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August 17, 2013 - Vol. 7 No. 32 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

President seeks common ground with APNU on Amaila…

'Let us meet to once and for all settle these issues' US-based Guyanese 417 treated at Leonora Clinic committed to stand trial for wife's murder Guyana Watch medical tour …

Fibre optic cable project to miss yet another deadline

Blocked US applications

will delay lower fares - CAL TPL $17M heist…

A patient being examined by one of the dentists yesterday

Security guard still in custody

Amaila project ill-conceived from the beginning - Greenidge

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 17, 2013

Saturday August 17, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Amaila project ill-conceived from - Argentine the beginning - Greenidge consultants did A section of the audience at the symposium

APNU’s Carl Greenidge addressing the gathering yesterday. In the background is Professor Clive Thomas.

T h e G u y a n a Government has for the first time made public the name of the company it says it

contracted to conduct an “Economic and Financial Evaluation Study” for the Amaila Falls Project.”

Murder suspect among 28 arrested during raids

R

anks of the Guyana Police Force yesterday conducted raids in a number of communities in Georgetown, where 28 persons were arrested, for a number of criminal offences.

According to the police, raids were carried out in Albouystown, Alberttown, Sophia, Meadow Bank, Charlestown and West Front Road, during which twentythree (23) men and five (5) women were apprehended pending investigations into possession of narcotics, armed robbery and break and enter and larceny.

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) yesterday said that Argentina-based, Mercados Energéticos Consultores, had been hired in 2009 to assess the project and that its

The .25 pistol found in the Albouystown raid

The police added that a.

25 starter pistol was recovered in Albouystown.

Lawrence Rodrigues, 27, of Light Street, Alberttown, who was sentenced to four years imprisonment during June 2013 following an ex parte trial on charges of possession of firearm without licence and possession of ammunition without

licence; and a suspect in the murder of Quincy Sookall, was among those arrested.

On August 3, Sooklall, a 20-year-old resident of Riverview, Ruimveldt, was pulled out from the Demerara River, behind the Police Maritime Branch at Ruimveldt. Just prior to the discovery of the body, the man had been reported missing.

report had been passed on to the political opposition on a confidential basis.

According to a NICIL statement yesterday, the consultancy company found that the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project would provide a rate of return of 33 per cent as well as reducing the average supply cost of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL).

The release of the name of the company that did the feasibility study for the Amaila Falls Project coincided with a symposium h e l d b y t h e Wo r k i n g People’s Alliance (WPA) with input from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

At that Forum, former Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge with the support of Professor Clive Thomas opined that the project had been ill-conceived from the beginning.

“Amaila has to be part of a bigger system,” Greenidge stated.

According to the former Finance Minister, the project should never have been a stand-alone project and instead should have been one in a cluster of hydro

feasibility study

projects that would utilize the extremely costly transmission line that would feed the electricity from the interior to the national grid.

Professor Thomas reminded of the fact that by 2019 the demand for electricity would outstrip the supply from Amaila. This, he said, would inherently drive up the cost charged to the consumer on top of the excessively high cost to build the project.

The 165MW Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project - as currently proposed stands at US$858M or US$5.1M per megawatt.

According to Greenidge, “we have a responsibility to ensure that the capital cost of the project is as lowest as possible.”

NICIL yesterday said

that in the feasibility study conducted by the Argentine Company was conducted by “an expert team of energy sector specialists.” These specialists, according to NICIL, sought to evaluate the economic profitability of the Amaila project for GPL and ensure the supply of power would be consistent with GPL’s medium and long-term demand projections.

It said that while the report’s conclusions date back to 2008 and 2009, the fundamentals of the economic profitability are more pronounced today in a high-fuel cost environment.

The Mercados Energéticos Consultores report evaluated the Amaila project against oil prices of (continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Confronting abuse of females

Everyone should be extremely concerned about the persistence of violent abuse of females in our society, despite numerous strategies developed by government and various social organisations to combat this problem.

This is not a problem that suffers from a lack of public awareness and action. There are almost daily media reports of cases involving every sickening variety of violence against females in Guyana. The nation has responded with several measures, including the strengthening of women’s rights in the nation’s constitution, justice system reforms, increased penalties for perpetrators and the establishment of services to help women who are victims of violence.

Generally speaking, despite many years of such initiatives, Guyana still lacks the type of knowledge and understanding of the nature, causes and effects of violent abuse of females that are necessary to deal effectively with the problem. Consequently, strategies aimed at prevention seem to have had only minimal impact, while female victims of violence and abuse continue to have only very limited access to legal and psychological assistance.

Programmes aimed at preventing the abuse of females in Guyana tend to be undermined by the pervasiveness and inflexibility of cultural norms that socialise women into submissive roles from early childhood. The perception that men are superior to women and the notion that violence and virility go hand in hand, are manifest in several communities and social groups in Guyana. Since being masculine is basically understood as being dominant and tough, men’s subjugation of women by violence is often tolerated by the victims themselves as well as their communities.

Also, programmes aimed at helping survivors of such abuse to recover are simply too resource-deficient to provide comprehensive, professional assistance. Places that provide professional help for abused women and girls are far too few to meet the needs – in most regions of Guyana, there are none at all. Shelters where victims can seek refuge are almost non-existent. Those that do exist literally have to beg victims to step forward and try to end their suffering. The vast majority of victims seem to get little or no professional help in self-healing, coping and survival skills.

Surmounting these obstacles in Guyana is not going to be easy. The slow progress of action concerning violence against women and weaknesses in implementation suggest that the male-dominated society still does not recognise the gravity of abuse against females.

Guyanese women cannot depend on actions taken by government and a handful of social organisations on their behalf. They need to get organised, develop their own alternative programs, and undertake to be the driving force behind these.

This should seriously focus on what appropriate actions they can take by themselves - as mothers, wives and community activists - to break down detrimental cultural stereotypes that provoke all forms of abuse against females, and try to decrease labelling and marginalisation of victims. They need to develop and undertake campaigns and information programs to explain the overall impact of violence against women, and exert social pressure to seek adequate assistance to the victims of abuse.

Guyanese women must increase their active participation in solving the problem of violence against females. More women need to start influencing society through actions in their own homes. Women also need to establish female support networks in their communities, so that victims would not have to face perpetrators of such abuse alone. The abuse of any female in a community diminishes every female in that community.

The long-term success will depend on men’s involvement, but dealing with the problem’s underlying

Saturday August 17, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Is the Amaila hydro plant viable in view of rising sea levels?

DEAR EDITOR, Is it economically viable to build the US$1B Amaila hydro plant in view of rising sea levels? In an article published Aug 1, 2013 in the Toronto Star, American scientists warned that it is too late to reverse the effect of greenhouse gas emissions and that rising sea levels of 7 to 10 ft are inevitable in the coming years for American cities, including Miami and Jacksonville. Guyana is on the same side of the Atlantic Ocean and will also be affected by the same amount of rising sea level.

Presently, in Guyana 90% of the population lives on the low-lying coastlands, which is about 4 ft. below high tide. If the sea level should rise another 3 ft or more in the coming years it

would be detrimental for people living along the coast.

The sea level was first measured in 1961 and to date no one knows the present level. Driving a marked stake in the sea and measuring the level of the water at high tide as was done some time ago is not an indication of the true level. It is much more complicated than that.

The present sea defences around Georgetown and environs were realigned, designed and built in the ’60s and early ’70s and have a factor of safety of only 1.1 against rotational slips if the foreshore erodes. It is customary to re-align the sea defences every 40 years or so in Guyana. In Georgetown the old Baron Hora Siccama and the British seawalls were

re-capped and raised 3 ft in 1968, and a new bitumen grouted boulder seawall was built in 1972. East of the Kitty pump station the concrete walls were built in 1968 and 1974. All these walls have not been maintained since this government came to power in1992. The government has also allowed a nightclub to be built directly over the boulder sea wall and a hotel within the sea defence reserve, all in defiance of the Sea Defence Act. Monitoring of the foreshore levels also have not been carried out since the 1980s.

Recent overtopping of the sea defences around Conversation Tree are an indication of what is to

come. Fortunately, Sithe Global has pulled out of the Amaila hydro power deal, but negotiations to build it are still going on. The plant will be headquartered in Georgetown.

In my opinion by the time the government takes over the plant, if built and handed over in 25 years time (5 years to construct and 20 years for Sithe to maintain and operate) Georgetown and its environs may have to face relocation.

The government has no alternative but to hold the present sea defence alignment between Better Hope and Camp Street.

I doubt whether they have the engineering expertise and experienced workers to do so.

M Alli

Concerned about the role of the GGMC’s closed area committee DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association is concerned about the role of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Closed Area Committee, since it is obvious that it is not functioning in accordance to the Association’s understanding of its initial mandate.

For the record, the Closed Area Committee was established in February 1994. Its mandate was to identify closed areas, and state reserves that can be open to Miners for the purpose of location of

claims, and approving applications, for grants of Prospecting and Mining Licences, Prospecting Permits and Mining Permits.

Following identification of these closed areas, the Closed Area Committee was further charged with implementing the exercise in accordance to the Regulations signed by the Minister.

The Closed Area Committee also had the responsibility to investigate, and resolve any complaints arising from this exercise.

Later, the Closed Area Committee was further authorized to conduct

social issues will be much easier if there are sufficiently empowered, self-assured women working with men towards a solution.

Many persons duly regard women as the vertebrae of Guyanese society and there is absolutely no doubt that in many cases they are the driving force behind families and communities. They are the primary care-givers to the very young and very old, and tend to expertly marshall the resources of many families.

One clear indicator that women continue to endure an uphill struggle for full social appreciation in Guyana is the fact that despite hard-earned progress in every area of life, women’s accomplishments often remain underestimated.

This nation has enshrined women’s rights in the Constitution and strengthened laws to protect them. Yet gender-based discrimination and violence against women pervade almost every aspect of life and are perennial threats to peace and security in our society. We all need to operate pro-actively and fearlessly promote women’s advancement and bring gender issues to wider attention.

We must quickly and forcefully promote legal and policy reforms to further empower women.

Women in Guyana, even those in positions of authority, still tend to face major legal, social and political barriers and biases. At this crucial time, confronting abuse of our females is of utmost importance.

Lotteries and Auctions in accordance to regulations, signed by the Minister for Mines, these over the years was its main activities, scheduling lotteries and holding auctions, after identifying properties from closed areas and state reserves.

Following the introduction of a Regulation in 2007, which states that all Mining Licences that are relinquished, cancelled or rescinded for one reason or another. These properties would be closed and r e o p e n e d f o r Lotteries/Auctions (these closures were Gazetted).

This increase mining properties available for Lottery/Auction.

The introduction of the Amerindian Act created a situation whereby permission to renew licences in Amerindian Titled Lands was not being approved by GGMC unless the Miner had an agreement with the Amerindian Village Council, this obviously led to a situation whereby many miners were not allowed to continue mining despite having licences for decades, as a compromise, it was agreed that miners affected by this policy of GGMC, can voluntarily relinquish their licences, and apply to the Closed Area Committee for alternative areas.

This process then became an additional task for the Closed Area Committee.

Following a review of the system, inter alia, the amount of mining lands that were closed/reserve, it was noted that many of these areas were being worked illegally, and the resources of the GGMC c o u l d n ’t p r e v e n t t h i s illegality from taking place in the mining industry. The so called “No Man’s Land” became prevalent.

In an effort to minimize this state of affairs, and following consultations between Minister, GGMC and GGDMA it was agreed that any previous licencee of a property who was willing to pay all rentals due, and penalties for late payment could then apply for said properties.

The administration of this agreement became another responsibility of the Closed Area Committee.

Since the establishment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Association has noted over the past few years, deviations from these known responsibilities of the Closed Area Committee that are causes for concern:I. Lotteries that were being held every quarter (4 Times) per year is now being held once or twice per year.

II. Auctions that were held in conjunction with Lotteries have been suspended; no auction since 2009.

III. As of December 2011 the decision to allow (Continued on page 23)

Saturday August 17, 2013

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

Minibus operators were overcharging long before this present fuel shortage DEAR EDITOR, It is not my style but I would like to commend the Ministry of Tourism for their bold stance against the unreasonable raise of fares that have been perpetrated by the public transportation system throughout Guyana especially the route 32 mini buses against commuters.

I have written numerous letters about these illegal raise in fares that commuters have to pay in order for them to reach their destination but with their latest cry I would like to raise a few concerns I have witness personally especially at the Vreed-enHoop stelling.

Mr. Editor, based on the article in KN Aug.16.

“Minibus operators threatened to cease operations”, the operators explained that the raise of fuel (due to the fuel shortage) has

prompted them to increase the fares but they didn’t say if they will drop back the fare when the fuel price reduces.

It is no surprise that they are using the fuel shortage incident to cry for an increase, especially when they were over charging people long before this present fuel shortage. They didn’t tell the reporter that before a commuter enters their bus; you have to agree to pay forty dollars more on the regular fare. I witnessed the woman in short pants in the picture stand by her minibus door and demand that you have to pay the increase, and when someone voice their disapproval, they are being are faced with lots of degrading remarks from her.

Some of them would lock their doors and when the crowd builds up, then they would demand a high fare i.e., two

hundred dollars to Tuschen when the fare is one hundred and twenty dollars and increase of eighty dollars!

This government’s failure in creating jobs for us forced lots of them into investing into minibus or going and work someone’s minibus and it not secret that the amount of minibuses that park at the Vreed-en-Hoop is extremely high and there’s not enough commuters travelling for them to get their six thousand dollars for driver, four thousand dollars for conductor and five thousand dollars for the minibus (some cases is more), so they choose to pressure the commuters to make them get their target in only two or three trips. Added to that, the condition of some minibuses is unimaginable and that causes some commuters clothes to get damaged and

they don’t even offer an apology. To this day, I cannot understand why they don’t tell you about the increase when you travelling in the morning going to work and only when you finished working and going home.

Also, there are a lot of minibuses operators who work for the normal fares and are being verbally abused by those who are demanding the increase. Most of them still force you to sit four in a bar (seat) along with the increase and if you refuse they put you out of the bus or say they not working anymore until you exit the bus. Complains to the police fall on deaf ears too, but commuters still have to travel! It’s not the commuters’ fault that there is so many minibuses out there that make them wait eight hours for a load!

Sahadeo Bates

Inaccurate information about Local Government Elections in pamphlet DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to bring to the attention of all Stakeholders that the pamphlet titled “Local Government Elections”, which was produced and circulated by an organisation called “Facing the Future (FtF)” carries some incorrect information.

Whereas GECOM welcomes the attempt by FtF to play a role in providing information about the new system for Local Government Elections, the Commission cannot allow the incorrect information be fed to the public.

An example of the incorrectness of information is that the pamphlet says that “Guyana is divided into six Municipalities and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils”.

This is not true, since not all of Guyana is included in Local Authority areas. It would be correct to say that Guyana has six Municipalities and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

This difference is more than just a nuance, since several areas e.g. Amerindian Villages, are not classified as Local Authority Areas and would not be contesting Local Government Elections.

Another example is that the pamphlet conveys that “One candidate from each contesting party and each civic group is assigned to each constituency”.

This is a very ambiguous statement which could lead to confusion about the election of candidates within the various constituencies.

GECOM recognizes the need for publication of information pertaining to the new system for Local government elections and will soon be mounting a Civic and Voter Education programme to so do.

This activity, as part of a deliberate strategy (especially where timing is concerned), has been held back because of important, far-reaching and consequential uncertainties associated with the conduct of Local Government Elections.

However, the Commission is moving towards commencing the publication of pertinent information which is not necessarily linked to the conduct of Local Government Elections, but which is more specific to the new electoral system.

In fact, the Commission is currently involved with educating our own permanent staff about the new Local Government Elections system.

The law specifically mandates GECOM with the responsibility to carry out Civic and Voter Education activities relative to the

conduct of registration, General, Regional and Local Government Elections.

This pamphlet, which conveys that it is a “Summary of the New Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2009, denotes that it was published by the FtF with sponsorship from the following organisations:Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Church Women United (CWU), Commonground, Community Based Rehabilitation, Guyana Council of Churches (GCC), Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Guyana Society for the blind, Guyana Workers Union (GWU), Institute of Development studies (IDS), Rights of Children (ROC), Red Thread, Vilvoorden Women’s Organisation.

The FtF, all of the above listed organisations and other organisations are invited to contact GECOM for clarity and/or assistance on any matter concerning Local Government Elections or any other relevant matter before getting involved in the publication of information the like of which is carried in the

pamphlet referred to above.

Vishnu Persaud Public Relations Officer

Congrats to Marian Academy’s CSEC students

DEAR EDITOR, The 2013 CSEC numbers for Marian Academy are inspiring.

These results are so inspiring that I read them a second time, and then allowed a slight smile.

Marian registered an overall pass rate (Grades 1-3) of 95.75 percent in subjects taken. Participating students compiled an impressive 100 percent success rate in 17 different subject disciplines, including the coveted English A and Add Math.

In Pure Mathematics the pass rate was an astounding 98 percent. Cumulatively, these numbers speak to a combination of aptitude, dedication, and sterling effort.

The key being unflagging effort from students who brought many gifts to bear.Asmall handful is now recognized.

There is Ms Mangra (the quiet superstar), all 1’s and distinctions to make the head spin; Ms Low all 1’s too and right up there; Nicholas (who said he couldn’t write), then proving himself wrong; Lopes the student athlete getting it done; and Faithe and Kevin and Tisel and Nutana, among the others who gave of themselves and responded

when asked to give just a little bit more. Credit is also due to that formidable Jamaican presence; to the contributory elements of the by now fabled Catholic school education regime; and to the belief that there are those who will rise beyond their potential.

And their anxieties too.

This came through the affording of opportunity and seizing the moment for all it is worth. All of us can learn. I did.

After all the prodding and cajoling (and warning) this is a great and blessed day at Marian Academy. There is much comfort in the character demonstrated, in the results harvested. A road ends, others begin and beckon.

Marian Academy now sends its sons and daughters forward. To dream. To learn.

To grow. And to give.

I believe that society will be well served, whether here or elsewhere by these Marian ambassadors. I feel privileged to have had a minor part of these individual stories, this one great story. Congratulations to all; especially overachievers, stalwart performers, and this broad band of the promised future.

G H K Lall

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President seeks common ground with APNU on Amaila…

‘Let us meet to once and for all settle these issues’ In a statement issued by President Donald Ramotar last evening concerning the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Head of State indicated that his government is willing to meet with officials from A Partnership for National Unity to find consensus on the important national venture.

The following is the full text of the statement: “Earlier this week, I spoke of how I was urging a national consensus in support of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project, and of how it was time to put partisan politics aside in the interests of Guyanese for generations to come.

Towards that end, I spoke with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Granger, who said that APNU would only be able to change their position on Amaila if their outstanding issues were resolved.

Mr. Granger said – privately and publicly - that APNU would be stating those issues publicly through a definitive Press Statement on Monday.

APNU have now issued their definitive statement.

APNU’s statement identifies the two main issues which are currently preventing them from supporting the Amaila Falls project: - APNU’s belief that the Amaila Falls project is likely to “condemn Guyanese to excessive indebtedness” - APNU’s belief that the Amaila Falls project will not

“provide assurance that the final cost of power to the consumer will be appreciably lower than the current tariff” I agree with APNU that these two issues are the most important ones.

They are easy to resolve.

Therefore, to help build consensus on these two outstanding points, I suggest that Mr. Granger’s team and a team from the Government meet to once and for all settle these issues, and to publicly communicate the meeting’s outcomes.

I hope that it will be possible to jointly agree that: - On indebtedness, Guyana is incurring no debt from the Amaila Falls Hydro project. That is one of its strongest benefits for the taxpayer.

- On the consumer tariff, Amaila Falls will reduce the tariff paid by GPL for electricity by 40% for the first twelve years after operations begin, by over 70% for the eight years after that and by over 90% for the eighty years after that. This reduction in the GPL tariff will allow two things to happen: - Removal of the subsidy that the taxpayer has to give GPL today (which is mainly used to offset the cost of GPL’s electricity) – this will save over US$30 million per year, or US$600 million over twenty years, to be invested in other areas such as education, health and roads.

- A pass-through of the

remaining savings to the consumer, which will result in a reduction of over 20% in the electricity bills of Guyanese businesses and consumers within two years of the start of Amaila’s operations - and significantly more in the years ahead as GPL’s tariff gets progressively cheaper (unlike with oil and diesel, Amaila’s electricity price decreases dramatically over time). The pass-through of GPL’s progressively cheaper tariff can lead to reductions in the consumer tariff well in excess of 50% of today’s price after twelve years.

After the meeting, if Mr. Granger and his team agree that both their stated concerns are being met, then Guyana can put the rancour of recent weeks behind us, and forge a strong, unified, national consensus in favour of the Amaila Falls project.

Because there is still work to do.

IDB DUE DILIGENCE Most importantly, once there is national consensus behind the Amaila Falls project based on the costs and benefits already communicated publicly, then the IDB will be able to complete their due diligence to publicly validate those costs and benefits.

The Government of Guyana invited the IDB to carry out due diligence on the Amaila Falls project some years ago, based on the reality

that the IDB possesses technical capacity which is not available in Guyana. All of their work is carried out in accordance with their internationally accepted financial, social and environmental safeguards.

Currently, despite years of work, the due diligence cannot be completed because the developer (who is the one spending the vast majority of the money to do the tasks required by the IDB) cannot proceed without national consensus in Guyana.

Yet, completion of the IDB’s due diligence – and a conclusion that the details underpinning the project are sound – would enable the Amaila Falls project to go to the IDB Board in October.

This in turn would trigger the six-week public GRIF process to release most of the remainder of the taxpayer’s equity contribution to Amaila.

UNLOCKING THE TRIPLE LOCK To summarise: by the end of the year we can open the triple lock that currently stands in the way of the best chance of realising Guyana’s development potential in decades. Opening the triple lock means: - Demonstrating national consensus that the people of Guyana want this project; - IDB Board approval that the project is financially, socially and environmentally viable; - GRIF Steering Committee validation that the project is in line with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and its provisions These steps in turn will enable final contracts to be

President Donald Ramotar

signed – at the price agreed for the construction of the Amaila Falls project, which expires on December 31 2013.

Realising Guyana’s Potential Unlocking the triple lock would mean that in 2017, Guyana can have clean, affordable, reliable energy.

This can transform our economy, and bring benefits to all Guyanese. To repeat what I said on Monday, the facts are clear: Today, GPL incurs an electricity generating cost of US$19c per kw/h. With Amaila Falls Hydro, GPL’s cost of electricity can be dramatically reduced, to: - 11c per kw/h in the first twelve years, 40% less than today - 5.6c per kw/h in the next eight years, 71% less than today - 1.8 c per kw/h for the following eighty years, 91% less than today As a result, the Amaila

project can: - Reduce electricity bills for Guyanese consumers and businesses – average tariffs for consumers will come down by at least 20% within two years of commercial operation of the hydro - Eliminate the need for Guyanese taxpayers to subsidise GPL. In 2012, the subsidy cost taxpayers over 6 billion dollars. This will no longer be needed, and the money can be invested in other important national priorities, such as roads, schools and hospitals - Greatly reduce Guyana’s dependence on foreign oil, and insulate the economy from the risk of rising oil prices. Unlike oil, the price of Amaila’s electricity will go down over the next twenty years.

- Reduce black-outs.

To avoid outages, the plant has: · Four individual units (continued on page 9)

Amaila project ill-conceived from the beginning - Greenidge From page 3 US$75 a barrel while, fuel prices today are significantly higher.

NICIL says too that, the report’s findings that the Amaila project would bring structural benefits to GPL, is the optimal low-cost generation solution and is economically profitable for Guyana were key factors in assessing the merits of moving forward with the development of the

Amaila transaction.

The NICIL statement lamented that despite numerous consultations with the joint Opposition, access and availability of confidential information for many months and incontrovertible facts showing the economic benefits of the Amaila project, APNU still denied the advantages of cheaper and reliable hydropower to the people of Guyana.

Saturday August 17, 2013

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Dozens die in Egyptian bloodbath on Islamists’ ‘Day of Rage” (Reuters) - Islamist protests descended into a bloodbath across Egypt yesterday, with around 50 killed in Cairo alone on a “Day of Rage” called by followers of ousted President Mohamed Mursi to denounce a crackdown by the army-backed government.

As automatic gunfire echoed across Cairo, the standoff seemed to be sliding ever faster towards armed confrontation, evoking past conflict between militant Islamists and the state in the most populous Arab nation.

More than 40 people were also killed in provincial cities, taking the overall toll close to 100, although the intense shooting eventually died down in Cairo at dusk as a curfew began.

While Western governments urged restraint after hundreds died when security forces cleared protest camps two days ago, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah endorsed the government’s tactics against the Muslim Brotherhood, saying on Friday his nation stood with Egypt in its battle against “terrorism”.

Army helicopters hovered low over supporters of Mursi’s Brotherhood in Ramses Square, the theatre of much of yesterday’s bloodshed in Cairo, black smoke billowing from at least one huge blaze which lit up the night sky after sundown.

A Reuters witness saw the bodies of 27

people, apparently hit by gunfire and birdshot, wrapped in white sheets in a mosque. A Reuters photographer said security forces opened fire from numerous directions when a police station was attacked.

Men armed with automatic weapons appeared to be taking part in the Cairo protests. At Ramses Square, Reuters journalists saw three men carrying guns; protesters cheered when cars carrying gunmen arrived, another Reuters witness said.

“Sooner or later I will die. Better to die for my rights than in my bed. Guns don’t scare us anymore,” said Sara Ahmed, 28, a business manager who joined the demonstrators in Cairo. “It’s not about the Brotherhood, it’s about human rights.”

A security official said 24 policemen had been killed and 15 police stations attacked since late Thursday, underlining the increasing ferocity of the violence.

Egyptian state media have hardened their rhetoric against the Brotherhood - which ruled Egypt for a year until the army removed Mursi on July 3 - invoking language used to describe militant groups such as al Qaeda and suggesting there is little hope of a political resolution to the crisis.

Zimbabwe’s MDC drops court challenge to Mugabe re-election HARARE (Reuters) Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC withdrew a court challenge against President Robert Mugabe’s re-election through a vote the party had denounced as fraudulent, saying yesterday it would not get a fair hearing.

Mugabe, 89, and his ZANU-PF party were declared winners of the July 31 election but the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by outgoing Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai had filed a motion for the

constitutional court to overturn the result.

A hearing on the MDC challenge, which had alleged widespread vote-rigging and intimidation by ZANU-PF, had been planned for today.

“I can confirm that we have withdrawn the presidential election petition.

There are a number of reasons, including the failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to release critical evidence in this matter,” MDC spokesman Douglas

Mwonzora said.

The decision appeared to end any hope of further action by the MDC through the courts, which Tsangirai’s party have said are dominated

by ZANU-PF along with other state institutions in the southern African nation, formerly known as Rhodesia.

Tsvangirai, whose party has been plunged into crisis after its third failure to unseat Mugabe through elections, has dismissed the vote as a “huge fraud” and a “coup by ballot”.

West Virginia judge accused of framing former lover’s husband (Reuters) - A West Virginia judge was arrested on Thursday and charged in federal court with attempting to plant evidence on a former lover’s husband and having him arrested for a crime he did not commit.

Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury, 57, also was accused of appointing a business partner to be foreman of the grand jury investigating the husband, the indictment said.

Thornsbury, Mingo County’s only circuit judge since 1997, was arrested on Thursday, according to a federal prosecutor. He was released after paying a $10,000 bond, according to court documents.

Thornsbury had a romantic relationship with his secretary starting in early 2008, the federal indictment said. After she broke it off in June of that year, Thornsbury sought retaliation against the

West Virginia Judge Michael Thornsbury is accused of conspiracy. woman’s husband, it said.

The names of the woman and her husband were redacted from the indictment.

Thornsbury tried unsuccessfully to hire someone to plant drugs under the man’s car so he would be arrested and later arranged to

have the man unduly charged with stealing from his employer, according to the indictment.

The judge then allegedly appointed a business partner, who ran a commercial real estate development firm and a wine shop with him, to be foreman of the grand jury to continue investigating the man.

He ultimately abandoned his effort when his ties to the foreman were discovered.

Later, in 2012, Thornsbury sought to have the same man charged with assault and sentenced to six months in jail following a fight initiated by two other men, the indictment said. The prosecutor ultimately dismissed the charges.

Thornsbury was charged with two counts of conspiring to violate the constitutional rights of the victim in regard to unreasonable arrest and right to due process.

Supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi shout slogans yesterday. Reuters

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Saturday August 17, 2013

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THE ART OF STARING - GT STYLE Guyanese love to stare…when it pleases them.

They don’t just look. They stare. A beautiful young girl emerged out of Guyana Stores onto the pavement outside. It was an entrance from one tint of light into another. The glare of the sunlight reflecting off the pavement highlighted the effect.

She was dressed to the hilt. Her blouse covered her entire midriff, but it was pasted on to her body like a swimsuit.

She wore extra high heels that made her look as if she was walking on stilts. Her skirt was nothing more than a piece of rag which left very little to the imagination.

Her hair was a mass of colours, more suited to a carnival than to a weekday in the heart of the city. It

dangled down her neck and reached a good six inches down her back.

Her face was lavish. There was a generous spread of make-up, too much for her face and definitely overdone for the daytime. Around her neck were matching accessories.

Her hands bore some huge bangles, and on each ear was hooked a huge goblet that matched her clothing. She wore a huge belt around her waist. Swung across one of her shoulders was a handbag looking as if it has been bought out of an Avon catalogue.

Three things stood out about her appearance. Her legs were very muscular as if she did a lot of walking, or perhaps exercising. There was definitely definition there. Her

‘Let us meet to once ...

From page 6 and full redundancy in the auxiliary systems · Two transmission lines, each capable of transmitting 100% of the plant’s output - Transform Guyana’s electricity sector from being fully oil-dependent to one built on clean, renewable energy. As the flagship of the Low Carbon Development Strategy, Amaila will enable reductions in Guyana’s greenhouse gases from electricity generation by approximately 90% - Support business growth in the processing and manufacturing industries, and create new jobs - Send a positive message to large global investors that Guyana is open for investment and set a new standard for the size of

investment possible in Guyana - Be constructed without any debt being incurred by the citizens of Guyana. The plant will be fully paid for by the sale of electricity – at prices far cheaper than today - Be fully owned by the people of Guyana twenty years after operations begin - Last for at least a hundred years - providing affordable, reliable energy for generations to come These benefits can transform our nation, and the life opportunities of generations of our people.

History can record these weeks in August 2013 as the time when all our politicians put the interests of our nation and our people first.

I hope we will not let them down.”

nails were surprisingly short and did not seem well manicured. And despite the glare, she did not have on any protection on her eyes in the form of sunglasses. But she looked a classy lady and evoked a great deal of interest from every fellow pedestrian.

As she crossed the street on the pedestrian walk, all eyes stared at her. No one said anything, no one whistled, no one complimented her, and no one giggled. But the looks said it all. She was a spectacle, but by no means a speck.

Two young girls walking side by side inspected her as she passed and then simply looked at each other. The expressions on their face said, “Wow!” An old lady approaching her from the opposite

direction stopped and gaped, looking for a reaction from the vendors along the pavement.

They were looking too, but not saying anything. Even after she had passed, no one uttered a word. But their eyes followed her every step.

She must have known that she was being stared at. For as she walked, her hips began to sway in an exaggerated way.

But she skillfully kept her balance, her shoulders squared, and her head upright. She disappeared into the distance and life returned to normalcy after the interruption her presence had caused.

Then the encore occurred.

A vagrant wended his way along the pavement. The greater part of his exposed body was daubed in tar or

some similar substance. His hair was so dirty and unkempt that it was knotted in sections.

Parts of his head had a sticky substance on which dust had settled, giving his head a white appearance.

He wore a shirt without buttons, and his pants was falling off his waist in the fashion of these young kids of today whose loose fitting trousers expose their underwear. In the case of the vagrant, there was no underwear to be seen. His pubic hair peeked from the top of his trousers.

If you looked closely, more could have been seen. But no one wanted to look, much less to stare.

As he walked along the crowded pavement, it was like the parting of the Red Sea. A

clear passage was made for him to wend his way along.

He was not even a distraction.

Just then, a music seller was vending his wares in a cart. I stopped to ask him whether he had Phil Collins’s “Just Another Day in Paradise.” He did not know what I was referring to. I asked him, “Saw that fancy lady that just passed by?” He smiled and nodded his head in the affirmative. “See the mad man?” I asked “What mad man?” he replied.

Slain Riverview man was ‘pirate’ - police sources Riverview resident Quincy Sooklall, whose pelletriddled body was fished out of the Demerara River three Saturdays ago, was reportedly killed during a botched robbery on a cargo boat.

This is the word from police sources who said that the 20-year-old was well known to them, since he was part of a gang that committed robberies at city wharves and on vessels moored there.

Kaieteur News understands a security guard on a cargo boat has told police that he was attacked and beaten by a gang of men who had boarded the vessel, which was moored near a city wharf.

The incident reportedly occurred around Thursday, August 1, the same time that Sooklall is said to have been last seen alive.

According to police sources, the security guard alleged that one of the robbers was accidentally shot by a member of his own gang, and that the bandits threw the body overboard. This newspaper understands that parts of a broken shotgun were later recovered from the vessel’s cabin.

Sooklall’s decomposing remains were subsequently found in the Demerara River.

Kaieteur News was told that 18 shotgun pellets were retrieved from the slain man’s remains during a post mortem

Quincy Sooklall this week.

While some relatives had claimed that he was a fisherman, police ranks who

had known of Sooklall’s activities had reportedly warned one of his relatives that he could come to a brutal end if he continued in his life of crime.

Shequeana Anderson, a 17-year-old who is pregnant for Sooklall, had t o l d Kaieteur News that she last s a w h i m o n T h u r s d a y, August 1, when he was leaving to go out to sea.

According to the teen, the Riverview, Ruimveldt man would normally go to sea with six or seven other seamen.

“But when I asked them, everybody said that he went by himself, and no one went with him at sea. They don’t know who he go with,” she said.

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The Marriott

Puzzle Winston Brassington

Dr. Ashni Singh

Bharrat Jagdeo

Connecting the dots 1.

2.

3.

7.

In January 2007, Jagdeo said that only new hotels can operate casinos.

Government tabled legislation to allow for casino gambling Analysts labeled casinos a sham for money laundering.

Jagdeo justified gambling and said it would only be for the tourists.

The gambling legislation was presented and debated in Parliament and assented to by Jagdeo within the same month (January 2007) This laid the groundwork for the Marriott to come.

In March 2007, Jagdeo rejected the United States' concerns about the need to screen investors.

This blanketed any screening of potential investors for the project.

In September 2007, works started on what appeared to be sewerage pipes at the Kingston foreshore.

When questioned, Government disclosed that it had awarded a US$1M contract to Courtney Benn for the rerouting of Sewerage system. No disclosure was made about the reason for the rerouting.

Government said the contract was funded by local and foreign investors

The Food and Drug Department was ordered to relocate from its premises located in the surrounding area.

It was discovered that the contract for the relaying of the sewage lines was funded exclusively by Government - not any investors as was indicated before.

At this stage a hotel was touted, but without any details provided.

Jadgeo refused to disclose the names of the investors for this project.

DID YOU KNOW...?

One year later in April 2011, Jagdeo announced that the construction of the Hotel would begin in July, yet he still did not disclose the names of the investors.

Jagdeo committed taxpayers' dollars to the tune of 1/3 of the cost of the hotel.

One month later, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon said that there were no private investors for the project as yet.

The Marriott chain at the same time said that they would not be investing any money in the Guyana project.

(To be continued...)

6.

In May 2010 Grenada-based Zublin said that the Guyana Govt. gave a “very attractive offer” to build the Marriott.

Jagdeo was angry and lashed out at Zublin's disclosure saying that Zublin violated 'confidentiality'.

5.

Winston Brassington (head of NICIL) created Atlantic Hotel Inc as a Special Purpose Vehicle, registered under his name, to build the Marriott.

He promised to name the Marriott investors by June, claiming to be “tying up loose ends.”

In June of 2008, when there should have been the sod-turning ceremony, Bharrat Jagdeo said the investors asked for a one-month extension and again said their names couldn't be disclosed.

In December 2009, Jagdeo announced that the Marriott investors had pulled out because of the global financial crisis

4.

In November 2007, Jagdeo approved the drilling of a well in Kingston for the proposed hotel. No price tag was mentioned.

In March 2008, Jagdeo promised to share the names of the investors at the planned sod-turning ceremony.

At the sod-turning ceremony, Jagdeo reneged on his promise and continued to hide the name of the 'so called' investors saying that there was a confidentiality arrangement in place.

Despite US$700,000 being already paid to Courtney Benn, a new contract for the same project was then handed to a foreign contractor for a further US$2M. Jagdeo's excuse amounted to a lack of confidence in local firms doing the rerouting of the sewage lines..

Saturday August 17, 2013

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Guyana Watch medical tour…

417 treated at Leonora Clinic The Guyana Watch team took its medical mission to the Leonora Primary School on the West Coast Demerara (WCD) yesterday. A total of 417 patients took advantage of the service, with some 80 being children When the doctors arrived at the clinic early yesterday about 200 persons were already waiting in line to seek medical advice.

One patient, Damyantie Abrahim, who came all the way from Anna Catherina, said she learnt about the arrival of the doctors from persons who were announcing it via loud hailer.

“I come because I have some problems with my skin…I come with my daughter to check it out. The doctors were really nice and I think they should come often,” Abrahim commented.

The woman added that she had the infection for almost one year, but didn’t visit any of the local hospitals because of the long waiting hours.

“The line at the hospital does be too long, and here… although so many people are here, you getting looked after fast.”

Another patient, Linda Anderson told this newspaper that she visited the clinic because there are always good doctors on the medical team and the medication is always of the best quality.

“I needed a general checkup because I have never done one and I know the doctors have been doing a good job.”

Anderson, after being examined, found out that her blood pressure was high so was her blood sugar. She was given medication to monitor her health. Upon leaving, the woman thanked the doctors for doing such a “blessed” job and requested for them to visit her community next year.

Meanwhile, there were six medical doctors, one registered nurse, two dentists,

a pharmacist and approximately 20 support staff members on hand at the school yesterday tending to patients.

One first-timer to Guyana, Dr. Jessica Rosenberg said that they had seen a lot of people yesterday and most of them appeared to be in good health. She said most of the patients were either suffering from high blood pressure or high blood sugar and also rashes.

The Guyana Watch has been serving the medical needs of most Guyanese for the past 21 years and they plan to continue doing so.

President for the team, Tony Yassin was pleased with yesterday’s turnout. He said despite the rain, people came out to visit the doctors and seize the opportunity of being well taken care of.

The medical team will be visiting the Belle West Primary School, West Bank Demerara today.

President of the Guyana Watch Team, Tony Yassin (third from right), with some of the doctors

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Saturday August 17, 2013

US-based Guyanese committed to stand trial for wife’s murder Guyana-born United States citizen Ramdhanie Persaud, called ‘Prakash’ or ‘Prak’, who is accused of killing his wife of more than 27 years, Bibi Shameena Deen was yesterday committed to stand trial in the next sitting of the Berbice Criminal Assizes.

At the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry that was held at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against the 47-year-old Persaud.

The man allegedly murdered his wife on Tuesday 20th March, 2012.

It is alleged that Persaud fatally shot the woman during a dispute at their Lot 1071 New Area Canefield, East Canje home at around 23:00 hrs on the night in question. The woman who operated a shop at the home was found with bullet wounds to the head and chest.

Persaud reportedly fled the home while the victim’s 13year-old son was attempting to summon help after hearing his mother’s screams. The couple had two sons’ aged 13 and 16.

The man had denied that he killed his wife. He had told investigators that he was away all day at his farm and

Ramdhanie Persaud, called ‘Prakash’

when he came home during the night he heard that his wife died and that people were saying that he had shot and killed her. He became afraid and ran away and hid in the bushes. He subsequently gave himself up in the company of his lawyer Mursaliene Bacchus.

A post mortem revealed that the woman was shot at close range in the head and chest. The cause of death was given as shock and hemorrhage due to gunshot injuries, laceration to the brain and a fractured skull.

The man who lives in the United States would return home on a regular basis. He was previously placed on a one-year bond, after he had been charged for assaulting the woman.

The Prosecution which was conducted by Corporal

Orin Joseph called 11 witnesses, including the couple’s son who was the prosecution’s star witness, and five police officers.

During the trial, the defence and prosecution clashed on several occasions and on one such occasion the matter was referred to the High Court.

Defence attorney Bacchus had submitted that no case was made out against his client and tried to discredit the prosecution’s star witness. Prosecutor Joseph had countered that there was enough evidence presented and that at no time did the defence discredit the prosecution’s story.

The alleged murder weapon was subsequently found at a residence in New Forest following police investigations.

Saturday August 17, 2013

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New equipment at GNBS ensures more efficient services The new 30-tonne Test Truck

The 500L Test Measure

By Tiffanne Ramphal

T

he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), yesterday, topped up its collection of equipment to be used in continued service of protecting consumers from being served with inaccurate measures of products purchased.

With funds from their annual budget allocations, the entity was able to purchase a 30-tonne Test Truck and a 500-Litre Test Measure at the cost of G$38M and $6.2M respectively.

The two pieces of equipment were commissioned at a simple ceremony held at the GNBS Head Office, Exhibition Site, Sophia.

The purchase of the assets by GNBS came on the basis of not only providing extended and more efficient services, but also that of finding time-saving tactics to perform tasks that would have previously required added hours to complete.

T h e Te s t Tr u c k , according to the company, would be used to conduct credible verification of 'weighbridge' or truck scales that are used in the agricultural, transportation, industrial and retail sectors.

It was explained that the truck would be mainly put to use during the January to March, and July to September periods; which are the designated periods that the company conducts standardized checks to these vehicular scales to ascertain their accuracy.

A c c o r d i n g t o information provided by GNBS, the test truck is specially designed and capable of transporting up to 20,000kg test masses – that which is required to perform testing of the high capacity

scales.

Another high point of the truck's capacity is its 5,000 kg hoist.

The hoist will be used to facilitate the loading and offloading of the test masses onto the platform of the scales to aid in the verification process.

Further, the truck's tray is equipped with 'drop-down' sides that will allow for the easy offloading of the test masses.

The company indicated that the acquisition of the test truck is beneficial, since it would enhance operational efficiency; promote equity in local, regional and international trade and provide greater transparency with respect to measurements within the various sectors operating countrywide, among other benefits.

It was also revealed that with the mechanical troubles experienced with the existing test truck, the purchase of a new one has ultimately been cost efficient.

The company identified that the purchase of the new truck will reduce the amount of finances utilised annually to effect repairs on the existing truck and avoid prolonged inconveniences and downtime during verification periods.

It was noted, additionally, that the new vehicle tripled the company's competence to verify truck scales, since the existing truck was able to carry scales weighing up to 10 tonnes while the new truck is able to carry scales of up to 30 tonnes.

According to the company, using the new test truck to conduct verification of truck scales throughout the country is also seen as a way in which to reduce complaints received from rice farmers and other

consumers regarding weighing irregularities in the various sectors.

With focus on the newly acquired Test Measure, it was made known that this piece of equipment will be used to conduct the verification of flow meters used at petrol terminals, airports and other private entities.

This will ensure safety and accountability within the petroleum industry, while maintaining accuracy in fuel measurement.

Unlike the old process where inspectors would have to physically return the measured fuel to its tanks with the use of buckets, the new equipment is equipped with a 'pump off' system which returns the product to

bulk carriers. This would, therefore, enable inspectors to spend less time in effecting verification procedures.

In addition, it was noted that the new equipment would facilitate equity in trade and transparency within the Petroleum Sector

since it would ensure that dealers receive the correct quantity of products purchased from petrol terminals.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 17, 2013

CPCE Associate Degree graduates to commence Bachelor's at UG Even as moves are being made to improve teachers' education, an innovative tactic being employed by the Ministry of Education is to reduce the time in which graduates of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) are able to complete the Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Education (B.Ed) at the University of Guyana (UG).

Previously, completing the programme spanned a period of seven years, but

according to Project Coordinator of the Guyana I m p r o v i n g Te a c h e r Education Project (GITEP), Tota Mangar, moves have been made to reduce the time to four years.

This, according to him, would translate to the trainee teachers undertaking two years of the Associate Degree in Education (ADE) programme at CPCE and another two years to complete the B.Ed at UG. In fact, Mangar disclosed

during an interview with this publication yesterday, that the University is set to accept the first batch of the CPCE ADE graduates into its B.Ed programme when the new academic year commences next month.

He explained that the move was prompted by the concerns of education officials, over the years, in relation to the length of time it takes to train a teacher to the level of the B.Ed. In the past, he explained,

trainee teachers had to undertake the Teachers' Certificate programme at CPCE then return to their respective schools to work for two years, then proceed to UG to do the one-year Certificate in Education programme before moving on to a four-year B.Ed programme.

“In a way we have gone beyond that now,” said Mangar who disclosed that since 2011 moves were made by the Education Ministry,

Tota Mangar, GITEP Project Coordinator through GITEP, to introduce a two-year Associate Degree programme at CPCE which is so designed to allow students to move directly onto UG to complete the third and fourth year of the B.Ed programme.

Mangar disclosed that the move is intended to phase out the Teachers' Certificate programme and replace it with the Associate Degree, which is intense enough to prepare students for the B.Ed programme.

However, although the avenue is available for teachers to complete training in a shorter period, Mangar noted that teachers are not obligated to proceed to UG immediately after completing the ADE. “Teachers can go back into the school system after completing the Associate Degree or if they want they can continue the training...the option is there for them to choose.”

And in order to cater to the advanced CPCE graduates, Mangar said that the University's School of Education and Humanities, which is responsible for the training of teachers, has been tasked with revising its B.Ed

programme.

But despite the fact that the CPCE programme has been intensified, Mangar pointed out that the minimum five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects entry requirement to the tertiary institution has not changed.

Currently, CPCE is in the process of registering a new batch of students who will benefit from the programme.

But while the primary aim of GITEP is to put measures in place to ensure that a high quality of teachers are dispatched into the education system, Mangar said that the project is also tasked with facilitating capacity building for the lecturers at CPCE as well.

“Right now a number of staff members are doing Master's and Doctorate programmes funded by the project.”

Similarly, he said that the School of Education and Humanities has been mirroring the staff development moves at CPCE, whereby staff members there are earning online masters.

Saturday August 17, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Fibre optic cable project to miss yet another deadline

By Keeran Danny

G

overnment's Information Communication Technology (ICT) project is now expected to conclude by y e a r- e n d , m i s s i n g i t s September deadline.

C u r r e n t l y, f o r e i g n companies are lending their expertise via examining the laying of fibre optic cable along Guyana's rough terrain.

This is according to Alexei Ramotar, Project Manager of E-Governance Unit, who disclosed that the relaying of the cable project would go to tender after the foreign companies would have reviewed the task at hand and provide the Unit with relevant information, including estimates.

He said that a Trinidadian firm and two Venezuelan companies that have been subcontracted by Chinese contracting firm, Huawei, are providing pro bono services to look at where local contractors went wrong in laying the cable and provide viable recommendations. The companies have experience in the laying of fibre optic cable.

When this aspect is completed, the project would go back to tender.

Ramotar said there is nothing stopping these foreign companies from bidding for the project.

He indicated that the cost

Project Manager of E-Governance Unit, Alexei Ramotar for the project may significantly increase since local contractors who had bid for the project initially had underestimated the task.

Apparently, the laying of a metre of cable could cost US$40 while local contractors had bid way less.

The Project Manager said contractors had complained about the small amount they had bid for the project but continued with their tasks nonetheless.

However, in the end only DAX Contracting and Dynamic Engineering completed their works

satisfactorily. Sections executed by Mekdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC) and G. Bovell Construction Services have to be redone.

T h e a ff e c t e d a r e a s include Mabura, Kurupukari, Annai, Linden, and East Bank Demerara Public Road.

The cables in Linden and on the East Bank Demerara were destroyed after they were installed and not as a result of poor works.

Physical works for the laying of the 560-kilometre cable began in April 2011.

Poor weather conditions and the absence of appropriate equipment were cited for the slothfulness of contractors.

Ramotar said only DAX Engineering had the appropriate equipment to execute the work.

According to him, the contractors who executed poor quality works have not been paid in full for their works and Government's lawyers are reviewing certain aspects of the contracts. He said President Donald Ramotar is very serious about not paying contractors who execute poor works.

The Project Manager

said the Unit is more prepared this time around to supervise the job since personnel have been trained and have the full support of the Public Works Ministry.

Government had hired a supervisory firm to monitor the project, which originally cost US$32M. However, the firm was ineffective and was fired.

In September last year, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon had said defects in the programme are mainly because of the 'up and down' terrain. “It's a bit of a difficulty and the five contractors have been going back to correct defects in the

works�.

The Government Information Agency in April 2013 had said the project would miss its June deadline and conclude in September.

But, it was confirmed yesterday by Ramotar that the project would not conclude next month because the Unit wants it to be done effectively, and would be accepting recommendations from the experts.

In addition, if a foreign company were to win the tender for the project, time would have to be allotted for the mobilization of resources, he said.

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Saturday August 17, 2013

APNU stresses need to address interpersonal violence

By Abena Rockcliffe

O

n the heels of the recent spate of d o m e s t i c violence comes A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s call for the establishment of a special Interpersonal Violence Unit to “pro-actively counter this raging crime.”

However, APNU made it absolutely clear that it is not prepared to engage with Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, to address the situation, as the party maintains Rohee is not competent to be functioning in his current capacity.

The Party’s leader, David Granger yesterday, at a press conference, said that APNU vehemently denounces the continuing perpetration of all forms of interpersonal violence and, particularly, violence against women. He made no qualms to say the Partnership has completely lost confidence in the ability of the agencies of the Ministry of Human Services, the Ministry of Home Affairs

“We must choose life and find the resources to preserve it” - David Granger and the regular units of the Guyana Police Force to deal with the “epidemic of interpersonal violence which has been plaguing the country for several years.”

Granger said that his party is aware that the Guyana Police Force has long promised to install a Central Domestic Violence Unit at its Headquarters and at divisional, sub-divisional and station levels.

He said, however, that it seems as if “these offices simply monitor reports and compile data. There is no task force to prevent crimes and to protect victims of interpersonal and domestic violence when and where credible threats have been identified.”

According to Granger, APNU feels that there is an apparent weakness of policy, lack of will or an absence of resources within the Ministries of Human

Services and Home Affairs, respectively. Interpersonal violence, as a result, he said, has been allowed to reach epidemic proportions in terms of its frequency, brutality and widespread nature.

The Party leader said as well that the Partnership recognizes that vulnerable women and girls must be protected by more sympathetic, better-trained law enforcement agencies supported by a stronger judicial system. Granger added that APNU also recognizes the need for more support systems for vulnerable women and girls in crisis, and an increase in the number of safe homes for abused, battered, trafficked and sexually-exploited women and girls.

In light of all he mentioned, Granger said that the existing Neighbourhood, Community Policing and

APNU Leader David Granger

Winston Felix

Deborah Backer

Citizens’ Security Programmes must be given specific roles to identify human safety situations which have the potential to become violent. Granger added that APNU insists that incidents of inter-personal violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, “regardless of the class, race, status or wealth of the perpetrators.”

Further, Granger disclosed APNU’s insistence that the early education curricula for boys and girls, beginning with the primary schools, should include the teaching of values and standards aimed at eliminating the mentality and factors that contribute to disrespect and the abuse of

women and girls.

“There must also be a positive change in political culture that recognizes the worth of women and girls,” insisted Granger.

He made known as well that APNU calls on the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic Administration to take immediate action to prevent the crime, to punish violators, and to eradicate the scourge of inter-personal violence.

“The Partnership demands also that, where such violence occurs, measures should be taken to protect women from being subjected to such abuse, and to aid their easy access to justice and safety. Women who are mothers and who are responsible for the

reproduction of future generations have been most frequently the victims of violence. They deserve the protection of the state.”

As he summed up his statement, Granger said that “APNU encourages all citizens of Guyana to work together for the elimination of interpersonal violence.”

A few months back, the National Assembly reached consensus on a Motion that will see the establishment of a Parliamentary Management Committee and the designation of a day to be observed under the theme, “Parliamentarians Against Interpersonal Violence”. On this day, the National Assembly will organize appropriate activities to highlight ways in which interpersonal violence can be reduced.

Mover of the Motion, APNU member, Deborah Backer, said at that time that interpersonal violence in (continued on page 21)

Saturday August 17, 2013

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Pomeroon's boat operators want hold on licencing clampdown Residents and boat operators in the Pomeroon River, Region Two, are calling on Government to hold further talks before introducing measures that will mandate all vessels and its captains to be licenced.

Government had moved to clampdown on river lawlessness following a number of deadly accidents.

In December last year, a collision between a vessel carrying officials of the Region Two administration and another passenger vessel resulted in six persons being killed. In January, 11 persons were killed in another accident in the Mazaruni.

Inadequate safety equipment, carelessness and speed were blamed in the incidents. An under-pressure Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) immediately announced plans to train more inspectors and launched a licencing campaign.

Earlier this week, MARAD officers, as part of its campaign, descended on the Pomeroon River, a key waterway that leads to Region One and several

Amerindian communities in the Region Two area. The communities included Wa k a p a u , A k a w i n i , Kabakaburi and St. Monica.

Several passengers' vessels were found to be without documents and were ordered to be tied up.

With boats being the m a i n m e a n s o f transportation, the situation has to be tackled in a more comprehensive manner, says Howard Cornelius, a spokesman for passengers' vessels that ply the Pomeroon River route.

With many families owning engines and boats, the costs to regularize the situation would be in excess o f $ 6 0 , 0 0 0 a n n u a l l y, Cornelius told Kaieteur News. Around $20,000 is needed for a captain's licence while another $32,000 is required for the actual boat licence. Many families would be hard-pressed to meet these fees. “ We h a v e m e t a s concerned boat operators who ply the Pomeroon River. We understand the measures that Government is trying to do. We want to meet

Operations at Charity, Pomeroon River yesterday.

either with the President or somebody to discuss this issue.�

Several boat owners met this week at Charity, Region Two, where they would drop off their passengers and produce from the many farms that litter the Pomeroon River.

Among some of the issues raised was that the Pomeroon River is not a port area, with many families

despite owning a boat and engine, barely managing to eke out a living.

While there is a grace period for families with engines below 15 horsepower, the reality is that the majority of families will have to park their vessels if the licencing system is implemented without some kind of time extension. Cornelius estimates several hundred

boats operate the Pomeroon River daily.

There are about 30 vessels operating as passengers' vessels from Charity.

With the river serving as a gateway to the Essequibo coast, situations like medical emergencies, NIS and even the costs to school children will be severely affected.

Yesterday, a MARAD official noted that there was

widespread worry over the operations of vessels in the waterways.

Many of the vessels are unlicenced, with even children found to be operating them. Many of them are also without life jackets, a major requirement.

A meeting is planned for Monday at 09:00hrs at the Farmers' Wharf, Charity, for the boat operators and others to discuss the way forward.

Kaieteur News

Page 20

Saturday August 17, 2013

Blocked US applications will delay lower fares - CAL U

ntil Guyana finds other airlines to fly the Georgetown/New York route, passengers are likely to continue to pay high prices for tickets.

This is because the Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and newcomer, Fly Jamaica, which have applications in the US to fly directly between there and Guyana are essentially being blocked by airlines from that country.

CAL, which has been under fire from the Guyana government recently for the high fares, has confirmed that a delay or rejection of its application by the D e p a r t m e n t o f Transportation, the regulators of US airspace, would have a negative impact on passengers travelling to and from Guyana.

According to the airline, in response to questions by the Trinidad Guardian newspaper on the blocking

of its US application, while CAL can continue to operate its flights from Port of Spain/Georgetown/New York/Georgetown/Port of Spain, the delay or refusal will mean that the flexibility to improve the total value offering on the route (and to reduce fares) will be lost or delayed.

“The whole purpose of Caribbean's application is to improve the travel cost and options for the Guyanese public interest. In the event

of the application being rejected, the airline will continue, wherever possible and viable, to offer passengers connectivity with key North American ports,” the airline is reported as saying to the Guardian.

“During the interim period, Caribbean Airlines continues to find innovative ways to serve the Guyanese traveling public with nonstop flights to North America in addition to the many daily flights via Port of Spain.”

The words will have little comfort for Guyanese who have reportedly been paying over US$1,000 (G$200,000) for a return ticket to Guyana.

According to papers filed

by Airlines for America (A4A) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the two carriers — Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica — are not entitled to serve a route between the U.S. and Guyana because they are based in third countries — Trinidad &

To b a g o a n d J a m a i c a , respectively.

Citing unfair competition, the advocacy groups in their complaints said that the two applications raise “serious and troubling issues for consumers” and for the industry, which traditionally takes a bilateral approach to international routes.

Airlines for America said Caribbean Airlines' thirdcountry operations are responsible for “forcing the cancellation” of Delta's Guyana service and added that so-called “doing business issues” such as fuel subsidies from Trinidad & Tobago and “excessive taxes” in some countries make it difficult for U.S. carriers to compete.

In such an environment, A4A said the Transportation Department should be working on “clearing away” these impediments rather than granting special favours to the region's carriers.

In the same vein, ALPA said neither of the Caribbean carriers “can point to any compelling U.S. public interest that would be served” by their proposed operations, especially since

“a U.S. carrier has just surrendered its service in the market.”

The Government of Guyana is to meet shortly with Caribbean Airlines officials to discuss the various issues.

The meeting which was originally scheduled for this week has been pushed back a few days, with officials of CAL confirming their attendance, according to a Tourism Ministry official.

R e c e n t l y, To u r i s m Minister Irfaan Ali expressed frustration over complaints of CAL's high fares. There were also complaints by passengers of long waits and hassles during stopovers in Port of Spain. Earlier, to pave the way for the airline to fly directly to the US from Guyana, the Government granted it flag-carrier status.

Two low-cost carriers, RedJet and EZjet, folded last year while Delta pulled out in May this year, leaving CAL as the only player.

Suriname Airways has been contemplating flying the route while a new airline, Fly Guyana, has announced intentions to do daily flights from October.

Young apprentices to be trained alongside BK Quarries staffers

B

K International has opened its doors to 10 young men and women on a sixmonth apprenticeship attachment at BK Quarries from the USAID-sponsored Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) project.

The youths will be trained as heavy duty equipment operators, mechanics, welders, carpenters, and in construction, according to Public Relations Consultant, Kit Nascimento, in a media release.

Nascimento said the apprentices will be paid a monthly stipend that would be reviewed after the first three months of the apprenticeship. They would have access to benefits provided to BK's employees i n c l u d i n g f r e e accommodation; meals and laundry services; and full access to the workers' club and entertainment facilities.

The young apprentices are between the ages of 20 to 22 and are from Linden, Berbice, New Amsterdam and the Corentyne.

Nascimento related that this is the first occasion that

the SKYE project has entered into an apprenticeship training relationship with BK International.

It was noted that the SKYE apprentices were introduced to Mr. B.K Tiwarie, CEO of the BK International Group of Companies and senior management staff of BK International, by Ms. Alana Brassington, Workforce Development Specialist to the project, in early August at the commencement of the project.

A c c o r d i n g t o Nascimento, the SKYE project is funded by USAID through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and is implemented by the Education Development Centre (EDC) based in Boston and Washington in the USA. The SKYE project works with young people selected from varying educational backgrounds ranging from youth involved in the juvenile justice system and school drop outs. It also caters for young people who have completed formal education, but do not have the necessary skills to find employment.

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

“We’re in favour of a new zone for Diamond Scheme” In an effort to alleviate transportation woes faced by residents on the East Bank of Demerara, the United Minibus Union (UMU) has announced its support for the development of a new zone for the “Diamond inside” minibus operators.

According to President of the association, Eon Andrews, the issue of commuters being exploited, as well as being left stranded on the minibus park for hours during the night is unacceptable and needs to stop.

It has been duly noted that during the peak hours, minibus operators would haphazardly convert to operating a nonexistent Diamond New Scheme route, leaving residents of Grove and Craig stranded on the minibus park for many hours.

This is while minibus conductors demand that those disembarking before the Diamond Housing Scheme pay a fare of $160, as opposed to $60 from Georgetown to Providence, and $80 up to the

- United Minibus Union President new scheme.

Efforts to contact the Traffic Chief proved futile, however, in speaking with this newspaper, a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that although it is nonexistent, minibus operators cannot be penalized for taking passengers into the scheme, as route 42 minibuses are allowed to go as far as the Soesdyke/Linden highway, with no restrictions, into the developing scheme.

The official noted that the issue of minibus operators converting to a strict “Diamond New Scheme” route as per their convenience, cannot be dealt with by the law, but opined that the minibus operators need to realize that the public is dependent on their services, and they should therefore acknowledge that they have a social responsibility, especially since the same

minibuses would go back to operating the regular Grove/ Diamond (outside) route, after the rush hours have passed.

“They should think about it, and put themselves in place of the people who, after a hard day’s work ,would be stranded on the minibus park for hours.

I understand that pregnant women and mothers with young children are no exception.

They need to consider also that even though people might be desperate, they probably can’t afford to pay the extra $60,” the official said.

Many commuters also attested to this, noting that despite wanting to go home, they would stand and wait at the minibus park for hours, just because they cannot afford to pay the demanded price.

“I won’t lie; I does get a minimum wage. Me husband is a good-fuh-nothing, suh you gotta say that with my li’l bit money, I does got to send

three children to school, and manage a house. It ain’t easy.

Some days I don’t even eat lunch because of the expenses that I got, you think I gon get money to pay duh ridiculous price fuh go right at Herstelling?” one commuter asked.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs official also pointed out that it is necessary for transportation provisions to be made for the developing schemes all across the country.

UMU’s Andrews told this newspaper that several attempts have been made on his part, to engage the Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee on the issue, but to no avail.

He said that the development of a new zone for the Diamond New Scheme is the solution to a majority of the problems faced by route 42 commuters.

“A new zone would be very good, because we

United Minibus Union President, Eon Andrews already see that Diamond is a growing area,” Andrews emphasized.

Hire cars drivers, on the other hand, have not been very pleased with minibuses working the “Diamond inside” route.

They complain that usually, minibuses would drop off passengers at the head of the scheme, and hire cars

APNU stresses need to address interpersonal violence From page 18 Guyana has reached epidemic proportions despite laudable efforts by Government, nongovernmental and other organizations. She said that this is an opportunity for MPs as elected representatives of the people of Guyana, to stand together with one voice against interpersonal violence.

The parliamentary special committee that the House resolved to appoint, will be tasked with examining the levels and contributing factors to interpersonal violence in Guyana and consider existing programmes being implemented by Government and civil society aimed at reducing interpersonal violence and return to

the Parliament by November 30 with its considered recommendations on reducing this scourge.

Backer said yesterday that the issue of interpersonal violence is no less important than issues surrounding the Amaila Falls Hydro project. She said therefore that each must play their part to address the “epidemic.”

She said that it must be acknowledged that Guyanese often look only at the extreme cases of inter-personal violence, but, “we must look at those who have been maimed and disfigured”.

APNU’s shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Winston Felix in his contribution, identified a deficiency in the sys-

tem where he said there is a lacking of the concept to follow through with laws - as in ensuring that abusers are penalized, despite being begged for by their victims.

He said too that there must be a higher form of social assistance, specifically for those victims who have children to support, but had a partner incarcerated because of domestic violence.

He said that that money can be used to assist with rent, food and transportation “that will absolutely be needed.

Asked if the Ministry’s disclosure that it is strapped for cash is considered, Felix asserted that the government “is not strapped for cash when it comes to financing

the Marriott and specialty hospital”.

The former commissioner of police said “we are big on capital projects but poor in dealing with the human side of life in Guyana”.

He added that government has to be told that there are needs in society that must be met.

Backer added to that, saying that it is short-sighted not to spend on human security and development since there will be a long term cost to the nation. She referred to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration in which domestic violence is regarded as both a health and economic issue.

The Member of Parliament pointed out that those who

are subjected to violence, whether physchological or physical can’t perform at their best in any job.

“There are some who are disfigured; some lose limbs” Backer said these all amount to a loss of human resources.”

Backer also pointed out that there is economic suffering, through health cost and other areas… “And so there is a direct link between interpersonal violence and the economic standing of a society.”

Granger too added that money must be found to protect human life, which he stressed has to be the higher value when compared to projects. “Choices have to be made and we must choose life.”

would get their chance at making a dollar, by transporting these to their respective destinations.

“Rajah” one of the said hire car drivers told Kaieteur News that for several months now, he and his colleagues have been “suffering”, as the rush hour passengers no longer drop off at the head of the Diamond New Scheme.

“This is not fair to we…Everybody got to make a dollar when de day come, but dem bus man don’t see that. This is we thing, we does depend on a couple loads fuh mine we family. These bus men nah ga no conscience,” “Rajah” said yesterday.

When asked about the possible development of a new zone for buses to operate the “Diamond inside” route, the man noted that it would only be fair if provisions are also made for the hire car operators.

He opined that minibuses should only be allowed to operate from Georgetown and on the main roads within the scheme, while the hire cars take passengers directly into the streets.

“Me wife does travel to Grove in the nights, so I know of what does go on at the park.

This new zone thing gon be good yes, but dem got to regulate it suh that bread don’t get tek outta we mouth,” “Rajah” said.

Commuters have also been calling on the government to fulfill the long overdue promise of having at least a few big buses become operational.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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Try us and you will smileCall:662-3717 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar

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Saturday August 17, 2013

FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

LARGE QUANTITIES O F HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICKSILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $15,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

2- 2007 Toyota Avensis. Call 698-0674

Empty plastic fuel drums (55gal) Contact Nicky @ 2267948/646-6000 42 inch Panasonic plasma TV- Call:622-0108

New ATVs: Introductory price $1,450,000 (Duty Free)Call:691-0234

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LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964 B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield Lodge- call:2250150,229-7258,680-6826 (Continued on page 23)

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

TPL $17M heist…

FOR SALE

Security guard still in custody Police have released three Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) staffers, but are still questioning a fourth in connection with Thursday’s $17M heist in Charlestown.

Kaieteur News understands that the two accounts clerks and one of the security guards were released on station bail yesterday.

However, another security guard, who was also employed as a driver, remained in custody.

The detained guard is said to be an expoliceman.

Investigators have reportedly checked the employees’ cell phones to see if they had made any suspicious calls prior to the robbery.

Police still seem to still suspect that the crime was staged.

The two accounts clerks, who were accompanied by two armed security guards,

were on their way to a Water Street bank in a pickup when they were reportedly forced to stop at Sussex and Charles Streets, Charlestown, to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

According to sources, the staffers claimed that the same ‘pedestrian’ then drew a firearm and pointed it at one of the armed guards, who is also employed as a driver.

It is alleged that the gunman then relieved the employees of some $16.9 million, a loaded .32 Taurus pistol and .32 Taurus revolver. He reportedly then escaped in a silver-grey car.

But Kaieteur News understands that persons who were in the area at the time claimed that they did not see when the men were robbed. Some only observed the employees running and saying that they had been robbed.

Letters... Where your views make the news

Not too late to polygraph all members of the Strategic Management Department DEAR EDITOR A Police Force is unquestionably the most lawabiding organizational provision for the guarantee of public safety and to ensure effective functioning of the economic machinery of the State.

Chaos most likely will be inevitable in society without a satisfactory Police Force for law enforcement; despite the Legislature’s meaningful enactment of laws and/ or statutes as good intents for the People of our Country arising out of international and regional stipulations, therewith, precedents [caselaws] on record expired or for amendments.

If even the legislative branch of Gov’t (Parliament) is admirably supported by an efficient Judiciary, responsibility for citizens’ compliance rests squarely on

the shoulders of our bold, courageous and patriotic sense-of-duty Policemen and Women whose daily lives of risks and uncertainties are the sacrifices for society to exist with peace, tranquility and productively.

Pertinent to that understanding and realization, the public at-large must perpetually resolve to thank/pray for our law enforcement ranks without hesitation in support of our own existence. This reality check are experiences I lived with in London, England in 1982 during the “Brixton” riots disaster and in the USA the 911 destruction of vital installations in New York City, including other parts of America.

Guyana has never experienced such malevolence but the Nation

Concerned about the...

From page 4 prior licencees to apply, and pay rentals due. plus late payment penalties have been suspended until further notices.

IV. There has been a dramatic increase in licences been awarded to individuals from closed areas and state reserves.

It is to be noted that reference (IV) this can only be implemented by the authority given to the Minister for mining, under the Mining Act 136 Section (1) which allows the Minister to make Regulations, ipso facto, the Minister by using said Regulations can award properties in closed areas and/or state reserves to any applicant.

It is this granting of hundreds of licences under this Regulation, and the suspension of auction, and the reduced amount of lotteries that causes great concern to the GGDMA. The Association discerns a certain amount of

ambiguity since it is the perception that the Closed Area Committee is the one approving these applications, needless to state the Closed Area Committee has no such authority to the knowledge of GGDMA. The Association submits that the initial intent of the Minister of Mines (Prime Minister Samuel Hinds) in 1994 reference the role of the Closed Area Committee be reestablished to maintain fairness and transparency where lands in closed areas/state reserves are being opened to applications from miners, and for persons interested in entering the mining industry.

In conclusion the Association recommends a complete review of the system that closed area, and the methodology to re-open said areas for mining.

Edward Shields J.P; B.Sc GGDMA Management Consultant

Page 23

must safeguard against any possibility of loss of life and/ or damage of property.

Every law abiding citizen must accordingly decide that forever it is the “Police and Me” against the very few violent criminals who disturb the peace.

Turn- them- in: no matter who, no matter what, no matter where and no matter why/how; offer them grace but not forgiveness since such is not a virtue for crimes.

To that end, police reform currently in Guyana cannot be exercised by questionable leadership and staff: KN article aug. 14/13 captioned “appointment civilian head of the SMD” - strategic management department.

Therewith article of same date; “jury foremen barred for life” by the Justice dept..

Perhaps this action should have been a first step but Editor, it can never be too late to polygraph the entire SMD unit so that the GPF will go forward with tidy hearts and minds. Ultimately, we must salute our Commissioners of Police; past, present and future for jobs only a few of us can or will perform.

To all ranks the unity- ofcommand is: ‘get it right and keep it in order always’.

Arnold W. Christiani (From page 22) WANTED One (1) domestic preferred from E.B.D, must be honest and hardworking. Serious enquires- Call:618-8039 Laboures to work on wood concession: accommodation provided $4000-$5000 per day- Call:612-1082 (8am to 4pm) Men to burn charcoals in large quantity, very attractive salary & package being offered- Call:612-1082 (8am4pm)

Brand name ladies and gents clothes @ ½ -3 Stabroek Market, next door to Ramesh Jewellery- Call:670-4157 Pitbull Pups- Call:683-6674 WANTED 1 Gas Asselstine welder: No Equipment needed: Living accommodation free - call: 628-1756/228-5655 Handy-boys to work, living accommodation and meals free: $40,000 per month- Call: 228-5655/ 628-1756 Contract cars to work in Taxi Service- call: 627-9424/ 2270638 TOURS SURINAME CARIFESTA (August 16-25) Packages: Accommodations & transportation. French Guiana Manaus, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago- Tel:2316663/ Cell:619-0705

VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call:6889611/684-2838 Refrigeration, A/C Technician. Call 231-0655/ 683-8734 Vacancy exists for 1 Parts Sales Clerk: Sound Secondary education with knowledge in Japanese vehicles spare partsCall:231-7839 Vacancy exists for able bodied male cleaners: Apply at Alabama Trading G/Town Stabroek.

PEN PAL Female looking for unmarried male for serious relationship, age 44-45Call: 670-2498 (No texting) Male looking for female for serious relationship, age 35 & over- Call:601-9280 (no texting)

Graphic Artist and Office Clerk at Plus Printing- Call: 233-2725

FOR RENT

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Furnished house for rent, long and short term on Essequibo Coast- Call:6219380

Property for sale in Enterprise E. C. Demerara Call: 627-5416/611-7437

House to rent in ‘CC’ EcclesCall:696-0573/642-2583/6847807

1 Charlestown, Corner property with business potential; $40M - Tele: 6735882

PUBLIC ROAD BUSINESS PROPERTY, W.C.D, suitable for food/ liquor restaurant, supermarket etc.

Call:609-8132/672-8569 (Max)

‘BB’ Eccles- Concrete house 3 bedrooms upstairs, downstairs 2 self contained apartments, 2 bedrooms each toilet & bath $28MCall:227-8409/660-4764 VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/ 592-684-9203

Business property- upstairs 3 bedrooms, for Pharmacy, Hair Salon, Boutique, Baber Shop, Internet, Haberdashery- Call:223-9727/ 673-0373/665-0077 Cement mixer (Ransome)Call:681-5988/672-6000 1 furnished short term 2 bedrooms apartmentCall:222-7891/609-9202

1 General domestic between ages 35-45 years & 1 housekeeper/ nanny to work evening hours, age 45 & over- Please call:663-4866 Canter driver/salesmanCall:225-3768 Sailors/ Welders- Call:6893846/227-2027 Receptionist, room attendant, bar attendants, washer & presser , cook & helper– Contact: Hick’s Ville Hotel @ 231-0951/231-0953

Old Guyana Currencies $1,$5,$10 bills and stampsCall:653-5696 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Driver, salesperson, male merchandiser & porter needed, bring resume ( include reference) & passport photo at Vegetarian Gardens - Tele: 227-7714 Staff to work shift system at Parfaite Harmonie, W.B.DCall:650-0104/668-0306 One experienced general domestic, must know to cook tasty Creole dishes.

Must be honest & trustworthy- Call:656-6388 Experienced male counter servers, waiters, cashiers, roti/ puri cooks & pastry makers: Apply @ Hacks Halaal 5 Commerce St. One live in nanny, preferably from country side- Call:697-3904 PORTERS & HANDYMAN FOR WAREHOUSE. BUILDING MATERIAL DEPOT- TEL:231-8529 Pastry chief, cook must have experience- Call:2231719 Waitress & cleaner: Apply in person @ Chilly’s Bar 7 public road, Ruimveldt

Section ‘K’ $40M, Diamond $30M-$40M, ‘AA’ Eccles $60M & many more- Call Diana @ 227-2256/626-9382 Two storey concrete & wooden building, vacant & spacious yard @ North Ruimveldt- Call:628-1342

Machine Operator to work in Garment Factory- Call: 2222541

One live in attractive waitress must have secondary education must be honest & trustworthyCall:610-5043

Furnished 2 bedrooms bottom flat @ Uitvlught Housing scheme, W.C.DCall:663-2882

House and Land @ D’Edward, W.C.B.- Call: 6892973/698-3703

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

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad.

Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

Cooks, assistant cooks, waitresses and bartenders to work in Kitty areaCall:226-7084/ Cell:610-8269/ 623-9645

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 17, 2013

Nigerian fined for illegal Husband accused of assaulting “unfaithful” wife entry, falsifying documents - Woman decides not to testify A 25-year-old woman decided not to testify against her 24-year-old reputed husband who was accused of assaulting her and causing bodily harm.

Presiding over the case yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan.

The charge stated that on August 7 at Lombard Street, Georgetown, Gary Beckles assaulted Sherona Noble. It was further alleged that Leroy Malcolm of Sussex Street, Georgetown, assaulted Beckles, causing him actual bodily harm.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Court documents revealed that Noble is the reputed wife of Beckles. On the day in question, the defendant had allegedly returned to Guyana after a vacation in Jamaica and as he was about to enter his home, he “heard a lot of moaning and became suspicious”. The man then entered the house quietly and slowly approached the room from which he heard the sounds. When he opened his bedroom door, he allegedly

saw his wife naked and in a compromising position with Malcolm, who was also naked.

It was alleged that after seeing this, Beckles became annoyed and grabbed his wife by her hair and dragged her away from the other man.

Beckles then dealt his wife several slaps to the face and punches to the lower abdomen.

Malcolm, who by this time had darted under the bed, came out to rescue Noble after hearing her cries and allegedly struck Beckles to the head with a baseball bat. The matter was reported to the police station and the defendants were arrested and charged.

Representing Malcolm was Attorney at Law, Paul Brahm, who told the court that his client is a fisherman w h o h a s n o p r e v i o us convictions or pending matters before any other court.

It was upon this basis that Brahm requested reasonable bail for his client.

Attorney at Law, Paul Fung-A-Fat who represented Beckles told the court that his

client is a well-to-do blockmaker who is the father of one dependent child. The Defence Counsel said that his client was provoked and whilst trying to sort out the matter with his wife, he was hit to the head by her “sweetman.”

Medical reports as indicated by the court revealed that Noble sustained a sprained thumb coupled with severe swelling to her eyes.

At this point, Noble and Malcolm told the court that they would not be offering any evidence in the matter.

The assault cases were subsequently dismissed.

However, Beckles faced two charges of damage to property. It was alleged that on the said date he damaged two shirts and two cell phones which he bought in Jamaica for his wife.

The defendant agreed to replace the items by next Friday, August 23.

As the reunited couple left arm in arm, Malcolm was seen with tears settled in his eyes.

A Nigerian man who pleaded guilty yesterday to falsifying passport documents and entering Guyana illegally, told persons present at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court that he only came to Guyana in search of opportunities to become successful.

The particulars of the charge which were read to 47year-old David Duka by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, stated that on July 2, he arrived in Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

It was further alleged that on August 15, at the Central Immigration Passport Office, for the purpose of procuring a passport, he signed a document saying that he was John Clarke, knowing same to be false.

Court documents revealed that on the said date, the defendant who is the owner of Nigerian Passport #A01440321, entered Guyana through Springlands and did not go to consult an immigration officer. He then took refuge at a guest house in Princes Street, Georgetown.

The defendant then spoke with a contact who goes by the name “Joseph.”

The contact informed him that he could assist him with getting a passport to stay in Guyana legally. “Joseph” allegedly gave the defendant a birth certificate with the name John Clarke attached to it and filled out an application for a passport on August 15.

Duka went to the Immigration Office with the said passport application and birth certificate and signed his

name as John Clarke.

Suspicions grew among the immigration officers who attended to Duka and investigations were launched.

The matter was later reported and he was arrested and charged for the said offence.

Attorney at Law Paul Fung-A-Fat who represented the defendant, told the court that his client is the father of two dependent children and only came to Guyana in search of a better life.

The lawyer then asked for his client to be a granted noncustodial penalty.

Duka was subsequently fined $30,000 or an alternative 8 months imprisonment for the charge of illegal entry and $20,000 or 12 weeks imprisonment for the charge of falsifying passport documents.

Youth group launches topical venture Professional Youth Alliance Guyana (PYAGuy) launched their “INSPIRE CHANGE for young women and girls” Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Project recently at the group’s Barr Street, Kitty location.

The organisation thought it timely and pertinent to launch the venture because of the prevalence of the unfair treatment of girls and young women in the various communities.

INSPIRE CHANGE is a community-based multicultural programme designed to empower young women and girls. It will focus on four main areas: personal development, leadership, life skills and employment.

The programme is aimed at inspiring, encouraging, enhancing and developing young women and girls through creative training and practical sessions.

The goals are to promote positive messages to young people; build and strengthen women and girls’ support groups and to create community building through training.

The innovative project seeks to target girls and young women between the ages of 13- 26. The execution of the project will utilize a significant amount of Art and Craft by providing many opportunities for creative expressions.

Once a month, the selected

Pork knocker remanded on cannabis charge George Duncan, 28, of 17 Cane Street, Meadowbrook, was remanded to prison after a possession of cannabis charge was read to him by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan at the G e o r g e t o wn Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged that on August 16, he had in his

possession 30 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking to which he pleaded not guilty.

While the facts of the matter were not revealed in open court, the defendant was refused bail and is expected to appear before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry on September 16.

young women and girls will be exposed to innovative training workshops, which will give them the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence to make a difference in their school and community, as well as uncover their leadership abilities and move to action.

Each participant will be part of a dynamic learning group made up of a mentor/ counsellor who will facilitate change.

The programme style will take on that of a workshop and group counselling, which will encourage teamwork and relationship building amongst its members. Each component of the programme will provide a safe space for the young women and girls to express themselves and learn new skills.

It is the hope that at the end of this project the girls and young women will become more empowered, have better relationships with family and community; understand GBV and methods of prevention; understand issues affecting them and develop positive relationships with peers and partners.

PYAGuy is an organisation for young people run by young people and was created to facilitate training, consultations, community outreach activities, service to young professionals and youth organisations and networking between youth leaders and organisations.

To date, the group has worked with young people in Regions two, three and four.

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

GITEP supports ICT use in tertiary institutions In light of the fact that Information Communication Technology (ICT) has been recognised as an important factor in the delivery of education in tertiary institutions, moves have been made in the form of a laboratory at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

This is according to Project Coordinator of the Guyana Improving Teachers Education Project (GITEP), Tota Mangar, who told this publication yesterday that as recent as March, GITEP, a World Bank-funded project which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education, launched an ICT Lab at CPCE. Moreover, CPCE, Mangar said, is now furnished with some 60 workstations.

B u t t h e Te a c h e r s ' Training College has not been the only tertiary institution to benefit from this level of support from GITEP, as according to Mangar, the Unive r s i t y o f G u y a n a School of Education and Humanities, which is tasked with providing teachers' education, has been similarly endowed.

The Faculty has been provided with an ICT lab comprising some 30 workstations. And according to Mangar, “we saw the need to integrate ICT into the curricula,” a move which is backed by a decision to review, upgrade and in some cases design new courses.

This was in fact the recommendation offered by a consultant who was hired to review the operations of the tertiary institutions.

Currently being offered to teachers in training are programmes in Mathematical Thinking, Behavioural Analysis, Ethics and Civil Life, all of which are new courses that were brought on stream through GITEP. And since the project is one that caters to realising the efficiency of teacher training, Mangar said that efforts are being made to build capacity, and provide a conducive atmosphere for trainee teachers. As part of honouring this commitment, he said that GITEP not only procured a generator for CPCE, but also recognised the need for providing students with the ICT lab as well netbooks and laptops.

Moreover, a batch of students from CPCE was yesterday presented with

laptops for their personal use, a move which represents a collaborative undertaking between the Ministry of Education and the World Bank.

Mangar said that while the exercise at the CPCE Turkeyen Campus yesterday cannot be classified as a free distribution of laptops, it can however be deemed a highly subsidized provision. He explained that since GITEP was created in 2011 with funding from the World Bank in order to improve teachers' education, a decision was made to procure a quantity of laptops for teachers in training, through the Project.

A total of 250 laptops were procured for use by students of the Turkeyen Campus and the Satellite training centres as well. Last year a quantity of laptops was also distributed, Mangar said.

Added to this, he disclosed that GITEP will be seeking to provide both the CPCE and the School of Education and Humanities with up-to-date education reading material.

This, according to him, was also seen as a crucial need after an audit of the textbooks at both facilities as well as the CPCE Satellite centres was undertaken.

“Based on the findings of the consultant we hired, Nancy George and Associates of Jamaica, recommendations were made and we are now in the process of purchasing these new books for both students and staff,” Mangar said. The Consultant was also tasked with designing a new practicum and observation tools for the teachers in training and according to the Project Coordinator, “the argument is that you would have a more efficient way of teacher observation and practicum.”

This move will also aid a year of induction for trained teachers where each will be assigned to a school and monitored in the quest to ensure better efficiency in the school system.

But although all funding from GITEP to facilitate such ambitious moves will come to an end in July 2015, Mangar is optimistic that the project will be sustained.

“I have a feeling the programme is here to stay and although the funding of the World Bank will end, I am sure the Ministry of Education will take over, because this is the way to go,” he confidently asserted.

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Senior Lecturer (Student Development), Ms Esther Utoh (at extreme right) hands over a laptop to a trainee teacher in the company of three others.

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Saturday August 17, 2013

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Republicans may boycott CNN, NBC presidential debates (Reuters) - The U.S. Republican party resolved yesterday to boycott any 2016 presidential debates sponsored by CNN and NBC if the networks go ahead with plans to make special programs on Hillary Clinton, who is widely expected to seek the Democratic nomination.

Delegates to a meeting of the Republican National Committee voted for a resolution that included the boycott and said the programs would be “little more than extended commercials promoting former Secretary Clinton.”

The RNC also resolved that it would require that any future debates have “appropriate moderators and debate partners.”

Delegates approved the motion by a unanimous voice vote.

The motion did not reference Fox News, a network with a conservative bent that is a favorite with Republicans. Owned by News Corp, Fox is in talks with NBC to have a role in producing its Clinton miniseries, according to press reports.

Republican leaders sent letters of protest to both networks last week complaining that a planned CNN documentary and an NBC miniseries amount to political ads for the former secretary of state and wife of former President Bill Clinton. She has not said she is running.

The vote came on the last day of a threeday gathering called “Making it Happen,” at

which Republicans discussed ways to use technology and other means to connect with a wider range of voters, following Mitt Romney’s failure to unseat incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama in last November’s election.

Officials with CNN, a unit of Time-Warner Inc, have said their documentary, due to appear in theaters and on television in 2014, is not yet complete, while Comcast Corp’s NBC said its mini-series is being produced by an entertainment unit, which is independent of the news division.

In preparation for the 2016 presidential election, RNC Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said the party would consider holding its nominating convention in June or July, rather than August, to reduce the amount of time Republican candidates spend competing against one another to win the nomination.

An earlier convention also would allow the Republican nominee to focus on the Democratic opponent.

“A network that spends millions of dollars to spotlight Hillary Clinton, that’s a network with an obvious bias and that’s a network that won’t be hosting a single Republican primary debate,” Priebus said on Friday. “We’re done putting up with this nonsense...The media overplayed their hand this time.”

A Democratic Party spokesman said the move would only limit Republicans’ ability to reach more voters.

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Chamber against postponement of Local Government polls PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce urges the Government not to consider the postponement of the Local Government Elections, legally due by October 26 2013.

While we understand that there is need for the Constitutional and Local Government reform, and that the White Paper on Local Government Reform is now before Cabinet, we hope that the Prime Minister will not be so guided to make such a decision which will be detrimental to the democracy of Trinidad and Tobago.

Good governance for

Trinidad and Tobago dictates that there should not be any delay in having these important elections, considering that the life of local government expired on July 26 2013.

We expect that the Prime Minister, and by extension, the government, will not entertain the question of any postponement.

We do expect, however, that Local Government Reform will continue to be an urgent part of the Government’s agenda, even following the Local Government Elections.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Saturday August 17, 2013

‘Nothing free lasts for ever’ BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has defended the decision of his government that it will no longer pay tuition fees for nationals studying at the University of the West Indies (UWI), saying that free tertiary education was never intended to last forever.

Stuart told legislators that his administration wanted nationals to understand that the new policy is being implemented in an effort to ensure the economic stability of the island.

“The government is doing the best it could and people are simply being asked to contribute to their own development,” Stuart said as he made his contribution to the budget debate.

He described the new tuition policy as “the most contentious of the budget measures”. Finance and

Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler in his 201314 budget presentation on Tu e s d a y, said that effective 2014, Barbadian students pursuing studies at the university’s three campuses will be required to pay their own tuition fees, while the government continues to fund economic costs.

Sinckler said the tuition fees range from BDS$5, 625 to BDS$65,000 (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) and that the new policy would reduce the transfer to UWI by an estimated BDS$42 million a year. “The

Freundel Stuart

government of Barbados recognizes that access to education at all levels has been a key factor in the success of Barbados as a society and an economy,” Sinckler said, adding that the administration “remains committed to, and fully supportive of, the continued

growth and development of UWI Cave Hill and increased access to tertiary education for Barbadians”.

Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, has criticised the policy, saying “education has done more for us as a country than bauxite has done for Jamaica.”

CAL severs another Chief Financial Officer Trinidad Express - State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has severed its chief financial officer Shiva Ramnarine from the Company.

Aviation sources informed the Express that Ramnarine was asked to leave the job on Tuesday afternoon following a meeting with CAL director Patricia Kong-Ting and acting chief executive Captain Jagmohan Singh.

He returned a company vehicle, laptop computer and cell phone to CAL’s head office at Piarco, the Express was told.

It is understood that Ramnarine and Kong-Ting did not agree on several matters with regard to the transformation plan for the cash-strapped airline.

Contacted yesterday Ramnarine confirmed he was

severed from the airline but declined further comment.

It is the second CFO the company has lost in recent months. Three months ago, former CFO Andre Mills was made redundant by Ramnarine’s appointment.

The national carrier is now without two key managers—it has an acting chief executive following the resignation of former acting CEO Robert Corbie two months ago and is now without a permanent CFO. The company recently lost its human resource manager Anisa AllahamHosein who resigned from the airline while executive manager of revenue management Wayne Henry died earlier this year.

The company has interviewed a potential candidate for the chief

executive position, the Express understands.

The previous CAL board of directors was axed by Finance Minister Larry Howai in May and the company now operates with an interim board chaired by Philip Marshall which includes Kong-Ting, vice chairman Vishnu Dhanpaul, Indira Ramkissoon, Captain Azad Niamat and Jamaican director Dennis Lalor.

Apart from corporate governance issues with the previous board chaired by Rabindra Moonan, CAL reported a TT$700 million loss for its financial year 2012 and had to write off some $200 million related to alleged credit card and cargo fraud.

The company is expected to submit its outstanding financial statements for 2011 and 2012 to Howai this month.

Barbados seeking bilateral trade agreement with Poland BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CMC Barbados is seeking to finalise a bilateral trade and tax agreement with Poland.

Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development Minister Donville Inniss met with the Venezuela-based Polish Ambassador, Piotr Kaszuba to discuss a wide range of issues including ways to attract more Polish tourists to the Caribbean island.

“Even though we may be miles apart and culturally different, the reality about it in today’s global village, (is that) there is scope for countries like Barbados and Poland to work together to expand investment in each other’s countries and we are satisfied that Barbados offers a good sweep of products for international investors who would wish to invest in Poland or for Polish investors who

may wish to expand their reach beyond Poland or beyond Eastern Europe.

“We are determined to make this happen, to make it successful in a very transparent manner that would bring us benefits to each other, hence a Double Taxation Agreement between Poland and Barbados would be fruitful,” he added. Ambassador Kaszuba said Poland was “open to such an agreement, and was looking forward to exploring further investment opportunities between the two countries”. “After 17 years of diplomatic relations, it is time that we have something that we can rejoice about across the ocean, country to country” Inniss said that Barbados “always welcome more Polish visitors to our shores. I know that you have a population of 40 million or so … If we could only get one tenth of that we would be very happy”.

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 17, 2013

EU urges members Iran appoints pragmatist Salehi to head nuclear program to consider response to Egypt violence

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appointed outgoing Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi to head the Atomic Energy Organization yesterday, state media said, replacing a hardliner with a pragmatist to take charge of Tehran’s nuclear program.Rouhani, a relative moderate who took office on August 3, has pledged to improve Iran’s ties with the outside world and ease stringent international sanctions on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program. Appointing Salehi is a further signal that

Rouhani intends to pursue a more flexible approach to Iran’s nuclear dispute with the West than his predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Western states and Israel say Iran’s atomic energy program is in fact an attempt to attain a nuclear weapons capability. Tehran denies the charge and says it only wants the technology to generate electricity and for medical research.

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is not directly involved in nuclear negotiations with world

powers, but is in charge of operating Iran’s nuclear facilities.

He also represents Tehran at the annual member state gatherings of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna each September.

Salehi, Iran’s foreign minister under Ahmadinejad from 2011 until Thursday when parliament approved his replacement, returns to his previous job as head of the AEOI. He takes the place of Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani who survived an assassination attempt in Tehran in 2010.

“It was another wise appointment. Salehi was the best of Ahmadinejad’s ministers, a pragmatist who understands how the world works. It made sense to keep him on in some capacity,” said Mark Fitzpatrick, director

of the non-proliferation and disarmament program of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“By returning Salehi to his old position, Rouhani sidelines the noncompromising AbbasiDavani. The outgoing AEOI head, having survived an assassination attempt, seemed unable to overcome bitterness toward the West.”

A new head of the Supreme National Security Council, who has traditionally acted as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, has yet to be appointed.

The delay has led some Iran-watchers to speculate Rouhani may want to the bring the job of nuclear negotiator under the foreign ministry, giving an even stronger signal that he wants to streamline the talks process.

BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union asked its members yesterday to consider “appropriate measures” it could take in reaction to violence in Egypt, while European leaders stressed the importance of a united response.

Around 50 people were killed in Cairo alone yesterday, a “Day of Rage” called by Muslim Brotherhood followers of ousted President Mohamed Mursi to denounce a police crackdown on the Islamists in which hundreds have died this week.

“I have been in constant touch with European Union foreign ministers, and I have asked member state representatives to debate and coordinate appropriate measures to be taken,” EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who spoke with French President Francois Hollande by phone, said Germany would review its relations with Egypt and the

EU should do the same.

Both called for EU foreign ministers to gather next week to discuss the bloc’s ties with Cairo.

Senior EU diplomats will meet in Brussels on Monday to assess the situation and any EU action. They will also prepare the ground for a possible extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers.

Hollande also spoke with Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta. The two men called for an end to violence in Egypt and a return to national dialogue and elections, a statement from Hollande’s office read.

British Prime Minister David Cameron called European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to express his concern. “They agreed on the need for the EU to send a strong and united message that the violence must end and that there should be transition to a genuine democracy, which would require compromise from all sides,” Cameron’s office said.

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

= = = Letter to the Sports Editor = = =

CRICKET ADMINISTRATION BILL WILL PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) it appears does not have the confidence of the cricketing fraternity in its present form since it is void of two thirds of its constituent members (Berbice Cricket Board and Demerara Cricket Board).

On the contrary the argument that has been advanced to dispel same has been the return of International cricket to Guyana. Indeed it is a welcome relief for the Guyanese public and this was evident with the large attendance during the Pakistan tour and the current CPL tournament.

Notwithstanding, an organization as key as the GCB cannot function effectively and in the best interest of the players without the harmonious relationship among the main stakeholders, which are the county boards. In fact most of the national players are being produced by the BCB and DCB at all levels.

Recently, the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) could not have assembled a full squad to participate in the female inter-county tournament and they had to be substituted by players from Georgetown. This is not the way to go especially when there is talent throughout the Essequibo Coast, yet the ECB has been negligent and totally dismissive of female cricket. Then to think that the ECB is at the forefront of cricket administration at the GCB is tantamount to obsession of power rather than good governance.

I was surprised to have been selected as a member of the Cricket Development Committee of the GCB, an offer I declined due

to the unacceptable level of governance, yet I couldn’t receive an offer from the ECB where I would have better served, especially with the limited resources in the region. I have witnessed the various levels of inter-county tournaments over the last two years and sadly the manner in which the teams have been selected and even more importantly the lack of intensity and conviction from the players have been a conspicuous sight of bewilderment.

The organization of these tournaments has been incessantly poor and sends the wrong signal especially to the young players who need a sense of direction that will propel their career towards success.

I hope that the under-15 player who was selected to represent his country but was denied due to the failure of the Administration will secure counseling so that he remains interested in the game and his future. Such level of mediocrity with unprecedented alacrity must not continue to endanger the game.

It is therefore in the best interest of the stakeholders that there should be a level playing field which I am convinced can be achieved through the successful passage of the Cricket Administration Bill by the Honorable Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony. Good and effective governance by a constitutionally elected body is required.

The current GCB is not representative of such principles and should also embrace the bill for the better administration of cricket in Guyana.

Elroy Stephney

Saturday August 17, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): If you are considering buying or selling some property, you are doing so for the profit you are hoping to make out of it. ******************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Try to overcome any fears you have about changing aspects of your life that no longer work the way you would like. ******************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): You must be willing to persist if you want to accomplish your ambitions. If progress seems painfully slow, remember that Rome was not built in a day. ******************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Your inclination is to stick to your own devices but why when the more people you have around you, the merrier your day will be? ******************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): A young person in the family may need some discipline.

Sometimes there is a need to be cruel to be kind. ******************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): When you need help or advice other people seem to be infuriatingly distracted. No-one seems to be available when you

want to talk to them.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Progress in many areas might seem slow and stodgy.

Responsibilities are heavy. ******************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): As a Scorpio you love a challenge so you will accept the chance to do something that defies the odds. ******************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 DEC 21): Today’s activities could be affected by the influence or actions of someone in a distant place. ******************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): You will enjoy being the centre of attention today but be sure an old friend doesn’t feel left out. ******************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Strained relationships in the working environment cannot be ignored. Even though your status in other people’s eyes is high, you might find it difficult to understand what people want from you today. ******************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Restrictions are placed on your activities and this will cause you some frustration.

This is not a day to go overboard on emotional scenes.

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President congratulates Jamaica women Kingston, Jamaica – President of the West Indies Cricket Board Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron extended congratulations on behalf of the WICB to the Jamaica Women’s team for their impressive triumph in the Regional Super50 Tournament which concluded in Grenada on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the WICB I congratulate Captain and Player-of-the-Final Stafanie Taylor and her team along with the Jamaica Cricket Association for this significant victory,” Mr. Cameron said.

“I also wish to further congratulate Jamaica for retaining the title which they had won in 2012. It is a clear indication that women’s cricket in Jamaica is continuing to gain strength.

Jamaica also has two of the finest women’s cricketers in the world in Stafanie and Shanel Daley and there are others such as Natasha McLean who are emerging into the West Indies senior

women’s team and who are expected to be successes on the international stage as well,” Cameron added.

“I also wish to congratulate Merissa Aguilleira and her Trinidad and Tobago team for reaching the final. Further let me extend best wishes to all the teams which will now go on to compete for the Twenty20 title,” Cameron said.

“We are reassured that

the women cricketers in the region are committed to raising the standard of the game and we will continue to tangibly ensure that they have the support structure needed and increased competition, such as we have done this year to play both the Super50 and the Twenty20 formats, to aid them in being even more competitive,” Cameron concluded.

Tigers Biannual General Meeting on tomorrow BK Western Tigers Football Club will hold its biannual general meeting tomorrow, August 18th, at the BACIF Sports Club, West Ruimveldt from 10:00hrs.

According to a release from the Club, the positions that will be contested include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

Office bearers will be elected for a term limit of two years each and only legitimate members of the club will be allowed to vote.

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Saturday August 17, 2013

Mo Farah wins 5,000m World No 3 Sharapova dumps new gold at World Athletics 2013 coach Connors after just ONE match BBC Sport - Mo Farah’s career reached incredible new heights as the Briton became only the second man in history to complete an Olympic and world ‘double-double’ in the distance events.

He held on in a thrilling finish to add the 5,000m title to the 10,000m gold he won on Saturday.

It was a battle between Farah and Kenyan Isiah Kiplangat Koech down the home straight, with the Londoner easing away in the last 40m.

Farah crossed the line in 13 minutes and 26.99 seconds to claim his fifth major championship title.

“I never thought in my career I would achieve something like this,” said Farah. “This was very tough - it was all left to the last two laps. I had a lot of pressure but at the same time I enjoy it.

“I am very proud to represent my country and hold the Union Jack. To all the people who give me great support I can’t thank you enough. Thank you to all the people back home - I am very proud.” The historic feat in Moscow concludes an

incredible 12 months for Britain’s greatest distance runner who has now matched the feats of Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele.

Multiple world record holder Bekele claimed double gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and repeated his exploits at the Berlin World Championships a year later to join his compatriot Haile Gebrselassie on the list of history’s distance running greats.

Some will argue the absence of world records for Farah over the two distances is a hole in his glorious CV. Farah, however, stands head and shoulders above his compatriots as the most decorated British athlete in history.

Before the start of these championships, Farah was level with triple jumper Jonathan Edwards and decathlete Daley Thompson with three major championship titles, but he leaped above them in the space of a magnificent six days in the Russian capital.

BBC Sport commentator Brendan Foster called Farah the greatest British athlete of

all time.

“For my money he is the greatest athlete we’ve ever had in this country,” said Foster. “He put himself at the front and he would not let them past.

“Farah had always had challengers and he’s always been able to hold them off. We are enjoying great times in distance running. Now we have a man who’s inspiring the next generation of runners.”

The race set off at a slow pace which suited the Briton and with 600m remaining the double Olympic champion set off for the finishing line.

Farah could not entirely break free of Koech, but he was always in control - a final lap of 53.51 seeing off the challengers.

BBC commentator Steve Cram, the 1500m world champion in 1983, said: “That was another incredible performance. His fifth global title - that’s a fistful of gold.

“That was hard, really, really hard. It’s not getting any easier, but it’s just as sweet and just as brilliant. We are in special times with this special athlete.”

Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic set for explosive start today The fourth edition of the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic is set for an explosive start today from 13:00hrs at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, and coaches from the respective clubs are confident of their team chances heading into the two day mega event.

Coach for defending champions, Police, Lyndon Wilson, is confident that his team will defend their title as he sees his athletes well prepared for the event.

Wilson pointed out that, “Judging from two week ago at the Police Championships I believe we are ready to defend our title, we already have two persons for each event and tomorrow (today) I want them (the athletes) to bring their A game and qualify for the finals on Sunday.”

He said, “We have the confidence that we can do it but we are not underrating any other team we know they will come gunning for us but we have prepared physically and mentally for it.”

Co-coach Sham Johnny of the Running Brave Athletics Club (RBAC), who are tipped to give Police a run for the title, stated that his club is definitely ready.

Lyndon Wilson “We are prepared and focused right now, the good thing about us is that we do not have any injuries, everybody is feeling good and we want them to bring their A game. All we want as a club is no technical errors and a clean sport with no hiccups, but we are focused and ready for all, our small club is ready,” Johnny said.

Robert Chisholm, Coach of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sport Club, who has always been in the top three since the genesis of the event, was a bit skeptical about his club’s chances but assured that they will give their best to represent the army.

“Well we don’t really have a big team this year because

some of our athletes are on courses at the moment. The weather has also caused us to not prepare the way we would like but we will definitely give a good account of ourselves,” Chisholm noted.

Moses Pantlitz, coach of the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School track club, said that while it will be tough for his team, because of their young age, he still believes they can finish third in the ranking.

“We went through our paces and we had good preparation it is now up to the athletes to go out and perform. Our club is pretty young and I know for them to go up against the seniors is going to be tough but we are looking for somewhere between third to fifth,” Pantlitz stated.

The event has attracted the best athletes locally and is expected to produce the best athletics in Guyana coupled with the participation of athletes from Trinidad, Grenada and Suriname.

The heats along with a few finals will be run today, while the finals of those preliminary events will be held tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden from 14:00hrs.

Daily Mail - The dream pairing of eight-time major winner Jimmy Connors alongside world No 3 Maria Sharapaova has ended after just one match at the Cincinnati Masters.

The Russian lost to Sloane Stephens in three sets on Tuesday, with Connors tweeting just after: ‘Every good round starts with a bogey - not the start we wanted, so back to work tomorrow.’

However, the 26-year-old, who has already won all four Grand Slams, has cut ties with Connors before seeing if any relationship between the two would flourish.

Connors’ only previous coaching role was with Andy Roddick in 2006 for 18 months, and it was a rather lean period

Given the axe Connors has suffered from Sharapova’s ruthless decision (AP) in the career of the hugeserving American.

It means Sharapova is expected to go to the US Open, which starts on August 26, without a coach.

The 2004 Wimbledon

champion has won two tournaments this season, in Indian Wells and Stuttgart, but lost in the final of the French Open to Serena Williams who has beaten her, the last 13 times straight.

Andy Murray through to Cincinnati Open quarter-finals BBC Sport - Britain’s Andy Murray continued his impressive form at the Cincinnati Open with a 6-2 62 win over Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the third round.

The world number two broke twice in the opening set as Benneteau struggled with his first serve percentage.

Benneteau, ranked 36, improved in the second, but Murray broke twice more to seal the win and set up a quarter-final tie with Tomas Berdych on Friday.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams also won.

Federer, a five time winner in Cincinnati, will play Nadal in the last eight. The pair, who have played each other 30 times with Nadal winning 20, are fourth on Centre Court on Friday.

With less than two weeks until Murray, 26, starts the defence of his US Open title he was showing flashes of the form that won him his first Grand Slam almost 12 months ago.

The Wimbledon champion gave Benneteau few openings on his own serve, hitting seven aces and winning 75% of the points on his first serve and 62% on his second.

In comparison, the world number 20 won just 65% on his first serve and just 31% on his second and he created only one break point on the Murray serve.

Murray said: “You want to try and get off quickly because you need to play the next day.

“In 10 days’ time, we’re going to have to play bestof-five sets, so sometimes the long matches can kind of set

Andy Murray (Getty Images)

you up for that well.

“But in terms of winning this event, better to get off quick because you have to play five days in a row if you want to win.”

World number one Djokovic joins Murray in the last eight after he beat qualifier David Goffin 6-2 6-0 in just 50 minutes, to set up a last eight tie with John Isner, who beat 12th seed Milos Raonic of Canada 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.

Defending champion Federer, who is only just returning from a back injury, had to come from a set down to beat number 11 seed Tommy Haas.

Federer lost the first set 6-1 before winning the following two 7-5 6-3 while his opponent Rafael Nadal beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 5-7 6-2.

Nadal, who has won eight of the 11 tournaments he has played this season, said: “To play against Roger is always a special feeling. We have a great history behind us in our confrontations.

“But it’s a quarter-finals match, not the final, so that’s a big difference.”

Seventh seed Juan

Martin Del Potro also dropped a set before eventually beating Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-4 1-6 6-4, but Ferrer, who is currently ranked fourth in the world was beaten 6-2 6-4 by world number 44 Tursunov.

In the women’s event, top seed Serena Williams needed just 63 minutes to beat Germany’s Mona Barthel 6-4 6-1 to set up a last eight tie against Romania’s Simona Halep, who beat Australian Samantha Stosur 6-4 4-6 6-2.

Second seed Azarenaka beat Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-3 6-4, while Pole Agnieszka Radwanska, the fourth seed, needed less than an hour to overcome Elena Vesnina 6-0 6-2.

Italy’s Roberta Vinci beat sixth seed Sara Errani 6-4 6-3 while Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic needed three sets to beat American Sloane Stephens 3-6 7-5 7-5.

China’s Li Na beat Germany’s Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-4 and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark beat former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic 3-6 6-2 6-3.

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32 youth footballers benefit as Fruta Conquerors football coaching clinic concludes

The ecstatic group of footballers poses for a photo op with Coach Sampson shortly after the conclusion of their summer course

By Michael Benjamin After some three weeks of meaningful sessions that dealt with football related and social issues, 32 youth footballers from an initial 40 received certificates of participation when the curtains came down on the youth football coaching clinic for aspiring footballers between 6-17 years at the Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC), Tucville, yesterday afternoon.

Shortly before receiving

their instruments of participation, the youngsters were given a pep talk by Finance Controller of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO), Fitzroy McLeod who urged them to use the lessons learnt during the three weeks period as a developmental factor in their lives. He said that it was a pleasure for him to observe them deeply engaged in developmental activity of that nature and further encouraged them to make

good use of the opportunity.

The Financial Controller congratulated the youngsters on their high level of discipline and reminded them that it is extremely important that they employ their training with the requisite discipline in future endeavours.

“When you utilize the lessons that you have been taught you can be assured that it will stand you in good stead; the sky is the limit,” exhorted Mr. McLeod.

Guyana register 27-run win over T&T as Women’s Regional T20 begins The first round of the Regional Women’s Twenty20 concluded yesterday with four matches at two venues in Grenada, and Guyana were in winners’ row beating Trinidad and Tobago by 27 runs in their encounter.

Playing at the Tanteen ground, Guyana, led by 37 from Berbician Shemaine Campbell and 29 from inform Demerara Captain June Ogle, reached 127-4 off their allotted 20 overs before left-arm pacer Erva Giddings grabbed 4-27 to restrict the girls from Carnival country to 100-9 when their overs expired.

At Progress Park, Barbados edged to victory in a low-scoring match against recently crowned Regional Women’s Super50 champions, Jamaica for an early win.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, opener, Kycia Knight was the lone highlight for the Bajans.

The Barbadians constantly lost wickets and were setback in their bid to set a competitive total. Kycia

Knight was the only batter to get into double figures, scoring a patient 31 runs from 58 balls. And even she had to work hard, running all of her runs.

Siblings Kyshonna Knight and Pamela Levine, who both made eight, were the next best contributors with the bat for Barbados.

Chedean Nation grabbed 3-17 from her four overs as the Bajans were restricted to 70/9 from their 20 overs.

But the Jamaican batters would not do much better.

They slipped to 24/3 and failed to recover. Chinelle Henry top scored for Jamaicans with 21.

Chedean Nation and Jodi Ann Morgan both made ten.

Shanna Thompson, Deandra Dottin and Danielle Small all took two wickets as the Bajans restricted Jamaica to 65 all out in 19.5 overs.

Barbados won by 15 runs.

At Tanteen in the morning game, St Vincent and the Grenadines dismissed St Lucia easily after winning the toss and elected to field.

The St Lucians were 20/3

and never recovered. It was left to Number nine batter, Julia Simon, to hit 20 runs from 23 balls at the end to propel the scoring. She had two fours in her knock. Nerissa Crafton chipped in with 19 as St Lucia were restricted to 85/ 8 from their 20 overs.

Leading the destruction with the ball for SVG were Latoya Providence (3-18) and Sheree Ann John (3-15). In response, SVG made light work of the victory target, losing just the wicket of Latoya Providence for 18. But her fellow opening partner, Captain Juliana Nero led the charge to victory.

Nero struck seven fours in her unbeaten knock of 56, batting some 45 balls.

Terisha Lavia stayed with her skipper to the end, finishing on eight. Nicole St Prix had just the one wicket for the St Lucians, finishing with 1-15 from her four overs.

SVG got to their target with over four overs to spare.

And hosts Grenada beat Dominica in the day’s other match at Progress Park.

Shortly after the conclusion of his speech, Mr. McLeod presented several pieces of football gears to the administrators of the FCFC and subsequently committed to similar chivalry in the future.

Coach of the FCFC, Sampson Gilbert, expressed deep gratitude to his benefactor and assured him that his gift would go a far way in the development of the youths.

Over the three weeks period, the players, which consisted of males and females, were tutored in the intricacies of the sport as well as issues relevant to their social, cultural and physical well being.

Several professionals from various institutions visited and delivered lectures on important topics.

Woman Inspector of the Guyana Police Force, A. Harding, spoke on child and

Finance Controller (NAMILCO), Fitzroy McLeod hands over the football gears to coach, Gilbert Sampson domestic abuse while her colleague, Inspector Anthony, engaged the students on the detriments of drugs and substance abuse.

Physiotherapist of the Public Hospital Georgetown, B. Nelson lectured the students on sport injuries and treatment, while Vice President of the Guyana Football Federation, Ivan Persaud, elaborated on the benefits of healthy lifestyles and food nutrition.

Paula Sampson represented the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association and spoke on sexually transmitted diseases while encouraging the young ball weavers to inculcate safe sex practices. African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) representative, Eric Philips delivered an inspiring lecture on African History, while former teacher of the

Bishops High School, Ms Thomas who taught the players skills relating to biographical data among other issues.

Several other professionals imparted relevant information and knowledge in their area of expertise including FIFA Instructor, Lawrence Griffith (Laws of the game) and football coach, Joseph Wilson who tutored the youngsters on technical and tactical awareness of the sport.

Mr. Gilbert said that he was pleased with the way the students conducted themselves even as he expressed gratitude to the many facilitators.

He said that they willingly volunteered their services and the programme could not have been a success without their input.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins 200m world gold AFP - MOSCOW: Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann FraserPryce became the third athlete to achieve the women’s sprint double at the World Athletics Championships when she won the 200m yesterday in Moscow. The 26-year-old — who regained her 100m title on Monday — timed 22.17 seconds while 100m silver medalist Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast took another silver in a photo finish with Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare, both of whom timed 22.32.

Three-time champion Allyson Felix of the United States failed to finish after

collapsing dramatically onto the track coming round the bend into the home straight.

While the 27-year-old lay prone on the ground, her dreams of setting an all-time world championship gold tally record of nine in ruins, Fraser-Pryce strode to the line untroubled.

Crossing the finishing line she clapped as well she might, joining East Germans Silke Gladisch (1987) and Katrin Krabbe (1991) in completing the double.

Ahoure and Okagbare fought out a thrilling duel with the 25-year-old Ivorian

prevailing in the closest of finishes to give Africa their first medals in the history of the event at the worlds.

For both it was their second medal of the championships - Ahoure’s in the 100 also being Africa’s first in a women’s world 100m final - while Okagbare took silver in the long jump.

However, while they did a lap of honour - after Ahoure had smothered Fraser-Pryce with an embrace as she lay on the ground overcome by her achievement - a crestfallen Felix was carried from the track by her brother.

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Saturday August 17, 2013

Systems in place for Jumbo Jet mega horserace event at Port Mourant Turf Club Preparations are continuing in earnest as the 7th Annual Guyana Cup, with a jumbo-sized $30M in cash and prizes on offer, is just a short time away.

The event fixed for August 25 at the Port Mourant Turf Club, promises to add to the excitement and entertainment programme for these August holidays.

The Guyana Cup since its introduction some seven years ago has been setting an unprecedented pace for other sponsors to follow with massive injection of funds by the Jumbo Jet establishment and other cooperate sponsors. This year the organizers have come up with by far the largest prize package in the country in a sporting event which will see nine races carded for the day and already close to 100 of the country’s best racehorses entered.

A number of new imports are expected to take to the track in their quest for the big money on offer. A number of jockeys from overseas including, Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad, USA and Barbados

along with a number of overseas based riders will be making the trek home to be a part of the event, with some already in the country.

The events listed for the day are the feature B and lower with a sumptuous $7M prize package with $3.5M and the Guyana Cup trophy set aside for the winner over 1700M. The other events are -the co-feature 1600M event for 3yr old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, the organizers have put up $2.5M and trophy.

The Two year old 1000M event for West Indies Bred horses for a $1.5M top prize and trophy.

The E class and lower 1400M event for a winning take of $1M top prize and trophy.

There is a race for F class Horses with the winner getting $900,000 and trophy over 1000M, the G 3 and lower1200M event with the winner getting $800,000 and trophy.

The second three year old event is for Guyana bred horses and has a $600,000

price tag along with trophy for the top runner over 1200M. The H and Lower 1000M race for a winning purse of $400,000 and trophy, along with the ‘I’ and lower 1200M event for a top prize of $300,000 and trophy. The final race has $200,000 plus trophy at stake for the winner of the JKL event over 1200M. Apart from the riveting horseracing action expected on the track, there will also be a lot of added attractions including for both adults and kids. There will also be giveaways for the lucky and early patrons and horse owners.

The activity, which has become a calendar event, has been organized also to capture the thousands of overseas based Guyanese, holiday seekers and tourists who will throng the country at this time of the year. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 spectators.

The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with accolades compliments of the

Sammy Rajpaul, Trevor Balram and Parmanand Singh of the Rommel Jagroop Construction and Business Establishment at left presents the cheque to Dharmin Dharamjit of the Jumbo Jet racing establishment at the Entity’s Gas station and headquarters, Bush Lot West Coast Berbice.

Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and the organizers. Entries close today, Saturday, August 17.

The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority

For further information contact can be made with Chandu Ramkissoon (6249063 or 232-0633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 322-0369), Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Ramnauth 337-5311, Romel Jagroop

(624-1798) and Campton Sancho 690-0569. Race time is 12:30 hrs.

The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. Race time is 12:00hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

Grenadian athletes here for BOYCE/ JEFFORD TRACK AND FIELD CLASSIC IV Grenadian athletes Kenisha Pascal and Reon Radix along with Coach, Kwame Hypolite, arrived in the country Thursday morning aboard Caribbean Airlines to compete in the fourth edition of Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic this weekend at two venues.

The two Grenadian athletes will represent their country in what has now

become a regional meet with the inclusion of athletes from the Caribbean; Pascal, a seasoned campaigner will compete in the International Women’s 1500m and 3000m races, while Radix has been registered for the 1500 and 5000m events at the mega meet.

The Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic IV will be held at the Police Sports Club, Ground, Eve Leary today beginning at 12 noon

Table Tennis Camp billed for West Dem from August 19-25 A West Demerara Table Tennis Camp, sponsored by Payless Varity Store, is billed from August 19-25 at the Goed Fortuin Community Centre from 09:00hrs to 13:30hrs each day.

The Camp caters for young Racquet Wielders in three age group categories (6-10), (13-15) & (18-Open) and the youngsters will be coached by Mooniram Persaud and Raymon Mc Clennon.

The aim of the one-week Camp is to revive interest in the sport among young people in West Demerara and to increase the talent pool of players.

Participants are not required to pay a registration fee and should be attired in Tee-Shirt, Short Pants and Sneakers. Each participant should be equipped with a Table Tennis Racquet.

No slippers are to be worn by the players. (S. Devers)

with the Heats and eight finals and tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden from 2pm with all finals.

Pascal told the media that she is here to perform and will be leaving no stones unturned to ensure she gets into the top three in the International Women’s 1500m, especially; the race carries prizes of US$250, US$150 and US$100 for the top three finishers.

“I am hoping to perform at the best of my ability.

Hopefully, I can get in the top three and return a better time than last year,” Pascal said, adding that she is considering Alika Morgan and Tonya Nero, from Trinidad and Tobago, her main rivals in the race.

The International Women’s 1500m will feature an impressive field of women including, Pascal, Nero, Morgan, triple CARIFTA Games gold medallist and CARIFTA Games bronze medallist, Andrea Foster along with Jevina Straker and Jenella Jonas among others.

A total of 16 women have been registered for this marquee event at the Boyce & Jefford Classic, which will

Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal (left) pose with national coach, Kwame Hypolite and Reon Radix yesterday at Olympic House shortly after arriving in Guyana for the fourth Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic this weekend. also feature junior sensation from Linden, Cassey George in a guest appearance in the race amid her senior counterparts since her CARIFTA gold medal.

The race will definitely be one of the best of the events to-date. Meanwhile, Pascal’s Grenadian teammate, Radix, will be competing in the Men’s 1500m and 5000m races. He said that he wants to be tested against Guyana’s best to have an impression of his

standard.

“It will be my first international competition for quite some time, since CARIFTA in 2008 to be exact.

I am looking to better my times and matching strides with international competition,” the distance athlete said shortly after arriving in Guyana.

Radix will be up against Guyana and the Caribbean’s leading distance athlete, Cleveland Forde in both

events. Dennis Horatio from Police and Jamaul Chisholm from the Defence Force will be contesting the events as well, making them extremely interesting.

Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname were expected to arrive yesterday for the meet that gets underway today.

Caribbean Airlines had partly sponsored the airfare for the regional contingents set to compete in Guyana over this weekend at the two venues.

Saturday August 17, 2013

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National Park users request better conditions for recreation

By Zena Henry Some parts of the National Park are virtually useless daily users of the recreation and relax area say, as they complain about the unacceptable state of the sporting areas.

While certain sections of the park cater for the various sporting activities, athletes say that they cannot use the designated areas, because of the tall bushes or because of the water that settles as a result of untended overgrowth.

A woman who identified herself only as Pamela told Kaieteur News that she would not regularly use the park, but when she does, the area’s unsightly appearance never escapes her. She said much more has to be done to make the Park a better place for the presumably hundreds of daily users.

She spoke extensively on the lack of lighting since, she said, users are often out of the Park by night fall. “Sometimes people just want to push their body and go a bit further especially when you do not regularly get to exercise.” She spoke about over hanging branches, which in her view poses a danger for persons using the area. The tall bushes usually hamper persons from using the grounds resulting in athletes having to take to the streets.

Miguel Jordan said he uses the park

regularly, often with his friends for a game of cricket. He said they would use the athletics end of the field, but because it is un-kept and usually in a soggy state, they would use the leg end of the long jump section.

Players say that tall bushes have taken over certain sections of the football and rugby fields, while it is almost impossible to recognize the hockey field.

Members of the Running Brave Track and Field Club say that by international standards they require 400 metres to train on.

That which is located at the Park is more than 400 metres but less than that is accessible. Kaieteur News was told that when rain falls, athletes would have run to a certain spot and turn back because other sections are covered with mud.

The athletes say that they have to make do with what is available or they would have to stay home.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment however posted a sign apologizing for what they say is regret to Park users during works to improve the Park.

A security guard in the compound told Kaieteur News that the sign has been up for almost eight months now, but no work has commenced in the area. When asked, Park users said that they too have not seen any work taking place in the area.

The area designated for long jump

The area designated for track and field activities The rugby goal post is barely visible between the ocean of bush

WINDIES TO TOUR TOURNAMENT PUSHED BACK TO SEPTEMBER 7 NZ FROM DECEMBER W O GSCL Inc. 12/12 C’ship

NCE AGAIN, the Competitions Committee of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Incorporated (GSCL Inc.) was forced to postpone their second 12/12 tournament, following persistent showers.

In fact the Everest Cricket Club ground, the venue which is being used entirely for this tournament, was left in a waterlogged state and following a visit by some executive members of the GSCL Inc yesterday, a decision was taken to cancel the, matches that were set for today.

Teams are asked to note that the draw which was conducted at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation sports club two weeks ago remains in effect when the tournament bowls off on the new date, which is Saturday 7th September, with the fixtures remaining in place.

Deputy Permanent Secretary within the

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle, is expected to give some brief remarks and later declare the tournament which will have giveaways for the spectators open.

The first place team will collect $600,000 and a trophy while the runner up team will take home $200,000 and a trophy.

The Man-of-the-Series will receive one three-piece living room suite, the best batsman and bowler will be given $5 000 and a trophy each and the Man-of-the-Match in the final, $10 000 and a trophy.

Meanwhile, the GSCL Inc. has also listed on the cards, a Super 16 tournament which has an entrance fee of $50,000 and is set to start in mid-October.

Teams interested in competing for the top prize of $600,000 can make contact with GSCL on 225-4802, 623-2704 or 653-5374 as soon as possible.

ELLINGTON , New Zealand (CMC) - New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has released details of a West Indies tour of that country, which is scheduled to begin at year’s end.

The West Indies will play three Tests, five one-dayers and two T20s during their first visit to New Zealand in five years in December and January.

However, chief executive David White said he was still awaiting details of the India tour, which represents a potential money-spinner for New Zealand Cricket.

“I have to admit

discussions with the Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) have taken longer than we hoped, but we should be able to announce the tour schedule in the next few weeks,” he said.

Under the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, New Zealand are supposed to host India for three Tests, five onedayers and one T20 in February and March next year.

India are reportedly keen to trim the New Zealand tour so they can participate in the Asia Cup, which begins in late February.

Schedule of West Indies tour of New Zealand December 3-7: First Test,

University Oval, Dunedin December 11-15: Second Te s t , B a s i n R e s e r v e , Wellington December 19-23: Third Test, Seddon Park, Hamilton December 26: First onedayer, Eden Park, Auckland December 29: Second onedayer, McLean Park, Napier January 1: Third one-dayer, Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown January 4: Fourth onedayer, Saxton Oval, Nelson January 8: Fifth one-dayer, Seddon Park, Hamilton January 11: First T20, Eden Park, Auckland January 15: Second T20, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

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Saturday August 17, 2013

Usain Bolt and Adam Gemili Rain-affected win keeps ease into 200m semi-finals St Lucia’s hopes alive

B

BC Sport - Defending champion Usain Bolt eased into yesterday’s semi-finals of the 200m at the World Championships in Moscow.

The 26-year-old Jamaican, who took the 100m title on Sunday last, comfortably won his heat in 20.66 seconds with Briton Delano Williams, 19, second (20.72). Adam Gemili recorded the fifth quickest time by a Briton in winning his heat in a personal best of 20.17, while James Ellington (20.55) also qualified.

“I think there is a lot more to come,” a delighted Gemili told BBC Sport. “I knew I was in good form and I just wanted to execute the race.”

Bolt is bidding for his third consecutive 200m world title and seemed to ease off well before the finish line. “I’m feeling good. I’m not a morning person,” he said. “I’m just trying to do my targets through the rounds and I’ll be all right.”

Williams, the world junior champion from the Turks and Caicos Islands, who was competing in a Great Britain vest for the first time, will link up with Bolt’s training group in the autumn.

He was also encouraged by seeing his fellow teen Gemili’s performance as well as racing against the six-time Olympic champion and world record holder.

“After watching Gemili run a 20.17, we look really, really strong for the future. We’re only 19,” he said. “I had a bit of a joke with Usain. He’s been motivating me through all of this, so thank Usain Bolt during the you to him. “I wasn’t really trying to beat him 200m heats. (IAAF) because he would just probably have turned it on. I was just taking it really easy and doing my thing. It’s been great running in a GB vest.”

Bolt’s team-mates Warren Weir, the Olympic bronze medallist from London, Nickel Ashmeade and debutant Jason Livermore all went through as did United States trio Wallace Spearmon, Curtis Mitchell and Isiah Young.

Also on the track, the British quartet of Eilidh Child, Shana Cox, Margaret Adeoye and individual 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu qualified fourth fastest for Saturday’s 4x400m final after winning their heat in 3:25.39.

However, without the injured Perri ShakesDrayton, who returned to the UK on Friday for treatment on a knee injury, the GB team will face a difficult task to get past the US, Russia Gemili smashes PB to win 200m heat and Jamaica in the final to win a medal.

Andre Fletcher’s brisk knock helped St Lucia reach their highest total in the CPL so far © Getty Images

E

SPNcricinfo - An extended rain interruption kept St Lucia Zouks’ CPL hopes alive as they won by 17 runs (Duckworth-Lewis method) against Antigua Hawksbills on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 180, and with the possibility of heavy rain, Johnson Charles gave Antigua a flamboyant start, hitting three successive fours off Garey Mathurin in the first over, before losing his wicket off the fifth ball. A couple of overs later, Kieran Powell was dismissed in a similar fashion, offering a simple return catch to Mathurin after hitting the bowler for two consecutive fours. Jahmar Hamilton playing his first match of the tournament, tried to stabilise the innings but was out after the first rain break. Heavy rain forced the teams off the field after Hamilton’s wicket. The umpires declared St Lucia

winners as Antigua were 76 for 3, 17 runs behind the D/L par score of 93 after 10.4 overs.

Earlier, St Lucia Zouks posted their highest total of the tournament, scoring a formidable 179 for 4. Opener Andre Fletcher played a pivotal knock for St Lucia, scoring 76 off 53 balls and adding useful partnerships with the middle-order batsmen. Fletcher’s fourth-wicket stand of 59 off 34 balls with Darren Sammy took St Lucia’s total past 150.

The pair hit a few big shots but rotated the strike well. Fletcher’s 76 included four fours and three sixes, while Sammy finished unbeaten on 35 off 20 balls with one four and three sixes.

Scores: St Lucia Zouks 179 for 4 (Fletcher 76, Sammy 35*) beat Antigua Hawksbills 76 for 3 (Mathurin 2-26) by 17 runs (D/L method).

Nixon rues loss but confident Tallawahs will rebound

K

ingston, Jamaica – Head coach Paul Nixon was left regretting a tactical decision after Jamaica Tallawahs went down by five runs to Guyana Amazon Warriors in a thriller at Sabina Park on Thursday.

Chasing 140 for victory and a place in the semi-finals of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, Tallawahs just failed to achieve victory, after needing ten from the final over.

Nixon said in retrospect, with the game delicately balanced at 72 for three at the end of the eleventh over, he could have introduced a right-hander at the fall of Danza Hyatt’s wicket instead of sending in South African left-hander Jacques Rudolph. “We got ourselves in a good situation but I made the

wrong decision, sending Jacques the left-hander in. We should have sent a right-hander in and made it much easier. I think I made a tactical error there. With Chris (Gayle) in at the time and Jacques to come in, it was the wrong decision. If we could do it all again, we would change it,” Nixon said.

“We’ve got quite a flexible order depending on the situation of the game. We have a lot of guys who can hit, a lot of guys who can rotate the strike. The left and righthanders are important and with Steven Jacobs’ off-spin, we think he was a guy at the time we could have targeted.

“The Warriors have got a lot of quality spinners and it’s always going to be tough but when you know a guy is only going to go one way generally, there is a time and a

place to put your chips on the table and try and change the game in four or five balls and that could have been it. We’ve learnt our lessons.”

He added: “There are still things we would have loved to have done better. There are still two games to get a win so we’re pretty confident being at home. These guys (Warriors) have done the double on us so well done to them.”

Gayle top scored with 43 and Chadwick Walton stroked an aggressive 36 in his first match of the tournament, but the Tallawahs batting fell away as they chased quick runs. They were 130 for six at the start of the final over bowled by Chris Barnwell, but lost South African Vernon Philander and David Bernard Jr, within the first three balls, to lose all momentum.

“The guy held his nerve and

bowled a good last over but we shouldn’t have let it come down to that. We’ve got to win the game up front and win the game in the middle of the innings,” Nixon stressed.

“The mood is very sombre. The guys are disappointed to lose the game. We felt we restricted the Warriors well and that pitch was a very good one. The grounds men did a very good job because the rain we’ve had over the last few days was enormous.”

Jamaica will square off with Barbados Tridents at 2 pm in the f e a t u r e m a t c h o f t o d a y ’s doubleheader, as they lobby for a spot in the semi-finals of the inaugural tournament. St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel clash in the first game at 10am, also at Sabina Park.

Tallawahs Coach Paul Nixon

Saturday August 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 37

T&T Red Force to begin CHAMPIONS LEAGUE preparations With T20 fixtures against Guyana at Providence

By Sean Devers When Guyana beat Trinidad and Tobago in the semi-final of the 2010 Caribbean T20 competition at the Queens Park Oval to earn the right to represent the We s t I n d i e s i n t h e Champions League T20 tournament in South Africa, the Trinidad &Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) a s s i s t e d i n G u y a n a ’s preparations by sending their National team here to battle the locals in two ‘Grudge’ matches at Providence.

T h r e e y e a r s l a t e r, Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force journey to India for their third Champions League tournament and second in India and the Guyana Cricket Board has returned the favour of assisting in the preparation of the unit from the Twin Island Republic.

Guyana, the only team apart from T&T to capture a regional T20 title (2006, 2008 & 2010) will face off with the Red Force at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence on August 30 & 31 under lights in two practice matches from 19:00hrs.

Admission is $1,000 to any stand in the Stadium and tickets will go on sale at several locations from next week. A supporting game will be played from 14:00hrs before the feature match on both days and the Police will be very serious with overcrowding.

Once the capacity for each stand is reached spectators will be asked to go to another stand that is not yet filled.

Trinidad & Tobago surprised many by reaching the finals of the inaugural Champions League tournament, but lost to Australia’s New South Wales Blues. However, Like

the Champions League and are not a part of the Trinidad and Tobago team.

The full T&T squad reads: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Yannick Ottley, Jason Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin, Nicholas Pooran, Adrian Barath, Samuel Badree, Sherwin Ganga, Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine, Shannon Gabriel, Navin Stewart, Rayad Emrit, and

Denesh Ramdin

Lendl Simmons

Guyana who failed to win a match in South Africa, the Red Force struggled on the faster African tracks and did not make it past the qualifying stage last year.

But the Indian conditions are expected to better suit the Caribbean side in the fifth edition of the competition which starts on September 17 and concludes on October 6. Trinidad and Tobago have dominated regional T20 cricket and have won every T20 title in the last three years including the final edition of the Caribbean T20 tournament early this year to qualify for this year’s event in India.

Pulsating cricket between the two most successful T20 teams in the region and massive crowds are expected this month end at Providence. Former West Indies opener and TTCB CEO Suruj Ragoonath announced the visiting squad.

Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine and Denesh Ramdin will once again don the Red Trinidad & Tobago uniform after representing Guyana in this year’s inaugural Caribbean Premier league. Fast Bowler Ravi Rampaul also return to the side after injury forced

him out of the LCPL. Kieron Pollard’s feats in the 2009 edition, including an innings where he scored 54 runs from just 18 balls earned him an IPL contract for the 2009 IPL while Sunil Narine and Kevon Cooper also earned IPL contracts after competing for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2011 edition.

Previously unknown, Narine and Cooper were sold for $700,000 and $50,000 respectively for the 2012 IPL auction and made immediate impacts to their teams with Narine helping his team win the 2012 IPL. The offspinner was also named Player of the Tournament.

Trinidad & Tobago have earned direct entry into the Group Stage this year after playing in the Qualifier in 2011 and 2012. With some of the world’s best T20 players, they are in group ‘B’ along with Brisbane Heat (KFC T20 Big Bash League champion), the runner-up in the Pepsi IPL 2013, Titans (RAM SLAM T20 Challenge runner-up), and the second-ranked team from the CLT20 2013 Qualifier.

Dwayne Bravo and Pollard have opted to represent their IPL teams in

Darren Bravo.

Te c h n i c a l Te a m : Dudnath Ramkeesoon, Omar Khan, David Williams, Kelvin Williams, Oba Gulston, Denesh Mahabir.

Guyana team: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine, Chris Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Steven Jacobs, Trevon Griffith, Paul Wintz, Keon

Ramnaresh Sarwan Joseph, Anthony Bramble, Rajiv Ivan,LeonJohnson,Robin Bacchus, Zaheer Mohamed, Eusan Crandon (Coach), Orin Bailey (Asst Coach), Alvin Johnson (Manager)

t r o Sp

MO FARAH wins 5,000m gold at Shelly-Ann World Athletics Championship Fraser-Pryce

wins 200m world gold

Farah recorded an historic ‘double double’ holding both 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic and world titles. (Reuters)

Demerara Mutual Life part sponsors Leon Seaton W

ith competition underway at the 19th Goodwill Swimming Champions taking place at the Aquatic Centre, Wildey, St Michael, Barbados, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd. has announced that it has part-sponsored Leon Seaton one of the 8 & Under athletes representing Guyana.

Marketing Manger Mr. Clarence Perry presented the cheque to young Seaton in the presence of Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Secretary Dee George at the entity’s Avenue of the Republic & Robb Street office.

Guyana is being represented by 17 swimmers and will come up against swimmers from Suriname, defending champions Trinidad and Tobago, the host nation and guests, St. Lucia.

The 50M pool at the National Aquatic Centre will be configured for 25 metres, 8 lanes. Ten (10) lane Daktronics Automatic Timing Equipment will be in operation with 2 back up buttons on each lane; 7 lanes in the 50 M pool as well as the 25 M pool will be made available for warm down.

Competition will be in the following AgeGroups 8 & Under, 9 to 10, 11 to 12, 13 to 14 and 15 to 17. Barbados, T&T and Suriname will all be represented by the full complement of 40swimmers. This is the second time that Barbados Demerara Mutual’s, Mr. Clarence Perry, is playing host to Goodwill which is regarded as a major event where young swimmers are presents the cheque to Leon Seaton. afforded the opportunity to launch their At left is GASA’s Secretary Dee George. international careers in the sport.

- action splashed off yesterday

Shelly Ann FraserPryce wins the 200m final (IAAF)

BOYCE AND JEFFORD TRACK AND FIELD CLASSIC set for explosive start today

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