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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Modernization and reform The statement attributed to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee that “…for reforms to take place the force has to take ownership of the process…” during a parliamentary debate on the motion seeking an inquiry into police torture, effectively places the onus on the Guyana Police Force to show what it has done over the past twelve months since the advent of the technical experts employed to strategise the implementation of the strategic plan. It would require some serious persuasion for anyone to accept that the newly-minted strategic department has done nothing to move the implementation process forward. A perusal of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website would highlight two vital points which need to be cleared up to avoid further confusion. (i) The police are the implementers of a plan to address local law enforcement operational and administrative issues, and which was prepared by a foreign firm, Capita-Symonds; (ii) The civilian employees do not have the authority to order the hierarchy of the force to do their duty. As an aside, it should be noted that implementation of a strategic plan may bring about efficiency in certain operational and administrative functions, and may even reflect aspects of modernization in terms of equipment, facilities etc., but it should not be assumed that there will be an automatic reform of police methods, attitude, and culture in the individual and organisational sense. One example of organisational efficiency which could be affected by organisational commitment, is the implementation of changes to procedures and policies. Therefore, as the minister opined, the reform can only come about if the force is sufficiently committed to positive change on several fronts. In other words if no serious commitment is displayed by those in leadership positions in the force, it is impossible that efforts at reform will yield the expected positive results in the subordinate ranks. Notwithstanding the paucity of research in this area, there is sufficient empirical evidence supported by theory that there is an inverse relationship between high resistance to organisational change and low levels of organisational commitment. How else can anyone explain the continued transgressions committed by the ranks in the streets other than that, the culprits are emboldened by the belief that the only action from their superiors will be the turning of a blind eye and stonewalling as usual. If it is at all possible, it would be interesting to know the level of commitment the political administration has for really reforming the police. We have become quite cynical hearing the same tired statements about how much money is allocated each year to the force. We hear of the many courses that ranks are being sent overseas on a regular basis. What we are not being told is how the acquired knowledge and skills from the various programmes are transferred throughout the organization aimed at police reform and modernization for the ultimate benefit of the populace. One does not get the impression that any formal methodology is employed when it comes to selecting candidates for overseas courses. We need to know that ranks are selected based upon some transparent criteria which reflect careful thought to aptitude, commitment, service, performance, discipline and desire for change among others. It makes absolutely no sense to identify for training ranks who would be leaving the force within a relatively short space of time from retirement. Randall et al. (1990) have argued that the sharing of knowledge and information is positively related to organisational commitment. What this tells us in the context of the police is that human resistance can be observed in a refusal to share information in a climate of over-reliance on, and strong commitment to the old ways of doing things. This results in
Thursday August 21, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
For how much longer will the exploited class on the sugar belt bear the burden? DEAR EDITOR, Once upon a time the WPA wrote in one of its pamphlets that: “Nationalisation, with an anti-democratic state structure and an increasing managerial bureaucracy under the control of the ruling party, has put the political rulers in a position analogous to that of the former expatriate owners. Their use of state resources, privileges and facilities stamp them as a bourgeoisie of a new type, occupying with increased license the gap left by foreign business managers. Continuing control of the state gives the new rulers the juridical base from which they seize the social surplus to divert it not only to personal consumption but to private accumulation with the aim of building their type of capitalism.” That statement of wisdom against the then Burnham Government, if fused today with the brand of governance being practiced by the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal, exposes that even though much has changed superficially since 1979 to now, in principle nothing has changed when it comes to the governance of Guyana. I observed the PPP appointment to the Guysuco
Board of Directors and I am amazed at how obtuse these politicians in charge of the PPP can be? I have nothing personal against any of the members of the Guysuco board, but clearly the Kaieteur News headline said it all, “…new Chairman but old members remain”. Guysuco is where it is principally because of the lack of critical exposure of the executive adventurism that was allowed to take place because a certain President was hell bent on having a certain Chinese company with very limited experience, build the Skeldon sugar factory. These old members never objected to this offence, so why put them back to do more of the same? Several Guysuco board members, from as far back as 1999, failed to play their role and meaningfully participate in the decision-making process at the highest levels. Rather they allowed that “institution of executive dictatorship”, to use the resources of Guysuco and by extension the taxpayers, to transform himself into a fullfledged “bourgeoisie-inchief”. How can we expect the same set of “duck eggs” to produce “a swan”
tomorrow? (I have ultimate respect for the competence and work of Dr. Permaul and thus will want to exclude him from this letter and all of its categorizations). The buck stops at the President’s desk and what he has done here reveals that he is having some serious epochs of policy paralysis. So what does he do; more of the same! Where are the agricultural researchers, the workers’ representatives, the agricultural engineers, people who really know the industry financially? S e c o n d l y, G u y s u c o needs a full-time Chairman who goes to work every day at Guysuco, because the turnaround plan needs active and competent leadership interventions. T h i s i s n e c e s s a r y, especially in light of the fact that the CEO is furthest from being the most skilled, talented and qualified candidate to increase the yields, enforce the cost control measures and bring greater efficiency to bear in the industry. Nothing personal against Shaik Baksh, but he should make a choice, GWI or Guysuco, since I think he does have the core competence to do one or the other, but not both.
These appointments reveal that the PPP is focused on denying the working class any meaningful participation in the future of Guysuco, although they are most critical to its success. What I see happening here today, as the WPA saw in the PNC in 1979, is the PPP trying to use Guysuco to seize the economic surplus from the economy for the private enrichment of a few in the cabal. These acts must be attacked and stopped. It is the duty of the stakeholders, including the u n i o n s ( G AW U a n d NAACIE) to bring to the attention of the workers, the reasons for the abysmal situation on the sugar belt and point out the true reasons for their economic and social conditions. Guysuco is now a pass-through agency for billions of dollars which this 10th Parliament continues to flood into the Corporation. However, very little of the money stays in the industry, but rather flows to fill the private pockets of a selected few in the PPP or some close to the top of the PPP. For how much longer will the exploited class on the sugar belt bear the burden of paying for the blunders of ruling class in the PPP? Sase Singh
Why are they bent on destroying Guyana? DEAR EDITOR, The recent revelations in Kaieteur News that Bai Shan Lin has and continues to destroy Guyana’s pristine forests have caused us to reflect on these questions: What are the nation’s shared values? What is wrong with the PPP regime? Why are they bent on destroying Guyana? Their actions are clear indications that they are putting their financial interests and those of their relatives and friends first, and not the country and people. They are stripping Guyana of all its valuable
assets and resources so that nothing but crumbs will be left for the people. They have become power drunk and want to remain in office at all cost with no plan to be humble, no plan to serve, no plan to toil, no plan to let the truth lead the way. What we have in Guyana is a corrupt group of politicians in the regime who are arrogant and who want to get ahead politically by using race as a tool of division. They abuse the words “unity and economic development.” They are of the opinion that if they cannot rule the country, then they will do everything in
decreasing levels of commitment to the organization which will not contribute positively to the proposed programme of reform and modernization changes. Let us not delude ourselves into thinking that modernization and reform are the same animal. For one, a reformed police force exemplifies a disavowal of unethical practices, punishing unprofessional behaviour and attitudes, while embracing democratic norms; modernization simply speaks to the acquisition of modern facilities and equipment. These things cannot be achieved without a dedicated or enhanced internal communications system to promulgate change in information to the entire force.
their power to destroy it, give away its forests, rape the treasury, bankrupt the country and turned the masses into paupers and beggars. The sadness in the whole episode is that Guyana has sunk to the lowest level under this ruthless regime. The PNCR is not helpful either, in that it does not know how to capitalize on the weaknesses of the PPP. The PNCR continues to frustrate its grass-roots supporters and should APNU lose the next elections they cannot blame anyone else but themselves. Through their own doing, they have alienated the youths and the thousands of Guyanese who might not have wanted to support the PPP. These youths are likely to stay away from the polls in the next election if the PNCR does not get its act together quickly. Except for Carl Greenidge, Joe Harmon, Basil Williams and Ronald Bulkan who have and continue to expose the
wicked PPP regime, its other MPs are nowhere to be seen or heard. It seems as though they do not have a fighting spirit, and this is why the responsibility of the opposition has fallen on the AFC leadership who have to be credited with the “no confidence” motion which is needed to get rid of the ruling cabal. The whole unfortunate truth in this matter is that APNU as the main opposition has not lived up to expectations. They have single handedly allowed the PPP to handcuff them by taking away their most potent weapon—peaceful protests and demonstrations. It leaves one to wonder if the PNCR has become a destructive force within itself, because all they do is to “put their foot into their mouths” Is this party a government in waiting? It’s up to the people to decide on who should lead the coalition to defeat the PPP! Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The sinister agenda of Mr. King is clearly exposed DEAR EDITOR, I have noted that Kaieteur News published an article, supposedly by ECHO, on pages 9 and 24 of Tuesday August 19 2014. This article titled – “ECHO tell Bai Shan Ling to cease logging operations or face the Courts”, is simply laughable. I am reliably informed that after leading a picketing exercise in front of the GFC office, Mr. Royston King and his group were invited by the GFC to its Boardroom to be apprised of the real facts. However, I learnt that Mr. King conveniently decided then that he had another meeting to go to and abandoned the rest of his group who chose to accept GFC’s offer to provide clarity. The sinister agenda of Mr. King is however, clearly exposed, since he still chooses to make totally ridiculous claims, and give inappropriate and irrelevant advice that is simply not applicable in the current Guyana situation, whilst refusing offers for clarification. This is unacceptable behaviour from someone that is supposed to be a mentor and a role model to
young minds and community residents. If this is the kind of teaching/guidance ECHO is imparting to the members of the environmental youth clubs, I would strongly urge parents not to send their children to this forum since the young minds would only be poisoned with inaccurate information. But let me identify some glaring mistakes and totally outrageous statements: 1. The Company’s name is Bai Shan Lin (not Bai Shan Ling as stated in the article) 2. Who will verify that Bai Shan Lin (BSL) is operating within the law - is it a case where ECHO is looking for a consultancy that it is most unqualified for? The forest regulatory agency has the mandate to ensure the forest sector companies operate within the law and this is exactly what they are doing. One only has to read the reports of the independent auditors that is on the website (www.forestry.gov.gy), and peruse the various guidelines that we concession holders must comply with to be educated on this. 3. GFC has clarified that BSL can log and can export, having satisfied the GFC
requirements to do so. In summary, it can do limited harvesting from the SFEP, and the maximum allowable harvesting from its joint venture concessions. It can export logs in keeping with the log export guidelines. It has the relevant export licenses to do so. A timber company is in the business of logging (in keeping with the guidelines) and profit making - it is therefore only natural that they would seek to harvest as much as they can (and as many species as they have markets for). Once they comply with the sector’s set guidelines, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, more companies should follow this example so that the Government gets the increased returns from our forest resources within the acceptable limits of harvesting. 4. If Mr. King had done even a little bit of research before penning his vitriol, he would know that deforestation/forest degradation due to forestry activities (as verified by international auditors on behalf of Norway ) approximated a mere 360 ha last year. These auditors also
An attempt to distort what is clearly a superior mobile data service DEAR EDITOR, GT&T would appreciate the opportunity to respond to the Letter to the Editor captioned “Talk is indeed Cheap, GT&T,” penned by Ms. Fraser and published in the August 14th 2014 issue of Kaieteur News. We o ff e r e d a comprehensive response to Ms. Fraser before on the issues she raised about our data service. This will be our final contribution to this discourse. While it could be argued that we speak from an admittedly partisan position, the objective reader will recognize and/or observe that our arguments are intelligible. We restrict ourselves to a statement of the facts set out below. GT&T offers the best mobile voice rates and mobile data plans in Guyana and the greatest freedom and flexibility of any local data service. Our monthly plan offers the customer 600 megabytes of data for a price of G$2299 per month. Our weekly plan offers 240 megabytes of data for G$999 per week. Our daily plan
offers 30 megabytes of data for G$199 per day. This means that our in-plan rates for the monthly, weekly and daily plans are G$3.83, G$4.16 and G$33 per megabyte, respectively. These plans can expire in either of two ways: the customer utilizes their entire quota or the plan time runs out, whichever occurs first. We do no data throttling and we charge no overage fees. There are a few customers who would wish to have us provide notification to customers before their data allocation is exhausted. However, as most of our customers are aware, their smart phone allows them to monitor their data usage. Without attempting to undertake a detailed comparison of the available data plans in Guyana, suffice it to say this: While a monthly data plan on the other network has an in-plan rate of G$1.93 per megabyte, daily usage is capped at 50 megabytes and usage beyond the daily cap attracts an overage fee of G$1,016 per megabyte (i.e.
G$1 per kilobyte), which is applied automatically, possibly without the customer being aware, since the amount is deducted directly from their core account balance. Thus, Ms. Fraser ’s comparison of the two data plans amounts to the proverbial comparison of apples and oranges. We have no desire to be critical of the other network’s plans. However, our plans reflect a conscious decision to keep them simple and affordable, two characteristics which are supported by our by our market research and customer feedback. We value customer feedback and are usually prepared to tweak our service offerings in response to constructive customer observations. However, to our mind, Ms. Fraser attempts to distort what is clearly a superior mobile data service and is decidedly selective in her price comparisons. Allison Parker Public Relations Officer Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company
praised the systems in place as being very strong; compliance by stakeholders was also deemed satisfactory. The Guyanese public must be made aware that this is just a smokescreen by King. How can he assume that there will be damage to the environment in the face of all this evidence and in light of all of the sector’s controls. Let me alert Mr. King that we the loggers sometimes feel very strongly that GFC is over regulating the sector. Maybe this is an area that he can channel his energies to. 5. GFC, EPA and the media have all reported the BSL is currently doing an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) in keeping with the EPA Act. Sadly however, King and ECHO seem to be unaware of this - is this a reflection of their understanding of current affairs? Is this the kind of outdated and incorrect (mis)information they saturate the youth/environmental clubs with? Is this the kind of garbage that is fed to community residents under
the guise of “educational programmes and projects to foster environmental protection awareness”? As a small logger, let me say that in the past years there were simply little or no markets for our logs/lumber. We depended and were at the mercy of lumber dealers on the Coast, and had to transport our produce there. We had to accept the grade and price of the buyer, then endure another waiting period before we were paid. With BSL, we get a very fair price, our produce is collected from us, and we get our prompt payment. Is this a bad or unwanted development Mr. King and ECHO? Or do you and your organization hold the view that the interior people must remain impoverished and their children have no secure future? Are they to remain like that so that they can be fed the trash that you and Kaieteur and Stabroek News are maliciously publicising? Let me warn all of you that what you are trying to do is equivalent to taking bread out of our children’s mouth,
and leaving them without hope for the future. But we will not let this happen. We will not stand by idly and let your silly attempt at publicity for ECHO and whatever other agenda you have succeed. Closure of BSL operations will directly affect us small loggers and our families. We call on you to stop this malicious campaign, and act responsibly as you should. Also, please do proper research next time you have the compulsion to write an article for the newspapers even if it is Kaieteur and Stabroek News. You owe this to the young members of your club Mark Fraser
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Bai Shan Lin logging scandal…
Angry Kwakwani prepares list of demands for Govt. The operations of Bai Shan Lin and the blatant “disrespect” the company has been perpetuating towards the people of Region 10 took center stage at a meeting the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) held with residents of Kwakwani on Tuesday evening. The sustained showers of rain that poured in Kwakwani, a community in the Upper Berbice River area on that evening, didn’t stop scores of
residents from attending the meeting. Regional Chairman, Sharma Solomon, estimated that the crowd was in excess of 150 persons. The meeting, held at the Kwakwani Workers Club, saw the creation of a fivepoint list of demands that will be submitted to Government. At that gathering, it was agreed that for the community to continue accommodating the Chinese company, the written agreement between the
Government of Guyana and Bai Shan Lin, if any exists, must be made available to the RDC. Secondly, it was agreed that the Region must have representation in any further agreement between Government and Bai Shan Lin. Additionally, Kwakwani residents decided that more benefits must be outlined for the people residing in the area and any other community where Bai Shan Lin or similar
GTUC condemns prison labour for city clean-up - Calls for ILO conventions and Decent Work Agenda to be upheld The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in a statement yesterday indicated that it is concerned with reports, that the Guyana Prison Service has entered into a contract with the Ministry of Local Government to use prisoners on its “Clean-Up My Country” Programme. “This issue must not be guided by the perception of a group or some members of the public; it must be guided by internationally accepted principles which this country has embraced through the adoption of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Forced Labour Convention No. 29. As long as money is being paid by the State it is engaged in the act of a contract for labour/services,” the Union stated. It was further pointed out by the Union that Article 2 of the said convention expressly states at “1. For the purposes of this Convention the term forced or compulsory labour shall mean all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily.” It goes on to counsel at ”2. Nevertheless, for the purposes of this Convention, the term forced or compulsory labour shall not include— c) any work or service exacted from any person as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law, provided that the said work or service is carried out under the supervision and control of a public authority and that the said person is not hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations.” The GTUC stressed that his qualifier means, if a person is sentenced to community activity then he or she can be assigned work or service.
“The work of the Le Repentir cemetery falls under the purview of the Georgetown Mayor & City Council (M&CC). There is a relationship between the M&CC and two trade unions, the Guyana Labour Union and the Guyana Local Government Officers Union. The contracting out of any aspect of M&CC’s operations has to be discussed and agreed upon by the parties, guided by international conventions, local laws and Guyana Decent Work Agenda. The work of the cemetery cannot be reassigned to prisoners; because this act conflicts with ILO Convention which Guyana is a signatory. This revelation is also occurring at a time when there is high unemployment at the national level and the city council is being starved of funding to execute its duties. The nonpayment by the State of its rates and taxes, and appropriate subventions hinders the city in discharging its responsibilities to the community. This society has had enough of government abrogating its responsibilities, violating citizens’ rights, international conventions and universal declarations, in its obsession to score political ‘victories.’ The government must no longer remain unmindful that Guyana continues to attract international condemnation for the violation of Convention 29 in activities such as Child Labour and human trafficking. This country can ill afford to have another protected category violated. Further, the use of prison labour in contractual form is internationally considered an abominable act. For instance, the resistance to China entering the international community was due in part to accusations
that prison labour was used in producing certain goods and services in the commercial marketplace. Today international trade agreements referenced the upholding of ILO Core Labour Standards, of which Convention No. 29 is an integral part, and Guyana must act accordingly.” The GTUC said it endorses the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) principle that “Forced labour constitutes the antithesis to decent work and violates all core labour standards…. Moreover, Conventions 29 and 105 are two of the eight core labour standards, which means that the principle of the elimination of forced labour laid down in the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work should be respected by all ILO Member States because of the very fact of their membership in the Organisation.” (2008) “Given that Guyana Decent Work Agenda emerged from ILO Core Labour Standards, confirms the government is aware of the importance of avoiding forced or compulsory labour. The GTUC therefore, urges the Minister of Local Government, Norman Whittaker, Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Winston Felix, and most of all Shadow Minister of Labour, Basil Williams and Minister of Labour, Nanda Gopaul, to ensure we do not exploit prison labour, which would be detrimental to the nation’s reputation, international trade relations and prisoners’ rights.” The Union concluded by indicating that copies of the statement was being forwarded to the named parties.
- Community will no longer allow advantage to be taken upon them…will become very agitated if demands are not met- Solomon companies plan to operate. This is to protect communities from a replay of what is happening now. Residents also want the road from Linden to Kwakwani to be fixed by Bai Shan Lin. The road is heavily traversed by especially Bai Shan Lin’s vehicles, residents said. It is also being demanded that local loggers must receive better rates from Bai Shan Lin for their logs. An elected leader of Kwakwani, Jocelyn Morian, told Kaieteur News that the meeting was very informative and renewed strength, hope and togetherness among the Kwakwani people. Addressing the five point list of demands, Morian said that it is imperative that the representatives of Region 10 know what is happening and that the agreement must be handed over to the RDC. He said that is the only way the RDC can be fully aware of what the problem really is and whether the Region is just being shortchanged by the logging company which has a major presence in the area. “We believe that it is only fair that the Region has a full understanding of what really going on.” He said that Bai Shan Lin should be made to fix the road from Linden to Kwakwani “because they are the ones destroying it. He said that in previous years the journey from Kwakwani to Linden took no more than one hour, 30 minutes, “but now they destroy the road and it takes over four hours to travel the same distance.” Morian said that the road no longer has holes- they now have craters. The official also claimed that local loggers are being robbed blind by Bai Shan Lin. Giving an example, Morian said local operators
sell Bai Shan Lin logs for US$80 per cubic meter, which the company sells back for at least US$250. Morian emphasized that it is only correct that the Region makes an input in any agreement with Bai Shan Lin as the RDC is sure to look out for the interest of the people. With regards to the benefits that must be outlined, Morian said that while Kwakwani is concerned about itself, the community is also very concerned about other communities and would like to know that others don’t have to suffer the same fate. Morian pointed out that other companies are operating in Kwakwani but are paying their dues. He noted that the Reynolds Bauxite company built the Kwakwani hospital; “but look at how long Bai Shan Lin operating here and look how much the company has taken, think about the amount of revenues it has made but did nothing for Kwakwani.” He pointed out as well, that the Kwakwani to Ituni road was a project undertaken by bauxite workers. “But Bai Shan Lin destroyed our roads. The roads are now in the worst state ever,” Morian noted. Morian said that” there is nothing tangible to indicate, from all these resources being extracted, that the community is benefitting in anyway…. I born and grow in Kwakwani but I never see our roads in this condition. We are not saying we don’t want Bai Shan Lin but they must play their part.” The Kwakwani resident and leader lamented that at the rate at which Bai Shan Lin is extracting timber, coupled with the fact that bauxite mining is on the decline in Kwakwani, pretty soon there won’t be much economic activity in the community.
As section of the Linden- Kwakwani road
Region 10 Chairman, Sharma Solomon He said that it is apparent that foreign nationals can do whatever they want. In this regard Morian pointed out that, at the meeting, a nurse attached to the Kwakwani hospital complained that she was assaulted at her work place by an Asian national. The woman reportedly expressed that she didn’t take the matter further, out of fear. According to Morian, the nurse is afraid to report the incident because of the perceived “contacts” the Chinese have and she believes her attacker would not be held accountable for the assault. Morian said, “We heard that persons are in support of what Bai Shan Lin is doing in Kwakwani… we call on every one to visit Kwakwani and show us the development or any good that that company did for Kwakwani. I know we have lots of destruction to show whoever wants to come.” In Solomon’s address to the gathering, he stated that Kwakwani residents have to ensure their rights are secured. He told them that the major way to do so is to ensure that they make (Continued on page 8)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kamla wants Caribbean leaders to meet on Ebola and Chikungunya P O RT- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – Trinidad and Tobago has called for a meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to discuss a coordinated response to the public health threats posed by the Ebola and Chikungunya viruses. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, responding to an advisory issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) said Port of Spain would be willing to host the meeting. “My advice to colleague Heads of Government in the Caribbean is to take preemptive measures to ensure the safety, health and well-being of millions of citizens of the Caribbean region. While our risk is low, our actions must further diminish the risks to our citizens. And I am confident that nations across CARICOM will respond favourably,” she said. “The meeting will feature discussions geared towards orchestrating a plan of action
Kamla Persad Bissessar in response to the increasing number of cases of Chikungunya in the Caribbean and the prevention of the Ebola virus disease,” according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, adding that it would also “be instrumental in CARICOM’s stance, together with the rest of the global community in the fight against these life threatening viruses. It said furthermore, CARICOM must address international decisions made which will undoubtedly affect the region’s tourism industry.
So far, the Caribbean has not recorded any cases of the Ebola virus that has caused a number of deaths in Africa, but many regional countries have reported cases of the mosquito borne Chikungunya virus. “As Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, my approach to regional matters is similar to my approach here at home, we must not wait for a crisis to act”. The statement said that the meeting will also act as a direct response to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) which has been calling for CARICOM member states “to adequately prepare for potential cases to implement the necessary steps to protect health care facilities, patients, health care workers and communities”. The statement noted that Jamaica is already moving to acquire fever-detecting devices to use at its ports as part of efforts to boost the country’s defence against the deadly Ebola and other viruses.
Venezuelan hospitals say shortages creating emergency Caracas (AFP) - Private hospitals and clinics reeling from the shortages that have hit Venezuela urged President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday to declare a humanitarian emergency over a lack of medicine and supplies. “We ask the national executive to declare a humanitarian emergency in the (health) sector in the face of the worsening shortages and irregular delivery of supplies, medicine, surgical materials, medical equipment and reserve supplies,” said Carlos Rosales, head of the Venezuelan Association of Clinics and Hospitals (AVCH). Venezuela imports 90 percent of its health supplies, and the sector has been hit hard by the strict foreign currency controls launched by late socialist president Hugo Chavez and continued by Maduro. Despite being officially
exempt from the controls — which have opened a chasm between the official and blackmarket exchange rates — medical and health supplies have been affected by the same mass shortages that have hit the rest of the economy. The problem is particularly acute for highly specialized items. “It’s urgent for the government to take decisions at the highest level to allow sufficient currency liquidity and import processes,” Rosales told a press conference. He said at least 20 medical specialities had been “seriously affected,” including heart and cancer specialists, orthopedists, pediatricians and brain surgeons. The affected supplies range from hi-tech materials such as heart surgery equipment and anaesthesia
— forcing doctors to delay patients’ operations — to basic items like gloves and suture thread. “This puts sick human beings’ lives and health at risk,” said Rosales. For cancer patients, the chances of survival were “seriously reduced” by the lack of specialized medicine and equipment, he said. The AVCH said the problem was affecting public and private hospitals alike. Importers estimate they are only able to access 40 percent of the required medicine and 15 percent of the required medical supplies. Health Minister Francisco Armada acknowledged Monday that shortages had affected “one group of medications,” and said his staff was working with the agency in charge of currency controls to address the problem.
Angry Kwakwani prepares... From page 07 adequate representation for themselves. He stated that Kwakwani, being the richest community in Region 10, having Bauxite, Timber, gold and diamonds, must get adequate returns for the resources that are being extracted from the community. Solomon said, “As God Almighty above, as I speak to you now I have a headache, there is not a single instance where I travelled to Kwakwani in recent times that I didn’t get a headache. We have a councillor that can no
longer come to Kwakwani because of a C Section she had many years ago. This is because of the conditions of the road.” He told residents that no longer can they allow advantage to be taken upon them; but must stand up for themselves. To this residents agreed. In speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, Solomon said that the people decided that if the demands are not met, “I don’t want to give out all their secrets, but they will become very agitated.”
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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ILO CONVENTIONS DO NOT PROHIBIT THE USE OF PRISON LABOUR For years, prisoners have been undertaking work such as cleaning drains in Georgetown. In the run-up to Mashramani, prisoners are usually used to help clean drains along the Parade route, especially the trenches on Thomas Road. The office of the Guyana Trades Union Congress is not far away from Thomas Road. It is therefore surprising that all of these years when prisoners were used to help clear the drains around the city on behalf of the municipality, the Guyana Trades Union Congress was mute. It never uttered a word of protest. It never complained about the forced labour. It
never argued exploitation. But now that the government has contracted the Prison Service to undertake the clearing of the cemetery, there is a big hue and a cry from the socalled representative of the labour movement in Guyana. How come all these years the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) was not complaining about the use of prison labour? How come now that the government is attempting to enable the Prison Service to earn some revenue and put some of the prisoners to work, a process that will also financially benefit the prisoners, the Guyana Trades Union Congress is protesting?
Guyanese man missing after border encounter with Venezuelans A Guyanese man is feared dead after he reportedly tried to flee from a group of Venezuelan criminals, during a botched business deal on the Guyana/Venezuelan border on Monday. The man, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly plunged into the Cuyuni River, near Iteringbang to escape his attackers who were firing bullets at him. His body has not yet been recovered and investigators on the Guyana side of the border are not sure if he was shot or if he drowned. Kaieteur News understands that the man hails from Joseph Pollydore Street in the city. Police sources say that from the reports they have received so far, the man went across the border into Venezuela to a place called San Martin. “We heard that he went over there to do business and was challenged by some Venezuelans. He ran and jump into the Cuyuni River. We don’t know if that is true, but that is what we heard,” a police official told this newspaper. Kaieteur News also understands that the man’s wife left the city earlier this week to travel to the area after receiving word of the incident.
The GTUC has claimed an interest in this matter because some of the workers of the municipality are employed by the Council and therefore they feel that this generates an interest for the labour movement. This is a ridiculous argument, because it is the failure of the municipality to properly maintain the city that has led to the government having to grant contracts to private contractors and to the Prison Service to help deal with the neglect by the Council. The issue of the GTUC having an interest must therefore be qualified. The ILO Convention to which the Guyana Trades Union Congress refers, deals with the use of forced or compulsory labour. The fact that prisoners will be undertaking the cleaning of the cemetery does not necessarily mean that this is forced labour. The only way that anyone can make such a charge is if they can establish that the prisoners will be forced to undertake the work by not consenting to do the work. Has the GTUC ever in the past questioned those who utilized the use of prison labour, whether the prisoners gave their consent to undertake works? Have they ever enquired as to what level of compensation was offered to the prisoners? Have they, in other words, established that prisoners were short changed? The Guyana Prison Service is entitled to negotiate for government contracts. This work does not displace the unionized employees of the unions affiliated to the
GTUC, because it is the failure of the City Council to satisfactorily carry out its functions that has created the need for government intervention. The Prison Service should be allowed to obtain work from the government. The employees of the Prison Service are also members of the workforce in Guyana, and if afforded the opportunity to undertake government work so as to gain revenues for the Prison Service, there should be no objection to this. There should be no objection to also utilizing
prisoners rather than having them cooped up all day in overcrowded cells. They too should be allowed to work outside of the prison environment and to earn some dollars while behind bars. This will mean that when they leave jail, they will have some resources to fall back on. These prisoners will relish the opportunity to work outside of the jail. It will be a chance to be outside of the prison walls. They value that limited freedom that the work provides. It is also a chance for them to come to appreciate hard work and its
value. This will serve them well when they leave prison. The Guyana Trades Union Congress should therefore think carefully before its raises facetious arguments opposing the use of prison labour. It should be more circumspect when it comes to quoting ILO conventions on the use of forced and compulsory labour. Those conventions do not prohibit the use of prison labour.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
“Motherly” money, “motherly” sex in the police force I was about to deliver my speech at the Parade Ground on light-skinned preference in the advertisement industry in Guyana, when I was handed a cell phone to speak to another person on the line. The occasion was climax of the annual march of the 1823 Coalition for the Monument at Parade Ground last Sunday. After the march from the lower East Coast, there are the festivities and speeches at Parade Ground. The President of the 1823 Coalition, Penda Guyan, asked me to speak to the person on the phone.
The lady was hysterical. She described how the police picked up her son, Kunta Fraser for loitering and placed him in the cell at Sparendaam station and they chased her away when she went to make her inquiry. The Sparendaam police station’s name does not travel well these days. It was at that venue that a young man’s two hands were burnt while in custody. Two ranks have been charged. One is an Inspector. Since the matter is before the court, I will refrain from comments, but readers know how I feel.
The burnt victim was arrested for loitering and this lady on the phone was crying about the same offence. That was sufficient reason for us to go to the station. I took Tacuma Ogunseye, Troy Kellman, Vice-President of the 1823 Coalition and Dennis Atwell of the AFC with me. As we were driving out of the Parade Ground, Chris Ram was driving in. He agreed to accompany us. You would think that after the burning incident, the personnel at the Sparendaam station would be more accommodating. But it was
police attitude as usual. The young man’s mother only gained entrance to the station because we were there. She told me they chased her out. One of the arresting officers told me he couldn’t speak to me because he had toothache. But the mother said he was abusive to her in a nasty manner, so the toothache was no deterrent. We failed to secure bail, with the Lance Corporal who was presiding at the time, informing us that only higher authorities could sanction bail. But Chris Ram showed me the law book that contradicts that. Under the law, an Officer in Charge of a station has the authority to grant bail outside of serious offences. In this case, there was some confusion. One rank told me Fraser was found with an ice-pick. Another rank said it was a screw driver. The mother pointed to another rank who told her that they found no object on him. She said so in front of the group of policemen who arrested Fraser. A screw driver is a tool that one ought to have at all times because as you read further you will see how a screw driver became
important to us as the afternoon wore on. Ram went his way, and the rest of us proceeded to the funeral of WPA stalwart Ronald Todd, one of the finest African young men to come out of the struggle of the WPA in the seventies and eighties. The mother insisted that we come with her to Plaisance where her son was arrested so we could verify what actually happened. Residents told us the patrol was making their rounds in Plaisance when they stopped Fraser, put him in the tray of the pick-up and took his knapsack with them. All the people we spoke to said Fraser was walking on the street when the police randomly pulled up and arrested him. This is a horrible abuse of citizens’ rights. The police could have put any object in that bag and said they found it on Fraser. Plaisance residents related some nightmarish stories about the Sparendaam patrols. They said the operations have two features. Money is demanded of the mothers of the incarcerated young men to have them released. Secondly, in some instances if the mother is
Frederick Kissoon attractive, sex is solicited from her to get her son out of the cell. While we were going to the station, we saw a heartbreaking incident. These things make you livid. A young lady was begging the same policemen like a slave to release her motorcycle. They picked up her relative with the bike and accused him of stealing it. She brought all her documents verifying her ownership, but they would not listen to her. Finally driving to the funeral, my left back window fell and could not be wound up. Tacuma Ogunseye, Dennis Atwell and Troy Kellman all claimed that to fix it was a piece of cake, but we needed a screw driver. Keep a screw driver on you at all times.
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Govt. approves loans Efforts ongoing to fix electricity for hiked UG tuition fees problem at Port Kaituma
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- disbursements will not cover Facilities Fee Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana would only say “once everything is approved we will be happy” when informed of a statement from the Ministry of Finance that the way has been cleared for the disbursement of student loans. Just last week the Vice Chancellor was hurling threats to shut down the University if the Government support to students to meet their tuition fee needs were not forthcoming by the start of the academic year. This course of action was being contemplated in light of the University’s cash-strapped state and the fact that it’s administration was unable to ascertain whether the Ministry of Finance’s Student Loan Agency would have been granting loans to students to meet a hiked tuition fee. A statement issued by the Finance Ministry yesterday quoted the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh as saying, that Government will be providing the needed support to University students. The loans issue was one that was gaining the attention of Cabinet, and Minister Singh in the statement explained that “Cabinet concluded its deliberations on the matter yesterday (Tuesday) having examined it exhaustively.” He made it clear that the decision to grant the student loans factored in an increase of the tuition fees which were recently announced by the University. The University last month announced an increase in its tuition fee from $127,000, which will
see new students having to p a y f r o m t h i s y e a r, $160,000, while the continuing students will be required to pay $130,000. The hike in the fee is however, not across the board since there are some programmes, particularly those in Health Sciences that have retained their fees. However, all students will be required to pay an additional $50,000 Facilities Fee which has replaced various miscellaneous fees. But according to the Finance Minister, the loans that will be afforded to students will not cater to the Facilities Fee. “As before the loans granted to finance tuition fees, will not include the Facilities Fee which has historically been paid by students outside of the student loan arrangement,” Dr. Singh asserted. According to him too, already the necessary directives have been issued for the Student Loan Agency to commence processing loan applications immediately for the coming academic year. The Finance Minister has also intimated that the decision by Government to grant the increased student loans was made as a result of Government’s commitment to ensure that no Guyanese student is denied access to a University education because of affordability. Further, the Minister expressed optimism that with the increased revenue, the University is poised to
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh earn the necessary changes that will be made to ensure better effectiveness in its operation. “The University needs to make a more concerted effort to streamline its operations to ensure value for money, more prudent management, and a sustained higher quality of teaching and research output,” stressed the Finance Minister. Meanwhile, Minister Singh indicated that Cabinet has expressed its continuing concern about the poor rate of repayment of loans previously granted. He is t h e r e f o r e u rg i n g t h a t defaulters opt to increasingly embrace voluntary compliance, even as Government considers options for strengthening enforcement to raise repayment rates. The ideal option, Minister Singh noted “would be for persons to act responsibly and repay previous loans they were granted voluntarily without any stringent enforcement measures having to be applied.”
he shortage of electricity at Port Kaituma in Region One has been as a result of various mechanical problems. H o w e v e r, o f f i c i a l s attached to the Hinterland Electrification System have said that efforts are underway to rectify the situation. Yesterday, frustrated residents reported that the constant power outages have taken its toll on the community; especially those who operate businesses in the area. One Port Kaituma businessman reported that the electricity problem has gone “from bad to worse.” He explained that a mechanical problem at the Port Kaituma Power & Light (PKPL) station, has once again resulted in a lack of electricity for more than two days. The resident said that while some persons may have the “luxury of owning a generator,” most residents still have to pay for the service provided by PKPL. “If it is not the big generator it’s the small one. The people of Port Kaituma have had it with the constant blackouts, especially the business people because we have perishables in our r e f r i g e r a t o r s … We a r e paying for a service and we can’t understand why it is not efficient,” the businessman lamented. Within recent months, residents have experienced long power outages due to lack of fuel or mechanical problems associated with the power system responsible for the generation of electricity throughout the community. Last July, residents reported that the PKPL had acquired a new generator but
The Generator system at Port Kaituma the system encountered several mechanical problems, in addition to issues with fuel. It was also explained that there are two other generators, the 628 KVA and 500 KVA, which are under constant repairs owing to the lack of suitable parts. As such, a new engine had been purchased but residents claimed that it was burning excessive fuel. This, residents say, was due to a problem with the fuel injector of the generator. Kaieteur News understands that despite the complaints to authorities, the situation has escalated. “Sometimes we go for two to three days without power. We want to know what is happening. When will this problem end? They need to call a community meeting and tell us what is going on,” one resident lamented. When contacted,
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, (HEP) Horace Williams explained that the root cause of the mechanical problem is the fuel used. Williams said that HEP has since secured a new fuel filtration system for Port Kaituma and it is expected to arrive within the next two weeks. “The quality of fuel that is used to generate power is not necessarily the best. Therefore, it would take an adequate filter to have the station up and running again,” he said. Williams explained that they have resorted to the “next best thing” which is; purchasing a new filtration system as well as a protection system for the generator. The CEO noted that the electrification committee is cognizant of its responsibility to the residents of the area, hence efforts are ongoing to rectify the problem.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Unqualified persons allegedly functioning as pharmacist at Port Kaituma Hospital - APNU’s Shadow Health Minister calls situation “a scandal” T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organisation (WHO) has long underscored that pharmacists have a crucial role in quality assurance and the safe and effective administration of drugs. Moreover, the role of a pharmacist in any health care system has been recognised as especially crucial. However, adhering to this WHO recommendation may not always be something that all health sectors of the world can fully embrace. In fact, such a development is reportedly occurring right here in Guyana. Based on reports coming out of Port Kaituma, Barima/Waini, Region One, there has been no pharmacist at the Port Kaituma Community Hospital for a protracted period and some residents are becoming increasingly concerned about this state of affairs. It was only recently that residents of the Region had expressed concern to this publication that they had received expired drugs from the very health facility. While the dispensing of expired drugs is certainly not recommended, Chief
APNU’s Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton
The Port Kaituma Hospital M e d i c a l O f f i c e r, D r. Shamdeo Persaud, had told this publication some time ago, that the expiration of pharmaceuticals is a development that can be rarely prevented. In fact, he alluded even then to the fact that the situation is not one that is deemed worrisome since WHO has accepted the possibility of such occurrences, albeit in as
small as possible quantities. But some residents of Port Kaituma are nonetheless convinced that they are being neglected since from all indications, no moves are being made to address the absence of a pharmacist to efficiently dispense pharmaceuticals to them. This publication was yesterday informed that in the absence of a pharmacist,
a nurse has been assisting the dispensing process. However, other reports coming out of the Region suggest that unqualified persons are also involved in the process. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h i s publication was reliably informed by the residents that in recent weeks there have been no senior health care worker(s) supervising the dispensing of medication to persons visiting the health
facility. In fact, there are reports that members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been asked to volunteer their services at the hospital’s pharmacy. Reports are that the CSOs are among a group of persons who are paid stipends to undertake health related duties in the Region as the need arises. “These people are dressed in scrubs (medical practitioners attire) performing duties of which
they are entirely unqualified to do,” one senior health official told this publication. Although this publication was not able to confirm this development with officials of the Ministry of Health, word of the existing state of affairs has reached to A Partnership for National Unity’s Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton. Dr. Norton in an invited comment voiced his concern that such a situation could be allowed to happen. He has insisted too that such practices could have disastrous outcomes. “We j u s t c a n ’t a l l o w t h a t (dispensing of drugs) to fall into the hands of unqualified persons...that is nothing less than a scandal that should never be allowed to happen,” added an evidently concerned Dr. Norton.
Brother of former murder accused implicated Vlissengen Road shooting…
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olice have detained the brother of a onetime murder accused in connection with Monday’s brazen killing of dredge owner Ashook Ragghu. Kaieteur News was told that the suspect was nabbed after the police received footage from surveillance cameras. This newspaper understands that the suspect is most likely to be charged within the week. Kaieteur News was told that the suspect’s brother was charged with the 2004 murder of a Norton Street businessman. In 2009 he was also charged with the abduction of a 13-year-old girl with intent to secretly confine her. Kaieteur News understands that the two bandits, who rode a CG motorcycle, were not wearing helmets at the time, and a police source said surveillance cameras, located nearby, gave investigators “very good” images of the suspects. A brief police release issued on Tuesday stated that “a suspect in the robbery/murder of businessman Ashook Ragghu which occurred yesterday on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, has been arrested. He is in police custody assisting with the investigations.” Ragghu, of Pike Street, Campbellville, was shot in the chest, while his wife, Shyrazadi Ragghu, was shot in the right thigh, at around 14:40 hrs on Monday, after two
gunmen on a motorcycle cornered them at the Vlissengen Road and Regent Street traffic light. The robbers escaped with a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash and the slain man’s licensed handgun. Mr. Ragghu has a gold mining operation at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni, and the family recently moved from Berbice to Georgetown. According to reports, Ragghu had picked up his wife from a city bank and the gunmen, who were apparently trailing the couple, made their move when the victims, heading south along Vlissengen Road, were forced to stop at the traffic light near the Botanical Gardens. Kaieteur News understands that the gunmen rode up to the couple’s Toyota Carina, PGG 8291, and tried to relieve the businessman of his money. The dredge owner reportedly decided to fight back and the gunmen shot him. Reports indicate that Mr. Ragghu was unable to get to his firearm since the weapon was in the same money-bag. Eyewitnesses recalled seeing Mrs. Ragghu screaming in the car with her husband slumped in the driver’s seat. Kaieteur News understands that a passing taxi driver took the couple to the GPHC where doctors pronounced Ragghu dead. His wife remains hospitalized.
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Students’ wages expectation in Diamond mining pursued as the workforce are unrealistic gold price remains unstable - NWG Coordinator
A troubling phenomenon that could potentially impact the labour force and by extension the society, is the fact that there are many students who are training for careers that will merely afford them a fraction of the wage they anticipate. This assertion was on Tuesday made by Project Coordinator of the National Working Group (NWG), Mr. Randolph Williams, during a seminar at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development, Kingston, Georgetown. “Sometimes you have students going into fields and when you ask them how much do you expect to earn from this occupation, you find that their expectation of a wage is far greater than the occupation that they are training for,” said Williams as he offered his input into a discussion that was mainly focused on Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET). According to Williams, the view of the NWG is that if there is a more efficient labour market in place, it will undoubtedly guard against the inefficiency of the allocation of skills. And this, he believes, will help to meet the demand and supply of the market whereby the rate of unemployment is likely to decline; as people will be in a better position to acquire information on what jobs are available. With people better au fait with the available vacancies they will be able to appropriately qualify themselves, Williams noted. Moreover, he lauded the collaborated move by the TVET Council and the Ministry of Labour, with financial and technical support from the InterAmerican Development Bank, to conduct an informative Labour Market Survey. “We see this survey as being a part of that initiative to get information out to those people who are planning their careers, so that they can train and equip themselves to enter the labour force and especially to deal with the wage rates,” Williams noted. He therefore noted that it is not only important to be aware of the skills that are in short supply but also it is imperative to know their actual worth. In order to remain aware of the state of the labour market, Williams said that efforts must be made to ensure that Labour Market
Surveys are conducted on a regular basis. And this should not be a major challenge, the NWG Representative said as he alluded to the Ministry’s of Education Statistical Digest. “I see no reason why we cannot have a Labour Market Survey done every year...we can do it the same way using Government resources, and the benefits of doing this are enormous,” he categorically added. Primary among the benefits, he noted, will be the reduction of wasted resources used to facilitate training for areas that are not even needed on the labour market. “That reduction of wasted resources we can plug into other areas so that we can realise more efficiency,” Williams continued. But in commenting on the survey that was recently completed, he expressed concern that among the requirements that a great number of employers are seeking is that of prior experience. “I don’t know how our youths are going to get training if our firms do not make provision for on the job training,” said Williams as he turned his attention to the issue of migration. The migration factor, he pointed out, is in fact one that has been plaguing the labour market. “Our more experienced people, after they have been trained in our technical institutes, they leave and that is an enormous
D
Randolph Williams loss to the system...So I would expect that our firms will have a very significant gap in the amount of skilled and experience personnel that they desire,” observed Williams. In speaking to the need for more private sector involvement in helping to craft a suitable labour market, Williams shared his conviction that “perhaps we have to do a great deal of advocacy to get our private firms to subscribe to this...They feel that it is a cost but it is really an investment in the productivity of the firm and its programmes.” The NWG is a private/ public partnership initiative designed to encourage private sector input to accelerate the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals. Moreover, a primary aim of the NWG is to help enhance access to key factors such as financing, skills training and poverty reduction through job creation and provision of basic services.
i a m o n d production on the local market is increasing as the price of gold remains unstable on the world market. There is a possibility that this year’s diamond production could surpass the projected target of 60,000 karats. This is according to Derrick Babb, Manager of Mines of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) during a recent interview with this publication. From observation, whenever the price of gold is low, miners tend to move towards diamond mining, he related. Babb pointed out that a few years ago when gold price was high on the international market numerous diamond miners ventured into gold mining. This had resulted in a decline in diamond production. For instance, during the first half of 2010, gold production had recorded an increase of 8.1 percent. However, the surge in gold production came at the expense of diamond production. In fact, there was a physical migration of mining activities from diamonds to gold, resulting in a 59.5 percent decline in declaration of diamonds for that period. But, with the present dip in the price of gold on the world market, miners have returned to diamond mining. Babb stated that at the end of July last, diamond
miners declared 38,504 karats, while for the same period in 2013; diamond miners had declared 37,000 karats. The projected target for 2013 was 40,000 karats. The total declaration for that year was 55,928 karats. According to Patrick Harding, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association, diamond is predominantly mined in the Upper Mazaruni area. Even though, diamond is more difficult to mine than gold, miners have returned to diamond mining owing to the low gold price. He explained that there is a greater financial risk involved in mining diamonds since these precious stones are found in pockets while gold is scattered over a greater area. He related that miners are required to declare their production since Guyana is part of the Kimberly Processing Certificate Scheme. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is the process established in 2003 to
prevent “conflict diamonds” from entering the mainstream rough diamond market by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 following recommendations in the Fowler Report. The process was set up “to ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments. Harding said that miners have to fill out a work sheet that shows where the diamond is from as well as the owner and district, to prevent illegal diamonds from entering the market.
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Kaieteur News
Programme unveiled for Amerindian Heritage Month celebration
Miner fined $25,000 for punching wife A 37-year-old miner who returned home intoxicated and cuffed his wife about her body during an argument was fined $25,000 when he appeared in court yesterday. Franklin Dover of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a Common Assault charge. Dover admitted that on August 18, at the couple’s residence, he unlawfully assaulted Nodafa Melville. P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Corporal Simone Payne, explained that on the day in question, Melville was at home chatting with some friends when a drunken Dover came in. The court heard that the c o u p l e h a d a misunderstanding and Dover cuffed the woman about her body. She ran out of the house and went to the
Grove Police Station where she reported the matter. The man was arrested and charged. Following his plea, Dover said “I did that ‘cause we had a li’l argument. It doesn’t happen often.” The Magistrate further questioned whether it was a common occurrence, and both parties said that it was the first time. During mitigation, Dover said “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I have two children to look after.” The Magistrate informed him, however, that Melville was the person he needed to apologise to. The miner turned to his spouse and said “Ah sorry ‘bout that right?” The Magistrate asked Melville whether she accepted the apology and she responded “Yeah.” As she returned her verdict, Magistrate Azore said “This type of behaviour
Thursday August 21, 2014
Guilty: Franklin Dover is not condoned by the courts. Domestic Violence seems to be increasing… This is not the way you behave around young children. This is not the way you should treat the mother of your children. The best thing you could do for your children is to never treat her the way you did”. She considered that Dover seemed remorseful. Commenting on the fact that this was the first time a disagreement between the two had escalated to that extent, Magistrate Azore warned “Let it be the first and the last time this happens.” Dover was ordered to pay the fine and informed that he would spend the next two months behind bars if he failed to do so. He was also placed on a one-year bond to keep the peace with a default of six months imprisonment.
U
nder the theme “Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development” Amerindian Heritage Month will commence with an interfaith service at the Umana Yana, Kingston on 31st, August. The Amerindian Affairs Ministry yesterday unveiled the calendar of events for this year ’s annual Heritage Month celebrations which features a range of activities to reflect the life of Guyana’s first
people. The programme will include several cultural items from the nine Amerindian tribes of Guyana and President Donald Ramotar is expected to deliver the feature address while Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai will give brief remarks. Organizers expect in excess of 500 persons to be in attendance. Tickets will be sold at the gate and will cost $200 each. List of activities for Amerindian Heritage Month: (See table above)
Car wash attendants accused of stealing from customer Two car wash attendants charged for stealing cash from a customer’s car were placed on $15,000 bail each when they appeared in court yesterday. Rondell Constantali, 19, of Lot 22 William Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, and Andrew Vellon, 21, also of Albouystown, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo
Azore yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to respond to a charge of Simple Larceny. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that Sunday, last (August 17) at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, they stole $25,000 from Dennis Adams’ car. Vellon and Constantali
were represented by Attorney at Law, Paul Funga-Fat, who explained that they were employed at Ravi’s Car wash. He said though his clients worked with others, they were the ones accused of taking the cash from Adams’ car. The lawyer requested reasonable bail for his clients. His application was met with no objections from Police Prosecutor, Corporal Aduni Innis, thus bail was granted. The case is set to be called again before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on October 8.
Thursday August 21, 2014
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Kaieteur News
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LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported Land near Bartica Essequibo River Front to Potaro Road – Contact Mark Hack: 6031266 or 704-465-2222 Land of Canaan, 21 Acres, Transported land from Public Road to conservancies - $60M. Vish Realty: 612-7377 Parfaite Harmonie (100ftX50ft) Diary Bridge) $2.2M $1M – Tel: 675-7292 At Eccles Housing Scheme – price $6.5M – negotiable – Call: 616-6000
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PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 – 2storey wooden & Concrete house with 5 bedrooms upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $34M – Tel:642-7898 Property @ Good Hope E.C.D – Tel: 621-1722 One 2 bedroom house for sale, Cornelia Ida, W.C.D – Tel:233-2456, 601-6952 Two storey concrete house (26X45 ft), 4 bedrooms, 3 washrooms, grilled with electronic security @ Granville Park, Beterverwagting - Tel: 6726169 Property on double lot at 100 Side Line Dam, Sister’s Village, W.B.D – Tel: 6806136 Wooden and concrete house in excellent condition on double Lot in D’Aguiar’s Park – Call: 686-1368.
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, 6626045 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 DaSilva’s Welding & Fabricating specializes in: Grills, Gates, Pontoon, Lavador etc. Best prince in town- Call: 647-6880/ 2191680 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,6472943 For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine – Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
WANTED 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 Experienced Roti/Puri cooks, curry cooks, counter servers, cleaners. Apply @ Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. 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 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.jobfairworldwide.com, free training available One live in Driver/ Mechanic, good accommodation and rates – Tel:227-1830 One general domestic to work in Eccles, East Bank Demerara From 8am to 4pm, serious enquiries Contact: 233-3925; 687-2180 Earn Extra cash! Models needed for TV Commercial and print advertisements – Call: 603-6823 Salesgirls apply in person at Forever Young Collection, 12 Wellington Street opposite Gizmos & Gadgets Salesperson, male & female – Contact: 227-1042 One experienced babysitter, Female between 20-35 years old must be residing on EBD Contact Vashti on 233-5927 / 693-2565
VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 669-4755/ 695-9880 Male Security to work in Coverden East Bank Demerara, apply to Alabama Trading Ferry Stelling Stabroek. 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 night dispatcher with over three years experienced to work with taxi service – Tel:663-7962 or 622-0722 One shop attendant – Call: 625-5322 FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A CANTER DRIVER, POLICE CLEARANCE WILL BE REQUIRED IF HIRED – CALL: 231-8344, 223-1034, 223-1035 One night security, apply in writing with a valid Police Clearance to GCC Ground, Bourda. Sales representatives in G/ Town to sell Groceries & beverages. Send application to Maya @ Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street.
EDUCATION IAE (Secondary Educational) 194 Camp Street, register for Forms 15, Lessons, CXC Adult Classes for repeaters & beginners – Tel:223-0604; 683-5742 Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology or nail s alone – Call: 226-5904, 2255360,687-7566
TO LET
DRESSMAKING
Special Comfortable space for salon – Contact: 227-3626 (price negotiable)
Jean offers courses in Dressmaking, curtains, floral arrangements, cake decoration @ 153 Barr St Kitty – Tel:670-2653, 6181706
Business place in Newtown, Kitty – Call: 689-4143
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered Premio, Noah, Spacio – PRR 738 – Tel: 6970297 2006 Premio - $2.6M, 2003 Spacio - $2.1M, New Model 212 - $1.9M, All Vehicles are fully loaded & unregistered – Tel: 6427295 Special sale on new model Spacio, with camera, TV, DVD, Spoiler, unregistered $2.1M – Tel: 617-2891 To y o t a Vo x y - $ 1 . 8 M , Toyota Premio - $2.3M, Toyota Spacio $2.1M, all vehicle are fully loaded – Tel: 617-2891 Fielder Wagon, PNN Series, in excellent condition – Tel:646-8748 One Honda CRV PHH Series, price- $1.2M negotiable – Contact: 602-1499 Toyota Noah and Voxy (unregistered) - $1.9M – Tel: 603-9700 Unregistered new Model Raum. Milage 78,000KM, selling price: $2M – Tel: 6704190. Toyota AT212, AT192, AT170, AE110, Corolla, NZE, Fun cargo, Raum, Hilux Pickup Vigo, EP71- starlet – Tel:6445096, 697-1453 Unregistered Spacio 2003, TV, Navigator, dark interior, rims, rear spoiler, fog lamp – Tel: 617-5536 Solid Diff Toyota Hilux Gasoline & Diesel Pickups, recently arrived, unregistered, in excellent condition – Tel: 691-2077 Toyota RAV 4 PKK Series, lady driven, good offer – Call: 609-8425 Unregistered: 2003 Premio $2.450M Neg, 2004 Spacio $2.150M, 2002 Spacio - $2.150 Neg. Tel: 616-3001, 270-5042 On 1RZ Minibus BNN series - $1.550M, negotiable, manual transmission – Contact: 628-0481 One RZ, 14 seats, A/C, fully powered, BSS series, never worked on the road - $2.6M – Tel:222-4272 , 628-8667 212 New model, Fielder Wagon, F150 Ford – Tel: 624-5632
MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses, new attendant Candy, four hands massages, drinks available – Tel: 657-5979
One Bedford 4x4 Hiab Truck $3.8M, One Toyota Hilux Solid Axle - $2.4M – Tel: 6671833 Toyota Hilux Surf, RZN-185, 4x4, Automatic, Excellent Condition – Tel: 617-0544
Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! – 668-4554
One Leyland DAF 4x4 Winch bush truck - $3.2M, price negotiable – Call: 667-1833
ACCOMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments and car rental, furnished & air conditioned apartments for local & overseas guest – Tel: 668-0306, 218-1400, 694-7817
NOTICE Icille Rudder the owner of minibus # BKK 9256, of 86 Wellington St Den Amstel is ask to contact: 623-1615 Continued on page 24
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
The Economics of Thievery… I want my money back! From page 23
TO LET House to rent – Tel:660-1085, 655-3210 2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment @ 8th Street Cummings Lodge, preferably a couple without children/ single person: Call Ricky: 676-5720, 669-6862 Business space @ Middleton Street – Call: 6500716
DEAR EDITOR, Philip Bynoe’s conduct at the recent press conference held at the Guyana Forestry Commission deserves public condemnation. It should be explained to him that his conduct is the type Guyana could do without as we strive to transform our political landscape into one dominated by dialogue and civilized conflict resolution. A few readers of my last letter (KN Aug 17; SN Aug 18) may be surprised at the manner in which I summarily dispensed with Finance Minister’s Half Year economic report for 2014. My analyses of Guyana’s economic performance and its management have been captured in my letters to the press dating back to September of last year. To summarize them all, the PPP’s management of Guyana’s economic framework has crossed the line where the rule of law is the guiding principle. Its decision-making is guided by the principle of the preservation of its authority and the systematic branding
of our psyche with its propaganda, the latter intent on obliterating the truth regarding its ultimate objective of pilfering and stealing Guyana’s resources, taxes and otherwise, through its various methods. It is irrelevant to produce any ‘sound’ economic analysis of its ‘numbers’, since the economics practiced by this government is the economics of thievery. To do otherwise is to lend credibility to government’s activities, to void it of its white collar criminality, to deny and mislead the public, to say it is okay for the government to waste, misappropriate and steal our money and natural resources through its deliberate mismanagement of the issuance of Government contracts, its underhanded approval of investments across Guyana’s economics sectors, and the abuse of its economic might to stifle the free press. In fact, the highlighting of all aspects of corruption, mismanagement, and abuses of government authority and
office is the soundest and most accurate evaluation necessary for addressing deficiencies in economic management. And in this, by my own biased estimate, I have been unfailing, and will be. Because the PPP intends to cuckold Guyana throughout its (the PPP’s) entire existence, so that the Opposition’s supporters, currently the majority of Guyanese, will always be marginalized in this, and their generations to come. Our future is in our hands. I wish to express my sore dissatisfaction with the actions of the Minister of Finance Singh and his Ministry, which have facilitated the outright loss of roughly $4.5 billion of our money. Guyanese have sacrificed a lot to pay our taxes, and through the Opposition, we disapproved of this spending in the first place. I would like to go on record as saying that I want my money back. The Minister can be released from his duties if the consensus so rules, but I want my money back. Craig Sylvester
All Bai Shan Lin produce should be declared illegal DEAR EDITOR, I am familiar with the logging regime as administered by the GFC. I was once a small logger in the Upper Demerara area where I worked a State Forest Permission as well as my own private holdings which were contiguous. The GFC code of practice speaks to reduced impact logging, where foresters are bound by strict felling and culling regulations. If I remember well, it is four specified trees per
hectare. From what I have seen in your recent pictures, Bai Shan Lin seems to be clear felling, a practice that was once the norm in Brazil and a few other places. To my mind this is contrary to international agreements which were signed a short while ago by the government. Perhaps we should be notifying the Forestry Stewardship Council in Scotland. All Bai Shan Lin produce should be declared illegal. My greater concern is, however, the wanton and malicious burning of culled logs of various exotic species, allegedly by the company in focus. You are aware, Editor, that if one maliciously burns down his dwelling he is liable
to be charged before the courts with arson, whether his actions were for gain or otherwise. This foreign company owes our indigenous people vast sums of cash for work already done. They could have handed over the logs to the Toshaos in the various districts so that same could have been sold and sums thus realized used to compensate these hard working people. We need to press for the indictment of the officers and operatives of the company who were involved in this despicable act. Whoever brought in this company must be sent a signal message that enough is enough. Cyril Walker
Toy gun robber jailed A vendor, who staged two armed robberies early yesterday morning with a toy gun, has been jailed for twelve months. Merely hours after making off with cash and a cellular phone from two victims, John Martin, 48, of Leopold Street, Georgetown, appeared b e f o r e Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery under arms. The court heard that around 05:00 hours yesterday, Monique Vossey was in a Route 45 minibus on Main Street, Georgetown, with some friends, when Martin approached her. He pulled a black handgun, pointed it at her demanding she hand over her valuables. He took her cellular phone and escaped. Half an hour after that incident he struck again. This time on Water Street, Martin cornered Miguel Sammy and relieved him of $6,400 cash. He tried to run away but alert security guards who were in the area nabbed him. Martin was handed over to the police who found a toy
Guilty: John Martin gun, the stolen cash and cellular phone on him. He was charged and taken before the court. The case was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Aduni Innis. During sentencing, the Magistrate considered that Martin pleaded guilty and saved the court’s time, as well as the fact that a toy gun was used to commit the offences. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment on each charge. The jail terms will run consecutively.
Two years jail for man who chopped acquaintance A self-employed man was jailed yesterday for chopping an acquaintance to the head during a confrontation in April, last. Ceon Lewis, 33, of Holmes Street, South Cummingsburg, had chopped Sherman Munroe in the middle of his head with a cutlass during a heated confrontation in the streets. Lewis, whose case was tried before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, was jailed for two years. The incident occurred on April 22, last at Holmes Street. Both men reside on the same street and they have known each other for the past ten years. They were “not on speaking terms” when the incident occurred.
The court heard that around 06:00 hours that day, 33-year-old Munroe was walking along Holmes Street when he and Lewis had a confrontation that stemmed from previous grievances. During the dispute, Lewis reportedly armed himself with a cutlass and dealt Munroe a chop to his head. Munroe, who bled profusely, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated. The matter was reported and subsequent investigations led to Lewis being arrested and charged for Unlawful Wounding. Two days later, Lewis was taken before the court and he pleaded not guilty. A trial was later conducted before Magistrate ChandanEdmond. During the trial, the Prosecution spearheaded by Lance Corporal Jomo Nichols had called upon several witnesses to testify and Magistrate ChandanEdmond, who returned the verdict yesterday, found him guilty. During mitigation, Lewis, a first-time offender, apologised for his actions and told the court that he has minor children. The Police Prosecutor, in his response, asked the court to consider the severe injuries Munroe had sustained and impose a custodial sentence. The city Magistrate then sentenced Lewis.
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
St Vincent opposition ‘not comfortable’ with government loan to repay NIS funds KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – The St. Vincent and the Grenadines parliament late Tuesday night approved a resolution allowing for the government to raise an EC$15 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) loan from the National Insurance Fund to liquidate outstanding contributions owed to it by the government. But the measure did not receive the support of the opposition legislators with Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace saying that while he understood the government’s proposal, he was not comfortable with it. Eustace said he had information suggesting that the government in fact owed the National Insurance Services (NIS) an estimated EC$23 million and that the government has not paid NIS contributions since April 2013. “So, here you have the public servants having had the money deducted from their salaries, but government is spending that money without giving it to the NIS, and so it has been also with government’s contribution. So the full contribution was not paid over, as it should have been. “So, any effort you make right now to make that right is going to require that amount being paid by the government and the government gets its money from taxpayers, who are the same people who you deducted the money from in the first case from their
Arnhim Eustace salaries. You are asking them to play twice,” Eustace said. In presenting the resolution, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves sought to assure public workers that their benefits were not at risk. “ N o b o d y ’s NIS benefits, no individual’s benefits, are in jeopardy. Anybody who works with the government. None! And I think that point has to be made over and over again. What we are involved in here is the management of an indebtedness, and to do so i n a m a n n e r which contributes, to the NIS’ own sustainability,” said Gonsalves, who has ministerial responsibility for the NIS. Gonsalves who is also Minister of Finance, noted that the NIS is governed by
the National Insurance Act, and offers a series of benefits for employees on the basis of contributions by employer and employees. He said the legislation provides for employees to receive benefits if it is proven that NIS deductions were made, even if they weren’t paid in to the NIS. In addition, Gonsalves said the government is the guarantor of the NIS. “In short, the government owes the NIS certain sums of money in respect of the contribution, and rather than have the matter remain as a debt, simpliciter, we have come here in this resolution to raise that sum of $15 million by the issue of Treasury notes, which would be an investment for the NIS to be paid on an on-going basis over a 10-year period at 4.5 per cent,” he said. Gonsalves said that since the December 2013 floods and landslides (which left EC$330 million or 17 per cent of GDP in loss and damage) his government has been very careful in making sure that it takes care of on-going obligations. The government should pay monthly to the NIS EC$1.7 million for workers’ contribution to the social security agency. But Gonsalves said that with declining revenue, the government first ensures that it satisfies the purchase of essential items like drugs for the hospital, and payment of state pensions.
IMF defends polices as Antiguan PM launches scathing attack Jamaica Gleaner - A senior official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) defended its policies towards Antigua and Barbuda after the island’s new government launched a scathing attack on the Washington-based financial institution. IMF Deputy Director of the Western Hemisphere Department Adrienne Cheasty was forced to abandon her prepared speech as she responded to remarks by Prime Minister Gaston Browne that the IMF was responsible for the economic situation now facing the island. She said that the IMF programme had helped avert a financial crisis in Antigua and Barbuda. Howevr, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, whose Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ALP) came to power in
the June 12 general election, said the programme failed to improve economic situation and is partly to blame for stagnating the economy. He said the IMF had
damaged the investment climate and slowed the inflow of foreign direct investment and that the lending agency had worsened the cash crisis that it was meant to solve.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Thursday August 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Everest to host Port Mourant, NY Blasters in T20 fixtures Everest Cricket Club will come alive tomorrow Rajesh Singh (Captain), Sahadeo Hardeo, when they host Port Mourant of Berbice and New York Blasters in two T20 matches as part of its 100th Anniversary celebrations. The first game which will commence at 09:00hrs will see the host’s first division team playing their counterparts from Port Mourant while the second match will feature Everest Masters against Blasters from 14:00hrs. Parika Defenders will face Speed XI in a softball game from 19:00 hrs while there will also be a three-team dominoes competition. The Everest Masters will come from
Basil Persaud, Sheik Mohamed, Hemraj Garbarran, Ravindranauth Seeram, Shaheed Mohamed, David Harper, Rakesh Gangaram, Rohan Sarjoo, Sudesh Persaud, Ronald Jaisingh, Johnny Azeez and Paul Parsram. N.Y. Blasters: Shameer Sadloo, Dereck Mc Donald, Robert Narine, Shivnan Ramjattan, Sudesh Dhaniram, Zaheer Saffie, Hafeez Ali, Everard Gonsalves , Parsaram Beepat, Hemendra Ramdihai, Saud Hossein, Amir Khan, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Sanjay Dhaniram and Moin Sadloo.
Thursday August 21, 2014 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Today, Aries, your ability to stand up for your decisions and not let others sway you may be enhanced. This will be especially strong if you've solved a problem. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): You may feel a need to get moving today, Taurus. Almost everyone at times prefers quiet activities, books, art, and even just sitting around to physical activity. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Gemini, you'll probably find that you have a ton of energy to put into all kinds of activities. Finish any work that still needs completion, consider doing some cleaning and organizing, or see about getting out for a little warm weather fun. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): This is an excellent day to express your natural creativity, Cancer. The arts will more than likely be very important to you. You may find that nothing brings you more pleasure on days like this. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): If you feel tired, Leo, you may need to close your eyes and listen to soothing music. You work hard most of the time, so do your body and mind some good and just relax and listen to your favorite music. Even a few minutes will make a difference. You can always use the quiet time to plan if you feel you need to accomplish something. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Today could bring some strong feelings, Virgo. This may not be new, as you generally have a tendency to feel things deeply. Finding a way to express this could sometimes be tough for you. While you're creative, it isn't always easy to find the right activity to get you going. Visit a bookstore and look for some appealing craft or art books.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Libra, consider that artistic expression can happen in many ways. It isn't always about drawing a picture, singing a song, playing music, or acting. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21): You may find that today brings great physical strength and energy, Scorpio. You may want to do some really challenging, physical work. This is the day for it, so why not go to it? Do some yard work or clean out closets, cupboards, drawers, and filing cabinets. *************************** SAGITTARIUS(NOV22-DEC 21):Get into doing things today, Sagittarius. Activities that require focus or creativity are supported. Your physical strength and energy will compel you to do something active. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Your active side may really show today, Capricorn. While you can be extremely focused on "thinking" work, you can also love keeping active and enjoy physical work.
*************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): If you've been feeling tired or sick lately, this will probably turn around for you today, Aquarius. Bouts of moodiness can be a real drain. Your emotional state has a pronounced effect on the way your body feels. Be sure to take care of your feelings as well as your body. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You'll probably be busy today, Pisces, and this may suit you just fine. This can really work in favor if you have some tasks to catch up on. Being energetic, active, and productive is natural for you. In fact, when you have to sit too long you probably feel restless or anxious. You may fidget, too.
Page 27
EBDCA/GRS 40-over tourney
Defending champion Serena Williams top seed for U.S. Open
Providence, Eccles record victories Providence and Eccles recorded victories when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA)/ Goodwood Racing Service (GRS) 40-over tournament commenced last weekend. On S a t u r d a y, Providence defeated Ruimveldt by 42 runs at Laluni. Providence batted first and were bowled out for 115 off 24.2 overs. Terrence De Chuna stroked 37 and Michael Reline made 18. Erick Sukrah claimed 4-9 and Ershad Ally 2-26. Ruimveldt were sent packing for 73 in 15.2 overs in reply, Sukrah was the only batsman that offered any resistance with 27; Rakish Seegoram snared 4-16 and Reline 2-26. On Sunday, Eccles overcame Uprising by 75 runs at the said venue. Eccles posted 172-7 batting first after the game was reduced to 25 overs due to rain. Ryan Shun slammed 49 and Sahadeo Hardeo cracked 40. Raymond Mitchell captured 3-28 and Navin Persaud 2-17. Uprising responded with 97-9 off 25 overs. Gary Ramnauth scored 21; T. Tyrell took 2-25.
New York Blasters... From page 30 pacers Jermaine Neblett and Roderick Lovell and Rohan Sarjoo, who played a single FirstClass match all represented East Bank when George played in the last 1980s and ‘90s, while Robert Narine, Surendra Heralall, Ramotar Bissoon were also George’s team mates for East Bank. Guyana First-Class leg-spinner Amir Khan and First Class lefthander Chanderpaul Hemraj who came with the NY Blasters were also among the players on Tuesday night. G e o rg e ’s brother Seymour, who resides in Jamaica, was also present at the game.
Serena Williams Reuters - World number one Serena Williams has been top-seeded for the U.S. Open where she will be seeking to win the women’s singles title for a third consecutive year, the United States Tennis Association announced yesterday. Williams has emerged triumphant five times in the year’s last grand slam tournament, clinching the crown in 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012 and 2013. Though the American has not progressed beyond the fourth round at a grand slam in 2014 mainly due to back trouble and a virus, she served notice she is back to her best by winning her fifth WTA title of the season in Cincinnati on Sunday. With her U.S. Open victory last year, Williams earned her 17th grand slam singles title, putting her sixth in the all-time list with only Steffi Graf (22), Chris Evert
(18) and Martina Navratilova (18) ahead of her in the professional era. Romania’s world number two Simona Halep, a surprise finalist at the French Open earlier this year, has been seeded second for the 2014 U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows with big-serving Czech Petra Kvitova, the Wimbledon champion, seeded third and Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska fourth. Reigning French Open champion Maria Sharapova of Russia, who won the 2006 U.S. Open, is seeded fifth. World number three Li Na of China, a semifinalist at Flushing Meadows last year, withdrew from the U.S. Open last month because of a knee injury. The U.S. Open draw will be conducted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center today before the tournament starts on Monday.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Letter to the Sports Editor
It’s more than politics that Dover was bypassed DEAR EDITOR, An article appearing in (S.N. 14.08.14) by Duncan Saul captioned “Dover says he was bypassed because of politics”. Editor, indeed it has attracted my attention, to the extent that as a layman with a vested interest towards envisaging. “One good day football in Guyana would be reflective of true and meaningful development, much to the satisfaction of all and sundry, that made immense contributions over years unrewarded”. However, with a change in the administration of the sport nationally in April, 2013 following the Elections of Office Bearers at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana Football Federation, definitely, I would have thought that nepotism and incompetence; would have been things of the past. And in the new dispensation of the sport, a fresh paradigm would have evolved! But rather it’s just “old wine in new skins”, with a step further “subservience to the president, aided by “talk name” as a guarantee for
elevation. This I say unapologetically and unreservedly, since publicly on more than one occasion the recently appointed senior national head coach, Denzil “Hunky Brains” Thompson said to me, in a pleading tone of voice. “Please leave Matthias alone, stop attacking him in the papers”. My spontaneous response entailed “Brains”, my mission is public edification and not character assassination, or personality clashes. I write how I see things and Matthias’ numerous publicity stunts in the papers, offer no solution for the sport’s well being and meaningful development! So, in actuality Thompson’s appointment as the head coach comes as no surprise, a justifiable reward for his allegiance to the GFF’s boss, in addition to his personal ambition over the years. Instinctively, I can recall in the early 90’s I had reason to duly inform Thompson that “his experience in the area of goalkeeping, as a former national goalkeeper would serve the sport well. Since
automatically he would be first choice as the national goalkeeper trainer/ instructor”. Editor, this of course would be unchallenged and undisputed. And with the rightful self-edification; attendance at international courses; along with coordinating local clinics, which had actually started during Troy Mendonca’s tenure as President, GFA, surely, this would have gone a far way for Brains to eventually become a certified and licensed CONCACAF Goalkeeping Instructor! But, empathically, no! Brother Thompson, in pursuit of his theological studies, to become a pastor, still had his eyes on becoming a national head coach. So desperate was he that also in the 90’s to my recollection the sport had its first taste of plagiarism compliments of him, while it repeated itself in 2013 at the behest of Matthias, in his campaign manifesto. Coincidentally, they both have something in common, since in both instances a FIFA document was used. The
latter was a purported developmental plan, encompassing the essential components of the game. Nevertheless, the former was more concise with excerpts extracted from a FIFA Futuro Coaching/Training Manual which was submitted to the then Guyana Football Association (GFA) unsigned but as a Thompson document. At the time I was the Secretary, Fruta Conquerors, with the coach being Deryck Whyte. And in unison we forewarned Klass, about circulating the document, which apart from being an element of dishonesty, was also in breach of the copyright laws by FIFA standards. In the end good sense prevailed. Finally, my heartiest congratulations to “Hunky Brains” for his achievement, despite the dubiousness, and it’s my sincere desire that his coaching certificate(s) from Brazil is submitted to the GFF f o r s c r u t i n y, w i t h n o excuses. Since the coaching institution still stands and even if it’s in Portuguese, I can arrange
for the translation. “Let the truth be revealed”. Meanwhile, did any Committee in conjunction with the Coaches Association, sit for deliberations ahead of the relevant appointments? What criteria were utilized? Was/Is certification a factor for appointments/selections? Is the capable hand that local football is now in remains retrograde that individuals, who never functioned meaningfully at the junior level automatically is appointed/selected to the seniors? With the group six (6) playoffs slated for St. Kitts & Nevis, from 3rd September7th September, 2014 involving the host, Dominica, St. Lucia and Guyana, the GFF selected an initial squad of 30 players. Twenty (20) alone emanate from the GFA, reflective of 60%; 5 from the WDFA; and 2 unattached and surprisingly not 1 each from the BFA and EBFA! I, shudder to accept that emphasis is being placed more on youth, rather than experience, or a blend of both!
But strangely with no association, apart from the EBFA, along with the GFF having any level of activity domestically, how well will the team fare with 2 weeks of preparation ahead of departure? Compounded by the fact that a lot of the GFA players, especially from Alpha United cannot command a place in the club’s starting XI! However, a timely reminder Wiggy, as the President, Coaches Association, the unanimous decision to support the “Vote of no Confidence: against the GFF President, automatically meant that your tenure as senior national head coach would have come to an (in) glorious end! So, are you surprised by the pronouncement? Moreover, with Matthias failing to honour his pre-electoral pledge of collaborating with the Coaches Association towards enhancing the level of certification and continued development. Should this august body now bear the brunt of Matthias’ pettiness? Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey.
Youth benefit from Hearts of Oak Rain forces postponement of GBBC battle of the contenders Annual Teach Them Young football camp Cricket fans were recently left aghast at the turn of events that caused Guyana’s 20/20 cricket team, ‘Amazon ‘Warriors’ to lose their Limacol CPL match against Barbados Tridents recently. Persistent rains eventually forced the organizers to resort to the Duckworth/Lewis method to decide the winner. Rain has since crossed the borders into Guyana and its persistence over the last few days has compromised the staging of the ‘Battle of the Contenders,’ initially scheduled for Saturday
August 30 at the Banks DIH Thirst Park venue. The organizers have said that since the Duckworth/Lewis system does not apply to this situation, they have been forced to reschedule the fights for September 13 at the same venue. The bouts remain the same and in the main attraction, Dereck Richmond will square off with Jamaican Contender champion, Sakima Mullings in an 8 rounds Jnr./Middleweight scrap. Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques will oppose Richard
Wi l l i a m s o n in a Bantamweight 6 rounder while Jamaican, Kamal Russell and Guyanese Winston Pompey will clash in a 6 rounds Middleweight bout. T&T based, Iwan Azore will also tangle with the dangerou s , D e x t e r Gonsalves, over 8 rounds in a Junior/Welterweight fight. The fighters have already signed their contracts and are engaged in stiff training for the bout. They have been advised to stay in the gym for the new date. Bell time remains at 20:00hrs sharp.
ACDA to host Dominoes tourney The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) will be hosting an Emancipation Dominoes tournament for teams from Mahaica to No. 5 village on August 24 at Menace Hang Out Bar, Calcutta Mahaicony from 13:00hrs. Entrance fee is $6,000 and at stake are trophies and medals donated by Keisha Gift Shop and ACDA. Meanwhile, Sophia A overcame Sophia B by four
runs when the ACDA held a day of sports recently at their headquarters at Thomas Lands. Sophia A batted first and posted 96-6 with Scoray Ramotar scoring 66. Sophia B were bowled out for 92 in reply. Trevor Edwards stroked 52; Shamar Granum captured 3-16. Sophia A were again in winners’ row when they defeated Sophia West 4-2 in a football match. The matches were sponsored by Paul’s Importer &
Distributor, Guyana Olympic Association, Keisha’s Gift Shop, Ministry of Home Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister, Sleepin Hotel, Region 4 NDC, Ken Phillips, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, David Granger, Carl Greenidge, New GPC Inc., Guyana Power and Light, Guyana Revenue Authority, Basil Williams, Joseph Harmon, Dem Trading, M. Beepat and Sons and P&P Insurance.
Both male and female participants are involved in the sessions. The 17th edition of the Annual Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club “Teach them Young” football holiday camp is continuing with both practical and theoretical sessions. The camp started on Monday 21th July and is being held at the Scot Church ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam and the nearby Prison Officers Sports Club and the All Saints Primary School. The programme is being held five days weekly from Mondays to Fridays from 09:00hrs -13:00hrs. The youngsters, which include both males and
females, are taught the finer points of the game along with developing their interpersonal skills and relationships. Over 70 youngsters ranging from ages five to 18 are participating. The practical sessions entails teaching the various ways in receiving, passing, shooting, dribbling, goalkeeping and throwing the football among other points. The are also being schooled in discipline, etiquette, good table manners and general education which will also include sessions on HIV and AIDS. Physical fitness is also an integral part of the sessions.
According to coordinator Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey the main aim of the programme is to have the youngsters better able to appreciate the rules and regulations of the game, improve their knowledge, skills and understanding general sportsmanship and have a better human relationship with others. They also have an opportunity to improve their discipline generally. Humphrey noted that they are enjoying themselves tremendously and a number of resource personnel have so far interacted and shared their expertise with the youngsters.
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Page 29
Preparation at fever pitch for Guyana Cup horserace meet The hustle and bustle is on as preparation reached fever pitch for the much anticipated Jumbo Jet Business establishment and Banks DIH multimillion dollar 8th annual Guyana Cup horserace spectacle and entertainment show which is slated for Sunday 24th August 2014 at the Port Mourant Turf Club. Jumbo Jet business enterprise along with a bevy
of sponsors including Beverage Giants Banks DIH is making sure that the ‘Sports of Kings’ takes centre stage on race day. Sprucing up work on the venue including the main grandstand, the track, paddock stables and officials’ viewing area have all been getting much need attention as the organizers leave no stone unturned for the day. With the kind of
One of the horses, Grande Roja, being attended to at the Jumbo Jet Stables.
Jamaica and Haiti Take All Three Points Jamaica and Haiti took all three points on Tuesday last when the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) i n a u g u r a l Wo m e n ’s Caribbean Cup final rounds started at the Ato Bolton Stadium, in Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica defeated Puerto Rico 4-1 while Haiti beat Bermuda 5-1. Jamaica was on the score sheet in the 3rd minute of the game from the penalty spot taken by Donnakay Henry, however, Laura Suarez levelled the score in the 25th minute for Puerto Rico Jamaica was not happy with that and in the 43th minute went 2-1 courtesy of a goal from Shakira Duncan who completed her double in the 47th minute to end the game 4-1.Haiti scored their first goal in the 8th minute when Marie Yves Dina Jean Pierre scored. Next was Lindsay Zullo in the 38th and Monocheka Pierre Louis in the 40th minute bringing the scores to 3-0 in the first half. During the second half
the Haitians were at it again trying desperately to break up the Bermudan defence line. This was a success in the 86th minute with a goal from Wisline Dolce, but two minutes later the game was 4-1 when Shuntae Todd scored for Bermuda in the 88th minute. Jenerve Charles put the icing on the cake when he scored for Haiti in the 89th minute ending the game 5-1 Games continued yesterday with Group B fielding its first set of game between Antigua & Barbuda and Martinique at 5:00pm and at 7:15 hosts Trinidad and Tobago takes on St Kitts and Nevis.
hype being created the event is expected to attract a record crowd this year. Nine races are carded for the day and over 100 of the c o u n t r y ’s b e s t h o r s e s including a number of new imports entered. The programme includes the C1 and lower race with a staggering $7.5M prize package up for the taking with the winner racing away with a lavish $4M and the
Guyana Cup trophy. The 3 year derby has a mouthwatering $2M and trophy for the winner. The Two year old West Indies Bred event has a staggering $1.5M and trophy up for the taking. he E class and lower contest will see the winner racing away with $800,000 and trophy, G1 and lower horses will battle for a pole position taking of $600,000 and trophy, a similar prize
the two year old Guyana bred horses will compete for. The H class champion gets to runaway with $450,000 and trophy. The ‘I’ class top runner goes home with $350,000 and trophy, while the top performer in the J class gallop will pocket $250,000 and trophy. Apart from the enthralling horseracing action expected, lots of added attractions for both
adults and kids will be part of the activity. Incentives will also be available for the top Jockey, the runner up, top stable and champion trainer. Free parking and programmes will also be available. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet)Jr Mohamed and he can be contacted on 232-0633 or Campton Sancho on 6900569. The show begins at 10:00 hrs.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Overseas based Guyanese former policeman assists his villagers A f o r m e r p oliceman, who now resides in Canada, has made some of his former colleagues and villagers proud. Bobby Kewlochand, formerly of Goed Bananen Land, East Canje, Berbice and a former member of the Guyana Police Force, is back home on holiday. T h e f o r m e r village cricketer who played for the Betsy Ground and the Goed Bananen Cricket Clubs made sure that he did not return empty handed. On Saturday he and his wife took the opportunity to hand over a number of sporting gear inclusive of cricket bats, balls, pads, other equipment and cash to the newly formed Betsy Ground / Goed Bananen Land Police Youth Club and the Betsy Ground Triple Star Cricket Club. Most of the gear was destined for the cricket club. M r . K e w l o c hand, who served the Police Force from 1995 to 2004 before migrating, took the opportunity to present a token of appreciation to Police ‘B’ Division, Youth and Scout Coordinator and
Bobby Kewlochand presents a token to Assistant Superintendent Nurse as Inspector Springer and other police officers, members of both the youth and cricket clubs and residents look on.
OC No.1 Sub Division Assistant Superintendent Guy Nurse who was
accompanied by Chief Inspector Gregory Springer officer with responsibility
for the East Canje District. B o t h o f f i c ers, N u r s e a n d S p r i n g e r,
expressed their appreciation to their former colleague and expressed the hope that it
will not be the last of his benevolence. (S. Whyte)
NAMILCO honours Boyce/Jefford New York Blasters remember Ottis George in T20 match Classic champion athletes
NAMILCO’s Managing Director, Bert Sukhai (second, right) spearheads presentations to Champion Athletes, Natasha Alde and Winston George while Coordinators of the meet, Colin Boyce (left) and Edison Jefford (right) share the moment. National Milling Company (NAMILCO) yesterday handed over cash prizes of $50,000 each to the Male and Female Champion Athletes from the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic V, Natasha Alder and Winston George respectively.
Managing Director at NaMilCo, Bert Sukhai spearheaded the presentations, stating that he heard the track and field meet was another success; he wished the organisers well and congratulated the athletes for their outstanding performances.
The memories of the late Ottis George, the former East Bank First-Division allrounder, were re-lived on Tuesday evening last at the Banks DIH ground at Thirst Park during a specially arranged T20 Memorial match between the touring USA based New York Blasters and a Banks DIH select team under-lights. A wet ground and soft pitch delayed the start of the game which only began when both Captains agreed to only bat at one end of the pitch with the game ending in a tie after both teams finished on 157. At the presentation Nalini Sadloo, Sadloo’s wife, presented Elizabeth George, the wife of the late Ottis George with the winner’s trophy while Sadloo presented a monetary donation to the George family on behalf of the NY Blasters team which will
NY Blasters Shameer Sadloo makes a donation to Elizabeth George after the match. play their final match on their tour on Friday when they take on host team Everest. Former Under-19 leftarm spinner Guyana Shameer Sadloo, who led the
NY Blasters and his fellow Guyana U-19 teammate Deryck McDonald both played with George for East Bank. Former Guyana (Continued on page 27)
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Page 31
Ginelle Ifill gets full US Milerock FC leads Group A in Basketball Scholarship Eagles U-16 football tourney By Edison Jefford Guyana’s women’s team participation at the 2014 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in the British Virgin Islands last month paid dividend for l o c a l l y - b a s e d p l a y e r, Ginelle Ifill, who has secured a full basketball scholarship. The fundamentally sound Ifill was scouted at CBC and will leave Guyana next week for a full scholarship at Odessa College in Texas, United States of America. The 19year-old 6’3" player has been at the helm of local female basketball for some time. Contacted yesterday after confirmation that the player is all set to leave Guyana next week, the top athlete said that she is excited that all her hard work, discipline and commitment to the sport has finally paid off, and as a result, the sky is the limit.
“I am excited and I really appreciate this very much because it shows that once you’re discipline you can achieve your dreams,” Ifill believes, adding that she was not 100 percent sure that there would have been this result, following the CBC experience. She informed that scouts had spoken to her about the scholarship, but she was hesitant to commit owed to doubt. However, Ifill said she overcame such thoughts when she was contacted with the information that Odessa College wants her in their programme. Asked about her future now that she is on path to become one of Guyana’s most celebrated female athletes, Ifill said that she plans to get her College degree while remaining in line to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) League. “My plan is to play in the WNBA after College. I have
to go to school and keep my grades up. I would just like to thank everyone for their support,” she said. Ifill attended Tutorial High School and resides in Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara – a village that has also produced Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite and Guyana’s most renowned musician, Eddy Grant. President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Nigel Hinds told Kaieteur Sport y e s t e r d a y t h a t I f i l l ’s scholarship vindicates the federation’s decision to send a female team to the CBC Championships against criticism and all odds. According to Hinds, the scholarship shows that if players are consistently exposed then there is no telling what they can achieve. He wished Ifill well and hopes that she uses the opportunity to advance what can be very fulfilling basketball and academic careers.
Milerock Football Club heads Group A and Botofago Football Club leads in Group B in the Eagles Football Club Under-16 Round Robin football tournament at the end of the thirteenth game. Botofago trounced Blue Berry Hill in their last match of the preliminary stage, 4-0 on Tuesday at the Christianburg Ground. Botofago was dominant throughout the game. Goal scorers were Sean Haynes 3 and Antwaine Gill booted in the other goal.
Eagles United and Amelia’s Ward battle for a position in the next round today, while Milerock FC and Silver Shattas will battle tomorrow. The two semifinal games will be played on August 26th and 28th and the finals will be on August 31st. All the teams have gained a point via Netrockers who played their first game and didn’t turn up for another. At the end of the games the points standing are:
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Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Pollard, Ramdin rescue WI in thriller
Kieron Pollard and Denesh Ramdin fought to bring West Indies out of trouble and secured a tense victory, the absence of which would have raised questions over whether the sudden departure of the coach Ottis Gibson on the eve of the series had adversely impacted the s i d e . T h e i r counterattacking stand of 145 forced Bangladesh to give up yet another great match-winning position, in the first ODI in Grenada For nearly an hour into West Indies’ innings, the happenings on the field mirrored the apparent confusion off it. When Pollard joined Ramdin at the crease at 34 for 5 in 13.1 overs, in pursuit of 218, the chase was on its last legs. They produced two timely and well-paced innings. Ramdin did the early running, ensuring building blocks were put in place after the rot that ate up half the batting order. He ran hard, found gaps regularly and saw to it that
Pollard was not deprived of the strike. It was key that Pollard finds his groove, and 16 balls into the partnership, he struck a straight six off Al-Amin Hossain. Boundaries started to flow as Pollard began to swing freely, but his head remained so still as his arms, hip and feet worked fluidly to smash deliveries into the stands. West Indies passed 100 in the 26th over and Pollard got to 50 off 39 balls By the time Ramdin brought up his half-century in the 31st over, Bangladesh had all but given up. A small rain delay broke the flow of the partnership, but despite Ramdin’s dismissal for 74 off 76 balls shortly after the resumption, Pollard thundered on a little longer. He was dismissed for 89 off 70 balls in the 38th over, with West Indies 17 away from the target, via a marvelous running catch from Mahmudullah to give Al-Amin his fourth wicket. The tail, however, ensured their good work with the
ball was not undone. Knowing they did not posses the power of Pollard, Bangladesh had built their total with a different approach. Their challenge to West Indies centred around how long Anamul Haque could stay focused in the middle. After a restrained but encouraging start by Tamim Iqbal, the innings meandered for a considerable period, and though it regained some momentum, it never really hit the right pitch. Following a hard-earned opening stand of 41, Tamim pulled a catch to short midwicket, after which Imrul Kayes and Anamul were involved in a collision that led to Kayes being run out. The middleorder batsmen played sensibly before getting out to soft dismissals and at 141 for 5, Bangladesh were poised to unravel. Nasir Hossain and Anamul then scrapped to add 53 for the sixth wicket, somehow surviving against Sunil
Narine, who zipped deliveries in and out and was on a roll during the Powerplay. West Indies bowled haphazardly for most parts except when Narine was in the attack, but he went wicketless while Dwayne Bravo picked up four with mostly ordinary deliveries. Anamul did not look assured, but even when he is punishing bowlers, he seems always to give a chance. He survived a close lbw appeal in the 36th over, but he looked unflustered by the happenings at the other end or out of Narine’s hand. In the nineties Anamul lifted one towards midwicket, where he was dropped by Kirk Edwards, and soon celebrated his century with a fierce scream. Bangladesh began their defence of 217 with consecutive maidens from Sohag Gazi and Mashrafe Mortaza, and they continued to keep Chris Gayle and Kirk Edwards quiet. The chase had gone nowhere after five overs and Gayle’s frustration boiled over. He was caught at third man off a top edge. Mushfiqur then took two sharp catches. He dived to his left to snatch a steer from Darren Bravo and then moved slightly forward to grab Lendl Simmons and give AlAmin his second wicket. Edwards had swiped and
Anamul celebrates reaching his hundred. w a s b o w l e d b y Mahmudullah and by the 14th over West Indies had also lost their captain to a loose pull that was caught at deep square leg. That was the cue for the R a m d i n - P o l l a r d s h o w. They did not start flashily but Pollard began to knock a few big ones, while Ramdin rotated strike, and Bangladesh wilted. There wasn’t much wrong with Mushfiqur’s rotation of bowlers as he tried to pick up the vital sixth wicket. His fields, however, were too standard and he hardly attacked the batsmen. Because the first five wickets had come with
almost similar fields for all bowlers, Mushfiqur did not see many reasons to change things. It has never been his style. Al-Amin conceding so much after taking three quick wickets didn’t help. Mashrafe Mortaza and Sohag Gazi bowled superbly early on but were ineffective in their second spells. Taskin A h m e d h a s n ’t p l a y e d enough for anyone to think of judging him on his loose lines, while the allrounders Mahmudullah and Nasir Hossain didn’t make much of an impact. The upshot was that West Indies were able to pull off an escape act.
Simmons could be next West Indies Coach Phil Simmons, the 51year-old former West Indies all-rounder is likely to be named West Indies Head Coach after their present limited overs and Test series against Bangladesh is completed next month in the Caribbean. Born in Arima, Trinidad, the big-hitting Simmons
scored one century in his 26 Tests and scored five tons in 143 ODIs and after his International career, which spanned from 1987 to 1999, Simmons was credited with moving Ireland’s cricket forward after being appointed their Head Coach after the 2007 World Cup. He was the Coach of minnows Zimbabwe before losing the job in 2005 and a well placed source close the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) informed that once the former opening batsman, who collected 24 hundreds in 207-match First Class career, agrees to accept the position he should be given the job. Once a few minor things are put in place at the WICB level, Simmons should be appointed since as of now he is clearly the front
runner for the job. The source confirmed that Jamaica Tallawahs Coach Mickey Arthur, the former South Africa and later Australian Coach, was not a consideration for the job. As a youngster on the 1988 West Indian tour of England, Simmons was hit on the head by fast bowler David Lawrence in fading light at Bristol: his heart stopped and he needed emergency brain surgery before making a full recovery. Apart from the West Indies, Simmons represented Border, Durham, Easterns, Leicestershire, Trinidad & Tobago and Wales Minor Counties at various levels during his career which ended in 2002. (S. Devers)
Kaieteur News
Thursday August 21, 2014
Page 33
Strong six-man team selected to Alpha United coach vows to remain represent Guyana at CMRA Meet in T&T Beaten but not yet defeated
motivated for overseas clashes
Efforts to get past US Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers, ended dismally for local football powerhouse, Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United, and the team eventually surrendered 4-1 in their Group 5 match of the CONCACAF Champions League at the Guyana National Stadium, P r o v i d e n c e , Tu e s d a y evening last. The local team had earlier conceded a 1-0 loss to Olimpia of Honduras and was anxious, but failed to reverse its fortunes. Nevertheless, the team plans to regroup and positively address their other two encounters in the group stage. Goals by Steve Z a k u a n i ( 1 8 ) , Maximiliano Urruti (34), Fanendo Adi (66) and Alvas Powell (83) proved too much for the Guyanese players whose 45th minute consolation goal off the boot of Barbosa Murilo proved to be inconsequential. Having surrendered to Olimpia FC of Honduras, two weeks ago, the Guyanese ball weavers needed to win the game against Portland Timbers convincingly and accrue the available 3 points but this was not to be. Following the loss to the Honduras team, coach of the local squad, Wayne ‘ Wi g g y ’ D o v e r, h a d promised to regroup and apply certain strategies in order to strengthen his team’s position in the tournament. The team had engaged in stiff practice sessions at the National Stadium and the rationale was that the players would have been
Wayne Dover able to get a feel of the playing surface before the actual match. A despondent Dover once again faced the media in the post-match press conference and admitted that his boys made some elementary mistakes. He said that the players were on cue in the early stages of the game and initiated good buildups but were not as discipline as they should have been. Dover is quite aware of the team’s standing in the tournament and in response to a question of its progression to the top he said, “It’s a very uphill task now that we have to compete on their turf and while I admit it is an uphill task, I would say it’s not impossible but highly improbable.” He was alluding to Alpha’s return matches with Olimpia and Portland Timbers in those
respective countries. Asked to respond to a view that there seemed to b e a l a c k o f communication on the field Dover said that he believes his team succumbed to a quick counter attack strategy and that his men were not as compact as they should have been. He also admitted that the defence was not as organized as the previous game. “We spent a lot of time working on our offence and defence but those efforts were wasted,” a dejected Dover admitted. Alpha now travels to Honduras for its return game with Olimpia on August 28 and less than o n e m o n t h l a t e r, o n September 23, to the USA, for the second clash with Portland Timbers. They are 4 goals in arrears with back to back losses and while Dover said that the team’s chances at qualification seem bleak, he said the players will approach the games positively. “The coaching staff will focus on motivation while attempting to keep the team organized and we will still be positive despite the grim si uation,” said Dover. Coach of Portland Timbers, Caleb Porter, was naturally ecstatic with the win and while lauding the Alpha squad for a good competitive match, said that his men were the more experienced bunch which made the difference. Mr. Porter said that it was important that his team accrue maximum points as Olimpia had managed in their earlier encounter with Alpha.
- Points’ leader Kristian Jeffrey among them Kristian Jeffrey
Encouraged by the breathtaking performances of its drivers and riders at the Caribbean Motor Racing Association (CMRA) opening Meet at Bushy Park in Barbados, Guyana will be sending a strong six-man contingent to the second leg of the Series which will be staged, at the Wallerfield Circuit in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) on Sunday. According to Chairman of the CMRA Guyanese Ray Rahaman, the touring party will include current points’ leader Canada-based Kristain Jeffrey, who along with Danny Persaud and Rameeze Mohamed will compete in the Group 4 category, while Group 2 drivers Shairaz Roshandin, Chet Singh and John Joseph complete the team. He said while the team will not have the presence of experienced drivers such as Kevin Jeffrey, Andrew King and Mark Vieira he still believes that those chosen to represent this country will be very competitive. Young Jeffrey he disclosed currently holds the new lap record for Bushy Park and he is anticipated to do the same at Wallerfield which was also upgraded recently. Jeffrey, who drives a Mitsubishi Evolution IX, was in
scorching form as he obliterated his more established counterparts en route to three first places in as many starts for a maximum 75 points. Danny Persaud, who pilots a Mazda Miata, sits in 8th position with 16 points, while Mohamed’s Toyota Starlet is yet to score a point. In the Group 2 Division, both Roshandin and Singh are locked together in the fourth spot overall on 28 points, while Joseph will have to improve remarkably to feature as a challenger for the championship title. All three drivers in this category drive Honda Civics. In the overall points’ standing, Guyana with 172 points trail Barbados 203, while Jamaica lies third on 151 and T&T in the cellar on 34. Rahaman expressed thanks to Dyna’s Embroidery, the Company that supplied the team with their travelling jerseys, Seaboard Marine, which has stepped up once again to make the team’s participation possible and the vibrant and hard working Executive Committee. Meanwhile, Rahaman, who recently returned from the FIA Congress of the Americas, told this newspaper that he was able
to initiate an agreement which could see drivers from Latin America come to the Caribbean to compete and according to him this could start as soon as November 16 when Guyana hosts the final leg of the Series, at the South Dakota Circuit. “Currently cars from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico are eager to come and compete in the Region and our main sponsor Seaboard Marine which has a business presence in those countries has already expressed a willingness to help them get their machines to which ever destination they are confirmed to compete in,” Rahaman stated. Rahaman also revealed that Guyana will be staging a local Meet in September to ascertain competitors’ readiness both in terms of competitiveness and their knowledge and adherence to the new rules which have now been standardised throughout the Caribbean. The CMRA Chairman said he envisages a huge turnout come November and over the next few months the Committee will be working assiduously to ensure that all systems to host a successful final leg of the series are in place.
t r o Sp
Pollard, Ramdin rescue WI in thriller
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Kieron Pollard launches the ball down the ground, West Indies v Bangladesh, 1st ODI, St George's, August 20, 2014 © AFP
Denesh Ramdin made 74 off 76 balls, West Indies v Bangladesh, 1st ODI, St George's, August 20, 2014 © WICB Media Photo,Randy Brooks
Beaten but not yet defeated Ginelle Ifill Alpha United coach vows gets full US to remain motivated Basketball for overseas clashes Strong six-man team P.33 Scholarship selected to represent Guyana at CMRA Meet in T&T - Points’ leader Kristian Jeffrey among them
Simmons could be next West Indies Coach P.32
Ginelle Ifill, representing Guyana at the Inter-Guiana Games in Guyana, finishes a fundamental lay-up.
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