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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Is a green economy ACHIEVEABLE? Recently the President and the Minister of Finance stated that the returns from the six pillars of Guyana’s economy-sugar, rice, bauxite, gold, diamond and timber— are very disappointing despite huge government subsidies and tax incentives. And remittances which represent the seventh pillar and accounts for 20 percent of the country’s GDP has declined. Guyana’s economy is not growing as quickly as it should; unemployment among youths is at its highest level; and crime seems to have skyrocketed. It is an oxymoron and an absurdity for Guyana to ‘be considered the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere after Haiti, when it has a treasure trove of national endowments and riches. Guyana is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including fertile agriculture lands; vast areas of tropical hardwood forests; an ecosystem that is second to none; a multitude of plants, birds and animal species; copious fish and shrimp deposits; numerous rivers and waterways; and a wide variety of minerals, such as gold, diamond, bauxite and manganese. It would be wrong for anyone to put all the blame on the Government for the struggling economy because upon taking office six months ago, the new government was dealt a very bad hand. However, it must urgently make changes of epic proportions to advance the country’s capacity to produce and create jobs. It must take some responsibility for the declining economy. Increased production will end joblessness, reduce crime and combat against the nothingness amongst the most exposed and at-risk Guyanese. In order to achieve green economy, the political elite must strive to eradicate corruption, political nepotism and misconduct in society. Also, the educational system has to be more accommodating to engage students in the realm of how to improve their work ethics and become more productive in society. And small-and medium-sized businesses should have easier access to capital—all of which are needed to improve production to compete globally and take Guyana to the stratosphere of economic and political independence. President Granger’s call for Guyana to become a green economy has resonated with the people. But it must be based on the correct rebalancing of the economy, and with strategic interventions both by the Government and the Private sector. Based on this premise, the country’s economic and human development potential appears to be good in that its capability to produce renewable energy sources, including hydro and wind power is immense. But as a nation, Guyana has some major hurdles to cross before it can achieve a green economy, sustained growth and poverty reduction. Its national debt which is over 65 percent of its GDP is a major challenge to the public sector’s ability to provide the necessary infrastructure and other facilities needed to increase production, create jobs and reduce poverty. Also, the country is constrained by a dependent and uncompetitive economy that is highly exposed to the vulnerabilities to international and environmental shocks, changes in terms of trade and foreign investment capital, fluctuations in prices and demand for goods and services. Guyana cannot continue to go down this path and expect to achieve a green economy when its economy still depends heavily on the production and export of primary commodities and when it imports exceed its exports. The government has to reform the bureaucracy that takes forever to register a company or issue permits. The government has to re-invent the malfunctioning GO-Invest to be the initiator of policies and projects to harness the investment potential of the private sector if it is to grow the economy, lower its national debt and reduce poverty. Guyana has the potential to achieve a green economy, but only if production is realized and maximized.
Thursday December 03, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
TUC’S PRESIDENT FINDS GOVT’S SLOWNESS TROUBLING DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) recognises junior Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Ms. Simona Broomes’ ongoing visits to workplaces and more particularly the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). In that the Minister and her team were able to visit the Aroraima site, witnessed the deplorable working conditions, interacted with the workers and heard from their own mouths their grievances and abuses inflicted by management, though revealing for the public the concerns expressed by the trade union community. GTUC is encouraged that Minister Broomes has committed to follow up the BCGI visit by writing management outlining the Ministry’s concerns. GTUC looks forward to the minister following through on the commitment. However, GTUC wishes to state that even as the Junior Minister carries out her responsibility there exists concern that the process for resolving matters dating back to 2009 which include 67
workers suspended for refusing to work under unsafe conditions and 57 dismissed, among whom were persons on annual vacation, remain outstanding. The commitment given to the High Court by the Ministry of Labour in June 2012 that letters will be re-issued for the commencement of arbitration must be respected. For these reasons the GTUC once again calls on Minister of Social Protection Ms. Volda Lawrence, who has cabinet responsibility, to have these letters issued as a matter of urgency. The results of the hard work of Ms. Broomes and her team will only materialise when the political and legal weight, inclusive of the Cabinet, are thrown behind it. The current government while in opposition correctly demanded that Nanda Gopaul, then Minister of Labour executes the court’s decision. Today the authority is vested in the current government and GTUC finds their dilatory tactics troubling and unacceptable. 29th November marks six years since BCGI, managed by a ruthless group of Russians, supported by an
uncaring Government of Guyana, denied the company’s workers their constitutional right to belong and be represented by a trade union of their choice. These acts violate Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution and Sect 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Law. Workers’ and citizens’ rights are nonnegotiable and nothing must come in the way of having them respected. The rights and freedoms that are enshrined in the Guyana Constitution come without stipulated timeframe when they ought to be enforced, and implicit in that it means they be must be enforced at all times. The heavy burden of the disenfranchisement of bauxite workers and their families now rests squarely on the shoulders of Minister Lawrence and she is called on to discharge her constitutional responsibility without fear, favour, ill will or appreciation. During the six-year struggle, the lives of the aggrieved workers have changed. Some have lost their lives and families suffered injuries, families (Continued on page 5)
Does the Housing Minister know what he is talking about? DEAR EDITOR, I write with reference to an article I read on Inews’ website on 2nd November 2015 with the headline “Persons with house lots urged to start construction”. The article stated that “Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott has indicated that no longer will the Ministry give ears to those who cry that they have not taken up their lot, because these housing areas are without adequate infrastructure and supporting facilities and amenities.” And further in the article the Minister is quoted as saying “We know that we have to give you services, and we do that, but we expect you (the persons that have received lots), to occupy, because your very occupancy encourages others to come” I would like to politely point out to the good Minister that many of the
people who were allocated house lots may not be moving to these areas not only because the communities lack infrastructure but also because the persons might lack the appropriate financing and other essential things to relocate their lives. It is very generous of the Minister to invite the people to join in building the community and explore their pioneering spirit. The Minister should note that it is not because some people will live in a developing area with little or no infrastructure it means that everyone will. I think it is important for the Minister to recognize some important realities about 2015. The population no longer expects to be judged by one size fits all; some people accepting low standards are by
no means the measure for everyone; poor infrastructure sends the cost for everything up, People who have children want them to grow in prepared living spaces so roads, water, lights and so on are essential to deciding to live in a community; and for people to enjoy quality of life it is essential for them to have adequate social and physical infrastructure that is not present in some of the new housing areas. I strongly recommend that the Minister re-evaluates his position and investigate the critical issues facing the people who have been allocated house lots and have not been able to build on it before his next set of remarks in this regard, so that his Ministry can instead speak on new opportunities it will create to aid people in being able to use these houselots. Dimitry Nicholson
How can humans be so cruel? DEAR EDITOR, Mankind has traditionally been cruel to animals. Over the centuries there have been bear-baiting, cockfighting and of course bull fighting which still persists to some considerable criticism by animal welfare societies. But today, right here in Guyana, dog fighting still continues. Dogs are put into a ring and made to fight until one tears out the throat of the other. I knew this but I was brought face to face with it. Yesterday afternoon a pickup truck deposited a dog on the seawalls, chained it to a table and left it. It’s the end of the weekend dog fight sessions - and the losers must be got rid of. People around were keeping clear – it had a cut on its head, and it lay under the table without moving. One man
gave it some food but it couldn’t eat. This morning, Tuesday, I was in the area and heard about the dog and examined it. It was still alive and had some thirty to forty percent of its throat missing, the hole filled with a gaping wound full of worms. It must have been in agony. It was a big dog, brown, a bit of a rice eater, but with the cut ears of a fighting dog. It had obviously lost. Thinking to take it to the GSPCA to have it humanely put down, the poor dog died as I watched. What is going on in this country? Surely these dog fights are known to local people, surely they can inform the police, surely this must be against the law? Does nobody care? What is happening to our society where a person or persons can just dump a living animal in severe pain on the
seawalls to die? It’s very easy to say, let’s put the people who do this in a pit, let’s put some of their fighting dogs in with them, let’s see how they feel when their throats are torn out and they lay, bleeding, breathing their last. They may scoff, but deep down they must know: we have to feel sorrow for these people; these people who are so sick that they have no compassion; that they have to get their kicks by watching innocent animals fight to their last. These people have no humanity, no lives, no idea of how we must all live together - humans, animals, all creatures, if we are to survive and to exist and face the future. People who are not of our society. It is so sad. Peter Bouchard
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Father wants justice for Quoting philosopher daughter brutally murdered Stuart Mills to condemn and dismembered the Government
DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to address you on a matter which of is of grave concern to us. I do hope by the time you finish reading the content of my humble epistle, your attention will be focused on the gravity and validity of our concerns. I, the Father of Samantha Natasha Benjamin, the young lady that was murdered at Middle Walk Dam, Buxton Village East Coast Demerara (ECD), on March 25, 2015 and her body parts found dismembered, mutilated and spread across the Annandale seashore. At present this matter is proceeding slowly in the Vigilance Magistrate Court with numerous postponements due to insufficient and substandard work by the investigating team of policemen. Undoubtedly, from the commencement of the investigation of the murder of my daughter Samantha, one of my close relatives was questioned. She kept constant contact with Samantha on a daily basis. This relative was questioned by a group of policemen at her home with the assumption that details taken would assist the Officers in their investigations. It must be noted that no details obtained this person were recorded or was she required to prepare a statement. From April 8th to 15th, my wife and I were in Guyana for the funeral of my beloved daughter. On April 13th I called the Cove N John Police Station and spoke to Commander, Christopher Griffin concerning the nature of my visit and the manner in which the group of police officers were reluctantly carrying out their work. Commander Griffin emphatically expressed to me how disappointed he was in
his officers and could not believe his ranks would do that type of work. He further indicated that the ranks were currently in the field and upon their return to the station he will enquire what was done He requested contact information from me and reluctantly reassured me that he would contact me before the end of day. To date we have not received any calls from the reluctant Commander. The following day I called the then Crime Chief, Mr. James and after I started to layout my concerns and actions taken, he requested that I visit his office on Camp Street in Georgetown. My wife accompanied me to meet with Mr. James. Our lengthy discussion must have raised some degree of concern for him to summon the ranks from the Cove N John Station for a meeting at 17:00hrs. We were advised to return and so we did. The then Crime Chief questioned the ranks in our presence; as to what actions were taken and why they failed to document or request a statement after lengthy questioning from my close relative. Their response sounded clear and utterly unaccountable as they said “it wasn’t necessary”, in a very dismissive tone. We were all astonished. Here are our concerns. Firstly, a certain man was there to do some work and we strongly believe that his tools were used in the dismemberment of my beloved daughter’s body. Why wasn’t a statement taken? Secondly, why wasn’t a documented statement taken from the man that transported Samantha’s body parts to the seashore and how gullible can a man be to empty a
TUC’S PRESIDENT FINDS GOVT’S... From page 4 disintegrated, children forced to leave school, along with poverty and other social fallouts. These are factors that ought to propel any caring minister to act with alacrity. The feeling by workers that they have a friend in the Department of Labour whereby the laws will be respected for both them and
employers needs to be nurtured and grow. Further, an industrial environment premised on respecting rights and the rule of law is pivotal to sustainable development. Guyana must now take her rightful place among progressive nations. Leslie Gonsalves President, GTUC
wheelbarrow and not look at its content? Conspiracy! Investigated! Thirdly, Why wasn’t the woman found with Samantha’s laptop and cellphone in her possession not interrogated? Fourthly, there were many calls and messages communicated from Samantha’s phone. Yet the investigating officers claimed to have requested a court order for the information from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. Sad to say but, the number was recorded as a Digicel number. This added additional postponement in the case. Fifthly, why weren’t the two (2) men that Kevin Ramsawack named as assisting him in killing my daughter released? Were statements taken and compared? Why wasn’t the visiting mechanic who saw blood coming through the flooring thereafter, not questioned about his acquaintances? A lot of questions are still unanswered and as civil minded citizens we expect the officers of the Guyana Police Force to be morally justified and the Rule of law upheld through their actions. As a grief ridden Father there isn’t much that can be said to offer comfort knowing that your child was removed from this world through such brutal actions. My fond memories help me remember Samantha for who she really was and my heart hurt in remembering what was savagely left. In my opinion, the actions of the investigating policemen are unacceptable and this is hindering prosecution. A few weeks ago Commandant Griffin made a statement on HGPTV channel 16 indicating that he realised that the labourer, Ramsawak could not of murdered my daughter alone, but there is not enough evidence to charge the other two suspects that were released because of the lack of DNA in the country and he also agree with the advice of the DPP to charge only Kevin Ramsawack. Gladstone Benjamin
DEAR EDITOR, With reference to the letter by Mr Anil Nandlall, captioned “Discrimination: Three cases for Amna Ally”, Mr Nandlall highlights gross discrimination by the APNU/ AFC Government and in doing so he spotlights the fact that widespread discrimination stretches back five long decades. His letter also prods serious concerns regarding the persistence of aforesaid problem and its implications. Editor, it is no secret discrimination is rampant pushing our country into calamity, turning every aspect of life upside down. Discrimination can be described by many words, none of them good. Such an action is dreadful, hideous, unlawful, inhumane, lawless, inexcusable and immoral to say the least. Discrimination infringes both on our human rights – article 7 (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and article 149 (see The Constitution of the Republic of Guyana) - effectively creating rancor, deepening rifts, chocking development and thwarting unity. Plus it induces feelings of anxiousness, sadness, stress, depression and despair. Is it no wonder we have a whole slew of mental health problems including alcoholism and suicide. Mr. Nandlall argues three cases of discrimination by the shameless APNU/AFC government: it has fired roughly 2,000 Amerindians, it has yanked street lights away from Bath and Bush Lot residents, and it has further tilted the work force in its favour. An unprincipled image of Government emerges when one examines its dishonorable record on discrimination and brings into question the genuineness of Government’s mantra on unity. What can be sadder than this for the entire country? Such injustice surfaces largely because freedom of expression is stifled. Government is of the opinion that it can get away with “murder” and we won’t object fearing retaliation.
A glaring case highlighting suffocation of freedom of speech is the fact that even news editors fearing retaliation won’t publish letters that are of opposite political views. Freedom of expression is a powerful weapon and can be effectively used to fight against discrimination. Its strangulation has allowed discrimination to rage out of control. So Mr. Nandlall stories are unsurprising. Harking back to the early days as an independent nation, Mr Burnham muzzled freedom of expression effectively violating our human rights (article 19) and constitutional rights (article 146). Mr. Burnham dysfunctional legacies still percolate. Editor, even though diversity is a strength which can lead to unfettered innovation among other benefits, the myopic APNU/AFC Government smacks it down. Government needs to know that “no man is an island”. Government is too dysfunction to rule a multiethnic society. This effectively renders the Ministry of social Cohesion useless and a waste of tax payer’s dollars. Government’s actions can only be described as shameful, disgraceful, inhumane, dubious, uncivilized and fanatic. The PNC (APNU) has a record of abusing Guyanese and so its actions are not surprising. Is there any one in Guyana who does not believe our votes have been stolen election after election? Our wounds haven’t been healed and yet our Government continues to pile on more abuse. When will this injustice end? Even though, I see eye to eye with Mr Nandlall on issues of discrimination, I wonder why the PPP/C lacked the courage to diversify. They had 23 years to accomplish this. Diversifying the work force is the moral, just, sensible, honorable and
fair thing to do in a multiethnic society. The PPP/C shillyshallies on issues - it needs to be decisive to protect all. Its actions are inexcusable. As the English Philosopher, John Stuart Mill said “A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury”. Every man deserves a fair chance. We all need to survive. The APNU/AFC Government campaigned on the platform of change and, may I ask, where is the change? This is betrayal. The rogue APNU/AFC Government owes the public an explanation for its discriminatory actions. It also needs to offer the public an apology while adjusting its actions to include all Guyanese. Failure to comply with any of these should result in law suits. Citizens need to take to the street in peacefully protests. Inaction is inexcusable and will only snowball the situation. Government’s lack of respect for the Guyanese is a reflection of our culture, dating back to the Burnham era. Government is inculcating wrong values fueling all sorts of injustice including an out of control crime spree. Government’s stance on unity is bogus. It hypocritically gloats about unity when in fact it uses it as a ploy shielding discrimination. Those that have crossed party lines in support of the APNU/AFC coalition in the 2015 elections will inexorably leap into disenchantment. A multiethnic society such as ours will never develop unless Government plays it fair. Dr. Cecil Dilip Kumar
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
Army to be deployed as Govt. No delay in releasing findings of Forensic Audits launches ‘Operation Dragnet’ Minister of State insists…
By Kiana Wilburg More than six months have elapsed and the nation is yet to see the findings of several of the completed forensic audit reports. Even in the face of this reality, Minister of State Joseph Harmon maintains that there is no delay in this regard. He made this remark in response to questions yesterday by this newspaper at a post-cabinet briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency. Kaieteur News informed Harmon that there have been several complaints about the delays in releasing the reports for public perusal. He was asked if Cabinet sought to ascertain why there seems to be a delay in releasing the reports given that some reports, such as the one on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Inc. (NICIL), have been completed for more than a month now. The Minister did not say whether Cabinet tried in any way to seek clarification on the matter from Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, who is in charge of the forensic audits. Instead, Harmon brought into question, what one can determine to be a ‘delay’ in the circumstances. “I don’t know what you perceive to be delays, but I can say that when they get to Cabinet, we will get to them. Let me explain that when an audit is done, the audited entity receives the report and does some evaluation. The Board has to have an opportunity to study the report and then it is taken by the subject Minister to Cabinet…” He continued, “I do not
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon understand that there is any delay in it. The audit work is not something you rush. Sometimes you have statements that are made which need to be followed up and this is my experience in looking at these things, because the auditors may come to certain conclusions without the benefit of all of the information.” Harmon reiterated that while Cabinet has not received any of the reports, when it does, it will act expeditiously. It was in May that the Granger-led administration began expending some $133M of taxpayers’ dollars on a series of forensic audits to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. Several audits were also launched in July while others started in later weeks. While the report on NICIL has been completed for over a month, those on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) have been completed for a
longer period. Most of the forensic audits have unearthed several hidden accounts, with billions of dollars poised to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund by year end. Government stated that this phased transfer process has already started. More importantly, the forensic audits in some cases have reportedly not only uncovered fraud and various forms of corruption, but investigators have also made several critical recommendations for the way forward on several agencies and sectors, all of which Cabinet is yet to see. The Government was also recently blasted for failing to release the forensic audit reports in a timely manner to the public. Making this comment in particular was Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his most recent press conference which was held on Saturday last at Freedom House. “Government needs to release the reports now. Where are the audit reports? I thought they would have done one on the Specialty Hospital too. But they need to release the other audit reports on NICIL along with NICIL’s statements. There was supposed to be one on Hope Canal, the Marriott Hotel etc…they need to release these reports so that the people can comment on them.” The only report released thus far is one on Carifesta X. Finance Minister Winston Jordan admitted that several reports have been completed, but he has not yet gotten the opportunity to read the reports. He noted too that no recommendation from the reports have been implemented as yet, as they require Cabinet’s blessings.
… to tackle national security threats The Police, GDF, Prison and Fire Services will be working together for the next seven months.
Government has bowed to pressure and has authorized the Guyana Defence Force to join with the Guyana Police Force in their efforts to halt the rise in criminal activity. The government through Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, announced a major security exercise code named Operation Dragnet. The move is being seen as an about turn by the government, following President David Granger’s dismissal of the suggestion by former President Donald Ramotar to deploy ranks of the army to assist the police in their fight against crime. It would seem that with brazen crime after brazen crime, and the police inability to curb it by themselves, the government has been forced to use the army. According to Harmon, ‘Operation Dragnet’ commenced on December 1 and will conclude on June 1 next year, just after Guyana would have celebrated its 50th Independence anniversary. The exercise was initiated following a security briefing to Cabinet by Minister of
Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, following instructions from President David Granger as Government seeks to ramp up security in-light of various security threats. A major consideration for the deployment of the army was the current crime situation. Harmon said that the administration has looked at the situation very carefully and has decided to put some additional measures in place “to ensure that people feel safe as they go about their business, people feel safe in their homes, and people feel safe in their schools and in their communities.” The launching of ‘Operation Dragnet’ will also coincide with the festive season when criminal activity threatens to get out of control, largely because of the movement of a lot of cash. This will add to the Christmas Police Security Plan initiated recently by the Guyana Police Force. The Minister of State explained that ‘Operation Dragnet’ partly in response to
security concerns that have been raised by sections of the business community with Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin. “It was felt necessary that the businesses got the assurance that government is taking their concerns into putting some sort of action in place. The Minister of Business to whom several of these complaints had been made…in fact, he has been asking for some time, that we put in place some special arrangements,” Harmon explained. The Guyana Police Force in a press release yesterday stated that the Joint Services, comprising the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service, will be conducting ‘OPERATION DRAGNET’ between December 1, 2015, and June 1, 2016, throughout Guyana with the aim of enhancing national security. “During this period there will be increased movement of Joint Services personnel and (continued on page 9)
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
British parliament votes to bomb I.S. in Syria A Royal Air Force Tornado lands at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, yesterday. (Reuters/Russell Cheyne)
Britain’s parliament voted yesterday to launch bombing raids against Islamic State in Syria, supporting Prime Minister David Cameron’s case that the country needs to help destroy militants who are “plotting to kill us”. After more than 10 hours of tense debate, lawmakers voted in favor of air strikes, by 397 to 223. British Tornado GR4 bombers could leave an air base in Cyprus within hours to launch the country’s latest military action in the Middle East. Given Britain’s diminished role on the world stage, the victory hands Cameron the chance to restore Britain’s standing in global affairs. He had urged lawmakers not to turn their back on allies such as France in their time of need. “Britain is safer tonight because of the decision that the House of Commons has taken,” Foreign Minister Philip Hammond told Sky News. Many British voters are wary of being dragged into another war in the Middle East. Some view Western intervention in Iraq and Libya as a failure that sowed chaos across the region and the news of the vote was met by howls of disgust by dozens of anti-war protesters demonstrating outside parliament. But the Nov. 13 attacks on Paris that killed 130 people and were claimed by Islamic State have stiffened the resolve of some lawmakers and divided the opposition Labour Party, which convinced Cameron he could win the support of parliament for extending air strikes beyond Iraq. Cameron said the more than four-year Syrian civil war could not be resolved by military action alone, but that the strikes would “degrade” Islamic State militants - which he said should be called Daesh. Daesh is the pejorative word used by opponents or people who do not support Islamic State to refer to the jihadist group. “These terrorists are plotting to kill us and to radicalize our children right now. They attack us because of who we are, not because of what we do,” Cameron told a packed House of Commons, where many lawmakers sat on steps or stayed standing. “The question is this: do we work with our allies to degrade and destroy this threat, and do we go after these terrorists in their heartlands, from where they are plotting to kill British people, or do we sit back and wait for them to attack us?” Germany’s parliament is also expected to vote on Friday in favor of joining the campaign against Islamic State, although only to provide military support for air strikes, not actually to take part in them. CALL TO ARMS British air strikes are unlikely to change
the military balance, given the United States is already involved, but the vote handed Cameron the chance to show Britain’s willingness to add to a Western consensus for taking the battle to militants in Syria. Cameron said high-precision, laser-guided Brimstone missiles would help to make a real difference by hitting the de facto Islamic State capital of Raqqa and its oil-trading business. France and the United States are already bombing Islamist militants in Syria, while Russia has bombed mainly other rebels, according to conflict monitors and Western officials, in an intervention launched on Sept. 30 to bolster its ally, Syrian President Bashar alAssad. The West says Assad must go. The vote also boosts Cameron after he suffered a humiliating 2013 parliamentary defeat over plans to bomb Assad’s forces. But it is a blow to the leader of Britain’s main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, who was against launching the air strikes. Corbyn, a veteran anti-war campaigner who argued the bombing would be ineffective and kill civilians, was forced to allow his lawmakers to vote according to their conscience in order to quell a rebellion in his party over the military action. Corbyn had hoped media reports that Cameron told Conservative lawmakers at a meeting late on Tuesday not to vote with the Labour leader “and a bunch of terrorist sympathizers” would harden opposition to the action. But many of his party voted with the prime minister, a move which may bring into question Corbyn’s leadership. The British public is divided over launching the strikes, with a YouGov opinion poll showing voter support for action in Syria had fallen to the lowest level since September 2014, with 48 percent of respondents supporting strikes and 31 percent against. Those opposed to air strikes recalled the events of 2003 when Britain helped the United States to invade Iraq after asserting - wrongly, as it later turned out - that dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. Julian Lewis, Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee and a critic of extending air strikes to Syria, said the government was in denial about the effectiveness of bombing without deploying viable ground troops. Lewis compared Cameron’s assertion that there are as many as 70,000 moderate opposition fighters in Syria with the “dodgy dossier” on Iraq’s military capabilities. “Instead of dodgy dossiers, we now have bogus battalions of moderate fighters,” he said.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
GGMC’s Chairman racks up staggering $4M food, drinks bill in 18 months
Since taking up the top position of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) last year, Chairman, Clinton Williams, racked up entertainment expenses of almost $4M in 18 months. According to figures detailing the expenses between January 2014 and up to just before the elections in May 2015, he spent $3,984,948 in three restaurants - Silhouette Restaurant (JR Enterprise) in Kitty; 704 Sports Bar on Lamaha Street and Brasil Churrascari and Pizzaria, Alexander Street, Lacytown. The figures are raising eyebrows. For example, in February last year, over $650,000 was spent on meals and beverages at the 704 Sports Bar. There was no ex-
- spent average $200,000 monthly planation. Earlier in 2014, some investors in Trinidad met at Silhouette. The bill came up to $311,163. It appeared that the then Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, was present at the meeting, according to the details. In May 2014, over $100,000 was spent in dinner alone. There was a buffet dinner at Silhouette in October for $568,397. That same month, another one was held with the bill amounting to $420,297. None of the Silhouette Restaurant bills were below $15,000. The entertainment ex-
The entertainment expenses
penses last year alone charged to GGMC was $3,142,862. This year, just before the elections, more than $840,000 was spent on food and drinks. In April, meals supplied for a particular occasion was almost $200,000 with more than $100,000 spent for dinner one day in February. GGMC is facing fire for its management of the country’s mining and other natural resources, excluding forestry. A number of reports had pointed fingers at possible wrongdoings, staff shortages and discrimination with min-
ers and lands. Miners themselves have been complaining about GGMC’s monitoring of the mining camps. Williams had ordered an investigation and led a vote of no confidence against the GGMC Commissioner, Rickford Vieira, and others. Vieira, according to a source in the GGMC, had restricted the spending by Williams. This happened after the elections which led to a change in the administration. Vieira was sent on administrative leave by Minister Raphael Trotman, pending a review.
GGMC’ Chairman, Clinton Williams
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Guyana is no global leader on the environment Guyana was never a leader in the global campaign to address climate change. The former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, has achieved recognition for his role on this issue, but not Guyana per se. The criticism, therefore, that Guyana has lost international standing in the climate change arena since the new government took over is a statement of selfpromotion, since it is Bharrat Jagdeo who was the person who had achieved
international repute for his position on climate change, and not necessarily Guyana. Jagdeo has, since demitting office in 2011, been invited in his personal capacity to a number of international conferences dealing with the environment. He is considered an eminent personality in this field. Under Donald Ramotar, Jagdeo continued to be invited to important international events on climate change. It was not Guyana that was being invited; it was Jagdeo in his
personal capacity that was being invited. He was the Champion of the Earth and the Environment, not Guyana. Jagdeo, of course owes his reputation as a global climate change advocate, to the Low Carbon Development Strategy, under which Guyana was supposed to earn a significant amount of money for the carbon services that it provided to the world. As part of that strategy, Guyana had signed a major
climate change deal with Norway. The agreement with Norway was expected to boost Guyana’s climate change reputation; it never did. Norway, a major oilproducing nation and seeking carbon credits to offset its massive industrial emissions, used Guyana, and then used the LCDS to steal the environmental thunder internationally. Just before he demitted office, former President Desmond Hoyte had attempted to have Guyana
Army to be deployed as Govt. launches ‘Operation ... From page 6 the conduct of intensified security operations, both by individual Services and jointly, which may result in some inconvenience to members of the public. The Joint Services is advising citizens not to be alarmed and calls for their support during ‘OPERATION DRAGNET’.” Another consideration was the global terror threat. According to the
Minister of State, Cabinet was urged to consider the recent attacks in France, Mali and other nations as indicative that this country was, “not exempted from the threat of terrorism”. “…Terrorism has no defined borders, terrorism can occur anywhere…. We are not immune from that and therefore it will be remiss of a government if it does not put into place arrangements
Dem boys seh ...
Clinty de Willie eat more than wha he wuk fah Before de election, all de politicians was talking. Some of de people in de opposition use to whisper while some of dem mouth didn’t got bottom. Dem talk so much that dem boys use to seh that dem eat de bottom of de last part of de parrot. Dem deh in office now and people don’t know if dem teeth drop out from eating de bottom part of de parrot. Dem very silent. Dem got Jagdeo talking more that dem. He talking how everything dem do under de sun dem doing wrang. He who do de gods, behaving like if he is de pope of Guyana, just like de pope of de Vatican. De same people use to seh every minute, “Shut down NICIL and lock up Brassington.” Today it look as if dem love NICIL more than Brassington and Jagdeo. Everybody know that half of Guyana sell out and de money can’t be accounted for. Dem boys wondering if de new guys smell de rat and decide to keep NICIL to sell out de other half of Guyana. Dem boys hope that dem get a smart man like de Brassington wha Jagdeo had. This Brassington done book he ticket fuh beat out. Dem boys hear he whisper that jail wouldn’t ketch him fuh Christmas. Clinty de Willie got size like Brassington and he got all of Brassington habit and tricks. He spend like Brassington and he sell out like Brassington. Dem boys plan to expose wha he sell out but fuh now dem talking about he spending pun food and drinks. Dem holding back pun other spending. Clinty de Willie behave like if he don’t have a stove or a hot plate in he house, de way he was spending de taxpayers’ dollars pun food. When dem boys see de kinda money he spend at restaurants dem believe that he was feeding de Palms, or de Orphanage every day. Is when dem boys see de names of de restaurant dem done know that these people don’t cook de kind of food that does go to Uncle Eddie Home or de Orphanage. De food was lobsters of filet mignon. That is a top of de line steak. Just typing de names of that two meals alone mek dem boys mouth running water. Dem seh when Jagdeo can oversee and allow an ordinary chairman to spend tax dollars like that, dem wouldn’t like to know how he and he Ministers use de tax dollars. Talk half and hope that de taxpayers choke it out of dem belly.
which will secure its citizenry,” he said. Harmon stated that the government is not waiting for anything to happen before putting measures in place to deal with this threat. ‘Operation Dragnet’ will see an increased presence of Joint Services members and other law enforcement agencies at key locations across Guyana. The seven-month long exercise, Harmon said, takes into consideration the parliamentary elections in neighbouring Venezuela which are due on December 6, 2015. “Therefore, we always have to be on the alert for these things that are occurring on our borders.”
Mention was also made of recent moves by Suriname to reassert a claim to Guyana’s New River Triangle. He explained, “It means that on the borders there would be an enhanced presence by our armed forces, at the ports of entry there will be intensified scrutiny by the immigration services, in the towns and in the villages, there is going to be an increased presence of police ranks”. All members of the police force, who are not engaged in core policing functions, would be deployed to give an increased “robust presence” to boost public confidence and ensure safety of the general populace.
become a leader on global environmental issues, when he gifted without so much as a bottom-house consultation, more than one million acres of Guyana’s forest to the international community. Guyanese were stunned when Hoyte made his announcement. He just decided to set aside an obscene amount of our forest to the international community without even broaching this topic with local stakeholders. But that is how dictatorships operate. At the time, better use could have been put to the forest under international agreements, but Hoyte was more interested in building an international reputation for himself to compensate for his obvious lack of legitimacy at home. That project failed. The international community was not interested then in any major undertaking that would involve them having to put money into anything. Guyana, therefore, has never had a major leadership role or any significant political standing on the environment. And therefore the absence of President Granger in Paris, for a major climate change summit that is expected to hammer out a global deal on reducing emissions, is not going to be a major loss for
Guyana. Anyone remotely familiar with the manner, in which international conferences are organized, will appreciate that the outcomes of these conferences are determined by the preparatory meetings, and not at the conference itself, which is usually only a window-dressing event. It is the preparatory meetings at which the real decisions are made, and Guyana’s interest would therefore always be best addressed at this level rather than at any other level. The absence of the President in Paris is therefore not a major loss to Guyana’s reputation or standing. Guyana had very little standing in the first place. The outcome of Paris is not going to be determined by Guyana’s presence. It is going to be determined by what the United States, the European Union, China, India and Brazil decide. They are the ones who have the greatest influence at these meetings. President Granger is therefore right when he says that former President Jagdeo’s criticism of Raphael Trotman’s attendance at the meeting is unfair and unhelpful. It is indeed.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Six reasons I am on the picket line today outside the AG’s office If you read this column before 11 a.m. today, you can find me outside the Office of the Attorney-General. There is a picket there for Vibert Butts calling for justice for this football hero. Butts was sentenced to four years for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Butts rose to fame when I was pretty young and was enrolled as a UG student in history. He scored the first World Cup goal for Guyana in 1976. It was during the preliminary round against Suriname. At his trial, where he was unrepresented, Butts acknowledged the stuff was his but said he used it as a Rastafari
brethren for health and religious reasons (see my Friday, November 27 column; “I wonder who Vibert Butts voted for?”) Butts vehemently denied he was trafficking in the stuff. I have seen countless Rastafari adherents had their lives destroyed because of the usage of marijuana not for the purpose of trafficking but for personal use. It is a modern tragedy in this country that proves how cruel and backward is the politics of this land and how unfit are many post-colonial leaders to rule their countries. This land is self-destructive. There are more than a thousand Rastafarians in Guyana. There are thousands of young people
that enjoy a marijuana cigarette in this land. Yet they didn’t vote for the Rasta party in the May General Elections. Yet they voted for politicians whose skin colour is dark, brown and black but less modern than the White man that these politicians love to demonize in order to get your votes. The Magistrates are fools not to order community service for small amounts of ganja when the accused is found guilty, but the Magistrates can argue that they didn’t make the law. The law was made by Desmond Hoyte, the same Desmond Hoyte that needed the same marijuanasmoking young men to join him in his campaign of ‘mo fyah-slo fyaah’ against the PPP regime. During the 1999 Public Service Union strike when young protestors slept outside the wharves to stop scabs and strikebreakers, they had their ganja with them. I saw them smoking it
during the strike in the late evenings. Three of them are still my friends. During the Buxton crime spree 2002-2005, certain politicians (the country would be shocked to know who one of them was) mixed with Buxtonian young men who smoked openly in front of them. Poor Vibert Butts! I feel sorry for him for five reasons; I don’t believe he was trafficking. Two - he has three young kids the oldest being eight years. Three – he deserved community service which the law provides for small amounts because he is a football hero. This country is unbelievable. A cricket hero wants a diplomatic passport while a football hero goes to jail for smoking pot. Four – Butts did not only excel in playing football but together with my brother
“Lightweight” Kissoon, he kept football alive in South Georgetown and created many gifted young footballers. The fifth reason is that politicians use people like him and then discard them. My friends in the AFC told me a certain AFC Minister told a group of AFC youth leaders that the elections are over and he is a Minister and they must relate to him as such. Clairmont Lye wrote a newspaper letter lamenting the attitude of a certain Minister. Lincoln Lewis was devastating in his critique of another APNU Minister’s mistreatment of people. This is how politicians become when power is attained. I am picketing for Butts this morning for a sixth reason. This country cries out for judicial reform. Too many young people who are first offenders are going to jail. The sentence structure must do away with that. This country is cruel to poor people. A sadistic employer robs his employee. The employee fights back by stealing from him. A
Frederick Kissoon mediocre Magistrate, who would starve in private practice, jails him. His life is destroyed. You can steal from an employer and be jailed. But has there been any recorded case where a businessman is imprisoned for writing a “bounced” cheque? I am picketing today to put pressure on our postcolonial leaders to reform the marijuana laws. The police seem to be interested only in arresting young men for smoking ganja, not the cocaine barons. Khemraj Ramjattan is a dear friend and someone I like and admire immensely. But my advice to him is to leave that Ministry immediately. The corrupt, incompetent police force is going to damage his career. Khemraj has chalked up a good legacy. A depraved police force is going to destroy it sooner than later.
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Rice production up by seven percent, export by 10 percent General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, yesterday reported a production growth of seven percent, and an export growth of 10 percent at the end of November. According to Hassan, rice production, up to the end of November was 681,517 metric tonnes. This is a seven percent increase or 46,279 metric tonnes over the whole of 2014 production of 635,235 metric tonnes. “This reflects favourably, and this is because of the approaches that our farmers and all the other stakeholders have put into the industry to have the industry deliver,” Hassan told the Government Information Agency (GINA). Notwithstanding the loss of the Venezuelan market under the Petrocaribe Rice Trade Agreement, Hassan also reported that at the end of November, rice export stood at 497,176 metric tonnes, a 10 percent increase, compared to 451,422 tonnes for the same period in 2014. The GRDB is optimistic
GRDB’s Head, Nizam Hassan that the industry will surpass last year’s export figure. Exports reached an all-time high of 501,208 metric tonnes in 2014. “We expect that it will be in the double digits, but let’s see what would happen at the end of December. So far, given all the contracts that we have on board at the end of October there was almost 200,000 metric tonnes of rice contracts that were
committed to by the private millers, and thus we are seeing that exports are going, so we expect to surpass that figure in 2014,” he said. In light of the industry performance this year, pressure continues to mount to find new markets. According to Hassan, the government is committed to assisting the farmers to find markets, and is currently working to tie up the Mexico market. “We have had two conference calls, one with the private sector officials in Mexico, which is the Mexican Rice Council and also the public sector agency, which is an agency in Mexico that does imports,” he said. Government is in discussion with both parties. “The conference calls are favourably received, Guyana has supplied the phytosanitary information that was required by Mexico, and we have indicated to Mexico that we want to accelerate that process, and thus we are going through that process of (continued on page 24)
Govt. will eradicate corporal punishment - Education Minister Ever since his accession to the post of Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine had expressed his dissatisfaction of the still prevalent practice of corporal punishment in schools. He has since been aiming to eradicate the practice from all schools. However, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has over the years been very vocal about its disapproval of the removal of corporal punishment. It is considered “the only tool available to them to better mold future generations,” he said GTU President, Mark Lyte, however, stated that the union is against the abolishment of corporal punishment. “The union’s position remains the same on the issue. We are not supportive of corporal punishment being taken out of the schools, as the Ministry is yet to put alternatives in place to deal with aggressive children.” Lyte said that when various (proven) alternative measures have been put in place, only then will the union rethink its stance on corporal punishment. “Unless the Minister provides effective measures to deal with badly-
Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine behaved children, we as a union must say that this must remain.” In 2013, the GTU, in the wake of mounting calls for the abolition of corporal punishment within schools, stated that the practices abolishment is not something they support. GTU secretary at the time, Coretta McDonald, opined that the abolition of corporal punishment may prove to be disastrous for teachers as there are many hostile children found in their classrooms.
In an elicited response, the Minister stated that “the ministry will not step back from the issue. We will try to persuade the GTU that this is the best way to go.” Dr Roopnaraine said that he will try to get across to the GTU that “we have 21st century outlook on the enforcement of discipline.” Beating children, he said, is a “really medieval practice and we can’t encourage it.” He said that while he knows that teachers like to have this as a last resort, the practice will be completely eradicated soon. He said that while there is a bit of resistance from the union, he believes that it is something which can be overcome. “I don’t see it as a major obstacle, as their interest is to ensure they have an environment where they can teach and where children are not distracted. I don’t believe corporal punishment is the way to do this,” he said. Dr Roopnaraine intimated that corporal punishment can often lead to psychological scarring as it is no different from physical abuse. Classrooms should not be a place of fear but rather, one of learning. It is for this reason that the Minister is looking to do away with the practice by adjusting relevant legislation in the near future.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
Universal prayers soon for public schools True to his promise of replacing Christian prayers with universal prayers in public schools, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, has said that a draft of a universal prayer has already been made. So far, said the Minister, consultations with various religious bodies regarding universal prayers have begun. A draft prayer was done and has been submitted
to Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam. It is believed that the prayer “Will satisfy all three of our major religious groups.” Since his announcement of the change, several religious bodies and organizations have come out in support of the Minister’s plans. Amongst those in favour of the change are the Guyana Presbyterian Church, Guyana Teachers’ Union and
- says Minister of Education the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. All were of the opinion that the practice has been going on for too long. President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, stated that sections of her organization had brought up the issue of having universal prayers in
public schools with previous Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. She recalled that while promises were made, no follow up action was taken by the Ministry. Initially, the Guyana Secular Association, founded by Ferlin Pedro, had planned to challenge Roopnaraine’s decision of keeping prayers of any form in schools. Keeping prayers within schools, he said, is a “form of imposing religion. This is contrary to our constitutional assurance of freedom of conscience and belief, and that includes the freedom to hold religious views or lack thereof.” However, he said that after consultations with both local and regional secular movements and organizations, they are now in support of a moment of silence. The reason for this, he states, is that the moment of silence seems to promote, at least politically speaking, the interest of everyone. When asked if a moment of silence is an option for the
Ministry, Roopnaraine said that it has not been put to him but stated that it is his belief that there is room for a national prayer. “Prayers start the day off with encouraging children and instill a belief in their selves. I don’t believe a moment of silence does the same thing,” he said. Despite the various religions existing within Guyana’s society and the country’s position of being a secular state, most public schools across Guyana see students reciting Christian prayers despite their religious affiliation. According to the Constitution of Guyana, the practice of having Christian prayers in public schools across the country is in contravention of laws set out in relation to the separation of church and state. The Ministry of Education has over the years never addressed the issue despite many requests for universal prayers. Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert
Roopnaraine, had stated that the practice is not one which will be condoned by his Ministry. He made his intentions clear to do away with it and implement universal prayers across the public school system. He added that the reciting of Christian prayers in schools may be a preference of the teachers and to his knowledge has never been the policy of the Ministry. “If that’s the practice that is going on in these public schools,” the Minister had said, “It is not a practice we condone. We are a multireligious country and we have to realize that we have multireligious children so that whatever prayer is used in schools should not exclude any of the religions.” Roopnarine said that the practice could possibly be detrimental to social cohesion. As such, he revealed that he will soon start disseminating information countrywide to inform teachers of the need for having universal prayers in the nation’s schools very soon.
MESSAGES TO MARK INT’L DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) focuses on access and empowerment for people of all abilities. This year’s commemoration aims to bring attention to the many barriers faced by persons living with disabilities, worldwide. These people experience discrimination for transportation, employment and education, as well as social and political participation. UNITED NATIONS SECRETARYGENERAL We mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the wake of the adoption of the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This global blueprint for action summons us to “leave no one behind”. Building a sustainable, inclusive world for all requires the full engagement of people of all abilities. The 2030 Agenda includes many issues of concern to persons with disabilities and we must work together to transform these commitments into action. Earlier this year, the United Nations Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, recognised the key role people with disabilities can play in promoting a more universally accessible approach in disaster preparedness and response. Next year, the United Nations Conference
on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (HABITAT III) will discuss a new urban development agenda to make our cities inclusive, accessible and sustainable. The voices of persons with disabilities will be critical to this process As we look ahead, we need to strengthen development policies and practices to ensure that accessibility is part of inclusive and sustainable development. This requires improving our knowledge of the challenges facing all persons with disabilities– including through more robust, disaggregated data — and ensuring that they are empowered to create and use opportunities. Together with persons with disabilities, we can move our world forward by leaving no one behind. THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION Today, the United Nations and the world celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The ILO and other international organizations in Geneva have come together to join persons with disabilities in declaring this day A Day for All. A Day for All invites us to recognize the contributions of disabled persons to our workplaces, our families, our schools and our communities. It also asks us to reaffirm our commitment to welcoming
and celebrating disability as part of human diversity. Disability is a fundamental expression of human diversity. Firstly, because people with disabilities are the world’s largest minority, representing some 15 per cent of the global population. And secondly, as persons of disability come from all countries, economic backgrounds and ethnicities, they are arguably the most diverse of all minority groups. On this day we are reminded that there are still millions of women and men with disabilities who face exclusion from mainstream social, economic and political life. Yet we know from experience that when attitudinal and physical barriers are removed, people with disabilities can be as productive and reliable as those without disabilities. Many workers’ and employers’ organizations have long taken a pioneering stand in championing the interests of disabled workers, and recently at the ILO 11 major international companies became the first signatories of the new ILO Global Business and Disability Network Charter. The Charter expresses their commitment to promoting and including persons with disabilities throughout their operations worldwide. It has a broad remit: be it from making the company premises and staff communications progressively more (continued on page 21)
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Govt. to release contract on Specialty Hospital In an effort to further justify its selection of a certain Indian company to complete the Specialty Hospital, Government announced that it will be making public, the contractual documents in relation to the project. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a post Cabinet press briefing, yesterday, was asked to say why government went ahead with Fedders Lloyd for the contract, given that Fedders Lloyd was disqualified by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) when the contract first went out for tender in 2012. He said, however, that he felt that the issue was one that has been adequately dealt with by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. “I think what we will do in some short period of time, is to publish some of the contractual arrangements for the Specialty Hospital. You would recall that our objection to the Specialty Hospital has always been about
transparency. It has always been about how things were being done about it and therefore, what has happened now is that we are now getting access to some of these documents.” He continued, “You will find in the document that there is a provision for if one of the contractors has been found for some reason or the other to be involved in either fraud, or anything of that nature, the government can move to the next person or any other company.” On that basis, Harmon argued that Government’s decision is in keeping with the law. On the matter of Fedders Lloyd being disqualified in the initial tendering process, Harmon said that he is willing to be enlightened on that matter from the media. It was then explained to him that one of the reasons for which the Indian Company was disqualified by NPTAB was due to the fact that it submitted two prices. He was then asked how in
such an instance, government can still go ahead with the company. Putting on his legal cap, the Minister of State said, “What I understand they (Fedders Lloyd) did, was to offer a sum and then a discount. I think what the Tender Board might have said was that the discount was not lawful. But in the contract, that is what is anticipated. We will make that agreement public.” But asked if he will make the evaluation report which speaks specifically to why Fedders Lloyd was disqualified public, Harmon said he could not say at that time. He said that the Finance Minister, under whose portfolio that falls, will probably deal with that soon. Last week, the government announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will see works restarting on the construction of the Specialty Hospital was signed between Jordan and
One year later and no word on Evita Singh’s maternal death The father of Evita Singh, a young mother who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital last September with her unborn child, is calling on the Public Health Ministry to give answers to the circumstances surrounding her death. Singh, 34, died at the hospital after doctors induced labour, allegedly using Cytotec tablets. She was admitted to the hospital after she started exhibiting signs of Chikungunya. Her family questioned the doctors’ decision to induce labour because her clinic card had instructed that she have a C-section. It was alleged that the doctors inserted the tablets over a two-day period to induce labour. The family also chided the hospital for being negligent; the members alleged that Singh had to wait a while before she could be operated on, despite bleeding copiously. “I believe that the hospital and the Ministry of Public Health have pushed this matter aside because it has been more than a year and we still haven’t heard anything from either of the organizations,” Singh’s father, Dennis Ramjit, told Kaieteur News. He said that the Ministry needs to stop dragging its feet on the matter and to start giving some answers. “Look how long they reviewing the file! No one has called us to say she (probably) died because of this and this is
Evita Singh what is going to happen,” he said. An autopsy report had revealed that Singh died of a ruptured uterus. A preliminary report on the maternal death had indicated that Singh succumbed because of a disseminated intravascular coagulation— a rare condition that avoids blood from clotting normally. “A lot of women dying at that hospital and all we hear
is that the Ministry is investigating the matter but never any results. But it’s my daughter and I feeling it for my family and her two children.” He said the former Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran had made promises to meet with him concerning the issue but he had never called to confirm a date. “Now when I want to speak with this new Minister I was told that he is a hard man to reach,” Ramjit said. He stated that maternal death is “something like murder” and that it should not be taken lightly. He indicated that doctors and nurses should be fired for maternal deaths that could have been prevented. “It’s their carelessness… people family shouldn’t have to suffer because they don’t know how to do their work,” he chided. In the last year, maternal deaths have been escalating at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Currently, Guyana is among five countries in the Caribbean and the Americas with the highest rates of maternal deaths.
MESSAGES TO MARK INT’L ... From page 12 accessible to all employees with disabilities, to combating stigma and stereotypes faced by persons with disabilities. While much has been achieved over the past years and persons with disabilities have gained recognition of their rights by countries around the globe, and with them their rightful place in society, there is also much work ahead. A majority of disabled persons still face barriers to enjoying decent work and a better life. Today, we renew our commitment to achieving full and equal rights and participation in society for all women and men with disabilities. Working together, we can break down the barriers to decent work, so that every day will be A Day for All.
Fedders Lloyd Country Representative, Ajay Jha. According to the Finance Ministry, Fedders Lloyd will review the works already started, conclude a design of the Hospital that is acceptable to the coalition government and commit to fully equip the facility on completion of its construction. The company has also undertaken to commence work on the facility
immediately. When the project was first tendered in 2012, Fedders Lloyd had submitted a bid which did not make the cut as Surendra Engineering Inc. was given the upper hand in the deal. This is in spite of the fact that Fedders Lloyd’s bid was lower and it had experience in constructing hospitals across the world unlike the winner of the contract. Surendra is a
mere spare parts fabricator for sugar mills across India. But Surendra turned out to be an embarrassment for the previous administration as it ended up running off with millions of dollars in advance payment for the project and government, despite a court ruling in its favour, is yet to recover the monies lost. The APNU+AFC (continued on page 24)
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Kaieteur News
VACANCY Landscape maintenance team seeks, Hardworking, reliable workers, 17-35 ages; on the job, training. Contact: 219-0468/621-2453 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC – TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 2310655; 683-8734. Omar Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822 Professional Pressure washing & water tank cleaning services, for all your home & business exterior cleaning call: 696-5424
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Experienced bar/ shop worker for Ekereku bottom Interior, age 17-30years- Call: 231-0363
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Delivery riders wanted contact: 223-5273/4.
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
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Plant Shop Sales Clerk: Hardworking, literate, punctual workers, Work experience an asset. Contact: 648-1821
Experienced Driver @ Gem’s Taxi-Call: 665-5338; 231-3709, 667-9013 One lorry driver to sell water, experience in such field required- Call: 678-1234
Truck driver wanted to work in Georgetown- Tel: 218-1156
Thursday December 03, 2015
(2)Two general workers to work shift system- Call: 2181400, 668-0306 Body workman- Call: 6490659, 670-1637
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Rotweiler pups. Tel: 6196086, 622-6646, 699-7077.
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedrooms apartment located @ Mon-Repos North E.C.D- price $60,000 – Contact: 692-9295 & 688-6005 Julieann’s Apartment Rentals: fully furnished apartments with air-condition & Wi-Fi $9,000 daily - Call: 226-5336; 692-6595; 616-4686 SD Real Estate, Executive 2 Bedrooms Apartment in exclusive Residential Area with all modern amenities. Tel: 653-2920. Prime business place for rent @ Mon Repos Public Road E.C.D, 2 (2) Bedroom apartment @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D. Contact: 6181754; 681-1508; 220-6168 3 Bedrooms bottom flat to rent $50,000 per month - Tel: 234-0079, 678-9176
PRADO: TOP CONDITION, SUNROOF, FULLY LOADED, 8 SEATER, FUEL, 2000 MODEL. CALL: 6845868 CRV EXCELLENT CONDITION, 1998CC, ALARM, DVD, MAGRIM, CLEAN ENGINE & BODYCALL: 684-5868 Used XBOX 360, PS Vita, PS3 I-pad & I-pods, XBOX one & games –Tel: 621-7497; 6038643; 649-3277
Two properties for sale at West Coast and West Bank. Excellent condition- Call: 660-3235, 668-3985
Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras Tel: 621-4740; 686-3500 1 Xbox original soft-moded with over 30 games $17,000, 1 Nintendo DS Lite with 4 games $15,000- Call: 6219604, 694-1748 One 600amp automatic transfer switch sold as isCall:627-7835 AMERICAN BULLY CALL: 667-4845, 6100068, 220-7933
1 Nintendo Wii game console with 1 game $16,000, 1 PS2 console with 7 games $13,000- Call: 621-9604, 6941748
TOURS
Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor /Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934
Suriname Old years into new- exciting fireworks, shopping, site-seeing & tours (Dec 30th- Jan 3rd). Call: 665-5171, 639-2663
Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc. Phone: 260-4504.
2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052
Stalls 64-72 -47ft longX7ft wide @ La Penetence Market Albouystown-Call: 6631597; 218-4837; 225-4410
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
ACCOMODATION
2 storied transported concrete property- upstairs: 2 bedrooms apartment, downstairs: 2 bedroom apartment, block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D -$19M neg. Call: 625-1514; 231-7255
1 Hilux Surf, 2 Trucks (1 TM & 1 TL)- Tel: 618-1967, 6984321
CAR RENTAL
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461.
Transported property 48X223ft (with old house) at Hague (duck pond/ settlement) W.C.D, price $5.5M negotiable- Call: 6553667
1 Nintendo 3DSXL with 2 games $35,000, 1 Dell XPS M140 laptop computer, 1 Dell Precision M60 laptop computer - Call: 621-9604, 694-1748
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM
PROPERTY FOR SALE Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 624-7341
2 Hands sanders, 1 Skilsaw & Dewalt 7 1/4" circle sawCall: 621-9604, 694-1748 50LBS BAGS, DOG FOOD W/SALE & RETAILCALL: 222-7891; 609-9202 CONTROLLERS FOR PS2 AND PS2 VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS, ONLY $9,000 CALL MAX: 609-8132 OR 672-8569
TO LET For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internet. Tel: 6895877 3 Bedrooms apartment for rental at W.B.D- Call: 2671446, 674-6080 Newly constructed apartment in a safe and healthy environment- Call: 6986496, 622-6512 1- Two bedrooms house $60,000 monthly. Only serious enquires- Call Joy: 218-1285, 649-9059 Prime 2 flat business place to rent on Robb Street, Lacytown between Camp & Alexander Streets - Tel: 2269377 2 BEDROOMS FULLY FURNISHEDAPARTMENT, IN ECCLES (FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS) US$30 DAILY. CALL MAX: 609-8132; 672-8569 Continued on page 23
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
Politicians just want to use people DEAR EDITOR, Two forthright articles in the “Caribbean Daylight” Friday 23rd, 2015 by David Hinds and Vidyaratha Kissoon gave me a nice feeling, a kind of renewed hope in a small way, though ephemeral it was, for upon reflection I don’t see our new bosses being moved one iota by what those two enlightened brothers had to say. Yes! I’ve become that cynical. Both David and Vidyaratha missives: “It is the government turn to trust the people” and “…. Fools for democracy” respectfully were thoughtful and practical – no fooling about – critiques smack on, and I honestly wish that like Vidyaratha said we can have more sincere brothers/sisters coming on board in calling a spade a spade and not the tomfollery some are indulging in. It is my take that we will not witness any substantial
change except there is a revolutionary change in thought pattern; meaning, there must be a new breed/crop of leaders emerging, possessing true nationalistic pride; who will willingly and consciously adopt a different and positive posture and orientation so much so that even if they might fall short on a well structured policy once they are sincere, objective and decent- bona fide we can live with them because of their righteousness and our trust and faith in them as demonstrated. For me there are no such easily discernible types about and around. God, where have all the flowers gone?! Why is it we have become so adept, past masters at changing the frame and not the picture, why is it so always difficult to walk the talk. We clamour for change and often times end up with a
carbon copy of what we had. Editor, the increase handed out to government ministers within a mere four months in office is a classic state of the art example of what strange creatures politicians are, it seems as if forever the masses will be beguile – the word double-cross just flashed across my mind, any way …… like the poet said “poor people always in the rain”. Which brings me to make the point how politicians learn their geography best around elections time, where every hole, every hill, every valley is visited. They find people no matter where since every single vote is a heartbeat, then when it’s all over and done they may never see those places ever until maybe next time around. I have read non stop the flood of letters, the majority from important, high profile, creditable and well recognised individuals who have taken
issue with the brazen damning 50% increase and more so the arrogance of “no apology” – as though they themselves have thumped themselves into office. Oh by the way it was nice to see that act of courage and I hope a sincere gesture by the Minister of State in finally offering an apology to the nation for his rude “no apology” remarks, not forgetting the Prime Minister’s careless and flippant utterance that it will soon be forgotten – see how politicians think. Editor, I’ve heard some real provoking and clumsy talks in defence of dishonesty from activists and supporters of the now coalition government, saying that promises made during elections campaign were the regular run of the mill – the norm, all gimmicks meant to capture votes; that only the simple minded would have relied on them. Then you see why we
need a different crop, a new breed with a new orientation; then you see why even with the flood of caustic criticism from here and abroad were of no avail; bitter, vexing and outrageous as it is was, it was considered a priority and so a done deal. But I “have been in town” long enough to know a thing or two. I’m certainly in favour with the forever watchful W.P.A long standing very principled and exemp l a r y activist Tacuma Ogunseye’s humble recommendation in an effort to soothe a rather too early uncomfortable scenario, adorning it with a bit of decency: that the government make a pledge to the nation promising that there will be no more increase for ministers during the remaining life of this government. This, I think can in some way can serve as a palliative. Frank Fyffe
One, one dutty build dam, so let’s start building DEAR EDITOR, Please be kind enough to publish this letter. These are things that need attention for the betterment of the society, the change many who voted for the present Government expected. Here is my list 1.Recently, a young man died on the # 19 Public road after hitting a cow, only the parents continue to grieve, life goes on the same for everyone else. Before elections,
Mr. Charrandas, now MP, kept saying on DTV 8, Berbice in the past how Mr Rohee was so incompetent he could not even get the animals off the road. Mr. Charrandas is now silent while the roadways have been taken over by animals, many more than in the days of Mr Rohee. Cows are seen everywhere, sometimes in herds of four and five and instead of dodging pot holes, drivers now have to dodge cows and
DEAR EDITOR, It is with deep rage that I write to you today about an incident with GT&T that occurred to me today (Wednesday November 2). As we all know GT&T has been promoting their new slogan “Do More” however, this slogan should have been “Do Less” as it is that which is taking place with their current shift in policy. I have just purchased a $500 card which I entered in my phone and I transferred $100 to my girlfriend for which I was charged $9 for the transfer. I then opted in for the daily “Free after Two” option to which I did not receive any text confirming that I can text for free after 2 PM. Anyway I decided to text as I know that sometimes the message is delayed but I can use the above mentioned service. After sending three messages I noticed that they were charging for each one so, see-
ing that I couldn’t keep waiting for longer. I decided to make a call to my girlfriend whom I also sent the three texts to and who is a GT&T customer as well. I had $363 before I made that call. Lo and behold after talking about 15 minutes the call was cut and upon redialing I was greeted by the no credit message. Editor, please allow me to ask: is this how GT&T expect to be competitive in the Telecommunications Sector with all this maltreatment meted out to its customers? Why is it that they cannot even send a message telling us that they are experiencing difficulties? Calling to the 0488 is totally pointless. To the Government I would like to know when exactly the Telecommunications Bill will be passed so that a company like GT&T can be put into the competitive business which they so rightly belong to. Amir Khan
Customer takes umbrage at GT&T’s attitude
cow dung that litter the roads. Mr Charrandas’ focus now is on cyclists who ride without light, calling on the Traffic Chief of B Division to do his job and arrest those cyclists. I wish Mr Charrandas would remember that there are cows on the roads. I call on Mr Ramjattan to attend to the matter as he was calling on Mr. Rohee. 2. In the town of New Amsterdam, bins have been placed at various points but the bins are pulled down by animals [dogs and cows] that roam the town, thus, all that was put in the bins lay scattered on the ground. Town Council workers have to do the clean up when they go to empty the bins into
the tractor trailer. Editor, it is a shame to see this unsightly situation of animals and garbage in the town. 3. The Palmyra Public road shoulder is disgraceful. Trees have recently been planted along the road shoulder to beautify the roadway and to provide a “green” environment but sad to say it is also a dumping ground for things like old iron, old fridge, old stove not far from the entrance to the Berbice Bridge. No one seems concerned about this pile of rubbish that is piled up there. 4. The Public road in # 2 village and Sheet Anchor has a pedestrian walk- way marked off by a white line for the safety of pedestrians.
This walk-way in many places is covered with sand caused by persons who have sand lodged on the road shoulder for months after using what they need instead of removing the rest into their yards. No one seems concerned. Mr. Editor, these are the little things that need to be fixed if we are to make Guyana a beautiful country, as the saying goes,” one, one dutty build dam”. While a great effort is being made to clean up Georgetown we must remember that Guyana is not Georgetown only and so this clean up effort must be nationwide. A.Bacchus, Sheet Anchor
From page 22 FOR SALE/RENT American Pools table-Call: 277-0578
VEHICLE FOR SALE Blow out sale! Cheapest: Super GL automatic and stick gear VVTI buses, Hilux-1RZ engine. Call: 616-7635 Toyota AT 212. Price $1.1M negotiable- Tel: 650-4736 Toyota Noah & Voxy, Fully loaded, never registered, ‘G’ Series -$1.7M. Call: 617-2891 One Honda CRV, immaculate condition –price $1,650,000- Call: 626-2884 Mitsubishi Canter for sale; GTT series, next to new Call: 611-5354; 615-4728, price reasonable Bus for sale, BJJ series- call: 677-3177, 678-5887 Honda Civic (white) 2003 very good condition $875,000. Owner leaving Call/whatsapp: 688-1823 Nissan Titan 2004 model, GSS series, in immaculate condition - Call: 629-4392, 220-7958 CAR RENTAL Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie (80ftx45ft) $1M. East Coast (low lands) $1.8M, Parfaite Harmonie (100ftx50ft fenced) $3.2M call: 611-7223, 604-2207 Providence Scheme 115ftX81ft located on a Cul de Sac close to Bai Shan Lin -$8.2M negotiable –Call: 6014163; 223-0719 Land @ Moblissa Soesdyke Linden Highway, 22 Acres if cleared land with nearby creek -3 minutes off Highway-Call: 689-0003 At Parfaite Harmonie$1.4M, $1.6M, $1.1M, Tuschen 2 nd street $5M, Tuschen Phase 2 $1.2M. Term available- Call: 604-6724 1155 Acres of land located at East Bank Demerara. Price Negotiable- Call: 612-2060 Luxury gated community with pool, mall, swipe entry/ exit, underground irrigation. Contact: 609-0783
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
Isseneru dredge…
Situation escalates; gunmen storm dredge The imbroglio between the Village of Isseneru, Region Seven, and a river dredge operator took an ugly turn on Tuesday night, with shotgun toting men storming the dredge and allegedly issuing threats to the workers. This is despite a team visiting the operation on November 18 and conducting a fact-finding mission. During that time, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, had ordered a halt to the operations. The operator, Suresh Ramkissoon, 48, has been a miner for 30 years. Ramkissoon (currently in Georgetown) related that according to what his crew would have told him over the phone, the ordeal started when a man of indigenous descent came unto the dredge at 10:00 hours, Tuesday. According to his workers,
the man appeared to be under the influence. Ramkissoon said that when challenged, the man proceeded to threaten the establishment unless the operation was halted, saying, “You all will see what will happen.” Ramkissoon stated that the man then disembarked the dredge and the workers returned to their operation. He related that his men closed off their operations at 21:00hrs yesterday. Ramkissoon stated that as his men were settling down for the night, the dredge was boarded by eight men, bearing shotguns, half an hour later. According to the dredge operator, his men related that the gunmen then demanded that they halt their operations. He went on to reveal that after the exchange, the gunmen departed from the dredge. That was not before warning
the men against restarting the dredge in the morning. Ramkissoon stated that the men waited until yesterday morning to call him and report the incident. Ramkissoon immediately reported the matter to police at ‘F’ division, Eve Leary; the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA). Checks with police at ‘F’ division confirmed that a report of this incident was made. The operator reaffirmed that his mining operation is located some 1.5 kilometres upstream from the hospital, school, ball field and church. The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE) conducted its fact-finding mission on Wednesday, November 18 as committed to by Minister of Governance
Football coach refused bail on ganja charge A 35-year-old football coach was yesterday remanded to prison on a drug trafficking charge, after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. Colin John, of Lot 183 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), is accused of having 21 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was allegedly busted with the illicit substance on November 29 at Mc Doom, EBD. Attorney Clyde Forde re-
quested that his client be released on reasonable bail. He told the court that John is a father of two, with no pending or previous matters. The lawyer explained that at the time of the incident his client was the driver of a motorcar. He related that John had just dropped off someone, when his vehicle was stopped and searched by the police. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to the defendant being granted pre-trial liberty citing the gravity of the charge. He told the court that on the day in question, John's
car was stopped by the police and he was asked to exit. Jones said that the vehicle was searched and 11 transparent Ziploc bags were found in the passenger's seat containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The Prosecutor added that the defendant was told of the offence committed and arrested. The Chief Magistrate upheld the Prosecutor's request to refuse bail on the ground that no special reasons were provided to satisfy the court. John will return to court on January 4.
The dredge
Raphael Trotman. The multiagency team was comprised of representatives of the DNRE, the Ministry of
Indigenous Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the GGMC.
It is understood that the team held consultations with the parties involved and data was collected.
Govt. to release contract on Specialty ... From page 21 government, on accession to office, reviewed the project and concluded that since there was no existing contract that could be enforced, it was impractical to continue to keep the Line of Credit (LOC) in its existing form, especially since it was attracting commitment fees. Government therefore requested EXIM Bank of India to cancel the LOC for the Specialty Hospital and to re-allocate the balance of funds to a project to modernize three Primary Healthcare Facilities. However, the Government of India in its response, while
indicating its no objection and support for the modernization of Primary Health Care Facilities, suggested that the Granger administration consider salvaging the Specialty Hospital, as it will complement Primary Health Care facilities in Guyana. The Specialty Hospital is intended to cater for high end surgeries and other health care demands. The administration examined the merits of the proposal and began searching for a willing partner to complete the Specialty Hospital using the remainder of the LOC. In the interest of time, Government said that it
approached Fedders Lloyd to explore the possibility of the company completing the project. When it lost the bid in 2012, Fedders Lloyd had protested against what it deemed to be a corrupt procurement process under the previous administration. Representing him at the time was Attorney at Law, Khemraj Ramjattan, who is now the Minister of Public Security. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at his most recent press conference, roasted the Granger led administration for not going to tender for the project. He said that the manner in which it was pursued reeks of massive corruption. (Kiana Wilburg)
Family appeals for public assistance From page 20 about the whereabouts of the missing driver can contact his relatives on telephone number 254-1766 or contact the nearest police station. Clarke's disappearance comes exactly one month after another taxi driver, Shurland Dalloo, went missing. Dalloo's body was found one week later in a canal at Onverwagt, No 27, West Coast Berbice. The fully clad and decomposing remains were found in a desolate area that
is accessible by dam, about three and a half miles off the West Berbice Public Road. Dalloo also operated on West Coast Demerara but was based at Parika. His car, too, a silver grey Toyota Carina, has not been recovered. Police believe that the taxi driver was taken to the location and slain. His corpse with its head bashed in was then dumped into the canal and covered with weeds. Meanwhile, police on the East Coast of Demerara are still
searching from a silver grey Toyota Premio which was stolen from its owner last Saturday night at Bachelor's Adventure. This newspaper understands that the driver of the car, who hails from Mahaica, had picked up three men to take them to Bachelor's Adventure, about seven miles away. When the car reached Church Road, Bachelor's Adventure, the men held up the driver and relieved him of the car.
Rice production up by seven percent ... From page 11 establishing the necessary protocols with Mexico with respect to the phyto-sanitary arrangements,” he explained. After the Venezuela market fell through in June, the millers along with the Government, accelerated talks with other potential buyers for Guyana’s rice. “There are a lot of discussions that have been happening because of the interest from overseas for our rice,” Hassan told GINA. Following the fall out of the Venezuela market, more of
Guyana’s rice and paddy is being exported now. Guyana also has an on-going contract with Panama. According to Hassan, the Panamanians have bought two sets of rice from Guyana for 2015. And December is expected to see the conclusion of another set of contracts for the supply of rice to that country. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, while attending the Open Governance Summit in Mexico City in October, met with that country’s Agriculture Minister Jose
Calzada, during which a commitment was made to buy some of the country’s paddy. The new administration says that it has prioritised assisting farmers to find alternative international markets, in light of the country’s continued production boom, and in the midst of the loss of a major market in Venezuela. Guyana’s production in the first half of 2015 was 359,960 tonnes, 15.3 percent more than last year’s record high, first-half production of 312,283 tonnes.
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
Russia says it has proof Turkey involved in Islamic State oil trade
Defence ministry officials sit under screens with satellite images on display during a briefing in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin) (Reuters) - Russia’s defence ministry said yesterday it had proof that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his family were benefiting from the illegal smuggling of oil from Islamic State-held territory in Syria and Iraq. Moscow and Ankara have been locked in a war of words since last week when a Turkish air force jet shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian-Turkish border, the most serious incident between Russia and a NATO state in half a century. Erdogan responded by saying no one had the right to “slander” Turkey by accusing it of buying oil from Islamic State, and that he would stand down if such allegations were proven to be true. But speaking during a visit to Qatar, he also said he did not want relations with Moscow to worsen further. At a briefing in Moscow, defence ministry officials displayed satellite images which they said showed columns of tanker trucks loading with oil at installations controlled by Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and then crossing the border into neighboring Turkey. The officials did not specify what direct evidence they had of the involvement of Erdogan and his family, an allegation that the Turkish president has vehemently denied. “Turkey is the main consumer of the oil stolen from its rightful owners, Syria and Iraq. According to information we’ve received, the senior political leadership of the country President Erdogan and his family - are involved in this criminal business,” said Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov. “Maybe I’m being too blunt, but one can only entrust control over this thieving business to one’s closest associates.” “In the West, no one has asked questions about the fact that the Turkish president’s son heads one of the biggest energy companies, or that his son-in-law has been appointed energy minister. What a marvelous family business!” “The cynicism of the Turkish leadership knows no limits. Look what they’re doing. They went into someone else’s country, they are robbing it without compunction,” Antonov said. Erdogan last week denied that Turkey procures oil from anything other than legitimate sources. He has said Ankara is taking active steps to prevent fuel smuggling, and he challenged anyone who accused his government of collaborating with Islamic State to prove their allegations. On Tuesday, U.S. President Barack Obama
said Turkey had made progress in sealing its border with Syria, but Islamic State was still exploiting gaps to bring in foreign fighters and sell oil. WEAPONS FLOW The Russian defence ministry also alleged that the same criminal networks which were smuggling oil into Turkey were also supplying weapons, equipment and training to Islamic State and other Islamist groups. “According to our reliable intelligence data, Turkey has been carrying out such operations for a long period and on a regular basis. And most importantly, it does not plan to stop them,” Sergei Rudskoy, deputy head of the Russian military’s General Staff, told reporters. The defense ministry said its surveillance revealed that hundreds of tanker trucks were gathering in plain sight at Islamic State-controlled sites in Iraq and Syria to load up with oil, and it questioned why the U.S.-led coalition was not launching more air strikes on them. “It’s hard not to notice them,” Rudskoy said of the lines of trucks shown on satellite images. Officials said that the Russian air force’s bombing campaign had made a significant dent in Islamic State’s ability to produce, refine and sell oil. SMUGGLING ROUTES Ministry officials described three main routes by which they said oil and oil products were smuggled from Islamic State territory into Turkey. It said the Western route took oil produced at fields near the Syrian city of Raqqa to the settlement of Azaz on the border with Turkey. From there the columns of tanker trucks pass through the Turkish town of Reyhanli, the ministry said, citing what it said were satellite pictures of hundreds of such trucks moving through the border crossing without obstruction. “There is no inspection of the vehicles carried out ... on the Turkish side,” said Rudskoy. Some of the smuggled cargoes go to the Turkish domestic market, while some is exported via the Turkish Mediterranean ports of Iskenderun and Dortyol, the ministry said. Another main route for smuggled oil, according to the ministry, runs from Deir Ez-zour in Syria to the Syrian border crossing at AlQamishli. It said the trucks then took the crude for refining at the Turkish city of Batman. A third route took oil from eastern Syria and western Iraq into the south-eastern corner of Turkey, the ministry said.
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 27
China says to cut power sector emissions by 60 percent by 2020 (Reuters) – China will reduce emissions of major pollutants in the power sector by 60 percent by 2020, the cabinet announced yesterday, after world leaders met in Paris to address climate change. China will also reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power generation by 180 million tonnes by 2020, the official People’s Daily website said. It did not give comparison figures or elaborate how it would achieve the result. In Paris, Christiana Figueres, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, said she had not seen the announcement, but linked it to expectations that China’s coal use would peak by the end of the decade. “I can only assume they are talking about the same thing,” she told Reuters. Researchers at Chinese government-backed thinktanks said last month that coal consumption by power stations in China would probably peak by 2020. An EU official, speaking on condition of ano-
nymity, said Wednesday’s announcement seemed to relate more to air pollutants than greenhouse gas emissions. China’s capital Beijing suffered choking pollution this week, triggering an “orange” alert, the second-highest level, closing highways, halting or suspending construction and prompting a warning to residents to stay indoors. The smog was caused by “unfavourable” weather, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said. Emissions in northern China soar over winter as urban heating systems are switched on and low wind speeds meant that polluted air does not get dispersed. The hazardous air, which cleared yesterday, underscores the challenge facing the government as it battles pollution caused by the coalburning power industry and raises questions about its ability to clean up its economy. Reducing coal use and promoting cleaner forms of energy are set to play a crucial role in China’s pledges to
bring its climate warming greenhouse gas emissions to a peak by around 2030.
Chimneys of coal-fired power plant are seen next to residential houses in the night in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, China. (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon)
China’s delegate at the Paris talks, Su Wei, “noted with concern” what he called
a lack of commitment by the rich to make deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
and help developing nations with new finance to tackle global warming.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
SURINAME HIGH COURT SAYS president’s murder trial to resume PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — A trial of President Desi Bouterse in the killings of 15 political opponents in 1982 must resume despite an amnesty law, the high court in the South American country has ruled. The Court of Justice agreed with a challenge to the applicability of the amnesty law filed by relatives of the slain opponents and it directed the attorney general to resume proceedings. The plaintiffs announced the verdict late Tuesday. The ruling was issued Nov. 27 but not publicly released. “Our belief in the rule of law in Suriname has been restored,” said Hugo Essed, a lawyer for several of the relatives who filed the challenge. “We expect the attorney general to accurately follow the instructions he now has been given by the Court of Justice.” Bouterse and 25 allies from his time as a military dictator in the 1980s avoided trial until November 2007 on charges stemming from the abduction and summary execution of 15 prominent political opponents, an event known locally as the “December killings” that stunned the lightly populated nation on the northern tip of South America. The former strongman returned to power in 2010 when he was elected president by parliament. Two years later, lawmakers passed an
amnesty law and proceedings were put on hold in a decision that outraged human rights activists. Bouterse, who was re-elected by parliament earlier this year, has accepted what he called “political responsibility” for the killing by the military of the well-known journalists, lawyers and union leaders but said he was not present when the executions took place. Witnesses in the trial have disputed that claim. Prosecutors argued that they could not resume the trial without a ruling from a Constitutional Court on whether the amnesty law amounted to a breach of the constitution. But the country has not had an active Constitutional Court since gaining independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The Court of Justice said in its Nov. 27 ruling that it has the authority to instruct the attorney general to carry on with the case without a ruling from the Constitutional Court, and did so. The acting attorney general, who is appointed by the president, has not said how he will respond to the court order. The cabinet office of the president declined comment. Irvin Kanhai, the lawyer of Desi Bouterse, told The Associated Press only that he will “discuss the new situation” with his client.
After Appeal Court ruling...
Kamla: Is PNM Govt. legitimate? Trinidad Guardian - Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said there was a strong case that the Elections and Boundaries Commission acted illegally in the September 7 general election by extending the voting time by one hour in Trinidad and is now questioning the legitimacy of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Government. Speaking at a Team UNC platform at Three Roads Community Centre, Freeport, on Monday night, hours after the Appeal Court ruling on the election petitions, PersadBissessar said the ruling was a victory and she was now placing the faith of the party in the rule of law and in the Judiciary of T&T. “Today records a great victory for the UNC. Today...today, the Court of
Appeal, the majority of the Court of Appeal, agreed that our election petitions challenging the result of the general election are valid and should be heard in the courts.” She told supporters while there was a strong case that the EBC acted illegally, she needed their help to come forward with any information or knowledge of what transpired. “Come forward and let your voices be heard, so that we can continue to work on your behalf to show that the EBC acted illegally, but we need your help. “Yes, we have some of the evidence inside but I am sure throughout the length and breadth of this country, there are those who would have suffered a similar fate, who were turned away,” she said.
As she seeks another term as leader of the United National Congress (UNC) and as an alternative to head the Government, PersadBissessar also questioned whether the present day Government of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was fit to be in power, given what had transpired. “We have to question the legitimacy of the Government and from now on we must all sing from the same line, from the same words, from the same page, from the same hymn book that this Government came into office and does not have the legitimacy that a Government should have. The legitimacy of the Government is under question,” she said. Speaking about the three court cases brought against the EBC, Persad-Bissessar said in addition to the election petitions, there was another constitutional motion filed by the people of Tobago, in which they were alleging that their rights under the Constitution were breached because there was different unequal treatment for Trinidad and different unequal treatment for Tobago. The one-hour voting extension was applied to Trinidad only because of the inclement weather. There was another matter before the courts, she said, brought by right-thinking citizens to uphold the Constitution and that was known as a judicial review competition against the EBC, about its actions.
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Shooting rampage in California leaves 14 dead, 17 wounded Gunmen opened fire on a holiday party yesterday at a social services agency in San Bernardino, California, killing 14 people and wounding 17 others before fleeing, authorities said. As an intense manhunt for up to three suspects ensued, San Bernardino police reported one “suspect down” in an exchange of gunfire with officers but did not immediately confirm whether the individual was connected to the shooting. The shooting rampage at the Inland Regional Center about 60 miles
(100 km) east of Los Angeles marked the deadliest U.S. gun violence since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012, in which 27 people, including the gunman, were killed. San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said in a televised news briefing three hours after yesterday’s shooting that the suspects were believed to have made their getaway in a darkcoloured sport utility vehicle. A vehicle matching that
description turned up at the shootout with police several hours later, city police spokeswoman Sergeant Vicki Cervantes. She said the number of wounded rose to 17.With suspects at large, authorities ordered a security “lockdown” of all local schools, as well as city and county buildings, and area hospitals were
placed on alert, Burguan said. Burguan said he knew of no possible motive behind the
attack, which unfolded at about 11 a.m. “We have no information at this point that
this is terrorist-related, in the traditional sense that people may be thinking,” he added.
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Mercedes boss says driver Bolt in the running discord is major weakness FOR BBC AWARD LONDON (Reuters) The difficult relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg has become a weakness for Formula One champions Mercedes and it could affect future driver decisions, team boss Toto Wolff warned on Wednesday. “We struggle sometimes in winning races on Sunday and having always one (driver) upset,” the Mercedes motorsport head told motorsport.com. “And this spills over into the team. It is something that needs to stop.” Hamilton and Rosberg have been rivals since their early teens as team mates in karting but the once-warm relationship has been stretched to breaking point at dominant Mercedes. The Briton and German were barely on speaking terms at times last season and entered another frosty phase this year after Hamilton clinched his second title in a row and third overall in Texas in October. Rosberg ended the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday with his third successive win and sixth pole position in a row, a run that soured Hamilton’s mood and left him questioning the strategy. “We took the decision of having two
evenly matched drivers in order to make the team progress faster and better,” said Wolff of the decision to pair Hamilton, who joined from McLaren in 2013, and Rosberg. “Going forward, we will consider if it is the best set-up for the team. Personality and character within the team is a crucial ingredient for the team success. “If we feel that it is not aligned with the general consensus, spirit and philosophy within the team, we might consider that when we take a decision, in terms of the driver lineup going forward.” Hamilton has three more years while Rosberg is signed to the end of 2016 with a team that this year won 16 of 19 races and enjoyed a record 12 one-two finishes. While Hamilton has spoken of seeing out his career with Mercedes, Rosberg’s position would be weakened anyway if he finished second again next year. Wolff indicated the drivers’ behaviour off the track was also important. “I think it is important to have talented and fast drivers in the car. But we want to work with nice guys,” he said.
Thursday December 03, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Try to convince a good friend to take a holiday with you. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted. Opportunities to show your worth will enhance your reputation and bring possible advancement. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time today. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Be ready to explain your actions. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Use discrimination and play hard to get. Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren’t taken. Don’t get involved in other people’s problems. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Sit back. Romance will develop through work related activities. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You will have no problem getting along with clients. You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Pleasure trips should be on your agenda. Your doubt could lead to insecurity. Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Don’t let relatives get the better of you. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Be sure to take care of the needs of your immediate loved ones first. They won’t pay you back and you’ll be upset. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You may get upset with peers or relatives. Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Your accomplishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure.
LONDON, England (CMC) - Usain Bolt’s impressive performance in track and field this year has landed him yet another international sports nomination. The Jamaican super star is one of six athletes nominated for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC’s) Overseas Sports Personality of the Year 2015. The award recognises the overseas athlete who has made the most contribution to sport this year and will be presented at the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony on December 20. Bolt’s exploits this year include victory in the men’s 100m and 200m at the World Championships in Beijing after recovering from injuries. The public in the United Kingdom is being invited to cast their votes to decide on the overseas athlete of the
GSA/Digicel Farfan &... From page 33 will kick start proceedings when they face Team “C” Alec Melville, Matthew Phang, Maya Collins, Ethan Jonas, Kirsten Gomes, James Mekdeci, Kamir Khan, Beau Fernandes, and Shiloh Asregado. In the second match, which will take place on court three Team “B” featuring Benjamin Mekdeci, Daniel Islam, Makeda Harding, Lucas Jonas, Michael Alphonso, Nathan Rahaman, Georgiana Fernandes, Mikhail Persaud and Noah Rahaman will do battle against Team “E” - Taylor Fernandes, Alexander Cheeks, Michael Ramroop, Samuel Ince-Carvahal, Jason Gomes, Abosaide Cadogan, Liam Carpenter, Chad DeAbreu, and Christiana Fernandes. The tournament will be completed this Sunday, with teams vying for top points in the round robin competition.
Mae’s Primary crowned East... From page 31 D’Angelo Hall had a wicket apiece. Stella Maris Primary in reply was kept to 96/5 when their 14 overs expired as the Mae’s Primary bowlers showed good control, stifling the batsmen throughout the chase. Anthonio Williams was the main contributor with the bat with 28. Five Bowlers had a wicket each bowling for Mae’s Primary.
year for the first time in the history of the annual awards. Athletes competing for the award are Usain Bolt (athletics) Jamaica, Dan Carter (rugby union) New Zealand, Novak Djokovic (tennis) Serbia, Katie Ledecky (swimming) USA, Jordan Spieth (golf) USA and Serena Williams (tennis) USA. Just last week, Bolt missed out on The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) male athlete of the year award for 2015, an event he has won five times.
Usain Bolt
Lara breaks Sir Garry’s... From page 32 Kallis smashed centuries as South Africa piled up 604-4 declared. Gayle (107) and Sarwan (119) scored tons in the second innings when their team was asked to follow on, to end another dismal ‘away series’ for the Windies. The West Indies returned
to home soil for the four test series against England and were soundly beaten in every test until Lara, on another batting paradise in Antigua, broke the world record (for the 2nd time) which was held briefly by Matthew Hayden of Australia who had broken Lara’s 1994 record with his 380.
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What cricket means to West Indians (Part 9)
Lara breaks Sir Garry’s record at ARG By Sean Devers Lara, who later that year scored the highest individual score in a first class-match (501* for Warwickshire vs Durham in England) broke Sobers’ 59-year-old record of 365 with a sensational innings of 375 in the final test of the 1994 series against England at the ARG after Shivnarine Chanderpaul (19yrs, 219 days) had become the youngest Guyanese and sixth youngest West Indian test player in the second test of that series in Guyana. Walsh also became the first specialist bowler to captain the West Indies in the final test of that series. Lara’s first century in the West Indies was scored in the second test in Guyana, while Chanderpaul finished his debut series with four half centuries including his unbeaten 75 when he helped Lara to his world record score in the final test. The next year saw the West Indies lose their first series in 15 years when Australia won 2-1 at home to start a downhill journey for the once invincible team. FALLFROM GRACE: From the 1995 home series defeat to Australia, Ian Bradshaw, at age 31, became the 55th player (2006 vs New Zealand) to debut for the regional team. Five debutants played in the 2003 series against Australia, two in the 2003 Sri Lanka series, while 10 other players were given their first test cap in 2004/05 alone. Lara became the first captain to lose three consecutive test matches at home when Australia won the series 3-1 in 2004. Captains Richardson, Walsh, Lara (twice), Adams, Hooper, Jacobs, Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Ganga, Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Floyd Reifer and Sammy in addition to five WICB Presidents (Peter Short, Pat Rousseau, Wes Hall, Teddy Griffith and Julian Hunte) had come and gone since 1995. Hall did not seek re-election due to health reasons and Chetram Singh was elected WICB President in July 2003. He was later forced to relinquish the post due to the ICC’s stipulation that no one connected with any form of public gambling would be allowed to attend ICC meetings. Singh, who held the post of Guyana Cricket Board President since 1992, owns a Hose Racing betting shop in
Georgetown Guyana. His tenor as GCB head ended in 2010. Richardson (suffering from acute fatigue syndrome) resigned during the 1996 World Cup after four years in the job. Walsh was dismissed after the 3-0 defeat in Pakistan and Lara given the job he had been groomed for since his days at the youth level. After two years of what he called “moderate success and devastating failure” Lara quit before the 2000 series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan and took a break from the game. Adams was next and although he won at home he became the first captain to lose a series in England in 31 years before being hammered 5-nill in Australia. Loss of form and failure as skipper resulted in the end of Adams’ career prior to the 2001 home series against South Africa. Adams was at the helm when England beat West Indies by an innings and 39 runs in two days at Leeds in the fourth test of the 2000 series. The only other time the Caribbean side had lost a test in two days was 69 years be-
2003 World Cup Hooper was replaced by Lara. Hooper, hurt by the WICB’s manner in sacking him as skipper, pulled out of the squad for the 2003 home series against Australia days before the start of the first test in his homeland Guyana. West Indies register record 418-7 to prevent Australia’s clean sweep After losing the first three tests in the 2003 home series, West Indies spearheaded by centuries from Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, scored a world record 418-7 (the highest successful fourth innings score to win) to beat Australia on the final day of a nerve raking test at the ARG. Sarwan scored 105 and Chanderpaul 104 after Lara had made 60 but it was Vasbert Drakes (27*) and Omari Banks (47*) who guided West Indies home in mounting pressure on the morning session of the final day which the home team began with 47 needed for the sensational win. The match was marred by poor umpiring from David
Sarwan did not back down from McGrath.
fore in Australia. Sarwan hit an unbeaten 59 as West Indies made 172 to which England replied with 272 as Ambrose and Walsh took four wickets each. England, with a lead of 100, then sent the West Indies reeling for 61 as five batsmen made ducks and only three managed double figures. Andy Caddick (5-14) and Daren Gough (4-30) were the architects of destruction for England. Hooper, the fifth captain in six years, was appointed in 2001 but after the
Sheppard and an ugly confrontation between Glen McGrath and Sarwan. With the West Indies gaining the upper hand and the battle becoming more and more intense, a frustrated McGrath reportedly asked Sarwan “What does Brian Lara’s c--k taste like?” Sarwan replied, “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask your wife?” This angered McGrath whose wife Jean had recently completed cancer treatment. “If you ever f---g mention my
Lara kisses the ARG pitch after his record breaking innings. wife again I will rip your f---g throat out,” McGrath reportedly shouted at Sarwan. Both parties apologized later and although McGrath had started the verbal fight, Prime Minister of Australia John Howard defended the Australian cricketer by reportedly saying that ‘it was an Australian thing to do’. Another feature of that pulsating match was the fact that Chanderpaul batted with a broken finger (and a bat). Very few people (even those in the West Indies team) knew Chanderpaul’s finger was broken before his innings began. This was to prevent the tourists from getting any psychological advantage in the match and was one of the best kept cricketing secrets in recent times. West Indies had lost 35 of their 46 ‘away’ matches between 1997 (including losing both tests and five ODI’s against New Zealand in 1999 in New Zealand) and 2003. They were in danger of losing two home series in the same year for the first time if they had lost the second and final test to Sri Lanka in the 2003 home series. West Indies eventually won that game in Jamaica by seven wickets with Fidel Edwards (a short but powerful Barbadian who produced hostile pace from a slinging action and who was picked by Lara after he saw him bowl in a ‘net’ session) bagging 536 on debut. After their 1-nil win at home against Sri Lanka, West Indies traveled to Zimbabwe and beat the home team 1-nil in the two test series after just
Carl Hooper enjoyed his best days when he was Windies skipper.
holding on for a draw in the first test despite another 5wicket haul from the Bajan Edwards. Lara’s splendid 191 then gave his team a 128-run victory in the second and final test. West Indies ended 2003 with big defeats in the first two tests of their four-test series in South Africa despite a double century (202) from Lara in the first which they lost by 189 runs. In the second test, Gibbs, Kallis and Kirsten all registered tons in the same innings as the West Indies were crushed by an innings and 65 runs on the penultimate day
of 2003. 2004 began much better for the Caribbean side as Lara (115) and Chris Gayle (116) in the first innings and an explosive unbeaten 105 from 105 balls with 15 fours and two sixes from debutant Dwayne Smith in the second innings ensured the match finished in a draw as Lara (86) and Sarwan (69) chipped in with the bat. The fourth and final test was played from January 1620 and once again the West Indies were back to their losing ways, going down by 10 wickets to lose the series 3nill. Gibbs, Graham Smith and (Continued on page 31)
Thursday December 03, 2015
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Female volleyballers Young Warriors Cricket Club honours three outstanding Berbicians with life membership for Olympics qualifier in Uruguay Two female beach volleyball teams left the shores of Guyana today to participate in the second leg of the South American Confederation Cup vying for a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games. The Confederation Cup is basically a qualification round for affiliated federations seeking spots in the Olympics and having gotten past the first round in Brazil last year, the Guyana Volleyball Federation is expected to open its second round campaign in Uruguay on December 4th. The two female pairs of (1) Subrina Munroe and Odile Broomes and, (2) Daniella Collier and Lambie Cave have been going through daily training sessions in the National Park for the past three weeks and despite a lack of experience in the beach version of the game their indoor skill is expected to prove beneficial in their beach volleyball debut. In an invited comment Coach Ian Wills expressed satisfaction with the dedica-
tion and commitment shown by the ladies during training sessions, but outlined that the time he had with the ladies to prepare them for a tournament of this magnitude was inadequate. “The outdoor version of the game is totally different in many aspects and as such I would have needed a few months at least in order to acclimatise the ladies with the various differences and to make them competent to the level that beach volleyball comes naturally to them,” Wills said Despite all the short comings, Wills still expects a good showing from the ladies as he pointed out that the team of Collier and Cave has vast indoor experience, while the strength Munroe and Broomes is their fitness. The tournament runs from December 4th to 6th and the Guyana contingent which also includes Manager Andrea Flores is expected to depart from Ogle International Airport on December 2nd and return on December 9th.
MOBILE WIZARD 10/10...
Wins for Leonora Youths, Viper XI, Power XI, MetenMeer-Zorg, Superstreet XI The Guyana Softball League (GSL) 10/10 tournament sponsored by Mobile Wizard, Trophy Stall, Miss Love Trading and Wolf ’s Furniture Store completed its seventh Weekend with several teams recording victories. Meten Meer Zorg (MMZ) XI beat Zeeburg by 42 runs. Batting first, MMZ scored 137-9 with 36 extras. Zeeburg were bowled out for 95 in 8.1 overs in reply; Rooplall Deonarine took 2-11. Leonora Youths outplayed Ocean View XI by 40 runs. Leonora batted first and scored a commanding 148-4. Raghunath Tulsieram struck a 59 (3x4, 6x6) while Krishna Murti scored 46 (3x4, 5x6). Ocean View replied with 108-7. Adrian Ramsammy made 42 (3x4, 4x6). Viper XI trounced Next Level XI by 41 runs. Vipers XI took first strike and rattled up 160-6 with Assalam Zaman scoring 34 and Vickash Totaram 35. In reply Mark Ally with 43(3x6; 4x4) and Sanjay Hanuman 35 (3x6; 3x4) started
brightly but after they were dismissed the rest of the batting fell away as Next Level ended on 119-7. Power XI defeated Irfaan XI by 8 wickets. Irfaan XI batted first and were bundled out for 40 all out in 7 overs. Jaipaul Singh snared 4-5. Power XI then took 3.3 overs to hit off the runs for the lost of 2 wickets with Danny King hitting 21 not out. Superstreet Reloaded gained a walkover from United Muslim Youth. Meanwhile, two players Jermain Maxwell of United Muslim Youth and Dhaniram Moonsammy of Superstreet Reloaded have been banned from participating in any tournaments under GSL for bringing the game into disrepute. United Muslim Youth’s Wazir Ali has been fined and will not be allowed to play unless cleared by GSL. Additionally, all captains are required to be at an urgent meeting today at 53 Kingston Street, Seafield, Leonora. Failure to attend can lead to teams not having any fixtures.
At a simple but significant ceremony held recently, the Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice honoured three outstanding sons of the East Canje area namely: Mr Ancel Hazel, Mr Mortimer George and attorney at law Mr Mursalene Bacchus with life membership for their contribution to the game of cricket and community development in general. Speaking on behalf of the club, former national senior cricketer Hubern Evans told the young cricketers in attendance that they may not know these gentlemen too well but they should read up on Berbice cricket history and then they will understand
their massive contribution to society, cricket in particular. He thanked the three gentlemen for the role they played over the years. Mr George was a policeman in his youthful days and a fearsome fast bowler who represented the county of Berbice. George also served the Berbice Cricket Board in several positions and was the longest serving secretary. Attorney at law Mr Bacchus is the president since the club was resuscitated over 15 years ago. Mr Hazel is a founder member of the Cumberland Cricket Club now YWCC and went on to play first division for Rose Hall Estate CC. He
then went on to play for Berbice in the first ever inter county cricket competition. He was also the headmaster of the Cumberland Primary School and served in the Berbice Cricket Board in all possible positions. He was also a village Councilor before heading the said Neighbourhood Democratic Council. In response on behalf of all the recipients, Mr Hazel thanked the club for the kind gesture and promised to help the further development of the club in every possible way. He charged the cricketers, which included West Indies Under-19 and Senior National opener
Shimron Hetmyer, to make full use of the opportunities available these days with so much financial benefits to be had when you are a successful cricketer. He related how difficult things were in the old days but admitted that the joy of playing the game was the motivating factor in those times. In closing, he expressed disappointment in the abolishment of Senior Inter County cricket in Guyana, taking away the pride of playing for one’s county. He said that he is not too sure what will be the incentives the youngsters will now play for. He hopes that that decision will be reversed in the near future.
Plans being finalised for LABA’s yearend tourney starting Saturday at MSC hardcourt As plans are being finalised with one of Guyana’s giant beverage companies for the annual Christmas basketball tournament in Linden, the organizing body, the Linden Amateur Basketball Association, has said that the opening matches in this competition will start Saturday when Block 22 Flames and Half Mile Bulls collide in the first game at 7.00pm and the second at 9.00pm is between Retrieve Raiders and Bankers Trust Falcons at the tournament venue the Mackenzie Sports Club. The ten day tournament will be played on a round robin basis before the top four clubs advance to the semifinals and then the final on January 2, 2016. The next playing day is
Monday with game one being Retrieve Raiders and Bakers Trust Block 22 Flames at 7.00pm and the other at 9.00pm between Amelia’s Ward Jets and Victory Valley royals. According to a release from the LABA, six clubs are competing in the tournament: Block 22 Flames, Retrieve
Raiders, Bankers Trust Falcons, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Victory Valley Royals and Half Mile Bulls. There will be a tournament briefing tomorrow (Friday) at 5.30pm at the Mackenzie Sports Club Lounge where the tournament rules, fixtures and other information about
the tournament will be given. Clubs are invited to send their club captains, coaches and one executive member to the meeting. The paying dates are December 5, 7, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19 and 29 when the semifinals are to be played and the grand final on January 2, 2016.
GSA/Digicel Farfan & Mendes junior Christmas team tourney underway Squash aficionados will have the opportunity to enjoy another bout of intense competition as the annualJunior Christmas team tournament, sponsored by Farfan and Mendes, closes out another successful year for the sport in Guyana which started yesterday. The tournament, hosted by the Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel, will feature five 9-
member teams and will be played at the Georgetown Club. Two matches will be played on opening night. On court one at 6:00 P.M. team “Rising Stars” comprised of Nyron Joseph, Anthony Islam, Rebecca Low, Demetrius DeAbreu, Dominic Collins, Aliyah Persaud, Haley Carpenter, Mashal Allicock, and Louis DaSilva (Continued on page 31)
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Johnson expects T&T pitch to have a bit more bounce than Providence - Jaguars depart Guyana for PCL By Sean Devers Defending champions Guyana Jaguars departed for the Ogle Airport from the GCC ground in pouring rain early yesterday morning for Trinidad & Tobago where they are scheduled to play their fourth round game in the WICB PCL First Class cricket Franchise against home team T&T Red Force from tomorrow at the Queens Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. Twenty-eight year-old Skipper Leon Johnson is confident his team can continue their winning ways from Guyana with another solid performance in Carnival County and expects the ‘Oval’ track to have a bit more bounce than the one at Providence where they beat the Windwards, Leewards and Barbados to maintain their top place position with 53 points. “I expect a little more bounce than Providence from the Trinidad pitch and some help for the spinners. But it
should be similar to the pitches we played on in Guyana. If the pitch is what I expect it to be we will play all three spinners but you never know what type of pitch we will be prepared and we will pick the final X1 when we get to the ground and see the conditions,” a confident Johnson stated. Johnson has played four Tests and could be considered a bit unfortunate not being selected for the homes series against England and Australia after scoring 44 & 54 in his last Test match in South Africa. “We are coming off three wins in Guyana and everyone has gotten starts with (Rajendra) Chandrika and Vishaul (Singh) getting centuries. Our totals this season have been consistently high and everyone is in high spirits going into this game,” the Jaguars Captain disclosed. “It’s a bit of a concern for me that I have gotten starts without going on to three figures but I know I have been
batting well …I got 74, 29 and 20 not out in Guyana so I won’t let those concerns affect my batting and I am determined to get a hundred in Trinidad,” Johnson, who has only been able to convert only two of his 26 First Class scores over 50 into centuries. Test batsman Narsingh Deonarine, who scored backto-back tons for Guyana in the inaugural PCL, is now playing for T&Ts Red Force and Johnson said that the Berbician left-hander is a quality player and it will be a challenge bowling to him and facing his off-spin. “Of course Narsingh is a quality player that we would miss in our side. I also suspect that he would love to do well against us and I am sure there will be some byplay in this game between him and the Guyanese players. We know how he plays and we are determined to perform to our full potential to extend our unbeaten run in this tournament which began after the
third round game against Barbados last year.” The Jaguars have now gone 10 matches without a loss and Tagenarine Chanderpaul has been added to the 13-man squad since
Shemron Hetymer is expected not be unavailable for the fifth round in Jamaica next weekend. Jaguars squad: Leon Johnson (Capt), Vishaul Singh (V/Capt), Assad Fudadin, Shemron Hetymer,
Shiv Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Chris Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Guyana’s top referees remain on FIFA list for 2016 Guyana’s eight leading football referees will remain on the FIFA list for 2016 with the World Governing body for the sport conveying such to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) recently. Head of the GFF’s Referee Department Stanley Lancaster submitted the eight names to FIFA and after evaluation of primarily the International tournaments the group officiated in this year, the Guyanese officials were kept on the illustrious list. Regarded as one of the best referees in the CONCACAF region, Sherwin Moore was listed by FIFA as
the country’s number one referee. Berbician Sherwin Johnson was ranked number two by FIFA. Venton Mars, Trevor Porter, Lenval Peart, Kevin Stephens and Kleon Lindey were the Assistant Referees. It was no surprise that the top female referee in Guyana, Maurice Skeete was given a nod of approval by FIFA, since she had officiated, with distinction, at several marquee Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF Women’s tournament this year. Meanwhile, Lancaster noted that his department’s
Sherwin Moore aim is to add more Guyanese official to the FIFA list.
Rose Hall Town Metro Female team defeat No. 52 Under-19 by 61 runs The Rose Hall Town Metro Female team won their fifth successive game against their male counterparts when they cruised past No. 52 Survival Under-19 team in a 25Overs cricket match by 61 runs. Superbly led by West Indies allrounder Shemaine Campbelle, Guyana’s only female hardball cricket team thrilled a large crowd last Saturday at the No. 52 Ground with a superb display of top class cricket. No. 52 Survival Under-19 team won the toss and inserted the visitors to take first strike. National players Melanie Henry and Shaneeta Grimmond added 72 for the first wicket before Henry was caught and bowled by Richard Drepaul for 22.
Grimmond went on to score an impressive 35 and along with skipper Shemaine Campbelle 49 and fellow national player Plaffiana Millington 32 saw Rose Hall Town Metro to an impressive 175 for 6 off their 25-overs. Campbelle struck five boundaries and a massive six before she was dismissed off the last ball of the innings. Bowling for No. 52 Survival, Drepaul claimed three wickets for 32 runs from 5overs, while N. Tulsi took 2 for 27. Needing to score 176 from 25-overs, the U-19’s faced the embarrassment of being defeated by females. The No. 52 Under-19 team suffered an early set back when medium pacer Sherica Campbelle had R. Tulsi caught behind by Shemaine Campbelle for 02 at 13 for 1 in the 3rd over. The home team never recovered and were restricted to 114 all out from 20.3 overs. Only Hemant Singh with a composed 33, Raj Rahaman 18 and D. Rahaman 13 reached double figures as the Rose Hall Town Metro Female bowled well and were brilliant in the field. Offspinner Melanie Henry took four wickets for 25 runs
from five impressive overs, Shabati Gajnabi took 3 for 30 from five overs, while Plaffiana Millington, Sherica Campbelle and Shaneeta Grimmond took one wicket a piece. Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Hilbert Foster and Coach Collis Butts both expressed gratitude to the No. 52 team for inviting the Metro Female team and for hosting them. Foster noted that the Berbice cricketing public was very supportive of the female team and the Club was receiving numerous invitations from across the country as male teams from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, Essequibo and the Corentyne Coast are requesting to play Guyana’s only female hardball cricket team. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket Development Committee would only accept such requests after careful consideration of the club’s track record of hosting teams and a willingness to make a return visit to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Foster is also challenging established first division teams across Guyana to form a female cricket division.
Thursday December 03, 2015
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Hotel Riverton Suites/Upper Corentyne U-19 cricket competition...
Skeldon and No. 72 Cut and Load advance to final
T
he Skeldon Community Centre and No. 72 Cut and Load Cricket Club have advanced to the final of the 2015 Hotel Riverton Suites Upper Corentyne Under-19 cricket competition which is scheduled for this Sunday December 6 at the No. 72 Cut and Load ground. Skeldon CC being runner up last year to No. 70 Young Star will want to make amends this time around against the boys from No. 72 whom they have defeated in the preliminary rounds. Skeldon CC will be clear favourites going into the final having lost no matches in the preliminary rounds of the competition. However, the No. 72 boys will be playing at home with only one loss in the preliminary rounds, will want to make amends for their defeat at the hands of Skeldon earlier in the competition which was played at the Skeldon ground. The Skeldon team will be lead by Deon Esau, whilst the No. 72 Cut and Load will be lead by Davanand Chatterpaul, both of whom have done well with both bat and ball so far in this competition. The leading run scorer in this competition so far is Ritish Bhagratti of No. 72 Cut and Load with 166 runs
from 3 innings followed by his team mate and captain Davanand Chatterpaul 115 runs from 3 innings and Deon Esau of Skeldon on 113 runs from 2 innings. The leading wicket taker is Davanand Chatterpaul with 13 wickets from 3 innings followed by Aslim Baksh of Skeldon with 9 from 3 innings also. This competition started with five teams in Skeldon Community Centre, No. 72 Cut and Load, Crabwood Creek, No. 48 challengers and Yakusari and was played on a round robin basis 50 overs format with the top two teams reaching the final. The winner will receive $30,000 and a trophy, whilst the runner up will receive $20,000 and a trophy. $5,000 each will be given to Best bowler and best batsman in the competition, MVP of the competition and man of the match in the final. They will also receive a trophy each. This competition in its second year is sponsored by Dr. Pooran Seepersaud, proprietor of Hotel Riverton Suites located along the public road of Corriverton and being organized by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. The executives of the UCCA are extending thanks to Dr. Seepersaud and his family for their support of cricket development in the Upper Corentyne area.
Adams to lead Essequibo in LFL
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eft arm spinner Anthony Adams was chosen to l e a d t h e Essequibo team in the upcoming Cricket Guyana Inc Local franchise League limited overs tournament. Experienced fast bowler Trevon Garraway and Allrounder Ryan Hercules have made a return to the team, while off-spinner Nokta Moses has gained a call up. The full squad reads; Anthony Adams (Capt.), Ricardo Adams, Ricardo Peters, Kevon Boodie, Parmesh Parsotam, Kemol Savory, Royan Fredericks, Hemchand Persaud, Kevin Gordon, Trevon Garraway,
Anthony Adams Nathan Persaud, Ryan Hercules, Vishwanauth Lall, Nokta Moses and Keisho Rooplall.
Flashback to the presentation of the sponsorship cheque and trophies by Dr. Pooran Seepersaud, proprietor of Hotel Riverton Suites to UCCA President Mr. Dennis De Andrade. Also in photo are other executives of the UCCA.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 03, 2015
GCB/BANKS DIH/DIGICEL NSSCL…
Klitschko wants heavyweight Tucville Secondary into rematch with Fury South Georgetown semifinal
Tyson Fury in action with Wladimir Klitschko. (Action Images via Reuters / Lee SmithLivepic)
(Reuters) Vladimir Klitschko wants a rematch against Tyson Fury to try to regain his world heavyweight boxing titles, he said on Wednesday. The Ukrainian-born former IBF, WBA and WBO title holder has exercised his right to request a second meeting with the Englishman, who defeated him in a unanimous points victory in Duesseldorf on Saturday. He announced his intentions on his website (www.klitschko.com) and in a statement on his Instagram account. The 39-year-old Klitschko said: “I have a pre-season Christmas gift for Tyson Fury and all boxing fans around the world: I will be
making use of my contractual option for a rematch against Fury. So... the fight of 2016 is in the making.” He said on his website that he felt “really frustrated” immediately after Saturday’s fight but added: “After some short nights, I now know that I want to show that I am much better than my performance on Saturday. Failure is not an option.” Fury’s trainer and uncle, Peter Fury, told Sky Sports television that his camp were happy with the rematch. “It’s in the contract. We’re very happy to take it.” Details have still to be worked out but the trainer said London’s Wembley Stadium next year was a possibility.
Tucville Secondary led by half-centuries from Ricky Stewart and Godfrey Phillips crushed Ascension High School by 145 runs to book a semi-final spot in the South Georgetown Zone of the GCB National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel. At Everest ground, Tucville Secondary won the toss and elected to bat. They amassed 201/5 off 20 overs on the back of half centuries from Ricky Stewart and Godfrey Phillips. Stewart struck 56 which included six fours and three sixes, while Phillips chipped in with 55 decorated with four boundaries and three sixes as they dispatched the Ascension High School bowlers to all parts of the ground. Brandon Rose took 2/52 bowling for Ascension High School. Ascension High School’s reply was a very short one as they were blown away for 55 in just 11.3 overs. Romeo Brown had excellent figures of 4/12 while Shemieu Gasper and Stewart took two wickets
…Cummings Lodge and Lusignan also victorious
Godfrey Phillips
each bowling for Tucville S e c o n d a r y. O v e r a t Enterprise ground,
Ricky Stewart
Cummings Lodge got the better of Apex Academy by five wickets. Batting first after winning the toss, Apex Academy were bowled out for just 69 runs in the 19th over. Mohammed Jumaladeen offered some resistance with 18 not out. Bowling for Cummings Lodge Secondary, Prakash Debidyal had outstanding figures of 4/9 off 4.4 overs. Reaz Mohamed supported well with 3/11. Cummings Lodge Secondary replied with 70/5 in 11.1 overs. Reaz Mohammed scored 18 while Chandra Mohan captured 3/30. In another match played at Enterprise ground, Dequan France’s 5-wicket haul led his team to a crushing 8-wicket victory. Ta k i n g f i r s t s t r i k e , Annandale Secondary wer bowled out for a paltry 47 in just 8.3 overs as France produced excellent figures of 5/18 off 3.3 overs bowling for Lusignan Secondary. Shaun Cudjoe supported well with 2/11. Lusignan Secondary took just five overs to knock off the target as France returned with the bat to score 17 not out.
Thursday December 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 37
“We will beat Milerorck in their own backyard”
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learly reluctant to divulge the team’s strategies heading into their showdown in the GTT / Limacol Round Robin / Knockout League final on Sunday, Head Coach / Manager of East Coastbased Victoria Kings Calvin Marks, however, related that they’ve been hard at training and expects to beat Milerock in their own backyard, the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. “I really don’t want to say much about our plans, all I’m prepared to say at this stagd is that weare working hard towards a victory and the guys are confident and relaxed head of Sunday’s showdown against Milerock.” Marks said that over the next two days they will do light training with Saturday planned to be a theoretical session as they aim to get their systems right for the clash. He added that the
- Coach Marks pursuit for victory will be led by the 41 year-old veteran Winston Pompey, who has been in scorching form and the one who engineered their win in their semi-final engagement against Topp XX with a stunning volley. Marks added that Pompey’s strike partner Akeem Holder is also being relied on to get goals, while the in-form Alden Lawrence, who too has played a pivotal role in the team’s success to date will be called on to replicate earlier performances. Then there are Captain Calvin DeSouza and Aubrey Gibson, two experienced players with immense skill and along with defenders Sherlock Dowding, Shawn samuels, Samuel Blackett and Obesie Johnson, the team looks loaded with talent and players capable of taking them all the way. Mentioned was also
made of goalkeeper Ron Collins, who has looked competent between the uprights and his role will be crucial in their quest for the top prize. The two principals seems set to thrill the fans in what is being described as a battle between Region 4 and 10 with bragging rights a significant factor in all of this. Marks reminded that as far as he knows they hold a slight advantage in the head to head matchup and they will be using that as added motivation to beat up the hosts at home. He reminded that a large travelling contingent from the East Coast will be in the Mining Town to offer much needed support to the team. Sunday’s final promises to be a sizzler and fans are being urged to be there to witness the regional rivalry.
Three of the players Victoria Kings will be relying on to lead them to victory are (from left)-Aubrey Gibson, Winston Pompey and Alden Lawrence.
Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket…
Mae’s Primary crowned East Georgetown champions
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n the back of another fine batting display by Jonathan Van-Lange, Mae’s Primary overcame Stella Maris Primary in the final of the East Georgetown Zone of the GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket. Winning the toss and batting first, Mae’s Primary compiled 130/4 in 14 overs as Van-
Lange followed his match winning knock of 42 in the semi-final with another good showing in the final by scoring 43 not out striking one four and four sixes. He was well supported by J. Hoenkirk who contributed 26 and O.Percival with 25. Bowling for Stella Maris Primary, Anthonio Williams and (Continued on page 31)
t r o Sp
Johnson expects T&T pitch to have a bit more bounce than Providence P. 28
Jaguars depart Guyana for PCL
WE READY TO ROAR! Defending champs Guyana Jaguars leaving for the airport yesterday morning to depart for T&T for their next game in the PCL.
Female volleyballers for Olympics qualifier in Uruguay
Guyana’s female Beach volleyballers pose for a photo op recently.
Klitschko wants heavyweight rematch with Fury Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210