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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
A vigorous approach to gun crimes is needed The increasing incidents of gun crimes are cause for serious questions not least of which would be what is being done to arrest this dangerous situation where human lives are being snuffed out like a candle in the wind. It is a truism that perception very often mirror reality, and the general view seems to be that citizens are at the mercy of marauding elements bent on disrupting their peace and security. In such an environment characterized by an almost pervasive fear of crime, people are understandably very apprehensive for their personal safety. Such a situation demands a coherent and comprehensive operational policy to respond to a menace that is likely to overwhelm the country’s law enforcement efforts against illegal guns and ammunition. At present there seems to be no properly articulated strategy to address this phenomenon; if one does exist it is probably in the minds of the operatives. However, the issue really should be whether the strategists are working within a framework which requires that lessons learned must be recorded so as to inform on the level of success or shortfall as the case might be. The days of ad hoc approaches to crime have surely passed, but this does not seem to be the realization of our operational policy makers. As an aside, another disturbing practice that is attracting attention is that of placing a large number of police ranks at public events at venues like the National Stadium. At first glance it will be observed that a large number of ranks are on duty at these places leaving the public with a sense that somewhere there will be a shortage of ranks to mount an appropriate quick response to calls for assistance. Regardless of the money which the Guyana Police Force will be paid for providing these security duties, the fact remains that an ordinarily undermanned police station would be hard pressed to provide adequate manpower to render the necessary assistance to a public under siege. From claims made by ranks assigned to perform those extra security duties they do not receive any monies. As convenient as that may sound one would hesitate to accuse the force’s administration of exploitation while individual pockets are lined. It seems that the more sensible arrangement would be for the police to conduct a security assessment in a consultative capacity that is paid for by the organisers who can then contract private security firms which supply those services. Those obviously will leave the police to provide adequate patrols in hotspot areas where crime is prevalent, particularly during those times. However, it would be myopic to believe that regular crime prone areas should remain the sole focus of crime prevention efforts to the exclusion of potential hotspots which might be opportunistic in their manifestation. The wanton shooting to death of 29 year old Marvin Cumbermack for his motor cycle says a lot about where we are heading as a nation. The brutal attack on octogenarian Dorrel Canterbury indicates exactly what any one of us is likely to be confronted by in the presumed safety of our homes. The solution to gun crimes lies not in stricter legislation for firearm licensing control, because the problem we face is one which involves illegal firearms in the hands of people with no compunction about taking lives. Moreover, gun control laws are focused on law abiding people who for the most part are not about to arm themselves without seeking to ensure that they are in compliance with the law. The fact is that this is not simply a case of introducing a buy-back programme to rid the streets of illegal weapons like obtains in places like Australia, and the USA. It therefore means that those criminally inclined in possession of illegal firearms will not be falling all over themselves in a rush to hand in what they might consider the tools of their nefarious trade. The state must adopt a vigorous approach to dealing with gun crimes reflected by severe jail time. The sentences given to the two youths in the South Ruimveldt arms matter is an indication of how these matters should be dealt. Crying about the porous borders and the ease of illegal arms entry is not the answer.
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
More logging, poorer forests, poorer Guyana DEAR EDITOR, During the last week, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in two full-page paid advertisements in Kaieteur News on (13 August, page 21 and 15 August, page 25) has defended the massive over-cutting by and for the Chinese transnational logger Bai Shan Lin. The GFC argues that the average maximum harvest allowed across Guyana as a whole is 20 m3 per hectare once every 60 years. Most Timber Sales Agreements have a 25-year duration so their limit is 8.3 m3/ha per harvest, for all kinds of timber taken together. That is about 4 trees/ha. Think of the forest as your garden. Initially you have a few banana or plantain suckers, bora, boulanger, cherry, dunks, gooseberry, okro, same,
sapodilla, shallots and tomatoes – lots of vegetables and fruits. But you are lazy or greedy, so you take all the bora and tomatoes and shallots without replanting them. After that you harvest all the boulanger and okro also without replanting. You still have a garden but it is less productive and your food is much less nutritious and varied. This is what the GFC is allowing in State Forests. All the best greenheart and purpleheart timbers are harvested, then the silverballi and tonka and tatabu. Then all the wamara. Even the cutting of bulletwood – a legally protected ecologically-keystone species – is readily allowed by the GFC. In the last ten years, as China and India have become wealthy, their furniture and flooring factories have
installed new machinery. Asian markets prefer hard, heavy, dark-coloured and multi-coloured woods. Flooring needs timbers which resist the impact of steeltipped high heels. The new or reequipped factories easily and efficiently process our technically superb timbers for their own domestic and export markets, into high-value floors and decorative furniture. So the GFC seems happy to see the slow-growing tatabu and wamara and washiba timber, along with 30 or more other species, to join the exports as raw logs in huge quantities; as shown in the overflight photographs published by Kaieteur News and Stabroek News. What is critical for the health and productivity of our forests is the rate of (Continued on page 6)
Sunday August 17, 2014
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Freddie seeks conceptual The PPP is content to maintain the clarity from Dr. Jeffrey status quo of miserly living standards DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Dr. Henry Jeffrey’s letter (“Perhaps Mr. Kissoon has some other quote/reference of my saying,” KN, August 13, 2 0 1 4 . ) D r. J e f f r e y ’s correspondence is a reaction to my column of last Sunday, (“No-confidence vote and the two year gamble.” In that column I attributed a statement to Dr. Jeffrey and instead of a verbatim quote, I described what I thought Jeffrey meant There can be no excuse. It was obligatory on me to publish Jeffrey’s exact words. I admit to that fault. But I say in all sincerity, I believe my interpretation of his statement essentially captures the meaning of the words Jeffrey used. It would be better to quote Jeffrey then reproduce my interpretation. Dr. Jeffrey had this to say, “I do not believe that our country is in this condition because over the last half a century our politicians have been wicked and intended this kind of backwardness.” In my column this is how
I put it; “Dr. Jeffrey wrote that he does believe that either the PNC or the PPP Government has done an act that was deliberately designed to hurt another section of the population or another group.” I n t e r e s t i n g l y, D r . Jeffrey’s August 13 letter pointed out my omission of his direct words but there was no comment on my interpretation. In other words, Dr. Jeffrey did not explain to his readers what he meant. Maybe he owes it to his readers to provide them with conceptual clarity. My position with words is that they have deconstructed meaning. I am not interested in what the composer of a statement said he/she means or intended. I understand a statement based on the deconstructed meaning of words. One runs a dangerous risk if one accepts what the author of a statement says he/she means. The readers using epistemological tools and the deconstruction methodology can judge for themselves. One most
famous example stands out so graphically that it must be mentioned. The respected New York Times editor, Joseph Lelyveld who is a Pulitzer Prize winner denied in his book, “Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India.” that he portrayed Gandhi as a homosexual. Lelyveld backed down and rejected his own statements after India banned his book. But reviewers around the world poured scorn on Lelyveld’s cowardice by quoting from his very words and the descriptions in his book. In a letter to his homosexual lover, the German body builder, Gandhi wrote the following words, “How completely you have taken possession of my body, this is slavery with a vengeance.” In another correspondence with his male lover, Gandhi wrote of how enjoyable the use of the Va s e l i n e w a s . L e v y described the photograph that Gandhi kept at his bedside of his body(Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, My previous letters on the Government’s management of the affairs of Guyana have been less than flattering. Yet, based on the seemingly glowing half year performance presented by Ashni Singh, everything seems to be running s m o o t h l y, a l l t h i n g s considered. Well, all these fancy statistics, which is what they are to me, translate into nothing for the man in the street looking to improve his lot in this life. Talking to this government is comparable to shaking a very big fruit tree out of season. The long and short of the economy’s performance is that it’s a patch job, with nothing organized or directed at addressing the biggest bone of contention in Guyana’s economic policy framework, job creation. What does an increase in rice production mean to the man looking for a job? What does the fall in gold production mean for the man looking for a job, what do all
the other increases and decreases in the report mean to the man in the street looking for a job? Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing. All of government’s efforts over the last two decades have been calculated to be a
waste of time, with just enough to keep us nodding and looking forward for more. These efforts have been mirrored in the first six months of this year. The fact is, Government (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox More logging, poorer forests... The PPP is content to maintain... From page 4 harvest of each species. Our garden (forest) becomes poorer and poorer because the rate of cutting per species far exceeds the rate of natural regeneration of those timbers. In other words, the GFC is misleading civil society by referencing the 8.3 m3/ha as a safe limit. The need for harvest control by species was explicit in the 2002 second edition of the GFC Code of Practice for Timber Harvesting, section 2.3 – ‘sustained yields can only be ensured if a minimum stocking is retained after logging for each individual desirable species. GFC recently developed growth and yield models that can assist in determining the number of trees that can be felled per ha as well as the minimum size (diameter) for each individual species’. Yield control by species is still recognised although more feebly in the recently published Code of Practice for
Forest Operations for TSA/WCL Agreements (section 2.3.6, 2014; see http://www.forestry.gov.gy/Downloads/Cod e_of_Practice_for_TSA-WCL-2014.pdf) – ‘The choice of 20 m3 per hectare is a deliberate attempt to ensure that merchantable trees remain in the stand after harvesting operations, and that the rate of harvesting does not exceed the growth rate of commercial species’. If the GFC is so sure of the sustainability of current harvests by and for Chinese transnational Bai Shan Lin and Indian transnational VHPI, will it now publish immediately in a full-page advertisement in every daily newspaper and on its website and in posters in every GFC field station to show how the current rates of harvest for each species in State Forest Authorisation (logging concession) does not exceed the rate of natural regeneration? Janette Bulkan
From page 5 has done little, if anything, to generate the level of investment and job creation in the private sector necessary to lift Guyana out of its current financial and welfare slum. And it will never. Because, examining the case of Linden and Georgetown historically, it has proved itself to be racial, and spiteful, intent only on looking after its so-called supporters, as reflected in the allocation of resources across the regions (attested to by other commentators), and Georgetown’s own filthy and poorly managed environment. The rest of the country has to live on its propaganda. This shuts my case of the 2014 half year economic report.
The PPP is content to maintain the status quo of miserly living standards, where the majority remain below acceptable welfare standards and struggle to attain proper academic requirements for a successful career, There remain the issues of its abuse of power, its manipulation of the courts, and the President’s unwillingness to assent to the numerous bills passed in Parliament by the Opposition, our majority representation of the people. Government has spent the first six months of this year playing politics and wasting and mismanaging our tax dollars, the latest victim apparently being the operations of the University of Guyana. The Finance
Minister, instead of returning to Parliament with bills to release funds to maintain the smooth operation of the University (and God knows how many other important welfare programs), has made an ass of himself over the projects specifically voted down by Parliament. The apparent objective being to blame the Opposition, the people’s majority representation, for the financial chaos and dysfunctionality of this and other programs, and the ultimate chaos which it intends to generate in Guyana. Well, we the people can sit down on our back sides and let them continue to scuttle our country for their divisive ends. Craig Sylvester
Freddie seeks conceptual... From page 5 building lover. Lelyveld could say what he wants. He could deny how much he wants. He can give a million interpretations of what he meant. But words have inherent meaning. And the words used by Gandhi in his letter to the German man were descriptive of homosexual love and Lelyveld placed those letters inside his biography of Gandhi. Gandhi was a great soul indeed. One of the greatest, but as a person reading that
book, I can only conclude from what Lelyveld wrote
that Gandhi had a male lover So to get back to Jeffrey; I interpret his words to mean that he does not believe the governments of the PNC and PPP have been so wicked as to deliberately engender acts of destruction to Guyana. In that particular Sunday column, I rejected that posit of Jeffrey and argued strongly that the wickedness was deliberate and i n t e n t i o n a l . I o ff e r e d examples. But I was generous to Jeffrey in that I opined that Dr. Jeffrey may believe in his own mind that no government can be so wicked as to scheme to weaken their own country I believe Jeffrey is not alone in this conception of leadership. Most people in the word are decent humans and at the mental level they will not believe that their government would be so
depraved, evil, and vindictive to cause their own country to suffer. But this is the explanation for Guyana’s enduring tragedy. I saw this wicked destructive tread in Burnham, Dr. Jagan and Bharrt Jagdeo. I believe it is present in Mr. Ramotar. Mr. Desmond Hoyte was a phenomenal exception Let me say most unambiguously, under the post 1999 PPP Government there have been many terrible policies that were designed to make Guyana a more backward place. It has to do with acts of destruction that these leaders believe would weaken the opposition to their power from constituencies and sections of Guyana that the ruling elites want to hurt. The result has been the continuing backwardness of Guyana. Frederick Kissoon
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur News
Guinea reopens Ebola clinic as sick spill over border
Sakoba Keita (Reuters) - Guinea said yesterday it will reopen an Ebola clinic in its remote southeast as sick nationals living in Liberia and Sierra Leone spill over the borders in search of better treatment. West Africa’s Guinea, the first country in the region to be affected by the deadly virus which has killed more than 1,100 people, says it has brought the outbreak under control. But it is worried that a poor response to the epidemic from its neighbours will reverse its progress. “We are concerned about the length of the border with
Sierra Leone and Liberia, specifically in Macenta and Pamelap,” said Sakoba Keita from Guinea’s Health Ministry, referring to border towns. “The Guineans who are over there and are infected are inclined to come back to Guinea for better treatment,” he added, describing Liberia’s health system as in a state of decay. Four new suspected cases have been reported in Macenta in the Gueckedou region, within about 15 kilometres of the Liberian border, and Guinea is now preparing to reopen the Ebola clinic there, he added. Highly contagious, Ebola kills more than half of those who catch it and causes fever, vomiting, haemorrhaging and organ failure. At least 380 people have died from Ebola in Guinea although the number of new cases on Aug. 12-13 is low at just 9 versus 116 in Liberia and 27 in Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organization. The remote rural regions of Gueckedou along with Lofa in Liberia and Kenema in Sierra Leone are the regions where Ebola has struck hardest. The three
governments have agreed to create a broad quarantine zone, with manned checkpoints, to control access, although some aid workers say people can slip in and out via jungle paths. Liberia, where the number of cases is rising fastest, has said its health system is overwhelmed. Medical charity MSF says its Foya clinic in the neighbouring county of Lofa in Liberia has a 40-bed capacity with 137 patients. Last week the head of Guinea’s Ebola commission said that 3,000 people were waiting at 17 border points for the green light to enter the country. Each has to be examined by a medical team and those with fever are isolated. The World Food Programme says it plans to launch food deliveries to the area next week as part of a plan to provide emergency supplies to the more than 1 million people living within the area. “The idea is to avoid finding ourselves in one month’s time with a food crisis as well as a health crisis,” said Fabienne Pompey, a WFP spokeswoman said yesterday.
Islamic State executed 700 people from Syrian tribe - monitoring group (Reuters) - The Islamic State militant group has executed 700 members of a tribe it has been battling in eastern Syria during the past two weeks, the majority of them civilians, a human rights monitoring group and activists said yesterday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has tracked violence on all sides of the three-year-old conflict, said reliable sources reported beheadings were used to execute many of the alSheitaat tribe, which is from Deir al-Zor province. The conflict between Islamic State and the alSheitaat tribe, who number about 70,000, flared after the militants took over two oil fields in July. “Those who were executed are all al-Sheitaat,” Observatory director Rami Abdelrahman said by telephone from Britain. “Some were arrested, judged and killed.” Reuters cannot independently verify reports from Syria due to security conditions and reporting restrictions.
Proclaiming a ‘caliphate’ straddling parts of Iraq and Syria, Islamic State has swept across northern Iraq in recent weeks, pushing back Kurdish regional forces and driving tens of thousands of Muslims, Christians and members of the Yazidi religious minority from their homes, prompting the first U.S. air strikes in Iraq since the withdrawal of American troops in 2011. The insurgents are also tightening their grip in Syria, of which they now control roughly a third, mostly rural areas in the north and east. An activist in Deir al-Zor who spoke on condition of anonymity told Reuters that 300 men were executed in one day in the town of Ghraneij, one of the three main towns of the al-Sheitaat tribal heartland, when Islamic State stormed the town earlier this week. Another opposition activist from Deir al-Zor said residents of al-Sheitaat towns had been given three days to leave. “Those who were executed during the storming of the al-Sheitaat area are
around 300. The rest were killed in the course of the battles,” he told Reuters on condition of anonymity to protect his identity. Civilians fleeing alSheitaat towns had either taken sanctuary in other villages or travelled to Iraq, he said. More than 170,000 people have been killed in Syria’s civil war, which pits overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim rebels against President Bashar al-Assad, a member of the Shi’ite-derived Alawite minority, backed by Shi’ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon. The insurgency is split between competing factions in Syria, with Islamic State emerging as the most powerful. Tribal powers in Syria and Iraq have had to make the choice between fighting Islamic State or pledging allegiance. O n F r i d a y, a v i d e o posted o n Yo u Tu b e showed men who said they were from the al-Sheitaat towns of Kishkeih and Abu Hammam pledging full support for Islamic State.
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Sunday August 17, 2014
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Bai Shan Lin logging scandal…
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Dem boys seh...
Govt. has established a principle Money pass and people mouth shut of law breaking - Greenidge Once “kickbacks” are “sweet” foreign companies are allowed to disregard laws which seem to be a new waiver - Greenidge As soon as evidence of the Chinese and Indian firms’ large scale exploitive logging practices are exposed, the government is eager and ready to deny the claims. But government, according to some critics, could simply prove its case by getting an independent investigation done. It was recommended that all operations of the companies would need to come to a halt and only continue until the government can prove that the pictorial evidence and testimonies tell a different story. However, from indications thus far, the PPP and its associated regulatory agencies of the forestry sector may be far from willing to facilitate such. More than likely, it is because the “the kickbacks are so sweet, that foreign companies are allowed to disregard or disrespect the laws of the country and exploit its resources. It’s become like a new waiver now,” one politician asserted. The recent controversy over the policies that are supposed to govern and prevent the “abusive”
Chairman of Chineseowned, Bai Shan Lin, Chu Wenze
Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud
Carl Greenidge, Chairman of the Parliamentary Economic Services Committee
operations of Bai Shan Lin and Vaitarna Holdings Private Inc (VHPI) has attracted much commentary. Chairman of the Parliamentary Economics Services Committee, Carl Greenidge in giving his take
on the matter, said that the priority of economic policy has always been to seek to implement projects that will do a number of things. He noted that economic policies such as the ones governing the logging
industry seek to; utilize local labour as a priority, train labour where they do not have the skills and treat all labour with respect in the workplace and pay a fair wage. Government, he opined, Continued on page 64
De whole government deh behind Bai Shaan and vex wid dem who busy trying to mek Guyana get a fair deal fuh whatever forest dem people cut down. Things reach de stage wheh one Minister, before he answer a question from a reporter, was stupid enough to tell de reporter that de Waterfalls paper probably beg fuh something and didn’t get it. Then Donald seh that nuff people against investment. Dem boys want to know how de people paying fuh all de wood that dem cutting and shipping out of Guyana. But none of de government people ain’t answering de question because dem know that whatever payment was made went straight to de people who mekking de decision. And dem who ain’t get pay don’t care if Guyana ain’t get its fair share because dem done get de paper. Is de first time dem boys see so much people lining up behind a foreign company. Dem other foreign companies never had that kind of support. De same government claim how it love de Amerindian people and gun do everything to protect dem yet dem allow de Chinee fuh rob dem same Amerindians. De people deh fighting fuh dem money and de government ain’t helping dem fuh collect wha dem wuk for. But de greatest thing is that Guyana sit down pun some of de most expensive wood in de world. Bai Shaan lef all about and settle in Guyana fuh ship out dem same expensive wood. If dem paying royalty then is just wha dem woulda pay fuh cheap wood. And de Environmental Protection Agency still quiet. It never give permission but Bai Shaan get power from somewhere else and now de Environment people can’t seh a word. But happy living nah long life. Talk half and wait fuh de backlash.
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Bai Shan Lin owes Ramotar needs to act in the interest Amerindians “plenty, plenty money” of the Guyanese people - GTUC Bai Shan Lin logging scandal …
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), having followed the incisive investigative reports on Bai Shan Lin’s operations in Guyana, has concluded that the nation is witnessing a scandalous affair that threatens sovereignty. This the Union declared in a missive released yesterday. The statement reflected GTUC’s view that President Donald Ramotar is failing in his foremost responsibility to the nation; “loyalty to the people.” GTUC said that the growing concerns and alarm by local stakeholders over the management of Guyana’s forest and infrastructures, environmental impact, the exclusion of local workforce and the conditions of service for those employed, are not to be dismissed and treated as though it’s business as usual. The Union expressed that the government should not put up a defence as “there is no defence to the indefensible.” GTUC stated, “Guyana is a sovereign nation.
When foreigners are made to think the citizenry is irrelevant, as conveyed by the President’s flippant disregard for our concerns, he is transmitting a message to all that the concerns of Guyanese are unimportant and he is an active partner in aiding and abetting a process to treat us as second class citizens in the land of our birth.” “Not once as President,
conclude that “We and country are mere pawns in a scheme to carve up our resources through unholy alliances between foreigners and government officials in cahoots with their cohorts.” GTUC opined that the government is abrogating its responsibility to the people and creating a situation of “us versus them. The people on one side fighting to ensure the
The people are on one side fighting to ensure the nation’s protection…and government officials on the other side aligned with foreign forces to plunder and rape our resources for personal enrichment. when nationals raise concerns about the disregard for our rights, the laws of this land and the sovereignty of this nation, has Ramotar communicated that the concerns are noted, will be examined or that the people’s interest will be protected.” The Union said that as a result, Guyanese are being placed in a position to
nation’s protection…and government officials on the other side aligned with foreign forces to plunder and rape our resources for personal enrichment. This is not a good place for the citizens or government to find themselves, i.e. on opposing sides on matters of foreign investment.” The Union pointed out that most “foreign sweetheart deals” were started and rushed through under the Jagdeo Administration and have continued with aplomb under the Ramotar Administration. The Union opined that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was specifically created and headed by Robert Persaud to ensure execution of the plans. “The people of this nation are
not fools!” GTUC said that citizens need assurances that concerns will be addressed, information revealed and contracts and laws reviewed to ensure foreign companies are operating in compliance with the national interest. “The GTUC is not adverse to foreign investments. The GTUC is adverse to investments that disregard the rights of citizens, the laws of our land, and the sovereignty of this nation…This is not the time for President Ramotar to engage in political arrogance and contempt for the people. The raping and plundering of our resources do not attract political divisions. These are concerns of every Guyanese regardless of race, class, creed and political persuasion. The President needs to understand this, desist from the political grandstanding, and address the people’s concerns with the seriousness they deserve.” The Union highlighted that “Guyana belongs to all Guyanese. Guyanese are today saying we face clear and present danger as a people in the presence of continuous foreign onslaughts! We have serious concerns about the management of our resources, the abuse of workers and the laws of the land. It is in the President’s interest to remember to whom he has taken the Oath of Office to serve and pay heed to growing concerns.”
- Company switches managers, system to avoid paying - Refuses to sign agreement with Region One Village
Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud
Chairman of Chineseowned, Bai Shan Lin, Chu Wenze
Amerindians from Kwebanna Village, Region One, promised “plenty, plenty money” to work for Bai Shan Lin, are today owed millions of dollars by the Chinese company. The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) claims that it is holding Bai Shan Lin accountable to the laws of the country, including those governing corporate social responsibility. But Amerindians of Kwebanna, a tiny village of Arawaks, Warraus and Caribs, near Bai Shan Lin's operations, in Waini, Region One, would tell you a different story. Bai Shan Lin harvests logs through what forestry authorities say is a joint venture with Kwebanna Woods, a company that has a Timber Sales Agreement that allows it to harvest for export in commercial quantities. Some of the workers employed by Bai Shan Lin are owed a combined total of mil-
lions of dollars. “They tell me that I must give them the service and I must work for plenty, plenty money and they would pay me the money but when the time reach for I come home now, no money,” said Andrew Brescenio. He is among workers who would spend weeks, sometimes up to three at a time, living in plastic tents while cutting logs for Bai Shan Lin. When Bai Shan Lin entered the village looking for chainsaw operators, Brescenio opted to go. He started working with the company in October 23, 2012. He was promised pay of $400 for every cubic metre of trees he cut. He worked seven blocks and only received a percentage of what he worked for. He left for the village and returned in 2013. He had hoped to collect what was owed to him, but to no avail. It was then that he was told to work for “plenty, (continued on page 60)
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Exotic, pricey wood species being shipped out of Guyana As the controversy surrounding Bai Shan Lin’s operations in Guyana continues, the main question is why the company is exporting large quantities of exotic woods such as “Locust and Wamara”. Conservationists have been arguing that countries where these “exotic” woods are found should not export large quantities since they are considered an “invasive species”. Invasive species, also called invasive exotics or simply exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restorationpreservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions. Sometimes called Guyana Rosewood for its lustrous, dense, and colour, Wamara technically isn’t true rosewood (Dalbergia genus), but is in what could arguably be viewed as one of the most under-appreciated genera of tropical hardwoods: Swartzia. This genus is filled with a variety of colorful and striped woods, most of which remain obscure. It is considered an “exotic wood” in many parts of the world.
The Locust tree is native to the southeastern United States, but has been widely planted and naturalized elsewhere in temperate North America, Europe, Southern Africa and Asia and is considered an invasive species in some areas. PRICING FOR THE SPECIES… Bai Shan Lin on July 2009, last, exported 558 pieces of Locust Sawn Timber from Guyana. In October 2009, the company also exported Wamara Sawn Timber. A total of 5303 pieces were sent out in two containers. World Market demand for these two species of wood could fetch a heavy price. The “Wamara” which is being sold by the cubic meter can fetch a price of between US$200 and US$600. Kaieteur News was told that the “Wamara” logs can be sold from between US$260 and US$290. Depending on the demand, the prices can triple, making it one of the best selling timber products being exported. It is believed that Bai Shan Lin and other logging companies have not been declaring “Wamara and
Locust” when exporting. Rather they have been passing this off as mixed hard woods. Several sources within the Ministry of Natural Resources have said that the Wamara business is among the most lucrative business ventures that Bai Shan Lin is currently involved in. This newspaper was also told that low level ministry workers along with forestry officials who are tasked with monitoring the export of timber are not able to complete their task. It is being reported that since Bai Shan Lin along with several others entered into joint ventures, it has been “almost impossible” to keep a tab on how much timber is being exported from Guyana. Bai Shan Lin, a Chinese logging company, has big plans for Guyana: forest concessions covering 960,000 hectares; a 20-kilometre river gold mining concession; a 500hectare Guyana-China Timber Industry Economic and Trading Cooperation Park and a 160hectare real estate development. Despite the scale of the planned operations, Bai Shan Lin’s agreements with the government of Guyana are not public and there has been no discussion in the National Assembly about the company’s plans. In Guyana, it is illegal for a logging company to take over another logging company’s operation, unless officially authorised by the President. Yet Bai Shan Lin has managed to enter into large scale joint ventures with a number of locals. (See photos on pages 15, 16, 57 & 58)
Sunday August 17, 2014
Auditing oversight bodies scared to tackle white collar crime By Kiana Wilburg Preventing the abuse of loopholes and the execution of innovative ways to cut corners in order to make a quick dollar is often one of the biggest dilemmas facing Guyana’s financial regulators. Even when these perpetrators are found, it is believed that they more often than not, escape punishment for such dishonest acts. At a workshop for internal auditors which concluded a few weeks ago, Ramesh Dookhoo, a board member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) emphasized how important it is for Internal Auditors to effect change in this regard. He voiced his disappointment with the fact that while Guyana may be ripe with anti-fraud and bribery legislations, it has a low rate of prosecution when it comes to white collar crime. Dookhoo had urged the participants of the workshop to ensure that where necessary, they highlight and prevent as much as possible, white-collar crime which refers to financially motivated nonviolent crime committed by businesses and government professionals. Anand Goolsarran of Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI) expressed that this is a good initiative on the part of the IIA Chapter in Guyana. He said too that he would like to commend the organizers for taking the initiative of having a seminar on various aspects of internal auditing. Internal auditing he
They seem to be cowed into silence and inaction when they have to examine problems involving powerful figures - Greenidge
Carl Greenidge, former Finance Minister posited, has assumed a far greater role in assisting organizations in ensuring good governance practices, transparency and greater accountability. Regrettably, at the level of government, the former Auditor General said that there has not been much appreciation for the role of the internal auditor. Goolsarran said that many of the scandals and acts of financial impropriety that are uncovered almost on a daily basis could be avoided if there are strong and effective internal audits backed by professional and competent auditors with appropriate reporting lines. Goolsarran said that indeed, most frauds and other forms of irregularities can be traced to the deficiencies in and breakdown of internal controls. This he pointed, is where internal auditors come in. He said that they police the system on a daily basis; have their ears to the ground; can detect red flags and spot questionable transactions quickly. He noted that internal auditors can assist in nipping white collar crime in the bud before they become endemic. While the Ministry of Finance has made some effort to establish an internal auditing unit, Goolsarran said that more needs to be done at the larger ministries and departments to ensure fullfledged internal audits are in place. He said that this will relieve the workload of the Audit Office so that they can be able to concentrate on “big ticket items.” As he too gave his support for the initiative taken by the organizers of the workshop, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Carl Greenidge said that as the millennium broke, there was a string of corporate scandals involving
appalling audit failures which were as a result of bad management, misleading accounts, shoddy auditing and outright fraud. He said that at the heart of the audit failures lay a set of business relationships that were bedeviled by what have been called “perverse incentives” and “conflicts of interest.” “In reality it has proved easy to play on an individual’s fear of losing a lucrative audit assignment. And they often turn a blind eye to many irregularities in order to keep business. This has been found to be present in some cases in Guyana and the audit oversight bodies need to pay attention to perverse incentives and conflicts of interest and how these two factors compromise the integrity of their work,” Greenidge said. The politician pointed to several changes which he believes should be enacted. He posited that there needs to be stricter statutory regulation of the local auditing profession, including disciplinary powers with real sanctions for those who fall victim to “perverse incentives.” “In Guyana we have seen that self-regulation; both through peer review and by professional and oversight bodies are fiction…Accounting firms should be restricted or prohibited from offering (often more profitable) consulting and other services to their audit clients. Another change that needs to be implemented is rotation every four years or so, so that individuals do not become too committed to their clients and audit firms. This should be mandatory,” The PAC Chairman explained. He said that he would like to see attention paid to ethics and ethical practices. Greenidge said that the IIA itself needs to pay attention to the framework in which auditors operate and the institution’s responsibility for enforcing rules that they have pledged to uphold. The Parliamentarian said that it is hard to “take these oversight bodies seriously” as they appear to be “cowed into silence and inaction” when faced by problems that may require them to look at powerful figures and or Government’s behavior. “Guyana of course has a low rate for the prosecution of white collar crime and it would suggest that these auditing oversight bodies are scared to tackle such,” the former Finance Minister concluded.
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Godly and ungodly moment outside the First Assembly of God One of the discomforting motifs I have to live with is the almost impossible choice I have to make in prioritizing between reading the memoirs of a media operative or a politician. My whole life I have been involved in political activism. But I have been a media practitioner for more than twenty-five years. I do not miss the memoirs of famous or infamous politicians and leaders. The experience of how leaders used and abused power should be fascinating even for the layman. I am overzealous to read about the career of famous media operatives, because the accounts must be fascinating. I believe there is never a dull moment in the life of a media person and their life stories must excite curiosities in most readers. Sadly in Guyana only Father Andrew Morrison has written a book and it makes great reading (Justice: The struggle for Democracy in Guyana, 1952-1992. Red Thread Press, Georgetown, 1998). There is a missing link in Father’s book, because he did not describe some of the inscrutable, dangerous and hilarious little stories he encountered during his journalistic career. I guess he wanted to look at the bigger picture. What should be made clear is that Father’s book does not constitute a memoir, because a memoir is an almost encompassing landscape of the person’s experience, formal and
informal, personal and impersonal. ‘Kit’ Nascimento must be moving into his eighties and we may never see his account of his media days when Premier Cheddi Jagan was in office and when he was in charge of communications and public relations under President Burnham. Adam Harris has chalked up more than forty years and surely his autobiography would generate enormous interest. Never mind the more serious stuff you encountered during your media career, there are little things that have large significance, as in my experience outside the door of the First Assembly of God last Sunday. It was a sociological education for me. I went last Sunday to that church on Durban Street, Wortmanville, to attend the christening of the daughter of my Kaieteur News colleague and friend Edison Jefford. I couldn’t make the home celebration, so I felt obliged to attend the church ceremony. I was all decked out in church garb - white shirt, navy blue tie, black trousers with black shoes. Edison told me to be at the church for 11a.m. I arrived ten minutes earlier. There were a large amount of people inside the church and outside. Since the church service before 11a.m. didn’t concern me, I thought my place was to wait by the door for the Jefford family.
It was an enthralling affair. As the minutes went by I was welcomed by several persons on different occasions thanking me for coming to worship at the church. I don’t know what they were talking about. I am not a religious person, never was, doubt I would ever be, and I subscribe to the philosophical schools of anarchism and existentialism. There are times I come close to agnosticism. I concealed my amusement as one person after another thanked me for coming to pray at First Assembly of God. Really! All I was there for was to attend a christening. A well-groomed lady offered me a seat inside with the words that she was glad that I chose her church to pray at. A middle-aged gentleman asked me why I chose First Assembly of God. Parishioners passed me on the way in, parishioners passed me on their way out, and I was greeted with comforting words about coming to the First Assembly of God. They all felt I made the right choice. It was 11:20 and Edison was still not there. As the greetings continued, I sought refuge in another Kaieteur News friend, Rawle Welch, who should have been there with me. I phoned him to ask him to come down, since the parishioners thought they had a new convert, and I
needed someone to talk to. Leaving aside those enjoyable moments of irony, I had an education in the religious evolution of my country. I have no experience of what a church is like for Sunday worshipping; never been in one for that purpose. But what I saw that Sunday was instructive. I grew up hearing people say that ordinary working people,
especially dark-skinned folks, shunned the Catholic Churches and to a lesser extent the Anglican churches (to a much lesser extent to be honest) because they felt uncomfortable there with the church filled with the crème de la crème of the society. Ordinary folks from working class areas needed “their own people” to sit next to. When you see the hundreds of working people in church as I did last Sunday
Frederick Kissoon at the First Assembly of God, then you understand why the numbers at the Catholic Church disappeared after Independence. Class and colour are present even in giving thanks to God.
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BOOK REVIEW… Reviewer: Dr Glenville Ashby E. Lloyd Smith’s New Beginnings joins the slew of self-help books that have flooded the market over the last decade. We can safely surmise that h o p e l e s s n e s s , disappointment and failure are besetting the lives of countless people. That there is an existential crisis rife in our society is hardly debatable. What is difficult to determine is the extent to which these literary responses have made a substantive difference. How is Smith’s book different from others of this genre? Has this a u t h o r introduced new concepts and pragmatic guidelines to follow? Will ‘Beginnings’ be smothered by like books that are backed by relentless marketing drives? Smith’s work may lack a marketing juggernaut in tow but if his counsel is unique, it will resound, nevertheless. That said, it will be unfortunate if a large cross-section of people in various climes cannot
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 17, 2014
An author’s guidelines to self-realisation Book: New Beginnings by Author: E. Lloyd Smith access it. But is ‘Beginnings’ deserving of special accolades? No doubt, Smith is a deliberate thinker, albeit his pace is hurried, at times, resulting in anecdotes that should be more detailed, lucid and deftly expressed. Chalk this one up on choppy editing. However, let us not construe that his work lacks depth and relevance. Smith more than compensates for every hitch. He is incisive, opting to cut to the chase as he outlines, methodically, and with the help of graphs, charts, and quotes, the various ways that we can improve our lives. Smith understands our flaws and the barriers that prohibit us from realising our true potential. ‘Beginnings’ is big on philosophy and ontology with a healthy dose of pragmatism thrown in for good measure. He understandably launches with a chapter on hope and follows through with several aspects of selfrealisation that include acceptance and communication. He cites fear, anger and resentment as
examples of mental poisoning and self-destruction. He asks us to avoid denial and refrain from masking our deficiencies. Unfortunately, he sparingly mentions atonement and its catharsislike function, a point that would have given ‘Beginnings’ the proverbial ‘shot in the arm.’ Throughout, though, Williams is assured, delivering the written word with Solomonic passion. Hope, he notes, is the gateway, the sentinel that we must understand and embrace when we begin our transformational journey. He pens, “Living with hope ignites a fire within us...Hope oftentimes leads to change and it presents a psychological platform on which to build.” Smith delivers some telling, evocative pronouncements. “Life is never static,” he posits, “although it may seem so in your corner. Your situation will never remain the same forever, only if you let it.” Also, he contrives catchy acronyms, such as P.P.C or Positive Personal Change; A.I.M or Application,
Initiative Mettle: and P.M.A, which denotes Positive Mental Attitude. Smith gives value and credence to the adept use of communication and the art of listening. “When you communicate remember you can motivate or de-motivate people as words, tone and body language can say a lot...When you communicate, you can console, lift people higher and influence them to accomplish work related, personal or other goals,” he writes. New Beginnings concludes with the admonition that we are the custodians of our body. Our health and lifestyle, he emphasizes, are integral to forging a rejuvenated and more spirited individual. Smith aptly states in the epilogue, “The content is meant to stimulate your mind, present solutions, and point readers into directions that can transform your views, how you think and deal with difficult situations.” Smith’s work is unabashed, bold and reassuring. Moreover, it is comprehensive, offering structured and easy to follow guidelines. Smith is determined not to leave any of us on the wayside. It is this exhaustive appeal that rescues New Beginnings
from the ever churning release of self-help books that, by now, appear tired and all too clichéd. Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on
Twitter@glenvilleashby New Beginnings by E. Lloyd Smith 2013 Printers: Infotech Trainers and Consultants Ltd., JA ISBN 978-976-8246-07-3 Rating: Recommended
Sunday August 17, 2014
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My column
National Service may be the salvation For three straight months the police keep reporting a drop in serious crimes, but they are quick to point out that murders and gun crimes have gone up. Indeed there are more murders and gun crimes, to the extent that guns are also included in some of the murders. A long time ago I pointed out that this was bound to happen because young people, particularly young boys, were leaving school empty-headed and were bound to become the new criminals. These are the young men who see the movies and emulate the characters. In addition, there is a preponderance of guns in the country, so that anyone who wants one can actually get one. I see how violent the society with its fewer than one million people has become and I am ashamed, especially when I talk to people in other societies that have far more crime than my Guyana. Indeed, these people admit to that, but they then become mathematical; they talk about the crimes to the population. They also point to another fact; that the police in the other societies are
prone to solving the crimes. For our small society we have far too many illiterate young people and we have parents who perhaps never tried to raise their children. I know that those who parented their children have fewer problems with them. I was heartened by the man who chased after the criminals who had robbed his establishment and the fact that the police were quick to respond and apprehend the men during their escape. However, had the man not chased after them they would have made a clean getaway. I was also heartened by the police who not only solved three murders this past week, but who also seem to be quick to respond to reports. This speaks volumes of the leadership of the Guyana Police Force. It also gives teeth to the police programme of working with young people in their communities. For sure, the level of crime is down in those communities. But there must be more. I am not a supporter of children being forced to private lessons during the holidays. I would prefer to see the children go to camps where
they could develop people skills. Many young people cannot relate to others. They fight if there is a disagreement, they form gangs from which they draw support in the event of a crisis or a problem and they simply cannot carry on a conversation during an interview. I know that this seems to paint a hopeless picture, but the suggestion is that somewhere there must be some of the people in the society who could fund youth programmes. When I was a youth, there existed at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, a youth camp that was constantly in use. There are camps at Madewini and at Goshen. There is a Seventh-day Adventist camp along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. These are hardly ever used and I wonder why. It could be that money is not at premium, so parents do not think of sending their children. Perhaps the people who once organized these programmes have grown too old and there is no successor. Schools are not known to get involved in such programmes these days and I will not even hazard a guess why this is not happening.
I do know that Guyana sadly misses the National Service programme which was once a salvation to many. For starters there was Paul Slowe, who reached the ranks of Assistant Commissioner, and who is today a leading security officer for West Indies cricket. There are many who developed skills through this programme and became useful citizens. Such was the programme that those who entered it did not have the idle time that young people seem to have these days. There is the view that the present government scrapped it because it was Forbes Burnham’s brainchild and because its supporters objected to it. However, those supporters are among the victims of the crime situation that is now common in Guyana. Young men want money and no longer do they eye the rich, the people who have money. They rob anyone who seems to have a
modicum of anything of value. In some instances there are parents who support the criminal habits of their children because they too want money and it matters not how it comes. It is only when the young criminal is caught and the parent must fork over thousands of dollars to pay a lawyer that they feel the pinch. I have seen parents walking the streets begging people for financial support to pay legal fees. If it is only then that a parent finds time to be a parent then Guyana is in a sad state. Small wonder that the legal profession has no shortage of lawyers. People will always be there to seek them out. Some young people join the police force and take their orientation with them. Just recently a recruit got arrested for stealing from a colleague in the barrack room. Routine stop and searches may take some of the guns off the streets. Just this
Adam Harris past week I read about a teenager who will have to spend 48 months in jail for possession of a gun and ammunition. People will protest, but rather a protest than a robbery or a murder. Some young men attacked a 24year-old who happened to be wearing a gold chain and shot him. So scared were they that they had shot the man that they did not even complete the robbery. This testifies to the age of the criminal these days.
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Kaieteur News
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The PPP-C is testing the tolerance of the Guyanese people By Dominic Gaskin The right to govern this country derives from the laws of this country and from the results of periodic elections by the people of this country. The Constitution of the Republic of Guyana sets out the powers of the President and his cabinet as well as those of the National Assembly. The elections that allow the PPP-C to be the current Government of Guyana are the elections of 2011, which happen to be the same elections that determined the current composition of the National Assembly. The rules of the game have not changed in recent times, however, the actions and attitudes of the most senior members of the PPP-C Administration during its current term of office suggest that they are in possession of another set of rules with which they would like the nation to play along. For starters, they seem to be labouring under the misconception that the results of previously held elections are somehow relevant to the current
dispensation. This is evident in their refusal to accept that the 48% of the votes which their party managed to acquire at the 2011 elections is simply not enough to give it its way in the National Assembly. They appear to be conferring upon themselves a superiority based on having held office for such a long time - as if their special rules allow an offset of the latest election results with previous better scores in order to override the reality of their situation. They also seem to believe that an opposition position carried by a majority in the National Assembly has no validity, and therefore the President need not assent to any opposition bills and the government need not comply with any opposition motions - to heck with the people’s representatives. They see no need to hold local government elections since their 48% of the national vote is clearly a mandate to impose their will upon every single community in the country. This is not even a contentious issue as far as they are concerned since, no less a person than the
President himself has read the mood of the people, and pronounced that Guyanese people are not yet ready to choose their local representatives. They have literally told the nation that they will not establish the constitutionally-required Public Procurement Commission because they are not happy with the specific provisions of its governing act. By their rules perhaps this is okay. It doesn’t seem to have dawned upon them that the electorate has not given them enough votes to alter the provisions of the Act and therefore, what is required of them is they establish this commission regardless of how inconvenient they consider it to be. Their rules also completely do away with the explicit directions regarding withdrawals from Guyana’s Consolidated Fund, enshrined in our Constitution. These directions require Parliamentary appropriation of all public spending and specifically prohibit any withdrawals outside of the three provisions contained in
Article 217(1). The PPP-C rule book waives this bothersome requirement that gives those meddlesome representatives of that troublesome majority of the Guyanese electorate the power to authorize public spending. This deliberate and blatant violation of our Constitution and of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act is all perfectly permissible under the new rules. Even sweeter is the specific prohibition under PPP-C rules for any government officials to be investigated by the Police. The Guyana Police Force, after all, exists to serve the ruling party and therefore cannot be poking its nose into its masters’ affairs. The problem for the PPPC is that by subordinating the Constitution to its own struggle to retain control and remain in power, it has branded itself a bootleg government, no different from the fake perfumes and bogus footwear that are being sold nationwide. No different either from the last government to impose itself on our country against the wishes of the majority of our citizens. The Alliance For Change (AFC) will not stand by idly and allow the population of our country to be swindled by the made-up rules of a Government desperate to extend its powers beyond the limits of its popularity. The AFC has given its full support to the motion to have the Minister of Finance placed before the Privileges Committee of the National Assembly for exceeding the authority granted to him by the Assembly to spend the people’s money for the current financial year.
Dominic Gaskin The Leader of the AFC has also filed a complaint with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) against the Minister of Finance and other officials for the misuse of public moneys. The sudden appointment of a legal advisor to the GPF is clearly a move by the Government to impede any investigation into this matter and it would hardly be surprising if the advice given to the police follows the logic coming out of the Office of the President. There is no obligation on the part of the Commissioner of Police to act on the basis of any legal advice provided by an imposed advisor. Additionally, the Constitution provides for the resignation of the President and his cabinet on a vote of no-confidence against his government by a majority in the National Assembly, with elections to be held within ninety days. To allow the Government to continue to display such a vulgar contempt for the National Assembly, and the will of the majority of the Guyanese people which it represents, is
simply not an option for the AFC. The Party has initiated this approach on behalf of all right–thinking Guyanese who value our laws and institutions and find it unacceptable that any government (minority or majority) should consider itself above the law. By now it should be clear to the entire nation that this Government has no desire to hold local government elections as required by law. However the prospect of a vote of no-confidence coming its way may very well trigger a sudden change of heart. The schemers in Robb Street have already reasoned that they can survive a defeat in Local Government Elections, but not in national elections, and may be desperately banking on the hope that the opposition may not proceed with a no-confidence motion if it means postponement of the long anticipated Local Government Elections. Such a move will fool no one. The Guyanese public has had its tolerance severely tested by a Government that believes it has some special right to carry out its job as it pleases while ignoring constitutional requirements. The majority of the population has grown tired of the repeated outrageous assertions and skewed logic by government officials, broadcast and printed by the shameless state media that has been hijacked by the PPPC. At the end of the day the Government is accountable to the people of this country and the AFC will ensure that the people are given every opportunity to wrest this country and its communities from the claws of an unpopular government.
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Ramotar’s presidency plagued by hinterland protests Poor President Donald Ramotar! His nearly threeyear tenure of office has been plagued by a wave of angry public protests, particularly in hinterland communities and from the Amerindian people living there. It is a fact that Ramotar inherited the problems from his predecessor, Bharrat Jagdeo. It is also true that, apart from his busy schedule of cutting ribbons, delivering ‘keynote’ speeches, opening exhibitions and attending conferences overseas, he has actually done nothing about hinterland development since entering office in December 2011. The result of his inaction is that the People’s Progressive Party Civic – PPPC – is now facing a ‘tsunami’ of troubles which grows more threatening by the day. The PPPC administration has become a victim of its own habit of over-centralisation and micro-management. PPPC politicians continue to delude themselves into thinking that doling out dollops of cash to so-called ‘Community Support Officers’
and handing out billions of dollars worth of solar panels, laptops, all-terrain vehicles and outboard engines will create a mass of grateful villagers who will forget their everyday grouses, grudges and grievances. Not so. Not after two decades of deception. The PPPC is still to learn the lesson that Abraham Lincoln taught the world over a century and a half ago: “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” Hinterland residents are not fools. PPPC administrators, apparatchiks and officials seem to be blindly and blissfully oblivious of the disfavour with which it is viewed by villagers. They seem also to be untroubled by the damage that their policies are causing. What result did the PPPC expect from deliberately underfunding the physical infrastructure needed for real hinterland development? What result did the PPPC expect from deliberately undermining
democratically-elected regional and local councils needed to administer the vast territory? What result did the PPPC expect from handing over millions of hectares of our national patrimony to foreign miners and loggers while disregarding the pleas of the indigenous people for protection from depredation and environmental degradation? No wonder that there is a deafening clamour of anti-PPP protests by angry residents. In the Barima-Waini Region, for example, there have been public protests throughout the Ramotar presidency. Parents of pupils of the Port Kaituma Primary School were forced to demonstrate against the deplorable conditions of the school’s toilets and environs which, they said, posed a threat to their children’s health. Residents, fed up with the state of a roadway being built to link Oronoque and Port Kaituma, held protests last October; holding placards, they chanted: “We need [a] road!” On other occasions, in Mabaruma – the regional
administrative centre – residents continued to protest against the unstable electricity supply; Mabaruma has been without adequate or reliable electricity for several years. The Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region has also been the plagued by protests. Scores of indigenous people from this Region protested outside the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs last August to mark ‘International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples.’ They called for a revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act and for their rights to be respected. Their concerns were related to the pressure from external mining and logging interests on the people’s traditional lands; the presence of these extractive industries often had negative social impacts on the local population. In Bartica – the regional administrative centre – residents protested about losing electricity for several days in July; bus operators also protested about the delay in the reconstruction of the Bartica-Potaro Road. The Potaro-Siparuni, arguably, is the country’s most inaccessible and least
developed region. Several MPs of A Partnership for National Unity revealed, in May this year, that secondary school children were being forced to fetch water to their dormitories after the well broke down. In a more notorious case that was publicized by the independent media, the Ministry of Education had to admit that students from the Kato Primary School had been made to fetch logs to cook their meals. Residents of Mahdia – the regional administrative centre – once again protested against poor roads and services, vowing that they, in turn, would refuse to sell gold to the Guyana Gold Board until action was taken to address the grim state of their community. The vast Rupununi Region – larger than Costa Rica – is a zone of neglect. Dozens of placard-carrying residents converged outside the Lethem Power Company Inc. (LPCI) compound; they chanted slogans calling for the replacement of the company’s management. Protests resumed this year
over the recently instituted hike in electricity tariffs for the community. With the increase in electricity cost, there was concern that the tariff for water supply would also increase. Regional Democratic Councillors in the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region supported the residents’ call to block the Linden-Kwakwani Road to protest against the deplorable state of the road. The vital roadway has been deteriorating for years without serious long-term repairs. The People’s Progressive Party Civic – PPPC – for over two decades has demonstrated its unwillingness to improve the quality of life of the Indigenous residents of the hinterland and to develop the physical infrastructure there. President Donald Ramotar’s troubled tenure of office seems doomed to come crashing to an end without a single memorable developmental achievement. It will be remembered most of all for the spate of angry public protests from the Indigenous people and in the hinterland communities where they live.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL BAI SHAN LIN MIMICS THE BEHAVIOUR OFA PARASITE “IT IS NOW EVIDENT WHYTHE COMPANY AVOIDED PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY” – HARMON “Bai Shan Lin mimics the behaviour of a bacterium called spirogyra. This bacterium gobbles what it wants and keeps splitting and spreading. That is exactly what Bai Shan Lin is doing.” This comparison was cited by Joseph Harmon, A Partnership for National Unity’s Member on the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources. Just recently, this publication highlighted an instance when the company had over 20 containers of logs lined up at the John Fernandes Shipping Company on Mandela Avenue. If it continues at this rate, Harmon questioned, “What resources will be left for the next generation?” He said, “With the rate at which this spirogyra is going, when you get to my age, Bai Shan Lin would have gobbled up everything.” The politician noted that it is now clearer than ever why the company tried its utmost to avoid parliamentary scrutiny for the past two years. “This is barefaced rape of the natural resources of this country and it is something to which I alluded last year…I want to say too that there are certain elements in this country, some of which the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, calls back seat drivers in this deal. They have told him to have his shadow ministers exercise a sense of restraint in speaking out over issues like this. But let it be known that once the laws of the country are breached by foreign or local companies, we will speak about it and we will take action. The level of examination and action to follow will surely arrest this wanton destruction of our forests.” IFMAS DEVELOPERS DEBUNK GOVT’S DEFENCE FOR NON-INSTALLED MODULES Earlier this year, Kaieteur News reported that Government was wasting assets and was not doing enough to prevent fraud in the national accounting system. This came about because the Ministry of Finance failed to implement two of the seven modules it had acquired for the Integrated Financial
Kaieteur News
Management Accounting System (IFMAS). The two modules that are not being used are the Purchasing Module and the Assets Inventory Module. In the wake of the news report and questions at a media conference hosted by President Donald Ramotar, the President ordered Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh to host a press conference to explain why the entire IFMAS package which was secured at a cost of $132M, was not being used. Singh, at a two--hourlong press conference, then set out to debunk a report by Kaieteur News that the government’s accounting system was flawed; that it was prone to irregularities. He sought to justify why his ministry failed for over ten years, to implement two of the seven important modules belonging to a foolproof computerized accounting system. The Finance Minister then stated that the two unimplemented modules are for a more mature environment. It should be noted that when Guyana got the IFMAS system, it was specially tailored to suit the country’s needs. However, a senior officer of the Canadian company that designed the IFMAS says that he is unaware of any case where a government bought the system and did not use all of the modules. Doug Hadden, Vice President of Sales, in an exclusive interview with this newspaper, said that while Governments are treated with a sense of privacy, he would advise that all the modules be used. Asked whether the system was designed for mature or small environments, he said it was designed for “the immature to the very mature”. “We have implemented this system in countries with a far less mature environment than Guyana has.”
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EXPLORATION OR EXPLOITATION? … ONE OF BAI SHAN LIN’S OPERATIONS AT KWAKWANI
Joseph Harmon, APNU Parliamentarian MONDAY EDITION COURT SHOULD GIVE ADVICE TO THE NATIONALASSEMBLY AND REFRAIN FROM GIVING ORDERS SPEAKER Prior to the Tenth Parliament, there was only one legal challenge to the National Assembly. It was in 1965. The then Chief Justice, Harold Bollers, was very strong in condemning what he considered to be the interference of the courts in parliamentary business. But based on the current actions of the court, it would appear that the courts see things differently now. And a worrying question floats to the surface. Does the court have the right to interfere in the business of the Parliament? When this question was put to him, Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, asserted that he does not believe that the court should interfere to the extent it currently does. Trotman recently referred Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh to the Privileges Committee on a Motion moved by opposition Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge. The heart of the Motion was that the Minister had spent over $4B from the
Chairman of Chinese-owned, Bai Shan Lin, Chu Wenze Consolidated Funds without the approval of the National Assembly. Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall had responded to the Speaker ’s action, stating that it is for the Courts to decide on constitutional matters and not a Committee of Parliament. But in providing an explanation so that a better understanding of his decision could be had, Trotman said, that when Greenidge laid the Motion regarding Dr. Singh, he looked at it to see whether there was anything to suggest that the National Assembly had been in anyway disrespected, desecrated or bypassed. He said he did not look to judge whether it was constitutional or unconstitutional. “If the parliament says it is not going to give its approval for you to spend $10 and you go and you spend $12 dollars, you may say that the constitution gave you the right to do that, but it does not mean that in the process you have not bypassed or disrespected the Parliament. It is like being the member of a club. Of course most clubs, if not all, have rules. TUESDAY EDITION
Days after Government downplayed the extent of logging by a major Chinese firm, there is now mounting evidence of a massive coverup by the Administration. Residents of Region 10 are calling on President Donald Ramotar to visit Kwakwani and other areas in the Upper Berbice River, to intervene in what they say is a clear raping of the nation’s resources. Bai Shan Lin, a Chinese company with a growing presence in Guyana, is being accused of wholesale logging, contrary to a national policy geared to discourage the export of logs. It is believed now that the company, through joint ventures and other means to disguise the true extent of its activities, has exported hundreds of containers of logs in the last few months alone. The company has been here for more than six years. Not only is there growing evidence that the Administration helped facilitate the way for the logging company to conduct exportation, but the sheer extent of logs being harvested is staggering in its very proportions. Based on a growing number of complaints, Kaieteur News flew over the Kwakwani and Ituni areas, Region 10, Monday and observed huge stockpiles of thousands of high-value Wamara logs awaiting exportation. Wamara is said to be the most expensive wood in Guyana - in high demand for its use in flooring, furniture and walls. From the air, it was an unbelievable sight. As far as the eye could see, at a location east of the Kwakwani bauxite operations, the logs were piled high, ready to be placed in containers.
Some 10-15 acres of land had been cleared to facilitate the stockpiles. At the Kwakwani waterfront, at the Berbice River just a mile or so away from that major stockpile, another clearing was seen with a vessel named Yuan Heng Freighter anchored nearby. There were several piles of logs there too. HALTAND INVESTIGATE BAI SHIN LIN’S OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY–APNU …PARTY SEEKS SPECIAL SECTORAL MEETING TO PROBE OPERATIONS A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is currently seeking the intervention of the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, to call an “extraordinary sector committee meeting” to have Bai Shan Lin officials come to Parliament and explain their operations in Guyana. Parliamentarian Joseph Harmon told Kaieteur News that he does not believe that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is showing the type of energy to facilitate an investigation of this magnitude. Harmon said that all operations of logging should be halted immediately and Parliament should seek a full explanation about what the company is doing. Harmon said that he called the Chairman for the Natural Resources Sector Committee Odinga Lumumba, to discuss the matter, and asked him to facilitate a meeting. However, Harmon said that Lumumba seems very reluctant to meet and discuss the issue. Harmon is insisting that one “cannot sit down and allow the country’s resources to be taken”. He noted that he has sought the Speaker’s intervention to find out whether an “extraordinary meeting” can he held. He said that in doing (Continued on page 45)
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Sunday August 17, 2014
From page 27 so they would have the company summoned to Parliament to give answers. WEDNESDAY EDITION BAI SHAN LIN’S “KICKBACKS” SEEM TO HAVE SILENCED GOVT. – MP HARMON “The government is silent about this immoral and abusive act and there can only be one logical conclusion for that—they are benefitting financially in exchange for allowing the rape to continue. Citizens need to understand the corrupt beast that it (Govt.) is dealing with. It is only a winwin deal for the parties involved and Bai Shan Lin’s kickbacks seem to have silenced the government.” This is the contention of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member on the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, Joseph Harmon. After seeing the aerial view pictures of huge piles of hundreds of Guyana’s precious logs stocked and waiting to be shipped from one of Bai Shan Lin’s Kwakwani areas, Harmon believes that the evidence showcased by Kaieteur News last Tuesday is simply “horrendous.” QC STUDENT IS NAMED TOP NATIONAL PERFORMERAT CSEC Queen’s College (QC) was able to reclaim the top performing place this year and copped several spots within the top 10 performing candidates at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations. Sixteen-year-old Elisa Hamilton of QC was the top national performer with 19 grade ones and one grade two. Bharti Bhoge of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School and QC’s Larissa Wiltshire obtained 17 Grade Ones, while Tressyia Ketwaroo of Skeldon Line Path Secondary and Lisa John of QC acquired 16 Grade Ones and One Grade Two each. Other top performers were Walica Deokinanan of Sarawati Vidya Niketan Secondary - 15 Grade ones, 2 Grade twos and 1 Grade Three; Varsha Boodram of QC - 15 Grade Ones, and 2 Grade Twos; Natasha Alladin of J C Chandisingh Secondary -15 grade ones; Aliyyah Abdul Kadir of QC - 15 grade ones and Sarah Hack, also of QC 14 Grade Ones and Two Grade Twos. In addition to several
Kaieteur News
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more from QC, other top performers were drawn from the Anna Regina Secondary School, St Stanislaus College, Zeeburg Secondary, Tagore Memorial High, Abram Zuil Secondary, ISA Islamic Academy, The Bishops’ High, Central High, New Amsterdam Multilateral, St Rose’s High, President’s College and West Demerara Secondary. QC STUDENTS SHINE AGAIN AT CAPE It was Cecil Cox and Deowattie Narine, both of Queen’s College, who together claimed top performing places when the results of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) were announced Tuesday. The two top performers were able to secure Grade One passes in Seven Units each. In addition to Cox and Narine, recording outstanding performances were Andy Sattan, Prashant Shivdas, Kaleshwar Singh, Benedict Sukra, Akeila Wiltshire, Sasha Woodroffe, all of Queen’s College, and Chaitram Mohamed and Karran Singh of St Rose’s High. THURSDAY EDITION BAI SHAN LIN EMPLOYS 70% ASIANS - PAYS LOCALS AS LITTLE AS $500 A DAY – SOLOMON In January 2013, Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc. advertised for 700 Guyanese workers. In advertisements in the media, Bai Shan Lin said that it had vacancies for 220 factory construction workers, 80 skilled chain-saw operators, 80 semi-skilled chain-saw operators, 30 bulldozer operators, 35 loading truck drivers, 60 dump truck drivers, two excavator and grader operators, 60 logging truck drivers, 20 container truck drivers, 10 mechanics, 10 servicemen, 13 cooks and 80 inventory clerks. However, the company has developed a reputation of mistreating the few Guyanese workers it employs. Kaieteur News understands that the company generally has a policy to give Asian nationals first preference at employment. From all indications, there are enough Asian nationals residing in Guyana to facilitate the elimination of Guyanese workers on any project the Asians embark upon. Bai Shan Lin has a known presence at Moblissa, Coomacka, Bamia, Kwakwani
and Ituni. This newspaper has been able to verify that at the Coomacka and Bamia locations, Bai Shan Lin has an employment ratio of 70 Asians to 30 Guyanese. Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon, has confirmed that the workforce is disproportional at these locations. He said that some workers attached to Bai Shan Lin, have been frequenting the Office of the Regional Democratic Council complaining of the way the company has been violating their rights. FRIDAY EDITION BAI SHAN LIN LOGGING SCANDAL DEEPENS…COMPANY HALTS MASSIVE E’BO OPERATIONS … BUT BUSY CUTTING NEW ROADS TO WAINI RIVER Chinese company Bai Shan Lin’s operations in Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, may have evoked widespread public anger and disbelief over the magnitude, but there are indications now that those operations pale in comparison to what is happening in the Kwebanna, Waini area in Region One, Essequibo. Kaieteur News, as part of its investigations into the scope of the company’s
operations, flew into Region One (Barima/Waini) this week and found that the company has halted its logging operations there in the face of increasing scrutiny of its Upper Berbice operations. The extent of the Essequibo activities reveals that the scope of logging operations by the company is way larger than Guyanese were initially led to believe. For several days now, several trucks, laden with massive logs have been sitting on the roadside in the dense jungle in the Kwebanna area. The logs, seen by Kaieteur News, have already been certified with stamps and seals of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). In Essequibo, the company has been logging various species of wood and selling what it is not exporting to Barama Com p a n y Limited, an establishment which has an operation based along the Essequibo River. Bai Shan Lin has also cut miles upon miles of road leading to the Waini River, and is looking to go even further. There was a huge fleet of heavy-duty vehicles – some 35 bulldozers, 10 excavators, loaders and about 40 dump trucks – present on several sections of the road being built. Equipment was also present at various locations near loam pits,
working to extract material for the road. At several locations along the winding road, massive logs were seemingly left abandoned. SATURDAY EDITION LOGGING SCANDAL… EVIDENCE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO WARRANT AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION - TIGI TELLS GOVT. While the evidence of wanton exploitation of Guyana’s forests has been exposed by this publication, the oversight b o d i e s ; The Guyana Forestry Commission and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, have started a campaign in an effort to repair the damage done to their image and refute the claims. Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) via a missive yesterday said that it has been following with keen interest, the various news reports of the apparent exploitation of precious forest resources through the indiscriminate logging and exportation of logs, especially by two overseas companies reportedly enjoying substantial concessions from the Government of Guyana. However, TIGI said that there are conflicting reports as to whether these
companies are permitted to conduct logging operations and to export the logs under the terms and conditions of their respective contracts with the Government. The agency noted that it is also unclear whether the companies’ operations are in conformity with Guyana’s laws, specifically the Guyana Forestry Commission Act and the Environmental Protection Act. TIGI said that it finds it particularly troubling that both the Ministry of National Resources and the Guyana Forestry Commission have opted to defend the operations of the companies even in the face of damning photographical evidence. TIGI noted too that the defence by the Commission and the Ministry is cushioned with information that appears incomplete and misleading. In light of all that has been highlighted by various outlets, TIGI believes that it is more than substantial for the Government to make available publicly, the contracts entered into with the two overseas companies. The anti-corruption agency also stated that the findings of the media and the public outrage, is also more than enough for the Government to place a halt on the operations of the companies until the truth is determined.
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Kaieteur News
BK welcomes new plane today Newest member of the aviation circuit, BK International will today welcome its newest addition to its recently purchased company, JAGS Aviation; a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX. The company will host a grand cocktail reception in honour of the airplane’s arrival at the Ogle International Airport (OIA) today. BK, one of the biggest names in the nation’s mining sector, recently diversified its services stretching into the aviation field. It purchased JAGS Aviation from its original owner, maintaining however, the name and most of the company signatures. Public Relations Consultant of BK Group of Companies, Alex Graham had told media personnel that the local aviation s e c t o r h a s b e e n b u s y, which led to the investment of the company. The BK Group acquired ownership of the domestic company, Jags Aviation, which is based at the OIA. The PRO had stated that the company is seeking to have seven aircraft in its fleet, some, based on their size, will be operating from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). While the company has its eyes set on the local sector and is also providing air support for its mining operations, BK is gearing to
A Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX
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Woman’s body found on De Kinderen roadway - victim believed slain elsewhere Police were up to last night investigating the apparent murder of a 26-year-old woman, whose body was found at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara at around 23.30 hrs on Friday. Pradika Persaud, called ‘Simone’, was found lying on a roadway with what appeared to be marks of violence to the neck. Investigators reportedly observed tyre tracks nearby, and believe that Persaud was slain elsewhere before being dumped at De Kinderen.
enter the regional market. Mr. Brian Tiwari, the company’s chief director had told Kaieteur News that the aviation’s operations are the responsibility of his daughters, who he hinted are the driving force behind the investment. Graham had told media operatives that the new company is overseen by the “new generation of Tiwaries” who has joined the BK Group. The Cessna 208 Caravan is a single-engine turboprop, fixed-tricycle landing gear, short-haul regional airliner and utility airplane that was built in the United States by Cessna. The aircraft typically seats nine passengers and a single pilot. It can also be used as a cargo aircraft.
The victim was barefoot and was wearing a pair of short blue pants and black armless top. Her brother, Hamid Khan, told Kaieteur News that his sister was a ‘heavy drinker’ and often wandered the streets at night. She reportedly has a son who was placed in the care of welfare officials some time ago. Khan, who identified the body at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, said that he hardly saw his sister, who was reportedly in a common law relationship.
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur News
TO LET Fully furnished two bedrooms apartment with TV, Air-condition, hot & cold, cable @ South– Tel: 689-5877
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. New American made Werner, aluminum ladder: 17 feet$28,000; 24 feet- $38,000, 32 feet- $55,000 – Tel: 609-7257, 602-5794 German shepherd and Doberman mixed pups – Contact: 615-0513 Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, silverballi, greenheart, crab wood etc – Call: 688-6579 22RB Dragline, CAT 428 Back-hoe, 10-Tons compactor, CAT 320 BL Excavator, CAT 120G-MotorGrader. All in working condition – Contact: 6604021; 275-0538 Big Blow out sales! 5/8" Steel Rod $1,260 Each, Must Go- Tel:657-4072, 681-9477 One stall at Stabroek Market, One 45X26 Two storey concrete house, La Grange Public Road – Tel:679-1151 / 629-2381 Dell/Hp computers complete with LCD’s 49,000, Laptop from $50,000, I-phone 3GS $30,000 @ Future Tech: 2312206 Mini bus (pit-bull) Sliding glass – Price: $23,000 – Contact: 628-0909 One Slate Pools table almost new comes with cue sticks, balls & coins – Call: 676-0931 Bath robes, hand towels, bath rags, white cotton, slightly used, in excellent condition – Tel: 626-6335 Maytag 2000 series glass door dryer - $195,000, GE stainless steel glass top electric stoves - $195,000 – Tel: 664-0366; 231-5930 Yamaha Ridgid 7125 Watts generator - $299,000 roper (whirlpool) washer $120,000, Roper dryer$120,000. Contact: 664-0366; 231-5930 One 1200lbs ice machine $250,000 negotiable – Call: 231-0655, 683-8734 One used 320CL bucket – Tel: 648-0121 Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford Truck- Call:615-1578/ 694-3595: Tools & Chainsaw668-2831 American bully purely bred razor edge bloodline – Contact Harry: 667-4875, 2207933
FOR SALE 270 Amps Portable Honda Welders – Tel: 611-5114 Fully equipped 5 Acre Poultry farm with trees at Pearl E.B.D- Contact Pearl Realty: 689-9991 Cosmetics: lip gloss, Mascara, lipstick, powder, wrinkle & age defying lotions by Revlon, Maybelline & Cover Girl. Wholesale & Retail – Contact: 626-6335 1 Whirlpool fridge –ice maker & water dispenser - $199, 000, 1- 19" Flat Screen TV/PC/ Security monitor led - $42,000 – Tel: 664-0366; 231-5930 One Lincoln generator welder 250amps, 1 Lister generator welder 230amps – Tel: 609-3028 I have some nice Greenheart Logs and Green heart piles for sale @ the best prices guaranteed – Tel: 639-3450 One Dyna Canter Truck, excellent condition - $1M – Cal: 684-8231 2MF Tractor 390 (4 wheel drive), 1MF Tractor 399 (4 wheel drive), 1 Hose machine with fittings & hose, 1 Toyota 3 Ton forklift – Contact: 258-0100 1-14" Missile (water dredge) Upper Mazaruni River – Tel: 698-0674 Pure Bred German shepherd Puppies – European Line, father is black & mother is Black & tan – Tel:619-9643; 694-7210; 222-3560 Cheap earth delivered to spot E.C.D, E.B.D, W.B.D Call:627-9977, 698-0182 Garden Earth & builders waste our service also includes Bobcat rental, excavating, clearing & leveling - Call: 616-0617, 6633285 Wardrobe - $25, 0000, Chest of Drawers - $20,000 Bed$20,000 & all brand new – Call Gopaul: 267-1461; 6099906 1 gaming computer with 5 free games, Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR3 Memory, 1TB hard drive, 19" monitor – Tel: 666-3873 Blow out sale on salon products, equipment and furniture – Call: 231-0321, 2310320 for more information Wind Chargers, 1, 2, 3 HP motors, 1&3 PH entrance switch 2E, 4E engine & transmission, air, electrical, cordless tools – Tel: 2224158; 641-7526 6" Dredge (Complete) – Price: $3,500,000 negotiable. – Tel:604-1075, 655-2860
One 2 bedrooms house at Unity East Coast Demerara – Call: 259-3299 One new 4 bedroom house, 5 minutes from UG $160,000 – Tel:222-4158, 641-7526 One ranch type house at lot #361 ‘A’ Section Field #12, South Sophia- Contact: 6690008
WANTED Salesgirls & porters apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Milton Sts Campbellville. One male or female to work in shop in the Interior, must have experienced – Tel:6696030 One male or female to look after layer birds – Tel:669-6030 One live in maid for home in Georgetown – Tel: 681-6044 Land to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie, Schoonord, Eccles, Providence, Uitvlugt, all legal fees paid – Tel: 675-7292 Experienced Roti/Puri cooks, curry cooks, counter servers, cleaners. Apply @ Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.
FOR SALE ONE ELECTRIC MILL (ALL PURPOSE) WITH MOTOR CAPACITY, 100KG PER HOUR – CONTACT: 647-7809 12GPM UV system for sale $240,000, brand new, ozanator available, float sensors– Cell:697-6798 MERCURY/QUICK SILVER, 99.99999% PURE, GREY FLASK, USA QUALITY, SEALED, BEST PRICE. CALL: 648-5281 IRIDIUM SATELLITE PHONE, MOTOROLLA 9505, WATER AND DUST RESISTANCE. 800+ MINS, MAKE CALLS ANYWHERE, $300,000. CALL: 648-5281 1PHONE 4, GENUINE USA, UNLOCKED, EXCELLENT CONDITION, LARGE STORAGE, 32G BLACK, $60,000. NOT FROM CHINA. CALL: 648-5281 Food warmer 7ft long with 8 trays, freezer – Tel: 661-6795 TV, 60" LED VIZIO, BRAND NEW, SMART TV, WIRELESS, IN BOX, GENUINE USA, NOT CHINESE. $210,000. CALL: 648-5281
Four able bodied labours and one female clerk – contact: 265-3586 Female waitress (24-30years) Handyman, Barman, apply @ Fortune House Restaurant, 98 Sheriff Street 3-5pm Driver (mini-bus) @ West Coast area must have police clearance and reference; apply in person or Call Jonny- 600-5975 Experienced drivers with minibus & hire car License – Call: 645-0025 One cook for East Bank area, 4 days per week – Call: 6144358 Salesperson/ Cashiers for general & cosmetics store on East Coast, Age25-45, salary plus commission – Tel: 603-4954 Waitresses Wanted! Contact: 642-6022 One experienced welder, one clerk, four able bodied labours, one Secretary- Call: 265-3586 Work from home & earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Contact Jobfairworld - Tel:233-6517/ 6 2 2 - 1 9 5 7 , www.jobfairworld.com, free training available One live in Driver/ Mechanic, good accommodation and rates – Tel:227-1830 One house lot wanted on the East Bank Demerara – Call: 665-2900
CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com
NOTICE
EDUCATION IAE (Secondary Educational) 194 Camp Street, register for Forms 15, Lessons, CXC Adult Classes for repeaters & beginners – Tel:223-0604; 683-5742
Icille Rudder the owner of minibus # BKK 9256, of 86 Wellington St Den Amstel is ask to contact: 623-1615
Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology or nail s alone – Call: 226-5904, 2255360,687-7566
Progressive Auto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 219-3900 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com
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SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Professional hairdresser needed urgently at Misikko Salon & Spa, Lot 68 Sandy Babb Street Kitty – Contact Bonita: 675-1667
VEHICLE FOR SALE Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor Wagon, good condition, all weather mats, car cover, 18" AMG Rims – Call: 690-0998 1 -V.V.T.I RZ bus for sale & serious enquiries only. Owner leaving country – Tel:255-0909; 679-9350 or 651-0435 or 664-0709 Unregistered Premio, Noah, Spacio – PRR 738 – Tel: 697-0297 Rav 4 2004 Model PMM Series – Call: 685-1302 or 6524283 2006 Premio - $2.6M, 2003 Spacio - $2.1M, New Model 212 - $1.9M, All Vehicles are fully loaded & unregistered – Tel: 6427295 One new model Toyota Spacio fully loaded, newly registered – Contact: 6704484 One Corona 170 for sale – Tel: 614-8282 170 Corona car - $800,000 – Call: 673-7934
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing Special sale on new model machine – Call: 629-4946 or Spacio, with camera, TV, DVD, Spoiler, unregistered 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, $2.1M – Tel: 617-2891 washer, dryer Call Omar: 231- One Mitsubishi Canter 3½ 0655,683-8734 Tons – Tel:626-9254, 264-2582 Guyana Passport & Visa 1- AT192 Toyota Carina in Forms Application, USA, excellent condition, never Canada and England. Tel: worked hire, recently sprayed 626-7040; 265-4535. over - $875,000 – Call: 619Repairs & spare, fridge, 1047 freezer, A/C, washers, stoves 1- Hyundai Tuscan Jeep, – Contact Nick: 683-1312, PMM Series - $3.5M 627-3206 Negotiable – Call: 671-6051; Signs, banners, event 609-6890 decorating, cakes, body/face Toyota Voxy - $1.8M, Toyota painting, make-up floral etc – Premio - $2.3M, Toyota Call Sameer :690-7801,Sameer- Spacio $2.1M, all vehicle are artists17@hotmail.com fully loaded – Tel: 617-2891 Repairs to washers, dryers, Fielder Wagon, PNN Series, stoves, deep fryers, control in excellent condition – system, etc – Call: 619-0793, Tel:646-8748 699-8802 One Honda CRV PHH Series, Need a document typed or price- $1.2M negotiable – proof read for $1 Guyana Contact: 602-1499 dollar per word? – Contact Liz 1 – 2007 Toyota Avensis PPP at 616-6011 Series, Excellent condition – B r i a n M o e @ 6 4 2 - 3 5 4 3 ; Tel: 698-0674 Computer Technician; FB:Brian.Moe.165; Home and Mazda RX8 PRR Series, office visits at your comfort!! 79Km, owner leaving country – Tel:667-8896 Toyota Noah and Voxy (unregistered) - $1.9M – Tel: 603-9700 1 RZ BMM Series EFI engine, CD player, AC, Mags, fully loaded, in excellent condition – Tel: 642-4843 DRESSMAKING Unregistered new Model Jean offers courses in Raum – Tel: 670-4190. Dressmaking, curtains, floral Toyota AT212, AT192, AT170, arrangements, cake AE110, Corolla, NZE, Fun decoration @ 153 Barr St cargo, Raum, Hilux Pickup Kitty – Tel:670-2653, 618-1706 Vigo, EP71- starlet – Tel:6445096, 697-1453 ACCOMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments Unregistered Spacio 2003, TV, and car rental, furnished & air Navigator, dark interior, rims, conditioned apartments for rear spoiler, fog lamp – Tel: local & overseas guest – Tel: 617-5536 668-0306, 218-1400, 694-7817 Continued on page 64
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 17, 2014
Govt. has established... PROPERTY FOR SALE For sale by owner: 1 wooden & concrete 2 strorey building @ 3rd Street, East Meten –Meer- Zorg, Vacant property- contact Mr. Basant : 277-3743; 626-0150
From page 63
VEHICLE FOR SALE VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 669-4755/ 695-9880 1 Experienced female private tutor – Call: 681-3812 between 8:00am to 4pm Counter Staff needed; apply with written application at Bettencourt’s Diner: 22zz Durban Street W/Ville. Driver and Salesman for Gas Trucks on East Coast, West Coast and East Bank Demerara. 266 4427 Two pastry makers, apply at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd, 38 Ketley & Sussex Street CharlestownTel: 225-7864 or 227-8607 One sale representative having a motor cycle would be an asset - $25,000 a week plus commission – Tel: 223-0595 One cook/maid must be residing at Mahaicony/ Mahaica area. Phone: 2580213 Exist for one handyman $20,000 per week – Tel: 2230595 Male Security to work in Coverden East Bank Demerara, apply to Alabama Trading Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Hire car drivers to work with taxi service – Call:611-1018 or 663-8654 One experienced Hauler driver, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Ferry Stelling Stabroek. International Cruiseline Purser officer, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionist, storekeeper, cleaners, electrician, carpenter, plumber, musicians etc – Tel: 650-9880 One experienced legal clerk – Phone: 226-4283
Like new Leyland DAF CF65 dump truck with long tray, hardly used. Excellent condition- $5.5M Neg. Call:627-7261 Blowout Sale!! Unregistered, fully loaded Toyota IST, $2,250,000 & New model Raum- $2,250,000 – Tel: 6436565; 226-9931 1-Toyota Raum 16" Chrome Rim, AC/CD, Flair Kit, HID – $1.2M – Tel: 650-0609 1 Suzuki 4 door car/van (Jeep) Automatic, Fully Powered with A/C, hardly used – Price:$1M Contact Rocky: 621-5902/ 225-1400 1- AT 192 Carina (Private) automatic, fully powered, mags, A/C - price$1M Contact Rocky:225-1400 1 - Toyota RZ mini-bus BNN series, gear, mags, hardly used, (EFI) - Price:$1.8M Contact Rocky:621-5902 or 225-1400 1 Isuzu Canter (open back) short base manual, excellent condition, price - $1.3M Contact Rocky 621-5902/2251400 1- Toyota Tundra extra cab (4x4) automatic, fully powered, A/C, alarm – Price $1.9M - Contact Rocky 6215902/225-1400 1-Toyota Dyna (2 Ton) open back canter, 5 speed manual (short base- 3Y) excellent condition – price$1.3M Contact Rocky 621-5902/2251400 Toyota Tundra Extra Cab (unregistered) manual (5 speed) fully loaded 4x4 (V6) price $2.9M – Contact:6215902/225-1400 1 – Toyota Rav4 (PMM Series)- New model Automatic, fully loaded (4x4) A/C, price - $2.2M – Contact Rocky: 621-5902 or 225-1400
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Solid Diff Toyota Hilux Gasoline & Diesel Pickups, recently arrived, unregistered, in excellent condition – Tel: 691-2077 1-AT212 Toyota Carina (new model) automatic, fully powered, A/C, Alarm, mags, Price $1.4M– Contact Rocky: 621-5902 / 225-1400 1-Toyota Super custom bus (diesel) automatic, fully loaded, alarm, magrims, price $1.5M – Contact: Rocky 6215902 or 225-1400
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From page 9 has established a principle of law breaking and disrespecting the country’s policies. There have been increasing accusations over the past week, that Bai Shan Lin’s employment ratio is 70 Asian nationals to 30 Guyanese and that the pay is as low as $500 per day in some instances. Of course, the company has refuted these claims. However, Greenidge said that in the case of the Chinese firms if not those from India as well, the matter of employment of locals in skilled and managerial areas seem to always be a challenge. Having had to struggle against this under colonialism, the politician asserts that “we seem destined to repeat this nightmare, overseen by a local Government in the second millennium.” Were the roles reversed, would China allow Caribbean countries to manage their businesses with total disregard for its laws? Of course not, Greenidge asserted. He said that we are not permitted to do it so “why do the enterprises of fraternal states feel that that they may ignore laws and regulations as well as local practice?” The answer, he believes, lies in the attitude of the Government. In view of the Parliamentary recess, the A
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Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member said that the Government should have an independent authority review the policy material and advise on the problem. As the Chairman of the Economic services Committee, he expressed that he, and more than likely his colleagues of the Natural Resources Committee, would be quite willing to be consulted on with regards to the choice of the appropriate vehicle for such an investigation. Greenidge insisted that Guyanese need to know
entrepreneurs, whether state sponsored or not, do not enjoy exemption from the requirements of the laws and regulations in China and India. Disrespecting our laws seems to be a new waiver and we need to change that.” APNU member of the Natural Resources Committee, Joseph Harmon said that like Greenidge, he supports the position taken by Transparency International Guyana Inc. which recently stated that the evidence provided by the media is more than enough to
“The investor is more important than the people. The PPP has given up on the people and the people will make it clear to them soon that they have given up on them.”- Harmon several things in relation to this controversy. These include; why companies have been able to export commercial quantities of lumber and ores although they have only exploration licences, and what additional legislation, regulations (e.g. transferability of rights) or amendments of responsibilities are required to ensure that these abuses are brought to an end forthwith. He added that citizens also needs to know which agencies and officials, if any, have been negligent or culpable, in the event that the laws and regulations have been broken and lastly, which ministers have been responsible for this fiasco. The Former Finance Minister added, “We will not be put off by silly and contemptible PPP smears of, ‘anti-Chinese’, ‘anti Indian’ or ‘anti-Russian’. Our
warrant immediately, an independent investigation. Harmon said that this inquiry should include all the other companies under whose aegis the “big ones” are operating in the forestry sector. He said that this would have to be a full Commission of Inquiry but it is clear from the statements coming from government, that they would not facilitate such an inquiry. The Parliamentarian said that the PPP has made it clear that they have made their choice. “The investor is more important than the people. Do note President Ramotar’s statement on the rape of our forestry resources. He is under the belief that the company is right and that there is no abuse. The PPP has given up on the people and the people will make it clear to them soon that they have given up on them.”
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A calculated plan to rob Treasury From page 3 accountable.” Hadden had said that when it comes to the management of taxpayers' dollars, accountability is of absolute importance. He said that it has been proven that manual systems which are in place to ensure accountability can be flawed and beaten. To help ensure transparency and liability, his company designed the computerized accounting system, IFMAS, which covers how taxpayers' money is budgeted and spent by the government. Hadden explained that the
Purchasing module is important because it allows you to automate everything. He said that if, for example, a government wants to buy a computer for a ministry it would have to budget for it. The IFMAS then issues a purchasing order and when you pay for the computer, you collect a receipt which can be scanned into the IFMAS. So, there is absolutely no need to keep the physical receipt. This, he said, would defeat the purpose of having the system. “The Assets module is
very helpful for asset management. It is important because it helps the government to manage the value of State assets. It ensures that you don't sell something for less than it is worth and it also helps governments to manage the assets to ensure the country is not being robbed.” Hadden said too, that the modules provide better control over what was spent, how it was spent, who is assigned to the asset acquired and what has become of its value. The Vice President also stated that “the IFMAS was not designed to be backed by a manual system, but to replace it”. Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran said that Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. had written to the Commissioner of Information requesting that a copy of the contract with the Canadian firm be made available. However, Goolsarran said that he received a “rude, arrogant and discourteous response,” a copy of which he sent to this publication. While the Government of Guyana has refused to implement the other two modules, Hadden says that it may very well be the case that the modules were implemented in a manner that suits the “priorities of the government.”
Sunday August 17, 2014
CAL not hurt by increased competition on US routes Trinidad Guardian Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) officials say the airline has been doing well on the Portof-Spain/New York route even with increased competition following the arrival of JetBlue in late February. The US carrier has been offering cheaper flights on the route. In response to questions from the T&T Guardian, CAL said in a statement: “Yes, competition will impact on our loads. However, we continue
to record strong passenger loads on the New York route during the summer, which traditionally is one of our peak periods.” CAL said for July the airline recorded healthy passenger loads on the route, adding that “passengers travelled from and to New York on Caribbean Airlines direct services in and out of other destinations including Guyana, Tobago and Grenada.” On the Port-ofSpain/Fort Lauderdale route,
the airline said it remained superior to its competitors. “Caribbean Airlines operated more return flights to Fort Lauderdale in July 2014, recording an increase in passenger numbers when compared to 2013. With daily services to Fort Lauderdale and Miami and five weekly services to Orlando, Caribbean Airlines has the most flights between South Florida and the Caribbean than any other air carrier.”
Jamaica Gleaner - The Ministry of Health has confirmed two additional locally transmitted cases of Chikungunya. This brings the total number of confirmed cases for Jamaica to 10. Eight of the cases occurred from local transmission and two were contracted overseas. Director of Emergency,
Disaster Management and Special Services, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse says the positive results were received Friday from samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency. The two new cases include a previously suspected case at the University of the West Indies earlier this week. The Ministry of Health is
urging householders, school administrators, business proprietors and members of places of worship to spend at least 10 minutes per week to search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites. Chikungunya is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito which is generally found in and around places where people inhabit.
Two more cases of Chikungunya confirmed
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur News
Ukraine separatist leader says rebels getting tanks and reinforcements (Reuters) - Ukrainian rebels are receiving new armoured vehicles and fighters trained in Russia, with which they plan to launch a major counteroffensive against government forces, a separatist leader said in a video released yesterday. The four-month conflict in eastern Ukraine has reached a critical phase, with Kiev and Western governments watching nervously to see if Russia will intervene in support of the increasingly besieged rebels - an intention Moscow denies. Alexander Zakharchenko, prime minister of the selfproclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said the rebels were in the process of receiving some 150 armoured vehicles, including 30 tanks, and 1,200 fighters who he said had spent four months training in Russia. “They are joining at the most crucial moment,” he said in a video recorded on Friday. He did not specify where the vehicles would come from. Moscow has come under heavy Western sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and accusations it is supporting separatists in east Ukraine with fighters, arms and funds. Russia denies those charges.
In a sign of concern at the latest rebel comments, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko agreed in a phone call yesterday that deliveries of weapons to separatists in Ukraine must stop and a ceasefire must be achieved, a German government spokesman said. The risk of outright war between the two most powerful former Soviet states was highlighted on Friday when Ukraine said it partially destroyed an armoured column that had crossed the border from Russia. The report triggered a sell-off in global shares. But Moscow made no threat of retaliation, instead
saying it was a “fantasy” that its armoured vehicles had entered its neighbour’s territory. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also spoke to Poroshenko yesterday, and the White House said: “The two leaders agreed that Russia’s sending military columns across the border into Ukraine and its continued provision of advanced weapons to the separatists was inconsistent with any desire to improve the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin called on NATO to provide military support for Ukrainian troops. The rebels, who have ceded ground to government forces in recent weeks, have been promising a counteroffensive for several days but have yet to launch one. Ukrainian native Zakharchenko took over from Russian citizen Alexander Borodai last week and his combative comments will probably dash hopes that changes at the top of the rebel leadership might signal willingness to end hostilities. The Finnish President, Sauli Niinisto, held talks in Kiev with Poroshenko, a day after discussing how to settle the crisis with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
(Reuters) - More than 20,000 anti-government protesters flooded the centre of Pakistan’s capital yesterday, vowing to stay in the streets until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns. The numbers were far below what protest organizers expected, but the power of protesters to paralyse the central business district has presented the biggest challenge yet to the 15month-old civilian government. The unrest has raised questions about Pakistan’s stability, at a time when the nuclear-armed nation of 180 million is waging an offensive against Pakistani Taliban militants and when the influence of anti-Western and sectarian groups is growing. Riot police cordoned off two streets in downtown Islamabad with shipping containers and barbed wire for the protests. Protest organisers say they are peaceful but determined. “We want Pakistan to be a peaceful state through our democratic revolution,”
populist cleric Tahir ul-Qadri told his followers in a short speech. His supporters were adamant they would not leave until Qadri told them to. Most of the men carried stout sticks a few feet long. Brigades of men and women in fluorescent jackets had gas masks, swimming goggles and bottles of water. “We are here to disarm the gas shells,” explained one. Qadri, a cleric and political activist who usually lives in Canada, controls a network of schools and Islamic charities. He wants the prime minister to resign and a new government of technocrats installed. He promises his supporters he will crack down on corruption, and generate enough funds to pay for homes, jobs, cheap energy and water. “Once corruption is eradicated, the country can move forward. It is the only thing holding us back,” said 15-year-old Umme Habiba, a vivacious student with dimples and long black robes who said she came with her
whole family. Former cricket star Imran Khan, who heads the opposition Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaaf party, was also holding a smaller protest sitin on an adjacent street. The crowds - mostly young men - danced to music blasting from speakers or swapped T-shirts with Khan’s face on them. “Imran Khan is not a corrupt person. He’s loyal to people and the country,” said Aqsa Ijaz, a 25-year-old student sitting on top of a shipping container with her cousin, a banker. Khan also wants Sharif to step down, accusing him of rigging last year’s elections. Sharif won by a landslide, taking 190 out of 342 seats. Khan also did well in the elections, coming from political obscurity to take 34 seats, the third largest bloc in the legislature. But he says he should have had many more. “I will not leave here until I have got real freedom for the country,” Khan told thousands of supporters in the early hours yesterday.
Petro Poroshenko
Pakistan protesters vow no let-up until PM Sharif steps down
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Ramesh ready to take Constitution bill to Privy Council Trinidad Express - Former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj said he intends to mount a legal challenge against the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and is prepared to fight it all the way to the Privy Council. Speaking to the Express by phone Friday, Maharaj said he believes the controversial Bill will be passed in the Senate after it is debated on August 26. Maharaj said he has been following the contributions of some Independent Senators over the past few months and was “not convinced that some of them are really independent”. The former AG said he has already started gathering evidence to begin his case and he expects the courts would make a determination on the matter before the general elections next year. “I am confident that I will succeed in having the law
declared unconstitutional,” said Maharaj. He said today at the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) platform to discuss the Bill at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, he will elaborate more on the matter. Maharaj said the Privy Council will adjudicate on how to interpret this country’s Constitution based
on the Westminster system. “A Westminster-style election allows us not to have two polls and the exclusion of any political party or candidate ... a Westminster style general election does not have preference to two major political parties in choosing a Government,” said Maharaj. He said “free vote” was of utmost importance where an eligible electorate can participate. “I am in the process of accumulating evidence to show that the Government is really passing this law in order to serve itself by preventing votes in the marginal constituencies to be split having regard for the traditional voting system in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Maharaj. “The evidence would show that the legislation is not for the peace, order and good governance but passed purely for the interest of the Partnership Government,” he added.
CODRINGTON, Barbuda - CMC – Barbuda was rattled by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake late on Friday night, the second earth tremor to hit the small Caribbean island within last week. The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said the latest tremor occurred at 9.56 pm local time and occurred northwest of the island. “The event was located at
17.75° north and 62.18° west. The magnitude was 4.5 and depth 19km,” the Centre said in a brief statement, noting that there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The tremor followed a 4.2 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday that occurred south west of Barbuda. That tremor was located at 17.49 degrees north and 61.98 degrees west and had a depth of 64 km. “This event was reported felt in St. Johns, Antigua,” the
Seismic Unit noted. In recent months, a number of Caribbean countries have been rocked by earth tremors with officials at the Seismic Unit warning regional countries to be prepared for a major quake. The last major earthquake to hit the Caribbean occurred in Haiti in 2010 when the 7.0 magnitude tremor killed more than 300,000 people and left an estimated one million others homeless.
Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj
Small Caribbean island of Barbuda rattled by two earthquakes within a week
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Orin Cumberbatch a multi talented... All round support is vital as Alpha... From page 74 Cumberbatch left in August 1976 to honour a coaching course in Rome Italy. His only International Series on his return from Rome in 1977 was against the Mighty Cubans in May at the National Sports Hall. Although Guyana lost the series 3 Nil Cumberbatch and the boys gave a good account of themselves against their more experience and superior opponents. The following year 1978, Cumberbatch had an International Series against Suriname’s National Club Champions Caribbean Little Devils and Canada Montreal’s Y. M. C. A. With Orin at the pivotal Point Guard position, Guyana won both series 2 games to one at the National Sports Hall. His 1978 International Campaign concluded in Bridgetown Barbados where Guyana engaged the host and Trinidad and Tobago in a triangular series as part of Barbados Anniversary Cel-
ebrations. The next year 1979, Cumberbatch was very disappointed when Guyana lost a four match International Series 3 – one to Trinidad and Tobago at the National Sports Hall. Cumberbatch’s brilliance led Guyana to the opening victory but the National team that had two other Christ Church boys, Aubrey Chalmers and George Sharples, failed to deliver. He was the M.V.P when Eagles Basketball Club toured the twin Island Republic in February 1980 but failed to reproduce the same form when the Hewley Harry led National team visited in August of 1980 for an International triangular series involving host Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana, this time the M.V.P honours went to the Rookie Brentnol Carmichael. His last two International Series in 1980 was against the highly touted Northern League of Trinidad and Suriname. Guyana won both series at the National Sports
Hall. His proudest moment as a National player came in August 1981 when Guyana took the Bronze Medal at the inaugural Caricom Championship at the National Sports Hall. Two other Christ Church disciples were on that historic team; George Sharples and Brentnol Carmichael. Orin’s last outing in National colours was to Trinidad & Tobago for two Goodwill Matches against the host, International tours: 1972-Suriname 1974-Barbados 1976-Italy 1978-Barbados 1980-Trinidad 1980-Trinidad 1981-Trinidad International matches played 46, career high 25 pts vs Barbados National Sports Hall 1976. For the records this Christ Church standout is a former United States of America corrections officer retired, cousin of former National Player and National Coach Mark Agard.
Sunday August 17, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) Concentrate on work and on making money. If you try to manipulate emotional situations you will find yourself alienated. TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. Don't make large purchases or investments. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Plan to get together with someone special later in the day. Don't evade issues or twist the truth around. Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Your personal situation is fluctuating. Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely. Discord could be unnerving. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe. You can bet that someone in a higher position is watching to see how busy you are. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Avoid confrontations with coworkers who aren't pulling their weight. You are best to stick to yourself today. Don't
take advantage of your expense account. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You may be able to get some good advice about your personal problems. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) A change of attitude has probably disrupted your home environment. Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 Dec. 21) Don't let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Equilibrium in your romantic life is likely if you treat your partner well. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.Jan. 20) You may interest some of them in a service you have to offer. You will encounter those who can help you further your goals if you attend functions that attract prominent people. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Try not to discuss important matters with colleagues. Get together with those you find mentally stimulating. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You might find that delays will cause setbacks and upset. You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling.
From page 75 Jaguars were battling in the World Cup Qualifiers last year, the nation turned out in full support and it was indeed a joy to behold as Guyanese donned yellow T shirts, emblazoned with the local team’s logo, filled the National Stadium, Providence, in support of the local ball weavers. The team went on to defeat their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago and though they subsequently failed to qualify in the tournament, undoubtedly, had moved one step closer after the victory over their twin island neighbour. This says a lot for support and one would have expected similar response from Guyanese when Alpha faced off with Olimpia a few weeks ago. This was not the case and while there is no evidence to support the adverse theories extended by the pundits, one is tempted to say that the meagre support of the public at the matches might have been a major factor in the team’s lukewarm performance. Though the loss to Olympia might be somewhat of a setback, all is certainly not lost and Alpha Utd still has an opportunity to bounce back when they face off with US team, Portland Timbers, at the Providence venue Tuesday 19 next but the support of the Guyanese public, reminiscent of that received by the Golden Jaguars in their match against the Trinidadians, is of vital importance to their advancement. On the issue of corporate support, it would be nice if the many companies could reach out a helping hand, donating generously toward the team’s efforts. During the press conference Lumumba lamented the absence of adequate corporate support and said that this had had an adverse bearing on the team’s preparation and the eventual result of their encounter with Olimpia. The media also came in for some ‘blows’ as Lumumba feels that the team’s activities
ought to receive concomitant publicity in order to encourage support. Whether this is a fair statement or not, what is apparent is that Alpha Utd is in need of moral and financial support if the players are to advance. It is unheard of in these modern days of sport that a foreign team may venture on local soil and just breeze of with the spoils while the home team lacks moral support. The principals of Kashif and Shanghai proved that Guyanese are sports lovers and could be wooed to the venues in support of their team. As Alpha Utd attempt to procure similar national honours one would suppose that fans would want to support their advancement. A good turnout at the National Stadium, Providence, on match night would be a good start in supporting the
team’s aspirations. The players were in action at the game venue yesterday afternoon when an Alpha ‘A’ team battled a ‘B’ team and Vice President of the Alpha United Football Club, Steve Ninvalle, said that the match was a means of giving the coaching staff a closer look the players to come up with the best starting line up and bench. He said that the squad has reignited its passion to win and is now playing with a sense of purpose after the loss to Olympia. “There is now improved communication on and off the field between the foreign and local players,” said Mr. Ninvalle. We say that the application of the players supported by a huge turnout by the supporters could be just what is needed to propel Alpha United FC to the next round of the tournament.
Guyana cops eight medals... From page 75 (TRI) defeated Mackenzie Howard & Kayla Miller of Barbados: 17-21, 21-15, 21-18 Under-15 Girls Doubles: Last Year runner-ups Priyanna Ramdhani (GUY) & Amanda Haywood (BAR) lost to Taina Daley & Shezelle Mctyson of Jamaica: 21-17, 21-15 Under-17 Boys Singles: Narayan Ramdhani lost to Shane Wilson of Jamaica: 2119, 21-16 Under-17 Boys Doubles: Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra lost to Shane Wilson & Dejon Wright of Jamaica: 21-17, 21-13.
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“Hopefully onwards and upwards for West Indies with recent selection panel changes!” Says Colin E. H. Croft Selecting any cricket team anywhere is very difficult. When it comes to West Indian teams, the process becomes so fraught with insinuations, innuendoes, even insider politics, that an already thankless job becomes almost impossible. Whatever selectors do, they will never please everyone everywhere! Like predicting stock markets, selectors should follow their intuition and reliance on situations which are not always obvious or even existent. They have to take bold chances and choices, mostly believing heads more than hearts, using foresight; very hard tasks indeed! But the changes published by West Indies Cricket Board that former WI captain Clive Lloyd will head a revamped WICB selection panel, as I had predicted, is cause for reserved hope. That panel will also include two former WI opening bowlers, Courtney Walsh and Eldine Baptiste, vastly experienced campaigners,
along with retained former wicket-keeper Courtney Brown, which gives a tantalizing taste that the process will be handled much differently than has transpired over recent years. It also shows that fast bowlers are not as dumb as many think. Those spinner selectors were terrible! Head Coach Ottis Gibson, also a former fast bowler, has a vote on this panel, while team captains will contribute opinions but no actual vote. That latter part of that equation is seriously flawed; backwards even. Captains must have a vote too! Cricket is not like soccer, where a coach alone selects teams, sending them out with nominal captains, outfield players doing their only job, kicking balls around, nothing significantly different by any of them! Like only goal-keepers, cricket is a game of individual specialists. Each bowler is unique, batsmen’s functionality all-together different, while all-rounders can do both. Wicket-keepers, like goalkeepers, are a breed apart.
Major players onboard... From page 72 and horse owners. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. For further information contact can be made with Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 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. The coordinator is Nazrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. Race time is 12:00 hrs.
Necessary bowling changes can only come from captains on the field, not coaches on side-lines. Since active substitutions are not yet allowed in cricket, cricket coaches’ jobs are superfluous; i.e. expendable. Meanwhile, cricket captains always lead from the front! Only cricket captains on the field could use those unexplainable inner feelings, based on present assessments, to manipulate and make appropriate bowling changes to secure wickets, hopefully, ultimately, gaining success. Therefore, captains must have much more than just an input. They must have active votes on players they want as company on the field, with the understanding that confidence in, and chemistry with especially bowlers, make tremendous allies in getting the best performances out of those who trundle. Ironically, it was Lloyd himself, appointed WI captain for 1974/5’s tour to India, who brought that neo-modern belief that captains must have final words as to whom should be selected. Also, there is no
doubting Lloyd’s excellent eye for unheralded talent! His first out-of-the-box selections, on his first tour as captain, were young, aggressive, untried batsmen (Sir) Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge, now batting legends in our cricketing firmament. Greenidge made 93 and 107 on debut; (Sir) Viv made 192 no. in his 2nd Test, history eventually confirming Lloyd’s brilliant vision on that duo! Lloyd, singularly focused as captain-cum-selector, also saw a young, speedy, relatively raw (Sir) Andy Roberts emerge. Roberts had played only one Test before somehow bowling so quickly and so well that he got 32 wickets in 5 Tests, in India ’74/ 75; a stupendous statistic! With maturing captaincy, Lloyd understood that he needed players he could depend on to always give 100%, that armor and ammunition necessary to win. Luckily, he got those too! He unearthed the diabolical pace of 21 year old Michael Holding; only three 1st class games; for WI’s tour to Australia 1975/6. West
Indies lost that series badly, but not before cool “Mr. T” had shown his budding greatness, immediately combining with “Fruit T” Roberts to form half of a great pace quartet. “The Skipper” was responsible for the other half of that still talked about quartet too, with inclusions and emergence of Joel “Big Bird” Garner, after three 1st class games, and Colin “Bomber” Croft, after four 1st class games, completing “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”, the best pace attack ever. Obviously, with those superlative selections, Lloyd knows talent when he sees it. One hopes that he is allowed to parlay with present players, only as head selector, as was done when he was also captain. However, his biggest problem in this modern era is not if there are enough cricketers playing the game here, for there are thousands more now plying their game in the Caribbean than 35-40 years ago. The problem is that, mostly, our regional cricketers have been ordinary; same-oh, same-oh; with few
luminescent slags sufficiently striking enough, right now, to warrant suggestions that they will become supreme! Knowing our manipulative Caribbean, that gnawing gut feeling also remains that this appointment is slightly more politically adroit than meets the eye; pigeon-holed, silhouetted shadows for the future. It is obvious that, having previously had ambitions to be President of WICB, Lloyd expects, perhaps even deserves more clout in WI cricket than this appointment of being just Chairman of Selectors allows. So, we shall see how things go these next two years of the appointments. It will not be easy! Enjoy!
Tridents break Warriors hearts...again From page 74 rein by Narine who induced Smith to hole out to Martin Guptil at long-on for 55 decorated with six fours and three sixes. Narine continued to spin his web and had Skipper Kieron Pollard caught and bowled, pushing tamely forward for a golden duck as the Tridents lost their two most dangerous batmen for no run to slip to 96-4 in a game changing over. Raymon Reifer (5) was bowled at 111-5 by Santokie, who bowled gun-barrel
straight and cleverly utilized his slower balls, while Narine befuddled everybody with his both way turn to finish another mesmerizing t20 performance. Malik lifted Santokie for six and hit him for four in the penultimate over to post his 50 and the job of bowling the last over was again handed to 21-year-old Beaton, who started with a waist high full toss which was called ‘no ball’ and Jeevan Mendis disdainfully pulled it for six as the final over cost 16 runs.
When Guyana began their reply they began sedately before Martin Guptil (7) broke the shackles with a thunderous straight drive but he had his stumps scattered by Kyle Mayers at 12-1 next ball. Simmons, the only batsman with over 400 runs, flicked the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Ravi Rampaul for a glorious four and hooked Holder for six but he had lost Guptil with whom he shared three century stands including a CPL record stand of 154 against St Lucia Zouks, and a lot of work was still left be done. A pull by Simmons off legspinner Mendis took him past Chris Gayle’s record sixes but he soon hit a full toss from Ryad Emrit to cover for 20 to silence the Warriors fans and leave them in a precarious position on 49-2 in the ninth
over. Hafeez and Jimmy Neesham were strangled by on target bowling before Neesham broke free with an audacious straight six off Pollard who was pulled into stands by Hafeez (28) who next top-edged a pull off Holder as the Warriors slipped to 74-3. Two runs later things got progressively worse when Neesham (17) gloved a slower ball from Holder to be caught behind. Chris Barnwell (14*) played a nice little cameo and along with his Captain kept hope alive as Ramdin (17*) brought up the 100 with six off Reifer before another shower sent the players off the field for the final time with the score on 107-4 off 15.5 overs and Warriors eight runs behind on the Duckworth/ Lewis system.
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 71
Boyce/Jefford Classic opens as Forde, Pascal King takes Long Jump Title, George, wins 5000M and 3000M Thompson through to 100, 200M finals
Patrick King leaps to the Long Jump title with this powerful effort.
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he fifth annual Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic got underway yesterday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden and based on early action, fans are in for a treat going into the evening and today’s sessions. Billed as Guyana’s premier athletics championship, the event attracted a large vociferous crowd on opening day and Grenada’s renowned athlete Kenisha Pascal won the women’s 3000M, clocking a time of 11 minutes, 34 seconds. She beat Guyana Police Force’s Janella Jonas (11 minutes, 49.10 seconds) and Carlissa Atkinson of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who ran 11 minutes, 53.70 seconds respectively. Cleveland Forde turned in a blistering performance to storm to the Men’s 5000M title finishing in a time of 17 minutes and 45 seconds. Grivon Grant placed second (18 minutes, 12.50 seconds) with his Guyana Police Sports Club teammate, Nathaniel Giddings (18 minutes, 13.40 seconds) third. Patrick King captured the men’s long jump with a leap of 6.89M. Linden’s Winston Caesar and Guyana Defence Force’s Leon Bishop both jumped 6.87M to tie for second place. Sprinters Brenessa Thompson and Olympian
Winston George were in impressive form as they stormed through their 100M and 200M heats and will run in their respective finals today. Thompson clocked 12.90 seconds to win the 100M heats and came back to run 26.20 seconds in the 200M heats. She will be up against Leota Babb, Letita Myles, Onika Eastman, Daniel Clarke, Tiffany Cato, Mearisha Carter and Ebony Nelson in the finals. George, one of the country’s leading sprinters, brought the MSC to life with his magnificent speed, running 10.60 seconds in the 100M and 22.00 seconds in the 200M. Trinidad and Tobago’s CARIFTA Games 800M Gold medalist Mark London looked on course to win the 800M event today after a comfortable win in the heat yesterday, stopping the clock at two minutes, 2.70 seconds. He will contend with Trevor Scotland, Dennis Horatio, Kevin Bayely, Ornesto Thomas, Tyson Bentick, Derrel Pellew and Desmond Amsterdam. Guyana Police Sports Club leads the team standing with 54 points, followed by Guyana Defence Force on 49 points. Upper Demerara Schools and Mercury Fast Laners are tied in third with 13 points.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 17, 2014
Major players onboard for 8th annual Guyana Cup Horserace meet By Samuel Whyte Major players have come onboard for the 8 Annual Guyana Cup horserace meet organised by the Jumbo Jet establishment, which is rolling out $25M in prizes for the successful competitors. The event is set for Sunday 24th August and is being staged in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf th
Jumbo Jet Rep. Chandu Ramkisoon (right) receives the Zeneyatta Memorial trophy for the three year old Derby race from a Rep. of the Tickaram family of the USA.
Club. The Guyana Cup since its introduction some eight years ago has been setting an unprecedented pace for other sponsors to follow with some massive injection of funds by the Jumbo Jet establishment and other cooperate sponsors. Once again the organizers have come up with some unprecedented amounts with the winnings in both cash and kind being by far the largest in the country. Nine races are carded for the day and already close to 60 of the country’s best horses have taken entry. 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 Guyanese riders will be making the trek home to be a part of the event, with some already in the country. Most of the top Horses in the country have already signed up for the feature C1 and lower event which has a mouth watering winning prize of $4M and the Guyana Cup Trophy available for the winner from a package of $7.5M in total over 1800M. The other placers in that event will also be handsomely rewarded. In the Co-feature 1600M event for 3 yr old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, the organizers have put up a mouthwatering $2M and trophy.
The Two year old event for West Indies Bred horses which has its first prize tagged at $1.5M and trophy will be run over 1000M. The E class and lower 1400M event will see the winner racing away with the $800,000 top prize and trophy. The G1 and lower race is a 1200M event where the winning horse will run away with $600,000 and trophy. The second two year old event is for Guyana bred horses and has a $600,000 price tag along with trophy for the top runner over 1000M. The H& lower 1000M race guarantees the winning horse a purse of $450,000 and trophy. The ‘I’ and lower race also goes over 1000M with the pole position takings being tagged at $350,000 and trophy. The final race has $250,000 plus trophy at stake for the winner of the J and event in another 1200M affair. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers. Entries closed on Saturday August 16 . The organisers have also put together some interesting incentives for lucky patrons and participants that will be unveiled. Apart from the riveting horseracing action expected on the track there will also be a lot of added attractions for both adults and kids. There will also be giveaways for the lucky and early patrons (Continued on page 69) th
‘Unity in Sports’ 3-A-side football kicks off today The Unity for the Nation Organisation 3-A-Side small goal knockout football competition will kick off today on the lawns of the Fordy’s Subletta Catering at the Junction of Winkle Road and Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice from 14:00hrs. The month long competition is expected to cumulate on September 14 . According to coordinator Eli Hazel all systems are in place for an exciting month of football action with more than 20 teams expected to participate. Teams are expected to consist of five players each with three playing at a time and are expected from West th
Berbice, Corentyne, East and West Canje, New Amsterdam and East Bank Berbice. The competition has attractive monetary and other prizes available for the top three teams as well as the outstanding individual performers. The winning team will receive $50,000; second placed $25,000 and third will collect $13,000. So far over 20 teams have indicated a willingness to participate in the day’s event. Interested persons can still make contact with Hazel on Telephone numbers 3333309 or 618-8500 for further details. (Samuel Whyte)
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 73
Grove and Herstelling take care of Agricola and KK Warriors CULT/EBFA U-17 League...
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rove HI Tech kept their unblemished record intact with another hard fought win while Herstelling FC continued their rise with another victory when play in t h e C U LT / E a s t B a n k Football Association (EBFA) Under-17 league continued at the Grove Playfield. The feature game of the day saw some pulsating action between Grove and Agricola Red Triangle, the first half producing a whopping five goals in a pulsating clash. Two of the five goals were own goals with either side being guilty but that did not take away from the fierce exchanges between two of the more exciting sides in the league. It was the home team that forced the visitors on the back foot early in the piece with an own goal after 10 minutes of play. Both sides showed offensive intentions in what can be considered one of the most exciting games to date. Returning the favours so to speak was Agricola whose first goal was also an own
Grove Hi Tech Captain Trevor Jones (2nd left) works his way past this Agricola Red Triangle player at the Grove ground. goal that came in the 21st minute to neutralize the score. It was no letting up by either of the two teams as the youngsters displayed a high level of fitness. It did not take much time for the next goal to materialize; it was the home team that would take the lead again. Nicholas Matthews obliged as he headed home from a corner taken by Mervin Squires in the 29th minute, Grove restoring the advantage. Even though they had the lead, Agricola were well into their stride so it was just a matter of time in terms of the next goal being scored. Their { A g r i c o l a }
constant pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute which was converted by Deshawn Matthews to even the scores yet again, Grove 2 Agricola 2. T h e h o m e t e a m ’s Captain, Trevor Jones was not content at all with trailing or even allowing Agricola to be on even keel with them and oft times left his position in marshalling the defenders to take the ball into the offensive third. Like the own goal scenario, it was returning of the favours with regards to the penalty. With five minutes to the half way
mark, Grove were awarded a spot kick and it was Jones who took on the responsibility and he made no mistake as his team regained the lead for the third time. The second half was no different as the intensity of the exchanges was maintained, the only difference being that both sides were tighter in defence. Just a single goal was scored and it was the home team that
converted, Mervin Squires hitting home in the 73rd minute, again from the penalty spot. Final score, Grove Hi Tech 4 Agricola Red Triangle 2. The afternoon’s opening match up also produced some keen and even exchanges between the Linden Soesdyke Highway based Kuru Kururu Warriors and Herstelling but it was the latter team that asserted themselves, led by the
inspirational forward and their leading scorer, Seon Alfred. The Warriors did come to the party in a bid to stop the party stoppers; they kept up with the exchanges for the most part but as the game matured, it was Herstelling that set themselves apart. Alfred netted a beauty in the 73rd minute; it was the culmination of about 10 minutes of constant pressure on the Warriors. With the deadlock being broken, it did not take the leaders much time to double the advantage thus securing full points. Two minutes after the first goal, Herstelling were awarded a penalty and it was no guessing as to who would have taken on the task. Alfred it was and he buried the shot comfortably past Jamal Dos Santos in goal for the Warriors. The top four teams in this league will advance to the semifinals, more play is set for this Saturday at the same venue.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 17, 2014
Tridents break Warriors hearts...again By Sean Devers The picturesque Warner Park in the 104 sq Mile Island of St Kitts has a capacity of 8,000 on an Island which has a population of 51,000 and yesterday, the venue was ram-packed as the CPL T20 tournament climaxed with a riveting night of entertainment although rain spoiled the party for the Guyanese supporters. In a truncated Final, Barbados Tridents beat last year’s runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors by eight runs on the Duckworth/ Lewis system to capture their first CPL title and book a trip to next month’s Champions League in India and break the hearts of thousands of Warriors fans who have now seen their team choke at the final hurdle for the second year in a row. The two teams had contrasting paths to the final. Amazon Warriors battling through the playoffs and Tridents booking a direct
spot. Amazon Warriors finished second on 12 points with a 6-3 record that was shared by the top four finishers. Tr i d e n t s , h o w e v e r, topped the standings due to their superior net run rate but this accounted for little as they faced off with each other last evening in an atmosphere that was simply fantastic. The Tridents had never beaten the Warriors in their previous two meetings in the two-year history of the CPL and yesterday in sunny conditions in the day/night finale under lights, the Warriors won the toss and asked the Tridents to bat on good track for batting at one of smallest International cricket grounds in the world. An 88-run third wicket stand between Dwayne Smith, who made 55 from 47 balls and Shoaib Malik, who finished unbeaten on 55 from 42 balls lifted the Tridents to 152-6 with leftarm pacer Krishmar Santokie (3-19) and spin wizard Sunil Narine (2-20)
Rain has the final say picking up crucial wickets for the Warriors, who responded with 107-4 off 15.5 overs despite 28 from Mohammad Hafeez and 20 from the leading run scorer Lendl Simmons. But in the end they batted too slowly and left too much for too late. The Tridents began with four leg byes off the first ball, and already the dancing girls were on their feet and their hips swinging as much as Santokie’s deliveries. But soon it was the Guyana flags in the stands that were being waved wildly when Santokie removed Williams Perkins for a duck at 5-1 in the first over. Left-arm spinner Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l shared the new ball with Santokie and bowled a tight first over as Smith, the only batsman with two tons in a CPL season, looked to capitalize on the short boundaries with some impetuous early shots which
he failed to get hold of. Jason Holder sent in as ‘Pinch hitter’ in the powerplay overs, was bowled with a perfect Santokie ‘yorker’ as the Tridents were off to horrendous start at 8-2 in the third over. The dangerous Smith dumped Permaul for six before Ronsford Beaton pitched one short and disappeared for consecutives sixes off the flaying bat off Smith, who then clipped the Essequibo pacer elegantly for four in an over which cost 17. Malik pulled Permaul for four before dancing down the track to hit the Berbician for a six and finished off the over with majestic four. Smith survived a close LBW shout off Narine, who confused the batsmen with his magical off-spin. Smith befuddled by a couple of balls that went the other way, responded by lofting the number one ranked t20 spinner, for a colossal six and a battle seemed well and truly on. Rain stopped play after seven overs as the Tridents galloped to 56-2 but the biggest party in sport
Kieron Pollard and Ryad Emrit celebrate with the cheer leaders. (CPL) continued in the stands even as the fans in the grass mounds and even the TV Cameramen gyrated to pulsating music under umbrellas that produced a kaleidoscope of colour beyond the boundaries. The Warriors, who lost in last over to Jamaica Tallawahs in the inaugural Final, bounced back from heartbreaking defeats after Darren Bravo and Andre Russell both needed six to win from the last balls and successfully got them. When play resumed, they tried to contain Smith,
who made 104 against Guyana in Barbados in a losing cause. The West Indies batman caressed Navin Stuart sweetly to the cover boundary as his partnership with Pakistani Malik flourished. After 10 overs, the Warriors had restricted the run-rate significantly but Malik and Smith stroked Stuart for exquisite boundaries in the same over to release the pressure. The 31-year-old Smith, hunting his fourth t20 century, was kept on a tight (Continued on page 66)
Orin Cumberbatch a multi talented Christ Church product
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n his look back this week, Statistician Charwayne Walker highlights the multi talented Orin Cumberbatch. Although he started his Secondary Education at Guyana’s Oriental College, Orin Cumberbatch transfer to Christ Church was inevitable. His best friends George Hyles, George Sharples, Aubrey Chalmers and the late Clyde Wolly Forde were all proud Christ Church’s standouts. The Sport that first made him a National Player was football the year was 1971 and Orin played an integral role when the Lennox Arthur side defeated Suriname for the first time at the Inter Guiana Games Football series on home soil. The following year, 1972, young Cumberbatch made his first overseas outing in National colours but this time the Sport was basketball. He along with Schoolmates Aubrey Chalmers as Captain and Wholly Forde was part of the National under-19 Team that toured Suriname. Boyed by the Suriname tour, Orin started to focus more on basketball. His biggest moment came in 1974 when Barbados Senior National team visited the Land of Many Waters for a Goodwill series against their Guyanese counterparts and the tourist itinerary included two matches against the Guyana National Under-19 team which Orin was an integral part. In both matches played under lights at
parade ground, he had the local fans, especially those from is Charlotte Street Ward, in a frenzy. So it was no surprise when the name Orin Cumberbatch was announced in the Mike Brusche led squad in November of 1974 for a Goodwill tour of Barbados. Although he had limited court time in his debut senior tour, the experienced gained in Bridgetown would later proud invaluable. He failed to find favour with the National selectors the following year 1975 and was omitted for the prestigious Central American Championship in the Dominican Republic. He responded with some outstanding performances for Ravens at Division one level but was again not selected when the National team engaged a Chinese Provisional team in November 1975 at the National Sports Hall. His returned to the National Fray in 1976 was spectacular. He and Skipper Mike Brusche were Guyana’s leading scorers in a triangular series involving Guyana, Suriname and Barbados. His 25 points vs Barbados in the tournament’s opening victory remains his International Career High. His next International engagement in 1976 was against Buffalo All Stars from the United States of America in June at the National Sports Hall. Guyana lost both matches to the semi-professional team. After the Buffalo All Star Series, (Continued on page 69)
Sunday August 17, 2014
Kaieteur News
Guyana cops eight medals in Jamaica at CAREBACO Badminton Championships
Page 75
CONCACAF Champion League Football tournament...
All round support is vital as Alpha FC take on Portland Timbers By Michael Benjamin
Guyana Badminton medalists display their prizes following completion on the CAREBACO tourney. The Guyana Badminton Association Team attending The Caribbean Regional Badminton Championships (CAREBACO) which co n clu d ed in J amaica yesterday continued on Friday with matches in the Individual Singles Events at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium University of Technology in Kingston. Guyana, with the smallest contingent of players, copped eight Medals at the event including one Gold, fiveSilvers & two Bronze, even though the other teams had 40 to 50 players in the tournament. The winners all increased their medal count from last year with Abosaide Cadogan who captured Gold in the Girls Under-13 Doubles & 1-Bronze in the Girls Under-13 Singles, collecting Guyana’s lone Gold Medal. Guyana’s top player was Narayan Ramdhani, who played his best Badminton throughout the tournament and quickly gained the crowd’s support; winning Silver medals in the Boys Under-17 Singles and the Boys Under-17 Doubles. Priyanna Ramdhani won 2-Silvers & 1-Bronze. In the Girls Under-13 Singles she
won Silver and in the higher event (Girls Under-15 Doubles) she copped Silver before taking Bronze in the Under-13 Mixed Doubles. Jonathan Mangra won Silver in the Boys Under-17 Doubles. The Presenatation was done after the Under-11 to 17 Finals and Medals were presented to the first, second and third placed winners. President of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) Gokarn Ramdhani disclosed that the GBA is extremely pleased with the performance of the Team, which he felt was going in an upward direction in the last seven years with the player’s only getting better and Medaling at every international junior event to date. “The GBA would also like to thank the Media for the coverage they have been giving us throughout the Tour and also like to thank the Sponsors who made it possible for us to keep the Guyana Flag flying high,” Ramdhani said. Continental Group of Companies, National Sports Commission, E-Networks, Neville Osman Investments, Republic Bank, Woodpecker Products, Demerara Bank,
Dr. Philip Dasilva, Mr & Mrs. Yesu Persaud, GBTI, Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company, Rubis Gas Station Bel Air, General Equipment, Farm Supplies Limited, décor & Gift Gallery & Fitness Express combined to provide sponsorship for the team. RESULTS OF DAY -FOUR FINALS: Under-13 Girls Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Shezelle Mctyson of Jamaica: 21-16, 21-13 Under-13 Girls Doubles: Abosaide Cadogan (GUY) & Waynetta Thomas (Continued on page 69)
Amidst the many dissenting voices and the heated debates, Alpha United Football Club (AUFC), by dint of its achievements, has undoubtedly distinguished itself as the top football unit locally. The team’s participation in the CONCACAF Champion League t o u r n a m e n t i s endorsement of their number one status and the players are currently battling to retain their status among some of the best teams in CONCACAF. Despite the nationalistic fervour and despite the pride and honour that will be translated to this nation, the team has failed to attract the support of the masses in the stadium or that of a wide cross section of the business community during preparation. It was this reality that has forced Alpha Utd President, Odinga Lumumba, during a press conference, to voice his disappointment at the lukewarm support of the corporate community and the fans alike. Indeed, the crowd attendance at the A l p h a / O l i m p i a confrontation has left much
Steve Ninvalle
Odinga Lumumba to be desired with the sum total of fans occupying just one of the bleachers on the western side of the venue.
During most of his press briefings of recent, Lumumba has launched a scathing attack against some members of the business community, the media corps and fans for their laissezfaire disposition in regards to the advancement and support of the local team and he went so far as to label them as unpatriotic. Football is indeed a popular sport and despite the many issues that have stalled its advancement locally, fans still continue to support the promotions, be it Mayor’s Cup, the League matches or any other match organized by the promoters. As stated before, Alpha FC has managed to endear itself to quite a large following but conversely, has attracted a few naysayers that are hardly enthused by the team’s accomplishments. This is understandable; what is not, is the total disregard for nationalistic endeavours where personal feelings unreasonably overlap thus compromising the development of football or any other discipline for that matter. When the Golden (Continued on page 69)
t r o Sp
Boyce/Jefford Classic opens as Forde, Pascal King takes Long Jump Title, George, wins 5000M and 3000M Thompson through to 100, 200M finals
Brenessa Thompson storms to victory in one of the sprints ahead of the field for an easy triumph and is favourite in today’s finals.
Tridents break Warriors hearts... AGAIN Rain has the final say
Barbados Tridents won the 2014 CPL title by DL method over the Guyana Amazon Warriors yesterday. (IBN)
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