Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

What on earth is going on Women are second to none when in the Guyana Police Force? it comes to leadership qualities DEAR EDITOR, Your editorial of Sunday, December 1, boosted by recent events, caused me to reflect on the growing evidence of police ineptitude and the injustice to which citizens are subjected. I ask myself what on earth is really going on in the Guyana Police Force. A man is allowed to go free because the police do not perform their duties with the necessary diligence in ensuring that witnesses in a murder case appear to testify for (get this) the prosecution. Secondly, another murder accused walks because the police were not in a position to even prove that the alleged victim was indeed dead. For the uninitiated a very important issue arises, namely supervision. Someone has to be answerable for (i) the ranks who were supposed to testify at the preliminary inquiry; (ii) the ranks who were supposed to ensure that witnesses were summoned to attend court; (iii) the ranks responsible for producing the exhibit(s) and establishing the relevant nexus in the chain of evidence. Tossing about concepts like CompStat and Broken Windows might be intended to create the impression that the police are on top of things, when in reality they are seriously disorganized and adrift in a sea of confusion. These all look good on paper and make good sound bites, but they do not give us the reassurance we need to free us from the fear of crime. We hear about ‘hotspots’, yet we are still to be told what successes have come about from applying appropriate and effective policing strategies to address the growing crime levels in these ‘hotspots’. Yes, we have observed a very obvious trend where the Top Cop speaks about an issue, but is almost always contradicted in

subtle ways by his deputy who seems willing to appear as the de facto commissioner. Of course, this type of arrogance was preceded by the open contradiction of an official government position with respect to access to the CCTV cameras. This type of display is doing the image of force more harm than good and is not helped by rumours of noncooperation at very senior levels. The point must be made that the government’s experiment with the army should be considered for application to the Guyana Police Force if some measure of professionalism and accountability is to be forthcoming. Prior to the appointment of Gary Best as Chief of Staff, the expectation was that succession would follow the natural order. However, that was not to be, and the rest (as they say) is history. My argument is that that experiment can be replicated in the Guyana Police Force, since as far as I am aware, it is only a convention that the deputy commissioner is appointed to be commissioner. If the type of resistance coming from certain unexpected quarters is allowed to continue

unabated, then the whole question of police reform is dead on arrival. Detectives routinely torture incredible confessions out of suspects to the point where there is no guarantee that matters will hold up in court, yet no sanctions are applied. If they were, there would be a drastic reduction in those claims, and more respect for police deductive and persuasive powers. I would like to offer a suggestion to the government if they are serious about generating favourable public sentiments regarding the police force. If obstinacy fuelled by a false sense of entitlement is to be confronted to guarantee professionalism, maybe the administration should look to the second-tier leadership. The current first-tier incumbent(s) can be seconded to other areas in the public sector like the prison service, which is currently without a substantive director. This I strongly believe can have the desired effect of galvanizing the others into getting their act together, since none has a transport for any part of the force. Name and address provided

DEAR EDITOR, Anyone who feels that women are the weaker sex is making a serious mistake. Women are undoubtedly the fairer sex but when it comes to leadership qualities, they are second to none. This power play is manifesting itself on the international stage with several women who have stolen the spotlight and in the process have risen to the political helm in several countries including Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel has won re-election and is presiding over one of the largest European economies. The same is true of neighbouring Brazil which has a woman President in the person of Dilma Rousseff. Brazil is the strongest economy in this hemisphere, and for that matter, the sixth largest economy in the world. And if the polls are anything

to go by, the United States is on its way to having its first woman presidential candidate and quite possibly the country’s first woman president in its long and eventful history when the next presidential elections are held. I refer to no other than Mrs. Hillary Clinton. Our own former President Mrs. Janet Jagan was named by the prestigious TIME MAGAZINE as one of 16 of the most “rebellious” woman of all time in the world. Right now, as I write this article, two women presidential contenders are at each other’s throats politically in Bangladesh for political supremacy. The so-called glass ceiling, from all appearances has been broken, and women in so-called traditional societies such as India, Pakistan, Thailand and as I mentioned earlier, Bangladesh, have all reached,

at one time or the other, the political pinnacle. Liberia has a woman president and so do several other countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. In Honduras, a woman presidential contender gave her male counterpart a run for his money in recent presidential elections. The focus of this article, however, is on the recently concluded presidential elections in Chile where two of the top presidential candidates were women. One is the left-leaning ex-President Michelle Bachelet and the other, her right-wing rival Evelyn Matthei. (Continued on page 23)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

GuySuCo bringing Indian experts to rescue industry - production unlikely to reach 200,000 tonnes With poor weather further compounding its woes, the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is unlikely to meet an adjusted target of 203,000 tonnes of sugar. This bad news comes even as officials confirm that a number of consultants out of India have been hired to run the eight estates operating in Demerara and Berbice. At least two of these consultants are scheduled to fly in this week for the Enmore estate, union officials disclosed yesterday. It is unclear what would happen to the current estate managers as GuySuCo’s senior officials remained unavailable yesterday for comments. Last year, production plummeted to a 20-year low. It seems more than likely that that gloomy outlook would continue its downward spiral this year, eclipsing the 218,000 tonnes of 2012. Government, with little answers to the underperformance of its US$200M flagship project at Skeldon, East Berbice, has been examining a number of measures, including hiring a number of consultants from Tate and Lyle, its largest European customer. However, despite placing one of them, Richard Orr, at the Skeldon estate some nine months ago, there has been no reversal of fortunes. Five others are reportedly here. There have been no announcements in the press about this move and no word

GuySuCo’s Chairman, Dr. Rajendra Singh as to what exactly the Tate and Lyle workers are doing. However, this newspaper has been told that the Tate and Lyle consultants have been paid US$25 per tonne of sugar and with that company contracted to buy 190,000 tonnes annually, more than US$4M would have been owed by GuySuCo for the services. GuySuCo’s Board is now contemplating ending the management contract with Tate and Lyle. Production targets have been revised downwards from the 260,000 tonnes set at the beginning of the year to 203,000. The year’s first crop fell short of the 70,000 tonnes by an alarming 22,000. GLOOMY OUTLOOK Yesterday, total production of the eight estates was at 179,000 and despite GuySuCo intending to run its factories until

December 21, it is hardly likely that the 203,000 tonne revised target will be met, union officials said. Kaieteur News was told that the deal has been worked out with Integrated Casetech Consultants (P) Limited, an Indian management firm to overlook the operations of the estates. Casetech is a sister company of Simbhaoli, said to be India’s largest integrated sugar refinery. The announcement was reportedly made by Board Chairman, Dr. Rajendra Singh, to management and union officials in November. According to a union official, the decision to hire overseas expertise without consultation is an indication of how GuySuCo’s Board of Directors has been making decisions. “This is an industry that has been spinning out of control and has 16,000 workers depending on it. Decisions are being taken with little input and we are only told after it is a done

deal. We cannot continue to run this country this way.” At Skeldon factory, production for the year is revised to 34,000, far below the targeted 43,000 tonnes. The strain from Skeldon’s poor showing has been taking a toll on the overall operations of GuySuCo. SKELDON Since being commissioned in August 2009 by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Chinese built US$200M project, which includes the factory and expanded cultivation, has been bleeding the Corporation. Almost US$15M ($3B) has been sunk to repair several faults. South African-based Bosch Engineering was hired earlier this year to fix some of the problems. These include issues with the co-generation power plant. However, still to be resolved are issues with the cane shredder and the punt dumper. The latter is critical

to the efficient transfer of canes from punts in the waterway to the actual factory. Bosch has been paid over US$4M for its work and after two weeks, left around midyear. There are no immediate indications when the shredder cane dumper will be fixed. There are now lots of cane in the field but not enough time to harvest and process into sugar. While the factory has been built to process 250,000 tonnes per hour, its intake because of technical issues, have been limited to around 180,000, a hugely worrying factor. A few months ago, GuySuCo, in the beginning of what seemed to be a major shakeup in management, give notice to Rajaindra Singh, the Deputy CEO, of its intentions to cut his contract short. Singh left in October. Current Chairman, Dr. Singh, was reportedly set to take up the appointment as the new CEO last Friday,

November 1st. However, there have been no movements as yet. The industry, at one time the biggest earner for Government, has become a major headache for them. Saddled with a phased price cut by Europe, its biggest buyer, GuySuCo has been battling labour shortages as well as poor weather conditions. A $2B investment, using Europe’s cash that was designed to help the sugar dependent countries recover the price cuts, into a packaging plant at Enmore, has failed to change the situation. The reason was simple – there were just not enough canes to meet the 190,000 tonnes quota that Europe wants. That story has been repeating itself in recent years. This year, as part of assistance to help the ailing industry, Government earmarked $1B for GuySuCo. This was $4B less than last year.

Police could have prevented Moblissa double murder - victim’s aunt The deaths of Molly Adams and her 15-year-old son, Aaron, at Moblissa, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, could have been avoided if only the police had acted promptly to arrest the suspect after he had raped the woman’s 13-year old daughter. This is the view of the woman’s aunt, Annie Garraway, who is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the ranks at the Moblissa Police Outpost. She has taken her complaints to the Office of Professional

Responsibility. Garraway, in an interview with this newspaper yesterday, said that the police ranks at the Amelia’s Ward Outpost failed to make efforts to arrest the suspect after the rape allegation was made, and even failed to address the matter in a manner that was required. The teenager was allegedly raped on Friday while washing clothes at a nearby creek. Her mother and brother were murdered several hours later. Garraway claimed that she

was banking her beliefs, that the police could have prevented the murders, on what she was told by the dead woman’s eldest daughter who was is now taking care of her siblings who survived Saturday morning’s attack. “Lalita, which is the big sister, told me that when her mother went to make the report, the police told them to come back on Monday,” Garraway said. Enquiries showed that the suspect was at home all day, Friday, but the police made no attempt to arrest him,

the woman said. “The same Friday they could’a go and arrest the boy and get he before he committed this act. This is slackness on the part of the police force. Now when the murder done occur, they going and look for him,” Garraway said. “This is a minor who was raped. A police officer should have been there to take her to the hospital for a medical check, while others gone and look for this guy to arrest him. What’s going on? Because we are Amerindians? I can’t understand,” she added angrily. Instead, she said, the police added insult to injury by offering to take the teenager for a medical check hours after her mother and brother were slain. “Is till around one o’clock (pm) (on Saturday) that they carrying she for a medical,” Garraway lamented. The woman said that she learnt about the tragedy on Saturday morning and travelled to the crime scene on Sunday, where she was given a detailed account of what had transpired. She stated, however, that initially she was not told by the police that Adams’ daughter was raped. She only learnt about that aspect of the incident from a Probation and Welfare Officer who was also looking into the (continued on page 9)

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

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NATO says Karzai failure to sign pact would end Afghan mission (Reuters) - NATO would have to pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghan President Hamid Karzai does not sign a security pact with the United States, alliance chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said yesterday. An assembly of Afghan elders, the Loya Jirga, last month endorsed the security pact intended to shape the U.S. military presence in the country beyond 2014. But Karzai said he might not sign it until after elections in April. The NATO-led force currently has around 80,000 troops in Afghanistan, the majority American. NATO is winding down combat operations, handing

responsibility for fighting Taliban insurgents to the Afghans, before most foreign combat forces pull out by the end of 2014. NATO plans to leave a training mission, expected to number 8,000 to 12,000 soldiers, in Afghanistan after 2014. The United States has already warned it could withdraw all its forces by the end of next year, the so-called “zero option”, if Karzai does not sign the pact. Without the U.S.-Afghan accord, NATO will not be able to finalize its own agreement with the Afghan government setting the terms for troops from other NATO and partner nations to remain in

Afghanistan after 2014, Rasmussen told reporters. “In that case, we don’t have a proper legal framework in place and it will not be possible to deploy a ‘train, advise, assist’ mission to Afghanistan after 2014,” Rasmussen said. He voiced hope Karzai would follow the advice of the Loya Jirga and sign. The agreement that NATO needs with Afghanistan is modeled on the proposed U.S. pact and, in any case, Washington is expected to supply most of the forces for the post-2014 NATO mission, so without the United States, the mission is unlikely to be feasible. Although terms of the Afghan-U.S. pact were

settled after a year of wrangling, Karzai has since added conditions including the release of all Afghan prisoners from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and an end to military operations involving Afghan homes. NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels today and tomorrow to discuss Afghanistan. The delay in signing the U.S.-Afghan security pact is causing mounting frustration among NATO diplomats because it is holding up detailed military planning for the post-2014 mission. NATO officials and diplomats warned privately of dire consequences for Afghanistan, including

threats to up to $8 billion a year in aid, if Karzai failed to sign the U.S. pact. A senior diplomat at NATO said U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice had made clear on a recent visit to Kabul that Washington would begin

planning to pull out all its troops by the end of 2014 unless Karzai signed by the end of this year. Foreign donors are required to provide the bulk of the $4 billion a year needed to finance the Afghan security forces.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

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SHOULD THE GOVT. COMMANDEER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY? A great many arguments have erupted about the Georgetown City Council and the decline of the capital city. Unfortunately, most of these arguments lack logic and are based on questionable premises. Take for example the argument which runs as follows: the government appoints the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk is sympathetic to the government. Therefore, the government has taken control of the administration of the city. The latter conclusion then forms a premise that is used to make another argument which goes as follows: The government has taken control of the administration of the

city. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to solve the city’s problems. Even the most cursory examination of these arguments would expose gaps in their logical flow. It would also reveal underlying flaws in the arguments themselves. Let us take the first argument which concludes that the government has taken control of the administration of the city. This argument is based on the assumption that whoever controls the Town Clerk controls the administration of the City. In this context, it needs to be asked who controlled the

Dem boys seh ...

Bharrat want shut down TV De government don’t understand de police of do suh nah like suh. Clement get vex because somebody who was a moderator pun de TV cut off everybody who try fuh cuss de opposition. De topic was de flood and Rohee and de whole PPP decide that dem ain’t tekking no blame. Roger de Lunch Man was de first to blame de opposition. Then de whole PPP join in de chorus. De opposition tell Hammy that he got to be de lead vocalist and of course Hammy didn’t like nutten better. He start fuh sing how de government choking de council. Well that is how de TV programme start. When people call and sing wid Hammy, de TV operator like that. Is when de same people who calling fuh cuss Hammy open dem mouth and get cut off from de TV that Clement get vex. Is de same thing mek Bharrat decide that he gun give all dem TV licence to he friends and family. Now most of de people who got radio and TV is de government people. When dem want to talk bout something gainst de opposition, dem got all; de radio and TV. De, also got Kwame who does cut off anybody who coming different. Well this day when Rohee was listening to de TV he didn’t know that was not one of dem that Bharrat give way. Shadick and all get a shock when she realize that all de TV station was not wha Bharrat give way. She was planning fuh shut down all dem other station. Bharrat vex. He now telling Shadick that she got to find a reason fuh shut dem down. He telling she that de Waterfalls Paper and de Big Market paper talking but everything wha Rohee and he team do. He can’t let no more people talk too much. Talk half and watch wha gun happen next.

City before the present Town Clerk was appointed. The government has always had the power to appoint the Town Clerk but previous Town Clerks were not always seen as sympathetic to the government. In fact it is not known just who they were sympathetic to since at times they were at odds with the opposition dominated Council. Therefore if previous Town Clerks were neither sympathetic to government nor to the oppositioncontrolled Council, then under the assumption that he who enjoys the sympathy of the Town Clerk controls the administration of the city, it means that no one was in control of the affairs of the city before the appointment of the present Town Clerk. This exposes the flaws in the assumption that by mere appointment of someone deemed to be sympathetic, the government assumes responsibility for the administration of the City. Also, if by appointing a sympathizer as Town Clerk effectively vests control of

the administration of City Hall to government, it needs to be questioned why prior to now, no one sympathetic to the government was ever appointed as Town Clerk. The fact of the matter is that the power to appoint neither assures a sympathetic appointment or hands control over to the government. The second argument flows from the first and states that since government has taken control of the administration of the city, it must be held responsible for solving the city’s problems. That is, responsibility for fixing the problems of the city flows from having control of the administration of the city. Again in order to test this hypothesis, one has to inquire whether the converse argument or the alternative hypothesis has been disproved. If indeed the argument is that control of the administration incurs the responsibility to solve the problems of the city, then it needs to be asked just who should have been held responsible for solving the affairs of the city prior to

appointment of the present Town Clerk. If the answer is that it is the Council was under the control of the Council, then the failure to solve the problems of the city prior to the government appointing the present Town Clerk must be laid squarely at the feet of the opposition dominated Council. Based on this logic, it is the opposition which must be held responsible for not solving the problems of the city prior to this year’s appointment of a Town Clerk who is said to be sympathetic to the government. Now if the decline of the city led to the floods of last week and if this decline began before the appointment of the present Town Clerk, then whoever was responsible for the administration of the city in the past must share the responsibility for the decline. If that decline contributed to the flooding, then it would mean that the responsibility for the flooding cannot only be apportioned to whoever it is said now controls the city, can it? None of the two main

Police could have prevented Moblissa double murder - victim’s aunt From page 6 matter. “The Probation and Welfare Officer was in the room at the station with we. She turn and say the girl was raped and Molly take her to the police station. That’s the reason why the girl and her son get killed because the man come back with revenge. I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” Garraway said. This newspaper referred her to the Police Office of Professional Responsibility where she gave a detailed statement to officials who have undertaken to carry out a full investigation into the (in)action of the police at the Amelia’s Ward Outpost.

Police in Linden captured the 20-year-old suspect, who allegedly murdered his 34year-old stepsister Molly James and her 15-year-old son at Moblissa on Saturday. The man was captured at around noon on Sunday at his home in the Moblissa backlands near the Demerara River. Ranks had reportedly cordoned off the area to prevent his escape. Kaieteur News understands that the slightly built suspect readily confessed to killing James and her son, and even took police to an area in his yard where he had stashed the murder weapon. He is said to have

appeared unperturbed by his capture and was even smiling. Kaieteur News was told that the suspect claimed that he had planned to murder Molly James, who is his stepsister, after she informed police on Friday that he had sex with her 13-year-old daughter. According to Annie Garraway, Molly Adams was one of nine children, six of whom were left in her c a r e i n t h e N o r t h We s t District, after their mother passed away. She said when Adams was about 16 years old she was brought to the city and handed over to her father who was living there at the time.

arguments about the government controlling the administration and the government being responsible for fixing the city, can therefore stand up to scrutiny. They are deeply flawed. But they do raise an interesting point which the government may wish to consider. Since the government is being blamed for not solving the problems of the city and since the government is said to be now in control of the administration of the city, perhaps the government should now commandeer the present administration of City Hall and move ahead to fix the problems of the city without resort to the elected Council. Is it not the government that was fixing the roads prior to the recent heavy rains? Was it not the government that had under the auspices of the local government Ministry began to assist with garbage collection? Is it not the government that is now leading the charge in terms of cleaning the drains? So why if regardless of what City Hall does or does not do, government is burdened with the task of intervening to fix problems in the city, should government not simply commandeer the administration of the city? After all, they are blamed anyway!

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Kaieteur News

Cops, GGMC probe reports of gunplay at disputed mining claim The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and police are investigating reports that a prolonged mining claim dispute between two parties has escalated with one group firing shots at the other and invading their camp. Edgar Daniels, who has a claim in Upper Puruni, has alleged that men hired by a prominent miner have been “invading” his camps, and using firearm to “bully, intimidate, and rob” his crews during the past 14 months. In a statement sent to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud, the GGMC Commissioner and Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell,

Daniels alleged that a group of men, hired by the same miner, invaded his Upper Puruni claim on November 25, last. According to the statement, the men fired shots at his crew, and forced them to hand over their earnings. He also alleged that the trespassers set up an unauthorized dredge on the site. “It is because this behaviour has continued with impunity over the past months, despite the intervention of officers from the Guyana Geology and mines Commission that I resort to your involvement, as these latest acts, for the first time, put the lives of my men at risk, and require steps for

their protection,” Daniels added in his statement. Two senior police officials confirmed yesterday that they have received Daniels’s statement. An official from ‘F’ Division told Kaieteur News that he would send in ranks to the area once they are accompanied by mining officials. However, the official said that the police will not be involved in any probe into who is the rightful owner of the claim. But Daniels alleged that GGMC officials have already visited the area without waiting for the police to accompany them. According to Daniels, the dispute started after he (continued on page 14)

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Auditor General finds ...

Education officials preside over US$7.5M overpayment to contractors The Ministry of Education is still to recover in excess of $1.5B which it overpaid to contractors during 2010 and 2011. This is according to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, who flagged this deficiency in his report on the Ministry’s activities last year. According to Sharma, it is important to note that the personnel and/or Consultants nominated by the Ministry were integrally involved in the examination of the projects and the related findings discussed and agreed upon with the team headed by the Special Projects Officer of the Ministry. “Nevertheless, there was a failure to recover the amounts overpaid.” The overpayments of just over $1.5B related to three projects—- an Information Technology (IT) Laboratory each for the Charity and Aurora Secondary Schools and the New Wing which was attached to the Patentia Secondary School. The Ministry reportedly overpaid the contractor for the Patentia Secondary School project, $885M over the two year period. The contractor for the IT Laboratory at Charity Secondary School was overpaid $398M, while the contractor at the Aurora Secondary school was overpaid $245M. The report found, too, that the National Procurement and

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand Tender Administration Board last year awarded a contract for the construction of the Science Laboratory of the Central Corentyne Secondary School. That contract was for $11M and works commenced on December 11, 2012. Between that date and the end of the month an amount of $2.2M was disbursed from the proceeds of the contract. The completion of the project was scheduled for March 5, 2013, but at the time of the audit visit on June 26, 2013, the works were not completed and appeared to be abandoned. “In addition to the fact that liquidated damages had accrued on a daily basis at a rate of 0.1 per cent of the final

contract price, but not exceeding 10 per cent of the final contract price, there were overpayments totalling $202,400, on measured works.” The report found that the Ministry has been hoarding $200M in a Bank of Guyana Account. According to Sharma’s report, in 2011, approval was given for the establishment of a Housing Revolving Fund. He said that three cheques to the value of $200M were drawn on January 5, 2012 and deposited into a special bank account held at the Bank of Guyana. “At the time of reporting, no disbursements were made from the Account.” The Auditor General found too that with regards to the School Feeding Programme in Region Nine and in keeping with the Memorandum of Understanding for the consolidation of the School Snack Programme in that Region, two warrants amounting to $40M were issued. This was to enable preparation and supply of schools snacks to 3,500 students across 43 Villages in that Region. According to Sharma, financial returns were not provided to account for funds expended on behalf of the Ministry. “In the circumstances, it could not be ascertained whether the amounts were expended for the purposes intended.”

Father and son hospitalized following coal pot explosion A young father and his 21-month-old son are nursing burns about their bodies at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. This was after the coalpot on which 23year-old Kevin Madramootoo was cooking, exploded when he poured gasoline onto the “already smoking wood” that was in the cooking device. The father and his son, Alex Madramootoo of Turkeyen were rushed to the health institution around 13:00hrs yesterday and were immediately seen by doctors. The older Madramootoo was heard crying out for pain from a distance while little Alex was unconscious in the Accident and Emergency Unit. According to reports, Kevin, a security guard at a city hotel, was about to cook food for his dogs when he realized that he was out of kerosene. He decided to use gasoline as a substitute and poured it onto the “smoldering” wood in the coal pot. “He say when he throw the gasoline, everything flare up and his son hold on to he that’s how come he too get burn,” a hospital source said. Yesterday, when Kaieteur News visited the security guard’s home, his wife, Iyanah Fernandez said that she was in her room nursing her three-month-old baby when she heard her husband and son screaming. “When I run out, I see my son face, his back and head red, red and my husband foot

Kevin Madramootoo and his son, Alex

and so get burn up,” Fernandez explained. She added that her mother-in-law rushed her son and husband to the hospital. Up to press time, both father and son were in the hospital’s Emergency Unit.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

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President’s non assent to one of the local Government Amendment Bills ...

The amendment was unconstitutional - Nandlall Chairman of the Alliance for Change, Khemraj Ramjattan and the Attorney Generasl Anil Nandlall are at opposing poles on the nonassent of the Bill. Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that the amendment which was made to the Local Government Bill in the National Assembly, was not assented to by President Donald Ramotar because it was unconstitutional. Nandlall was speaking at a press conference at Freedom House when he articulated that the amendments which the joint opposition made in the National Assembly to one of three Local Government Bills had essentially changed the functionality and made deficient the Bill hence the reason for the President’s non assent. According to Nandlall, “President Ramotar assented to three of the Local Government Bills on the 28th of October 2013. On that date, his Excellency exercising the powers conferred on him by article 170 (3) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana withheld his assent for the Local Government Amendment Bill of 2012. “On the 14th of November 2013 the President returned the Bill to the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly, with a message stating the reasons for withholding assent pursuant to the relevant provisions on the constitution.” The Attorney General said that when the Bill was in the Special Select Committee of the National Assembly, changes were made by the Joint Opposition (A Partnership of National Unity APNU and Alliance for Change AFC) that were objected to by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C). Their objection, he said, was however rejected since the joint opposition has a majority vote that the “opposition enjoyed in the committee.” According to Nandlall, the changes made by the joint opposition to the Bill rendered the latter “constitutionally and institutionally defective and deficient.” Nandlall added that the several changes made by the joint opposition, were intended to “confer upon the Local Government Commission powers duties and responsibilities beyond and in excess of those granted to the Local Government Commission by Article 78A of the Constitution.” He said that the changes

[Attorney General] AG has advised the President not to assent to, is not unconstitutional! The cry of unconstitutionality is but only a cover to hide the PPP Government’s control. “It wants its Minister to still control a number of matters, just like it now wants to have a no-objection in

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan

made by the joint opposition were in contravention of the Constitution, as well as outside the jurisdiction of the Constitution. Nandlall said that the changes made are “null, void and of no effect.” “Many clauses which were contained in the Bill originally tabled by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development were deleted by the joint opposition in the Special Committee without any adequate insertions made to fill the void. As a consequence, there are now several structural and institutional deficiencies in the functional architecture of the Local Government structure created by the said bill” Nandlall expressed. Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan, said, “The Constitutional provision, Article 78A, was deliberately expansive. The framers formulated it the way it is, in 2001, for the purpose of taking away the Ministerial powers and discretions under the existing regime concerning, (and I emphasise this), all matters related to the regulation of Local Government organs and the staffing of the organs and transferring these powers to a Local Government Commission. This according to Ramjattan was the same reasoning behind the new provisions dealing with the Procurement Commission and the amendments concerning the Elections Commission.

“It was the PPP Government in the 2000/2001 constitutional reform period which had moved these reforms and loudly praised itself then that the politicised hand of Ministers and the Executive branch in relation to matters dealing with local governance, procurement and elections will be shifted to these constitutionally created bodies” said Ramjattan. According to Ramjattan, what is occurring at present is a situation where the Attorney General is retracting the original intent of the reforms by misreading and misunderstanding the said provisions. “By a methodology that is empty of any understanding of the text and context of these provisions, he pronounces like a high priest on the unconstitutionality of every piece of legislation that seeks to limit Ministerial and Executive powers and discretions as consensually agreed to by all Parliamentarians in the 2000/ 2001 reform era.” Ramjattan said that the consequences of such actions are degrading the reforms of a decade ago and will lead to an explosive situation which he said was the cause for the reforms for that period in the first place and cautioned that history should not repeat itself since the situation has the propensity to envelop everyone. “That 4th Local Government Bill, which the

relation to procurement” said Ramjattan. He added that “Nandlall has articulated not one single argument to reveal which provision of that Bill has derogated from Article 78A or any provision of the Constitution.” “In view now that the AFC will be butting a brick

wall in an attempt to get this Bill assented to, and in view that the Party wants Local Government elections as early as possible, there is every indication that it will have to go into the Local Government Elections without this the fourth Bill. “Three-quarters of a loaf is better than none!”

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Tuesday December 03, 2013

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Can the Pope challenge Obama for the spotlight? Most people if asked which personality on the world stage brings out a deep admiration in them, President Obama would probably top the list. A unique man, who against all odds became the first African-American President of the US. This meant for some people that miracles do come true. Mr. Obama comes across as a man who had good things in his heart for people. But some critics who supported him emotionally when he first ran, like his Harvard professor, Roberto

Unger, and some well placed African-American are claiming that he is yet to attempt to unleash the fundamental changes to the American society as he promised. Two weeks ago, some incredibly innovative, progressive thinking came from a quarter that was unexpected – the Pope. Never has there been a Pope that has been so outspoken and downright condemnatory of capitalist creed and inequalities in wealthy countries as Pope

Francis. The Pope took a huge swipe at an economic theory popularized by President Ronald Reagan and which today has taken over large sections of political society in the US and which President Jagdeo unashamedly brought to Guyana – trickle down economics. Briefly, it means let big businesses invest and give them tax breaks. The resulting creation of wealth will trickle down to the lower and middle classes. It is a discredited theory that has caused the Republican Party in the US to lose two successive presidential elections and they will lose more if they continue to advocate this Reaganite flaw. In Guyana, it took over the mentality of President Jagdeo. In Guyana we have seen its failure over the past twelve years, including the present administration of Mr. Ramotar. The most graphic example of this failure is the admission by President Jagdeo that his Government does not have the resources to pay public servants more for than five percent increase for 1013. Where is the trickle down under Mr. Jagdeo?

Pope Francis has said it in the most theatrical way. Directly referring to the theory, he said that the lower classes are still waiting for it to trickle down to them. It was the most dynamic criticism of the excesses of capitalism that no other Pope in the modern world has dared to utter. Not satisfied with his critique of the accumulation of wealth, the Pope went on to discredit the love of money. Interestingly, just days after the Pope issued his warning, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson glorified the concept of capitalist creed drawing sharp rebuke from the leader of the Labour opposition, Ed Milband, whose father’s seminal work, “The State in a Capitalist Society,” remains a required text for university students studying political philosophy. This is a Pope whose uniqueness in religion corresponds to Obama’s uniqueness in politics. He has shunned the majestic residential quarters of the Vatican and lives in a simple room. While the Archbishop of Argentina, he rode on public transport. For many

analysts, this Pope is going to shake up the Catholic Church in fundamental ways that have never been seen before. In politics, Mr. Obama has done what previous Presidents failed courageously to do despite arduous attempts – offer heath coverage to every American. President Harry Truman said if he ever had any regrets as president of the US was his failure to get his national health plan passed. Since then, more than sixty years after Truman, many American Presidents have had their health care plans rejected by Congress including an impressive Bill personally attended to by President Bill Clinton and his wife. This will be Mr. Obama’s legacy maybe among others. Could this Pope’s legacy be the way he turned the Catholic Church away from its traditional, conservative moorings and put it in service of the poor and needy? From all the speeches he makes, it looks like this is the direction he is heading in. In an 84-page document titled, “the Joy of the Gospel,” the Pope referred to the Catholic

Frederick Kissoon Church as “poor, hurting and dirty.” The internationally respect Guardian of London (my favourite newspaper), said of this Pope, “Francis could replace Obama as the pin up on every liberal and leftist wall. He is now the world’s clearest voice for change.” Could Pope Francis’s iconoclastic doctrine help the situation in Guyana? Anyone familiar with the Burnham regime would know that the Catholic Church in this country played no small role in opposing his authoritarian policies. Since 1992, the Catholic Church has gone out of the business of speaking out against atrocities occurring now that are far worse than any violation of Mr. Burnham. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Qualfon’s multimillion-dollar building expansion moving forward Almost three months after the sod turning ceremony at the site for the Multi-milliondollar state of the art Qualfon call centre, works are moving forward. Qualfon Guyana is one of the leading business processing outsourcing providers. Kaieteur News visited the site at Providence, East Bank Demerara, yesterday and spoke with several workers. The building is being constructed by S. Nabi and Sons Construction Company. One of the foremen explained that the foundation work is completed. Kaieteur News was told that the curb wall is about 90 percent completed. It is being built to retain the sand. Afterwards the floor would be completed. Come January it is expected that the work in this phase will be completed. Phase two will begin early next year Kaieteur News was told. The campus which is being built is expected to expand Qualfon’s capacity in

Guyana and bring an estimated 6,000 new jobs over the next five years. President Donald Ramotar at the sod turning ceremony in September pledged his full support for the project. Ramotar had dubbed the investment as “technologically important” for Guyana. The President had noted that he was pleased that such a venture has come during his tenure. According to the President, information technology is now an important component in the world. He explained that IT has now penetrated every sector and trade; it is important for Guyanese to have this new and large investment by Qualfon. He said that the investment will bring new ratings which would definitely broaden Guyana’s economy. “Government always wants to broaden the economy so that we are not just dependent on a single

product” Ramotar stressed. With this in mind the President said that is why his government continues to strive to make the country more investor friendly. Finance Minister Ashni Singh also gave his full acceptance of the project. Singh told the gathering that this new investment shows that the diversification productive basin of Guyana has moved. He said that before this the Guyanese economy was driven by the three major sectors, rice, sugar and bauxite. He said that if any of those three sectors did not have a good year, Guyanese would have felt it. He said that government has recognized the intrinsic vulnerability of the situation excessive dependence on one or two of these sectors. Within the next few weeks the foundation will be laid. The first phase is expected to cost somewhere in the vicinity of US$4M. Over the next two years the other phases will be completed and the cost is expected to triple. Kaieteur News understands that the land was privatelyowned before being bought

Works in progress at the Qualfon site by Qualfon. The new building will also house an Art and Culture Centre, an accredited University, and Medical Service. There will also be a milk subsidy programme for

City Hall identifies new Town Clerk, questions delay in appointment

The deadlock between the Mayor, City Councilors and Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba may soon be over as a “suitably” qualified candidate has been identified to assume the post of City Town Clerk. That position and that of City Treasurer were advertised over the last two weeks. Four persons applied for the Town Clerk position and one for City Treasurer. Kaieteur News understands that despite the fact that someone has been identified to replace Sooba, the person is yet to receive their Letter of Appointment and be summoned to assume duty. This publication was told that for the last two weeks, the panel which included; Deputy Mayor

Patricia Chase-Green and Local Government Permanent Secretary Collin Croal (Chairman), have been interviewing candidates at the Ministry of Local and Regional Development headquarters. The Council says it was expected that the new Town Clerk would take up the position immediately, noting that the reason for the ‘hold up’is unclear. Kaieteur News understands that two persons were deemed most “suitably qualified “and were shortlisted for the position of Town Clerk. The lone applicant for the Treasurer’s position did not find approval with the interview panel. City Hall is said to be anticipating the positive change

the appointment of a new Town Clerk will bring after finding itself in nasty disputes with Sooba over the non-adherence of Council decisions. Mayor Hamilton Greene had earlier this year urged the removal of Sooba, who has been accused of disregarding her duties as Secretary to the Council, thus stalling the work of the body. The Mayor had also written to Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud to address the issue pertaining to the Town Clerk’s replacement before initiating a massive protest in front of the Local Government Ministry to have her removed. The ongoing internal dispute has been blamed for the work of City Hall not

being carried out in a timely and efficient manner. The advertisement for the Town Clerk position stated that applicants should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economics, Business Management or Law, among other disciplines. A Master’s Degree in any of the aforementioned disciplines, knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework in which the municipality functions, and a minimum of 10 years experience of which five had to be in a senior management capacity, were other requirements. The ‘new’ Town Clerk is said to be coming from the Ministry of Health.

employees. Qualfon is a global provider of call center back office and business outsourcing services. Since

1996 Qualfon has delivered a strategic advantage for billion- dollar companies around the world.

Soesdyke children killer accused committed to High Court trial Thirty-three-year-old John Blanchard, the clothes vendor who was accused of chopping his three children to death at their Soesdyke home two years ago, has been committed to stand trial for their murder. Blanchard was committed yesterday after the Preliminary Inquiry came to an end at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, before Magistrate Leron Daly. During the PI a total of 12 witnesses took to the stand to offer evidence against Blanchard. One was his wife. His mother-in-law and other close relatives who also testified. In her closing statement Magistrate Daly told Blanchard that the Police Prosecutor had made out a case against him and that there was sufficient evidence for him to be committed. When asked if he had anything to say, Blanchard declined on the ground that he would reserve his comment for the High Court. Blanchard’s PI commenced before Magistrate Daly in June after Magistrate Leslie Sobers came off the bench. On October 11, 2011, Blanchard was detained for chopping his three young children, Joy, Belika and Daniel. Belika and Daniel died almost instantly while Joy succumbed a day later at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The family resided at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, at the time of the incident, the children’s mother had left for the interior in search of a better job. It is

John Blanchard alleged that the chopping incident stemmed from a phone conversation Blanchard allegedly had with the children’s mother earlier. Blanchard, who sold clothing to sustain his family, had reportedly been experiencing difficulty with his companion. The two had allegedly spilt up;- with the woman leaving the children behind. It was indicated that Blanchard had sought the support of his younger sister on the night of the incident. She claimed that Blanchard had tried to contact her but was unable to do so. The death of the children sparked nationwide interest and outrage. Blanchard was attacked twice while on remand. The man had been beaten severely by fellow inmates who sought to teach the alleged “child murderer” a lesson.

Page 22

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Kaieteur News

WANTED

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PENPAL

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Tuesday December 03, 2013

5 Head & 7 Head Moulders, 150Kw Genset, CC Saw, Resaw – Tel:626-0024; 6165595; 665-3676 NISSAN WINGROAD PRR SERIES - TEL: 695-4785 WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931 Houses @ Mon-Repos $23,000,000/$20,000,000, Diamond -$34,000,000, Ogle$65,000,000, East Ruimveldt - $10,000,000 - Contact: 2238479; 647-3768 or www. spaceseek.gy One pools table - Tel: 686-7180 270 Amps, portable welders Telephone: 611-5114 Stereo set (LG speakers)- Tel: 227-8519 Heavy duty concrete drill, Air less paint sprayer (for houses), Industrial vacuum cleaners (wet & dry)- Tel: 227-8519 One 8000 Ford Tractor one Ford 450 2005 towing truck contact:694-5599; 689-1864 Baby chicks available weekly Mr. D.Lallbeharry, Craig Public Road E.B.D delivering to East & West Coast Demerara – Tel:626-9589 Ducks & Pigs – Tel:688-7291

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MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Let beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse available- Call: 657-5979 Massage therapy service call:674-8147 FOR SALE / FOR RENT American pool table – Tel: 277-0578 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

A bad attitude does not always work DEAR EDITOR, Over recent weeks, several experts have eloquently discussed Guyana’s situation as it relates to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). Most of the more objective writers have declared that Guyana’s financial wounds, when they do occur, would have been self-inflicted. Today, I want to steer away from the technical side of the debate and to simply highlight what I consider to be the PPP’s poor political judgment and bad attitude in general. I agree with many of my brothers and sisters who have condemned the Private Sector Commission as a bunch of groveling hypocrites. This group has supported the Amaila Falls project, but has bluntly refused to call on the corrupt

PPP regime to establish the Procurement Commission, the Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman among others. Simply put, their interests are their pockets and not those of the Guyanese people. For many years now, whenever any international agency presented a report on anything on Guyana, the PPP’s standard reaction, their standard operational procedure, if you will, would be to curse, criticize, condemn and call the report biased. In other words, they are satisfied with the status quo; that is, they would allow things to remain exactly as they are. Or they would use propaganda and distortions to bamboozle the people and to dictate to the Opposition. There would be no attempt to address the nation’s deficiencies as highlighted in the report.

Instead, the report would be dumped into the wastepaper basket or otherwise simply ignored. This is a regime that believes that it is always right and everyone else is wrong. The report on human trafficking, for example, was presented years ago. This report was greeted with doubts, denials, criticism and scorn. Generally, very little action was taken. Another report on race relations was also submitted and this one was greeted with stubborn resistance. Really, no one living here in Guyana needs anyone to research or submit reports on this issue. We live it every day. Yet, the government, with loud self-praise and use of their controlled media would make the world believe that everyone, including the poor, lives on the doorsteps of paradise rather than in the belly of the beast. It is this same attitude

which the PPP took in dealing with the CFATF. Their only miscalculation was that this time, their nonsense of spreading propaganda, distortions and ridiculing everyone did not work. This CFATF ‘thing’ has teeth and claws and is likely to tear away at the façade of this regime. If the other agencies had the means of dealing with this obnoxious regime, they would have done so years ago. There is a saying that ‘every dog has its day.’ Maybe the CFATF with their international clout would give us, the lesser mortals of Guyana, a brighter day. Thanks to the combined opposition who did what the people asked them to do. That is, to face down this stubborn and dictatorial regime and to safeguard the future of the people and the country. Aubrey Retemyer

Women are second to none when... From page 5 The recent polls did not provide any of the two candidates with enough votes to avoid a run-off but from all indications, Ms. Bachelet is widely expected to win the contest when it is held. It is the early political history and background of these two women presidential contenders that

I found intriguing. They went to the same primary school and played together as kids. Their fathers were close friends and served together in the Chilean air force until the military coup which changed fortunes of both men and their respective families in contrasting ways. One went on to become a major player in the military

junta which seized power in September 11, 1973, and the other was made to languish in confinement on treason charges until his death on March 12, 1974. Both women grew up with politics in their blood. In the end, it was poetic justice for Ms. Bachelet, who won the presidency first in 2006, to become the first female

Fisherman jailed for cocaine possession A 37-year-old fisherman was yesterday jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to the charge of Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking. Dwayne Marshall appeared before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was told that coupled with his sentence; he will also pay a fine of $129,000 for being in possession of 6.2 grams of

cocaine. On November 11, Marshall was apprehended at Lombard and Princes streets by police on mobile patrol who noticed him behaving in what was described as a “suspicious manner.” Marshall reportedly granted the police permission to search him which resulted in them finding a parcel which contained “54 creamish rocklike substances” suspected to be cocaine. Police Prosecutor Deniro

Jones told the court that when confronted, the fisherman admitted that he purchased the substance from a “man in Essequibo” for the purpose of smoking. At the hearing, the man asked for leniency since he did not want to waste the court’s time. In response, the Magistrate calculated the street value of the substance and handed down his sentence.

Father of two behind bars for theft attempt A 26-year-old father of two was yesterday sentenced to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman after she found him guilty of attempting to commit a felony. Magistrate Latchman told Kelvin Washington that “Blessed is the man that has his own” before informing him that she found him guilty

as charged by the police, and that he will be spending the next eighteen months in prison. The prosecution, who presented three witnesses during Washington’s trial, managed to support their claim that on August 22, in the vicinity of the route 41 bus park, Georgetown, he

attempted to steal from Dawn Murray. The court heard that Washington reportedly pushed his hands into the right side pocket of Murray’s hand bag. The woman raised an alarm, forcing Washington to escape. He was however later arrested and charged.

President of Chile, and from all indications she is well poised to repeat that performance when the soonto-be presidential run-off is held. In doing so, she is set to become the first Chilean in more than fifty years to serve a second term in office. Chile, like so many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, is now a full-fledged democracy, having shed its authoritarian and dictatorial past. The gender gap is closing in, thanks to much greater education access, and women are increasingly taking their rightful place as policymakers and not policy-takers as in bygone years. Hydar Ally (From page 22)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Guyana must guard against Guyana Solidarity Movement with Cuba…. commercialisation of Officials discuss organizations transplantation - Nephrologist 2014 plans - Khan

Although Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, at a recent post-Cabinet press briefing announced that Guyana currently does not have the capacity to offer robust transplantation services, there certainly is a dire need. This is in light of the growing number of persons suffering from renal failure who are in need of transplants to extend and improve their quality of life. And putting adequate measures in place could in fact help to guard against potential infiltration of criminality which can occur if the process of transplantation is commercialised. According to Head of Nephrology at the McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Alistair Ingram, commercialisation of transplantation is forbidden worldwide. Moreover, he disclosed that transplant societies around the world have embraced the notion that transplantation in any form should not be commercialised. Dr. Ingram explained that “commercialisation inevitably leads to donation (of organs) by poor people who are usually not compensated anywhere near the amount of money that exchange hands...they get no follow-up (care) afterwards and often have poor health outcomes as a consequence.” Further, he disclosed that the commercialisation can in fact encourage criminality in the form of kidnapping and organ trafficking and therefore has the potential of lending to a “very slippery slope and certainly not one that you want to go down.” Dr. Ingram was at the time speaking at a media briefing held at the Doobay Medical/ Renal Centre, East Coast Demerara, when he was prompted to comment on the

“Big Foot” on remand for ... From page 16 to murdering the guest house owner. Brian Leitch “Big Foot”, of Lot 2118 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was remanded in custody and is due to make his second court appearance on January 7 for report and fixtures. Leitch was reportedly released about a year ago from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC). After the youngster's hearing, he casually strolled to the prisoner's docks with grins on his face. A police press release revealed that Jagdeo's cause of death was given as asphyxia due to manual strangulation.

Dr. Alistair Ingram sale of organs for transplantation purposes. It was only recently that this publication was reliably informed that at least two renal failure patients, desperate to save their lives, opted to procure kidneys to have transplant operations done here. Founder and President of the Doobay Centre, Dr. Budhendra Doobay, during an interview, said that while he doesn’t have statistics about the transplants conducted locally, he has been privy to information that two patients were listed among those procuring kidneys for the purpose of transplantation. “I do know two of our patients from our dialysis centre who bought kidneys and I don’t think I am wrong...one bought a kidney for $1.5 million and died a week or two after the operation, and another gentleman I’m told bought a kidney for $8 million and he died too,” disclosed Dr. Doobay. But Dr Luncheon at his post-Cabinet press briefing stated that “the notion of a market in transplanted parts (here) would appear to be on the surface a highly unusual activity that would be difficult to contemplate.” “I don’t believe we have done 10 transplants in Guyana of any sort and to imagine that there will be, or could be, an industry building up around the sale, illegal or otherwise, of body parts is difficult to countenance,” Dr. Luncheon noted. In fact he pointed out that there have merely been a few transplants conducted, all living related. He added his belief too that most of these organs for transplants are donated by family members. “I don’t know if we sell our kidneys to our families but if that is the implication then they still would be in the context of the few...literally few transplants that have occurred, an extremely small market.” But this practice, at any

scale, simply should never be allowed, according to Dr. Ingram. He pointed out that while it wouldn’t be classified as unethical if a donor is reimbursed after donating an organ, this transaction should never be between the donor and the recipient. “I think all of us accept that that person (donor) is going to lose income as a consequence of them taking time off and they should be reimbursed but that has to come from a central agency,” asserted Dr. Ingram. In fact according to the practicing Nephrologist, who, along with other experts from the McMaster University, have been rendering much technical support to the Doobay Centre, “we will be happy to supply a small pot of money to reimburse donors for lost income.” Already the McMaster University has been collaborating with the Doobay Centre, the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation with a view of introducing free kidney transplants in the New Year. But according to Dr. Ingram such an undertaking must be done by a group tasked with assessing potential donors in order to ascertain their usual income and determine how much they should be compensated. “It has to completely be at arm’s length from the recipient,” insisted Dr. Ingram.

GCSM President Haleem Khan participate in the posting of stickers in the streets of Havana, Cuba President of the Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan, recently visited Cuba where he held discussions with President of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) Kenia Serrano. The ICAP President used the opportunity to update Mr. Khan on the situation in Cuba generally and shared her plans developed by the solidarity organizations for the coming year. Mr. Khan reiterated his organization’s condemnation of both the unjust imprisonment of the Five Cuban Heroes and the inhumane, unilateral US blockade of Cuba. The Guyanese solidarity president’s stay was not

limited to meetings, as he also found time to participate in the posting of stickers in the streets of Havana calling for the release of the anti-terrorist Cuban fighters. Khan also said that he joined the International Committee to Free the Cuban Five in calling for the release of the anti-terrorist Cuban fighters who have been in prison in the US for 15 years. Consider, for a moment, what would happen if American intelligence agents on the ground in a foreign country uncovered a major terrorist plot, with enough time to prevent it, he said. And then consider how Americans would react if authorities in that country, rather than cooperate with us, arrested

and imprisoned the U.S. agents for operating on their soil. Khan recalled what has become known as the Cuban Disaster—the blowing up of a Cuban aircraft with 73 people on board. Eleven Guyanese were among those killed. The Guyanese killed in the crash were Jacqueline Williams, Rawle Thomas, Ann Nelson, Sabrina Harripaul, Rita Thomas, Margaret Bradshaw, Violet Thomas, Raymond Persaud, Harold Norton, Gordon Sobha and Seshnarine Kumar. Khan said that the same people who stopped their government from waging war on Syria also had the power to stop Cuba’s victimization.

World AIDS Day 2013…

Adolescents falling through gaps in HIV services “If we are going to keep our pledge of leaving no-one behind we have to make s u r e H IV services reach everyone in need,” UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé said in observance of World AIDS Day on Sunday. Surveys reveal that more than two million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years are living with HIV, and many do not receive the care and support that they need to stay in good health and prevent transmission. In addition, millions more adolescents are at risk of infection. The failure to support effective and acceptable HIV services for adolescents has resulted in a 50 per cent increase in reported AIDSrelated deaths in this group compared with the 30 per cent decline seen in the general population from 2005 to 2012. The updated statistics on HIV and AIDS released this week show remarkable progress in many areas; they also make clear that some are indeed being left behind. The 2013 theme for World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero”-

meaning zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination, and zero AIDS related deaths. The headline figures are encouraging: a 33 percent decrease in new HIV infections since 2001; a 29 percent decrease in AIDSrelated deaths since 2005; a 40-fold increase in access to antiretroviral therapy between 2002 and 2012. But as UNAIDS also admits, global progress in the fight against AIDS is highly uneven. The situation varies widely between countries and regions. Guyana has reported universal access to HIV prevention and treatment services. It is well poised to declare the elimination of mother to child transmission, many Guyanese know their HIV status, more than 81 per cent of persons living with HIV are reporting a 12-month survival and AIDS related deaths have decreased from almost 10 per cent in 2002 to less than four per cent in 2010. Meanwhile, more than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK. Globally an estimated 33.3 million people

have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Reports reveal that many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for persons to learn the facts about HIV and put their knowledge into action. If they understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today – they can use this knowledge to take care of their own health and the health of others, and ensure that they treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. EQUIPPING ADOLESCENTS “Young people need to be better equipped to manage

their HIV infection and take ownership of their health care,” says Dr Elizabeth Mason, Director of WHO Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Department. “We have seen in Zimbabwe that by developing adolescent friendly services, it is possible to achieve good treatment outcomes among adolescents. We urge others to be inspired by these examples.” HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middleincome countries. As a result of recent advances in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive people now live longer and healthier lives. In addition, it has been confirmed that ART prevents onward transmission of HIV. At the end of 2012, close to 10 million people were receiving ART in low- and middle-income countries. However, almost 19 million other people who are eligible for ART under new 2013 guidelines do not have access to antiretroviral drugs.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

Sophia resident remanded for robbery under arms A 25-year-old father of two is now a remanded prisoner after he was yesterday brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face an indictable charge of Robbery under Arms. Keon Kelvin of Pocket Street ‘C’ Field, Sophia was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on

October 31, in Georgetown, armed with a gun , he robbed Ann Welch of $180,000 cash, one shoulder bag valued at $5000, one BlackBerry cellular phone valued at $50,000, one bank card, and one Identification Card among other things Police Prosecutor Corporal Bharat Mangru stated that Welch had withdrawn money from the Bank of Nova Scotia and after

CANU wants Banmattie Persaud The woman who is wanted by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) is Banmattie Persaud, aka: Lolita, who was born on December 23, 1975. Her address was 460 Grass field, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. Her previous address was SANDREEF,ANNANDALE E.C.D Banmattie Persaud is wanted in connection with cocaine found in eggplants at CJIA on Saturday November 30, last. If anyone has information on their whereabouts then CANU’s contact number is 227-3507.

Banmattie Persaud, aka: Lolita

her departure she noticed the accused following her so she decided to go into a pharmacy at Robb and Hincks Streets. According to the prosecution, Kelvin walked by but returned to the pharmacy where he pulled out a gun and allegedly demanded that the woman give him the handbag. Mangru said that the victim handed it over to the accused who then escaped. The matter was reported and an Identification Parade was conducted which resulted in the man being charged. Representing the accused was Defence Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat who made an application for reasonable bail. He said that no confession statement was given and the articles were not found on his client. The Prosecution however objected to bail on account of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. Mangru stated that there are pending charges in the matter and opined that if granted bail Kelvin may not return to court. The Chief Magistrate refused bail and the matter will be called again December 18.

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Tuesday December 03, 2013

Former St Kitts-Nevis deputy T&T, Jamaica free PM denies involvement in movement talks kick off Iranian passport controversy BASSETERRE, St Kitts (WINN) — Former deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor has been responding to suggestions from the St Kitts and Nevis government that he should be asked, as former foreign affairs minister, about the diplomatic passport issued to Iranian Alizeera Moghadam Condor, who currently sits on the opposition benches in parliament and is part of the Team Unity partnership challenging the legitimacy of the present administration, told WINN FM that the Moghadam issue is a clear example of how the government fails to adhere to proper procedure. He said that was one of the things that he had been complaining about as a government minister, was that he was often being undermined by the prime minister and did not have the kind of control he should have had as a minister of government. “It’s the modus operandi [of] the prime minister and that is what has brought us from this situation, and I believe that this is so far the most damning indictment of the prime minister.” Similar complaints had been made by Team Unity leader Dr Timothy Harris, who

was fired by Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas as a government minister in January. In Parliament earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Minister Patrice Nisbett revealed that the government in January had approved the appointment of Moghadam as a special envoy for St Kitts and Nevis to Turkey and Azerbaijan, after he had acquired citizenship under the Federation’s Citizenship by Investment programme. Asked on Thursday whether he was aware of Moghadam during his stint in government, Condor told WINN FM that he had not been. “No, no, no, no.

(Barbados Nation) Government wants more nonbank financial institutions operating in Barbados, but it will not compromise on regulations intended to protect investors and the

economy if these financiers run into trouble. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Senator Jepter Ince made that clear yesterday morning while

Former deputy PM Sam Condor

Not...officially and formally.” He gave an earlier example of another case where he said decisions had been arrived at without his input as then foreign affairs minister. “In the Dubai Affair... after some time when I went to speak to the prime minister on the matter, he asked me about how ...we could put the matter forward. He asked me in the presence of my permanent secretary... and I told him, Prime Minister, this is difficult to take forward because you’ve broken all the protocols, all the procedures and the prime minister’s response was, ‘So what?’” Last year, Condor, who was then minister of foreign affairs, went public with his concerns that the prime minister had finalized an agreement to establish a consulate in Dubai; had appointed a consul general and had taken Condor’s permanent secretary on a visit to Dubai, all without his consultation. One government source has suggested that Sam Condor was also the minister of foreign affairs when Moghadam received his passport. The passport controversy continues to generate a great deal of debate in the social media and on the national airwaves.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade A.J. Nicholson (left) and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Winston Dookeran, yesterday (Jamaica Gleaner) Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, A.J. Nicholson, and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Winston Dookeran, yesterday got into action in a bid to hammer out obstacles that have emerged in free movement arrangements in the context of the Caribbean Single

Market Economy (CSME). Both men vowed to find solutions to the trade impasse that is threatening the already tenuous relationship between the two countries. Nicholson told Winston Dookeran in the presence of journalists who got a glimpse of the first day of talks, that Jamaicans were displeased

No compromise on financial legislation speaking at the official launch of Axcel Finance B a r b a d o s a t McGregor Street, Bridgetown. “Although a regime of excessive regulations may not be favourable to the

development of a market, if we are to sustain stable and competitive financial markets and at the same time minimize the chances of unexpected market collapses and meltdowns, leaders in government and in the industry in Barbados and across the region, must continue to accept the need to maintain certain monitoring and regulatory mechanisms to guide

market activity,” Ince said. He said such regulation was not intended to restrict market development but aimed to protect investors from corporate greed and corruption in addition to saving the economy from “threats of destabilization of potential viable industries and by extension the destabilization of the economy itself”.

by a number of recent occurrences. “The treatment meted out to Jamaicans at Piarco International Airport and the sharp increase in the number of Jamaicans being returned from Trinidad and Tobago have together generated considerable public outrage, Particularly in the wake of the Shanique Myrie ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice, Nicholson”, Nicholson said. Nicholson added: “It has diminished the goodwill on the part of many Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora towards Trinidad and Tobago”. Referring to the planned boycott of products out of Trinidad and Tobago in diplomatic wording, Nicholson told his Caribbean counterpart that the souring of relationship between the two countries has threatened to change patterns of consumption in Jamaica. In his response, Dookeran said he was not in Jamaica to appease, but to find solutions to what could balloon into a trade war. “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is willing to work out a solution,” he asserted. Dookeran disclosed that he had earlier met with influential stakeholders in Jamaica including the Jamaica Exporters Association; The Jamaica Manufacturers Association; the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Thai PM calls for talks, protest leader defiant (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday she would “open every door” to find a peaceful solution to a political crisis gripping Bangkok as police used rubber bullets against protesters seeking to topple her government. The violence is the latest twist in a conflict pitting Bangkok’s middle class and royalist elite against the mostly poor, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist former prime minister who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and lives in selfimposed exile. Yingluck told a news conference that police would not use force but the national security chief said rubber bullets were being used as protesters threatened to advance on Yingluck’s office, the focal point of the demonstrations since the weekend. A Ramathibodi Hospital official later said two protesters had been wounded by gunfire but it was not known who shot them.

Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra The number of protesters was well down on the 30,000 dispersed around various sites on Sunday, but hardcore elements broke through concrete barriers set up around Government House, Yingluck’s office in the heart of Bangkok. After using canister upon canister of teargas to repel them on Sunday, police stepped up their response on

Monday. “We are alternating between the use of water cannons, teargas and rubber bullets,” Paradorn Pattanathabutr, the head of the National Security Council, told Reuters. “Rubber bullets are being used in one area only and that is the bridge near Government House.” A Reuters reporter saw a man in his early 20s fire three shots from a pistol in the direction of police protecting Government House. Protesters also threw dozens of petrol bombs. Teargas was used against protesters trying to tear down barriers at the Bangkok metropolitan police headquarters. They pulled back in late afternoon but protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who rejected Yingluck’s call for talks, told supporters he was determined the assault would go on and they would seize the headquarters today (Tuesday). Suthep, 64, who resigned as a Democrat lawmaker to lead the protests, wants a

vaguely defined “people’s council” to replace Yingluck’s government and a parliament of nominated worthies. “The protesters’ demands are impossible to meet under the framework of the constitution,” Yingluck said. Suthep met Yingluck late on Sunday but insisted there had been no negotiations to end Thailand’s worst political crisis since bloody unrest in 2010. He said the meeting was arranged by the powerful military, which has taken sides against Thaksin-allied governments in the past and put down a drawn-out proThaksin protest in 2010, when more than 90 people were killed. The government at the time - in which Suthep was a deputy prime minister - gave the military powers under an emergency decree to clear pro-Thaksin “red shirts” from central Bangkok.

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Kaieteur News

Child Protection Task Force sets to work (Trinidad Express) The Office of the Prime Minister yesterday issued a statement, advising that the Child Protection Task Force would begin its work immediately, with a report to be delivered within six weeks, to take to the Parliament. The Task Force was announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Sunday, and was in response to the sexual assault and murder, last week, of six-yearold Kenaya Cumberbatch. The following is the full statement from the Office of the Prime Minister: Following several heinous crimes against the nation’s children, Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in seeking a comprehensive solution to all forms of crime and criminal behaviour against children, has established a Child Protection Task Force comprising experts in childcare and protection. The mandate of the Task Force will be to carry out an in-depth analysis of the factors which cause an

increased risk of crime against children, and to make proposals on how legislation, government, nongovernmental organizations, parents, and other stakeholders can better protect children. Among the objectives of the Task Force is to commence and complete and review of all provisions, regulations, legislation, and public processes to protect children; to provide recommendations on the issue; to create risk resolutions; to suggest ways to fully empowering the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; to provide recommendations on specific risk areas which will require State interventions; to suggest how early warning systems can be structured to provide for the detection of children who live in risk situations; and the provision of sourcing improved counseling and specialist care services for children. The Task Force is expected to report on its finding within six (6) weeks.

Its recommendations will be discussed at Cabinet level and presented to Parliament thereafter. Implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force will take place through relevant ministries and state agencies. All previous surveys and reports relative to the issue of child protection will be revisited and considered by the Task Force. Experts and other stakeholders will be welcomed by the Task Force to make presentations and discuss the various issues concerning the well-being of children. A number of recommendations have already been made and will form part of the review of the Task Force. The first meeting of the Task Force is carded for Friday 6th December at 10:00am at the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development. The names of the members of the Task Force are expected to be announced upon the completion of protocols and confirmation of the acceptance by nominees.

Murder charge for baby Jacob’s father (Trinidad Guardian) The father of baby Jacob Munroe will be charged with his murder. Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard yesterday instructed the police to charge 26-year-old Allan Thomas with his son’s murder. Thomas will also be charged with attempted suicide. Gaspard, according to reports, received and reviewed the investigators’ file yesterday morning and made the decision just after 2.30 in the afternoon. Thomas was hospitalised since November 19, when he reported to police that abductors had entered his home, made him drink a flammable liquid and then made him slit his own wrists before they snatched the

baby. According to police reports, on that Tuesday afternoon he contacted St Joseph Police saying the child was kidnapped from the family’s home at Santarita Trace, Lluengo Village, Maracas, St Joseph. The relative claimed three men entered the house, assaulted him and demanded he hand over a gun he was hiding for someone. The men then allegedly grabbed the child and fled the house. Around 1.30 pm on Wednesday, police searched the family’s property where they found the child’s body, which was wrapped in cloth, in a cesspit. By Thursday an autopsy found that the baby had been smothered and also revealed bruised to his buttocks

indicating that he was beaten before being killed. Thomas’s hospitalisation had delayed investigations as he was unable to be questioned properly. This was the first of two murder cases involving young children that have sparked outrage. Days after baby Jacob’s body was found, the remains of missing six-year old Keyana Cumberbatch were discovered in a barrel in her mother’s apartment. She had been reported missing two days before the discovery. A post mortem showed she had been beaten to death and sexually assaulted while unconscious. The DPP’s office has not yet been consulted with regard to that investigation.

B’dos Gov’t retrains Immigration Personnel after CCJ Ruling - AG (Jamaica Gleaner) The Barbadian Government has announced that it has already taken steps to re-train its immigration and border personnel in keeping with the landmark ruling in the Shanique Myrie case. And the country’s attorney general, Adriel Brathwaite, says other CARICOM member states must follow suit to ensure that the free movement of Caribbean nationals across the region becomes a reality. Brathwaite’s comments come nearly a month after the Caribbean Court of Justice

ruled that Barbados had breached Myrie’s right when she sought entry into that country in 2011. In addition to the BDS$75,000 awarded to Myrie, the court also established a number of benchmark treatments it says CARICOM nationals should enjoy when they travel throughout the region. Speaking during a panel discussion in Barbados last week, Brathwaite cautioned that the introduction of free movement throughout the Caribbean is a noble concept that has not been properly thought out.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Colombian president ‘optimistic’ about peace, to meet Obama today (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, bound for Washington on an official visit, said yesterday he remains cautiously optimistic about peace talks with Marxist FARC rebels taking place in Cuba. “I think the conditions are there” for a successful conclusion to the talks, Santos told an audience of academics, students and diplomats at the University of Miami. “Things are moving hopefully in the correct direction.” But he quoted a Colombian proverb as a cautionary note, saying, “The bread can very well burn right at the door of the oven.” Santos, a Harvardeducated journalist, spoke eloquently in English about his hopes for peace and economic growth in Colombia during a 30-minute speech at the invitation of University of Miami President Donna Shalala, who awarded him the school’s President’s Medal for service to society. Santos, on his second official visit to the United States since taking office in 2010, hailed both the year-old peace talks as well as economic progress at home. “It’s a different scenario” when the president of Colombia visits the United States these days, he said, comparing conditions at home to a decade ago when a guerrilla insurgency was raging on the outskirts of the capital Bogota and Washington was pouring in military aid to back the government. Since then the war had dramatically turned in the government’s favor. “We are now being respected internationally,” Santos said, noting that his meeting with Obama scheduled for today would not be focused on military aid but rather on education and technology, as well as regional security. “Usually when the president came to the United States he would have gone to

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos the Southern Command,” he said referring to the U.S. regional military headquarters based in Miami. “Now he will come to the University of Miami. In a way this shows how things have changed.” While the United States and Colombia enjoy close ties, Santos said things could be better between Washington and the rest of Latin America, where leftwing governments led by Venezuela have shunned the United States. Half a century after President John F. Kennedy started the Alliance for Progress to forge better ties between the United States and Latin America, Santos said he planned to ask Obama to launch something similar to help rebuild frayed relations with the region. “Maybe it’s time to launch another Alliance for Progress,” he said, suggesting it be called an Alliance for Progress and Peace. “The United States should look more south. We are strategic to the United States. In Colombia we are very proud to be such good allies of the United States, but I think the whole region can have much better and closer relations with the United States.” Santos, 62, is making his

first foreign trip since he announced November 20 that he plans to seek a second term in next May’s presidential election. He will face opposition candidate Oscar Ivan Zuluaga in a campaign likely to focus on the FARC peace process and the future of the country after five decades of rebellion. In Washington, a senior Obama administration official said Obama’s meeting with Santos should not be viewed as an endorsement of the Colombian’s re-election bid. In the meeting, Obama will profess his strong support of Colombia’s peace process, the official said. “The message that the president will convey, that the visit will convey, is that the United States is a committed partner and we’ll continue to stand by Colombia,” the official said. Obama will raise U.S. concerns that Colombia needs to do more to settle labor issues and address human rights challenges, the official added. Zuluaga, a one-time senator and provincial mayor, accuses Santos of offering the rebels too many concessions. Meeting in Havana this week, government mediators are working through a fivepoint agenda with some three dozen rebel leaders, seeking to stop bloodshed that has killed more than 200,000 people since it began in 1964. Earlier this month the two sides reached agreement on one of the toughest items on the agenda: FARC political participation. While details of the accord have not yet been revealed, the rebels are expected to be allowed to hold some sort of public office and possibly gain access to Congress. Both sides are now working on resolving the third leg of the process: drug trafficking. Santos said he hoped the peace process would turn Colombia, once the world’s largest producer of cocaine, into a “coca-free country.”

Syria death toll hits nearly 126,000: monitoring group (Reuters) - The death toll in Syria’s civil war has risen to at least 125,835, more than a third of them civilians, but the real figure is probably much higher, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said yesterday. The pro-opposition monitoring group also appealed to U.N. Secretary General Ban Kimoon and “all people in the international community who have a conscience” to increase their efforts to end the 2-1/2

year war. The conflict began as peaceful protests against four decades of rule by President Bashar al-Assad’s family, but under a fierce security force crackdown, turned into an armed insurgency whose sectarian dimensions have echoed across the Middle East. The Observatory, based in Britain but with a network of activists across Syria, put the number of children killed in the conflict so far at 6,627. It put the death toll among

rebels fighting the Assad government at least 27,746 rebels, including more than 6,000 categorized as foreign fighters or unknown combatants. “The number is likely much higher but in many battles, the number of rebels killed is hidden, especially by the (al Qaedalinked) Nusra Front and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” Rami Abdelrahman, head of the Observatory, told Reuters.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Group 4 racer Rupee Lindsey Vonn to delay... Shewjattan thanks sponsors The name Rupee Shewjattan is no strange name in the racing circles, the veteran competitor chalked up one first and a second place at the just concluded Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) at the South Dakota Circuit. Competing in the Group 4 events, Shewjattan, in his Evolution 5 machine, was knocked out of the first race which was won by Paul Vieira followed by Mohan Rangasammy and Irfan Kalamadeen in that order. But the disappointment of the first race experience only served to add more energy and focus to Shewjattan’s mood and despite starting from the back of the grid in Race Two; he was able to cop the second place behind

Rupee Shewjattan seen in his Evolution 5 car parading on the victory lap. Vieira who again ended in the top podium spot. Rangasammy had to settle for the final podium spot. The day would not have ended without Shewjattan not being able to post a win and that he achieved in the final Group 4 race which he won, speeding away from Rangasammy and Vieira in

that order. Shewjattan has expressed gratitude to his sponsors for allowing him yet another opportunity to exhibit his skills once more; Stag Beer, Auto Fashion, Agriculture Parts, Palm Court, Buddy’s Housing, Prem’s Electrical, Auto Color and his many fans.

Tuesday December 03, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Dealing with any kind of official shouldn’t be a problem as long as you know what you’re doing. **************************** TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): Attending parties and social functions could have a financial spin off benefit. You can temporarily forget worldly worries in a social whirl that involves mixing with like minded people. **************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Take nothing and no-one for granted. Not even your high energy levels. Your high spirits and enthusiasm may not last. **************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Even if colleagues, housemates or team mates pull a long face, insist they start pulling their weight. You may be concerned about how much you have taken on but have you forgotten the word ‘delegate?’ **************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Keeping busy this morning and socialising in the afternoon is the ideal formula for getting the most out of the day. You have it within you to inspire others and it should be easy to foster a team spirit wherever and whenever it is needed. **************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): There should be ample opportunity to indulge your love of helping and being of service to others. You are a conscientious worker and once you’ve taken anything on, you won’t let people down.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Don’t look for reasons why you’re in a cheerful frame of mind; just be sure others get to share your good mood too! If there’s a friend or neighbour who is feeling down, why not pay them a visit? **************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): If you’re working, it’s not a good idea to allow professional concerns to govern your thoughts. Once you’ve clocked off for the day, forget about anything connected with your job. **************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Travel or entertaining friends from a distance open new doors for you. Professional aims receive a boost through mixing socially with the right people. **************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 19): Other people have other ideas but the thought of letting go and simply relaxing is likely to be irresistible. **************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): If closely linked to another, your partner is making plans involving you without your knowledge. **************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Recent days have been a shade busier than usual. This could be the reason you’re feeling jaded o r maybe it’s because you’re one degree below par.

Lindsey Vonn (AP)

From page 30 trying to ski solid,” she added. “I’m not trying to do race runs. I’m trying to build into it. Not push it too hard. But I was still able to be aggressive and confident in what I’m doing so that when I get up to Lake Louise I can hopefully have a good feeling right away.” Vonn, who also won downhill and Super-G gold at the 2009 World Championships in Val d’Isere, recorded her fifth consecutive women’s World Cup downhill title last year. The Winter Olympics begins in Russia on 7 February.

DAZELL ASPIRES TO REPRESENT... From page 33 competition at the games was high, so one has to be well prepared for it and I am learning all the time,” he said. Dazell would like to thank his mom June Johnson and father for his success so far. Among the outstanding athletes to have emerged from the island of Wakenaam are Yougeshwar and Yuvraj Jaichand who represented Police and Guyana with distinction in the 90s and current sensation Alita Moore who has raised eye brows recently.

Large turnout for first ever... From page 20 things did not go down too well. “There is a lot for the committee to learn. The timing was bad the committee needs to select a better time of the year when the water pattern will be different.” He also expressed his concern over the lack of safety regulations displayed by racers. Some were not wearing their safety gear, including their helmets. Registration, he said could have been done before race day so as to eliminate some of the hiccups. The boats that participated in the day's activity were fishing boats and not racing boats. He is of the view that the organisers should invite the more established racers from Bartica to be part of the next event so as to lift the standards. The results saw Vishal Singh winning the four-lap 7590 horse power (HP) race. Lall Beharry won the four lap 120 HP event. The 150-200 HP four-lap race was won by Gagendra Shamsundar who also placed second in the four lap jet skiing.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

FIFA launches Impressive turnout of fans official football app

2013 Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival

witness exciting climax

- Revamp, GCC Tigers and Hickers win titles

Veterans champions Hikers pose with the winning trophy and medals on Sunday. Hockey is back with a bang. An impressive turnout of sporting fans witnessed some exciting matches that climaxed a hugely successful 2013 Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival which ended on Sunday evening, at the National Gymnasium. When the dust that hung over the arena for the past five days eventually settled Revamp of Canada, littered with a number of players who’ve played at the highest level, cruised past Trinidad and Tobago’s Queen’s Park 4-0, while GCC Tigers, predominantly made up of players from the national team showed their maturity after withstanding a furious second half rally by the experienced Malvern out of T&T to take the Ladies crown 4-2 and Hickers coasted to a comfortable 7-4 triumph over GCC in the Veterans final, leaving Guyana to enjoy two of the three grand prizes at stake. In the Men’s final, Most Valuable Player and Canadian International Jonathan Roberts scored two of Revamp’s goals to lead his side to the convincing victory over a young energetic Queen’s Park. With fellow international Micah Texiera opening Revamp’s account through a well-executed penalty corner in the first half, Queen’s Park remained competitive with a tight defence marshalled by Jerazeno Bell. Roberts, however, scored his first of the match five minutes into the second half, before they took a 3-0 through Jewan

Bath, who found the back of the net with a deceptive penalty corner strike three minutes later. While Queen’s Park was more competitive than the score suggests, men’s goalkeeper of the tournament Pradeep Koonar, thwarted several of their attacks to maintain a clean sheet. Roberts then sealed the deal for Canada with his second goal in the closing minutes to pull off the 4-0 victory for Revamp. The GCC Tigers, having qualified first for the Digicel women’s final, had to await the outcome of the pool match between Toronto Toros of Canada and Malvern Hockey Club of Trinidad to know their opponents. Based on the outcomes of earlier matches most in attendance expected the Toros to qualify, but Malvern managed to show their quality and execute a successful game plan to keep them in the running for the title. As Malvern and GCC squared off in the final, striker Kerensa Fernandes set the pace with a neat deflection off a penalty corner pass to score the first goal for the Tigers and the match three minutes into play. Ladies competition leading goal-scorer Krezia Layne, managed to produce a rare penalty corner goal for Malvern against tournament top goalkeeper and ladies MVP, Alysa Xavier in the sixth minute. GCC’s Trisha Woodroffe, however, answered one minute later with a similar penalty corner strike for GCC to maintain their

one goal lead at the half. Five minutes into the second half, Captain Sonia Jardine produced a moment of brilliance in eliminating the defence down the right flank, before drawing the goalkeeper and sliding her pass to Fernandes who scored her second of the match. At 3-1 down and time against them, Malvern opted to withdraw their goalkeeper from the court in preference of an extra field player. The tactic changed the complexion of the game as the Tigers defence struggled initially with the additional pressure. The risk however left Malvern vulnerable in defence and with outstanding goalkeeping from Xavier it was GCC who scored next as youngest player of the side, Aliyah Gordon, pounced on a loose ball after a goal-mouth scramble to score her first goal of the match four minutes from full time. Layne managed to pull one goal back for Malvern in the dying minutes, but it was too little too late as the Tigers held on for the 4-2 victory and fourth title of the

Festival. In the Carib veteran’s final, the younger Hickers outran an aging GCC with the game all, but decided at 4-1 by half time. The addition of Jerazeno Bell to the defending champions, Hickers, side put the game beyond GCC’s reach as Bell himself netted two of his team’s first half goals, while Amanda Garnett and James Mentore notched the other two. GCC’s Alan Fernandes was on target with the first goal of the game in just the fourth minute but it was all Hickers for the rest of the half. The second half belonged to former national captain and Hickers midfielder Devin Munroe whose athletic ability made him a menace for the GCC defence. Munroe was the first to score in the second half of play, before GCC finally came alive through a Damon Woodroffe penalty corner and a Philip Fernandes field goal. Munroe then scored twice more to complete his hat-trick before GCC’s Alan Fernandes scored his second of the match in the very final minute. The 7-4 victory saw the Hickers retain the veteran’s trophy. Canada’s Jonathan Roberts and Pardeep Koonar, both of Revamp HC, were voted MVP and best goalkeeper of the men’s competition, while Queen’s Park’s Nicholas Wren was highest goal-scorer. GCC’s Alysa Xavier was the recipient of both the MVP and best goalkeeper awards for the women, while Malvern’s Krezia Layne was highest goal-scorer. In the veteran’s competition, Jerazeno Bell, making his veteran debut was voted MVP with Azad DeAbreu also of the Hickers being selected as Best goalkeeper. GCC’s Philip Fernandes was the highest goal-scorer.

FIFA.com, the mostvisited football website in the world, yesterday announced the launch of the official FIFA app. The launch of the application coincides with the Final Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, which fans can follow live with the app on Friday December 6, 2013. The FIFA app is expected to be the most downloaded sports application ever, with over 70 million downloads predicted in its first few months. The application is built on the foundations of FIFA.com, which during tournament months can receive in excess of 7 billion page views and 150 million unique visitors. Featuring a rich and deeply personalised experience, the official FIFA app puts the world’s mostloved game into the hands of fans like never before. The app combines the content that fans want – anytime, anywhere. ABEAUTIFULAPP FOR THEBEAUTIFULGAME At the heart of the application is the World Match Centre, providing unrivalled live coverage from over 200 national leagues and competitions across the globe, personalised by the fan’s favourite clubs and national teams. The News section keeps fans up-to-date with the latest from the world of football as it happens, enhanced with stunning imagery and videos. As we approach Brazil 2014, the World Cup section provides exclusive official access to the biggest singlesport event in the world. The

live coverage of the Final Draw will be supplemented by exclusive reactions from coaches as the groups and games are announced. The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking allows fans to track the official ranking of national teams across both men’s and women’s football. The app also introduces FIFA Explore, a series of interactive journeys to enable fans to get insights into FIFA initiatives that support the development of the game and FIFA’s mission to use football to build a better future. The app makes joining in the conversation easier than ever before, with seamless social interaction through Facebook, Twitter and the FIFA.com Club, the world’s largest online community of football fans. FIFA President Blatter commented: “Our mission is not only to develop the game, but to touch the world and build a better future. With the official FIFA app, we are using mobile technology – the most personal technology ever known – to unite and inspire fans, ensuring they never miss a moment of the beautiful game.” The app, available in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, is free to download and available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones and tablets from yesterday. The official FIFA app will evolve over the coming months to provide an unparalleled digital platform to unite the hundreds of millions of fans for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Lindsey Vonn to delay surgery for Sochi Winter Olympics bid BBC Sport - Lindsey Vonn will put off further knee surgery in the hope of being fit enough to compete at the Winter Olympics. The Olympic downhill champion recently re-injured ligaments in the same knee

that was rebuilt following a crash in the World Championships in February. Vonn, 29, was due to return this weekend but the training accident has put her Sochi Games prospects in doubt. “In the end, surgery

is going to have to happen,” said the American. “I might as well see how long it holds up.” Vonn, who partially tore the right anterior cruciate ligament in the 20 November fall at Copper Mountain, took several runs down the super-

G course at Vail on Sunday. Afterwards, she said her knee felt “really good”. She will travel to Lake Louise, Alberta, for downhill training ahead of next week’s World Cup event. “Just (Continued on page 29)

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 31

NBA roundup: Drummond Bolt, Calvert top glitzy Zenith Awards at Pegasus makes history in Pistons win

Racers Track Club coach Glen Mills (2nd right) holds a plaque presented to him by his Olympian charges (from left) Warren Weir, Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake in a show of the trio’s appreciation during the Racers Track Club Zenith Awards at the Pegasus Hotel, on Saturday night. Jamaica Observer - Usain Bolt and Schillonie Calvert were the stars of a glittering Racers Track Club ZenithAwards held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Saturday night. The second annual awards and fund-raising banquet showcased the Racers athletes who have strived for excellence and who have reached the zenith. Not surprisingly, Bolt, arguably the greatest sprinter of all time, received the award for the Most Outstanding Performances for 2012 and 2013, among several other awards. “I am fortunate to be here and be a part of this great club in the first place. It is wonderful to be a part of it, it’s just a great feeling,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer. “I have put in the work for the club, and for them to show that they appreciate it is always a good feeling.” Rosemarie Whyte, who ran 50.00 seconds in the 400m at Zagreg, was the Most Outstanding Performance for 2012. Calvert, 25, who was a part of the gold medalwinning 4x100m relay team at the 2013 Moscow World Championship, got the nod

for the Most Outstanding Performance for 2013. “This means a lot to me because when you are acknowledged for your excellent work by those who are like family, words cannot explain how I feel,” said Calvert, who also responded on behalf of the athletes. “This boosts my confidence, and right now I am overwhelmed. I am putting in the work for next season and the track and the clock will speak,” she noted. After watching his charges being rewarded for their outstanding performances, coach Glen Mills was given a surprise award for his historic achievement for being the only coach to have three athletes on the podium at the London Olympics in the 200m — Bolt, Yohan Blake and Warren Weir. The trio did the honour by presenting a plaque to Mills for guiding them and himself into the history books. The well-attended and glamorous function, in which almost all the big wigs in track and field attended, had a very special guest in Raymond

Goulbourne, the executive vice-president, media sales at the USA-based Black Entertainment Television (BET). Gouldbourne, 56, a former Calabar High student who has been credited with turning the cable network into a $6-billion organisation during his 22 years there, was the keynote speaker. His advice to everyone, and in particular the athletes, was simple. They must reinvent themselves to stay at the zenith. He gave several examples of persons who were very successful financially, but failed to reinvent themselves and suffered in the end. “It’s not how you start, but how you finish,” said Goulbourne, who had the audience fully focused on his financial advice. “Make sure you approach life with a sense of humility, a sense of dignity, poise because as soon as you get it you will lose it,” he warned. Meanwhile, the posthumous racers Award of Honour went to late Neville ‘Teddy’ McCook, which was collected by Orville Byfield, the current Kingston College coach.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Andre Drummond knows he’s a poor free-throw shooter. He still doesn’t like it when teams make an effort to remind him. On an afternoon when the Philadelphia 76ers started intentionally fouling him in the third quarter, the 20-yearold forward responded with a performance the NBA hasn’t seen in 23 years. Drummond sat out the end of the third quarter after missing nine of 12 free throws in the period, but in the 34 minutes he did play, he became the first player to have 31 points, 19 rebounds and six steals in a game since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1990. The Pistons beat the 76ers 115-100. He set career highs in all three categories, two days after Maurice Cheeks left him on the bench for the last 21 minutes of Detroit’s loss to the Lakers. “That’s a slap in the face for any player, so you get fired up,” said Drummond, who also blocked two shots. “You can’t get angry and lose your focus, though. I just told myself it was a good chance to work on my free-throw shooting and put some points on the board.” Philadelphia coach Brett Brown, who watched Gregg Popovich use the strategy during his days as an assistant in San Antonio, said he didn’t enjoy the idea, but thought it was his team’s only chance when it trailed by 24 points at halftime. NUGGETS 112 RAPTORS 98

Barca 3.6 million and Sevilla and Santander 900,000 and 30,000 euros respectively, the commission (CNMC) said on Monday. The fines were levied because the broadcaster and the four clubs had agreed four-year contracts for TV rights, a year longer than the three years allowed. Mediapro said it and the

clubs had acted “in good faith” and the contracts complied with Spanish law. The broadcaster will appeal the ruling while taking steps to ensure it does not have to pay the fines while a decision is pending. Mediapro and Canal Plus, part of the Prisa media group, share the rights to broadcast La Liga matches in

Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey, left, takes a shot against Philadelphia’s Michael CarterWilliams Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/ Duane Burleson)

TORONTO — Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey knows his starters cannot play the entire game. But after Sunday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, he probably wishes they could. The Nuggets reserves came off the bench to outscore their Raptors counterparts 72-16 as Denver pulled away in the fourth quarter for a comfortable 11298 win before 16,290 fans at Air Canada Centre.

“Our bench has got to give us something,” Casey told reporters after Toronto (610) lost its third straight. “Our guys (starters) can’t play for 48 (minutes), so we’ve got to get production from our bench. “The guys coming in have got to develop a toughness, a resilience of getting stops. And, it starts on the defensive end. In the second half, they shot it well but we didn’t make them feel us.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities being observed today The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed today across the globe. On behalf of the four million athletes of Special Olympics and their families, Guyanese are asked to remember the theme ‘Break barriers and open doors for an inclusive society for all’.

Real and Barca fined over TV rights infringement MADRID (Reuters) Spain’s competition commission has fined broadcaster Mediapro and clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Racing Santander a total of 15 million euros ($20.4 million) for breaking rules regulating the sale of television rights. Mediapro was fined 6.5 million euros, Real 3.9 million,

PISTONS 115 76ERS 100

Spain.Unlike in other major European leagues, the sale of TV rights is not subject to collective bargaining and clubs agree deals individually with broadcasters. Real and Barca, the world’s two richest clubs by income, between them take about half the total TV revenue for La Liga of around 700 million euros. ($1 = 0.7345 euros)

The Special Olympics message reads; Every day Special Olympics is breaking down barriers and opening doors through sport, health and education for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes show their strengths and abilities through participation in sport. Each athlete has a different story, but each story has much in common. From the athletics track to the swimming pool, from the bocce court to the tennis

table, our athletes show their courage, joy, perseverance and the results of all their training and hard work every day. At Special Olympics we believe by bringing together those with and without intellectual disabilities to compete and participate on the same playing field, divisions and barriers are broken down and prejudices and discrimination are eliminated far more quickly. We say to live unified, we must play unified.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

GFA/BANKS BEER KO CUP...

Balram Shane Memorial cricket match...

Brilliant Bishoo guides Albion to ALPHA, SANTOS nail biting victory over Port Mourant CRUSH OPPONENTS By Samuel Whyte A magnificent all round performance by West Indies player Devendra Bishoo was the catalysis for defending champions Albion Community Centre Cricket Club coming from the brink of defeated to snatch victory over arch rivals Port Mourant Cricket Club with one delivery to spare in a thrilling encounter of the Annual Balram Shane Memorial 50 overs cricket match, which was played on Sunday last at the Albion Community Centre ground in front of an appreciative audience. The win by Albion was their 11th in the 14th year of the competition. Port Mourant has won twice with one final being rained out. In typical Albion fashion, they refused to give up and fought back brilliantly, led by Bishoo’s outstanding century to win a cliffhanger, scoring 234-9 in 49.5 overs in response to Port Mourant challenging 232- 9 in their allotment of overs. Port Mourant won the toss and took first strike on the flat track and composed their challenging total through consistent batting with Davendra Takurdeen 58 (8x4), Ameer Khan 47(3x4), Troy Gonsalves 37(2x6, 2x4), Andrew Lyte jr 18(3x4), Arif Chan 16 and Renrick Batson 15, Parsram Tilkuram 12 and Joshua Ramsammy 11 being the principal scorers. Bowling for Albion, Balchand Baldeo picked up 340, while there was one apiece for Bishoo, Avenash Wajib, Sharaz Ramcharran, Satesh Dwarka and Jonathan Foo. Albion were off to a reasonable start with West Indies opener Sewnarine Chattergoon 30 (1x6, 3x4) and Kandasammy Surujnarine18 putting together 47 for the

The victorious Albion team and their management staff pose with their winnings along with organiser Deonarine Balram (5th from left) after the presentation. first wicket. The home team then found themselves in dire straight at 77-5 and 136-7 before the Bishoo show. Entering the fray at 55-4 He blasted 128 with 15 fours. He first scored 53 with David Latchaya 17 (2x4) for the 6th wicket before hammering 92 for the 8th wicket with Ramcharran18. Bishoo, who was earlier dropped with 31 needed, went in the 48.5 over caught in the covers at the same position he was dropped at by the same fielder off the same bowler with five to get. The final over, bowled by Tilkuram, began with four needed. Ramcharran lost his bat going for a mighty swing and was run out going for the single at the non-striker’s end by wicketkeeper Winston Rose to add to the drama. A wide reduced the deficit and with two to get off two deliveries and the last pair at the wicket, the delivery was edged to the third man boundary for four, bringing wild celebration from the Albion camp as the dejected Port Mourant team and supporters pondered how they managed to lose a match they had actually wrapped up. Bowling for Port Mourant,

leg spinners Khan and Gonsalves caused early trouble as they rounded out fine all round performances with figures of 3-46 and 3-55 respectively. Thakurdeen picked up one. Bishoo received the man of the match award along with the accolade for being the best batsman on show, while teammate Baldeo received the prize for being the best bowler on show. Albion received the beautiful Balram Shane trophy, a hamper compliment of Geddes Grant and cash incentives, while Port Mourant were presented with cash by donor Deonarine Balram. The Balram Shane Memorial match is played annually between the two teams in memory of Mr. Balram’s father, Balram Shane, a former cricketer and ardent cricket fan who hailed from the area. The rivalry started in 1998 and is in its 14th year and is used as a fund raising venture for both clubs and some other second division teams and other sporting organisations. At the closing ceremony, which was chaired by Human Resources manager Vemen

Walter, organizer Mr. Deonarine Balram of the Balram Shane General store at Rose Hall Corentyne, congratulated both clubs for putting on an excellent showing, which he noted was the most exciting in the 14-year history of the competition. According to Mr. Balram the competition is being played in memory of his father. He stated that apart from Cricket it is their way of giving back to the community from which they garner their support in a tangible way. He plans to make it bigger and better next year. Proceeds from the game will be dived equally and distributed to the two teams to assist then with the cricket development programmes. Mr. Balram further stated that a number of second division clubs and other organisations will also benefit from the proceeds of the game. These entities were given tickets to sell and are to keep the proceeds from the ticket sales. Prominent villager Dr. Rishi Takhur also spoke ceremony. Over $500,000 will be split among the two clubs and other organisations.

Leading marksmen Anthony Abrams with a helmet-trick and Gregory Richardson with a hat-trick both demonstrated destructive form in Alpha United’s 8-0 demolition of Grove Hi-Tech when action in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Banks Beer Knockout Cup continued on Sunday, at the GFC ground. Abrams, who has looked in excellent shape this season, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a tremendous strike from just inside the penalty area. They increased their advantage nine minutes later when Dwight Peters slammed a right footed shot into the bottom right hand corner after finding himself unmarked in the box. The prolific Abrams returned two minutes later with a left footed cross after dribbling his marker inside the penalty area and beating the goalkeeper. It was a goal feast hereafter as Richardson got into the act floating a cross into the goal area for Abrams to head past the keeper in the 25th minute. Richardson opened his personal tally in the 74th minute with a penalty kick conversion following a rash challenge inside the area on Andrew Murray Jr. The goals continued to gather in the second period as Richardson found the back of the net in the 81st minute, tapping home inside the centre of the six yard box to the bottom of the woodwork, after collecting a right sided pass from Murray Jr. Richardson sealed his treble one minute later in an identical manner with a simple finish to the back of the net after collecting a pass from Murray Jr. Abrams completed his

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Estonia match-fixing: Streets’ resumes tonight at NCC 11 charged on suspicion Despite the inclement weather which threatened to curtail proceedings on the first two nights of competition, the fans withstood the conditions and turned out in their numbers and when the 2013 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition continues tonight, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), the atmosphere and rivalry is expected to be electric. In the opening clash, starting at 19:00 hrs, Festival City are set to engage Sophia North and that will be followed by the game between defending national champions Back Circle and

North East La Penitence. The next encounter will feature Stevedore Housing Scheme versus Norton Street and this game precedes the engagement between North- Last Entrance and Berlin Massive, before the break. After the resumption, Broad Street ‘B’ take on Laing Avenue, before Tucville square off against River View. Durban Street then battle Bent Street and in the final clash of the evening East La Penitence go up against Alexander Village in what is anticipated to be a humdinger.

of fixing 17 games BBC Sport - Eleven men in Estonia have been charged on suspicion of fixing 17 games, including three Europa League matches. Also under suspicion are 12 Estonian top-flight matches, one Estonian cup and one Lithuanian game, with the men pocketing

£90,000 in total. An Estonian public prosecutor’s office statement said Estonian, Lithuanian and Ukrainian clubs signed players they knew were willing to fix matches. The matches are thought to have been between June 2011 and November 2012.

Gregory Richardson

Anthony Abrams tally in the second minute after regulation with a fiercely struck penalty conversion. In the earlier matchup, Santos FC crushed Houston Stars 10-1 compliments of a Michael Pedro hat-trick in the ninth, 41st and 89th minutes. Netting doubles in the lopsided win were Ryan Seals in the sixth and 90th+1 minutes and Trevor Lewis in the 83rd and 90th+3 minutes, while Adrian Adams and Dwight Ferguson contributed solo strikes in the fourth and 26th minutes respectively. Completing the score line was an own goal in the 15th minute. On target for the losers was Lawren Murray in the 10th minute. Action continues on Wednesday December 4th at the same venue with a double header. In the opening fixture, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will face off with Botofago from 18:00hrs, while Riddim Squad will battle Mahaica Determinators in the feature showdown at 20:00hrs.

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

Yaya Toure named 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year

Yaya Toure (left) claimed the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year award. (BBC.COM)

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BC Sport - Yaya Toure has won the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year award. The Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, who had been nominated in each of the past four years, beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obi and Jonathan Pitroipa to this year’s crown. The 30-year-old told BBC Sport: “I think I’ve been nominated for five years in a row and finally winning the award is amazing. “ I t ’s a f a n t a s t i c achievement because I don’t think there has ever been as many quality African players in top-level international football as there are now: Aubameyang, Pitroipa, Mikel, Moses, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho... we have fantastic players. “I also think African football is improving and that means a lot to us. And as an African, I’m very happy.” The shortlist for the award was drawn up by 44 football experts across Africa, who based their choices on players’ skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play. A record number of fans then voted for their favourite either online or by text message. And those fans have considered Toure to be the standout African player over the past year, in recognition of the Ivorian’s displays of power, pace, creativity and goals. Toure said: “Thank you to all the fans around the world who continue to support me. It shows how

much fans love you and appreciate your job as well. “It’s something special because it’s not the vote of the manager or the club or the captain of the national team, it’s just the fans. “When you have a lot of fans behind you, it’s always amazing. And I’m very happy as it is the fans who have given it to me - so I’m very appreciative.” While 2013 was not the most successful in terms of silverware for Toure - he did not manage to win anything with club or country - he still impressed hugely with his consistently high level of performances. And after the disappointment of failure to defend the Premier League title with City, Toure came back stronger at the start of the new season and has added a new dimension to his game in the form of freekicks. He curled in a

sublime effort against Newcastle United on the first day of the season and repeated the feat against Hull in his side’s next home match. Toure has scored four times direct from a set-piece so far in the league this term in a total of seven goals for his club. In 2013 to date, Toure has found the net 13 goals for club and country - a very respectable figure for a midfielder. Allied to his clinical finishing, Toure’s drive and leadership have helped City to fourth in the league table. He was also a key figure in Ivory Coast’s successful qualification for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil. The Elephants needed to shrug off a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations Campaign earlier in the year - they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual winners Nigeria - and Toure has been inspirational. Off the field, Toure has led the fight against racism after suffering abuse during a Champions League match against Russia’s CSKA Moscow in October demonstrating a strength of character to match his sporting ability. The unsavoury episode might have affected the form of lesser players, but Toure has been exceptional ever since. And in the fifth consecutive year he has been nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the Year award, Toure has finally been voted the best player on the continent.

Page 33

Eighty-seven students successful at JKA/WF Guyana Final Grading Exercise

Some of the successful students pose with their Instructors.

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total of 87 students came out successful at the final Grading exercise this year for the Japan Karate A s s o c i a t i o n / Wo r l d Federation Guyana (JKA/WFG), held on Saturday Nov 23 at their Headquarters Dojo, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. Parents and other persons attending noted their pleasure with the marked improvements they observed at the exercise. Chief Instructor (fourth Dan) Sensei Christopher Chaves and his team conducted grading which saw 72 students from their Georgetown and Craig East Bank Demerara Dojo’s graded. Sensei Chaves and his team also travelled to Berbice to conduct grading there with the combined Dojo’s of Port Mourant and Canje. There they graded another 15 students to conclude all grading and

promotion exercises for 2013. On completion, Sensei and his team enjoyed the hospitality and company of the Berbice students who catered for, showing off their culinary skills. In his and closing remarks, Sensei Chaves took the time to emphasise the need for students to continue to train as that’s the secret to Karate-do, announcing that the next grading exercise will be huge and will be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in March/April and will be done by Sixth Dan – Japanese “A” Class Instructor and Judge, Sensei Yasuaki Nagatomo. In addition to the colour ranks, students will also be testing for Shodan (First Dan) and Nidan (Second Dan) and the first batch of students from the newly opened Mae’s Primary School Dojo will be graded. Also notable he said, is their upcoming participation in the 2014 Japan Karate

A s s o c i a t i o n / Wo r l d Federation America Karate Camp and Tournament, set for Panama City, Panama in June. The JKA/WF Guyana during 2013 was able to establish two (2) additional Dojo’s, the Craig NDC, EBD (Buzz Bee Dam, operable since Sept 2102) and The Mae’s Primary School at Millington Street, Campbellville which now boasts a membership in excess of 22 students. Sensei Chaves stated that these are in line with their aim to spread this rich Japanese Art Form throughout Guyana, also noting that they will be aspiring in 2014 to have Dojo’s on the East Coast of Demerara as well as the West Bank/West Coast Demerara. Special thanks is being expressed to Sensei Chaves’ team, parents, spectators, sponsors and well wishers for their collective contributions that made the Grading Exercise a success.

Page 34

Balram Shane Memorial Volleyball...

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 03, 2013

PMTC 1 ARE CHAMPIONS AGAIN

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ort Mourant Training Centre ( P M T C ) 1 continued their dominance of volleyball in the Ancient County when they caged Port Mourant Jaguars (PMJ) in the final of the Third Annual Balram Shane Memorial Volleyball competition which was played at the Albion Sports Complex Volleyball Court on Sunday last. Since the start of the competition, PMTC 1 has won every year underlining their status as the best in the east. Played on a roundrobin basis and organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA), the competition was sponsored by Balram Shane General Store of Rose Hall Town in memory of the late Balram Shane. The teams battled in intense heat in the preliminary rounds and on completion of this stage, Port Mourant Jaguars and PMTC 1 emerged as the best two teams which earned them the right to face off in the final; a best of three affair. Ian Bagot, McRae, Quacy Matheson and Jason Seelochan were in brilliant form for PMTC 1 combining their skills to easily brush aside

Volleyball kings of the East, Port Mourant Training Centre

PMTC 1 Captain Jason Seelochan receives the winning trophy from Mr. Deonarine Balram.

PMJ in straight sets, 21-16, 2516, 25-20 despite the good play of Buddy Motiepersaud, Javed Motiepersaud and Safraz Hussain. Captain of PMTC 1 Jason Seelochan accepted the Balram Shane Memorial Volleyball Trophy and $25,000 from Mr. Deonarine Balram, while PMJ received $15,000. The other two teams also received cash. Earlier at the opening ceremony, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of

the late Shane Balram. His son, Mr. Deonarine Balram noted his pleasure with assisting in the promotion of volleyball in the Ancient

County, while he urged the players to give of their best to keep the sport at the highest level. Balram promised to

continue to assist the clubs to improve their financial status and mentioned that all of the clubs should be richer following the sale of tickets

for the competition. BVA President Gregory Rambarran in his remarks berated the clubs for not being punctual.

DAZELL ASPIRES TO REPRESENT GUYANA AT THE SENIOR LEVEL

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istrict 16 Essequibo Islands stand out at the 2013 National Schools Athletics Championships Nkosi Dazzell told Kaieteur Sport recently that he wants to represent Guyana the senior level including the Olympic Games. Dazell competed in the Boys U-14 category for the first time and captured silver in the 400m and bronze in the 800 and 200 meters. At the 2012 championships Dazell took gold in shot put, 200

and 400 meters and silver in 400 and 800 meters. The twelve year old, who hails from Wakenaam and trains five days a week, said his favourite event is the 400m. He stated that he was introduced to athletics as an eight year old by his father Lloyd Dazell and started to take it seriously since. “My father is the one who is mainly responsible for me being an athlete, so I want to make him happy and bring glory to my community and

country. I know that it will take a lot of hard work but I am prepared for it, nothing comes easily,” added Dazell. Dazell who attends the Essequibo Islands Secondary School and is also a member of the Mercury Fast Laners Club said that his favourite athlete Jamaican sprint ace Usain Bolt. He pointed out that he has another year at the U-14 category and hopes to better his current performance. “The (Continued on page 29)

Nkosi Dazzell

Tuesday December 03, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Nets trap Sonics for PG II win T TRAPPED! Nets’ defence, including Drumson McCulley (right) trap Sonics’ Earl O’Neal (with ball) in the paint Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Trophy Stall, Allan Fiedtkou supports Chico K&S Schools Football tourney

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rophy giant, Tr o p h y S t a l l , with 3 locations; Bourda Market, City Mall & Bourda Street, along with London based Guyanese Allan Fiedtkou and have thrown their support behind the Chico/Kashif & Shanghai Elite Next Generation Secondary School Football Tournament. Trophy Stall donated a huge trophy for the most disciplined team and 100 tickets for the final to be given to school children. Proprietor of the Trophy Stall, Mr. Ramesh Sunich, presented to Mr. Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major the trophy and tickets. Meanwhile, London based Mr. Allan ‘Tumazeri’ Fiedtkou, originally from the Mining Town of Linden, who is also a friend of the K&S Organisation for over 20yrs, has decided this year that he wants to pay some interest in his home town. Apart from donating a quantity of game balls for the tournament, Fiedtkou also presented fivegoalkeeper gloves for the schools participating in this year’s tournament from Linden, along with a semi scholarship for the best player coming out of Linden. That player, to be identified by the schools, will receive $30,000 dollars to assist with his education. Jermaine Campbell of New Silvercity, Andel Mendonca of Mackenzie High and Jamal Whyte of Wisburg, collected their gloves from Mr. Fiedtkou. The other Linden school, who was not represented, that will receive the gloves, was defending champs Multi.

Proprietor of the Trophy Stall Mr. Ramesh Sunich (left) hands over the trophy and tickets to Mr. Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major of the K&S Organisation yesterday.

The representatives from three of the four Linden schools along with Mr. Allan ‘Tumazeri’ Fiedtkou (2nd right) pose with their gifts.

he Republic Bank Nets came up trumps Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when they defeated Pepsi Sonics 55-43 to register their first win in the Division I contest of the Phillip George II Legacy (PG II) Competition. Sonics had a poor shooting night, shooting less than 40 percent from the field as Nets used their size and speed to great advantage. Nets passed the ball well, getting everyone involved as they depended heavily on their transition game. Hodayah Stewart ran hot from mid-range, hitting most of his 14 points with jumpers as he helped initiate a number of fast-break opportunities with outlet passes. Drumson McCulley scored 12 as Mortimer Williams and Fabian Johnson added 11 and 10 points

respectively in the win. Sonics’ only player in double figures was guard, Jason Squires who finished with 11 points but shot a horrible percentage from three-point range. Meanwhile, in the earlier Division I encounter, Colts again had a massive third quarter rally to beat Plaisance Guardians 91-83. Shelroy Thomas backed up his opening 27 points with another sharp offensive display, scoring 24 points to lead Colts. Sheldon Thomas also had 18 points while Celbert Thornhill, Dave Causway and Nikkoloi Smith scored 12, 11 and 10 points respectively for Colts. Ron Campbell had a game high 28 points in the loss while Trenton Woolford and Enoch Matthews added 22 and 21 points. In the Division III matchups, Republic Bank

Nets fell to Colts 53-60 with Kester Myers leading the way for Nets while Evan Johnson had a team high 15 points for the Colts. Lennon Thornhill also had 13 points in the win for the Colts. The Eagles walked away with a 57-47 win over the University of Guyana Tr o j a n s w i t h R o l s t o n Richmond and Kevin Higgins scoring 13 points apiece to lead the Eagles. There were three walkover games as Plaisance got a w/o on the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the third division category, while Ravens got a w/o Patriots in the first division while Pacesetters gained a w/o from Panthers in the first division category as well. The second edition of the Phillip George Legacy tournament will continue this w e e k e n d a t t h e C l i ff Anderson Sports Hall.

t r o Sp 2013 DIAMOND MINERAL WATER INTERNATIONAL INDOOR HOCKEY FESTIVAL...

Impressive turnout of fans witness exciting climax - Revamp, GCC Tigers and Hickers win titles

Men’s champions Revamp of Canada pose with Diamond Mineral Water representative and their hardware during the presentation ceremony on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium.

Digicel’s Gavin Hope presents the winning trophy to GCC Tigers Captain Sonia Jardine on Sunday evening in the presence of teammates.

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