Kaieteur News

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August 24, 2013 - Vol. 7 No. 33 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

APNU Leader responds to US Ambassador on Amaila…

- David Granger

“My interest lies with Guyana and its people” Worry mounts over gold prices, security …

Absolutely no sitting on these rails!

The bridge at the Amerindian Hostel on Princes Street

Miners ask for fuel tax relief, gun

licences Chief-of-Staff designate Brigadier Mark Phillips

Mark Phillips Cop charged for rape of girl, 14 to be new Draft Report says ...

Army Chief C'bean Airlines Timehri - Promoted to Brigadier

crash due to pilot error

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

Saturday August 24, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Mark Phillips to be new Army Chief - Promoted to Brigadier

C

olonel Mark Phillips has been promoted to Brigadier and will be the country's next army chief, as Rear Admiral Gary Best prepares to retire. According to a government statement yesterday, President Donald Ramotar, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Guyana Defence Board, approved the promotion.

The statement said that the President has identified Phillips as the Chief-of-Staff designate and Chairman of the Joint Services Coordination Council.

Best who was promoted from Commodore to Rear Admiral recently, is set to retire on September 20, 2013.

President Ramotar has also approved the promotion of Colonel Julian Brewster Lovell to Brigadier.

The badging ceremony for Brigadiers Phillips and Lovell will be held at the Office of the President on Monday.

Phillips will be sworn in on September 16, it was also announced yesterday.

In late 2007, the previous administration announced a number of promotions, including the promotion of Best from Commander to Commodore. Also promoted to the rank of Colonel then were Andrew Pompey, Lovell and Phillips.

Chief-of-Staff designate Brigadier Mark Phillips

APNU wants COI into education system

A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling for a national Commission of Inquiry (COI) to ascertain why the overall results at the primary, secondary and tertiary public education levels continue to be unsatisfactory.

APNU, the largest faction of the Opposition in the National Assembly, at a press conference yesterday, said that it is alarmed that the Te a c h in g S e r v i ce Commission (TSC) has been obliged to dismiss an average of two to three teachers every week for offences within the public education system.

According to APNU's Leader, David Granger, offences ranging from teaching under the influence of alcohol, carnal knowledge of students, flogging of children without authority,

i n e ff i c i e n c y a n d p o o r supervision and misappropriation of school funds, are but a few of the worrying problems.

Granger noted that the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) has raised concerns of the dangerously worrying trend of school violence.

“There has been the appearance of the so-called 'Gaza' and 'Gully' gangs which target teachers they dislike. The number of violent incidents and the severity of those incidents immediately require a c o m p r e h e n s i v e investigation.”

Concerns were also raised

by APNU as to the plan by the TSC to recruit overseas Mathematics and Science teachers for the public education system.

According to the Opposition Leader, it is a fact

that not enough is done to amend the problems of educating and employing Mathematics and Science teachers locally.

The coalition also expressed concern with what they called “educational apartheid”- the disparity between performances of private schools as against public schools, with the former performing seemingly better.

Issues were also raised about the level of education in the hinterland.

“It is evident also that, of the 16, 811 candidates who sat the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year, only 173 students who comprised the top one per cent were placed in the best secondary school.

Over 80 of the 173 students were from private (continued on page 6)

C'bean Airlines Timehri crash due to pilot error Tw o y e a r s a f t e r a Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) Boeing 737-800 aircraft crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri (CJIA), a draft report has been completed with the findings pointing to pilot's error.

The plane spectacularly split in two, around 01:30hrs on July 30, 2011, and while there were no deaths, there were injuries with one passenger losing his leg. A number of passengers have since taken legal action.

Officials privy to the report said that from all indications, the pilot landed “long” on the runway and was unable to stop the plane.

The midnight flight ran off the runway, and broke into half after ending up on a nearby road.

While not giving much detail, the officials also said in all likelihood, the pilot “mis-averaged” the runway and after landing, could not bring the plane to a halt in time.

The draft report, according to officials of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has been submitted to Minister of Transport Robeson Benn. It was prepared by Deputy Director of GCAA, Paula McAdam.

The findings would be significant as CAL's owners, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, had suggested that the problem seemed to have been on the Guyana end, at the airport. However, authorities in Guyana have

dismissed this, pointing to Guyana's safety record at CJIA, which has been one of the best in the region.

The co-pilot of the CAL flight, BW 523, has since resigned while the captain was reportedly reassigned to another division in the airline.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington had late last year reviewed an initial report from the GCAA. CAL had appointed a firm of specialist aviation attorneys to deal with the four or so lawsuits filed by passengers.

Already, the airline which was granted flagcarrier status by Guyana earlier this year and is now facing flak for its high fares, has been paid by the insurance company for the incident. The damaged plane has been given to the insurer, it has been reported.

Currently, Guyana is on the verge of expanding the CJIA, extending the airport and building a new terminal building. The idea is to attract bigger planes and tap into the Asian and African market, using Guyana's strategic geographical position, Government has said.

CAL had met with Government recently after complaints of the high fares.

Guyana is desperate to find additional airlines willing to take up flights to North America, especially the Georgetown/JFK route.

- Draft Report says

Flashback: The crash scene at CJIA in July 2011 (Mike Charles photo)

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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

People’s perception can hurt a country There are some things that make a country look bad to people on the inside. In some countries there are myriad beggars—so many that people visiting those countries or reading about them conclude that it is a nation of beggars.

India is the world’s largest democracy; it is a rich country and has more millionaires than even the United States, has some of the richest sportsmen in the world and some of the most spectacular pieces of architecture in the world, including the Taj Mahal. But for all this, the reports of widespread poverty and the numerous beggars in some cities give the impression that India is really poor.

Africa cannot escape the reputation of a nation of loinclothed people running around in the desert, largely because of the image perpetrated by the various movies on the continent. More recently, Nigeria has been presented as a nation of crooks. There have been those scammers who use the electronic media to invite people to share nonexistent unclaimed millions.

Guyana is developing the reputation as a country with some of the most violent people. Scarcely a day goes by without the local media reporting some crime. In recent weeks there have been at least three murders per week; a robbery every day and some other form of violence against innocent people. To make the situation even more sinister, the country has less than one million people.

Indeed there are other countries that report an even higher level of violence. Trinidad for example, has seen nearly three times as many murders as Guyana in the same period of reporting. However, Trinidad is not seen as a violent place because its politicians clampdown heavily on these indicators that determine the perception of the country.

This may sound strange but it is true. People respond to the manner the state deals with important issues. Take corruption for example. Just recently, the media latched on to the irregularities of a leading politician, Jack Warner, and the government took action. Indeed there were people who wanted this politician to remain in office so they promptly voted overwhelmingly for him in a recent by-election.

But even before this, Trinidad caused some leading politicians to be charged with a major scam involving the airport.

Indeed, the country even permitted the extradition of these men to stand trial in the United States, but they appealed and avoided being extradited. But the world noticed the government’s efforts to deal with corruption in its midst and therefore saw the country in an amazing light. There are no known diplomatic warnings to citizens travelling to the twin-island republic.

Shift to Guyana and suddenly the diplomatic missions are warning their people to avoid certain parts of the capital. From time to time, the heads of the missions have had to intervene in political issues, to comment on corrupt practices and to make money available for some routine things. Just this past week the world saw people from inside the United States embassy removing garbage.

In any country the task of clearing garbage is the responsibility of the country. These things therefore add up to give the country a negative image. To make matters worse, no one has even been prosecuted for acts of corruption.

People took note and voted to avoid Guyana. Of course the government blamed the media for highlighting the crime situation. Perhaps the government was saying that visitors may come and be preyed upon.

Then people begin to see the wanton killings and the stupid road accidents. A minibus with family members is piloted by an idiot. He opts to speed, then to challenge anyone who would pass him on the streets. He crashes and one of his passengers dies. The world sits up and takes notice.

Forget the armed robberies and the lack of arrests and Guyana’s image is still lower than many other countries. And one cannot forget the reaction to politicians who go against the law. They are untouchable and this does nothing to aid the reputation of the country. Guyana needs a total revamp.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

THE 1960s MAYHEM

DEAR EDITOR, U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h i s reader is not privy to the agenda discussed at the National Economic Forum (reported on by Stabroek News August 16, 2013); but one couldn’t help being intrigued with some of the remarks attributed to the Minister ‘with responsibility for security within its (Guyana) borders’.

Again, while uncertain of the generational ages of the groups of participants referred to, one could only wonder who amongst them pondered on the relevance (and context) of ‘mayhem’ adverted to, in the preindependence period of more than 50 years ago. As correctly advised therefore by the Minister, ‘if one were to talk about lawlessness in Guyana, as it relates to public security; they would have to delve into the history books,’ assuming of course these are available.

Interested participants, as well as attentive journalists, should be encouraged to verify, for example, (from archival papers kept at the National Library) those parts (and not all) of Water Street that were destroyed by ‘fire and riots’; as well as the political dynamics which obtained in the specific years referred to. Further, the concentration on the urban conflagration may provide the under-informed with a somewhat distorted perspective.

Nineteen sixty-four was

the climactic year of three years of industry-wide strikes, this time accompanied by the burning of cane fields, and some houses. What evolved into a national strike was attributed to the reaction of the PPP to the UK’s Colonial Office’s decision to a low Proportional Representation in the upcoming General Elections. Their leader Cheddi Jagan had lost ground, and face.

One resort to what history there may be is to Clem Seecharan’s well researched book, titled “Sweetening Bitter Sugar” in which he records the following: “Jagan’s own Party’s newspaper was not charitable either. When he agreed to the imposition, Mirror had asked caustically: ‘Why this admission of Guianese inferiority, and why the supine and humiliating acceptance of white supremacy, and acknowledgement of a master race?... We… hope that all is not irretrievably lost. And that out of this ignominious moral capitulation may yet be carved splendid victory.’

When the Sandys decision was delivered, the paper sought solace in philosophical reflections, which they commended to an innocent Jagan: “In this hour of travail he must find the balm of consolation in the

philosophical sayings and practical maxims which, through the centuries, have served to stimulate man’s interest for good … ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity’; ‘I am the master of my faith, I am the captain of my soul’; ‘A man’s reach must exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?’; and ‘The menace of the years finds, and shall find me unafraid’.”

To be brief, the following statistics released by the BG Sugar Producers’ Association at the time, speak for themselves.

16th Feb. – $700,000 worth of sugar from the Berbice and Demerara Estates lost through arson 24th Feb. – Arson to three Sugar Estates (104 acres) total damage nearly $1m 26th Mar. – 190 acres of cane valued more than $200,000 burnt on Berbice Estates 6th April – 279 acres of cane on the East Coast burnt, valued $153,000 8th April – 92 acres of cane burnt on the East Coast – 2,000 acres approximately burnt since sugar dispute began 57 days ago, losses being $2.5m 17th July – Arsonists burnt $.25m cane at Enterprise 26th July – GAWU called off strike Note too that 1964 was also the year of the bombing of the launch Son Chapman in the Upper Demerara River.

But all the above is substantively irrelevant as it constitutes a miscomparison with ‘normal crime’ – robbery, murder, and domestic violence, violence in schools, amongst other indicators of today’s normalcy.

The hyperbole must have been distracting (if not delusional) when reference was made to ‘mass migration’ the fact of which no one needs to be convinced. More worrying however, must be the ‘mass remigration’ of deportees from North America.

What appears to be carefully excised from the reported recital is the more recent phenomenon of drugs, with its implications for security being so significant that it required, and still invites, international, and particularly, US intervention.

For certain the Forum’s Workshops would need to revert to more accurate records in order to inform their perspectives in their professional development of, a coherent strategic plan that any future administration could implement.

But in the final analysis, who would dispute that corruption which is so topical a debate, is a significant factor in a society’s destabilisation; along with the emasculation of the efficacy of the security forces.

EB John

Rear Admiral Gary Best would be an excellent Commissioner of Police DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations to Army Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Gary Best, MSS on his recent elevation which speaks well of the confidence that the government reposes in his ability as a military administrator.

However, I would like to focus my thoughts today on G a r y B e s t ’s p o t e n t i a l contribution to law enforcement – more specifically as head of the Guyana Police Force.

Admiral Best’s knowledge of the law as a former practicing attorney will - I think stand him in good stead head and shoulders above any one of the current aspirants to the post. He has transformed the GDF and under his watch many positives have accrued

for the benefit of his troops.

This is not to say that under Brigadier Edward Collins positives did not happen, but by virtue of the political administration’s demonstrated commitment to professional development of the army with Best at the helm, these were more obvious.

Appointing a former army officer of Best’s caliber as COP provides certain guarantees including respect for the rule of law at all levels; restriction of prohibited associations; and definite forward movement in the area of police reform and modernization. his type of cross-over between uniformed services would not be a first in the English-speaking Caribbean since the end of colonialism.

Retired Major-General

Norman McLean went from the GPF to successfully head the GDF. Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Cecil Kilkenny became Director of Prisons after moving from the Police Training School; currently retired Assistant Commissioner Welton Trotz is acting as Director. During his tenure as Commissioner of Police, former army officer and national security minister, the late Colonel Trevor McMillan, 572 allegations of misconduct or 10 percent of the Jamaican Constabulary were investigated. Suffice it to say that the JCF returned to its old pattern of corruption after his tenure ended.

It should be noted that the President is not confined to a p p o i n t i n g t h e Commissioner from among

the serving officers; this effectively discommodes the accepted convention that the Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ is automatic choice for the position.

Laurie Lewis came from the National Guard Service and assumed the top spot. Sir Harold Scott was the first Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (1945-1953) without any police or military background since Sir Richard Mayne (18551868). In my view the post of Commissioner should be applied for and applicants subject to the most stringent examination process up to and including polygraph testing. Successful applicants should be appointed for no more than five years.

Sylvia St Romain

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

THE OPPOSITION SEEMS TO BE SHIFTING THE GOALPOSTS ON AMAILA ALL THE TIME DEAR EDITOR, The opposition parties, from all indications, are so intent on using their combined strength to derail the government’s developmental agenda that they are prepared to sacrifice the good of the country in pursuit of their narrow partisan agendas.

What is even worse is the fact that positions of principle are being ignored on the altar of political expediency all in an attempt to justify the positions taken.

Take for instance the issue of the cost for electricity in Linden. The main opposition party, APNU, in discussions with the government agreed to a phased reduction in the electricity subsidy in the mining town of Linden only to renege on that agreement after it became clear that the issue was being exploited by the other opposition party, the AFC for political gains.

Rather than upholding the

principled position taken, it teamed up with opposition elements to create mayhem in the town which ultimately resulted in the deaths of three persons and injury to several others.

A number of government buildings were destroyed in the process including a primary school and a health centre.

The office of the ruling PPP/C was also destroyed in an act of political sabotage.

The position on the Amalia Fall is all the more revealing.

The goal post seems to be shifting all the time. At first, the problem was that there was not enough information.

That position has now been changed to that of an overarching energy policy especially in the context of hydro-power generation and how the Amalia Fall fits into an overall framework.

Interestingly, no mention was ever made by APNU

about this in any of its several utterances and pronouncements on the project.

It is clear that the issue of an overarching energy policy has now become a fig leaf to hide the more sinister objectives of the opposition parties namely to jettison the Amalia Falls Project and for that matter the overall development thrust of the PPP/C administration.

The AFC after expressing serious reservations about the project have finally changed their position on the project and gave it their parliamentary support.

This ability to be flexible and respond to national imperatives is necessary for the health of our body-politic.

As it turned out however, it amounted to a case of ‘too little too late’ as the damage has already been done and from all indications there is not much that could be done to salvage the situation.

Let’s move beyond the smoking gun and get the facts on the table DEAR EDITOR, The amount of debt being assumed by the GoG on the Amaila Falls Project, and hence the liability on the governments books continues to be in question.

Here are just two examples: (1)Since the government agrees to pay the debt if the company defaults, this is what accountants call a contingent liability; Ramon gaskin Christopher Ram, Letters 18/ 8/2013.

(2) Once the Amaila shares are sold, this would free the taxpayers, parliament and the treasury from placing on the national books a liability of US 758M; Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte, Letters 23/08/ 2013 Regardless of whose side you are on, the correct amount of the debt should be a matter of fact and should be easily verifiable. There is no doubt that US758M is a substantial amount, and substantial claims require substantial evidence.

Accordingly, I respectfully request that the gentlemen quoted above make public the necessary documentation from which their claims arise. Besides, sufficient competent evidence would put to rest the government’s claim that the vast majority of debt being incurred is private debt.

Surely Mr. Ram as a Certified Public Accountant must know that to merely assert that the government requested to

have the debt ceiling increase does not constitute sufficient evidence for the establishment of a liability in accordance with Generally

Accepted Accounting Principle...let’s move beyond the smoking gun. Let’s get the facts on the table Newton Mingo

There is a saying that 90 million Frenchmen cannot be wrong. Translated in the context of our national development strategy, there is an overwhelming body of opinion which is supportive of the Amalia Project which included representatives of the business community, the Amerindian communities, the international donor community among others.

In this regard, the US ambassador must be commended for drawing attention to the potential harm that could befall the country for allowing investors to walk away from big projects like Amalia Falls and the adverse impact it could have on investor confidence which is so critical in today’s highly competitive investment and business environment.

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar could not be more correct when he said that whether a government has a parliamentary majority or not this should not affect the task of national development as there must be a genuine commitment and political will

from both sides to ensure that the national interest is placed ahead of everything else. According to President Ramotar, there is a lack of understanding of the role of Parliament vis-à-vis the other branches of government. “ I hope the Opposition will understand the role of Parliament; if they do then they can play a more constructive role in the general development of the country,” the President stated.

It would seem that the destiny of this country now resides in the hands of “a gang of five” supposedly wise men who feel sufficiently qualified to pronounce on any issue under the sun.

These people behave as if they know it all and speak as though they have a national mandate to speak on behalf of the Guyanese

people even though, individually and collectively they have no constituency, political or otherwise.

Guyana is blessed with men and women who are bright and committed to utilize there wisdom for the good of the country. These are people with no political axes to grind and whatever they do is done with the people in mind.

They are not driven by political vendetta or grudge.

These people should be applauded and honoured, In this regard, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the late Doodnauth Singh, legal luminary and former Attorney General who passed away recently. He has certainly made his contribution to the nation. May his soul rest in peace!

Hydar Ally

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Saturday August 24, 2013

APNU Leader responds to US Ambassador on Amaila…

“My interest lies with Guyana and its people”- David Granger

By Abena Rockcliffe A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), in response to the US Ambassador’s call for unanimous political support for the US$858M Hydro project, said that there are two interests being brought to the fore. The party’s leader, David Granger indicated that those two interests are that of the United States of America and of Guyana. Granger, in no uncertain terms, said that his interest lies with Guyana and to the people of Guyana.

“He (Ambassador) is a diplomat, represents a state, and I can understand that it is in his interest to advance the business of that state he represents. But I also have obligations to the Guyanese population and I represent their interest …There is the American interest and the Guyanese interest I know where my interest lies. I am not surprised by his statement; he is a civil servant, paid to do that.”

Four days ago, US Ambassador to Guyana, D. Brent Hardt, called for all political parties to meet and for all to support the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. The envoy warned that the

“He is a diplomat, represents a state, and I can understand that it is in his interest to advance the business of that state he represents. But I also have obligations to the Guyanese population and I represent their interest” country’s attractiveness to investments could be badly damaged with the demise of the Amaila Falls project.

A statement by Ambassador Hardt, entitled “Op-Ed on the Amaila Falls and International Investment in Guyana” and issued by the US Embassy, also said that any future investments in the energy sector will make investments riskier and cost more.

“While the window to prevent such an occurrence is small and closing fast, we call on all political parties to come together in the national interest to support a project that all parties have long agreed is necessary to boost Guyana’s competitiveness and improve the lives of its people with less expensive and more reliable energy,” the Ambassador said.

At an APNU press conference held yesterday, Granger admitted to the media that on the very day Sithe Global—the investing company/developer for the

Amaila project—pulled out, he had a meeting with Ambassador Hardt. Granger said that that meeting was pertaining to the Amaila project and of course his party’s support towards it.

“I told him (the Ambassador) that A Partnership for National Unity has certain institutions and procedures and these matters were not arrived at lightly…They were discussed thoroughly by our shadow cabinet, they were discussed within our parliamentary group, they were discussed within the executive committee of the partnership and when we came to those conclusions, it was based on advice, based on paper studies that were conducted over a period of time. It wasn’t a hasty decision; it wasn’t vindictive or full of revenge.

We thought about the issue very carefully and we felt that as presently constituted the project could not have been supported,” Granger said.

He added that “the biggest problem we had is that up to August 10 when we went into recess, the executive branch had not yet presented a comprehensive project document to the National Assembly. We really

had nothing to vote against, so it is impossible to say we killed the project. We have not seen the project document.”

Further, the Party leader reiterated to the media, “We (APNU) don’t know which organization will be running the project. We know Mr. Brassington is working on the Marriott, he is working with NICIL, with the Cheddi Jagan Airport project and GPL; we don’t know if he is the superman of finance, but we wanted to see a different type of development authority which is going to be spending the money concerning the single biggest investment that Guyana has ever embarked on. We wanted to see some structure. We want more information about the credibility of the GPL to handle this.”

Granger said that on Thursday he was made aware that lots of people endured about eight hours of blackout.

APNU leader, David Granger

US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt “If they (GPL) can’t handle the normal power generation, how can they handle another 160 MW?” The Opposition Leader said yesterday that “we (APNU) absolutely support a Hydro Project and I told the Ambassador that.”

Granger said that what his party doesn’t support is a project that has been on the stove for eight years yet the government doesn’t seem to understand it and have enough faith in it to sufficiently answer the questions of APNU.

“We were brought into it a year ago, yet the questions asked are not sufficiently being answered. The government has been living with this thing for eight years.

We are now coming into it and we will not approve it until we get satisfactory answers.”

Granger said yesterday that APNU is concerned about the tariffs for electricity, the Amaila road projects and lots of other issues, all of which he brought to both the attention of the Government and the Ambassador himself Sithe Global, a US company, and the developer in the Amaila project, announced two Sundays ago that it was withdrawing after the National Assembly remained divided on the project slated to be built in Region Eight.

APNU wants COI into education...

From page 3 schools around the country.

No student from the hinterland, namely the BarimaWaini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Potaro- Siparuni and

Rupununi regions or from the Mahaica-Berbice Region, qualified among the top one per cent.”

According to APNU, an alarming number of candi-

dates who sat the examination performed so badly that there could be a conclusion that they were probably “functionally illiterate”. Mathematics in particular is a problem for concern.

“The CSEC pass rate for this subject declined from 34.5 per cent in 2010, to 30.4 per cent in 2011; to 29.69 per cent in 2012; and to 28.92 per cent this year, 2013; the trend is clear,” Granger warned.

He said another contributing factor to this “education apartheid” is the alarming dropout rate that prevails in public schools, particularly in the hinterland, where completing secondary school often takes students far from home and family.

“Children who fail to attend school regularly or who drop out of school completely are most likely to be unemployed face a life of poverty or become involved in crime which can lead to imprisonment.”

Granger said that there is enough evidence to warrant a formal investigation into the entire public education system.

“Silence will not solve the problems. The Ministry of Education is well aware that discipline and performance in the country's public schools have been unsatisfactory over the last decade.”

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Initial Western intelligence finds Syrian forces used chemical weapons WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - U.S. and allied intelligence agencies’ have made a preliminary assessment that chemical weapons were used by Syrian forces in an attack near Damascus this week, likely with high-level approval from the government of President Bashar al-Assad, according to American and European security sources.

The early intelligence finding could increase pressure for action by

President Barack Obama, who has made clear that he plans to tread cautiously even as his aides air their differences in a debate over possible military responses to the Syrian government.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned that the assessment was preliminary and, at this stage, they were still seeking conclusive proof, which could take days, weeks or even longer to gather.

In his first public

Saturday August 24, 2013

Egypt’s bruised Brotherhood fails to show street power

Bashar al-Assad comments since Wednesday’s attack in the Damascus suburbs, Obama called the incident “very troublesome” and a “big event of grave concern” but made clear he was in no rush to get war-weary Americans entangled in another Middle East conflict.

Obama’s wary response, which underscored a deep reluctance by Washington to intervene in Syria’s 2-1/2year-old civil war, came as senior U.S. officials weighed choices ranging from increased international sanctions to the use of force, including possible air strikes on Assad’s forces, administration sources said.

Egyptian security forces deploy in Tanta, Egypt, yesterdays with supporters of ousted Mohammed Mursi clashed. AP Photo CAIRO (Reuters) - Mass protests called by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood mostly failed to materialize yesterday as the movement reels from a bloody army crackdown on followers of ousted President Mohamed Mursi.

Troops and police had taken relatively low-key security measures before the “Friday of Martyrs” processions that were to have begun from 28 mosques in the capital after weekly prayers.

But midday prayers were canceled at some mosques and few major protests unfolded in Cairo, although witnesses said at least 1,000 people staged a march in the Mohandiseen district.

There were no reports of violence in that procession, but the Brotherhood’s website said one person had been killed in the Nile Delta town of Tanta in clashes with security forces.

Brotherhood supporters also turned out in Alexandria, several Delta towns, the Suez Canal city of Ismailia, the north Sinai town of Rafah, and Assiut in the south, with minor skirmishes reported in some places. “We are not

afraid; it’s victory or death,” said Mohamed Abdel Azim, a retired oil engineer who was among about 100 people marching slowly from a mosque near Cairo University.

“They intend to strike at Muslims,” the grey-bearded Azim said. “We’d rather die in dignity than live in oppression. We’ll keep coming out until there’s no one left.”

Despite his defiant words, the mood of the protesters seemed subdued, perhaps a sign that the crackdown and the round-up of Brotherhood leaders has chilled the rankand-file.

Some marchers carried posters of Mursi, who was toppled by army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on July 3 after huge demonstrations against his rule.

“No to the coup,” they chanted.

At another small protest in Cairo, a veiled nursery teacher with four children, who gave her name as Nasra, said: “God will make us victorious, even if many of us are hurt and even if it takes a long time. God willing, God will bring down Sisi.”

Egypt has endured the bloodiest civil unrest in its modern history since August 14 when police destroyed protest camps set up by Mursi’s supporters in Cairo to demand his reinstatement.

The violence has alarmed Egypt’s Western allies, but U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledged that even a decision to cut off U.S. aid to Cairo might not influence its military rulers.

But he said Washington was re-evaluating its ties with Egypt. “There’s no doubt that we can’t return to business as usual, given what’s happened,” he told CNN in an interview.

Some U.S. lawmakers have called for a halt to the $1.5 billion a year in mostly military assistance to Egypt to bolster its 1979 peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Military cooperation includes privileged U.S. access to the Suez Canal. The Brotherhood, hounded by Egypt’s new army-backed rulers, had called for demonstrations across the country against the crackdown, testing the resilience of its battered support base.

Jury asked to decide fate of U.S. soldier who killed 16 Afghans (Reuters) - A military judge asked a sixmember sentencing jury yesterday to decide whether a U.S. soldier who pleaded guilty to murdering 16 unarmed Afghan civilians last year should ever be eligible for parole.

Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, a veteran of four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has admitted to slaughtering the villagers, mostly women and children, in attacks on their family compounds in Kandahar province in March 2012.

Bales pleaded guilty to the killings in June in a deal that will spare him the death penalty.

The jury of six military personnel will ultimately decide if he will spend the rest of his life in

prison or be eligible for parole after 20 years.

Both sides made closing arguments yesterday morning at the conclusion of sentencing proceedings at Joint Base LewisMcChord near Tacoma in Washington state.

“He wiped out generations and he ruined lives forever,” said prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Jay Morse. “He should be known by one official title from this day until the day he dies: inmate.”

Bales civilian defence attorney Emma Scanlan said that in seeking the possibility of parole for Bales, who apologized for the murders on Thursday, she was “not asking you to set him free.”

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 9

ENGLISH AND MATHS PASS RATES HAVE IMPROVED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS Education in Guyana is in not in a disastrous state.

There may be serious problems, but to simply use the passes in English and Mathematics to announce a state of emergency in education is misleading.

For one, despite the poor performance in these two subject areas, the level of passes is still far superior to what existed in the last days of the PNC regime when only 8.45 % of the students who took English A passed in 1991 and when there was a mere 17% pass rate in Mathematics in the CXC examinations in 1990.

Since then passes have increased to almost 46% and 29% in English and Mathematics respectively.

While it is the objective of the Ministry to improve these results, they do speak to the fact that Guyana has made strides over the past twenty years in improving passes in the core subjects of Mathematics and English.

The second reason why a state of disaster should not be declared is that other countries in the region face similar problems in Mathematics and English.

Jamaica’s performance declined last year to just over 31%, not far from Guyana’s own this year. And English A passes last year also declined in that country.

All around the Caribbean there are concerns about the level of passes in

Mathematics and English.

This has become a regional concern and is therefore not isolated to Guyana, even though some of the other countries outdid Guyana in these two subject areas.

There needs to be a careful analysis as to the causes of the poor performance in English A. The pass rate in English A, for example, was way below that of English B, but this may be attributed to the fact that most of the students who wrote the latter may have been doing well in English A and those who were not doing well declined to write English B. Looking at raw scores and jumping to wild conclusions is not the way to approach this issue and it is hoped that instead of deeming education in Guyana to be in a disaster zone, those making such reckless comments should be encouraging a regional study of this problem.

The evidence suggests that either there is a problem with the teaching of these subjects or that the curricula may need to be modified to move away from the British system of learning.

Our textbooks, for example, need a great deal more of examples relating to the experiences of Caribbean people, since our children may be better able to relate to these problems. Guyana should be worried, but not unduly so.

Guyana’s performance is

Dem boys seh...

Peeping Tom peep once too many When Peeping Tom start fuh write fuh de Waterfalls paper nuff people start to ask who is Peeping Tom. One man put a spy fuh find out who is this person. Some people even corner dem reporters and promise dem a lot of money if dem can tell who is Peeping Tom. Imagine Ah Kneel ask Uncle Adam fuh tell he who is Peeping Tom. Uncle Adam ask he if he could keep a secret and he seh yes. Then he lean over. Uncle Adam simply tell he that he, Uncle Adam, can keep a secret too.

Even Bharrat call de Waterfalls boss man and ask he fuh tell who is Peeping Tom but de boss man smile. That was de biggest secret in Guyana till de other day. De same Waterfalls paper let out de secret and all because Peeping Tom end up doing wha he does always do.

He use to wuk at Safari Inn and according to de Boss lady he would pull a ladder and peep dem couples who use de hotel. Well dem boys seh that he peep one time too many and he fall. Dem boys seh that de fall was unexpected because it was something he use to do all this time.

It had to be that he either didn’t fix de ladder good or he get too caught up in what he was peeping. Anyhow, it cause some problem at de Waterfalls paper. De Boss man had to find another Peeping Tom. It wasn’t easy.

Now dem boys hope that this one don’t go and kill heself by doing de same thing wha de other one do. After all de Waterfalls paper decide to pay he better than it use to pay de other one.

But even then, de boss man ain’t telling people who is this new Peeping Tom. Talk half and don’t try fuh find this other Peeping Tom.

not all that dismal considering the increase in the number of persons writing the CSEC examinations over the years.

There was a time when despite all the talk about free education from nursery to university, a fair percentage of our school population was not being afforded secondary education.

One of the priorities of the government has been to increase educational access to cater for the thousands who were being

shortchanged and excluded from the system. Where the priority is to ensure that there is greater access to secondary education, there is bound to be some fall-off in results.

Despite this, the results have improved from what they were twenty years ago and all this talk about a crisis in education is more of a circus act than a serious evaluation of the state of education in Guyana.

The poor performance in Mathematics and English will

not present a shortage of skills for Guyana. Migration of those that passed is a far greater threat.

This country was built on the backs of persons who were hardly literate. And while it is important that today the workforce be educated, one has to question the desirability of a 100% pass rate in Mathematics and English.

Guyana therefore should be realistic and aim to improve rates to around 50%

within the next three years through appropriate interventions.

It would be impractical and unrealistic to expect that we can improve the pass rates to higher than these numbers within the next three years, regardless of the resources that are available.

Former PS Keith Booker to be buried next week Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Keith Booker will be laid to rest next Thursday. This is according to a press release issued by the Ministry.

Booker, 69, succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday, August 16, while being treated for heart failure, his wife, Daphne Booker said yesterday.

Mrs. Booker said that her husband had been suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) for awhile.

Apart from playing local cricket and filling the post of

Permanent Secretary, Booker was also a Youth Development Specialist, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Guyana National Service (GNS); Musician, Raconteur and Cultural Advisor.

In addition, the father of two “was both a Public Service administrator and a proud but quiet activist/elder in the African East Coast Village Movement,” the Culture Ministry said, extending condolences to Booker’s family and friends.

The Ministry also believes that his distinguished contributions have aided the country’s

national development.

“Coming with a wealth of hands-on-experience in youth development, sport, and cultural issues, Keith Booker, though an executive administrator, used his competence to advise the Ministry’s professional officers on matters related to their responsibilities,” the Ministry noted.

The press release also said that Booker supervised many initiatives in culture, youth and sport, inclusive of Carifesta preparations, and the earlier conceptualization and construction of the Ministry’s national sports

Keith Booker infrastructure.

Minister Frank Anthony and Permanent Secretary Alfred King also commended the advice and initiatives of Booker.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

C/ville Health Centre leads the way with extended hours - Enmore, Industry and Kitty to follow

By Tiffanne Ramphal An overcrowding of the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has resulted in the health facility undertaking measures to lessen the cluster, while allowing for more urgent conditions to be dealt with in a timely manner.

Being implemented as a pilot project since mid-April, the Campbellville Community Health Centre, one of the secondary health facilities operating under the GPHC, has been extending its weekly operating hours to accommodate patients with non-emergency cases, seeking attention at the city hospital.

Currently, instead of operating from Monday to Friday, at 08:00 hours to 16:00 hours, which constituted a ‘regular’ working week; the health centre is being opened for an added four hours on

Tuesday afternoons and on Saturday morning, from 08:00 hours to midday.

According to Dr Kampta Prashad, who has been operating at the Campbellville Health Centre for the past year, the added services are to be seen as efforts to “take off some of the work load from the Georgetown Hospital.”

The doctor explained that it is, at times, difficult for those who have more serious health conditions to be served at the city hospital as needed; since the room may be flooded with persons needing attention for more trivial health issues, such as the common cold or cough.

The doctor pointed out that such issues can be dealt with at the health centre level.

Hence, providing similar treatment, but at a different location, was seen as the best course of action, as it allowed for all patients to be treated, while those with more serious concerns can be dealt with as

priority. It also contributed to lessening the congestion at the city hospital.

A direct spin-off benefit from the extended operating hours of the health facility, Dr Prashad added, was that it allowed for persons who worked secularly to access medical services, since the Tuesday afternoon session went for four hours beyond regular working hours.

Ever since the opening of the clinic for extended hours on Tuesday and Saturday, the doctor reported that the patient load has been increasing every month. He informed that in the project’s initial month, an average of 100 persons were seen during the extended hours. However, counting three months down the line, the numbers have multiplied. He informed that just recently, he saw 48 patients in one afternoon.

The doctor opined that since the extended operations are carried out on

Wounded Cummings Lodge wife discharged from hospital Shameeza Mohamed, who was slashed and stabbed by her reputed husband, has been discharged from hospital.

But she claims that her spouse, who is still at large, is threatening to take his own life if she goes through with her promise of taking him to court. The 27-year-old Mohamed said that she was discharged yesterday and that her husband contacted her by phone just as she was leaving the hospital.

“He tell me that he in a tree and that the phone wet. And twelve o’clock this morning he call and ask me to done the story, and he would take a lawyer and pay me and mind the children. I say ‘I don’t want money, I want the matter to go to court’, and he say he can’t bear no more hiding and he gun hang heself.”

The fugitive has told Kaieteur News that he is employed as a porter with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). He had promised to hire a lawyer and turn himself in.

He had also claimed that he had acted in self-defence after his spouse pushed him and attacked him with a chopper.

The incident occurred on Tuesday and stemmed from accusations of infidelity. The husband had allegedly come home and seen his spouse and a female friend drinking with a man. The man reportedly had to seek refuge in another house after the suspect threatened him with a stick.

The irate husband was detained briefly at the Turkeyen Police Station but was eventually released on $10,000 station bail. Shameeza Mohamed said that she was packing her belongings to go to her mother’s home when her spouse returned and began to stab and slash her.

He then left the scene while friends took her to hospital.

Dr. Prashad during a session with a patient

a “walk-in” basis, the majority of persons may not necessarily be coming from just the Campbellville area.

“We are not only seeing persons from the Campbellville catchment area.

We have seen persons all the way from Canal, West Bank Demerara and from locations way up the East Coast.”

Furthermore, since there is currently no doctor operating at the Sophia Health Centre, Dr. Prashad noted that residents from the community have been “overflooding the (Campbellville) clinic”.

According to the doctor, not only has an increase in clientele impacted on the extended hours, but the

turnout during the regular opening hours has also improved. Recent records show that up to 1000 additional patients are being seen on a monthly basis.

He said that the response has been very encouraging, as patients have shown that they welcome the efforts being made by the health care specialists.

The doctor noted that there are repeated comments about the “lesser waiting time” which is a significant decrease, compared to the time it takes to seek medical attention at the Georgetown Hospital.

In addition, medication needed for the common flu,

cold and cough; the chronic diseases - diabetes and hypertension and skin infections, are all readily available at the health centre, and thus omits time spent waiting at the city hospital’s pharmacy.

Following the successful pilot of the project at the Campbellville Health Centre, three other secondary health facilities, also governed by the GPHC, will be implementing similar services in the near future. These were identified as the Kitty Community Centre, located in Georgetown and the Industry and Enmore Health Centres, located on the East Coast of Demerara.

Cop charged for rape of girl, 14 An arrest warrant was issued yesterday for a Police Corporal of Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, after he did not appear before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face a rape charge.

It is alleged that 36-yearold Huford David, within the month of January at Kurupung, Essequibo,

knowingly engaged in sexual penetration of a 14-year-old Amerindian female.

The matter was subsequently transferred to the court of Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry for report and fixture on September 16.

David also faces a human trafficking charge which is before the court of the Chief Magistrate.

Huford David

Former guard remanded for alleged gun, ammo theft A security guard who was previously employed at Toolsie Persaud Limited was remanded to prison after he pleaded not guilty to stealing a firearm and matching ammunition from the said company.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore who presides at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court read the charge to 44year-old Julian Winter.

The court heard that on July 31, at Lombard and Sussex Streets, he stole one Taurus .32 revolver worth $103,000 and seven .32 live rounds valued $3200.

Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue indicated to the court that the defendant was previously

charged for unlawful possession of the said firearm and ammunition in another court. Magistrate Azore then ordered that the case for the unlawful possession be transferred to the court of Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry on September 10 for report and fixture.

With regard to the matter of larceny, Prosecutor Rambajue told the court that the defendant was employed as a security guard at Toolsie Persaud Limited. On the day in question, he was scheduled to perform duties from 21:00 hrs to 07:00hrs the following day. Under the command of a supervisor, when the accused reported for duty he was not issued a

firearm because he was not authorized to carry one.

Winter then went to a cupboard where the said firearm and ammunition were kept, removed it and proceeded to a nearby drinking shop. It was there that he placed the said revolver and matching rounds on the counter after he became intoxicated.

A police officer observed what had occurred and arrested Winter after he failed to produce a valid licence. He was subsequently charged.

Winter, who was without representation, was denied bail and is expected to make his next court appearance on September 9 before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 11

More than 120 babies admitted to N/A Lions Club comes to assistance GPHC’s Neonatal ICU monthly of seriously ill 3-year-old girl Antenatal care among mothers is lacking - Ward manager Since it has been put into operation, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has been seeing admission of over 120 babies monthly, some born prematurely while some were diagnosed with various conditions after birth.

NICU is an intensive care unit specialized in the care of ill or premature newborn infants and according to the ward’s manager, Shavanie Ramdihol, the unit cares for any condition that babies might be born with, among then asphyxia or also if the baby develops jaundice within the first 28 days after birth.

The recently commissioned unit is a threeroom facility which separates the critical babies from the less ill.

“The first room is for the most critical babies, the second is for the less critical, and sometimes we also put critical babies in the second room, because the first one might be full and the third room is for critical but stable infants,” Ramdihol explained.

“If a baby is born with any of those conditions, then we have to give care to the baby in the NICU. We cannot care for the baby outside of that

Shavanie Ramdihol unit ,especially for preterms, because they would need incubator care and sometimes the baby would need supplementary, or CPAP,” Ramdihol stressed.

The NICU is equipped with Cardiac monitors, ventilators, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and incubators.

The Ward manager noted that prior to the commissioning of the NICU last year; premature babies or infants born with different conditions were admitted to the adult ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

“That was very challenging, because we had

to prioritize the babies, since the ICU had other patients. It was only last year that 11 nurses from the various hospitals were trained in this field,” Ramdihol added.

She explained that there is a shortage of nurses at the unit as well as shortage of equipment. “Some of the equipment is short, we only have three ventilators, and as soon as one baby comes off, we have to clean it and put another on, but we were promised some equipment so we are hoping to get them soon.”

“We currently have three nurses on each shift and that is not enough. It’s a challenge with the amount of babies we have to take care of daily and then we can have as much as 33 referrals from the different hospitals,” the ward manager added.

She advises pregnant women to join the antenatal clinic so that their pregnancy can be monitored. “Pregnant mothers need to join the clinic so that somebody can check them and tell them what is going on with the pregnancy.

Even before your pregnancy, seek medical advice so that the outcome of that pregnancy can be a good one.”

Region Six Chairman warns slothful contractors Although the Region Six Administration is forging ahead with its capital and current work programme for the year, the Chairman David Armogan has revealed that the administration is experiencing a lot of problems with contractors who are lagging behind in their work. As a result, disciplinary action will be taken against certain contractors, some of whom have not started work on many roads across the region.

The road project, which has rolled over from 2012, is experiencing problems. Some 99 roads were awarded to be done in Region Six, “and some of these contractors— although they were supposed to have completed this work at the end of March— some of them are yet to start some of the work,” Armogan said.

He added that at some point the Government will have to enforce the Performance- Liability Clause “and maybe they will have to start paying for not completing work on time.”

Armogan stressed that

contractors in the region must be able to do quality work and be able to do it on time.

“We have quite a few of our contractors— although we are now seeing some amount of improvement in terms of the quality— the problem is that they are not being able to complete this work in a timely manner and it is one of the things that residents are complaining [about].”

The Chairman stated, too, that residents are being informed that works will be done in their area “and then months after, nothing has started and people hold us to it....They feel that we are lying...but it is just that some of these contractors have not been cooperating at all.”

Armogan said that the defaulting contractors will also have a difficult time being awarded contracts in the future as well.

“Some of them...we have noted it, and in our works programmes for this year, we couldn’t give them any more work, because if you can’t complete what you were given presently— some of them are

so smart that they have not even applied for more work this year because of the fact that they were not able to complete the works that they were given late last year, so I don’t think it’s sensible to want to apply for new work.”

The Chairman and his works team visited the Baracara Area up the Berbice River a few weeks ago looking at jobs to be done there.

“Works on the Health Centre as well as school will be done,” he stated.

“Hopefully, before the end of the year, we are pretty sure we will be able to complete 100 per cent of our work programme based on the pace of the contractors.”

“All the contractors are busy doing work. We are spending about $383M in capital work programmes and we also have our maintenance programme.

Over 60 per cent of the works of that programme has been awarded, and it will have to do a lot with the schools, so we can have all our buildings in some shape come September when school reopens.” (Leon Suseran)

President of the NA Lions Club Georgina Hoosley presents the cheque to the child’s mother, Lidya Chase

By Samuel Whyte The New Amsterdam Lions Club continues in its role of being a leading community and social service organization. The club recently came to the assistance of gravely ill threeyear-old Melisa Chase who suffers from a congenital heart disease. The child would turn blue on several occasions because of a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Chase is expected to undergo corrective heart surgery in February next year in India and the family is in need of much needed assistance for her heart surgery. According to the infant’s mother, Lidia Chase, medical expenses are tagged at $1.5M. The child and her mother recently were assisted with a financial donation by the club which was presented at the body’s headquarters at Vryman’s Erven in New Amsterdam. Doing the honours was president of the club Ms Georgina Hoosley who stated that the club was able to acquire the amount through two fund-raising ventures.

Head of the health committee, Marilyn La Rose, stated that the club has a mandate and vested interest in assisting members of the community, especially children. She said that they will continue to help, in whatever way possible, little Melisa or any other children in such need.

According to the child’s mother, after they realized that her daughter had a serious illness over a year ago, an appeal was launched to raise funds for her to get help.

She said the Ministry of Health has promised to offer some financial assistance, but they will still be short by over US $7,500 (G$1.5M) which is a handy sum. She doesn’t know how they will acquire the money, but is hoping for the best. She is asking the public for whatever

assistance can be given.

The woman stated that they have been assisted greatly by the Three Rivers Foundation organization in Canada which has made all arrangements for the surgery and will be providing accommodation for her when

they are in India. The foundation has also contributed financially towards the surgery.

Interested persons can call 626-5090 for details on how to make contact with the family and/or New Amsterdam Lions Club members.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

GPF’s institutional Education system needs to be treated as a whole modernisation - Dr. Roopnaraine gaining momentum As reforms with the security sector continue to move apace, the Strategic Management Department (SMD), which was established in May, has been working with the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Thus far, the SMD has undertaken several strategic change initiatives in line with its mandate of providing critical support to the Force’s institutional modernisation programme.

The Force on the other hand, has already begun to see initial impacts of the change development programmes.

A release from the GPF stated that since commencing operations, the SMD has conducted several baseline projects aimed at determining the current conditions in the Force, especially regarding its comprehensive management.

Studies were conducted, including: a baseline survey, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analyses, communication audit, and a force field analysis.

The reports of these activities were submitted to the Force’s administration for ratification and further action.

Several presentations

were made by members of the SMD to executive and middle managers of the Force on featured topics such as: understand strategic Management, middle management challenges and the importance of communicating change in an organisation.

During May, the SMD embarked on a rigorous baseline survey specifically targeting probationers (members in the Force for about three to five years).

Issues regarding improved salary and physical working conditions, along with some general improvements in welfare were key revelations emanating from that baseline survey.

The SMD continued to work throughout June, July and August, drafting several strategic documents for review and further implementation by the GPF, particularly in relation to the issue of transportation.

To this end, an ‘activity evaluation’ was completed which informed the formulation of a “Draft Vehicle Acquisition Strategy”.

The release stated that as the SMD continues to push ahead with its work, it anticipates the establishment and subsequent engagements with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for which the GPF is responsible.

Critical to moving forward with this change process is

the completion and submission of action plans related to the five strategic priority areas; operational priorities, developing people, developing partnerships, and performance and infrastructure.

The SMD comprises a high-level team of 10 civilian professionals tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Force’s strategic plan.

This body is headed by Patrick Mentore and includes: Rosanne Purnwasie – Team Leader, Mona Bynoe – Strategic Planning Officer, Kenneth Bentinck – Project Coordinator, Hermanetta Andrews – Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator, Enid Thom-Alleyne – Risk Management Officer, Richard Francois – Change Communication Officer, Trovana Azeez – Change Facilitation Officer, Shameza David – Research Officer, Ian James – Analyst.

The Security Sector is in the process of implementing a massive five-year (20132017) reform strategy to keep up with the changing trends of a modern society and to ensure more effective functioning of law enforcement agencies. This reform strategy was launched by Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee in December 2012.

Implementation of the plan which was crafted by the UK based Capita-Symonds Consultancy, will cost approximately $35M annually.

It focuses on four specific, but critical areas in the Force, namely administration, succession planning, integrity/ probity (professionalism) and public relations and communication. (GINA)

There is a nexus between the quality of students leaving secondary schools and those entering University of Guyana, and as such, the education system needs to churn out students equipped for higher learning.

This notion was expressed by A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who also holds the portfolio as a Councillor on the University’s Board.

“When we talk about the quality of students coming out of the school system, we are also talking about the quality of students going into the University. And the fact of the matter is that if they come in poorly equipped, then the best University in the world would have a problem with them… to turn out the kind of student you want to turn out,” Dr. Roopnaraine stated.

He emphasised that the education system needs to be looked at as a whole.

“There is celebration of achieving universal primary education and aspirations for Guyana to achieve universal secondary education to satisfy United Nations

Millennium Development Goals.”

However, though the increasing attendance of students in the school system is significant, what they encounter in the classroom is another issue.

“While it is good that many kids are accessing school we are very concerned with the quality they are accepting.”

Dr. Roopnaraine recalled that many years ago the University had begun the process of having persons from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) join its classes in certain subject areas. He lamented that whilst teaching a final year literature class in which teacher trainees were part of it, it was noticeable that those from CPCE were always more poorly equipped. As such, the teaching was organized to meet the slower students the trainee teachers.

“This is not a yesterday problem this is an old problem and we cannot hold out longer in addressing the issue of quality of teacher performance or teacher training… this is essential.”

“Perhaps I come from too

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine early a generation… When I read that a child passed 20 subjects I was just flabbergasted and don’t know what this really means,” Dr. Roopnaraine said.

Questioning what the students who are super achievers would do, he emphasized that education is not simply the accumulation of data and facts; instead, a student must be an allrounder.

He mentioned that social apartheid is taking place in the education system not just between hinterland and coastland schools, but between those who could afford private education as against those in the public education system.

Committee to examine relationship between UG campuses A Special Committee has been established to review the relationship between University of Guyana (UG)’s two campuses, in light of Professor Daizal Samad citing the lack of autonomy as one of his reasons for resigning as Director of the Berbice Campus.

This is according to Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, during a press conference yesterday at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Hadfield Street.

Dr. Roopnaraine, who is also a member of the University’s Council, said the Council has accepted Samad’s resignation and from the findings of the Committee, appropriate action would be

taken. In a letter dated July 4, Samad informed ProChancellor Dr. Prem Misir and the UG Council that his resignation would be effected on October 4, 2013.

He stated that relations between him and the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Jacob Opadeyi have become strained and distant over the past weeks.

He also spoke of “dead weight” at the Turkeyen Campus, and accused that facility of “dictating” the dayto-day running of the Berbice Campus.

Samad has said that he is under attack, much of which has become “personal.”

“The situation is impossible. I can’t work. I am not being allowed to work!”

I’ve been cussed down on the

phone. I am talking about all the ‘F’ and ‘S’—all of it. ‘Do so and so or we will fire you!’”

Samad said that after Opadeyi’s appointment earlier in the year, he was very optimistic that UG would have turned around for the better, “but none of it has worked.”

However, Samad’s complaints of what he saw as highly negative attacks would not be examined.

According to Dr. Roopnaraine, Samad’s complaints were of two kinds - personal attacks on him that made his life difficult as Administrator and the other had to do with the lack of autonomy. He said the Committee would only be looking at the latter.

Dr. Roopnarine said there are issues in relation to the Berbice Campus and its relationship with the Turkeyen Campus. The Committee would have to work out how much autonomy Berbice Campus should have and promote proper relations between the two campuses.

According to Dr. Roopnaraine, the Council will be advertising to fill the vacancy in a very transparent manner as was done for the appointment of Opadeyi.

Saturday August 24, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Worry mounts over gold prices, security …

Miners ask for fuel concessions, guns Miners, claiming falling gold prices and rampant illegal activities in the sector, are calling on Government to implement a number of measures to ease growing challenges facing the industry.

These include a reduction of taxes on fuel and concessions on pickup vehicles being imported.

The demands were made by a delegation of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) during a meeting with President Donald Ramotar on Thursday.

Also there were Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

The association said that it also asked for Government to seriously consider speeding up the process for work permits for foreigners and gun licences in light of the high incidence of crime in the interior.

Gold became the biggest foreign exchange earner for Guyana in the last couple of years as world prices rose and bankers bet their money

on the shiny metal. But prices plunged this year to US$1,100 per ounce from a high of US$1,900 last year.

On Thursday, prices were hovering around US$1,372.

According to GGDMA a grouping of some of the most powerful small and medium scale miners - the past 31 years has guided the industry from under 10,000 ounces of gold annually to a record of 438,645 ounces last year.

This year, a massive 460,000 ounces, is expected to be the highest gold declaration, surpassing OMAI and local combined declaration in 2001 of 456, 000 ounces. So far, with four months left in the year, declarations are standing at 300,000 ounces.

Regarding the fuel s u b s i d y, G G D M A i s proposing that Government accept a five per cent rate on the excise tax charged. With fuel accounting for 25% 30% cost of production, this would significantly reduce the overheads for operations.

Making its case for a waiver of taxes on the importation of open-back

Miners want a number of concessions from government 4x4s, GGDMA argued that currently, these are still being deemed as luxury items/vehicles and attract heavy import duties.

“These vehicles are necessary for safe travel, over sometimes impassable roads, in the hinterlands of Guyana for miners,

including female miners, as they transport rations, spares, and personnel to and from their work sites. The four-door vehicles will also provide an additional form of security to miners.”

The mining body also said it is concerned about the lack of foreign currency at

the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), which is affecting its capacity to buy spares and other items overseas.

“GGDMA is requesting that miners be allowed (paid) up to 50% of the value of gold, sold to GGB, in foreign exchange. This facility has been in place for over 25

years and miners were allowed up to 100% facility on foreign exchange.”

The association said that while previously it was paid in foreign currency, this changed in November 2011 when the GGB informed miners that there was none available.

“GGDMA is urgently requesting that foreign exchange be made available to assist the small and medium scale miners, during this crisis of falling gold prices, for them to import much-needed spares and machinery, since some companies are taking advantage of the miners.

Also, the availability of foreign currency has encouraged miners to sell their gold to GGB.” GGDMA also expressed concerns about security in the mining fields.

“GGDMA is concerned about the increase in crime, violence, murders, illegal firearms, narcotics, trafficking in persons and other illegal activities in the mining communities.

GGDMA has raised (continued on page 14)

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

Miners ask for fuel concessions, guns From page 13 concerns about the time delay in getting approval for firearm licences, permits/approval for miners to establish their own security service, work permits for non-Guyanese.”

The miners also asked the President and his administration to seriously consider the appointment of a Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

“GGMC needs a confirmed Commissioner to manage and give direction to t h e m i n i n g i n d u s t r y, especially the gold and

diamond sector, in this critical time of falling gold prices, rampant illegal mining and the upsurge of criminal activities in the hinterland of Guyana.

GGDMA supports the appointment of Commissioner (ag) Mr. Rickford Vieira.”

Small and medium scale gold and diamond mining employs about 15,000 persons with up to 150,000 persons benefitting indirectly.

According to GGDMA, several companies including MACORP, GenEquip and Associated Industries

Limited (AINLIM) have been experiencing heavy sales of machinery and spares, with the airline companies also benefitting from increased traffic.

The association also pointed to the numerous i n f r a s t r u c t u r e developments in the interior, including roads, airstrips, bridges and landings, which have improved because of mining.

Shops, hotels, and other businesses have also emerged more prominently.

“The development of Guyana's hinterland is directly entwined with the development and prosperity of the mining industry, which provides opportunities for Guyanese,” the GGDMA stated.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 24, 2013

APNU will vote for money to maintain Amaila Road Following the announcement by Head of

the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, that the

administration will complete the Amaila Falls Access

“…with or without hydro it will provide access to interior locations” - Harmon

A completed section of the road at one of the crossings Road, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) says it has no problem approving money for its prolonged maintenance in future.

In an interview with this publication the Shadow M i n i s t e r w i t h responsibility for Public Works, Joseph Harmon, said that while the party does not believe the Hydro Electric project is dead, it would vote for money in Parliament to maintain the road, even if there was no hydro.

Harmon said that it would act as an access road to the interior and would serve a number of mining communities in the Kuribrong region as well as the many Amerindian communities along the way.

According to Harmon, voting for money to maintain the road would also be in keeping with the party's manifesto as it relates to providing access to the interior.

Dr Luncheon this past week noted that Government is still proceeding with the construction of the Amaila Falls access road. In fact, construction is ongoing, pending a decision on its future.

“Even though the designed Amaila Falls Hydropower Project indeed, and for all intents and purposes, died this most unnatural unexpected death, there may yet be a purpose to which that road would be put,” Dr Luncheon said.

Under the agreement to develop the US$858M

Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project, Sithe Global had requested that the Guyana Government maintain the road following the commencement of the project.

According to the project document, it is the government's responsibility to have the road designed and built.

The access road was initially handed to Makeswhar 'Fip' Motilall, Synergy Holdings Inc at a cost of US$15.8M. The cost of building the road has since been revised upward, with several other contracts being terminated, as Motilall's was.

The most recent contract was awarded to China Railway First Group (Guyana) Inc.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Page 19

Kaieteur News

Multiple problems at UG must be addressed - GCCI President

A section of the new entrants to the University of Guyana The University of Guyana (UG) is plagued with multiple problems that must be addressed by both policy makers and the administration of the tertiary institution. This observation was made by President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr Clinton Urling, when he addressed the gathering at the 2013 Turkeyen Campus orientation, held in the

George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT ), last evening.

Urling during his address noted, though, that the university's problems should not represent constraints in terms of students' performances, since according to him, “those constraints can become your strengths for when you move on to graduate school.”

The GCCI President, a product of the university

himself, recalled how he was some nine years ago tasked with challenges such as long searches for reading material in the library only to uncover some with missing pages and even limited copies that were already loaned to other students.

“You still had to get research done...but what I found when I went to other universities (abroad) is that I simply had to use my laptop and with a password I had

access to those universities' libraries... and even lectures.”

“But what I did is take the constraints here, the challenges from the University of Guyana and applied it to my studies and I think it was that that allowed me to outperform some of my peers when I attended the University of the West Indies,” Urling reflected.

In his deliberation to the new entrants, he emphasised

that the only formula to succeed at university, and generally in life, is hard work. He also recounted how he had to juggle studies at university and co-manage German's Restaurant after his father's death.

“This here today represents an opportunity for all of you; it represents a new start for your own personal and professional advancement. It doesn't matter if you secure 20 subjects or just six subjects at the CXC examinations, at the University of Guyana we all start at the same gate and it is up to you, henceforth, whether you want to succeed or not,” Urling said.

But the university is not merely about academics, Urling noted, even as he warned the new entrants to “don't just be academic students...it is okay to sit under a tree...it is okay to join the student culture around the campus and get involved in student government...join the students' society...it is okay to have fun!”

And even as he mirrored

some of Urling's convictions, as it relates to the importance of students being fully involved in campus life, Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr Jacob Opadeyi, in delivering remarks too, thanked the students for applying to the lone national university. He also made a point of telling the new entrants that “the university needs you just as much as you need the university.”

As such he noted that it is the desire of the Administration of the university to provide an environment conducive to their studies.

Moreover, he noted that if students are not satisfied with the operation of the university they should not fail to inform the administration.

“If things are not going good please tell us and we will do something about it; if things are going good tell others...but please do not bad talk this humble university on Facebook; it is read by everybody throughout the (continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Page 20

Murder charge reinstituted against Cuyuni miner A new charge of murder was brought against Seaford O b e r m u l l e r, w h o w a s charged for the 2010 killing of Elson Prince at Ikawana Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Obermuller reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Tuesday. He had appeared before the court on May 28, 2010 for the offence - a Preliminary Inquiry was thereafter conducted into the matter at the Bartica Magistrate's court.

At the conclusion of the PI, he was committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court.

However based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the committal was withdrawn and a fresh murder charge was reinstituted against the accused.

The charge against Obermuller is indictable. According to the allegation on May 23 at Ikaw ana Backdam, he murdered Elson Prince.

It was reported that the victim and the suspect, who were both miners at the time, had consumed alcohol, resulting in an argument during which Prince allegedly assaulted Obermuller.

A c c o r d i n g t o

information, Prince had hit Obermuller in the head with a plate, which shattered on impact.

It is alleged that Obermuller later armed himself with a four–inch piece of wood and dealt Prince several lashes to the head. Prince was reportedly lying in a hammock in a mining camp, when he was attacked by Obermuller.

The severely injured Prince was rushed to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Obermuller was later arrested and charged for the offence.

Saturday August 24, 2013

U.S. Embassy has new Deputy Chief of Mission The US Embassy has a new Deputy Chief of Mission. According to the Embassy, Bryan Hunt arrived in Guyana on Wednesday to take up the post.

Prior to his appointment, Hunt served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from July 2011 to July 2013, handling bilateral relations with the countries of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Hunt is a career Foreign Service Officer with extensive service in South Asia and Africa.

“He served as Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan from July 2009 to October 2010, Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan from July 2006 to July 2009, and Political Officer in Islamabad, Pakistan from August 2004 to July 2006.”

From 1996 to 2002, Hunt served in several African countries. He was also the Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo,

Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt

Mozambique from August 2000 to August 2002; Consular and Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana from September 1998 to August 2000; and Political, Economic, and Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau from September 1996 to July 1998.

Hunt has also served in the United States as Deputy Director for Regional and

Security Affairs in the State Department's Africa Bureau from October 2010 to July 2011 and as Desk Officer for Angola in the State Department's Africa Bureau from September 2002 to August 2004.

The Embassy said that Hunt has received various Department of State awards, including the Superior Honor Award, Meritorious Honor Award, and Franklin Award.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Implementation of Contingent Rights Protocol Shop owner could lessen migration woes - Caricom official remanded on human trafficking charges

A significant part of maintaining the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) entails embracing moves to address the issue of Contingent Rights.

This notion was recently highlighted by Dr Rudolph Cummings who holds the position of Programme Manager, Health Sector Development, within the Caricom Secretariat.

And according to Dr Cummings, who was at the time speaking at a press conference at the International Conference Centre, the Caricom Secretariat has a great stake in ensuring that the formulation of the Contingent Rights protocol among Member States of Caricom is adequate to cater to persons migrating with their employment.

The Programme Manager, in highlighting some concerns, pointed out that the problems associated with migration are in fact broader than is often outlined.

Moreover, he noted that the Contingent Rights protocol is one that was designed to ensure that the families of the identified migrants are able to enjoy coequal benefits with the native population.

Dr Rudolph Cummings, Caricom’s Programme Manager, Health Sector Development.

Dr Cummings amplified his concerns even as Guyana and Suriname are engaged in a collaborative move aimed at strengthening the exchange of health care. The strategic action in fact represents part of the local Health Ministry’s efforts to forge closer ties to ensure that frontier health care between the two territories is nurtured in the face of consistent migration.

Like Guyana, Suriname has embraced the importance of primary health care, which according to Suriname Minister of Health, Dr Michel Blokland, “is the best way to improve equitable health and

contain the high costs of specialist care.”

Even as moves are made to strengthen Suriname’s primary health care system, Dr Blokland, at the start of a BiNational meeting here in Guyana, disclosed that there is yet a need to refer patients to secondary care.

As such, he said that construction of a district hospital in Albina, at the French Guiana border has started, and plans are apace for another such facility in the district of Wanica with the assistance of the Chinese.

“Our concern with reaching individuals with health care extends to those migrants living and working in our country, many of whom make considerable contributions to our economy,” said Dr Blokland.

He alluded to the complex setting of the gold-mining areas and the lack of documentation of some of the migrants as some of the factors that make the delivery of healthcare a difficult task.

But according to Dr Cummings, even though there is a significant issue in relation to health and migration, there are much broader issues to be addressed, particularly as it relates to the Caricom-

proposed Contingent Rights.

“Migration is a major issue...it is a cross-cutting issue for a number of different things that we attempt to do,” Dr Cummings asserted.

Preparatory work for the introduction of the Protocol on Contingent Rights commenced in 2008 with a view of catering to spouses, children and other dependents of persons who exercised the right to move within the framework of the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

Although hindered by some degree of slothfulness in its implementation, the protocol is one that is intended to ensure the rights to services such as education and health.

A national consultation geared at charting the way forward for the protocol was in fact held in St Lucia in 2011 with a specific focus on the rights which the principal beneficiary, spouse and dependents, are entitled to once they have exercised one of the primary rights under the CSME. The Mission to St. Lucia was once facilitated with the assistance of the 9th European Development Fund, Caribbean Integration Support Programme.

A 41-year-old shop owner was on Thursday remanded to prison after two counts of human trafficking charges were read to her by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The court heard allegations that on May 5, Sequila Glywn of Fourth Field, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, knowingly transported Priya Singh, 26, from Georgetown to 14 Miles, Issano, Essequibo, for the purpose of her being exploited in prostitution.

It was further alleged that within the period of May 15 to July 7, the defendant engaged in trafficking in

persons of a 16-year-old of 14 Miles Arakaka, Region 1, (Barima-Waini) by means of abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation.

To both charges the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Though the facts of the case were not read in open court, Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue objected to bail considering the nature of the offence, the punishment of the offence and if the defendant is granted this condition, the possibility exists that she may tamper with the victim.

Bail for the defendant was subsequently refused and she was remanded to prison.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 24, 2013

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Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Body at Safari Inn…

Cops release hotel proprietor, await post mortem Police have released Safari Inn proprietor Frances Correia as they await a post mortem on the remains of 37year-old handyman Victor Ramsabad.

Kaieteur News understands that Mr. Correia was released on $30,000 station bail yesterday. He was detained on Tuesday, when Ramsabad’s body was found on his premises.

In a brief telephone interview, Mr. Correia said that he is to return to the police next Monday, since the ranks are still conducting their investigations.

The dead man’s mother said that she was informed that his post mortem will be performed on Monday.

There have been various suggestions as to how Ramsabad, called ‘Tun Tun’ met his demise.

His mother said she had received reports that he got into an altercation after he had ‘taken’ some alcoholic beverages without permission.

Yvonne Correia, the hotel owner’s wife, confirmed that the handyman was a heavy drinker and sometimes stole beverages from the bar. She said that Ramsabad had been doing odd-jobs at the hotel since he was about 15. He was paid $3,000 for a day’s work and was well treated, despite his drinking habit.

But she said that while they put up with the handyman’s pilfering, they were particularly upset by his habit of peeping into the bedrooms and even into bathrooms at showering guests, particularly females.

The businesswoman alleged that ‘Tun Tun’ would even “bore holes” in the bedroom walls to get a view of the guests.

She believes that the heavy-drinking Ramsabad might have tumbled to his death from a shed which he habitually climbed to peep into the bedrooms of visiting couples.

It was suggested that he

had met his demise since Sunday night, but his body was not found until Tuesday because that area is not regularly traversed.

Mrs. Correia said that she was informed that at around 22:00 hrs on Sunday, a couple came to book a room at the hotel. A female tenant gave the customers a room key, and on looking outside, saw ‘Tun Tun’ in the yard.

“She say ‘Tun Tun’, auntie Yvonne ain’t say that she don’t want you in the yard after hours?’”

According to Mrs. Correia the tenant then went inside, so she was unable to say whether the handyman had left. Mrs. Correia believes that he was intoxicated at the time, since he had visited a wedding house in the area earlier in the day.

Her husband found Ramsabad’s body two days later.

The dead man had what appeared to be a gaping wound to the back of the head and lacerations about the body.

Multiple problems at UG must...

From page 19 world,” the Vice Chancellor said.

He underscored that some of the challenges that obtain at the local university are certainly not unique to Guyana, and insisted that the onus remains not only on the administration but also the student population to protect the image of the University of Guyana.

“Bear with us in our efforts to turn the university around,” said Dr Opadeyi as he simultanenously cautioned the student gathering that “we tend to treat you here as adults...”

“If you don't come to school we don't care, we don't keep attendance registers...If you want to go under the shed and smoke cigarettes that's okay. If you come to class and don't do assignments that's okay too; anything you want to do that's okay, but at the end of the day we will give you what you deserve. If

you deserve zero we will give you it with pride,” the Vice Chancellor told a chuckling GWLT audience.

And since the university is a place of learning, Registrar of the institution, Mr Vincent Alexander warned that every effort must be made to ensure that the process is not handicapped by students' failure to share with each other.

Also delivering brief remarks last evening was Secretary of the University's Student Society, Mr Adel Lily, who highlighted that the purpose of the body is to represent the rights of students throughout their tenure at the tertiary institution.

Following the orientation session, students were allowed to get a glimpse of what some of the university's faculties have on offer at a mini-exposition which was held at the Social Sciences parking lot.

Page 23

(From page 22)

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale in Enterprise E. C. Demerara Call: 627-5416/611-7437 Lodge, corner property with business- Call:223-7181/6274900 ‘BB’ Eccles- Concrete house 3 bedrooms upstairs, downstairs 2 self contained apartments, 2 bedrooms each toilet & bath $28MCall:227-8409/660-4764 Furnished building in the interior, fully equipped along with six rooms- Call:604-6999 House and Land @ D’Edward, W.C.B.- Call: 6892973/698-3703 Property for sale by owner located at Regent Street, Georgetown- Call:225-1831 Houses for sale on E.C.D & E.B.D- Call:223-8479/6473768 www.spaceseek.gy West Ruimveldt $5M, West Bank $22M, East Bank $15M, Section ‘K’ $42M- Call Diana @227-2256/626-9382 CAR RENTAL A i d a n ’s C a r R e n t a l & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807

WANTED One rider for a Transtar motorcycle to deliver waterCall:231-4832/662-3415/6262360 One attractive waitress to work in Bar. Attractive salaryCall:686-4818/699-6994 Males to work in kitchen: Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp & New Market Streets Honest live in domestic (single or widowed) attractive salary offeredCall:646-1758 (between 9:00am-4:00pm) 1 female to work in Interior in shop, age 20-45 $80,000Call:664-5199 (from 8am-6pm) serious enquiry only Girls to work in Bar & kitchen helpers. Apply in person @ Evergreen Bar new road Vreed-en-Hoop Car/Van driver 40yrs plus.

Husband and wife live in duties. Laboures - call:2271830 Kitchen help, butcher and cleaner- Call:231-5866/2315857

VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call:6889611/684-2838 Refrigeration, A/C Technician. Call 231-0655/ 683-8734 Cashier, porter, sales clerks: Apply with written application @ 2J’s General Store 148-149 Regent road Bourda, G/Town- Call:2252350 1 Receptionist, within the vicinity of Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika. Tel: 638-1627 1 Secretary, 1 Clerk & 1 Office Assistant- Contact the office on 265-3586 2 able bodied labour workers to work on farm at Yahurawara- Contact the office 265-3586

One boy to work in Interior 18-30- $70,00- Call:664-5199 (from 8am-6pm) serious enquiry only Cleaner- Call:225-3234 One live in maid must know to cook & clean, preferably from country side or interiorCall:666-6836 One experienced driver to work in interior to drive bus & lorry- Call:666-6836 Bar attendant/ waitress, age 25 and over with requirements (shift work)Call:226-0036 PROPERTY FOR SALE VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/ 592-684-9203

Laboures and Porters: Apply @ Wieting & Richter Ltd 1 Sales Representative (Western Union) must have Maths & English CXC. Apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery 38 Ketley Street, Charlestown- Call:231-0497 1 welder/ bodywork man to work in the InteriorContact:627-6416/226-3799 (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm) Receptionist, room attendant, bar attendants, washer & presser , cook & helper– Contact: Hick’s Ville Hotel @ 231-0951/231-0953 Working single female to share room- Call:644-5444 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Driver, salesperson, male merchandiser & porter needed, bring resume ( include reference) & passport photo at Vegetarian Gardens - Tele: 227-7714 One experienced general domestic, must know to cook tasty Creole dishes.

Must be honest & trustworthy- Call:656-6388 Experienced male counter servers, waiters, cashiers, roti/ puri cooks & pastry makers: Apply @ Hacks Halaal 5 Commerce St. Cooks, assistant cooks, waitresses and bartenders to work in Kitty area- Call: 226-7054/ Cell:610-8269 1 Handy Man, 1 Small Engine Mechanic 3 yrs experience- call: 233-2408 One experience Hire car driver- Contact Mrs. KhanCall:226-7948 or 686-6648 Wanted experienced Taxi drivers & experience Dispatcher @ Princess Hotel- Call:265-7076/6165419 Boys to work at Wash bay in Kitty- Call:227-5751/6270980

Fabricator Welder, security officers, kitchen assistant, 1 cook, host/hostess & cleaners: Interested persons can contact tel:603-3993 Porters, skidder, tractor, moulder operator, wood mizer operator and lorry driver- Call Richard 609-7675/ 233-2614

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

Wanted contract cars @ Atlas Taxi Service: South Ruimveldt gardens, VHF radio network- Call:661-3043 SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

Receptionist age 25 and over (shift work). Room attendants & maids age 25 and over (shift work)Call:223-6284/225-9211

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

U.S. Embassy, local bodies take medical outreach to Amerindian communities

NY-based group makes donations to state institutions

In a quest to assist vulnerable communities in third world countries, the United States Embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) collaborated with local bodies to conduct a medical outreach in Region Nine.

The US Embassy Georgetown in a press statement, yesterday, said HAP in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and Ministry of Health Community Officers,

conducted a medical outreach in the Amerindian communities of Rupununi from July 30 to August 6.

According to the Embassy, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs hosted the activities through the Village Councils.

The team was able to assist over 200 persons as part of the medical services offered in the villages of Yupukari, Karanambu, Massara, Kwatamung, Rewa, and Surama.

It was noted that the

volunteer medical team provided outpatient clinical services, donated reading glasses, and conducted assessments and provided treatment for special-needs patients.

The Embassy added that medical outreaches are among the continuing commitments of the U.S Embassy, working with the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health to provide medical assistance to the people of Guyana.

NYGM members pay a courtesy call on Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster

The Humanitarian Assistance Programme outreach in action at Rupununi

Residents of the Palms geriatric institution and children under state care were the latest recipients of gifts bestowed by the New York Guyana Medical & Humanitarian Mission (NYGM) during a recently-concluded visit by the group to Guyana.

Supplies and goodies were donated to the Child Care and Protection Agency, some state homes and the Palms, including clothing, toys and equipment.

“It’s the group’s way of adding a little sunshine to the lives of the children and older citizens. We have been hosting humanitarian and medical outreaches to Guyana for years now and plan to expand during the next visit,” said Vice President of NYGM, Ms. Holly Persaud.

The group also regularly donates to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. She explained that the group’s interventions are based on the needs highlighted during its interaction with government, civil society and some non-governmental organizations in Guyana.

The NYGM, comprising New York-based Guyanese, is a charitable organization incorporated in the State of New York. The mission is funded by the group’s members and friends. Group members volunteer their services and this year the visiting team included Drs. Tara Singh, Anila Ramphal, and Mala Shewram; and Holly Persaud, Shana Persaud, Sarah Persaud, Samantha Persaud, Christopher Jaglal and Jean Oumdeo.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Bartica residents want GPL to seek other location for generators

By Keeran Danny and Tiffanne Ramphal Residents of West Indian Housing Scheme, Bartica, are demanding that management of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) rethinks its signaled intention of placing generators on a stretch of land designated for the scheme's main access road.

In addition, there are concerns that this initiative would have harmful effects on the environment, with waste oil emptying into a nearby trench and noise pollution in the residential establishment.

According to resident Simona Broomes, GPL has proposed to locate portable generators at the head of the housing scheme, an area earmarked for the construction of the community's access road.

Further, the plot of land, which was intended to be developed into a community play park, was arbitrarily given to a religious organization to build a parking lot.

Broomes said while she does not oppose GPL attempting to provide efficient power supply after years of continuous disruption, the power company could place its generators in its compound.

In addition, she said GPL did not properly consult with residents and it was only when the area was bulldozed that residents were made aware of the company's intention.

According to Broomes, GPL had a meeting with residents at which she was not present, but she spoke with the company's engineer via telephone. She said that the Environmental Protection Agency did not carry out an impact assessment and GPL claims the generators would be placed there “temporarily”, but does not know how long this would be.

Broomes explained that the community was developed by its members comprising natives of the Caribbean, who came to mine in Guyana, years ago. It currently has one main road which is not wide enough to accommodate vehicles even passing each other. As such, community members have been requesting the 'front dam' to be transformed into the main access road as was the original intention.

Broomes stressed that

residents are skeptical that GPL's arrangement may not really be temporary and the development of the community would be stymied. Of primary concern are issues of noise and air pollution which are possible effects stemming from the GPL's proposed project.

“The reason why most residents like the West Indian Housing Scheme is its tranquility,” Broomes noted.

Residents, in a signed petition to the Interim Management Committee of Bartica, identified that as is customary, such generators should be located in industrial areas, away from communities. Among the concerns highlighted were the effects to health from carbon dioxide emission into the community and waste oil into the trenches.

The residents are of the opinion that a SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timebound) strategic plan, taking into consideration PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) analysis, should have been utilized by GPL, to identify the impacts that their “potential development” would have on the community.

“Our opinion is that a SMART strategic study would have indicated the most suitable location for any portable generator.”

As for the piece of land that was designated for the community's play park, which had been “given away” for a car park to be constructed, residents opined that they should have been informed of the development.

“The general opinion of the community is that any development in the area should be discussed first with the residents, hence this discussion will help to evaluate what the needs of the community are.”

According to the residents, the need for a community park is critical since “kids that live in the area play on the road, which is dangerous, due to the increase in motor vehicular traffic.”

The members of the West Indian Housing Scheme have made it known that they are strongly advocating for GPL to relocate its portable generator away from the residential area, and for information regarding any development to the community, to be discussed with the residents.

The area reportedly bulldozed for generators to be sited

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Britain operates secret monitoring station in Middle East - report (Reuters) - Britain runs a secret monitoring station in the Middle East to intercept large numbers of telephone calls, emails and internet traffic that it shares with intelligence agencies in the United States, the Independent newspaper reported yesterday.

The station is part of a 1 billion pound global eavesdropping project run by Britain to intercept digital communications, the paper said, citing leaked documents from former U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden.

Snowden’s leaks have sparked a global surveillance scandal that has pitted U.S. President Barack Obama against the Kremlin and prompted British Prime Minister David Cameron’s advisers to demand the return of secrets from the Guardian newspaper.

The London-based Independent, which did not say how it obtained the information from the Snowden documents, said the British had tapped into the underwater fibre-optic cables which pass through the Middle East.

Britain’s foreign ministry and a spokesman for Britain’s eavesdropping agency GCHQ declined comment.

Data gleaned from the monitoring station, whose exact location the Independent said it would

David Cameron not reveal, is then passed onto GCHQ in Cheltenham, England, and shared with the U.S. National Security Agency.

Snowden’s leaks have embarrassed both Britain and the United States by laying bare the extent of their surveillance programmes.

London and Washington say their spies operate within the law and that the leaks have

damaged national security.

Western intelligence agencies rushed to improve their monitoring of Middle East traffic after the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

A network of worldwide cables pass from Britain and the United States through the Mediterranean, running via the Suez canal linking India and the Far East, according to a map from fibre-optic cable providers, Alcatel-Lucent In the Middle East, underwater cables from the sea link into a number of points on land including Tel Aviv, Athens, Istanbul, Cyprus and several Egyptian cities.

Telecommunication links between countries were expanded during the British empire in an attempt to link its colonies.

Britain still has two areas of sovereign territory in Cyprus with a NATO military base in south east Turkey.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

UN Intervention Brigade fires on Congo rebel positions (Reuters) - A special U.N. brigade formed to neutralise armed groups in Congo has taken its first military action, firing artillery at rebels menacing the border city of Goma, U.N. and Congolese military officers said yesterday.

The force of Tanzanian, South African and Malawian soldiers was backing the Congolese army against M23 fighters, whose brief occupation of the city last year damaged the image of the U.N. mission in Congo and led the Security Council to create the brigade.

The United Nations pledged in July to prevent the rebels from getting back within range of the city of about a million people on the Rwandan border.

But M23 this week entered a security zone ringing Goma that was established by the new, robustly-mandated Intervention Brigade earlier this month.

At least three people were killed on Thursday when shells landed on the city.

“Of course we responded with artillery as we cannot accept any threat to the population. That’s why we retaliated,” U.N. LieutenantColonel Felix Basse told Reuters by telephone from Goma referring to Thursday’s fighting.

Clashes between M23 and the Congolese army resumed early on Friday with peacekeepers again involved to hold back the rebels.

“Not just the Intervention Brigade but the complete MONUSCO force is acting to protect Goma,” Basse said, adding that the army had by late afternoon taken territory from the rebels, including a strategic hill in Kibati, 11 km (7 miles) north of the city.

A Congolese army spokesman acknowledged the brigade was supporting government troops with artillery fire.

Meanwhile an M23 spokesman claimed the rebels were trying to avoid direct clashes but would respond to attacks.

“If the army carries on attacking us we’re going to defend ourselves,” Amani Kabasha said.

M23 has rejected responsibility for shelling Goma, but U.N. officials were quick to accuse the rebels of deliberately targeting civilians and U.N. positions.

France followed suit. “particularly condemns the attacks perpetrated by M23 against the civilian population and installations of MONUSCO, which constitute war crimes,” a foreign ministry spokesman said on Friday.

Though it received its mandate in March, only around 2,000 of the Intervention Brigade’s total force of 3,000 troops are currently in place in Congo and supplies and weaponry are still en route from contributing countries.

But Jason Stearns, director of the Rift Valley

Institute’s Usalama Project, said the force had little choice but to engage.

“The current fighting comes at a time of almost unparalleled pressure on the U.N. mission to do something.

Unfortunately, it also comes before their Intervention Brigade is completely operational,” he said.

The special brigade was established after M23 fighters marched past U.N. soldiers to briefly seize Goma last November.

The rebels withdrew after receiving promises of peace talks with the Congolese government. But the city’s fall dealt a serious blow to the image of MONUSCO - with 17,000 troops the world’s largest U.N. mission - and the U.N. is under pressure to ensure Goma is not retaken.

Some in the Intervention Brigade’s contributing countries have voiced concern over their troops’ daunting task of fighting and disarming rebel groups in the difficult terrain of Congo’s volatile eastern borderlands.

A military spokesman in South Africa, which saw 14 of its soldiers killed in clashes with rebels in the Central African Republic in March, said South African troops had not been involved in clashes with M23.

“The fight is taking place near where our troops are positioned. We have a defensive line but we have not engaged,” Siphiwe Dlamini said.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Jamaica seeking Chinese Police awaiting instructions from investment for water projects DPP regarding Jack Warner KINGSTON, Jamaica – CMC - Jamaica is seeking Chinese funding to implement a number of water and sewerage projects on the island, according to a government statement issued here.

It said that Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Robert Pickersgill, said the Portia Simpson Miller government, through the National Water Commission (NWC), is looking to partner with China on developing the projects, worth billions of dollars.

The statement quoted Pickersgill as saying that talks have already started with the Chinese officials and that he is optimistic that a deal would be reached soon.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller is winding up a five-day official visit to Beijing and Pickersgill said that based on current plans, at least one billion US dollars is required to increase coverage, reliability and efficiency of potable water systems across the country.

He said a further billion dollars would be needed to install new central sewerage systems in 16 major towns and that these projects are to be implemented over a 10 year period.

Pickersgill said given the lack of fiscal space, and the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there is a limit as to how much the government can borrow at this time and the Chinese are aware of this.

He said given these constraints the government is proposing to go the route of Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, using the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) approach, to implement one or more of the required three potable water treatment plants, each of which would have a capacity of 15 million gallons per day.

He said one company has already indicated its preparedness to invest in the project using the BOOT system.

Canada withdraws work permit for Jamaican singer KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC — Canada yesterday withdrew the work permit for Jamaican Reggae artiste, Queen Ifrica following complaints from the Canadabased Jamaica Association of Gays and Lesbians Abroad (JAGLA).

The activists had complained that the dancehall performer was “notorious” for her homophobic lyrics and the coordinator of the “Rastafest”, Masani Montague confirmed that the

singer would not be performing “due to circumstances beyond our control”.

JAGLA spokesman, Kerron Orlando, welcomed the group decision noting the “decision has sent a clear message that persons who make comments that jeopardise the well-being of members of the LGBT community in Jamaica, will not be welcomed in Canada”.

He said he hoped that other homophobic persons

Argentina loses U.S. appeal in $1.33 billion bondholder fight (Reuters) - Argentina yesterday lost its appeal of a U.S. judge’s order requiring it to pay $1.33 billion (£854.15 million) to hedge funds that refused to go along with two of the country’s debt restructurings.

But the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals delayed implementing its decision pending a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, postponing resolution for up to a year or more and giving relief to worried investors.

The case stems from Argentina’s historic default on its debt in 2001. In two restructurings, in 2005 and 2010, creditors holding about 93 percent of Argentina’s debt received 25 cents to 29 cents on the dollar.

Dissident bondholders led by NML Capital Ltd, a unit of Paul Singer ’s Elliott Management Corp., and Aurelius Capital

Management objected, arguing that they should be paid in full.

Argentina, which has called the holdouts “vultures,” has said that if it is forced to pay the dissidents, future sovereign restructurings would be impossible to achieve.

U.S. courts have tended to agree with the dissidents.

In October 2012, the 2nd Circuit said Argentina violated an equal treatment clause in the contracts governing its bonds.

In November 2012, U.S. District Judge Thomas Griesa in Manhattan ordered Argentina to pay $1.33 billion into a court-controlled escrow account by the time of its next interest payment to bondholders who agreed to participate in the restructurings.

Friday’s ruling upheld that decision.

will remember that performers will be condemned and called on the Jamaica government to immediately put in place measures to protect members of the LGBT community.

On Thursday, the Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, which had given the festival C$4,200 (One Canada Dollar =US$0.95 cents) said it was “disappointed to hear that an artist using homophobic language is being featured at this event.

“While it is Rastafest, not the federal government who is responsible for programming decisions, we will ensure that future funding requests from them are very carefully reviewed,” the group said.

Rastafest is sponsored in part by the Toronto Public Library and Service Canada.

Earlier this month, the Jamaica government expressed “regret” at the statements made by Queen Ifrica, during the Grand Gala.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Trinidad and Tobago police are waiting instructions from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Roger Gaspard, after submitting a file on bribery allegations involving former national security minister Austin ‘Jack’ Warner.

Police have been investigation allegations that in May 2011, undeclared sums of US currency were brought into the country and used to bribe officials of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) during a meeting chaired by Warner, a former CFU and Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football president.

Warner, who subsequently resigned his position as FIFA’s vice president, had urged CFU officials to support Mohamed

bin Hammam of Qatar rather than incumbent Sepp Blatter in the FIFA presidential elections.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams told reporters at the police weekly news conference that “at this point in time, until such time that we get a position in that matter, it (the file) is at the office of the DPP”.

Williams said the investigation began during the tenure of former police commissioner Dwayne Gibbs and after he assumed the post, investigators received fresh communication from the main opposition People’s National Movement involving additional allegations.

Williams said the investigator “did in fact continue the investigation and addressed the issues

raised by the Opposition, and when he completed the investigation it was sent to Deupty Commissioner of Police (Mervyn) Richardson, who has forwarded that file to the DPP”.

Last year, Gaspard denied he had never instructed the police to clear Warner of bribery allegations, telling the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) then that he had informed the police that based on the “thread bare information and material” submitted to him he could not determine that any law was broken.

“There is nothing in it for me to suggest or to see any contravention of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago that could mean that you need to go further with the investigation because what they supplied to me was insufficient...

Chinese national burnt to death as bandits burn down gas station PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname - CMC – Police yesterday were appealing for assistance as they hunt several bandits who torched a gas station, burning its Chinese owner to death.

“If we don’t all get involved in trying to bring these people to justice, we are all responsible for letting the crime situation of our district deteriorate,” said District Commissioner Yvonne Pinas following the incident in the Brokopondo district on Wednesday.

Chief of the Maroon village, Ludwich Wijnerman also appealed for assistance in catching the thieves who had become enraged after their attempt to break into the gas station had been foiled.

“We cannot allow our village to continue being in such bad daylight. We want

peace and order,” Wijnerman said. Police have identified the dead man as 39-year-old Chinese national Suyaxiong.

He was reported to be inside of the gas station with two other Chinese nationals when the bandits attempted to rob the place. The authorities said the bandits

barricaded the exit before setting the building ablaze.

Two of the Chinese men received severe burns as neighbours used an axe to hack a hole in the wall and free them. They have since been hospitalised. But Suyaxiong died in the blaze and his body was recovered on Thursday.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Guyana Martial Arts Open Championships

Local practitioners’ takes on T&T counterparts today Several of the best martial artists from the Black Hawks Martial Arts Management Network/Association will clash with their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago when the Guyana Martial Arts Open Championships get underway at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) this morning.

Initially, the tournament was scheduled to be a TriNation affair but Barbados was forced to opt out. The Trinidad team arrived in Guyana Thursday evening last and their Sensei, Professor Christopher Francis is confident that his charges would perform at the top of their game.

The Trinidadians competing in the championship are Atiba DeCoteau, Aduil Ramsahai,

Jonathan Hansraj and Isaiah Young. Captain of the team is Sensei Isiah Pollard. The squad comprises youngsters between the ages of 9-15 years and most of them are accompanied by their parents.

The Guyanese squad will be under the tutelage of Fourth Degree Black Belt, Sensei Garfield Newton with support from other National and International Kumite Champions and Black Hawk Board members.

Among those comprising the Guyanese squad are Michael Jones, Sulaymaan Hopkinson, King Cameron, Lateefah Hopkinson, Juann Williams and Shaakirah Hopkinson. They were engaged in stiff practice sessions yesterday in the auditorium of the North

Ruimveldt Multilateral School and are ready for combat.

Sensei Garfield Newton said that his charges are at the top of their game following the conclusion of a Summer Camp which got underway July 22 last and concluded yesterday afternoon at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School.

The students were introduced and tutored in several styles including Kana JuiJitsu, Kung Fu, American Taekwando, AikiJuiJitsu, Karate, Judo Gymnastics and self- defence among other arts.

Local a d m i nistrators also conducted grading sessions Thursday evening last.

Today’s tournament will allow the practitioners to test their skills.

Saturday August 24, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Your steady nature will be greatly appreciated today, Aries. A well thought out plan of attack is the one that wins approval from the higher-ups. *************************** Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20): It's possible that you're feeling obliged to do something out of a sense of duty toward family or loved ones, Taurus. *************************** Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20):Your thinking is clear today, Gemini, but it might be hard to take action on your thoughts. A restrictive force may seem to be holding you back. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Your flamboyant approach may not get as much attention today as you'd like, Cancer. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22):You have exactly the right amount of discipline and sense of duty to accomplish quite a bit today, Leo. Your thinking should be clear. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22):Trying to talk your way out of tasks and obligations probably isn't the best way to win friends today, Virgo. In fact, this is a time to get yourself in gear and take responsibility for your actions.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22):Just when you thought you had everything figured out and planned correctly, another obstacle appears, Libra. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21): The fire within you may be burning brightly, Scorpio, but unfortunately, there isn't a great deal of fuel available to keep it going. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21):You may find that other people are the missing variable in the equation that you seek answers to today, Sagittarius. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): By jumping around from place to place, Capricorn, you may end up feeling like you're getting nowhere. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Make a plan at the beginning of the day for what you want to accomplish by sundown, Aquarius. This is a good time to tackle many of the nitpicky tasks that require your attention. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You might have to adjust your way of thinking in order to match the energy of the situations around you.

Page 31

‘I’m in it for the long-haul’ says Hollywood actor Gerard Butler From page 36 United States of America team that beat England in 1950, is there scope for a movie about cricket and would he like to be involved?

“Absolutely, I think it

would be great to make a cricket movie as you could come at it from many angles, whether it be the sport angle, the dramatic part of that, or somebody from another place that should not be where he

is.

From page 35 had to take avoiding action at 180mph as a tyre failed on Sergio Perez’s McLaren.

“We all know Fernando was very lucky at Silverstone,” Webber said. “[Being hit by debris from a tyre at high speed] doesn’t bear thinking about.” Webber said the forecasted rain for

qualifying and the race on Saturday and Sunday could solve the problem. Tyres are not under anywhere near as much stress at the slower speeds in the wet.

Hembery showed the media photographs of the damaged tyres. He said Pirelli had not discovered the cause yet

but he believed Alonso’s was caused by something on the track and Vettel’s by “something caught between the floor and the tyre”.

He said: “It’s a worry for the sport because we have to go and find out what it is. We will do our best to identify it and what could be causing it.”

“There are a lot of ideas you could put into a great cricket movie. I know Brian Lara wants me to play him so I think there is a possibility there,” he joked.

Belgian GP: drivers demand reassurance Pirelli tyres are safe

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Tyson Gay positive test was for a banned steroid Former world 100m champion Tyson Gay tested positive for a banned steroid, the BBC has learned. News of the American’s failed test emerged last month, but the details of the substance he tested positive for have - until now - not been made public.

The BBC has obtained extracts of a letter sent to Gay by the United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) which outlines the nature of the substance traced in a sample he gave to drug testers during the US World Championship trials in June.

The letter, dated July 23, states: “Using the Carbon Isotope Ratio Analysis it reported that the sample had an adverse analytical finding reflecting values that are consistent with the administration of a steroid of exogenous [external] nature.”

The letter goes on to say that a positive test for an “anabolic agent” of this kind would - if proven - be a violation of the World AntiDoping Agency (Wada) code.

Under the Wada code, the standard ban for an athlete found guilty of taking a prohibited steroid is two years - the maximum punishment currently available.

A carbon isotope test, also known as an IRMS test, is normally used by antidoping authorities to detect the banned steroid testosterone or closely related substances such as DHEA or androstenedione.

These are known as precursors of testosterone.

Tyson Gay USADA refused to comment on whether Gay had tested positive for a steroid.

But the agency confirmed on July 27 that the 2007 world 100m champion failed at least two tests. It is understood that in addition to the positive sample he gave at the US trials, he failed an out-ofcompetition test in May. After being informed of his first failed test, the 30year-old athlete pulled out of the American team selected for the World Athletics Championships, which were held in Moscow earlier this month.

Gay has since been given a provisional suspension by USADA while the investigation into his case continues. He will face a disciplinary hearing in the coming weeks but has already earned credit from USADA for going public with

his failed tests.

The fastest man over 100m in 2013, he had been expected to challenge Usain Bolt for gold in Moscow. After withdrawing from the US squad, Gay blamed a member of his back-up team for the failed tests.

“I don’t have a sabotage story,” he said last month. “I basically put my trust in someone and was let down. I know exactly what went on, but I can’t discuss it right now.”

There have been reports in the United States linking Gay to an Atlanta-based antiageing doctor called Clayton Gibson. Some anti-ageing specialists are known to use hormones such as testosterone and DHEA. Gibson has confirmed working with Gay, but has been quoted saying his clinic does not give its clients “synthetic” substances.

It is thought Gay, who worked closely with USADA on anti-doping campaigns in the past and volunteered for extra testing, is co-operating with the agency to try to reduce his sentence in return for evidence and information on others who may be involved in a wider doping ring.

Although USADA would not talk about the specifics of Gay’s case, Chief Executive Travis Tygart told the BBC: “We appreciate Mr. Gay taking responsibility for his decisions and for voluntarily removing himself from the World Championships.”

European preview: Holders Juventus begin Serie A challenge From page 35 than the hard-fought triumph secured by a late Isco goal last weekend against Real Betis.

Elsewhere, the Giovani dos Santos-inspired Villarreal will hope to continue their winning return to the top flight when they host Valladolid on Saturday.

Germany - Saturday marks the 50th year of the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich will look to celebrate the occasion by breaking a

club-record run of 27 league games without defeat when they host Nurnberg.

Pep Guardiola’s men have recorded wins in their first two games of the season and they have no new injury concerns as they bid to make it three wins from three.

Attacking midfielder Mario Gotze, a summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, could come into the side after recovering from a long-term injury while midfielder Thiago

and winger Franck Ribery are also available.

“A derby is special.

Nurnberg are always extremely aggressive against Bayern,” said Guardiola.

Bayer Leverkusen have also picked up maximum points so far this season and they will look to continue their excellent start when they host Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

France - Laurent Blanc goes in search of his first Ligue 1 win as Paris St-Germain head coach when he takes the big-spending outfit to play Nantes on Sunday.

Table-toppers Lyon have been victorious in their first two top-flight fixtures, but will hope to recover from their midweek 2-0 Champions League qualifying humbling at the hands of Real Sociedad when they host Stade Reims. On Saturday, Guingamp host Lorient in the Brittany derby and Marseille play Valenciennes.

(BBC Sport)

Saturday August 24, 2013

Ashes 2013: England crawl towards safety against Australia A conservative batting performance steered England towards safety in the final Test against Australia and lifted their chances of ending the Ashes series undefeated.

The hosts scored only 215 runs in 98.3 overs on a soporific third day to move within 46 runs of the followon at 247-4 in reply to Australia’s 492-9 declared.

Joe Root found some form with 68 and Kevin Pietersen made a patient 50, but there was another failure for captain Alastair Cook, who was caught behind for 25. Ian Bell ended the day unbeaten on 29, alongside debutant Chris Woakes, who drove the first ball of his Test career through the covers for four on his way to 15.

With significant rainfall forecast for Saturday, England’s approach should ensure they salvage the draw they require to win the series 3-0.

But after an underwhelming performance from the home side with bat and ball, it looks as though Australia will finish the series in the ascendancy and carry more momentum into the return series down under, starting in November.

England’s openers, who survived a testing period on Thursday evening to reach 32-0, advanced to their highest partnership of the series - 68 - before Cook perished. Patient England crawl towards safety.

The skipper, who is averaging only 27 for the series, had just survived a reviewed appeal for leg before wicket from Ryan Harris, but fell in the fast bowler’s next over when he hung his bat out and nudged one through to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Root’s half-century, which included 11 boundaries, owed a lot to his

Joe Root

decision to play forward more often than in previous innings, where a tendency to stay on the back foot to the seamers had frequently brought about his downfall.

This time it was Nathan Lyon who took Root’s wicket, the 22-year-old Yorkshire batsman falling into a trap that had been set by Michael Clarke and top-edging a sweep to Shane Watson at short long leg.

Jonathan Trott scored only two boundaries as he ground out 40 off 134 balls in a particularly torpid period before tea. His quest for a first half-century of the series was thwarted by Mitchell Starc who trapped him lbw in front of leg stump with the first delivery with the second new ball.

Pietersen’s 133-ball half century was his second

slowest in Tests and featured only four boundaries.

On his home ground, the Surrey batsman found offspinner Lyon particularly difficult to get away, but it was Starc who eventually removed him when a thin edge off a full delivery flew low to Watson at slip.

Woakes, brought in to replace Jonny Bairstow at number six, drew one of the biggest cheers of the day when he creamed his first ball for four to evoke memories of David Gower, who did the same on his debut in 1978.

But the day finished in a manner far more characteristic of what had gone before as Bell and Woakes blocked out the final few overs to keep six wickets intact at the end of a session in which 66 runs were scored in 34 overs. Australia 492-9dec., England 247-4

England level Women’s Ashes with Australia following Hove victory England levelled the Women’s Ashes series with a 51-run win over Australia in the second one-day international.

Skipper Charlotte Edwards struck her 42nd ODI fifty as England posted 256-6 having opted to bat first at Hove.

Australia lost both openers for ducks within four overs and, though Jess Cameron hit 10 fours in her 81, they were all out for 205 in the 49th over. The new series points system collates a Test, ODIs and Twenty20s and continues with the final ODI at Hove on Sunday.

Six points are awarded for a Test win, two for a draw and two for a victory in either of the limited over formats.

After a drawn Test, Australia, who currently hold the Ashes after a sevenwicket victory in a one-off Test in January 2011, went ahead in the current series with a 27-run win in Sunday’s opening 50-over match at Lord’s.

But Edwards, in her 171st ODI, quickly took command at Hove, sharing 45 in seven overs for the first wicket with Heather Knight, who hit six fours in her 31 from 26 balls.

England’s middle order all contributed and Natalie Sciver struck three fours in a rapid unbeaten 26 from 20 balls.

Pace bowler Katherine Brunt claimed the wicket of Rachael Haynes in the third over of Australia’s reply.

Cameron kept their hopes alive with her eighth ODI half-century before she was the seventh wicket to fall, bowled by Brunt in the 3 8 t h over with 103 still needed.

Final scores: England 2566 (50 overs) beat Australia 205 (48.2 overs) by 51 runs.

Saturday August 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Jamaica hits back at claims of lax dope controls

Cruz Azul downs Herediano, breaks CCL wins record

Reuters - The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has hit back at allegations of poor administration and a lack of controls by a former official, but conceded it had conducted less tests in recent years due to a lack of “resources”.

Renee Anne Shirley, a former senior advisor to Jamaica’s Sports Minister and briefly JADCO’s Executive Director until earlier this year, wrote of “troubling” facts about JADCO’s work in a critical article in Sports Illustrated this week.

Shirley said that between February 2012 and the start of the London Olympics in July, JADCO carried out just one out-of-competition test.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a stateme n t o n T h u r s d a y urging JADCO to respond “urgently and appropriately” to Shirley’s comments, which have followed a string of positive doping tests returned by Jamaican athletes in recent months.

JADCO s aid its procedures and processes

were “in keeping with international standards” in a statement issued on Thursday.

They had been reviewed by “... quasi-judicial bodies like the Jamaica Anti-Doping Disc i p l i n a r y P a n e l a n d Jamaica Anti-Doping Appeals Tribunal, and judicial body outside of Jamaica, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which as recently as this year found them beyond reproof,” JADCO said.

However, JADCO acknowledged a decline in tests in 2011-12 “largely due to the unavailability of resources to fund the Test Distribution Plan in its entirety.”

The rash of positive doping tests, including some of the Caribbean nation’s highest profile athletes, threw a cloud over preparations for August’s world championships. Former 100 meters world record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic relay silver medalist Sherone Simpson tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at June’s national championships and were left

out of the Jamaican team for Moscow.

World 200 champion Veronica Campbell-Brown also missed out as she was provisionally suspended after failing a test for a banned diuretic in May. JADCO said that there had been 71 out-ofcompetition tests in 2012 and 108 in competition, numbers matching Shirley’s in her Sports Illustrated article, but did not directly address the period in the leadup to the London Games.

The authority said it had conducted a total of 876 tests, including 372 out of competition from May 2009 to July 2013, adding that WADA had visited in July last year and “expressed satisfaction” with its development under its new commissioners.

“JADCO will continue to collaborate with WADA to improve its systems, and is assured that Jamaican athletes face no threat of being barred from participation in the next Olympic Games or other international events,” the statement added.

Sporting SM secures first CCL win Panama City, Panama Sporting San Miguelito got a goal from John Pretelt in the first half and held on to defeat Alajuelense 1-0 in a CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) game on Thursday at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

Goalkeeper Alex Rodriguez was outstanding in the Group 4 encounter for the host, which registered its first-ever CCL win in only its second game in the competition.

After dropping a 1-0 decision at home to Club America (1-0-0, 3 points) on August 7, Sporting (1-0-1, 3 pts.) kept its hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals alive, while the Costa Rican side lost for the first time in four tournament openers.

Sporting had the game’s first two chances. In the sixth minute, Manuel Bonilla fired a free kick straight at Alajuelense goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. Five minutes later, an open Alcibiades Rojas bounced a header wide left.

After Alajuelense’s Jerry Palacios failed to tally on two half chances, San Miguelito broke the deadlock seven minutes before the interval.

Rojas fed a through ball to Prerfelt on the right side of the box. The 23-year-old midfielder beat two defenders and shot inside the far post for a 38th minute lead.

The visitors embarked on a second-half offensive that saw the ball remain in Sporting’s end for a great majority of the final 45 minutes. Camilo Aguirre

curled a 30-yard free kick around the defensive wall right to Rodriguez in the 50th minute.

Eight minutes later, another Aguirre effort from distance forced Rodriguez to produce a two-handed save.

Palacios had yet another chance in the 70th minute off a corner kick, but mistimed his kick from six yards.

Ariel Rodriguez fired a shot from distance in the 77th minute that Rodriguez managed to slap out of harm’s way. On the ensuing corner kick, Palacios found himself with the ball only yards away from the net only to see his attempt blocked.

Alajuelense will look to bounce back when it entertains Club America August 29 in the group’s next game.

Proud KP presented with silver bat after becoming England’s highest run scorer From page 34 then struggled for form for around 18 months. But the nadir of his international career came not as a result of what he did during Tests but because of texts, when just after he had scored a brilliant 149 at Headingley

against South Africa, Sportsmail revealed he was s e nding messages to opposition players last summer that were derogatory about his England captain Andrew Strauss.

Pietersen is now back in the fold and scored his latest

century against Australia at Old Trafford in the third Test. He will be looking for another at The Oval and more during the winter Down Under. James Anderson was presented with a silver ball for being England’s leading wicket taker in all formats.

Mexico City – Cruz Azul defeated visiting Herediano 30 in a CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) encounter on Thursday at the Estadio Azul. It was the fivetime confederation club champion’s 26th win in CCL play, breaking a record it shared with Monterrey and Santos.

Goals from Jair Pereira, Mariano Pavone and Gerardo Torrado helped to earn three points for the host, which extended its home unbeaten streak in the competition to 14 consecutive games.

The sides now share first place in Group 3 on three points each, though the Costa Ricans have played one additional game.

It was the visiting team that had the first chance and it came in the second minute of play. A Victor Nuñéz rocket from outside the area was blocked by Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jesus Corona and landed at the feet of José Sánchez, whose subsequent shot struck the post.

In the 32nd minute, Cruz

Mariano Pavone Azul was able to break the deadlock through Jair Pereira.

Mariano Pavone delivered a centering pass from the right side that was not cleared by the Herediano defense.

Pereira, 27, was there to take advantage and knocked it into the back of the net.

The home side doubled the lead ten minutes later courtesy of a Pavone goal. A long ball into the Florenses’ area landed to the 31-year-old Argentine and his shot beat goalkeeper Daniel Cambronero.

Gerardo Torrado then made it 3-0 in the 45th minute with a header off a corner kick from Rogelio Chávez. It was the Mexican international’s third career CCL tally. The veteran also netted La Maquina’s first-ever goal in the competition during a 6-0 win over Hankook Verdes of Belize.

Cruz Azul, which now has two wins and a draw in three all-time CCL games against Herediano, will next travel to Haiti for an August 28 game against Valencia.

CONCACAF U-15 Day Nine: Honduras downs Curacao, earns place in semis

Honduras (white) and Curacao……

Honduras (4-0-0, 12 points) advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 CONCACAF Under-15 Championship thanks to a 50 victory over Curacao (0-04, 0 points). The result left the Catrachos as the Group C champion, three points ahead of runner-up Guadeloupe.

Italo Ramos scored the first of his two goals in the sixth minute to give Honduras a 1-0 lead. Diego Villeda and Edwin Manzanares each

struck just before the half, essentially putting the match out of reach.

The in-form Darixon Vuelto completed the scoreline with 10 minutes left in regulation time. The Hondurans faced rival El Salvador yesterday (Friday) for a place in the final.

Meanwhile, St. Kitts & Nevis (2-0-2, 6 points) ended its campaign with an impressive 5-1 win over St. Martin. The eventual winner

stamped its authority on the game from the opening whistle.

Steve Archibald Jr. scored the first of his two goals in the third minute and Geovannie Lake followed it two minutes later to make it 2-0. Saint Martin pulled one back in the 14th minute through Hugo Champion, b u t Ty r i q u e F r a n c i s restored the two-goal cushion seven minutes before the interval.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 24, 2013

Players more informed as Cool Runnins Beach summer camp concludes Tallawahs dispatch Trindents LCPL T20 Semi-final 2...

by 7 wkts; play Amazon Warriors in final tonight

By Zaheer Mohamed Led by a sparkling half century from man-of-thematch Kumar Sangakkara the Jamaica Tallawahs breezed past Barbados Tridents by 7 wickets to book their place in the final of the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 tournament last evening in Trinidad an Tobago.

The Tallawahs successfully chased 148 to secure victory with 9 balls to spare on a disappointing night for the Tridents.

Jamaica Tallawahs decision to insert the Tridents in front of another capacity crowd at the Queen’s Park Oval paid dividends when David Bernard Jnr. trapped opener Dwayne Smith leg before for 01 in the second over and Vernon Philander had Jason Holder who was promoted up the order, caught behind by Carlton Baugh for 05 leaving the Tridents in trouble at 6-2.

Raymond Reifer and Shoaib Malik steadied the ship nicely with a third wicket stand of 102. Malik dumped Muttiah Muralitharan back over his head for a maximum before hoisting left arm spinner Nikita Miller over wide long on.

Reifer was given a let off

by Baugh who spilled a difficult chance in Andre Russell’s second over.

He then drove Russell to the cover boundary before pulling him through mid wicket in the said over which cost 13 runs.

However, the Tallawahs got the break through when Reifer failed to make his ground and was run out for 36 as he attempted a second run; Reifer faced 43 balls and

hit three fours.

Malik was then caught by Chadwick Walton off Gayle’s next delivery for 49 (108-4) which came off 47 balls and contained three sixes and one four. Keiron Pollard and Azhar Mahmood beefed up the Tridents total with a fifth wicket stand of 25.

Pollard drove Philander to the long off boundary before Mahmood dispatched Russell for a six and a four in the next over. However the Tridents suffered a major setback when Pollard was run out in the most unfortunate of circumstances for 13; a drive from Mahmood ricochet off Russell’s booth and disturbed the stumps at the non striker’s end with Pollard backing up.

Kyle Mayers joined Mahmood and ensured their team ended on a respectable 148-6 off their allocation of overs. Mahmood was dismissed off the last delivery of the innings for 14 while Mayers finished on 12*.

Philander was the pick of the bowlers with 2-28 from 4 overs while there was one each for Bernard and Chris Gayle.

Tridents Skipper Pollard opted to open the bowling with off spinner Malik and almost had success, but Mayers floored a dolly at mid wicket offered by Chadwick Walton as the Tallawahs began their reply cautiously.

Mahmood’s second over produced success for the Tridents when Gayle was caught by his opposite number Pollard for 03 with the score on 16 in the fourth over.

However Malik’s reintroduction into the attack proved costly, he was dispatched for consecutive boundaries by Walton before

Kumar Sangakkara lofted him over the ropes as the pair stabilized the chase. The duo continued to take the attack to the bowlers, dispatching anything too short or full as they kept the score above the asking rate.

Walton made the Tallawahs paid for the putting him down as he plundered five fours and one six en route to 45 off 40 deliveries before he was run out by wicketkeeper Jonathan Carter after missing a delivery down the leg side at 87-2 in the 12th over.

His dismissal saw the asking rate drop below the required 7.40 per over, but the Tridents wasted another opportunity to put their opponents under some pressure when Raymond Reifer dropped Sangakkara at long leg as the batsman attempted the ‘Dilscoop’.

Hyatt laboured for 18 balls before he was well caught by Pollard for 12 off Mahmood on the long on boundary at 117-3. Russell joined Sangakkara and opened his account with a boundary off Mahmood. He then finished the game in exciting fashion slamming Mahmood for three consecutive sixes, ending unbeaten on 29 (3x6 1x4) off just six deliveries.

Sangakkara who smashed four fours and two sixes was not out on 50 which came off 38 deliveries as the Tallawahs ended on 152-3 in 18.3 overs.

Mahmood was the lone wicket taker for the Tridents with 2-37 from 3.3 overs.

The competition climaxes this evening with the Guyana Amazon Warriors who were flawless in the their first semi final win over the Red Steel battling the Tallawahs in the final at the said venue.

President of CRBFC, Rollin Tappin (extreme right) share a moment with participants displaying their certificates Several Beach footballers are now much more educated in the intricacies of the sport following the conclusion a ten (10) days Beach Soccer summer camp under the auspices of the Cool Runnins Beach Football Club (CRBFC), at the Bayroc Sand Reserve Ground, earlier in the week.

The organisers said that the programme was well attended and young

participants were tutored in the introductory modules of Beach Soccer as well as life skills training. The organisers further said that the overall objective of the initiative was to link sports and education with a view of fostering good sportsmen and women while focusing on youths to catapult the growth and development of beach soccer in Guyana at the grass root level.

Consequently, the executives of the club expressed deep gratitude to several businesses and individuals that contributed to the success of the programme including Aubrey Major of Major’s Sports Store, Jacs Bakery, Sherry Fife’s Snackette, Danny’s Grocery, Humanitarian Assistance program under the US Embassy, the Ministry of Culture Youth & Sports and Bayroc Sports Club.

Proud KP presented with silver bat after becoming England’s highest run scorer Kevin Pietersen was presented with a silver bat on the Oval outfield at lunch on Friday to celebrate him becoming England’s top run scorer in all formats. Pietersen has scored 13,320 runs in Tests, one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals since making his England debut in 2004.

He is second in the list of England Test centurions with 23, behind his current captain Alastair Cook, who has 25. He tweeted on Friday morning: ‘There will be an incredibly proud moment in my career happening at the lunch break today..’

The South-African born batsman’s England debut was against Zimbabwe in a 50-over game but he really exploded on to the scene in the ODI series against the land of his birth, scoring three centuries despite - or perhaps because of - receiving abuse from home supporters.

He was not an automatic pick for the 2005 Ashes series but eventually supplanted Graham Thorpe and made his Test bow in the first match at Lord’s, in which he scored

Kevin Pietersen receives a commemorative engraved bat from ECB chairman Giles Clarke fifties in both innings.

But his most significant contribution came in the final Test at The Oval, when his 158 not out secured a draw and ensured England won the urn for the first time in 18 years.

For a couple of years it seemed he could do no wrong as he flamboyantly scored runs - remember him switchhitting Muttiah Muralitharan for six - and it led to him being appointed captain in 2008.

He started with a win against South Africa at The

Oval but he never saw eyeto-eye with Peter Moores and after unsuccessfully asking for the coach’s removal, he resigned in early 2009. His 2009 Ashes were cut short by injury but he was man of the tournament as England won their first limited-overs trophy, the World Twenty20, in 2010. Pietersen hit his highest Test score of 227 during the victorious Ashes campaign Down Under in 2010 and 2011 but (Continued on page 33)

t r o Sp GUYANA MARTIAL ARTS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Local practitioners’ takes on T&T counterparts today

Juann Williams (right) and King Cameron demonstrate one of the kick techniques they will employ while some of their teammates strike a pose.

LCPL T20 Semi-final 2

Tallawahs dispatch Trindents by 7 wkts; play Amazon Warriors in final tonight

Man-of-the-match Kumar Sangakkara

Andre Russell 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