous after Mr. Jagdeo became President, and it is generally interpreted that Mr. Ramotar operates within the context of Jagdeoism.

Frederick Kissoon Surely then the AFC must have asked itself why the PPP wanted eight instead of seven. Did the AFC have a difficult task in tackling that subject? If it did, then its experience since 2006 will become a subject for national debate. The simple answer is that with eight, it gives the PPP an avenue for filibuster. And in the interim, the Minister of Local Government may have to intervene. The PPP is a fox. It is not a stupid organization. It is no insult to say that if the AFC doesn’t know about this vulpine nature of the PPP, then, how much does it know about the nuances, dimensions and directions of Guyanese politics. For those who voted against the PPP in 2012, the devil may be nearer to Heaven than the PPP. Does the combined opposition know of this feeling of its supporters?

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Home Affairs Ministry to broaden collaboration with Private Sector The Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking to broaden its engagement with the private sector to deal effectively with the country’s security situation. Addressing the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2013 security seminar at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday, the Home Affairs Minister said that while his Ministry has been engaging the private sector meaningfully, a practical way to tackle the security dilemma is to build on the partnership that has already been established. According to Rohee, the Ministry of Home Affairs has become very open since he took over the portfolio as Minister in 2006, and this has led to the opening up of several avenues for cooperation with the Private Sector. In fact, the relationship is of such that the private sector is represented on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ panel to interview prospective employees for the various agencies that fall under the Ministry’s umbrella. Representatives from the private sector also engage the various task forces that were established by the Ministry such as the Task Force on

smuggling and contraband. They also sit on boards within the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Police Force. “ We i n v i t e d P r i v a t e Sector representatives to engage regularly with these task forces to share their experiences and to tell us how we can help them….so that the private sector is by action and by deeds, a partner of the government in the security sector. They are a living partner with the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Rohee stated. According to Rohee, formulation of government security policy also sees the local private sector playing an integral role. “For us, this partnership is not a sporadic exercise, it is an ongoing, sustained living exercise which we go through every day,” he said. However, he warned that unless the two sides are “singing from the same hymn sheet”, the fight against crime will be useless, because according to Rohee, criminals take advantage of situations where there is disunity. “Criminals are happy when there are divisions in the security sector; they are happy when institutions in the

security sector are in disarray and not coordinated.” Rohee said that this is why the administration is looking at the private sector to not only help to formulate policy, but implement it through their regional, institutional or individual constituents. Recognizing that the Private Sector is a significant

MISSING: Patriena Nicholson

Relatives of a female Lance Corporal of the Guyana Police Force are worried that something terrible has happened to their loved one who has been missing since August 9. Thirty-eight-year-old Patriena Nicholson was last seen on Friday afternoon leaving police headquarters wearing a brown blouse, pair of blue jeans and a pair of black sandals. The woman was supposedly heading home to drop off a package when she vanished without a trace. At least, that was what was told to concerned relatives by

Nicholson’s colleagues. According to the woman’s sister, Shellon Nicholson, who lives with Patriena at 44 Austin Street, Campbellville, it is unlike her sibling to behave in such an irresponsible manner. She noted that around 13:30hrs she missed a telephone call from Patriena. Attempts to reach her about an hour later failed. Since then all calls have been forwarding to voice mail. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Patriena Nicholson is asked to call 6925163; 621-2126; and 660-0500 or contact the nearest police station.

Minister Rohee addressing the participants.

Relatives worry over missing policewoman

employer of workers in Guyana, the Minister said that they have a right to demand security services of the highest calibre from the state, to supplement their own private security arrangement. The Private Sector, he said, also makes a significant contribution to the nation’s coffers through the taxes that they pay. “And if you pay taxes, you expect representation,” Rohee said. The minister noted that one of the most important developments within recent times that could certainly

contribute to the deepening of the partnership between the government and the private sector is the citizens’ security programme and the proposed reforms within the Guyana Police Force. The minister however urged patience with respect to the reorganization of the Force. “These reforms will take time for us to actually feel the effects,” he cautioned. Yesterday’s seminar also saw presentations from the Ministry’s information technology team, which highlighted some of the

initiatives taken to enhance the fight against crime. Presentations were done on the integrated crime information system as well as strategic data analysis. In his brief opening remarks, GCCI’s Senior Vice President Lance Hinds underscored the importance of the forum, noting that security is one of the most cross-cutting issues affecting many sectors in Guyana. It was Hinds who first highlighted the need for the security challenge to be collaborative and cooperative.

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Guyana Watch Team at it again…

St. Cuthbert’s Mission enjoys ‘special’ attention A patient being examined by one of the medical specialists.

By Romila Boodram Some 315 patients, including 84 children, walked happily out of St. Cuthbert’s Mission Primary School yesterday after being examined by doctors from the visiting Guyana Watch Medical team. Many of the patients, as has become customary, requested for the doctors to visit their community more often. Some admitted that the only time they are seen by a doctor is when the overseasbased practitioners visit their community once a year. Yesterday, patients from the entire community flocked the school to take advantage of the free clinic on offer. The

doctors, without any rest, made sure all patients left the compound satisfied Little children, after receiving stickers and crayons, willingly allowed the Pediatrician, Dr. Annison Atherley-Ward to look at them and diagnose their problems. An 84-year-old woman, Eunice Simon, visited the clinic and was very pleased when she left. “I am 84 years and I only went to the hospital twice. This is so lovely; I hope y’all could come back soon. We need this type of thing in our community.” She explained that she has been experiencing severe pains in her waist for quite some time, but couldn’t afford

to travel to the city to seek medical advice, hence, she was left with no other option but to bear the pain. The pensioner whose blood pressure and sugar content were normal, told the doctor that she is a healthy eater and suffers from no other illness other than pain in her waist. “I does suffer from this pain because when I was young I use to work hard in the farm with my husband and I use to bend a lot and I start mek children when I was 15 years,” she explained. After receiving her medication, the elderly woman thanked the doctors for the time they have taken Continued on page 25

84-year-old Eunice Simon explains her problem to the doctor.

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Guyana did exceptionally well at CSEC By Abena Rockcliffe Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand was all smiles yesterday as she celebrated both her birthday and the good academic performance of Guyana as reflected in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination. In Essequibo yesterday morning at the Anna Regina Multilateral, Manickchand announced the general results that were obviously pleasing to her and her team from the Ministry—including Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam. The Minister, which has been serving in the Education Ministry for just about two years, said that she was happy about the results and excited that she got to celebrate it at the school that the top two students attended. Though not yet confirmed by the Education Ministry, it is believed that Zimeena Azealia Rasheed who topped the country with 18 grade ones and two grade twos, topped the Caribbean as well. Therefore the Minister was delighted that the work of her “hard working”

teachers has paid off. What Manickchand wasn’t thrilled about was the fact that even though the overall academic results for CSEC have noticeably improved, performances in the two key subject areas— Mathematics and English— have left much to be desired, putting it mildly. Grades One to Three passes in Mathematics, English Language (A) and Clothing and Textiles were less than fifty percent (50%). Passes for English A were recorded at 45.69 percent marking an increase compared to last year’s 37.02 percent, while passes for Mathematics were recorded at 28.92 percent representing a decrease from last year’s 29.69 percent pass rate. Manickchand disclosed that in Mathematics, there was a slight decline in the Grades One to Three passes; from 30.35 percent in 2011 and 29.69 percent in 2012 to 28.92 percent in 2013. Performance in English B, the Minister said, improved from 59.72% in 2011 and 56.5 percent in 2012 to 61.06 percent in 2013 (Grades One to Three). Grades One to Three pass rate in English A improved from 37.02 percent

in 2012 to 45.69 percent in 2013. Additional Mathematics which was written for the first time in 2012 and had a pass percentage of 58.33 percent improved to 80.83 percent in 2013. Minister Manickchand said that she has to sit with her team to strategize other tactics to go about tackling the problems in Mathematics especially. She said that for the amount of resources the Ministry is pumping into the subject area, the results are indeed disappointing. On the brighter side, excellent performances were recorded in Agriculture Science (DA & SA) and Integrated Science. And improvements were recorded in Biology and Chemistry compared to 2012. Kaieteur News has learnt that this year saw an increase in the number of candidates who wrote the CSEC; as well as the number of subject entries. Thirteen thousand, six hundred fifty-four (13,654) students (8649 were females and 5005 males) wrote the examination this year. Of that amount, 8563 were public entries, while 5091 were private school candidates. Private candidates amounted

- EDUCATION MINISTER - Maths, English still cause for concern

Minister Manickchand poses with the two standouts from Anna Regina Multilateral, Zimeena Rasheed (left) and Yogeeta Persaud to approximately 38 percent of the total entries. The analysis of the 2013 CSEC results revealed that the overall pass rate at the General and Technical proficiencies for Grade One to Three was 59.31 percent as opposed to 58.69 percent in 2012. The overall 2013 Grade One to Grade Four pass rate was 80.92 percent. These rates compared with last year, indicate an increase in the Grade One to Three and Grade One to Four passes. Candidates from Guyana wrote thirty-four (34) subjects at the examination. Of these subjects the results indicated excellent performances in fifteen (15) subjects where the Grade One to Three passes exceeded seventy five percent. The fifteen subjects are: Agriculture Science (DA), Agriculture Science (SA), Economics, Food & Nutrition, French, Information Technology, Integrated Science, Religious Education, Theatre Arts, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Physical Education & Sport, Additional Mathematics, Building Technology (Const.), Building Technology (Woods) and Mechanical Engineering Technology. S a t i s f a c t o r y performances were recorded in sixteen subjects where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded fifty percent while

Grades One to Four passes were in excess of seventy-five percent, these subjects were: Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, English B, Geography, Home Economics, Office Administration, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Social Studies, Spanish, Technical Drawing, Visual Arts, Human and Social Biology, and Electrical & Electronic Technology. The overall performances in four (4) subjects were unsatisfactory, Mathematics and English included. There were improvements in Biology and Chemistry compared to 2012. Grade One to Three performances in Physics declined from 68.69 percent in 2012 to 54.38 percent in 2013. The Grade One to Three performances in Human and Social Biology improved from 55.84percent in 2012 to 61.38percent in 2013. In the Business Education subjects – the performance in Office Administration, Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business could be described as satisfactory. Information Technology (General) once again recorded an excellent performance this year 75.58 percent, while Principles of Accounts improved from 53.74 percent 2012 to 71.95 percent in 2013. In the Home Economics subjects, the pass rate in Food & Nutrition was 80.94, while Home Economic

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Management declined from 82.83 percent in 2012 to 73.01 percent in 2013. Clothing & Textiles showed a significant decline in performance from 76.63 percent in 2012 to 47.11 percent in 2013. In the Industrial Technology subjects – Building Technology (Const) and Building Technology (Woods) recorded improvements in the Grade One to Three passes, with the latter improving from 63.37 percent to 81.08 percent. Mechanical Engineering Technology remained relatively constant. In the Modern Languages subjects – French and Spanish recorded excellent and satisfactory performances respectively, as did Theatre Arts and Physical Education & Sports with Grade One to Three passes over 75 percent. Kaieteur News was made to understand that a full analysis of individual candidates’ performances is not yet available. According to Manickchand, her Ministry requested a list of candidates who have secured Grade One passes in eight or more subjects from the Caribbean Examinations Council. “In response to our request for the list of persons who have secured Grade One passes in eight or more subjects, we received a list of two hundred and thirty-one (231) candidates, compared to one hundred and seventy five (175) in 2012. Of these, sixty-nine (69) students secured 11 Grade Ones or more as opposed to forty (40) in 2012.”

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St. Cuthbert’s Mission enjoys ‘special’ attention From page 14 to visit her community. Another patient, Susan Simon, visited the doctors with her three children. The children suffer from recurring skin infections. “They always have these skin issues and I would bring them here every year when these doctors come so that I could get ointment for them.” The mother explained that she cannot afford to purchase the drugs that should be given to her kids. “Every year I look forward for this and almost everybody here looked forward for the doctors to come, because we don’t have a doctor here, and of course many of us are poor.” The leader for the community, Luke Simon, thanked the team of professionals for coming to Guyana to offer their service for free. “We are very happy and we thank the doctors and the organizers for their help. They have been helping a lot of people in here and they are very reliable…We can depend on them every year.” The headmistress for the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Primary School, Holace Gray, also thanked the doctors. “What they are doing for the people in this community is priceless. We are enjoying this special attention.” Meanwhile, the doctors were all surprised with the patients’ health generally. “They are the healthiest people so far. Their blood pressure is normal, their sugar content is good. The only problem so far is skin issues, many of them have rashes and some complain about pains,” one of the medical specialists, Sarah Machlis said. Overseas-based Guyanese doctor, Dr. Atherley-Ward was quite heartened when she examined her patients yesterday. “I was surprised to see they were in a lot better health than the two stops we have made so far, the children are in good condition and their teeth are healthy.” President for the Guyana Watch Medical Team, Tony Yassin, said after speaking to the doctors that he was informed that the people from St. Cuthbert’s Mission have good command of their health. “They don’t have some of the problems we dealt with at the previous clinics but we had a lot of dental visits and that is normal.” Yassin, who was pleased with yesterday’s turnout, thanked the various medical councils in Guyana for their support. Tomorrow the team will be at the Bath Settlement Primary School in Berbice.

Some of the people that turned up yesterday for medical assistance.

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Kaieteur News

APNU’s reasons for not supporting Amaila are factually wrong - Govt. (GINA) On August 12, APNU issued a statement where they definitively put on record why they continue to not support the Amaila project. Previously, they said they were not being consulted properly, but now it seems that the APNU has decided that this is no longer a defensible strategy: “I want to stress, the issue as far as I am concerned is not that the Government hasn’t given us information… they have given us information, there isn’t any doubt about that.” (Carl Greenidge, APNU Press Conference, August 12, 2013). According to the statement, their non-support is grounded in three overarching reasons. 1) The financial structure

of the project “is likely to condemn Guyanese to excessive indebtedness” Response: This is simply not true: NO government borrowing is taking place under the Amaila Falls Project. Government is not taking out any debt or directly guaranteeing any capital in the project. Under the project, the Government, as owner of GPL, is merely guaranteeing that GPL will make its annual payments for purchasing the power from the hydro. The total cost to the taxpayer is US$100 million in equity. None of this is debt. US$15 million has already been spent, and most (US$80 million) of the remainder is already deposited in the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund and awaiting transfer. Moreover, after Amaila is

operational, the total savings to the taxpayer because of the removal of GPL’s subsidy will be at least US$30 million per year, or US$600 million over twenty years – far in excess of the US$100 million provided by the taxpayer in equity. 2) Government has not provided concrete information on the expected savings on tariffs from the project. Response: This statement is also simply not true. As has been explained repeatedly, over the coming years, the consumer tariff will come down because of Amaila Falls and a separate project to modernise GPL (as correctly acknowledged in APNU’s statement). Today, GPL’s biggest cost by far is its cost of electricity generation, which is currently at the level of US19c per kw/ h. With Amaila Falls Hydro, GPL’s cost of electricity will be dramatically reduced, to: · 11c per kw/h in the first twelve years, 40% less than today · 5.6c per kw/h in the next eight years, 71% less than today · 1.8 c per kw/w for the following eighty years, 91% (Continued on page 31)

Wednesday August 14, 2013

President’s College girl... (From page 2) of their support, coupled with hard work and application. Though I felt confident I had done well after writing the exams, I still felt nervous awaiting the results. Now that the results are out, I am extremely satisfied with my performance. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the other students who have done well at CSEC and CAPE, especially from my school, Queen’s College.” Also from Queen’s College, 17-year-old Prashant Shivdas obtained Five Grade Ones. He intends to return to Queen’s College to continue second year CAPE. A modest, Shivdas told this publication that he is pretty excited about his success which he credits to hard work. He believes his parents are proud of his achievement. Shivdas enlightened that his two friends of Queen’s College, Kaleshwar Singh and Deowattie Narine, who also received five Grade Ones each, were out of the country. Both Narine and Singh are former students of The Bishops’ High School and captured fourth and fifth positions in the country when they sat CSEC in 2012. The other two Queen’s

College students to obtain five Grade Ones are Anuradha Dev and Benedict Sukra. Last year, Sukra secured ninth position for the country at CSEC. Amrita Milling, Andy Sattan, of Queen’s College and Anil Tulsie of St. Stanislaus College obtained four Grade Ones and one Grade Two each. And, Malinie Tulsie obtained four Grade Ones, one Grade Two, and one Grade Three. And Jonnelle James and Rooana Rose of Queen’s College obtained four Grade Ones and one Grade Three, and four Grade Ones respectively. In 2012, James had topped the country at CAPE securing five Grade One passes in Biology, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry, Food and Nutrition and Pure Mathematics. According to the Ministry of Education, the overall pass rate in 2013 is 86.6 percent. This is an increase from 2011 when a pass rate of 82.5 percent was attained and a marginal increase over the 86.2 percent pass rate in 2012. An increase was noted in the number of Grades I attained in 2013.

This year the entries were received from eight public schools and two private entities. The analysis of the 2013 performance of public schools showed increases in the pass rates for The Bishops’ High, New Amsterdam Multilateral, Queen’s College and St. Rose’s when compared to 2012. It was noted that the overall pass percentages at St. Stanislaus College, St. Joseph High and Mackenzie High declined, while performance at President’s College remained relatively constant. Performance at New Amsterdam Multilateral has been consistently improving (82.7 percent in 2011, 87.19 percent in 2012 and 89.04 percent in 2013) and there has been a notable increase in the pass percentage at St. Rose’s High (79.89 percent in 2012 when compared to 87.03 percent in 2013). The Bishops’ High moved from 95.49 percent in 2012 to 98.19 percent in 2013; Queen’s College moved from 86.62 percent in 2012 to 89.19 percent in 2013.

We are life savers, you should be one too! Donate blood today!!!

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Kaieteur News

US Judge rules against stop-and-frisk of C’bean immigrants A United States federal district judge on Monday ruled against the New York Police Department (NYPD)’s policy of stop-and-frisk against Caribbean immigrants, blacks and other minorities. In a ruling in Manhattan Federal District Court, Judge Shira Scheindlin said the policy was unconstitutional, appointing a monitor to reform the practice. She said the city “adopted a policy of indirect racial profiling by targeting racially defined groups for stops based on local crime suspect data,” rejecting the NYPD’s claim that more stops occur in minority neighbourhoods because of alleged high-crime rates there. “I also conclude that the city’s highest officials have turned a blind eye to the evidence that officers are conducting stops in a racially discriminatory manner,” she wrote. Judge Shira Scheindlin nevertheless said that she was “not ordering an end to the practice of stop-andfrisk,” noting that the US Supreme Court had ruled that

the tactic was “constitutionally permissible under certain conditions. “The purpose of the remedies addressed in this opinion is to ensure that the practice is carried out in a manner that protects the rights and liberties of all New Yorkers, while still providing much needed police protection. “No one should live in fear of being stopped whenever he leaves his home to go about the activities of daily life,” she ruled, finding that blacks and other minorities, including Caribbean immigrants, were “more likely to be subjected to the use of force than whites, despite the fact that whites are more likely to be found with weapons or contraband. “Blacks are likely targeted for stops based on a lesser degree of objectively founded suspicion than whites,” Justice Scheindlin said, stating police let the person go, without an arrest or ticket, in 88 percent of the stops. The ruling comes after a two-month, nonjury trial in Manhattan Federal District Court over the NYPD’s policy.

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OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS By Rehanna Ramsay In an effort to highlight the options readily available to individuals who may wish to flee abusive homes or relationships, this publication will continue to draw attention to the hard-working groups that function mainly on a platform of advocating against gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Help and Shelter, for example, is a veritable safe house for persons who may experience different types of abuse, including those that suffer as a result of human trafficking. Victims can access first hand counseling, as well as food and temporary shelter, during their process of recovery and reintegration into society. Help and Shelter was founded in 1995, to work against violence of all forms, by helping to create a society where attitudes towards violence and related practices have been transformed. To date, the entity has rescued hundreds of victims, particularly women and children, who are victims of physical, sexual and domestic abuse.

Another initiative is the Women of Worth, (WOW) Scheme, which was launched in 2010. The project was inspired by the then Human Services Minister, Priya Manickchand. The role of this programme is to strengthen and empower women. It gives hundreds of women, especially single mothers, access to microcredit loans, financially equipping them with the essentials for their specified independent pursuits. There is also Red Thread, an independent grassroots network of strong-willed women who have been proactive and intensely vocal in their campaign against many societal issues, particularly crimes committed against women and children. This group defends the rights of females, increasingly focusing on using the structure of counting women’s unwaged and lowwaged work to address the divisions of race and gender that keep the poorest women trapped in poverty and intolerable burdens of work. And then there is the entity, Women Across

Differences (WAD) which is not as well known but has assisted in the empowerment of women and young girls through access to social and economical resources since 1999. WAD facilitates women’s individual and collective efforts in working together across the usual barriers of age, ethnicity, class, politics, religion and geographic location. Lending her voice to the growing plague of genderbased violence is Ms Yvonne Stephenson, Head of the Documentation Centre within the Ministry of Human Services. She revealed that based on research, some women prefer to stay with their partners but want the abuse to stop.

“Some women remain in the situation because of their children, while others, even though the option is provided, may not want to end the relationship altogether, they just want the violence to stop, and some because of pride may never seek help.” Ms Stephenson explained that due to the various awareness campaigns against such crimes, society is more sensitized about domestic abuse. “Owing to the various campaigns such as Stamp It Out… No more black and blue, this sort of thing is no longer a family secret, it is everybody’s business.” Stephenson is also the editor of ‘Woman Powah’, a quarterly Magazine published under the Ministry of Human Services.

Page 28

SERVICES Dianne’s Bridal and Party Accessories Rentals, Decorating, Catering and Event Planning. 103 Regent Road Call: 225-8111 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool. Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 E&N Beck: Welding, machining & marine parts repairs. Specialist in regrinding of crankshafts etc. Call:225-6272 We repair LCD, Plasma, LED TV, Microwave, Washer & Dryer, Amp etc. Call:6472276/693-3277 TransponderTV: No Monthly Fees, No Hidden Fees, No Additional Charges: 250 Channels + 50 HD Channels- Call: 675-3201 ONLINE SHOPPING ZERO COMMISSION, WEEKLY SHIPMENTS,AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX.CALL:2315789, 225-9030 WE FILL OUT VISA FORMS:USA, UK & CANADA & CREDIT CARD SERVICES CALL: 231-5789 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 CITITECH: Computer/ printer repairs (Mac & PC) IT consultation & Network installation: 125 Light St. Alberttown, G/TownCall:226-0085/693-1259 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar

CAR RENTAL Progressive Auto Rental - cars from $4000 per day. Call 643-5122, 225-8711; email www. progressive autorental. com Untouchable Car Rental: Low Rate , Low Deposit call:231-8653,621-6827 Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 6987807 First Choice Car Rental: $5000 & $6000 per day- Call: 668-0306/ 694-7817

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

500 Ton Cargo Ship with Contract- call: 687-6174

LARGE QUANTITIES O F H IGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICKSILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $15,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. (1) H3 CRUSHER WITH MALGUM SHEET AND INDEPENDENT WATER PUMP- CALL:695-5427

2- 2007 Toyota Avensis. Call 698-0674

Fully vaccinated Pitbull Pups- Contact Johnny @ 628-9884 Zack’s Lumber Yard Georgetown: Millcut form board $115 per BM, Softwood & H/wood $180 per BM- Call:687-5361/674-0013 Mining claims- 1 River, 24 lands- Potaro River- Call:1613-797-3314 Ducklings and PigletsCall:688-7291/618-2708

42 inch Panasonic plasma TVCall:622-0108 Lovely pet/ guard Terrier pups for sale- Call:696-7467

1 Freight Liner Hauler, 1- 48ft trailer, 1 Low Bed (hauler & trailer)- Call:613-6979 1 Male English Mastiff Dog $150,000- Call:678-2814/6992322 300 Amps bush bar, other items and hand truckCall:627-7835 One Honda Honmel 1000 CBR, condition usedCall:610-7005/219-1342 WE HAVE ANY SIZE AND AMOUNT OF PALMS: #1 PLANT SHOP, 70 SHERIFF ST. CALL:227-8094 1 Gillotine: Wohlenberg 45" cut size: bindprintservice@gmail. com- Call:1-868-222-7097 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 1 – Front end loader, 1 - D6D CAT bulldozer, 1-22RB dragline - Contact: 695-5427 Pure Bred Rottweiler pupsCall:650-8496 Mixed Breed pups @ reduced price- Call:2220410/653-8226 2-320 excavator , 1 - Fiat Tractor, 4 wheel drive, 3engine, (2) - 6- Cylinder complete workshop - Call: 695-5427 753 Bobcat, cement mixer, air compressor & 31KVA generator- Call:677-9155 1- 2.5 Ton Mitsubishi freezer canter newly registered. Owner leaving countryCall:629-5376 Pure bred Labrador pups, parents imported- Call:6271360 1- 10HP Compressor, 1 smoothie machine & 2 Ice machine- call:231-0655/6838734 Pluck chicken wholesaleContact Tele:676-0931/6867180 PLAYSTATION2 with modded memory card & 8 games. Also PS2, PS3, XBox360 games- Call:609-8132/ 672-8569 (Max)

R1 new condition, colour red: 2005 Ford F150 fully loaded $1.8M Neg- Call:623-4045/ 689-3846 New ATVs: Introductory price $1,450,000 (Duty Free)Call:691-0234 Sale! Axio: TV, DVD $3.1M Neg: Pre-order Premio $2.5M Neg- Call: 655-3400 Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales: For best price, wholesale & retail dealer in Japanese automobiles & partsCall:233-5151/ 231-7839 2 Ford F150: Price $4.5M & $3.5M- Call: 643-5249 / 2654979

PROPERTY FOR SALE Campbellville $30M, Kitty $30M, Section ‘K’ $40M, AA Eccles- Call Diana @ 2272256/626-9382 Property for sale in Enterprise E. C. Demerara Call: 627-5416/611-7437 1 Charlestown, Corner property with business potential; $40M – Tele: 6735882 House and Land @ D’Edward, W.C.B.- Call: 6892973/698-3703 ‘BB’ Eccles- Concrete house 3 bedrooms upstairs, downstairs 2 self contained apartments, 2 bedrooms each toilet & bath $28M- Call:2278409/660-4764 VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated communityCall:592-624-8704/592-6849203 Section ‘K’ $40M, Diamond $30M-$40M, ‘AA’ Eccles $60M & many more- Call Diana @ 227-2256/626-9382

LAND FOR SALE 2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at Parika. Call 226-7968 House lot for sale: Friendship, Diamond EBD & drafting of house plans. Call:223-0733, 223-0730, 6928513 Parfaite Harmonie $1M & $1.2M- Call:675-7292 Transported land 58’×30’ at Garnett and Republic streetsCall:601-6000

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Honda Civic $200,000 negotiable- call:604-6973 L-Touring Wagon HB $850,000- Call:674-8982 1 Hiab Truck- Call:618-1967 2008 White Tacoma Auto, lift kit, off road tyre, GRR series, 31,000 miles: Excellent condition- Call:610-5370 New 2013 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabs- Call: 691-0234 One Mitsubishi Canter; late GPP series – Call:662-8743 One Mitsubishi Canter GRR 5201: 15ft tray- Call:613-2150/ 254-0247 1- AA60 Carina- Call:6430332/689-5254 Axio Special- 2007, TV/DVD & Reverse Camera $2.950MCall:617-2891 One NZE Toyota CorollaCall:614-9060 AE100 Sprinter: A/C, remote start alarm, mags: Excellent condition $850,000 NegCall:625-7703 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Spacio, IST, Axio, 212, Fielder, Verossa & AllexCall:609-8188/602-6307 One black Titan (2005) 4 wheel drive, fully loaded: $4.2M negotiable- Call:6782814/699-2322 New Yamaha R1 motorcycle. 1000cc (candy red & black) recently registered 2013. Latest. double exhaust, bug light- Call:647-2491 CBR for sale 750 GSXRCall:672-0429 1 Leyland DAF 60 single axle & dump- Call:216-1315/6136615 Toyota Altezza, PNN, tiptronic- Call:622-0108 Quantum Auto: Spacio, Premio & new model raum with Alloy wheel & dark interior: Excellent conditionCall:624-7684/617-2378

VEHICLE FOR SALE Fielder Wagon - Call: 691-3812 ALYEA’S AUTO SALE PREMIO 03 $2.7 NEG, PREMIO 02 $2.6 NEG, AXIO 08 $2.950 NEG: 40 CROAL ST G/TOWN- CALL:6223823/231-7284 1 Toyota- AT192, AT212, Ceres, Vitz, Raum, EP71 Starlet, Hilux Pickup Solid DEF, Tacoma- Call: 644-5096/ 697-1453 1 Toyota Premio (old model): A/C, fully powered. Excellent condition $1.2M- Call:613-5308 1 five (5) L- Diesel 4×4 Hilux in very good condition: Ready for the Interior- Call: 667-2703 1- 2004 Tacoma 4W drive, 3RZ engine: Good condition, foreign use: Price $3.2MCall:266-2367 Unregistered Mitsubishi short canter $3,250,000Call:615-7526/653-4560 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered Premio, Allion, IST, Fielder- Call:652-3820/ 665-4529 1 Nissan 12 seater Bus, mags, engine, over haul, new seats, just spray $650,000 NegCall:675-6721 Honda Cappa (yellow). Leather seats, reverse camera, DVD/TV, CD player, mag rims. Base radio- Call: 647-2491 1AE91 (EFI)- Call:265-4346

TO LET Bedrooms for rent located at ZZ Durban street Wortmanville, GeorgetownCall:231-6270 (Between 6am6pm) Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: $5000 per night- Call:6680306/602-8769/694-7817 Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 227-1218 Campbellville $120,000, BelAir US$1200, Lamaha Gardens US$2500, Queenstown US$1000- Call Diana @ 227-2256/626-9382 House to rent @ 655 Arcadia Mocha- Call:699-2596/6960718 Secret Villa Apartments, fully furnished self contained apartmentsCall:266-5243/228-6337/ 223-0994 Two bedrooms furnished apartment US$50 per dayCall:665-2548 Furnished executive one or two bedrooms suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners- Call 609-2466 Furnished daily rental apartment availableCall:646-5147 Rooms- Call:225-3234/2259223 Diamond $35,000, Bel-Air $75,000- US$1200, Lamaha Gardens US$2000- Call Diana @ 227-2256/626-9382 TOURS

EDUCATIONAL I.A.E (Camp street): Register for full- time, lessons & adults CXC classes: Maths, English, Business & ScienceCall: 223-0604/ 683-5742 Is your child hyperactive or has a disability and needs individual teaching? For best results- Call:683-3887 Signup now for Computerized Accounting Programs: Quickbooks, Peachtree etc. MicroGraphics Technology Vreed-En-HoopCall:264-3057 PC repairs course, CorelDraw, Publisher etc. MicroGraphics Technology Vreed-En-HoopCall:264-3057

SURINAME CARIFESTA (August 16-25) Packages: Accommodations & transportation. French Guiana Manaus, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago- Tel:2316663/ Cell:619-0705 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table - Call: 277-0578

PEN PAL Female looking for unmarried male for serious relationship, age 44-45Call: 670-2498 (No texting) (Continued on page 29)

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Letters... Where your views make the news

Guyana should set revised guidelines on jail sentences DEAR EDITOR, The matter of jail sentences is a current international topic, and to my mind, Guyana should take note and set in motion revised guidelines on jail sentences. Your edition of today August 13, 2013 contains three cases in which the sentences seem a bit harsh. My guarded comment is that I am not questioning the Court’s authority, but merely expressing my feelings. One case was that of the stolen Blackberry for which an 18 months imprisonment was given. The theft was by a first timer who appears to be a simpleton as her subsequent behaviour in being lured to meet someone who was tracking the phone showed her naivety in using such a phone. She did plead for forgiveness and mercy only to be met with an 18 months imprisonment. She obviously could not afford a lawyer and was without representation, a very important fact. The next case was the vagrant who broke into a car

and stole a purse but got away with nothing as he was caught red-handed. He got 2 years despite his pleadings of being a vagrant and hungry. Maybe 2 years at the Mazaruni Prison camp might be good for free housing, and some farming activity might be suitable for a vagrant, society would like to banish. Still perhaps a bit harsh. The third case is of the individual who allowed a search of his home by the police without a warrant. They reported that they found cannabis in a bag in his sink. He got 12 months and is still on another charge for some miniscule cocaine allegedly also found in his home. Police searches and findings are well known eventualities which leave little to the imagination given their preponderant theatrical representations. My sympathy goes to this individual as it was not established that whatever he possessed was for other than personal use. Is a man’s home

not his castle? I would think so! Did he suspect that his willingness to allow a search without a warrant would put him in jail? Probably not. And what about the money found in his home? The amount was not stated, but was it seized as well? Some guidelines in sentencing appear needed for as the three referenced case show that apart from societal considerations, other matters should be taken into account, as for example, does the case require such heavy sentences? Are convicted persons given time rebates for presentencings time spent in jail? Are convicted persons given time rebates for good behaviour while imprisoned? Given the crowded jails, should first timers on apparent petty offences be sent to jail? What was the conduct of the convicted person like? Cooperative? Belligerent? Aggressive? Imploring? Was the accused

represented? Why does the Guyana Court not allow ‘pro bono’ lawyers to help persons who appear without counsel? (Here in Ontario we call them Duty Counsel, and they are paid by the Court for cases they handle) Should cases brought to the Court without proper search warrants on any home be accepted especially when the police are engaged in raids without reliable information? Should there not be some referral to Social Services for a report on the convicted person before sentence is passed? Finally does the Police Chief ever publish any annual or other reports on: ….number of raids carried out … amount of money seized in raids …number of cases brought to the Courts … number of convictions from such raids. A matter of accountability I would think, but perhaps not desirable! Carl Veecock

(From page 28)

VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call:6889611/684-2838 Refrigeration, A/C Technician. Call 231-0655/ 683-8734 Vacancy exists for 1 Parts Sales Clerk: Sound Secondary education with knowledge in Japanese vehicles spare partsCall:231-7839 One person to build chairs in work shop- Call:610-7005/ 219-1342 Vacancy exists for able bodied male cleaners: Apply at Alabama Trading G/Town Stabroek.

the biggest impact by far – which I assume is the reason it was prioritised. The Government said that even if GPL was not modernised, Amaila would see a reduction in consumer tariffs of 20% by 2017 (as well as the removal of subsidy); this would be even more with the modernisation of GPL. THE PRICE TAG FOR AMAILAFALLS: The Government has clearly stated that its statements are based on a US$858 million price tag for the Amaila project (including plant, transmission line and access road), while recognising that currency fluctuations might make that price go up or down slightly before financial close – which was to have been in October / November 2013. The Government states that approximately US$100

million of that US$858 million is being invested by Guyana – with t h e r e s t b e i n g sourced in the global capital markets. Of Guyana’s investment, they say that US$15 million is already spent, and that the bulk of 80 million) is sitting in the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) waiting to be transferred. Therefore, by simple maths, my analysis is that the outstanding Amaila bill to Guyana is US$5 million, whereas savings from the removal of subsidy alone will be six times that in the first year of operation. If the four gentlemen still do not accept this price tag and its constitution – i.e. an overall price of US$858 million, with US$100 million from Guyana and US$758 million from global capital markets - could they please

explain clearly why this is so? This is particularly important – because all parties to the transaction publicly stated that the price has settled, apart from minor positive or negative currency fluctuations in the next couple of months. I do not doubt that the four gentlemen are all of strong intellect, so I hope that if they conclude that they may have been mistaken in some of their comments, they will also acknowledge this. Given that history will rightly record these gentlemen as the ones who killed Guyana’s best chance of hydro-electric power in fifty years, I also respectfully request that they will be clear and concise in their communications with me and the Guyanese public when they provide their answers. Captain Gerry Gouveia

FOR RENT Furnished 2 bedrooms bottom flat @ Uitvlught Housing scheme, W.C.DCall:663-2882 Furnished house for rent, long and short term on Essequibo Coast- Call:6219380 House to rent in ‘CC’ EcclesCall:696-0573/642-2583/6847807 Subryanville- furnished US$1000, Turkeyen house US$1200, Farm 5 bedrooms, Lusignan, Carida Park sea side, Alberttown- bondCall:231-2199/626-4890 PUBLIC ROAD BUSINESS PROPERTY, W.C.D, suitable for food/ liquor restaurant, supermarket etc. Call:6098132/672-8569 (Max)

Guyana is now placed... From page 4 is now to realise governance in today’s world is by the people and for the people. For those who believe that once they have voted there is nothing else they can do but leave it to the politicians to decide what is right or wrong, this exercise has shown that democracy is not only about having elections every five years but how business is conducted day by day and the citizenry being ever vigilant to ensure it is properly conducted. We, the citizens, must see this as a major step in democratising our governance system and today all are urged to continue this process as we seek to further immerse ourselves in local and national discussions to develop a change in the culture and behaviour of our elected officials. Lincoln Lewis

MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Let beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse available- Call:657-5979 American Style massage services- Call:678-7499 Relaxing massage serviceCall: 622-6256

Machine Operator to work in Garment Factory- Call:222-2541 Do you need excavator operator for the Interior? 12 years experience in miningCall:254-0624/655-4440 Workers for land dredgeTel: 694-2310 Sailors/ Welders- Call:6893846/227-2027 Receptionist, room attendant, bar attendants, washer & presser , cook & helper– Contact: Hick’s Ville Hotel @ 231-0951/231-0953 One Live in domesticCall:614-6053/600-6053 Contract cars to work in Taxi Service- call: 627-9424/ 2270638 Old Guyana Currencies $1,$5,$10 bills and stampsCall:653-5696

An open letter to Christopher Ram, Ramon... From page 4 2. Mr. Gaskin said: “This project will not lead to a reduction in tariffs, and in all probability rates will have to go up” 3. Dr Thomas said: “Independent analysts predict a higher price than presently prevails” 4. The Government said: “Amaila will address the biggest input cost (to the consumer tariff) by far GPL’s cost of electricity generation. With Amaila, GPL’s cost of electricity generation will come down in stages – by 40% in the first twelve years; by 71% for the eight years after that, and by 90% for the eighty years after that, based on current fuel price projections….. [Therefore], the total consumer tariff will decrease significantly because of Amaila Falls… The reduction in consumer tariffs will be at least 20% in 2017, and considerably more in years ahead.” Only one of these four statements can be true. Which one? FOCUSSING ON AMAILA, ANDAMAILAALONE I hope that in providing me with answers, the four gentlemen will focus on the Amaila Falls project, and not on the separate project to modernise GPL, which was due to advance in 2014. Both projects are needed, but Amaila Falls would have

WANTED One three bedrooms apartment anywhere around town- Call:617-7865

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD tele:265-4138,652-5800 specialized in everything for women & children

Workers for land dredgeCall:667-5717 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Driver, salesperson, male merchandiser & porter needed, bring resume ( include reference) & passport photo at Vegetarian Gardens - Tele: 227-7714 1 whole day domesticCall:650-4761/667-5717 Skilled and semi skilled joiners- Call:220-4247 One experienced general domestic, must know to cook tasty Creole dishes. Must be honest & trustworthyCall:656-6388 Wanted contract cars @ Atlas Taxi Service: South Ruimveldt gardens, VHF radio network- Call:661-3043 PORTERS & HANDYMAN FOR WAREHOUSE. BUILDING MATERIAL DEPOT- TEL:231-8529 Carpenters and Labourers to work in the Georgetown areas: Carpenters $6000, Labourers $3,500- Contact 646-9087 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964 B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield Lodge- call:2250150,229-7258,680-6826

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Kaieteur News

Third person charged for robbing businessman A third person has been charged for the March 25, 2013 robbery carried out on businessman, Cecil Gajadar. The accused, 27-year-old Ronald Kissoon of Lot 59 James Street Albouystown appeared before Magistrate Ann Mc Clennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Kissoon denied the charge. He was unrepresented at yesterday’s hearing and subsequently remanded to prison until September 13, 2013.

According to court documents, Gajadar was robbed of $4.3M while in the vicinity of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Camp Street. The businessman was reportedly attacked by three bandits, one of whom was alleged to be Kissoon. The bandits relieved Gajadar of the substantial amount of cash, while he was sitting in his car at Camp Street before fleeing the scene. Two persons were

previously remanded for the crime perpetrated on Gajadar. The duo, Romario Gouveia, 22, of Lot 21 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, and Damien Allicock, 18, of Lot 64 James Street, Albouystown, are said to be relatives. They faced Magistrate Sueanna Lovell jointly charged for the crime, to which, they pleaded not guilty. They too were remanded to prison at their initial appearance.

Wednesday August 14, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): You will probably start feeling more detached or distant from your favorite people right about now, but there is nothing to worry about. Do not let your emotions convince you of things that aren't true. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Do not let someone else establish the framework of a particularly important conversation, today. If the topic involves deep emotions, you need to make sure that you say what you need to say -without getting too defensive. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): It's important to stay on your toes today, but staying sharp is not just about being alert -- it's about being healthy. So make sure you start this day with a good breakfast. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Be careful who you get involved with, especially in terms of any business dealings. Your urge to get what you want is so strong that it could be blinding you to some major red flags that are popping up, left and right. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): If you look beneath the surface of pleasant small talk, today, you are sure to find some clues that point to the real intentions that lie behind what people are saying. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You are starting to think twice about a compromise you recently made with a friend -- what you thought was going to happen is not happening, and now you're wondering if you made a mistake. ********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct.

22): People notice when other people stand up for their principles -- and they'll notice when you stand up for yours, today. Sure, by sticking to your guns you might make things inconvenient for one or two folks, but so what? You cannot change your way of doing things just to make someone else happy. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): People are very different on the inside than what their outside appearance may lead you to believe -- of course this is not news to you, but it's something to keep at the front of your mind, today. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): You will be able to make just about anything entertaining today, given the huge wave of creative energy that you're riding on right now. You know how to keep your brain exercised and have fun in very subtle ways -- you don't have to be laughing hysterically to enjoy what you're doing. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): It's true that you need friends in life in order to lead a more fulfilled life, but it's not a good idea to get too hung up about how many friends you have. It's all about quality-- not quantity. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18):Your deep feelings for someone are getting even deeper, today, when they do something that reminds you just what a special person they are. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Your deep feelings for someone are getting even deeper, today, when they do something that reminds you just what a special person they are.

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APNU’s reasons for not supporting... (From page 26) less than today The combination of the above savings and the removal of GPL’s subsidy (to save the taxpayer 6 billion dollars per year) mean that the end user tariff will come down by 20% within two years of Amaila’s commercial operation. 3) They were not presented with a comprehensive document describing the project: Response: The Government of Guyana has provided comprehensive information on the project to the Opposition in the past 18 months - this includes: 1) three comprehensive presentations on the project, 2) all three significant initialled project agreements: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Receivables Agreement (RA) and the Implementation Agreement (IA) 3) two market/economic assessments prepared by one of the world’s leading independent firms concerned with economic assessments for the energy sector, Mercados Eneregiticos; A representative table of

contents for the three presentations made by Government to the APNU is as follows: · Amaila Falls Project Overview · Environmental and Social Safeguards and Standards · Equity Sponsors Background · Technical Consultants · Project Structure · Estimated Project Sources and Uses · Project Cost History Comparison · Key External Factors · Interest During Construction and Political Risk Insurance · Sithe Global Development · Shareholder: Amaila Falls Hydro · Benefits of GRIF Investment in Amaila Hydro · Legal Overview: Performance Guarantee, Key Project Documents, Primary Project Risks and Mitigants · Key Project Dates · GPL Overview: GPL Sales, Generation Costs and Growth · GPL Snapshot: GPL Financial Snapshot, GPL

Historical Production Costs, GPL Fuel Challenge, GPL Generation Cost · Projected GPL Tariffs, GPL Reform Plans, IDB Support in GPL’s on-going reform, GPL Reform Plans In addition to documents provided by Government, the project’s sponsor, Sithe Global, has publicly posted a number of documents on the project’s website, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessment documentation, consultation reports and public presentations. So in sum: APNU is destroying the Amaila Falls project because they say it will burden Guyana with debt (even though it won’t), that it will not deliver significant savings to the consumer (even though it will), and because they did not have all the documentation (even though they did). Every single person in this country will suffer because of their mistake.

Months of flooding... (From page 6) primary economic activity of poor people. He said that with the community having at their disposal lands which can be used by the residents to make a living, it is a worry that at the moment the lands cannot be used for their intended purpose. “If you have land and you can’t farm on it, where do you work? And where do you get income from?” he asked. Williams said that with the highlighting of the issues, he hopes that those in authority will be moved to make changes in order to provide some relief to the Coverden community. He added that while it is commendable that the government is expending effort in certain areas, it is counter-productive that “by fixing one problem they are creating another.” Referring to the unreliable drainage system and the “little or no consultations with residents in the community,” he said that he hopes the comments and outbursts coming from the residents will serve to signal to the authorities that “people are basically fed up with substandard work.” “We continue to stand up with them and advocate on their behalf and hope that those in authority will pay keen attention and that the residents will see some fundamental changes start to take place to better their lives.”

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Brazil says it needs answers on NSA surveillance BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota yesterday criticized U.S. surveillance in Brazil and said the trust between the U.S. and Brazil would be damaged if U.S. explanations about the program are not satisfactory. At a news conference in Brasilia with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Patriota said that the U.S.-Brazil relationship was maturing on many fronts. But he said the partnership faced new challenges with revelations from National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden that the NSA had targeted Brazil and other Latin American nations in monitoring worldwide communications. “We’re now facing a new type of challenge in our bilateral relationship,” he said. “The challenge is related to news about the interception of Brazilian electronic and telephone communications. And if those challenges are not resolved in a satisfactory way, we run the

Antonio Patriota risk of casting a shadow of distrust over our work.” He said Brazil was seeking explanations through political, diplomatic and technical channels, but that those clarifications were not an “end to themselves.” “We need to stop practices that violate sovereignty,” he said. Kerry defended the program, saying it had been approved by all three branches of the U.S.

government. He pledged that the U.S. would work to provide transparency to the program for Brazil and other nations offended by the surveillance. “We’re not surprised and we’re not upset that Brazil would ask questions. Absolutely understandable.” Kerry said. “Brazil is owed answers with respect to those questions and they will get them. And we will work together very positively to make certain that this question — these issues — do not get in the way of all the other things that we talked about.” He said he could not discuss operational issues, but said the U.S. is talking to the Brazilians about the program. “We will guarantee that Brazil and other countries will understand exactly what we are doing — why and how — and we will work together to make sure that whatever is done is done in a way that respects our friends and our partners. And that is what we are going to achieve.”

Wednesday August 14, 2013

‘Green village’ at CARIFESTA to promote solar energy in Suriname interior

Orlando Olmberg with the Minister for Natural Resources presenting a report PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — In 2012, Guguplex Technologies secured one of eight IDEAS Grant Awards to help bring affordable, solar energy to communities in rural Suriname. The company is pioneering an innovative business model which so far has provided solar electricity to 40 households, two businesses and a school, and educated over 400 people on the benefits of solar power. The Ministry of Natural Resources asked Guguplex to set up a ‘green village’ for the CARIFESTA event, which starts this Friday and will attract some 3,000 visitors and officials from Suriname and other countries, to celebrate the best of Caribbean culture and innovation. Of the 100 villages located in Suriname’s isolated interior, not one is connected to the national grid. The Rural Electrification Department provides 93 of these settlements with diesel generators, but they are costly to refuel, frequently break down and are generally ill-equipped to meet modern energy needs. Communities must therefore limit their productive, educational and social activities to daylight hours, or otherwise rely on kerosene lamps, which are not only expensive but can also lead to health problems.

Guguplex Technologies sells and installs solar equipment through its main store in Paramaribo. With the funds from the IDEAS (Energy Innovation Contest) Grant, they have been able to set up their own micro-loan initiative and have started to provide solar electricity to communities living in the rural interior at next to zero energy costs. Since the start of this year, 40 households, two businesses and one school have benefited, leading to 5.61kW energy provision to the Hinterlands and 190 tonnes cut in CO2 emissions. “The government of Suriname is showing a growing interest in the use of solar energy as a solution to the energy problems faced by people living in the interior” said Orlando Olmberg, director of Guguplex in Suriname. “We’re delighted to have been chosen to create a ‘Green village’ for the Carifesta event, which will consist of an exhibition and educational space the size of a football field to showcase the possibilities of solar technology and enable companies like ourselves to display and demonstrate our products.” As well as distributing solar products, Guguplex trains local people on how to install them, and educates communities about the

benefits of the technology. So far, they have visited eight villages to raise awareness and develop retail relationships with shop owners. Three more technicians have been hired, as well as a consultant to advise on capacity building and a parttime freelancer to monitor microloan re-payments. “We’re in talks with micro-finance institutions, such as the Godo Bank, to support the continuation of this project. In the meantime we have started our own micro loan system, with help from the IDEAS Grant and the Global Village Energy Partnership (GVEP). There has been a lot of interest in the technology, with more than 75 orders for the small ‘plug-and-use’ model. Despite the risks involved, we’ve learned that pioneering our own micro-loans for communities is the most effective option at this time,” said Olmberg. Winning the contest has helped Guguplex to increase their visibility and branding. Since being officially presented to the minister of natural resources, their work has drawn national press attention, resulting in news articles and a 40 minute television interview for the Panorama programme in March this year. (Caribbean News)

Taiwan President arrives in Haiti at start of Caribbean tour PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti - CMC – President Ma Ying jeou arrived in Haiti yesterday at the start of a visit to several Caribbean countries. He was met on arrival by President Michel Martelly and will later participate in the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Supreme Court building to replace the one destroyed in the January 2010 earthquake that also killed an estimated 300,000 people and left more than a million others homeless. Ma will also visit St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent, the other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan that China considers a renegade province. He will also visit Paraguay where he will attend the inauguration tomorrow of the new head of state, Horacio Cartes, who was elected on April 21.

President Ma Ying jeou

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ST. Vincent PM speaks on PM says “lack of discipline” contributes to LIAT’s problems political situation in St. Kitts KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – CMC - Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is blaming a “lack of discipline” by some members of the regional airline, LIAT, for some of the problems being experienced by travellers in recent months. Speaking on a radio programme here on Monday, Gonsalves, who is chairman of the LIAT shareholder governments, recalled instances over the past few days where the airline had been delayed as a result of n o n - s c h e d u l i n g circumstances. He said on Friday last week, he was schedule to fly to Barbados to sign a multi-million dollar loan agreement on behalf of the airline, only to depart the island 40 minutes late. He said the lateness was not due to the LIAT aircraft but a taxi contracted to pick up LIAT passengers who overnighted here. “Frankly speaking, people who are engaged to do pickups, we will have to insist that they do their pickups on time. And if a passenger was late when you are picking up, leave the passenger. They can’t hold the other 49 passengers because they got up late.” Gonsalves said on another occasion, his Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Godfrey Pompey, reported that when he arrived at the airport only one LIAT agent was on call. “Now, one person can’t deal with 40-something persons in an hour. … These kinds of actions must have consequences,” Gonsalves said. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he was also called and informed that a LIAT plane had arrived here without aviation oxygen on board resulting in a significant delay. “Well whoever is responsible for that plane moving between the various places, [should have ensured] that when it left the last stop … there had been a sufficiency of oxygen aboard,” he said. “Now, these personnel issues, these issues of a lack of discipline in relation to some members of staff of LIAT and some persons who provide services for LIAT, it is just not acceptable and we have to speak out about this. “I know the management, they have a lot of problems on their hands, but they’ve got to address these urgently. “Because even when we get the 12 new planes, if these service problems remain, we are going to have improvement in one sense but we will be held back in

another,” Gonsalves said. Gonsalves had telephoned the radio programme on Monday after a caller complained about LIAT service. Prime Minister Gonsalves said also the delays result partly because the airline has been retraining its pilots to fly the new ATR72 aircraft. On Monday, LIAT, Monday warned passengers to brace for more travelling woes this week after one of its new aircraft was grounded “as a result of a technical issue”. In a statement, the airline told passengers that “its operations continue to be affected by numerous challenges throughout its network” and that despite the re-fleeting exercise LIAT continues to operate its scheduled passenger and cargo service and carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on its entire fleet of aircraft including the Dash 8 and new ATR 72. “LIAT is also responding to traditionally high demand

during the summer peak. This combination of factors has resulted in significant challenges for the company exacerbated by the grounding of one of the company’s new ATR aircraft in Barbados Sunday as a result of a technical issue.” Earlier, prominent Dominican businessman Gregor Nassief said LIAT is contributing to the damage of fragile economies in the Caribbean through its poor service, especially over the past few weeks. In an open letter to the board of directors of the cashstrapped airline, Gregor Nassief, a hotelier and president of Tecsys Latin America, wrote of a eight weeks of customer service “which continues to this day due to lack of foresight and planning on the part of LIAT’s executives, and second because of LIAT’s disastrous public relations which has revealed the depth of your executives’ indifference to your customers”.

Govt. to amend Evidence Act to allow for computer generated evidence Jamaica Gleaner - The Government is to bring another set of amendments to the Evidence Act, which will, among other things, allow uncontested expert reports within the court system. Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, reportedly made the disclosure during an interview with JIS News. He also noted that the Act is being amended to allow for other agreed evidence, not contested by the Prosecution

and the Defence, to be introduced without having to call the actual witness. He explains that this relates particularly to expert evidence such as autopsy and ballistics reports. The amendments will also facilitate easy admission of computer-generated evidence.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CMC - St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is questioning on what grounds the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) or even the Commonwealth can intervene in the political situation in St. Kitts-Nevis. Opposition legislators have accused regional governments of remaining silent on the political stalemate in the twin-island Federation occasioned by the refusal to date of the Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence filed against the government of Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas. The opposition filed the motion in December last year and took the matter to court on the grounds that the delay in tabling the motion violated their rights.The Speaker of the House and the Government insisted that as long as the matter was before the court it could not be tabled. The opposition responded by withdrawing the motion, but the Speaker, Curtis Martin, says he is awaiting the court ruling on certain legal matters. Prime Minister Gonsalves told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that while he has some concerns about the situation there’s no reason for the CARICOM or the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to get involved in an issue, the opposition itself has compounded. Prime Minister Gonsalves said while he has heard the opposition cries, he nonetheless questions on what grounds can the

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Caribbean Community, the OECS, the Commonwealth or anyone for that matter intervene. “Can a regional or international organisation intervene in the internal affairs of a country where there is no public disorder or a breakdown of law and order, where there is just a political conflict which is still being played out, where the internal processes are not exhausted, internal processes here meaning the legal processes which have been engaged by the very persons who are complaining, “he said, admitt9ing that the political situation in the twin island Federation is worrying. “Still from a representative government standpoint it makes one uneasy that you can have a

majority of the representatives in parliament supporting the opposition and not the government but this is a political question which ought to have been resolved politically.” Gonsalves, one of the longest serving head of government in the region, also commented on the opposition statement questioning the legitimacy of the Douglas government. He told CMC that the disgruntled MP’s were not approaching this issue with clean hands. He said people “may reasonably ask” why former deputy prime minister Sam Condor and former senior minister Dr. Timothy Harris, did not follow the example of the Trinidad and Tobago legislator, Austin “Jack” Warner and resign and face a by-election. “…ponder on this issue, two of you were elected on the ticket of the government you now want to bring down the government is there not a matter of public morality in relation to that action, should you having won on the government ticket should you be permitted without any public critique, without any public denunciation to bring the government down.” But Gonsalves said he is hopeful the situation can be resolved sooner rather than later in interest of the people of St. Kitts/Nevis

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Muslim Brotherhood says Signs of economic recovery in Britain lift Cameron’s poll hopes police fired on Cairo march LONDON (Reuters) Signs of a fledgling economic recovery in Britain have boosted voter trust in Prime Minister David Cameron’s financial stewardship, strengthening his prospects ahead of an election in 2015, a poll showed yesterday. The Guardian/ICM survey said that 40 percent of voters trusted Cameron and his Conservatives on the economy, up sharply from 28 percent in June, and comfortably ahead of the opposition Labour party, whose economic credentials won approval from just 24 percent of those asked. The health of the economy and political parties’ perceived ability to nurse it back to sustained growth after three rocky years is likely to be the single most important factor in deciding who wins the 2015 election. The economy has shown unexpected signs of improvement in recent months with the Bank of England forecasting it will grow by 0.6 percent during the current quarter, the same as between April and June, and that growth will reach an annual rate of 2.6 percent in two years’ time. Labour remains a few points ahead of the Conservatives in the opinion polls but has seen its lead shrink after better economic data, even though many economists believe it is too soon to talk of a sustained recovery and are concerned about a possible housing price bubble. Yesterday’s poll put Labour’s overall support at 35 percent, a mere three percentage points higher than the Conservatives.

David Cameron Cameron, who governs in coalition with the center-left Liberal Democrats, has put the economy at the heart of his re-election strategy, hoping a strong recovery will materialize and create a feelgood factor that will allow his party to govern alone next time. According to Peter Kellner, of pollster YouGov, an improving economy poses a problem for Labour leader Ed Miliband. “Now that Britain’s economy has started to recover, he is likely to face a prime minister who can copy one of the slogans that Barack Obama used last year to secure re-election,” he wrote. “The president likened America’s economy to a car that his predecessors had driven into a ditch. ‘I don’t want to give them the keys back,’ he said. ‘They can’t drive’.” Labour, which governed Britain from 1997 to 2010, was in power when the global financial crisis hit and says it was managing the economy well but was knocked off

course by events. The Conservatives say Labour left Britain with its biggest budget deficit since World War Two and cannot be trusted to manage it again anytime soon. Alastair Campbell, who was former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s chief communications adviser, said Labour had allowed the Conservatives to unfairly cast them as the creators of the economic turmoil that followed the financial crisis. “Britain had 10 good years of growth and prosperity under Labour which is one of the many reasons we won three elections and stopped David Cameron winning a majority,” he wrote on his blog. ICM Research interviewed 1,001 adults by phone on August 9-11.

CAIRO (Reuters) - The Muslim Brotherhood said yesterday that Egyptian policemen dressed in plain clothes opened fire on one of its marches in Cairo, wounding five people in violence that risks worsening political turmoil. A security source said seven protesters had been wounded but added that it was not immediately clear who had opened fire. The shooting could further inflame political divisions as the Brotherhood stages protests, marches and sit-ins to demand the reinstatement of deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi. Supporters and opponents of Mursi earlier battled in the streets of the capital, showing Egypt remained dangerously split six weeks after the army

overthrew him in response to mass protests against his rule. Aside from the violence, an initiative by Al-Azhar, a top religious authority, to resolve the crisis appeared to inch forward. The Nour Party, the second biggest Islamist group, forecast that Al-Azharbacked talks would happen very soon, while Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood signaled it was ready to take part as long as they were on the right terms. Mursi’s backers stood firm in protest camps in Cairo’s al-Nahda Square and around Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque. No police crackdown appeared imminent despite frequent warnings from the army-installed government that the protesters should pack up and leave. Interim President Adli

Mansour swore in at least 18 new provincial governors, half of them retired generals, reversing Mursi’s appointment of civilians. The “April 6” prodemocracy youth movement, which played a prominent role in the revolt that brought down long-time strongman Hosni Mubarak in 2011, was among those criticizing the appointments as a step backwards. “Holding on to the old faces that contributed to ruining political life before the revolution is a new failure for the current administration,” it said on its website.

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Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe vows to continue sweeping black empowerment HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe’s longtime President Robert Mugabe said yesterday his party won “a resounding mandate” from voters to complete a sweeping black empowerment program to take over foreign and whiteowned assets. Mugabe said the program in Zimbabwe, widely criticized by Western countries, will be

“pursued to its successful conclusion.” Outgoing Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, 61, is challenging the results of the July 31 election and alleges widespread vote rigging that gave Mugabe, 89, and his ZANU-PF party a commanding victory. Addressing military parades on the annual Defense Forces holiday,

Mugabe said voters ended an unwieldy coalition with Tsvangirai’s opposition that was formed after the last violent and disputed elections in 2008. Mugabe said the vote showed confidence in his party and its drive for “total economic emancipation” for prosperity and jobs. “I extend my hearty congratulations to all of you

for showing our foreign detractors our destiny lies in our hands,” Mugabe said, speaking at the main sports stadium in Harare where the parades and parachuting displays, gymnastics and a soccer match between the uniformed services of Zimbabwe and regional ally Tanzania were held. In his first public appearance since the election

on the Heroes’ Day holiday Monday, honoring guerrillas in the war the led to independence in 1980, Mugabe described his rivals as an enemy he disposed of in the election “like garbage.” On Tuesday he called them “some misguided fellow countrymen” who received backing from hostile Western nations and followed a regime-change agenda to oust him. Tsvangirai’s party had called for reforms to the military and police it has blamed for state orchestrated violence in the past. “What they call security sector reform is when the enemy’s aim is to dilute the efficiency of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces,” Mugabe said. “We appeal to all Zimbabweans to resist the enemy’s strategies and renewed advances by our erstwhile colonizers.” Britain, the former colonial power, and the United States have questioned whether the results of the July 31 poll represent a free and fair vote. Mugabe, who for the first time this year inspected the parades from an open military jeep instead of walking through the ranks, said Britain has opposed black empowerment since 2000 when thousands of white farmers were forced to surrender their land. Critics of the program say it disrupted Zimbabwe’s agriculture-based economy, shut down industries and scared away foreign investment in mining and other businesses where

Robert Mugabe owners were required to yield 51 percent control to blacks. Mugabe, however, said empowerment succeeded in creating jobs and economic growth in other African countries in the post-colonial era where it had not drawn the same condemnation as in Zimbabwe. In its election manifesto, Mugabe’s party vowed to take control of the last 1,138 foreign and white-owned businesses in the country. “This policy beneficial to indigenous Zimbabweans will be taken to its successful conclusion” under a new ZANU-PF government, Mugabe said. Tsvangirai and leaders of his Movement for Democratic Change campaigned for liberalization the economy to attract Western investors. They stayed away from yesterday’s parades and Monday’s ceremonies at a national cemetery outside Harare.

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U.N. says still negotiating with Italian President says Berlusconi conviction definitive Syria on chemical weapons inquiry ROME (Reuters) President Giorgio Napolitano yesterday ruled out any reversal of a tax fraud conviction against Silvio Berlusconi and issued a stern warning to his party against trying to bring down the government over the issue. Napolitano’s statement that the law must take its course dashed hopes in Berlusconi’s People of Freedom (PDL) party that the head of state would find a way to allow the former prime minister to continue his leadership of the center-right without restriction despite a jail sentence. The party says that curtailing Berlusconi’s political activity would rob the 10 million people who voted for him in February’s election of their democratic choice. Several of its leading members had pressed Napolitano to find a way out. “Any definitive sentence, and the consequent obligation of applying it, cannot but be taken into account,” Napolitano said in a statement, warning against any “fatal” crisis in Enrico Letta’s fragile left-right coalition government at a time when Italy is stuck in its worst postwar recession. Earlier, Berlusconi’s oldest daughter Marina, 47, who heads his 6.6 billion euro business empire, flatly

Giorgio Napolitano dismissed speculation that she could become the PDL figurehead to run the party while her father was out of circulation. The supreme court this month confirmed a four-year jail sentence - commuted to one year - on Berlusconi for a giant tax fraud at his Mediaset broadcasting empire. Napolitano noted that Berlusconi would not be expected to go to jail. Because of his age, the billionaire businessman is likely to serve the sentence under house arrest or doing community service. The president did not entirely rule out pardoning the 76-year-old media mogul but said he could do so only in very restricted circumstances, and that he had not received the formal request from

Berlusconi that was necessary before he could even consider it. Napolitano forced the PDL and Letta’s center-left Democratic Party (PD) into an uneasy coalition government in April to end a two-month hiatus after the inconclusive election. He has repeatedly warned, as has Letta, that the country cannot afford another vote now. Such a renewed bout of instability in the euro zone’s third economy could send tremors throughout the bloc, although factions in both the PDL and PD are believed to be tempted by another election. PDL hawks and Berlusconi himself have warned that the government could fall in the autumn if no way is found to solve his legal dilemma or force through a repeal of a hated housing tax on which there is deep disagreement with the center-left. “It is understandable that there would emerge, especially in the PDL, anxiety and worry over the definitive conviction of a person who has led the government ... and who remains the undisputed leader of an undeniably important political group,” the president said. But he urged the PDL to prioritize the interests of the country while deciding how to deal with the conviction of its leader.

Palestinian PM who resigned is asked again to form government RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah yesterday to form a new government just two months after accepting his resignation in a dispute over his powers. Hamdallah has accepted, suggesting the two men had patched up their differences, and will have five weeks to form a cabinet, Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeineh said. The move shores up stability in Abbas’s administration in the Israelioccupied West Bank as it returns to U.S.-sponsored peace talks with Israel after a three-year hiatus. But it also drives another nail in the coffin of efforts to overcome political divisions that have split the West Bank, where Abbas holds sway, and the Gaza Strip, which is run by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Hamas and Fatah agreed earlier this year to form a unity government made up of

Rami Hamdallah technocrats by August 14, so Hamdallah’s new mandate further undermined the goal of reconciliation and a common strategy toward Israel. Hamas, which rejects a negotiated solution to the conflict with Israel, branded Hamdallah’s original appointment as “illegal”. Abbas asked Hamdallah, a political independent and linguistics professor, to form

a government on June 2, but he handed in his resignation less than three weeks later due to disputes with his two deputies appointed by the president. Western donor countries which help keep the Palestinian government in the West Bank afloat regard the prime minister’s office as a conduit for their aid money, and are keen to see it steered by transparent, uncorrupt hands. A senior Palestinian official told Reuters that Hamdallah would probably be granted full authority to choose his cabinet and that his decision to return may reflect an deal with Abbas that he would be given more leeway to govern. Hamdallah had remained in office in a caretaker role after quitting. Since a brief civil war in 2007 between Hamas and the Western-backed secular Fatah party headed by Abbas, Palestinians have had no functioning parliament or national elections.

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. experts are ready to visit Syria to investigate claims of chemical weapons use during the country’s two-year civil war, but a deal has not yet been reached with the Syrian government on safety assurances, the United Nations said yesterday. “The devil is in the details and the details are being worked out,” U.N. spokesman Eduardo del Buey told reporters. It has been nearly two weeks since the United Nations said the Syrian government had agreed to let the U.N. team of experts travel to three sites where chemical weapons are reported to have been used. One, Khan al-Assal in Aleppo, is where the Syrian government says rebels used chemical weapons in March. The other two locations to be visited have not yet been identified. The United Nations said it has received 13 reports of possible chemical weapons use - one from Syria’s government and the rest mainly from Britain, France and the United States. The Syrian government and the opposition have accused each other of using chemical weapons, and both have denied it. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Swedish scientist Ake Sellstrom in March to lead a U.N. inquiry into the claims, but diplomatic wrangling and concerns over safety have prevented Sellstrom and his team of experts from entering Syria. The U.N. inquiry will only try to establish whether chemical weapons were used, not who used them. Sellstrom’s team is made up of experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the World Health Organization.

“Over the weekend, the investigation team ... completed all necessary logistical arrangements for its visit to Syria,” the United Nations said in a statement on Tuesday. But U.N. High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Angela Kane, was still negotiating with the Syrian government on “the modalities essential for cooperation to ensure the proper, safe and efficient conduct of the mission,” the world body said. “Once the government of Syria confirms its acceptance of the modalities, the mission will depart without delay,” the United Nations said. Rebels seized Khan al-Assal from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces last month. The opposition Syrian National Coalition has written to Ban saying they were ready to cooperate with the chemical weapons inquiry and “welcome U.N. investigators into all territories under our control.” The United Nations has been demanding unfettered access in Syria to conduct the chemical weapons investigation. Syria is one of seven countries that has not joined the 1997 convention banning chemical weapons. Western countries believe it has stockpiles of undeclared mustard gas, sarin and VX nerve agents. The United Nations says more than 100,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict. More than 1.9 million Syrians have fled the country - two-thirds of those since the start of the year - and more than 4.2 million people have been internally displaced, the United Nations has said. Most of those in need are women and children.

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Team Guyana, Goodwill XIX Swimmers’ and Officials’ Profiles Wednesday August 14, 2013

Tour of Britain announces biggest Nine charged for corruption in BPL ever field for 10th anniversary Tour of Britain organisers say this year’s event will feature its biggest ever field, with 114 riders from 19 teams competing. Omega PharmaQuick Step and Tour de France winners Team Sky are among the five Pro teams who will take part. The eight-day race starts in Peebles, Scotland, on September 15 and ends in London. Britain’s Sir Bradley Wiggins and Manxman Mark Cavendish are scheduled to compete. The provisional rider line-up for all 19 teams will be announced later this month. Movistar, Garmin Sharp and Cannondale are the other three Pro teams involved in the race, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Britain’s six UCI-registered domestic teams will also take part, along

with a Great Britain national team made up of young riders. Race director Mick Bennett said: “This year’s Tour of Britain will have a world-class line-up bringing a number of international stars to race on British roads, while at the same time allowing our top domestic teams and a Great Britain squad to race on the biggest stage possible for them. “The make-up of teams will provide another exciting and unpredictable Tour from a racing perspective, whether you are watching at the roadside or at home on the live television coverage.” The 2013 edition of the race will start in the Scottish Borders and visit the Lake District, Snowdonia and Devon before the finish in London, with 10 circuits

around the capital before finishing on Whitehall. In 2012, which was the race’s previous biggest event with 17 teams, Jonathan Tiernan-Locke became Britain’s first winner of the modern Tour. Entry list for 2013 Tour of Britain: UCI Pro Teams: Cannondale, Garmin-Sharp, Movistar, Omega PharmaQuick Step, Team Sky. UCI Pro Continental Teams: Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox, IAM Cycling, MTN Qhubeka, Sojasun, Team NetApp Endura, UnitedHealthcare. UCI Continental Teams: AN Post Chain Reaction, Madison Genesis, Node4 Giordana, Rapha Condor JLT, IG Sigma Sport, Raleigh, UK Youth. National teams: Great Britain. (BBC Sport)

Australia careers on the line, says Coach Darren Lehmann Coach Darren Lehmann has criticised Australia’s faltering batsmen and said their careers are on the line after losing the Ashes series in England. The tourists, chasing a victory target of 299, crumbled from 109-0 to 224 all out as they lost the fourth Test to go 3-0 down in the best-of-five series. Asked if careers were in jeopardy, Lehmann said: “Yep, there’s nothing wrong with that. “The blokes have to learn. If they don’t, we’ll find blokes that will.” Lehmann replaced Mickey Arthur just 16 days before the Ashes series got under way, but he has failed to engineer a turnaround in the side’s form following the 4-0 Test series defeat in India earlier this year. Australia lost the first two Tests of this series at Trent Bridge and Lord’s respectively but had a chance of reducing the deficit in Durham. Chris Rogers and D a v i d Wa r n e r p u t o n a century opening partnership in their second innings to give them hope of reaching the 299 victory target. But Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke, Steven Smith, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin mustered just 50 runs between them as Australia capitulated. England now hold an unassailable 3-0 lead heading to the fifth and final Test, which starts at The Oval on Wednesday, 2 1 A u g u s t. Australia’s misfiring batting line-up has only passed 300 once in eight

Nine individuals have been charged with various offences allegedly committed in violation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s anticorruption code during the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League, the ICC and the BCB announced on Tuesday. The charges, which followed an investigation carried out by the ICC’s AntiCorruption and Security Unit (ACSU), relate to an alleged conspiracy within the Dhaka Gladiators franchise to engage in match-fixing and spot-fixing during the tournament, as well as failures by individuals to report approaches made to them to be involved in the conspiracy. The identities of the nine individuals charged will not be disclosed until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings. Of the nine, seven have been charged for fixingrelated offences, while the remaining two have been charged for failing to report corrupt approaches. Those facing the more serious fixingrelated charges have been provisionally suspended and have been immediately barred from participating in all cricket activities organised or recognised by the BCB, the ICC or of the ICC’s member associations, till the disciplinary proceedings brought against them are

resolved. Those who plead guilty or who deny the charges but are later found guilty by an anticorruption tribunal, which will be put together by the Bangladesh board, would be subject to the sanctions under article 6 of the BCB’s anticorruption code, which includes a suspension of: (a) between five years up to a lifetime for the fixing offences, and (b) between one to five years for any failure to report a corrupt approach. Those charged now have 14 days to indicate whether they wish to plead guilty or to defend themselves in a full hearing, which would take place before the anti-

Budapest, Hungary – Ferencvaros has signed Trinidad & Tobago defender Akeem Adams signed a oneyear deal with an option for an extension. The 22-year-old inked the pact following a one-week trial at one of Hungary’s most successful clubs. The Budapest team has captured 28 league titles, 20 Hungarian Cups and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1965. “It’s a most satisfying feeling to have secured my first overseas professional contract,” Adams told TTFA Media. “I spent a week here and the coaches were

impressed. I worked really hard and now I know the real deal begins. “Now that I’ve signed with Ferencvaros I know I need to settle in and continue to improve my game. I want to return to the national team at some point in the future.” Adams played in three games for Trinidad at both the 2007 FIFA U-17 and 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cups. He, who has won nine caps, made his senior international debut at 16years-old in a 1-0 friendly victory over El Salvador in 2008.

Dave Richardson

corruption tribunal. “Considering the limited resources available to the ACSU and the limitations that apply to its ability to uncover sufficient evidence to disrupt conspiracies of this kind, I am pleased that this investigation has led us to this outcome,” ICC chief Dave Richardson said. “While we have charged some individuals with failing to report corrupt approaches that were made to them, it is important to stress that this investigation has also been built upon, among other things, evidence gathered from other individuals who not only rejected corrupt approaches made to them, but then did what they were supposed to do, and reported them to the ACSU.” The BCB president, Nazmul Hassan, said that those found guilty will be dealt with severely. “The BCB is committed to doing everything possible to defend it [Bangladesh cricket] against the very small group of people who are willing to compromise the values of the overwhelming majority for personal greed and, in so doing, bring disgrace upon themselves and their associates, as well as tarnishing the image of the game,” he said. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Trinidad’s Adams signs with Ferencvaros

Darren Lehmann innings during the Ashes series. Watson, Khawaja, Smith, Ed Cowan and Phil Hughes have all struggled for runs during the series and Lehmann appears to be losing patience. “To play for Australia, you’ve got to perform at a level that is acceptable for everyone in our team and also for the Australian public and the media,” he said. “At the moment, we’re not doing that, so blokes have got to perform at a level we expect. “We’ve lost clumps of wickets which have really hurt us. Blokes are missing straight ones, that doesn’t help. “We have to learn from our mistakes. We didn’t learn from probably Trent Bridge when we got bowled out in similar circumstances, so, from

o u r p o i n t o f v i e w, t h e blokes have got to learn.” Lehmann said he had been confident of victory in Durham following a great start to Australia’s second innings but said some of the shot selection had been “poor” . “That really hurts, that one,” he said. “They bowled well, we batted really badly in the middle order, lower order. “I thought Warner got a good ball to be fair, Clarke got a ripper and Rogers probably got a decent ball. The rest should have played a lot straighter and they know that.” Clarke and Rogers are the only specialist Australian batsman to score centuries in 2013 and Lehmann said only those two were probably “guaranteed” their place in the team. (BBC Sport)

Akeem Adams

ACDA to host Emancipation Dominoes today Shem’s Hide Out, Vryheid’s Lust Housing Scheme is the venue for today’s African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) Six-Team Emancipation Dominoes competition. Double-six time is 19:00hrs and will see teams paying an entrance fee of $10,000 to enter in the competition organised by the ACDA Sports Committee and Shem Hideout. Trophies and cash incentives are at stake. Shem Waddell has donated the runnerup trophy. Some of the teams expected to take part are Giftland Officemax, Black Stallion Warrior, ACDA, Shem Hideout, Middle Road and Stars Diterminators.

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Trinidad’s Birchall retires TITANS raises $22k for from international football World Juniors training

Christopher Birchall, a member of Trinidad & Tobago’s 2006 World Cup finals squad, announced his retirement from international football after more than eight years with the Soca Warriors. The midfielder stated in a letter to the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA) that he wanted to concentrate on playing for his club, England’s Port Vale. “It is hard to call it a day but if I have left just one historic memory with the fans then I have achieved much more than I ever dreamed imaginable with the team,” wrote Birchall. “I have always tried to give 100% on the pitch and give my all for the nation whenever called upon and wear the shirt with pride as I know how many people would die for my opportunity. “So with pride I announce my international retirement and look forward to seeing future Soca Warriors represent the country under the special guidance of coaches and TTFA president Mr Raymond Tim Kee.” Birchall made his debut on May 25, 2005, in a friendly international against Bermuda. He went on to win 44 caps and scored four goals. His last appearance was on July 20, 2013, in a 1-0

Christopher Birchall CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal loss to Mexico, when he entered the match as an 87th minute substitute. The 29-year-old’s greatest achievement was playing the entire 90 minutes in each of Trinidad’s three games at Germany 2006. A 0-0 draw with Sweden in its Group B opener secured the Caribbean side its first and only point of the competition. He also took part in three World Cup qualifying campaigns, appearing in 21 games and scoring one goal. That tally came in a 1-1 draw against visiting Bahrain in the first leg of a playoff on

November 12, 2005, at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. Trinidad won the second leg, 1-0, in the Middle East four days later to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Tim Kee thanked Birchall’s for his services to this country: “We at the TTFA, and I speak on behalf of the coaches, his teammates and the local fraternity, take this opportunity to wish Chris the very best for the future and his career at the club level. His services to our country’s national team have been of tremendous significance and played a great role in our thrust forward.”

TITANS Swim Club through the support of corporate Trinidad and Tobago has raised $22,400 to assist its athletes Kristin Julien and Jonathan Ramkissoon prepare for the World Junior Swimming Championships in Dubai from the August 26 – 31. Through the assistance of First Citizens, Republic Bank, Toyota, and Unit Trust Corporation, and from its own donation, TITANS raised $22,400 to assist the duo with the cost of their premeet training. Julien left for Florida on August 10 to train at Pine Crest Swim Club in Florida alongside foreign based T & T World Juniors athlete Tyla Martin. Following which both Julien and Martin will leave Florida for Dubai on August 23. Ramkissoon left on August 3rd also for Florida but to train with the Davie Nadadores Swim Club. He is training there alongside fellow World Juniors athletes Dylan Carter and Joshua Romany. The trio will then progress to Kuwait on August 15 for a one week training camp there then on to Dubai on August 24. Both Julien and Ramkissoon visited Davie as

Kristin Julien well for a two week training stint in June. TITANS represents an amalgamation of two clubs Tsunami Swim Club of San Fernando and Centre of Excellence Sea Hawks of Macoya. At a Tsuanmi farewell function held in San Fernando in Julien’s honour, TITANS Vice President Wendell Lai Hing presented Julien with $11,200 towards her training. Lai Hing lauded Julien’s efforts and predicted a bright future for her in the sport. Head Coach of Tsunami

Swim Club and Julien’s primary coach Vincent Tardieu expressed his delight at the achievements of Julien. “Kristin is a talented young lady who continues to do her country proud. This international training and high level competition with fellow top class swimmers will only auger well for her development.” Julien has been consistent in representing Trinidad and Tobago with an impressive track record since the 11-12 age group, and has etched her name in national and regional record books. She has been the ASATT Swimmer of the Year of her respective age groups for the period 2008 – 2011. Before this achievement of qualifying for the FINA World Junior Championships 2013, her career highlight was being a finalist in the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man. Kristin qualified for Worlds in December last year after recovering from an injury which kept out of competition for most of 2012. Julien has a bevy of CCCAN, CISC and CARIFTA gold medals in the 50 free, 50 fly and 50 and 100 backstroke events- events she would all be participating in Dubai.

Official FIFA World Cup Walk queen Elena puts her rivals to the lash again despite faulty finish Facebook pages launched Apart from a minor hiccup involving a misjudged finish; almost everything went completely according to plan for Russia’s Elena Lashmanova as she added the IAAF World Championship 20km Race Walk title to the Olympic gold she won almost exactly year ago to the day in London. Entering the stadium with a seemingly formidable lead, the 21-year-old World recordholder raced down the home straight to the loud cheers of the crowd to get Russia’s seventh consecutive gold in the event at the vWorld Championships. However, as she crossed the finish line, incredibly, she stopped her wrist watch and slowed down believing she had finished. Apparently, she was unaware she had another 400 metres to cover. Had it not been for the spectators and her friends animatedly pointing out her mistake she would likely have broken into a jog and been disqualified. Nonetheless, her error cost her precious time as her compatriot Anisya Kirdyapina

Elena Lashmanova

rapidly closed the gap. With the loss of momentum, what would have been a comfortable winning margin of close to 30 seconds dwindled to just three by the time she reached the finish line for real. “I was shocked,” revealed Lashmanova. “I hadn’t watched the men’s race so I didn’t see how the race finished. “I was turning around so I finished actually twice, and I thought she (Kirdyapkina)

was closer and closer but I had enough speed.” The Russian coaches had prepared their walkers well for the race, providing essential tactical advice. They had told them to not let the leaders get away at any time. In the early stages, they were content to follow racers from other nations, but when Kirdyapkina went to the front, Lashmanova said that was a challenge she had to respond to.

FIFA has today launched three new Facebook pages, expanding the organisation’s social media presence to provide football fans with further opportunities to interact with each other, and FIFA, wherever they are in the world. Today’s new Facebook pages are: 1. 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ – covering all the build-up to, and action during, the 2014 FIFA World Cup 2. FIFA World Cup – charting the history of the competition from 1930 to 2010, showcasing FIFA’s deep multimedia archive and enabling fans to share their special World Cup memories 3. FIFA – focusing on the whole of FIFA’s work around the globe, from football development, Football for Health and corporate social responsibility projects to behind-the-scenes images, videos, and fan engagement opportunities at events such as the FIFA Ballon D’Or. “Since FIFA took its first social media steps on Twitter in the build-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, more than

4.5 million football fans have been actively engaging with us in six different languages, primarily @fifacom and @fifaworldcup. As a governing body, this is something we’re very proud of,” said FIFA Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Walter De Gregorio. “We’re really excited to launch these three new pages today. With the FIFA on YouTube channel too, FIFA is increasing its presence across different social platforms for football fans, and over the coming months we will announce further plans, including the launch of our first FIFA app at the Final Draw for the World Cup in

December.” During June and the FIFA Confederations Cup, 30m users in 30 days visited FIFA.com, and the first competition-specific Facebook page, as well as the page for the official FIFA World Cup mascot, Fuleco, were launched. Pages for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup are also now live, and further Facebook pages will be launched in the coming months for the FIFA Club World Cup as well as for FIFA’s three wome n ’s competitions in 2014 and 2015.

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Letter to the Sports Editor DEAR EDITOR, I read Intikhab Sankar’s letter (SN of 10th Aug, 2013) which is essentially a pathetic attempt to discredit the work of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the enactment of laws for the orderly administration of our cricket and am not surprised at the crude crusade on which he has embarked. Sankar is an extremely close associate of Anand Sanasie, the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Vice-President of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and it is very obvious that the blatant attack on the Parliamentary process is designed to protect those persons holding themselves out as officers of the DCB and the GCB. Sankar’s cohorts, Anand Sanasie, Drubahadur, Alfred Mentore, Anand Kalladeen et al, have all been elected to office by only the Essequibo Cricket Board. This is clearly unconstitutional since it requires at least two (2) of the three (3) Boards affiliated to the GCB to form a quorum. However Sanasie and others do not mind as they revel in the chaos that they have caused in cricket and are hell bent on maintaining the confusion. They are totally averse to any attempt at restoring order to our beloved cricket, while professing that they are interested in a resolution. Evidently, they are content with the present situation since it allows them to operate with impunity and without accountability. It smacks at the root of indecency when Nazeer Mohamed, Verendra

Chintamani and Alvin Johnson of Essequibo and David Black and Carol Nurse of West Berbice have been appointed to manage our national teams ostensibly as a trade-off for their loyalty to the GCB. To suggest that the persons opposed to the GCB and DCB is a “disgruntled group” is both ludicrous and misleading as this group is made up of and represented by the following: 1. The Berbice Cricket Board – is constitutionally one-third of the GCB and is led by properly-elected officials including Keith Foster, Anil Beharry, Hubern Evans and Angela Hanif. This Board, over the years, has been producing many Test and National players at all levels. 2. The East Coast Cricket Board – is one of the four (4) constituent members of the DCB and is led by a properly-elected Executive which includes Bissoondyal Singh, Pretipaul Jaigobin, Raymond Barton, Davteerth Anandjit, Essie Peters and Samaroo Jailall. This Board, over the years, has been producing national players at all levels. 3. Georgetown Cricket Association - is also one of the four (4) constituent members of the DCB and is led by a properly-elected Executive which includes Roger Harper, Neil Barry, Azad Ibrahim, Reon King, Debbie Mc Nicholls and Harry Parmessar. This Association, over the years, has been producing many Test and National players at all levels. It is instructive to note that the officials of these

Wednesday August 14, 2013

Major stakeholders of Guyana’s cricket support parliamentary process Boards/Association are persons of unquestionable character and integrity with a proven background of playing and administrating cricket at very high levels. The three (3) named areas constitute ninety-five percent (95) of the strength of Guyana cricket. With the clear exception of two (2) cricketers from Essequibo (none from West Demerara or East Bank Demerara where Raj Singh / Anand Sanasie control the cricket) every Test and senior National cricketer has been produced by Berbice, East Coast and Georgetown. Regarding the voter allocation issue within the DCB, the late Justice Aubrey Bishop in 2003 in auditing the clubs in Demerara, prudently removed phantom clubs from the West Demerara and East Bank Demerara areas to facilitate a fair electoral process. The very West Demerara and East Bank Demerara are, ten (10) years, later attempting this very charade of phantom clubs to secure a stranglehold on Demerara cricket and this has once again attracted the attention of the court. It is against this background that these three (3) progressive cricket areas support the Parliamentary process which seeks to permanently resolve the voter allocation problem through the introduction of a Cricket Ombudsman and a club verification process. Sankar refers to this noble intent as interference. However no right thinking cricket stakeholder would oppose a process that seeks

Junior Elite Swimmers preparing for World Juniors

to establish fair-play and transparency in our cricket. Sankar, in his frantic ramblings attacked the Limacol CPL, which is owned by a Guyanese, without understanding the positive effects the LCPL can have on our cricket development and on spectatorship. Further, in referring to the successful Pakistan tour he failed to mention that not one Guyanese was selected on the West Indies team for the five ODI’s played. The lack of ability of the GCB to identify, develop and

select talented cricketers is evident in the extremely poor performance and results of our National teams at all levels since the hijacking of the DCB and the GCB. They seem only interested in their private ownership of the assets of the GCB and the DCB. To legalise Guyana cricket with the GCB and the DCB as they are presently constituted is effectively legalising criminality. Intikhab Sankar is clearly out of his depth on real cricket issues and the ramblings

contained in his letter are a clear indication that he does not understand or will not accept the principle that any entity that is a product of an illegality or lawlessness is doomed to fail. When that entity is as important to the nation as the Guyana Cricket Board (or the Demerara Cricket Board) it must be legally and properly constituted in order to carry out its mandate, to function effectively and to enjoy the confidence and support of all cricket stakeholders. Winston G. Boston

The most famous Argentine on the planet meets the Pope... and Balotelli’s there too!

Balotelli and the Pope share a joke

Tw o big-name Argentines have had a VIP meeting at the Vatican - Pope Francis and Barcelona star Lionel Messi. Ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Italy in Rome on Wednesday night players from both sides enjoyed a private audience with the first Latin

American-born pontiff in the Apostolic Palace. Maverick Azzurri striker Mario Balotelli - who has withdrawn from the friendly with a knee injury - was present as Francis told the players to remember they are role models on and off the field ‘for better or worse.’

It remains to be seen whether the former Manchester City man will heed that advice. Francis also asked for the players’ prayers for himself ‘on the playing field God put me on’ and l a m e n t e d t h at sport has become big business. (Mail Online)

Barça say Messi will miss Italy game

A group of Regional Junior Elite Swimmers take time out for a group photo. They are currently training at the Davie Nadadores Swim Club in Fort Lauderdale Florida in preparation for the

World Junior Swimming Championships in Dubai, UAE from August 26 - 31. From left to right: Jordy Groters (Aruba), Mateo González (Mexico), Joshua

Romany (Trinidad & Tobago), Christian Selby (Barbados), Renzo Tjon A Tjoe (Suriname), Dylan Carter (Trinidad & Tobago), Jonathan Ramkissoon (Trinidad & Tobago).

FIFA Ballon d’Or holder Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s friendly with I t a l y o n We d n e s d a y, Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday. “Leo Messi will not play the friendly in Rome this We d n e s d a y between Argentina and Italy,” said a statement on the club’s website. “After undergoing a check-up with the Argentine medical staff it

has been decided that the star will return to Barcelona to continue his recovery from a quadriceps strain in his left leg.” The 25-year-old missed the final match of Barça’s Asian tour against Malaysia on Saturday due to the injury. However, the club are still hopeful that he will be fit to play on Sunday as the Catalans begin their La Liga title defence against Levante.

Lionel Messi

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Vickery captures USTA Girls’ 18s National title, earns US Open wild card USTA.com - SAN DIEGO – Top-seeded Sachia Vickery of Miramar, Fla., capped a strong performance at the Barnes Tennis Center, defeating second-seeded Alexandra Kiick of Plantation, Fla., 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, in a match lasting nearly two hours to capture the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championship. With the win, 18-year-old Vickery, No. 230 in the WTA singles rankings, earned a wild card into the women’s singles main draw of the upcoming US Open, which takes place Aug. 26 - Sept. 9 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. “It feels unbelievable. It hasn’t sunk in that I’m going to be playing at the US Open,” Vickery, who is of Guyanese parentage, (Rawle Vickery and Paula Liverpool), said. “It’s been my dream since I started playing tennis. I can’t even put it into words how happy I am.” After winning the USTA

Girls’ 18s Nationals doubles title together on Saturday, Kiick and Vickery faced each other in the singles championship under bright, sunny skies and breezy conditions. The first set was deadlocked at 4-4 with Vickery serving. At 30-30, Vickery was called for a foot fault on her first serve and proceeded to double fault to give Kiick a break point. Ki i c k , 1 7 , secured the service break and a 5-4 lead, as Vickery’s down-the-line backhand sailed wide. Serving for the first set, Kiick gained a set point at 40-30, but Vickery answered with a booming d o w n - t h e -line backhand winner to send the game to deuce. Kiick went on to win the set, 6-4, when Vickery’s backhand landed in the net on the third set point. After losing her first set of the tournament, Vickery came back strong in the second set, as she lost only six points in her first three

service games and broke Kiick twice to build a 5-1 lead. The top seed went on to close out the set in 30 minutes to tie the match at one set all. Following a 10-minute break, both players returned to the court and Vickery continued where she left off. With the momentum on her side, Vickery dominated the third set, scoring service breaks in the second and fourth games to establish a 50 lead. The match ended with Vickery breaking Kiick’s serve at love in the sixth and final game of the third set to secure the prestigious USTA Girls’ 18s National Championship and a wild card into the US Open. “The first set was a lot of nerves. My shot selection wasn’t good, and I was going for too much. I was letting her dictate on the bigger points,” Vickery said. “The difference between that and the last two sets was being more aggressive and going for my

shots.” Nearly 400 girls ages 16 and 18 and under are competing for the title of national champion, as well as

a wild-card entry into the singles main draw of the US Open (for the 18s champion) and a wild card into the US Open Junior Championships

(for the 16s champion). The 18s doubles champions will also receive a wild card into the main draw of the US Open.

Top thoroughbreds on show in Georgetown Turf Club Horse Race and Gymkhana showdown Horse race lovers are being put on notice for the biggest event in City when the Georgetown Turf Club (GTC) hosts a grand Horse Race and Gymkhana event dubbed ‘Grande Summer One Day Horse Race and Gymkhana’ slated for the GTC aback the Mocha Arcadia community, this Sunday August 18 next. Four exciting races are carded for the day with two feature events expected to set the stage. In the first, jockeys will battle for honours in the ‘H & Lower’ while the second will see them competing in the ‘I &

Lower’ race, both over 1200M. The organisers have said that the two top horses to watch are Star Boy and Red Dragon and turfites could come out anticipating keen rivalry. Otherwise, there are several other races including the ‘L & Lower’ over a distance of 1200m. The winning jockey carts off $60,000 with the 2nd place finisher winning half that amount. The third and fourth place finishers receive $15,000 and $7,000 respectively. Then there is the unclassified event over a

similar distance with the winner pocketing $50,000. The C & H classified race for non winners will also be competed over a distance of 1200meters and is expected to be a treat. The day’s events come to a climax with an Open event for cart horses, also over a 1200m distance. All events will be conducted under the rules and regulations set out by the Georgetown Turf Club and horse owners and trainers wishing to obtain further information are asked to contact administrators of the Georgetown Turf Club on telephone # 667 1006.

Team Guyana, Goodwill XIX Swimmers’ and Officials’ Profiles From page 37

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Wednesday August 14, 2013

GT&T Pre-Cadet C’bean Table Tennis C\ships

Guyana’s Clarkston, Jackman, Martin rule Girls U-11 singles division; Raush, Bissu, Saunders in U-11 Boys quarters By Zaheer Mohamed Guyanese Neveah Clarkston, Selinas Jackman and Abigail Martin proved too strong for their regional opponents in the Girls Under11 singles category when the Caribbean Pre-Cadet Table Tennis Championships continued yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Clarkston and Jackman drew the bye to the semi finals after dominating group-one and two respectively while Martin who came out on top of group-three has also booked her place in the quarterfinals. In group-one Clarkston defeated Shreya Maharaj of Trinidad and Tobago 11-7,115, 11-3 before taking care of Ackayla Lucas also of T&T in a 5 set thriller 11-3,6-11,117,8-11, 11-6. Lucas got the better of Maharaj 11-8, 11-4, 11-9 to book her place in the last eight. Jackman hammered T&T’s Shuraj Welch 11-7, 118, 11-6 and Shyana Samnarine (T&T) 11-2, 11-7 and 11-6 to take the honours in group-

two. Welch got past Samnarine 11-5,11-3, 11-6 to seal his quarter final spot. Martin continued the locals’ dominance in this division by dispatching Kaleah Martyr of Barbados 911, 11-5, 11-6, 11-3. After losing the first set 7-11 in her second game to Mikayle Mathilda of Aruba, she bounced back to win the next three sets 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 taking the game 3-1. Mathilda then romped to 11-8, 11-4, 11-5 victory over Martyr to secure her place in the quarter finals. Guyana’s Terence Raush got the better of Ramon Maxwell of Barbados 11-8, 118, 11-6 in the first round of the Boys Under-11 singles competition and will now play Messiah Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago who drew the bye in the quarterfinals. Locals Niron Bissu and Tariq Sunders drew the bye to the quarterfinals. Bissu will battle Asaba Moore of Barbados who defeated Jonathan Paredes of Aruba 8-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6 while Saunders will take

Khalil Ninvalle (left) and Miguel Wong on Darron Douglas of Trinidad and Tobago who overcame Guyanese Kaysan Ninvalle 11-4, 11-9, 11-13, 112. Brandon Lee Young (T&T) drew the bye to the last eight and will challenge Ronico Sealy of Barbados who got the better of Sjoerd Guertson of Aruba 8-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6. Guyanese Khalil Ninvalle defeated Ethan De Lange of

Aruba 11-6, 14-11, 9-11, 11-2 and will come up against fellow countryman Miguel Wong who drew the bye in the quarterfinal of the Boys Under-13 singles. Marcus Smith of Barbados turned back the challenge of Guyanese Vincente Henry 11-6, 11-2, 111 and will face Jakeem Welch (T&T) in the quarter finals. Welch trounced Jeremy Singh of Guyana 11-3, 11-6, 11-7.

England v Australia, Only Women’s Test, Wormsley, 2nd day Australia took firm control of the Ashes Test, reducing England to 172 for 6 on the second day, but Heather Knight kept the home side fighting and on track to avoid the follow-on after the middle order had been removed by Erin Osborne and the 17-year-old Holly Ferling. Australia had made an bold declaration shortly before lunch on 331 for 6 there is an incentive to win the Test with six points on offer in the new-style multiformat Ashes concept - after Sarah Elliott had reached a maiden Test hundred having been unbeaten on 95 overnight while Alex Blackwell contributed 54. Ellyse Perry clubbed 31 off 24 balls and then struck an early blow when Arran Brindle was lbw in the ninth over. However, England formed themselves a decent platform as Knight and Sarah Taylor came together, but Taylor ’s dismissal for a sparkly 33 prompted a collapse. Taylor became a maiden Test wicket for Ferling, who then claimed the key scalp of

Knight battles to keep England afloat

Heather Knight

Sarah Elliott

Charlotte Edwards lbw although the England captain was far from impressed with the decision. Substantial damage was then caused by offspinner Osborne as she claimed three wickets in the space of four overs to leave

England tottering on 113 for 6. England, though, resisted stoutly through the remainder of the day as Knight and Laura Marsh compiled a 36-over partnership worth 59. Knight hit 10 boundaries in her 225-

ball innings while Marsh blocked through 114 deliveries to remain unbeaten on 13. “It’s a pretty good pitch out there and with Laura we managed to put together a partnership,” Knight said. “Our team bats really low down the order so hopefully we can go out tomorrow, score a few more runs and then come hard at them with the ball. “I decided to concentrate on what I was doing at my end and not worrying too much about the wickets we were losing other end. I feel good about my cricket at the moment. Whatever I’m doing is working so it’s just about carrying that on. I think it’s going really well. “However we still need 10 more to avoid follow-on so that is our first objective and then there’s the new ball in six overs so hopefully that will bring a few more runs.” England 172 for 6 (Knight 85*, Osborne 3-31) trail Australia 331 for 6 declared (Elliott 104, Blackwell 54, Cameron 50) by 159 runs (ESPNcricinfo)

T&T’s Brandon Beharry thrashed Jean Claude Hoek of Aruba 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 in the group stage to set up a quarterfinal clash with Ramon Jackman (Barbados) who beat Jeandry Matilda of Aruba 1110, 7-11, 11-3, 11-8. Joshua Maxwell (T&T) drew the bye to the quarterfinals and will play Jesus Lozano of the Dominican Republic; Lozano romped to an 11-3, 11-6, 11-2 win over Donald Yarzagaray of Aruba. In the Girls Under-13 class, Jasher De Gannes (T&T) nailed Priyanna Ramdhani (Guyana) 11-5, 113, 11-8 before defeating Kenedy King (Barbados) 117, 11-6, 11-8 to top group-one. Ramdhani turned back King in her second game and secured a place in the quarter final. She went down 8-11 in the first set to the Bajan, but came back to take the next three 11-9, 11-7, 11-5. Shanekah Johnson (T&T) topped group-two with victories over Jazel Griffith (Barbados) 11-8, 14-12, 11-6 and Simran Bissu (Guyana) 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 11-4. Griffith,

after losing the first set in the final group game 9-11 to Bissu rebounded to take the game 11-6, 11-3, 11-5 to cement her place in the quarters. Playing out of groupthree, Guyanese Kristie Lopes defeated Janae Lewis (Barbados) 11-6, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8 and fellow Guyanese Brittney Bunbury 11-5, 11-1, 11-4 sealing a quarterfinal spot while Chelsea Fong (T&T) got the better of Lopes 11-9, 11-2, 11-9 and Lewis 911, 8-11, 11-8,14-12,11-8 to advance. Lewis defeated Bunbury 11-3, 11-3, 11-4 in the final group game. In group-four Idelsa Beaz of the Dominican Republic blanked Guyana’s Davanna Bess 11-5, 11-5, 11-5; Rayj Thomas (T&T) 11-8, 11-6, 811, 11-4 and Aneka Phillips (Guyana) 11-8, 11-9, 11-3 to head the group. Thomas took care of Phillips 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 1412 and Bess 11-2, 11-9, 11-4 to qualify; Bess overcame Phillips 11-5, 4-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-5 in the final group match. The competition continues today.

Confederation members descend on Grand Cayman to ... From page 44 among young players and foster a commitment to the sport that will grow along with them. In addition to the sporting advantages of introducing players between the ages of 13-15 to a higher-level of football on a regional stage, the Under-15 tournament is bringing nearly 700 participants to the Island during the low-season for tourism. For the Cayman Islands, it is a win-win scenario. “This tournament is a great developmental experience for local football teams and we thank CONCACAF and President Jeffrey Webb for having the foresight to bring this level tournament to fruition and for also selecting the Cayman Islands as the host country for the inaugural event,” expressed Cayman Islands Minister of Sports, the Honourable Osbourne Bodden during a press con-

ference held at the Government Information Office. Countries that will be competing in the tournament include Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Martin, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and the US Virgin Islands. For first-round play, the squads have been drawn into four groups – three of six teams and one comprised of five teams. Each team will play the others in its group once. The group winners will advance to the semifinals on August 23 at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. The match for third place and the final will take place two days later at the same venue.