Page 04
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
How much is too much? Yesterday, for the first time since the election, members of the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) led by former president Bharrat Jagdeo, took their seats in Parliament to debate this year’s budget proposals. The sugar and rice industries will of course be the most serious areas of contention. For decades, sugar and rice have been the backbone of Guyana’s economy and notably, the stronghold of the PPP in terms of votes. The 2015 budget proposals speak to the importance of the rice and sugar industry to the economy and by extension the people and the country. Even though the price and exploration of gold have in recent years been noteworthy, rice and sugar remain the main economic activities, the largest foreign exchange earners and in the case of sugar, the second largest employer of personnel after the government. Guyana was once considered the bread basket of the Caribbean, but that is no longer the case due to the decline of agriculture products. The country’s potential to regain that status depends on the ability of the government, to somehow make a major entity like GuySuCo profitable and also stave off the impending crisis faced by the rice industry should Venezuela makes good on its promise and cancel the rice agreement. The Finance Minister has allocated $23B to pay thousands of rice farmers and given an $8.2B lifeline to the sugar industry. The APNU+AFC Government obviously recognises the importance of rice and sugar to the economy, therefore it senses that it would be political suicide if it allows either industry to collapse. However, the development of a long-term strategy is imperative. During the years when the prices for sugar and rice were high, there was better management, and production was not affected by floods, drought or some combination of these natural disasters, economic growth rates were also high. But with the rising cost for oil, fertilizers, machinery and other items, production declined, foreign exchange dried up and the country was struggling. In good and bad times, sugar and rice dominated the country’s economy until the 1970s when the former was nationalized by the then PNC government. In that period, bauxite became the largest exporter and foreign currency earner, but sugar and rice remain the largest sources of employment and the heart of the nascent development. But their sharp declines in prices and importance on the world market have resulted in vast areas of land lying idle and in ruin, abandoned factories and scores of able-bodied unemployed young men and women. As has been argued ad infinitum, sugar and rice had enormous potential, however, a litany of explanations have been recently advanced as to why they did not live up to that potential. Mismanagement has been at the forefront, youths no longer interested to work in the agriculture sector; shabby farm roads; poor irrigation systems; lack of investments and poor marketing and trade arrangements. But this is not the whole story. Other reasons include poor advice from government experts on the technology of planting, nurturing and harvesting, and indirectly, the continuous flow of remittances, which in many cases means that the recipients do not have to work. The combined budget allocations amounting to $31.2 billion suggest that the current government is serious about saving the sugar and rice industry, at any cost, and intends to strengthen and expand agriculture services to ensure that the technical advice given to farmers and investors is of the highest quality and aimed at educating the public of the importance of agriculture to the country. It is hoped that such a novel approach will encourage investment in agriculture - more specifically rice and sugar - and boost production, as well as increase employment and export earnings. Modernizing the sugar industry in particular is crucial to its survival. But the legitimate question will continue to be asked: how much is too much to invest in an unsteady industry?
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
These issues stand out and cannot be taken lightly DEAR EDITOR, Having read Ralph R a m k a r r a n ’s c o l u m n “Perceptions of Discrimination,” 16th July 2015 (Stabroek News), there are two issues that stand out and cannot be taken lightly since they are coming from a major opinion shaper/leader in this society. One is the perception of government’s decisions being influenced by race when treating with issues of infraction. And two, the description of Bharrat Dindyal, CEO of GPL as “one of the best and most dedicated managers in the state system.” If Dindyal is perceived in this manner then one needs to question the quality of managers appointed by the PPP. a. The GPL over the years has been recording approximately 33 percent loss of the power generated and under Dindyal, who was paid G$6 million per month, the loss has not been reduced. Performance has to take into consideration the optimising of the operation in its deliverance at a cost the consumer and nation can afford. b. It was under Dindyal’s leadership that G$28 million
was transferred by two GPL operatives into their personal accounts. As CEO his was the responsibility to protect the property of the organisation and the system has to be loose to allow the illegal transfer of that magnitude, which is enough proof of his failure and he should have done the decent thing and resigned. c. On the issue of the confrontation between him a n d h i s d e p u t y, i t underscores a lack of understanding of rules and practices. In any system there cannot be different rules for different persons. It has to be one set of rules that everyone must comply with within the organisation. d. If when an infraction of a certain nature occurs the accused is either sent on administrative leave or interdicted from duty, it has to be applied to everyone, regardless of the role played in the organisation. Any claim that the deputy overstepped his bounds by having the police called on the premise to evict the employees, must take into consideration the role Dindyal played in obstructing the course of justice by opposing the
persons involved being sent on administrative leave. e. His claim that Human Resources has to carry out that duty and the fact that he is aware of the accusations and failed to advise human resources to execute that task, brings into question his intention to respect the organisation’s procedures or to obstruct justice. If it is right to send the rank and file staff on administrative leave for an infraction, then it cannot be wrong to send the managers. f. State institutions do not belong to those who manage them; they belong to the people of the country who through the laws, established procedures and rules, are managed in the people’s interests. On the issue of perception of race, Ramkarran has to be careful. For it is clear while he alluded to discrimination on race, he excluded for examination that Africans have also come under the microscope. African Guyanese services were also terminated. Instructive that though he ignores this group, t h a t h e f o rg o t P P P ’s prominent Kwame McCoy
and Philomena SahoyeShury contracts were terminated. The cases before the court on acts committed during the life of the past government are two African women, the former Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford and the Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings of the Public Service Ministry. Leaders in society must be careful that they do not contribute to the very thing they claim they desire an end to. No race, individual or group in a society where laws, rules and procedures are universal should enjoy immunity, preferential treatment, or think it is acceptable to commit infarction, violate laws and transgress rights. Similarly, no race, individual or group must feel that the laws, rules and procedures will only be applicable to them and not to others. This society can only move forward in unison when all are held to the same standards and are subject to the same rules. This nation must strive to ensure this at all times. Lincoln Lewis
The village movement is only part of the answer DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the letter by Eric M. Phillips on August 17, 2015 entitled “The Village Movement was Guyana’s greatest entrepreneurial event”. His letter states that history shows that Africans have always been the most entrepreneurial group in Guyana, yet Indians dominate in land holdings and net worth. He said the reason is because Africans have always been purposefully denied equal
access and equal rights. This is only part of the answer. Another part of the answer may lie in a British Guiana 1850 Court of Policy as described in pages 568569 of the ‘Accounts and Papers of the House of Commons’ available on the internet. It reads as follows: “An ordinance further to regulate and encourage the immigration of Coolies. Enacted by his Excellency H e n r y B a r k l y, E s q . , Governor and Commander-
in-Chief in and over the Colony of British Guiana.” “4. And be it enacted, that every Cooly immigrant who hath arrived in this colony prior to the 4th day of March 1848, upon completing a residence of five years, and every new Cooly immigrant, upon completing an industrial residence of five years, shall be entitled to a free passage back to India.” “8. And be it enacted, that where any Cooly immigrant shall be desirous to commute his right to a free passage for
the value in land to the amount of the cost of such passage, and the Governor shall feel free to grant to such immigrant out of the Crown lands of the colony a piece or parcel of land equal in value, at the upset price of Crown lands, to the amount of the cost of such return passage, such immigrant shall have the same in lieu of his right to a free passage.” Africans had no such offer. Kingsley Harrop
How does this Govt. intend to respond to the thriving rape culture? DEAR EDITOR, The Stabroek News of Saturday 15 August, 2015 carries a report that the number of reports of Rape is now averaging a little over one a day. Given that rape and other forms of sexual violence are under-reported. The police have indicated that the majority of reports are made about rape of girl
children. Rape culture is thriving in Guyana and our children are not immune. The Sexual Offences Act (SOA) of 2010 has a part on Prevention. Section 87 SOA requires that the President should convene an inter-agency National Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence, and the section lists
who the members should be and the responsibilities of the Task Force. The SOA mandates that the Task Force should be supported by a Sexual Violence Unit in the Ministry of Social Protection. Neither the Task Force nor the Unit seemed to have been functional in the previous administration. The new
Government no doubt has many things to fix. Changing rape culture requires intense effort at all levels of the society. The establishment of the National Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence would undoubtedly signify the Government’s intention to respond to the occurrence of rape and other sexual offences. Vidyaratha Kissoon
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Not in Singapore, Freddie, only in Banana Republics Complaints about DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Frederick Kissoon’s feature column of 17 August 2015 discussed the case of former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai’s $2.1 million tooth job at tax payers’ expense - citing also former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s 7.4 million plane ticket ride at tax payers’ expense, when he was no longer President. Kissoon was making the larger point about the attitude of the PPP in office. That is, ‘nothing is wrong’ with using taxpayers’ money, as though the money belonged to the offender, and when questioned about it, in the public interest, alleged offenders would dismiss the questions. In the case of Ms. Sukhai, she pompously claimed that she is “entitled to the money “. This sort of thing tends to succeed, without remedy, in banana republics. It can and does happen in rich countries, including western democracies. One is not sure about Singapore, since Lee Kuan Yew was a strict disciplinarian, so that one is inclined to doubt it is a grave problem. I looked up Transparency International’s 2014 Corruption Perception Index and found that for that year Singapore was in the top ten least corrupt, with a rank of no. 7 out of 177 countries, and Guyana, at the lower end of the leaderboard, was ranked no. 124. However, when there is an offence, and a case similar to these is exposed in rich countries, the system of accountability usually kicks in, and leads to one of three sanctions (sometimes all three), depending on the circumstances and the nature and gravity of the offence; • Resignation from office, after being hounded by the media and forcing the hands of the authorities to ask for a resignation, • An enforceable demand by the State that misappropriated funds must be returned, or • Judicial sanction, if the Courts become involved. It appears that the PPP’s
concept of democracy includes that a majority of its supporters voted, causing it to be elected to office, and this entitles its officers in government to do whatever they wish with taxpayers’ money, while maintaining the false sense of entitlement that they are exempt from accountability or sanction. If you think that the Sukhai affair is new you should ask Clayton Hall about an incident involving himself as head of the Forestry Commission and two senior ministerial level PPP officers many years ago, and therefore, very early in the PPP 23-year rule. It may be recalled that Clayton was removed as Forestry Commissioner. The incident involved a request for foreign exchange for overseas travel, without the requisite Central Bank, Cabinet and Treasury approvals. Ask Clayton what he was told to do with the law, when he invoked the law and refused to process the request on procedural grounds. One cannot use the foul curse word expression in a newspaper which is circulated for public consumption. This attitude, of wanting to be in public office without accountability, and its use for private gain, may have been there since the beginning. It only got worse with the passage of time and after PPPites came to believe that they would never be thrown out of office. Some people do not seem to understand that public service means private sacrifice in the service of the people, and does not involve taxpayers’ money to fulfill one’s private needs; that it is an offence. Why do you imagine that Guyana has remained a banana republic? Instead of using $ 2.1million, or $7.4 million, or the $3 million a month pension for that matter, to benefit the multitude, by improving education and health care; developing scientific and technological capabilities; repair of the drains, canals and roads; disposal of garbage; or to improve the water or electricity supply of
our ramshackle-slum Capital City, or the squalor of its towns and villages; or, as Freddie noted, fix the sewage in the Court building which has been overflowing since 1973, it is used for one person or a few persons’ private gain. The Guyanese people, after being informed by the media, have rebuked public officials in instances when financial misconduct was exposed. Given the attitude and conduct of some public officials, and the fact that some cases have become public knowledge, it is only reasonable to assume that there may be a lot more that the people do not know about at the Central, Regional, Municipality and Village governmental levels. They, the offenders, also do not seem to understand that when one adds together all the individual cases and the group conspiracies, involving from one (1) dollar to $2.1 million the number may become $201 million. One (1) dollar to $7.4 million may become $704 billion. The consequence of such actions is that it benefits a few who are not entitled, to the disadvantage of so many. The end result is failure of the country to progress. Mr Solomon, in his Kaieteur News article of 15 August 2015, correctly pointed out that Guyanese must adopt the posture that “…never again must any Government be permitted to do as it likes…” If they are permitted, then his point will float away in the wind. His point was that ‘this society is plagued with poor health services and inadequate material for education.
It has had to suffer, not because the money wasn’t there…and the consequence is the squalor…they left behind’. It follows that if not corrected this will continue to limit the potential of Guyanese. Unless therefore, the laws and regulations in Guyana are strengthened and enforced, and sanctions imposed on those who tamper with taxpayers’ money, what has gone on for the last 50 years will continue for the next 100, and our children will be writing about the same offences and the squalor of the banana republic. But who will be the enforcer? The political class is often both the chief offender and the unreliable watchman. In opposition it knows what is right, and in office the opposite is done. Take the PPP in opposition before 1992. Its morally upright attacks against the PNC with charges of corruption, fraud, squandamania, waste, incompetence, neglect of the people, and failure to maintain the infrastructure are legendary. But what did it do in government between 1992 and 2015? Now in opposition the PPP is at it again, pious more than anyone you can think of. Its spokespersons see all of APNU-AFC’s corruption already, after only three months, the very things for which it was accused of being guilty. This is therefore a task for the electorate, civil society, law enforcement and the judiciary, if independent enough and strong enough, as a combined force, to deal with the offenders. But who will make them independent and strong? Ivor Carryl
PPP MPs DEAR EDITOR, I note the PPP has decided to take up the 32 seats that Gecom gave it some three months after the controversial May 11 elections. The party has named its MPs, several of whom are utterly despised not only by party supporters but by the population at large, and by key “swing voters” who cannot stand the arrogant behaviour of some of the MPs. It was because of the behaviour of some of the named MPs that caused traditional PPP supporters to leave the party and vote AFC, and that brought about the party’s loss of office. People (traditional party supporters) have expressed much disappointment in the choice of MPs for PPP. Party members and activists have said they were consulted on MPs for various regions but several “rejects” were named as MPs. The members and activists said several of their recommendations were bypassed and those who they specifically said they did not want as MPs were so appointed. The views of activists and members were not given much weight. “Dem boys at the top nah listen to abbee at the bottom although abbee a do all de wuk”. This attitude was not dissimilar, they complained, in the selection of candidates for the election as well as how the party was governing during its last five years in office. The views and opinions of activists and field workers
were given lip service. The activists and party workers complain that the leadership chose whoever they wanted as MPs and rejected the peoples’ favoured choices. People say if some of the MPs would apply for a real job in the private sector, people would not even give them a second look. Some are outright rejects not fit for the title of “’Honourable”. And they note a few carry the title of “Doctor” but people say they won’t even go to them to check their blood pressure. Some of the MPs “engage in promiscuous activities and dey only looking fuh gals” was a recurring complaint. If the PPP is going to be successful at rebuilding, it must listen to its members and core supporters as well as grass roots activists. It also has to train future grassroots leaders, engage communities and recruit volunteers to advocate for the party and expose the problems of the other side (present itself as an alternative government). It must train and deploy field organizers throughout the entire country. It needs to build data in various communities and commit to reforms with renewed energy to attract supporters from the other side “to tune in”. It has to retire those who brought the party into disrepute, causing it to lose support. As it is right now, party supporters and activists are not hopeful that the party will undertake serious reforms to make it attractive to voters who abandoned it. Vishnu Bisram
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Pradoville 2 ‘power house’…
“I don’t know anything about transformers”- Jagdeo
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Jagdeo, PPP offered Toshaos cash, plane tickets to boycott conference - Govt.
Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to reporters yesterday. “I’m not a technical person so I don’t know about the transformers.” So said former president turn Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday when asked about a report that his mansion uses three of four transformers in Pradoville 2. When pressed further Jagdeo remained adamant: “I don’t know anything about transformers, I know about the electricity.” A point that he dubbed interesting is that as far as he is aware “…in the last two months when we have paid our electricity bill, the bill has come down by almost half without any change in policy or use.” He noted that it seems as though his community was placed on a government residential tariff which is higher than the normal tariff, but made it clear that he does not know how electricity is supplied “I don’t know how electricity is supplied”. True to form, he then referred to Kaieteur News’
Publisher stating: “Glenn Lall knows a lot about transformers you should ask him about the transformer on the Regent Street property.” Speaking further he noted too that the situation is nothing new at his home for the past four years. As was reported in the Monday edition of this publication the distribution of electrical transformers has been most irregular with the discovery of three transformers being connected to Jagdeo’s home. The authorities say that one transformer is often enough for a large company that demands a lot of electricity. Recently it was discovered that Jagdeo’s residence was connected to three transformers. The situation at Pradoville Two was that like most housing communities where there would have been infrastructure provided by the authorities. In this case Continued on page 23
Government has accused the Opposition of attempting to disrupt an annual Toshaos conference that was set to start yesterday (KN File Photo) Government has accused former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and senior leaders of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of attempting to disrupt a key Amerindian conference that commenced yesterday. Some were reportedly offered cash and plane tickets to return home, hours before the six-day National Toshaos’ Council Conference (NTC) that is scheduled to be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. “It was with great disappointment but little surprise that the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs late tonight (Sunday) learnt of the high level of disrespect shown by Bharrat Jagdeo, Clement Rohee, Pauline Sukhai and Norman Whittaker for Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples,” a Government statement said. The administration said that the PPP has moved from making scandalous statements about MP Sydney
Allicock, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, to drive fear into the newly elected Toshaos of Guyana. The Toshaos’ conference has been seen as a major battleground for the Government and the Opposition. According to the statement, a PPP activist from Region Nine, Allister Charlie, and others provided transportation for several Toshaos to attend what was reportedly a meeting planned to discuss the National Toshaos’ Council Conference. “Information received suggests that Toshaos were not told who the conveners of the meeting were. They were not told where they were going for the meeting either. Believing that they were on their way to an official meeting regarding the NTC conference, they went along.” However, the Toshaos were taken to Red House, in
Kingston, where the Amerindian leaders were confronted by a group of PPP “cabal” led by Jagdeo. “They were first told that they would be given cash and return air fare to their homes. Toshaos reportedly stood their ground telling the PPP bullies that they came to the city to attend the NTC conference. They did not come to attend a political meeting or to meet with any political party.” The Government statement claimed that not to be outdone, Jagdeo and the other PPP officials then insisted that the Toshaos must ensure that the PPP Toshaos are elected to all the executive positions in the NTC. “They suggested that if the conference does not fail, then the PPP must dominate. Many leaders felt betrayed by Charlie and Pauline Sukhai who are indigenous people themselves, with Sukhai being the last Minister of
Amerindian Affairs. The Toshaos reject the bullyism and the divisive message issued by Jagdeo and his clique.” The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs said it is joining with the indigenous leaders of Guyana in rejecting and condemning the attempt to cause division among the people at this very important juncture in the country’s history. “With the NTC, budget and heritage celebrations imminent, the agenda of the PPP is clear for all to see. It will not be surprising if the PPP attempts to further disrupt the proceedings of the National Toshaos’ Conference…” The administration said that it is confident that the Toshaos’ rejection of the PPP’s overture is an indication of the maturity of the indigenous leaders of Guyana and augurs well for the success of the NTC conference.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Kamla: Stand by me
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar addresses supporters during the People’s Partnership presentation of candidates at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Sunday. Trinidad (Newsday) Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar on Sunday called on the nation to stick with her on September 7, as the UNC unveiled its slate of candidates ahead of Nomination Day which is today. “We have the best candidates,” Persad- Bissessar told the crowd at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Balmain, Couva. “We could not be in better shape. Every one of these candidates is better than anyone in the Rowley team.” At the rally, UNC acting chairman Khadijah Ameen called out the names of the UNC’s 41 candidates, which contained five previously unannounced candidates. These new names included Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie for Caroni Central, adviser in the Office of the Prime Minister Barry Padarath for Princes Town, attorney Ravi Ratiram for Point Fortin, and Ramesh Ramnanan for La Brea. Malcolm Kernanhan, of NJAC, will be that party’s candidate for Laventille East/ Morvant. Persad-Bissessar once more criticised the People’s National Movement (PNM) political leader Dr Keith Rowley for not yet releasing his party’s plans for governance and said fighting crime would be the top priority for a second term. ”Fighting crime remains at the top of our priorities,” the UNC leader said. “Crime concerns me as much as you. While we have brought serious crime down to the lowest it has ever been in thirty- one years, I remain committed to ridding our country of the plight of crime. It stays as a top priority for a second term. We will continue the emphasis on
more effective law enforcement, policing and border control, and strengthening our borders.” PersadBissessar said while the People’s Partnership coalition — of which the UNC is the largest party — had released a manifesto one month ahead of the election, the PNM is yet to release its plans. ”I have given you, one month before the election, a manifesto,” she said. “It is now more than 287 days since the Opposition Leader promised a plan. He has produced none. He has no plan, no vision to take our country forward. Do not be concerned about that because I have a plan. The leader with no plan, or vision should not aspire to be Prime Minister. The Opposition leader has no plan or vision up to today. He will not tell you what he is going to cut only that he is going to make savage cuts in spending.” The PNM has stated it will release its manifesto document — which is said to run into several volumes — on Thursday. The Prime Minister said she will also focus on housing for every citizen. ”This is the most important election in generations deciding where our country goes not just the next five years but also the future of your family and our children,” Persad-Bissessar said. ”The plan is to provide homes for every family. From my own experience, the one thing that every family wants is a home: a place to call home. When I was growing up we were moving from house to house, renting houses, moving from place to place. We had no home. ”As soon as we settled in
one place they would pick us up and move. That is why we have been building houses. We will continue with the HDC housing programme to assist you to get a home. I will regularise all the squatters in Trinidad and Tobago.” The UNC leader said the PNM would cut the laptop programme she has introduced. “Their plan is to cut the laptops,” she said. ”My plan is to give more laptops to the children of Trinidad and Tobago.” Persad-Bissessar continued, “Hold my hand and together we will walk into a second term. Forward ever. ”Our team is working very hard to secure victory and to secure a better future for all of you and for all of Trinidad and Tobago. “ The Prime Minister made no reference to statements on a PNM political platform on Saturday by two US politicians. “I am not a politician mouthing inflammatory statements and slogans,” she said. “I have been in politics to improve the lives of all the people. Let us get on with the job of moving our country onwards and upwards and that is why I am in politics. To serve you. I do not care if you are black, brown, yellow, white or purple. See God in every face, not race. My focus is on zero tolerance on crime, safer streets, wellpaying jobs, a home for every family, new roads, free healthcare, clean water supplies.” Today’s Nomination Day will see all parties file the formal paperwork required to get their candidates on the ballot for September 7. It marks 21 days before the election.
Page 7
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
$5M court award for toddler who lost toes Jamaica (Jamaica Gleaner) - Michael Passley was only 18 months old when, in July 2006, he was taken to the State-run Morant Bay Health Centre in St Thomas to be treated for a skin rash. He was given a penicillin injection and, three months later, according to a civil suit filed against the State, doctors were forced to amputate four of his toes.Mark Passley gave evidence that after the injection was administered, his son was unable to stand and the following day “his right foot turn black and blue and swell up”.The Government did not contest liability and last month the Supreme
Court awarded the now 10year-old child and his father more than $5 million in damages. Acting Supreme Court judge, Justice Audre Lindo, in her ruling, awarded Michael $4.5 million with annual interest of three per cent from 2009 [the date the suit was filed] for pain and suffering and loss of amenities. He was also awarded $677,264 for future medical care and special damages of $75,000. “I have considered the physical injury itself, the pain and suffering as well as the procedures the claimant [Michael] had to undergo at such a tender age, and the effect the injury has had and
will continue to have on his capacity to enjoy life,” Lindo said in explaining the award. “I have also considered the fact that he has been assessed by Dr Grantel Dundas and found to have 13 per cent impairment of lower extremity or five per cent of the whole person,” she continued. Mark Passley, who claimed he was forced to take time off from his job as a labourer to travel to Kingston three times per week to visit his son at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, was awarded $16,800 for loss of earnings.While conceding that he was not aware of the case, Attorney General Patrick Atkinson told The Gleaner yesterday that, generally, the decision whether to contest liability in civil cases was not a reflection on the conduct of agents of the State. “Every case has to be decided on its own peculiar and particular merit. You look at the allegation, you talk to your witnesses, you look at your statements and you make an informed decision as to whether you contest it or not,” Atkinson said. “The thing is to make sure that we don’t waste court time, we don’t waste our time,
we don’t waste anybody’s time in contesting cases that we shouldn’t contest,” he underscored. Mark Passley claimed, in court documents, that when his son’s right foot began swelling up a day after the penicillin was administered, he took him back to the Morant Bay Health Centre where he was seen by a doctor and later transferred to the Princess Margaret Hospital, also in St Thomas. He said his son was then transferred to the Bustamante Hospital where he spent three months before undergoing surgery “to remove some of his toes”.According to his testimony, Michael was discharged from Bustamante Hospital and sent back to Princess Margaret Hospital, where another surgery was performed.The award to Passley is the latest in a number of multimillion-dollar judgments the courts have ordered the Government to pay out in civil cases. In May, the State was ordered to pay west Kingston resident Latoya Brown $50 million in damages after she was shot by members of the security forces and lost sight in both eyes.
In March, Clarendon resident Leroy Jones was awarded just over $25 million in damages after the bicycle he was riding fell into a pothole in the parish.Justice Minister Mark Golding has revealed that $350 million has been set aside in this year’s
budget to pay awards handed down by the courts.This is 56 per cent more than the $224 million that was budgeted last year, and Golding said this was part of an attempt by the Government to bring the payment of court awards “as near to current as we can”.
Jamaican released from Qatar prison finally heads home Jamaica (Caribbean360) A Jamaican man who was waiting for several weeks to get back to his homeland after being released from a Qatar jail is finally on his way back home, according to Opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Edmund Bartlett.Bartlett, who had been lobbying government to make haste in getting the man his needed travel documents, reported to the local media that Paul Stephens had boarded a flight from Qatar yesterday evening.He did not give any estimated time for Stephens’ arrival in Jamaica, but indicated the flight had to transit through London and Miami before reaching the island.“This development is the culmination of the efforts of many, particularly his fam-
Heading home Paul Stephens ily and friends, who have stuck with him, come to his assistance and made representation on his behalf throughout what has been a most difficult experience,” Bartlett said.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Region 2 Toshao elected to chair Amerindian council
UNDER WHAT LAW? If you are from certain countries, to enter a developed country you require a visa, which must be obtained before you arrive in that country. Developed countries are pretty strict with these requirements, and it would by highly unusual to find someone who arrives at one of the top capitals of a developed country without an entry visa. On the other hand, there are developing countries which issue visas to visitors upon arrival. The law does provide for travelers from certain countries to obtain visas before they arrive, but in many instances you can be issued a visa upon arrival. If you are travelling from India or Cuba, you do require a visa before you enter Guyana. But there is nothing preventing the authorities from issuing a visa upon arrival. Recently we learnt that eight nationals of India were denied permission to enter
Guyana because, in part, they did not have visas upon entry. But what prevented the authorities from granting the visa upon arrival? Surely this could have been entertained. Guyanese go all over the world on holiday visas and never return. Why should we be so strict with our entry permits when we have a small population and it would not be hard to find an alien in Guyana? Well it seems as if there may have also been other considerations as to why the Indian nationals were denied entry. One of those considerations is that the eight men did not have return tickets. This issue of not having a return ticket was dealt with in the landmark decision that was handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice, as was the issue of show-money. In this age of credit cards and electronic ticketing, not having a return ticket and not having show-
money shouldn’t be a basis for denying anyone an entry into a country. It needs to be ascertained just who was responsible for denying entry into the country, because according to the law there are persons who are authorized to do this. There is no disputing the fact that the local immigration authorities have exclusive discretion in deciding whether a person should be admitted. It is a dangerous thing to place such discretion in the hands of immigration authorities as the experience with immigration authorities in Barbados has proven. What is needed is a rulebased system of law to guide the process of entry permit. It should not be left to the exclusive discretion of the immigration authorities. One suggested means of dealing with the issue is for the immigration officer or his superior to exercise a judgment based on guidelines enacted in law. If the person denied entry is not satisfied,
Dem boys seh...
Soulja Bai got to investigate and jail Jagdeo Brassington travelling to Florida quite often. In fact he travelling more now than when de Pee Pee Pee was in power. And there is a reason fuh that. De cash jet man use to travel a lot to Florida and de EZ jet man did get away and go to Florida. Dem boys see him in a restaurant and a foreign report how de man really fat. Another man seh that he represent de fat of de land. People even hear Jagdeo own a lot of property in Florida and one in New York. That is good reason why Brassington going to Florida so often. Jagdeo like Florida too because when he get sick is Florida he go to. Soulja Bai got to do something, especially since people seh how Jagdeo know bout a kidnapping. Soulja Bai should arrest him fuh de kidnapping. Dem boys believe that he know nuff things bout kidnapping. He hate George Subraj, de New York millionaire. He want to know how much money Subraj got. He is a man who like investigation. He want investigation for everything. De government should investigate him. It should ask Trinidad to investigate wheh Ernie Ross get US$600,000 to pay fuh one of Jagdeo property. People got to know how he get money to buy all dem property he got in Guyana, including de building he got in Queenstown
which he seh is for his foundation. And this is not de foundation fuh a house. De foundation is a thing that does collect money from people wid a promise to help other people. Jagdeo foundation would be to help Jagdeo. Soulja Bai should investigate him and lock him up for his scampishness. Dem boys will support de probe. In fact, de Waterfalls paper boss man seh that he would donate one day’s paper sales to help fund de investigation. This was de man who was plotting to shut down de Waterfalls paper. Couple years ago when he was still president he tell de shaat reporter that when he come back from one of dem European countries he gun come clean bout he house. Instead, all dem boys get was a clean silence. That is why nobody can believe one word wha Jagdeo seh; not a paragraph or a sentence but not even one word. When he get corner he does seh that he can’t remember. He gun tell people that he can’t remember if he got a swimming pool at Pradoville, or if he got a transformer that does provide power to heat de pool. But he gun remember he pension package that allow him to refuse de pay from parliament. Talk half and remember that Jagdeo is a man of many shadows.
Page 9
that person can ask for a review by some superior authority. What made this particular case interesting is that the airline that brought the men was denied the right to take off because it refused to take the men back. The law is very clear. If you bring someone who is an alien to Guyana, it is your responsibility to take that person back. The airline therefore had a responsibility to transport the men back, regardless of whether they thought that the men should not have been denied entry. What needs to be clarified - and here again the media will not do it - is what right does the immigration authority have to refuse an airline from departing simply because it refuses to take on board aliens? Where is the authority under the law for such action? Perhaps we need a Commission of Inquiry into this action. But then again, this is yet another issue which will not bother the media in Guyana.
The Executive Committee of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) was yesterday elected at the official opening of the body’s annual meeting held at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The meeting, facilitated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, opened under the theme, ‘Steadfast Indigenous Leadership towards Territorial Integrity and Sustainable Livelihoods’. It will conclude on August 22. The elections were conducted by the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) for transparency. Region One will be represented by Cleveland DeSouza, Vincent Emmanuel and Michael Williams; Region 2 - Joel Fredricks and David Wilson; Region 3 Aubrey Samuels; Region 4Lennox Shuman; Region 5 Colin Adrian; Region 6 - David Henry; Region 7 - Norma Thomas, Darnis Larson and Eyon Boyer; Region 8 - Ian Pio, Gideon John and Edward McGarrel; Region 9 - Lenny Moses, Nicholas Fredricks and James George; and Region 10-Wilbert Hall and Telford King.
The elected Chairman is Joel Fredricks, with Eyon Boyer chosen as Secretary and Nicholas Fredricks the Treasurer. The Toshaos (Indigenous Chiefs) were addressed by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings. In her charge to the officials, the Minister highlighted the essential points from the Amerindian Act, as these specifically identify the functions of the National Toshaos Council. “My charge to you today, is to ensure that good governance will prevail in each of our Indigenous villages and, that you as the new elected National Toshaos Council, must be able to prepare strategic plans, so that Guyanese in our hinterland villages must have access to appropriate health and education facilities,” Minister Hastings said. The Minister explained that council must be able to fulfill its mandate as an independent body, which would provide advice to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. She advised the NTC to have a listening ear to the Continued on page 12
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Bharrat Jagdeo misled Guyanese on Forbes Burnham’s family In response to media queries about the low price of land for his Pradoville 2 mansion, Bharrat Jagdeo said that the Burnham family also got state land for a song. In the context in which the controversy swirled, it could easily be interpreted to mean, that like Jagdeo, Forbes Burnham also awarded himself land cheaply when he was President. The story is entirely different. The Burnham family had a lease of three acres behind the Botanic Gardens in the eighties. About twenty-five years after, the family applied for prescriptive rights which people naturally do under the law. In 2010, the Jagdeo regime
abolished prescriptive rights, which the present government needs to reexamine. After the death of Mrs. Viola Burnham, the daughters sold two of the three acres to China Trading. Mr. Kamana Burnham, the President’s adopted son, was left with one acre on which he presently lives in the family house. In fairness to the correct recording of history, Mr. Kamana Burnham objected to the sale of all three acres. Out of obligation to the objectivity of political analysis, it must be noted that the Burnham daughters did receive an awesome sum for the two acres. It is crass indecent
politicking to compare the Pradoville 2 depravity with the three-acre occupancy of the Burnham family. To landscape the Pradoville 2 estate, 100 million dollars were used to remove and relocate the old transmitting radio towers that occupied the space where Pradoville 2 is. Vast sums were spent on laying pipes, electricity poles and other infrastructural works. This was state money that was spent. It would be a monumental act of injustice if there wasn’t an investigation by the APNU/AFC Government into the Pradoville 2 scandal. Efforts should be made to recoup money from the propertied owners who now occupy the land on which rest their mansions. One of the owners is the daughter of former President, Donald Ramotar, Lisaveta. Why her name is mentioned is because of what she said in an interview with this newspaper, Ms. Ramotar currently holds the job of CEO of the Guyana Gold
Board which she secured during the presidency of her father; the other competitor was Yog Mahadeo, former CEO of GT&T, who holds a doctorate in business management. Ms. Ramotar said in that interview that she cannot accept people’s criticism of the scholarship and employment she and her brother got, because after all, they are Guyanese citizens and should be treated like every other citizen, and not as the children of the President. The press needs to ask Lisaveta Ramotar if in the Pradoville 2 purchase, she and others who now have mansions there were treated like other citizens. Before we continue on to the purchasing power of China Trading, for those who don’t know it, Lisaveta’s brother, Alexei, in charge of the E-cable operations, has been dismissed from his Office of the President job for nonperformance. Alexei gave a statement to the press saying his removal was political. He didn’t state
if the original appointment to the office was political. The ethnic-based group, Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) wants an investigation into the removal of certain public sector personnel who were closely associated with the PPP when the party was in office. But surely, why removal only and not acquisition? How were the jobs acquired in the first place? In a forthcoming column we will analyze the demand of the IAC and how Bibi Shadick became the ProChancellor of UG. Back to the investment hegemony of China Trading. According to the Stabroek News of April 8, 2010, Odinga Lumumba bought about an acre of land next to the Chinese Embassy for $1.5M and sold it to businessman, Loaknauth “Deo” Maraj for $38M. In the Kaieteur News of April 19, 2010, Lumumba said he paid $2.5M. Mr. Maraj then sold it to China Trading for a sum that one can only describe as gigantic. This Maraj plot is across the road
Frederick Kissoon from the two acres that China Trading bought from the Burnham daughters. Here is where Bharrat Jagdeo as President comes in. From a mere one acre bought from Maraj, China Trading expanded north and now has 65 acres of land opposite the Botanic Gardens, next to the Continental Agencies plot (which President Hoyte sold to Continental Agencies for the purpose of building a hotel which 25 years after, there has not been construction, and which this column will examine later). Important to note is that those 65 acres when sold to China Trading was state land. Who sold it? The tenure of Bharrat Jagdeo needs a judicial enquiry.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Forensic Audits…“We gon jail alyuh as soon as we find everything” Ramjattan tells Opposition MPs It seems as if Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has cast a shadow of fear on some members of the opposition during their very first sitting of the National Assembly. The language used by Ramjattan is one which many who write letters to the editors of the daily newspapers and indeed many social media users longed to hear. With such talk, he was able to shut the mouths of many vociferous opposition members. Basically, Ramjattan promised to ensure that those who are found to have misappropriated state resources are placed behind bars. It was the second session of yesterday’s sitting and Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma took the floor. He touched on many things, but perhaps the highlight of Sharma’s presentation was his talk about the ongoing forensic audits. This riled up the opposition. But even before Sharma took to the floor, Opposition Member Irfaan Ali had criticized the government for the execution of the financial audit. The essence of Ali’s denunciation was that the administration went about it in a way that lacked the transparency it promised would be the cornerstone of its governance. Sharma then told the House that the new administration was confronted with allegations and evidence of corruption and bad governance by the
last Administration and therefore moved to institute internal forensic audit examinations. He said that these audits focus on the fiscal accountability and transparency, performance and efficiency of publiclyowned entities, statutory bodies, projects and activities financed by or through public funds. The Junior Minister said that the audits are essentially stocktaking exercises and the majority cover a period of four years. Further, he stated that the audits are expected to establish, at a minimum, the true financial position of these entities. Sharma said that other benefits likely to flow from the exercise, include the identification of revenue and the restoration of public funds. He said that the opposition’s talk that the audits were given exclusively to critics of the former Government could not have been farther away from the truth. “In identifying Accounting firms and individuals to carry out the Forensic Audits and review, contracts were made and interviews were carried out with Ram and Mc Rae as an accounting firm, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, Maurice Solomon, PKF Barcellos, Narine & Co., Harry Parmesar, D. Bahadur & Co., TSD Lall, Nizam Alli & Co., HLB R. Seebarran & Co. in addition, to four retired and former senior staff of the Audit office of Guyana including Dr. S.A. Goolsarran former Auditor General of Guyana, and three
other qualified Accountants and others who expressed interest in being a part of these audits and review,” said Sharma. He stressed that all efforts were made to have a very wide participation from the Chartered Accounting firms taking into account possible conflicts of interest, capacity and time constraints. “However, as can be seen, there are a limited number of Chartered Accounting firms in Guyana, therefore it was taken into consideration to include individuals, since forensic auditing does not require one to be in possession of a practicing certificate from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana. As Sharma spoke, the Opposition erupted and heckling prevailed, but while jabs came from left right and centre from that side of the House, Ramjattan’s response was enough to get things back under control. While opposition members shouted things like “It is a waste of time and money!” Ramjattan responded “Wait nah, wait, we gon jail alyuh as soon as we find everything.” But Ramjattan did not stop there, later on in the evening, the Minister shouted “Thief, thief! Y’all is thief!” He made these exclamations as former Minister Ganga Persaud spoke of the crime situation. Ramjattan’s contention was that the previous administration “set a bad example.” He said, “Y’all thief too much and is y’all de street bandits following.”
Page 11
36 rapes reported in July The latest police statistics have shown that just within the month of July, 36 reports of rape were made, taking the total up to 243 for the first 7 months of 2015. And, with this latest update, rapes have surged by 68 percent when compared to the same period in 2014. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) recently released its police statistics, covering from January 1 to July 31, 2015. Amongst the crimes included by the GPF was rape, which was deemed a serious crime by the law enforcement body. According to the police, by the end of July there were 243 reports of rape, compared to 145 reports for the same period last year. This represented an increase of 68 percent in the number of rapes. A similarly high increase was noted last month when the GPF released its first rape statistics for the year. According to the police, at the end of June there were 207 reports compared to 119 for the same period in 2014. This represented a 74 percent increase in the number of reported rapes. Furthermore, the statistics showed that just within a month, the reports rose from 207 in June to 243 in July, a difference of 36 reports. These 36 reports represent an increase of 17 percent in rapes in 31 days. And though the p o l i c e did not reveal figures in May on reported rapes, it shared that up to May 1 8 , t h e r e h a d been a 70 percent increase in rapes compared to the same period in 2014.
Based on the police reports, July 2015 is the third month in a row where the numbers of reported rapes eclipse those of last year. Furthermore, with the continuing trend, there has been just over one report of rape on average for the first 7 months (212 days) of 2015. Reports have indicated the majority of rape reports are coming from Georgetown/East Bank (‘A’ Division) and the East Coast of Demerara (‘C’ Division). Reports further indicate that the majority of the victims are females under 16-years-old, Guyana’s age of consent. Last month, when questioned on the alarming increase in rape reports, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had opined that the police force’s sexual offences unit was fuelling the increase. He had explained that with the unit’s introduction, persons felt more comfortable in coming forward to the police with reports of rape. He had said too, that special care was taken to place female investigators within the units to interact with the victims and ensure that they felt comfortable. For the year so far, only a few persons have been taken before the courts charged with rape. A number of these charges were for the rape of underage girls. In February, a Better Hope, East Coast Demerara man appeared before the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court charged with the rape of a child under the age of 16 years old. According to court details, the 23-year old man engaged in sexual activity
with a 14-year-old girl. The man had claimed that he did not rape the girl but had had “consensual” sex with her, even though she was under the age of consent. He was placed on $400,000 bail. Similarly, a La Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast man was charged in February with a spate of rapes in Essequibo. According to the police, the man had broken into a number of homes and sexually assaulted women who lived alone. On the other hand, the number of rape matters that make it to the courts is much lower than the number of reported rapes. A few years ago, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) released its study, “Without Conviction: Sexual Violence Cases in the Guyana Justice Process”. In the 60-page report, the GHRA showed that over the years 2000 to 2004, the average conviction rate was 1.4 percent. This figure represented 9 convictions out of the 647 reports originally made to the police. Furthermore, in the first year of the study the conviction rate had been 0.9 percent (1:117). For the last year, the report showed that the conviction rate had dropped to 0.6 percent (1:154). Additionally, only 3 percent of the original complaints made it to trial.
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Social Protection Ministry pushes to bring media houses in line with labour laws By Sunita Samaroo As the new government continues in its efforts to protect workers, the Ministry of Social Protection is pushing to bring media entities in line with existing, but oftentimes ignored labour laws. Long hours marred by no compensation or overtime, inadequate protection, problems with annual leave and days-off as well as improper record-keeping were among the issues being discussed yesterday as media operatives gathered with officials from the Ministry at their Brickdam, Georgetown office to discuss the state of affairs in the media, from a labour perspective. The engagement was headed by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes along with Assistant Chief Labour Officer, Lydia Green and Consultant within the Ministry’s Labour Department, Francis Carryl. The meeting was part of the continued efforts of the Ministry to engage employers and employees as well as one where discussions
on policies and engagement on areas where help is needed, could be discussed. The Junior Social Protection Minister highlighted that reporters are workers willingly going beyond the call of duty and they deserve to be recognised. “People think a reporter is just about running out there and writing a story. Well I have no apologies. I really condemn the manner in which reporters were being referred to and treated in the past by the past government. For me, you are very important, and because of that we cannot go without recognizing the importance of you, the reporters out there.” She said reporters are dissatisfied that the law is not protecting them, and the Ministry will correct that. “With media houses, you find that over time it is a problem. Most workers would say that they have to work beyond the regular time, but the overtime is not given to them. Workers have complained about annual leave, days off and we have also, in our inspection, come across with proper records
(From Left) Consultant within the Ministry’s Labour Department, Francis Carryl, Junior Social Protection Minister, Simona Broomes and Assistant Chief Labour Officer, Lydia Green engaging media operatives yesterday. not being kept: the leave roster, the wages book, the timesheet and more so what is not common is proper lunch areas and the conditions in which persons operate and work,” the Minister disclosed. These things will change, Minister Broomes assured. “We are not doing this because we want to put a deadlock on the employers, but without you (the reporters), there is no news;
without the employees, there is no newspaper. It is not only the employers that are important here but the employees. You are moreso very valuable,” Broomes said. “Reporters have been making a difference in the country, in human rights and in every area and because of the value you carry, like all the other workers, I want to ensure you are being treated fairly and right,” the Minister added. STATE MEDIA It was raised that most state media operatives bore the brunt of labour violations with the Guyana Chronicle, National Communications Network (NCN) and
Government Information Agency (GINA) being thrust into focus. The Minister stated that reporters from the state agencies are more afraid and it was brought to her attention that their employees were being disallowed from accessing the Guyana Press Association (GPA). “We cannot have workers and their rights are being violated because they are from the state media,” said Broomes as she added that labour inspections will be conducted on all media houses. Carryl offered that media functionaries are affected by fear of victimization, whether
by agents of the state or private entities. A number of anonymous complaints (letters without signatures) have been forwarded to the Ministry from media operatives, it was revealed. “It would not be fair for us to convince ourselves that Continued on page 20
Region 2 Toshao elected to chair... From page 9 various Village Councils and to assist in resolving any issues they might have in a bid to working and creating developed and sustainable communities. Meanwhile, in his presentation, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, on behalf of President David Granger, congratulated the Toshaos, who were elected to the new Executive Committee. The Minister encouraged the Toshaos to work together for the greater good of the people they represent. He took the opportunity to dispel political rumours which stated that the new APNU+AFC Coalition Government will disband agriculture and get rid of the Amerindian culture. ”I wish to assure you and reassure you that we have no such intentions, all I would ask is for you to give us an opportunity to get to know each other better and to win your trust. We don’t stand here demanding of you, allegiance. We don’t stand here demanding that you support the Government. We ask, however, that you pay allegiance to your people, that you pay allegiance to the Constitution of Guyana and pay allegiance to the Amerindian Act,” Minister Trotman advised. ”You are citizens of Guyana and citizens of the world. You are entitled to selfrespect, to dignity and the right to choose for yourself.”
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
M&CC introduces environmental fee for street vendors The Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown will soon introduce an environmental tax on vendors who ply their trade along Regent, Robb and Water Streets. The new fee, which will be implemented from September 1, is to offset cleansing of the areas where these vendors operate. According to the M&CC, the new environmental impact fee, however, does not give the vendors the unlimited rights to council’s thoroughfare, but is part of the council’s reorganizing of the operations of vendors along certain popular vending areas. The M&CC noted that street vending has been a sequel of the socio-economic circumstances of many Guyanese and has developed into means of livelihood for many.
Council said while it understands the circumstances under which many people live, at the same time a measure of order must return to the city. “Vendors who ply their trade along Regent, Robb and Water Streets would not be allowed to do so in an unsystematic fashion. They will have to conform to set standards as it relates to type of structure, size of the structure and how the structure is positioned,” a statement from the M&CC indicated. The M&CC observed that many vendors, after selling during the day, leave their immediate environs in an untidy state. This has placed a burden on Council’s resources, hence the implementation of the fee. Street vending has been a contentious issue over the
years, with even the City Council at one time being divided on the matter. Late last year Mayor Hamilton Green and then Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba were at each other’s throats over the removal of street vendors who had come out in their numbers to cash in on the spike in sales for the Christmas holidays. Green had contended that Sooba cannot remove vendors who vend along the pavements in and around the city. Sooba had said she would be working closely with Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker to remove persons who vend illegally around the city, putting up structures, adding to the existing ones on the pavements. She had contended that the crowd would stop the free flow of traffic which could result in
Colwyn Harding assault trial...
Matter further adjourned as Prosecutor requests more time The assault trial involving two members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Colwyn Harding was once again adjourned and given another date, when it was called yesterday in the Providence Magistrate’s Court. Police Constables Devin Singh and Roselle TilburyDouglas have been on trial since last year, for allegedly assaulting Harding with a condom-covered baton. At yesterday’s court hearing, Tilbury-Douglas and Attorney Glenn Hanoman were absent. Prosecutor Nigel Hughes, Attorney Leslie Sobers and Singh were seen seated in the courtroom minutes before the matter was called. When the orderly called the parties’ names they all stood promptly. At that time, the prosecutor requested a three-week adjournment. Attorney Sobers had no objections to the request, and all were informed by Magistrate Leron Daly, to return on September 21, for continuation. Singh, of Lot 125 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara and Tilbury-Douglas, of Alliance Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, are jointly charged with assaulting Harding during the period November 1 to November 13, 2013, at the Timehri Police Station, so as to cause him actual bodily harm. Devin Singh was also slapped with an additional assault charge. The duo first appeared before Former Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry and had denied the allegation. Singh has been released on $200,000 bail while his colleague is on
Colwyn Harding $100,000 bond. Attorneys Hanoman and Sobers are representing TilburyDouglas and Singh respectively. Harding had given an emotional testimony at his June 25, court appearance. However, the Magistrate had adjourned the matter to July 24, because Harding started to shed tears while in the witness box. On that date, the matter was further adjourned to yesterday’s date after Prosecutor, Nigel
Hughes, failed to present himself for the court hearing. Hanoman and Sobers, have made applications before the court to have the charges against their clients dismissed. At one hearing Hanoman had contended that the prosecution was unable to satisfy the court, during the trial which has been on-going since last year. The attorney had argued that his client has been interdicted from work for over a year and has also suffered financial constraints. But despite these submissions, the Magistrate has refused to dispose of the matter. Harding has alleged that a policeman at the Timehri Police Station pushed a condomcovered baton in his anus in November 2013. Harding, who was at the time a prisoner having been remanded for allegedly assaulting the cop and resisting arrest, suffered a ruptured intestine. He subsequently underwent corrective surgery in Jamaica, even as a dispute arose as to how he had come by his injuries.
serious accidents. On the other hand, Green noted that street vending had nothing to do with the traffic buildup, which he said was due to poor planning. He said persons can vend all across Georgetown without disrupting traffic if there are proper strategies in place. Sooba is now out of the way and it would seem that the M&CC is moving ahead with the possible
regularization of street vending throughout the year. In addition, the anticipated fee is expected to go a far way to bolster the revenue of the cash-strapped Council to cater for clean–up work in the city. Meanwhile, the M&CC will hold a Public Forum tomorrow at 10:00am at City Hall, to discuss the restoration of Georgetown. His Worship the Mayor Mr.
Hamilton Green will unveil Council’s broad plans for the restoration process. The Council is soliciting the involvement of various stakeholders; which include religious organisations, political groups’ Private Sector organisations and citizens. M&CC stressed that it is imperative that every facet of society be involved in the City Council’s restoration programme.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Building or Renovating? For quality services at affordable cost - Contact: 592-682-9935 or email: creativeconstructionservice 15@gmail.com. Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS,WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:629-4946 OR 2254822 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
WANTED Live in maid must know to cook-Call: 679-8765 Experienced taxi driver and dispatcher @ Princess Hotel Providence-Tel: 616-5419 Male Sales representative to work on commission in New Amsterdam, must have drivers license -Call: 609-3650
Experienced wash bay attendants living in Georgetown, Attractive Salary- Tel: 646-8748 Wanted Urgently! One porter for canter truck- Call: 2223927; 649-9876 One live in domestic between 25yrs-35yrs- salary 70,000 monthly, live in waitress between 18-25yrs- $60,000 monthly-Tel:610-3974 Experienced Drivers with minibus and hire car license – Call: 645-0025 Domestic maid @ DiamondContact 626-8003/227-8529
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956
2000 Freightliner hauler, C-12 Engine –Tel: 609-7257; 6899041
Jacqueline Sookram, Cocoa Stix Spa & Salon- Tel:6928633. Specialised in facial, pedicure, manicure & massage. Salon & Spa @ Aracari Resort! Available Now: Hollywood herbal skin whitening cream, scrub & sun block. Phone: 264-3312 or 6003927
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154
VACANCY Porters & Carpenters to work in Coveden E.B.D. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Driver with minibus license living in G/Town for relief work on weekends –Call: 6468748 1 bond clerk / dispatcher send application to 16 Mudlot Kingston #223-5263/4 Sales Rep and office Assistant, preferably with experienced and from West Coast Demerara –Call: 2541800 2 Accounts clerk with Grades 1 & 2 in Maths & English. Apply at Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D. Accounts Clerk send application to rtilak@adamantiumholdings.c om Live in maid must know to cook- Call: 231-0363
Floor sanding & lacquering house plans, estimate & painting –Call: 650-4362 Mahadeo Construction for all FOR RENT construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting PLANNING AN EVENT? PARTY, etc. Free estimates and plan BIRTHDAY GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, Contact # 669-7376 ANNIVERSARY, ETC. We repair fridge, freezer, AC, CALL DIAMOND TENTS: washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 216-1043; 677-6620 683-8734. Omar Property for rent at #2 Canal INNOVATIVEMARKETING Polder- Tel: 613-1860 & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ Properties for rent: Furnished works, logos, business 3 bedrooms at Bel-Air cards, posters, etc, Springs- $750USD, 2 placements of ads included. bedrooms apartment @ Sophia - $45,000GY-Contact Need a reliable driver to take Raul: 655-8361 your children to school and pick up from school- Call 2 Properties @ Bel-Air Park Mike at 678-0852 all convenience , furnished US-1800 & 4 bedrooms unfurnished US2,200, newly renovated –Tel:231-7839 (working hours) 2 (Two) bedroom house at Zeelught-Call:662-7600; 6171380 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578
SALON
Office clerk: senior/junior. With CXC Maths/English, Computer Knowledge is an asset. Call: 219-5354 Live in maid/assistant, salesgirl, ECD –Tel: 603-5716; 644-9802
Three bedrooms upper flat in Providence, behind StadiumCall: 643-8209
Tuesday August 18, 2015
One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 Taxi Driver for fielder wagon in base –Call: 646-8748 1 Security Guard at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products-Tel: 225-7864 1 Female domestic maid must be able to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom- Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glass top, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 2008 FIELDER -$2.5M, 2008 RACTIS -$2.44M, CARINA 212 -$1.9M, NEVER REGISTERED & FULLY LOADED VEHICLES –TEL: 617-2891 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.2M negotiable –Tel: 6688431 Toyota NZE PLL series, fully loaded mag rims, Deck/DVD/ reverse camera- $1.5M negotiable- Call: 609-1040 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Carina 212, Bluebird –Call: 652-3820; 6654529 Going Cheap! A15 Allion in excellent condition. Alarm, AC, Stero etc- asking $1.65Contact: Call: 679-9383 One fully loaded Toyota Fun Cargo PLL 9098, excellent condition with Alarm, CD Player -$1.2M –Call: 641-9923, 627-5382 In Stock @ First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Allion, Runx, Axio, Bluebird, Sienta, Fielder, Rush –Tel: 609-8188, 638-3045 Unregistered 2004 IST$1.9M, 2003 Premio -$2.2M, 2006 Allion -$2.3M, 2005 Fielder -$2.35M-Call:6093650, 226-8953 Unregistered : 2006 Auris $2.5M, 2003 Spacio -$2.1M, 2001 Carina - $1.9M, 2007 Dualis -$4.6M- Call: 6093650, 226-8953 One new model Toyota Axio, unregistered rims, TV, Back Camera, Fogs lights, etc-Call: 612-6215 Toyota RAV 4, late PMM series, fully powered, first owner -$2.5M-Contact: 6216363 (anytime)
TO LET Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment: bath, toilet, kitchen, sitting area on High Road Greenwich Park, Parka –Tel: 649-6202/664-3508
2004 PMM Lexus IS200, 2,000cc, leather- 53,725KM $2.4M negotiable –Call: 6474800 PJJ Toyota Harries Suv 3,000cc, fully loaded, perfect engine-$2.5M negotiableCall: 647-4800
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
1 Toyota Raum, Excellent condition - $1M negotiable & 1 Toyota IST, AC, music, rims One 928F Caterpillar Wheel -$1.3M –Contact: 685-7728 Loader- Contact # 650-0402/ BMW 320i, Toyota AT212, 260-4988 AT192, IST, EP-71 Starlet, 4 Spare for washing machine, Runner, Canter, Honda 600 RR microwaves, fridges, stoves, –Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 timers, gearbox, motors, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 One welding machine- Call: 687-7725 52ft complete cabin cruiser. In excellent condition- Tel: 592654-2817, 592-622-2958 PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Republic Park Phase 1, 4 bedrooms, 48M, negotibale Call:645-2580, 609-6516 House for sale @ Lot 180 Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, Price $25M negotiable –Call: 266-0309; 626-6555
LAND FOR SALE Luxury Gated CommunityMall, Pool, intelligent security system, well, solar. Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – Call: 609-0783 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each, 1-2 storey property @ Crane – Call: 604-6724
Large Red snapper fishing boat 66ft, with 85 traps, all licenses working, 3yrs old – Call: 674-3735; 652-8970 Marine Parts, inboard engines, gear box, shaft, propellers, gland, all electronics, etc –Call: 6743735/ 652-8970 Green Heart Lumber: 10X10, 1 1 X 1 1 , 1 2 X 1 2 , 13X13,14X14,15X15,16X16, 17X17 and 18X18- Call: 6393450 One Yamaha 2006, R1 1000cc-$600,000- Owner leaving country-Contact: 664-4101 Bobcat cement Mixer, air compressor, tyre machineCall: 694-0535
CAR RENTAL
15 Acres land situated at PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTAL: Naamryck East Bank CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL$4,000 & UPPER DAY-CALL: Essequibo-Call: 655-9227 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: New Farm (100ftX50ft) East PRO_AUTO RENTAL Bank- $1.9M Deal- Call: 611- @YAHOO.COM 7223; 604-2207 DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM EDUCATION Enroll Now At Xenon Academy! Tank Street Grove, E.B.D: Nursery, Primary & Secondary- Call Sir Bharrat 643-4045; 266-2551 Simpli Royal School of Beauty – Pamela Dillon: 6654565; 225-2303. Hair, Skin, Nail Technology, easy payments.
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494
ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 226-2145; 227-5037
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
SVN School aims to bridge gap between primary and secondary levels There currently exists a disjuncture between the primary and secondary levels of education in Guyana. This is the perception of principal of the Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Secondary School, Swami Askarananda. In addition to the national top performer at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination this year, the SVN School produced a number of other candidates named in the top performing one percent. But according to Askarananda, what has been observed is that some of these top performers might not have been able to achieve such feats without dedicated focus on improving their individual performances. He made reference to one student who secured 13 grade one passes this year who had left primary level school with a score that qualified for a community high level school. “The average student comes to our school with a common entrance score of 450 and those are the ones that we work on building up,” disclosed Askarananda. And this approach, according to him, is imperative for any school. “While we commend our students who have done well, we have a system of looking at those who are in the medium range or who are lower in the order (of performance),” the SVN Principal explained, as he pointed out that an education system is judged to be good when it can “bring those who are at the bottom, up.” “That is what an education system should be all about,” insisted Askarananda, who went on to point out that “there are masses of students who are at the bottom of the list.” “The masses of students who are at the bottom of the
whole system we never mention them. We don’t know what’s going on with them,” he stressed, while pointing out that “the one percent will do well; we know that, some of them are well endowed, but it’s those who are at the bottom that need the real attention”. He noted that while the top performers of the 2015 CSEC examination will remain a “hot topic” for a few days, efforts are not being directed to examining the real issue. And the real issue, according to Askarananda, is to examine the overall matriculation rate of the candidates, that is, those who passed five or more subjects, inclusive of Mathematics and English. Just over 12,000 candidates participated in the examination this year. “When we look at the matriculation and we have a reasonable figure we can say we are doing a good job. But usually when these results are released this is overlooked completely, and all they do is mention the high flyers and so on, and we talk a bit about problems here and there and then we forget until next year,” said Askarananda. He is however optimistic
that the Ministry of Education will be looking to reverse the apparent trend where the “bottom performers” are neglected. He shared his belief that currently the system has no measure in place to address this situation since there are no alternative outlets for students who can’t do well academically. “We have a little bit here and there but that is the thing that we have to look at in Guyana to be able to identify early, students who have an aptitude for other things and provide the necessary avenue for them to develop,” the SVN Principal asserted. And according to him, his school is poised to help address the existing situation. Efforts in this regard, he said, will see the SVN School introducing its own early education school which will cater to better preparing students for the secondary level. Already, land to cater to the construction of nursery and primary level schools has been acquired, and according to Askarananda, “by the grace of God this will be completed.” The SVN School is also looking to boost the delivery of Science education, a subject area the principal is convinced is suffering greatly in Guyana. “I am not blaming anybody, but this is how things have gone for some time - our Science people, as soon as they qualify they go abroad,” said Askarananda, as he lamented a shortage of Science teachers. Moreover, with imported teachers from India, Askarananda noted that the SVN School will seek to help boost performance in Science. Currently a building dedicated to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is under construction in the rear of the compound of the Cornelia Ida Secondary School.
likes of which GPC constructed to fashion the multi-million dollar contracts offered to the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation. The fact that the area has more electricity than any other community contrasts with what happens with the supply of potable water.
The community recently received its first water meter installed at the home of Dr Roger Luncheon. For five years the community has been enjoying potable water free of cost. In fact, most of the community still enjoys free potable water.
Swami Askarananda, Principal of the SVN Secondary School
“I don’t know anything about transformers”...
From page 6 the scheme emerged, but there was no supporting infrastructure. Just a fortnight ago the community got its first water meter. But the electrical connections were already there. The connection leading to the home of former President’s mansion raised questions at a time when established companies could not boost their power supply. Jagdeo at his Pradoville mansion needs to support a swimming pool while word is that the lighting system is immense. There are multimillion-dollar chandeliers, air conditioning for his dog kennel and even for his cat. The investigation is likely to discover a warehouse to store pharmaceuticals, the
Page 23
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Traffic offences pass 30,000-mark As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to record traffic offences throughout the nation, its latest statistics have shown that over 30,000 have been recorded up to the end of July. The GPF on Friday released its monthly traffic statistics which covered the period January 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015. According to data, the
police made a total of 31,201 cases against motorists for the breaching of traffic laws. The data further showed that 4,811 of these offences were made out in July alone. July’s statistics are not drastically different from those of other months so far for 2015. In fact, last month’s stats were certainly not the highest for the year so far. That spot was allotted to
February which recorded 6,013 traffic cases. The second highest month was June, where 5,220 cases were recorded followed by January with 5,022. July then made an appearance with 4,811 cases, then March with 4,772 cases and April with 3,718. The month of May only accounted for 1,645 cases; that was when the police were instructed to “go
light” on motorists. Meanwhile, speeding continues to be the leading traffic offence committed by motorists. At the end of July, there were 13,129 speeding offences recorded by the police. This figure represents 42 percent of the total 31,201 cases made out by the GPF. Speeding also showed the biggest increase from June’s statistics. The police stated that there were 11,168 speeding offences at the end of that month. This figure increased by 1,961 cases by July month-end.
...over 13,000 for speeding while failure to conform to road signs resulted in one death. Meanwhile, private cars continue to be the type of vehicle most involved in fatal accidents. From January to July, there were 75 vehicles involved in fatal accidents. Thirty of these vehicles were private cars. Other involved vehicles included motor lorries/vans and motorcycles with 12 vehicles each, 10 minibuses and five taxis.
driving under the influence of alcohol (942 cases), failure to wear seatbelts (873 cases), breaches of traffic light signals (578 cases) and use of cell phones while driving (362 cases). Meanwhile, the police recorded declines in serious, minor, and damage accidents when compared to the same period in 2014. These accidents differ from fatal accidents because there are no recorded deaths.
Thousands of traffic offences are recorded each month by the Guyana Police Force The second highest increase was for driving under the influence of alcohol offences, which increased by 172 cases from the end of June. Speeding was also noted as the leading cause of road deaths in Guyana. The police revealed that up to July month end there were 58 accidents resulting in 71 deaths. Of these 58 accidents, 29 were caused by speeding. After speeding, inattentiveness was the second leading cause with 18 of the 58 deaths. Furthermore, driving under the influence of alcohol accounted for 10 deaths
After speeding, the police recorded overloaded minibuses as the most occurring offence. This offence, which recorded 1,577 cases at the end of July, accounted for 5 percent of the total issued offences. More specifically, 151 cases were made out for this offence in July alone. Breach of condition of road service licences/music offences was also approximately 5 percent of the total cases with 1,463 at the end of July as compared to 1,292 cases at the end of June. Other offences recorded at the end of July included
According to the GPF, there were 245 recorded serious accidents from January to July, 2014. For that period this year, there were 208 serious accidents, a decline of 15 percent. For minor accidents, there was a decline of one percent recorded by the police. Up to July 31, 2014, there were 288 minor accidents as compared to this year’s figure of 284 for the corresponding period. Furthermore, damage accidents decreased by two percent; in 2014, there were 468 damage accidents while this year 459 were recorded by the end of July.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Pistorius prosecutors file appeal papers at Supreme Court South Africa (AP) — Prosecutors pushing for a murder conviction against Oscar Pistorius filed papers at South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal on Monday, four days before the Olympic runner is expected to be released from prison and moved to house arrest. Court registrar Paul Myburgh confirmed the prosecution’s papers had been filed. Lawyers for the double-amputee runner have until Sept. 17 to file their response ahead of a hearing in November. Prosecutors want a panel of judges at the Supreme Court to overrule a decision by another judge to acquit Pistorius of murder for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. Pistorius was instead found guilty of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, for shooting Steenkamp through a toilet cubicle door in his home. He was sentenced to five years in jail, but is expected to be released from the Kgosi Mampuru II prison in the South African capital Pretoria on Friday after serving 10 months of that culpable ho-
micide sentence. Because of his good behavior, the 28-year-old Pistorius can be released on probation to serve the remainder under house arrest. Prosecutors announced their intention to appeal Judge Thokozile Masipa’s decision shortly after Pistorius’ months-long trial last year. They said Masipa made an error in interpreting the law when she cleared Pistorius of murder and found him guilty instead of an unintentional but still unlawful killing.Quoting a section of South African law known as “dolus eventualis,” pros-
ecutors argue in their appeal papers that the former track star should be convicted of murder because he shot through the toilet door in the pre-dawn hours of Valentine’s Day two years ago, knowing that whoever was behind the door would likely be killed without just cause. It’s possible to be convicted of murder in South Africa if it’s shown that the person foresaw the possibility of someone’s death because of their actions and went ahead anyway. Pistorius testified that he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom. If his conviction is upgraded from manslaughter to murder, he would be sentenced to at least 15 years in prison, the minimum sentence for a murder conviction in South Africa, which doesn’t have the death penalty. The prosecution’s appeal will be heard by a panel of either three or five judges at the Supreme Court in the central city of Bloemfontein. They could convict Pistorius of murder with a simple 2-1 or 3-2 majority.
US (CNN) -U.S. diplomats have warned China to stop using covert law enforcement agents on U.S. soil to pressure Chinese citizens into returning home to face justice, often on corruption charges, United States officials confirmed to CNN. Placing a law enforcement official here without notifying American authorities is criminal, the officials said. They acknowledged the
United States and China have a legal cooperation treaty but stressed that it requires China to share evidence and work through the U.S. legal system. China responded Monday through its state news agency, Xinhua, saying China was simply fighting corruption with a program called Fox Hunt 2015. “China’s operation is legitimate and has been approved in bilateral agreements reached earlier this
year,” China said. “ ‘Fox Hunt 2015,’ which targets corrupt officials of government departments and state-owned enterprises, is an important effort of China to crack down [on] corruption.” Xinhua said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson promised to actively support China’s “Sky Net” and “Fox Hunt” operations, which aim to bring back corrupt officials.
Oscar Pistorius during his sentencing in 2014.
U.S. warns China to stop pressuring expatriates to return home
'Shots' fired in Nat'l Assembly during... From page 3 with an average age of Gov't MPs at 62, no wonder – square pegs in round holes – We the youth of Guyana deserve better – we are more than just an afterthought. We are more than an errant bastard child who is reluctantly recognised by their father. We are our country's lifeline – the backbone. We are the past, present and future of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and we refuse to be ignored and silenced, and be told to wait until you have a programme for us next year and be told to go home at 2a.m. So it is for this reason I cannot by any stretch of clemency vote to approve of this budget. Irfaan Ali described the
budget as containing “nothing new, nothing fresh.” He boasted of leaving in the hands of the new government an economy that is “vibrant, buoyant and full of energy.” He said “Contrary to the claim that the PPP/C government handed over a sluggish economy, the country expanded faster than its counterparts in the Caribbean and Latin American since 2011. Notwithstanding the unstable political environment created by the coalition since 2011 the economy consistently recorded growth rates higher than the average for Caribbean and Latin American between 2011 and 2014.” “While the rice farmers await the new markets and bet-
ter price, this administration is still campaigning with the hope that people will be distracted from the real issues. Sadly the farmers will have to hang on while the administration continues with its political gyrations.” He also called for increased wages for the public servants and lambasted the government for not consulting with the Guyana Public Service Union. He slammed the new administration on its failure to deliver on several of its elections promises on assumption to office and its 100 days plan and said “they are on the journey of destroying every single credible institution this PPP administration has established.”
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
19 killed in bomb blast at Bangkok shrine
Investigators on Monday evening at the Erawan Shrine, a Hindu site in Bangkok’s main shopping area that is popular with both Thais and foreign tourists. Bangkok (NYTimes) - A bomb placed inside a Bangkok religious shrine frequented by tourists exploded Monday evening, killing at least 19 people, hurling body parts onto the pavement, shattering building windows and creating panic in one of the city’s most popular districts. At least 123 people were reported wounded in what Thailand’s top police official and others called a vicious act meant to target civilians. The explosion came at a particularly busy time of day at the Erawan Shrine, an important tourist attraction in Bangkok’s main shopping area. But Thai officials offered
no clue as to who might have been responsible for the blast, which appeared to be the worst by far in a series of explosions that have occasionally disrupted the country since the Thai military seized power in a May 2014 coup. As of early Tuesday there was no claim of responsibility. The police discovered at least two additional devices they suspected were unexploded bombs inside the shrine and said other bombs may have been placed in the area, yelling at bystanders: “Get out! Get out!” Some Thai news media reported later that the suspicious devices did not appear
to be bombs. The Bangkok Post reported on its website that the shrine bomb, apparently placed just inside the fenced Erawan compound, detonated at 6:55 p.m. The scale of the explosion set vehicles in the adjacent intersection ablaze and bowed the iron fence of the shrine outward. Debris and at least five motorcycles were scattered in the intersection, including one in flames, as dozens of emergency vehicles arrived on the scene. Bloodstains were visible at a nearby shopping mall, an indication of the force of the blast.
No longer will foreigners be given preferential treatment for jobs in Guyana - Felix Citing the Marriott Hotel, which was built without any Guyanese labour, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix yesterday told the National Assembly that things are about to change. In this regard, Felix said that no longer will Guyanese be denied employment while the opportunities are handed to foreigners on a platter. Felix disclosed that his government will clampdown on the number of work permits given to foreigners for jobs that Guyanese are capable of doing. He said “Contrary to our friends (opposition parliamentarians), we are not averse to visitors or to having investors, what we are saying is that Guyanese must have an equal play.”
The Minister provided statistics to show that in 2012, work permits totaling 1,050 were granted of which 991 were for Brazilians and 24 for Chinese. While in 2013, 462 Brazilians were given work permits. Further, out of 744 work permits granted in 2014, Brazilians got 694. For this year 236 of the 304 were Brazilians who received work permits. As he was giving these stats, Felix was accused by opposition members of discrimination. However, he proceeded to noted that applications for work permits for cooks and labourers are being made, although Guyanese are available to fill those vacancies. “We don’t want a lop-
sided situation where our own people do not have access to our lands to do what other people are doing,” the Minister asserted. Felix said the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, which is part of the Ministry of the Presidency, was established to ensure that the interests of Guyanese are protected and preserved and “that our borders are not violated by those who are intent on perpetrating criminal activities. He stressed that the new administration supports foreign investment, but not at the expense of Guyanese. “We want the inflow of foreign money, but we also want our people to benefit from the inflows.” (Abena Rockcliffe)
Page 27
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Blatter hits back at Chung over... From page 35 “I would like to stress again that FIFA is dedicated to improving the organization and will continue to strengthen its governance and accountability,” added Blatter. “Our work in this area continuously evolves and we are focused on achieving the highest standards for the international football community.” During his speech and press conference, Chung made several references to corruption at FIFA. “Michel Platini was a great football player and he is my friend,” said the Korean. “His
problem is he does not seem to appreciate the seriousness of the corruption crisis at FIFA. Chung also said “the problem at FIFA is that those mired in corruption, the only thing they are interested in is hiding the corruption”. He added that the core issue for the election “is whether the 40-year-old system of corruption should continue or not”. In a reference to Blatter, Chung added: “The real reason FIFA has become such a corrupt organization is because the same person and his cronies have been running it for 40 years”. Blatter was secretary general for 17 years before being elected president in 1998.
After prison, Pistorius set for ‘mansion... From page 34 firing four shots into the locked door of a toilet cubicle in what he said was the mistaken belief that an intruder was hiding behind it. Judge Thokozile Masipa said during sentencing that the state had failed to convince her of Pistorius’ intent to kill when he fired. Prosecutors want the verdict of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter, raised to murder because they argue Pistorius must have known when he fired that the person behind the door could be killed. Many legal experts agree. “Given he fired four shots through a door when he knew someone was inside, I think
there is a good chance the appeal will be successful,” William Booth, a lawyer who has followed the trial closely, told Reuters. If convicted of murder, Pistorius will likely be given a custodial sentence of at least 15 years. The appeal hearing is due to start in November. Pistorius was once considered one of the ultimate symbols of triumph over adversity, fighting authorities to become the first amputee to compete against able-bodied athletes at the Olympics. Though he could return to training, Pistorius is unlikely to ever compete at the highest level again given his age and lack of intensive training since Steenkamp’s death, experts say.
Tuesday August 18, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Avoid any confrontations with colleagues. Talk to superiors about problems that you feel are getting out of hand. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You are best to avoid confrontations. You may have a hidden adversary who would love to prove you wrong. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) It might be best to work on your own; if possible, do your job out of your home today. You will have the discipline to make changes you feel are necessary. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Don't be afraid to make additions to your house. You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Spend time by yourself to avoid any conflicts with family members. Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles. However, you should be concerned about
what they want in return. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Accept the inevitable. It will do you some good. You may have more to do with children today; keep an open mind. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension. Use your charm, but don't sign or agree to anything. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives. Sit back. Not the best day for business trips. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in on your family dilemmas. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Try not to overreact to the loss. Get involved in volunteer work that will bring you satisfaction, not an empty wallet. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You can accomplish a lot if you put some effort into household duties or redecorating plans.
Page 29
Fruta Conquerors’ Goodwill tournament...
TRINIDAD/GUYANA footballers share honours The Trinidad and Tobago Girls’ U19 squad out of the Fizabad Senior College FC defeated the Little Divas of Guyana 3-0 to claim the honours and cart off the beautiful trophy at stake when the curtains came down on the Fruta Conquerors’ Goodwill tournament at the Tucville Ground last Sunday evening. However, the contingent from the Twin Island Republic was denied a clean sweep when their men’s team suffered a close 5-4 defeat on penalty kicks in their match against the host team. The final results meant that the two countries finished on an even keel, both claiming one of the prestigious accolades on offer. Trinidadian, Dennecia Prince, replicated her performance of one night earlier when she netted a brace against a mixed team of local players while Collette Nicolleen Morgan added another goal to her tally after she had also scored in the match on the inaugural night of the championship. Captain of the Trinidadian (women’s) team, Crystal Preddie, during a pretournament press conference had warned her adversaries that her girls had come to play tough football. Those words were certainly not lost on the Little Divas who fought like tigers during the early stages of the match and managed to keep the situation nil all for the most part. Just when it appeared as though the teams would have gone in at the half on a nil all stalemate, Prince changed the dynamics with a solo from the middle of the field. The Divas’ defence attempted to check her run but the Trinidadian striker swept passed the obstacle and deftly tucked the ball to the right of the advancing opposition goalie. Prince’s goal was a beauty as she weaved her way past the Diva’s flimsy defense and tapped the ball into the opposition’s goal. Prince returned and stretched the lead for the Trinidadians less than five minutes later with a spirited run that climaxed with a stiff jab that traveled along the ground and settled aback the nets and sealed the Diva’s fate. The celebrations were instantaneous as the Trinidadians and their supporters erupted into dance and gyration while
someone popped the cork of a champagne bottle, cascading on the jubilant Trinidadians. The men’s game was evenly contested with both teams pulling off all the stops in an excellent display of defense and offence. There were hardly any opportunities to score as both teams kept the ball swirling around centre field for most of the match. There were a few bright moments for the local team none more glaring than a vicious kick off the boot Shamar Barrow which flew tantalizingly close to the opposition’s goal before sliding down the right. The final whistle moments later meant that the decision rested on the shoulders of the men between the uprights. Fruta Conquerors’ blunder occurred at the third kick when the Trinidadian goalie sprang to his left and punched the ball to safety.
Undeterred, the team from Tucville stuck to the task and netted twice before the visitors erred on their fifth kick which the Conqueror’s goalie managed to intercept. The local custodian repeated his theatrics one more time while his team mates breached the opposition’s goal to triumph and send their supporters into jubilant celebrations. The occasion was hosted by the Fruta Conquerors FC and coincided with their August holidays programme where dozens of youngsters are currently undergoing training in football and other life improvement skills at the host entity’s Tucville headquarters. The trophies were donated by corporate Guyana while Bakewell and Sterling Products also assisted with valuable contributions towards the tournament’s success.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Bulls capture LABA U-23 A&R Jiwanram Printery crown with come from honours winning draughts team behind 69-61 win over Jets National prospect Terron Welch hit in 33 game high points to lead the rampaging Half Mile Bulls to the championship title of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s Under 23 tournament last Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. Welch was later named the Most valuable Player as he added to this tournament high 33 points, seven rebounds, seven steals, six assists as the Bulls came from behind after the first quarter saw them trailing 5-10 and at half time adrift 32-35 before they rallied in the crucial third quarter. The standout junior national player, Welch, led his team’s transition well and with solid support from Dennis Niles who netted 12 points to go with four rebounds and a similar amount of assists and steals, along with Travin Dryden’s 10 points and seven rebounds, while Jamal Bethune added eight points and five rebounds in addition to 12 steals, secured the win for the Bulls. Initially, the Jets were off to an early advantage doubling their opponents’ score in the process 10-5 at the end of the first quarter, despite some excellent play in the paint by the Jets’ Adrian
Welch is MVP after scoring tournament high 33 points Webster who ensured they were still ahead at the break 35-32. But the Bulls responded to the challenge and Welch and a determined Bulls side were able to turn things around in the pivotal third quarter period and take hold of the game when it ended 60-49. During the fourth quarter it looked like a blow-out as the lead swelled to 21 at one stage but eventually the Bulls romped home winners 69-61. The high scoring guard Welch took the Most Valuable Player prize after notching 33 points, to go with seven rebounds, and a similar amount of steals while dishing out six assists. Fellow junior national Dennis Niles had 12 points and collected four rebounds, four steals and four assists, as team-mates Travin Dryden got 10 points and seven rebounds and Jamal Bethune netted eight points, took five rebounds and stole the ball 12 times for the winners. Adrian Webster played well for the Jets with 23 points and grabbed 21 rebounds with Parris Cadogan getting
11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots, while Keith Butters also scored 11 points. In the third place play-off game Victory Valley Royals took that position with a sound 66-40 victory. They had taken a 27-5, 4315, 58-28 and then 66-40 through quarters. Keifer Tappin was the game’s best scorer with 21 points for the Royals and Nevin Glenn contributed 13 for the winners, while for the Raiders O. Williams got 10 points. Adrian Webster played well for the Jets with 23 points and grabbed rebounds with Parris Cadogan getting 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots, while Keith Butters also scored 11 points. The sponsors who supported the championship were Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc, Shawn Myers, Jason Adams, Jimmy Reece, NCN Linden, R and S Luckhoo, G-Six Promotions, Thandy Inniss, Simon’s family, Dinky barber shop, Legend sports Bar, 104.3 Power FM and Kerwin Abrams.
Azore to defend welterweight title as ‘Guyana Fight Night’ resumes It’s almost two years since the last edition of the Guyana Fight Night boxing card was staged and boxing fans have been wondering if the organizers of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) have ditched the programme. Apparently, this is far from the truth and the organizers have said that they were reorganizing their thoughts. Those modalities have since been put in place and the GBBC will return with
Iwan Azore a bang when it stages the 31st edition of the programme with a 5 bout card dubbed ‘Brawl at the Mall,’ slated for September 26 next. The action will be in an enclose arena at the recently commissioned Giftland Office Max, Lilliendaal, ECD and the main bout pits together local welterweight champion, Iwan
Azore, defending his belt against Dexter Gonsalves in a highly potential scorcher. The main supporting bout will see Quincy Gomes matching skills with Anson Greene in a 6 rounds welterweight affair while national amateur bantamweight champion, Imran Khan, will strip off his vest in his debut fight against David Thomas over 4 rounds in the lightweight category. The night’s opener will see Keeve Allicock battling with Stephon Gouveia in a featherweight fight over 4 rounds. Meanwhile, Azore’s last defence of his title occurred in November 2012 when he defeated Mark Austin on points. He has since returned to Trinidad and Tobago and reports are that he has already confirmed his availability for the fight. He will intensify training in the Twin Island Republic before returning to Guyana to round off preparations.
From right: M. Brathwaite, S. Bacchus, K.Pooranmall, Secretary M. Ali and Jiaram display their accolades. The winning Draughts Players that recently defeated Nickerie Suriname were honored by A&R Jiwanram Printery of Bel Air Georgetown. This event was held at the Association’s Head Office, 185 Waterloo Street on Saturday August 15th 2015. Paul Jiwanram made available Medals and certificates for the players. President of the Guyana Draughts Association Mr. Jiaram and Paul D’Anjou Coordinator for the GDA coordinated the programme. The President once again congratulated the players for their valiant effort in defeating such strong opponents 8-0. He said that preparations are now taking place to tour Trinidad. Trinidad had invited the Guyana Draughts Team for a Goodwill game earlier this year but due to inadequate funds the tour was not possible. Those awarded
Paul D’Anjou Representative of A&R hands over a certificate to Jiaram. were:- Mark Brathwaite, Khemraj Pooranmall, Steve B acchus and Jiaram. Also present was Secretary of the Association Ms. Marlyn Ali, Members Glenrick Jordan and Patrick DeFreitas, Coordinator and
Representative of A&R Printery Mr. Paul D’Anjou. In the closing remarks Mr. Jiaram on behalf of the Association thanked the sponsor for their worthwhile contributions in recognizing the players.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Better facilities needed for horserace experience DEAR EDITOR, Myself and family responded to the much advertised horserace held at the Port Mourant on Sunday, August 16, 2015. We traveled from West Coast, Demerara all the way to Port Mourant Berbice with high expectation of this event. When we got to the venue, it was observed that there was a huge crowd, estimated about 12,000. The small seating stand was filled and compact with about 1000 patrons. The balance of the crowed were seen climbing on the roof of their vehicles and running up and down to get a glimpse of the horses on the track. I went to a nearby fence to get a glimpse only to realize my hands were holding on to tar on the fence. We had to contend with the blazing sun. I went to a nearby stall to purchase
water. The Price for a bottle water we buy for $100 in Georgetown was sold for $250. The organizers, sponsors and promoters of these events must be aware of acceptable criteria for these public events. In fact selling approximately 12,000 tickets with only 1000 seating capacity technically can be viewed as fraud. There must be some form of legally acceptable standard for these public events. We must be mindful of the impression we give especially to tourists if we are going to develop our tourism sector. While I was robbed of enjoying an event that is supposed to be exciting, I urge those responsible to relook and ensure the Horserace facility is further develop to deliver a better experience to patrons. C Woolford.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Guyana Cup horserace Meet a success as CP Got Even reclaims crown Patron reported killed, some CP Got Even of The Elcock Poonai Stable with Paul Delph destroyed the field to repeat as Guyana Cup Champion 2015 when it won the feature A3 and lower race on Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club. The event was organized by Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise in collaboration with the Turf Club. CP Got Even, which is imported from the USA and trained by Elcock with overseas based Guyanese Michael Semple on the perch, used the opportunity to etch its name into the record books as the second horse to win back to back races in the feature event of the Guyana Cup following Ellie’s Vision of the Jagdeo stable. The record crowd which included Director Of Sports Christopher Jones was excited and patrons took up every vantage point including the fences and rails and areas set aside for officials to watch the 1800M race. Top horse Score’s Even was withdrawn at the last minute due to an old injury, but the event still had an explosive field to contend which included Diplomatic Cat, Jack In My Style, Spit Fire and Princess She Not. Away they went on a level break with the speedy Princess She Not of the Shariff stable with Trinidadian Nicholas Patrick on board setting a blistering gallop. The animal was really working up a pace as it led by as much as six lengths and maintained
the lead for most of the race going into the homestretch. As the animals turned for home it still lead by about four lengths and an upset seems likely. Working up a tremendous speed down the back stretch led by CP Got Even, Jack In My Style and Spit Fire, CP Got Even closed fast and Jack in My Style was running third by then, but tragedy struck when approaching the grandstand fence it collided with several patrons on the track reportedly killing one and severely injuring several others. It was CP Got Even known for its strong finish that came through with a burst of speed to go past the leader and take home the coveted $3M bounty and the Banks DIH Trophy all compliments of the beverage giants. Princess she is not held on for second with the surprise duo of Bridal Stone Corner and Lady Budapest finishing close in third and fourth. Connection of the Elcock stable stated that he knew his horse would have won. He was happy that the animal was kept out of the lime light. He had to change tactics a bit, due to the absence of Curfew Tower and let CP Got Even hold back a bit before letting go and finishing them off. It’s My Choice of the Jumbo Jet stable with Trinidadian Budram Singh in the saddles made all the right choices as it took the $2M money and trophy that was up for grabs in the three Year West Indies bred 1500M event from
injured venturing on the track
Connnection of the Jumbo Jet stable receiving their silverware for Rosetta’s win in the F three and lower race.
stablemate Keep on Swinging, with Strom Bird and Settling Star in the other positions. Wichie Poo with Colin Ross of The Sheriff stable won the two year old West Indies 1000M event. In its first race in Guyana the animal made light work of the field. The win was worth $1.2M and trophy. Firing Line, The Girl is Mine and Jumbo’s Gift failed to fire. Swing Easy of the Shariff stable and ridden by Ross was too hot to handle in the E1and lower 1000M race, leading from start to finish to collect
ECCB disturbed that ECDCA is misleading public The East Coast Cricket Board yesterday issued a disclaimer regarding an article which was published in yesterday’s papers. The release read: The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) refers to an article published in the national newspapers on Monday August 17, 2015 captioned “East Coast Demerara Cricket Association competition to restart Sunday”. This article also indicated that this Cricket Competition, which had been delayed because of bad weather, will resume on Sunday 23rd August, 2015. The name “East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA)” is directly and related only to the ECCB and has been used in the past at the Demerara Cricket Board level as a matter of convenience. The East Coast Cricket Board has been in existence for over thirty (30) years and remains the only legitimate Body for the administration of cricket from Ogle to Abary on the East Coast and is so recognized in the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014. It was brought to our attention that there
was some committee calling itself “East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC)” which attempted to usurp the functions of the legitimate ECCB in clear violation of the Cricket Administration Law of Guyana and we brought this to the attention of our membership and our Attorneys – at - Law. Suddenly, the ECCC is now presenting itself as the ECDCA. This appears to be an unconcealed attempt to mislead the public, the sponsors and the membership of the ECCB. We therefore wish to advise that Mr. Anil Persaud, Mr. Jitlal Jowahirlall and Mr. Quancy Cummings are not related to the East Coast Cricket Board otherwise known as the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association in anyway. Those representing the purported ECCC and posing as a representative ECDCA or the ECCB are unauthorized to transact any business for and on behalf of that ECDCA or the ECCB and the public and our sponsors are hereby requested to take note. We shall continue to be guided by our Attorneys-at-Law.
$1M and trophy. Stable mate Plum Plum held on for second ahead of Right to Rule and Appealing Harvest. Panamanian jockey Nobel Abrigo piloted Just call Me Boss of the Jagdeo stable to an easy win in the 1500M event for four year old West Indies bred animals and the $900,000 top money and trophy with Unsettled and Release the Beast settling for the other positions. Rosetta of the Jumbo Jet stable ridden by Rad Ramnauth flourished at the right time with a burst of speed on the inside to take top honours in the F3 and lower 1200M race. It won the $800,000 and trophy from Appealing Harvest, Precise Gold and Campodor. Jockey Colin Ross was on the mount as Campodor of the Shariff stable won the G3
and lower 1200M event with a nice run down the homestretch. In the process taking home the $600,000 winner’s money with Bird Man, She So Special and Cassie being the others that placed. There was nothing shady in the two year old Guyana Bred and J class 1000M event with Slim Shady of the Mootoosammy stable ridden by Ajai Sansaran winning the $400,000 in a close finish from Red Jet, She Is a Messiah and Party Time. She is a Messiah of the Ghansham Singh stable eventually fell after the race and broke its leg and had to be put down. Liquid Lion of the Baker stable and ridden by Ramnauth showed that ran away with the unclassified K and L and lower 1200M non winner’s event and the
$150,000 and trophy ahead of Plane Land, Call She Royal and Blue Lightning. The Shariff stable claimed champion stable accolade with three wins and a number of other placings. Local jockey Colin Ross of the Shariff stable was the top jockey on show, with trainer Glendon “Grumps” Sooklall of the same entity being adjudged the champion trainer. Due to the fading light the Event for I class horses was not held. The police had their work cut out in keeping the massive crowd under control. However the ranks led by Assistant Superintendent Terrence Brown and Sergeant Welch did a splendid job. The event was coordinated by Nasrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohamed Junior. (Samuel Whyte)
Forrester all-round heroics propels OCA to comprehensive win An outstanding all-round performance by Georgetown Cricket Club all-rounder Winston Forrester guided Ontario Cricket Academy (OCA) to a comprehensive 278-run victory over Totally Cricket Club when the Toronto District Cricket Association premier division 50-over tournament continued recently. Forrester stroked 139 as OCA posted a challenging 378
all out in 48.4 overs, batting first. He shared in 256-run third wicket stand with Nikhil Dutta who slammed 105. Iftikhar Khan grabbed 540 from eight overs for Totally CC who were sent packing for 100 in 32.4 overs in reply. Abdul Jabhar scored 43 and Malik Sondhi 25. Forrster snared 3-1 in 3.5 overs, while Nico Adams and Mamik Luthra had two wickets each.
Winston Forrester
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Police edge Soldiers to re-arrest FIFA to investigate Boyce/Jefford Classic title alleged Platini smear Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) edged the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by 15 points on Sunday at the Boyce &Jefford Track and Field Classic VI to re-arrest the title they won last year at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden. Police amassed 354 points for the win while GDF ended on 339 points for second place. Police won $600,000 while GDF cashed in on $400,000 in a closely fought battle among the two armed forces. A combined Linden team finished a distant third on 110 points while the Mercury Fast Laners finished fourth on 71 points. Rounding out the top five was Super Upcoming Runners with 58 points. As a result of their placing, Linden will take home $250,000 while Mercury Fast Laners pockets $150,000. It was an action-packed day despite a soggy outfield owed much to rainfall on Saturday and intermittent showers on Sunday. Kevin Bayley ran an excellent 800m to win in
2:05.8s, defeating Trinidad’s Ashton Gill who clocked 2:07.9s. Wayne Harlequin made his return to the track finishing third with a time of 2:08.5 in the International event. Olympian, Winston George followed up his 200m win from earlier in the day with a thrilling victory in the Men’s 100m in 10.4s that equaled the Games record he shares with Rupert Perry, who was good enough for second in 10.7s. Compton Caesar was third with 10.8s. The Jamaicans, who started both Heats failed to finish the events. Natreena Hooper topped Guyanese 400 International athlete, US-based, Jeanae McCamon in the Women’s 200m, clocking 25.5s for the win. McCamon clocked 26.0s for second while Deja Smartt finished third in 26.4s. Smartt later returned to win the Women’s 100m in 12.3s while Aniqua Powley was second in 12.6s. Kezia Bess was third in 12.8s. CARIFTA Games bronze medalist, Andrea Foster was dominant, topping Trinidad’s
Dawnel Collymore to win the Women’s 1500m in 5:17.7s. Collymore was second in 5:20.6s while Alika Morgan was third in 5:57.8s. Guyana’s most dominant distance athlete, Cleveland Forde after winning his 5000m returned to win the Men’s 1500m in 4:35.2s. Grivon Grant was second in 4:42.9s while Bayley was third in 4:66.2s. National Javelin record holder, Leslain Baird won the Javelin event with a throw of 52.08 meters while Julio Sinclair won the Men’s Discuss and Shot Put with throws of 41.77m and 13.47m respectively. GDF dominated the relay events winning five out of the eight relay races including the 4x100 men and women, 4x400 women, 800 metres medley women and the 3000m Men distance medley. Meanwhile, George finished tied on 20 points with Forde and Sinclair for the Male Champion Athlete award while Foster won the female award with 30 points after winning the women’s 800m, 1500m and 3000m races.
ZURICH (Reuters) FIFA confirmed on Monday that they will investigate the alleged distribution from their headquarters of an anonymous heavily critical ‘dossier’ on UEFA president Michel Platini following a complaint from European soccer’s governing body. German newspaper Welt am Sonntag said on Sunday that the document, entitled “Platini - skeleton in the closet”, was distributed out of FIFA’s headquarters. The newspaper said it paints an unflattering picture of the former France international and questions his suitability for the role of FIFA president. The existence of the dossier on Platini, who is hoping to replace outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter in February’s election, has also been reported in the Swiss media. “FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke has received a letter from UEFA regarding the said subject,” said FIFA in a statement emailed to Reuters. “In his answer to UEFA, the FIFA Secretary General has confirmed that FIFA is
UEFA President Michel Platini looks on before the preliminary draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia July 25, 2015. (Reuters/Maxim Shemetov) investigating the matter.” In addition to Valcke, UEFA said they had also sent their complaint to Cornel Borbely, a Swiss attorney who is FIFA’s independent chief ethics investigator, and Domenico Scala, independent chairman of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee and chairman of the ad-hoc election committee.
FIFA will hold an election on Feb. 26 to choose a replacement for Blatter, who said in June he was standing down from his role in the wake of the corruption scandals that have hit the global soccer body. Platini is the current front runner in the election but his relationship with Blatter has deteriorated badly.
London 2012 1500m winner Asli Cakir Alptekin stripped of gold ECCB’ Elizabeth Styles 40-over cricket resumes on Sunday
Asli Cakir Alptekin has been stripped of her gold medal for doping. (AP)
BBC Sport - London 2012 Olympic 1500m champion Asli Cakir Alptekin has been stripped of her gold medal for doping. The Turkish athlete has also been banned for eight years, the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed. An appeal by world governing body the IAAF was upheld after the 29-year-old was cleared in Turkey. Straight after the race, Britain’s Lisa Dobriskey, who finished ninth, told BBC Radio 5 live: “I don’t believe I’m competing on a
level playing field.” Alptekin served a twoyear ban after a positive test as a junior in 2004. Her competitive results obtained since July 2010 have been disqualified after abnormal values were found in blood samples. The case comes amid a series of allegations of doping in athletics made by the Sunday Times and a German broadcaster. Last week the IAAF said it was suspending 28 athletes as a result of suspicious findings in doping tests.
The East Coast Cricket Board will resume its Elizabeth Styles Competition on Sunday 23rd August, 2015. This forty (40) overs competition commenced recently with several rounds already completed. The winning Club of the tournament will take home three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) while there will be prizes and trophies for the second placed and the player of the final. Clubs listed below are asked to take note. For further information kindly call Mr. Raymond Barton on 626-0223 or Mr. Davteerth Anandjit 617-8502. LOWER EAST COAST Sunday 23rd August, 2015 Buxton VS Mon Repos (B) at Buxton CCG Lusignan (A) VS Golden Grove at Lusignan CCG Better Hope (A) VS Ogle (Red) at Better Hope CCG Ogle (Blue) VS Lusignan (Dev) at Ogle CCG Enterprise Busta Sports Club asked to be excused because of the tour of COSMOS Cricket Club of Trinidad. Mon Repos (A) draws the Bye UPPER EAST COAST Helena 1-2 (B) VS Avish Auto Sales At Helena 1-2 CCG Bravados VS Dundee at Strathaven CCG Novar VS Perseverance at Novar CCG Sunday 30th August, 2015 LOWER EAST COAST Buxton VS Mon Repos (A) at Buxton CCG Lusignan (B) VS Ogle (Blue) at Lusignan CCG Better Hope (B) VS Golden Grove at Better Hope Ogle (Red) VS Lusignan (Dev) at Ogle CCG
Enterprise Busta Sports Club asked to be excused because of the tour of COSMOS Cricket Club of Trinidad. Mon Repos (B) draws the Bye UPPER EAST COAST Helena 1-2 VS Avish Auto Sales at Helena 12 CCG Strathavon VS Dundee at Strathavon CCG Novar VS Bravados at Novar CCG Sunday 6th September, 2015 LOWER EAST COAST Enterprise (A) VS Ogle (Red) at Enterprise CCG Buxton VS Better Hope (B) at Buxton CCG Lusignan (Dev) VS Golden Grove at Lusignan CCG Better Hope (A) VS Mon Repos (A) at Better Hope CCG Ogle (Blue) VS Enterprise (B) at Ogle CCG UPPER EAST COAST Helena 1-2 (B) VS Perseverance at Helena 12 CCG StrathavonVs Helena (A) at Strathavon CCG Novar VS Avish Auto Sales at Novar CCG
WICUA Preliminary exams set for Sunday The West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) 2015 preliminary examination will be held on Sunday at Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) at 10:00 hrs. Candidates are asked to make a special effort to be on time to facilitate the prompt start of the exam.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Exciting, refreshing win Number Five prove too for Hilbert Shields at Golf much for Number Thirty Tournament last Saturday
The Number Five team
The winners in the days play, from left; Mr Clifford Reis, Dr Philbert London, Mr Hilbert Shields and Bholawram Deo. Veteran golfer and a past President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Hilbert Shields, won a sweet victory over the rest of the field on Saturday last, when his experience, skill and composure projected him to offer the Best Gross and Best Net wins in the Club Tournament. Teeing-off at 12:45, due to some scattered sprinkles, some of the 27 registered golfers were unable to make it, but the tournament proceeded with high spirit among the competitors. Hilbert Shields, in his usual cheerful way, commented, “I won because of the good hearty company in which I played, (comprising Messrs Clifford Reis, Ramesh
Dokhoo and Archbishop Dr Philbert London) and the incentives and inspiration I received from Mr Reis.” Captain Chatterpaul Deo was delighted at the turnout and camaraderie amongst the players, and looks forward to keen and competitive play at the next tournament scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd. The respective winners in the days play; Mr C. Reis – Nearest To The Pin (14"!); Dr P. London – 3rd Best Net 74, off a handicap of 26; Mr H. Shields -Best Gross of 84 and 1st, Best Net68 off a handicap of 18; and Bholawram Deo - 2nd Best Net of 72 off a handicap of 19.
Odyssey Transport Services supports Akiwini Village CC As part of its corporate responsibility, the Odyssey Transport Services which is located at 171 A Light Street, Georgetown has made a timely donation to the Akiwini village cricket team of Pomeroon. At a simple ceremony held on Saturday at its boat port, Lookout, East Bank Essequibo, the entity donated two bats, three pairs of batting gloves, two pairs of batting pads, one pair wicket-keeping pad, one pair wicket-keeping gloves and bat rubbers to the club. Upon receiving the equipment, Roy Anthony Ferreira of Akiwini village expressed gratitude to the company and said it will help to boost the sport in the area. Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Transport Services Feroze Barakat explained that he is very happy to contribute towards
Roy Anthony Ferreira (center) displays the equipment in the presence of Bhagwan Mahadeo (right) and Omesh Mangra of Odyssey Transport Services. the growth of the game there and hope his input will motivate the youths.
The village is set to host a one week tournament for teams in Pomeroon shortly.
The Number Five Under-17 football team, over the weekend, proved to be just too much for their counterparts representing Number Thirty Village. It was a friendly match organized by the West Berbice Police District, as part of their partnership with the community initiative, with a sizeable crowd in attendance. The game was dominated by Number Five from the very beginning, and at half time the score was five to zero, with Dawit Watts netting a hatt-trick. Philip Jordan also joined the goal fest during the second half of the encounter, and at
the end, the score was ten goals to zero. Most of the players from the Number Thirty team were happy for the exposure, and claimed that it was a good learning experience for them even though they were blown away by their opponent. The Number Five unit, coached by former national player Gordon Braithwaite, is ranked among the elite of the country, and he felt that under the circumstances the team from Number Thirty gave a good account of themselves. They were up against a wellorganized team, which has been competing at the national level.
Page 34
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
After prison, Pistorius West Indian shooters competing; set for ‘mansion arrest’ Mahendra Persaud 37th after day 1 133rd Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championships
By Franklin Wilson in the USA compliments of NAMILCO, Ringbang, Fazias Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Queensway
Following encouraging performances at the just concluded World Long Range, Palma (Team) as well as the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) Individual and A m e r i c a ( Te a m ) C u p matches at the Viale Range, Camp Perry, Ohio, USA over the past two weeks, a number of West Indian shooters are now competing in Canada. The Guyanese duo of Mahendra Persaud and Lennox Braithwaite, Trinidadian Norris Gomez, Bermudian David Dumant, Antiguans Christopher Joseph and Thomas Greenaway and Jamaican Denis Lee who did not compete in the USA along with Guyanese/Canadian
Paul Archer are all now taking aim at the 133rd Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championships being held under the auspices of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA). On a warm opening dayon Sunday last at the Connaught Range, Ottawa, Ontario, the temperatures was well into the 30s. Following competition at the MACDOUGAL at the 500 and 300 meters ranges where shooters enjoyed 10 round firing along with two sighting shots, Mahandra Persaud who was the highest ranked West Indian in the Wo r l d L o n g R a n g e Championships finishing at 121st of 407 shooters was placed at 37th pf 147 competitors.
Name MahendraPersaud Norris Gomez Christopher Joseph Thomas Greenaway Paul Archer Lennox Braithwaite Denis Lee David Dumont
500 Day 1 Agg. Placing 49-1 97-4 37 46-5 96-13 39 47-2 95-6 60 45-2 95-6 61 46-3 93-5 81 47-4 92-9 84 47-0 89-2 118 38-1 67-1 147
300 48-3 50-8 48-4 50-4 47-2 45-5 42-2 29-0
South African Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius is led to a prison van after his sentencing in Pretoria October 21, 2014. (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)
Christopher Joseph Gomez and Greenaway each shot a possible at 300m, 50-8 and 50-4, respectively. The top three are Mark Trew of the USA, Ben Angus Dombrowski and Robert Pitcairn of Canada who each got possibles at both ranges for scores of 100-10, 100-10 and 100-7, respectively. Following are the scores at the two ranges and the day-1 aggregate for the shooters.
PRETORIA (Reuters) In one of the wealthiest suburbs of South Africa’s capital Pretoria stands a three-storey mansion where Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius will be taken on his release from prison this week. Pistorius, 29, is expected to wear an electronic tracking tag when he is released on Friday after serving 10 months of a fiveyear sentence for killing his model and law graduate girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013. The release of Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated when he was a baby, is in line with South African sentencing
guidelines that say nondangerous prisoners should spend only one-sixth of a custodial sentence behind bars. Pistorius is due to serve the rest of his term in “custodial supervision”, a form of house arrest. He will be mostly confined to the home of his uncle, Arnold, a high-walled manor in the leafy suburb of Waterkloof that features more than a dozen bedrooms, a private gym, outdoor swimming pool and landscaped gardens. The athlete, nicknamed ‘Blade Runner’ because of the carbon-fiber prosthetics he used during his stellar career on the track, will likely
be allowed to leave the house to work, carry out community service or to attend important family events. In a country with one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime and where many still live in poverty, there is limited sympathy for Pistorius. “It’s more like mansion arrest,” said Christopher, 31, a security guard who works on Arnold’s road but lives in a basic two room flat in a rundown suburb of Johannesburg. Steenkamp’s parents did not respond to requests for comment. They said at the time of Pistorius’ sentencing that spending 10 months in prison “for taking a life is simply not enough” and it would send out the wrong message to society. Experts who deal with former prisoners say the public is often unaware of how tough life can be. APPEAL FOR MURDER “Many people don’t understand the very serious impact prison can have on your life and the challenges afterwards, no matter where you live,” said Jacques Sibomana, spokesman for NICRO, an organization helping to re-integrate offenders. “The social stigma Oscar will face could be very psychologically traumatic. The punishment lives with you.” Pistorius’ time in Waterkloof could be shortlived if state prosecutors succeed in overturning the verdict. Details of their case were due to be submitted to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein on Monday. Pistorius has admitted killing Steenkamp, 29, by (Continued on page 29)
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 35
NaMilCo on board GT Beer/Petra Organisation Futsal Tournament
N
ational Milling C o m p a n y (MaMilCo) became the latest member of the corporate community to add its name to the list of sponsors of the inaugural GT Beer / Petra Organisation Futsal Competition which kicks off today with four m a t c h e s , a t t h e C l i ff Anderson Sports Hall. Ye s t e r d a y , a t t h e Company’s Head Office, Company representative Autamaram Lakeram handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca in the presence of NaMilCo’s Financial Controller Fitzroy McCleod. McCleod, who very early declared his passion for the sport, spoke of the role sports play in developing the mental, social and physical skills of people, adding that its importance is well researched and documented. He said he hoped that the venture will be a success and urged fans to come out and support the tournament to the end. Mendonca in his remarks thanked the Company for once again assisting in the development of sports, informing that it has been a feature of the Company’s social responsibility policy. He cited the hosting of the Annual NaMilCo Football Tournament which is organised by Fruta Conquerors FC as ample
testimony to the entity’s seriousness in helping to develop sports locally. He further said that kudos must be given to the company for their continued support of social events nationally, while nothing, “It’s only fair that I ask fans and players to continue support the company. Once again, the Petra Organization thanks you for supporting the event.” Meanwhile, East Bank Demerara-based Agricola will headline action tonight when they face Kitty Weavers in the second game. The team’s go-getter Kacy John is once again expected to lead their search for victory, but so too are penalty specilaist Glen Eastman and Gordon Grant. Kitty Weavers on the other hand is a very strong team and should provide a stern test for Agricola. It is expected that the line-up will include players the calibre of Sherwin Vincent, Wendell St. Hill, Quincy Madramootoo and Terrence ‘Ole Head’Lewis. In the first encounter, Albouystown square off against Globe Yard and this should provide an exciting start to the tournament with Marlon Nedd and Roy Cassou anticipated to lead the charge for a win for Albouystow, while the experienced Sherwin Grimes is the main threat for Globe Yard. The third game will see North Ruimveldt take on
West Back Road and even though some may be tempted to believe it is a safe bet to place a wager of the former, the latter should not be taken lightly. The experienced Gerald Gritten whose performance is usually responsible for the team’s success will have support from Joshua Brown. West Back Road did have had some upset victories in the past against strong teams and it is this record that gives them an outside chance of springing another upset. Jamal Haynes and Philip Rowley are the main threat for West Back Road. The curtains come down with the clash between Sparta Boss and Alexander Village. The defending national champs had their reputation dented by Agricola, but with such a star-studded lineup that includes Travis Grant, Gregory Richardson and Sheldon Shepherd it is difficult to right them off. Shem Porter, Jermin Junor, Chavez Hescott and Leon Yaw are perhaps the most experienced unit in the competition, having excelled in this format for a number of years and could be classified as a dangerous side. Winner of the tournament receives $500,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth place finishers takes home $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively. Kick off time is 19:00 hrs and price of admission is $500.
Blatter hits back at Chung over ‘corrupt’ comments ZURICH (Reuters) Outgoing president Sepp Blatter hit back at Chung Mong-joon, one of the candidates to replace him, for labeling FIFA a “corrupt organization” on Monday and said the South Korean’s remarks were “disturbing”. Swiss Blatter also pointed out in a statement issued by soccer’s governing body that Chung was an influential member of FIFA for 17 years until 2011. The 63-year-old billionaire scion of Korea’s Hyundai industrial conglomerate launched his bid for the presidency in Paris earlier on Monday with
a stinging attack on Blatter and Michel Platini, head of European soccer’s ruling body UEFA. Platini is another candidate to replace Blatter at the election on Feb. 26. “It is disturbing, to say the least, to hear Dr Chung Mong-joon describe FIFA as a ‘corrupt organization’ during a press conference announcing his candidacy,” said Blatter. “Even more so when one recalls, and as Dr Chung cannot have forgotten, that he was a FIFA vice-president and a FIFA emergency committee member for 17 years from 1994 until 2011.
“Regarding personal attacks made by Dr Chung at the same event, I will not comment further than to say that this is particularly disrespectful to all concerned. (Continued on page 29)
Autamaram Lakeram hands over the cheque for an undisclosed sum to Petra’s Troy Mendonca (left) in the presence of NaMilCo’s Fitzroy McCleod.
t r o Sp
Police edge Soldiers to re-arrest Boyce /Jefford Classic title
DIGICEL GUYANA INC. new Events and Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Abrams (2nd, right) hands over the Championship Trophy to a representative from PPYC, while Coordinators of the Event, Edison Jefford (left) and Colin Boyce (right) share the moment.
133rd Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championships
Guyana Cup horserace West Indian shooters competing; Meet a success as CP Mahendra Persaud 37th after day 1 Got Even reclaims crown Patron reported killed, some injured venturing on the track
Norris Gomez (right) and Mahendra Persaud in discussion at the Viale Range, Camp Perry, Ohio, USA.
It’s the Jumbo Jet all the way as It’s My Choice with Budram Singh leads stablemate Keep On Swinging with Badree in the 3yr old WI bred event.
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210