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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Enough is enough The primary focus of the people in the past week has been on the budget debate while armed robberies and murders continue to rise. Every day, someone is being robbed, beaten, stabbed or shot, and there seems to be no end in sight. The prevailing high level of crime has traumatized and emotionally scarred the nation. It has not only made people afraid to walk the streets, but it has put a lot of pressure on the police, who the criminals in most cases have and continue to stay one step ahead of. In the first seven months of the year, gun-related violence has been responsible for close to 100 deaths of which almost one-third were women. Such lawlessness will undoubtedly paint a negative picture on our society. We reiterate: there is desperate need for a comprehensive security plan. It is urgently needed to stem the crime wave which can be deemed out of control. Enough is enough. The tragic end to the lives of so many hard-working and law-abiding citizens should not be glossed over as just another set of statistics in the prevailing context of criminality and death in Guyana. Not only are these victims adding to the murder statistics, but it is another manifestation of an unruly society which has become a major challenge to law enforcement. The people are losing confidence in those in authority and need answers. What is being done to put an end to this lawlessness? How much longer will it continue? The recent spike in murders has some senior officials in the Police Force wringing their hands in anguish, a number of citizens deluding themselves into believing that it will end soon, while a few, with votes on their minds and power on their horizons, seeking to score cheap political points. If the demoralizing effect of people living in constant fear of armed bandits and murderers is bad enough by itself; the negative impact of violent crime on the economy at the individual, community and national levels is even worse. What are the causes of such wanton criminality? The blame has been placed at the doorsteps of the drug trade, high levels of unemployment and a sense of nihilism among youths, the education system, get-rich-quick mentality, a breakdown in family values, no respect for the rule of law, foreign influences, deported nationals, depressed communities, a disconnect between law enforcement and society, and a host of other causes. However, we have witnessed in recent times, persons who were on the wrong side of the law coming from solid family backgrounds with better-than-average educational achievement. Information from the social agencies, the media etc., have revealed that many individuals who came from deprived backgrounds or poor communities with minimal academic achievement were not necessarily tempted into criminal behaviour. With that said, there is the general belief that the structure of the educational system is to some extent designed to discourage young minds into anti-social behaviour because it is so heavily biased towards academia. This often leads to frustration, early disenchantment, dropouts and a search for a “friendlier” atmosphere in the criminal world and away from the derision of the school setting that can be harsh for those considered not too bright and are ridiculed. Reducing crime is no easy task. Crime of course will never be eradicated, and there will always be spikes of lawless behaviour, but the effort to address these at the root must never wane. The authorities haven’t failed in the past to wrestle criminality to the ground. This is another challenge. They must succeed in capturing and bringing the criminals to justice. We insist that enough is enough.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Mr. Phillips misrepresented what I wrote by reproducing selective quotes out of context DEAR EDITOR, I write in response to the letter captioned “The Village Movement was Guyana’s greatest entrepreneurial event” by Mr. Eric M. Phillips in the Kaieteur News of August 17, 2017 in which he, by reproducing selective quotes out of context, misrepresents a piece I wrote, “Granger addressed a matter of importance to all Guyanese” (Stabroek News, August 12, 2015) following President David Granger’s speech to a forum on the state of the African-Guyanese. My letter was prompted by three factors: 1. Freddie Kissoon’s column (“What about a Black entrepreneurial class?”, Kaieteur News of August 1) in which he stated “East Indians dominate the economy ninety five percent to one percent for African, with other races making up the other four percent”, without giving any analysis of how this came about or offering any solution how to change the situation. 2. The Stabroek News report on President Granger’s speech in which he pointed out “salaried employment is very seductive (when compared with the risks associated with the maintenance of a business)” and explaining that “You can spend out your whole salary because you know next month you will get another salary. If you are a farmer you need to save money for fertilizer, seed, equipment, if there is a
drought or a flood you need savings to tide you over but if you are a policeman and there’s a flood you still get paid. Some people do not like to take risks but …unless you change the economy, unless we create people who are entrepreneurs, manufacturers, we will always be victims of people who make decisions for us”. 3. The need to understand the linkage between the statistics quoted by Mr. Kissoon and the explanation given by President Granger of the security of salaried employment versus the risks associated with operating a business or being a farmer. This understanding of risks and rewards is very important if Guyana is to make progress in terms of national unity, ethnic security and economic progress. Furthermore, at a time when violent crimes are so rampant in the society, we need to be mindful of how criminality could be fostered by false perception. Mr. Kissoon himself informed us in “The failure of the Buxton conspiracy”, a series of article he published in 2002, that “It is frightening what the violent youths of Buxton were educated in. They were told the most untruthful things about the government, the business class and the East Indian community... the glaring fact, the incontrovertible fact, remains that a group of seasoned criminals with no scruples or remorse in raping innocent women, robbed and killed people
savagely because of their ethnicity”. Let us be absolutely clear about what I wrote. I did not question the entrepreneurship of African-Guyanese or their contribution to Guyana’s development, so Mr. Phillips’ history lesson is misdirected. What I did point out in my letter was how the entrepreneurial spirit of AfricanGuyanese was sacrificed in the immediate post-independence period with the ready availability of “seductive” (President Granger’s description) salaried employment. For the record, I reiterate what I wrote “With independence coming shortly thereafter and government jobs becoming readily available, many African villagers deserted the selfsufficiency of independent occupations - carpentry, cabinet making, blacksmith, gutter-smith, farming and the raising of livestock, opting instead for the apparent security of salaried occupations”. This too is history Mr. Phillips, a history, which it seems, President Granger does not want to repeat, but some are not willing to face. Instead of being critical of my letter, I believe Mr. Phillips could have better served his constituents by challenging President Granger to come up with a plan, with quantifiable targets to be achieved during his presidency, to address the imbalance Mr. Kissoon has mentioned. Harry Hergash
A symptom of a deep underlying premise in the Guyanese political and social milieu DEAR EDITOR, I was very interested to note Eric Philips’ reaction to my riposte to Freddie Kissoon in relation to the latter’s column, “What about a Black Guyanese Entrepreneurial Class?” I had objected to Mr Kissoon’s claim that while I identified an “African Security Dilemma”, I did not proffer proposals for addressing it. I pointed out: “In the last 25 years, Mr. Kissoon has studiously refused to acknowledge our various proposals for the African Security Dilemma and its corollaries: Federalism, Shared Governance, Alternating Presidencies between major races, Ethnic Impact Statement, and specifically to the issue of his column, Affirmative Action to assist African Economic participation. And imagine all of this was done in the pages of the Kaieteur News.” When Mr Eric Philips, one of our more responsible activists in this area, also made the same claim, while extending what has to be a backhanded compliment, it was not merely ironic but I
believe indicative a deeper process operating when it comes to discussions between interlocutors “across the divide”: “Ravi Dev responded to Freddie’s article and was surprisingly fair in his analysis. Over the years, Ravi has written much about the Indian and African Security Dilemmas. However, this was his first article in which he described actual systemic African marginalization and offered some solutions such as affirmative action. To be fair to Ravi, in 2014 he was very supportive in featuring African entrepreneurship.” In my response to Mr Kissoon, I had actually mentioned that it was an article written in 2008 on “African Economic Marginalisation”. In it I alluded to prior proposals from 2002. But actually, the article was one of a series in the KN that considered various aspects of African Guyanese marginalisation: Cultural Marginalisation, Marginalisation of Identity, Identity and Marginalisation, Marginalisation and Racism.
They were all republished in 2010 in the Kaieteur News. From the beginning of my involvement in Guyanese politics I concluded that the fates of the two major groups, and in fact all groups in Guyana, are inextricably linked. Coming from a purely business background when I decided to return to Guyana in 1988, I wrote my first “academic” paper: “On the Guyanese Dictatorship: Substance, Form and Course” and presented it at a Conference on the “150th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indians to Guyana” at Columbia University. I concluded: “The Burnham era, 1964-1985,
has graphically and tragically exposed the dangers of permitting any man or group unchecked power. Yet Guyana is caught in its historic dilemma. The call for “free and fair” elections would in all probability lead to the permanent control of the state by an Indian dominated political group. The Indians have now increased their majority to over fifty percent of the population and the African and Creole sections have to be concerned as to whether this would be a vengeful majority. There can be no lasting political solution in Guyana (Continued on page 23)
The Festival of Flowers provided quietude DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to thank the organisers of the Festival of Flowers which was held at the Brickdam Cathedral on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th August, 2015. Deep appreciation is extended to all of the organisers and the musicians who were involved in providing a quiet and contemplative space not far from where contentious exchanges are being held in the name of nation building. Vidyaratha Kissoon
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Cybersecurity DEAR EDITOR, I am most enthused by renewed alacrity and interest that is being placed on the issue of cybersecurity and more so, a recognition of the need for the relevant mechanisms to tackle growing cyber-threats in Guyana. Most of us go about our day to day lives utilizing the rapidly advancing technological infrastructure that has so engulfed us; we are rarely perceptive to the risks that face us in the process. While we become more connected, the more vulnerable we stand against this affront in a globalized world where businesses, governments and people heavily depend on the internet and storage media as critical tools for marketing, communication, governance, ecommerce activities and entertainment, just to name a few. I hesitate to be so audacious as to assume that the regular Guyanese man-inthe-street is blind to the issue of cyber-threats. In fact, millions of cyberthreats are perpetuated across the globe every second and more and more articles are alluding to the issues that are trending, e.g. the Nigerian email phishing scams. Some of these threats have escalated to being defined “cybercrimes” and are so constructed with the aim of being mischievous, destructive, nefarious and even terroristic in nature. I must however - in a very assumptive yet emphatic way, point out that, many Guyanese have been the targets of cybercrimes in the past - maybe unknowingly, and in the cases in which they are aware, the lack of robust cybercrime legislation and policies do not empower relevant authorities to inform, investigate and act on such occurrences. Occurrences, mind you, which pass in front of our very
eyes and for the most part, due to a general lack of knowledge, might have significant adverse effects on us. That being said, onus should be placed on the term “cyber-hygiene” (or best practices to be adhered whilst operating in cyberspace) when dealing with establishment of policies, programmes and enacting legislation. In this regard I wish to commend the establishment of the Guyana National Computer Incident Response Team (GN-CIRT) which falls under the Ministry of Public Security and is mandated “to provide technical assistance to public and private agencies, and individuals to prevent and respond effectively to information security incidents of national importance” (www.cirt.gy). Gratitude should also be given to organisations such as the Organisation of American States (OAS) through their Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), the United States Department of State and the ICT4Peace Foundation who provide invaluable assistance in supporting mechanisms to bolster and prepare Guyana for issues that, if left in the dark – will spell disaster for our country. With the same preoccupation that we have placed on legislative propositions such as the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, the Local Government Bill and the Customs Amendment Bill, it is with the same fervour that we must push ahead, a fortiori in regards to a “Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill” as well as continued high-level support and buy-in by government, private sector entities and other stakeholders for the successful formulation and implementation of a National Cybersecurity Strategy. Aneal Giddings
Trump’s anti-Immigrant policy not good for Guyanese
DEAR EDITOR, Republican leading presidential candidate Donald Trump is leading his colleagues seeking the nomination for the 2016 Presidential election. Trump’s anti-immigration stance, a reversal of a few months ago, is not good for Guyanese Americans and/or other immigrants in the US. Trump wants to deport all illegal immigrants in the US (over 11 million) and to restrict citizenship to legal immigrants as well as to babies born in the US to illegal immigrants. It is noted that all of Trump’s past wives and current wife are immigrants; yet he takes an anti-immigrant posture — a display of hypocrisy, and only months ago, he was pro-immigrant employing many and praising the contributions of immigrants to America’s development. He had favoured a liberal immigration policy to bring in skilled immigrants. An anti-immigrant theme is resonating well with Republican primary election voters and Trump has been advised to run with it. Coincidentally, Frank Lutz, pollster and political analyst for the AFC for the 2006 elections, is Trump’s main advisor and pollster – the man behind the anti-immigrant theme that is playing so well with voters. The Republicans ran on an anti-immigrant theme last year and won a landslide victory. Trump is hoping to replicate that achievement. There are sixteen candidates seeking the Republican nomination, with Trump playing on the anti-immigrant theme. Trump attacked Mexicans and Mexican immigrants that played well with voters. He began to expand his antiimmigrant theme attacking other immigrants (other nationalities) as well. However, he favours
immigration of technical skilled people like engineers, doctors, and computer specialists, though not to grant them citizenship. Trump is now advocating a denial of citizenship to the babies of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally as part of an immigration plan that emphasises border security and deportation of illegals. He described Mexican immigrants as “rapists” and “criminals.” But the statement has drawn the ire of immigrants and mainstream Americans and led to cancellation of tens of millions of dollars in contracts
for Trump on TV and other businesses like the Miss Universe Pageants which he controls. Other Republican candidates condemned Trump for the statement and they all have lost support in opinion polls. Hispanic (Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, etc.) and other immigrants voted overwhelmingly Democratic in recent Presidential elections. Trump, in an interview on national TV, said as President he would push to end the constitutionally protected citizenship rights of children of any family living illegally
inside the U.S. It is appealing to Republicans and other nativists. Native-born children of immigrants, even those living illegally in the U.S., have been automatically considered American citizens since the adoption of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in 1868. The odds of repealing the amendment’s citizenship clause would be almost impossible. The other Republican candidates do not support such a drastic antiimmigrant step. An amendment requires the (Continued on page 23)
What are councillors’ functions? DEAR EDITOR, I’m a Lindener and I’m very much interested in the state of our Region and town. To me, it seems their representatives are out of touch with their responsibilities. Before there were a Regional Democratic Council and Mayor and Town Council, Wismar, Christianburg and Mackenzie, and some extended living areas, were governed by a Local Authority body which consisted of well-respected people, the likes of Mr. Hugh Harris, Mr. Festus Adams, Mr. Jason Moseley and others. “McCity people”, as we were referred to then, lived as senior citizens (not old age) but had a high standard of livelihood and were the envy of many people within Guyana. With the introduction of the Regional Democratic Council and Mayor and Town Council, and the closure of the Alumina Plant and the change from hand to hand of the Bauxite Company, our living standard changed also. The title of this letter and its content is to emphasise that our councillors in both organizations need to attend
workshops and seminars in order to understand their functions and responsibilities instead of rushing into each other faces in public when a meeting is concluded. Most councillors are unaware they have a responsibility to hold meetings, inform, ask residents in their neighbourhood of the ills, and report with signed documents from citizens to the council meeting. I then suggest names, telephone numbers and addresses be posted on councillors’ houses for identification purposes, also they must wear personal identification cards with the area they represent. I know standards have fallen very much in our society, but let us make a change for the better. As children, we were taught males were to remove their head dresses or hats before entering a building. On Saturday morning 2015-08-15, while viewing N.C.N Ch. 8 Linden T.V, I saw a Pastor fully
fitted with a snap-brim hat while preaching to his membership in church. What a thing! Everything has changed, even going to places of worship is a fashion show and the loudness is compared to a discothèque. While they say, give a joyful noise unto the Lord, people must recognize noise is unwanted sound; therefore it should be ‘give a joyful sound unto the Lord’. Spoken and written statements change from time to time. Our ancestors had to repeat what was taught to them by their captors. The time has come for us to evaluate statements and make changes where necessary. A quote from a 1966 Independence speech by the late President Linden Forbes Burnham reads, “After 150 odd years of British rule and in some cases misrule, we are now Independent, but we harbour no bitterness.” Let’s move forward, forward ever, backward never. B. Winslow Parris
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Thursday August 20, 2015
Divestment of sugar industry not economically sound - Komal Chand By Kiana Wilburg Most speakers of the Opposition’s camp seem obsessed with getting the government to accept that the PPP/C did not squander its opportunities at good governance, but rather, left behind a legacy of tremendous development. But PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP), Komal Chand used his15-minute time slot during the Budget 2015 debate yesterday to appeal to the government to save the sugar industry, as opposed to following plans to divest the sector. As he pleaded with the government, Chand also provided proposals to saving the industry which he found through his own research. This combined with the fact that he stayed clear of hurling insults at his peers on the government benches, earned Chand an opportunity to speak with little to no interruption. In fact, he was the only member of the Opposition whose presentation was commended for its substance. Chand recalled that the Minister of Finance in his 2015 Budget address said inter alia, “The economic well being
of the sugar industry is critical to the protection of jobs and growth of the economy as well as the contribution it makes to GDP, exports and foreign exchange…Whatever path the industry takes, it is vital for the sake of the national economy that it remains viable and able to compete in an increasingly competitive and volatile global market.” The PPP MP said that Guyana’s sugar industry is deeply rooted in the society, and he stressed that it continues to be one of the main pillars of the country’s economy. Chand expressed joy that this fact was supported by the Finance Minister in his Budget speech. The politician noted, however, that when the comments of other government individuals are taken into consideration, it is not only in stark contrast to Jordan’s statements, but paints the future of the industry with the brush of uncertainty. He was at the time referring to comments made by the Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Dr. Clive Thomas, who had said that given the current
PPP MP Komal Chand state of the Skeldon Sugar estate, it should be sold or used for other purposes. Dr. Thomas is also one of the Commissioners on the Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo. Chand said that while he is not sure at this point whether the Commission will deliver realistic proposals that will make the industry once again buoyant, the comments of Dr. Thomas are far from reviving a feeling of confidence. The veteran trade unionist then provided the House with some aspects of
the sugar industry’s history which show how attempts to disrupt or divest the sector in any way have had harmful effects on the lives of hundreds of sugar workers. He stressed that regardless of the challenges facing the sector, sugar has proven that once it is supported, it can make meaningful contributions to the country’s economy. In this regard, Chand said that the budgetary allocation of $12B for the industry should be promptly released to the ailing corporation to assist to cover and defray its expenditures. He added, “I should point out that the unions in the industry as well as my colleagues on this side of the House do not agree with the divestment of the industry, fully or partially. It may even be not economically sound in today’s circumstances. Challenging as the situation is, I believe the industry can
be turned around.” On this note, Chand said that the industry has great potential which needs to be pursued diligently. The PPP MP said, “Cogeneration is one such potential. In India, Brazil and several other countries, electricity generation is the main earner for many sugar factories. Such investments make sense as they provide electricity at a reasonable cost while being a renewable source of energy—a real contribution not only to the green economy, but also to a green Guyana—very much in keeping with the theme of this year’s budget.” Chand said that with the seemingly unwise abortion of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project, the sugar industry’s wasteful bagasse can play a major role in supplementing the nation’s energy production. Importantly, he emphasized that the $200M Skeldon facility is testimony
of the value of co-generation and welcomed efforts for this factory to be returned as a corporation asset. The Parliamentarian added, “I believe that the industry, too, should also increase its output of direct consumption sugar for sale in the local, regional and Diaspora markets. The Corporation has the possibility to have no less than 45,000 tonnes of value added sugar available at this time for sale from its Blairmont and Enmore packaging plants annually. The price for this type of sugar in those markets is by far greater than the price for our raw sugar sold in the EU market.” Chand concluded that there really are ways and means of saving the industry, and he pleaded once more for the government to not be shortsighted and go for unsound solutions and/or support downsizing the sugar industry.
Man faces trial for 2009 killing of reputed wife More than six years after he was charged for causing the death of his reputed wife, Gavin Towler is facing trial for manslaughter at the Georgetown High Court. Towler is accused of unlawfully killing his wife, Samantha Marques, between October 13 and 19, 2009. The accused is currently on bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charge before Justice Joann Barlow yesterday. According to the facts of the matter, which were presented by Prosecutors Narissa Leander and Michael Shahoud, the accused had used a pillow to suffocate his wife after they were involved in an argument. Prosecutors are expected to call eight witnesses to the stand to testify during the
trial. Yesterday they called the victim’s mother, Roseann Singh to the stand. The woman essentially recounted that she had witnessed the Post Mortem examination conducted on her daughter’s remains at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC). She recalled that the autopsy was performed by Dr. Nehaul Singh, in the presence of a police rank. Singh’s testimony was followed by evidence led by the victim’s two daughter, Michelle and Sarah Vieira. They told the court that on October 13, 2009, their stepfather and mother were having an argument, during which he held their mother’s head under a pillow. At the time, the witnesses said, the
accused also distributed blows about their mother’s head and body. According to reports, the incident took place at the couple’s Middle Road, Georgetown residence. Subsequent to the beating Marques had continuously complained about feeling unwell. She was taken to GPHC, where she was admitted and later died. The post mortem report revealed that Marques died as a result of blunt trauma, subdural haematoma (bleeding into the space between the dura {brain cover} and the brain itself), and a fractured hip. Dr. Nehaul Singh is expected to testify about his finding when the matter resumes today.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
Thai police hunt ‘foreign’ man, two others for Bangkok blast
Relatives of Waraporn Changtam, a Thai victim of Monday’s bomb blast, prays during a Buddhist funeral at a temple in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Reuters/Chaiwat Subprasom Reuters - Thai police said yesterday that a suspect captured by CCTV cameras minutes before a bomb exploded at Bangkok’s Erawan shrine was a foreigner, and his appearance suggested he might be from Europe or the Middle East. Police spokesman Prawut Thawornsiri also said investigators were now convinced two other men seen on the grainy video footage were accomplices. At least 20 people were killed in Monday’s blast in the heart of the Thai capital. The government says the unprecedented attack on the city was designed to wreck the country’s economy, which
depends heavily on tourism. No one has claimed responsibility for the evening rush-hour bombing, in which 11 foreigners from several Asian countries died and more than 120 were wounded. Prawut said in a televised interview that an arrest warrant had been issued for a “foreign man”, a sketch of whom showed a fair-skinned youth with thick, mediumlength black hair, a wispy beard and black glasses. “He had white skin and must have been a European or have mixed blood, perhaps with Middle Eastern blood,” Prawut said, without giving a reason for his assumptions other than the colour of the
man’s skin. The sketch was based on footage that showed a man dressed in a yellow T-shirt dumping a backpack inside the shrine compound and walking away through a crowd of tourists about 20 minutes before the explosion. Prawut earlier tweeted that police were offering a 1 million baht ($28,100) reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. He said two other men, one dressed in red and another in white, were seen milling around the first suspect, apparently shielding him from the view of the crowd as he placed the rucksack in front of a railing.
Australia says French-led inspection of wing piece from MH370 complete Reuters - An initial inspection of a wing piece from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is complete, Australian authorities said yesterday, raising expectations that new details about the jetliner that vanished in March 2014 could be released shortly. “The French-led investigation team examining the flaperon has concluded the first phase of inspection work,” the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau said in web posting. “French authorities will, in consultation with Malaysia, report on progress in due course,” the posting added. The flaperon is a wing piece that Malaysian officials have said came from the missing aircraft. The Boeing (BA.N) 777 disappeared after changing course while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board. It is believed to have crashed in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia in one of aviation’s greatest mysteries. A French prosecutor two weeks ago stopped short of confirming the flaperon is from the missing aircraft, but said there’s a “very high presumption” that it is. France’s
justice department is investigating the flaperon because the piece was found on La Reunion Island, a French overseas department. It wasn’t clear when or how French or Malaysian officials would release details about findings from the initial inspection of the piece. But crash investigation experts cautioned that conclusions from the inspection would be limited. “It’s just a very, very small confirmation that the aircraft was lost in the Indian Ocean,” Jean-Paul Troadec, former president of France’s BEA crash investigation agency, said in an interview. He said the flaperon, while not intact, does suggest that there was not a violent impact with the water, because impact of other aircraft at high speed led to very small pieces of debris. “If that were the case with MH370, you could expect pieces being much smaller than the flaperon,” he said. The ATSB posting also said officials from Australia, Malaysia and China have proposed a meeting in early September in Canberra to share information and discuss search plans “taking advantage of expected better weather with the onset of summer.”
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Thursday August 20, 2015
Clinton’s favorability ratings lowest since 2001: CNN poll Reuters - Hillary Clinton’s lead in the race for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination has narrowed and her overall favorability ratings have fallen to their lowest levels since 2001, CNN reported yesterday. It said 47 percent of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters surveyed in a poll this month said they supported C l i n t o n f o r t h e p a r t y ’s nomination, down 9 points since July and marking “the first time her support has dipped below 50 percent in national CNN/ORC polling on the race.” Backing for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, her closest rival for the Democratic nomination, has risen 10 points since July to 29 percent, CNN said. Vice President Joe Biden, who has yet to announce whether he will run, is third at 14 percent. Clinton maintains her edge against potential Republican opponents, however, despite a “growing
perception that by using a personal email account and server while serving as secretary of state she did something wrong,” it said. Clinton leads every Republican head-to-head, including a 6-point margin over real estate mogul Donald Trump, who leads the crowded Republican field. CNN said the poll conducted from today to Sunday found 44 percent of adult Americans had a favorable view of Clinton and 53 percent unfavorable, her worst showing since March 2001. That compared with 45 percent favorable and 48 percent unfavorable in a July CNN poll. Clinton was the top choice when Democratic voters were asked which candidate they trusted to handle the economy, race relations, foreign policy and the income gap between rich and poor Americans. “Her biggest advantage comes on foreign policy,
where 61 percent of registered Democrats say they trust Clinton over the rest of the field,” CNN said. Clinton’s use of her private email while secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 came to light in March and drew fire from political opponents who accused her of sidestepping transparency and record-keeping laws. Officials from U.S. intelligence agencies have so far identified 305 emails from Clinton’s private server to be reviewed for potentially classified information, the State Department said in a court filing on Monday. Asked about her use of the private email account, about 56 percent of poll respondents said Clinton did something wrong, up from 51 percent in March, CNN said. Thirty-nine-percent said she did nothing wrong. The CNN/ORC poll interviewed 1,001 Americans and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
South Sudan’s Kiir tells U.S. he will sign peace deal - U.S. spokesman
South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar (C) shakes hand with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir (black hat) during a peace signing attended by leaders from the region in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa Monday. Reuters/Tiksa Negeri Reuters - South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday he intends to sign a peace deal to end a 20-month-old conflict, a State Department spokesman said. “President Kiir assured the secretary that he has every intention of signing the peace agreement,” spokesman John Kirby told reporters after Kerry called Kiir. “He said he needed a couple of more days of consultations but he made it very clear it was his intention to sign, which is encouraging.” Kiir told Kerry that he had some concerns
that had now been addressed, Kirby added. On Monday, Kiir refused to sign the deal brokered by regional leaders to end the conflict, which broke out in December 2013 when a political row between Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar spiralled into clashes. Washington said on Tuesday it was consulting with other countries about imposing United Nations sanctions against South Sudan leaders who undermined the peace process. “It is the actions of signing that matters (rather) than the pledge to do so,” Kirby added.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
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THE COMING SHAKE-UP IN GUYANA’S DIPLOMATIC CORPS A diplomat is a diplomat. However, in Guyana we have encouraged a false classification of our diplomats: career diplomats and politically-appointed diplomats. A diplomat is a diplomat. Once you enter, and are so appointed, you are considered a part of the Foreign Service, regardless of where you worked before you took up your appointment. Some of those who were not part of the Foreign Service prior to taking up diplomatic postings have been on the job for years. So when are these persons going to be considered as career foreign service officers? Suppose someone is appointed as an Ambassador. Suppose that person prior to that appointment was not a member of the Foreign Service. Suppose that person works for fifteen, twenty, thirty years as a diplomat. Why should that person not be considered a career diplomat? Is it simply because at the time of that person’s initial posting that person was not a member of the Foreign Service? This is a ridiculous notion. This is what makes the rigid classifications of career Foreign Service Officer and politically-appointed Foreign Service Officer so absurd. This is what also leads to the expectation that regime change should trigger a
shake-up in a country’s diplomatic corps. Whenever a government changes, it is argued that the “politically-appointed” diplomats should expect to be removed. In fact, it is posited that they should resign. If they do not, it is argued they should be axed. At present there are high expectations that a number of the Ambassadors appointed by the PPP, who prior to their appointment were not employed within the Foreign Service, will be axed by the new administration. This now seems a done deal, since it was announced sometime
ago that only one Ambassador will be retained. In light of that announcement, it does seem strange that it has taken so long for the new appointees to be announced. But we are told that the Foreign Ministry is studying applications. Sooner or later it now seems to be sooner the hammer is going to be dropped on those considered as “politically- appointed” diplomats. They are going to be sent packing. Guyana’s High Commissioner to India did what most expected of these appointees. He returned home. It is
affect the quality of diplomacy that Guyana can practice, because with so many experienced persons expected to leave the Foreign Service at the same time and so many inexperienced ones having to come on Board remember it was said that only one Ambassador will be retained - Guyana’s diplomatic capacity will be seriously undermined. It is something that the new government should consider. If for political reasons it does axe all those persons who are considered political appointees to the Foreign Service, it is best to do in a staggered way, so as
to ensure continuity and a smooth transition. Perhaps the second in command at most missions should be granted a period of understudy by those whom they will replace. This will aid in ensuring that a huge hole is not created within Guyana’s diplomatic corps. But why replace the “political appointees”? Why not utilize the experience they would have gained and channel them into other diplomatic positions?
Ramjattan implores PPP to cease promoting ethnic division By Abena Rockcliffe Vice President and Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday pleaded with members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to stop the promotion of ethnic division in Guyana. The Minister made this call in the National Assembly as he took the floor to make his contribution to the Budget debate. Ramjattan spoke extensively on crime and security, but before getting to
- says “it will do no good for Guyana” that aspect of his presentation, the Minister sought to “set the record straight.” Members of the opposition have been repeatedly making references on the floor of the National Assembly to “ethnic cleansing.” Many of these references were in response to the APNU+AFC government’s move to stop paying over 2,000 Amerindians to be Community Support
Dem boys seh ...
Jagdeo like things in threes Jagdeo and he friends always like things in three and de Creator give some of dem things in three. That is how Jagdeo run and hug up de Chat-3. He hire de Shaat Scamp who does always wet up he pants front because he is three inches shaat. Jagdeo like read and he read that Osama bin Laden had three wives wid him when Obama ketch up wid him. He read that Burnham serve three terms as President so he want to serve three terms as President. He got somebody to file a legal action fuh a judge grant him de third term. Chang, who serving he third term in de court system, seh that Jagdeo can serve a third term. Dem boys seh that he running from de three-year jail term wha watching him in de Berbice court after Chris Ram tek him to court over dem remark he mek. He got three keys fuh he
being reported that Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname will return home soon. No successor has been named. This has left a vacuum to be filled, and it will most likely be filled by someone from outside of the Foreign Service who will have no prior diplomatic experience. In other words, in terms of the classification, one “political appointee” will replace another, if not in Venezuela in some other country. The experience gained by those so-called “politicallyappointed” diplomats is going to be lost to the Foreign Service. This will
front door. De man got three TV in each room, three safe in de mansion fuh hold he money; he does walk wid three wallet in he pocket. He got three fridge in he kitchen, three big stoves, three air conditioners and of course three transformers, b e c a u s e h e got three swimming pool and it does tek a lot of power fuh warm dem up whenever dem got de kinky party some night. Under de same mansion Jagdeo got three tunnel, because he always frighten that de authorities gun put dem hands pun him fuh de wrang things that he do. One of dem tunnel is three miles long. He got three media house—radio, TV and newspaper—and he refuse to hire three editor. Jagdeo did fix he pension suh that he could get $3 million a month. Is only when Soulja Bai come to power that de money wha Jagdeo use to get cut down from de
$3 million. Dem boys seh de only thing Jagdeo ain’t got is three wives. He couldn’t even keep one. After de way he treat de one he had no woman ain’t want tek de chance to saddle sheself wid a man who wasn’t even sure he married. None of dem Chinee gyal ain’t want nutten fuh duh wid he although he mek nuff deals wid dem Chinee. He even sell 300 acre of land to de Chinese company name Bai Shan Lin. De same Jagdeo give dem Chinee three contract, one fuh de airport expansion, one fuh de Marriott and one fuh deep water harbour. De last one fall through. Dem boys seh that since Jagdeo like things in threes he got to prepare fuh three life sentence. Rum Jattan deh hot pun he tail. Talk half and wait fuh see three friends—Jagdeo, Brassington and Ashni— linked together by handcuffs.
Officers (CSOs). With racism being such a taboo subject, none of the government’s Members of Parliament who have spoken so far, attempted to address it. However, Ramjattan, who was regarded by his colleagues as “the big man himself” boldly, addressed the issue. “I want to make mention of what the opposition has been doing with regards to all the talk about this ethnic cleansing…It would do the country no good unless the actual facts are stated with regards to the CSOs.” Before stating what he labeled as “the facts,” Ramjattan sought to caution the PPP that its political tactics in this regard would do
more harm than anything else for Guyana. As he continued, Ramjattan asserted that the CSOs could not be regarded as employees of the State, as there were no contracts of employment, no terms and conditions and no real wage. He reminded that APNU and the AFC, while in opposition, had opined that it is not wise to dole out money to the Amerindians for no good reason. “We always objected…we said over and over that it was not the way to go; to give over 2000 people $30,000 each for doing no real work. What you guys were doing was buying the votes of the Amerindians.” Stressing that the 2,000
youths were never actually employed, Ramjattan said that his government has better plans for the Amerindians. He then held up a piece of paper which he said proved that the PPP government had only planned to pay the CSOs up to April, days before the holding of the last elections. “We did not knock off anybody, because they were never employed. So you must not give the impression that the people were terminated and then state that it was ethnic cleansing. You guys were only going to pay them until April and I have Cabinet records to prove it.” Speaking about a new arrangement that is set to be put in place, Ramjattan said that many of the CSOs can now register for skills training under a hinterland programme for employment preparation “in that way, if they register for the training, they will get (continued on page 12)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The fools who will keep the ship of fools sailing Here is a repeat of two incidents I was involved in during the 2015 election campaign and originally carried in my columns. They hold philosophical lessons for activists of political parties who are poor, uneducated and easily fooled. The first story was in Strathavon in Cane Grove in the Mahaica region. I was on the platform speaking, and
directly facing the speaker were four young Indian boys and girls in a bus shed waving large PPP flags. The shed had a big tin drum in the form of a cup, the PPP’s symbol. I spoke directly to the four flag-wavers, asking them if they thought the young people from PPP families who have become billionaires under Jagdeo and Ramotar would be out at night waving
flags in the face of opposition speakers. I told them I don’t think someone like Reepu Daman Persaud’s son, who became a billionaire under Jagdeo, ever attended a public meeting much less held a campaign flag in his hand. They couldn’t face the truth and quickly left. The second incident was at “Django Town” in northern Mon Repos. A taxi driver drove up and began to cuss
out while I was speaking. I told him it was ironic that a mere taxi driver was sent by the PPP to heckle, but Brian Tiwarie who became a billionaire under Jagdeo won’t dare send his children in that area to attend a campaign meeting in Django Town. The guy was so embarrassed that he drove away. During the election campaign not one, I repeat, not one of the children of PPP leaders was seen at these nightly meetings, much less to be seen heckling APNUAFC speakers or waving flags. I spoke at 27 campaign meetings and I did not see even one offspring of any PPP big wig in attendance. Many of these children were fattened by the highpaying employment they got. The Guyanese people have not seen even the tip of the iceberg of the pathological incestuousness of fifteen years of Bharrat Jagdeo rule. Put it at fifteen; twelve of which was Jagdeo’s de jure authority and three years of Ramotar’s vicarious service. One of the saddest realities of politics is that those who don’t have, those who are in need, those who come from lower economic
strata, are used to do dirty work for political parties, then when those parties get into office they are discarded. When he was president, Bharrat Jagdeo had white VSO volunteers working for three and four million dollars monthly, doing jobs at the Office of the President that young, qualified PPP supporters could have done. The PPP is in opposition now and those poor, uneducated ones will be called upon, as they were during the 2015 election campaign, to do dirty work for the PPP’s operations of mischief. Look at the picket line outside GECOM when the PPP mounted its asinine protest against GECOM over its bogus claim that the 2015 election was rigged, and those who gathered from sunrise outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court to support Jagdeo. Where were the children of the elite? Where were the people who received monthly salaries of millions? They weren’t there. They will not be there. Only the fools were there. Only the fools will be there in the protest lines of the PPP. As night follows day, the nation will see PPP demonstrations outside the Office of the President and Ministries. The ordinary supporters from as far as Port Mourant will be manning the picket line. It is doubtful from the time the PPP was thrown out of office until the next election
Frederick Kissoon in 2020, that these ordinary sycophants will ever question Jagdeo on his creation of hundreds of billionaires who amassed massive wealth during his presidency. Like Pavlovian puppies, they will meekly carry out the wishes of their party when called upon. And they will get a free bus ride back to Port Mourant. The Pavlovian creatures are already on the job. GAWU, whose head sits in the National Assembly as a PPP Parliamentarian, has told the media that there were attempts to sabotage operations at the Guysuco Enmore factory last week. Is this the beginning of a conspiracy to undermine the new government? One of the reasons why I could not support the Rodney Commission was because it came into being to prove that the PNC was a violent party. The Commission turned into a caricature when PPP personnel who perpetuated violence against the PNC Government actually testified wearing angel’s clothing. There was no mention at the Commission of who in the PPP killed a toll gate policeman on the Corentyne highway in 1973.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
Govt. MP jabs at Jagdeo on issue of transformers The 2015 Budget Debate is becoming increasingly heated with the liberal use of insults and accusations between Parliamentarians. Day three of the debate saw APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, John Adams delivering his presentation in support of the 2015 budget. He was however mocked at every opportunity by the opposition. One person who seemingly made the mistake of trying to partake in the heckling against Adams was Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. Coming to Adams’ defence when Jagdeo added his voice to the mix was Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson. Pointing to him, she shouted, “Not he (Adams), Jagdeo. Before yuh pick pon he, tell de House about yuh three transformers yuh got on yuh House.” Other APNU+AFC Ministers joined in by saying, “Yes, you want to talk? Talk bout duh.” The former President did not respond to Ferguson or
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson
her colleagues who repeatedly challenged him to speak on the subject matter throughout the session. Ferguson was at the time, referring to the recent discovery of three transformers being connected to Jagdeo’s home. When questioned on the matter, Jagdeo told Kaieteur News, “I’m not a technical person so I don’t know about the transformers.” When pressed further he remained adamant, “I don’t
know anything about transformers, I know about the electricity…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.
La Grange man hospitalised after steel ‘beat down’ Trader Andrew Williams would usually rise early every morning and prepare himself for his daily activities. Before leaving his Lot 34 La Grange, West Coast Demerara home he would pack his belongings, consisting primarily of haberdashery, board a minibus and make his way to the capital city. The 51- year-old man walks the streets of Georgetown and retails various items. From women’s clothing to small electronics and household items, he sells them all. His days are normally incident-free, but something unexpected happened on Monday last. Williams claims he had just left a popular King Street store when an employee of the said store reportedly dealt him several blows to the face with a piece of steel. He received a gaping wound above his left eye that had to be sutured. Williams has since been hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He told this publication that the attack came as a surprise to him although the man would threaten him from time to time. He recalled that on the day in question, he was about to enter the store when the man demanded that he abort his visit.
Andrew Williams
But Williams still entered the store to uplift a quantity of items he claims he had purchased. This, he says, left his attacker’s blood boiling, as the man constantly stared at him. The man was definitely contemplating his next move and waited for his chance to strike as Williams exited the store. A heated argument ensued outside between Williams and the man. Armed with a piece of steel, the man pounced, striking Williams to the face. Williams said he fell to the ground but still managed to remain conscious. A publicspirited citizen subsequently transported the injured man
to Brickdam Police Station, where a report was made. Williams explained, “When I reach in front Brickdam I fall down and get black out. When I ketch me self I deh in de hospital”. He continued, “The police ain’t ketch this man yet and nobody ain’t want to volunteer to tell nobody nothing”. Williams recalled that after the incident the proprietor of the store and his attacker entered a vehicle and sped off. Williams said that the police have not yet taken a statement from him. But he hopes they would soon as he desires justice.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
Embattled Westford backs out from speaking in Nat’l Assembly By Abena Rockcliffe Perhaps anxiety was a factor; and the real possibility exists that she was not well, but no explanation was given on the floor of the National Assembly as to why former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford did not
honour her commitment to address the House last evening. Dr. Westford, who has frequently been in the news recently for the wrong reasons, was scheduled to make her contributions to the ongoing budget debate last evening, but did not.
Strangely enough, it was not a case where the Member of Parliament did not show up at all. Indeed, the Member attended yesterday’s sitting. However, she left after the completion of the first session, even though she was supposed to speak during the second.
Dr. Westford was scheduled to speak just before Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. Being the sort of politician he is, the Minister made no qualms to point out that his colleague backed down from the task. When Ramjattan took the floor he talked about the PPP’s alleged promotion of racism before he actually addressed crime, at which point the PPP Members of Parliament urged him to “make haste talk about how you gon solve crime.” Ramjattan responded, “Yes yuh gon hear me talk now about crime, but I wanted to hear from honourable Member Jennifer Westford before I speak. Jennifer, the honourable was supposed to speak before me, but she has not… I wonder why?” Heckling is becoming more and more dominant in
the chamber. The talk among those on the government’s side was that “Jenny know we would have blazed her, that is why she gone.” Westford has been the centre of attention in recent weeks following irregularities associated with the ministry that fell under her purview. One day after her former Chief Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings, was grilled by investigators, Westford walked into the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, with her lawyers. Police sleuths were trying to determine what role, if any, Westford played in the withdrawal of tens of millions from the accounts of the Public Service Ministry between February and April, last, shortly before the General and Regional Elections on May 11. Before that questioning,
Westford had appeared in court charged with the illegal transfer of eight vehicles belonging to the state and was placed on a total of $800,000 bail. Cummings was charged with forgery in relation to the same transfers and granted bail to the tune of $1.2M. Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, had disclosed that the Government was unable to find where over $120M from the Ministry had gone. The monies were reportedly earmarked for training of staffers at the regional levels and withdrawn in tranches. However, checks with the intended recipients found that the withdrawn sums, each tranche to the tune of tens of millions, never reached the intended regions. The vehicle scheme was uncovered after former Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Hydar Ally, revealed to the new government that there was an attempt to transfer the government vehicles to Dr. Westford, her spouse, and two other private individuals. This was just as the new administration was about to take over.
C’tyne man charged with shooting money-changer
A Corentyne resident who was positively identified as one of the persons who shot and robbed a money-changer at Rose Hall Town, has been charged and remanded to jail. Arjuna Pertab, 25, of Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared on Monday at the Albion Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Mauricia Mittelholzer on two charges. He is accused of attempting to murder 25-yearold Anil Kumar Sukraj of David Street, Rose Hall Town on August 12. He is also charged with shooting and robbing Sukaj of US$3,000 and 150,000 Guyana Currency on the same day.. Prosecutor Sergeant Orin Joseph told the court that on the day in question Sukraj called “Fat Man,” a licenced money-changer, was sitting on a stand on the corner of the public road with a wad of money in his hand soliciting
Charged: Arjuna Pertab business when two men came up to him. The men demanded his money before shooting him. Sukraj fell and the bandits grabbed what they could before escaping. The thieves ran though different streets before reportedly boarding a car which was waiting in a back
street and making good their escape. The injured Sukraj was picked up and rushed to the nearby Anamayah Memorial Hospital where he was admitted for emergency treatment. The victim was reportedly first hit in the left forearm as he tried to block the gunman from aiming his weapon. The bullet reportedly exited and reentered in the right side of his chest. Acting on information the police swooped down on a house at Belvedere and arrested Pertab on Saturday. He was positively identified at an identification parade. He was later charged. Prosecutor Joseph objected to bail on the grounds that the victim is still hospitalised and a gun was used. Investigations are continuing as the cops pursue the other suspect. Pertab will have to return to court on September 9.
Ramjattan implores PPP ... From page 9 the money, but you just don’t dole out money like that.” “So it was not ethnic cleansing, you guys were doing some…” Before he could have completed his sentence, his colleague, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge shouted “you were using tax dollars to pay people to do PPP work.” It was then Ramjattan continued “yes, all you guys were doing was buying votes.”
He further stated that despite the fact that PPP may want to call the new government de facto, “the fact is we are the government of the day and if the people feel we are not doing a good job democracy will take its course and they can make another choice.” “All the international experts that Cheddi Jagan used to call up came: the OAS, Carter Center and all of them said yes, indeed this election was free and fair. The
independent election Commission said that it was free and fair, you can still go for your recounts, but you must have some respect for this government. Don’t try to say we are doing any ethnic cleansing.” In response to this, PPP MP Gail Teixeira, stretched her hands straight out in front of her then started to move them up and down in unison with her head as if bowing in reverence as she sarcastically shouted, “hail, hail.”
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Blind Society set to introduce foundation Maths Although it has over the years proven to be difficult to deliver, the Guyana Society for the Blind is looking to include Mathematics in its curriculum come next month. For the past few years the Blind Society has been offering classes to prepare blind and visually impaired persons for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. Already some eight candidates have registered for the CSEC classes and coordinator of the programme, Ganesh Singh, is optimistic that more will come on board. The past two sittings of CSEC each saw a total of 10 candidates participating in the CSEC classes. Among the subjects currently being offered by the Blind Society are: English, Social Studies, Principles of Business, Office Administration and Human and Social Biology. However one candidate also wrote Caribbean History at the 2015 sitting. Singh, during an interview with this publication, pointed out that because of the visual limitations of students, together with limited resources, Mathematics has not been a subject that students could have opted for at CSEC. “It is difficult to deliver the Mathematics syllabus to them presently, because of the visual challenge, but hopefully we can eventually do it in the near future,” said an optimistic Singh. According to him, “we
However, in order for an average student to matriculate, he or she requires at least five subjects including Mathematics and English. But according to Layne, “really and truly Maths, for persons who are visually impaired and blind, it is a challenge. There’s no if or but or maybe about it; it is a challenge”. She explained that “we can’t see where to put the
Guillian Layne
Ganesh Singh
know that it is possible,” even as he disclosed his findings that Mathematics is already offered to visually impaired/ blind students in some Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) territories using Braille. Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. “We are now trying to teach Braille here and we are hoping that maybe, this will be one of the ways we can try to implement the Mathematics curriculum…” Singh revealed. He hopes to solicit support from the Ministry of Education to realize this goal. However, the introduction of Mathematics this year will be at a foundation level, according to Singh. During a press conference, on Tuesday, he disclosed that Mathematics has been one of the areas that the Society has long been hoping to include.
“I have been having some very brief informal meetings with a gentleman, Mr Neil Bacchus, who has promised to work with our students at the foundation level, so that they can have that foundation, and then we will try to work from there using excel,” Singh told media operatives. Stressing the need for support for the delivery of Mathematics was Guillian Layne. Layne, who is visually impaired, has been a teacher for more than 20 years, but wrote five subjects at CSEC this year through the Blind Society. With three grade ones, one grade two and one grade three passes, she was named the second top performing candidate produced by the Blind Society. Alwyn Adams with three grade ones and two grade two passes was the top performing candidate.
$10,000 bail for prison officer on corrupt transaction charge The prison officer who was nabbed in New Amsterdam on Tuesday in a sting operation has been charged with corrupt transaction. Akeem Austin, 20, of Ogleton Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, appeared on Wednesday in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Mauricia Mittelholzer on the charge of corrupt transition by a public officer. He was placed on $10,000 bail. According to Prosecutor Corporal Desiree Pilgrim on August 11, the man was caught after the police set up a sting operation after receiving
certain information. According to information, officials had conducted a raid on the prison on August 10 for illegal items. During their raid they recovered a phone in a cell of a murder accused who is awaiting trial. Authorities took possession of the phone and made some checks upon which they made some startling discoveries. A number of phone numbers and text messages were found inside the phone, including numbers of the prison officer, and text messages sent to him, which suggested that there was regular contact and a good relationship
between the two men. A message purportedly coming from the prisoner was sent to the prison officer using the said phone, asking for another of the previous arrangements to be made. The officer responded that
he needed a certain sum of money. This was arranged and the trap was set with some marked money for the officer to collect at a certain spot. As soon as the officer turned up with his bicycle to collect the money the police moved in and arrested him. He will have to return to court on September 8.
Motorists adhering more to laws From page 13 to paint and repaint pedestrian crossings will commence within a week. “We are asking teachers, parents and drivers to be all involved in promoting road safety,” Superintendent Moore said. He noted that a lot of children would have written the National Grade Six Assessment examinations and would be going to schools in new environments,
which will require them to adapt quickly to the new traffic scenarios. The Acting Traffic Chief disclosed that upon the reopening of school, he plans to resuscitate the dormant road safety patrols and form new ones where there is none. “We will look at the schools that are closest to the public road and we'll work along with the Ministry of Education in having
a designated teacher to ensure that the children are properly trained, maintain discipline, and guide the children in the proper use of the road,” Moore stated. He said that ranks will be positioned at strategic points during the busy periods. According to Moore, these ranks will be more focused on filtering the traffic to ensure smooth flow, and not particularly on enforcement.
numbers in order that they should be, and we don’t know where to put the decimal points and the different signs and so forth.” As such, she stressed the need for the Ministry of Education to make writing of Mathematics more accessible for people with disabilities in general. “They are talking about inclusive education, but still they are not catering for persons like us,” Layne
stressed. She went on to point out that often people with disabilities do not pursue success because of limited support. “We are human beings like everybody else and when people say certain things to you it tends to lower your self-esteem. For me, I had to get lots of encouragement and motivation to actually do my subjects, and I am not going to give up.”
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Kaieteur News
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2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glass top, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.2M negotiable –Tel: 6688431
VACANCY Porters & Carpenters to work in Coveden E.B.D. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Plant Shop Sales Clerk: Literate, hard-working, pleasant, team player, 18-28 yrs @ Huston & Sheriff Street. Call: 648-1821 1 Bond clerk / dispatcher send application to 16 Mudlot Kingston #2235273/4 Nursery school teacher, posses education certificates in CESEC, Skill, Talent. Onsite job draining & support provided-Call: 6909378 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.com Live in maid must know to cook- Call: 231-0363 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 Salesperson full & part time, must have at least 1yrs real estate experience –Call: 6090783
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 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 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 2000 Freightliner hauler, C-12 Engine –Tel: 609-7257; 6899041
1 Female domestic maid must be able to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling
1 Toyota Raum, Excellent condition - $1M negotiable & 1 Toyota IST, AC, music, rims -$1.3M –Contact: 685-7728
Live in house keeper 3545yrs, long term employment. Call: 697-8797 Eden Bar and Lounge @ Garden of Eden, E.B.D. Vacancy exist for one waitresses-Call: 694-6247 from 11am-7pm
BMW 320i, Toyota AT212, AT192, IST, EP-71 Starlet, 4 Runner, Canter, Honda 600 RR –Tel:644-5096; 697-1453
Bartenders & Waitress for Sports bar in V/HoopContact: 684-5688 for more info
One Toyota Raum old model PPP Series, excellent condition with alarm & Rims, price- $1M-Contact: 653-0120 2 Toyota 212 Yellow Cab, Excellent condition –Tel: 2235615
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One bedroom apartment vacant now, working couple, no kids –Call: 611-3064 1-Business -$25,000 per month, 2-one bedroom @ Anna Catherina, 1-One bedroom @ Windsor Forest, new houses immediately-Call I.Alli:276-08818 2 Properties @ Bel-Air Park all convenience , furnished US-1800 & 4 bedrooms unfurnished US2,200, newly renovated –Tel:231-7839 (working hours) One (1) -3 bedrooms house for rent at Diamond New Scheme, 3rd Avenue-Tel: 623-2795 2 bedroom apartments with kitchen, bath, camera, grill, fenced, secured yard, Vreeden-Hoop – $20,000-Call: 6825230; 628-9596
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One 928F Caterpillar Wheel Loader- Contact # 650-0402/ 260-4988 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 One welding machine- Call: 687-7725 1 Complete music set (qsc amps, drive rack, bass boxes etc), Yamaha 6000 watts generator. Tel: 623-2923 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
Furnished 3 bedrooms flat house @ Supply E.B.D $80,000- Call: 648-5149/678-3826
One Yamaha 2006, R1 1000cc-$600,000- Owner leaving country-Contact: 664-4101
Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar, also 1 live in housekeeper. Tel:659-3865; 629-2424, 227-2993
Universal Vehicle reverse cameras - $9,000, HID kits with 8,000K bulbs -$13,000Contact: 664-8660, 638-1388 One Honda D15-B Engine & Transmission –Contact: 645-8518 for info Galvanized nail platesContact: 645-8518
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 Property for sale, business place at Kuru kururu, New Town on High Way- Call: 2616282 or 676-4787 Pearl: Well built 1,995 SF concrete building on 58X165 lot, formerly used at meeting halls-$10.5M-Tel: 649-1670
1 Cummins 6BTA Engine, 1 Bedford ‘M’ Truck-Call: 6248311 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232
LAND FOR SALE Luxury Gated CommunityMall, Pool, intelligent security system, well, solar. Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – Call: 609-0783 15 Acres land situated at Naamryck East Bank Essequibo-Call: 655-9227 New Farm (100ftX50ft) East Bank- $1.9M Deal- Call: 6117223; 604-2207
VEHICLE FOR SALE Cheapest: Manual/ Automatic super GL buses, Canter, Hilux. Property in Bougainvillea Park for rent/ sale –Call: 616-7635 NZE Car -$1.5M –Tel: 6880448; 658-3517
Parfait Harmonie -$1.5M & 2.8M Corner lot Main Road. Kuru Kururu 100ftX200ft$1.8M, New Herstelling $3.5M- Call: 611-7223; 6042207 1 Land at Parfaite Harmonie$1.4M – Call: 676-0190 Continued on page 23
Thursday August 20, 2015
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Govt., Opposition battle over Amerindian... From page 3 publishing notices of the NTC conference in the national newspaper. “If this is the approach of the new Government, it is unacceptable,” she said. PLEASEAPOLOGISE According to Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock, it appears from the behavior of the Opposition, that they are not aware that they lost the recent elections. “It is no secret that Guyana and specifically Amerindians were held hostage to the PPP's machination and while there were some developments, these were directed to communities that
have shown their support for the former Government. The others that did not were ostracized, battered and left to suffer,” Allicock stated He accused former Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall, who is now sitting in the Opposition benches of being the “chief cook and bottle washer” in mischief of using the CSOs to divide Amerindians by using state monies to hurt especially the youths. He said that the CSOs could not speak freely but were directed and intimidated. “Both Dharamlall and former Amerindian Affairs minister, Pauline Sukhai should apologise for their actions,” a fired up Allicock
Letters... Where your views
Trump’s anti-Immigrant policy not good for... From page 5 votes of two-thirds of both Houses of Congress and support from three-fourths of the nation’s state legislatures. There are three other similar possibilities to amend the constitution and all are difficult to achieve. Republicans in Congress have pushed without success to repeal the citizenship provision since 2011. Some conservative Republicans believe the citizenship provision could be changed without amending the Constitution. It is doubtful the court would agree with such an interpretation of the
constitution. Although he leads in the polls, Trump, a billionaire, remains a longshot for the White House. In recent early Presidential primary contests, candidates took an antiimmigrant stance before the leading candidate moves to a centrist position on mainstream issues and on immigration. Nevertheless, Trump is bad news for immigrants, and Guyanese and other immigrant Americans should consider becoming involved and supporting mainstream candidates who would advocate their interests. Vishnu Bisram
A symptom of... From page 4 until the legitimate security concerns of the African and Creole sections are addressed along with the need for the full and equal participation of the Indian and other excluded sections, in the life of the nation.” Once in Guyana, in 1990, I presented another paper that summarised my proposals for “A New Political Culture” which I circulated to all the political parties towards participating in a conference to address the problematic of the Indian and African Security Dilemmas. Dr Jagan of the PPP and Malcolm Parris of the PNC agreed, but the WPA torpedoed the initiative. In 2007, I again had reason to respond to Mr Kissoon on the same claim of not addressing African Guyanese concerns. The response bears repetition: “On June 6th 2003, even in the penumbra of the armed insurrection, I wrote an article specifically on “the African Security Dilemma” and called on ACDA for a “constructive engagement” that
was never answered. “But what I find intriguing about the selective attack of amnesia when it comes to acknowledging the fact that we have always stated that the African dilemma is coterminous with the Indian’s is that it is not confined to Mr Kissoon. We have had to explain this time and again over the years... Even though most of our interventions have been recorded in the press, yet only one part registers. And it is this stubborn forgetfulness, which has to be wilful, on which I wish to comment because, I believe, it is a symptom of a deep underlying premise in the Guyanese political and social milieu. And the premise is this: to speak as an Indian Guyanese is to automatically and ineluctably define oneself as parochial at best and racist at worse, and thus incapable of speaking for the wider societal good. The Indian in his presumably genetic prejudice always needs to “redeem” himself.” Ravi Dev
charged. Glaring at the Opposition benches, he said: “Because of these actions, you are over there.” He said that the PPP's actions caused them to be “fired” by the people of Guyana. In turn that party fired its civic component; its presidential candidate, Donald Ramotar, and prime ministerial candidate, Elizabeth Harper. Allicock did not stop there. He asked the PPP to question former President Bharrat Jagdeo if they did not believe what he was saying. At that point Jagdeo, who was chosen as the new Opposition Leader this week, poured a glass of water and sat back in his chair. The minister was also critical of the previous Government's moves to grant titles to Amerindian lands. He said that a few of the exercises where photographs were taken were mere public relations stunts. He held up what he said were copies of the titles. He said that as part of the plans, Government will shortly start the rebuilding of the Umana Yana. The meeting place was burnt to the ground, but its rebuilding has been delayed. “Almost $500M has been allocated to fix the Kimbia and
Barima ferries to improve services to the hinterlands with monies set aside for repairs to key airstrips at Mahdia and Eteringbang,” Allicock added. TIME TO SMILE Meanwhile, former Minister Pauline Sukhai's turn to speak was greeted with calls for her to smile. She had come under severe criticism earlier this year when it was learnt that over $2M was used to pay for her dental work. Not to be daunted, Sukhai accused the Government of having no proper plan for Amerindians and only making passing mention of them in the budget speech. “The budget will only be considered a successful one when Guyanese experience the achievement,” she said. She added that the new Government had named a number of Vice Presidents but with no woman among them. (Dawn) Hastings would have been perfect for that job, she opined. Sukhai roundly criticized the NTC conference which she said was illegal. “The Toshaos were not even afforded a meeting with Minister Allicock!” She dismissed the issue of the land titles saying that the Minister, in essence, misrep-
resented what really transpired. Sukhai also urged that the new Government ensure that the US$6.7M Amerindian Fund be used to developed the communities. Issues like road networks and other infrastructural development will also have to be pursued aggressively, she stressed. According to Sukhai, the PPP is convinced that it won the elections. “The party, if a recount should be done in Region Eight, would be declared victors in that area. Against this background, it should not be discounted that both the Government and the PPP tallied almost the same number of votes. In other words, the PPP won as much as the coalition Government.”
From page 22
EDUCATION Simpli Royal School of Beauty – Pamela Dillon: 665-4565; 225-2303. Hair, Skin, Nail Technology, easy payments. Spanish Classes!!! Learn Spanish in 3 Months: Introductory, Intermediate, Advance, children creativeSaturday –Tel: 673-8605. Register Now!!! All Stars Educational Institute: Evening & fulltime, Primary/CXC: Science & Business, Phonics & Reading (all ages)-Call: 6425576; 680-6319 Rising star Pre K Nursery School, Cummings St Alberttown, Guyana & USA curriculum, enrollment ongoing, small class sizeCall: 690-9378
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UPPER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
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Thursday August 20, 2015
Region 10 budget allocations…
Health, mining sectors to get boost - MP Rutherford By Desilon Daniels As the debates on the $221B National Budget continue in the 11th Parliament, the health and mining sectors of Region 10 are expected to get big boosts thanks to the regional budgetary allocation. This revelation was made by Region 10 Member of Parliament Audwyn Rutherford who on Monday evening unveiled a number of projects catered for the region in the national budget. During his presentation, Rutherford opined that Region 10 had suffered tremendously while under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. “To say that the former administration neglected Region 10 is an understatement,” Rutherford said. He added that the region therefore needed to make significant strides. These strides, he said, could now be made thanks to the budgetary allocations given to the region
under the new coalition government. In Rutherford’s address, much attention was placed on the health and mining sectors. The minister revealed that over $45M was allocated to the region for its health sector. This money was to be split amongst a number of areas, including $18M for the construction of incinerators at Coomacka, Sand Hills, Muritaro and Ebini Health Posts, along with the extension of the One Mile and Amelia’s Ward Health Centres. Additionally, $8M was allocated for water and land transportation, while $19.9M was allocated for the purchase of equipment such as neonatal ventilators, ultrasound machines and other special apparatus. Rutherford stressed that the health centres will be equipped to better serve Region 10. “This will support our thrust in building sustainable communities for stronger regions and a stronger
nation,” Rutherford emphasised. He said too that by improving the services provided at health posts and centres, persons will be allowed to be treated close to home rather than travel all the way to the Linden Hospital Complex for the same treatment. Likewise, he said, better treatment options at the Linden Hospital will negate the people of Region 10 from travelling to the Georgetown Public Hospital or the East Bank Regional Hospital. Additionally, he expressed hope that with the budgetary allocation health practitioners in the region will be better trained and equipped to carry out their duties. Meanwhile, with regards to the mining sector, Rutherford noted that quarrying and mining continue to be the main economic activities for Region 10. He said that these two sectors will be strengthened
Waramadong Secondary to be renamed after Dr. Desrey Fox In honour of one of Guyana’s foremost academics on Indigenous Culture, President David Granger announced Tuesday that the Waramadong Secondary School will be renamed the Desrey Fox Secondary School. The revelation was made at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre during the President’s feature address at the National Toshaos’ Council. During his presentation, the President emphasised the fundamental role education plays in the development of the country’s Indigenous communities. To this end, he unveiled his administration’s Hinterland Education Support Programme to the Conference, but also took the opportunity to honour “a great innovator of Guyana’s education system, who also hails from an Indigenous community”. “I wish to reiterate that education is important to everything that we do, and this (yesterday) morning, I wish to pay particular tribute to those who have been produced in our indigenous communities, but particularly I want to recognise one who has left an indelible mark on education, an indelible mark on the indigenous people in this country,” President Granger said. He gave special recognition to the late
The late Dr. Desrey Fox Minister Dr Desrey Fox and proceeded to further honour her accomplishments by naming the Waramadong Secondary School after her. She was particularly recognised for her working in mainstreaming Akawaio culture in the education system. Dr Fox served as Minister within the Ministry of Education, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) administration, until she tragically lost her life in a fatal car accident in December 2009. The 54 year-old was part of a team that was in the process of translating the national Anthem into the nine Indigenous languages. The late Minister, a native of Waramadong, CuyuniMazaruni (Region 7),
attended the community’s school and later became a Curator of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology. Her achievements in academia have left a lasting impact on the University of Guyana, as she contributed to the institution’s Amerindian Language Project. Said project paved the way for the University’s Amerindian Research Unit and subsequently the Introduction to Amerindian Studies course, which she played an integral role in formulating. Dr. Fox initially joined the University in 1977 as a junior researcher and moved on to pursue her Masters of Arts degree in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent at Canterbury. She then received her PhD in Linguistics from Rice University in Houston, Texas in 2003. Meanwhile, when contacted by media personnel following the announcement the son of the Late Minister, Mensah Fox said that the move was a “big step taken by the government”, which was appreciated by the Fox Family. Fox was quoted as saying that “We are extremely proud of her (Dr. Desrey Fox’s) achievements and it brings us great happiness. I know there is a lot that she has done and a lot that she had in store to do, but this recognition is one that we appreciate.”
Region 10 MP Audwyn Rutherford through financial support while small and medium scale miners are especially expected to benefit from the budget. He added that they will benefit from duty-free concessions on specific mining equipment, which he said, “will aid in reducing the cost of production and level the playing field.” However, Rutherford noted that the mining sector was facing some difficulties and its shortcomings were driving up unemployment rates in the region. Amongst its difficulties were the recent cutbacks at the Bosai Minerals Group coupled with declining gold prices and unfair practices in the mining sector. Thanks to these factors, he said the issue of unemployment was worsening.
According to the MP, unemployment in Region 10 was at an “all-time high and possibly getting higher”. “The decline in gold prices and consequent production has significantly affected our people,” Rutherford said. However, a turnaround is anticipated and will be fueled by total expenditure of $3.675M along with $83M for a number of mining associations, Rutherford revealed. Additionally, Rutherford shared the belief that the nation’s unions were underperforming. Therefore, he said, $19M was budgeted nationally for unions in an effort to strengthen the capacity of unions to adequately represent workers’ rights. Meanwhile, the region’s forestry sector also received some attention. In Region 10, the forestry sector is a thriving one and over the years has seen growth. In fact, a 14 percent growth was recorded in 2014. Rutherford said that the $80M of the region’s capital expenditure and $544.42M of the current expenditure will foster better management and training at the Guyana Forestry Commission. Once again, small loggers from the region are expected to benefit from training and the leveling of the playing field. “This will support and strengthen our stakeholders in the region,” he stressed. Meanwhile, the
infrastructure and education sectors are also expected to benefit. The sum of $41.18M was allocated to improve access and the completion of bridges and revetments of the Mabura and Rockstone roads while $10M was allocated for the improvement of drainage systems in a number of areas. Furthermore, after deeming education as “pivotal”, Rutherford indicated that the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) was allocated $23.17M to complete an automotive workshop and purchase tools, equipment and furniture. The sum of $57.5M was also allocated for works at the Mackenzie and Christianburg High Schools, while an additional $13.5M was allocated for the purchase of furniture. Rutherford indicated that schools in One Mile, Amelia’s Ward and Mabaruma will also benefit. However, Rutherford’s focus was not only the physical development of the schools. He made special note the quality of work being delivered by teachers in Region 10 and opined that there were much needed improvements. Rutherford further said that the region was looking forward to the possible reopening of the Linden branch of the Critchlow Labour College along with the restoration of its subvention.
Infrastructural upgrades in Sophia expected to commence next month While complaints mount about unsightly and in some cases impassable, pot-holed roads, the Government is working to ensure durable infrastructure in as many communities as possible nationwide. The Sophia area, which was referred to in days of old as the ‘mud haven’ is first on the list of communities that will receive a facelift before year end. This is according to David Patterson, Senior Minister responsible for public infrastructure, energy and communications. The tenders for road construction and bridges in the community are out as of Tuesday last, and the minister has disclosed that the entire ring road will be addressed. “From Dennis Street, ‘A’ field, the entire perimeter road and the cross streets will all be fixed with ‘A’ specification roads,” the Minister assured. In addition, eight new bridges linking all the fields in the community, as well as another
- Minister Patterson linking the Sophia area to Guyhoc, are on the cards. Slated to offer more insight into his ministry’s programme plan today in the National Assembly, Patterson said his ministry is not planning to compare its works to the past administration’s undertakings, but quipped that the roads will be “APNU/ AFC quality roads.” Noting that there will be some amount of inconvenience to residents, he advised that they understand that “better is coming and better is here... it can’t be more inconvenient than driving on those potholed roads which they have now; which require long boots etc., when the rains come.” Speaking to the time frame for actual physical works to
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson commence, he anticipates that by the time the budget is passed the tender period would be closed, followed by a period of evaluation. Minister Patterson is optimistic that, “by the third week in September; all being well, we will start, and we have to complete it in 2015.”
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Russia’s Putin would consider meeting Obama at U.N.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Left) and US President Barack Obama SEVASTOPOL, Crimea (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend next month’s U.N. General Assembly in New York and would “consider constructively” any request for a meeting there with President Barack Obama, Russia’s foreign minister said yesterday. Relations between Russia and the West hit a post-Cold War low over Ukraine, where Moscow annexed Crimea from Kiev last year and where Washington and Brussels say it is driving a separatist pro-Russian revolt in the east. But Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Kremlin would consider any request from the White House for a meeting between Putin and Obama at the United Nations. Russia sides with the rebels but denies arming them, or sending its serving troops to fight on their behalf in east Ukraine. The West slapped sanctions on Russia over its role in
the conflict. Other disputes between Russia and the West include the conflict in Syria, human rights, security and defense as well as trade issues. But Moscow and Washington were among six world powers that last month reached a deal with Iran on its nuclear program, a landmark agreement ending a decades-old international dispute. Obama thanked Putin on the phone for his part in the Iran deal. The two last spoke faceto-face briefly in November, and Putin has paid no official visits to the United States since returning to the Kremlin for a third term in mid-2012. Putin, a former spy who has been Russia’s paramount leader for more than 15 years, has mostly avoided traveling to the West since the United States and the European Union slapped sanctions on Russia over Ukraine last year.
Germany expects refugee numbers to quadruple to record 800,000
Asylum seekers wait in front of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) at Berlin’s Spandau District, Germany Monday. Reuters/Stefanie Loos Reuters - The number of asylum-seekers and refugees to Germany will quadruple to a record 800,000 this year compared with last, more than twice as many as the 300,000 new arrivals forecast in January, the government said yesterday. Germany, which has become a magnet for refugees fleeing war, violence and poverty in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, has criticised
European Union partners for not doing more as 218,221 people arrived seeking asylum in the first six months alone. “We’ve got to reckon there will be 800,000 people coming to Germany as refugees or seeking asylum,” said Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere who only three months ago raised the original 300,000 forecast to 450,000. “It will be the largest influx in the country’s post-
war history,” de Maiziere told a news conference in Berlin, adding that Germany should expect high numbers for years to come. “It’s a challenge for all of us at the state, federal and local levels,” he said. “We can master this challenge. I don’t think this will overwhelm Germany. We can handle this.” Migrant numbers across the EU have shot up in recent months.
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UN to let Iran inspect alleged nuke work site VIENNA (AP) — Iran will be allowed to use its own inspectors to investigate a site it has been accused of using to develop nuclear arms, operating under a secret agreement with the U.N. agency that normally carries out such work, according to a document seen by The Associated Press. The revelation yesterday newly riled Republican lawmakers in the U.S. who have been severely critical of a broader agreement to limit Iran’s future nuclear programs, signed by the Obama administration, Iran and five world powers in July. Those critics have complained that the wider deal is unwisely built on trust of the Iranians, while the administration has insisted it depends on reliable inspections. A skeptical House Speaker John Boehner said, “President Obama boasts his deal includes ‘unprecedented verification.’ He claims it’s not built on trust. But the administration’s briefings on these side deals have been totally insufficient - and it still isn’t clear whether anyone at the White House has seen the final documents.”
senator, said, “Trusting Iran to inspect its own nuclear site and report to the U.N. in an open and transparent way is remarkably naive and incredibly reckless. This revelation only reinforces the deep-seated concerns the American people have about the agreement.” The Parchin agreement was worked out between the IAEA and Iran. The United States and the five other world powers were not party to it but were briefed by the IAEA and endorsed it as part of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors dismantle connections during a visit to Iran’s nuclear power plant in Natanz (AFP Photo/Kazem Ghane) Said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce: “International inspections should be done by international inspectors. Period.” The newly disclosed side agreement, for an investigation of the Parchin nuclear site by the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency, is linked to persistent
allegations that Iran has worked on atomic weapons. That investigation is part of the overarching nuclear-limits deal. Evidence of the inspections concession is sure to increase pressure from U.S. congressional opponents before a Senate vote of disapproval on the overall agreement in early September. If the resolution passes and
President Barack Obama vetoes it, opponents would need a two-thirds majority to override it. Even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has suggested opponents will likely lose a veto fight, though that was before yesterday’s disclosure. John Cornyn of Texas, the second-ranking Republican
larger package. Yesterday, White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said the Obama administration was “confident in the agency’s technical plans for investigating the possible military dimensions of Iran’s former program. ... The IAEA has separately developed the most robust inspection regime ever peacefully negotiated.” All IAEA member countries must give the agency some insight into their nuclear programs.
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Crime escalated, drugs left Guyana in every conceivable way under PPP - Tourism Minister Amidst accusations that the APNU+AFC government is incapable of dealing with the distressing increase in serious crimes, Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes thought it necessary to remind the National Assembly that, “It was under the former PPP/C administration that crime escalated and drugs started leaving Guyana in every conceivable way.” She made these comments among others as she delivered her address during the 2015 budget debate yesterday. Hughes said that she is optimistic that visitor arrivals in the country will increase by 3 percent over the 205,000 visitors recorded for 2014. She said that her ministry’s aggressive marketing strategy will attract an additional 25,000 visitors in 2016 which she deemed to be “Our Golden Jubilee Anniversary Year.” The Tourism Minister said however that it is difficult to talk of increasing visitor arrivals without mentioning the debilitating impact crime is having on the country, its people, and the potential of Guyana’s tourism sector.
Tourism Minister, Cathy Hughes Hughes said that this is a tragedy that must be fixed and expressed confidence that her government is very much capable of doing some given its plans, acceptance of assistance from international partners who are skilled in this area, and the support of the Guyanese people. Addressing House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, the Tourism Minister added,
“Let us not forget how we got here. It was under the former PPP/C administration that crime escalated, drugs started leaving Guyana in every conceivable way…we became a transshipment port, and a long list of friends of the last administration who operated businesses supported by the last government, have been implicated, charged and in some cases convicted in a range of illegal activities in international courts.” “The saying goes….show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are.” Hughes on this note added that the recent public declaration by the former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee that the police now have information on who killed Former Minister Sash Sawh was shocking to hear. She said that the fact that this former head of law enforcement, who clearly was in possession of this information while in office, but did nothing with that information, is horrifying, but indicative of the lack of will portrayed by the past government in solving crime.
Erdogan says Turkey is ‘heading rapidly’ toward new election ISTANBUL (Reuters) Turkey is heading rapidly toward a new election and only the “will of the people” can break a political deadlock after the ruling AK Party failed to form a working government, President Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu formally ended attempts to find a junior coalition partner on Tuesday after weeks of talks with opposition parties failed, handing the mandate back to Erdogan and making a snap election almost inevitable. “Because of the failure to form a government, we have to seek a solution with the will of the people ... so we are heading rapidly toward an
election again,” Erdogan said in a speech to local officials, broadcast live on television. Presidency sources said he would consult with the parliamentary speaker on the formation of a new government later yesterday. The AK Party, which Erdogan founded, in June suffered its biggest election setback since coming to power in 2002, failing to win a single-party majority for the first time. Erdogan could now hand the mandate to form the next government to the Republican People’s Party (CHP),
although he appears unlikely to do so, according to local media reports. According the Hurriyet Daily News, Erdogan told academics at meeting yesterday he favored forming an interim “election cabinet” before new polls in autumn. An interim, power-sharing government would likely be a fractious one and could further unravel investor confidence. Political uncertainty has already sent the lira currency down 20 percent this year and to a series of record lows over the last week.
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Jagnarine Singh still functioning as GRDB boss …despite resignation two months ago – RPA Action Committee Two months after Government accepted the resignation of former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh, rice industry experts are up in arms over the fact that Singh still holds considerable sway with the entity. So much influence it seems, that Singh has been at the centre of negotiating a crucial purchase and sale agreement with Panama worth US$2.5M. The agreement, seen by Kaieteur News, is between the GRDB and the Agricultural Marketing Institute, a Government purchasing agent in Panama. It states that Guyana will supply almost 100,000 quintals (10,000 tonnes) of extra milled long grain rice. The person who signed the agreement on behalf of GRDB is Jagnarine Singh. Though it was signed in the City of Panama on July 23rd – Government accepted Singh’s resignation as GM on June 24th - Singh also used his former title of General Manager on the document. In addition, correspondence was directed to his personal email account. While the new General Manager of GRDB, Nizam Hassan, was unavailable for a comment, Deputy GM Madanlall Ramraj denied that Singh was still acting in any capacity with the organization. However, the fact that Singh has been representing Government in negotiations with Panama after resigning, has drawn the ire of the Rice Producers Association Action Committee (RPA), who yesterday questioned how he could still be on the job. “(Jagnarine) Singh officially resigned as General Manager according to Minister of State Joseph
Harmon, who accepted his resignation. Singh breached the Civil Servant Act, which prohibited all servants from campaigning in General and Regional Elections. He should have been dismissed, but he chose to resign,” the RPA Action Committee in a statement said yesterday. Indeed, Singh was among several State and Regional officials who campaigned on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) during the recently concluded General and Regional Elections. With the advent of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government, several such officials were either dismissed or left out in the wilderness. The RPA Action Committee also noted that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, “has so far done nothing to actively and genuinely include key rice activists in the industry, who are the originators of the three demands.” The three demands in question was a three-point plan presented by rice farmers in order to boost the industry: Re-establishment of the Agriculture Bank; Establishment of a stabilization fund and the democratization of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (GRPA). It is also referred to it in the APNU+AFC elections manifesto. The Committee observed that most rice farmers were on the edge and faced with the prospect of bankruptcy. They observed that Guyana faced the real danger of selling rice
‘Former’ General Manager of the GRDB, Jagnarine Singh at any price possible, in order to liquidate the rice before the next crop in September. In the run-up to Singh’s resignation, he faced much agitation to resign from rice farmers, after the announcement by APNU+AFC that the PetroCaribe fund, which was supposed to hold millions in US$$ to pay rice farmers, was essentially empty. The fund was established almost ten years ago when Venezuela introduced an arrangement where Guyana and a number of CARICOM and Latin America countries take oil at concessionary rates, paying a percentage in advance and the balance over a 20-year period. A forensic audit has since been launched into GRDB, with the PetroCaribe Fund being a crucial area of focus and a new Board of Directors, chaired by former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Export Board Claude Housty has already been named.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
G/T to be placed on cameras, ‘GREEN ENERGY’ monitored 24/7 in crime fight up for discussion at By Abena Rockcliffe As soon as he stood to make his presentation last evening, members on the opposite side of the House shouted, “Step down” as they blamed him for the prevailing high crime rate. Nevertheless a seemly unfazed Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan proceeded to outline plans for improved security. But before he divulged what is to be done, Ramjattan admitted that the crime situation is indeed pressing and depressing, but emphasised that his administration inherited it. He said that government has already begun to look at root causes for the high crime rate. The Minister listed alcohol and drug abuse, high unemployment and broken homes as factors, but said that in many cases “crime comes about because of a terrible human condition called greed, like some people who are former Ministers having eight cars and huge sums of money.” As he said that, a once noisy House became
quiet, the contrast was obvious. The Minister said that with the identification of root causes, his administration knows that reducing crime will not happen overnight “it will not be T20, it is a Test match.” Ramjattan expressed full confidence that the programmes and packages the government has planned, together with the elimination of the culture of greed, will see crime eventually being reduced. In relating to his Security Strategic Plan, that he intends to implement to address the crime situation, Ramjattan disclosed that Phase Two of the Citizen Security Programme project has been tweaked to a smart street-safe city proposal that caters for the installation of more than one hundred closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in and around the city. Ramjattan said that it is around the city where fifty percent of the crimes are being committed. This (the cameras) will be assisted by a command centre, outfitted with televisions which will allow
the police to see “literally” the entire city. The Public Security Minister is convinced that this step should be taken as the current CCTV cameras that are installed, were instrumental in securing conviction of hundreds of people who had driven dangerously or carelessly on the city roadways. “We manage to see their faces’ The CCTV cameras will be supported by the necessary infrastructural work, which will see a conference room being made available, for the consistent monitoring of the cameras. DEMORALIZED POLICE FORCE “There must be a better police force and a better administration of that police force to the extent that policemen must not be demoralized,” said Ramjattan. He told the House that there was evidence of demoralization of the police force for a number of years. He said that the system encouraged this. Pointing out some of the factors that influenced demoralization, Ramjattan said that in five years Cadets were denied promotion, as no arrangement was made for the establishment of an Assistant Superintendent level. This only happened in 2014. He said that several senior ranks were disentitled from having their 42 days annual leave but were forced to accept only 21 days in breach of the public service rules. Further, Ramjattan said that retired officers were given the “royal runaround” for their benefits “When you have existing officers seeing that your retired officers are treated this way, you are demoralizing them because
they will seek to secure all they can on the job.” The Minister said that the lack of training was also a factor, noting that many were denied opportunities to go abroad for training. Addressing the Speaker, Ramjattan said that this policy of the previous administration hampered capacity building which now forms part of the new government’s five-point plan to fight crime. The Minister said that ranks must be better trained to do crime scene management, like protection of the crime scene and identification and collection of physical testimonial evidence. He said that ranks will now be trained for the organization of case files right up to testifying in a court of law, as very many of the police witnesses crumble at the hands of a good cross examiner. Ramjattan spoke of many other issues affecting the force, including the shortage of 1500 to 2000 ranks. As he spoke of this, the heckling erupted again and PPP members shouted “what about horse riding and dog training.” He responded, “Yes I will comment on horse riding and dog training, but I will not however say anything about goats.” Ramjattan then spoke about implementing the 2:00 am curfew to help stem alcohol abuse. He then thanked Finance Minister, Winton Jordan for the provision of $125M to spend over the next four months to buy arms and ammunition and other finger print and ballistic equipment, and another $193M to buy vehicles trucks and motor cycles.
hydropower seminar By Desilon Daniels
With thousands of megawatts of power remaining untapped in Guyana, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) will host a hydropower seminar focusing on this form of green energy. The benefits of hydropower have long been recognised in Guyana, but massive strides to harness this type of energy have not yet been made. Nonetheless, the GEA is focusing its attention on small scale hydropower systems in its attempt to make a difference. In an interview with Kaieteur News, GEA official, Winston Setal, explained that the agency had embarked upon the seminar once again for a number of reasons. The seminar was first conducted in 2013 then again in 2014. The first of the reasons, he said, was dissemination. He explained that there are in excess of 7,000 megawatts of potential, and small systems were just one way of tapping into it. He shared that GEA is currently doing a study in Region 1 which so far has been reaping positive results. “We want to at least tap into those renewable resources and also give the public some information on hydropower,” Setal said. While the first seminar dealt with the basic concepts and the second dealt with the elements and feasibility of hydropower, this year will focus more on the small systems. According to Setal, small systems require fewer finances than larger efforts. He said too that they are easier to tap into. “We want for persons to generally have a wider knowledge of what hydropower concepts are all about. We notice that we have students who responded. There have also been some civil engineers. So I can see that persons are excited about hydropower. We have a couple of UG lecturers coming on board as well,” Setal explained. He said that up to yesterday afternoon, there had been about 100 persons registered. He expected this number to grow to about 150 by tomorrow when the seminar will be held. The registered participants, he added, are coming from as far as Corentyne and Linden, while the majority of the participants are from Georgetown, the East Coast and the East Bank. Sven Homscheid, the seminar’s facilitator, indicated that the forum will cover a number of topics, including the essential tips for
hydropower projects. Additionally, it will focus on the application of a number of services such as topographic and high tech applications. He said too that there will be focus on the selection of different types of turbines, particularly small hydropower turbines, as well as designs for environmental and social aspect. Homscheid, who facilitated the last two workshops, said the reception before had been overwhelming. The first seminar had about 80 registered participants while the second was smaller with about two dozen persons. This seminar, however, will be the one with the largest amount of registrants, he said. “The numbers speak for themselves.” Homscheid is a hydropower specialist with more than 15 years of experience in the field. He has worked in a number of countries, including Caribbean ones as well as African nations, and Vietnam. He is currently assisting GEA engineers in the preparation and installation of a small hydropower plant in Region 1. Homscheid explained that if hydropower was harnessed in Guyana on a wider scale, the benefits could be numerous, particularly if outlined environmental standards are adhered to. He said that hydropower is a green source of energy and is healthier because there are no carbon emissions as with other energy sources. He said too that the source was a renewable one. “We expect that the cost of providing electricity will be significantly lower than diesel. This is especially good for hinterland communities where diesel is heavily relied upon and has to be flown in by airplanes.” He added that hydropower is more convenient because not only is it cheaper, but is more easily accessible. The seminar, titled “Applied Engineering for Small Hydropower Projects – Practical Tips for Hydropower Practitioners”, is being held by GEA with support from Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA). The seminar was extended to engineers, technicians, students and interested persons and will be held tomorrow at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, and commences at 09:00hrs and concludes at 15:00hrs. Guyana’s largest attempt at harnessing hydropower is the Amaila Hydropower Project. However, the project is yet to get off the ground after a number of years.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
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GT Beer Futsal Tournament
West Back Road, Agricola, Albouystown, Sparta Boss all win Tournament favourites Sparta Boss left it late, before Travis Grant’s goal seconds from full time cemented an exciting 3-2 triumph over a resolute Alexander Village in the final game on Tuesday night as play in the inaugural GT Beer Futsal Tournament commenced, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue. Playing before a fair-sized crowd, that included GT Beer Brand Manager Geoff Clement, Beers Executive Brian Choo-Hen and NaMilCo CEO Fitzroy McLeod, the reigning national street champions were lucky to escape with full points after Alexander Village clawed their way back twice, before Grant’s header following a cross into the goal area by Sheldon Shepherd was landed on the floor and bounced over the goalline seconds from the final
whistle. Earlier, Sparta Boss had taken the lead through Grant, who fired past the goalkeeper after racing onto a free ball in the seventh minute of play. Carl Tudor then made it 20 when he netted a screaming left-footer as Sparta Boss appeared to be cruising to a comfortable win after twentyfour minutes of play. However, Alexander Village instead of throwing in the towel begun their resurgence and netted two quick goals through Jermin Junor from the penalty spot and Shem Porter in the 27th and 28th minutes respectively. Albouystown oozed with confidence as they registered an impressive 4-1 win over Globe Yard with the speedy and slimly built Devon Dooker slamming in a brace. Dooker opened his account after eight minutes when he took full advantage
of a fierce strike that was initially blocked but fell into his path and he booted the ball past the goalkeeper. He returned one minute later to increase their advantage in similar fashion, firing past the keeper after his parry landed into the path of the lurking striker. Lennox Cort then made it 3-0 in the 10th minute when he intercepted a weak back pass, before slotting home easily. However, Gordon Henry’s 23rd minute strike ensured that Globe Yard would not go down empty handed, but Albouystown’s Denvor Dennis was in no mood to entertain any resistance when he scored in the 26th minute of play. The upstarted West Back Road stayed true to form with a 4-1 thumping of the highly regarded North Ruimveldt side. Jarel Tyrell had given West Back Road the early
Thursday August 20, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21-APRIL 20) Pleasure trips will promote new romantic encounters. Your need to get away could lead you into greater debt.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Romantic relationships could be under pressure. You are best to deal with those outside your family.
TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) Find ways to mellow out. You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with. A residential move may be necessary to get a better job.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You can meet someone who will become very dear to you if you get out and socialize. Be on your best behavior.
GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Be aware of any deception on the part of those you deal with. Don't hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Find an outlet for any mounting frustration. Consider a creative hobby. You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends. You need to do something that will make you feel better about yourself. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Go out with friends. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Your intuition will be right on.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. You can make progress if you deal with the right individuals. Friends may not understand your situation.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Health problems may prevail if you don't take care of them immediately. Keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself and you won't get dragged into an unsavory debate.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Friendships will be ruined if you let too many people get involved in any disputes. You may experience setbacks due to additional responsibilities with loved ones.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Try not to take everything so seriously. They didn't fully understand what was expected. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue.
ascendancy in the seventh minute after caressing a cross with his chest, before delivering a cracking volley into the left side of the goal. North Ruimveldt’s Joshua Browne responded two minutes later, courtesy of a crushing right-footer that landed into the right side of the goal. West Back Road restored their advantage through Eon Hayde whose freekick took a deflection off the body of a defender and settled into the right hand corner in the 18th minute of play. One minute later it was Phillip Rowley’s turn to get into the scoring act as his right footed strike landed into the right hand corner. Hayde’s 26th minute effort formalised the victory for West Back Road. Recent streetball winners Agricola issued a potent warning to all pretenders after beating a stubborn and experienced Kitty Weavers 53. Gordon Grant booted a pair in the second and fifth minutes of play, while Glen Eastman duplicated that performance with a double in the ninth and 27th minutes. Anthony Rollins completed their tally with a solitary goal in the seventh minute. Nigel Denny, Jermaine Willis and Gordon Grant in the sixth, eighth and 15th minutes respectively were the players on target for Kitty Weavers. The tournament resumes tomorrow night with four more matches at the same venue. Showstoppers engage Sophia from 19:00 hrs, while Bent Street collide with Beterverwagting (BV) in the second encounter.. Queen Street of Tiger Bay go up against Leopold Street at 21:00hrs, while West Front Road and Broad Street square off from 21:45hrs. At stake is $500,000 and the championship trophy for the winning team, while the second, third and fourth place finishers receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively. IN THE NIGHT’S FULLRESULTS: Game-1 Albouystown-4 vs Globe Yard-1 Albouystown Scorers Devon Dooker-8th and 9th Lennox Cort-10th Denvor Dennis-26th Globe Yard Scorer Gordon Henry-23rd Game-2 Agricola-5 vs Kitty Weavers-3 Agricola Scorers Gordon Grant-2nd and 5th
Glen Eastman-9th and 27th Anthony Rollins-7th Kitty Scorers Nigel Denny-6th Jermaine Willis-8th Travis Martin-15th Game-3 West Back Road-4 vs North Ruimveldt-1 West Back Road Scorers Eon Hade-18th and 26th Jarel Tyrell-7th
Phillip Rowley-19th North Ruimveldt Scorer Joshua Browne-9th Game-4 Sparta Boss-3 vs Alexander Village-2 Sparta Scorers Travis Grant-7th and 30th Carl Tudor-24th Alexander Scorers Jermin Junor-27th Shem Porter-28th
Steve Naraine Birthday 4Team Siftball cricket set for tomorrow night @ DCC In honour of a distinguished member and former President of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), Stephen Naraine’s 50th Birthday, the GFSCA will be hosting a 4 Team - Knockout softball tournament tomorrow night at the DCC ground, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown. Matches start at 6:30PM. Trophies on offer are sponsored by Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall and the teams down to compete are: Pitch 1: Savage vs Floodlights Legends in a 20/20 fixture. Savage indicated that this it will be payback for their defeat last Sunday in the Petama Ent./ Motor Trend Softball Competition against the same opponent. Pitch 2: Floodlights Masters vs. Parika Defenders in a 20/20 game. The two winners then clash on the main wicket in a 15/15 Final. Naraine will be honored by GFSCA for reaching his half century land mark.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
Police reaches out to Angoy’s Avenue Amla lays foundation for South African success resident’s hands over sports gear
Senior Superintendent Errol Watts presents the equipment to Pastor Dennis Charles, while ASP Taylor at Centre and ASP Roberts at right, Sgt O’Donaghue, other ranks and residents share the moment. The police continue to show that they are not only about law enforcement but care about creating alternative avenues for youths stay and away from illicit activities. Recently, ranks of B Division of the Guyana Police Force, led by acting Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, visited the squatting community of Angoy’s Avenue, on the outskirts of New Amsterdam to interact with residents and distribute some sports gear. Accompanying the Acting Commander was Community Relations Officer of B Division Assistant Superintendent Alistair Roberts, Officer in Charge of No.1 sub division Assistant Superintendent Marlon Taylor, Station Sergeant of the Central Police Station, Marlon O’Donaghue among a
number of other ranks. The visit and handing over ceremony was made possible through the collaborative effort of Assistant Superintendent Roberts and Pastor Dennis Charles of the Hope Pentecostal International Church situated at Mai Mai and church Street Angoy’s avenue. Over the years the police have been interacting with the troubled Angoy’s Avenue community and have made numerous interventions in their effort to foster a better relationship. During the latest visit the police presented two prefab goals and nets along with a football to Pastor Charles to be used among members of the community. Assistant Superintendent Roberts stated that the equipment was acquired from The Ministry of National Security as part of a
Smythfield Rockers... From page 34 opportunity to call on other businesses to come on board to provide sponsorship for the tournament. Seven teams participated in the competition with the teams being placed into two groups. The teams were in Group A: Rose Hall Jammers
of Corentyne, Hope Town Stealers of West Berbice and Canje Knights of East Canje. Group B: was made up of New Amsterdam Warriors and Smythfield Rockers of New Amsterdam, Fyrish Black Sharks of Corentyne and Ithaca Hardliners of West Berbice. (Samuel Whyte)
larger package in their community enhancement programme. He said that this is part of the police initiative to help to keep youths meaningfully occupied and away from illicit activities and out of trouble. He said, “We want to have the youths utilize their energies in a useful way. We don’t want them to be idle and getting into trouble.” Acting Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts stated that the police force is not only about solving crimes, executing charges and prosecuting cases but about helping people help themselves to do good thing and stay out of trouble. He stated that the force is extremely pleased to be in a position to hand over the set of equipment to the community. Watts urged residents not to be afraid of the police, because the police are their friends. The Acting Commander stated that the youths are our future and the Police force will endeavor in every way possible to assist them in their development, in whatever career they choose, as long as it is beneficial to the society. He said that jail is not a place for young people; this is why the police is going the extra mile to make sure that they have opportunities to be beneficially occupied. The initiative is part of the Cops and Faith Outreach [CFO]. Pastor Charles in thanking the police expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the officers for the initiative, especially in choosing that particular community. He gave
his commitment in making sure that the equipment is used for the betterment of the community. The Ministry has also given the police a number of other sports gear including Table Tennis equipment and dominoes. The police along with a number of other security organizations in Berbice, two years ago had adopted a nearby play ground in the area. Assistant Superintendent Taylor who recently took command of the No.1 subdivision visited the East Bank Berbice where he met with residents at various villages. (Samuel Whyte)
PRETORIA (Reuters) A century from Hashim Amla laid the foundation for home success on Wednesday as South Africa beat New Zealand by 20 runs to win their opening one-day international at Centurion. Amla displayed the form that had him rated the world’s best batsman as he mastered the bowling on a slow track and scored 124 for South Africa to open with 304 for seven off their 50 overs. New Zealand kept up with the required run rate for most of their chase but lost wickets at key intervals and were bowled out for 284 in the 49th over of the first of a threematch series. Amla scored his 21st ODI century off 126 balls and featured in a 185-run partnership for the second wicket with Rilee Rossouw, who tempered his usual aggressive style to build a steady innings before being bowled in the 42nd over for 89. It proved a positive start after New Zealand had won the toss and sent the hosts into bat. But a chance of a much bigger score, on the same pitch where they lost to New Zealand in a Twenty20 international on Sunday, disappeared as South Africa lost five wickets in their last eight overs. South Africa made an immediate breakthrough on the New Zealand batting as Dale Steyn had Luke Ronchi caught behind at the end of the first over after seeing two earlier deliveries dropped. New Zealand then set
Hashim Amla about chasing down the target with Tom Latham and captain Kane Williamson amassing 104 runs for the second wicket before a vital breakthrough as Williamson was caught at extra cover for 47 off spinner Imran Tahir. Latham (60) was the fifth wicket to fall halfway to the target as he walked across his stumps to a straight ball and was caught leg before. But the Kiwis kept up the pressure with fighting contributions from James Neesham (41) and Colin Munro (33), who might have been able to take their team past the target had they been more patient. The second ODI is in Potchefstroom on Sunday. Scores: South Africa 304 for 7 (Amla 124, Rossouw 89, Milne 2-51) beat New Zealand 283 for 9 (Latham 60, Williamson 47) by 20 runs.
Forbes Burnham Memorial Basketball bounces off this weekend - Georgetown’s Guardians play Bulls, Colts clash with Jets The inaugural Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Forbes Burnham Memorial Basketball Championships bounces off Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with two Georgetown versus Linden clashes, scheduled to start at 7pm. In the opening game of the double-header, Georgetown’s Plaisance Guardians will play Linden’s One Mile Bulls, while Georgetown’s Colts romp with Linden’s Amelia’s Ward Jets in the second game of the knockout tournament. The tournament continues the following day with another mouth-watering double-header, which brings together arguably the four
GABF President Nigel Hinds best teams in the tournament from Linden and Georgetown in the first round of the competition.
National Club Champions, Pacesetters comes up against Retrieve Raiders in the first game on Sunday while Dyna’s Ravens play Victory Valley Royals in the featured game. The winner from the Colts/Jets game will play the winner of the Ravens/Royals showdown next Wednesday night at the same venue. The competition will conclude on August 30 with the winner pocketing $100,000 and the second place team taking home $60,000. The third place team will take home $40,000. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three clubs while trophies will be presented to the MVP, Best Uniformed Team and Most Disciplined Team.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Ansa McAl through GDA team for Puerto Rico tourney its Stag Beer brand pays courtesy call to DOS Jones confirms Elite League sponsorship Ansa McAl through its Stag Beer brand became the Platinum sponsor of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) upcoming Elite League after confirming its commitment to the undertaking through the presentation of a cheque for an undisclosed sum yesterday, at the Company’s Head Office, Beterverwagting. The Meeting had in attendance Marketing Executive of the Company Troy Cadogan, PRO Dharshanie Yusuf, Stag Beer Brand Manager John Maikoo, Normalisation Committee (NC) Charirman Clinton Urling, GFF General Secretary Richard Groden, NC member Tariq Williams and GFF Communications and Marketing official Rawle Toney. Cadogan speaking at the occasion said that the Company was extremely proud to be associated with the Elite League which according to him will be known as the Stag Elite League. He noted that while the Company has a great opportunity to promote its brands, the real emphasis was to support the work of the GFF in helping with the development of the sport locally. Cadogan reminded those present that Ansa McAl has always been in the forefront of football development and its involvement therefore is nothing new. “We need to lead in the development of well organised legitimate football and that is one reason why we’ve partnered with the GFF and while we felt that the partnership would have led us to Russia, because we faltered during the second round we are now forced to adjust our thinking to Qatar 2022,” Cadogan told the gathering. Quizzed on whether fans could see an aggressive promotional campaign for the League, Cadogan assured that all the marketing arrangements will not be left entirely up to the GFF, but the Company will be sharing that responsibility as well. Urling commenting on the sponsorship referred to it as historic and important, adding that it represents the largest support for the GFForganised event apart from
the world governing body FIFA. Urling pointed out that the Stag Elite League was conceptualised to achieve excellence in the sport locally, informing that all the players from the eight clubs identified to participate in the competition will be paid. He disclosed that the eight clubs chosen are the best all-round in terms of administrative practices, standard of play etc. The NC Chairman also revealed that the game officials are also the ‘cream of the crop’ in the country and fans could expect a standard of officiating. Urling said the League will run for eight months which according to him should provide sufficient time and opportunity for the Federation and its technical staff to identify the next crop of players to the national grid. He promised to ensure that the League is sustainable, adding that it could only be so if sponsorship is maintained otherwise it is virtually impossible to realise true development. The NC Head offered direct congratulations to Ansa McAl for its support for the sport over the years. The eight participating teams are Monnederlust, GDF, Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Pele, Buxton United, Fruta Conquerors and GFC. Meanwhile, more details pertaining to the League will be made known shortly.
The Guyana team with Director of Sport Christopher Jones (sitting center). GDA president Faye Joseph is seated second from left, Secretary Barbara Marshall is second from right, while PRO Orin Boston is far left (sitting). By Zaheer Mohamed The squad shortlisted by the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) to participate in the upcoming tournament slated to commence on September 23 in Puerto Rico yesterday paid a courtesy call to Director of Sport Christopher Jones. The contingent comprising GDA president Faye Joseph, Secretary Barbara Marshall and Public Relations Officer Orin Boston, briefed the Director of their trip to Puerto Rico as well as other upcoming events which include hosting of an international tournament to celebrate Guyana’s 50 th Independence Anniversary in
2016 in an effort to move the sport forward. Jones pledged his support for the team going to Puerto Rico and commended the efforts of the GDA. “It shows that they have the dedication and from all indication they have been very successful in previous tours.” Noting that they are going to meet about 10 other countries in the competition, and of course with the view of inviting those countries for a tournament for our 50 th Anniversary in admirable, he added. Jones pointed out that it will help to promote tourism. “Perhaps some of those countries that they will meet in Puerto Rico may have little knowledge about Guyana, so
Nakhid hopes to become C’bean’s... From page 37 football is played in schools and you have a designated time for Football they will a more balanced student,” Nakhid opined. But when asked if the involvement by leading Caribbean Football officials in the FIFA scandal would be a negative factor in his ambitions for the Presidency, Nakhid answered; “We need to rise above that and how we do that is that we don’t be defined by what’s happened in the past. We can’t allow what happened in the past something beyond our control as Caribbean people. What we do is we push our vision forward, and we’re not afraid to push that vision forward.” He added, “Now what we need to do, is if we become
more pro-Caribbean rather than pro-UEFA or pro-Asiait doesn’t mean we’re antianyone- but we’re pro-Caribbean in the sense that we understand our true value in this global football world. We understand what we bring to this process, and it is not a reference for a vote as it has been in the past. We then become a reference for true consultation. People then come down to Guyana and really ask you ‘well what do you need’ in tangible terms, not in promises.” Europe’s Michel Platini is considered the front runner in the race for the top job in FIFA. Other top names who have thrown their hats in ring are Diego Maradona of Argentina, Zico of Brazil and Musa Bility, the Liberian Football Association President.
But Nakhid thinks that coming from a part of the World that has a diverse culture will give him the edge in becoming the first ever FIFA President from the Caribbean.
their trip will boost tourism here and associations like these must be supported for the work that they have been doing,” he said. GDA head Joseph, told Kaieteur Sport that they are looking forward to keep the Golden Arrow Head aloft in Puerto Rico. She added that the World Council tournament is set for Antigua in 2016 and Guyana will look to continue their dominance on that stage as well. Joseph expressed gratitude to Jones for his input. “Our aim is to promote the sport and which serves as a unifying factor. We have been touring on a regular basis but have never sought sponsorship from anyone but we need as much assistance for this trip,” she stated. She explained that their previous trips have help to boost tourism here and they will also use their tour to Puerto Rico to promote the GDA 2016 international
tournament. The Guyanese will compete in King, Queen, Three-hand and Pairs in the Spanish speaking country. The touring party, dependant on the issuances of United States visas will depart on September 21. The squad reads; Faye Joseph, Quincy Adams, John Chance, Althea Chase, Leroy Edwards, Orin Favourite, Sonia Goodluck, Nicola Haywood, Clement Henry, Paul Lewis, Noel Mc Kay, Andrea Mendonca, Gilbert Mendonca, Sean Morgan, Roberto Osbourne, ParkerCarter, Martin Permaul, Rawl Peters, Mark Rodrigues, Godfrey Samuels, Errol Seymour, Frank Small, Andrew Yhap, Azeez Richmond, Ken Redmond, James Collins, Colin Mc Ewan, Barbara Marshall, Orin Boston, Lyndon Boston and Colin Boyce. Guyana are the World Council Dominoes Federation defending male three-hand champions.
Several Guyanese through to quarters at CASA Senior Championships Guyana has secured spots from three women in the Ladies Individual and two men in the Men’s Individual quarterfinals at the Caribbean Amateur Squash Association (CASA) Maples Senior Squash Championship in the Cayman Islands. Ashley Khalil, Akelia Wiltshire and Mary Fung-A-Fat among the ladies, while Sunil Seth and Richard Chin for the men, were the players securing quarterfinal berths. In the Ladies Round of 16: (3/4 seeds) Ashley Khalil beat Amanda Haywood (BAR) 3-0 11/3,11/4,11/5 will play
(5/8)Charlotte Knaggs (TRI). (5/8) Akelia Wiltshire beat Nadia MaCarthy (BAR) 3-1 9/11, 11/3, 11/6, 11/5 will play (2) Runa Reta (Bermuda). (5/8) Mary Fung-A-Fat beat Rachael Barnes (BER) 3-0 11/6, 11/5, 11/6 will play (1) Karen Meakins (BAR). In the Men’s Round of 16: (3/4) Sunil Seth beat Ashante Smith (JAM) 3-0 11/7,11/6, 11/5 will play (5/8) Micah Franklin(BER). (5/8) Richard Chin beat Mandela Patrick (TRI) 3-1 13/11, 11/7,9/11,11/3 will play (2) Lewis Walters (JAM).
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
Change of IGG Protocol Champion of champions high on agenda for next year football kicks off today
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (left) after the meeting with his counterparts from Suriname and French Guiana in Paramaribo, Suriname. Director of Sport, Christopher Jones participated in an Inter-Guiana Games meeting in Suriname last week where, among many things, the cancellation of the Guyana leg and change of the IGG Protocol for next year, were discussed. Present at the meeting was Suriname’s Director of Sport, Luciano Mentowikromo and President of the Committee of Regional Olympic Sport of French Guiana, Jean-Claude Mariema. A press release from the National Sports Commission (NSC), said that the two-day discussion centred on the improvement of the IGG to ensure it reflects the original intention. “All three countries expressed their disappointment in the cancellation of the first leg of the IGG 2015, and it was agreed that this was as a result of miscommunication. A proposal was tabled for a new organisation of the IGG which would entail a reexamination of the protocol for 2016,” the release said. The country representatives signed an agreement committing the countries to
the second leg that will be held on October 27 in Cayenne, French Guiana. French Guiana, as hosts, has committed to indicating the disciplines to participate in by Monday. As a result, an inspection meeting is scheduled for September 25 and 26 in Cayenne, French Guiana. “Additionally, Guyana has submitted several amendments to the existing protocol, one of which is the lowering of the age requirements for students, currently the protocol caters for students under 19 to participate competitively in the Games while Guyana proposes that it is lowered to under 18 in keeping with the education policy of Guyana,” the release continued. This has been a bone of contention for many years for Guyanese athletes competing in the IGG. The amendments are all intended to come under review for the 2016 IGG protocol. “Jones shared the history of IGG, which began in 1967 and was the brain child of then Premier Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham to foster
a spirit of solidarity. He pledged his personal commitment and that of the Government of Guyana to ensure the Games continue to forge closer cohesion among the Guianas,” the NSC release concluded.
RDE Vybz in collaboration with King’s of the street, champion of champions football tournament is set to kick off today at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. The Cultural Center tarmac will also host matches on August 26, September 1 and 3, while Pouderoyen will be the venue for games on August 22 and 26, September 4 and 5. 32 teams have been placed into eight groups with the top two advancing to the playoffs. The winning team will pocket $400,000, the runner up $150,000, third place $80,000 and fourth place $20,000; entrance fee is $2,000. Group A -Show Stopper, Alberttown, Melanie and Gold is Money. Group B- Glob Yard, Alexander Village, North East and Sam Roo Dam. Group C-Broad Street, Jette, Admiral United and Festival City. Group D-Albouystown, Leopold Street, Agricola and World Boss. Group EBrothers United, Back Circle, Sophia and Patentia. Group FTiger Bay, East Ruimveldt, Den Amstel and West Ruimveldt. Group G-Sparta Boss, Cross Street, Plaisance and Raiders. Group H-North
Esan Pyle of the Organising Committee (right) collects one of the trophies on offer from a Representative of the Trophy Stall. Ruimveldt, Island, West Side Ballers and BV FC. In the opening fixtures, Alberttown will face Melanie, Jette will play Admiral United, Glob Yard will take on Sam Roo Dam, Broad Street will match skills with Festival City, Alexander Village will challenge North East, Albouystown will face
Smythfield Rockers are 2015 NPG Basketball champions in Berbice Smithfield Rockers of New Amsterdam showed that they are the best basketball team in Berbice after they steadied themselves to defeat Canje Knights 70-61 in the final of the second annual NPG Packaging Basketball tourney for teams in Berbice. In the finals played last Sunday at the Smithfield Drop-in Centre Basketball court in New Amsterdam, Berbice; the Rockers playing in familiar circumstances on their home court got into their strides early with a steady first session, to lead 20 -15 at the end of the first quarter. The young Knights lineup continued to fight, but the more seasoned Rockers combination dominated to end the second stanza 29-37. The third quarter saw both teams coming out rejuvenated as they pressed for the advantage. But try as they might the Knights could not conquer the steady Rockers as the third quarter ended 46-53. As the final sessions began both teams sensed they were in with a chance to
cop the title. However it was more of the same as the Rockers were able to use their experience and keep the Knights at bay for the comfortable 70-61 win to take home the NPG trophy. The consistent Michael Bowen with 21 points led the way for the Smythfield Rockers and he received good support from Jason Fraser with 16 points, while Jamal Felix who was later adjudged the most valuable player (MVP), supported with 12 points. For the Canje
Parfaite Harmonie, Show Stoppers will entertain Gold is Money and Leopold Street will clash with Agricola. The competition is being sponsored by Xtra Beer, Xtra energy drink, Sparta Boss, Dev Grocery, Up Rising Beverage and Car Rental, Sankar Auto sale, Trophy Stall and Roy’s Pharmacy.
Part of the action between Smithfield Rockers of NA and Canje Knights.
Knights, Steve Roopnarine poured in 26 points which included five 3-pointers with Jason Gladstone 17 and Devon Hunte 10 showing some fight in the losing cause. President of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Keith Myers, who assisted with the presentation ceremony, congratulated the teams for reaching the final and putting on a good show. He however urged the teams to keep training and maintain good discipline. He stated that he
would like to see a higher standard of basketball being played among the teams in Berbice. Coordinator Vibert Garrett also congratulated and thanked the teams for participating in the competition. He was very grateful to the sponsors NPG Packaging for coming on board to sponsor the tournament and is looking for their continued support for a similar tournament next year. He also used the (Continued on page 30)
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
Page 35
Persaud, George and Gaskin star as Guyana capture seven gold medals at Goodwill games
O
utstanding performances by Aleka Persaud, Onika George and Hannibal Gaskin handed Guyana seven gold medals at the recently concluded Goodwill games in Trinidad and Tobago. The locals also claimed 10 silvers and 12 bronze, a total of 29 medals. Competing in the girls eight and under category, Persaud overpowered her rivals to capture gold in the 50m freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and 100m freestyle. She clocked 36.20 seconds in the 50m butterfly thereby erasing her previous mark of 37.40 seconds. Gaskin became the first Guyanese to fall below two minutes at the meet; he won the 200m 15-17 freestyle in a time of 1 minute 58.66 seconds, his previous time was 1 minute 59.29 seconds. George carted off the 50m backstroke event and took silver in the 50m and 100m freestyle, and 100m backstroke while Persaud placed second in the 100m IM. Leon Seaton took the runner up spot in the 50m and 200m freestyle; Gaskin also claimed silver in the 100m butterfly. Guyana placed second in the 13-14 boys’ 4x100m, 4x50m and 15-17 boys’ 4x50m freestyle Relay. G u y a n a ’s b r o n z e medalist were Patrice
Members of the Guyana team display their accolades while GASA President Ivan Persaud is at top right.
Mahaica (50m breaststroke), Accalia Khan (50m backstroke), George 200m freestyle, Philip De Nobrega (200m IM and 100m backstroke), Gaskin (100m freestyle) and Omar Adams (200m freestyle). The Guyanese also placed third in the girls 8 and under 4x50m freestyle, 1517 4x50m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m IM, and in the boys’ 15-17
4x100m freestyle. Persaud was crowned the 8 and under high point champion. Aleka Persaud, Leon Seaton (12 and under), and Onika George and Hannibal Gaskin (13 and over) were recipients of awards presented by the Finis equipment agents which is based in Trinidad for being among the most outstanding swimmers in their respective categories.
Page 36
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 20, 2015
133rd Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championships...
Persaud, Braithwaite and Gomez aiming for final 50 shoot off on Saturday By Franklin Wilson in the USA compliments of NAMILCO, Ringbang, Fazias Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Queensway The Caribbean’s leading trio of shooters at the 133rd Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championships being held at the Connaught Range, Ottawa, Ontario will be aiming to make the final 50 which will be shooting off on Saturday. Being held under the auspices of the Dominion of Name Mahendra Persaud Lennox Braithwaite Norris Gomez Denis Lee Paul Archer Christopher Joseph Thomas Greenaway David Dumont
300 35-3 35-5 35-3 34-3 32-1 32-1 31-1 25-1
Canada Rifle Association (DCRA), after day three on Tuesday, Mahendra Persaud, Guyana’s National Captain, overtook Norris Gomez who was the leading Caribbean shooter after two days of competition. Persaud held down the number 22 spot with a total of 441-31 in the Grand Aggregate up to Tuesday 500 34-2 35-7 33-3 33-3 31-0 30-1 31-2 30-0
600 35-4 35-0 30-1 34-1 33-1 28-0 32-1 23-0
which saw competition in the Letsonat the 300m, 500m and 600m range as well as the Alexander of Tunis at the 900m range. Another 155 points were up for grabs on the day which takes the Grand Aggregate to 455, with 375 to go. The top three marksmen to date are homeboy Serge Bissonnette (450-43), USA’s Kent Reeve
900 Grand Agg. Position Overall 47-1 441-31 22 44-1 438-46 32 45-1 433-35 43 42-0 416-17 100 40-1 415-20 103 41-1 415-17 104 44-3 398-19 126 26-1 233-5 146
(449-48) and Greta Britain’s John Deane (449-46). The Caribbean’s number one Individual marksman, Lennox Braithwaite who did not drop a single point in the respective 7 round shoots at 300, 500 and 600 maintained his place at 32 of the 147 competitors while Gomez fell from 30 to 43. The trio would have hoped for good scores yesterday in their quest to make the top 50 heading into the much anticipated Shoot Off. Persaud also enjoyed a fine day with perfect shoots at the 300 and 600 ranges on a day when he dropped just 4 points from a possible 155.
Norris Gomez
Braithwaite dropped 6, all at the 900m range which was a 10 round shoot. Gomez did not drop any at 300. Following are the scores by the shooters on day 3
along with the Grand Aggregate up to Tuesday and their positions overall.
Mahendra Persaud
Lennox Braithwaite
Thursday August 20, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 37
Nakhid hopes to become C’bean’s first FIFA President
(From left) Rawle Tony, Josanne Leoward, David Nakhid, Clinton Urling, Tarik Williams, Jamaal Shabazz during yesterday’s briefing.
By Sean Devers Fifty-one year old former Tr i n i d a d & To b a g o Footballer David Nakhid played 35 Internationals and scored eight goals for T&T between 1992 and 2005. The mid-fielder also played professionally in Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Lebanon, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. Nakhid, who runs the ‘David Nakhid International Football Academy’ in Lebanon, now has his sights set on the Presidency of FIFA in February’s election to replace the outgoing 79year-old Sepp Blatter, who on June 2, resigned amidst FIFA’s corruption scandal, which saw officials, including former T&T football administrator Jack Warner, accused by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of wire fraud and money laundering. Blatter held the position of FIFA President since 1998. The elections will take place on February 26, 2016, at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Nakhid and his Campaign Secretary Josann Leonard (team Caribbean) met with Head of the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Clinton Urling at the Guyana Marriott Hotel yesterday. A press conference was held in the conference room of the impressive Hotel and the Trinidadian, who needs five nominations before October 26 to move forward, will be hoping that after yesterday’s talks in Guyana, he will garner the support of the Urling led GFF during his five-month campaign period.
“Now what we need to do is become more proCaribbean rather than proUEFA or pro-Asia, it doesn’t mean we’re anti-anyone but we’re pro-Caribbean in the sense that we understand our true value in this global f o o t b a l l w o r l d . We understand what we bring to this process, and it is not a reference for a vote as it has been in the past. We then become a reference for true consultation. People then come down to Guyana and really ask you ‘well what do you need’ in tangible terms, not in promises.” Nakhid said. “I am extremely confident of securing the
votes since I have lived in the Middle East and played in Europe but wanted to come out of our Federation,” Nakhid informed. “And I think once that is done we can then try to attract support from other parts of the world, but it would be useless to enter a campaign where I can’t even come out of my confederation. I think once that is done, I think the Caribbean people will get a better sense of our message when it is placed on that global forum and the rest of the world,” he added. Nakhid, who says he knows what it feels like to come from the Ghetto and
playing on rough, bumpy fields as a little boy in Trinidad, made his intentions to compete during a Radio show recently in Antigua, said that real change in World Football won’t happen if there is no Caribbean voice. Nakhid explained that his candidacy is geared to position the Caribbean where it needs to be, “where we have not been before.” “We had the illusion of leadership- the illusion of someone at the head table of FIFA before, but we never saw anything that came down to us in the Caribbean, we need to change that. We need to posit ourselves in a
position where we understand our true value politically, but also in terms of the development that is needed in the wider world of football,” Nakhid explained. The former footballer feels that if no one is there to represent the interest of Caribbean football, “no one is going to be concerned about our interest.” “No one from outside our region can truly reflect what is needed,” he said “Infrastructure is the most important aspect in developing Football talent in a country as large and green as Guyana and it is disappointing that there is no football Stadium here. You
can’t play Football on a cricket ground,” the FIFA Presidential hopeful noted. Nakhid feels that the best coaches should be sent to the youth level and the finished product sent to Coaches like Jamaal Shabazz, whom he described as a close friend and Guyana best Coach. “But in the Caribbean we tend to do things in the reverse and put the best Coaches at the senior team level. School Football is also very important since a child could be made to decide on his Football career and his academic career if he has to join a club to play football when at school. However if (Continued on page 33)
t r o Sp
Ansa McAl through its Stag Beer brand confirms Elite League sponsorship
Ansa Marketing Executive Troy Cadogan (4th left) hands over the cheque to GFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling in the presence of Company officials and GFF representatives yesterday.
West Back Road, Agricola, Albouystown,Sparta Boss all win
GT Beer Futsal Tournament...
GT Beer Manager Geoff Clement (centre) about to kick off the ball to signal the start of competition on Tuesday evening, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Nakhid hopes to become C’bean’s first FIFA President 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