Kaieteur News

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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

Another day, another woman murdered A coward and a heartless, cold-blooded murderer stabbed Melissa Skeete to death several days before the nation observed International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Another day passed and another woman—23-year-old Malani Narine of Essequibo—was allegedly murdered by her husband.

Violence against women has become a pandemic in Guyana and is the result of persisting inequalities between the sexes. It is estimated that one in three women in Guyana is being abused by their spouse/partner; the nation must unite to prevent this scourge.

In Guyana as in other countries, death has always been a very sad affair for people. Some fear it; others do not like it and many do not want to hear about it; but most believe that death is never easy to accept even though a person has lived to a ripe old age. Indeed, death is even more difficult, and indeed extremely more painful when the person is viciously murdered for no apparent reason, as in the recent case of Melissa Skeete.

Regrettably, the sense of loss is especially heartrending for her four infant children who will not get the opportunity to grow-up and enjoy God’s greatest gift–life with their mother. The trauma they are experiencing would be extremely difficult to overcome. In fact, trauma often leaves emotional scars on children, which could remain with them for the rest of their lives, particularly when they learn of the brutal manner in which their mother was stabbed to death and thrown in the street in broad daylight by her jilted lover.

Thirty-one year-old Melissa Skeete would have celebrated another birthday next Tuesday. Relatives, friends and neighbours have expressed disgust at the brutal slaying. The murder smacks of a callousness and lack of regard for human life. This is reminiscent of some of the most ferocious murders of women in the country.

The death of this young woman is tragic, as is the unnatural violent death of anyone. The sense of loss is overpowering. The grief is unbearable.

It seems as though some women are becoming the property of some men in Guyana because of their socioeconomic status which make them dependable on their partners. And despite some efforts by the government and the police to prevent such heinous crimes, the murder rate for women continues rise. The situation is poised to escalate unless the entire nation gets involved to prevent men from committing such barbaric crimes against women.

It should be the responsibility of everyone, especially the government to protect the most vulnerable in society.

The death of Melissa Skeete resulted from overly zealous actions by her lover who wanted to control her.

This cannot be good news for women who are in abusive relationships and whose spouses have threatened to kill them if they attempt to end their relationship. The truth is most women are scared to leave their spouses because of fear of meeting the same fate as Melissa.

The Government and the police need to seriously address this problem. They cannot wait for another woman to be murdered. Democracy for women is being threatened because their freedom to life, liberty and happiness in Guyana is in jeopardy. Their blood is being shed too often for nothing of consequence.

While there are some measures in place to protect women from domestic abuse by their spouses, they are not enough. More security is needed to protect women so that they can enjoy their freedom like everyone else in society.

Nelson Mandela once said, “The victory of democracy . . . is the common achievement of all humanity.”

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Grandmother wants Minister Ramjattan to investigate Springlands’ savage beating DEAR EDITOR, I am a senior citizen of Corriverton and I am very troubled and disgusted by the actions of a certain police officer (name supplied) of Springlands Police Station who instead of serving and protecting citizens, chose to violate the human rights of my grandson, Andrew Lewis, a decent, law abiding citizen.

After his rogue behaviour was reported, the officer now stalks him at nights with a gray car and quite recently with a white hire car (license supplied).

On Friday, September 11, 2015, around 23:50 hours, this police officer attacked, kidnapped, brutalised, traumatised, humiliated, wrongfully arrested and threatened to kill my 23 years old grandson, an electrician of Skeldon Estate.

Andrew left his residence early Friday morning to reach at work at Skeldon Estate for 07:00 hours and he finished working at 20:00 hours that evening. He then stopped over at my residence at Princetown, a home he grew up in, to use the wifi internet service.

This is a usual practice for him since there is no telephone service in # 76 Housing Scheme. The policeman and his accomplices were in a gray car that was driven by one of the policemen. At the time, Andrew was riding his bicycle to his residence in the new # 76 Housing Scheme. There is no street light in the scheme. When he was almost home, a dark gray car suddenly drove by and blocked the entrance to his street.

The occupants of the car came out and this particular policeman ordered him to come off his bicycle. He thought they were bandits because he had never seen any of them before.

The officer was very aggressive and pushed his hands into Andrew’s pocket and took his wage which he had withdrew from the bank.

He seized his haversack which had in it his green GUYSUCO overhaul. He also took his chain and cell phone and placed his bicycle in the car trunk. He ordered Andrew to go into the car and he threatened to kill him and informed him that he,had killed before.While in the gray car, he began to cuff Andrew in the head and behind the neck repeatedly.

He also cursed him as he brutalised him and continued with his threat to kill

him. At that stage, he accused him that he had just ‘break and enter’ his house.

They then drove him further into #76 Housing Scheme and stopped in front of a house and he informed him that he just ‘ break and enter’ that house.

They then drove the gray car to Springlands Police Station where he commanded Andrew to strip and remain in his bare brief. He placed him in the cell where he remained for over 12 hours- tired, hungry and thirsty.

Andrew repeatedly asked a constable to telephone his mother at #76 Housing Scheme or his grandmother at Princetown but the constable completely ignored him throughout the night. (his mother thought he had stayed over at me that night.)

My grandson had to drink water from one of the prisoners in the cell. It was only at 10:00 hours on September 12th that a policeman, Laundry informed us that Andrew was in the cell.

When my daughter and I arrived, Policeman Junior George was in the process of taking Andrew’s fingerprints.

Rural Constable Tyrell who was with George had earlier accused him of stealing with some man called ‘Bullah’.

George resrained my grandson from talking but Andrew revealed that he was attacked and beaten by a particular officer while he was almost home and brought in a gray car and placed in the cell. Tyrell then took him back to the cell.My daughter telephoned the Minister of Public Security who assured her that he would contact the Commissioner.

We then visited attorney an attorney at law who immediately telephoned the Officer in charge of Springlands Police Station, Mr William Henry.We went back to the Springlands Police Station and met Officer Henry who claimed that he had no knowledge of the problem.

However, it was until around 11:40 hours, Andrew was taken out of the cell and we were able to give him his first meal of the day.

He was very traumatised and could not eat, yet the police chose that moment to take a statement from him. As he related what transpired, he identified his attacker who was walking into the compound. Inspector Playter, Traffic Officer, Beckles and Constable Laundry just looked and remained silent.

We asked to know the identity of the officer but instead of answering, Inspector Playter began to raise his voice to distract, telling us that we have no right to talk at the station. We later ascertained his name. We asked that Andrew receive medical attention and the police complied.

When we arrived at Skeldon Hospital, one of the nurses exclaimed that Andrew was the third person to visit the hospital as a result of police brutality on the night of September 11th.

He received tablets from the hospital and was advised to put ice compression at the back of his head.

When the police took him back to the station, Officer Henry had left but he instructed that Officer Laundry should have Andrew to sign a recognizance sheet and should visit the station on Monday, September 14th so that he could speak with him.Further, we took Andrew to Dr. Persaud, a private doctor where he received an injection and tablets and paid a fee of $6000.

He had to take seven days’ medical leave, with effect from Saturday, September 12 th. On September 14th, Officer Henry informed us that he wanted the boy to return in order to know how he was feeling. He disclosed, too, that Officer Browne from Whim Police Station would investigate the issue.

Twice Officer Henry fooled us that Inspector Jhagroo will come to investigate. To date, we have not heard anything from the officers of the Guyana Police Force and the oficer has now begun to stalk my grandson at nights. Thrice he drove his car behind him.

He usually changes directions and trails him. This policeman is very dangerous and he is a threat to society.

He had professed his notoriety and boasted of being a killer. It seems to me that this officer is above the law.

In 2012, his wife, a Customs Officer attacked a pregnant teacher, Miss Carmelita Sooklall at Skeldon Primary.

That teacher suffered a miscarriage and nothing came out of that matter. I am calling on Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan to thoroughly investigate this matter because this police officer operates like a seasoned criminal.

Shirley Hooper

Jinnah Rahaman‘s appointment is huge mistake DEAR EDITOR, It is out of concern as a citizen and resident of the West Coast Demerara district that I share my thoughts on the appointment of Rice Producers Association Action Committee member Jinnah Rahaman as a community development office within the region.

I would kindly advise Government and persons in authority that whenever making the decision to choose someone for a position in a district they should be qualified or have experience in the area of appointment since it would reflect badly on the administration.

Many in Region 3 are of the opinion that Jinnah Rahaman has the knowledge and suitability in the field that he is qualified in such as rice but not in the

field of a Community Development Officer. Let me make this clear before I proceed, I am not interested in any position, but I am interested in having proper representatives to develop the region and if there are concerns I will highlight such which are the sentiments of many others, thus causing me to pen this letter.

Now, I am of the opinion that the APNU/AFC Government does not want to be a failure in any of it endeavours or appointments in developing Guyana and pushing it to its full potential. But Mr Rahaman is not known on the West Demerara for any development whatsoever. He has not contributed or has any experience or can show any project pertaining to tangible

development under his belt.

I am in receipt of many complaints and person are annoyed since they do not see Mr Rahaman portfolio as a development officer as meritorious much less qualitative within the sector to boost the region.

If one is to look at the village Mr Rahaman lives in, they can judge his ability to develop a community since there is none going on where he resides, only bushes are left to develop.

This is a square peg for a round hole, if Mr Rahaman is being rewarded for his support of the Government this should be done in a field that he can offer some development to and not in a field that he will add nothing substantial.

Rakesh Vishnu Singh

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

Commissioner Seelall Former PPP executive says updates the Diaspora climate change talks important DEAR EDITOR, Recently I was among Guyanese invited to a dinner here in Miami with Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud who met with a small group to update us on the work of the GPF including the launch of a foundation to assist the families of personnel killed in the line of duty.

His was an informative and encouraging presentation and the discussion frank and honest.

He said that the Guyana Police Force will be at full strength by mid 2017 with batches of 200 to 300 recruits being trained leading up to a reformed, more professional and more efficient law enforcement and protection agency.

He added that Guyana had been offered assistance by some foreign countries and that these offers will be pursued with a view to enhancing training and technology as well as increased resources such as vehicles.

He pointed to a donation recently made to the GPF of a number of computers by the ZARA Group of Companies based in New York which he

says has better equipped his personnel to deal effectively with crime prevention and detection and is encouraging other Guyanese owned business as well as organizations and individuals to assist where possible.

Addressing the small group of Guyanese en route home, the Commissioner acknowledged that there has been an increase in crime in recent months but made it clear “there has also been a marked increase in arrests of those committing these crimes”, pointing out that efforts are ongoing to improve the service and protection offered by his agency.

Asked about the enforcement of the law which requires bars, restaurants and clubs to close at 2 a.m. Persaud said this is the law and it must be enforced.

Though admitting there is no proven direct correlation between the rising crime rate and late hour opening of bars and other such establishments, he said that the consumption of excessive alcohol has led to a number of social ills including domestic violence.

But he said that discussions were currently being held among stakeholders about easing the restriction on Old Year’s Night when Guyanese traditionally party until the wee hours of the morning to usher in the New Year. The main focus of the Commissioner’s presentation was the setting up of a foundation to support the families of police officers and ranks killed in the line of duty.

He pointed to several cases where police personnel killed in the line of duty had left young spouses and children behind.

He said it is critical that the GPF “takes care of its own in such cases” and urged support for the Foundation in the future.Persaud said that efforts were underway to provide an insurance program for police officers and ranks and reported that negotiations with a local insurance agency were progressing satisfactorily. It is a good practice for officials to update and interact with the Diaspora when they visit, even if just passing through cities where there are clusters of Guyanese.

Wesley Kirton

DEAR EDITOR, The Climate Change Summit in the French capital Paris currently underway is being closely monitored by people all over the world in particular those from the poor and vulnerable small states who are the main victims of global warming even though they have not been the ones responsible.

It is no secret that the United States alone is responsible for nearly a quarter of carbon emissions followed

by China, India, Russia, Germany and France. It was therefore refreshing to hear leaders from these highly industrialised countries commit themselves to a clean and green energy programme and a phased reduction of energy from fossil based fuel. This is indeed a step in the right direction if the target of a two percent degree reduction in global warming is to be realized by 2030.

President Obama in his address to the summit acknowledged responsibility of the USA in fuelling global warming which is highly commendable. It was the United

States that had refused to sign on to the Kyoto Protocol despite pressure from climate change experts and lobbyists to do so.

One hopes that new thinking will prevail on the part of the United States and other countries of the industrialised world to save the planet from imminent destruction if the rise in greenhouse gas emissions remains unchecked.

Guyana must be given credit for being among to first to embark on a low carbon development strategy. The fact that the new administration has opted to continue along this development path speaks to our political maturity and our commitment to put the overall good of the nation ahead of narrow partisan interests.

It should be recalled that Guyana during the mid-1980’s made available to the international community a large portion of our rainforest under the Iwokrama Project for research and sustainable use of forest resources.

The late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan had been a

strong advocate for countries such as Guyana to be given compensation by the industrial world for forest conservation but except for Norway no other country has made any such financial contribution.

Economic development and the reduction of carbon emissions are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

Advances in science and technology particularly in the area of alternative energy make it possible to explore new areas of clean and green energy such as nuclear, solar and hydro-generated power.

What is required is the political will to change or if you like a paradigm shift by policy makers on how to exploit the available natural resources to drive the development process.

The current summit of world leaders provide fresh hope and a new mood of optimism that something positive will emerge and not mere rhetoric and nice declarations as in the case of earlier summits in Copenhagen and Kyoto.

Hydar Ally

DEAR EDITOR, With regards to the selection of a firm for the construction of the (Indian financed) Specialty Hospital (KN Nov 30), all indications are that Fedders Lloyd (was) is a far more competent and experienced company than Surendra Engineering to take the construction of the building to its logical end. It should be awarded the contract if all things are right about the project and there is no corruption. A re-tendering may very well result in Fedders be awarding the contract.

Fedders Lloyd may have bid slightly higher (tender amount in dispute) than Surendra to construct the hospital. But Surendra appears “unqualified” to carry out the huge task.

It never constructed or outfitted a hospital; its specialty is “sugar” and even in this area questions were raised about its construction of the packaging facility.

Lloyd claims it has done several hospital projects worldwide. Lloyd is a multinational company operating

in several countries whereas Surendra is not.

Fedders’ professionalism is not being questioned whereas Surendra’s was.

Surendra’s contract was terminated for failure to carry out the required work and the country lost money.

Fedders should have been given the contract from the outset. Since it was the only other credible company, aside from Surendra, it is only logical that Fedders be given the contract to complete the contract. The issue the country may face is that it will probably require a lot more than the remaining contract amount (of US $18M) to finish the hospital. Government will have to pay it or seek an increase in the loan from India. It is hoped that corruption has played no role in awarding the contract to

Fedders. The opposition complains that Minister Khemraj Ramjattan was the lawyer for Fedders when it placed its bid for the contract in 2013. The opposition believes that this association led to Fedders being given the contract.

This is coincidental.

Ramjattan has resigned as lawyer for the company. Nevertheless, every effort must be made to avoid a conflict of interest - lawyers on record for the government and for Fedders should not have close ties to Ramjattan or the AFC-APNU coalition. Every act must be above board.

Vishnu Bisram

Fedders Lloyd should Educator accuses GPL be given the contract

of psychological torture DEAR EDITOR, My name is Carol Ann Munro, and I am the Managing Director of the school, Achievers’ Academy. This letter is written with much frustration. I and totally fed-up of this situation with Guyana Power and Light and the billing system. If I am to sit down and calculate my time, stationery which includes ink, electricity, fuel for driving from home to GPL, meals, I am sure it will be a handsome sum.

Besides, time lost not being given to my business, I am not sure what it will be. If GPL would check the amount of writings I’ve done to GPL addressing incorrect reading, estimated bills, and a meter which seemed to be spinning too fast, GPL find they are numerous.

It was discovered that the meter had a problem; and I paying over a period without a bill, It was at a difference of $71,222.45, July 4th, 2015. I paid on that day, $35,600, with a balance of $35,622.45. A contract was entered into of $11,874.00. If GPL check its system, it would see it was cleared in full with all monthly relevant payments to the bills in respect of.

This was not without calling constantly to state the reading against, what was read on the bill. Every month, I was calling a lady named Persaud, attached to Middle Street, to state that the reading of my bill did not correspond with the meter’s reading on the bill.

That I was still being estimated and it was way above what was used. I took pictures and made notes every time.

On 15tNovember, 2015, my husband and I read the meter and took a picture after a bill had arrived. This was the reading: 1. Mrs. Munro 4178 2. Bill - 4401 (a difference of 223 kilowatts a total of $15,569.86) We immediately called and reported this.

On the 4th of November, 2015, one Mr.

Mentore came in place of Mr. Henry and replaced the meter, his reading was 4195; I am in possession of the work order. The new meter was placed on the building with a reading of 6211, on the said date. Please note, three days after our reading. The present bill, came claiming a reading was conducted on the 6th November, 2015, which is two days later after that meter was no longer on the building, how this was done, I can’t say. But the reading came at 4760. A difference of 565 kilowatts against Mr. Mentore’s and, again, on a meter that was removed on the 4th, against the 6th of the same month.

There are two other buildings in the area now with meters, against the one alone in the vicinity with electricity. It is also troubling, that when GPL, sends these large sums, and if it is not paid, then they’ll cut you off. The running around to fix and adjust it, is tiresome.

A 25kva Transformer, 2 post, over 100ft of wire and $50,000 for the meter all paid for by me, for what? For constantly running around with GPL to fix bills?

You know what I regret most of all; that I did not take the money I had in hand and invested it in a solar system. For this has turned out to be a time-consuming, frustrating, poor execution of a company that has been established for years, computerized and can’t have its work executed with efficiency. Who compensates persons for the time, energy, emotional distress and other expenses persons exert to deal with situations like this? Not once, but repeatedly. It is absurdity to the highest.

Mr. Welch, you are the new CEO, kindly put an end to this situation once and for all, I can’t deal with this anymore.

Mrs. Munro Managing Director Managing Director Achievers’ Academy

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Kaieteur News

PAC resumes hunt for nominees for Procurement Commission

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Eleventh Parliament is on the hunt for nominees for the Public Procurement Commission.

In an advertisement in the print media, it was noted that the PAC is in the process of nominating persons to be members of the Commission.

The Parliament Office reminded that Article 212X of the Constitution of Guyana states that “the Public Procurement Commission shall consist of five members who shall have expertise and experience in procurement, legal, finance and administrative matters and the President shall appoint the members of the Commission after such members have been nominated by the PAC and approved by not less than twothirds of the elected members of the National Assembly.”

It is also the desire of the PAC to have the composition of the Commission, reflect as much as possible, the social gender and political make up of the country.

It emphasized that the persons nominated should be competent to carry out the required duties and the need to be of good repute would be applied.

In keeping with its decision to seek names from a wide cross section of the society, it is inviting stakeholders, political parties, organizations and individuals to submit the names of those persons they believe are eligible for the position by no later than December 23.

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali, noted that the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission is priority for the Committee and he looks forward to the cooperation of the public in this regard.

He added, “This is a main concern for us and we hope to get in all the submissions as early as possible so that by early next year we can start our work and have the commission set up before mid year.

“It is important for the nation to have the Commission in place and we look for-

ward to playing our role in ensuring that this is done.”

For years, Guyana’s public procurement system has been plagued by accusations of corruption and financial irregularities but it is believed that the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission would bring an end to these challenges.

In the Tenth Parliament, the PAC which was headed by Carl Greenidge, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He experienced much difficulty during his time as there were quite a few delays in securing the nominees of the People’s Progressive Party for the Commission.

Several names were already submitted from the public for the Commission. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) had also made their submissions.

The AFC had nominated former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran and Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram while APNU had

submitted in excess of 20 nominees.

But the former administration after several weeks did not submit the names of its nominees. It left many to draw the conclusion that the PPP was deliberately stalling the work of the PAC in that regard.

It created a situation which forced the former PAC Chairman to start making moves to select nominees for the Public Procurement Commission whether the former government wanted to be a part of the process or not.

The Public Procurement Commission, a constitutional body born from the Public Procurement legislation, was expected to be established in 2012.

In May of that year, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett had said that the Commission would have been established by the end of June 2012.

That did not materialize even though it is one of the provisions of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.

However, former President Donald Ramotar had given insight as to why his Government did not prioritized the establishment of the Commission.

According to Ramotar, the issue of the Public Procurement Commission came about in the Eighth Parliament. He had explained that the Procurement Act was sent to the National Assembly where it was modified on the floor “ill advised”.

Negotiations on the modifications broke down and the Bill was passed. He had said that Government needs to maintain its no-objection in the award of contracts.

According to Greenidge, the last presentation from the People’s Progressive Party before Parliament was prorogued showed that they still wanted to retain the no-objection clause.

But once the Commission comes into being, Cabinet’s role in offering its no-objection would not be needed.

In November 2013, the

Amaila and four other sites being assessed by IDB for hydropower Government yesterday said that it remains committed to pursue the development of its own hydroelectric facilities. Five out of 67 possible sites are currently being assessed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for development. The assessment is expected to be completed by May 2016.

The five sites, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, are Kamaira, Kumu, Tumatumari, Tiger Hill and Amaila.

The government will be using $80M from the Norway funds that were set aside for renewable energy development.

Amaila Falls was the favored site for a 165-megawatts hydro with the previous administrations of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic heavily pushing for it.

Already roads, costing at least US$40M leading to the site in Region Eight, have been completed.

However, the project stalled a couple of years ago after the previous Opposition, now forming the coalition Government, refused to pass a key piece of legislation pertaining to environment that was critical to the financing of the project. The developer, Sithe Global, announced that it was pulling out.

However, Norway, which has plugging about US$80M

The rapids at Tumatumari and remains of the historic Tumatumari Hydro plant which supplied electricity from the late 1950s to the 1980s. in the project, has asked for an independent assessment of the Amaila Falls project.

Critics have been placing final costs up to US$1B. With regards to the assessments of the five sites, Minister Patterson had this to say: “At the end of this process, we will obviously assess them. However, we will look to use the US$80M in the most acceptable means of renewable energy … but it could be any form of large scale renewable energy – which is the understanding that we have so it’s a process which we are going through, and I think it’s a wise way to go forward.”

Government is also work-

ing with the Government of Brazil and other interested stakeholders in seeking additional funding for the hydro power and renewable energy project that is projected for the Mazaruni area, Region Seven.

“We are moving ahead, and we working through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continuing discussions with them. There are other individuals who have MOUs. I think Kumu falls, there is a company that has an MOU with us and it remains to develop that falls. Tumatumari, Moco Moco - we are going out for an expression of interest to resuscitate the Moco Moco hydro falls so we

haven’t excluded any project.

It’s always a question of time and cost,” the Minister explained. Guyana is heavily dependent on fossil fuel for its energy needs. As a matter

Tuesday December 01, 2015

PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali former Government tabled amendments to the substantive Procurement Act in the National Assembly to ensure it could continue to give its no-objections even with the Commission in place.

Greenidge had emphasized that, that legislation was not accepted by the House.

As such, the legislation was withdrawn and the then PPP Government had said it would discuss the matter further with then Opposition.

(Kiana Wilburg)

Minister David Patterson

of fact, the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is spending between US$70-US$125M annually to import fuel, depending on the world prices.

According to the minister, renewable energy has been identified as a growth industry with Guyana boasting an abundance of wind, sun and water. Harnessing their potential would be a game changer for Guyana as it is believed that the country has enough capacity to not only satisfy its own energy de-

mands, but to sell excess to its neighbours. Government is currently negotiating a power-purchase agreement with a private developer for a US$50M-plus wind farm at Hope Beach.

That project is likely to see an additional 25 megawatts of additional power to the national grid.

Local businesses have been complaining that the high cost of power is the single biggest factor inhibiting growth of the manufacturing sector.

Another teen gives birth to twins Police in “G” Division are preparing to solicit a statement from the 15-year-old Wakapoa teenager who delivered twins at the Suddie Public Hospital via C-section over the weekend.

The issue of teenage pregnancy is becoming too prevalent especially in Wakapoa. Measures need to be implemented in order to attack the issue. Some time in July, a Wakapoa secondary school student delivered twins at the same hospital.

The teen had however blamed her preg-

nancy on been taken advantage of by an older male. The teen who was months ago released back in the custody of her aunt was given a six-month break from school so that the child could develop a bond with his mother. Unfortunately the other baby died due to being delivered prematurely.

Meanwhile, recently at Onderneeming, Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast three school friends who dropped out from the Pomona Secondary became impregnated. All three experienced safe deliveries. (Yannason Duncan)

Tuesday November 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

At NATO, Turkey remains defiant over Russian jet (Reuters) - Turkey’s prime minister dismissed yesterday any suggestion Ankara should apologize for downing a Russian warplane in its airspace last week, after winning strong NATO support for the right to defend itself.

Six days after NATO member Turkey shot down the Russian bomber in the first known incident of its kind since the Cold War, calls for calm have gone largely unheeded as Ankara refuses to back down and Russia responds with sanctions.

“No country should ask us to apologize,” Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters following a meeting with NATO’s secretary general at alliance headquarters in Brussels.

“The protection of our land borders, our airspace, is not only a right, it is a duty,” he said. “We apologize for committing mistakes, not for doing our duty.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Nov. 26 he was waiting for an apology after Turkey’s air force shot down the Su-24 fighter jet close to the Turkey-Syria bor-

der. Russian officials have said the plane was at no time over Turkey.

Putin has also said Russia told the United States of the Russian jet’s flight plan, something the U.S. envoy to NATO denied on Monday, saying U.S.-Russia cooperation in Syria was limited to broader rules on safety measures.

“The U.S. data that I have seen corroborates Turkey’s version of events. The airplane was in Turkey, it was engaged in Turkey, it had been warned repeatedly,” Ambassador Douglas Lute told reporters.

“There was no flight plan issued for a violation of NATO airspace.”

Following the meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, in which Turkey won the alliance’s firm support for the right to self-defense, Davutoglu also warned that such incidents continued to be a risk as long as Russia and the U.S-led coalition bombing Islamic State in Syria worked separately.

“If there are two coalitions functioning in the same airspace against ISIL, these types of incidents will be difficult to prevent,” Davutoglu said, referring to Islamic State militants.

Seeking to calm the situation, Stoltenberg called for new emergency procedures to be agreed with Moscow to avoid triggering conflict by accident, whether that was during bombing raids in Syria or war games conducted by Russia and NATO. VIENNA DOCUMENT NATO foreign ministers are expected to discuss such procedures at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday as Russia’s military activities from the Baltics to the Middle East come right up to - and sometimes stray over - NATO borders.

Stoltenberg suggested revamping the Cold War-era treaty known as the Vienna document, which sets out the rules for large-scale exercises and other military activity, as well as telephone hotlines and other military communication channels.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 01, 2015

With climate at ‘breaking point’, IMF gives China’s currency leaders urge advance in Paris prized reserve asset status

French President Francois Hollande (C, 1st row), United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (4th, 1st row) and Christiana Figueres (3rdL, 1st row), Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, pose for a photo with heads of state and government during the opening day of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in Le Bourget, near Paris, France, yesterday. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen) (Reuters) - World leaders launched an ambitious attempt yesterday to hold back rising temperatures, with the United States and China leading calls for the climate summit in Paris to mark a decisive turn in the fight against global warming.

In a series of opening addresses to the U.N. talks, heads of state and government exhorted each other to find common cause in two weeks of bargaining to steer the global economy away from its dependence on fossil fuels. French President Francois Hollande said the world was at a “breaking point”.

The leaders arrived in Paris with high expectations and armed with promises to act. After decades of struggling negotiations and the failure of a summit in Copenhagen six years ago, some form of agreement likely to be the strongest global climate pact yet - appears all but assured by mid-December.

“What should give us hope that this is a turning point, that this is the moment we finally determined we would save our planet, is the fact that our nations share a sense of urgency about this challenge and a growing realization that it is within our power to do something about it,” said U.S. President Barack Obama, one of the first leaders to speak at the summit.

The leaders gathered in a vast conference centre at Le Bourget airfield. In all, 195 countries are part of the unwieldy negotiating process, with a variety of leadership styles and ideologies that has made consensus elusive in the past.

Key issues, notably how to divide the global bill to pay

for a shift to renewable energy, are still contentious.

“Climate justice demands that the little carbon space we still have, developing countries should have enough room to grow,” said India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key player because of his country’s size and its heavy dependence on coal.

One difference this time may be the partnership between the United States and China, the two biggest carbon emitters, who between them account for almost 40 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the World Resources Institute think-tank.

Once far apart on climate issues, they agreed in 2014 to jointly kick-start a transition away from fossil fuels, each at its own speed and in its own way.

The United States and China “have both determined that it is our responsibility to take action,” Obama said after meeting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

“Tackling climate change is a shared mission for mankind,” Xi responded in his own remarks.

Obama said the two countries would work together at the summit to achieve an agreement that moves toward a low-carbon global economy this century and “robust” financial support for developing countries adapting to climate change.

Flying home to Rome on the papal plane after a visit to Africa, Pope Francis told journalists: “Every year the problems are getting worse. We are at the limits. If I may use a strong word I would say that we are at the limits of suicide.”

Most scientists say fail-

ure to agree on strong measures in Paris would doom the world to ever-hotter average temperatures, deadlier storms, more frequent droughts and rising sea levels as polar ice caps melt.

SMOG OVER CHINA AND INDIA Facing such alarming projections, the leaders of nations responsible for about 90 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions have come bearing pledges to reduce their national carbon output, through different measures at different rates.

As the summit opened in Paris, the capitals of the world’s two most populous nations, China and India, were blanketed in hazardous, choking smog, with Beijing on an “orange” pollution alert, the second-highest level.

The deal will mark a momentous step in the often frustrating quest for global agreement, albeit one that on its own is not believed to be enough to prevent the earth’s temperatures from rising past a damaging threshold. How and when nations should review their goals - and then set higher, more ambitious ones is another issue to be resolved at the talks.

“The Paris conference is not the finishing line but a new starting point,” Xi said.

The gathering is being held in a somber city. Security has been tightened after Islamist militants killed 130 people on Nov. 13, and Hollande said he could not separate “the fight with terrorism from the fight against global warming”. Leaders must face both challenges, leaving their children “a world freed of terror” as well as one “protected from catastrophes”, he said.

(Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund yesterday, as expected, admitted China’s yuan into its benchmark currency basket in a victory for Beijing’s campaign for recognition as a global economic power.

The IMF executive board’s decision to add the yuan, also known as the renminbi, to the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket alongside the dollar, euro, pound sterling and yen, is an important milestone in China’s integration into the global financial system and a nod to the progress it has made with reforms.

To meet the IMF’s criteria, Beijing has undertaken a flurry of reforms in recent months, including better access for foreigners to Chinese currency markets, more frequent debt issuance and expanded yuan trading hours.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde, who along with inhouse experts has previously backed the move, made it clear she did not expect Beijing to stop there.

“The continuation and deepening of these efforts will bring about a more robust international monetary and financial system, which in turn will support the growth and stability of China and the global economy,” she said in a statement.

The currency will have a 10.92 percent share, in line with expectations, after a review of the weightings formula for the SDR, which determines which currencies countries can receive as part of IMF loans.

The yuan’s inclusion is a largely symbolic move, with few immediate implications

A vendor holds Chinese Yuan notes at a market in Beijing. (Reuters/Jason Lee) for financial markets. But it is the first time an additional currency has been added to the SDR basket and the biggest change in its composition in 35 years.

Last set in 2010, the basket is currently 41.9 percent dollar, 37.4 percent euro, 11.3 percent sterling and 9.4 percent yen. The yuan would not join until October 2016, allowing reserve managers time to prepare.

Under the new formula, the euro’s share will drop to 30.93 percent. Sterling and yen will also have lower weights while the dollar remains about the same.

To be included in the SDR basket, the yuan had to meet the criteria to be “freely usable,” or widely used to make international payments and widely traded in foreign exchange markets — a yardstick it missed at the last review in 2010.

The addition is likely to fuel demand for China’s currency and for renminbi-denominated assets as central banks and foreign fund managers adjust their portfolios

to reflect the yuan’s new status.

Currency analysts estimate the IMF seal of approval could fuel demand worth more than $500 billion in coming years and take the yuan’s share of global reserve holdings to around 5 percent, overtaking the Canadian and Australian dollars. › Britain says welcomes Chinese yuan into IMF currency basket “I’m very excited about the yuan joining the SDR basket,” said Chapdelaine Foreign Exchange Managing Director Douglas Borthwick.

“I think that it’s going to be very beneficial to the Chinese financial system as they develop a short-term treasury market to really accommodate reserve managers and their holdings of the yuan. So I think it’s all positives.”

In a factsheet accompanying the decision, the IMF said that since Chinese interest rates were higher than those of other currencies, it was likely that the SDR interest rate would rise as a result of the yuan’s inclusion.

Dollar hits highest since March, world stocks mixed The dollar hit an eightand-a-half-month high against major currencies yesterday as the prospect of further European Central Bank stimulus dragged the euro down to its weakest since midApril, while oil prices retreated.

Global stock markets were mixed, with Wall Street falling ahead of a crucial payroll report Friday, while European shares rose. Still, the three major U.S. indexes were set to end the month higher for a second straight month.

The jobs report is arguably the most important U.S. economic indicator due out before the Federal Reserve decides on Dec. 16 whether or not to raise interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade.

“The market has largely priced in a December hike and

it would have to take a pretty significant miss with the jobs report to give the Fed some pause before its next meeting,” said Randy Frederick, managing director of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 49.9 points, or 0.28 percent, to 17,748.59, the S&P 500 lost 6.37 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,083.74 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 16.24 points, or 0.32 percent, to 5,111.28.

The week is expected to highlight the divergent economic policies in the United States and the euro zone, which may set the tone for markets early next year.

European shares were lifted by the prospect of the ECB unveiling an extension of its bond-buying programme at a Thursday

meeting. The pan-European 300 index rose 0.4 percent for a 2.3-percent monthly gain.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies, was up 0.16 percent despite disappointing data on U.S. business sentiment and pending home sales. It hit its highest point since midMarch and was set for its biggest monthly rise since January.

“The market’s really kind of looking through the numbers that are coming out right now and more looking towards the end of the week and central bank discussions,” said Douglas Borthwick, managing director at Chapdelaine Foreign Exchange in New York.

The euro fell 0.2 percent against the dollar to its lowest point since April.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

GEORGETOWN CAN LOOK BETTER! The big project in Guyana is not about hydroelectricity, or an international hotel or the construction of a stadium or any four-lane highway. The big project in Guyana at the moment is the project to restore Georgetown.

The project is going fine.

Georgetown is looking fine. It will take about ten more cleanings before it can return to anywhere near what it used to be under the British, but it is getting there.

Whoever is responsible for the work in Georgetown must be commended. It is not clear whether the works are being directed by the City Council or Central Government. There is a need for this information to be made public. People are pleased by the transformation they are witnessing. This is not just cleaning that is taking place.

It is landscaping and design that is taking place and there

has been some impressive work involved. The public however should be told just who is responsible, what has been the price tag, and what has been the contribution of Central Government, City Hall and the private sector respectively. It should also be publicized how the various contracts for cleaning and clearing were awarded. Were these publicly advertised or were they simply given out to known individuals.

No one can fault the quality of the work that is taking place, but there are standards with respect to how contracts are supposed to be awarded where public funds are involved, and therefore there is a responsibility for the public to be told just how those who were awarded contracts were able to do so.

These works are expected to continue way into the New Year, since next year Guyana

Dem boys seh...

SOULJA BAI BETTA STRAIGHTEN UP

When a man want get somewhere he does promise de moon and de star. He see a woman he does promise she everything de sun shine on because he want something. Politicians is no difference. In fact dem wuss. Dem does promise wha de sun and de moon does shine on.

Was a lot of talk before de election about corruption.

Dem mek nuff promise how dem gun clean up de place and how dem gun set a lot of example. De dem was carrying on people believe that de prison woulda been full de next day and dem would have had to beg Trinidad and Suriname to fuh hold prisoners fuh we.

Dem start wid investigation all over de place. Investigation done and a lot of jailing recommend plus de people recommend new systems and procedures to straighten de lawlessness that Jagdeo and Donald Dumb introduce to Guyana.

Not one thing ain’t happen and six months done gone.

Soulja Bai and he kavakamites dem ain’t even open one of de report. De big question that ringing in dem boys ears and got couple people whispering pun de road if dem get pay off already.

De way Jagdeo and he kavakamites dem carrying on you would want to believe that dem was living wid de pope in de Vatican and singing hymns.

That is why some of dem end up wid karaoke set and deh singing at places like Sleep Out. Imagine dem own, member, who was a senior man in de PPP party describe dem as being de most corrupt govt in de history of Guyana. Nutten can beat that.Dem boys know Rum Jattan got problem wid he eye, Moses got a some loose screws, Soulja Bai does walk slant, and Li’l Joe start fuh stamma but that shouldn’t stop dem from jailing Jagdeo and he kavakamites, even if de defaamity dem got, get wuss.

Talk half and hope that people bring more pressure on Soulja Bai to jail dem criminals-people like Neaz, Kwame, Brazzy and Marcie.

will be observing fifty years of Independence and the clean-up exercise taking place is in preparation for this.

Many persons are concerned about the sustainability of the exercise being undertaken; whether it will be sustained beyond 2016.

This would depend on the sources of the funding.

City Hall has always complained in the past that the PPP had starved it of funds.

Well if the revenue base of City Hall is insufficient to carry out cleaning works, it would mean that government

will have to inject considerable revenues into the city just to keep it clean.

Or it may have to increase rates and taxes which have not been increased for more than ten years.

This is all the more reason why there needs to immediately be a public disclosure about the source of funding for the present works. It has to be considerable and the monies have to be coming from somewhere. The $300M voted by Central Government cannot, given the scale of the work taking place, go very far.

When the new government took office, it tried to encourage volunteers to clean up the city. The response was disappointing.

In the end what most people know was proved: that it will take the issuing of cleaning contracts for the city to be restored. The question is to what extent is the private sector involved, and if so, who are companies that have contributed.

There needs to be a system of transparency about the funds that have been spent so far, and who have

contributed as well as who have been awarded contracts.

This is very important for Guyanese to be on the guard to ensure that any entity that may have given a donation is not looking for something in return. Transparency was promised by the new government and it should deliver on this promise.

Car and taxi driver, 55, missing With carjacking making a grand return to the local criminal landscape within the past year, relatives of 55-yearold taxi driver Colin Clarke fear the worst after he and his silver-grey Toyota Allion motor car disappeared since Friday.

Clarke, who is popularly called “Ole Boy” of Crane Housing Scheme, was reportedly last seen Friday afternoon on the West Coast Demerara where he operates.

His distraught sister, Maureen Clarke, is convinced that something bad has happened to her brother since he is not the type to stay away from home for long periods without informing relatives.

“I don’t know if somebody hire him and do he something. Since Friday we haven’t seen or heard from him. The police at Vreed en Hoop say they have no trace of the car,” Maureen Clarke said.

She told this newspaper that the car HC 4993 is owned by her niece’s mother. Clarke will usually pick it up every morning from Sister’s Village to carry out his daily work.

He would normally return the car around 19:00 hours every day, but this did not happen on Friday last.

Another sister, Gwendolyn Clarke, said that on Friday she received a telephone call from her brother’s daughter, whose mother owns the car.

“He daughter call me about minutes to ten, rowing about the car, how Colin

- relatives fear the worst didn’t bring in the car. I told her to cool down, that something must be happen. I then call my sister, Maureen, and she confirmed that Colin did not come home,” Gwendolyn Clarke explained.

The following day, the police were contacted and along with relatives, they began making enquiries about his whereabouts.

With every passing day, relatives’ hopes of finding Clarke alive are dwindling.

“I fear something bad happen. My brother is dead; my brother is not alive,” wailed Maureen Clarke.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday) is my birthday and I can’t see my brother,” she added.

Clarke’s disappearance comes exactly one month after another taxi driver, Shurland Dalloo, went missing.

Dalloo’s body was found one week later in a canal at Onverwagt, No 27, West Coast Berbice.

The fully clad and decomposing remains were found in a desolate area that is accessible by dam, about three and a half miles off the West Berbice Public Road.

Dalloo also operated on West Coast Demerara but was based at Parika. His car too, a silver grey Toyota Carina, has not been recovered.

Police believe that the taxi driver was taken to the location and slain.

His corpse with its head bashed in was then dumped

into the canal and covered with weeds.

Meanwhile police on the East Coast of Demerara are still searching from a silver grey Toyota Premio which was stolen from its owner last Saturday night at Bachelor’s Adventure.

This newspaper understands that the driver of the car, who hails from Mahaica, had picked up three men to take them to Bachelor’s Adventure, about seven miles away.

When the car reached Church Road, Bachelor’s Adventure, the men held up the driver and relieved him of the car.

Missing Taxi driver Colin Clarke

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Politicians and power: Freud’s Thanatos There are things about this country that are unbelievable. It is not that Guyana has more social and moral corrugations than other countries.

It is the weight, measurement and nasty dimensions of these caricatures that sicken the mind. Why do we have an Ombudsman? What does he do?

And when he does what he does what happens next?

The Ombudsman paid two of the most expensive law firms in Guyana to offer an opinion on the January 2012 termination of my UG contract. Both firms ruled that the

termination was illegal.

Since that time in December 2014 when that report came out, I have not been written to by the University or any other person or institution in Guyana.

It is going on to eight months of the APNU-AFC Government and not one official from that regime has made contact with me about the Ombudsman’s report.

All I am asking is what purpose does the Office of the Ombudsman serve?

Those law firms had to be paid. And what has become of their report?

Interestingly the people who oppressed me continue in their high offices. Bibi Shadick was uncontrollable at the UG Council meeting in her demand for my removal. She is still on the Council where she holds the position of ProChancellor.

Khurshid Sattaur left thousands and thousands of persons whose income was flying high above mine but

singled me out for not paying property tax. For four years, Sattaur went after Kaieteur News to find out how much the paper paid me for my columns. This same Sattaur rides high at the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Hundreds of years ago, the philosophers wrote about crime and punishment. Civilization was bound to fail if society did not create a system of punishment to deter people from demolishing civilization itself. This was the greatest fear of Hobbes when he wrote his great philosophy treatise, “Leviathan.”

The criminal in the street hurt families and loved ones when they rob and shoot a breadwinner. It is the same with dictatorship.

So why are the practitioners of dictatorship that hurt loved ones and families still in the service of the State?

Only the new government of Guyana can answer that.

Politicians are essentially foolish people. For that rea-

son I never joined a party and will not. I had my chance in 1992 to be on the WPA’s slate of election candidates but my existentialist anarchism warned me to be aware of party membership. The subsequent shape of the WPA justified my decision then.

I campaigned for the APNU+AFC out of love of country and not party. I went home and slept well after each public meeting that I spoke at because I knew I was not deceiving myself.

The inherent foolishness of politicians lies in their fascination with power. Why bother with a mere Ombudsman’s report. That is history. Kissoon’s UG thing is the past. All those whose lives were destroyed are past history. The past has passed. Had I not known about the deep flaws in Guyana’s collective psyche, I would have lamented the inaction on the Ombudsman’s report. But in Guyana one smiles, picks up the pen and writes on. Politicians do not believe they are

ordinary mortals. They do not accept they could return to being passengers on a train that no one will look at.

This is what power does to politicians. It destroys the value of reason that the Roman philosopher Cicero so brilliantly described as being essential for the continuation of civilization.

Of course, politicians never learn the lessons of history. Guyana never had a historian as President. We have one now. David Granger is a trained historian. But power does not make a distinction between surgeon, actor, priest, midwife, scholar or historian. Once power is possessed, the surgeon’s knife, priest’s sermons, scholar’s research, midwife’s scissors, historian’s textbooks get destroyed in the cult of power.

Power comes first second, third, fourth and is coming in strong in fifth place.

This is not a country for the faint-hearted. I guess that explains why our young

Frederick Kissoon people leave faster than the bullet train in Japan. They probably dreamt about George Orwell without consciously knowing he wrote, “1984.”

They probably dreamt of Arthur Koestler without knowing he wrote, “Darkness at Noon.”

So the vision of a failed system is brought to them through the process of the dream and when they wake up they pack their bags. But though Freud is no longer in vogue, he did say that dreams are expressions of what lies deep in the subconscious.

I guess you can say, Sigmund Freud best explains Guyana’s Thanatos.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Audit of Sports and Arts Development Fund uncovers accounting breaches An audit of the Sports and Arts Development Fund (SADF) during the years of 2012-2014 has revealed troubling disparities and breaches of accounting and asset management procedures.

The Fund, which was launched in 2007, was originally designed to funnel government subventions to nongovernmental organizations and projects in the two portfolio areas of Sports and Arts.

Instead, what prevailed was a system in which only three people made decisions on expenditure on projects initiated by the Ministry itself, with Cabinet providing little or no approval oversight on even major projects.

According to the audit report, submitted to the Ministry of Finance on September 16 by forensic auditor Lester Bowen, the fund was administered by an executive committee within the Ministry of Culture, chaired by the Permanent Secretary with the other two members being the Director of Culture and the Director of Sport.

During the period under audit, the Permanent Secretary was Alfred King, the Director of Culture was Dr. James Rose, and the Director of Sport was Neil Kumar.

While Kumar, an opposition MP is no longer Director of Sport, both King and Rose are still employed in their respective positions under the now Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport. Projects proposed by the Committee would then be sent to the Minister of Culture, Dr. Frank Anthony, for approval. Some projects were sent to Cabinet for final approval while most were not.

For all three years under consideration, there was the repeat problem of poor proof of actual expenditure.

The report revealed that the approved budgetary estimates for the year 2012 amounted to G$100,000,000 for the Sports and Arts Development Fund, while cabinet approved G$106,414,796.

The difference of $94,770,497 was approved by Cabinet to meet local expenditure for the development of Sports and Art. The amount of G$6,414,796 was approved by Cabinet above the budgetary estimates of G$100,000,000 for the same year.

The Ministry, prior to the preparation of the draft report dated 10th August, 2015, failed in its effort to present for audit examination, a register in relation to expenditure being met from the fund. “In the absence of the register, the total number of expenditure vouchers which recorded the total expenditure for the year

could not be determined,” stated the auditor.

According to the report, the years audited seemed to have a pattern of non-submittal of vouchers.

In the year 2012, $100,000,000 was budgeted while total expenditure amounted to $99,706,408. Of this amount, the Ministry could only provide payment vouchers for $53, 509, 731 – the balance of $46, 196, 677 could not be supported by payment vouchers.

According to the report, there also seemed to be a deliberate pattern of misdirection on the submission of vouchers related to SADF expenditure in response to the auditor’s request for documents.

For example, the report notes that relative to 2012 expenditure, a total of 249 expenditure vouchers totaling $200,490,625 were presented for the audit. However, only 210 of the vouchers with a value of $76,649,977 were reportedly related to the Fund.

The other 39 vouchers totaling $123,840,648 showed no relation to the Fund.

“As such,” notes the report, “The total amount expended from the Fund for the year 2012 could not be accurately ascertained.”

The pattern was repeated the next year. Out of $99M spent in 2013, the Ministry could only account for $27 million in vouchers.

The balance of $66 million or 2/3 of the money could not have been verified as spent as is. While 197 expenditure vouchers without registers were presented with a total sum of $155,917,555, only 96 vouchers presented related to the Fund while 101 vouchers totaling $139,943,736 showed no relation. A total of 40 payment vouchers representing a

value of $66,798,440 were not presented at the time of audit.

“As such,” the report noted again, “accuracy and validity of amounts paid could not be determined in the absence of those vouchers.”

A register was presented for the year 2014, which recorded expenditure vouchers representing the total expenditure for 2014 in the sum of $99,160,581. The schedule of expenditure for 2014 reported a total expenditure of $96,767,479 while the Register recorded the total expenditure of $99,160,581.

No explanation was given for the disparity. A total 105 payment vouchers representing payments amounting to $61,836,338 were not presented for examination.

“As such, accuracy and validity of amounts expended could not be verified,” the audit report noted. In total, for the three years, out of $300 million spent under the Sports and Arts Development Fund, $167 million, more than half of the total expenditure, could not be verified.

The SADF has come in for its share of criticisms over the years. According to the National Assembly Order paper for the 127th sitting on the National Assembly for the first session, AFC M.P Sheila Holder had requested that Anthony provide audited accounts for the Fund. “Will the Minister name,” she had asked, “the persons under whose authority these funds are managed in the disbursement of the contributions detailed in the budgetary estimates as the local organization receiving these substitutes and contributions from the Government’s treasury?”

There is no record of those answers being supplied then.

Similar questions were

asked of Anthony during the 2014 budget debates during which he had admitted that there was just a three-man committee that was responsible for decision-making.

Accountant Christopher Ram, as part of his budget analysis in 2011, had said with regards to the fund: “For Culture, wages and salaries cost in 2011 are $110M or 25% security $42M or 10%; national and other events $72M or 16% and subsidies and contributions to local organizations $133M. And here is where there is a huge problem. Page 387 of the estimates reveals that $100Mof this $133M goes to a sports and art development fund of which no account is ever given.”

Ram had noted that since 2007, close to half a billion dollars were voted for the fund but no systems and procedures were in place to ensure proper accountability.

He had pointed out that another then AFC MP, now Minister of Public Works, David Patterson, had questions raised in the 2010 budget debate.

“The fund appears to have escaped the attention of the audit Office which never seems to have eyes for some really serious spending,” Ram observed.

Despite the questions raised, the Sports and Arts Development Fund enjoyed parliamentary approved both under control of the PPP up to 2011, and then by the opposition controlled parliament ironically in the years which the audit covers. In response to criticisms on the AFC’s decision to abstain from voting on the Fund in 2013, resulting in its passage with the PPP outvoting APNU’s vote to cut, AFC executive Khemraj Ramjattan had stated the answers Anthony had

provided to questions submitted on the Fund were satisfactory. In 2014, then APNU MP, now Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, had submitted a series of tough questions to Anthony, most of which were unanswered.

APNU’s Carl Greenidge had advised that the Fund’s decision mechanism was too restrictive while then Speaker Raphael Trotman had questioned the poor level of public information on the SADF. “In 2012,” Greenidge had

noted, “we had a long discussion on this item and we asked the Minister to ensure that he is going to change the status of the body…from all the explanations the Minister provides it seems to be an internal body. A body has been established with no statutory powers; no particular framework and it is not only using funds but seems to carry them over from time to time.”

Nevertheless, both parties unanimously approved the allocation.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Public health issues remain major HIV challenges - NAC observes The public health dimensions of the national HIV/ AIDS fight are lacking. This assertion has been made by the National AIDS Committee (NAC) which has awarded poor grades to efforts at combating stigma and discrimination and protection of vulnerable sectors, particularly indigenous people, prisoners and women.

According to NAC, “Unwillingness to address stigma along with other public health facets of HIV such as violence against women, illegality of homosexuality and discrimination against HIV-positive people, has always been the contentious issues of the HIV programme, both in Guyana and the wider English-speaking Caribbean.”

NAC has linked the shortcomings in the local HIV fight to dwindling funds. It went on to point out that the medical response to HIV in Guyana is still adjusting to the substantial reduction in funding available to the State from international sources.

“The impact of shrinking funds has been felt in all areas of prevention and response,” NAC underscored.

However, it has admitted that

- as World AIDS Day is commemorated the impact is seemingly uneven over the various programmes.

Moreover, NAC has assigned ‘A’ grades to the area of preventing mother-to-child transmission, ‘B’ grades to aspects of counseling and access to ARV medication (apart from the hinterland), while passing grades have been offered to HIV awareness.

But the existing shortcomings are not limited to funding, as this failure, according to NAC, is influenced by reluctance to discard attitudes - often of a religious nature - incompatible with modern concepts of equality, respect for individuals and compassion.

The limited availability of condoms in the prisons was also alluded to as a situation that has reportedly allowed for a high incidence of HIV among prison inmates.

“This issue, however, is more complicated than handing out condoms. In the first instance, it is believed, but needs to be verified, that a high percentage of homosexual activity in overcrowded prisons is non-con-

sensual. Verifying non-consent in a prison environment is difficult because victims frequently do not complain for fear of retaliation from perpetrators,” NAC noted. In fact, it has pointed out that an additional consideration is that condoning behaviour in prisons which is illegal outside of prisons would create an anomaly.

However, the most comprehensive guide to the legal, social and prison-based adjustments required prior to condoning homosexual activity in prisons, can be found in the Recommendations for Revision of Legislation Embodying the Guyana National Policy on HIV/AIDS published by NAC in 2006.

These recommendations were adopted following a National Assessment Report and two major national and regional consultations which included public sector organizations, government Ministries, religious and civil organizations, the media, regional and international organizations and HIV-AIDS networks, comprising a total 157

organizations.

Section 20 (iv) of the Assessment recommends establishing the legality of homosexual activity in general by including ‘sexual orientation’ as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the national Constitution, followed by applicable amendments to the Prevention of Discrimination Act and other relevant public health legislation, thereby rendering legal all consensual private sexual activity among adults.

With respect to the specific conditions which must be in place in prisons Recommendation 22 (i) states: “The Prison Act should be amended to address the transmission of communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS while inmates are in custody.”

Specifically, responsibilities should be imposed to ensure: The provision of HIVrelated information and education to both inmates and staff; Measures to prevent non-consensual sexual activity; Access to means of prevention and access to care and treatment; Facilitating voluntary testing and counseling programme; The provision of guidelines regard-

ing confidentiality of medical information; Provision of isolation for inmates with acute infections such as Tuberculosis and the provision of binding regulations setting out procedures which must be followed in cases of isolation due to Tuberculosis infection or due to an inmate knowingly infecting others with HIV.” According to Recommendation 22, “such regulations must include the necessary due process protections (for example, notice, rights of review/appeal, fixed rather than indeterminate periods of orders or other rights representation).

Measures to prevent nonconsensual sexual activity can include inadequate staffing, proper lighting, effective surveillance, disciplinary sanctions and education, work and leisure programmes.”

NAC therefore noted that it welcomes recent concerns raised by Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, over the incidence of HIV among prisoners. The Committee, as a result, is encouraging the Ministry, in conjunction with the Guyana Prison Service and other relevant agencies, to promote the fundamental constitutional reform as a prelude to systematically addressing each of these pre-conditions for legalizing homosexual activity in Guyanese prisons.

NAC’s concerns about the HIV shortcomings come even as World AIDS Day (WAD) is observed today.

The Committee, which is made up of Regional AIDS Committees (RAC), commenced the commemoration of WAD 2015 on Sunday (November 29) and is aiming to bring the curtains down on Sunday (December 6). The commemoration is being done along with HIV groups and community leaders in religious services and will include activities such as pinning the Red Ribbon - from workplaces to transit urban/ interior bus-stops and interactive discussions and quiz competitions.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

19 homes to be relocated to make way for CJIA runway expansion A section of the area where the 19 Timehri North residents will be relocated to. The area is currently under construction.

(Ministry of Public Infrastructure photo).

To facilitate the extension of Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s (CJIA) runway, 19 homes in Timehri North will be relocated, since they are in the direct path of the proposed site.

This was according to a release by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) yesterday.

Minister David Patterson held two meetings with residents of the community on Sunday. In the first meeting, he met with residents directly affected by the airport expansion while, in the second meeting, he met with the general Timehri North community.

Patterson explained that the mass movement of everyone out of the area would “not be necessary”. Instead, he said, the homes directly in the path of the expected runway will be relocated within the same community.

“While he noted that the expansion heralded develop-

ment for Guyana, Minister Patterson stressed that this development should not severely upturn the lives of Guyanese. He added that persons who would have dedicated their lives to the Timehri North community should not have to suffer,” the release stated.

The affected residents will be relocated some 200 metres to the west of their current locations. Construction on the identified plot of land has already begun and is expected to be completed in 2016. The developed area will be equipped with roads and utilities such as electricity and water while the homes will become the properties of the residents.

“This is the right thing to do… If you move someone from his home, you have to ensure that you give something back. In a few years, these will be prime properties.

Right now, you might be in

this situation and think yourself unlucky but in a few years that feeling will change,” Patterson was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, in second session with the Timehri North, Patterson interacted with the residents and shared plans underway for the community.

Amongst these plans were the regularisation of the community; inclusion of standpipes for improved water access; and the rehabilitation of the main road. He said too that there will be improved infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and electricity. The release further related that whilst Patterson said that the Ministry will be working towards bettering the community, the residents must also do the same.

He reminded them that the ultimate aim is to see the community become registered and he therefore urged them to keep an eye out for squatters.

Page 13

Conviction of football coach sparks call for revised marijuana laws - attorneys file an appeal to challenge conviction The sentencing of football coach, Vibert Butts, to three years’ imprisonment for the possession of marijuana, has sparked an immediate move by two Defence Attorneys for Guyana’s narcotics laws to be reformed.

Attorneys Nigel Hughes and Mark Waldron yesterday filed an appeal to challenge Butts’ conviction and also applied for him to be granted bail. Butts was found guilty for possession of 46 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday.

Butts, who was unrepresented, initially pleaded not guilty to the charge but later changed his plea and begged for leniency. He was sentenced to a one-year prison term for another offence.

Hughes stated that the prison term for the possession of marijuana was unrealistic and inhumane since the number of persons charged with the offence does not have access to justice because of their socio-economic status.

“Too many good citizens are sitting down in prison for having in their possession marijuana and it not only criminalizes them but it also stigmatizes them,” he said. “Is only poor people that are caught”.

The Act indicates that anyone found in possession of marijuana is liable to a fine of $10,000 or three times the

Vibert Butts

Nigel Hughes

monetary value of the drug and 10 years in jail.

Hughes is insisting that the penalty is too severe and thus is prepared to challenge it along with his colleague and some 30 prisoners who were charged with the same offence. They will challenge stipulations of the denial of bail, the violation of the separation of power and the mandatory minimum serving time.

Hughes said himself along with Waldron were pre-

paring a draft legislation to change the penalties for the conviction of drug. He said they are seeking a Member of Parliament who would be willing to table the Bill in the National Assembly.

Provided everything goes well, the Bill is expected to be tabled at the final sitting of National Assembly this year.

There have been many calls for Guyana to relax its marijuana laws by international bodies.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 15

Isseneru/miner saga...

GGDMA defends miner against Isseneru Village Council The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) has responded to complaints from the Isseneru village of Region Seven, affirming that the miner must not be “bullied” by greedy Village Councils and denying that the operator was ever issued a cease work order.

In a recent missive, the GGDMA affirmed that no cease work order was ever issued. Rather, the miner volunteered to reduce his operations so that an impartial inspection could be carried out by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

GGDMA also attested that no fault was found.

The mining association went on to observe that the village of Isseneru has been collecting a 12 percent tribute from the miner, something it has no authorization to do.

The association also noted that “the Mazaruni River is not part of any village’s land.”

GGDMA observed that permission to operate in the river is the jurisdiction of the state and GGMC. It referenced the court ruling in October 2015, whereby Jawalla Village, in Region

seven, had lost a case against a mining company. Chief Justice, Ian Chang, had ruled that the Mazaruni River was not a part of Jawalla.

“It should be noted that the Miner has donated to the Isseneru Village Council over 32 ounces of gold since he began working downstream from the village earlier this year,” the association protested. “This was after a discussion with the council and a demand for payment of a 12 per cent tribute, despite not having any legal right to collect such tribute.”

GGDMA also revealed that a previous agreement had existed between the village and the miner, where he was granted permission to operate the same river dredge on village lands (in the village buffer zone) in exchange for the tribute.

“This deal was negotiated and put in place by the village council which collected the tribute. The GGMC subsequently stopped this arrangement as it is illegal to mine in the buffer zone,” GGDMA said. “The current/ new arrangement for the tribute for the river dredge was an additional agreement

The dredge that has stirred much controversy based more on previous partnerships rather than in a legal right to demand tribute for lands which are not within the village’s title.”

GGDMA went on to note that it supports all “legal” mining operations and will continue to do so. Miners must not be bullied by greedy Village Councils,” the asso-

ciation said. “There is the misconception that the mining operation was issued a cease-work order by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.”

“This is not true. The miner has been operating in

the area legally and uninterrupted for several years. (It) volunteered to reduce his operations so an impartial inspection could be carried out by the GGMC. This was done.

No fault was found. The miner was cleared of all accusations of impropriety and he was allowed to resume his operations.”

According to the GGDMA, as recent as Wednesday November 24, 2015, the (dragga or river dredge) was inspected by officials of the GGMC and given the all clear; no violation was found.

The association, while admitting that the village had a right to object to any operation it perceived as endangering its village, claimed that as the dredge was mining downstream, the village’s concerns were unjustified.

“Unless the village is subject to special laws of nature the water will not reverse its flow upstream. The truth can be verified by the GGMC and from the report of the investigative team.”

The dredge has sparked much controversy. While GGDMA has spoken in defence of the miner, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman has already ordered the operator to cease his operations. However, villagers are up in arms as the order was allegedly ignored.

A report on the incident is expected, following a visit by a Government-sponsored team to the operation two weeks ago.

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Elderly woman’s killer bullied own mom for money to buy drugs - relative Michael Stephney, the man who allegedly strangled 73-year-old Suroogpattie Ramlakhan in her home last February, is a convicted drug addict who constantly bullied his mother for money.

This is what residents and at least one relative said of the 48-year-old Reliance, Essequibo suspect, who police say has confessed to killing Ramlakhan, called ‘Auntie Carmen,’ during a robbery in her Richmond Hill, Essequibo Coast home on February 20, 2015.

Police have indicated that he will be charged with murder. However, Stephney is also scheduled to appear in court today on break and enter charges.

Despite describing him as a drug addict, some of the suspect’s neighbours at Reliance, Essequibo, yesterday expressed shock that he had been implicated in Ramlakhan’s murder.

One woman recalled seeing the alleged killer running around in his yard two Sundays ago, while apparently under the influence of drugs. The woman said that although she lived next to the man, he had never acted violently towards her.

And an aunt of the suspect said that her nephew became addicted to drugs some years ago after returning from Venezuela. She alleged that the man would harass his mother for money. But she said that the suspect’s mother, who has since passed away, always stood by him whenever he was implicated in any crime.

Kaieteur News understands that the suspect was convicted on numerous occasions for simple larceny

Alleged killer, Michael Stephney

and other offences.

Kaieteur News had reported that Stephney was arrested last Sunday, shortly after he had attacked a 63-yearold woman in her home at the Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast. He had reportedly gained entry to the victim’s home by removing several louvre panes from a window at the side of her house.

He then began to choke the sleeping woman.

Residents, including the victim’s nephew, surrounded the house after hearing the woman’s screams, but by then, the intruder had fled.

But acting on information, police turned up at Stephney’s home and arrested him. Police said his feet were still smeared with mud when police held him.

Police officials said that under interrogation, the 48year-old man admitted to attacking the Bush Lot resident and stealing $7,000 from her home. Under questioning, he reportedly also confessed to the February 20, 2015 killing of Suroogpattie Ramlakhan.

Police also confirmed this in a statement yesterday.

“During investigations into two reports of burglary

committed on homes at Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast, the police arrested a suspect at Reliance, Essequibo Coast, yesterday (Sunday November 29, 2015).

“The man was also a suspect in the murder of Suroogpattie Ramlakhan which had occurred at her home at Richmond Hill, Essequibo Coast, on February 20, 2015, but had been released after arrest and questioning.

“However, during intense questioning following his arrest yesterday, he confessed to both burglaries and the murder of Suroogpattie Ramlakhan.

“He is in police custody and charges will be made shortly.” Ramlakhan’s body was found on the floor of her two-bedroom residence. Her night dress was pulled above her knees and her neck bore lacerations, and a post mortem revealed that she had sustained head injuries and was strangled. However, there was no sign of sexual assault.

Detectives believe that Ramlakan’s killer had dragged her off her bed after breaking into her home via her back door.

Man shot during attempted robbery A 53-year-old man was shot early yesterday at the Meadow Bank Wharf, East Bank Demerara, (EBD) during a botched robbery.

The victim has been identified as Zhifa Lu. He was shot once to the left foot by one of two armed men.

The incident reportedly happened some time around 07:20 hrs.

According to reports, four Chinese nationals went to the wharf to purchase fish when the incident occurred.

Kaieteur News was told that when the men arrived at the wharf, they parked their vehicle outside and walked into the compound. While in the compound, a white tinted car pulled up and parked alongside the Chinese nationals’ vehicle.

An eyewitness yesterday said that two armed men exited the white car and broke into Lu’s vehicle and collected all the valuables, including the battery.

“They packed the things into their car and they sit and waited on the men (Chinese national) to come out the wharf. But a li’l while later, only one man (Lu) come out from the wharf and walk towards his vehicle. That’s when one of them bandits rush up to he,” the eyewitness recalled.

Kaieteur News was further told that a fight ensued after which two shots were fired one of which struck Lu. “After the shooting, the man run through a crack that lead straight out to Rahaman’s Park and the other gunman

drive away…like he went to meet up the shooter. They didn’t get anything from the Chinese man other than what they took from his vehicle,” the eyewitness said.

He further added that Lu was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and sent away.

A source at the wharf yesterday said that robberies have become a norm at the wharf. “Every day someone always gets robbed outside the wharf.

The police would usually be here but what happens is when the police leave, people from the inside would inform these guys and that’s when they show up and rob people.”

Investigations are ongoing.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Govt. organizing forum to sensitise businesses of labour laws

Minister Simona Broomes (centre) with the PSC executives.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) met recently with Simona Broomes, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection.

The meeting was called to discuss how the PSC can assist the Ministry to reach out to businesses to discuss employer and employee relations in the context of the labour laws.

PSC yesterday pointed out that in many instances employers are not aware of all the requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the other labour laws.

The commission, which represents a cross-section of the country’s biggest businesses, pledged support to the Minister’s plan to host a forum at which employers could be sensitised about these regulations and legislation.

“The Minister said that the Ministry is willing to provide training on Occupational Health and Safety requirements to businesses as well as a grace period after which continuously erring businesses will have to face sanctions.

The Minister also updated the representatives of the private sector on her efforts to tackle Trafficking in Persons.”

Since taking office in May, the David Granger-led administration has stepped up workplace inspections, including mining operations.

Visits were conducted on Regent Street and even in Berbice.

Meetings were held with the Chinese investors and inspectors last week when the Minister descended on the Region 10 bauxite operations of RUSAL.

The police are still on the hunt for a bandit who around 19:00 hrs on Thursday, robbed a businesswoman at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

During the heist, the thief who was armed with a handgun, held up business woman Yashwanttie Deodatt, called Varisha, 21, of Lot 186 McKenzie Street, Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice and robbed her of a number of items before escaping.

During the robbery the thief was able to steal $300,000 in local currency, two cellular phones, one gold chain, two gold bangles, one gold finger ring, US $500 and

a further $10,000 in cash.

According to information the woman resides in a two storey wooden and concrete building which houses a grocery shop on the lower flat.

The victim was about to lock up the shop, when the bandit entered and pointed a gun at her and demanded money and gold.

The bandit took a green Adidas bag which was in the shop and contained $300,000.

The thief also grabbed $10,000 which was in a box in the shop. He then took her upstairs, where she gave him the jewellery and US$500

which was under a mattress.

He then took the cellular phones from on the bed relieved her of the jewellery she was wearing before escaping down the street.

The bandit who was unmasked was described an East Indian, dark in complexion with low cut hair, tall and slim. He was clad in a green and white stripe jersey, short pants and was carrying a short gun in his hand.

The victim is positive that she can identify the bandit if she sees him again.

The police were contacted and arrived promptly on the scene.

Police still hunt armed Rosignol bandit

Former Magistrate's daughter ...

From page 22 be an excellent addition to the local bar. Chief Justice, Ian Chang, humbly accepted the petition informing the court that he sees no reasons why same should be declined.

The CJ advised the new attorney to always be courteous to her colleagues even if they are wrong.

On this note, he wished

her well in her future practice of law.

In Fung-a-Fat's address to the court, she thanked the Chief Justice for his words of encouragement.

She vowed to uphold the principles of the noble profession and promised to always be honest and professional.

The newly appointed Attorney recalled that she had

to overcome many obstacles throughout her journey.

She stated that self doubt was one of them, while thanking her parents and sister for their never ending support and believing in her.

Fung-a-Fat extended gratitude to her friends and many lecturers for the role they played in the journey towards this achievement.

Page 25

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Review of 2015 teachers’ promotions applications not feasible - TSC Chairperson “I don’t think it would be feasible to review thousands of applications,” said Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Ms. Leila Ramson, when asked to comment on the status of a court action brought against the body by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) regarding the promotion of public school teachers.

The GTU had taken the decision to file an injunction to halt the release of the final 2015 teachers’ promotion list by both the TSC and the School Boards Secretariat, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education.

GTU, which premised its decision on concerns that the promoting bodies have for years been deviating from written rules and regulations that govern teachers’ promotions, is calling for a complete review of the applications this year.

However, while the Ministry of Education has surrendered to the demands of the GTU even without a ruling from the court, the TSC has been unrelenting thus far.

Ramson, who is currently overseas, told this publication by way of telephone yesterday that the TSC is prepared to head to the courts next week Wednesday, December 9, when the matter is slated to be heard again. But according to her, the TSC Commissioners are slated to meet on a date ahead of the court hearing to plan the way forward.

Ramson nevertheless shared her conviction that, “I doubt we will change our minds about a review...it is

easy for the Ministry to change its mind, because the Ministry only has to process a few applications. We (TSC) deal with 4,000 to 5,000 applications per year, so it is not easy to just have a doover...it is a lot of work you are talking about here.”

According to Ramson, the TSC had made the proposal to take into consideration the concerns of the GTU when it undertakes the processing of applications for teachers’ promotions.

But the unwillingness of the TSC to permit a review of the 2015 applications is being viewed as disappointing by GTU President, Mark Lyte. He nevertheless expressed optimism that the TSC will move with urgency to change its stance on the promotion matter.

He however noted that “we are happy that the School Boards Secretariat has changed its view on the matter, and we are hoping that they can work assiduously to have those teachers who are due promotions, be promoted in the Easter Term. We are hoping that the same would be done by the TSC; they are still holding out.”

Lyte explained that while teachers are supposed to be promoted on a “points basis”, there were comments that were taken into consideration that could have served to deny or allow some teachers’ promotions.

GTU, he added, is convinced that the promotion process has been fraught with subjectivity on the part of the majority of TSC Commissioners.

“They (TSC) are aware that they are in breach of the

Solider remanded on drug trafficking charge A solider appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore yesterday at Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after he was accused of having in his possession 278 grams of cannabis for trafficking.

Lance Corporal, Nicholas James, 33, from the Infantry One Division located in Timehri, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 27, last, at Timehri, he had the illicit substance in his tenure.

According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne, the defendant was stopped and searched by police, after he was observed acting in a suspicious manner. She said that the drug was found concealed inside a bag that was on his back.

Attorney, Jerome Khan requested that James be

Nicholas James granted bail in a reasonable sum. He told the court that his client has served the country (Continued on page 28)

TSC Chairperson, Leila Ramson rules,” he added, even as he lamented Ramson’s decision to take the GTU’s concerns into consideration until next year.

“They have been unfair to the teachers. To say that is what you have been doing over the years does not make it right; maybe over the years we have never been told what was happening,” the GTU President emphasised.

The GTU usually has a nominee who functions as a TSC Commissioner. According to Lyte, while the GTU nominee might not have objected in the past to the TSC’s process of promotion, “Our nominee for this period did object to what TSC was doing, but the objections were not heeded.”

“Teachers have become so accustomed to how they are treated by TSC that they never challenge (it) even though they know that they were senior to somebody who got a promotion...TSC has never been inclined to make any changes. As a matter of fact, if 40 people object, they only make one or two changes. We are not in agreement with the TSC’s deviation from the rules now that we are aware of what is going on, and we have taken a stance to deal with this matter once and for all,” Lyte asserted.

Lyte is convinced that had the TSC taken the time to review the applications and redo its promotion list, the process could have taken less than two months and could have already been completed.

“We were not asking for fresh applications, we were asking for a review to ensure that teachers were not disenfranchised based on comments made by officials within their respective regions,” Lyte said.

The TSC in a statement had however said that it views the Union’s demands for a review of all applications as an unnecessary task, which seeks to question the integrity and autonomy of a constitutional body that is sworn to the impartial discharge of its mandate.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Teacher fears estranged husband will kill her Caught in the midst of a nasty custody battle and a restraining order, Sceon Beckles is living in fear that her estranged husband will keep his promise to murder her.

Beckles, 31, is saying that the police needs to do more to protect her and her two sons. She said the system has been failing her for years, eventually forcing her to go into hiding. Despite a protection order and countless reports to police stations, the stalking and death threats continue.

“I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle. I can’t even look out of my own window...I can’t even answer my phone.

I don’t feel safe at work,” she told Kaieteur News.

After nine years of verbal and physical abuse, Beckles packed her clothes and left her husband, George Selman, a prison officer. She filed for divorce and had him served with a restraining order.

“The order is just a piece of paper. It doesn’t protect me. He still comes to my school and asks to speak with me. He still questions my students about if I am at work.

He has a knife for me and he says he is going to use it and kill me,” she said.

The protection order has instructed that Selman should not be within 100 feet of Beckles and her children for a period of ten years. He was restrained from harassing her.

However, Selman had to be barred by a policeman from assaulting her at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Selman’s lawyer had also stepped down from representing him after he disclosed that he will kill Beckles no matter the outcome of the case.

Beckles stated that whenever she went to a police station, the police taking the re-

- child placed in father’s custody prior to restraining order port would only listen to what she had to say and write it down. That was as far as it went. “The court can’t stop.

They said a file was sent to the DPP for advice but that’s all I’m hearing...paperwork and more paperwork.”

The police file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for nearly two months now and no response has been given. The Social Protection Ministry, she said, has not offered any dependable advice to protect her and her sons. She stated that one of her sons for whom she was seeking custody, was taken away and given to her husband.

A senior official in the Ministry informed Kaieteur News that the child was returned to the care of the father prior to the protection order and the death threats; however, the case is being reviewed.

“We can remove the child from the environment depending on the findings of that reevaluation,” the source said.

The official said that the decision to place the child in the father’s custody came out of a report that was presented to the Child Care and Protection Agency.

The source insisted that the Ministry has done all it could to help Beckles and it was up to her now to decide if she will accept their proposal. “Hiding won’t help her...This man has friends and he is very aggressive,” the source added.

Selman has visited the Kaieteur News and two other publications, complaining about his estranged wife.

There were reports that he behaved quite aggressively when he was talking about the

situation.

Beckles said the death threats began when she filed for divorce and moved out.

She said he told her that he could buy a gun for $50,000 and kill her and the children and then himself. She said the threats have been escalating as the months go by.

“One time he showed up with a long knife and tell me that whenever he gets the chance he will take me down,” she related.

When questioned why she stayed in the abusive relationship for so long, Beckles stated that she felt that she owed it to him to stay because he took care of her. “I loved him and felt that he could change but I couldn’t change him. I wish I had paid more attention in the earlier days before we got married... “I wish I noticed that he use to spark up in a flash whenever he gets angry,” she said.

In commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Red Thread made a call for the State and government institutions to take the issues of violence against women and children seriously and provide protection and service.

Joy Marcus, of Red Thread, recently stated that the policing and protective systems were noticeably inadequate and dysfunctional.

“We deserve and demand better,” she declared.

She emphasized that victims were still being hassled and given the run around when they go to the police station to provide statements, and in some cases they are even given false information by some police.

“I am innocent,” - accused wife killer tells court Murder accused, Anthony Morrison, was yesterday called on to lead his defence. He is on trial for the unlawful killing of his reputed wife, Donna Thomas.

Morrison is on trial before Justice Priya Beharry and a mixed Jury at the High Court in Georgetown.

According to the indictment, Morrison is said to have murdered Thomas on May 26, 2012. The woman had been living with Morrison at the time of her death.

State Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh had testified that based on a post mortem, Thomas died of asphyxiation compounded by compression

injuries to the neck along with blunt cranial trauma.

He had explained that the marks on the victim’s remains indicated that she was choked and hit in the head with a blunt object.

In an unsworn statement, yesterday, Morrison told the court that he did not know what happened to his partner.

The man claimed that on May 25, 2012 he left for work about 7:00 am. He said that he later returned home but he does not know what happed to his spouse.

“I don’t know anything about this charge. I did not give the police a statement. I want know who kill Donna …

Anthony Morrison I am innocent ma’am,” Morrison said in response to the indictment.

He is being represented

by Defence Attorney Arun Gajraj. Both, Gajraj and State Prosecutor Stacey Goodings are expected to submit their (Continued on page 28)

“In one instance we know of one woman who was butted down the stairs of a

police station by an abuser in front of the police, who took the man’s side instead of

hers. It is clear that the systems that are supposed to be in place to support victims of domestic violence are broken and not functioning as they should be,” she stated.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Highway clean up $76M rehab slated for stellings project gets underway Morian (at right, with paper in hand) calls out the names of persons involved in the clearing exercise

This stelling at Bartica, Region Seven, is set for a $30M rehabilitation, Government announced yesterday.

The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be embarking upon $76M worth of rehabilitation works for the Bartica, Leguan and Parika stellings.

For the Bartica stelling, in Region Seven, T&HD will be undertaking $30M worth of rehabilitation. Major works will include a change of decking; fixing of piles; and upgrades to the office area and the washrooms. The next phase of the rehabilitation of the Bartica stelling is scheduled to commence next year.

For the Leguan stelling, maintenance work

will be conducted on the driveway, decking, beams and some piles. The fender system will also be rehabilitated. The total cost for the Leguan stelling rehabilitation is pegged at $24M. Meanwhile, the Parika stelling is slated to undergo approximately $22M worth of rehabilitation. Amongst its work are repairs to the roll on/roll off area and the fortification of the catwalk. The dilapidated area will not be a part of this phase; rather, this area will be tackled early next year as part of the next phase, the Government indicated by way of a statement.

A number of unemployed residents drawn from all across Linden turned up early yesterday morning at the Mackenzie Five-Corner to be bussed down the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, where a massive cleanup project has begun. The persons involved in the project included several women, many of whom are single parents.

Most of them expressed satisfaction with the advent of the project, saying that it has come at a most opportune time.

“I’m really glad for this, because I’m not working. I’m a single parent with children to take care of, so I hope that this wouldn’t just be a onetime thing, but something that can happen on a regular basis. That sentiment was echoed by both men and women, who turned up fully equipped with cutlasses, power saws,

rakes and other cleaning implements.

The project which is expected to last for three days would see the workers earning approximately $40,000.

Chairman of Region Ten, Renis Morian, said that the project was the first of three to be executed in the Region before the end of the year.

“We recognize the high unemployment in Region Ten so within the Office of the Chairman, Office of the President and Office of Public Infrastructure, we’re looking for activities to have residents of the Region in the short term, find employment.

This first project is on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, which has been in a bad state for years.

Morian said that following the clearing of the Highway, youths will also be involved in planting trees, for

which they would be given a stipend.

He noted that persons were selected from every area across the mining town. He admitted that it was not an easy task as there are so many persons who are unemployed. “It was a tough job selecting 145 people from about 600 people, so what we did was to take a sprinkling from every area, making it as representative as possible.

Other projects currently on stream in the mining town are the road works being carried out by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, GWI, and the Demerara Harbour Bridge with its Bitumen Plant; all of which have hired or will be hiring persons from within the region.

Morian said that over 300 persons will, within the next few weeks, find employment.

(Enid Joaquin)

Solider remanded on drug...

From page 26 for over 14 years and he is not a flight risk. The lawyer explained that on the day in question, his client was sent to Timehri to collect some articles. Khan told the court that while making his way to the destination, James saw sev-

eral men off-loading beverages at a shop. At that time, the lawyer said, that the police were conducting patrol duties in the area.

He said that upon seeing the police, the men ran away leaving a bag behind. Khan added that the police searched the

“I am innocent,” From page 27 closing addresses when the trial resumes at 10:00 am today.

Meanwhile the High Court trial of Agricola resident, Balram Singh, is set to commence today.

Singh is accused of the murder of taxi driver, Bomeshwar Sukdeo. He pleaded not guilty to the indictment yesterday after a mixed 12-member jury was empanelled before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court. He is being represented by Attorney -at -law, Jermaine Jarvis. State Prosecutor, Narissa Leander is presenting

the case.

According to the charge, the incident occurred between January 19 and January 27, 2010. According to reports, the victim had gone missing. He was murdered after his car was stolen.

Sukdeo’s charred remains were identified days later on the Mocha Arcadia access road. Reports further indicated that the deceased was shot in the head and burnt.

Balram Singh, of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was subsequently arrested. He had allegedly admitted to selling Sukhdeo’s car to a taxi service in Grove, East Bank Demerara.

bag and found the narcotic inside and placed the allegation to his client.

According to Khan, James of Lot 104 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara has denied any knowledge of the bag and its contents.

The Attorney pleaded with the Magistrate that Nicholas be granted bail citing special reasons.

He argued that they were several persons in the area, prior to the police search and anyone of them could have dropped the bag. He also contended that no tests were conducted on the drug to prove that it was marijuana.

On this note, Khan also pleaded with the court to have his client detained at Camp Ayanganna under the jurisdiction of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), where he can be tried.

However, the request was declined by the Magistrate and James was ordered held at the Camp Street, prison.

The matter was then transferred to Court One on December 7.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Eccles engineer brings renowned Eaton hydraulic hoses to Guyana

Alex Lima-Arie and businessman, Khemraj Brijlall

A staffer demonstrates how to correctly crimp hydraulic hoses.

One of the country’s leading engineering companies has managed to acquire sole distribution rights to one of the world’s most reliable hydraulic hoses.

According to Khemraj Brijlall, of Technical Services Inc (TSI), the deal will mean that miners and other industrial users of the hoses and their fittings can expect costs to go down because the hoses last way longer than what is available on the local market.

“We have managed to strike a deal with US-owned Eaton for its Aeroquip Hydraulic Hose and the components along with the services and after sales. Eaton’s products are well known for their long lasting reliability,” Brijall explained.

The businessman, who has his operations at the Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara, has been around since 1998, specializing in general engineering in-

cluding fabrication of different spares, engine re-building and manufacturing of excavator parts.

The company has also been supplying and servicing excavator components, including hydraulic systems.

According to Alex LimaArie, Territory Manager/Sales Engineer, representing Eaton, the services offered can be anywhere from a small hose assembly to a more complex hydraulic system.

“Eaton pumps, motors, transmissions, valves, cylinders, controls, hose and fittings offer a unique combination of proven technology and innovative design that translates directly into reliable performance and enhanced uptime, whether you need a single component, a customengineered solution, or anything in between. Eaton is the partner of choice for mobile and industrial applications that simply have to work,”

Lima-Arie said.

Workers demonstrated a five-minute hose crimping service in operation.

“There are a few places offering hose crimping. But there is a specific way to do it. If not done right, the hose will break under pressure. If you are in a mining camp in the backdam, and you are depending on that one excavator that went down because of a bad hose, it is gonna cost you. It is better to do it right,” the Eaton official explained.

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Kaieteur News

VACANCY Rays One Stop Auto Parts: experienced used parts counter and bond clerk @ 74 Sheriff Street. Call: 225-6356/7 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC – TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 2310655; 683-8734. Omar Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Building Contractor: drawing plan, general home maintenance, free estimateCall: 216-0671/ 622-0267/ 692-8464. email: klakeram. construction@gmail.com Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822

WANTED 1 Cook to work in the Interior for Family. Call: 683-2271 Wanted experienced taxi drivers and dispatchers@ Princess Hotel ProvidenceTel: 616-5419, 256-7075 Experienced pastry maker, curry & roti/puri cooks, counter servers, handy boys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.

Bartenders, waitress, cook, maintenance, please apply in person @ Aracari Resort 160 Plantation Versailles W.B.D Live in waitress to work in a bar and hotel –Call: 6046606; 665-7865 Live in waitress 18-30yrssalary $60,000 monthly- Call: 610-3974 Senior Mechanic to work in Georgetown – Call: 218-1156 Drivers, dispatchers & contract cars- Call: 2310316,231-0002, 219-4086, 2194087 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Wanted land to buy at Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Diamond, Tuschen (best price pay)- call: 604-6724 Girl to work in snackette at Schoon-Ord, West Bank Demerara- Call: 626-2629, 676-6312 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 219-5354 (Monday- Saturday) 8:154:15pm Office clerk senior/ junior CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset- Call: 219-5354 Experienced wash bay attendants living in Georgetown. Attractive salary- Call: 646-8748

FOR SALE/RENT American Pools table-Call: 277-0578

Plant Shop Sales Clerk: Hardworking, literate, punctual workers, Work experience an asset. Contact: 648-1821 Experienced bar/ shop worker for Ekereku bottom Interior, age 17-30years- Call: 231-0363 Exist for bartender, waitress, security guard –Contact Sheik or Donald on Tel: 227-1131 Experienced cook, waitress, bartender, bouncer needed for Eden’s Bar. Call for appointment: 652-0074 Vacancy exists for cooks, wait-staff, bartenders & cleaners at Starbuds Restaurant. Send applications to 183 Albert St, Georgetown.

ACCOUNTS CLERK, MINIMUM CXC Accounts Grades I or II; PLANT TRAINEE, GTI/ GITC graduates preferred E.B.D Residents- Tel. 676 6700 Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm TRINIDAD JOB O P P O R T U N I T Y: EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER WITH VALID PASSPORT CALL: 669-6565; 695-2838 Vacancies for porters. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek.

5 Waitresses to work at Sports Bar on E.B.D $17,000 weekly. Free meals and accommodation- Call/ Whatsapp: 661-8802

Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

Suriname Old years into new- exciting fireworks, shopping, site-seeing & tours (Dec 30th- Jan 3rd).

Call: 665-5171, 639-2663

-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline.

-Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257

CAR RENTAL

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Rotweiler pups. Tel: 6196086, 622-6646, 699-7077.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lot 175 Atlantic Gardens E.C.D – 2 Storey Building, 3 bedrooms- $120,000- Call: 687-1050 Top flat, 2 bedrooms @ East Street opposite Balwant Singh Hospital, no children.

Call: 227-6776; 667-3062 2 Bedrooms apartment located @ Mon-Repos North E.C.D- price $60,000 – Contact: 692-9295 & 688-6005 2 Bedrooms bottom flat @ West Ruimveldt - $40,000 per month. Call: 692-7194; 6927377 Hair & Nail Stations @ Forgaty’s Building, also a braider either to rent station or work -Call: 602-7256; 6859836 Julieann’s Apartment Rentals: fully furnished apartments with air-condition & Wi-Fi $9,000 daily - Call: 226-5336; 692-6595; 616-4686 One self contained room; preferably bachelor. Call: 2234545 SD Real Estate, Executive 2 Bedrooms Apartment in exclusive Residential Area with all modern amenities.

Tel: 653-2920.

EDUCATIONAL

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

TOURS

SALON

Prime business place for rent @ Mon Repos Public Road E.C.D, 2 (2) Bedroom apartment @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D. Contact: 6181754; 681-1508; 220-6168

CAR RENTAL

Professional Pressure washing & water tank cleaning services, for all your home & business exterior cleaning call: 696-5424 CATERING Order now – Puri, Roti and curries (no order too big or small) –Call: 676-6312; 626-2629

Landscape maintenance team seeks, Hardworking, reliable workers, 17-35 ages; on the job, training. Contact: 219-0468/621-2453

Tuesday December 01, 2015

9 Courses Diploma in Computer Studies, Xmas Deal -$20,000 off @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop, Royal Castle Building- Call: 264-3057

PRADO: TOP CONDITION, SUNROOF, FULLY LOADED, 8 SEATER, FUEL, 2000 MODEL. CALL: 6845868 CRV EXCELLENT CONDITION, 1998CC, ALARM, DVD, MAGRIM, CLEAN ENGINE & BODYCALL: 684-5868 1-36ft cabin Cruiser for saleCall: 648-6815; 654-2817 Used XBOX 360, PS Vita, PS3 I-pad & I-pods, XBOX one & games –Tel: 621-7497; 6038643; 649-3277 Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix pups for sale – Call: 641-1771 and 654-0388 Pure bred Rottweiler pups with pedigree – best quality.

Call/Whatsapp: 664-5401

PROPERTY FOR SALE House on land, 18 ponds, length-200X24-width, 20,000 Tilapia & Hassa in pond at Craig – Back. Call: 266-3156; 682-6128 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 624-7341 Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461.

1-2 Storey building in Diamond, New Scheme 3rd Avenue & Better Hope, Line Top-Call: 220-5525, serious buyer only 2 storied transported concrete property- upstairs: 2 bedrooms apartment, downstairs: 2 bedroom apartment, block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D -$19M neg.

Call: 625-1514; 231-7255 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052

Stalls 64-72 -47ft longX7ft wide @ La Penetence Market Albouystown-Call: 6631597; 218-4837; 225-4410

Transported property 48X223ft (with old house) at Hague (duck pond/ settlement) W.C.D, price $5.5M negotiable- Call: 6553667

Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras Tel: 621-4740; 686-3500

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Excellent condition- Call: 660-3235, 668-3985

1 Xbox original soft-moded with over 30 games $17,000, 1 Nintendo DS Lite with 4 games $15,000- Call: 6219604, 694-1748 Pure bred pit-bull pups for sale –Contact Lisa: 697-8867 One 600amp automatic transfer switch sold as isCall:627-7835 AMERICAN BULLY CALL: 667-4845, 6100068, 220-7933 1 Nintendo 3DSXL with 2 games $35,000, 1 Dell XPS M140 laptop computer, 1 Dell Precision M60 laptop computer - Call: 621-9604, 694-1748 1 Nintendo Wii game console with 1 game $16,000, 1 PS2 console with 7 games $13,000- Call: 621-9604, 6941748 2 Hands sanders, 1 Skilsaw & Dewalt 7 1/4" circle sawCall: 621-9604, 694-1748

LAND FOR SALE Luxury gated community with pool, mall, swipe entry/ exit, underground irrigation –Contact: 609-0783 Providence Scheme 115ftX81ft located on a Cul de Sac close to Bai Shan Lin -$8.2M negotiable –Call: 6014163; 223-0719 Land @ Moblissa Soesdyke Linden Highway, 22 Acres if cleared land with nearby creek -3 minutes off Highway-Call: 689-0003 At Parfaite Harmonie$1.4M, $1.6M, $1.1M, Tuschen 2 nd street $5M, Tuschen Phase 2 $1.2M. Term available- Call: 6046724 EDUCATIONAL

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

LAND FOR SALE 1155 Acres of land located at East Bank Demerara. Price Negotiable- Call: 612-2060

Computerized Accounting: QuickBooks, Peachtree, Excel 2016, P.O.S Pre-Xmas giveaway -$35,000 Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop, Royal Castle Building. Call: 264-3057 Continued on page 31

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Letters... Where your views make the news

It appears that the police stole my car battery at the station DEAR EDITOR, I will like to bring to Minister Ramjattan’s attention the poor security system in Guyana. And the lack of decisive action to stem the crime situation is now a life threat to the Guyanese People.

I was recently robbed at my business premise on the 4th of November 2015 around 14:00hrs by four armed bandits who pretended to be customers and held us at gunpoint.

The ordeal lasted for closely 45 minutes, a customer who was approaching the store to do some purchases saw what was happening, left her bicycle and ran to the Mahaicony Police Station to make a report.

Several calls were made to the said Mahaicony Police Station and was ignored by a female constable, who kept saying that there was no vehicles or male ranks at the time. 45 minutes and no police rank came to our premises and still the police have the mouth to say “We was aware of the robbery but we can’t do nothing, it was dangerous”. The four armed bandits

made their escape with my vehicle after demanding the keys. They drove the car with excessive speed to manage their escape but failed to do so. After they lost control they ended up into a nearby trench and made their escape into the backlands.

The Mahaicony residents were able apprehend one of the bandit where he was given a sound trashing moments before police ranks turn up at the sense.

Nevertheless, my car was pulled out from the trench and handed over and lodged at the Mahaicony Police Station with the battery.

The Mahaicony Community Policing Group and residents still continue that night to hunt and search for the rest of the bandits which was still hiding in the backlands.

During that night I was at the Mahaicony Police Station, where I heard the telephone rang, and was answered by the constable.

A resident who made that call said that a sliver blue car passed by and picked up one of the bandit up and making his way out.

He asked for police back up and road block. 15 Minutes after ranks finished signing out for weapons and went out to search where the car made its escape.

I even made contact to the 911 emergency around 10:50pm and was ignored.

Early Thursday morning residents, police ranks and members of the Mahaicony Community Policing Group were still searching and hunting for the bandits.

The residents decided to set the bushes on fire where the two other bandits were captured and handed over to the police.

A cell phone was recovered at my premise which said to be the bandit’s phone.

That cell phone has vital information like photograph of the bandits, text messages and even telephone calls.

The said phone was handed over to the detectives to assist with investigation.

A close source from the Guyana Police Force said that a female rank is said to have connection to the robbery. He said she was also making several calls to a phone. That very

female rank later came to my business premises crying, saying that she will now lose her job because she release information to Kaieteur News and Social Media.

I am calling on the Minister to launch an investigation into this matter since it is a disgrace to Guyana Police Force.

On Monday,9th of November 2015, one of the bandits, Stephen Hopkinson, 22, also known as Alexander Williams of Laing Avenue, Ruimveldt Georgetown made his first Court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrate before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and slapped with several charges. He was remanded to prison.

On Monday, 18th of November 2015, I was present in court waiting for the case to call but after hours was told by an officer that the Magistrate’s jacket did not come.

This is more than ridiculous in our court system and as such, I am calling on you Honorable Minister to step into this matter as early as possible. However, the other

bandit made his first court appearance on the said date.

He was slapped with 6 charges. I stand before the court asking for the release of my car and items that was recovered.

Permission was granted by the Magistrate who told the police rank to take proper photos of the items.

After running to the station several times with unnecessary excuses to have the car and phone cards release, I observed that the battery of the said car was missing at the Mahaicony Police Station where it is inexcusable for the officers for not giving account for it.

On Monday, November 30, 2015, I made my selfpresent in court again to hear that one of the case jackets did not arrive again and the other bandit granted bail in the High Court that was slapped with six charges on November 18, 2015. Mr. Ramjatan it is becoming an injustice to the Guyanese people. I do hope you take the rightful step into this matter due to it seriousness.

Roopnarine Singh

From page 30

VEHICLE FOR SALE Star Cars Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Runx, IS, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela, Pitbull, Raum, Benz -Tel: 2683509; 679-3140 Blow out sale! Cheapest: Super GL automatic and stick gear VVTI buses, Hilux-1RZ engine. Call: 616-7635 Toyota AT 212. Price $1.1M negotiable- Tel: 650-4736 Toyota Noah & Voxy, Fully loaded, never registered, ‘G’ Series -$1.7M –Call: 6172891 One Honda CRV, immaculate condition –price $1,650,000- Call: 626-2884 Mitsubishi Canter for sale; GTT series, next to new – Call: 611-5354; 615-4728, price reasonable Bus for sale, BJJ series- call: 677-3177, 678-5887

TO LET Brand new top flat unfurnished 2 bedrooms apartment, located Lot 8 Shell Road Kitty Georgetown -$70,000 –Call: 231-4385; 638-5894 For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internet. Tel: 6895877 3 Bedrooms apartment for rental at W.B.D- Call: 2671446, 674-6080 Newly constructed apartment in a safe and healthy environment- Call: 6986496, 622-6512 Apartment available from 1st December- Living room, kitchen, bedroom, toilet & bath @ 1st Bridge West Minister- Call: 647-5779

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Tuesday November 01, 2015

Tuesday November 01, 2015

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Election petitions gets green light…

Not So Fast! Govt. Copyrights Appeal Court rules in favour of UNC ‘Jamaican Jerk’ Tag (Jamaica Gleaner) - Jamaica has taken another step in protecting the country’s brand with the international copyrighting of Jamaican Jerk.

There is now a geographical indication (GI) system in place aimed at guarding against those who seek to capitalise on Brand Jamaica.

The GI system was launched last week at a Jamaica Intellectual Property Office and World Intellectual Property Organisation forum in Kingston.

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Anthony Hylton, says the GI system is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

Hylton says as a result of the move, just as Mexico is

known for its Tequila, and France for Champagne, Jamaican Jerk is protected internationally from misrepresentation.

He pointed out that Jamaica is the first Englishspeaking country in the region to register an indigenous product.

He says further steps will be taken to protect the country’s name and brands from misuse.

The industry, investment and commerce minister says the Protection of Geographical Indications Act is to be amended to provide a higher level of GI-protection to nonwines-and-spirits.

Hylton says this means that all goods for which GI protection exists would be protected against the use of phrases like ‘Jamaican-style’, ‘Jamaican type’ and ‘Jamai-

can kind’ by producers who seek to ride on the goodwill of authentic Jamaican products.

He says amendments are to be made to the Trade Marks Act to protect the country name ‘Jamaica’ from use by foreign businesses and trademarks that do not originate in Jamaica.

Hylton says Jamaica is also to incorporate provisions of the Madrid Protocol to allow for the registration of trademarks in multiple countries through one centralised application procedure.

He says these efforts will allow the country to better monetise its cultural and creative products.

He also stressed that Jamaica cannot be competitive if it does not protect the reputation of the island’s high quality goods and services.

(Trinidad Guardian) - The Appeal Court in a majority ruling has paved the way for the United National Congress (UNC) six election petitions — challenging the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) decision to extend the voting time by one hour in Trinidad for the September 7 general election — to go full speed ahead.

The ruling means that the UNC will now have to provide cogent and credible evidence before a High Court judge to show that it was significantly disadvantaged and the EBC

decision affected the results.

The PNM assumed office with 23 seats while the UNC retained 18.

Chief Justice Ivor Archie voted against the grant of leave while his colleagues, Allan Mendonca and Peter Jamadar, ruled in favour of the UNC. Both the EBC and the People’s National Movement (PNM) had challenged the decision of High Court judge Mira Dean-Armorer to approve the election petitions.

The UNC filed the election petitions for six constituencies—La Horquetta/Talparo,

Toco/Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, St Joseph, Moruga/Tableland and San Fernando West within a week of its loss in the general election.

In its petitions, the party is claiming that the EBC acted illegally when it took the decision to extend the polls to 7 pm because of bad weather and traffic. The UNC also argued that the late notice was not properly communicated to voters.

The EBC denied any wrongdoing and is contending that it acted within its remit.

Trinidad opposition leadership campaigns turn nasty

St Kitts and Nevis concerned about Cable and Wireless-Flow merger (Jamaica Gleaner) - St Kitts and Nevis’ Attorney General and Minister of Communications, Vincent Byron Jr., says the Government is concerned about the effects the merger between telecommunications company Cable and Wireless and Columbus Communications will have on the telecommunications market in that country and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

In March of this year, Cable and Wireless, the parent company for LIME, announced that it had completed its US$1.85 billion ac-

quisition of 100 per cent of the equity of Columbus Communications Inc., the operators of FLOW. The merger has sparked concerns and debates around the Caribbean that the merger could create a telecommunications monopoly.

Byron, who is also the chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority, said the merger is a concern considering that the Government is majority shareholder in The Cable, the main cable television and Internet provider on St Kitts that competed with

LIME. The authority is the regulatory telecommunications body for the Eastern Caribbean.

He said the priority should be for consumers of the subregion to get good quality telecommunications services at an affordable price.

Byron said the authority will also be addressing other issues, including number portability, the removal of roaming charges within the subregion and the free use of over the top services such as WhatsApp.

UNC leadership contenders (L-R): Dr Roodal Moonilal, Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Vasant Bharath PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — As predicted by former minister Vasant Bharath, one of three contenders for the leadership of the opposition United National Congress (UNC) in Trinidad and Tobago, the campaigning has turned nasty and, according to local media, internecine conflict is threatening to break up the party in the run-up to the internal elections.

Bharath said earlier this month that, based on previous campaigns, he suspected the election will get nasty.

“I don’t hold out much hope that it’s going to be very clean,” he said.

With just days to go before the party elects its leader on December 5, one wouldbe deputy leader was reportedly threatened for taking sides against incumbent political leader, Kamla PersadBissessar.

According to the Trinidad Guardian, former sports minister Brent Sancho aligned himself with challenger Bharath’s Team Reconnect and was immediately “threatened with exposure”

by Persad-Bissessar’s team.

Sancho apparently quickly withdrew his candidacy and left the country.

A Team Reconnect in-

sider confirmed that Sancho made an application to be on Bharath’s slate in the capacity of deputy political leader.

He confirmed also that Sancho left the country and indicated that he would return only after the December 5 election.

Persad-Bissessar has denied any involvement in the alleged threat against Sancho.

Bharath has accused the third contender for the party leadership, Dr Roodal Moonilal, of “clutching at straws” in an attempt to undermine his campaign.

“I think he (Moonilal) sees that he does not have the support he believed he would have and as the party founder said, he is irrelevant,” Bharath said.

He said Moonilal’s sudden attack on him proved that Moonilal’s own campaign was fragile.

“He seems to be building his case to return to the Persad-Bissessar camp because I believe he recognises that he cannot win,” Bharath said.

“He seems to be looking for a home and is trying to engender some sort of sympathy from the Persad-Bissessar camp,” Bharath added.

Moonilal is one of three former senior government officials claimed by FIFA cor-

ruption-accused Jack Warner to have conspired to cover up an alleged discovery of marijuana at the private residence of then prime minister now leader of the opposition, Persad-Bissessar.

The Police Complaints Authority in Trinidad has recommended the criminal prosecution of certain police officers involved in the alleged discovery but it is not known whether or not a separate ongoing police investigation is looking into the alleged cover up by Moonilal and others.

It seems likely that Bharath is working to position himself as the “safe” candidate for those who are disenchanted with PersadBissessar but are not prepared to embrace Moonilal’s more abrasive political style.

Meanwhile, PersadBissessar said she has no intention of ever again working with either Moonilal or Bharath.

Persad-Bissessar has also called her competitors hypocrites, noting that three months ago they were praising her leadership.

Bharath and Moonilal have both denied that they were hypocritical in supporting her three months ago but fighting her for party leadership now.

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Tuesday November 01, 2015

Barbados/Trinidad clinch top... WICB throws support behind Narine (From page 39) started his trek with a decisive victory over Guyanese Roger Sloon on the inaugural night and further strengthened his position with a similar win over another Guyanese, Dwayne July, on the final night. The highly anticipated announcement of the winning country did not materialize since the officials remained adamant that all of the participants were winners in their own right.

Meanwhile, the action intensified on the final night and those in attendance were treated to fistic fury throughout the programme. Local boxers experienced mixed fortunes even after welterweight pugilist, Kellon King, opened Guyana’s account on a positive note. He pounded Lance Robinson of Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) and forced him to quit on the stool at the end of the first round.

King’s countryman, Dwayne July failed to upkeep the tempo and dropped a points decision to Barbadian, Charles Cox in the middleweight division. Light/heavyweight, Colin Martin resumed Guyana’s winning ways with a TKO victory over Senthil Kumar (A&B) after the latter pugilist quitted on his stool at the end of the first stanza.

Tefon Green also chalked up a win for Guyana in his flyweight (elite open) bout against Trinidadian, Anthony Joseph but Clairmont Gibson did not fare that well after surrendering a points decision to

Kesney Joseph of French Guiana.

Misfortune continued to beset the Guyanese boxers when lightweight, Joel Williamson surrendered his elite (open) bout to Jamaican, Ricardo Carter on points while another Guyanese, Jason Phillips, also dropped a points decision to Trinidadian, Jean Paul Cooper. Trinidad also clinched the welterweight (elite) title after Aaron Hackette unleashed a sustained two fisted attack on Jamaican Nico Yeyo on his way to a points decision.

Dennis Thomas is the most experience boxer on the Guyanese team and much was expected from him. Earlier in the tournament he had convincingly chalked up two victories on the inaugural and second nights. He fought his heart out in a fight that many believed he should have won but the judges thought differently and awarded his middleweight bout to his Jamaican opponent, Johnathan Hanson, on points.

Another Guyanese, Desmond Amsterdam, stepped up to the plate with a decisive victory over St Lucian, Mark Anthony, while Jason Barker benefitted from a walkover one fight later after his opponent, Trinidadian, Brendon Dennis, sustained an injury.

Guyanese boxer, Nicko Jodha lasted one minute of his flyweight (youth) bout against a Barbadian, one fight before Barbadian, Jabali Breedy punched his way to

victory over his Guyanese bantamweight counterpart, Jamal Eastman.

It was certainly not Guyana’s night as Quincy Boyce also lost his lightweight encounter to Keshan Jacoby Koaly (Guadeloupe) one bout before Trinidadian, Christian McDonald eked out a close points decision over Guyanese Diwani Lampkin.

Barbados continued its good showing after Ision Fraser scored a points win over Trinidadian, Ronaldo Stewart in the welterweight category, while another Bajan, middleweight, Shakuan Lashley, prevailed over Guyanese, Stephan Smith in the middleweight division.

Guyana then chalked up three consecutive victories; light/heavyweight, Lennox Walton blasted his way to a TKO victory over Anguilla’s Shem Olton in 2:54secs of the first stanza with Stephen Andrews emulating with a TKO victory over Mike Inniss (T&T) in 1:58secs also in the first stanza.

Nankumar Singh was his usual aggressive self and he punched his way to a points win over Antiguan, Jamal Skepple in their lightweight bout while (Nankumar’s) countryman, Klaus Daniels, also represented well with a lopsided points verdict over Trinidadian, Kyleron Ruiz in a light/welterweight shindig.

The action was intense throughout the tournament and the night ended on a similar note when two super/ heavyweights, Eon Fraser (Guyana) and Nigel Paul (T&T) squared off. Paul is a strapping, imposing fellow and he used this to his advantage. The sound of the bell was still resonating when the Trinidadian delivered several clouts that had Fraser scurrying around the ring like a frightened rabbit. The Guyanese never suggested permanency and after another wicked right hook thudded into his temple, the referee administered the mandatory 8 count and then waved the contest off.

Meanwhile, several boxers benefitted from the generosity of former (amateur) boxing champion and 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games representative, Junior Christie. The former boxer currently resides in the USA but returned home to see his countrymen and women in action. Mr. Christie extended benevolence to firstly, the GBA after presenting those officials with a gong. He also doled out special prizes to some of the outstanding boxers from Guyana and other countries. The former amateur champion has since promised additional support in the future.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Sunil Narine will receive the full support of the West Indies Cricket Board, following his suspension from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

The suspension followed the announcement from the International Cricket Council, the sport’s World governing body, that an independent

assessment has found the bowling action of Narine to be illegal.

“It will be a blow to Sunil to have failed the ICC biomechanics assessment of his action and be suspended from bowling,” said WICB Director of Cricket Richard Pybus.

“We will be offering our support to Sunil as he does

the remedial work on his bowling action. I know the time and effort he has put in to do this work previously and I am sure this will just deepen his resolve to come back a better bowler.”

Narine was reported after the third One-day International on the Tour of Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Broncos spoil Patriots’ perfect...

(From page 33) the stage for a frenetic finish.

Denver wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders had six receptions for 113 yards.

The Broncos fell behind 14-0 before they put together a long drive that running back Ronnie Hillman finished with a 19yard touchdown run to pull within seven at the half.

Osweiler kept the drive alive with a 3-yard sneak on a

fourth-and-1 play.

New England forced a three-and-out on Denver’s opening possession and found itself with a short field when Britton Colquitt’s punt traveled only 25 yards to the Broncos’ 47. Brady went 4for-4 on the drive, the last a 23-yard touchdown pass to Gronkowski, who eluded a pair of defenders en route to the end zone.

The Patriots’ second

touchdown drive began at the Broncos’ 15-yard line after defensive end Chandler Jones intercepted a pass just beyond the line of scrimmage after Osweiler was hit by defensive end Jabaal Sheard as he released the ball.

Chandler found an opening between two defenders, and Brady connected with him from 9 yards out for the score.

Tuesday 01 December , 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some bizarre dreams or visions could come to you today. Don't put too much stock in them.

You might find that the images are partly scenes from your past, partly information you've received lately, and partly your own fears about the future.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Information you receive from friends could have you worrying a little about your financial security.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your thoughts and feelings may be vague today, and you could be preoccupied. People might talk to you but you won't hear much of what they say, and you'll remember even less.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Romantic matters should be going very well now, although today you might have some doubts. Your loved one may be quiet and preoccupied.

Don't let your insecurities get the better of you!

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Usually you have a strong intuitive bond with those close to you, but today you might feel like that part of your brain has shut down.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today you may have so much to do around the house that you don't know where to start.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It may be difficult to focus on household chores today.

Your mind is on more exalted matters, such as spiritual and intellectual interests and you feel lazy.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today the paranormal could be on your mind. Books on related subjects may capture your interest, so you'll probably want to spend the day reading.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Creative ideas may elude you today. You may have a hankering to do something artistic but with only a few vague notions, and you may not like those. This is a good day to work with others' ideas.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) A strong bond of loyalty that you feel for a friend might propel you into a touchy situation today. Your friend may ask you to do a favor that's difficult if not impossible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Something may be distracting a close friend or love partner so much that this person isn't very good company. Nor will your friend want to share the source of their preoccupation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Confusion may reign today, particularly if you're intuitive.

You may pick up strange vibes that could be unsettling. Don't try to make sense of them.

Tuesday November 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Broncos spoil Patriots’ perfect record with OT win Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Recognizing the run play that was called likely would go nowhere against the New England Patriots’ defensive alignment, Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler audibled to a different one. The result was electric.

Running back C.J. Anderson broke loose through the snow for a game-winning, 48yard touchdown run, and the Broncos rallied to beat New England 30-24 in overtime Sunday night, handing the Patriots their first loss of the season.

“The run that we had called was no good,” Osweiler said. “I just checked to the second play. It was a check we had worked on in practice all week. Our line did a hell of a job, and C.J. did the rest.”

Denver’s defence set up the Broncos’ final drive by stopping quarterback Tom

Brady and the Patriots (10-1) on the first possession of overtime.

Anderson shook free from a couple of Patriots defenders en route to the decisive score.

“We needed a big play to try to bring this game home,” said Denver wide receiver Andre Caldwell, who caught a key touchdown pass from Osweiler in the final minutes of regulation. “When I saw him in the open field, I knew he was gone. And the fans went crazy. That was the wildest I’ve seen this place in a long time.”

Osweiler, making his second career start in place of injured Peyton Manning, was 23 of 42 for 270 yards with a touchdown pass. He was intercepted once. Brady completed 23 of 42 for 280 yards, connecting with running back Brandon Bolden and tight ends Scott Chandler and Rob

Gronkowski for touchdowns.

Gronkowski (six catches, 88 yards) took a hard hit trying to make a catch with just under three minutes remaining and was carted off the field with a knee injury.

Osweiler gave Denver (92) its first lead of the night, 24-21, when he completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Caldwell with 1:09 remaining in regulation.

That was enough time for Brady to drive the Patriots to Denver 29-yard line. As time expired, kicker Stephen Gostkowski drilled a 47-yard field amidst the snow flurries to send the game into overtime.

New England appeared to gain control of the game when Brady lofted a pass downfield to Bolden, who slipped past a tackler at about the 30 to turn it into a 63-yard catch and run for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quar-

Simmons backing Windies to flourish with hard work BRISBANE, Australia (CMC) — Head Coach Phil Simmons believes that hard work in the build-up to the Test series against Australia will work wonders for West Indies as they seek to break their 17-year win drought when the three-match rubber bowls off in December.

The former international all-rounder returned to his role after missing the recent trip to Sri Lanka through suspension, and has immediately got down to the business of preparing the Caribbean side for the recapture of the Frank Worrell Trophy.

West Indies have not won ‘Down Under’ since 1997, and have not beaten the Aussies in a Test anywhere in 12 years.

“Today was the first practice and the guys looked as good as you can look after a long flight,” Simmons said Sunday.

“We still have three days practice before the warm-up game and then three more days before the Test match.

So I think it is about getting ourselves sharp enough going into the warm-up game and taking the warmup game as serious as possible, and making sure that during the warm-up game we do the things we want t o d o d u r i n g t h e Te s t match.”

West Indies, who arrived here last week, will have a four-day warm-up match against the Cricket Australia XI, starting tomorrow at the Allan Border Oval in Brisbane.

Simmons expressed confidence that his young team,

West Indies cricketers Jermaine Blackwood (left) and Kemar Roach share a light moment during Sunday’s practice session.

(PHOTO: WICB MEDIA) led by all-rounder Jason Holder, could come up to the mark on foreign soil against their more experienced opponents.

“The new ball is going to be a big thing, and as long as we get accustomed to the wickets and batting on the wickets when it comes time to play the long innings, we will be able to do it,” Simmons noted.

The highlight of the tour will be the second Test match at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground which will be the historic Boxing Day Test, one of the iconic features in world sport. West Indies last played in the major event 15 years ago.

The first Test will be in

Hobart, with the third match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting in early January.

Just four members of the young squad — Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor — have played Test cricket in Australia before, but Simmons said every member of his touring party would need to step up during the series.

“They are the ones we are banking on to give the knowledge to the younger players that haven’t been here, but I think everyone has to take ownership over the next week so they know what to do when we get into the Test matches,” Simmons pointed out.

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for the game winning touchdown during the overtime period against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports) ter. The Patriots led 21-7.

A special teams mistake got Denver back in the game.

Chris Harper fumbled a punt, and Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett recovered at the New England 36. That led

to Anderson’s 15-yard touchdown run, which pulled Denver within 21-14 with 12:34 remaining. Anderson finished with 15 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

Osweiler drove the Bron-

cos to the Patriots’ 3-yard line, but after a third-down pass fell incomplete in the end zone, Brandon McManus came on to kick a 21-yard field goal with 6:12 to play, setting (Continued on page 32)

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Tuesday November 01, 2015

Cairns found not guilty after nine-week trial ESPNcricinfo - Chris Cairns admits that his reputation in cricket has been “scorched” despite being found not guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at the end of a nineweek trial at Southwark Crown Court in London.

The verdict, which was delivered at 10.40am on Monday morning, was reached after 10 hours and 17 minutes of deliberation and greeted with a wave of relief from Cairns, who has effectively been cleared of any involvement in match-fixing.

He admitted afterwards that he had not initially heard the verdict as relayed to the court by the foreman of the jury, but quickly saw the jubilation on the face of his codefendant Andrew Fitch-Holland, who was also acquitted of perverting the course of justice.

The first count, that of perjury, would have carried a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment and related to his successful 2012 libel action against Lalit Modi, the founder of the IPL, at the High Court in London. That action arose as a result of a tweet sent by Modi in 2010 accusing Cairns of match-fixing in the now-defunct Indian

Cricket League (ICL).

In the course of the libel trial, Cairns stated that he had “never” cheated at cricket, and nor would he contemplate doing so, a statement that attracted the interests of the Crown Prosecution Service in the wake of leaked testimony given by his former team-mates, Lou Vincent and Brendon McCullum, to the ICC’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU).

The nine witnesses called to give evidence by the prosecution included a host of cricket’s most recognisable names - including McCullum, Ricky Ponting and Daniel Vettori. However, Mr Justice Sweeney, the presiding judge, stated that the evidence of two of the three “key” witnesses - Vincent, his ex-wife Eleanor Riley and McCullum - needed to be accepted as true for the perjury charge to be upheld.

Of those, the judge had warned the jury to treat Vincent’s evidence with care, given his self-confessed reputation as a match-fixer. Although they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict, they required only half an hour this morning to reach their majority decision.

Speaking outside court,

Chris Cairns speaks to reporters after the end of a nine-week trial in court, November 30, 2015 ©AFP Cairns said: “My thanks and my family’s thanks go to the jury for reaching the verdict they did. My legal team have been superb, I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s been hell for the last five or so years and in particular the last couple of years and now having won the legal case in the Royal Courts and now here … I’ve been through the mill and come out

Kobe Bryant: LA Lakers great to retire at end of NBA season

Bryant joined the Lakers from high school in 1996. (EPA) BBC Sport - Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, will retire at the end of the season.

Bryant has scored 32,683 points during a 20-year career with the LA Lakers to rank third on the NBA’s all-time list. The two-time Olympic gold medallist, 37, has been hindered by injuries in recent seasons and has been below his best this year for the Lakers.

He told the Players’ Tribune: “My body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”

Bryant has averaged more

than 25 points per game in his 1,293 NBA matches.

Should the Lakers fail to make the end-of-season playoffs, his final game is set to be at home against Utah on 13 April.

‘I can’t love you obsessively for much longer’ The Lakers have won just two of their 16 matches so far this season, with Bryant averaging 15.7 points per game.

In a poem entitled ‘Dear Basketball’, Bryant announced “this season is all I have left to give”. The Philadelphia-born player added: “You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream. And I’ll always love you for it. But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer.”

He ended the poem without hinting at what he might do next.

“We both know, no matter what I do next, I’ll always be that kid, with the rolled up socks, garbage can in the corner, :05 seconds on the clock, ball in my hands,” he wrote.

‘We’re all sad’ Bryant was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2008 and selected for the NBA All-Star team on 17 occasions. He won Olympic gold with the United States in 2008 and 2012.

Lakers coach Byron Scott said he thought Bryant would have played on for at least another season.

“It kind of shocked me when he told me,” said Scott.

“I’m sad more than anything.

Somebody I care about, have a lot of respect for... it’s always hard when greatness like Kobe decides to hang it up.

“For him to be able to go around to all these cities and them to be able to appreciate him for what he has accomplished is great.”

Lakers president Jeanie Buss added: “We’re all sad.

This era of Lakers basketball has been one of the most fun, exciting, prosperous eras we could imagine.

“We’re in full support of him. But it’s still very sad.”

the other side. Just a very happy man.

“Reputationally I’m completely scorched … burnt, completely. But it hasn’t stopped me and it won’t stop me. For my dad [former New Zealand cricketer Lance], back

in New Zealand, he’s a cricket man through and through - I don’t know what cricket holds for me, I’m just happy for my father and my mother that they can hold their heads high in New Zealand.”

Cairns, who choked up when speaking of his wife and children back in New Zealand, also ruled out a return to the world of cricket. “I think it would be a pretty hard environment to go back into, there’s been a lot of damage done and that’s unfortunate and sad,” he said.

Asked what he would say to McCullum he just replied: “Why?” Barrister Fitch-Holland had been accused of trying to persuade Vincent, who was last year given a life ban from cricket, to provide a false witness statement in support of Cairns for the 2012 libel case.

Fitch-Holland said: “I am enormously pleased that the personal and professional nightmare that began with a dawn raid on my home some 18 months ago has finally ended. I said when this matter was first charged that I had

complete faith in the justice system of which I have always been proud to be a part of and which I continue to be proud to be a part of.”

Despite the verdict, Cairns tempered his jubilation following a case in which he said there were “no winners”.

He is already aware that Modi is contemplating launching a civil claim in the wake of the new evidence that has come to light in the past nine weeks, and admitted afterwards: “I’ll think about Mr Modi maybe next week. I’ll deal with this one at the moment and get through today.”

Modi, who was forced to pay £90,000 in damages and £1.4m in legal costs following his 2012 libel defeat, issued a statement shortly after the verdict was announced.

“I am aware of the verdict at Southwark Crown Court,” he said on Twitter. “As you know I am limited in what I can say as I am restricted by the injunction put in place following the 2012 libel trial. I will consider how this affects my own civil claim against Mr Cairns in due course.”

Johnson wins SHINE 10km road race -D’Andrade finishes third

SHINE! From left, race winner, Kelvin Johnson with Lionel D’Andrade and Trinidadian, Curtis Cox after the inaugural Guardian Group’s SHINE Charity 10km Road Race.

Trinidad and Tobagobased Guyanese, Kelvin Johnson won the inaugural Guardian Group’s SHINE Charity 10km Road Run on Saturday in Port of Spain with Trinidadian Curtis Cox second and Guyanese Lionel D’Andrade third.

Johnson ran 33:54 to win ahead of Cox (34:30) and D’Andrade (36:14).

D’Andrade said that “after suffering severe cramps in the Suriname Srefidensi

Marathon on November 21 and being forced to drop out halfway into the 26.2 miles course, I still struggled in the 10k and felt my legs cramping up a bit”.

“Kelvin and I were in the lead, and after two miles, I started feeling the cramps and dropped my pace because I wanted to at least finish the 10k race. My time was slow, but I needed to finish this one as the race calendar is closing off,” D’Andrade

admitted.

The event, which is called SHINE, an acronym for “Securing Hope for Those In Need” is geared towards raising funds to secure hope for those in need.

All of the proceeds from the event will go towards different charities.

The event had about 3,500 participants all running and walking for a good cause for the festive season.

Tuesday November 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 39

GFF Stag Beer Elite League

Millington’s injury time header hands Slingerz FC $4million -Pele finish third Alpha United paid a heavy price tag of $4million for leaving the elusive Devon Millington unmarked in the box one minute into injury time which resulted in the forward leaping high in the air to deliver a r a p i e r - l i k e header from a Vurlon Mills left-sided cross past goalkeeper Richie Richards to seal a 3-2 win.

Playing in the final of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Beer Elite League Genesis title on Sunday, at the Leonora Synthetic Track facility, before a large crowd, the two teams regarded as the best in local football seemed to be heading for extra time following ninety minutes of exciting football when Millington, who along with fellow strike partner Anthony Abrams were kept at bay, was left unattended in the box and he made Alpha United pay for their lapse in concentration with a fierce header past the visibly upset net stopper.

The early segments of the game was not without drama as Alpha’s leading marksman Delon Lanferman was denied by a frantic stop from a

Slingerz defender after racing past the advancing goalkeeper following a blunder from the back, but his effort bounced off the legs of the defender and rolled over the line for a corner.

They were made to rue that opportunity immediately after when Julian Wade reached on to a deft chip from Mills, who had already begun to show his value in mid-field, skipping past two defenders en route to the process that was completed by Wade in the 4th minute of play to evoke celebrations among its base of supporters.

Urged on by the partisan support, Slingerz attacked with menace and nearly doubled their advantage, but Milligton’s volley was aimed straight at Richards, who saved comfortably.

Soaking up the pressure admirably, Alpha United orchestrated a few ominous raids, but the Slingerz backline held firm, before the energetic Daniel Wilson raced on to a ball that was delivered in no man’s land, before taking full advantage of a miscommunication between keeper and central

defender to boot into an empty goal after twenty-four minutes.

The prolific Lanferman, who was not enjoying the best of games had another opportunity to give Alpha United the lead in the 39th minute when he sprinted past two defenders, but with only the goalkeeper to beat sprayed his effort wide of the upright much to the consternation of the team’s supporters.

The half came with the teams deadlocked at 1-1 and fans braced themselves for a thrilling final period.

The resumption saw Slingerz suffer an early setback when Wilson completed his brace two minutes in, firing past the keeper’s outstretched hands into the goal to stun the homsters.

Alpha’s Grenadian striker Kithson Bain, who has been a regular feature on the team for a couple of years was given a chance on a platter, but for once he squandered it, hitting wide of the mark much to the reprieve of Slingerz backline.

Colin Nelson’s curling

Omallo Williams. free-kick from 24 yards out needed a magnificent save from Richards, who tipped over the cross bar to keep intact their 2-1 advantage.

Wade returned in the 74th minute to give their supporters much hope when he got the equaliser which was once again supplied by Mills, who must have been the Player of the Game due to his huge impact on its eventual outcome.

It resulted from a prolonged period of bombardment by Slingerz that finally culminated when Mills sent in a corner taken from the right

(from left) Julian Wade and Devon Millington pose for a photo op on Sunday. side that found the head of Wade whose delivery raced past Richards.

His goal meant that the game was setup for a frenetic finish and while regulation time failed to produce a winner, Millington’s heroics provided the drama and the rest is history.

Alpha United, however, did not go home emptyhanded and will receive $2million and a trophy.

Earlier, Omallo Williams’s

58th minute goal handed Pele third place following their 1-0 win over Fruta Conquerors.

The final had in attendance several dignitaries including Minister of State Joseph Harmon, GFF President Wayne Forde, Vice Presidents Bruce Lovell (Brig. ret’d), Rawlston Adams, Thandi McCallister and Courts Marketing Manager Pernel Cummings, all of who met the teams before the start of play.

Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar are Ballon d’Or nominees LONDON (Reuters) Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head-to-head once again for the title of world’s best footballer after being short-listed along with Neymar on Monday for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or. For the seventh time in eight years, the dynamic duo of Barcelona’s Messi and Real Madrid’s Ronaldo are expected to fill the top two places on the podium in Zurich in January for the coveted accolade of being the year’s leading player.

Even before the award was merged with France Football’s Ballon d’Or in 2010, the men’s World Player of the Year had effectively become an annual private ‘Clasico’ between two of the great players of any generation.

Argentine Messi, who will now have been on the podium for an amazing nine successive years, won four times in succession between 2009 and 2012, while Portugal’s Ronaldo has won three times, once when he was at Manchester United in 2008 and the most recent two editions at Real Madrid.

The only time in the last seven years when they did

Watermelons with the carvings of (L to R) Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s Neymar are seen at San Raphael hotel in Sao Paulo May 7, 2014.

(Reuters/Paulo Whitaker) not finish one-two was in 2010 when the Barcelona trio of Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi swept the podium.

Messi is an overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy again for a fifth time after a calendar year in which, de-

spite losing two months to injury, he has still scored 48 goals while inspiring Barca to a Champions League/La Liga/

King’s Cup treble.

Ronaldo, too, has 48 to his name for club and country in 2015 but Real’s fortunes have

slumped and his protests on the chat show beat that he is still the number one have held just a little less conviction than usual.

Yet on his present scintillating form, Brazilian Neymar, Messi’s partner in destruction along with Luis Suarez at Barca, has a claim on being the equal of either of them.

The Ballon d’Or vote has been made by national team coaches and captains and leading journalists, with the winner being announced at a ceremony in Zurich on Jan. 11.

Luis Enrique, who coaches Messi and Neymar at Barcelona, heads the shortlist for the coach of year award, along with Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Guardiola’s inclusion was possibly a surprise as Bayern Munich’s only trophy last season was the Bundesliga — the very minimum that would have been expected of them — although his team’s form this term has been magnificent.

Sampaoli, an Argentine, was included after leading Chile to their first-ever Copa America title, which they won at home after beating Argentina on penalties in the final.

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Tuesday November 01, 2015

Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival

The 6ix, Pizza Hut GCC and Hickers capture titles

Vets champions, the Hickers with Best goalkeeper Sheldon Corlette (3rd from right).

Men’s champions, The 6ix with Best goalkeeper Pradeep Koonar (front) and MVP Jewan Bath (3rd from right) take a photo with DDL Marketing Rep Maria Munroe.

The final curtain fell on another successful Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival on Sunday evening leaving a competition that saw many repeat winners and the usual spirit of great rivalry and comradery among competitors. The 6ix men’s team from Canada emerged successful in the men’s division by reversing their pool round loss against Bounty GCC with a stellar 5-1 victory in the final. The Pizza Hut GCC women absolutely dominated the women’s division with a final record 10 unanswered goals against the Old Fort Shooting Stars. The Hickers made it four years in a row for the Carib veteran’s division trophy by cruising to a com-

fortable 5-1 win over Carib HC. Although the final score ended solidly in favour of the Canadian side, The 6ix, the high tempo of the match and the skill of both sides drew rapt attention and loud applause from the crowd throughout the battle. The teams appeared evenly matched in the opening minutes of the game which saw fine goalkeeping from both goalkeeper MVP Pradeep Koonar for The 6ix and GCC’s Gregory Garroway.

As the crowd waited in anticipation for someone to break the deadlock, that task fell to Canada’s Jonathan Roberts in the 12th minute as he turned a half chance into a

goal with perfect control and accuracy. The diminutive Satnam Dosanjh would play the game of his life as he followed Roberts with a field goal on either side of half time with clinical finishing. GCC’s Kevin Spencer, who had been having a solid tournament for the local side, produced one of his trademark drag flick goals with a diving finish to keep his team within striking distance in the 24th minute.

Bickram Kandola however restored the three goal margin for The 6ix by catching the GCC defence napping with his quick free hit and shot to take the score to 4-1. As GCC poured all players forward in an effort to turn the match, young Jugraj Kalkat found

himself free in the scoring circle and with only the goalkeeper to beat made it a 5-1 victory for the Canadians.

The Pizza Hut GCC ladies put in a supreme performance in the women’s final to deliver a 10-0 beating of the Old Fort Shooting Stars. The experienced side boasting several national players controlled the game and dominated possession from start to end earning them their fifth trophy in the competition’s 11 years.

Ashley DeGroot led the

charge with a hat-trick, Sonia Jardine and Kerensa Fernandes scored doubles while Aliyah Gordon, Rebecca Xavier and Shebiki Baptiste each scored one for the victors.

The veterans’ final saw the Hickers cruise to their 4th title in a row. Jerazeno ‘Skillaxe’ Bell scored three of the Hickers five goals, while Devin Munroe and Robert Fernandes scored the other two. Kevin Adams was the lone goal scorer for Carib.

A number of individual

incentives were presented at the closing ceremony of the event to the following recipients: Most promising female MaryAnn Murray Most promising male – Omar Hopkinson Most Valuable Player Men – Jeewan Bath Women – Sonia Jardine Vets – Kern Ramsammy Best Goalkeeper Men – Pradeep Koonar Women – Sarafina Phillips Vets – Sheldon Corlette

Erwyn Smith gets support for overseas engagement

Grizzlies hand 76ers 18th straight loss of season Reuters - (The Sports Xchange) - Power forward Zach Randolph posted a double-double and point guard Mike Conley scored a game-high 20 points as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated Philadelphia 9284 on Sunday, sending the 76ers to their 18th consecutive loss to start the season.

The 76ers tied the NBA’s all-time mark for most losses to begin a season, set in 2009 by the New Jersey Nets. It was Philadelphia’s 28th consecutive defeat dating back to last season, the longest skid by a team in any major North American sport.

As has happened several times during the streak, the 76ers couldn’t hold a fourthquarter lead. They went up 76-71 on a pair of free throws from guard Isaiah Canaan

(team-high 16 points) at the 7:38 mark.

However, the Grizzlies (108) went on an 18-3 run to go up 89-79 as Jeff Green (13 points) hit a 3-pointer at the 2:22 mark. After that, the 76ers never made it a one-possession game.

Randolph finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Memphis center Marc Gasol had nine points and 12 rebounds.

Forward Matt Barnes chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench for the Grizzlies (10-8).

Memphis gave the 76ers extra opportunities by committing a season-high 26 turnovers, which Philadelphia converted into 28 points.

However, the 76ers, who average more turnovers than any team in the NBA, gave

the ball away 27 times Sunday, leading to 25 Grizzlies points.

Philadelphia center Jahlil Okafor just missed a doubledouble, ending up with nine points and 13 rebounds, and forward Robert Covington and Hollis Thompson each scored 12 points.

Memphis shot 42 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from 3-point range (four of 13).

The 76ers shot 39 percent from the floor and made 12 of 36 (33.3 percent) from long distance.

The Grizzlies were up 3731 at halftime after leading by as many as 11 points.

Randolph and Barnes led Memphis with seven first-half points, and Canaan and Covington each had six points for the 76ers before the break.

Erwyn Smith collects his sponsorship from an official of Citizens Bank.

Today Erwyn Smith will depart for Vancouver Canada for the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships set to run from December 1 to December 6 at the Vancouver Olympic Oval British Colombia.

Mr Smith is part of a 9member squad competing in Canada under the Golden Arrowhead.

Other members on the

team include Winston Stoby, Karel Mars, Brittany Mack, Osmond Mack, Marino Jeffrey, Rudolph Blackman and US based Nirjan Singh.

Smith will be competing in the unequipped (classic or raw) and equipped division on Thursday December 3rd and Saturday 5th respectively.

He expressed gratitude to several sponsors that made

his participation possible.

Those that offered support were Cevons Waste Management, Footsteps Mega Store, Fitness Express and Citizens Bank Guyana Ltd, where he’s is employee and they are his main sponsor.

Smith trains out of Rip Hit Strength and Conditioning Systems and they are wishing him success in Canada.

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 41

Wolf’s Warriors,Regal are Open and Masters champs

The winning Trophy Stall Angels side.

By Zaheer Mohamed Wolf ’s Warriors and Regal were crowned champions in the Open and Masters’ categories respectively when the Petema Enterprise/ Motor Trend softball tournament concluded on Sunday night at Demerara Cricket Club.

Wolf’s Warriors defeated Regal by 30 runs in the Open final. Batting first, Wolf’s Wa r r i o r s p o s t e d a respectable 204-4 off their allocation of 20 overs.

Safraz Karim led with 82, while Amrit Rai made 39.

Karim struck four fours and ten sixes and shared a 126-run second wicket stand with Rai after Wolf’s Warriors lost their fist wicket with the score on 11. Delroy Pereira, Privnauth Motilall, Richard Latif and Sewchand Budhu took one wicket each.

Latif and Chien Gittens added 62 for the second wicket to steady Regal’s chase before Gittens was dismissed for 25, while Latif, who smashed two fours and four sixes, departed for 41. Fazal Rafiek played fluently, hitting three fours and one maximum but fell for 45 as man of the match Mark Harold picked up 4-15 and Travis Drakes 210; Regal were bowled out

for 174 in 19.4 overs.

Regal overcame Parika Defenders by 39 runs in the Masters final. Regal rattled up 223-3 in 20 overs, taking first strike. Opener Mahase Chunilall, who was named man of the match, fashioned a splendid 113 which contained four fours and nine sixes, while Mahendra Arjune struck 35 and Rudolph Baker 27. Parika Defenders responded with 184-7 in 20 overs. D. Hanuman scored 52, 0.

Chandler 48 and Asif Ahmad 24; Satro Seeraj captured 213.

Trophy Stall Angels beat Mike’s Wellwoman by eight wickets in the female segment. Wellwoman batted first and managed 79-3 in 10 overs. Monique Benn and Zola Telford made 17 each and Latoya Smith 15.

Trophy Stall Angels replied with 84-2 in 9.3 overs.

Roxanne Dominic led with 35 and Kavita Yadram made 22 not out.

Latif was voted the most valuable player in the open segment, while Baker who scored 334 runs in the competition won the award in the masters division. In the female category Matana Cambridge took the MVP and Dominic and player of the match.

The victorious Wolf’s Warriors team with representatives of the sponsors.

Page 42

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

Guyana take 2-0 series lead South Ruimveldt subject against Antigua All-Stars

Stella Maris to first loss

Action in last weekend’s competition in the Girls Pee Wee football tourney at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Defending champs Stella Maris were subjected to their first loss in this year’s Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition after going down to South Ruimveldt by a 2-0 margin on Sunday, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Shawntell Richards in the 16th and Lenisla John’s strike one minute later sealed the deal for South Ruimveldt, but more importantly placed them into the knockout phase which commences next week Saturday at the same venue.

They were joined by t e a m s s u c h a s We s t Ruimveldt and St. Stephen’s who defeated F.E. Pollard and Smith Memorial

respectively.

We s t R u i m v e l d t ’ s Gabrielle McGarrell booted in a brace in the eighth and 10th minutes respectively in their 2-0 triumph over F.E. Pollard, while St. Stephen’s cruised past Smith Memorial 4-0 with Kizieya Phillips firing in a double in the 11th and 18th minutes.

An own goal in the 15th and a Melissa Watkins 19th minute strike accounted for the other goals.

In other results, Enterprise advanced to the next round after benefitting from a walkover from St. Ambrose, while Tucville moved on despite a goalless stalemate with St. Angela’s.

St. Agnes earned a walkover from Sophia; while St. Margaret’s were

gifted a victory after Winfer Garden failed to show.

North Georgetown and St. Pius battle ended nil-all.

Winner of the event will receive the championship trophy and medals, while the second placed school will take away a trophy and medals.

The third and fourth placed finishers will collect trophies.

Individual prizes inclusive of the tournament Most Valuable Player, Highest goal scorer and Best Goal-keeper will be awarded prizes.

Among the other sponsors are Sterling Products, the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

The Guyanese took a 2-0 series lead against an Antigua and Barbuda AllStar team on Sunday at the Burnham Basketball Court after point guard, Travis Burnett led the home side to a 73-56 win at the outdoor venue with a game-high 19 points.

The nippy point guard from Pacesetters received support from forward, Jermaine Slater, who had 10 points and centre, Shane Webster, who contributed nine points. For the visiting Antiguans, the impressive Marlon Charles had 17 points while Kareem Meade scored 11 points.

In the preceding Under23 game, Ravens beat Pacesetters 57-53 with Carlos Edwards scoring 15 points and Sebastian Luke adding 14 points for Ravens.

Nathan Saul had 16 points while Jahleel Luke and Quincy Dos Santos scored 10 points apiece for Pacesetters.

The four-game series opened Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court in Linden with Guyana trashing the Antiguans 76-42 in an entertaining game,

Travis Burnett

Orin Rose

which provided the Region’s fans with their first opportunity to see a foreign team play in Linden in over forty years.

In the first game, shooting guard, Orin Rose led Guyana with 15 points, with solid support from Webster, who contributed 14 points and Burnett, who had 12 points. For Antigua, Meade scored 16 points while Charles dumped in 14 points.

The supporting game saw Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) outplay Mackenzie High

School (MHS) 52–25.

Akinni Wilson led with 23 points while Tyrese Mitchell contributed 10 points for the CWSS. Yonnick Tappin scored 13 points and Kobe Cork had nine points for the once mighty Mackenzie High.

The series continued last night at t h e C l i f f Anderson Sports Hall before the final game tomorrow night at the same venue. St. Stanislaus College will play Marian Academy in the preceding game from 7pm.

Jaguars make one change for T&T’s PCL game

Chris Barnwell Defending Champions Guyana Jaguars have made one change to their 13-man squad for their fourth round WICB PCL four-day Franchise tournament against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force from Friday in Port-of-Spain.

All-rounder Chris Barnwell returns to the side to replace Bajan all-rounder Jevon Searles after the DCC player missed the last game due to back injury.

The Jaguars, who have won all three of the games this season and lead the table with 53 points, are scheduled to depart for Trinidad tomorrow morning for their first ‘away’ game before traveling to Jamaica the following Friday for their final game for the

Leon Johnson year before the PCL takes a break for the Christmas Holidays.

The Jaguars will be led by Test batsman Leon Johnson with the inform Vishaul Singh as his deputy. The team which includes seven left-handers will be managed by Rayon Griffith and coached by Esuan Crandon, both former Guyana First-Class fast bowlers.

The team read: Assad Fudadin, Shemron Hetymer, Leon Johnson (Capt), Vishaul Singh, Shiv Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Chris Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph.

(Sean Devers)

Tuesday December 01, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 43

Hinds, John, Niles and Williams cop awards at GCNA Orville Hinds, Jamaul John, Junior Niles and Marlon Williams were the top awardees when the Guyana Cycling News held its awards ceremony on Sunday night at Latino Bar on Hadfield Street.

Hinds of team Gillette Evolution was given the most outstanding rider in the open/senior category, while Alonzo Greaves of Roriama Bikers club copped the runner up prize. Raul Leal and Michael Anthony both of team Gillette Evolution and Hamza Eastman of team Coco’s also pocketed awards for their outstanding performances in the said division.

John of team Coco’s was voted the best rider in the

junior segment, while Raphael Leung of WS United took second place and Andrew Hicks of Trojan Cycling the third prize.

Niles of team Coco’s was the top rider in the veteran category; Jaikaran Sookhai of Carlton Wheelers was given the runner up trophy, while Ian Jackson of Flying Stars placed third.

Williams was given the award for being the most outstanding rider in local races with overseas participants. Joseph Britton was also rewarded for his outstanding services rendered as a cycling personality.

Cyclists were judged based on a points system for 2015.

The awardees with their accolades at the ceremony.

‘Back to the Future’ Development Boxing Tournament

Barbados/Trinidad clinch top accolades as tournament climaxes to delectable conclusion

By Michael Benjamin The punches flowed in bunches and hapless bodies fell to the canvass. Some gathered the pluck to rise; others were unable to, and stayed down for the full count. In the end, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago’s boxers distinguished themselves with top performances that earned them prestigious accolades when the curtains came down on four nights of fistic fury in the Guyana Boxing Association/Guyana Olympics Association ‘Back to the Future’ Development Boxing Tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last Saturday evening.

Featherweight (Junior) b o x e r, J u s t i n P a r r i s represented Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and on the inaugural night had scored a crunching 1st round technical knockout over Guyanese, Rene Claude Dutard in 1:01secs. He followed up that victory with a similar 1st round TKO against Jamaican, Daniel Hylton to capture the honours in his division.

Those efforts did not pass unnoticed and Parris was voted the best junior boxer

The tournament’s top fighters with their Trophies. (Photos by Sean Devers) on show.

Barbadian welterweight boxer, Ision Fraser, opened his account on the inaugural night with a crunching TKO victory over St Lucian, Tahj Browne in 2:36secs of the second round. He returned on the final night to win on points over Trinidadian, Ronaldo Stewart and was eventually adjudged the best youth boxer on show.

The best senior boxer award went to Aaron Hackett of T&T. He fought in the welterweight division and had scored a surprise victory over St Lucian strongman, Lyndell Marcellin on the inaugural night and returned on the final night to defeat Jamaican, Nico Yeyo.

Tefon Green of Guyana floors T&T’s Anthony Joseph.

Jamaican Ricardo Carter goes to the body of Guyanese Joel Williamson to win by a split decision.

Barbadian, Kimberly Gittens, fought in the light/welterweight division and defeated Shantal Adams

Big Trini Nigel Paul (left) was all over Guyana’s Eon Fraser as their Super Heavyweight bout was stopped in 1 min 57 seconds in the first round.

Guyana’s Dennis Thomas has Jamaican Jonathan Hanson on the ropes in their Welterweight match up.

(T&T) in the finals on Saturday night. Her performance impressed the judges and she was also

adjudged the best female boxer on show.

Barbados was on fire and also clinched the award for

the best novice boxer through middleweight boxer, Charles Cox. He (Continued on page 32)

t r o Sp GFF Stag Beer Elite League

P.35

Millington’s injury time header hands Slingerz FC $4million

Guyana Football Federation Stag Beer Elite League Genesis winners Slingerz FC celebrate following their 3-2 triumph over Alpha United in the final on Sunday.

Diamond P.36 Mineral Water Hockey Festival

The 6ix, Pizza Hut GCC and Hickers capture titles

Women’s champions, Pizza Hut GCC with MVP Sonia Jardine (3rd from right back row) pose with DDL Marketing Rep Maria Munroe.

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