Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Kato Secondary $1B fiasco…

Students in limbo as school with ‘structural defects’ remains closed The Kato School

By Jarryl Bryan The tranquil village of Kato is located in Potaro-Sipiruni, Region Eight. Nestled in between mountain ranges, rolling hills, plunging valleys and winding rivers, it is home to approximately 200 households. Its tranquility was disturbed in 2013 when construction started on the Kato Secondary School project. Kares Engineering Inc. had won the contract to construct the ultimate secondary school, but after three years the school remains closed during to structural defects. According to the Tashao of Kato, Clifton Perrieira, there are concerns about where students in Kato and the adjoining areas will go. The whole concept of building Kato Secondary had been because of overcrowding at Paramakatoi Secondary. “My concern is for the children who are supposed to be attending school and they cannot,” he said. “There are some children (in the region) and they are suffering a lot in terms of transportation, coming back to their various villages. So we were hoping that this building would open early.” Kaieteur News also spoke to Marcia Fredericks, a Kato mother of six. Her story was a despondent one, as she stated that while one of her daughters passed her grade six assessment examinations, she does not know where the child will attend school. “I have a child that passed her grade six assessment. And they told us that the dorms over there are filled and they told us the school would be opened next year, I don’t know when. “Maybe she will have to stay in the primary school here. We can’t say, they didn’t tell us anything more. But we really want our school here, because we have our son who passed the grade six too and he can’t go over there.” She related that her son has chronic health issues and as such, a school which can cater for that is necessary. Currently, there is no official opening date for Kato School, for which construction started in 2013. The edifice was scheduled to be opened last January. This was delayed following the discovery of the defects. Because of the defects, a technical audit into the school was commissioned and a report prepared by Rodrigues Architects Limited. That report was subsequently presented Continued on page 13

A group of Kato children.

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Monday August 08, 2016

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

VENEZUELANS FACING A BLEAK FUTURE Three years after power in Venezuela was bequeathed to President Nicolás Maduro by the late Hugo Chávez, Guyana’s oil-rich northern neighbour is suffering from the worst economic and political crisis in its history. Hunger, desperation and the spread of unrest and criminality have threatened the survival of the government. Most supermarkets are empty, and the few with food are being ransacked by angry, hungry mobs comprising mostly youths. Food is now being transported under armed guard, and basic necessities are being rationed. People have to queue for hours and sometimes overnight on their assigned days to receive staples like rice and cooking oil. Many, especially the children and the elderly, are starving. Blackouts, looting and murder have led President Maduro to declare a state of emergency in a desperate bid to cling to power to deal with the issues. Rule by decree has enabled him to confront all the international and national threats. Based on IMF figures, Venezuela has the world’s worst negative growth rate at minus 8 percent, and one of the highest inflation rates at 482 percent. The unemployment rate is high and is expected to climb to 70% by year end. Its currency, the Bolivar, has slumped to 792 to the US dollar on the black market. President Maduro inherited a ruinous state-run system from Chávez, but his policies have made things worse. Chávez built his popularity on the oil wealth and excessive borrowing to pay for food imports. He nationalized more than 1,200 companies deemed to be against Venezuela’s interest. However, in 2015 the steep fall in the price of oil and reckless spending by the government; have made Venezuela a high-risk debtor. Unable to borrow from foreign banks, the government increased its finances by printing more money, which fueled inflation. It also used the country’s gold reserves to pay its foreign debt and basic food imports. Obviously its gold reserves have been depleted, and Venezuela has defaulted on its payments and the import of food is at a minimum. It is catastrophic. As the crisis deepens, President Maduro has accused the United States of having imperial designs on Venezuela, and of playing a role in the crisis that has gripped the country. He also accused the Organization of American States of being a tool of the United States, and claimed that right-wing leaders in the region are generating chaos in order for the US to intervene in Venezuela. However, those are old tactics often utilized by Maduro in an attempt to reverse his flagging popularity and deflect public attention from the economic and social turmoil in the country. President Maduro apparently wants Venezuelans to ignore the fact that their country is in ruins. According to Transparency International, Venezuela is the ninth most corrupt country in the world and billions of dollars have been siphoned from the coffers by government officials. Given the devastated economy and falling oil prices on the world market, it is not surprising that Venezuelans are experiencing power blackouts, shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods. Many have fled to neighbouring countries to seek refugee status. The crisis has gone beyond economics into the politics. It is not a healthy situation, but Maduro continues to deal with the issues in his usual iron-fisted style. He has no respect for democracy. The opposition-controlled Congress has attempted to pass laws against the rule by decree, but state institutions which are controlled by the government have blocked its efforts. However, the opposition has galvanized support on the streets and has organized 2,138 protests since the beginning of the year in its attempts to force Maduro to resign. Guyanese are hoping for a brighter day for Venezuelans who are facing a bleak future.

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE IS A LAW BASED SYSTEM DEAR EDITOR; The APNU+AFC administration has to be mindful it does not continue sending the signal that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing or decisions are being made without due diligence. The issue being referred to is the matter of seeking to recoup loans given to students to study at the University of Guyana. It has been reported that the Minister of Finance has proposed the government may undertake the unconstitutional act of restricting free movement of citizens, in and out of Guyana, as a measure to have them repay the loans. Subsequent to the Minister of Finance’s statement, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Economic Trade, along with the Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Citizenship made known they are unaware of any such plan.

Following these two men, the President announced that the administration will not place any restriction of movement on borrowers and to do so is illegal. The business of government is managed by time-honoured principles, established rules and laws not gut feelings. To entertain the idea of imposing restrictions on people to move, without examining the legal implication such would cause should not have happened. The Guyana Constitution is the nation’s supreme law and every government official, moreso the elected representatives, should take the needed time to acquaint themselves with this instrument. The Guyana Constitution had embodied free education from nursery to university. Free education at university level was only excised from the constitution with constitutional reform. This means that students who were made to sign for

loans during this period when public education was constitutionally free from nursery to university neither the State-owned university nor Government of Guyana can hold these persons accountable for an act, which was clearly in violation of the supreme law. The constitution is explicit that any act that contravenes it is null and void. The introduction of feepaying at the university started under the PPP/C administration when the constitution spoke about free education from nursery to university. Today members of the PPP/C are very vocal in making known their knowledge of the Constitution yet when these persons were in office they ruthlessly trampled this instrument. The APNU+AFC administration must not make the same mistakes. When the rule of law is disregarded anarchy reigns. There is another element

to this matter, which is that of the socio-economic factor. In a society that according to World Bank and Caribbean Development Bank reports more than 85 percent of the tertiary graduates are leaving the country, approximately 40 percent of the young are unemployed, and national unemployment is at 21 percent we have problems on our hands. Workers have not enjoyed real wage (i.e. after factoring in inflation and what can be bought now as against previously) for quite some time. There are university graduates who have had to resort to semi-skilled jobs and subsistence business in order to provide for themselves and family. And those who could leave have left. It means that outside of ensuring the Constitution is not violated, in its present form and when student loans were introduced, that the government has to look at this matter through holistic and sober lens. This must include Continued on page 6

Call for the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture DEAR EDITOR; I am calling for the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder. His gross under-performance continues to bring great harm to our nation. It pains me to write this letter since I once walk in this world with a woman of worth and competence called Sheila Holder and I have pondered on this issue for months. Every time I ask myself the question what would Sheila have done if she were in my position, the answer always comes back – she would do the right thing? The right thing for Guyana at this point in time is to call for better leadership in the agriculture sector, a principle income creator for the nation. Guyana needs someone in this important sector, who can better manage the risk, who is more empathetic to the plight of the players in the sector especially the workers, and one who has the ideas and the courage to roll out these ideas in partnership with the stakeholders. Unfortunately, observing Noel over the last 15 months clearly illustrates on most days he is “out to lunch” when it comes to crafting the solutions needed for the sector. Such a situation brings great harm to the Granger administration since the agriculture sector is one of the leading accumulators

of foreign currency for the local system. This is not personal, this is about Guyana and we must all have the courage of conviction to speak up when Guyana is placed at risk. After 15 months we cannot see the quality of transformation in the agriculture sector expected for the benefit of the people, primarily because of the poor menu of policy initiatives, lack of creativity on the new ideas needed and a total failure to manage the situation to achieve the necessary deliverables for the people. The nation has lost valuable ground over the last 15 months in that project to

deliver the good life because of this leadership issue in the agriculture sector. What one finds coming out of the office of the Minister of Agriculture are more excuses after excuses, which had proven to directly impact on the performance of the economy. Noel has to understand, this is about Guyana and a nation hurts because he is performing at a level that strategically will not unleash the potential of the agriculture sector – plain and simple. Keeping him in office may serve a certain petitbourgeoisie class interest or the “friends and buddies” system and might be good politics for the members of the

cabinet (short-termism) but it is a disaster for the nation (long-term destruction). Someone has to bite this bullet before further destruction comes to this sector, which has infected the term of President Granger and will bring even greater harm to this term to 2020. I am humbly asking President Granger as a Guyanese who believes in the ability of my country to provide the bounty for all its residents, to reconsider this appointment and let us use the opportunity to bring to the table team members who have the ability to offer greater transformation to the sector, to more ably deliver on the good life. Sase Singh

Victimization at Wales Estate DEAR EDITOR; On Tuesday August 2, 2016, I was sent to burn a bed plate in the boiling house. Whilst burning, the factory manager came to me and I told him about the job. He then called the foreman and spoke to him, after which the foreman took the job into the workshop. I took an inch off the bedplate. On Thursday they asked another welder to complete the job from 7am to 3pm and leave me to work from 7am to 4pm. Since I am now in the boiling house, I expect to work the same hours as the other boiling house welders. The assistant factory manager and Estate manager spoke to Mr. Kissoon who is the mechanical engineer. Still there has not been any change. I believe that malice is the issue. One day myself and another woman, heard Mr. Kissoon saying things that Guyanese should not utter. I raised the issue so many

times that Kissoon seems to have it out for me. Further Mr. Editor, despite some workers are upset about the factory closing, they are themselves causing the factory to further deteriorate. They had stopped a compressor to do servicing. When they were now ready to assemble it, the engineer, Mr. Dhanraj said the shaft has swollen. So they grind the shaft with an angle grinder and the shaft cut loose, the bearing therefore cannot hold on. It has been taken to the old sugar stores. Further, there is a 2.5 turbine in the power house; one with a flexible hose that was damaged. They bought a hose and paid to fit on two flanges on the two ends. They later took off the flanges and replaced them with pipe. These two examples are a clear case of wasting money. Nobody is being held accountable. Molly Ames Welder, Wales Sugar Estate

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Kaieteur News

Anand Goolsarran accuses Nigel Hinds of attacking him DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter from Mr. Nigel Hinds that was carried in your last Saturday’s edition of your newspaper. In that letter, he asserted that I should not be a columnist for the Stabroek News because I did work for the Government. He also commented on the contents on one of my recent columns as it relates to the appointment of Mr. Statia as Commissioner-General of the GRA. This is not the first time that Mr. Hinds took to the letters’ column attacking me. I must recall his blistering attack when I spoke out against the a p p o i n t m e n t M r. B r i a n Tiwari as Ministerial Advisor on Business. I do not wish to reciprocate by responding to Mr. Hinds’s letter in like tone and to engage in a personal attack on a colleague of the profession. I have therefore decided to offer the following clarifications

in the humblest of tone: 1. I honestly have no objections to Mr. Statia being appointed Commissioner-General. In fact, in my column I did congratulate him. I truly believe that if the toss up was between Mr. Statia and the Canadian-based G u y a n e s e , M r. St a t i a would have prevailed. 2. What I was concerned about was the process that was used in making the selection. The way the job requirements as advertised were formulated, only Mr. Statia would have met the requirements of 15 years’ experience in customs and tax administration, with a minimum of eight years being at an executive management level. There was no consideration of external candidates with comparable experience. As an a n a l o g y, if a government agency advertises to purchase a

refrigerator and you design the specifications so that only the Phillips brand meets the specifications, in procurement terms, it is a form of “bid rigging”. Standard procurement practices dictate that specifications must be generic in nature, and not biased to suit a particular supplier. I am sure Mr. Hinds, as a chartered accountant, would agree to this. 3. My understanding is that three persons were interviewed for the job, including Mr. Statia and the Canadian-based Guyanese. Two days later, in an incredible twist of things, the Board announced publicly that no suitable candidate was found! It then proceeded to re-advertise for the position. At the same time, negotiations were held with Mr. Statia who eventually agreed to the remuneration package that his

predecessor was getting. As a result, the advertisement was recalled and Mr. Statia was appointed. 4. If the interview panel was unable to accede to the demands of the top candidate, the next best candidate should have been offered the position. Again, in procurement terms, you simply cannot negotiate with bidders. In the case of consulting services, negotiation is only permitted when the selection is made, not before. I believe that the selection panel in retrospect would have realised that it erred in this regard. 5. As regards whether being a columnist presents a conflict of interest situation in view of the fact that I had undertaken four forensic audits at a cost of $7.2 million (and not $40 million as one mischievous letter-writer boldly asserted), I believe that the reverse is the case. I would call it “compatibility of interest” or “complementarity

of interest”. By that I mean my “Accountability Watch” column, which focuses on good governance, transparency and accountability, is similar in objectives to those of the forensic audits that I had carried out. In other words, there was goal congruence, not conflict of interest. Whenever one speaks of conflict of interest, one needs to ask the question: what’s the risk?; or invoke the “so what” question. 7. Readers should note that I started the “Accountability Column” in the Stabroek News in 2012. For three years, I gave voluntary service and was not in gainful employment. When there was a change in Administration in May 2015, I reluctantly agreed to undertake the four audits referred to above while continuing to write my weekly column. Today, I continue to give pro bono service

whenever I am called upon to do so. Should I give up writing because I undertook these audits and continue to offer pro bono services? 8. Heaven forbid, if I have the choice of either doing an assignment for the Government or of continuing with my column, I would have no hesitation than to choose the latter because of my passion and love for research and writing. On the other hand, if I choose to be in full-time employment with the Government, and to the extent that maintaining my column conflicts with my role in such employment, then I will do the honourable, and morally and ethically right thing. I will discontinue my column. That time is yet to come as I sense no calling in this direction. If and when that happens, perhaps I may retreat from public life and dwell in the realms of spirituality. Anand Goolsarran

Alcohol abuse is a national THOUGHTS ON FORBES danger in this country BURNHAM’S LEGACY DEAR EDITOR; We of the Mahatma Gandhi Organization and the Gandhi Youth Organization (Woolford Avenue) would like to sincerely thank those who have written recently about alcohol abuse. We would like to thank them for their timely and important contributions in the print media on the epidemic of alcoholism wreaking havoc in our society. Our organization would also like to note herein the numerous interventions made by Bhai Vidyaratha Kissoon on the subject imploring the authorities, manufacturers and distributors of alcohol in Guyana to take steps to bring the situation under control, seemingly to no avail The constitution of our organization contains clauses in the aims and objectives section dealing with the need for action to be taken by our membership to advocate against the use and abuse of alcohol. As one of the oldest registered Hindu Organizations in this country (since 1953) we recognize that there is a major crisis in the country as more and more people turn to this dangerous substance to somehow “numb” themselves from their daily trials and tribulations. We wish to state that we are available and open to joining in any national effort or initiative to counsel, guide, advise and admonish our fellow Guyanese about the dangers of this substance as highlighted by the erstwhile people who took time to write and were mentioned in the first paragraph of this letter. We would like to call on all Hindu bodies and temples and indeed all other social and religious entities to join the drive to caution against the use of alcohol and to educate persons about the dangers of consuming alcohol. While we have not carried out any scientific study on the problem we wish to recommend the following course of action 1) Relevant Government agencies to meet and commission a study (if not already done) on the cost both socially and financially of alcohol abuse. If the study has been done publish the results 2) Convene seminars and other similar forums to sensitize the public on the dangers

of this product 3) Increase taxes on all alcohol based products (except for medicinal purposes). In the United Kingdom empirical evidence has demonstrated that increasing taxes on alcohol has had the effect of reducing consumption. 4) Enforce drink and drive laws which will have effect of deterring persons from consuming alcohol and then proceeding to drive. The cost to the country in terms of lives and limbs lost due to accidents caused by drunk drivers must be astronomical 5) Legislate as is done in the cigarette industry for warnings to be prominently placed on alcoholic products about dangers to health. 6) Put in place laws to prevent the advertising or selling of alcoholic beverages in activities involving school activities 7) Enforce rigorously laws relating to opening and closing times of “rum “shops and “beer gardens” and prosecute and fine those who violate the law including suspending their licenses if found guilty. 8) Restrict granting of new licenses to persons desirous of selling alcohol. 9) Intensive campaign in schools should be carried out on the dangers of this substance as research has shown that if teenagers get “hooked” on this product then it is very difficult and costly to get them to stop consuming it. At the same time persons who have never used alcohol say up to 22 -24 years old are very unlikely to start consuming it after this age hence the importance of nipping the problem in the bud. 10) Negotiate with or legislate for manufacturers and distributors of Alcohol to contribute say 2 % of their sales to fund rehabilitation programs Dear Editor these are just a few suggestions but previous governments have not shown much interest in alleviating this problem instead being more reactive than proactive and we hope to have some decisive action be taken by Government and other stakeholders. Pandit Sawh Christopher Persaud Mahatma Gandhi Organization

DEAR EDITOR; Grateful if you published the following letter in your letters column. This month marks the 31st anniversary of the death of Comrade Linden Forbes Samson Burnham, the salutation being that by which I am sure he would prefer to be remembered. In commemoration of L.F.S Burnham’s life and contribution to Guyana, it would be remiss of me to not first acknowledge that Burnham’s brilliance as an orator had earned him prominence as a wellrespected statesman in the international arena. He dedicated his life to advancing Guyana’s agenda for social and economic development and forging one nation for our six peoples by initiating the process of crafting the security and equality of our races into law. Burnham’s efforts were unfortunately caught up in the international politics of capitalism and socialism of the time, the oil crisis of the 70’s, the racial tensions that resulted from his split with the Peoples P r o g r e s s i v e P a r t y, a n d state of economic thinking that prevailed. Much has transpired since. The world has advanced through technology and globalization, and the paths to economic and social development are much clearer. Advanced countries are now much more involved in advancing the cause of

development in the countries to which they provide aid, and it is becoming a virtual impossibility for politicians to escape the network of technology and financial tracking systems for stamping out corruption. How could Burnham best be remembered? I would proffer that Forbes Burnham could be best remembered if we deliver on the legacy of his vision for our country. Burnham would have first wanted us to overcome our ignorance and fears of each other’s religious beliefs and recognize the oneness of the Supreme Being who recreated us and the love. He expected that of us of each other. He would have wanted us to put aside our racial and ethnic insecurities, and overcome our stereotypical thinking of each

other by actively seeking to understand, appreciate and embrace our diverse cultures. In this rapidly changing global technological, economic and social environment, Burnham would have wanted us to aggressively adapt and adopt the new technologies, ideas, systems and approaches to economic and social progress. The solutions to our problems today are now no more a mystery than the transition of day to night. Our history is for instruction. The time is now for the present and the future. Let us utilize our skills, talents and resources to deliver on Burnham’s dreams for us in this country of ours, our Land of One People, One Nation, One Destiny. Craig Sylvester

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Monday August 08, 2016

The politics, plans and ploys of the PPP The death penalty DEAR EDITOR; Race and politics originated with the PPP, and after many decades, rather than losing momentum it has gained in intensity. When the PPP was split into two factions the term ‘Apan Jaat’ was introduced into the political arena. This term means vote for your own race. The PPP faction led by Forbes Burnham was always the loser as the greater percentage of Indians would always give the PPP faction, led by Cheddi Jagan, the majority. Thanks to Jagan for being the pioneer in racial politics. The PPP thrived on ‘apanjaat’ politics but the last two elections disturbed this trend a lot. Heavy migration of Indians coupled with higher growth rates in the Amerindian and African population caused a significant demographic shift. Added to this is the fact that a large mixed population, which does not favour the PPP, has begun to make their presence felt. Even the voting population within different ethnicities seems to be fare better proportionately that the PPP’s Indians, including an increasing number from the minority Muslim community; they have broken away from race voting which is further cause of concern to the PPP camp. Due to these trends the opposition has been thrown in desperation. The claim of discrimination against people of

Indian race is the one that is commonly used. This however is very hollow and seems to be backfiring. Take for instance the racial pronouncement by Jagdeo at a meeting in New York. In this gathering, of course there will be respectable people who are impartial. If their desire to want to come back is genuine the government should give all support. However there are the opportunists who are looking for sweetheart deals; others who after spending more than two decades are still hardened racist with great hangover from their orientation in Guyana; and there are also the evaders of taxes by breaching their financial commitment with tertiary institution. We must not forget the ghost double dippers who want the best of both worlds. In Region 2, there are a lot of PPP supporters squatting on government reserves. This is quite evident on a reserve adjacent to the road leading to the Mainstay Resort. This is against an advisory published recently by the Lands and Survey Division. These people have blocked ingress and egress to rice farms and they have erected fencing which has posed a danger to traffic to the road. In fact it has already caused a few accidents. Many are now involved in this exercise as if the law has taken a back seat. Sometimes the law has to be applied. Irrespective of race once you break the

law you must stand by the consequences. Let the legacy of Dr. Jagan be alive when such actions would be greeted by shouts of vindictive acts against people of Indian origin. And while there is a lot of stereotyping against the present government, the PPP should be ashamed and feel highly disgraced by its own record. Dismissals from custom house, treason charges against Benchop and some GDF officers, failure to promote because of race, taking away positions from qualified personnel and give same to Indian party hacks are just the tip of the iceberg of PPP racist policies. It is sad to say but the truth is that people of African descent, under the PPP suffered from institutionalized marginalization. The pronouncement from the highest office of the land concerning Africans lacking qualifications for ambassadorial position says it all. With their racial posturing the PPP under opposition leader Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, finds itself with a credibility crisis. Claims of race, witch-hunting, other forms of discrimination will be the order of the day. It is like a drowning man clutching at a straw. All the time this is more retrogressive than progressive. Better wake up and smell the coffee. Wafiyyah Ali

SOCIAL COHESION MAY BE A CONVENIENT TOOL FOR GOVT. DEAR EDITOR; In my Sunday Column “Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis” (Guyana Chronicle, 7th August, 2016) my view on social cohesion was misrepresented. The misrepresentation is: “In a society where governance is secular and religious freedom (self-determination) is constitutionally guaranteed, social cohesion would never be achieved by targeting only the religious organisations to preach on this subject.” With the insertion by the newspaper of the word “only” it has not only contradicted my position but has also changed the universal principles under which social cohesion is premised. Social cohesion acknowledges, respects, and seeks to ensure fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed as a primary premise from which all can cohere. Guyana is a secular state. The Constitution of the State guarantees the right to religious freedom. This in

itself is a cohesive act where persons are free to practice whatever religion they chose in peace, or whether they chose not to be so associated. It follows that if anyone is denied the right to practice his/her religion the State carries a corresponding responsibility to intervene to protect this right. When this Government in using the plank of social cohesion to get into religious organisations to tell them what it thinks social cohesion is, it is undermining social cohesion because the policy and programme, even though well intent, will create divisions between government and worshippers and among worshippers themselves, even as it excludes the non-affiliated and non-believers. For instance, the Jehovah Witnesses, which by their principle stay out of politics, were the government to think it can go into this community and address them on social cohesion would be a violation of the congregants’ right to not associate politically, and will create conflicts between the two groups. In the Hindu community, where many of the religious leaders are strong supporters of the PPP/ C they will not allow the government to walk into their temples or religious events and talk to their members. And in doing so they will be in order, given that there is separation between religion and State and religious

organisations would be exercising their fundamental right to demand that the politicians stay out of their organisations. Similar conflict exist with social cohesion targeting racial groups to tell them race is not important and they must forget race, when throughout the world race is an important factor not only in identity and history, but in planning and development. Further, the Guyana Constitution calls on us to celebrate our racial diversity, which is an acknowledgment of same, yet we are being asked by the politicians to ignore it. Social cohesion properly practiced starts out from respecting fundamental rights and freedoms which are enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, and work through laws, policies and programmes to ensure there is equity in the system by creating a level playing field for all. The government has programmes before it that it can commence the process of removing inequality and injustice which are hindrance to social cohesion. These are: 1) The 2001 Bharrat Jagdeo/ Desmond Hoyte Agreement, which includes addressing the plight in named depressed communities. This was an agreement made between two leaders in their constitutional capacities, and constitutes the State’s position and a contract with the people, and must be implemented;

2) The 2012 Agreement between the Central Government and Region 10 Regional Democratic Council. This is a document between regional and central governments, which was approved by the National Assembly, and must be implemented. 3) The Government as an employer and protector of the citizens, respecting the rights of workers to join and be represented by a trade union of choice, and engage in collective bargaining. The disregard by the government for these fundamental rights and freedoms undermines any claim that it has an interest in social cohesion. The government cannot join with the Russian management at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to deny workers their right to belong to a trade union of their choice, and moreso refusing to have the management respect the Laws of Guyana, yet at the same time speaking in glib terms about social cohesion. Social cohesion is about doing things in society to the benefit of the people by removing inequalities and injustices in the system. It seems very clear that the government either does not have a programme or intend to address social cohesion in a systematic and orderly manner consistent with its spirit and intent. Lincoln Lewis

deters violent crimes DEAR EDITOR; In my considered opinion, UK Ambassador, James Quinn, the EU countries Representatives, Minister Ramjattan, and too many others are spouting pure unconscious foolishness and profound statistical ignorance in wanting to have Guyana remove the death penalty from its Law Books or being against the death penalty. In fact, we should immediately implement death by hanging, lashing, catting (using the cat-o-nine tails), and hard labour as appropriate, against violent murderers and other violent criminals found guilty following the Rule of Law & Due Process. Sir, The aforementioned persons who are afflicted with the dangerous instinct of unconsciousness in this area, are using data samples, analyses and conclusions from the developed world and erroneously applying them carte blanche to the underdeveloped world, thereby misleading our people and our too many incompetent politicians. They want us to treat our cancer with aspirin when we can’t even afford the cost of the aspirin, and which will not cure the cancer anyhow. Sir, the aforementioned persons may quote statistics that show a positive correlation between the abolishment of the death penalty and the reduction in the murder rate for developed countries such as the UK, Canada, EU countries, etc. However, the aforementioned countries are developed and they have the resources, competency, processes, systems, etc., in place to counteract violent criminals, mitigate their criminal ways & tendencies, and implement programs to help violent criminals and those who are so disposed, to become in the end, large, useful members of society. It must also be noted that the developed countries are at a different and more advanced stage of politico-socio-economic, financial, technological, judicial security, and legislative stage of development than underdeveloped Guyana and the broader Caribbean. Developed societies’ prescriptions for underdeveloped countries should always be refined, adapted & trimmed before application is considered, and sometimes completely rejected, especially when the prescriptions will hasten the death of the patient, and when they are based on the unconsciousness aprroach. Guyana and other underdeveloped countries do not have the resources, competency, etc., as outlined above, to counteract violent criminals, banditry & piracy. In fact, since Guyana and its sister Caribbean countries have ceased implementing death by hanging, lashing, and catting, there has been an escalation of violent murders and other vicious crimes. What I have seen, observed and analyzed, as someone who lives in Guyana and the Caribbean, there is, undoubtedly, a negative correlation between the non implementation of the death penalty, lashing & catting, and the unacceptable rise in violent murders & other vicious crimes in Guyana and the broader Caribbean. Therefore, this is not the time to waste time & scare precious resources to have conferences and more conferences on how to deal with the escalation of violent murders & other heinous crimes in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. The time has come, and it is quickly slipping away, for Guyana to take note of its stage of underdevelopment, its competency & resources, and implement what worked before in minimizing violent murders, banditry & piracy, etc., Implementing death by public hanging, lashing, catting, and hard labour shall immediately minimize violent murders and other violent crimes in Guyana and the broader Caribbean. In earlier days, I saw, witnessed, analyzed and observed this positive correlation between the decrease in violent murders & other vicious crimes and the implementation of death by hanging, lashing and catting for vicious crimes and violent murders in Guyana and the broader Caribbean. Please, politicians, remember or research the days when Guyana had only a very few murders and choke and rob when the punishment implemented used to be hanging, lashing, catting, and hard labour. Nelson Mandy Former University & College Educator Currently: International Consultant

THE BUSINESS OF... From page 4 recognition of the reality that among the student population are those who in accessing advanced education did so because they saw it as a stepping stone for better, yet betterment seems elusive. Any repayment strategy must also factor in that the Government of Guyana has failed to create the enabling environment to retain its people and provide employment and economic opportunities for them to thrive. Going forward Government must also consider examining fee-paying in various forms of national service. Lincoln Lewis

Monday August 08, 2016

Jagdeo single-handedly stripped PPP of decency, dignity and integrity By his very “tasteless” expressions and performance in handling this nation, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has single-handedly stripped the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of decency, dignity and integrity. This is the view held by Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses

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-PM Nagamootoo is engaging in an assault on PPP supporters. The Prime Minister said that no Guyanese should try to divide the nation. He said that the Opposition leader has to move away from the mobilization of people on the

Nagamootoo said that of course, Jagdeo has chosen not to grasp that branch. “My feeling is he is trying to close the door on unity and build a platform of ethnic mobilization for himself that is parochial and intended for

Policeman commits suicide after row with girlfriend -graduated two weeks ago; was to have turned out to work for first time today

“He has become a sad story and it is just disappointing that he would choose to go down this path. My view is that there is a great opportunity in Guyana to pursue the politics of bipartisanism and the politics of cooperation and engagement. It is because of that belief that as soon as I became Prime Minister, I held out the olive branch of inclusivity to him (Jagdeo).” -Nagamootoo Nagamootoo. The Parliamentarian told this newspaper that Jagdeo has descended deeper into the slums of race-baiting

basis of ethnicity. “He has become a sad story and it is just disappointing that he would choose to go down this path.

his ego and relevance. But I want him to know that the appeal to ethnicity works only for a time. There is no model in the world of it being

Constable Sham Kumar Persaud and his mother

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

politics and believes that his tactics will only earn disgust and abject rejection from right-thinking Guyanese. Nagamootoo then reminded of Jagdeo’s comments to an audience in Queens, New York which were premised on the notion that the coalition government

My view is that there is a great opportunity in Guyana to pursue the politics of bipartisanism and the politics of cooperation and engagement. It is because of that belief that as soon as I became Prime Minister, I held out the olive branch of inclusivity to him (Jagdeo).”

successful; there is no model of racist politics being successful in a multi-ethnic society.” Also making reference to Jagdeo’s “race-baiting comments” abroad was Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance Continued on page 11

Acting Top Cop confirms…Triple murder... From page 2 But Magistrate Rhondell Weever discharged the case in July, 2014, at the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry. Attorney for the accused, Mursalene Bacchus, had submitted a no case submission after the prosecution’s main witness denied witnessing the murder. Confirming that Chetram’s shotgun licence was never revoked, Ramnarine told Kaieteur News that the farmer applied for a second firearm licence in 2014. That application, Ramnarine said, was rejected. Kaieteur News understands that the shotgun licence would have been issued to Chetram by former Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, who Greene resigned as Top Cop in April, 2012, and perished in a vehicular accident in September, 2012. Acting Police Commissioner Ramnarine observed

that it was “unusual” for Chetram to have not had his licence revoked. “It is unusual. Based on my knowledge and experience in law enforcement, firearm licences have been revoked for exceedingly less matters,” he said. Applicants for firearms first have to send a letter to the Commander of the Division in which they reside. The Commander then assigns a rank to go check on the applicant’s character in his or her community. The application is then sent to the Commissioner’s Office to ensure that the applicant has had no previous convictions and is of sound character. The application then goes to the Firearm Licensing Board. It is then decided, at that stage, whether the applicant is fit. If so, the application is sent to the Minister of Public Security (formerly the

Minister of Home Affairs) for the final stamp of approval. Concerns have been raised in the past about the granting of firearm licences to individuals without carrying out the necessary scrutiny of their backgrounds. At present, Chetram, called “Lima, “Lie man” and “Cashew Boy”; his 17-yearold son Jairam Chetram, and his worker Tameshwar Jagmohan, 18, called “Guana”, of 222 Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, are on remand for the brutal murders of Pawan Chandradeo, Naresh Rooplall and Jaikarran Chandradeo, whose bulletriddled bodies were found in the Cookrite Backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne. Another employee Rakesh Karamchand, called “Go to Front”, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje is still on the run.

A young policeman who graduated two weeks ago from the Felix Austin Police College in Georgetown hanged himself yesterday at his home, allegedly after a quarrel with his girlfriend. Reports are that he was trying to film his suicide on cell phone for his girlfriend to see. Dead is Sham Kumar Persaud, 18, of 12-18 Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice and a former student of The Berbice Educational Institute. His mother, Jasmatie Goberdhan Dhanraj, a nursing assistant attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital, was inconsolable when the media visited her yesterday. She was being consoled by relatives, colleagues and friends. Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam and some officers were also at the home. The dead policeman’s brother, Avendra Kumar Persaud, who is also a member of the Guyana Police Force, was in disbelief over his younger brother’s suicide. The young man who is posted at the Tactical Services Unit, has been a member of the GPF for just over 12 months. Avendra stated that he encouraged his sibling to join the force for them to assist their mother. According to Avendra, he made contact with his brother at around 09:00hrs, and it was then that his younger sibling said that he would kill himself. Avendra said that he tried talking him out of it. That was the last contact the two of them had. He stated that he later learnt that his brother was having some problems with his girlfriend who recently went overseas.

They had reportedly quarreled because she had her ears pierced. Avendra said that the girl later related that earlier she and Sham had argued during a video chat. She told him that Sham turned the video to himself and told her something about” not in this life time” and told her to “look at what he was going to do.” She then saw him with a rope and the video went off. His mother stated that she had to care for her three sons since she is a single parent. Her son was initially posted to Black Bush Polder today. However he had complained to her that the area is too isolated. She made representation on his behalf

and he was reassigned to Blairmont to be closer to home. The woman said that her son jokingly told her that from Monday she must not go to work late or else he himself would lock her up, since she often went to work late, while taking care of her children. She said that she left him at home sleeping and went to work. She returned home around 15:30 hrs and did some chores, little suspecting that anything was amiss. After a while she decided to check in his room and it was then that she saw her son hanging from a rafter in the roof with his knees on the bed. Her screams brought neighbours running to her

Constable Sham’s griefstricken mother.

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Kaieteur News

Give Govt. “tough love” and demand value for your votes – WPA Executive Member

With massive oil find, Guyana needs urgent settlement of border dispute - Granger

It is the duty of the citizenry to ensure that the Government is held accountable, especially after the election period. And it is upon this very salient point that Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds told Afro-Guyanese yesterday that they must demand value for their votes. Dr. Hinds made these comments, among others, during the Fourth Annual State of the African Guyanese Forum which was held at the Critchlow Labour College. “If you vote for a government you have a duty to direct it… We have got to be in advocacy mode…The way government works is that during elections time, it comes and it tells you a lot of things but in between elections, you have got to make that government do something; you’ve got to make sure that it works.” The University Professor shared with his attentive audience that often he has been criticized for making certain comments on the

actions of the Government. He said that in some instances, his opinions however brutally honest they may be are seen as an attack on the administration. Dr. Hinds said that he is not against but rather for the coalition government. The politician stressed that it is because he is interested in the survival of the Government that he sometimes engages in the exercise of “tough love.” The WPA Executive Member made it clear that citizens have a right to hold the Government to a high standard and as such, emphasized that this cannot be done by trying to paint the false impression that everything is 100 percent perfect every second of the day. He said that only opportunities for growth can come from extending “tough love” to the Government. Additionally, Dr. Hinds said that if he alone speaks about the shortcomings of the Government then he may be deemed as attacker. “But we have to unite our voices for the greater good of the nation and we have to say

our votes meant something, our votes are worth something and value something and we have to get value of our votes…We have to ensure that we get policies that will help our communities directly and indirectly.” Turning his attention to the procurement sector, the WPA Executive Member commented that the last 23 years were certainly instructive. He said that the previous Government ensured in an uneven way and in some instances illegally, that their supporters were uplifted as far as business was concerned. Dr. Hinds said that there is a need to change the lax procurement systems in Guyana. He opined too that only “a few big contractors” get most of the contracts as well. “It happened then and it continues to happen,” he added. The WPA Executive Member then called on Government to take affirmative action in this area. He insisted that contracts need to be given to the small and medium sized contractors.

Now, more than ever, Guyana has to make swift moves to protect itself against Venezuela’s persistent claims, says President David Granger. The President says Guyana has its wealth to protect and the Government must ensure that investors in the budding oil industry feel secure with their investment. Granger said that there is reason to believe that the discovery of commercial oil is what caused Venezuela to issue its most recent decree and accompanying behavior. “Oil gives a main reason why the settlement is so urgent.” Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro on May 27, 2015 issued a decree, extending Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territorial waters. A map which was issued, accompanying the decree, shows that the claim includes the area where the US giant oil company, ExxonMobil has found Oil and continues to operate. “I do not know what goes on in Mr. (Nicolas) Maduro’s

A 26-year- old labourer from Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara was on Friday remanded for the murder of John Knights. Knight was murdered on August 1 at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. The murder is said to have occurred during the Emancipation Day activities in the community. The suspected murderer, Orell Cooke appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Cooke’s Attorney, Mark Conway told the court that his client was in a common-law relationship and works as a

labourer to support his family. Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte told the court that the police are still conducting investigations into the matter. The matter was adjourned to August, 30 for reports. Meanwhile, an Austin Street, Campbellville man was slapped with charges relating to the theft of several million dollars worth of raw gold and drums of diesel. According to the charge Romel Sahadeo 28, of 10 Austin Street, Campbellville, stole $5,700,050 worth of raw gold and 80 drums of diesel, worth $4,000,000. The items valued in total $9,700,500. According to the charge the incident occurred between May 29 and June 4 while Sahadeo was employed by Daby, as a clerk at Omai Essequibo River. Sahadeo pleaded not guilty to the charge before

Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate‘s Court. While Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick d i d n o t object to bail he asked that the bail be set on certain conditions. Botwick requested that if bail is granted to the a c c u s e d , he should be ordered to lodge his passport with the court in addition to report to an officer-in-charge at a police station at the ‘F’ Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, (CID) every week until completion of the trial. As such, Magistrate ordered that Sahadeo be placed on $1M bail. She also ordered him to lodge his passport at the Magistrates’ Courts and report to Eve Leary every week. The matter is set to continue on September 6.

A recruit prison officer was set to undergo surgery last night after being stabbed in the stomach by a prisoner who is on remand for the rape and murder of a woman. Prison Officer 3453 Kevin Patterson, 22, of New Amsterdam, Berbice, was attached and stabbed with a length of sharpened wire by murder accused Paul Charles, 30, at around 14.30 hrs at the Lusignan Prison. The attack reportedly occurred when Patterson and other staff were preparing to serve meals to the inmates. The wounded officer is said to be in a stable condition awaiting surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Up to press time, Patterson was not experiencing internal bleeding. His assailant also received injuries, reportedly

Soesdkye man charged for Emancipation Day murder

(President of Venezuela) head and I am sure he now has other preoccupations, but Guyana needs to assure its half a dozen oil explorers that their investments are safe,” said Granger. “That is one of the main reasons why the settlement of the territorial controversy is so urgent…I will like the UN (United Nations) Secretary General to take the matter to court.” Under the Geneva agreement that was signed between Guyana and Venezuela over 50 years ago, the UN Secretary General had the role of Good Officer. Granger said that he has had several engagements with Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, both face to face and via letters. The President said that on each occasion he impressed the need for the UN Head to play his role as outlined under the agreement. “Simply because Guyana has been bleeding and it is unfair to Guyanese people to have to survive under this cloud,” said Granger.

The President noted that Guyana has had its territorial waters invaded by the Venezuelan navy and continues to be subject to diplomatic harassment which caused investors to shy away. “It (a settlement) is very important to us and I will continue to urge the UN Secretary General to do what he is supposed to do under the Geneva agreement.” The President said that Guyana has been very patient and has over the last 50 years exhausted every peaceful means “and the final peaceful means is to have a juridical settlement.” Granger said that Venezuela has never been interested in having the matter settled in a juridical process “because it knows very well that the entire claim is false, it’s bogus. They know that if the matter goes to court their claim will be thrown out. So Venezuela has not demonstrated any inclination to go to the court,” Said Granger.

Rape/murder accused stabs prison officer in stomach

Prison Officer 3453 Kevin Patterson at the Georgetown Hospital while being subdued. He is also being treated at the GPHC. Kaieteur News understands that Charles had alleged that Patterson had shot at him during the March 3 Georgetown Prison unrest, in which 17 inmates perished. However, a prison officer made it clear that there is no possibility that Patterson could have shot at Charles, since Patterson is still undergoing training and would not have been issued with a firearm. Prison sources said that Charles has displayed erratic behaviour since his incarceration, though he has not been deemed mentally ill. He was one of a number of prisoners to be transferred from the Georgetown Prison to the Lusignan Prison, in a bid to ease overcrowding at the Camp Street penitentiary. According to reports, the prisoner and the recruit had

an altercation earlier in the day when Charles had refused to return to his cell. Then, at around 14.30 hrs, Charles stabbed Patterson with the sharpened implement, when the recruit and other colleagues were preparing to give prisoners their meals. Charles has been on remanded for the past seven years for the December 21, 2009 murder of 50-year-old boat operator Patricia Williams at Foulmouth, Essequibo River. William’s partially nude body was discovered by residents in a clump of bushes close to a landing. A post mortem revealed that the woman was strangled and sexually assaulted. Investigations revealed that Williams had transported a group of men including Charles, from Bartica to Foulmouth.

Monday August 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

The school at Kato The issue of the school at Kato is not going to be settled by exchanges in the media or between the government and the contractor. There are means by which these controversies can be resolved and the Granger administration had demonstrated that it is willing to employ such measures. The government has appointed numerous commissions of inquiry. It should do the same with the school at Kato since there are disputes to be resolved, liabilities to be ascribed and lessons to be learnt. Unfortunately, at the moment, what is taking center

stage are two dimensions: the political dimension and the blame game. Political currency is being obtained by the government in making the PPP look bad. There is a sustained campaign by the government to, week after week, show that there were irregularities committed by the PPP during its time in office. That is politics and it is for the PPP to respond to those charges. But in the process, the reputations of individuals and firms are being muddied. This approach brings no closure or resolution. It merely extends the controversies. The second dimension is the issue of liability and responsibility. In the case of

the school at Kato, the government is blaming the contractor and saying that it will not pay sums owed under the contract. The government is also making claims about the quality of the construction. The company in turn is saying that it is owed money and that it is willing, under certain conditions, to fix defects identified. It is saying, also, that it built the school according to specifications under its contract. The political and the legal dimensions are crisscrossing. This is going to cloud judgments. There is need for a different approach, one which can be viewed as being

Dem boys seh

People mekking deal fuh settle wid contractors Guyanese is a people who like sue. If you stand up by you window and you spit outside and you neighbor see, de next thing you know is court you gone. De neighbor gun claim how you spit at him. If you bathing in you yard and de woman next door who don’t talk to you and she see, she gone to de police and tell dem how you expose youself to she, especially if she husband is a man who don’t warm she bed. Dem contractors wuss. If dem bid fuh a contract and de tender board don’t award dem is a judge got to decide de matter. Things reach de stage wheh dem boys believe that some contractors does cut a deal. A certain contractor tek on a job fuh maintain a place wheh dem does dump garbage. A foreign agency put plenty money into de programme. But everybody know that if you get a wuk and you can’t do it then you gun lose it. In this case Donald close off de contract and de man sue de government. He hear how a foreign beverage company

did sue and de government had a lawyer who didn’t want to go in de court. In de end de government settle. This contractor who was dealing wid de garbage decide that he gun do de same thing but before he do it he had a chat wid some people. Dem boys know that nuff times de government does settle and dem does do this thing public so de whole country know. This time dem pay de man even before de government and de contractor reach a settlement. Dem boys now got a saying that once dem got a settlement dem got drawback. Somebody standby to collect a share of de settlement. Dem boys know that more contractor gun sue even de one who do de bad wuk pun de school in de interior. But this one gun get a shock. He might have to end up paying de government just like how a certain man who sue de Waterfalls paper might have to pay de paper. Talk half and watch how dem contractor looking fuh cut deals.

objective and fair. The government obviously has to milk as much political capital it can over this issue. It is all part of the plan to make the PPP look bad. But that strategy only has a limited shelf life. In the end the government will have to address the legal issues in the case. There are also lessons to be learnt from this case which are important for development planning. The government needs to therefore bring a closure to this issue. The government should establish a commission of inquiry into the construction of the school at Kato. It should appoint a oneman commission of inquiry. It should recruit a qualified person from overseas - not Guyana- who should undertake this review. The government has entered into a multi-billion dollar settlement with a private contractor over the decision of the government to terminate that contract. It has done this without a commission of inquiry to determine whether the contractor was liable for any breach of that contract or inability to meet targets within that contract. The government settled with the contractor. It did not take the approach it is taking in relation to the contractor at Kato. It did not claim that it was not paying.

No one has questioned why it was necessary to terminate that contract. No one has asked the government to explain how it arrived at a billion dollar settlement. Obviously, Cabinet had to have been involved in this settlement and arguments would have to have been made as to why the contract was ended and how was the settlement figure arrived at. It is not too late for the government to explain the basis of its settlement with that contractor. The government will obviously not explain why it did not seek to milk political capital out of this issue. The government need not prolong the debates over the school at Kato. There are number of questions to be answered, including the roles of the contractors, the consultants and the oversight bodies within the government. There is the issue as to the structural integrity of the

school - whether it is safe for children to be housed in such a facility. What were the factors involved in the design of the school – for example, why was the school built out of concrete and not wood. Why was there a need for such a large school? These questions should be answered by an independent – with a stress of the word independent – commission of inquiry (COI). If the gove r n m e n t c a n establish such a commission to probe allegations against the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit; if it can appoint a COI into the fire that destroyed a safe house for juveniles, there is no reason why the same cannot be done to examine the design and construction of the school at Kato.

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Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Wish me luck this morning in court If you are reading this newspaper before 9 AM, then wish me luck for I am in the witness box this morning to give evidence in the assault on me for which Kwame McKoy, Jason Abdulla and Shawn Hinds have been charged. It will be an interesting drama. The defence asked that the case not be tried in front of Magistrate Judy Latchman because of the trenchant criticisms of the magistrate in my columns. The magistrate overruled that decision and she will try the case. I am not going to comment on the court matter at all because it is sub judice. The media is not allowed to report on any dimension of a court case other than what publicly transpired during the trial. There are two things in life that I do not like. They depress me. They drive angst in me. They remind me of the essential characteristic of life, that is, we do not know what is beyond the next moment in our lives. They remind me of the fragility of everything in nature and life.

Those two things are the court and the hospital. When I see people in court I always wonder about justice. For me, justice in Guyana is essentially a privilege denied to most people who are not wealthy. Justice is a rare gift which only a few Guyanese are entitled to. I read two days ago in which a Linden vendor was sentenced to three years by the same Magistrate for possession of 12 grams of ganja. He was unrepresented. Out of ignorance he pleaded guilty. If I had known, I would have sought a lawyer for him. If it was Frederick a citizen with money, he would not have gone to court without a lawyer. The court system depresses me. These three men were charged in February. Today is when the case starts – about seven months after. I don’t even know if the trial will begin

today. A police prosecutor who is not a trained attorney comes up against three lawyers for the accused. The DPP has not assigned a lawyer to look after the interest of the State. I am not going to comment on the case as stated above but this trial reminds me of the madness of politics and Guyana itself. I was one of the earliest persons in this country that rejected the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry. I did so for three reasons. The timing was suspect. Why 22 years into its reign the Kissoon PPP chose to have the commission. Secondly, the insistence of the wife of Walter Rodney that Walter’s party, the WPA, not be allowed to participate in the planning of the inquiry. Thirdly, the terms of reference were ugly and foul. The terms of reference were designed to degrade the murder of Rodney for cheap political capital. And so it did. This is what I mean by the insanity of politics in Guyana. I was an

unrelenting activist against the Burnham Government. In 1975, as a UG student-activist, I got thrown out of a moving bus at the junction of Lamaha Street and Vlissengen Road after leaving the campus during a controversial student election. In 2010, that is 35 years after the first assault, I almost lost my life, in an attack for which the three men named above have been charged. It reminds me so vividly of the horror of politics in this country. There is also the terror of politics. One of the men was part of Bharrat Jagdeo’s entourage as he toured the Stabroek Market Square during the eviction of the vendors in May. Jagdeo didn’t even have the decency to tell his man that though he has not been found guilty, it was protocol for him not to be seen in political tours of the Opposition Leader. I repeat for the third time in this article; I am not going to comment on the case but there is nothing in contravention of law to prevent me from saying that I believe that the May 2010 attack on my life was a conspiracy of the then Government of Guyana, headed at the time by Bharrat Jageo and the People’s Progressive Party, headed at the time by Donald Ramotar. I am not a believer in supernatural phenomena. I am not a believer in the process whereby fate in the end punishes people and justice is delivered. There were two attempts on my life during the reign of the PPP. And my UG contract was terminated, plus what happened to my wife in her public sector job at GOINVEST. I hope one day fate makes Jagdeo and Ramotar pay for these things.

Monday August 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Food Safety, Animal Welfare bills for parliament by October - Holder By Jarryl Bryan Parliament is expected to go into recess on August 10th. Following its resumption in October, however, two key pieces of legislation are to be laid in the house. These are the Animal Welfare bill and the Food Safety bill 2016, which aims to prevent the spread of food borne diseases. This was confirmed by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder in an interview yesterday. He revealed that cabinet recently completed its perusal. He stated that the next step would be having the bills reviewed by the Attorney General’s chambers. Holder, who as the responsible minister will be the one tabling the bills in the October session, stated that once that is completed the bills will be brought to the house.

Commenting on the importance of the bills, he pointed to rising concern over food safety. He gave an example, noting that in case of an epidemic, the bill will allow for mechanisms to monitor and track the origins of the produce. When Holder had first announced presenting the draft bill to cabinet, he had said that the bill would integrate the system Guyana currently had in place. This, he had said, would involve creating a Food Safety Authority. “When enacted,” he had said. “The Food Safety Bill will seek to prevent the spread of food borne diseases through the control of the production, preparation, handling, storage and the transportation of food and provide for connected matters.”

Guyana, as a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, has a special responsibility to bring its oversight mechanisms up to international standards. The Codex Alimentarius or “Food Code” was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organization in 1963 to develop international food standards that protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. Today, the CAC is comprised of 188 member countries, one member Organization (EU), and more than 200 intergovernmental and international nongovernmental organizations. The Codex standards ensure that food is safe and can be traded. It is understood that the 188 Codex members would

From page 7 (WPA), Dr. David Hinds. He asserted that Jagdeo’s statements are part of a larger political mobilization strategy of the PPP, which is aimed at pinning the charge of racism and ethnic cleansing on the government. Dr. Hinds said that the message of that strategy is aimed directly at the Indian Guyanese community, and seeks to exploit the inherent fear of that community—a fear that heightens, now that a government that draws its support from the opposite ethnic group, is in power. The University Professor opined that the charge by the Opposition Leader that Indian Guyanese are discriminated is not racist. He emphasized, however, that it is false, and it is being used to create racial hysteria among one section of the country. He reiterated that it is a charge that is not grounded in truth. “Furthermore, the government can’t be assaulting people of Indian origin when it has in one short year pumped billions of dollars into the sugar industry and to some extent the rice industry which are dominated by PPP supporters and Indian Guyanese,” Dr. Hinds expressed. “It seems to me that if you want to assault a community, you attack its source of sustenance. That is not what the government has done. To the contrary, the government has sought to strengthen the Indian Guyanese economic base.” The WPA Executive Member said that what makes Jagdeo’s statements dangerous is that they are

coming from a top leader, and are likely to be believed by the target audience. Dr. Hinds asserted that if the Opposition Leader were making a case on behalf of the Indian Guyanese community and representing their concerns, he would have been in order. The political activist said that this is not the case. Dr. Hinds asserted that Jagdeo is exploiting the community’s fears, using untruths and halftruths to exacerbate those fears, and painting the government as dangerous to the Indian Guyanese wellbeing. He said that this is unacceptable. The WPA Executive Member emphasised that it is the intent of the statements and the possible outcome that are ethnically dangerous. As

such, Dr. Hinds said that Jagdeo is making it difficult to bring about any semblance of national reconciliation and consensus. With regard to Government’s response to the utterances, Dr. Hinds stated that it is “doing the best it can to combat this campaign by Jagdeo”. He stressed that the administration has to speak directly to the Indian communities. Also important to addressing the situation, Dr. Hinds said, is the need for the Ministry of Social Cohesion to get busy. “That ministry has to do the hard work of public education, day in day out. It has to have field officers on the ground educating people so as to soften the blow of Jagdeo and the PPP campaign of fear.”

Jagdeo single-handedly stripped PPP ...

Guyana is a signatory to CODEX; an international commission dealing with food safety have negotiated science based recommendations. These would be in areas related to food safety and quality. This includes food hygiene; maximum limits for food additives; residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs; and maximum limits and codes for the prevention of chemical and microbiological contamination. Guyana became a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1970 and falls within the Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Guyana’s National Codex

Committee was resuscitated on March 05, 2014 through the Guyana National Bureau of Standards. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards is the Codex Contact Point for Guyana. The National Codex Committee comprises seventeen members from sectors such as, government, non-government (NGO), private sector, and academia. Meanwhile, Holder noted that the Animal Welfare bill will deal with how animals are treated. According to the minister, some of this bill’s content is likely to overlap with the upcoming Wildlife

management bill. It will be a follow up to the Cruelty to Animals bill which was passed under the previous administration. While there is legislation catering for the treatment and handling of animals, enforcement of these Acts has always been questionable. The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) has been outspoken about the need for implementation and enforcement of legislation to ensure that owners of dangerous dogs manage them in a responsible way.

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Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

Motorcyclist killed in Nismes crash, pillion rider escapes death A 27-year-old motorcyclist was killed in an accident early yesterday on the Nismes, West Bank Demerara (WBD) Public Road while on his way home with his girlfriend, Salome

Glasgow. The dead man has been identified as Timothy Assing, a father of one of Lot 4 Old Road, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Assing was killed on the

The minibus that was involved in the accident

spot when the driver of a route 32 mini bus, bearing registration number, BVV 2309 reportedly lost control of his vehicle and collided head-on with his motorcycle. Both rider and pillion rider were

thrown off the bike. Assing’s girlfriend escaped with minor injuries while the minibus driver was detained. Reports are that the minibus collided with the motorcyclist in the wee hours of yesterday morning after the bus was seen swerving on the roadway. Eyewitnesses say that when the minibus was reportedly pulled from a nearby trench after the crash, several beer bottles rolled out of the front seat. The dead man’s brother, Samuel Assing said that his sibling and Glasgow were returning home from a ‘lime’ in Wales, West Bank Demerara, when the tragedy occurred. He was informed by Glasgow that they were heading north on the West Bank Demerara Public Road when they observed the speeding minibus on the opposite side of the road. “She (Glasgow) said that he (the bus driver) driving all over the road and Timothy didn’t know what to do,” Assing said. He said that the bus

Dead: Timothy Assing eventually slammed into the couple. Glasgow fell on the road while Timothy was hurled onto the minibus’s windscreen before landing on the roadway. The minibus, which had approximately five persons ended up in a nearby trench. Meanwhile, the 27-yearold man’s mother, Collene Assing, said that her son returned home from Barbados four years ago. He was the third of her

five children. The devastated mother said that she last saw her son on Saturday when he left home with his girlfriend to go to the ‘lime’. The woman said that her son and his girlfriend were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. “I want the police to investigate this accident properly.” She described her son, who was a painter, as a quiet and easy going person.

Monday August 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Students in limbo as school with... The community of Kato.

From page 3 to Parliament by Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. Cabinet also examined the report, the roles of the supervising consultant, construction and cost of remedial works to be done. The findings have resulted in cabinet recommending that the Attorney General Chambers review the report. From the findings, Patterson had said that it was revealed that approximately 60 percent of the project was defective, with another 30 percent just over the borderline. Only 10 percent of the project was deemed

structurally sound, according to Patterson. Patterson had said that because of the shoddy work done by the contractor, some students wouldn’t get to attend secondary school for another year and parents would be forced to reorganize their plans. Kato Secondary was initially billed at $780M, but the previous Government later disclosed that the final tally could be about $1B. The school was intended to be a ‘super structure’, which would cater for 400 students, 250 of whom will be accommodated in the dormitory. The school also has an adjoining administrative

block, teachers’ quarters, kitchen and sanitary facilities, and a dozen classrooms. It also boasts computer and science laboratories, departments for industrial arts, home economics, visual arts and agriculture. It had been expected that a construction of this magnitude would engender positive job creation in the locality. While the contractor brought his own ‘saw men’ from Georgetown, there were villagers who were employed from the community as labourers. According to the Tashao, the majority of jobs currently held in the community are held by teachers, public servants and those in the medical

profession. However, Perriera noted the importance of contracts in providing job opportunities. “Other than (public sector jobs) there are contracts and that is what we have been hoping for. If they have contracts (it is expected) they are going to employ mostly people from around here.” Unfortunately, he stated, that is not always the case. The Tashao expressed disappointment in the quota of workers currently performing duties on a construction for doctors’ quarters. He stated that that construction started about a month ago.

Tashao of Kato, Clifton Perrieira

PAGE 14

Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

Councilors highlight need for more buses for Region Ten students

The first bus donated to Region Ten under the ‘Five Bs’ project By Enid Joaquin Three councilors attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC10)

have highlighted the need for buses for school children in the more remote areas in the region.

Residents of Rockstone are querying what can be done to assist their children to get to school in Linden,

which is some nineteen miles away, according to Councilor Antonio Hackett. He pointed out that even though a hostel is provided in Linden for children from remote areas, the residents of Rockstone prefer their children to commute every day, given some of the ‘unsavory’ reports regarding some hostels. “Why don’t the people in Linden send their children to stay at hostels in Georgetown instead of having them travel 65 miles every day” , Hackett queried, while comparing the shorter distance that the children from Rockstone would have to commute, provided transportation is available. ”The residents want to know what can be done to assist in this regard. Parents would like to know that their children are home at nights,” he said during a recent statutory meeting.

Hackett noted that building a secondary school in the community might not be feasible, so the only practical solution would be to provide transportation. Regional Chairman Rennis Morian in response, asked Hackett whether there was a functioning CDC in the community, to which Hackett replied in the affirmative. Morian then told Hackett to advise the CDC to write a letter to the office of the President. Councilor Sandra Adams said that a bus was some time ago handed over to the previous Rockstone CDC, but alleged that it was ‘taken over’ by an individual who has put the bus to their personal use. “We have the same issue at 47 and 58, the buses that should be used for the community, instead the people hold on to the bus, making money with the bus and doing their own thing with the bus, and these children cannot get the bus to use. Rockstone has a bus,” Adams said. Councilor Franklyn Carew pointed to the children at Moblissa, who have to walk out six miles to the highway to access transportation, to get to school in Linden, “sometimes in inclement weather, and there is nowhere to shelter.” Adams, in response, said that she had raised the issue with the Minister of Social Cohesion, and also with an overseas based group, in her quest towards alleviating the transportation woes of the students. “It’s an issue that I’m very

much vigorously pursuing.” Vice Chairman Elroy Adolf meanwhile, said that at Aroima, the 60-seater school bus would carry a hundred plus children at a time. Because of the overcrowding, Adolf said that some children are reportedly engaging in promiscuous activity at the back of the bus. “We need another bus because these children are sitting on each other’s laps and we’ve had reports that some of them are having sex. We could not confirm these reports but parents are very concerned.” Adolph said that parents have already gone to the welfare department with these reports. He pointed out that the bus was hired by RUSAL to transport workers’ children to and from school. Another bus is however needed, Adolph said, citing the inadequacy of having just one bus, given the number of children in the community. Recently, students from a few other remote communities in Region Ten, were presented with a bus under Government’s ‘Five Bs’ programme. The lucky recipients were the students of the Coomacka, Old England, Nottinghamshire and three Friends communitiespopularly referred to as the “Mines”. The 30-seater bus was presented by Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Alli. Earlier in the year, two boats were presented to students in Region Ten. The ‘Five Bs’ initiative is the brainchild of President David Grainger.

‘Sacked’ worker flees after shooting dredge owner A 42-year-old dredge owner was shot to the abdomen on Saturday, minutes after he asked one of his employees to take a “rest” from the job. Up to press time, Mark Dorway was undergoing surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The bullet, which struck the miner, reportedly exited his back. The incident occurred sometime around 14:00 hrs at Arakaka Backdam, in the North West District and the suspect, who has only been identified as “Ratty” is said to be on the run. According to information received, Dorway asked the suspect to pour water on an engine but the man refused. Dorway reportedly informed his wife that he then told the suspect that he needed to take rest from the job after which the dredge owner heard an explosion, then felt a pain in his abdomen. Kaieteur News was told that when the worker opened fire on the 42-year-old man, all the other workers ran for their lives. Dorway was taken to the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital and was later transferred to the GPHC.

Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Monday August 08, 2016

THE ILLEGITIMATE CODE If a child is born of parents who were not married at the time of birth, Dulhaime’s Law Dictionary says it is born out of wedlock. People other than Dulhaime say worse things about children produced by such people under such circumstances. But there are other variations of being born out of wedlock. For example, if an unmarried woman is caught by her parents entertaining a young man with a sexual favour or two in her bedroom, and the said parents then threaten the young man with various dire punishments, not the least of which is castration, unless he marries the young lady, one can say he was married out of bedluck. If he refuses he would surely end up, like the young lady, bedridden. Take another case not covered by Dulhaime. One of my neighbours had built a small shelter in the backyard and used it to store his gardening implements, supplies and junk. Not being a trusting soul, he always kept it locked. One day he found the lock missing and when he tried to enter the building discovered that it was locked from the inside. Help was summoned, police were called, neighbours armed with various agricultural implements surrounded the place and when the door was forced open, he found his

daughter cowering inside with the son of one of the neighbours, a man who minutes earlier had threatened to dismember whoever was inside the outbuilding with a fork and who used language consistent with what he would do to the miscreant with that particular piece of equipment. Needless to say the girl’s father rejected instituting the charge of breaking and entering and was insistent on immediate matrimony or imprisonment for carnal knowledge. Perhaps because of the fertilizer stored on the premises, a baby was duly born out of shedlock and the father did not go straight to Yale. In Siparia one of my female neighbours was impregnated by a young man with a Rasta hairstyle. The father of the young lady, a carpenter, threatened to use his entire tool collection on the now bereft young man who had used up his entire stock on the young lady. Needless to say, after he saw what was coming down the track, the Rasta and father hammered out an agreement and the inevitable baby was born out of dreadlock. Another father out in Peyton Place, Siparia, caught his daughter in flagrante with a young man, grabbed the man by the upper part of his body with one hand and with the other held a knife to the young man’s throat threatening to slit it from ear to ear if the young man did not agree immediately to marry the young lady. The healthy baby, which came after the customary period, was born out of headlock. In another incident, while the parents were trying for a long time to hammer out a negotiated agreement for the future of the son of one family and the daughter of another, their having been caught enjoying each other’s company without the

impediment of clothing, finding that the resolution of the matter was taking too long, the couple eloped, got married and eventually had a child beloved by his maternal and paternal grandparents. Nobody argued, however, that the child was not born out of deadlock. I suppose the baby which was born in a car during the day when the police in Trinidad and Tobago used their power to keep all the traffic from moving was born out of gridlock but that doesn’t count. Being born out of wed- or any other lock, bolt or security device is not the only way to describe the offspring of parents not married at the time of the birth of an infant produced by their joint endeavours. In Trinidad, initially, children born to parents who were married under “bamboo” or “Hindu Rights” were not recognized as legal offspring and so had on their birth certificates the term “illegitimate male (or female) child.” Many of the indentured immigrants and their children kept up the religious and community traditions of their homeland and, because they were unable to read and had not really settled down as yet in the new society, their priests or pundits officiated at their weddings. All of us born to those unions were, to use the English words, bastards, by-blows or, to use the Latin phrase, “Nullius Filius” or “son of nobody.” At twelve, a “country-boy” from Siparia, I entered Secondary School in San Fernando. I am not sure now why I had to produce a birth certificate, but I brought the one I had used since Elementary School and handed it

to the Class Prefect to pass on to the teacher. Immediately the boy, pointing at me, started a chant of “Illegitimate Male Child” and continued this until the teacher stopped it. I was not embarrassed because, as I tell my children, I was not alone. For example, every Good Friday we had a “Bachelors versus Benedicts (married men)” cricket match in the Siparia Savannah and several of my friends, stalwarts of the team, regardless of race and religion, had many “wives” and children. The phrase that gets me about illegitimacy is “being born on the wrong side of the blanket”. “Being born on the wrong side of the tracks” denotes poverty, “getting up on the wrong side of the bed” means starting off the day out of rhythm, but blanket? I thought of asking someone I know from Tobago who had inflicted that stigma on his first two children but he was holidaying in Los Angeles so I asked one of my cricket colleagues whose children are also scattered throughout several countries. “Were your children born on the wrong side of the blanket?” He answered, “Boss, we was too poor to have a blanket and because we was hiding to do we thing we was lucky to be on the wrong side of the ‘picka’ patch.” *Tony Deyal was seen repeating the oneliner about a person born under circumstances similar to his, “A man in New York gets stabbed every 52 seconds. Poor bastard…”

Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

Philippine leader links 150 judges, politicians to drugs MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly linked more than 150 judges, mayors, lawmakers, police and military personnel to illegal drugs yesterday, ordering them to surrender for investigation as he ratcheted up his bloody war against what he calls a “pandemic.” Duterte promptly relieved members of the military and police he named from their current posts and ordered government security personnel to be withdrawn from politicians he identified in a nationally televised speech. He also ordered gun licences of those named revoked. “All military and police who are attached to these people, I’m giving you 24 hours to report to your mother unit or I will whack you. I’ll dismiss you from the service,” Duterte said in the speech at a military camp in southern Davao city. He said that the list of politicians, judges and law enforcers given to him by the

Rodrigo Duterte military and police might or might not be true, but that he had a duty to disclose to the public how the drug problem had become so pervasive. “There is no due process in my mouth,” Duterte said. “You can’t stop me and I’m not afraid even if you say that I can end up in jail.” The list of names, which Duterte said included some friends, has been validated by authorities but did not contain details of the officials’

alleged involvement to the drug trade or offer any evidence. Some names were incomplete, while others had no rank or government position. They included eight judges, one of whom was reported to have been killed by a gunman in 2008, as well as five retired and current generals. The rest were mostly town mayors and police officers. One retired general, Vicente Loot, has been previously named in public by Duterte and has denied any wrongdoing. “It’s a pandemic,” said Duterte, a former mayor of Davao, where he built a reputation for his crimebusting style that allegedly involved extrajudicial killings. Duterte’s latest salvo ups the ante in his war on drugs, which has already left more than 400 suspected dealers and pushers dead and more than 4,400 arrested in more than a month since he took office. Nearly 600,000 people have surrendered to authorities, hoping to avoid getting killed.

Zambian opposition leader says election will not be free and fair Reuters - Zambia’s main opposition leader has accused the government of using repressive laws to restrict his election campaign and said violence by supporters of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) would prevent Thursday’s polls from being free and fair. However, the African Union (AU) observer mission said political parties in Zambia were still able to conduct their campaign activities without major disruption despite some incidences of violence. Zambia holds presidential and parliamentary elections on Aug. 11. President Edgar Lungu faces a strong challenge from opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema after last year’s neck-and-neck race. Lungu has been in power in the southern African nation since winning election in January 2015 following the death of his

predecessor, Michael Sata, in October 2014. “Only yesterday, the president cancelled two of my rallies in Eastern province. Why would he not want us to campaign the way he is campaigning?” Hichilema, one of Zambia’s wealthiest businessmen and known locally as “HH”, told Reuters. “Also the violence that is obtaining in the country does not lend the conditions suitable for a free, fair and credible election,” he said in an interview. Zambia’s electoral commission on July 9 suspended campaigning for 10 days in two areas, including the capital Lusaka, due to escalating political violence. Despite the unfavourable conditions, Hichilema urged his supporters not to be intimidated and to turn out in large numbers, saying it was still possible to win the elections.

Dominica calls for unification of China and Taiwan Daily Observer Dominica weekend called for the peaceful unification of China and Taiwan as it praised the relationship it enjoys with Beijing over the past 12 years. Foreign Affairs Minister Francine Baron, speaking at the handing over ceremony of a computer lab, donated by China and estimated at EC$177,000 (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents), said the Roosevelt Skerrit government has always welcomed efforts to unite the two Asian countries. China has always regarded Taiwan as a renegade province and has insisted that countries establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing must

Francine Baron also recognise its “One China” policy. Many Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries enjoy diplomatic

relations with Beijing, but St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. KittsNevis have maintained diplomatic relations with Taipei. “Twelve years ago, the Commonwealth of Dominica established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. This relationship has moved from strength to strength over the years with both sides demonstrating their solidarity and commitment to each other.” Baron told the ceremony. “We continue to stand firm with the People’s Republic of China and continue to urge for the peaceful reunification of China,” she said, noting that China, like Dominica “have their own challenges.

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Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

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SALON

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Monday August 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Govt. prepares to meet Muslim leaders as…

120 Trinidadians Join ISIS Trinidad Guardian - Why exactly are they going to Isis? That’s the question Government is giving priority attention to, along with ongoing moves to tighten overall security, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon has said. In seeking to examine the factors luring people to leave T&T to join the terror group, Dillon said Government will engage the Muslim community to “dialogue on this and, together, examine root causes.” Dillon was contacted after the T&T Guardian was able to ascertain last Thursday from the security sector that the number of T&T nationals—fighters as well as family members— who have gone to Isis zones from late 2012 to date is now estimated at close to 120, an increase over previous figures. Most recently, nine TT nationals were detained in Turkey, on July 27. They were held with a Syrian man who

was taking them via truck to Syria for recruitment by Isis, Turkey’s Daily Sabah reported. They are now at Turkey’s Adana Migration Centre. Government is awaiting a report on the circumstances of their presence there from Turkish authorities. Dillon said there had been a lull in the number of people Isis-bound in the latter half of last year, but confirmed the security sector has been “seeing activity.” “In light of what has happened (nine in Turkey) although we’re still uncertain if they were really going to Isis, we’re examining what factors are luring people to leave T&T to go there; what’s happening locally with that. So we’ll be engaging the Muslim community to dialogue on this and together examine root causes,” Dillon said. He acknowledged there may be concerns on the length of time to get information on the nine in

Turkey, due to perceived “fear of the unknown” on the matter. He explained the time involved—and level of confidentiality—was to ensure that information reaching T&T security, and which would be factored into any approaches, was accurate. The length of time may be due to questioning being done in Turkey. Turkey, in recent years, has been the gateway to Isis conflict zones, since no visa is required for T&T nationals particularly. In January, Turkey’s “Hurriyet News” reported four T&T nationals were held among 913 foreign jihadists from 57 countries fighting with Isis, over the period January to November 2015. T&T was the only Caribbean country. Last Thursday, security agencies confirmed two T&T nationals returned—sent back—from Turkey in January. In April 2016, Opposition MP Roodal Moonilal—a

member of the PP administration’s National Security Council—told Parliament about 400 people had been indoctrinated and trained by Isis and men, women and children had left to join Isis. Dillon had estimated the number of people who had left to be about 100 or just over. The Sunday Guardian subsequently obtained a 50page police agency file from 2013 to 2015 listing what was described as “TT citizens who have left the country and journeyed to Syria to align themselves with the Islamic State terrorist group.” The list comprised 32 males, 30 females and 40 children, but carried a last figure of 105. It featured the names, gender, date of birth, last known local address of each person and date of their departure, date of arrival, their status (whether confirmed in Syria) and a photograph of each.

Rights experts ‘deeply disturbed’ at erosion of media freedom in Venezuela JOURNALISTS UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Edmund Dillon

From page 22

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Salesgirl & porters. Apply with written application at 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville.

Teepee Suites Apartments: Lot 7 Princes Street, Charlestown, Guyana. Call: 592-223-7903/email: teepeesuites@yahoo.com Hair station rental at convenient location, Georgetown, Call: 638-1106, discounts given to newcomers, persons with experienced & clients La Grange Public Road: 3 rooms @ top & 2 rooms @ bottom (whole/separated). Toilet & bath inside; available from September. House @ C/Lodge. Call: 6190673 258 Block ‘Y’ Section ‘C’ Golden Grove E.B.D, top flat -$60,000 monthly –Call: 6806399; 694-4276

GENEVA, Switzerland — The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, and the Inter-American special rapporteur on freedom of expression, Edison Lanza, have expressed concern at the eroding media freedom in Venezuela, citing a number of reported incidents of harassment of journalists and media groups. “We are deeply disturbed by the recent reports of attacks against journalists and independent media groups, escalating the pressure over the Venezuelan

media,” they said in a news release issued late last week by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). “This is especially alarming given the country’s food and medicines shortages, economic crisis and heightened social and political tensions,” they stressed. The experts have also sent a joint letter to the Venezuelan government expressing their concerns and have requested clarifications. According to the news release, the government confirmed the receipt of the letter. The experts now hope

that the response to their communication will enable a dialogue on these and other topics related to the exercise of the right to freedom of expression. Citing recent reports, the news release also mentioned that a number of journalists have been arrested, threatened, attacked or had their work equipment retained, especially when they were reporting on looting or covering protests. It added that radio stations, newspapers and a news website too have had to face obstacles in carrying out their work.

“Threats or attacks against journalists and the media not only violate the rights of these persons but undermine the ability of Venezuelans and others elsewhere to be informed on events of critical importance,” Kaye said, highlighting the importance of the work of the media. Furthermore, referring to allegations that attackers were loyal to groups supportive to the government, the experts underlined that the authorities must urgently respond to the reports of violence and intimidation. (Caribbean News)

2 Bedrooms apartment located at 16 Stanleytown, W.B.D –Call: 696-8714

Experienced cashiers needed to work in general store on the East Coast (willing to train)- Call: 645-4238, 2740285 Wanted land to buy @ Tushen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Parfaite Harmonie. Best price offered- Tel: 642-1252 Experienced cashier, apply with written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce Street. Experienced fiber glass workers on E.C.D – Call: 6223250; 665-9747 2 Live in waitresses to work in Bar at Berbice– Call: 6046606; 692-4649 Female caregiver needed for elderly woman, night job 6:30pm-6:30am. Call: 6161636; 264-2524

Cashier to work in supermarket and one live in One bedroom apartment @ domestic to work in Trinidad. Middle Road La Penitence - Call or text 1868- 683 1528 $28,000 monthly. Call: 6669534; 226-6374 1 Driver to work sweeper Apartment for rent in Industry truck at night around town. Call: 218-1156; 218-1455 E.C.D- Call: 619-2388 Technicians: refrigeration, washing machine, gas stove/ electronic- Call: 225-4822/ 629-4946 1 Driver for East Bank Area – Call: 233-2745 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

One female cleaner for office in Eccles call 233-2745

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Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

Company touts Smart Number Plates for Safer Streets …GRA’s Demerit Points System can finally work A number of companies have expressed interest in supplying new and improved number plates to Guyanese car owners. One such company, Triple R Investments and General Supply Inc. believes that this initiative will encourage safer driving on Guyana’s roadways. Representative of the company, Roubinder Rambarran said that his organization had presented its proposal to show how their system can improve road safety. He said that the High Security Intelligent Vehicles License Plate will finally make the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Demerit Points System work. The Demerit Points System was created by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill (2014). The system sought to decrease the instances of road accidents and fatalities by disqualifying careless drivers for a specified period. However, it has been reported that the system has not been effectively implemented.

According to the law, if a driver accumulates 10 or more, but less than 16 demerit points, the period of disqualification from holding a driver’s licence is six months. If a driver has 12 or more demerit points over 12 months, the period of disqualification is one year. Rambarran believes that with the implementation of these number plates, the GRA will have a computerised mechanism to monitor the activities of drivers. Rambarran said that his company is offering the High Security Intelligent Plates coupled with Intelligent License Tag and a High secure Driver’s licence. He said that these inputs will contribute significantly to the administration and management of motor vehicles, hence increasing revenue collections and assist with finding vehicles that are used for criminal activities. Further, using the new number plates will stop persons from illegally changing plates, since doing so will break a seal, and the computer system will be

alerted about the breakage. According to him, the system being offered by his company will have a Radio Frequency windshield label, which will store data electronically and print vehicle related information, for example, registration and fitness information. A further benefit of this RFID tag is to confirm the validity of the outer number plate. Moreover, the secured driver’s licence will offer electronic verification of vehicle details and ownership, statutory and valid documents for road service licence, fitness and insurance, issuance of and real-time capturing of ticketing for traffic offences. The database will essentially create a profile of every driver in Guyana and record their information, which will be accessible by law enforcement officers across Guyana using the Government WIFI system. This wireless connection will be available in Regions two, three, four, five, six and 10. In areas where the WIFI is inaccessible an IPAD using the 4G Network available

Monday August 08, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your colorful conversation may attract new mates. Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't vacillate about asking for assistance if you need it. It will be important that you have your priorities straight.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise. Consider making residential changes; either moves or renovations could payoff.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Drastic changes regarding your personal attitude are evident. Your dramatic nature may be too much to handle. You need to do more things that you enjoy.

SAGIT. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Romance will come through involvement with fundraising organizations. Don't be too confident that coworkers are on your side. Property deals will pay big dividends.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your ability to put a deal together will surprise others. To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Love could develop with someone of a different cultural background. You will have to face each issue separately and in person. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Avoid letting children and friends borrow. You can easily impress others with your generous nature. Unexpected bills may set you back.

Read between the lines when signing contracts. Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people.

CAPRI. (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Try to be fair in your dealings with acquaintances. You must act quickly. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You may find your self in a romantic situation. Your bankbook will suffer and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) If they're really interested, they'll wait. Be sure to take care of the needs of your immediate loved ones first.

Standard types of Number plates one of the Company’s Partners has made through Digicel or GTT will be used. This will mostly be used in Regions nine, eight, one and seven. The software which will be used to record all information is AutoTrac. It will be a customizable, multi-user Auto Vehicle Management Software to manage the registration, routine inspections and licensing of automobiles. It is designed to expand, integrate, store and retrieve all relevant information within a structure and compatible data sets. Traffic ranks will have to carry a RFID Portable

computer designed to display and record database information. AutoTrac will allow officers to tag database records of vehicles, owners or drivers who have pending violations. It is Rambarran’s belief that this software can be integrated with GRA to make their demerit system function, since all violations of each driver will be recorded and stored. He said that this will help to further deter drivers from intentionally committing violations.

Businessman charged with jet ski death of boy A 37-year-old welder who was riding a jet ski on August Monday at the NO. 63 Beach has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a nine year old boy. Viraj Arjunanan, called “Tulsi,” of Grant 2767 Crabwood Creek appeared on Friday before Magistrate Charlene Artiga at the N0.51 Magistrate’s Court. He is charged with causing the death of Daniel Moolsammy, called “Ju, Ju,” a student of the Yakusari Primary School and of Yakusari South Black Bush Polder. The accident occurred on August 2016 at NO.63 Beach. He was granted $1M bail. He is also required to lodge his passport and report to the Springlands Police Station every Friday until the determination of the trial. Reports were that Daniel had gone to the N0.63 Beach with his family. He was in the water when a jet ski which was being manned by the accused, allegedly struck him. The lad was taken to a hospital where he succumbed. A post mortem examination which was conducted by Dr. VIvikanand Brijmohan at the Skeldon Hospital showed that Moolsammy died from a fractured skull, asphyxia and drowning. The accused was arrested and charged. He will have to return to court on 14 September for report.

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Turkey’s Erdogan stages mass rally in show of strength after coup attempt Reuters - President Tayyip Erdogan told a rally of more than one million people yesterday that July’s failed coup would be a milestone in building a stronger Turkey, defying Western criticism of mass purges and vowing to destroy those behind the putsch. The “Democracy and Martyrs’ Rally” at the Yenikapi parade ground, built into the sea on the southern edge of Istanbul, was a show of strength by Erdogan, who has been angered by European criticism of his combative response to the coup and by U.S. reluctance to hand over the man he accuses of masterminding it. Banners in a sea of red Turkish flags read “You are a gift from God, Erdogan” and “Order us to die and we will do it”. It was the first time in decades that opposition leaders joined a rally in support of the government, with pockets of secularists, nationalists and others alongside his core Islamist supporters. “That night, our enemies who were rubbing their hands in anticipation of Turkey’s downfall woke up the next morning to the grief

that things would be more difficult from now on,” Erdogan said of the July 15 abortive coup, drawing parallels to times past when Turkey was occupied by foreign forces. “From now on, we will examine very carefully who we have under us. We will see who we have in the military, who we have in the judiciary, and throw the others out of the door.” The parade ground, built to hold more than a million people, was overflowing, with the streets of surrounding neighborhoods clogged by crowds. One presidency official put the numbers at around five million and the event was broadcast live on public screens at smaller rallies across Turkey’s 81 provinces. Since the coup bid, Turkish authorities have suspended, detained or placed under investigation tens of thousands of people, including soldiers, police, judges, journalists, medics and civil servants, prompting concern among Western allies that Erdogan is using the events to tighten his grip on power. Erdogan vowed to rid Turkey of the network of U.S.-

People wave Turkey’s national flags during the Democracy and Martyrs Rally, yesterday. REUTERS/Osman Orsal

based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose followers in the security forces, judiciary and civil service he accuses of orchestrating the attempted power grab and of plotting to overthrow the state. Erdogan said he would approve the restoration of the death penalty if parliament

voted for it, a move which would sink any hopes of European Union membership. Shrugging off EU concerns, he said much of the rest of the world had capital punishment. Gulen - an ally of Erdogan in the early years after his Islamist-rooted AK Party took

power in 2002 - has denied any involvement in the coup, which came at a critical time for a NATO “frontline” state facing Islamist militant attacks from across the border in Syria and an insurgency by Kurdish rebels. In a rare appearance at a public rally, military chief

Hulusi Akar said the “traitors” behind the plot would be punished and he thanked civilians for their role in putting it down. Many of the more than 240 people killed on July 15 were civilians who tried to prevent the takeover of power.

Iran executes nuclear scientist for spying for U.S.

AFTER WEEK OF SPATS, TRUMP TO FOCUS ON CLINTON, ECONOMY

Reuters - Iran has executed an Iranian nuclear scientist detained in 2010 when he returned home from the United States, after a court convicted him of spying for Washington, a spokesman for the judiciary said yesterday. “Through his connection with the United States, (Shahram) Amiri gave vital information about the country to the enemy,” Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei told a weekly news conference, state news agency IRNA reported. Mohseni Ejei said a court had sentenced Amiri to death and the sentence had been upheld by Iran’s Supreme court, IRNA said. Amiri, a university researcher working for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, disappeared during a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2009, and later surfaced in the United States. But he returned to Iran in 2010 and received a hero’s welcome before being arrested. A U.S. official said in 2010 that Washington had received “useful information” from Amiri. Iran had accused the CIA of kidnapping Amiri. U.S. officials said Amiri had been free to come and go as he

Reuters - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will outline proposals for trade, taxes and regulation today as he seeks to move beyond a week of discord and contrast his ideas for economic growth with those of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Senior aides and supporters said yesterday the businessman, making his first run at public office, wanted to put behind him his disputes with Republican Party leaders and the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq. “He is very focused. He knows what he needs to do. I am confident that he’s going to start doing it,” Paul Manafort, Trump’s campaign manager, told Fox News. Professor Peter Navarro of the University of California, Irvine, business school, said an economic advisory council announced on Friday was scheduled to have its first allhands discussion with the candidate yesterday. Investor Wilbur Ross, who is on the advisory council, said yesterday it was a combination of “academics and people who work in the real economy and focus on economic issues every day.” None of those appointed

Shahram Amiri pleased, and that he may have returned because of pressures on his family in Iran. Amiri had denied this, saying “my family had no problems”. In a video aired by Iranian state TV in 2010, Amiri said he had fled from U.S. agents. Iran, the United States and five other world powers reached a landmark deal last year, under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in such a way as to ensure it cannot develop nuclear weapons in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to the new economic advisory group are women and many come from hedge funds and investment banking, a makeup at odds somewhat with Trump’s populist message. The speech, which Trump will deliver to business leaders of the Detroit Economic Club, will build on trade comments Trump made in Pennsylvania in June, Navarro said. He said it was being fact-checked yesterday. “The idea is to illustrate how tax policy, trade policy, immigration policy, regulatory policy all fit into the mission,” Navarro, who is also on the advisory council, said

yesterday. He described the mission as creating jobs and economic growth. Clinton’s campaign said she would speak in Michigan on Thursday to lay out a plan to make the “biggest investment in good-paying jobs since World War Two.” The campaign said additional details would be released later. A new Washington PostABC News opinion poll yesterday showed Trump trailing Clinton by 8 percentage points after her party’s convention in Philadelphia. A Reuters/Ipsos poll out on Friday showed the

race closer three months ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election. Leaders of Trump’s Republican Party last week distanced themselves from his spat with Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the American Muslim Gold Star parents who criticized Trump at last month’s Democratic National Convention. Republicans were incensed when he initially refused to endorse U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and two U.S. senators in their reelection bids. Late on Friday, he said he supported all three.

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Monday August 08, 2016

OPPOSITION SEEKS PARTNERS Release of CXC 2016 AFTER SAFRICA POLL SUCCESS results schedule for Reuters - Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance said yesterday it was seeking coalition partners to run major cities including the capital and business centre Johannesburg after defeating the ruling ANC in local polls. “Informal discussions (have) started. We are now in the process of setting up meetings,” DA lawmaker James Selfe told AFP without indicating who the party was talking to. “We have a lot of experience in coalitions and I’m confident it will work out,” said Selfe. The DA, led by Mmusi Maimane, topped the poll in municipal elections in the capital Pretoria, taking 93 seats out of 214 to 89 for the African National Congress, which suffered its worst result since the end of whiteminority rule 22 years ago, falling below 60 percent of the vote for the first time. Maimane on Saturday described the results as “a tipping point for the people of South Africa,” while ANC

next week Friday

South African main opposition Democratic Alliance party leader Mmusi Maimane speaks to journalists at the Independent Electoral Commission Counting center. AFP Photo/Gaubkuigi Guercia) deputy leader Cyril Ramaphosa, Zuma’s vicepresident, said the party would heed the electorate’s message. With no party securing an absolute majority, the two

main parties are set to talk to radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Led by populist Julius Malema, formerly of the ANC, the group says it is open to a role in a coalition — “except

with the ANC.” Despite that initial public stance, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that the ANC and the EFF were in fact in talks in Pretoria, where the EFF garnered 25 seats.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The eyes and ears of the region’s education community will be tuned into the island of Anguilla on Friday 12 August 2016. That is the day Anguilla will host the official release of the regional results for all CXC examinations offered in May/June 2016 sitting, starting at 10:30 am. Evans McNiel Rogers, minister with responsibility for education in Anguilla, will deliver the feature address at the event. Glenroy Cumberbatch, registrar of CXC, will present the results of all the examinations offered by CXC in the May/June 2016 sitting. These include regional results for Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC), Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). Stephen Savoury, director operations for examinations services, will report on the administration of examinations issues. Following the presentation of the results, there will be a question and answer segment for members of the audience to ask CXC and ministry of education officials questions and seek clarification about the examinations results. Cumberbatch said, “The official release of results demonstrates the Council’s accountability to the region, and also gives CXC the opportunity to interact closely with it stakeholders – educators, policymakers, principals, teachers, CXC resource persons, students and the media in the host country.” (Caribbean News)

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Plea Bargaining Act to be amended KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, says that changes are to be made to the Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreement) Act in order to make the legislation more effective and to speed up the pace at which justice is delivered to Jamaicans. The Act, which was introduced in 2006, and amended in 2010, allows persons accused of crimes to plead guilty and give testimony or information in return for a reduced penalty. Speaking in a recently, Minister Chuck explained that the amendments, will, among other things, allow for the defence counsel to be a part of the plea bargaining process and to negotiate with the prosecutor and judge regarding the sentence to be imposed. “If the accused knows

Delroy Chuck that… following a trial he can receive a sentence… of 10 or 15 years and he also knows that his defence counsel can bargain with the judge and get five years instead of 10 years, there is a real likelihood that he may accept the plea,” Minister Chuck explained. “If there is an agreement,

the matter can be dealt with right away. Always in this plea bargaining process it will be under the jurisdiction of the judge, who must have the final say,” he noted further. The Justice Minister said that victims or their families should have a say in the arrangement. “So, the prosecutor should really consult with the investigating officer or maybe the victims to say ‘the accused wishes to plead guilty what is your position on this’ and get some understanding or sentiments from them,” he noted. Chuck said that plea bargaining is not intended to “soften” the justice system, noting that sentencing guidelines will be in place to ensure that justice is served. He said the interests of the victim and public will be taken into consideration. (Jamaica Observer)

Brazil’s Temer asked corrupt tycoon for financial aid Brasília (AFP) - Brazil’s interim president Michel Temer asked Latin America’s biggest construction tycoon, now in jail for his role in a massive corruption scheme, for millions of dollars in political donations, a report said weekend. The report in Veja magazine quoted the former executive, Marcelo Odebrecht, saying that Temer asked him for “financial support” during a 2014 dinner with members of his centerright PMDB party. Odebrecht said he donated 10 million reais (about $3.156 million at current exchange rates) to the party, Veja reported. The information was quoted from a leaked portion of a plea deal that Odebrecht is negotiating with prosecutors from the huge corruption probe dubbed Operation Carwash, Veja said.

Michel Temer Odebrecht has been jailed since last year for his role in the scheme in which his company and others paid bribes to the state oil giant Petrobras in exchange for inflated contracts. The scheme involved top

politicians and some of Brazil’s richest men. Odebrecht and other senior executives at his company have promised to give prosecutors the details of how they made illegal donations to politicians in the massive pay-to-play scheme. There was no evidence cited in the report that the donation allegedly given on Temer’s request was a bribe. The report, however, was likely to stoke tensions in the capital Brasilia where Temer came to power in May after suspension of elected president Dilma Rousseff for a Senate impeachment trial. Rousseff looks set to be removed from office within weeks, with Temer staying on as president until 2018. Prosecutors and Temer’s office could not be reached immediately for comment on the report.

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Jets pound rebels after they break Aleppo siege Plan could add 6,000 jobs Reuters Syrian insurgents who broke the siege of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Saturday in a significant territorial gain came under intense air attack from progovernment forces yesterday trying to repel the advance which also cut government-held Aleppo’s main supply route. Rebels have taken most of a large government military complex southwest of Aleppo city in a major offensive begun on Friday to break a month-long siege and are now attacking further into government held territory. The surprise advance in Ramousah allowed fighters from insurgent areas in western Syria to break through a strip of government-controlled territory on Saturday and connect with fighters in the encircled sector of eastern Aleppo. But fierce fighting and continuous Russian and Syrian air strikes in and around the Ramousah area mean no safe passage for besieged east Aleppo residents has been

Rebel fighters prepare their weapons in an artillery academy of Aleppo, Syria. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah established, activists and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Fighters from a coalition of Islamist rebel groups called “Jaish al Fateh” announced the start of a new phase to liberate the whole of Aleppo, saying it pledged to increased the numbers of fighters for the battle it said will only end

by hoisting their flag on the ancient Aleppo citadel in government hands. Jets believed to be Russian intensified their bombing of rebel-held Aleppo countryside and also hit opposition held Idlib city in north western Syria, rebels said. They released video

footage that showed huge flames of fire it said was caused by white phosphorus bombs dropped on the city. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wants to take full control of Aleppo, pre-war Syria’s most populous city, which has been divided between rebel and government-held areas.

Daily Nation - As many as 6,000 new jobs could be created if the Government adopted a small business/ entrepreneurship scheme proposed by the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC). The idea was introduced to officials of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs in June when the private sector bodies met with them to consider the development of the small business sector among other issues. The BEC subsequently forwarded a comprehensive proposal to the ministry for the attention of its minister, Chris Sinckler. The BEC plan envisions lending micro businesses and small entrepreneurs up to $5,000 per borrower under a special

Chris Sinckler soft loans/grants/venture capital window of $10 million. They calculate this scheme would potentially create 2 000 new enterprises.

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Pogba’s fairytale could serve Wind, doping and VIP robbery plague Rio Games as inspiration for local athletes

Fans depart the seats at Lagoa Stadium after competition was postponed. (REUTERS/MURAD SEZER) RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Damaging wind gusts, a fresh doping controversy and the robbery of a visiting government minister presented the Rio Games with a perfect storm of problems on Sunday, forcing organizers to scramble to keep the world’s biggest sporting event rolling on. Winds wreaked havoc on the second full day of competition, forcing the cancellation of rowing races and delays to tennis and kayaking, while spectators ran for cover from flying signs, cafe umbrellas and other debris torn from their moorings. Games organizers, who were already looking to fix the long queues at security checkpoints that marred the first day, also faced new security scares. Portugal’s education minister was robbed at knifepoint on Saturday at the Olympic lake. He escaped unharmed and the assailant was arrested, Brazilian authorities said. More security was also put around the equestrian center after a stray bullet tore through the roof of the press room there on Saturday, an unexplained incident which caused no injuries. The center is near a military complex and a slum. “This is a worrying situation and is not an incident we can take lightly as the safety of everyone at our venue – athletes, horses, media and spectators – is of prime importance,” said International Equestrian Federation president Ingmar De Vos. Brazilian authorities are still investigating. As powerful gusts swept across the host city, blowing debris and forcing spectators to find cover, the Rio Games

was hit by a new Russian doping storm, this time involving the Paralympics, due to run from Sept. 7 to 18. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced in Rio it would ban Russia from the whole event due to widespread doping that it said had polluted sport in that country. “Tragically this situation is not about athletes cheating a system, but about a staterun system that is cheating the athletes,” IPC president Philip Craven told reporters. “I believe the Russian government has catastrophically failed its para-athletes. Their medalsover-morals mentality disgusts me.” Russia immediately announced it would be appealing against the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The IPC’s decision contrasted with the International Olympic Committee which balked at a blanket ban on Russia’s athletes in Rio. The global anti-doping agency had called for such a ban after an inquiry found Russia was running a state-backed doping program for both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. “The IPC showed strong leadership today in holding Russia’s state-organized doping program accountable. Their unanimous decision goes a long way towards inspiring us all,” said Travis Tygart, chief executive of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. STREET CRIME Of all the problems faced by Rio organizers, street crime is the one they have least control over. Brazil’s Ministry of Justice said a senior government official, who works for an

agency responsible for security at major events such as the Olympics, was the target of an assault as he left the opening ceremony on Friday. Felipe Seixas, who was accompanied by two undercover police, was confronted by armed robbers outside Maracana stadium. One was shot and killed by one of the undercover officers. On Wednesday, three Swedish tourists were briefly abducted by armed men after they stopped to take photos near a dangerous slum. They were released unharmed. Some 500,000 foreign visitors are expected to descend on Rio for the Games. They are protected by 85,000 police and soldiers, more than double the security for the 2012 Games in London.

By Rawle Welch The story of French international footballer Paul Pogba is one that should be told to many young individuals in Guyana who may be feeling dejected and without hope. Pogba, who is on the verge of completing a transfer from Italian Serie A club Juventus to English Premier League club Manchester United for a record fee of $100million, was born in Lagny-sur-Marne, Seine-et-Marne, France to Guinean parents. The fairy tale of how a boy from a commune located in the eastern suburbs of France, a community that has come under the radar of French Law Enforcement for suspicion of radicalising and harbouring terrorists, rose from ordinary beginnings to become the world’s most expensive footballer should serve as motivation for young athletes in this country. It clearly shows that with the right motivation and the will to excel it is possible for a similar script to be written about someone from right here in Guyana. The temptation is there to compare the abundance of opportunities that exist in France with the lack thereof in Guyana, but hard work and dedication could make a world of difference in elevating an athlete from ordinary to extraordinary. While one cannot overlook the helpful conditions that Pogba enjoyed as a citizen of France such as international standard playing facilities combined with excellent coaching, his will to succeed must have been the fundamental reason for his undeniable talent and subsequent success. Here in Guyana there is no doubt that very often we are on par in terms of ability when compared with other nations both regionally and internationally at the junior level, but somehow converting those capabilities to the next level has been the Achilles heel for our athletes. Squash, hockey, table tennis and cricket are perfect examples of how we dominate at the junior level, but somehow fail to transition the talent to the senior level and this recurring scenario should have been the scrutiny of an examination already, but I stand corrected if I’m wrong, there has been no disclosure of such an undertaking in recent memory. Perhaps, a study of such may provide the answers to why we are doing so poorly at the

Paul Pogba senior level regionally and internationally. Pogba’s spectacular rise to stardom, his story, should serve as an inspiration to quite a few of the participants of the just concluded Digicel Schools Football Championship. There was an encouraging exhibition of talent throughout the tournament and while it is a fact that many components needed for player development are missing, it is also important for a player to possess a personal desire to increase his skill despite the numerous deficiencies. Examples of athletes who’ve not allowed limitations to affect their determination to succeed can be found and these are the ones that our local athletes could emulate in their quest for career success. Sports can be a way out of poverty it could also be used as a vehicle for economic progression and Pogba’s illustration along with so many Jamaican athletes like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce are positive images to imitate. Sports administrators have failed our young athletes, but because the world has now become a global village, a video of a talented athlete or even a feature could fashion a similar fairytale to that of Pogba’s. It was reported that Pogba was due to undergo a medical today, before announcing his switch to Manchester United.

WILLIAMS, KERBER CRUISE INTO SECOND ROUND AMID WIND CHAOS RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) World number one Serena Williams and second seed Angelique Kerber progressed through the first round of the Rio Olympics tennis on Sunday despite windy conditions that delayed play on most of the smaller tennis courts. Williams won 6-4 6-2 against Australia’s Daria Gavrilova, ranked 42 in the world, but she was far from her best. The 34year-old grew increasingly frustrated as the match wore on but was rarely threatened by Gavrilova on center court. “The conditions definitely didn’t make it easy,” said Williams, the London 2012 Olympic champion and winner of 22 Grand Slams. Germany’s Kerber, who won the 2016 Australian Open, dispatched Colombia’s Mariana Duque-Marino in two sets 63 7-5 but also struggled with wind after a long delay to her match. London Games Olympic champion Andy Murray was the highest-ranking male player to pass the first round after a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory against Serbia’s Viktor Troicki. Top seed Novak Djokovic was due to play later in the evening against Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro. Bellucci, ranked 55 in the world, scraped through into the second round after Germany’s Dustin Brown rolled his ankle and had to retire despite leading 6-4 4-5.

Serena Williams (USA) hits a forehand during the women’s singles. (Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)

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Leewards clinch three-day title despite heavy defeat

Guyana’s Bhaskar Yadram … resisted with a top score of 84 for Guyana. KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC — Leeward Islands suffered a heavy 147-run defeat to Jamaica but still emerged Regional Under-19 three-day champions at the end of the third and final round of games here Saturday. Beginning the final day at Stubbs on seven without loss in pursuit of 316 for victory, the Leewards were bowled out for 168 to suffer their only defeat of the threeday phase, following victories in the previous two rounds. They finished on 37.8 points and barely edged out Trinidad and Tobago who clobbered Guyana by an innings and 48 runs at Sion Hill, to end on 37 points. With the victory, Jamaica leapfrogged Barbados to end in third spot on 36.4 points while the Barbadians, who drew with Windward Islands at Arnos Vale Stadium, finished on 30.1 points. The Windwards were fifth on 19.2 with Guyana last on 10.1. Chasing an improbable target, the Leewards were boosted when Tyrone Williams stroked exactly 50 and Kofi James, 39, in an excellent opening stand of 92. Williams struck five fours and two sixes off 71 deliveries while James faced 60 balls and counted six fours. However, once left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal removed both in the same over, the innings went into a tail spin and never recovered. Royal claimed the impeccable figures of seven for 64 to end with a match haul of 12 for 124. Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, joined Jamaica in winners’ row as they made light work of the luckless Guyanese, who lost all three games. They grabbed the remaining seven wickets as Guyana, resuming on 102 for three in search of a further 109

Monday August 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

to avoid an innings defeat, crumbled for 163 all out. Bhaskar Yadram, unbeaten overnight on 67, carried on for 84 in an innings lasting 156 balls and including eight fours and a six. However, wickets fell steadily around him as off-spinner Jonathan Bootan claimed three for 37 to end with match figures of 10 for 60. Fast bowler Jarlanie Seales finished with three for 31. There was some drama in the other game as Barbados, set 277 for victory, came up just short at 265 for nine with opener Shian Brathwaite topscoring with 78 and Dominic Drakes gathering a cameo unbeaten 61. They lost Leniko Boucher cheaply for nine with the score on 17 but Brathwaite added 48 for the second wicket with Yvan Grant (15) and exactly 50 for the fifth wicket with Deswin Currency (34) to keep Barbados’ run chase alive. When Brathwaite fell after striking nine fours in an innings lasting 157 balls in just over 3-¼ hours at the crease, number eight Drakes arrived to belt one four and four sixes off a mere 51 deliveries — his second halfcentury of the game — as Barbados rallied. He put on 62 for the seventh wicket with Joshua Bishop who made 24, but offspinner Alick Athanaze, with six for 67, kept the Windwards in the game before the stalemate was arrived at. Earlier, Emmanuel Stewart had missed out on a hundred when he fell for 93 as the Windwards, resuming on 170 for three, declared on 230 for five in their second inings. Unbeaten on 76 overnight, Stewart faced 199 balls in just under 4-¾ hours overall, and struck eight fours and two sixes. The one-day phase of the tournament bowls off next Wednesday.

CYCLING - VAN DER BREGGEN WINS WOMEN’S ROAD RACE RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Dutch cyclist Anna van der Breggen produced a perfectly-timed burst to snatch Olympic gold in a dramatic climax to the women’s road race alongside the Copacabana on Sunday. Her team mate Annemiek van Vleuten was on course for victory but suffered a horrific-looking crash on the descent of the Vista Chinesa climb with around 10km left. American Mara Abbott was left as the sole leader on the flat run in to the finish line but with victory tantalisingly close she was caught by Van Der Breggen, Emma Johansson of Sweden and Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini. Johansson took the silver, Longo Borghini the bronze and it was heartbreak for Abbott. It was the second day running that the Rio course produced a spectacular spectacle and the second day a crash affected the outcome of the race. On Saturday, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali lost control in almost the same spot as Van

Anna van der Breggen (NED) of Netherlands celebrates at the end of the race. (REUTERS/PAUL HANNA)

Vleuten and broke both collar bones. Abbott and Van Vleuten had left their medal rivals, including reigning champion Marianne Vos and world champion Lizzie Armitstead, trailing on the 8.9km Vista Chinesa climb near the end of the 136.9km ride around Rio’s

lush coastline. Van Vleuten was descending smoothly and had left Abbott in her wake and was almost at the bottom when she locked her wheels and went head first into the banking on the side of the road. She was still motionless

as Abbott went by seconds later but she was conscious when taken to hospital, organisers said. “Ms. Van Vleuten is conscious, able to communicate. Further medical checks are currently being made at the hospital,” a statement said.

England destroy Pakistan to take series lead (Reuters) Superb pace bowling, immaculate catching and astute captaincy combined to forge a thrilling final-day victory for England, who dismissed Pakistan for 201 to win the third test by 141 runs and go 2-1 up in the series. England refused to be cowed by a 103-run firstinnings deficit, building a 343run lead when they batted again and then destroying the tourists with an immaculate performance in

the field that saw six wickets tumble between lunch and tea. Pakistan’s most determined resistance came in the final session when a lastwicket stand of 50 between Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali frustrated England as the overs ticked down and play entered the final hour. But, on 36, Sohail drove a flighted delivery from Moeen Ali straight back at the bowler, who safely clung on to a catch that sparked wild celebrations

among Alastair Cook’s side. With a rare sense of symmetry, each of England’s five bowlers took two wickets although it required a devastating spell by Steve Finn and Chris Woakes, which yielded four wickets for just one run, to open up the innings. Finn, who has faced criticism for his performances this summer, led the way by taking the vital wickets of Misbah-ul-Haq — his first

England’s Moeen Ali celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Sohail Khan and winning the third test with team mates. (Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs)

wicket in 414 balls this series — and Sami Aslam. The opener had led the fight with a determined 70, his second half-century of the game. At the other end, Woakes proved equally lethal, trapping Asad Shafiq without scoring and then having Sarfraz Ahmed well caught by Joe Root in the slips for another duck. That wicket was Woakes’ 23rd of a prolific series. Earlier, Stuart Broad struck the first blow, removing opener Mohammad Hafeez for two while Moeen accounted for first-innings centurion Azhar Ali for 38 with a deceptive delivery that was edged to Cook at slip. Jimmy Anderson also weighed in, having Younus Khan caught behind on four and then removing Yasir Shah for seven just after tea. The result vindicated Cook’s strategy of batting on in the morning when England extended their second innings to 445 for six. The final test in the fourmatch series is at the Oval on Aug. 12. Scores: England 297 (Ballance 70, Moeen 63, Sohail 5-96) and 445 for 6 dec (Moeen 86*, Bairstow 83, Cook 66, Root 62, Hales 54) beat Pakistan 400 (Azhar 139, Aslam 82, Misbah 56) and 201 (Aslam 70) by 141 runs.

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Kaieteur News

FIGHTING FROM THE INSIDE TO PRODUCE THE BEST OUTSIDE

Inmates battling life’s vicissitudes By Michael Benjamin The raging battle for supremacy in the ‘square jungle’ between boxers of the Guyana Defence Force and the Republican Boxing Gym (REP) continued last week when those two entities carted off the spoils of the just concluded Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Novices Boxing Championships at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The Guyana Defence Force by its sheer numbers came out on top but it was the REP that presented their strongest challenge, finishing in second place. The REP also distinguished itself through welterweight pugilist, Joshua Joseph, who, apart from defeating all and sundry in his division, impressed the judges who eventually awarded him the prestigious ‘Best Boxer’ award. Boxers of the REP has always been a force to be reckoned with and boxing buffs that attended (amateur) boxing cards during the midseventies/early eighties would immediately recognize such names as Patrick Bess, Winston ‘Service’ Richards and the Housner brothers, Allan, aka ‘Red Belly’ and Derrick, among other top notched pugilists. They were among an elite squad that drove fear into the hearts of their opponents and established the REP as one of the top gyms of that era. Those were the days when ‘Starry,’ a well-known tailor and staunch supporter of the REP, rendered unstinting support to that penal institution and would parade

Director of Prisons, Carl Graham along the parameters of the National Sports Hall with a large flag in hand during bouts, in vociferous support of the inmates`. During that time, top amateur boxer, Darius Forde, represented the Dowden International Gym, and Winston Richards, one of the best emanating from the REP, were engaged in many crowd pleasing slugfests that left fans screaming in delight. It was sometime around 1979 when Forde and Richards faced off in the finals of the National Open Boxing Championships that Richards was given a juicy option by top Government officials through the Prison authorities, ‘win the bout and walk out of prison a free man.’ Tension was high and

‘Starry’ spared no effort in urging Richards onwards, “The only good Ford in Guyana is ‘Taps’ car,” he jocularly bellowed as he waved his large flag in support of Richards. ‘Starry’ was referring to a green Ford Escort motor car driven by the late Errol Butcher aka Taps. That was a memorable bout and Richards was unstoppable; he turned up the heat and literally bulldozed Forde into submission, winning the bout handsomely. Richards, as was promised, walked out of the Camp Street jail a free man. Local history is replete with youngsters that have transgressed the law, sent to jail and then sought redemption in the boxing ring.

Admittedly, there have been several cases of recidivism but these pale in comparison to the many instances when inmates through boxing have received, and took full advantage of a new lease on life. Obviously, prison affects different men in different ways. The statistics tell us that the overwhelming majority are released unprepared for life on the outside; some are corrupted by their ordeal and most times are bitter with the hand that life has dealt them. It is this reality that produces recidivists and ought to be curbed, maybe through counseling coupled with life preserving skills. Here is where exposure to the fistic sport could be employed to enhance prisoners’ chances of staying on the outside. The recent feats of inmates of the Camp Street prison have not entirely gone unnoticed and signal a welcome revival of the glory days of yore. Prison officials should not disregard the power of boxing to reshape the minds of inmates to generate a new thought process that opens new horizons and create fresh ambitions where inmates are reintegrated into society to make viable contributions. As Tony Ayala, a former world rated fighter who had been imprisoned, was quoted as saying during his unpleasant tenure behind bars, “It is important for me to remain human while I’m incarcerated, not to become a hateful animal. I don’t want

to let the experience of being incarcerated kill the good part of me and make me resentful and unable to experience love.” Director of the Guyana Prison Service, Carl Graham is a lover of the sport and serves as one of the Vice Presidents of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA). Further, he has been a key boxing fan during the heydays of the sport, frequenting the Cliff Anderson Boxing Gym (CABG) during training sessions while attending most of the cards of that era. Obviously, his heart would be in the right place with the boxers’ interest being paramount. The Camp Street institution should be

regarded for rehabilitative purposes and the strategy where boxing is used as the catalyst for redemption must be enhanced through staunch support of law abiding citizens. Maybe those members of the business community, disgusted by the large numbers of youths jailed for different crimes, should feel obliged in assisting the rehabilitative process through donations towards the gym. After all, boxing is a microcosm of life and prisoners must be given an opportunity to decide whether to take the proverbial knee during the mandatory 8 count as a short reprieve or allow life’s vicissitudes to floor them and leave them prostrate.

Atkinson qualifies for breaststroke final

Alia Atkinson competes in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke heats during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio. (Photo: AFP) RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, CMC – Alia Atkinson qualified for the final of the women’s 100 metres breaststroke on the second day of swimming competition of the 2016 Olympic Games here on Sunday. Atkinson made the final with the fifth fastest time of one minute, 06.72, the same as American Katie Meili. Lily King of the United States qualified with the fastest time of 1:05.70. Other competitors for today’s final are world record holder Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania, Yulia Efimova (Russia), Jinglin Shi (China), Hrafnhildur Luthersdottir (Israel), and Rachel Nicol (Canada).

Three of the successful boxers of the REP boxing gym show off their hardware after the tournament ended. From left: Joshua Joseph, Brian Leitch and Geraldo Phillips.

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Score Even, CP Got Even, Kings Night, Princess She Not among horses set to battle $30M at stake in Guyana Cup Horserace meet

Proprietor of A. Khan Lumber yard presents the cheque to Campton Sancho (left). Over 60 race horses including a number from overseas have taken entry so far as entries were expected to close yesterday for the mouthwatering 10th annual

“Summer Buster” Guyana Cup Horserace event. According to the organisers a number of other owners have indicated their willingness to be a part of the

day’s programme which is expected to swell past the 80 mark. Over the past week most of the tracks and open spaces on the coast land were fully occupied as trainers, jockeys,

SS Jaguars pocket $100,000 for winning Banks Beer T20

Rawl Pierce of Banks DIH (right) presents the trophy to Lokram Narine of G Square Cavaliers. Sans Souci Jaguars Cricket Club were rewarded with their first prize of $100,000 for winning the Banks DIH T20 tournament which was held recently in Wakenaam. Sans Souci Jaguars defeated G Square Cavaliers by 10 runs in the final which was played at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. The presentation took place on Monday last at Hamburg Beach, Tiger Island in the Essequibo River. Jaguars also took home a trophy while G Square Cavaliers pocketed $50,000 and a trophy. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Rawl Pierce of Banks DIH congratulated the teams and said the tournament will be played on an annual

basis. He pointed out that he is happy to see the tournament has generated a lot of interest in Wakenaam and hope to expand in the future. “I am hoping to involve teams from other parts of Essequibo and include more prizes which will attract not only players but the fans as well. I am impressed with what I saw in Wakenaam. The people there are very passionate about cricket and I hope to take the game to further heights on the island which has produced a number of talented national cricketers,” he added. Pierce expressed gratitude to the Wakenaam Cricket Committee.

A representative of Jumbo Jet (right) receives the sponsorship cheque from a representative of Alki Investment Incorporated. grooms and owners’ of most of the top horses in Guyana were busy whipping their charges into shape for the Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary Horse race extravaganza. Organized by the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise and friends, the jumbo horse race meet is set for Sunday 14th August at the Port Mourant (Big Yard) Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice. With just one week to go before race day, the horses racing fraternity in Guyana is buzzing with excitement. With a colossal $30M available for the event which is by far the biggest sporting activity for the August Holidays in Guyana, thousands are expected to throng to the venue. The “Sports of Kings” has received some king size investments with the Government of Guyana, Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall being some of the main supporters of the event which is expected to get on the way from 12:00 hrs. The feature “A” and lower event has already attracted a star studded lineup featuring the best runners in Guyana. The lineup is still incomplete since some of the owners wants to make some last minute adjustments. Turfites will be hard pressed to pick a winner this early. The big news is that Guyana’s only “A” class animal Score’s Even is back to full fitness and will be looking to even things up. Kings Knight is reigning supreme at the moment and will be hard to beat, but double defending Champion

CP Got Even is in tip top shape and will be looking for a three peat. The rest of the cast is unbelievably impressive with a fearsome pack of Just Call Me Boss, Princess She Not, Golden Blue Echo, Plum Plum, Lady Budapest, Climate Change and the newly imported Blame the Jockey of the Nand Persaud stable among others are expected to give turfites their money’s worth. The winners prize is $4M and the Guyana Cup trophy over 1800M. The co-feature 1600M event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies has a winner’s take of $2M and trophy. The two year old Guyana Bred event has a first prize of $400,000 and trophy over 1100M. The E and lower event over 1500M will see the winner taking home $800,000 and trophy over 1500M. The event for animals classified G1 and lower features horses from Suriname and those from Guyana. There is a race for horses classified H and lower and West Indies bred that have not started since August 30th 2015. The distance is 1200M for a winner’s money of $400,000. Horses classified H3 and West Indies Maiden and also

open To Guyana Bred trotters will have their chance to race over 1200M for a winner’s money of $400,000. The event for J and K class horses will see animals from Suriname matching their skills against the Guyanese animals over 1100M for a take home incentive of $350,000 and trophy. Horses from Suriname have also been tagged to feature in the L and lower event against those from Guyana over 1100M for a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. The winner of the cofeature event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies over 1600M will take home a winner’s money of $2M and trophy. A number of added attractions and incentives have been made available including for the winners of the A class, the three year old and the two year old races. They will get an extra $500,000, $400,000 and $200,000 bonuses respectively. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall. (Samuel Whyte)

Monday August 08, 2016

Brilliant Jamaica Tallawahs secure second Hero CPL title CPL - BASSETERRE, St Kitts - A brilliant bowling performance from the Jamaica Tallawahs saw them dismiss the Amazon Warriors for 93 in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final to secure their second title, the first team to do so. The Amazon Warriors lost their wickets with alarming regularity as they fluffed their lines on the tournament’s biggest night. The Tallawahs finished behind the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the group stage and lost to them in the first play-off game, but in the final the Tallawahs did not give them a sniff in a fantastic allround display that saw them win by nine wickets with 43 balls to spare. They did so thanks to a career best bowling performance from Imad Wasim and yet another Chris Gayle half century – his 78th score of fifty or more in T20 cricket. Chasing 94 to win the Tallawahs did not need to rush, but that did not stop Chris Gayle getting off the mark with a towering six off Steven Jacobs. That was an impressive beginning from Gayle, but he and his team were selective in their shot making at first. Even going at just over a run a ball inside the batting PowerPlay kept them well ahead of the rate. As the innings progressed Gayle was happier to go for the big shots as he hit back-toback sixes off Jacobs in the final over of the PowerPlay which brought 17 runs. During the sixth over Gayle became the fourth batsman to pass 400 runs in this edition of the Hero CPL. That acceleration from Gayle continued after the fielding restrictions were relaxed as he took 18 runs off an Adam Zampa over as the Tallawahs got two thirds of the way to their target with just seven overs gone. Gayle brought up his fifty after 22 balls as he made a mockery of the target his team had been set. That patient start was quickly forgotten once he was well set as he struck 3 fours and 6 sixes on his way to 54 (27). This was the perfect performance from Gayle and his team as they became worthy Hero CPL champions, although Gayle was not there when the winning runs were struck having fallen to the bowling of Rayad Emrit as he went for another six. Instead it was Kumar Sangakkara who hit the winning runs as the

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Skipper Chris Gayle and Coach Paul Nixon with the CPL trophy. (CPL) Tallawahs ran on to the pitch to celebrate a superb win. It was a disastrous start from the Amazon Warriors with the bat and things didn’t really improve throughout their innings. First Nic Maddinson was out edging behind to Andre Russell for a golden duck. Then Guyana’s leading run scorer Chris Lynn cut Shakib al Hasan’s first ball into the hands of Jonathan Foo at

point. Those two early wickets and some excellent Tallawahs bowling saw the Amazon Warriors creep to 34-2 off their PowerPlay overs. There was huge pressure on Dwayne Smith with the two Australian overseas players gone, and he knocked the ball around for five overs before the need to accelerate brought a big shot. Unfortunately for the Amazon Warriors that

Kesrick Williams dances after removing Steven Jacobs, Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors, CPL 2016, Final, St Kitts, August 7, 2016 ©CPL/Sportsfile

injection of attacking intent from Smith also brought about his dismissal when he was caught in the deep for 17 (22) to give Oshane Thomas his first wicket in professional cricket. When Jason Mohammad was given out to an lbw that looked to be sneaking down the Amazon Warriors were 53-4. That became 70-5 when Christopher Barnwell followed up a big Hero Maximum by smashing a ball from Imad Wasim into the hands of Chris Gayle at short midwicket and it didn’t end there as the wickets kept tumbling. The only man who stood firm was Pakistani allrounder Sohail Tanvir who made 42 from 37 balls having been promoted to four in the order. But for him things could have been far worse for the A m a z o n Wa r r i o r s , b u t when he went his side were 91-8. That soon became 919 the very next ball when Kesrick Williams bowled Steven Jacobs. The final wicket fell in the very next over when Adam Zampa was run out – the Amazon Warriors were 93 all out after 16.1 overs, their lowest ever total. It was never enough to secure victory as they lost in the final of the Hero CPL for the third time. Scores: AMAZON WARRIORS 93 all out off 16.1 overs (Sohail Tanvir 42; Imad Wasim 3-21, Kesrick Williams 2-12, Shakib al Hasan 2-25) lose to TALLAWAHS 95 for one off 12.5 overs (Chris Gayle 54, Chadwick Walton 25 not out).

12TH ANNUAL REGAN RODRIGUES MEM. CYCLE ROAD RACE

Leal cops senior race, Cornelius, Jackson and Budhan are also #1 in their categories Team Evolution’s Raul Leal lead home two other teammates to cop the top spot in a shortened 12th Annual Regan Rodrigues Memorial Cycle Road Race yesterday on the West Demerara, sponsored by Ricks and SariAgro Industries Limited. As a result of ongoing road works on the West Demerara organizers and riders had to reduce the distance of the race which normally turns back at Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo. Yesterday, the race started as normal at Wales proceeded to Leonora before the competitors returned, went into the new Parfait Harmonie Road to finish just before the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Leal trumped the field as he sprinted home to win in One Hour 27 Minutes 02.98 Seconds, covering just around 30 miles or so. Orville Hinds had to settle for the 2nd place while reigning National Junior Champion, Christopher Cornelius, just back from the

Caribbean Junior Championships in St. Lucia, was 3rd overall and the first junior to cross the line. Shaquel Agard (Linden Bauxite Flyers CC) was 4th with last year’s champion Michael Anthony and another of Leal’s teammates; Michael Anthony having to settle for 5th place with Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson closing out the top six places. Jackson was the winner of the veteran category. Taking the runner-up spot among juniors was Raphael Leung and Jornel Yearwood both of whom also competed at the Caribbean Junior Championships. Following Jackson to the line in the veteran class were Raymond Newton and Paul Choo Wee Nam in that order. Ruling the roost in the mountain bike race was Mahaica based Sean Budhan with the 2nd and 3rd place going to Keon Thomas and Stephan Gobin. The respective category winners were all presented with Ricks and Sari hampers.

DONE AND DUSTED! Raul Leal is a cool picture as he nears the finish line all alone yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo)

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Monday August 08, 2016

North Pakarimas August Fiesta to kick off on Wednesday The 2016 North Pakarimas August Fiesta will get underway with an official launch on Wednesday 10th August in Kopinang. The inaugural sporting championships which caters for villages in Region 8 will see some 20 odd villages competing in five sporting disciplines within the categories. The games which is organised by the North Pakarimas Sport and Culture Association is being executed in collaboration with CDC and Minister of State Joe Harmon. The ten day event gets underway on August 10 and concludes on August 20 and will see competition in Male and Female football, male and female cricket, female volleyball, male and female archery and road races. Some 820 athletes are expected to compete over the ten days with each village competing to be dubbed as the Champion village of Region 8. It was disclosed that the three villages of Campbelltown, Microbi and Princeville of Mahdia will send a combined delegation due to the high cost of airfare for three teams to the games. It was disclosed that Kopinang will host the inaugural championships with the venue being rotated every year. The villages are expected to walk with their supporters to witness the eagerly anticipated championships, which will also see residents competing in a Pirari competition. The competitions will run during the day while at nights cultural activities will be held. A number of Toshaos have already confirmed that a

Over 20 villages confirmed for historic sporting championships

CDC National Director, Eugene Gilbert presents one of the many trophies to DREO of Region 8, Gavin Ganga who is also one of the organisers for North Pakarimas Sports and Culture Association Summer Fiesta. number of villagers will accompany the athletes to Kopinang. The organisers disclosed that owing to the distance of several villages a number of teams have already begun walking as all participating teams are expected on Tuesday for the Wednesday 11am opening ceremony. It was noted that this event was birthed after a discussion with Minister Harmon in soliciting his hep to enhance sports and youth development in region eight. It was pointed out that the North Pakarimas has been starving for events like these

Guyanese Khan helps Lankans CC to victory Wakenaam left arm spinner Imran Khan grabbed four wickets as Lankans CC overcame Stallions CC when the Toronto District Cricket League 40-over tournament continued recently at Sunnybrook Cricket Field. Stallions took first strike and managed 207-8, batting first with Naeem Qazi scoring 39; Khan had 4-26 for Lankans who responded with 208 in 32 overs. Naveed Ali made 38, Shehaan Sarap 34 and John Rajendram 29. Previously, Lankans beat SOFF CC by 93 runs at Eglington Flats. Batting first Lankans posted 256-7. Former Bartica and Essequibo middle order batsman Mahase Richards struck a fluent 108 including eight fours and a similar number of sixes while Khan slammed five

for a number of years. This, they noted is a as a result of the communities there not having opportunities of coming together with the view of competing in several sporting disciplines. It was disclosed that the North Pakarimas August Fiesta will be an annual event. Minister Harmon will be delivering the feature address, while Minister Sydney Allicock and Valarie Lowe are expected to also grace the opening ceremony. Popular broadcaster Bobby Vieira will MC the programme. It was pointed out that Regional Executive officer (REO) of region 8, Rafel Downes has thrown the regions support behind the

event, noting that it comes at a time when a number of youths are at home. He stated that having such an event will help significantly in bringing the villagers together while enhancing community development. “I am happy that the organisers have conceptualised such an event as it argues well for sports and youth development in region eight,� he said. National Director of CDC Eugene Gilbert stressed that the Community Development Councils thought it fitting to collaborate on an event that evidently will help in pushing the development of the various communities. The organisers disclosed that sponsorship has been

very challenging due to the fact that many businesses indicated that the location is one that will not bring ready economic returns to them. Kevin Gildharie who is one of the organisers stressed that they have been aggressively seeking sponsorship, stressing that there continues to be some challenges. However, he was very high in praises for a number of agencies and companies who have boldly endorsed the event thus readily agreeing to lend sponsorship support. He pointed out that BK International has led the way with significant support

followed by Regal Stationaries. The National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, CDC, Minister Joe Harmon are also on board, while Mahdia Businessman Roger Hinds along with Global Seafood Distributors and Sanchez are the other sponsors. The organisers pointed out that while they are still in need of support to successfully pull off the event, they are hoping that during the course of the week a number of businesses that they have approached will positively respond.

Imran Khan maximums in scoring 70. SOFF CC were sent packing for 106 in 24 overs in reply. Roshan Manikavasager grabbed 4-9 and Naveed Ali 4-29.

Kevin Gildharie receiving sponsorship from Allison Butters-Grant of Global Seafood Distributors.

Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2016

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GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17

UDFA

Eagles and Milerock notch opening day wins Milerock (black and yellow) and Topp XX competing in the opening match of the league on Saturday at the Wisburg Sec. Sch. ground.

R

eigning Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) champions Eagles United and Milerock recorded wins when the GFF / NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League kicked off at the Wisburg Secondary School ground on Saturday last. Eagles easily kept their billing as the best intact and their

quest to add the GFF/NAMILCO title to their collection when they disposed of Silver Shattas 2-0 in the feature match. Javier Smith and Jamal Allicock were the goal scorers for Eagles. In the competition’s opening match, Milerock sailed to victory over long time rivals Topp XX 4-1 on account of goals from Tyrese Lewis who achieved the first double of the

league, while there was a goal each for Lorenzo Miller and Carlton Jones. Action will continue on Wednesday at the same venue when Eagles will be going after their second win in as many matches in their clash with Amelia’s Ward Panthers. Milerock will also be aiming to keep a clean sheet when they oppose Botafago.

rt o p S

Brilliant Jamaica Tallawahs secure second Hero CPL title

maica Tallawahs CPL 2016 champions Ja h. (CPL) celebrate their final triump

12TH ANNUAL REGAN RODRIGUES MEM. CYCLE ROAD RACE

Wind, doping and Leal cops senior race, Cornelius, Jackson VIP robbery plague and Budhan are also #1 in their categories Rio Games

Race officials stand by in a boat shortly after competition was postponed due to high winds in the Members of the Rodrigues family, organisers and cyclists Men’s Single Sculls Repechages at Lagoa following the presentation of prizes and hampers. Stadium. (REUTERS/CARLOS BARRIA) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.