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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
The surrogate wars around us The ill-fated Malaysian Air flight MH17, from all appearances, seems destined to mark a milestone in what is turning out to be a surrogate war between the United States and Russia, and what to all intents and purposes may be an extension of Cold War antagonisms. Among the questions that linger in the rest of the world is whether this catastrophe was an accident of war or part of a premeditated message. That the nearly 300 souls which perished aboard that Malaysian Airlines flight had nothing to do with either side in the Ukraine-Russia conflict does not help the victims’ relatives one iota. A significant fact is that the downed plane was on an open route about 50 miles from the Russian border. The indiscriminate placing of sophisticated weaponry in the hands of irregulars whose discipline level is questionable makes for sure a recipe for international incidents such as this one. A surrogate war is another name for a proxy war where two countries fight a war as indirect combatants as manifested in the client state of one country fighting the client state of another country. This was a common practice during the Cold War which reduced the potential for it to grow to World War proportions. Such would have been likely if the two primary antagonists began fighting directly. The major players in the extant troubles have been known to support the worst sort of political degenerates in furtherance of their own policies, and based upon the emergent evidence the Ukrainian cauldron is likely to overflow with excesses. The ironic thing is that unscrupulous beneficiaries are not averse to committing serious human rights violations which their sponsor can ignore conveniently in a scenario of plausible deniability. With most of the world in a state of poverty, would be leaders are first and foremost in pursuit of personal wealth with democratic rule taking a distant place in the scheme of things. The Ukraine conflict is a surrogate war with the West (Europe and the US) up against the Russian Federation with the West trying to extend its influence east and the Russians trying to block these efforts. It should also be noted that Russia, which may still be remembering her humiliating defeat in Afghanistan, will not be content to let matters slide while the U.S. whittles away at what Russia perceives to be her national interest. The conventional belief might have been thathttp://www.theguardian.com/world/nato even on his worst day Putin was unlikely to take overt steps to provoke the west into open warfare. However, the fact remains that he has the support of Russians who still smart from the humiliation they endured after the collapse of the Soviet Union. And as Timothy Garton Ash, of the Guardian suggested Putin has more admirers around the world than the west might think. Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and to an extent, in Afghanistan have all been pawns in the surrogate game. The world looks on with apprehension for the possibility of the reprehensible becoming the norm; where there is no hesitation about using civilians, including women and children, as human shields in pushing an agenda. Putin’s dare to the Ukrainian forces to shoot at their own children is evidence of an inclination in that direction; where the victims are blamed for causing their own suffering. In the past it was not unknown for one or both of the major players engaged in a covert war to benefit in terms of plausible deniability; exculpability by propagandists or stakeholders looking for any excuse not to impose sanctions or take other meaningful actions against the other side. The electronic media has also been blatantly used as a complicit tool to distort facts and to outrage viewers and frighten audiences. However, not to be accused of shirking their role the media have been providing reports highlighting the total lack of respect for the dead by insurgents and possibly local residents who are shown scavenging through the debris in search of valuable items. The stark message seems to be that in the midst of horrifying death and human suffering there are opportunities for the ghoulish to profit. In other words the human state has degenerated into the abominable and has become brutish.
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
The Opposition has failed the people in ensuring this bill is passed DEAR EDITOR, As Parliament fades into an extended period of recess commencing on August 10, there is one colossal elephant in the room that if civil society doesn’t band together and apply some pressure on our political leaders for good sense to prevail, will result in the trampling of our economy and hurt the already shrinking pockets of the average and ordinary Guyanese. While both government and opposition can be blamed for the more than a year long stalemate in passing the amendment bill to the AML/CFT regime, more of the blame should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the combined opposition benches. The opposition parties have
squandered many opportunities and have failed the Guyanese people thus far in ensuring the passage of this bill. Editor, please be reminded the combined opposition don’t need the government to pass this legislation! The opposition would have you believe that they didn’t have enough time to make appropriate contributions to the drafting of the bill, but the truth is that they had more than a year to do so and more recently an offer was made by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to provide pro bono services to the parliamentary Select Committee, where the opposition holds a majority, to ensure that any amendments submitted met the rigid international requirements of the
international FATF. I’m sure that offer is still on the table and if accepted, the combined opposition can move to the floor of the National Assembly (where again they hold a majority) a fully compliant bill for guaranteed passage. Some commentators have, as of late, been saying that the APNU has nothing much to show for two and half years in parliament. Passing this bill presents a good opportunity for that alliance to accomplish something substantive and that is pro Guyana in nature. The opposition wants you to believe that the passage of this bill will somehow represent a victory of sorts for the government. Well, the reality is that the citizens of Guyana will be the real (Continued on page 6)
Sunday August 03, 2014
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
PNC should hold another election Fazeel Feroze is not giving “franchise” to its members post-racial in the least
DEAR EDITOR, Will the PNC’s alleged rigging of its own internal elections hurt it at the next general election? That is a key question that analysts will examine before the nation goes to the polls (due in two years); early elections are not expected this year as the PNC does not want an election and neither does the AFC (in spite of its huffing and puffing of a no confidence vote). None of the three parties wants an election because all three are unsure of the outcome. One outcome is sure – the PNC is certain to retain its base as that has been the pattern of voting of its traditional supporters since 1957 and may even improve on it; they have not gravitated from that position, except briefly in 2006, when some abandoned the PNC and voted for the AFC. They returned to the base in 2011. In spite of all the rigging between 1964 and 1992, the PNC kept its base and the PNC leadership always unites regardless of rigging. So the alleged rigging last week will not affect the outcome of the support of the PNC. If anything, it may lead to increased support for the PNC. The anti-PNC support is divided. Early elections could hurt the AFC and quite possibly the PPP also b e c a u s e t h e l a t t e r ’s supporters continue to complain that they are being neglected in favor PNC supporters. Many PPP
supporters plan to boycott the polls as they did in 2011 in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6. When I was in Essequibo (Regions 2 and 3) to conduct a NACTA survey last month, right after the rice farmers’ protest, I chatted with several people about the protest and of complaints of the rice farmers (unfair pricing of dhan/rice and late delivery of their money from the sale of dhan/chaaor). To say the farmers were/are angry with the PPP is an understatement. They blame the PPP for their lack of payment or the low price for their products – whether the PPP is responsible for the money issue is an altogether different matter. The farmers believe the PPP is responsible for their ills. Thus, the trip by Ministers and the President to calm the farmers and light a fire on the behind of the rice millers to effect fair pricing and payment to the farmers. The farmers plan to teach a lesson to the PPP by withholding their votes or cast ballot for another party as sugar workers did in 2011 when the PPP neglected its supporters in favor of PPNC supporters (as claimed by PPP supporters). When I asked traditional PPP supporters if they would boycott the polls, many answered in the affirmative with some saying they would vote AFC. When I asked if they would vote PNC, they answered in the negative; they do not view that party as
an option although some said the PPP would be surprised to find out how many have left it in favor of the PNC or AFC. The AFC has been courting disenchanted PPP supporters with AFC leaders telling them that the PPP has been neglecting them in favor of PNC supporters as AFC leaders did in the 2011 elections. They point to how Linden is getting free or subsidized electricity while they (others) have to pay the full price for electricity energy. The AFC has succeeded in its propaganda because former PPP supporters now say the PPP leadership should go to Linden and Buxton and other P N C s u p p o r t e d communities to get votes since they get the bulk of the resources and the PPP has traditionally neglected its base – (the PPP’s supporters view). Asked if they were concerned, should PNC return tom power, that the PNC would return to its old ways of rigging elections and restoring dictatorial rule, national service, banning of essential foods, etc., as happened between 1965 and 1992, PPP supporters say the world has changed and that the PNC will not return to abusing human rights as it did for 28 years. But will the PNC’s alleged rigging of its own elections last week change peoples’ views of what has been an increasingly positive view of (Continued on page 6)
Sir Shridath’s Global Life will be launched in November DEAR EDITOR, ‘The world will soon get a glimpse of the life of Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, the former Guyana’s Attorney General and Foreign Minister who served as Commonwealth Secretary General for 15 years when his book “Glimpse of a Global Life “ goes on sale as of 6th November. Sir Shridath, the most decorated human being on the planet with 30 awards from most Commonwealth countries was praised by several world leaders for his outstanding work included the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada,, Malcolm Fraser, former Prime Minister of Australia, Lord David Steel of Aikwood, former leader of the Liberal Party, P.J. Patterson former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Ian Mc Donald, Guyanese, author and poet and others Ramphal is the only person who served on all the independent international Commissions that grappled with the world’s
major issues. His Book involved a cast of the world’s leading characters and the central role he played alongside them in issues such as ending apartheid in South Africa, laying the foundations for global concerns about the environment, the reform of global governance and the resolution of conflicts. The core of the book is concerned with the fifteen years he served as Commonwealth Secretary General, for eleven of which Margaret Thatcher was Britain’s Prime Minister. Sonny Ramphal tells the story of the Commonwealth’s role in ending the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of South Rhodesia by a minority white regime and bringing Zimbabwe to independence. The Book will be officially launched on November 6 at Marlborough House in London. There will also be a launching in Toronto,Canada at Massey College on 19th November. Other book signings are planned throughout the Caribbean. Oscar Ramjeet
DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Abu Bakr (“Guyana should be a collection of groups defining themselves in ways which include but are not limited to race,” SN, August 1, 2014) in which he made the following opinion, “Fazeel Feroze, the CIOG leader, may be like many Muslims cited as a case of leader of a post racial group …Muslim groups in this country have done as much as Christians to reach out to members of the other race.” I had cause in a previous letter to point out to Abu that his distance from Guyana limits his knowledge of who is who and what takes place in Guyana. I think he should not only be careful but wise enough to reflect on some statements he makes on what takes place in this country. I offer to two examples of assertions made by Abu which indicate that he is not as familiar with the day to day events, some of which you must know in order to be analytically relevant Abu referred to Vishnu Bisram as a respected pollster. Surely, Abu should know that such misinformation can hurt Abu’s own credibility. No one in Guyana from one end of this country to the other holds the view that Mr. Bisram is a credible pollster, much less a respected one. My own writings in the two independent dailies over a ten year period have exposed Mr. Bisram as a very questionable operator. As a matter of policy, the two independent dailies do not carry the findings of his socalled surveys as news but allow him to publish same in the letter pages Secondly, Abu wrote recently that he is not aware of the existence of the Cuffy 250 Committee. This is a committed African rights organization quite active in Guyana the past three years and holds a bi-weekly education forums and community meetings. I have been an invited speaker at many of these symposia as recent as last week. These are innocent mistakes by Abu, but if they
go on I honestly think it will curtail his influence among readers. I come now to the third lapse and I must confess I find this one egregious. I live in Guyana where I keep a meticulous eye on what goes on and I have to confess I don’t know about Fazeel Feroze being a post-racial person. In my perspective, Mr. Feroze heads a religious denomination, the CIOG that is a racially prone organization with preference for East Indians. Mr. Feroze was a close confidante of then serving President Jagdeo and still is. Here are some facts about the CIOG that Abu needs to know. The CIOG was a strategic partner with the Guyana Government in hosting a Day of Appreciation for President Jagdeo. The CIOG speakers also graced the podium. Mr. Feroze has traveled with Mr. Jagdeo on official overseas visits. The CIOG is one of the founding members of the Indian Arrival Committee which in the opinion of this writer is a racially suspect. For more on the politics of the CIOG see my KN column, “The politics of Guyanese Muslims,” Jan 14, 2014. Now here are some curious data on the CIOG. What I am about to write does not identify a particular leader of the CIOG but is applicable to the CIOG. The youth arm of the CIOG, MYO, late last year suggested that crimes against Indians have an ethnic motivation. The MYO even suggested opposition input.
For more, see my KN c o l u m n , “ Wi l l r a c i a l tribalism forever dominate Guyana?” September 22, 2013. In that column I called upon the MYO to apologize. It never did One of Guyana’s most respected senior (very senior) police officers told some of us in the media that when a teacher of Islamic studies was at the police station being questioned on pedophilia, a call came from a very senior CIOG official asking for his release. A police officer told me he was under severe pressure not to appear as a witness in the court case involving the son of rich Muslim who opened fire on a police party trying to stop a wild party at 3.30 a.m. in Vreed-en-Hoop. In a bizarre turn of events, the police got charged for assaulting the gun man. So much for self-defence. The CIOG is also not without influence in the Judiciary. In all these situations cited above, I cannot be more specific for legal reasons. Finally, two quick points. The number of Black Guyanese Muslim in the CIOG is less than one percent. African Guyanese see the CIOG as a political organization linked to the PPP. Christian churches (I am not a Christian nor Hindu or anything else) are more multi-racial. The CIOG is not. I close with an assertion that Feroze nor the CIOG are post-racial. Maybe postracial when they are the post office. Frederick Kissoon
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur M@ilbox
The Chronicle used my work We risk being doomed to without acknowledging its source the same endless conflict DEAR EDITOR, Someone drew my attention to a feature on Buxton which appeared in the July 26 edition of the Guyana Chronicle. (Buxton: Holding fast to its roots and boasting striking historical features). Over the years I have been subjected to the worst kind of political abuse in that newspaper while my frequent letters to the press have long been ignored to the point where I have ceased submitting them. So I was stunned when I read my words in the section of the
feature that highlighted Mr. Eusi Kwayana. In fact the entire section was taken from a biographical sketch of Mr. Kwayana that I wrote a few years ago titled “EusiKwayana: A Biographical Sketch.” The article is on my website guyanacaribbeanpolitics.co m and is reproduced and quoted widely online and offline. The problem with the Chronicle’s feature is that my words were not quoted and credited to me; they appeared as the reporter’s
words. I hesitate to charge the reporter with plagiarism for it may not be fair to him or her. Perhaps he or she assumes it is okay not to credit sources; I notice another author’s words were used or misused in similar manner in the said feature. I sent this letter to the Editor of Chronicle on Thursday July 8 but to date I have not received any private acknowledgement from him nor has the letter and an apology been published in the Chronicle. David Hinds
The Opposition has failed... From page 4 victors if the bill is passed and the biggest losers if it isn’t. If we fail to pass the bill and international counter measures are applied, a whole host of damaging effects will occur which will hurt the small man more that the government or the upper echelon of the private sector. Just to identify two concomitant consequences of the counter measures: 1.) Increased transaction times and costs at banks, insurance companies and money transfer agencies and 2.) The devaluing of the Guyana dollar as a result of foreign exchange pressures, thus driving up the prices for all imported goods, including fuel and food items. Moreover, private sector entities will adapt to those realities and will respond by
restructuring their operations (which could mean laying off employees) and or passing on the resulting increased costs to the consuming public. This could occur at money transfer agencies and at public entities like Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which would either have to receive increased government subsidies or pass on increased charges for electricity onto consumers. Similarly, gas stations would have to charge more for fuel for motor vehicles thus sending up the cost for “bus fare” and commuters driving to work daily. All these consequences will place an undue burden on citizens and are totally preventable, it just requires a caring and rational opposition to pass the bill! Clinton Urling, Blue CAPS
DEAR EDITOR, The world is now more and more being engulfed in violence at all levels, and we can envisage no end to this in the foreseeable future. On the international scene, we are now witnessing the most inhumane acts between people of opposing countries, mostly with the excuse of defending their territorial dignity or the safety of their citizens. There are also those who are standing on the sidelines and imposing sanctions and other measures with the excuse of trying to maintain justice, when we all know that they are really working for the narrow interests of their own people. The fact is that violence, injustice, hunger and suffering will always prevail on this earth as long as we human beings continue to act from the position of prejudice of the various kinds – gender, race, religion, lineage and community. Add to this the more easily acceptable one of nationality.
The nature of human beings is that we have been created to search and find ways in which we can break down all the barriers that separate us at these various levels, and truly love and seek to help one another. That is maybe the very reason we have been cast together on this planet, as this is the way to our own salvation, now and in the hereafter. Just as in our personal lives we find that we have to forget our differences and truly think of the good of our spouses, relatives, community members and compatriots, we are faced with the challenge of doing the same for all other human beings, in whatever region or country, or we are doomed to the same seemingly endless conflict and suffering. It is time we Guyanese realise this in our own sphere, and do our part by forgetting our own selfish interests and working within the situations in which we operate towards real peace and love among our citizens. Roy Paul
PNC should hold another election... From page 5 that party by some PPP supporters since Granger became leader three years ago? That is the key question. Recently, the PNC has stated that it plans to restore national service and it also stated that Guyanese can return to consumption of local products. The PNC would have boosted its image and won over PPP supporters by
allowing delegates to be freely selected by party members and by holding a free and fair election at its convention instead of allegedly stacking the delegates for an expected outcome. Granger would have won hands down in a fair vote because his opponents were not attractive to the PNC members. Now that the sordid discredited affair is
over, the PNC should immediately consider reholding another election in which all its members would be given the right to vote to choose the leader and other executives. This would show the party is not afraid of democracy setting an unprecedented situation that would shame the other two parties that have also been criticized for not holding free internal elections. Note that the other two parties have not criticized the PNC for reportedly rigging its internal election. Granger would most certainly win a fair internal election and even win over many disenchanted PPP supporters (by such an action) that could take him to the Presidency at the next general election. But will the PNC take the risk of a free and fair vote, something it has never done in its history? People have pointed out that all the P N C defenders - Tarron Khemraj, Asquith Rose, Haresh Singh, Mahadeo Persaud, Malcolm Harripaul, Freddie Kissoon, etc. have been quiet on the PNC elections. Will they call on the PNC to hold a democratic election? Vishnu Bisram
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
Israel says Hamas will pay heavy price for more attacks (Reuters) - Israel will go on fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip even after the army completes its core mission of destroying the cross-border tunnels used by Palestinian militants to attack its territory, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday. As Israeli television showed live footage of some tanks withdrawing from Gaza in an apparent winding down of the 25-day campaign, Netanyahu said Hamas would pay an “intolerable price” if it continued to attack Israel. Israel began its air and naval offensive against Gaza on July 8 following a surge of cross-border rocket salvoes by Hamas and other guerrillas, later escalating into ground incursions. Shelling exchanges continued earlier yesterday, pushing the Gaza death toll given by Palestinian officials up to 1,675, most of them civilians. Israel has confirmed that 63 soldiers have died in combat, while Palestinian shelling has also killed three civilians in Israel. Netanyahu’s comments came as Israel signalled it was taking action to withdraw on its own terms, saying it would not attend talks in Cairo this weekend aimed at achieving a new truce. In some areas of Gaza, witnesses saw Israeli tanks pulling back towards the border, while the Israeli military gave Palestinians who had fled one town the allclear to return. Israel’s main goal in its incursion into Gaza last month was to destroy Hamas’s network of tunnels, and the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) said they were close to achieving that. More than 30 tunnels and dozens of access shafts have been unearthed and were being blown up, the military said. “Our understanding is that our objectives, most importantly the destruction of the tunnels, are close to completion,” a military spokesman, LieutenantColonel Peter Lerner, said. Netanyahu said in a televised speech that military action would continue even after that goal is achieved. “After completing the anti-tunnel operation, the IDF will act and continue to act, in accordance with our security needs and only according to our defence needs, until we achieve our objective of restoring security to you, Israel’s citizens,” he said. Hamas said it was absurd for Israel to claim to have
destroyed all the tunnels. “Netanyahu will pay for every minute he spends carrying out more aggression against our people,” a spokesman said. Several ceasefires between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that dominates the Gaza Strip, have failed to take hold or quickly collapsed, most recently on Friday after two Israeli soldiers were killed and a third went missing in an ambush. Israel accused Hamas of seizing Second-Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, and the United States blamed the group for a “barbaric” breach of the truce. The United Nations was more guarded in its censure of Hamas but demanded Goldin’s release. Israeli forces have been searching for Goldin in southern Gaza, but his family expressed alarm at reports of an Israeli pull-out. “I demand that the State of Israel not leave Gaza until it brings my son home,” Goldin’s mother, Hedva, told reporters. Hamas said it believed its gunmen had struck before Friday’s ceasefire began and that if they captured Goldin, he probably died with his captors in heavy Israeli barrages that followed. In Cairo, a Palestinian delegation arrived for new truce talks, which would include Hamas’s demand Egypt ease movement across its border with blockaded Gaza. Turning its back on those negotiations, Israel said it would not send envoys as scheduled. “They (Hamas) cannot be trusted to keep their word. They cannot stop (firing) because, for them, a ceasefire at this stage, whether by arrangement or not by
arrangement, would mean acknowledging the worst possible defeat,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tzachi Hanegbi told Israel’s Channel Two TV. Hamas, its guerrillas massively outgunned by a Jewish state it considers an eternal enemy, said it would prevail. Any unilateral pullout by Israel would mean “it has failed to achieve any of its goals and would be a clear defeat for the occupation army and for its leaders,” Hamas’s bloc in the Palestinian parliament said in a statement. “Gaza resisted, endured and will achieve victory.” Israel said Palestinians yesterday launched 74 rockets across the border, most of which fell harmlessly wide while seven were shot down by its Iron Dome interceptor, including over Tel Aviv. Crowded Gazan towns close to the Israeli border have seen devastating clashes and the flight of tens of thousands of Palestinians as tanks and troops swept in to confront dug-in guerrillas. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said 520,000 people had been displaced by the fighting - more than a quarter of Gaza’s population. Israel said yesterday evacuees from Beit Lahiya, a northern town of 70,000 residents, could return. But fear still gripped the townspeople. Quoting a senior military officer, Israel Radio said the condition of the missing soldier was not known. It said Goldin was last seen next to the two troops killed by a Hamas suicide bomber suggesting he may not have survived and his captors had a corpse.
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Sunday August 03, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago PM sacks another Minister Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s full statement on the resignation of Sports Minister Anil Roberts The PM took no questions from the media at the post Cabinet press conference at which she read the statement. “I continue to be disillusioned, disappointed and distressed by the level of deception and dishonesty associated with the well intentioned Life Sport programme. The background is well known. At the hint of corrupt practices, I immediately ordered that the initiative be
switched to the Ministry of National Security and instructed an independent audit be conducted. After the findings of this audit were made available, I instructed that the report be sent to the Acting of Commissioner of Police, the Integrity Commission, the Head of the Public of the Service and the DPP for consideration. But even as we await the finding of these independent institutions on the matter, the
usual duties of the Minister of Sport are being burdened with the mounting controversy and questions surrounding the Life Sport programme. I have allowed due process to occur; I have demonstrated patient allowance for all sides of the story to be heard through an independent audit. I have given careful consideration to the rapidly emerging issues and have resisted quick judgment and
rash decision. The election of this government has changed the political landscape. The expectation of the public that something will be done when wrongs are committed in public office is (sic) now the hallmarks of good governance. Consequently, I have decided to accept the offer of resignation as Minister of Sport from Mr. Anil Roberts. Further, I have advised His Excellency, the Acting President of Trinidad and Tobago, Timothy HamelSmith that with effect from today Thursday July 31st 2014 in accordance with the provisions of section 3 (9) and 79 (1) of the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago that the appointment of Anil Roberts as Minister of Sport be revoked and that Dr Rupert Griffith be assigned the responsibility for Ministry of Sport in addition to his present duties as the Minister of Science and Technology.” The no nonsense Prime Minister has been cleaning out her Cabinet of officials deemed unfit by her. The majority of cases dealt with corruption. An unprecedented 11 ministers have been fired since Persad –Bissessar took office. In March the Prime Minister orchestrated the revocation of the ministerial appointment of Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh. He was the Minister of the People and Social Development. Ramadharsingh became the subject of negative attention following allegations of disorderly behaviour on board a Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight from Tobago. A 12th minister, Jack Warner, left of his own volition amidst allegations of financial impropriety, following the Concacaf Ethics Committee report. The People’s Partnership Government has not yet
Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Anil Roberts, Former Sports Minister
completed four years in office. Out of the 11 people fired, four were axed in response to specific allegations. All of the Ministers were fired for corrupt practices or inappropriate behaviour. In May 2011, Mary King became the first Minister to be dismissed following allegations of conflict of interest in the award of a contract. Next in line was Minister in the Ministry of National Security Collin Partap in August 2012, following allegations that he refused to take a breathalyser test after leaving a nightclub. One month later, then Justice Minister Herbert Volney was given the boot, for allegedly misleading the Cabinet over the Section 34 fiasco. Apart from having a specific infraction levelled at them, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has also fired ministers for apparent non-performance. In these instances she gave the vague reason of Cabinet reorganisation. In June 2011, Subhas Panday, Minister in the National Security Ministry, was relieved of his portfolio in the first Cabinet reshuffle, along with Therese BaptisteCornelis and Nan Ramgoolam. They were all senators and were replaced by Devant Maharaj, Verna St Rose-Greaves and Nicole Dyer Griffith (who was a parliamentary secretary). By the next reshuffle in June 2012, St Rose-Greaves was out, along with John Sandy and Dyer Griffith. In came Jamal Mohammed and Marlene Coudray. M o h a m m e d ’ s appointment was however short-lived. He was fired in September 2013 and replaced by Gerry Hadeed. In September 2012, when Volney was fired, Christlyn
Moore was appointed. Moore’s appointment was terminated in September 2013 when Gary Griffith was appointed National Security Minister. Griffith replaced Jack Warner who had resigned in April of that year and was temporarily replaced by Emmanuel George. In firing Ramadharsingh last March, the no nonsense Prime Minister had stated that “There must be no compromise on integrity, no allowance for arrogance, no room for violation of mutual respect; there will be no sacrifice of our values on the altar of political expediency.” “Regardless of whether the decisions I take hurt me politically or not, I have the strength and courage and independence of mind to measure every tough decision on the basis of what is right and just…No one is exempt from the measure of value based leadership.” “I hold no brief for any man or woman save the greater public interest. I am always aware of the higher expectation upon which this Government was elected and the immense responsibility each of us has to uphold public trust in all we do every single day of our lives. It is not a responsibility we can choose to have one day and lose the next,” she stated.” “I am reminded of Gandhi’s identification of one of seven social sins as being “politics without principle” I have insisted from the moment we took office that everyone of us must display a sound character of public integrity, fairness, humility, compassion and human dignity,” stated PersadBissessar. She stated further that no man, nor woman, has been allowed and will not be permitted to deviate from the very principles upon which her Government was elected by the people into office.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
Sunday August 03, 2014
Dem boys seh...
BRING KAMLA TO GUYANA
Some people does only talk bout law and order while some people does live by law and order. Guyana is one of dem countries wheh people does only talk. Fuh years, every day people talking bout corruption. Some of dem even provide de evidence when Jagdeo tell dem fuh bring it. Nutten ain’t happen because Jagdeo tell dem that dem bring heavy dence, not evidence. Fuh 13 years Jagdeo rule this country and he never lock up a crappo, a cat or a dog fuh corruption. He only pick pun Benschop and lock up de poor Mo Fo fuh five years. Donald come in and he talk how he gun put a brake pun corruption because it get out of hand. Then he change he tune to seh how there is only a perception of corruption. Well people deh hustling all round he ears and he still ain’t doing nutten. Bobby is a man who milking de government wid dem drug contracts. Donald hear that de man overpricing and he admit that he getting kok, but he still give de man de contract. He encouraging corruption. He should tek a sentence from Kamla, not a page. Kamla ain’t deh suh. She just fire another Minister. Dem boys seh that since she tek office is 21 of dem she done knock off. De other day she knock off de Sports Minister. When she done, she seh that at the hint of corrupt practices, she order an independent audit. And she call in de police same time. Is not only de firing that mek dem boys love this woman. Is wha she seh when she fire dem. In Guyana, de man who report corruption, and de man who do de audit does get lock up. Donald know and still don’t do nutten. Lie Nel is a good example. Jagdeo meet Kamla when he was president. Dem boys hear that she ask he about de corruption in Guyana. He whisper in she ears that he can’t tek action gainst heself, he friends and he family. Kamla ask he what about Bobby and Brazzy. He seh that dem helping he. While dem was helping Jagdeo, Donald cry out and seh that he want help too. Dem boys come up wid de idea that if he really want help bring Kamla to Guyana and send Donald to Trinidad. Talk half and wait till Kamla come.
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Dr. Jagan’s warning against Parliament becoming a ‘rubber stamp’ now a reality - Ramjattan By Kiana Wilburg It was the dream of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan for the Parliament to not be seen as a rubber stamp. He envisioned restoring the supremacy of the Parliament by having its sovereignty expanded. He did this by introducing Standing Committees. There, issues can be debated and discussed long before they go to Cabinet or the National Assembly. The late former President made this point clear in an interview just after he assumed office in 1992. Dr. Jagan had noted that Parliament is very important …otherwise “you can easily have what one professor from the University of the West Indies called ‘the Westminster Majoritarian dictatorship.” Today, many politicians and activists believe that this vision seems to be fading due to government’s “blatant disregard for the role of the Parliament and its committees at that.” The Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman in a previous interview with this publication had expressed that over the years, he has noticed the erosion of respect for the word of the National Assembly.
Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance
Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the AFC
Carl Greenidge, APNU’s Shadow Minister of Finance
The House Speaker had said that “Government ignores what it wants and obeys what it wants. Both Government and the Opposition have a responsibility to respect the Parliament. If not, then the House will be seen as a rubber stamp and its laws not treated with respect.” Just recently, Trotman referred the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh to the Privileges Committee over a motion moved by Carl Greenidge that the Minister had spent over $4B from the Consolidated Funds without the approval of the National Assembly. The Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall had responded to this action, stating that it is for the Courts to decide on constitutional
matters and not a Committee of Parliament. With this in mind, it has been opined that this is not the first time government has “run to the courts” when it is
“not pleased” with a ruling of the Assembly. With this being a “developing pattern,” questions have arisen as to Continued on page 65
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Kaieteur News
Former Presidents’ Benefits Amendments Bill…
President Ramotar misled the nation - Greenidge It is just over a week since President Donald Ramotar told media operatives that he had not seen the former Presidents’ Benefits and other Facilities (Amendments) Bill which was passed in the National Assembly two years ago. The former Presidents’ Benefits (and other facilities) Act 2009 allows for several “unlimited benefits” which has been deemed by the political opposition to be “unconstitutional and abusive.” The President’s admission of not seeing the Bill has attracted harsh criticisms, particularly from the financial spokesman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Carl Greenidge. Greenidge had brought to the National Assembly, a Bill to cap the “unconstitutional” benefits of the controversial Act in 2012. The President had not given his assent to this Bill and when asked for reasons for his actions, he simply told members of the media fraternity that he had not even seen it. But his recent statements in this regard contradict Greenidge’s findings. The politician opined that the President was most certainly aware of the Bill and in fact, wrote a letter to the
Clerk of the Assembly, stating his reasons for his nonassent, one being that it was found to be “unconstitutional.” Greenidge said, “It is shameful for a President and his officials to seek to deliberately mislead or lie to the public and it should attract the strongest opprobrium.” While the President stated that he had not seen the Bill, he expressed that it could be legally challenged. But Greenidge firmly believes that the courts cannot set or determine the benefits of a President. Therefore, “Why would we carry it to the courts?” The Parliamentarian said that the 2009 Act is poorly drafted, in that it has no limits on the individual benefits to which the former President has been given access. “The Court cannot be asked to cap the benefits…By asking for such action, Ramotar and his Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall is trying to confuse the public,” the politician asserted. He said that the courts are in fact charged with determining the constitutionality or otherwise of legislation. He noted too that it is the President who should seek the views of the
Carl Greenidge, APNU’s Shadow Minister of Finance
President Donald Ramotar courts considering that in a letter to the Speaker of the House dated May 7, 2012, he said that the APNU Bill is “unconstitutional.” He opined as well that the AG is not the authority on what is constitutional and what is not. Additionally, “He (the AG) cannot be relied on to give advice on such a matter as it would constitute a conflict of interest.” As it relates specifically to Ramotar’s assertion that he never saw the Bill, Greenidge insisted that the President is clearly aware of the Bill. In again referring again to the President’s May 2012 letter Greenidge noted that Ramotar claimed that the Bill from the Assembly had been ‘presented to him’ on May 3rd. The politician said, “Ramotar receives mail and then decides to tell the public that he has not seen it…Most people would regard this as a very dishonest act.” He said that if mail is delivered to the President’s office and he decides to have it destroyed or sent elsewhere, he should be brave enough to
say so. “Hiding behind the niceties of language is a new departure even for this Presidency.” He said that as far as he is aware, mail is not normally delivered directly to a Head of State anywhere in the world.” If the President wishes to get advice on mail, Greenidge said that Ramotar should be aware that the Constitution does not make provision for that process. He said that the lack of an efficient process in this regard is not an acceptable justification for being “mendacious or breaking the law.” The APNU Member reminded that the Clerk of the National Assembly had informed him that the President’s Office received the Bill but is still claiming long afterwards that he had not seen it. “He appears to be still saying so even after writing to the Assembly to the contrary in 2012…This is not clever law and advice and it was apparently undertaken on the advice of the AG.” He reiterated, “Again I say, it is shameful for a President and his officials to seek to deliberately mislead or lie to the public and it should attract harsh criticism or censure.”
Sunday August 03, 2014
Policeman among two killed in Diamond head-on collision A 21-year-old policeman was among two persons killed on Emancipation night when the motorcycle he was riding collided with another on the Diamond, East Bank Demerara Access Road. Constable Andrew Forde, of Lot 194 Section C, Block Y, Diamond, died on the spot while the other motorcyclist, Stanley Adams, succumbed while receiving treatment at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Adams, a Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) security guard of Lot 480 Golden Grove, EBD was heading to work when the accident occurred. According to information received, Forde who was heading east along the Access Road, collided with Adams after he tried to overtake a vehicle and ended up in the same lane with the security guard who was heading in the opposite direction. Both men were rushed to the Diamond hospital but the policeman was pronounced dead on arrival. The 48-yearold security died while preparations were being made to transfer him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Yesterday, at the policeman’s home, his mother, Denise Bristol, a teacher at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School was devastated. She said that it is difficult for her to cope with the death of her only child. “I don’t know what to say. I was at home when a police knocked on my door and informed me that my son died in an accident. What they say happened, I cannot remember,” the mother said. Fighting to hold back tears, she said that her son, who was attached to the Brickdam Police Station, came home from work a little after 20:00 hrs on Friday and they had talked for a while. “He was telling me that he shot a thief yesterday (Friday)…He said that the man was going to run away and he shoot him. So I asked if they would charge him because he discharged a round, and he said that he doesn’t know and that when he go to work tomorrow (yesterday) then he will know what action will be taken,” a devastated Bristol recalled. She added that following the conversation her son left to purchase something to eat. In despair, she related that she had waited up for her son and had anticipated greeting him on his return. Instead a policeman visited the home, bringing news of her son’s death. “He does normally go out
Dead: Constable Andrew Forde
Dead: Stanley Adams to get things to eat in the nights and I does normally stay up and wait for him but I was tired and I took a nap and then I heard someone knocking on my door and I thought it was him,” the mother said. “I never expected he would die like this…but I was expecting the unexpected in his line of duty,” the mother said in tears. Meanwhile, Adams’ wife, Pamela said that it was someone from her husband’s workplace who informed her about the accident. “He left home around five past nine (21:05 hrs) and a couple minutes after someone called me from his workplace and asked me if he wasn’t going to work and I told the person that he had already left,” Mrs. Adams related. She said sometime after, the same person called her again and informed her that her husband had been involved in an accident and he was taken to the hospital. “When I heard about the accident, I thought it was a minor something. I actually thought he fell off his bike and got bruised up but it was when I reach there then I see him dead,” the mother of Stanley Adams’ two children said. The two damaged motorcycles are at the Diamond Police Station.
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Sunday August 03, 2014
Church View Int’l Hotel celebrates 40 years The Bhookmohan family - owners of the 40-year-old business today.
What Church View was like when it was purchased.
Present day Church View Int’l Hotel, Bar, Restaurant and Conference Hall.
By Leon Suseran One of Berbice and Guyana’s oldest and more prominent hotels, the Church View International Hotel and Bar is currently celebrating 40 years of existence. The family business, pioneered by the Bhookmohans of New Amsterdam, was officially opened on August 1, 1974. Proprietrix Ms. Jenny Bhookmohan, wife of the late proprietor, stated that her husband, Ram, who was employed with Bata Shoe Store back then at Rose Hall Town, rented the building from the Baburams. He subsequently bought it. Ms. Bhookmohan said that the business that they
acquired, which was already named Church View (then a Guest House) and located at Church Street in the town, “was in a run down state.” Lots of renovations had to be done as well as sprucing up of the building. She added that the family was quite excited to start the operations of the facility, especially herself, “since it gave me the opportunity to learn managing, accounting, decorating, everything.” There were only nine rooms back then compared to 20 today. The building, over the years, has undergone immense renovations and extensions so as to better serve the clientele. New Amsterdamers
would remember the popular Church View Disco, at a time when disco was the going thing in Guyana. The disco, however, stopped functioning in the 80’s. Ms. Bhookmohan’s daughter, Prenita, said that the restaurant used to do pretty well. “Every day people would come and have lunch— three- course meals.” She added that a gym and conference hall were added to the facility offerings over the years. The hall, she stated, accommodates over 100 persons, for weddings, birthdays and meetings. The bar is open 24 hours a day. A gift shop was added over the years. That gift shop is extra to the popular Church
View Gift Shop located at Lot 1 Main Street, New Amsterdam. Prenita related that currently they have a 15member hotel staff. After Mr. Bhookmohan passed away a few years ago, his wife, daughter and son took up the management of the day-to-day affairs of the hotel. Several more hotels have sprung up in New Amsterdam and in Berbice over the past decade. Prenita said that things are a bit slow and credited the Berbice River Bridge for some of that. “The restaurant is slow and
the bar is slow. We used to get companies staying for long periods of time, but since they have the bridge, they go back to Georgetown— they don’t stay. But we still have the regulars— there are some people, when they come, they just want to stay at Church View.” “You cannot complain that you are not making business, but it has its time and season...like during the Berbice Expo, we are booked for that,” Prenita added. The young Bhookmohan is working assiduously to bring back the disco. “We have work going on all the
time— plus we want to do a car park too.” She personally trains the staff, she added. “And when you get them and train them and make them sign a contract,” they would stay only for a short time. Prenita trains persons for the job as front desk attendants, “and they take the training and they would go somewhere else. When all is said and done, when one mentions the name of the town of New Amsterdam, it is synonymous with the name ‘Church View Hotel.’
Jagdeo creates more expense
Sandpit operator charged for stealing from ex-lover A sand-pit operator accused of stealing almost $500,000 in items from his former lover appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face a simple larceny charge, on Friday. Paul Gittens was accused of stealing several household articles belonging to Barbara Ganesh from the house he shared with her at Moblissa, Soesdkye/ Linden Highway on June 13, last. Gittens denied the allegations and told Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry that it was not an act of theft. He insisted that the larceny charge resulted from the “wrath of a spurned woman.” He explained “Your worship, I ain’t ever been in trouble before. This is a woman I used
to be with and she tell me she will ensure I get lock up because I had an affair and now I living with another woman.” “When the police come, I actually give them all the things. It’s things we did buy together and had in the house. She gave me. I ain’t thief nothing. It’s a triangular lover affair problem; everybody know ma’am,” Gittens explained. The case was prosecuted by Inspector Michael Grant who told the court that the articles had indeed been recovered. The Prosecution offered no objections thus Gittens was granted bail in the sum of $100,000. The case is set to be called again at the Linden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
In addition to costing the taxpayers millions of dollars each month for Presidential support, former President Bharrat Jagdeo is adding more expense to the national coffers. Yesterday, one of his drivers on an unexplained mission, drove one of the
cars that the State has provided for the former President’s security detail, into a canal at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara. The vehicle then slammed into a concrete fence that borders the Plaisance playground.
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
The first big quarrel my wife and I had My wife is the opposite of me (they say opposites attract). I am crazy. She is perfectly sane. I am boisterous. She is too quiet; you can hardly hear her when she speaks. I am eager to argue. She doesn’t like to argue at all. I will not let you put your viewpoint to me without me tabling my opinion too. She would just let it slide and she would say it was to let the atmosphere stay calm. I would demand to be heard even if it means war will break out. She just won’t bother with such a situation and would say that she wants peace to reign. She has large touches of introversion. I am a total extrovert. I would refuse to shake the hand of an enemy I consider a violator of freedom. She would do so because she thinks it is basic courtesy (I refused to shake the hand of Donald Ramotar and David Dabydeen). She does not involve herself in political issues and political situations at all. I get angry countless times. She doesn’t show anger. However, there was an occasion where she became unlike herself. I saw her angry
and I couldn’t believe it. The place was a restaurant in downtown Toronto in 1980. We were entertaining some friends and the waiter brought Coke. I objected strongly and asked him to take it back. The union at the Coke plant in Guatemala had asked the peoples of the world to boycott Coke because the company was employing underage kids to save on labour cost. Everyone around the table thought that I should let it slide and let’s drink the Coke. But I continued with my objection and ruined the evening. My wife was livid. Her position was just for one night I should have forgotten my politics. I didn’t agree. It was not only the children of Guatemala to which I had an obligation, but to me too. This was my philosophical belief to which I must be true. One must be faithful to the values one embraces. So last Wednesday, I received a call from the host of a radio talk show named Hard Talk. I was driving, so he had to call back. He called again and again. I was driving. This time I pulled over on the parapet
outside of the Government Technical Institute. The host of Hard Talk and I had an intriguing conversation. I informed him that I would publish the content, to which he had no objection. He wanted me to be the guest on Hard Talk. My first reaction was to ask him if he knew who the owner of the radio station was. He said no. And I was shocked. I told him I would publish his answer, because it was untenable. He said all he knows was that a lady named Radha Motilall suggested that he host the show. I intoned that it was astounding that he could be associated with a radio station and not know the name of the owner. I identified for him the owner, Minister Robert Persaud. I declined his offer and submitted my reason. I simply outlined a situation where I cannot morally be associated with such a radio station. First, it came into being as an act of dictatorship by Bharrat Jagdeo. Secondly, I have a moral objection to being on Robert Persaud’s station given the politics of destruction in this country. He fought back. He
opined that the radio station ownership is not relevant; it is the content of Hard Talk. He said all over Guyana people hear the different views on Hard Talk, and that is what matters. I struck back offering two arguments. I questioned whether he expects a Black South African to go on a radio station owned a pro-apartheid group to explain why apartheid was evil. Why use that station to get your views across? I asked him if he expects a Black American to go on a radio station owned by the
Ku Klux Klan to denounce white racism in the South of the USA. Why that radio station? I went further to explain that he cannot confuse a listener with a participant on the radio station. Finally, I told him I have no objection to those who want their views published and would accept an invitation from Hard Talk. I didn’t need Hard Talk for the transmission of my views. With that our telephonic chat came to an end with a promise by me to be his guest on a more acceptable forum.
Frederick Kissoon P.S. My daughter asked me if I was going to join the March for Gaza last Thursday. I said no, because I wouldn’t march with the sponsor, CIOG. It is called moral obligation to one’s self.
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Sunday August 03, 2014
Book Review…Fate and free will collide in Haitian drama BOOK: Akin To No One by Nicole Titus REVIEWER: Dr. Glenville Ashby ‘Akin To No One’ is an existential masterpiece. It is vintage story telling that moves, provokes, and instructs. Haitian playwright and author, Nicole Titus takes a page out of Victor Frankl’s playbook, exploring the depth of human potential amid adversity and circumstantial blight. “Akin” is more than a tale chronicling a girl’s doggedness to succeed. One is easily tempted to relate the experience of the protagonist Grace to today’s struggle for gender equality. But Titus is hardly a literalistic, and the esoteric subplot of her work is more stirring, transcending female empowerment. Grace and her family, like every poor Haitian, are absorbed by an apparent archetypal curse that smothers the individual will. In sociological, even theological terms, it is a generational nightmare, a kind of fatalism that infects
the poor, casting a blanket of oppression over the most able of individuals. Threatened with eviction, and seeing her vicarious efforts evaporating, Grace’s mother, Therese, laments to a benefactor: “Even this child, madame, who I was placing my hopes on, now that we’re moving to...to the...backwoods, she won’t be able to go to school anymore. She was my only hope, madame! It’s as if the devil reached his hand into my life like this, and ransacked everything, everything that I have...” It is this will to meaning, the will to realize one’s potential, despite a looming destiny of hardship that forms the thematic underbelly of Titus’ complex work. Titus’ characters are dignified, proud, but with different approaches to their lot in life. Therese’s determination to educate her daughter, borders on obsession laudable and equally disturbing. It is a consummate passion that can easily turn on its head. And it does. Therese becomes a mental tinderbox, eventually losing grip on reality. She is
consumed by dashed expectations. Juxtaposed to that grinding drive to succeed is Grace’s father, Mondestin, a sympathetic and likable figure who raises the most telling discourse of this work. Predestination and free will collide during his frequent exchanges with his wife. When Grace inquires about school and her willingness to enroll, her father balks, questioning the decision with clearly unpopular, but hardly dismissive opinions: “People don’t need to pass through school to live.....What this child learns right here no school can teach it to her...It’s all those people who’ve passed through school, all of them with knowledge, who’re destroying the country.” Of course, Mondestin loses the argument, won over by his tenacious wife and daughter. Yet, his simplicity cannot be slighted. As anachronistic as he appears, his words ring with validity. Mondestine surrenders to the will of God, to Fate. When eviction seems imminent, his wife bemoans: “When they
put us out, where are we going, eh?” Wherever God send us,” he retorts. Later, Grace recalls her father’s emotional litanies, thanking God “for everything, from the land, the children, good health, and the deep blue sea.” Grace is sensitive, quiet, reflective, and gifted attributes not shared by her older sister Julienne, who wilts to the culture of poverty What ignited Grace’s spark to learn, to achieve the highest award in academia? She is steeled by her mother’s gnawing demise and by adversity at school, rising above the taunts, the emotional bullying at the hands of well heeled, but socially bankrupt classmates. Grace and her sister Julienne are so markedly different. Here, the author invites an ontological enquiry. This is the philosophical depth of Titus’ undertaking. Yet, her work remains fluid, vivid. She creates a stage of contrasting and complimentary characters. A naturalist, her attention to artistic detail and characterization are stark. “Akin” underscores the travails, the challenges of life. From the ashes of hopelessness, Grace uses education to overcome social inequality and injustice. She
delivers an inexorable lesson in grit and personal transformation. It is a lesson worth telling and experiencing ‘Akin To No One’ lays bare the struggles that bedevil Haiti. While Grace was fortunate to have had a Madame Bonhomme to lend support, many Haitians become victims of the restavec tradition, seen by many as a form of child slavery. Clearly, class, race, and colour are entwined into Haiti’s socio-political matrix, a system disfigured by nepotism, corruption, and the
wiles of tin gods. They comprise Titus’ existential hell. Her characters must surmount these onerous challenges, or, have Fate thrust upon them. Email: glenvilleashby @gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @glenvilleashby Akin to No One by Nicole Titus Xlibris Corporation www.Xlibris.com Order@Xlibris.com ISBN: 1-4134-4908-5 Rating: Highly Recommended
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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MY COLUMN
These things provide a welcome distraction The things that make headlines are those things that are not your everyday cup of tea. That is what news is about. So it was that when a man killed two members of the gay community then killed himself, the eyes of the entire country were on the issue. The people in the news found the situation intriguing. They found the interviews by the so-called leaders of the gay community funny. I saw a recording by one named Otisha and I smiled when he said that every member who works outside St George’s Cathedral is armed to the teeth with choppers and knives. The icing was when he said that they are good when it comes being athletes. I had to laugh, because I can imagine these people having to run from just about everything ranging from over-amorous partners to the police to the people who would like to see the end of them. Guyana is a tolerant society. Someone once said to me that when the people who did were shipping slaves, they hastened to get rid of the troublesome ones, so the bad ones landed in Haiti and Jamaica. The more docile of the lot came to Barbados and Guyana. Their genes still prevail to this day. I remember when members of the gay community in Jamaica planned a march on Kingston. There were reports of people sharpening machetes and waiting for this parade. Good sense prevailed and the parade was called off. If that had been the case in Guyana the news would have spread and the whole
country would have come out to enjoy the spectacle. Many would have had a good laugh while cheering on the parade. And so it was when one of the gay people killed during that episode was buried. I remember hearing the news of the funeral circulating and I could imagine the spectacle. I have seen the photographs. There were no pastors or priests to perform the last rites, but there were many comments and embarrassment for one young man at least. He was accused of blighting the dead gay because he was the last person to share some favour. But joke aside, I am astonished at the way members of our gay community actually go out of their way to attract attention. They would do the most outlandish things in the true sense of performing for the audience. I remember the late Andre Sobryan so embarrassing a policeman that he, the policeman, decided that he was going to forego any charge he had planned. Andre was riding his motor scooter when he must have committed some traffic infraction. The policeman duly stopped him and took possession of his licence with the threat of a charge. He didn’t bargain for what he got. Andre put on one of those pum pum shorts and marched into the police
station. He then called for the policeman by name. When the policeman failed to come forward Andre, at the top of his voice proclaimed, “Tell he that Andre come to see he and he know why.” The suggestion was enough to send the Brickdam Police Station into an uproar. The embarrassed cop actually had to beg a colleague to carry Andre’s licence to him with the message that everything is alright. That might explain why the police did not try too hard to break up a protest the members of the gay community staged the other day. No one wanted to face any member of the gay community when embarrassment looms. I was a little boy when there was a gay wedding in Guyana. The group included Banga Mary, Ellis Pellew, Bundarie and some others who, had they been alive today, would have been close to 80. They rented a hall at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara for the reception, and actually lived there for a while. My mother nearly slapped me silly when I tried to peep at the proceedings.
I was a grown man when Bundarie died in a funeral procession for another notable character. He was drunk and wining-I see that they call it twerking these days-when he fell off a truck. I am not homophobic, so whatever the gays do is their business. What I cannot understand is the varied reaction to male gays and female gays. Of course, I have seen women who actually look like men going after young girls who seem to have no objection. In fact, at one time I could swear that many
of the young girls who haunt the night clubs were gay. They would openly do things to each other that would make ordinary people wonder at the relationship. And talking to quite a few I found that they actually liked girls. We don’t pay much attention to them because they do not exhibit themselves like their male counterparts; most are not openly aggressive, although not so long ago a young man threw a corrosive liquid on a pretty girl for making a move on his girl, or so he said.
Adam Harris These things provide a welcome distraction to the other things that make life in Guyana miserable at times.
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VIOLENCE AND THE STATE OF AFRICAN GUYANESE An address given by Nigel Hughes Every year on August first, millions across the world pause to reflect on the most horrific crime to have plagued humanity – that is slavery. Quite rightly, after casting our minds back to the horror, barbarism and murder of hundreds of thousands of African men and women who were forcefully dragged from their homes and sold into a life of slavery, we look deep down inside, trying hard to move beyond the pain of this tragedy to try and celebrate “Emancipation”. In Guyana, the African slaves were emancipated in 1838, and after more than one hundred years of “freedom” we pause this time to reflect on the state of African Guyanese, and if and how we have built on the legacy that our forefathers left us after walking off the plantations and with pride, “buying” vast expanses of land with funds saved while enslaved. But regrettably, most would agree that as a people we have failed to build on the legacy left to us, and violence and the collapse of our African families seem to be the order of the day. The root causes of violence in African Guyanese communities and violence inflicted upon the community must begin with a look at the state of the African Guyanese community, whether urban or rural, and how
much the state of our families has led or contributed to violence within the community. I propose to be candid in my views, perhaps at the pain of being further maligned in the press, and I ask that you forgive my candour where it may cause you discomfort, but I also hope to propose a road map which I hope we may wish to discuss in the immediate future. It is now an accepted fact that the African Guyanese family is in grave crisis. The number of homes which are single parent-led - where the sole parent is forced to be absent from the home for economic reasons - is staggering. This is compounded by the fact that ninetyfive per cent of these homes are female-led, with a significant number of these units being led by our sisters employed in the security industry. This state of African family is further challenged by the fact that the “extended family”, which was a critical feature of “African communities” up to the early seventies, has now either evaporated and/or is not available as a result of several factors, including migration, and a lack of financial resources to be able to take care of an extended family. This is the backdrop in which we must address violence in our community. What is the face of violence and crime in our community and society? This is a question that we avoid answering. The reality is that
the perceived face of crime and violence in our communities is black, young and invariably male. The only thing worse than the effect of senseless, black-on-black violence and crime, is the silence which allows it to continue. The reality of black-on-black violence in our communities, whether in a domestic setting, whether between the community members or whether inflicted by the police on members of the community, is that invariably the face of that violence is black. We have ducked, dodged, avoided and refused to address this truth. We have developed a collective numbness to black-onblack violence and to black violence and killings. How can we ever hope to address the issue of security and stability in our communities if we refuse to acknowledge the perceived face of the violence is black? The reality is the identities of the policemen who shot and killed the Linden three, the policemen who shot and killed an Agricola youth, the police men who shot and killed the young man outside of the fish shop, the persons accused of the Bartica, Lusignan and Lindo Creek murders, the female army officer charged with the murder of her rival, the policemen who shot and killed the three Albouystown youth on South Road, the persons who probably killed - not paid for or organized the killing of - the 400-plus young African males, were probably black males. Isn’t it interesting in Guyana that invariably the persons who are hired to kill African Guyanese are African Guyanese, but the money which hires them rarely ever is. We have a sub-culture of young black men pretending to be men by killing each other. Isn’t it ironic that the only time we seem to muster a collective murmur in response to the fact that the face of this violence is black is when the Government says that the killings are political, as in the case of Buxton and Lusignan, then we somehow summon the courage to deny the politics, but not the identity. We have to accept that this problem is a black problem and we are the primary persons responsible for addressing this problem. But we also have to acknowledge that even though it’s an African Guyanese problem, it is also a national problem which requires the allocation
Sunday August 03, 2014
Nigel Hughes
of national resources to address. We have a tendency in the African Guyanese community not to want to identify our problems as African Guyanese problems, and consequently request that they be placed on the national agenda, for fear that we may be accused of being racist or pursuing a racial agenda. A nation state is only as strong as the sum total of its constituent parts, and if things are not right in a part of the nation state, then the things cannot be right in the State. This applies to every community in the country. If there are problems which are peculiar to a particular community which have adversely impacted upon that community then it’s not just a problem of that community, it’s a national problem. Note: Next week I continue my examination of these issues and suggest solutions we can implement.
Sunday August 03, 2014
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before was by the Attorney General and it was not appropriate because the AG advises the Cabinet not the Auditor General…” Though the Committee may be divided on the issue, its Chairman is of the firm belief that the Lotto Funds and others should be paid into the Consolidated Fund, “because these aren’t bodies established under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act which allow establishment of extra budgetary agencies and it is not established as such for them to keep the money out of the fund and as such I maintain my position on the issue.”
SUNDAY SPECIAL BILLION-DOLLAR DRUG PURCHASES…NEW GPC INVOICES CONTRADICT GOVT’S DEFENCE Invoices supplied to a New York court by the Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop’s New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) have clearly contradicted the Guyana government’s defence of drug purchases from his company. Members of Parliament and other pharmaceutical suppliers had raised concerns about the seeming exorbitant prices that the government was paying to the New GPC for drugs. Reports on the comments by the critics led to the pharmaceutical company taking legal action in the courts of New York, and in Guyana, against Kaieteur News. Head of State, Donald Ramotar, echoed the sentiments of Minister of Health, Bheri Ramsaran. They both tried to defend the purchases from New GPC, which has been supplying Government with drugs to the tune of billions of dollars for 15 years - since 1999 to be exact. After a press conference at State House, Ramotar told this publication that the items with high prices that were identified by Kaieteur News were insignificant to the overall purchases made by the government. He said that these items were small in quantity and when one looks at the deal on the entire package, the overall transaction is more than satisfactory. A similar explanation was given two years ago by Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, when he too defended the drug
purchases. The government called a press conference in the wake of publications by Kaieteur News of the high prices charged by New GPC. Ramsarran had stated then that this media house had zeroed-in on items which it said were overpriced. He said that these were insignificant since they were just a couple tubes of Ketoconazole cream. However, invoices submitted to the New York court by Dr. Ramroop tell a contradictory story. MONDAY EDITION PNCR CONGRESS ENDS IN MAJOR RIFT, GRANGER REMAINS LEADER - GUNSHOT FIRED DURING RUCKUS Notwithstanding the confusion, division, claims of a rigged election and the single gunshot which sent the young and the old running for cover, reinstated leader of the People National Congress Reform (PNCR), David Granger declared that the party’s 18th biennial congress was a success. Granger maintained leadership unopposed after his only challenger, Aubrey Norton, just before voting commenced, announced that he was withdrawing because he was dissatisfied with the process. Region 10 Chairman, Sharma Solomon also thought that the process was flawed and he too pulled out as a candidate for Chairmanship of the Party. Solomon and Norton were the only two who competed against Basil Williams for Chairman. Therefore, Williams was also given back his Chairman position. Volda Lawrence and Dr. George Norton were also given back their vice chair positions. And Ronald
Bulkan, the only one who had actually competed, was reelected Treasurer. His competition was Clement Corlette. AUDITOR GENERAL ORDERED TO SEEK ‘INDEPENDENT’ LEGAL ADVICE ON CONTROVERSIAL LOTTO FUNDS Though Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, said that the court had ruled that Government had not acted unconstitutionally by not placing the proceeds from the Lotto Fund into the Consolidated Fund, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has ordered the Auditor General to seek “independent” legal advice with regard to the controversial fund. Chairman of the Committee, Carl Greenidge, made this explicitly clear during an interview with this publication last week. Greenidge said that as it relates to the Lotto and the Cricket funds, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, was asked to get legal opinion as to whether it should go into the Consolidated Fund. The legal advice, the Committee Chairman said, should be outside of those given by the Attorney General. Greenidge said that the Committee was of course divided on the matter, as those who represent the interest of the government communicated that the matter was already dealt with at the level of the court and as such they were not in agreement with the Auditor General being told to seek independent legal advice. “He (Sharma) was told to get independent advice, because the advice given
TUESDAY EDITION BRASSINGTON FILES 13 LAWSUIT AGAINST KAIETEUR NEWS In what might be a local record in the field of litigation, head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington, through his attorneys, has filed 13 lawsuits against the Kaieteur News, seeking damages totalling $1.3M for alleged libel. The lawsuits which were served on the newspaper company and its Editor-inChief Adam Harris on Monday were all filed between July 18 and 21, last. All the lawsuits stem from statements contained in the newspaper’s popular satirical column “Dem boys seh”. The lawsuits date back as far as January. According to Brassington, some of the statements contained in the columns were published falsely and maliciously and were libellous of him and the office he holds.
In his statement of claim, Brassington said that by using the contentious statements in the columns, the newspaper and its editor meant and were understood to mean that the NICIL boss was “dishonest, and had been guilty of criminal activity and was habitually guilty of criminal activity and had engaged in criminal fraud and corrupt practices” in the conduct of his work. He is also claiming that the newspaper wants its readers to believe that he wrongly procured by unauthorized means, preferential financial treatment from state resources for third parties. Additionally, he claimed that the publications were calculated to cause and did cause him “serious public embarrassment, humiliation, ridicule, odium and injury to his reputation, both nationally and internationally, both personally in his official and professional capacity.” In addition to the cash, Brassington is seeking an injunction, restraining the newspaper from further publishing the statements that were cited in his statement of claim, as well as other statements that have similar defamatory effects. WEDNESDAY EDITION GUYANA GRANTS $$B IN CONCESSIONS, BUT UNABLE TO TRACK BENEFITS Billions of dollars in concessions have been granted over the last two decades, but there are very few mechanisms in place by the various agencies and ministries to gauge how the country has been benefitting. Keith Burrowes, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment
(GO-Invest), the one-stop Government agency to help facilitate a smooth process for investors, admitted that the entity is guilty of failing to document and analyze the direct and indirect benefits. He assured that steps are now being taken to rectify this situation. Responding to questions, Burrowes said that it is important for investment agencies to go beyond the basic tracing of taxes paid and examine how companies, both foreign and local, contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when contrasted against the concessions and tax breaks given. GDP is like a price tag on a country’s output, and it measures the size of the economy. Burrowes explained that a concession is a preferential allowance or rate given by an organization. While various ministries would grant concessions, the government investment agency acts as an entity which makes a recommendation on the part of the interested company for certain tax breaks and other concessions that would be needed for the business to start. It is the Guyana Revenue Authority that would have to approve the recommendation for the company to get certain tax breaks and other concessions. Once it is approved, the agreement between GO-Invest and the company is inked. He said that it is important to keep in mind that GO-Invest would normally examine the company’s proposal and ensure that it is economically viable before making the (Ccontinued on page 45)
Granger and his new/old team surrounded by the press
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How an inglorious plot backfired An inglorious plot to seize control of the People’s National Congress Reform backfired. The Party’s 18th Biennial Delegates Congress held on 25th - 27th July at Sophia succeeded in conducting its business – including the election of office bearers – in a fair and transparent manner. Nearly 800 accredited delegates and observers came from all ten Party
Regions in Guyana as well as from the North American and the British regions to deliberate on the issues are facing the Party and the nation. The opening ceremony started well enough. Party Leader David Granger delivered an inspiring address on his vision for ‘One Nation.’ He iterated the PNCR’s commitment to A Partnership for National Unity
– APNU – as a vehicle for achieving greater political cohesion. So far, so good. Then the ugliness started. Before the Opening Ceremony on Friday 25th July could end, a small band of persons from the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region (No. 10), including nonmembers, held a demonstration inside the auditorium. Delegates ought to be party members of good
standing who belong to groups – the basic units – and are freely elected by their peers to attend Congress and report back to them. Some persons from Region No. 10 were ‘bona fide’ members; others were not. Many were not accredited delegates or observers to the Congress. They were brought to Congress Place simply to create disorder and to provide a spectacle for the cameras of the press corps, which was told to expect an exhibition. This small band was wellorganised, well-financed and well-dressed in a ‘uniform’ manner. It was transported to Sophia and received stipends. The majority of the persons who were transported from Linden on Friday, returned on Saturday and Sunday. Money was no problem. The Party General Secretary, as is normal for every Biennial Congress, had sent out two Congress Circulars in May and July. These advised members, groups and regions of the Constitutional requirements for the determination of eligibility for accreditation as delegates or observers. All groups were required to submit the required information to the General Secretary on or before 12th July 2014. The information provided by Mr Sharma Solomon, the Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region No. 10, had some serious problems. Why were these problems confined only to Region No. 10? Those problems arose from a design to evade the constitutional criteria. The group lists submitted by Mr
Solomon were bloated with the names of several persons who were not qualified to be delegates to Congress. In fact, at the start of the year 2014, there were only 19 registered party members in the entire Region No. 10. Between April and July, however, membership was inflated to nearly 900! Mr Solomon, for two weeks, from 12th to 26th July – way past the deadline – continued to send inflated lists in an attempt to seat an extraordinarily large number of delegates. There was, clearly, a plot to create a large, solid voting bloc to support the election of certain favoured candidates to the party’s highest offices and thereby seize control of the Party. It was known that both the Chairman of Region No. 10 and former General Secretary Mr Aubrey Norton had been nominated for the Party leadership. Every effort was made to resolve the complaints and concerns expressed by both Mr. Solomon and Mr. Norton. It should be evident that reports that the Party Secretariat was deliberately working to disenfranchise Delegates from Region No. 10 were all false. The Party General Secretary continued to work with the representatives of Region No.10 to ensure that every query raised was answered. The Party delayed the start of the Congress Elections on Day 3 in order to hold an emergency meeting to resolve the issues which were raised by Mr. Norton and Mr. Solomon. After solutions were agreed, Mr. Solomon refused to collect his
delegate’s card from the registration desk. It had become clear by that time that Mr. Norton and Mr. Solomon could not command the support of sufficient delegates to achieve their ambitions. The resort then was to cause maximum disruption of the elections process in order to justify false claims of maladministration and impropriety. A small band of persons who were neither delegates nor observers were encouraged to crash the barriers to gain entry into the auditorium on Sunday. Mr. Norton and Mr. Solomon then, expectedly, announced their withdrawal from Congress. A small band of about 30 delegates walked out. The remaining delegates, however, participated in the elections. It was clear, by this time, that the majority of delegates were disgusted by the disorderly demonstrations. The small band of persons who were misbehaving were isolated and ignored. The Congress and the elections for party officers, despite the drama, were conducted in accordance with the Party’s Constitution, in an open and transparent manner. All of the posts were freely and fairly contested with full participation of the delegates present. The Returning Officer and his team received no complaints or criticisms. It was good that there were no problems with any another Party Region at this Congress. The inglorious plot to seize control of the Party’s highest offices failed.
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‘GUARDIANS’ rallies summer box office with $11.2 million opening night
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” stormed into the box office with a $11.2 million opening night, Walt Disney Co said on Friday, and could outperform expectations if it keeps drawing viewers with a new leading man, strong reviews and social media buzz. “Guardians,” the newest franchise from the Disney-owned Marvel universe, follows a rogue band of misfits on an intergalactic space adventure. As the Guardians try to save the galaxy from a planet-destroying orb coveted by evil warlords, they may also “save the summer” for a slumping movie industry if the film exceeds expectations, said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Rentrak. “This is a movie that everyone has been waiting for,” Dergarabedian said. Hollywood’s summer box office has been in a funk, producing fewer blockbusters than usual and putting ticket sales 20 percent behind last year at $2.93 billion. Early projections for the “Guardians”
opening weekend at the U.S. and Canadian box office were estimated to reach between $65 million to $80 million. Dergarabedian said the movie could beat those forecasts especially if Saturday’s attendance holds strong.The film is benefiting from positive reviews and social media chatter, and Dergarabedian said actor Chris Pratt in the leading role of Star-Lord, is a “newly minted movie star, like a young Harrison Ford in ‘Indiana Jones,’ the lovable rogue and antihero who becomes the hero.” The success of “Guardians” could encourage studios to reconsider August as a key movie release month, he said. In past years, the prime summer release slot has been earlier. Thursday night earnings for “Guardians” at the U.S. box office overtook the April opening of Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” which made $10.2 million on its first night and went on to make $96.2 million in the United States and Canada over its first weekend.
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Fab 4 Math: Computer Maps Beatles’ Musical Evolution
Serious Beatles fans may be able to describe the band’s complex musical evolution during its eight-year run, but now there is a mathematical way to map the group’s progression from “Love Me Do” all the way to “Let It Be.” A group of researchers developed an algorithm that sorts out similarities among songs based on sound frequencies and patterns. The scientists then used the algorithm to analyze songs from each of the 13 Beatles albums released in the United Kingdom. After determining
Paris porno cinema makes lone stand against the Web In a shabby cinema tucked away in a backstreet of central Paris, a crowd of aging devotees are putting up quiet resistance to the might of online pornography. Faced with the onslaught of the Web and its thousands of sex sites catering to every taste, “Le Beverley” bills itself as the last registered pornonly cinema in Paris still serving a diet of retro classics to a loyal clientele. Its program of 35mm films from the 1970s, along with more modern offerings, attracts 700 customers a week, many of them regulars. Owner Maurice Laroche has run the theater for 30 years and remembers the heyday of sex cinemas, when Paris’s Grands Boulevards area was full of competitors. But with the Internet and on-demand pornography,
Laroche has seen numbers plummet with 1,000 fewer customers passing through the poster-lined hall every week than they did 15 years ago. “There are clients that I’ve known since I came here, about 30 years ago. We’ve followed their working life, they’ve retired and since we’re all about the same age they worry whether Le Beverley, as it’s the last barely profitable - cinema, is going to disappear or not,” he said. The City of Love’s numerous sex shops are no substitute, Laroche says, for the sense of community in the cinema where many customers have built up friendships over the years. “Those clients meet others in the cinema who they’ve known for some time,
and who they’ve got along with. Quite a few meet up at midday for a little lunch before heading to Le Beverley to let the food go down,” he said. Some 700, almost exclusively male, customers return weekly and Laroche puts the average age at about 60. He started his career in mainstream cinemas and remembers showing cult classics such as “A Clockwork Orange”, the 1971 Stanley Kubrick adaptation of the Anthony Burgess novella. Though he said he had only seen two or three pornographic films in his life, he moved to Le Beverley for a career change and bought it from the former owner in 1992. The films are shown on a loop and its 120-seater cinema is at its busiest around
three o’clock in the afternoon. Laroche says the aging clientele have little desire to brave the Paris metro system late into the night. One of its little blue paper tickets costs 12 euros ($16), a bargain as far as Laroche is concerned as the price has remained untouched by inflation for six years. The film reels are delivered once a fortnight by his supplier, of whom he is now the only customer. He sees no future for his business once he retires, but for the moment at least the thought of his loyal fanbase stops him from closing the doors for the final time. “I came here by chance and I don’t regret it,” he said. “I’ve got great customers not many of them anymore, but they’re high quality.”(1 US dollar = 0.7468 euro)
how closely related each song was, the algorithm successfully ranked the albums chronologically. “People who are not Beatles fans normally can’t tell that ‘Help!’ was recorded before ‘Rubber Soul,’ but the algorithm can,” study author Lior Shamir, a professor at the Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, said in a statement. “This experiment demonstrates that artificial intelligence can identify the changes and progression in musical styles by ‘listening’ to popular music albums in a completely new way.” [Images: The World’s Most Beautiful Equations] The algorithm, which is described in the August issue of the journal Pattern Recognition Letters, converts each song into a visual map called a spectrogram. This diagram displays the changes in sound-wave frequency, shape and texture throughout the song. The algorithm then sorts and compares how closely the spectra of sound waves line up in each song. Lastly, a statistical analysis ranks how closely related two songs are to each other. The algorithm determined that songs on the Beatles’ first album, “Please, Please Me,”were most like the songs on the group’s next recorded album, “With the Beatles.” The early tunes were least similar to the songs on the band’s last album, “Abbey Road.”(Even though “Let It Be”was the last album the
band released, the songs on the album were actually recorded before those on “Abbey Road,” meaning the algorithm correctly identified the chronological order of the songs, despite the release dates.) Shamir and his graduate student Joe George didn’t stop at the Beatles: They also used the algorithm to analyze other well-known groups, such as U2, Tears for Fears and Queen. The algorithm spotted the similarities between two consecutive Tears for Fears albums, even though they were released 15 years apart: The band recorded “Seeds of Love”in 1989 right before breaking up, and “Everybody Loves a Happy Ending” was the first album released after the band reunited in 2004. The algorithm also correctly sorted Queen’s discography and could distinguish between the albums recorded before and after “Hot Space” — the record that represented the most radical shift in the group’s music. Shamir and George hope the algorithm can be used to organize music databases and help users easily navigate and search through songs, artists and albums. For music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora that play music based on songs that users have “liked,” the algorithm could be adapted to go one step further and identify music that matches a person’s individual music preferences.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Depression linked to faster cognitive decline in old age By Dr. Kumar Sukhraj
UTI is an infection in the urinary tract. The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located below the ribs, one on each side of the spine, toward the middle of the back. Every minute, your kidneys filter about 3 ounces of blood, removing waste and extra water. The waste and extra water make up the 1 to 2 quarts of urine you produce each day. The urine travels from the kidneys down two narrow tubes called the ureters. The urine is then stored in a balloon-like organ called the bladder and emptied through the urethra, a tube at the bottom of the bladder. Infections are caused by microbes—organisms too small to be seen without a microscope. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs. Normally, bacteria that enter the urinary tract are quickly removed by the body before they cause symptoms. But sometimes bacteria overcome the body’s natural defences and cause infection. People of any age or sex can get UTIs. But about four times as many women get UTIs as men. Women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Also, the opening of a woman’s urethra is near the vagina and anus, where bacteria live. Women who use a diaphragm are also more likely to get UTIs than women who use other forms of birth control. Others at higher risk for UTIs are people · with diabetes or
Dr. Kumar Sukhraj problems with the body’s natural defence system · who need a tube to drain their bladder · with urinary tract abnormalities that block the flow of urine · with spinal cord injuries or other nerve damage Most UTIs are not serious, but some infections can lead to serious problems. Chronic kidney infections— infections that recur or last a long time—can cause permanent damage, including kidney scars, poor kidney function, high blood pressure, and other problems. Some acute kidney infectionsinfections that develop suddenly-can be lifethreatening, especially if the bacteria enter the bloodstream, a condition called septicemia. You should see your health care provider if you have any of these signs or symptoms: · a burning feeling when you urinate · frequent or intense urges to urinate, even when you have little urine to pass
· pain in your back or side below the ribs · cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine · fever or chills Health care providers diagnose UTIs by asking about your symptoms and then testing a sample of your urine. Your urine will be checked with a microscope for bacteria and white blood cells, which the body produces to fight infection. Because bacteria can be found in the urine of healthy people, a UTI is diagnosed based both on symptoms and a lab test. UTIs are treated with antibiotics that can kill the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing your UTI. Some antibiotics may be ruled out if you have allergies to them. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to any medicines. Follow your health care provider ’s instructions carefully and completely when taking antibiotics. Drinking lots of fluids and urinating frequently will speed healing. Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj @yahoo.com or call 6228032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and any other illness. Please look forward for a continuation of the discussion on health issues in the next publication. Reference Dario M. Torre, Geoffrey C. Lamb, Jerome Van Ruiswyk: Kochar’s Clinical Medicine for Students. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Fifth edition (2008)
Among older adults with dementia, those who are also depressed tend to have more rapid cognitive decline, according to a new study. “Many studies have found that older people with some depression are more likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia,” Robert S. Wilson said. But there has been disagreement over whether depression actually contributes to cognitive decline or whether both are the result of other underlying problems, he told Reuters Health. Wilson worked on the study at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago. He and his coauthors analyzed data on 1,700 people over age 50 who initially had no cognitive problems and were followed for an average of eight years. Each year doctors evaluated participants’ depression symptoms and tested their thinking and memory skills.
About half of the original group developed mild cognitive impairment, which often comes before dementia, and 18 percent were diagnosed with dementia. Participants who had more depression symptoms on their initial exams were more likely to experience cognitive decline. Depression symptoms were also linked to dementia and to more rapid decline after a dementia diagnosis, according to results published in Neurology. Almost 600 of the participants died during the study and their brains were examined postmortem. Among those participants, depression was still associated with faster mental decline when amyloid plaques - considered the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease - and other neuropathological problems found on autopsy were taken into account. “Late life dementia is a very complex disorder and there are many factors that contribute to it, and depression is one of those factors,” Wilson said. Depression accounted for five percent of the variability in mental decline that couldn’t be attributed to other problems with the brain, he said. Depression symptoms did not increase once cognitive decline started, and actually decreased once dementia was diagnosed. Depression itself is an organized process of the brain, and as brain function declines it is common for people to experience periods of unhappiness but it is rare that those periods are consistent, Wilson said. Dr. Amos D. Korczyn, professor emeritus of neurology at Tel Aviv University in Israel, called the study an “important
contribution” to scientists’ understanding of how cognitive decline, depression and changes in the brain may be linked. “Obviously as the authors note, more work needs to be done to better understand the relationship of depression to dementia which is so important when trying to modify the disease course,” he told Reuters Health in an email. Depression symptoms are common among people with dementia, especially early on in the disease, he said. It’s still unclear exactly how depression might lead to cognitive decline and dementia, Wilson said. “Depression is probably doing something to your brain if it’s affecting cognition,” Wilson said. “We think in the meantime there ought to be thought given to the importance of treating depression for these people.” Treating depression with medication or behavioral therapy might enhance mental function among people with cognitive decline or dementia, he said. There isn’t much scientific evidence that antidepressants are effective for people with dementia but most doctors prescribe them and the impression is that they provide some relief, Korczyn said. “People with depression, as well as those who are demented, frequently tend to avoid exposure to others, even to friends and this may exacerbate the depression,” Korczyn added. “They should be encouraged to be socially integrated.” Caregivers often become depressed as well, and as they are usually spouses, are neither young nor necessarily healthy themselves, he noted. They should be offered help and moral support as well. (Reuters Health)
Sunday August 03, 2014
Frrom page 27 recommendation in the first place. When asked if the total value of the number of concessions granted to the interested company is even calculated, Burrowes answered in the negative. He reassured that this is one area that requires attention. THURSDAY EDITION MEN INANIL NANDLALL’S VEHICLE TERRORIZEKAIETEUR NEWS STAFF The approach of a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and the slow lowering of the dark tinted windows sent some staff members of Kaieteur News taking cover behind parked cars. Some in the building peeped out from behind posts. The incident brought back memories of two horrific attacks on Kaieteur News in the past-the firebombing of the printing press at Eccles in 2002 and the killing of five Kaieteur News pressmen in 2006. The black SUV turned out to be the vehicle used by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall. It was shortly after 13:00 hours on Monday when some staff members saw the vehicle approaching from the south along Saffon Street. When the vehicle neared the newspaper office both the left front and rear windows were lowered. Two minutes later the vehicle returned and the procedure was repeated. This time the vehicle stopped. The closed circuit television cameras revealed that the men appeared to be photographing the building and the vehicles parked outside. It seemed that during the first pass the photographs were not good. The men appeared to be using camera phones. That was why they had to stop the second time around, a staff member said when he saw the video footage. GUYANAMUST REPORT US TAX EVADERS Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh Wednesday announced that the Government of Guyana has, in substance, concluded with United States an intergovernmental agreement for implementation of the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). As a result of the achievement of this “important milestone”, Guyana is now listed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as one of the jurisdictions treated as having an inter-governmental agreement in effect, a Government statement said.
Kaieteur News
The conclusion of the agreement comes after several months of review and negotiation between the US and Guyana authorities on the text of the agreement, and will see the two countries concluding a reciprocal agreement within the coming months. FATCA provisions of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010 (HIRE Act) were enacted in the U.S. on March18, 2010, in order to address concerns over offshore tax evasion. FATCA generally requires a foreign financial institution (FFI) to enter into an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report information about certain accounts held by the US, persons or foreign entities owned by US persons. An FFI that does not enter into an agreement with the IRS will be subject to a 30 percent withholding tax on certain payments, including US source interest and dividends, and gross proceeds from sales of US securities. Congress enacted FATCA to target non-compliance by US taxpayers using foreign accounts, and the provision has since become the global standard for promoting tax transparency. It requires U.S. financial institutions to withhold a portion of certain payments made to FFIs that do not agree to identify and report information on US account holders. FRIDAY EDITION MAN URINATES ON BUS, STABS DRIVER TO DEATH A 31-year-old father of two, with another child on the way, was Thursday evening fatally stabbed after he confronted a man who was urinating on the wheel of his minibus. Dead is Gavin Fiffee, of 93 Sideline Dam, Beterverwagting. According to reports, the driver was loading his minibus at the Plaisance bus park when another man began urinating on the wheel of the vehicle. This angered passengers and when Fiffee confronted the man, an argument ensued, at which point in time the man who was urinating on the bus stabbed him to the upper right
chest. According to reports, Fiffee’s attacker was identified by eyewitnesses as an Ann’s Grove man called ‘Bad Boy.’ Fiffee was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by a public spirited citizen. He was bleeding profusely and despite a valiant battle by doctors to save his life, he succumbed on the operating table. Fiffee leaves to mourn the mother of his children Antonia Beveney, who is also eight months pregnant, as well as his two daughters and other family members. E.C.D ROADWIDENING…SLOTHFUL WORKS IRRITATING, BUT DELAYS JUSTIFIABLE – PUBLIC WORKS The Ministry of Public Works is once again expressing displeasure with the slow execution of works on the East Coast Demerara Public Road four-lane widening project, but, it has not moved to terminate any contracts. According to an Engineer of the Public Works Ministry, Ron Rahaman, the Ministry has not terminated any contracts, because justifiable reasons were given by the contractors for the delays. Those executing the various lots were given new extension dates. Providing an update on the status of each Lot, Rahaman said, “Lot Two (Montrose to Golden Grove) is about 85 percent completed; Lot Three (LBI to Beterverwagting) and Lot Four (Beterverwagting to Triumph) are about 30 percent completed; Lot Five (Triumph to Mon Repos) is 70 percent completed; Lot Six (Mon Repos to De Endragt) is 95 percent completed; and Lot 7 is just 60 percent completed.” He related that Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd, which is responsible for Lots One, Two and Five, is experiencing shortage of aggregate. This is affecting the progress of Lots Two and Five. However, nothing is stopping the contractor from importing aggregate to hasten the pace of the project. Courtney Benn Contracting Services Ltd and Compustruct are responsible for Lots Three and Four
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respectively, which are moving at a slothful pace, according to Rahaman. Apparently, the justifiable reason why the companies cannot complete the projects timely is “managerial problems”. SATURDAY EDITION MAN SHOT IN FACE WHILE FIGHTING OFF BANDIT A 30-year-old handyman was shot in the face at around 20.15 hrs Friday while fighting with a robber who had attacked him in ‘C’ Field, Sophia. Anderson Garrett, of
Spurwing Drive, South Ruimveldt, was reportedly heading to ‘D’ Field, Sophia, to visit his mother, when a man walked up to him and demanded that he hand over his valuables. However, Garrett decided to put up a fight and was shot in the right side of his face. The robber reportedly fled empty-handed, while police ranks took the wounded man to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. He is said to be in stable condition. Despite increased patrols, Sophia remains a haven for
robbers. Last month, a 42year-old driver was shot in the left shoulder and relieved of his valuables in ‘D’ Field, Sophia. Alim Mohamed, of Lot 521 ‘D’ Field, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, was walking home when a man on a bicycle rode up and demanded that he hand over all that he had. Believing that the gun was not loaded, Mohamed said he refused and attempted to fight with his attacker, who then shot him. The robber fled with the victim’s cash and a cell phone.
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C’bean governments were left to clean ... From page 39 and enduring legacy.” “Our citizens have faced this past head on, and have established a vibrant culture of community self-help and sustainable regional development mobilization. We are not beggars! We are not subservient! We do not want charity and handouts! We want justice! Reparatory justice!” “When all is said and done,” Dr. Beckles asserted, “our governments these past 50 years have been cleaning up the mess left behind by Britain’s colonial legacy. Our finest Presidents and Prime Ministers have been devising projects to clean up the awful mess inherited
from slavery and colonization.” He urged that they must be commended for this effort, but the fact is, “this legacy of rubble and ruin, persistentpoverty,and racialised relations and reasoning, that continues to cripple our best efforts, has been daunting.” “Britain, and its Parliament, cannot morally and legally turn their back upon this past, and walk away from the mess they have left behind. This Parliament has to return to the scene of its crimes, and participate as a legitimate parliament, as a legal parliament, in the healing and rehabilitation of the Caribbean.” “We cannot, and should
not, be asked to do this by ourselves. We have done our part. This Parliament must now return, and do its part, within the conte x t o f reparatory justice, and within the framework of development cooperation.” In his example of a reparatory framework or a repayment system, Dr. Beckles pointed out that Jamaica, Britain’s largest slave colony, was left with 80 percent black functional illiteracy at Independence in 1962. From this circumstance, “the great and courageous Jamaican nation has struggled with development and poverty alleviation, but the deep crisis remains. This (British)
Parliament owes the people of Jamaica an educational and human resource investment initiative”. Barbados, Britain’s first slave society, is now called the “amputation capitol of the world”. “It is here that the stress profile of slavery and racial apartheid; dietary disaster and psychological trauma; and the addiction to the consumption of sugar and salt, have reached the highest peak.” The country is now host to the world’s most virulent diabetes and hypertension epidemic. The British Parliament, Dr. Beckles said, owes the people of Barbados an education and health initiative.
“It is the same for all our countries; the Bahamas, the Leewards, the Windwards, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and beyond.” Dr. Beckles added that the 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice which the CARICOM committee has developed addresses issues that are central to the case that the British Empire has to answer. CARICOM is inviting Great Britain and the rest of Europe to demonstrate leadership within the legal, moral, and diplomatic culture of the world, within the Commonwealth, and within its relations to the Caribbean. CARICOM is adamant however that
Reparations Chairman, Dr. Hilary Beckles Europe needs to hear the story of the Caribbean and answer to the charges against it. The Caribbean has called for the white territories to accept responsibility or the case will be taken to the World Court.
Fast tracking the Caribbean from ... From page 53 taking, and immorality. They deceive with a smooth tongue. They are takers. And they leave the country worse off, because wealth hoarding is their mission. These manipulators are enticed by self-aggrandizements. Sacrificial Public Servants are open, compassionate and teachable. They invest in people. They genuinely care about issues of justice, equity and quality of life. They live what they say. They surround themselves with the best minds and most ethical people. Outstanding
outcomes define their work. They are concerned with leaving a legacy of generational prosperity that empowers others. They learn the art of statecraft and deploy power to noble ends, higher purposes and the common good. They are willing to give up personal gratification for collective progress. They are persistent. They think creatively and act decisively but prudently. The criteria for participating in regional development under sacrificial public servants
are: integrity, pragmatic solutions, balance, objectivity, inclusion, big dreams, plain clothes truth, creative collaboration, competence, and the pursuit of the common ideals. They know their limitations, communicate appropriately and embrace complexity and problem solving. They want the best ideas to contend. They enter politics with a departure plan. They establish systems of leadership transition and cultivate leaders whose aspirations are higher than their own. These public servants are committed to
leaving legacies of grounded achievement and big picture deliverables. The nation is better off after they leave office than when they entered politics. Our history is full of men and women of honour whose lives made a big difference in every country in sports, cultural heritage, education, government, literature, academia, and religion. We now have to grow these types of leaders for management in the 21st century to strengthen our resolve and build a platform for durable thriving. It is not enough to weed out the wild
grass after the harvest is past. Creating nurseries and incubators at home, in our spiritual organizations, and through community groups will cultivate the best leadership talents. I see the Caribbean becoming a formidable force for innovative credibility and a model for top achievement. Sacrificial Public Servants elected and selected as stewards of our natural and intellectual assets earn our votes. Predatory Manipulators who are chosen as guardians of our future deserve our boots. With explicit regional pride, I envision a human wave of energy and action. It should consistently, clearly and consciously shift our people's appetite from leadership peril to
possibility. When this happens, the Caribbean will be on a fast track of investing in its people. And these bountiful islands will reclaim the status as safe places to raise healthy, caring, confident, honest, and internationally alert children. (Republished from Caribbean News Now) Dr Isaac Newton is an international leadership and change management consultant and political adviser who specialises in government and business relations and sustainable development projects. He works extensively in West Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, and is a graduate of Oakwood College, Harvard, Princeton and Columbia.
Sunday August 03, 2014
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Denso Platinum plugs, gas savers - Tel:654-6394 Spares for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 PVC Ceiling Panels (USA Standards), all-purpose joint compound, T h o m p s o n ’s c o n c r e t e water proofer – Tel: 6148564; 639-3675; 680-0862 New American made Wener, aluminum ladder: 17 feet$28,000; 24 feet- $38,000, 32 feet- $55,000 – Tel: 609-7257, 602-5794 Canadian rebuilt Perkins Duetz engine, Lincoln generator welder, model M with winch, 320 excavator – Call: 691-2921 Nylon Seine 600lbs, 5 inch for $1.2M, cabin boat 44ft, $350,000, ice box, best offer – Call: 267-1563 German shepherd and Doberman mixed pups – Contact: 615-0513 Pit-bull & short fluffy puppies – Contact: 619-6086, 699-7077 Metal Scaffolding with planks – Contact: 332-5426; 603-0000; 628-8008 Sales! Sale! 5/8 Steel Rods$1400 each – Tel:657-4072 Dell/HP computers with 17,” 19"& 20,” LCD screens from $55,000, laptops from $55,000. Contact Future Tech: 231-2206 Wooden house 33’X20’ – Call: 615-8121 1 -500 Ton Cargo Ship – Tel: 687-6174 Greenheart Logs – Tel: 6393450 Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, silverballi, greenheart, crab wood etc – Call: 688-6579 Briggs & Stratton 1000W generator - $26,000 & 6000W generator - $220,000, pressure washers 2500ps $120,000, 32" Samsung TV, GE Washer - $110,000 – Contact: 668-5241 MERCURY/QUICK SILVER, 99.99999% PURE, GREY FLASK, USA QUALITY, SEALED, BEST PRICE. CALL: 648-5281 Cheap earth delivered to spot on E.C.D, E.B.D and W.B.D Call: 627-9977, 698-0182
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE 22RB Dragline, CAT 428 Back-hoe, 10-Tons compactor, CAT 320 BL Excavator, CAT 120G-MotorGrader. All in working condition – Contact: 6604021; 275-0538 One flock of goat – Contact: 696-8103 Are you looking for wholesale Advil Cold & Sinus & 1 burner stove wicks (pure cotton)? Contact: 664-0410 IRIDIUM SATELLITE PHONE: MOTOROLLA 9505, WATER AND DUST RESISTANCE, 800+ MINS, MAKECALLSANYWHERE. $300,000. CALL: 648-5281 One two-storey concrete building at La Grange Public Road, W.B.D; one grocery stall at Stabroek Market – Tel: 679-1151 or 629-2381 60FT Antenna (Mass). Cost $1M. For radio, TV, with cables, brackets, sky-light. “Make Offer” Accepted. 2273939, 621-4000 IPHONE 5s, GENUINE USA, UNLOCKED, EXCELLENT C O N D I T I O N , FINGERPRINT, 16GB WHITE, $120,000. NOT FROM CHINA. CALL: 6485281 Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford Truck- Call: 615-1578/ 694-3595: Tools & Chainsaw - 668-2831 12GPM UV system for sale $240,000, brand new, ozonator available, float sensors– Cell: 697-6798 IPHONE 4s, GENUINE USA, UNLOCKED, EXCELLENT CONDITION, BOX AND CHARGER, 16GB WHITE, $80,000. NOT FROM CHINA. CALL: 648-5281 Garden earth and builders waste: Our service also includes Bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling - Call: 616-0617, 6633285 Commercial grade, flat top grill: ideal for restaurant & savory electrical oven – Tel:592-266-1768; 592-6743259 1PHONE 4, GENUINE USA, UNLOCKED, EXCELLENT CONDITION, LARGE STORAGE, 32G BLACK, $60,000. NOT FROM CHINA. CALL: 648-5281 Gas commercial grill with cover design for high traffic events, restaurant, picnics, catering & more – Tel: 2661768; 674-3259
VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Urgently needed live in waitress, affordable salary – Tel: 259-0574 Work from home earn $5,000$20,000 daily- Call: 233-6517, jobfairworldwide.com 1 Handyman/woman, 1 Skillful carpenter, 4 able bodied labour, 1 welder – Contact: 265-3586 Vacancy for sales clerk at Plant Shop – Contact: 646-2108 Vacancy for porter work in Coverden E.B.D, apply at Alabama Trading, Ferry Stelling Stabroek Salesgirls/Cashiers – Apply in person with written application at NIRVA Supermarket – Tel: 227-5771 FOR SALE TV, 60" LED VIZIO, BRAND NEW, SMART TV, WIRELESS, IN BOX, GENUINE USA, NOT CHINESE. $210,000. CALL: 648-5281
LEARN TO DANCE Learn Latin/Oldies Dancing in 1 Day! @ National Park Tarmac, August 3rd, 1:305:30, $2,000 per person – Call: 612-6475; 629-8842
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, A/C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907 For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine – Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 For the best in landscaping, the most reliable & trustworthy landscapers call us @ 219-0468 Design Team Neher.
PROPERTY FOR SALE At Rahaman’s Park, Lot 22, price negotiable – Tel:336-6333, 3366279, 695-7084, 673-4334 Section A, 274 Great Diamond, E.B.D, 56’X40’ building on 111’ by 60’ land. $21 Million – Tel: 233-2546, 233-5859 Kitty - $35M-$120, Durban Street - $34M, Nandy Park $22M - Contact Diana: 2272256 or 626-9382 Lot 156 Non-Pareil Street, Albouystown & 26 Sussex Street Charlestown – Contact Molly at 226-3497 One 2 flat solid concrete building with 6 bedrooms situated at Stratsphey E.C.D - $25M Negotiable – Tel:6895103 Two-storey with two threebedroom apartments with kitchen, bathroom and toilet at Tuschen, E.B.E – Contact: 650-2982 Two-storey wood & concrete, three self-contained apartments, concrete garage, yard, fence at Shell Road, E.B.D – Price negotiable – Tel: 658-5452 MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Beautiful qualified masseuses, new attendants from Cuba & Trinidad, drinks available – Tel: 657- 5979
COOL TECH: Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units – Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Brian Moe at 642-3543; Computer Technician; FB: Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!!
Page 59
SALON
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
2006 Blue Nissan Titan. Fully Loaded GSS Series. Contact: 604-6108.
Summer Special: Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces - Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD Tele:265-4138,652-5800 specialized in everything for women.
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Furnished apartments for overseas visitors – Call: 6685198 2- 8000 Square foot warehouse space, high ceiling for rent at Friendship E.B.D – Tel: 225-7643 Bottom flat located at 261 Golden Grove E.B.D, T h r o u g h Ta n k s St r e e t Contact: 233-5802 or 6172261 (Time 6am-7pm) & 644-4730 GT TOOLRENTALS: FREE DELIVERY, CONCRETE, STEEL, TILE CUTTER, SAWS, JACKHAMMER RANSOM PUMPS & MUCH MORE – TEL: 675-0767; 627-5098 Apartments (Vlissingen/ Durban): Unfurnished, one bedroom - $50,000 monthly, furnished bachelor - $500US monthly: 677-9638 One bottom flat twobedrooms apartment, garage, big yard space, located at Section ‘A’, Diamond – Cal: 223-4281; 678-4072
CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com Progressive Auto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 219-3900 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup- Call: 698-7807 Wings Car Rental- Call: 6906494/ BBM pin: 24E17558 LAND FOR SALE Herstelling (110ftX60ft) $3.2M, Grove (with foundation) - $2.6M, La Parfaite Harmonie (100ftX50ft) - $2.6M– Tel: 675-7292
One bedroom apartment at ‘B’ Field Sophia – Call: 627-3879
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 Shalom Enterprise Driving School @ 2 Croal Street, Fee $16,000- Tel:227-3869/ 6447052. “Like” us on Facebook. TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI: 225-7878; 2271982 or 219-5000
We buy & sell vehicles for cash. Also parts available & 30 seater buses; extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 2004 Toyota Spacio- Back & front camera, TV/DVD/ CD, unregistered - $2.2M – Tel: 617-2891 Toyota Will VS duty free $1.15M negotiable or duty paid $2.3M negotiable, Corolla AE100 Sprinter $725,000 neg. Contact:6563944 2 FORD 350 Diesel 2006 (4x4), 1 F150 2007 (4x4), 1 Chevy Van 2007, 1 1999 Tacoma, excellent condition – Tel: 610-5370 Toyota Tundra 2003, fully loaded GPP 4554, Bubble back - $3.2M – Contact: 641-3812 1 Small pit bull mini bus BPP series, transmission (automatic) - $2.6M Negotiable, fully loaded – Tel:674-2641 or 664-3053 Toyota AT212, AT192, AT170, Raum, NZE, Fun cargo, AE110 Corolla, Yamaha R1 – 100CC -2009, year model – Tel:644-5096, 697-1453 1 Carina 212 - $700,000 – Tel: 664-0825 Deals! Deals! Deals! Venus Auto Sale: 2002 Toyota Regius fully loaded bus, $1.8M Negotiable – Tel: 6245617 Premio – PPP Series - $2.2M and unregistered - $2.450M, negotiable, Spacio PRR $1.8M – Tel:697-0294; 6049591 Mitsubishi Car EVO 2 magrim DVD/CD air brush – Tel:6262095 One Toyota RAV4, 2002 Model, engine capacity 2000cc, in excellent condition, Price negotiable Tel: 611-1385 Can-Am Motorcycle, 200CC “New”, Reverse Gear, Unregistered, cost $800,000, Now $595,000/ $59,500 down, “Deal/ Wheels” Tel: 227-3939, 621-4000 Two Trident cars, 250CC, 75KM, 4 doors, PRR Series, landed cost $1.5 million, cash $900,000 / 25 % Down. Tel: 227-3939, 621-4000 Blowout Sale!! Unregistered, fully loaded Toyota IST: $2,250,000 & New model Raum: $2,250,000 – Tel: 6436565; 226-9931 (Continued on page 64)
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 63
OLD HABITS HARD TO DIE By Ralph Seeram It was like an excursion; busloads of PNC supporters travelling from poll station to poll station in Berbice to vote. There was much merriment; everybody was so happy committing election fraud. But who could object, the entire electoral process was controlled by the PNC. It was blatant for all to see that the election was being rigged. I had suggested to some friends not to waste their time to go voting as they have already voted. Many persons approached me saying they were turned away at the voting booth because they had voted already. On the Corentyne, PPP supporters were desperately trying to ensure that their representatives accompanied the ballot boxes. We know that some were murdered by GDF soldiers in that process. The ballot boxes were confiscated by the GDF, flown to the GDF headquarters, where
after nearly a week, the results declared that the PNC had won the election. Those election frauds in Berbice are a firsthand experience, not an account of what people said. I was there as a reporter back in the 70s. I knew the principal PNC players that engaged in electoral fraud back then. It’s not a period I like to relive. Now do you know who was PNC point man in charge of the Berbice Region at the time? Oscar Clarke, the same Oscar Clarke who is in the middle of the allegations of electoral fraud at the PNC Congress last weekend. Most of the older folks must have got over that sad period in Guyanese history. Certainly the young Guyanese who now comprise the majority of voters never experienced that and probably don’t care whether the PNC rigged elections, or how times were “hard” or how “suit case traders” and the “barrel” economy kept Guyana afloat back then.
New Roc Builders ... From page 60 to get it done timely, with exceptional quality and within budget.” Where applicable, customers are offered the option to choose from an already drafted line-up of homes which can be constructed by the company. Customers will be offered personal interaction and opinions by senior management within the company in order to fulfill their respective desires. “Our team consists of an in-house designer, architect and construction experts that collaborate to provide design excellence which includes luxurious standard features at affordable prices and innovative construction that is built to last.” Salim explained, “We have developed a system of pricing for our projects that yield the lowest possible price to our clients without sacrificing our exceptional quality. From framing to finish carpentry, our homes are built with the utmost attention to details, resulting in a final product that is unsurpassed. We use superior quality materials to build superior quality homes.” Where the situation arises that a homeowner is not able to constantly visit the construction sites, New Roc Builders itself has imbedded in its operational manual construction schedules where home owners are frequently updated on the progress of works, and where requested or necessary images are forwarded for perusal, since there will always be super-
visors at each construction site. Some of the property designs include: Auburn 2510, Auburn 3210, Belmont, Milburn 1350, Milburn 1900, Oxford, Rosedale 2850 and the Rosedale 4000. Various other designs may be included based on the clients’ interests. New Roc Builders will offer warranty on any homes they build against structural defects for a period of five years.
I have said in these columns that the PPP cannot win elections by carping on the PNC past; it does not mean anything to the young voters of today; that was until this last weekend at the PNC Congress. It brought back vivid memories of the PNC dictatorship. Just when I thought the PPP would be vulnerable at the next elections, when I think the PPP is at its weakest, the PNC handed it a great propaganda tool, and probably will ensure that the PPP wins the next election. The allegations that the PNC rigged its own internal elections are very creditable. This is coming from their most senior people like Carl Greenidge and the very people that were challengers to David Granger for the leadership of the PNC, Aubrey Norton and Sharma Soloman. The fiasco of last weekend’s PNC Congress has been well publicized, but the party history of allegedly rigging it own election goes back to previous Congresses. There was a cloud over the previous one when Carl Greenidge and David Granger vied for the leadership of the PNC. After three recounts or so of a few hundred votes Granger was declared winner. This last PNC congress had left the party badly wounded and probably reinforced into young voters’ minds that the PNC is a party that rigs election. Young voters have heard of the PNC rigged elections “back in the day”. They heard of the difficult times lining up to get basic food items, as how they are lining up to see artistes at the Providence Stadium.
They only experienced the “good” times; they can go in stores and buy anything “foreign”. More of them own their own homes and cars etc. Now reports of the PNC rigging elections must have been recessed way back in their minds. After this last weekend many would now tend to believe that “the thing must be true, if they can do it to their own people to hold on to power, what would they do if they get in power again”. After turning this over in their minds a few times I am sure they will come to the conclusion that they cannot take a chance on a party with a history of rigging elections. All I am basically trying to say is that no single party in Guyana can get that magical 50% votes based on ethnic voting. They have to get cross over or some would say swing voters to win the election. Despite what some would say the PPP did achieve that; the party had to cross the racial divide to win elections. This recent episode at the PNC congress is not going to help the PNC attract these voters. In fact I am sure it will “turn them off” from the PNC. Of course the PPP is going to “beat it to death” but the PPP should not flatter itself. It too indulged in a little
skullduggery into steering who it wanted to be in the leadership at its Congress also. And speaking of PPP, it was so laughable to hear the PNC blame the PPP for the fiasco at its congress. It is so lame. I am sure the PNC could have conjured up a better excuse. Blaming the PPP and at the same breath say Aubrey Norton and his Linden followers were well financed, is certainly implying that Norton and his Linden contingent were collaborating with the PPP to wreck the Congress. They came in red shirts instead of Granger’s preferred color, green. Some branded him a traitor, so much for democracy PNC style. If I were Norton I would have quit that party; there is no future for him there and he knows it. He has been sidelined from Parliament and is
now being branded a traitor. If Norton is serious about helping his constituents he might as well align himself to a party that will assist him in that direction. It’s certainly not the PNC.
Norton for the most part was responsible for the PNC/ APNU victory at the last elections. The PNC should not take the Linden voters for granted; it saw what happened at the 2006 elections when the AFC made inroads at Linden. The PPP at the same time should not be gloating; it has been doing the same thing that is occurring in the PNC, pushing out the old stalwarts of the party for the “Johnnies come lately”. Besides, the PPP has quite a few “skeletons in its closet also” Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com or on Facebook.
Page 64
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 03, 2014
Private hospital looking to sustain corneal transplant programme By Sharmain Grainger A requisite feature to sustain the provision of corneal transplants is the establishment of an Eye Bank. Moreover, astute consideration is being directed towards such a development in the near future. At least this was the disclosure of officials of the privately operated Dr Balwant Singh Hospital during a press conference yesterday to announce the first cases of successful corneal transplants at the hospital. The transplants were conducted on July 26 and 27 last by Ophthalmologist, Dr. Neeraj Jain, on five men and one woman between the ages of 20 and 72 who were discharged from hospital within 24-48 hours after operation. They had all previously suffered from various degenerative eye
conditions ranging from keratoconus (a condition in which the corneal is unable to hold its round shape) to leucomatous corneal opacity (loss of transparency). However, corneal transplants are not novel to Guyana as such procedures were conducted successfully at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation a few years ago by local Ophthalmologist, Dr. George Norton. While acknowledging this, Administrator of the private hospital, Dr. Madhu Singh, said that “we are hoping that we will be able to start a sustained programme,” even as she expressed optimism that people would be encouraged to donate their corneals. The corneal is the transparent front of the eye that serves to protect the iris, pupil and anterior chamber. And with an Eye Bank in place, Dr. Jain said that
Ophthalmologist, Dr. Neeraj Jain, (left) and Administrator, Dr. Madhu Singh. corneals could be donated and stored, thereby allowing for transplants to become a regular feature at the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital. According to him, he has been functioning at the hospital for the past eight years and was able to deduce that corneal transplant is among the many procedures
Linden to Lethem road in terrible need of repairs Bus drivers using the road.
that are not being offered in Guyana. In fact, he intimated that many of the patients in need of such transplants are either forced to travel overseas to secure the needful attention or simply adapt to existing with their challenge. Ahead of coming to Guyana, Dr. Jain had for a number of years been integrally involved in such procedures in India from which he hails. However, the decision to introduce the procedure was brought into being through the private hospital’s collaboration with Kidney Surgeon, Dr. Rahul Jindal and Philanthropist, Mr George Subraj, who have been plugging much support into the local health sector. They were able to bring on board American Ophthalmologist, Dr. Stephen Waller, who earlier this year travelled to Guyana
to facilitate an informative session at the GPHC to highlight the importance of corneal transplants and the setting up of an Eye Bank. During that forum held in March, Dr. Waller insisted that retrieving and storing eyes for corneal transplants and research is certainly not out of reach in Guyana. In fact he speculated that such a realisation could be possible within a year. He disclosed that instead of simply burying persons with their corneas intact, the corneals of persons registered as donors could be stored at an established Eye Bank, similar to what is done for other transplanted organs. This, he noted, could be done with the view of helping those with various visual impairments. Dr. Waller insisted that utilising the corneals of cadavers for the purpose of transplantation should never
be allowed without first thoroughly analysing and fully knowing their medical history. Moreover, Dr. Waller, who supervised the recent procedures, was therefore instrumental in helping to secure the corneals for the recent transplants. But according to Dr. Singh, there are some countries that are known to purchase corneals for operation, an avenue she said that the hospital may look at if donations are not readily forthcoming. However, Guyana, at this point, does not have legislation in place for the donation of corneals, a situation Dr. Singh is hopeful the Ministry of Health will address in the near future. “There is definitely need for that because of the very fact that we have done six cases,” she noted. Validating the need for measures to be taken urgently, Dr. Jain said that there is currently a list of about 25 patients awaiting corneal transplants. “In long term we are trying to bridge this gap either by getting more corneals from America or having the local Eye Bank which can actually fulfil the needs,” said Dr. Jain, who pointed out that currently, the procedure is not a profit making one for the hospital. He disclosed that those patients who were operated on were only required to pay a minimal hospital cost but noted that a corneal transplant in actuality could cost as much as $600,000.
Lisa Punch for ABC’s Rising Star duel competition tonight As Brazil and Guyana continue discussions on the asphalted paving of the Linden to Lethem Road, the lives of those who presently traverse the laterite structure are in some amount of danger. This is because the surface of the road has deteriorated to the extent that it now has craters capable of consuming a bus. Also, several sections of the road are flooded. Kaieteur News understands that the surface of the road is severely depressed and drivers cannot revert to the shoulders of the
road simply because is it covered with debris. Commuters are now forced to take some of the debris from the shoulders of the road to fill sections of the road so as to accommodate traffic. When contacted yesterday, Hinterland Engineer of the Public Works Ministry, Niem Mohamed admitted that the road is in a terrible state. He was however quick to add that the roadways are not impassible. He said that emergency works are being done on a bridge near Iwokrama.
Mohamed explained that the Ministry of Public Works’ Force Account Unit had undertaken the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Linden to Ituni/ Kwakwani and Mabura road. In a previous interview with this newspaper, Mohamed had related that Government will be spending $100M to repair that road and $70M on the Mabura Road. These sums are part of the $1B allocated in this year’s National Budget to rehabilitate and maintain hinterland roads. Mohamed had told Kaieteur News that currently, the Ministry is looking at ways to address the structures owing to their bad conditions. He noted that the Ministry will be subcontracting certain aspects such as trucking of material and rental of equipment. Yesterday, Mohamed said that tenders were already submitted and are currently in the evaluation process which he expects to be completed soon. Continued on page 65
Lisa punch, the Guyanaborn singer selected to compete on ABC’s Rising Star, is scheduled to perform again tonight. Punch is among thirteen listed to participate in duels. This will be her third appearance on the show. On the last occasion, Punch’s supporters literally “burned the midnight oil” to ensure her advancement on the show. Punch had participated in a head-to-head duel with fellow contestant Alice Lee, and scored an initial three per cent less during her performance of “Perfect,” a song by American musician, Pink. Lee received right swipes from all three experts, Brad Paisley, Ludacris and Kesha, Punch only received a positive vote from one (Kesha). However, due to the mechanism of saving one “Rising Star” contestant, West Coast voters pushed Lisa Punch into the next
Lisa Punch
round. Punch, scored 66 per cent during the live portion, but scored 67.43% from the West Coast audience. While it still came short of the 68% Lee received from the West Coast, it was the largest percentage scored by any of the contestants eligible for a save. Of the six contestants involved in head-to-head “duels” three were be crowned winners and automatically promoted to the next level based on their initial performance. Singers Alice Lee, Megan Tibbits and Jesse Kinch were
the first three to claim a quarterfinal spot; the New York-based Guyanese gained the fourth spot to advance to the next round of the competition. Tonight’s thirteen contestants will perform but only eight will advance to the semi finals. Those who score the lowest number of votes will be sent home. “Tomorrow night is duel number three! Make sure you tune in and watch the show on ABC! I’ll be there…make sure you swipe Blue for me.” the singer wrote on her facebook page yesterday.
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Dr. Jagan’s warning against Parliament... (From page 59)
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WANTED One handyman/gardener, age:30-50yrs old, preferably living on the E.C.D – Contact:648-3817 Will buy previously used green heart wood from demolished building in Central Georgetown area – Tel: 653-4797 Salesgirl/boys and porters apply in person, to Avinash Water Street 8:30 to 4:30 Salesgirls & porters apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Milton Sts Campbellville. Salesgirl to work in shop on E.C.D;Age 17-24 –Text: 617-7823 Live in waitress and domestic must know to cook. Salary $50,000 $70,000. Boarding and lodging free – Tel: 610-5043 1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior – Tel: 669-6030 Cashier, pump attendants, and watchman, apply in person at Shell Mc Doom Gas Station. One licensed captain to operate a mini yacht in the interior, Contact Andre/ Karen: 666-8730; 690-1216 One Arc welder must know to do grill work and able to work with limited supervision – Tel: 613-3879 One experienced domestic maid to work in DiamondContact: 626-8003, 227-8529 One experienced salesgirl – Contact: 626-8003/ 2278529 One (1) driver for route 32 minibus – Tel:629-2302
From page 9 whether it is a contributing factor in the erosion of the supremacy of the Parliament. Leader of the Alliance for Change, Khemraj Ramjattan said that Nandlall’s statement is “nothing but bologna.” He said that Nandlall seems to be suggesting that even if the Standing Orders say that one is prohibited from assaulting another in Parliament, that politician can go ahead and be abusive and tell the victim that they must take the matter to the court. “He is basically telling the victim that you can’t do me anything in here (the Parliament)… That is wrong. The committee in Parliament was established under the Constitution and gives them the power to do a lot of things when you breach the law. We are the ones that can decide on the action committed and after our ruling, the Constitution allows for the person referred to the committee, to go to the courts. But they (government) want to do a frontal blockage of us taking him to the committee and that is wrong.”
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The attorney at law referred to the doctrine of separation of powers which says that “indeed matters of Privileges will be dealt with by the Parliamentarians”. Nandlall, he said, “is going to put all his ministers in serious trouble and is making them criminals with his advice…” Ramjattan added that he is concerned that the supremacy of the Parliament is quickly deteriorating. “Dr. Jagan had warned about Parliament being eroded to a mere rubber stamp and I am concerned about what is taking place now. The Ramotar administration is a far cry from the Jagan principles and that is why I left and others too.” Financial Spokesman of the A Partnership for National Unity, (APNU) Carl Greenidge, however believes that it is not so much the supremacy of Parliament that is under threat but the separation of powers. Greenidge said he is not surprised by Nandlall’s comment. In fact, he finds it to be disingenuous. He said that the AG believes that he is “on to a good thing with the courts” and will no doubt milk that advantage for all it is worth. “He tries to goad the Opposition parties to fight on a ground which he believes he has an advantage,” Greenidge opined. Greenidge reminded that President Donald Ramotar explained that Dr. Singh was carrying out the instructions of Cabinet in undertaking the expenditure in spite of the refusal of the Assembly to approve funds. Greenidge said that the relevance of that bit of information is unclear since such approval cannot absolve a Minister from acting within the law or from respecting the rules and standing orders of the Assembly. He said that the fact that the President could make that point to justify the Minister’s
action, demonstrates just how contemptuous the regime is of the law, the Constitution and local institutions. Further, Greenidge said that the legal and constitutional issues are one aspect of the controversy. The rules of the Assembly are another. “The Speaker’s action against Dr. Singh calls on the responsibility of Members of Parliaments (MP)s to respect the Assembly’s decisions. That respect cannot be dependent on whether the decision was based on a government or opposition-led majority,” Greenidge asserted. He added that the government was happy to accept the decision when money was approved and spent it. However, when it was not approved, they were unhappy and still spent it. Greenidge emphasized that the “heads I win, tails you lose approach” is not consistent with democratic principles and decisionmaking. “It is unacceptable within a Cabinet where collective responsibility applies. It is unacceptable in the Assembly. A Minister behaving in that manner in a Cabinet has to resign, if he is not to be dismissed.” Also of significance Greenidge said, was that the Constitution specifies the responsibilities of the main organs of the State. It also says that subject to the provisions of that Constitution, “… the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure and make rules for that purpose…” He said that only the National Assembly has the right to set rules and procedures governing its mode of work, including the disciplining of its members. “The AG’s call for the courts to intervene is no doubt based on the unreasonable expectation that the Chief Justice (CJ) will remain the only judge taking these constitutional cases. The AG is inviting the CJ to
decide that the courts can, in effect, exclusively or jointly discipline MPs and is yet another example of the erosion of the separation of powers.” Greenidge said that if a Minister refuses to adhere to a decision of which he was a part and which he took to the President for enactment, then “how can he refuse to implement it without bringing the actions of the Assembly into disrepute and without subjecting the Assembly, and possibly the entire system, to ridicule?” He said that even as the Assembly declined to provide monies for the projects and entities engaged in unprofessional activities, unconstitutional bias and infringing the laws about procurement, Dr. Singh was illegally authorizing expenditure on the same projects. Greenidge also questioned if Dr. Singh was sure he had the power to do so without the approval of the Assembly “why did he bring an Appropriation Bill for approval in the first place? He continued his spending spree after the decision, a period (April to June 16) not covered by a Statement of Excess.” Contrary to the AG’s assertion, Greenidge explained that the censure is not about the interpretation of the Constitution but about yet another act of contempt the Minister has shown regarding the decisions of the Assembly. “How is it that the Minister could so expertly parse the language of Articles 217, 218 and 219 of the Constitution and still be unable to understand the meaning of, ‘not approved?” the politician questioned. Greenidge concluded that determining the content and size of the Appropriation Act is not the responsibility of the courts and while the interpretation of the Act is their responsibility, the indiscipline and contempt the Minister showed the Assembly is not.
Linden to Lethem road... From page 64 Mohamed related that works will entail grading and shaping of the structures and preparing and overlaying the area with lateriate. Mohamed said he could not comment on the status of ongoing discussions between Guyana and Brazil for the paving of the road. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett had told the media that an engineer’s design would cost about US$10M and discussions are currently ongoing with the Brazilian Government in this regard. Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance, during his budget 2014 presentation said “Negotiation s have advanced substantially between the Brazilian and Guyanese technical working groups regarding the preparation of a design study for the construction of the Linden to Lethem
road.” Earlier this year, Transport Minister Robeson Benn said that the feasibility study recently undertaken for the upgrade of the Linden to Lethem Road indicates that it makes economical sense to improve only the Linden to Mabura carriageway to an asphalted concrete surface. He related that the feasibility study was done through the Inter-American Development Bank by the SNC Lavalin Company. Benn disclosed that the Government of Guyana and the Brazilian National Development Bank are currently looking at this investment. Meanwhile, he stated that to upgrade the stretch of road from Linden to Lethem would cost about US$280M. As such, Government will continue to maintain the structure.
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Islamist gunmen seize Lebanese police station in clash at Syria border
Forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad are seen at al-Sakhra village in Qalamoun mountains, northeast of Damascus, after taking control of the village from rebel fighters. Credit: Reuters/Khaled al-Hariri/Files (Reuters) - The Lebanese army fought Islamist militants near the Syrian border yesterday, killing 11 militants, a security official said, in a move against al Qaeda-linked gunmen who earlier had seized a police station and killed two soldiers. The gunmen included fighters from the Islamic State, a radical Sunni group that has seized control of large areas of Syria and Iraq, Lebanese security officials said. The fighting in the border town of Arsal marked some of the worst spillover violence since Syria’s three-year-old war began, and risked exacerbating tensions in Lebanon among sectarian groups at odds over the Syrian conflict. At least three civilians were also killed, and 16 members of the security forces were taken hostage after fighters from the Nusra Front, al Qaeda’s branch in Syria, seized the security building, security source said. A local Lebanese official said the men who had been seized were in “a safe place”. “It’s a war right now,” said Ali Hujeiri, the local mayor, who spoke briefly to Reuters by telephone from the area. He gave no details on the whereabouts of the men. The sound of artillery fire and gunfire were heard late into the night. The army said in a statement that soldiers were clashing with large numbers of gunmen who they were seeking to encircle. Lebanese media said a total of seven soldiers had been killed in the violence, though the army responded with a statement warning against the publication of “erroneous information”.
Lebanon has been buffeted by sectarian conflict across the region that has seen the rise of hardline Islamist factions such as the Nusra Front and the Islamic State from Iraq to the Mediterranean. Lebanon has been hit especially hard by the civil war in Syria, where Sunni Muslim rebels are fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, a member of the Shi’ite-derived Alawite minority. Arsal is a Sunni town sandwiched between Syrian government-controlled territory and a largely Lebanese Shi’ite area supportive of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group that is fighting with Assad’s forces in Syria. Arsal’s Sunni population has been largely sympathetic to the rebels in Syria. Together with Syrian government forces, Hezbollah had taken part in an earlier ambush on militants on the Syrian side of the border. At least 50 rebels, including members of the Nusra Front and the Islamic State, were killed, according to the Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the violence in Syria. Hezbollah deployed forces heavily in the area of Arsal. They were on high alert but had not taken part in the battle, a source familiar with the situation said. A Syrian activist in Arsal said it was already taking part in the fighting. Lebanon, which is still recovering from its own 197590 civil war, has suffered suicide attacks, car bombs, rocket fire, kidnappings and gun battles related to the conflict in Syria. This was the first time militants had seized a government building. “It appears the armed operation was not spontaneous, but planned and studied, and the army will be firm and decisive in its response,” the army said in a statement. Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to Arsal to escape fighting across the porous mountainous border. It has seen frequent spillover from Syria and has been a tinder box for domestic tensions in Lebanon.
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Guyana and Suriname share spoils as... ‘Guyana’s U-19 success is great... From page 71 and Pena took advantage, scoring with a few ramrod punches that kept the Guyanese at bay. Egged on by her supporters, Howard attacked in the third round and controlled the first half until Pinas got her rhythm and lashed out with stinging combinations which influenced the judges who eventually ruled in her favour. Earlier, Junior Henry pounded out a majority verdict over his Surinamese opponent, Green, in a fight that was very entertaining. Both boxers started cautiously with Henry flicking jabs to the face of Green while dancing out of range. Green concentrated on his opponent’s body and forced Henry to cover up and the first round looked pretty even. Henry started the second stanza with a wicked two fisted attack but Green was as tough as they come, weathering the storm before retaliating with crisp body punches. The third round was a gem as both boxers went after each other. Green continued to attack Henry’s body but his single punches might have hampered the effectiveness of the attack. Henry then lashed out with three unanswered punches and though both boxers appeared tired and gasping for breath, they both maintained the tempo until the bell separated them. It was really a pity that one had to lose and it was the Guyanese that carted off the spoils. Several other all local bouts entertained the medium sized crowd and Jamal Eastman (PRBG) turned in a classic performance to take his 105-110 bout against Christopher Moore (EBG). Michael April (TEBG) steamrolled
Shaka Moore (EBG) and forced the referee to administer a mandatory 8 count before waving the bout off at 2:57secs of the second stanza. Travis Hubbard (HE) and Joel Williamson (PRBG) engaged in a delightful slugfest in a 60kgs affair with the tide swaying in favour of one pugilist to the next. The difference came in the third round when Hubbard launched a sustained attach that forced his opponent to cover up and eventually concede the verdict. Ejad Alli (CBG) might have been a tenderfoot but what he lacked in skill he compensated in courage; the Indian national out of Linden attacked Shekeal Damon from the start of their 81kgs bout and forced the referee to administer two mandatory 8 counts. Damon did fight back and caused the referee to deduct a point from his man after he had spat out the mouthpiece to garner some reprieve from a spirited attack. That apart, Alli punched non-stop though he appeared spent lashed out at Damon forcing another eight count and causing the referee to eventually halt the contest at 2:49secs of the 3rd round. Other results were 60-84lbs-Quincey Wright (Essq) won on points from Leon Moore (HE); Isaiah Moore failed to turn up for his 80-84lbs bout against Shaquille Wright and conceded a walk over while Tandy Benjamin (RHJ) was too good for her gym mate, Q. Arokium, and forced her to quit on her stool at the end of the 2nd round. Meanwhile, Junior Henry was adjudged the best boxer while Howard was declared the most disciple boxer. Both received beautiful trophies.
Sunday August 03, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21-APRIL 20) You can develop your creative talents if you take the time to practice your art. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Secret affairs may be tempting, but keep in mind that they will damage your reputation if you decide to indulge. Catch up on correspondence. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Art investment will pay big dividends in the long term. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone who is likely to lead you on. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn't been playing by the rules. Your outgoing, aggressive nature will attract someone you've been eager to meet.
LIBRA(SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Limitations at work might set you back. Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Try to keep an open mind. Abstain from getting involved with married individuals. Communication must be open, precise, and honest. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You will reap the rewards for your kind actions. You should want to feel good about yourself and your goals. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) Spend time with your lover today. Your involvement in groups will be favorable for meeting new and exciting individuals. Try to get out and socialize.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. You need a break from your daily routine.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Someone you work with could have a personal interest in you. You should regain some of your self esteem if you get involved in organizational functions.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Don't upset elders in your family who don't understand your present situation. Stubborn about making changes around your home.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Do not blow situations out of proportion. New relationships could evolve through group activities.
From page 72 weeks and ensure that they make their home advantage count with a third youth championship for this year. “We have been blessed with a month of relative stability on the cricket administrative front and this environment has been capitalized upon by our youngsters who have demonstrated what can be achieved when the deter-
mination and stable environment is present. These young players have proven that Guyana is rich with talent and can produce world class players again once everyone works together to put the interest of cricket and the players first. The Executive and members of the GCB recommits to continue working to move cricket forward in Guyana and further afield,”
the GBC added. According to GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie the outdoor practice nets and changing room facility at GNIC is being ‘worked on’ presently and will be ready for use by weekend. Sanasie informed that Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Head Coach Gavin Nedd, the former Guyana off-spinner, will have his office at GNIC facility on Woolford Avenue.
GUYANA END 3RD; SURINAME ARE... From page 75 Suriname won gold in 2:06.59 with French Guiana’s Joris Tarcy taking the bronze (2:15.81). Hannibal Gaskin copped bronze in the 100m Freestyle (57.71), Christophe Lot (55.26) of French Guiana took the gold medal with Juan Limburg (57.11) of Suriname taking the silver. Bronze for
the boys also came in the final competition event, 50m Freestyle Relay clocking; Gaskin, Joseph De Nobrega, Omar Adams and Selwyn Miller clocked 1:49.00. Suriname underlined their dominance at this level with victory with gold compliments of Rochyl Chan, Touw Ngie, Jordi Chan and Juan Limburg
stopping the click at 1:42.39. French Guiana’s Jean-Guy Delices, Jean-Marc William, Warren Mayern and Lot (1:44.10) got silver. Points were awarded to the top 5 places in the individual events as follows; 1st (7), 2nd (5), 3rd (4), 4th (3), 5th (2). For the relays; 1st (14), 2nd (10), 3rd (8). (Franklin Wilson)
WICB congratulate Guyana for.. From page 70 Black for moulding these players into winning units.“Recognition must also be given to the two young captains Bhaskar Yadram and Brian Sattaur for the leadership they showed on the field. With their combined efforts and hard work, they and every member of the team have contributed to success.” Cameron said the result on the field exemplified the work which the Guyana Cricket Board did to overcome a number of hiccups prior to the tournaments. “The news of Guyana’s achievement has come as a great delight to all of us at the WICB,” he said. “We would like to congratulate the GCB for producing these two winning teams, as well as rising to the challenge of hosting the Regional Under-19 tournament, despite all the challenges they have faced recently. This is testimony to their perseverance, and determination to succeed and
restore the game to its pride of place in the country. “We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Billy Heaven and his team at the Jamaica Cricket Association for their efforts in organising the Regional Under-15 tournament as smoothly as possible.” Cameron said the two tournaments again highlighted the rich talent among the young players throughout the region who aspire to greatness in the future. “These two tournaments are very important for us and
helps to identify at an early age players that may have the ability to play at the highest levels of the game and help restore the rich legacy of West Indies cricket,” he said. “We urge not just the winning Guyana teams, but every player on every team to continue striving for excellence with the understanding that there are no shortcuts to success and only hard work and the willingness to learn will bring them the rewards which they now enjoy in the future.”
Another tournament; another... From page 72 (CASH) February last, yet he has clinched a spot on the Commonwealth team. The bottom line is that there is much more that needs to be done if local pugilists are to reclaim the glory of their predecessors. Obviously, the strategic applications of GBA officials could make a big difference. Otherwise, the road to the 2016 Brazil Olympiad
will be fraught with difficulties and like those taken before, will prove too arduous for our pugilists. Consequently, the decisions taken by GBA officials could provide answers long before the actual tournament gets underway. Will they persist with the same set of boxers or will we witness different strategies to effect positive results. We wait with bated breaths.
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“Cricketers behaving badly!” By Colin E. H. Croft It has been interesting to note that cricketers still have some steel in their bellies and hot blood in their veins. Recently, over the last decade or so, cricketing authorities have been so restrictive that cricketers had, in some sense, been neutered of their abilities to have any reactions at all, good or bad. The recent spat featuring Tino Best, St. Lucia Zouks fast bowler, who, all know, was born in Barbados, and Shoaib Malik, the Pakistani allrounder playing for Barbados Tridents in Caribbean Premier League, was at least enjoyably energetic, reminding all that these are highly volatile, professional sportsmen. Similarly, England’s fast bowler Jimmy Anderson and India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja recently had an altercation at Trent Bridge during the teams’ 1st Test, a situation that both have had to answer for at very legal ICC meetings. Match Referee David Boon, a very likeable bloke, must be pulling his hair out! Look, for example, it was not too long ago that it was determined by International Cricket Council that bowlers must, not maybe, but must actually turn heads back towards umpires while appealing for a catch or LBW. No longer was a bowler allowed to assume that the
catch was taken and would be given. Does that not smack of supplication, as if bowlers are actually begging for some sort of recognition of their efforts and successes? Are umpires not simply supposed to do their jobs and make decisions too? If a batsman edges a delivery, why does a bowler have to turn his head and body towards the umpires, moves that could incur injuries, just to appeal? Do appeals without turns of heads not count? If ICC wants to help cricket, they can remove the dumb obstacles that they have placed on the umpires, thus making them, nowadays, nothing but ball counters, since that is all that they still do with impunity. Why, for another example, can an umpire not call a bowler for chucking, if, indeed, the umpire thinks that situation is so? The rest will take care of itself. Sheer nonsense! Almost every other decision made nowadays by on-filed umpires must almost always be given and confirmed by what is called “The Television Umpire”, whom, occasionally, is a local. Incidentally, where is that neutrality that ICC suggests to be present in adjudicating difficult decisions? Anyway, when we played internationally, we may not have had technologies to
ensure “more correct” decisions could be made, but very few umpires anywhere could, or would, suggest that international cricket teams, might they have been from West Indies or anywhere else, were anything but respectful. Indeed, England’s Harold “Dickie” Bird, one of the most revered international umpires ever, has always maintained that “at no time ever were those West Indies cricketers anything but honest, professional, hard-working cricketers and gentlemen. It has always been my privilege to be on the field with them!” But, one must also remember that fracas between Pakistani Umpire Shakur Rana and England’s then captain Mike Gatting, a confrontation, in Faisalabad, 1986, that supposedly threatened the very diplomatic relationship between the two erstwhile countries. What a massively big noise that was! West Indies tour to New Zealand 1979/80 has gone down in history as being one of the most tumultuous cricket tours ever. To this day, some New Zealanders still revel in that “defeat” of WI. Firstly, there was fast bowler Michael Holding kicking out a stump with the fantastic finesse and fluidity of a Christiano Renaldo freekick, feet high, after a terrible “none” decision, wicketkeeper Deryck Murray taking
GBL E-Networks Summer Camp begins Monday 4th August 2014 The Guyana Baseball League’s E-Networks Summer Baseball camp begins tomorrow August 4th, at the Queen’s College Ground, Georgetown. The venue will come alive with the crack of bats hitting balls and shouts of ‘play ball’. The schedule as follows: Practice: Mondays and Tuesdays: 9 AM TO 12 PM and 1PM -4PM Games: Fridays and Saturdays for those who attended practice. All participants will be invited to join teams and participate in our age bracketed PONY Competition in the final week of holidays. As with all GBL activities participants are asked to bring a reusable water bottle and his/her lunch and snacks as needed. Persons of all ages and genders are welcome to attend, learn and play this great game. Parents are encouraged to participate in games with their children. There are no attendance fees. E-Networks is very happy to continue its involvement with this growing sport and to assist the children in Georgetown to experience the joys of playing baseball and softball. Baseball and Softball are enjoying a surge in interest and participation and plans are proceeding apace for a pilot Georgetown schools programme beginning September and lasting until November. Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Baseball League, Robin Singh, has indicated that Jamal Anderson is doing well and is adapting quickly to the demands of professional base-
the “none” catch in front of 2nd slip. NZ’s John Parker had to change his glove immediately, so torn had it instantaneously become after being destroyed by Holding’s pacy outswinger! What a thing! Meanwhile, yours truly had an accidental incursion, a “collision”, with an on-field umpire who had recently given several extremely poor decisions against West Indies. That umpire should have gone to Hollywood, since his superb play-acting had to be seen to be believed; far, far better than his umpiring! It goes without saying that if those had happened nowadays, both of us would likely have been banned from playing cricket for life. Or maybe, we could have even hired very competent
lawyers! But there have been very few “player v player” confrontations. Normally, they are not present because most cricketers have that special respect for others who practice their own profession too! The couple that stand out involved some very vigorous, animated international cricketers. While I was still playing, Australia’s premier fast bowler Dennis Lillee and Pakistan’s always nonphlegmatic, lively batsman Javed Miandad had a famous flare-up at Perth, Australia, back in 1981. Photographs were frozen with Javed having bat raised like a small axe, set to strike, while Lille bobbed and weaved like boxer Roberto Duran. Those reflective silhouettes are still so very funny to recall!
Colin E. H. Croft More recently; 2003; West Indian batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan and another great Aussie pace-man, Glenn Mc Grath, exchanged opinions with accusation and counter accusations, nearly coming to blows. The difference of these situations is that live television cameras caught the later happenings! Enjoy!
WICB congratulate Guyana for winning U-15 & U-19 titles KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the West Indies Cricket Board Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron hailed the double success for Guyana in regional youth competitions over the past three days and praised the country’s cricket authorities for their resilience. The Guyanese won the Regional Under15 Tournament for the third time when they held their nerve in the final round of matches and finished with an 11-run victory over hosts Jamaica last Wednesday at the famous Melbourne Oval in the Jamaican capital of Kingston. Bhaskar Yadram’s side won all but one of their five round-robin matches to top the points table with 25 points and clinch the title they had previously won in 1998 and 1999. Two days later, Guyana had another reason to celebrate, when they won the 3-Day competition of the Regional Under-19 Tournament for the 13th time.
This victory was an extra special for Brian Sattaur’s side, considering they are playing on home soil and it broke a dry spell of seven years. “On behalf of the directors, management and staff of the WICB, heartiest congratulations to the Guyana Under-15 and Under-19 teams on their victory in their respective regional youth tournaments,” said Cameron. “We are proud of all of these young men setting themselves goals and making every effort to achieve them. They have all worked hard and proved to themselves and everyone what can be achieved with the right level of determination and commitment. We wish them all the best for continued success in the future.” Cameron added: “We would also like to recognise the work of the respective coaches Julian Moore and Adrian Amsterdam, as well as managers Andy Ramnarine and David (Continued on page 69)
Entries close today for Rising Sun horserace meet
Jamal Anderson (right) at the Orioles Academy. ball. Anderson won the GBL tryout programme recently and was rewarded with a stint with the MLB Orioles Academy. Sing in a release noted, “We have been able through generous sponsorship to host camps such as these free of cost to participants, myself and the GBL are grateful to E-networks for the confidence shown n our organization.”
Entries are expected to be close today for the Rising Sun Turf Club one day horserace meet in collaboration with the Inshan Bacchus Hard Runnings Trucking Service, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and racing stables and Mohammed ‘Nankoo’ Shariff Business Enterprise. The event which is slated for next Sunday 10th August at the Rising Sun Turf Club at Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice, has so far attracted over 40 entries. This is according to coordinator Fazal Habibulla. With seven races slated for the day there are over $5M in prize money, trophies and other goodies up for the taking. The feature event this time will be for animals classified D and lower
over 1600M. The first prize is $1M and a trophy. So far a star studded cast has been lined up with the likes of Treacle, Swing Easy, and California Strike; Settle in Seattle, Red and Lovely, Run Nana Run already slated to run for the coveted prize. The other races on the days programme are – the race for three year old Guyana and West Indies Bred horses over 1400M for a winner’s money of $600,000 and trophy. The F and lower 1400M event for a winning take of $460,000 and trophy. The 1100M race for two year old Guyana and West Indies bred horses which has a $400,000 jackpot available. The G3 and lower 1400M race for a pole position taking of $400,000
and trophy. There is the ‘I’ class 1400M event which has a first prize tag of $260,000 and trophy. The final event is for horses classified J and lower and victory in this event will see the champion taking home $200,000 in the 1100M race. So Far Banks DIH Limited and Trophy Stall Bourda Market are also on board. The Incentives will be available for the champion jockey and trainer and stable compliments of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and the organizers. Interested persons can get in contact with Fazal Habibulla on Telephone No 232-0232 or 648-6522 or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone no 225-4530. Race time is 13:00hrs.
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Guyana on course to reclaim IGG Athletics title - holds 36-point lead over Suriname By Edison Jefford Notwithstanding the absence of French Guiana from the track and field competition at the 2014 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), Guyana raced on course to reclaim the title from defending champs, Suriname at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground yesterday. Dominant performances in the sprint events especially, helped Guyana to 200 points at the end of the first day of the competition that continues today at the same venue. Suriname trails at the XX Guiana Games with 164 points in the athletics competition. The day was not without controversy as a close Boys’ 100m race that Tevin Garraway seemingly won, staring across at his opposition leaning extensively at the finish line, became the talk of the day.
Garraway slipped to third place after a shocking decision. Kevin Abbensetts was awarded his second IGG male 100m title with 10.5 seconds with Romario Pansa, representing Suriname second in 10.6 seconds. Garraway was given 10.7 seconds with the other Surinamese athlete trailing some distance behind. Under normal circumstances, each race would have had six athletes; two per country but with the absence of French Guiana, four athletes competed in the races. Shoquane Daniels sprinted to the female 100m title in 12.4 seconds ahead of Suriname’s Sabrina Menso and Chivinga Doekoe, the second and third place finishers in 12.7 and 12.9 seconds. Guyana’s Shannon Griffith finished in the fourth position. Drama then unfolded in the Girls’ 400m as Avon
Samuels emerged winner in an event that South American Junior bronze medallist, Jevina Sampson was favoured to win. Samuels had 57.6 seconds to e d g e S a m p s o n ’s 5 7 . 9 seconds. Suriname’s Carine Pavion was third in 1:06.7 seconds. In the male race, Jason Yaw won in 49.6 seconds from Suriname’s Uracio Seedorf and Miguel Shepper, who posted 50.6 and 50.8 respectively. Guyana’s Quacy Simpson was disqualified and therefore surrendered five points to the Surinamese. M u l t i p l e C A R I F TA Games gold medallist, Cassey George showed why she may be considered the best female junior middle distance athlete in the Caribbean with her dominant 1500m race in 4:44.9 to win that event. Guyana’s Andrea Foster had 5:06.9 for second with Esmeralda Amania
Guyana and Suriname share spoils as IGG Boxing Championship concludes
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Taseka Howard covers up from a two fisted assault from Sita Pinas in their 60kgs affair
Henry (left) and Green in a photo op just after the conclusion of their bout
uyana and Suriname shared the spoils with a victory apiece when action in the Guyana Boxing Association/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Inter Guiana Games Junior Youth and Female Boxing Championship concluded at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Albouystown yesterday afternoon. The card consisted of 10 bouts but the 52kgs affair between local boxer, Junior Henry and Surinamese, Samuel Green and the 60kgs female encounter between l o c a l p u g i l i s t , Ta s e k a Howard and her Surinamese opponent, Sita Pinas were specially arranged in conjunction with the TriNation Inter-Guiana games currently being staged. Fighting for the second time of her fledgling career, Howard faced a more experienced boxer in Pinas but did well to match her opponent’s aggression in the first round. Obviously more seasoned, Pinas attacked and though she was just using single punches, managed to stay ahead in the first round. Howard started the second round at a slow pace (Continued on page 69)
(5:24.9) third. Ornesto Thomas won the male title in 4:15.20 for Guyana with team-mate, Grivon Grant second in 4:19.50 and Suriname’s Gilberto Aloeboetoe (4:38) third. In other events: Male Triple Jump: Dave Pika (Suriname, 14.35m), Clifton Olymph (Suriname, 14.23m) and Guyana’s Clarence Green (13.41m). Female Triple Jump: Guyana’s Natricia Hooper (11.50m), Deborah Galong (Suriname, 11.39m) and Zoiny Nibnon (Suriname, 10.92m). Female High Jump: Guyana’s Natricia Hooper (1.45m), Deborah Galong (Suriname, 1.40m), Irie Cadogan (Guyana, 1.20m). Male Javelin Throw: Jason David (Suriname, 56.09m), Tramaine Beckles (Guyana, 48.36m) and Clarence Green (Guyana, 46.67m). Male High Jump: Guyana’s Kade Pearce (1.65m) and Jabari Joseph
Guyana’s Avon Samuels (right) wins the Girls 400m ahead of South American bronze medallist team-mate, Jevina Sampson yesterday at the GDF Ground. ( 1 . 5 5 m ) a n d Tu m a n e Doekoe (Suriname, 1.50m). Female Javelin Throw: Charissa Douglas (Suriname, 42.97m), Sebea Skeenbeig (Suriname
3 3 . 0 5 m ) a n d Tr y s t o l McAllister (Guyana, 19.79m). Guyana won both the male and female 4x100m races.
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Sunday August 03, 2014
‘Guyana’s U-19 success is great achievement for us’ - GCB President By Sean Devers G u y a n a ’s u n d e r- 1 9 t e a m ’s s u c c e s s w a s described as a great achievement for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) by its President Dru Bahadur after team teenagers beat Trinidad & Tobago by an innings and 41 runs at Bourda Friday to capture their 13 Regional
under-19 cricket title and their first on home soil in eight years. The GCB Head told Kaieteur Sport that the win for Guyana was even sweeter due to the limited time the Board had to prepare for the tournament because of the uncertainty of the host venue due to the issues between the GCB and
the Guyana Government which have now been addressed. “The adverse weather was also a concern for us (GCB) in getting the grounds ready for this tournament. But despite all of this we were able to have the guys encamped and tried to ensure that they had the best possible preparation at the
indoor facility (Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence) at LBI,” Bahadur stated. “It is indeed a good feeling to go two up, following our under-15 team’s success in Jamaica this week. I am sure this win today (Friday) will inspire the guys going into the oneday series. I am confident that with the team we have
Dru Bahadur we can do the double,” Bahadur opined. Guyana have never won a limited overs title and closest they have come to winning the double was in 2007 when Horace Miller decimated the Guyana bowlers as Jamaica won the one-day final at Warner Park in St Kitts after Guyana had won the three-day title. “I also want to encourage the public to come out and support our team by attending the matches. Guyana will be playing on the East Coast, Georgetown, East Bank and in Berbice and admission is free and school is closed,” the GCB top man said. Bahadur also informed that on Monday the senior National female cricket team leaves Guyana for a Caribbean senior tournament, adding that he hoped the ladies will be motivated by the success of the under-19 and under-15 teams. Bahadur said that the wins by Guyana at both under-15 and under-19 levels now makes Guyana the winners of two West Indies Cricket Board ( W I C B ) y o u t h championships out of possible four for this year. The GCB reminded that the Guyana Under-17 team had also given a good account of themselves in Tobago but, unfortunately, suffered from having their game against Barbados completely washed out. “However, the GCB is extremely encouraged by the professional attitude, dedication and teamwork displayed by this bunch of players. Our Under 19 boys played like champions and deserve nothing less than the coveted three- day title which had eluded them for years. Guyana started the tournament with a draw against the Leewards before West Indies under-19 and First-Class left-hander Shimron Hetmyer scored a
Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Shimron Hetmyer
century in the win against the Windward and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, another Windies U-19 and FirstClass left-hander, scored an unbeaten hundred in Guyana’s win against T&T Friday. A release from the GCB said the Board joins with the rest of Guyana in congratulating the management and entire team of players on a welldeserved victory and notes the synergy and teamwork displayed by the entire team. “There were some praiseworthy individual performances from a few players; against Trinidad and To b a g o , Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul held the lone Guyana innings together with a remarkable unbeaten century; and, when Guyana were staring down the barrel of defeat in their second innings against the (Leewards) Islands, Kemo Paul’s determination and resilience resurrected the innings with a brilliant 90. A g a i n s t ( Wi n d w a r d s ) , Steven Sankar was exceptional with the ball, capturing a 5-wicket haul, while Shimron Hetmyer registered a classy century” the GCB release continued. The Board said it now urges the team to remain focused and make the necessary adjustments for the 50 overs format of the game during the next few (Continued on page 65
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Another tournament; another failure; GBA executive needs to take tougher stance in selection policy By Michael Benjamin The news that all three of our boxers that participated i n t h e c u r r e n t Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland have lost, at varying stages of the tournament, has been greeted with the usual shrug of the shoulders as local sports enthusiasts have long ago become immune to these disappointments. Of course, this was not always the case as local boxers have distinguished themselves as the Caribbean powerhouses up to just around the mid-eighties and were well respected, to the point of fear, among their Caricom and even Latin American counterparts. Now, it seems as though our pugilists have degenerated to such a sorry state that even before we leave these shores for international competitions, our fate is sealed. Despite the scant regard for our boxers, it is they that have delivered the goods on many fronts. Who is the individual to have broken the world title jinx? Who is the sole individual to have delivered a bronze medal at the Olympic Games? Hadn’t local boxers returned to
these shores with top Commonwealth Games accolades? For the record, the names Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis, Michael Anthony Parris and Winfield Braithwaite are boxers that would have flown the Golden Arrowhead with pride after a c h i e v i n g t h e aforementioned milestones. Lewis won the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from James Page; Parris won his quarter-finals bout in the 1980 Moscow Olympics to clinch a bronze medal and Braithwaite defeated Scotland representative, Jim Douglas, for the 1977 C o m m o n w e a l t h light/welterweight title and gold medal in Edmonton Canada. In these days of modernity, where training applications are well structured, as against those days of trial and error, it seems that the executive of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) are content to pursue antiquated ploys in order to secure contemporary solutions. What is completely puzzling is that despite the obvious failure of these applications, they are bent on the same
path and foolishly expect different results. It is anyone’s guess how the GBA executives arrive at the final team compilation for tournaments but over the past few years there has been a redundancy of faces and the only noted consistency is that these boxers continue to be unproductive. Bantamweight boxer, Imran Khan, middleweight, Dennis Thomas and to a lesser extent, Eon Bancroft have all been tried, given extended runs but are yet to justify the faith placed in them by the GBA selectors. Such failures should have been the cause of concern for selectors who should have put systems in place to rein in such inefficiency. Instead, GBA have recklessly persisted in rewarding such failures, giving the errant boxers ‘one more chance’ despite their noted failures. In contemporary sports, there is hardly room for failures and most countries have replaced athletes and/or managers/coaches after such persistent failure. Guyana seems to be the exception to the rule and our boxing administrators are given extended runs while employing old solutions to new problems. Obviously,
there are two reasons why these selectors choose to persist with such archaic methodologies; either they don’t know better or are simply unwilling or unable to make the requisite adjustments. The ruling executives must prod them into reality. We have heard of the ‘Road to London’ and observed our hopes dwindle to naught as our boxers stumbled at the first pothole. Now it’s ‘The Road to Brazil’ and all that’s changed is the country; the road is just as rocky. We have been inundated with strategies to effect viable changes within the local boxing fraternity and while they have been administered with much pomp and ceremony, the end result is just as dismal as the preceding initiative. Over the years, several coaches have been given the unenviable task of moulding the local boxers for international competition. Most of the top coaches have also been exposed to international training; Terrence Poole, Sebert Blake and Carl Franklyn have had training stints in Hungary compliments of the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA). One would have
Poor corporate response, but Alpha footballers ready for international duties
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or the second time in local football history, Alpha ‘The Hammer ’ United has qualified for the CONCACAF League Championships after they had defeated Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) playoff in Jamaica earlier this year. Now those players are set to enhance their reputation when they square off against a Honduran team on August 5 followed by another encounter against a USA team, Portland Timbers on August 19. President of the local football unit, Odinga Lumumba, said that despite the meagre response from corporate Guyana, all systems are in place for the local ball weavers to better their performance this time around. The players were encamped for approximately three weeks and Lumumba is confident that they will
prevail in their first encounter against Honduras at the National Stadium, P r o v i d e n c e , Tu e s d a y, August 5. They will then oppose Portland Timbers on August 19 before their other two matches on August 28 and September 23. Lumumba was joined by his Vice President, Steve Ninvalle and coach, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and spoke with the media yesterday
morning at the Water Chris Hotel, Waterloo Street. He assured that he has done all within his power to facilitate a victory for his charges and hinted that the team of 28 players may be joined by an additional pair of guest players, dependent on the success of his executives in resolving visa issues for at least one of the players from Nigeria. “The players are fit and the period of encampment has aided in the chemistry,” said Lumumba. However, the Alpha boss continues to bemoan the absence of adequate corporate support to offset the huge sums necessary to prepare the team for this level of competition and he chided members of the business sector. “It is a pity that our players continue to be affected by inadequate funding; it is time that the corporate community understand the importance
of their support for such national ventures,” said Lumumba. Notwithstanding, he singled out several individuals and corporations that have rendered support including Michael Cummings Electrical, Ansa McAl, Colin Baker, and the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation. Other supporting entities and individuals included Head of the GDF, Mark Phillips, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Superintendent of Police, Colin Boyce, administrators of the Georgetown Football Club, those of Survival Supermarket and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony. Lumumba also acknowledged the hard work of his technical staff including coach, Wayne Dover, Manager, Rawle Adams, his assistant, Mark Xavier and Frank Parris.
expected that these three senior coaches would have been merged into a unit in the dispensation of knowledge, techniques and strategies to the benefit of local pugilists. For some inexplicable reason, the selectors have virtually sidelined Blake and Franklyn and continue to persist with Poole, despite his failures. This has got to be a record in the history of sports (in any territory) that a national coach who has presided over numerous failures coupled with an all team defection to the United States of America, could still manage to gain the nod at the helm of the national team. Small wonder therefore, that our local boxers continue to turn in mediocre results. Is that not what the administrators have settled for in their criteria? The GBA authorities have cited inadequate funding to address the many initiatives planned towards their charges’ development; they have reminded that despite conforming to a criteria set out by the Minister of Sports, Frank Anthony, to encourage government support, they are still to receive the anticipated assistance to address their itinerary. Admittedly, the absence of a tangible input from the government will hinder their developmental plans but if one is to examine the circumstances it will become obvious that such shortcomings can hardly be
the sole reason for the poor returns. Efforts by GBA officials to broaden the scope through an initiative dubbed ‘Nuff Cuff,’ in outlying rural communities have failed to produce the desired results yet we are still to hear of an examination or survey being conducted by GBA officials to establish the real reason for these failures. P e r s o n a l l y, I h a v e travelled to Barbados and St Lucia quite recently and have noted an exhibition of courage and skill by several pugilists but most notably, Bert Braithwaite and Delon Charles. I have pointed this out to GBA President, Steve Ninvalle (who was also at those tournaments) yet have seen no meaningful effort to harness these talents. However, Dennis Thomas, who was omitted from the St Lucia team for indiscipline behaviour at the South American Games in Chile, was subsequently selected for the Commonwealth Games though we are still to hear of what, if anything has come out of those investigations. There is no need to belabour the fact that Imran Khan has been exposed to numerous opportunities around the globe but is still to justify his inclusion in the team, while Bancroft was hardly convincing when he fought in the Tri-Nation tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (Continued on page 65)
Reid blasts century to give GT XI huge win An attacking century by Rawl Reid handed GT XI a mammoth 132-run victory over Shakir XI in a 20-over softball contest sponsored by Super Star XI played recently at Thirst Park. Reid hammered twelve sixes and five fours in scoring 102; he shared in a second wicket stand of 87 with Patrick Khan who made 28, and a further 108 for the third wicket with Oslyn Batson 29 as GT XI rattled up 292-3 in 20 overs, batting first. Shakir XI threatened somewhat, before they were bowled out for 160 in 19 overs. Mohamed Ahamad led with 38, Fazil Khan scored 22 and Ashmead
Rawl Reid Bacchus 20. Khan claimed 4-25 and Sheldon Perch 320. Reid was given the man of the match award and GT XI took home a trophy.
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Sunday August 03, 2014
ANOTHER LAST BALL HEARTBREAK FOR GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS Jamaica Tallawahs win by 6 wickets C
P L A n outstanding allr o u n d performance from Andre Russell saw the Jamaica Tallawahs defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the second time in this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League. Russell took a wicket with the ball, outstanding catches in the field and played a lone hand with the bat to see his side home with a six off the very last ball. No other Jamaica batsman went at better than a run a ball as Russell managed 58 not out off just 24 deliveries. The target proved a stiff one for the home team but it may have been a lot more challenging had it not been for a fine spell of quick bowling from Jerome Taylor but this match was all about Russell. A Powerplay that was a mix of dot balls wickets and boundaries saw the Amazon Warriors reach 38 for two.
The first wicket fell to Daniel Vettori who beat his fellow New Zealander Martin Guptill with a perfect arm ball that evaded his defence to see the batsman bowled for 15. The other man to go inside the first six overs was Mohammad Hafeez. He started with a boundary looking to carry on where he had left off in the last match where he scored 30 runs off just 10 deliveries. He was perhaps too confident as he slashed at a short wide ball from David Bernard only to edge it through to Chadwick Walton. While others struggled to get going Lendl Simmons was able to find the boundary. While he was not finding singles he was able to go at a decent rate thanks to some powerful strokes. He departed going for another six hitting a ball from Nikita Miller high into
the swirling Jamaican wind. It was one of those catches that are dropped more often than not but not by Andre Russell. The strong breeze took the ball over his head and he dived backwards to take the catch behind him. Other catches will look more spectacular there are few that will be as difficult. Wickets continued to slow the visitor’s progress with them finding themselves five down for just 77 runs inside the 13th over. That brought together Christopher Barnwell and Jimmy Neesham who did their best to resurrect the Guyana effort with the bat. They put on the best partnership of the innings before Barnwell was undone by an excellent bouncer from Jerome Taylor who gave all the batsmen the hurry up with his pace. The four overs from Taylor went for just 14 runs as he bowled with real
venom and with excellent variation. He conceded just one boundary while taking three vital wickets. Only Neesham managed to stand firm as he finished with 35 off 26 balls but he too fell to Taylor. He will feel that he missed out as he miscued a full toss straight to Russell at long off. It was an important innings without it Guyana may have struggled to get past 100. As it was, they set 138 to win. It looked like too few but as it was it was nearly enough. A measured start from t h e Ta l l a w a h s i n t h e Powerplay saw them reach 33 for one in the first six overs. Chris Gayle was happy to be patient although he was particularly hard on Steven Jacobs. His watchfulness was not rewarded as he was bowled by Hafeez although it took a while for him to realise it at first thinking the bails had
been removed by Denesh Ramdin’s gloves. The fall of Gayle’s wicket saw the run rate climb as Owais Shah, Adam Voges and Jordan Blackwood found it impossible to keep the scoreboard moving in the face of some tight bowling from Hafeez and Ronsford Beaton. Voges fell to the bowling of Jacobs for 12 but it could have been an even shorter stay had the Australian not been dropped by Veerasammy Permaul while on four. It was a simple chance and Permaul will be glad that it did not prove too costly a mistake. It looked as if the Ta l l a w a h s h a d l e f t themselves too much to do but Andre Russell was not ready to give up on this chase. He took 19 runs off a Beaton over as the young fast bowler’s mixed bag of a tournament continued. With three overs left there was still 12 an over needed for the home side and Russell was the key. Russell played a
brutal innings but he had to win the game on his own as no one else in the Tallawahs line up could time the ball with the same precision. Even the ever economical Krishmar Santokie could not keep Russell under control as the 19th over was taken for 14 by the Jamaican all rounder. At the start of the last over the Tallawahs still needed 13 to win. A fine first four balls from Neesham went for just three runs. That left ten needed from two balls. This presented no challenge for the barnstorming Russell who hit the last two balls for a four and a six to see his side home. The win takes the Jamaicans up to ten points and leaves them certain of qualification for the knockout stage of the tournament. The Amazon Warriors are still well placed to join them in the business end of the event but two losses to their opponents in last year’s final will be a blow.
Usain Bolt leads Jamaica to Glasgow 4x100m relay gold
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BC Sport - Usain Bolt brought the Commonwealth Games athletics to a fitting finale in Glasgow as he anchored Jamaica to 4x100m relay gold and then partied with the thrilled Hampden crowd. Bolt took the baton for the final leg level with England’s Danny Talbot and, despite it being only his second competitive outing of the season, accelerated away in classic style as Talbot hung on for silver. Trinidad and Tobago took bronze, but it was Bolt’s display that lit up a cold and wet stadium as he proved once again the great performer and showman of his era. Individual 100m silver medallist Adam Gemili had given England a brilliant start - having been switched from the anchor leg he ran so well in the heats - and an impressive top bend from world indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty gave Talbot a chance, in theory at least, down the home straight. But Bolt - who only began training six weeks ago after a serious knee injury was never going to be
upstaged, and he blasted away to cross the line five metres clear in a new Games record of 37.58 seconds. England’s 38.02 secs represented a creditable performance given their poor record in getting the baton round, and bodes well for Great Britain’s hopes at this month’s European Championships. Yet this was always going to be the Bolt show, even if that soubriquet seems unjust in a contest where his team-mates Jason Livermore, Kemar BaileyCole and Nickel Ashmeade played an equal part. On an evening of torrential rain, the downpour relented just as Bolt strolled on to the track, although the athletic miracles he has produced down the years have been such that walking on water would have come as only a slight surprise. After the controversy earlier in the week over whether he had made disparaging comments about the Games - something he vehemently denies - the last two days have seen Bolt and the Glasgow crowds delight in each other’s company. And despite the world
record holder over 100m, 200m and sprint relay already owning six Olympic golds and eight World Championship medals, the addition of his first Commonwealth title clearly meant a great deal to him. He told BBC Sport: “This completes my set - I’m happy. The people here are great, they’ve been so nice to me here and I want to thank them.” Bolt had come on to the track before the race and danced ostentatiously as the Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), the constant soundtrack to these Commonwealths, once again blasted out. And when the gold medal was secured he embarked on a lap of honour so prolonged that, after half an hour, he had still not reached his original starting point at the top of the home straight. It was quintessential Bolt - not a high five left hanging, barely a selfie request left unfilled. It is in these moments, almost as much as his extraordinary deeds on the track, that Bolt’s instinctive genius becomes apparent. Where other athletes
After winning gold Bolt posed for pictures with fans who had his trademark lightning bolt painted on their faces. (Reuters) have to think about such things, the Jamaican both naturally understands what his legion of admirers want from him and revels in creating it. At various times he donned a cardboard “Bolt mask” borrowed from a woman in the crowd, danced a jig in a tartan tam o’shanter and politely asked one over-
enthusiastic man to step back so a young girl could have her photo taken with him unencumbered. “I’m always here to have fun,” he said. “It was just wonderful, although this his new thing of selfies is taking up time. “I came out here to do my best, and this is my first race back from injury so I’m very
happy.” England’s quartet were equally pleased with their performance. Gemili said: “It was a great race. I just tried to give the team as much advantage as I could, and the rest of the guys smashed it. “ We t r i e d t o g i v e ourselves as big a lead as we could, but Usain Bolt is Usain Bolt.”
Sunday August 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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‘Extension or Redemption’ what will it be? By Rawle Welch Christianburg/Wismar and Waramadong have met three times before, twice in the finals and once in a semifinal with the former prevailing on all three occasions, but most pundits you talk to believe today’s clash for the title between the two teams will produce something special for the fans. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the final of the 4 Annual Digicel Schools Football Competition at the National Stadium and judging from the buildup and releases emanating from the respective camps it seem certain that fans who will be able to watch the game free of cost will be in for a special treat. Defending champions C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r throughout their defence this year have looked in ominous form, while they also displayed admirable resilience in their semi-final clash against a fit and well organized Bush Lot Secondary unit, having to come from behind to equalize, before prevailing on penalty kicks, perhaps the only scare they’ve had for the tournament. Waramadong on the other hand, were made to fight in at least two of their encounters during the campaign with the semith
Last year at the Police Ground a large crowd filled the place for another exciting contest, this year the venue is changed to the National Stadium, but the crowd support is promising to be the same with admission being free. final game against BV Secondary being their most testing, but like C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r displayed similar toughness to pull through. The game has been billed as ‘Extension or Redemption’ meaning will the defending champions extend their dominance over Waramadong and at the same time strengthen their stranglehold on the tournament or will Wa r a m a d o n g r e d e e m themselves for the earlier losses suffered at the hands of the Lindeners. What is certain is that both teams have expressed little fear for each other and
have assured that past results will have no bearing on today’s encounter. Christianburg/Wismar will once again look to their prolific front pair of Shane Luckie and Donovan Francis to lead their quest for victory. Additional support could come from Ezra Ashby and Jashawn Moore, while Keyshawn Dey and Dequan Hercules are all pivotal in the team’s chemistry. Waramadong who are being led by goalkeeper Gerald Isaacs will be looking to the experienced Myles Albert to lead their charge along with support expected from Deon Rodrigues and Uriah King.
Head Coach Louie Thomas had stated earlier in the week, that past results will not influence their approach to the game, he added that they will be looking for early goals and play positive football despite their dismal record against Christianburg/Wismar. “We have to score early goals it gives you an advantage and hopefully by doing that we could then apply some pressure to the opposition,” Thomas told this newspaper. He said they intend to be aggressive and play positive football at both ends of the field since he believed that this strategy is what is
required to beat Christianburg/Wismar. Meanwhile, BV will face Bush Lot in the third place playoff and this clash also has the hallmark of being a scorcher. Both teams were unfortunate not to be contesting the final after losing in similar fashion to their more established opponents. BV did show some fortitude when they came from behind to force a penalty shootout against Waramadong, while Bush Lot revealed moments of lapses that caused them the g a m e a g a i n s t Christianburg/Wismar.
However, both teams management did concede that they made mistakes and have worked assiduously to correct them during the one week period allotted before today’s finale. For Bush Lot, Captain Marlon Nicholson, Adrian Price, Royan Schultz, Jevon McKenzie and Eric Callender will be called upon to lead them to victory, while BV’s search for a win will rest on the shoulders of Obrandy Fields, Phillip Liverpool and Okema Hoppie. Kick off time is 16:00 hrs for the third place and 18:00 hrs for the final.
IGG Swimming Day 2... GUYANA
END 3RD; SURINAME ARE OVERALL CHAMPS
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uyana’s bid to break the jinx of not winning the Inter Guiana Games swimming title will continue for another year with their old nemesis, Suriname once again taking the championships title yesterday when the 2-day competition concluded at the National Aquatic Centre. The Surinamese (109) who led French Guiana after the first day by 8 points maintained that lead to win overall by a similar margin, totaling 208 points to French Guiana (200) and the host team with 146 points. French Guiana won the Girls Team competition accumulating 97 points to Suriname’s 95 and Guyana’s 84. The Dutch team turned the tables in the Boys Team competition winning with 113 points to The French’s 103 and the English speaking hosts on 62. The Guyanese female swimmers continued to lead the way on yesterday’s final day, led by
Britany van Lange who powered to 2 gold medals in the 200m Freestyle (2:21.33) and the 100m Freestyle (1:01.36) in both races, van Lange bettered her seed times. Soroya Simmons was a silver medalist in the 50m Backstroke (34.59) trailing Suriname’s Anjali Rahan who took gold in 33.71, Accalia Khan was the bronze medalist ((35.03). Jamila Sanmoogan took bronze in the 100m Breaststroke (1:34.34). The girl’s quartet (Sanmoogan, Simmons, Accalia Khan, van Lange) ended the meet in style with silver in the 50m Freestyle Relay (1:59.30), the Guyanese easing their way back on the third leg after being behind the winners, Suriname (1:58.68) and French Guiana (2:02.80). Omar Adams swam to silver in the boys 200m Freestyle clocking 2:14.42, Yael Touw Ngie Tjouw of (Continued on page 66)
Inter Guiana Games Swimming Champions Suriname following the end of competition yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre.
Guyana on course to reclaim IGG Athletics title
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PHOTO FINISH! While it may seem as though Tevin Garraway (left) clearly crossed the line first, but looks over at his leaning opposition, he was actually awarded third, as team-mate, Kevin Abbensetts (Lane 1) got the judges nod for first place.
Usain Bolt leads Jamaica to Another last ball heartbreak Glasgow 4x100m relay gold for Guyana Amazon Warriors Andre Russell (right) hit the winning runs for the Tallawahs, while Lendl Simmons led the Warriors. (Latin Content, Getty Images/CPL T20 Ltd.2014)
Usain Bolt won Commonwealth Gold while Daniel Talbot (right) took silver for England, finishing ahead of Trinidad and Tobago. (Getty Images)
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