Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
WHO IS SPEAKING THE TRUTH – Minister Ramsammy or Dr. Luncheon? DEAR EDITOR, The headline booms out Minister Ramsammy says pumps are here, Dr. Luncheon says no? Who really is speaking the truth? First of all, we want to make it very clear to all and sundry that the Minister’s checkered past leaves us no doubt but to believe Dr. Luncheon and not Mr. Ramsammy.
If one were to observe the empirical evidence that evidence would reveal that in a New York Federal Court Room in 2009, Minister Ramsammy was identified as the alleged purchaser of cellular interception equipment on behalf of the Government of Guyana after firm evidence was submitted to the court. However, when
Of prisoners and witnesses DEAR EDITOR, In response to a letter headed “Worrying Incidents at the Bartica Magistrate’s court” in Kaieteur News dated Sunday, December 1, 2013. The letter writer spoke about the treatment meted out to the mother of the deceased and the privileges granted to the accused but I would like to inform the letter writer that in all courts everybody is subjected to turn off their phone or to put it on silent when in and around the court building. The mother of the deceased should have taken her phone off or go on the road to take her call. The accused are not granted any special treatment
because they are rich as claimed by the letter writer. Prisoners are allowed to speak to their relatives for a short period of time. What I would like to mention is that the letter writer did not find worrying when one of the witnesses was in the witness box his relatives were in the courtroom and making signs to him. They were shaking their head to him for him to answer in the affirmative or the negative. This is totally wrong. I ask that the commissioner ask his ranks to look carefully at people attending court who are bent on speaking to witnesses and hampering evidence. Concerned citizen
Minister Nandlall should resign DEAR EDITOR, How is it that the National Assembly, including Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, voted unanimously for the Local Government Commission Bill and then advises the President that it is unconstitutional? He should resign. Editor, would the Honourable Minister kindly indicate what constitutional provision is there for the Clerk of the National Assembly to send the Bills voted for in the House to the Attorney General before it is sent to the President for his assent or non assent. Randolph Eleazar
asked about his signature on a letter authorizing the purchase, Minister Ramsammy told Stabroek News in 2009 “No, I did not” sign those documents. He went on to say, “That is all I am willing to say.” The records revealed that he tried his very best to bury history and has not to date cleared his name. The evidence still remains in place to support the facts that Minister Ramsammy quite conveniently refused to acknowledge his own signature. When a Minister can doubt his own signature and yet remain in cabinet to conduct the people’s business shows how corrupt and unethical the PPP regime is. How can the Minister doubt his own signature? If he does not know, we are telling him that that the President knows that he is a crook but is only tolerating him for the time being. The Minister has no credibility left. It also goes to show that we have a President who is clearly not in charge and who does not know what to do. If he does, he would have fired both ministers. Now today this Minister tells us that all the Surendra Pumps that were paid for since 2011 are in Guyana, while Dr. Luncheon says, NO this is not the case? Who should the people believe? We say Dr. Luncheon and not the minister. Minister Ramsammy, you are busted for the second time. You should resign and bow out of politics before it becomes more disgraceful for you or before you are fired. Dr. Luncheon has already given you your dismissal warning notice, take it and run before the cabinet reshuffle takes place. However, this relationship
with Surrendra Engineering and some of the corrupt ones in the regime brings out a much bigger issue that clearly exposes another example of how the PPP is transferring the wealth from the Treasury to the pockets of friends and political sponsors. According to the Auditor General Report on the Public Debt, the people of Guyana had to pay $38 million in interest in 2012 for this $808 million loan from India to procure these pumps. However, this money was passed on to Surrendra Engineering who had all this cash at their disposal for two full years. The company has not paid one cent in interest to the people of Guyana. This is a clear act of lending Surrendra Engineering an interest free loan of $808 million for two years while the people have to pay the Government of India $38 million a year in interest. This is another example of wanton squander-mania of the state resources by the PPP. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
Let’s proceed with the development of Bourda, GFC grounds DEAR EDITOR, It is with much interest that I read of a proposal to develop the Bourda and Guyana Football Club grounds. Guyanese would know that these two grounds are beyond priceless for the role they played in Guyana’s sports. Who can forget the great matches involving the Clive Lloyds, Kalicharrans, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Rohan Kanhai? The nearby football club has many bruising encounters that have forever been etched in the minds of sports lovers. With the coming of the Providence stadium, we all saw the decline of two grounds and their facilities to the point that it is a pain to see it now. To learn now that a proposal is on the table for the development of the two grounds is heartening. I am more than convinced that Guyana would be happy to see moves, and tangible ones at that, to develop the grounds. I do believe that Government should therefore,
as the issue is so close to the hearts of Guyanese, to start the process moving. I do humbly suggest that we can invite expressions of interest publicly for investors to make proposals. Let the process be open and in a transparent manner to the public. In that way there can be no questions about the project when it is awarded. I am sure that the many who have raised objections over the deal with New GPC would be more than glad to contribute to something so meaningful. We have many businesses here that have monies but would like to have a chance. New GPC can be afforded the opportunity to participate in such a transparent process. Last week’s leaking of the proposal by New GPC has opened our eyes to the possibilities that we have to start thinking differently. As such, let us endeavor not to stop development of this country. Rather, let us start thinking out of the box. Cobeer Persaud
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Wednesday December 04, 2013
PPP highlights preparations Taxi driver shot, loses licenced firearm in car wash robbery for Local Govt. elections People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has highlighted the various preparations being made for the holding of the Local Government Elections—the first in over 19 years. General Secretary Clement Rohee said that the party has noted the current approaches taken by the various arms of the “PPP/C Government” in fulfilling respective Constitutional and Statutory mandates with regards to the preparation for the holding of Local Government Elections. He said that it is testimony of President Donald Ramotar’s commitment, made on behalf of the PPP/C Government, to hold Local Government Elections as soon as possible.
Rohee told the media that the PPP, the governing party, continues to follow the developments and is very supportive of the government’s efforts in this direction. He commended in particular, the public awareness information placed by the Guyana Elections Commission in the print and electronic media as well as the distribution and posting of Sketch Maps, Description of Boundaries and Booklets on the “new” Electoral system. The General Secretary also pointed out the seminars/ workshops which were organized and are being held by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional
BUSINESSMAN SHOOTS ‘BIG CAT’ A businessman in New Amsterdam was on Monday, at around 15:30 hrs, summoned to a residence at Lot 38 Stanleytown, where a ‘big cat’ was spotted up a tree in the bushy yard. Upon arrival, the businessman, Errol Azar, stated that he spotted the relatively large cat, a young jaguar – about three feet in length – and shot the animal.
Development on behalf of the PPP/C. “The PPP, like the other Political Parties which have seats on the Regional Democratic Councils, has attended and participated in these seminars/ workshops...The PPP noted the attendance and participation at these seminars/workshops and is very pleased with the discussions which focused on topics extremely relevant to the holding of Local Government Elections. Rohee told the press conference as well, that the PPP commends President Ramotar’s withholding assent to the Local Government Bill and for returning it to the National Assembly in keeping with the Laws. He said that the Party is hoping that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) will now seize the opportunity to undo the errors they made in the Bill, so that the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils can benefit from the Local Government Task Force recommendations which were contained in the initial Bill when it was laid in Parliament in 2012.
The car wash where Fenton Duncan was robbed and shot.
Two men are hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being shot in separate incidents yesterday. Fenton Duncan, a taxi driver was robbed and shot in the abdomen around 12:25 hrs while at a car wash on Mandela Avenue. This newspaper was told by Duncan’s wife, Kim, that he has lost one of his kidneys as a result of the gunshot wound he sustained. And Samuel Daniels was
shot around 07:30 hrs yesterday in his left leg by a businessman at Bourda market when he tried to rob the man of his valuables. Up to press time, Daniels was in the theatre at the health institution undergoing surgery while Duncan was in the theatre’s recovery room. Police in a statement said that Duncan of Roxanne Burnham Gardens and Sherry Ramroop, 38, were at a car wash on Mandela Avenue,
Correction/Apology Kaieteur News in yesterday’s edition inadvertently reported that Education officials presided over overpayments to contractors the sum of S1.5B. The figure is in fact $1.5M. This publication reported that the payments were made for three projects—- an Information Technology (IT) Laboratory each for the Charity and Aurora Secondary Schools and the New Wing which was attached to the Patentia Secondary School. It was inadvertently reported that the Ministry overpaid the contractor for the Patentia Secondary School project, $885M over the two-year period. The figure is in fact, $885,000. It was also reported that the contractor for the IT Laboratory at Charity Secondary School was overpaid $398M, while the contractor at the Aurora Secondary school was overpaid $245M. Those figures are in fact S398,000 and $245,000 respectively. Kaieteur News apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
Georgetown, when they were held up by a man armed with a handgun. The release added that the gunman took away the personal jewellery of the two victims during which Duncan, who is a licenced firearm holder, retaliated. He was however shot to his abdomen by the armed man who also took way his firearm and escaped. The wounded man was rushed to the hospital where he was seen by doctors and was immediately taken to the theatre. A police source told this newspaper that it will not be difficult to identify Duncan’s shooter because the entire “episode” was caught on camera. Yesterday, at the car wash, an eyewitness who requested not to be named said that Duncan was at the car wash earlier but left after promising to return later. “He (Duncan) come back and as soon as he park and walk in, a man walk in behind he and start taking off his jewellery,” the eyewitness related. He added that after the gunman took away Duncan’s jewellery, he turned to a woman who was also in the car wash. “When he turned to the woman, Duncan took out his gun but the man turn and shoot he,” the eyewitness stressed. He added that it seems as if Duncan’s attacker followed him to the car wash. “Everything happened really fast. As soon as he fired the shot, he ran out with the man’s gun too,” the eyewitness stressed. Kaieteur News was told that the shooter’s accomplice was waiting for him on a CG bike on Mandela Avenue. Kim Duncan said that her husband’s jewellery is worth more than $1.5M.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
UN: Syria crimes evidence ‘indicates’ Assad role GENEVA (AP) — A growing body of evidence collected by U.N. investigators points to the involvement of senior Syrian officials, including President Bashar Assad, in crimes against humanity and war crimes, the U.N.’s top human rights official said Monday. The statement by Navi Pillay, who heads the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, adds to the pressure for quicker action on Syria ahead of a key peace conference planned for Geneva in January. The conference, brought on by combined U.N., U.S. and Russian diplomacy, would for the first time bring the Assad government and opponents together for face-to-face negotiations. “As we look around the world at the end of 2013, we see examples of situations where that readiness of the international community to act in time is already being sorely tested,” Pillay told a news conference that touched on trouble spots around the world. “In addition to Syria, where the scale and viciousness of the abuses being perpetrated by elements on both sides almost defies belief, the situation in the Central African Republic is deteriorating rapidly, and the alarm bells are ringing loud and clear.”Pillay said the Syrian abuses — suspected massacres, chemical attacks, torture, rape and a litany of other horrors — are being well documented by an expert
Navi Pillay
Bashar Assad
U.N. panel of investigators. “They’ve produced massive evidence,” she said. “They point to the fact that the evidence indicates responsibility at the highest level of g o v e r n m e n t , including the head of state.” Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad was dismissive of Pillay’s remarks. “She has been talking nonsense for a long time and we don’t listen to her,” he told The Associated Press in The Hague. Pillay said the lists of suspected criminals are handed to her on a confidential basis and will remain sealed until requested by international or national authorities for a “credible investigation,” and then possibly used for prosecution. Pillay said she worries about striking the right balance in determining how long to keep the information secret. The lists “rightly belongs to the people who suffered violations,” she said,
but they also must be kept sealed “to preserve the presumption of innocence” until proper judicial probes can be done that could lead to trial. Any prosecution before the International Criminal Court at The Hague appears to be a long way off because Syria is not a member of the court, so it would the U.N. Security Council to refer the matter. The 15-nation Council did so once before in the case of Sudan, in 2005, but would be unlikely to do so in Syria’s case because its key ally Russia is one of the council’s five permanent members that wield a veto. Pillay and the fourmember U.N. panel on Syria war crimes chaired by Brazilian diplomat and scholar Paulo Sergio Pinheiro has previously said Assad’s government and supporters and the rebels who oppose them have committed heinous war crimes during the nearly 3-year-old civil war in Syria that has killed more than 100,000 people.
White House tells Senate it opposes new Iran sanctions effort WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said yesterday it opposes a fresh effort by some in the U.S. Senate t o i m p o s e n e w sanctions against Iran, even if those penalties are not to take effect for months. Some senators have been discussing the idea of imposing new sanctions on Iran that would not take effect for six months, which would allow time to see whether Tehran abides by the terms of a deal reached 10 days ago that attempts to contain its nuclear program. Many lawmakers are skeptical about the deal reached in Geneva between negotiators for Iran and the so-called P5+1 countries,
Jay Carney which include the United States, and want to increase the pressure on Tehran by adding to sanctions.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said even delayed sanctions were unacceptable. “If we pass sanctions now, even with a deferred trigger which has been discussed, the Iranians, and likely our international partners, will see us as having negotiated in bad faith,” Carney told reporters. Carney said there are concerns in the Obama administration that any new sanctions imposed by Congress would serve to undermine the core architecture of the sanctions program. “Passing any new sanctions right now would undermine a peaceful resolution to this issue,” he said.
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Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
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The Sports Academy retreat The figure of US$30M seems quite popular these days. It is the same sum that it was said was being invested by a company which signed a MOU with the government for the construction of a recycling plant. That MOU was eventually withdrawn after Kaieteur News did its own due diligence on the investors. Now the figure of US$30M has reappeared again, this time in relation to a proposed sports academy that was to be established at the Georgetown Cricket Club and the Georgetown Football Club, two clubs that adjoin each other in the heart of Georgetown. After Kaieteur News broke the news about the offer that was being made to the GCC and the GFC, the investor pulled out of the deal claiming there was a breach of confidentiality. This is also a word that is being used very often whenever there are attempts to frustrate the release of information. The publishers of the Oxford Dictionary may soon have to redefine this word confidential, because it is taking on a completely new meaning in Guyana. The withdrawal of the proposal for the sports academy on the grounds of a breach of confidentiality is a very strange explanation, because if I were investing
US$30M in a socially desirable project such as a sports academy, I would want the entire country to know, because then I would have the backing of the entire country and be able to repel any opposition to this investment. It was therefore surprising that the offer to build the sports academy has been withdrawn, very surprising. Why would anyone be upset by the disclosure of such a good, good, good deed that was being done for sports in Guyana? If it were my company, I would want it announced on CNN, because I do not believe that there is any sports academy in the world that attracted a thirty million US dollar investment. Even the highly fancied football academy in Barcelona has not attracted that level of investment. This academy is one of the most expensive in Europe, but its recurrent costs of around five million Pounds per year pales in comparison to the overall investment of US$30M that was supposed to be in store for the GCC and GFC. Of course, it can be argued that what was proposed for GCC and the GFC was not just academy facilities. Training facilities do not cost a fortune and a sports academy can operate out of
any makeshift bond. The real investment, therefore, was most likely going to be made to the facilities at both grounds so that, it is said, they could host matches in the Limacol T20 competition. But why spend such a prohibitive sum when Guyana will only get about four matches the most each year? Why build another stadium in Demerara when there is already one at Providence? Why not Albion? And why should the new facility cost such a prohibitive sum? Six billion dollars is a huge sum of money. Why would you want to invest that in a country that already has a national stadium that has facilities and spectator facilities that are underutilized, year in year out? The government of India lent the Guyana government about US$25M to construct the National Stadium at Providence. The government also injected some of its own funds, but the overall tab was not likely to have exceeded US$30M, and the National Stadium is quite an impressive structure. It makes no economic sense to invest in another stadium. It makes little business sense to invest US$30M in a sports academy or even a sports complex inclusive of an academy.
Dem boys seh
US got Donald Trump; Guyana got Bobby Trump Dem got some names once you hear dem you get an idea of who this person is. Dem got nuff King but when people hear bout king dem does think bout King Kong. Freddie end up in court fuh that same name. Tek Donald. When people hear that name dem does see two Donald. Dem does see Donald de Trump and Donald de Ramotar. Donald de Trump is rich. He bigger than Richie Rich in Uncle Sam. Guyana got a Trump — Bobby de Trump. He richer than Donald de Trump, by far. Ask Donald de Ramotar. He know everything but he playing dead fuh see wha funeral he gun get. Is only time wid dem. Uncle Sam and Uncle Donald seh suh; not dem boys. Donald de Trump use to like tek over things—and tek over big things. He tek over de Taj Mahal. Bobby de Trump done tek over de Marriott de Hall.
Donald de Trump got the Trump Plaza; Bobby Trump got de Santa complex. Trump got TV, he got TV, radio, cable and he seh he nah able. Donald de Trump had many wives. All of dem lef he. Bobby de Trump nah got none suh none can’t lef he. Donald de Trump got plane. Bobby de Trump woulda got plane too, but de front man deh sitting protecting he behind in jail in Uncle Sam. Donald de Trump got plenty property all over Uncle Sam; Bobby de Trump got property all over Guyana. De difference is that Donald buy dem all wid he hard earned sweat money. Bobby de Trump get all he own from he best friend through de sweat and blood of de ordinary people. Donald de Trump does give away money to de poor and needy; Bobby de Trump hand more tight
than he gluteus maximus (he behind) wha ain’t tight anyhow; ask Brazzy. Donald de Trump does deh behind a lot of shows, pageants and things like that. Bobby de Trump does deh behind Jagdeo. Donald de Trump used to have d e A p p r e n t i c e ; Jagdeo got Bobby de Trump as he Apprentice. Donald de Trump does deh to front wid everything. He does go to front and show he face, everywhere he go and fuh everything he do. This one hay, Bobby de Trump invisible. Is only in de Waterfalls paper people get to see who he is. He kick off big, big things in Guyana and de region, but people never see he face. He does always send he maninja. Ask Daniel de Lasher. Talk half and wait fuh Uncle Donald de Ramotar who planning fuh ram Daniel.
Where will the returns come from to repay this investment and generate a profit that would then be shared with the GCC and the GFC? Certainly hosting a few cricket matches each year in the Caribbean Premier League will not compensate for this level of investment? Would it clearly not be cheaper to simply rent the National Stadium for use of the academy and to also host the franchised regional T 20 matches? There is something that is not adding up about this proposal, which becomes all the more queer when one considers the haste with which the investor retreated from the deal. The investor backpedalled quickly after Kaieteur News publicized the
plans. It is difficult to contemplate why anyone would be upset at the publicizing of plans to make such a major investment. This is the type of decision that could do wonders for the image of the company making the investment and therefore it is something of a shock that a simple Kaieteur News report could force such a hasty retreat. Which makes one wonder all the while about this proposal? The officials of the GCC and GFC are yet to issue a public statement on the matter. As members’ clubs they surely cannot and should not claim confidentiality for not explaining whether those undertaking the negotiations
had a mandate from their membership to enter into any negotiations with the investor. I trust that given the sum to be invested, the GCC and GFC’s loss will be someone else’s gain. Perhaps the investor can look at Albion Sports Club. That is a large facility with enough space for an academy and an international size cricket ground for hosting international matches. And it can do with a US$30M upgrade. By the way, where was the money for the proposed investment coming from?
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Wednesday December 04, 2013
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The missing link in the PPP One of the greatest myths in world politics that began in the sixties and lasted way into the eighties, one that textbook after textbook published in the West stressed, was that the then USSR was dominated by a monolithic communist party. Beneath the surface, there were many factions pulling at each other. The same went for the Communist Party of China after the death of Mao. Changes come about in authoritarian structures when groups within emerge to advance their own way of thinking. In Guyana, the PNC under President Burnham was not the monolithic machine as many Guyanese thought it to be. Mr. Burnham
was too towering a figure of reverence inside the PNC for there to be opposition to him. But there were groups that argued with Burnham for different policy directions and succeeded. The radical Young Socialist Movement did not fall in line all the time and there were the occasional differences with Burnham. Dr. Ptolemy Reid and Desmond Hoyte were never yes men inside the PNC. As Burnham pursued some unpopular policies that began to threaten the PNC’s longevity, factions were born. Burnham was told in no uncertain terms that the flour ban was counter-productive. It didn’t change under
Burnham, but at that time, voices emerged to ask Burnham to change directions. When Desmond Hoyte became President, Hamilton Green led the opposition to him. By this time, there were sections of PNC leaders who opposed some of Hoyte’s plans. Hoyte fought back and removed them. This did not weaken Hoyte. Because he concentrated power in the government and sidelined the PNC itself. Hoyte eventually democratized Guyana. Though he wanted this, there were people inside his government that were advising him not to democratize. With the assumption to power of Bharrat Jagdeo, party politics took a turn that was less open than under Mr. Burnham and Hoyte. Mr. Jagdeo began as a schoolboy president, but as the years wore on, he used state power
to silence the PPP and succeeded in making the PPP his machine. In fact under Mr. Jagdeo, the PPP as a party in power became a monolithic structure that was more tightly controlled than the PNC under the presidencies of Burnham and Hoyte. There was absolutely no room for divergent views under President Jagdeo and even when party stalwart, Moses Nagamootoo confronted Mr. Jagdeo, he stood alone. The same happened with Khemraj Ramjattan and Navin Chandarpal. Under Mr. Jagdeo, no voices emerged as in the case of Mr. Burnham, when authoritarian governance became excessive. This is the party that Mr. Ramotar inherited when he became President. Why Mr. Ramotar has not done anything that is innovative as adumbrated in the Stabroek News editorial last Monday captioned, “Two Years of Stagnation,” is because unlike the communist parties in USSR, China and the PNC under Burnham and Hoyte, there are no agents of change inside
the Guyana Government or the PPP who can argue for a less inflexible exercise of power. The present PPP is an extremely, inflexible, monolithic unit at the moment and Mr. Ralph Ramkarran found this out in a most shocking way. Once Ramkarran spoke out and was humiliated, no groups ventured out to tell the PPP leadership that Ramkarran cannot be treated this way and he must be listened to. Ramkarran, like Nagamootoo, Ramjattan and Chandarpal, had no umbrella. It is this missing link that explains the plight of Guyana. It is this missing link that explains what the Stabroek News calls, two years of stagnation. Could a so-called progressive faction emerge in the PPP and seek a new direction that though it will be less autocratic, will still carry the PPP stamp? It doesn’t seem so. If it comes, it will be from some leaders who do not have the years of experience in the party as Ramkarran, Dr. Reid and Desmond Hoyte had in their respective organizations. The more
Frederick Kissoon seasoned, Stalinist players will crucify them. Maybe there is a second missing link (this time in the country itself) that explains why there is no room for changes in the Ramotar administration – the absence of a strong civil society. Two situations explain this; one is the anti-money laundering Bill. If there was a strong private sector to press the Government, then maybe some movement could have occurred. The other is the moribund state of Georgetown. Again, there is no strong private sector to tell the PPP Government that it can’t let Georgetown rot as it is currently doing. So what lies in the future? Life is unpredictable. Phenomenal changes have occurred in countries we never could have imagined. Guyana cannot and will not be an exception.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
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GRPA to promote age Sluice gates at Hope/ Dochfour attract two bidders appropriate sex education Two bids were submitted under the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for the fabrication and delivery of eight stainless steel sluice gates for Construction of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) high level sluice outfall structure, Hope/Dochfour, East Coast Demerara, Region Four. The bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Ministry of Finance, Main Street.
In addition, bids were opened for the rehabilitation of NDIA Mobile and Fixed Pumps Components. The bids were divided into four lots, and there were two bidders:
The Ministry of Home Affairs received bids for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Forensic Laboratory furnishing. The bids were divided into six lots.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport received a lone bid for the installation of new air condition units at the National Cultural Centre.
Two bids were also opened for the construction of the eastern fence at the Ministry of Culture Head Office.
And the Culture Ministry received bids for the rehabilitation of Kyk-Over-Al Landing, Essequibo River.
The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is working to engage the education sector as well as community organizations in methods of cultivating a deeper understanding of human sexuality as an essential element of human rights and healthy social relationships. This is according to Executive Director, Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth. Reverend Bisnauth was speaking at the 40thAnnual General Meeting of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), which was held last Friday at the Regency Suites/Hotel. “We are working to strengthen our engagement with schools and community organizations on age appropriate comprehensive Sexuality Education, encouraging a shift to a more healthy conversation, which celebrates sexuality and fosters a sexual ethic, which is focused more on personal relationships and social justice rather than particular sexual acts.” “One of the biggest misconceptions that people have of sexual education is that if you provide this kind of education to an adolescent, they are going to want to have sex earlier. But this is not the case. Rather it has been noted that adolescents and youths who are better educated on these issues are likely to delay their sexual initiation and be better able to make wise choices. They are also likely to not suffer the same consequences as those who lack this vital information and support.” Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran congratulated the organization which was established with the agenda to struggle for gender justice and equality, which began in the pre and early independent era in Guyana.
He outlined efforts made by the Ministry of Health to address maternal mortality and recognized the important role of civil society organizations. The Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNFPA is developing a Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) policy for Guyana. SRH is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of all persons and essential to a fit and productive society. It is elemental to a healthy life and has an impact on sustainable development as it affects the most essential of a nation’s resources, its human capital. There is a close link between SRH and Gender Based Violence (GBV). Minister Ramsaran called on GRPA to expand its services to rural and hinterland communities and to engage in widespread, education and awareness on SRH and GBV. GRPA was established in 1973 with the primary aim of enabling women to have access to Family Planning information and services and to lift up this issue as important for Guyana. Its first Executive Director and Founder was Olga Byrne who holds a significant place in the history of the women’s rights movement in Guyana. GRPA has since expanded its focus to include a broader and more comprehensive approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health. In October 2013, GRPA launched the IPPF Vision 2020, which has 10 action points to advance the Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights agenda. This includes recognizing sexual rights as human rights and increasing access to family planning and SRH education. GRPA’s President Pamela Nauth said that the organization is committed to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights.
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Ramroop operating three radio stations with one licence The country’s regulators are moving to investigate reports that a radio company misused its licence by illegally operating three different broadcast stations on frequencies that should have been used as repeater stations for an extended broadcast. Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcast Authority (GNBA), Bibi Shadick, also said yesterday that the broadcast authority is hiring a number of lawyers to go after television and other broadcasters who are operating without licences. During a press conference at her South Road office, yesterday, to update on the work of GNBA, Shadick made it clear that it would be a breach of law for any company issued with multiple frequencies to use them to transmit different content instead of being utilized specifically as relays to reach outlying areas. The company, Radio Guyana Inc. (RGI) is reportedly broadcasting on 89.3FM (Essequibo), 89.5FM (Georgetown) and 89.7FM (Berbice). Under the
conditions of the licence granted, the radio station would use one frequency to broadcast with the rest to increase its signals. Observers have complained that RGI, owned by Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII), a company with close links to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, has instead been really operating three different stations. Shadick yesterday said she is unaware of the possible breaches but will investigate. However, the official disclosed that GNBA is taking any breaches seriously with the law expected to take its course. She maintained that the current broadcasting laws are clear on the actions. In the past, under the old regulations, authorities have used their powers to even seize broadcasting equipment. BREACH One TV station on East Coast Demerara, HGP Television Channel 16/Cable 67, she said, was warned after moving equipment intended for a relay to its primary
- Authorities promise investigations
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop
GNBA’s Chairperson, Bibi Shadick
location and then transmitting on another frequency. The station has received its licence but has been told to halt broadcasting on the other. There have been fears that the multiple frequencies, controversially granted by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, would have been used for setting up numerous radio stations. However, Government has been reassuring that this can never
happen, that the additional frequencies were for use as repeater stations. Days before he ended his term in office back in 2011, Jagdeo breached a decadelong agreement with the Opposition not to issue new licences by approving permission for several radio stations and a number of cable TV operations. QAII got five frequencies. So too did the New Guyana Company, printers of the Mirror, the ruling party’s newspaper, and the overseasbased sister of Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud. Several media houses, including Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Capitol News, CNS 6 and WRHM were all bypassed, sparking days of protests. Back then, it was felt that it was a move to give a few persons who are close to the administration, total control of the airwaves. A few others were given one frequency each. Yesterday, Shadick said that GNBA is still to start examining new applications. Kaieteur News and several media houses had been asked to make fresh applications. The official is hoping to start the process before the year is over, but could not give a deadline. She said that her broadcast authority will be meeting by December 16,
next. So far, under the regularization of the airwaves, GNBA has issued television licences to TVG 28, GWTV Channel 2, Pinnacle Channel 8, MTV Channel 65, CNS Channel 6, DTV Channel 8 and HBTV Channel 9. Radio licences have also been issued to RGI, Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc. ( the company linked to Minister Persaud), NTN 89.1FM and Hits and Jams Entertainment. For the cable TV licences, GNBA would have issued licences for E-Networks, Atlantic Cable Networks, Ali Broadcasting Corporation, Infinity Telecommunications and E3 Communications. According to Shadick, two television licences were issued to Countryside Broadcasting and Guyana Learning Channel. Spectrum and broadcasting fees will be waived for the state-owned Guyana Learning Channel. However, several others are not in order, and in some cases have not paid their fees.These may be facing trouble. While there was an October 31 deadline by the GNBA for all operators to be licenced, the move by the authority to now hire lawyers is significant as several operators are without licences and with only a few weeks remaining for the year.
Quark Communications which has been approved a cable TV licence by Jagdeo, has problems with the name of its company. Approval letters have been issued to Skar TV 102; WRHM which is eligible for two licences; 21st Century Communications and RBS 13. RBS 13 and HGP TV 16/67 are two of four companies which have sued over new broadcasting fees which have been introduced. Also without licences are NTN TV and radio stations; New Guyana Company Limited (The Mirror); Rudy Grant radio, Wireless Connections radio; Linden Wireless; Pinnacle Radio and TTS of Bartica. MUSCLE The GNBA official said that its monitoring arm has been activated to regulate the broadcasts to ensure compliance. The monitoring committee of the GNBA comprises Major General (Ret’d), Norman McLean; University of Guyana’s communication specialist, Dr Paloma Mohamed; head of the Guyana Learning Channel, Seeta Shah-Roath and attorneys-at-law, Fazil Azeez and Sase Gunraj. Azeez is a veteran broadcaster. McLean was a former member of the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB). Shadick does not see Shah-Roath’s presence as being a conflict on the monitoring committee as the Guyana Learning Channel is not considered a competitor to the normal TV operations. The committee’s first task will be to revamp old regulations to fit the new laws. Questioned whether GNBA may be moving too slowly to process new applications, thus allowing the current operators time to expand, Shadick pointed out that Trinidad took four years to get its act together. She admitted that there will be complaints but the authority would prefer to take its time than rush.
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EZ JET BOSS CHANGES PLEA Having pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud in the US two months ago, embattled businessman, Sonny Austin Ramdeo has successfully petitioned the US District Court in Florida, to change his plea and requested that a new lawyer be appointed by the State, since his defence lawyer had neglected his obligations. Ramdeo, the founder of EZ Jet airlines, told the court that he was threatened, coerced and forced to sign the Plea Bargaining arrangement and entered a guilty plea at the beginning of October last. Ramdeo is accused of fleecing a hospital chain for which he was an accountant, of millions of US dollars which he then plugged into the failed low cost carrier, EZ Jet. Ramdeo in his petition said when he initially appeared in court and an attorney was rejected, his family hired the firm of Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, LLC to represent him. It was attorney-at-law from this firm, Alan Diamond, who Ramdeo accused of conspiring with the US Prosecutor, Ellen Cohen, to force him to enter into a guilty plea through threats and coercion. According to the petition, “Defence counsel informed the defendant that he will withdraw from the case if he did not plea and after informing the prosecutor, the prosecutor responded by informing defence counsel that government will withdraw the 3 level reduction which is included in the plea agreement.” According to Ramdeo, “due to stress and coercion,
…successfully petitions US Court for new lawyer the defendant was forced to enter a guilty plea as he was unaware that he can still get counsel, if defence counsel withdraws and his family is without funds to hire another and the defendant himself does not have any funds to hire an attorney.” In presenting his petition to Judge Kenneth A. Marra, Ramdeo argued that when he was arrested and taken into custody in December last, he was not advised of the probable cause for the arrest nor was he read his Miranda rights. “In fact the FBI agents refused to allow him (defendant) to contact an attorney,” said Ramdeo. He said that it was when he appeared in the District Court for Eastern District of New York that it was revealed that the defendant had a sealed warrant. Ramdeo was arrested in New York and subsequently transferred to the Southern District of Florida. According to Ramdeo, at the initial appearance he was deemed indigent in which it was asserted that Vanessa Chen had offered to represent him, given her familiarity with the case over other attorneys in this district. The judge refused to allow Chen to represent Ramdeo, after which the defendant’s family hired the firm of Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, LLC. According to Ramdeo he has been waiting for defence counsel to prepare his case for trial since being appointed, including filing
motions, reviewing the applicable evidence, investigating the matter or gathering any additional evidence. Ramdeo argues that the Supreme Court has held that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel ‘’does not simply start with the initiation of adversary judicial proceedings and then require counsel’s assistance at every step in the criminal prosecution thereafter.” He said the right, demands that the assistance of counsel be available only at the ‘’critical stages’’ in the criminal prosecution, those steps at which substantial rights of the accused may be affected by counsel’s absence. “In this present case, the defendant asserts that defence counsel was unavailable at the ‘critical stages’ in preparing the case for trial.” Ramdeo said that the attorney did not review his indictment until 45 days after being appointed, when the case was set for possible trial in mid-July or mid-August. He said too that the lawyer did not begin evidence review until there was less than 30 days to prepare for trial. “Defence counsel refused to file motions to extend the deadline in order to file pretrial motions (whether necessary or not), failed to file motion to suppress…Defence counsel did not issue any subpoenas for records and information relevant to the case…Defence counsel
failed to compel the government to turn over all evidence under the standing discovery order.” Ramdeo argued further that “Indeed defence counsel lost a listing of pertinent evidence provided to him to demand from the Government and only mentioned it towards the end of September, 2013…In fact defence counsel took advantage of the fact that the court had failed to setup any pretrial conferences after the defendant was arraigned on a superseding indictment.” Ramdeo said that the Pretrial conferences would have assured compliance with the standing discovery order as well as preparation for trial. He further stated that his defence counsel has on multiple occasions refused to meet with him, answer emails, or return phone calls. “For example, the defendant left an urgent message with defence counsel’s office to come see him regarding the situation that occurred on October 1, 2013 regarding the plea deal, 30 days elapsed and counsel did not come see the defendant. “ Ramdeo said that the lawyer’s excuse was that he did not receive the messages. In his petition, Ramdeo
Embattled businessman, Sonny Austin Ramdeo
pointed out that the importance of the right to counsel in criminal prosecutions was expressed by Justice Sutherland in a previous case, Powell v. Alabama. Justice Sutherland in that case had ruled that, ‘’The right to be heard by counsel would be in many cases of little avail if it did not comprehend the right to be heard by counsel. Even the educated layman has small and sometimes no skill in the science of law. If charged with a crime, he is incapable, generally, of determining for himself whether an indictment is good or bad. He is unfamiliar with the rules of
evidence. Left without the aid of counsel he may be put on trial without a proper charge and convicted upon incompetent evidence or evidence irrelevant to the issue or otherwise inadmissible. He lacks both the skill and knowledge to adequately prepare his defence even though he has a perfect one. He requires the guiding hand of counsel at every step in the proceedings against him.” Ramdeo as such pleaded with the Court to grant this motion to appoint counsel, since he is indigent and is not being fairly represented by the lawyer that had been appearing on his behalf.
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Guyanese on murder charge in Barbados Another Guyanese man is in Barbados jail on a domestic violence-related charge - this time it is for the murder of an ex-spouse of some seven years. Jerrick Tudor, 29, of Fairfield, Black Rock, St Michael, was yesterday remanded to prison until December 19 on a charge of stabbing to death his 22year-old ex-girlfriend, Krystal Lovell, Sunday night at her Highland, St Thomas home. Just last Monday a Barbados magistrate remanded 33-year-old Guyanese, Gordon Andrew Roberts, to prison on charges of assault, and arson for a fire which destroyed the home of his estranged girlfriend, Shonette Williams. The case against Tudor made front page news on Barbados’s leading daily
DEAD: Krystal Lovell
ARRESTED: Jerrick Tudor
newspapers as emotions run high on the island where there is an outcry against domestic violence that has seen five women including Guyanese Brenda Belle — allegedly murdered at the hands of their spouses for 2013. In this latest case, it is alleged that Tudor stabbed Lovell to death in the presence of their two-year-old daughter at a house they once shared in a yard aback of her father’s home. Tudor was taken into custody by the police after he was apprehended by the dead woman’s father, Roosevelt Lovell.
The couple broke up about a month ago after a seven-year relationship. The woman is said to have been complaining of harassment and had planned to seek a protection order against her estranged spouse. Guyanese-born Tudor is said to have moved out of the small wooden house that they shared in her family’s backyard. It was the second time in less than three years that Krystal’s father lost a daughter to violence. His eldest child, Nikita Belgrave, was one of the five women killed in the Campus Trendz fire on Tudor Street.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
GGMC orders parties off disputed mining claim until probe completed The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has ordered a halt to mining on an Upper Puruni claim that is at the centre of an escalating dispute between two parties contesting ownership. Kaieteur News understands that the GGMC has told both parties to stay off the area until an investigation to ascertain the real owner is completed. The source said that this is standard procedure by the GGMC when conducting such investigations. GGMC’s order came after one of the miners, Edgar Daniels, complained about alleged harassment from a prominent individual in the mining sector, whom he said has been intimidating his crew and working the claim illegally. The long-running dispute over ownership reportedly ended in his favour just three months ago. Daniels had been working the claim when the dispute escalated last month - allegedly with men hired by the other miner firing shots at Daniels’ workers and encroaching on the claim. A disappointed Daniels said yesterday that GGMC’s decision that he cease work was not “standard procedure”, since the Commission had allowed the other miner to work about 14 dredges on the disputed area when ownership was being
contested in court. “It gives the perception that some can do what they like, and nothing is said, but under other situations the GGMC will enforce the rules on the victim,” he said. “This new Commissioner has been trying to enforce the rules, but the effects are still the same, because the person of influence is not hurt. The victim gets hurt by the illegal activity of the bully. “I am extremely disappointed, particularly because the more serious offence, the use of firearms, is not being investigated. Maybe they are sending out a message that you must do what you have to do in your interest and don’t go to the authorities.” Daniels, who said that he was licenced to operate the medium-scale claim since 2004, is alleging that the other miner has been encroaching on his claim and intimidating his employees. In a statement to Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, the GGMC and the Commissioner of Police, he alleged that individuals
hired by the miner fired shots at his crew on November 25, last, and forced them to hand over their earnings. According to Daniels, the men also set up a dredge on his claim. He stated that the courts have resolved the matter of ownership in his favour since September 13, 2013. A senior GGMC official told Kaieteur News yesterday that the Commission “has responded” to Mr. Daniels’ complaint, but declined to say what action the Commission has taken. A Police official had acknowledged receipt of the report about the alleged invasion of the claim by armed men. He had told Kaieteur News on Monday that he would send ranks to the area once they are accompanied by mining officials. However, the official said that the police will not be involved in any probe into who is the rightful owner of the claim. On the other hand, Kaieteur News understands that the GGMC’s investigation would only focus on the ownership of claim.
Still recuperating but zest and vitality intact - Rohee The Minister of Home Affairs and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic turned out yesterday to host the first of his usual weekly press conference since he came out of hospital. The Minister was absent from both of his offices for almost two weeks as he was taken down by what has been described as “flu-like symptoms.” Specifications about his somewhat lengthy illness remain a secret as Kaieteur News is only aware of what was heard through the proverbial grapevine. The Minister was under observation for a few days at a private city hospital before he ventured to the United
Minister Clement Rohee States to undergo “further tests.” But Rohee made it a point yesterday to note that he is still recuperating, but, “as you can see I still have my zest and vitality.”
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Speaker awaits word from PM on “Unconstitutional” Bill Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is yet to respond to Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, as to whether Government plans to refer the Local Government Amendment Bill - which the President deemed unconstitutional - to the National Assembly. During an interview with this publication yesterday at Parliament Building, Trotman said, “I have since written to the Prime Minister, who is the leader of Government’s business (in the National Assembly) to find out whether or not Government wishes to have the Bill referred to the National Assembly for it to be considered.” The National Assembly passed four Local Government Bills in August last. In November, after being lodged for several weeks at the Attorney General Chambers, three of the four Local Government Elections Bills were assented to by President Donald Ramotar. The President did not assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill. The Bills enacted were the Fiscal Transfers Act, the
Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act, and the Local Government Commission Act. The Local Government (Amendment) Bill stirred a lot of controversy on the floor of the House at the time of its enactment. According to the Speaker, when the Bill was being debated in the House, Government did touch and highlight some of its concerns about some of these things. “But because of our constitutional framework when you have a President who is not a member of the National Assembly, and you have a Government, even though he is a member of Government, it is still his constitutional right - whether he was right to do or not that is a different matter - to object and give reasons, even though members of his Cabinet supported it,” Trotman noted. He said the constitution provides that the Bill could be sent back to the National Assembly after six months if two-thirds of the House agrees. He explained that this would allow Members of
Parliament to decide whether the Bill would be sent to a committee. “From what I read in the objections there was not an objection of the entire Bill, but certain aspects…But maybe it could be sent back to a committee to reconsider those individual aspects the President had an objection to,” he added. Trotman said the objections had to do with the powers of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development in particular. He explained that it was felt that the powers of the Minister were being diluted or taken away. In addition, there were concerns that some districts in several Administrative Regions did not have Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and powers were being extended in those areas where it was impossible to be exercised. “I personally don’t think there is anything so grave that it should break the back of the legislation to the point that we cannot have it…I believe every issue could be negotiated and compromise could be found,” he said.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Female teacher alleges assault by male colleague While the Ministry of Education is looking to address the issue of teachers being assaulted by their students, it might need to also examine scenarios of abuse amongst the educators themselves. Samantha Henry, Head of the Department of Science at the Anna Regina Multilateral School in Essequibo, Region Two, is alleging that she was physically assaulted by a male teacher (name given), during a staff meeting. According to the 31year-old educator, the assault stemmed from her refusing to “dishonestly adjust” the science grades of a student. “He wanted me to do so and not inform the regional office, so I refused. Since then, almost every morning there is an insulting notice on my office door. I knew it had to be him, but I never really said anything about it,” Henry said. However, Henry, who is also an Examiner attached to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), said that during a customary staff meeting last week Tuesday, an argument ensued between her and the male teacher and he became violent. “He started to kind of chuck me up and he pushed me against the wall. My hand
had to be in a sling because he slammed the door on it. My hand is still hurting, and it has left black and blue,” Henry noted. She added that other members of staff came to her rescue, and were very supportive as it relates to her reporting the incident to the regional authorities. Henry said that she was accompanied by the school’s head teacher to the Department of Education in Region Two, where a formal complaint was made. “I also sent a letter to the Guyana Teachers’ Union and the Minister of Education,” the teacher added. However, when contacted yesterday, both the Education Minister Priya Manickchand and President of the Guyana Teachers Union, Colin Bynoe maintained that they had not seen the letter, and therefore would not be able to comment on the issue. Minister Manickchand said that she is not sure whether the letter has already passed through the required channels to be dealt with. Despite efforts, Kaieteur News was unable to make contact with the administration of the Anna Regina Multilateral School. Meanwhile, Henry
Samantha Henry maintains that she is not prepared to let the assault “just slide”, since such a scenario should not have taken place in any working environment, especially in a school. “I am speaking out because I do not want to see what has happened to me, happen to another teacher or any female for that matter,” the teacher stressed. She said she has also reported the matter to the police who promised to investigate. Henry declared that she is even prepared to take the matter to a court of law, so that an example can be made, and teachers are reminded of their roles. “I feel strongly about my case.”
Mahaicony Rice Mills guards ‘unpaid since January’ Security guards attached to the Mahaicony Rice Mills Limited (MRL) outstation at Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara have not been paid since January of this year. According to the guards, most of them have been employed at the outstation for more than five years and they are reluctant to leave the job as they are unsure about finding others easily. The guards are complaining that it has been extremely difficult for them to continue working, since they all have families to feed, bills to pay, and children to send to school. “It will be even sadder if we don’t get paid in time for Christmas. These people need to use their conscience,” one guard told Kaieteur News yesterday. While there haven’t been
- plead for pay before Christmas many reports of security guards not being paid, millers who operate under the MRL have been in the spotlight on countless occasions for failing to pay the farmers supplying them with paddy. MRL has in recent years been in a constant battle with both the government and rice farmers, for not paying the farmers who supply them with paddy, on time. The company’s operating licence was even suspended at one time. During several addresses to the media, Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has singled out MRL, one of the largest companies with a chain of mills stretching across Guyana, warning that they
pay farmers. He even referred to it as blatant advantage that farmers are not paid for their supply of paddy. Nonetheless, when contacted by Kaieteur News, General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (GRPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj, said that while his association was able to advocate for the farmers to be paid, not much could have been done for the guards. “I told them to go to the Ministry of Labour. It’s only they could help them. GRPA can’t really do anything for them. We already ensured that the farmers were paid,” Seeraj said. Kaieteur News was unable to speak with the Chief Labour Officer to ascertain what action can be taken to assist the guards. The unpaid security guards are calling on the relevant authorities to look into their plight, especially in light of the approaching holiday season. “We are pleading with them to pay us.”
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Minister Westford should try living on a nurse’s salary for a month - Nagamootoo “Minister Jennifer Westford should try living on a nurse’s salary for one month and then she would be able to accurately report on whether the five per cent increase in salary is enough.” This was the response of Vice Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Moses Nagamootoo, to the Public Service Minister’s retort that workers should be happy about the proposed five per cent increase in salaries. According to Nagamootoo, the Ministers of Government have become accustomed to “an elitist lifestyle to the point that they are unable to relate to the ordinary man”. He suggested also that the money approved in Parliament was for an across the board payment and if the Governmen t i s w o r r i e d a b o u t a ff o r d a b i l i t y, it should take into account the additional allowances that the elite public servants benefit from. Speaking in the capacity of a former Minister of Government, he highlighted that the custom is that if a Minister does not own a home, one is rented for him/ her, with the taxpayers ‘footing’ the bill. “Nurses don’t get that.” Nagamootoo also pointed out that “public servants don’t get lump sum allowances for travel, nor are they provided with maids, chauffeurs and gardeners all paid for by the state.” “The policeman or woman do not get this,” said Nagamootoo, who opined that Ministers have grown too accustomed to living a privileged lifestyle to understand what a five per cent increase would mean for
AFC Vice Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo
Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford
the ordinary public servants such as nurses and police. Minister Westford in an invited comment this past weekend had said that she was unaware of the protests and if in fact there was any, then it is a right of citizens. According to the Minister, she is also unaware of any plans to review the proposed five per cent increase. “That is not how a government operates,” the Minister asserted. “Government is not going to review the five per cent proposal because of any protests.” She then noted that the workers should, in fact, be “happy with the increase.” “The workers need to understand that Government is proposing what it can afford.” Minister Westford said that the workers should be happy because Guyana is “one of the few countries in the world that has been offering salary increases to its public servants”.
She said that Government has been consistently giving its public servants increases on an annual basis. Westford stressed that if one were to take a look at several countries in the Caribbean and further afield, workers are in fact being laid off and some have had to take pay cuts in order to keep their jobs. “We can’t give what we don’t have,” she said while urging that workers be more understanding of the prevailing economy not just in Guyana, but across the world. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, had announced that Government will be giving public service workers an increase in salary for the year 2013. This payout, he said, would be retroactive and is not likely to exceed five per cent. The announcement has since been met with a spate of protests, initially by nurses and the Guyana Public Service Union.
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‘Troubled’ teen gets two years for stealing A teenager who said she stole a quantity of items to provide for her younger brothers was yesterday sentenced to two years in prison. Eighteen-year-old Teanisha Evans was handed the sentence by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The court heard that the items which are valued in excess of $500,000, were stolen on November 16 from the Alberttown home of Ingrid Blair, a teacher.
Blair is reportedly a friend of the ‘troubled’ teen and had posted several court bonds for her in previous cases before the court. According to the specifics of the case, on the day in question, Blair went to work leaving Evans in her home. When the teacher returned, she discovered that her flat screen television, Dell laptop, Nintendo and other items were missing from her place of abode. Blair subsequently made a report to the police and
Evans was arrested and charged with simple larceny. At the hearing yesterday, Evans said that she had stolen the items because her mother had passed away leaving she, along with her 15 and 12-year-old brothers in the care of a negligent father. The teen admitted to selling the items to “someone in South Ruimveldt” to use the money to help care for her family. Magistrate Ann McLennan subsequently handed down a two-year jail sentence.
Legislation for animal control... (From page 22) the pit bulls, and to suggestions of security purposes, Dr. Surujbally yielded, but then enlightened that it is mainly bred for fighting, “and when the dogs rip each other apart; who do you think has to sow them back together? It is the vet. And when these matters are reported to the police, the blood and everything is washed off before the police get there.” The doctor further noted that the GSPCA would be vigilant for these cases, but even these persons are threatened with violence etc. He said in one case, a GSPCA official was threatened by a dog fight ‘operator’ about the fact that he knew the school that the official’s son attends.
“Reporting these matters can thus be a dangerous operation,” Dr Surujbally said. He went on to say that pit bulls generally act aggressively when they feel threatened. “For instance, a blind man with a walking stick, an injection, or anything that makes that dog uncomfortable can cause a reaction. Also the upbringing of the dog has much to do with its behaviour.” The doctor added that the recent pit bull attack on the East Coast of Demerara could have been triggered by various movements, for example if the woman had a brush in hand or was beating the clothing during the washing process. Dr. Surujbally added that the issue of animal cruelty and
control needs the total involvement of several agencies such as the Ministries of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Tourism, Health, Local Government, as well as religious, social and religious outfits. “The police, if it is a special unit, needs to be trained in this area,” the doctor advised, before lashing out that the Guyana Veterinary Association for non-comment on the recent pit bull killings. Dr. Surujbally said that he has been in practice for some 45 years and has dealt with many dog breeds, but maintains that caution must be exercised when dealing with pit bulls. He concluded by reiterating the question on the relevance or necessity of pit bulls in the country.
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GCC fails to muster AGM quorum The much heralded Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has been postponed to next Monday. The meeting failed to attract a simple quorum of 50 members to make the meeting legal. According to the regulations, the meeting could be adjourned for a week to be held at the same time. That new date is Monday. The withdrawn proposal by New GPC’s Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop to acquire the world-renowned Georgetown Cricket Club Ground and the popular Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, Bourda to construct the proposed Limacol Bourda Stadium is not on the agenda. However, it could be placed there by a special motion and deferred to a special general meeting at which the entire membership will vote on the issue. Kaieteur News was told that while over 1500 persons are registered with the club, 50 financial members are necessary for a quorum, but only 26 of the 46 paying members showed up. It was explained, however, that whoever makes the meeting next Monday will be carrying
... pushed back to next week
An aerial view of the GCC (left) and GFC grounds at Bourda. on the club’s work. Although Ramroop has reportedly pulled back the offer - alleging among other things a leak of the “confidential” proposal to this publication, some club members are convinced that it is not the end of the matter. One executive member told Kaieteur News that he will not support a monopoly
ownership of the internationally known cricket ground and opined further that the developers, for example the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), stallholders and other cricket-related outfits affiliated to the ground’ s development should have first preference in any handing over and subsequent ownership of the
facilities, while recognizing that indeed, the ground and the pavilion need rehabilitation. Additionally, mention was made of the prime land on which the cricket club stands. Ramroop in a November 12, 2013 letter addressed to the President of the Georgetown Cricket Club, proposed to build a US$30M
($6B) stadium on acquiring both the cricket and football ground. Both the GCC and GFC grounds are located in one of the city’s most expensive real pieces of real estate — between Regent Road and North Road and also span an entire block between the Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Vlissengen Road.
New GPC proposed to raise the level of the grounds and improve drainage; extend the playing areas in keeping with new regulations to accommodate cricket, football, athletics and other sports; construct a world class restaurant, entertainment and reception facilities and to a build a bigger parking area.
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Public-spirited citizens mount ‘New Thriving’ clean-up exercise opposite City Hall launches events centre The newly erected and attention-grabbing six-storey building located at Camp and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown, is now home to an events centre, operated under the New Thriving brand. Following last Saturday’s launch, members of the public can now start booking for their events. During a brief opening and media tour, New Thriving’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Feliz Robertson, disclosed that the management has signed on to a ten-year contract with the owners of the building, and should all go well, this will be further extended. “Our plans include a restaurant on the ground floor, a Chinese Tea Bar, Boutique and Spa and to a large extent, our unique hotel which will occupy three floors of the building,” she explained. The launching of the Hotel and restaurant will be done some time early next year, Robertson added. The PRO announced that as a Christmas offer, the entity will allow the hosting of any event at the facility free of cost until January, as long as persons appoint the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant to cater the food for their event. Robertson told reporters that the new establishment would raise the profile of New
Yesterday, armed with one spade, a wheel barrow and sticks, several public-spirited citizens took up the task of carrying out a ‘round about’ clean-up in the vicinity of the Plaisance Bus Park, located just opposite City Hall. The cleanup exercise saw the drains encircling the block housing the Bank of Baroda, bordered by the Avenue of the Republic and Hinck Streets, completely cleared of waste matter; thus allowing excess water on the roadways to run freely. When Kaieteur News visited the site, heaps of sludge that were dug from the drains could be seen along parapets, while the drains were clear. The excess dirt was then dumped at the base of the trees along the Avenue to serve as mould. The cleanup team; consisting of bus drivers, conductors and vendors; expressed that as “permanent dwellers” of the area, plying their trade there on a daily basis, they saw the need to maintain the environs as a
The newly opened New Thriving events centre.
Thriving, as it would be the first full-fledged Chinese Boutique Hotel to be rooted in Guyana’s Hospitality Sector. While Guyanese will be employed at the events centre, Robertson noted that management has not
benefit to themselves. “More or less we would be on the park whole day… everyday. And as soon as li’l rain fall, we get flooded out. So we just decide to do a general clean up today,” one member of the team noted. It was their contention, however, that had the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) been carrying out its duty, there would be no need for citizens to take it upon themselves to carry out the works, especially in the line of maintaining drainage. “I feel that if they (M&CC) continue maintaining it, we would not get half of the amount of water flooding the place,” one bus driver opined. Ironically, it was noted that one of the senior councilors of the M&CC visited the site and “was amazed” at what the threehour clean-up had accomplished.
ENFORCEMENT Further, lack of enforcement at the level of the City Council is also being
blamed for the steady flooding experienced in the area. Over the years, the Council, by means of the media, has been urging food vendors and owners of restaurants to ensure that appropriate grease trap systems are in place so as to guard against the blockage of waterways. In a press statement issued recently, the Council had warned that fats from various types of meat get into open surfaces and street drains, resulting in waterways being blocked. Though regulations are in place to prevent this dreaded occurrence, enforcement is being questioned as it is evident that restaurants located in the vicinity have fallen short of providing the adequate facilities to allow for proper drainage, thus contributing to flooding in the city. Councilors are also being urged to ensure that restaurants are complying with the measures set out. (Tiffanne Ramphal)
disclosed what positions these employees will hold. She further indicated that New Thriving has reserved the right to hire whomever it wishes. The Public Relations Officer said that currently, the manager of the entity is a Chinese-Guyanese.
Guyana slips further on global... (From page 3) corruption results in the misallocation of scarce resources and areas that are in genuine need of development assistance are overlooked in preference to those that offer the greatest rewards for the corrupt. “Investor confidence is shaken, and countries in dire need of foreign investments are deprived of it… As a result, international flow of goods, services and capital is affected, and investment ratios deteriorate.” He added that as a result of massive corruption, professionals and other decentminded citizens tend to migrate to the more developed countries to seek employment opportunities and a better way of life. “There is therefore a brain-drain with the concomitant spiraling effect of not having the relevant skills to effectively manage the operations of government…In short, high levels of corruption result in the perpetuation of weak governments.” He suggested that tackling corruption effectively, would involve citizens’ participation and involvement in public de-
cision-making. Goolsarran said that when this happens, there is the collective responsibility for actions taken, and allegations of corrupt behaviour are likely to be minimized. “Decision-making must not only be transparent but must also be seen to be so.” He suggested too that
there must be a limiting of the use of discretionary powers since it tends to produce decisions that are skewed, inconsistent and lacking in uniformity. “The corrupt will always seek to exploit the use of such powers for their personal benefit,” Goolsarran said.
The clean-up in progress yesterday.
Page 28
WANTED Contract cars- Contact City Taxi Service- 660-1100 / 2267150 Experienced driver & dispatcher @ Princess hotel - Tel: 265-7075; 265-7076; 616-5419 Wanted: contract cars & experience dispatcher @ West Site Taxi - Tel: 6130419; 600-0688 Urgently! Live-in / Live out general domestic, must be able to cook well & 1 cook. Attractive salary - Tel: 2261877; 624-7436 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:612-1607 Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070
Kaieteur News
WANTED 1 Couple or small family to live and work on live stock farm @ New Hope E.B.D 2662711, 609-4594 SALESMEN WITH EXPERIENCE FOR WHOLESALE FOOD COMPANY. TEL#231-8529 TRUCK DRIVER & SALESMEN WITH EXPERIENCE - TEL: 2318529
Two joiners and one upholder to work in workshop – Contact:2191342 or 610-7005 Scrap metal – Tel:658-9045; 658-9044 Celebrity Looks. Stations to rent Hair-$6,500 & Nail$4,000. 144 Regent Street Contact Leoita-602-2337 Attractive live in waitress- Call:327-0252/ 674-4665 Space for gym in Georgetown or immediate environment - Tel: 647-4587; 615-5315 URGENTLY WANTED: Thirty five (35) Security officers. Apply: SECURITY ALLIANCE Barrack Street, Kingston (upstairs FedEx) Attractive live in waitressCall:228-5129, 604-8277 Contract cars, Atlas Taxi Service- Tel:661-3043 Courtney’s Boutique stall AB No.37 @ Bourda Market: wanted experience sales girlTel:227-3407 General workers (Male & Female) Operators Apply in person to: B.M. Enterprise Inc. GFL Wharf Houston EBD Tel: 592-227-8176/7
1 Toyota Rav-4, IST, NZE Corolla, Fun Cargo, AT 212, AT192, AT170, Tacoma, Caldina Wagon – Tel:6445096; 697-1453
1 Labourer/handyman for half day – Call:226-3736 Chain saw operator with own saw - Tel: 618-0487
2005 Tacoma 1995 V6 4x4 Tacoma – Tel: 651-8870
Urgently needed live-in waitress to work in bar. Reasonable salary offered! Tel:259-0574
1 Toyota 212, 1-Toyota AT212, 1- 91 Corrola, 1 Corrola Axio 4WD (new model) never registered call: 259-0836, 621-7838
Land wanted in Parfaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292
F 350 Diesel (fully loaded, excellent)- Tel: 227-8519 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154
Person to slaughter and clean pigs at new Hope, E.B.D. call: 266-2711, 609-4594
Salesgirls & porters: Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies: Lot 1E Middleton & Dennis Street, Campbleville
Toyota Spacio PPP series $2.1M neg – Contact:6921050; 685-5011
Mitsubishi Galant Car, fully loaded – Tel: 227-7544; 6122542, 614-6011.
One domestic, live in & live out babysitter from 12pm8pm- Call:225-4492
Experienced Roti/Puri cooks, curry cooks, pastry makers, cleaners & handyboys – Apply @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce Street.
VEHICLE FOR SALE 17ft fiberglass boat with 175 Yamaha Seadoo jet ski - Tel: 651-8870
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Enrol today @ Nalini’s School of Cosmetology. Classes starting January 2014. Full course only $80,000 – Call:614-6655; 2266705
PPP 3361 Runx – Tel:6414684 ($2,350,000) 1-AT 212 Carina mag rims, remote start alarm - $9750,000 - Tel: 611-6632 1 Suzuki GSX–R 600cc, 1 Toyota Hilux Pickup 4X4- Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453
1- F150 6CYL, fully loaded $3M Negotiable – Tel:6895254; 256-0504 Furnished top flat house, Queenstown, generator, A/ C, Grille & parking -Tel:2271218 or kpthomas7@gmail. com Rental of wedding dresses & clothing for sale Phone:6160505 Work station @ Salon in New Market Street - Call: 6015143 One shop Merriman Mall to rent, from January 1st Call: 642-6381; Home: 223-6862 after 6PM. Bottom flat 3 bedroom @ ‘B’ Field Sophia - $50,000 - Tel: 223-1273; 600-0036 House to rent in Friendship E.B.D.-Tel:266-0163 Immediate Rental: Newly open concept 3 bedrooms apartment, plumbing, fully grilled, parking & pre-paid meter @ ‘D’ Non Pariel Contact:654-0533
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Runx, Nissan Wingroad wagon - Tel: 6458593 Christmas Special! Premio $2.4M, Spacio-$2.1M, 2008 Fielder $2.7M, Unregistered - Tel: 617-2891 2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis - Tel: 698-0674 AT170 Corona EFI flair, mags, alarm $650,000- Contact Sham:669-2850 RZ bus PGG, long base, good condition $475,000Contact:685-2046,643-2934 1 strong open back customized canter in good condition, Model M bush truck for interior-Tel:231-8417, 223-1238,624-0443 Nissan pathfinder Suv PEE services, owner driver in excellent condition – Contact:654-0533
New 2013 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabs- Call: 691-0234 600 Yamaha CBR bike $400,000 – Tel:647-0271 MRR Autos: Fully loaded 2004 Raum, Price $2.25 Neg. Great pre-order deals. Call Today! Tel:657-1796; 6269590 F150, Chevy Cargo Van, Suzuki Sports, Tundra- Tel: 227-8519
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Potting soil, top soil and quality cow mould - Call: 656-1326; 678-0058
Live and pluck chicken - Tel: 220-9203; 650-4421 5 Head & 7 Head Moulders, 150Kw Genset, CC Saw, Resaw – Tel:626-0024; 6165595; 665-3676
Stereo set (LG speakers)- Tel: 227-8519
VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community - Call:592-624-8704/ 592-6849203 Property for sale- Call:6275416 2 flat new building (down town) suitable for business or offices- Tel: 227-8519 4 bedroom top & bottom business place wood & Concrete@ Dairy Parfaite Harmonie; V/Hoop -$4M each – Tel:678-7355 Land Rainbow City Linden 55"x67" (Commercial) Cheap. Details Contact:6446551 ‘BB’ Eccles - $25M, Alberttown - $32M. Have properties to let or sell? Contact Diana 227-2256; 626-9382
Heavy duty concrete drill, Air less paint sprayer (for houses), Industrial vacuum cleaners (wet & dry)- Tel: 227-8519 One 8000 Ford Tractor one Ford 450 2005 towing truck contact:694-5599; 689-1864 Baby chicks available weekly Mr. D.Lallbeharry, Craig Public Road E.B.D delivering to East & West Coast Demerara – Tel:626-9589
Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 6797139, 639-4452.
1-320 Cl excavator excellent condition - Tel: 699-3992
Two bedroom flat to rent in AlexanderVillage -Tel: 688-1647
Live/pluck chicken call:6504421, 220-9203
Apartment to rent, Friendship- Contact: 2662494,643-2934.
Fluffy Dachshund pups – Tel: 642-6664 Cheapest Online Vehicles!!! – Tel:626-2771 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Curtains and carpet for sale - Call: 653-1192 after 6PM Back up camera systems – 22,000 Tel:680-6374
New ATVs: Introductory price $1,199,000 (Duty Free)Call: 691-0234
1 smoothie machine, 2 ice machine - Contact: 231-0655 ,683-8734
Big Christmas deals on computer classes. Diploma in One (1) TATA truck, GEE 9962- computers $25,000. C o n t a c t : 2 1 9 - 2 3 9 5 , 6 2 9 - Micrographics @ Vreed- en9286,642-5535 Hoop – Tel:264-3057
Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per night- Call: 668-0306/6028769/ 694-7817
Ducks & Pigs – Tel:688-7291
Farm at Yarrowkaara-Call:6931585
EDUCATIONAL
TO LET Furnished 2-bedrooms top flat & 2 bedroom bottom flat apartment for overseas guests @ Bent St, Wortmanville - Phone: 2222778/ 640-4130/ 226-3309
One bedroom bottom flat @ Diamond Housing scheme – Call:265-4867
1-G Touring wagon with rims, excellent condition Call: 622-7831
1 AT212 Carina, grey, excellent condition $1,250,000- Contact:652-3066, 690-1611 (Old Model)
New Xbox 360 with all accessories $55,000, home surveillance systems with 500GB DVR $85,000Contact:600-3038,611-3038
WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931 270 Amps, portable welders Telephone: 611-5114
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Cheapest iphones!!! - Tel: 626-2771
NISSAN WINGROAD PRR SERIES - TEL: 695-4785
One pools table - Tel: 686-7180
Corrola Axio -$2,850,000 , Spacio PRR Series -$2.1M, CRVPJJ - $1.7M – Tel: 697-0294
AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & cheap RZ buses, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
FOR RENT
Wednesday December 04, 2013
New Led TVs from $39,000, LCD monitors 19" from $15,000, DVD players$7,000Contact:225-3391,695-6971 1 Showcase, very good condition – Call Sarah :6281253
Nice new house @ Diamond, Ogle sea side, South, and business spots – Contact Shawn:231-2199; 618-7483 Cassio’s Hotel: $8,000 per night – A/C, wifi, cable, Laundry @ Charlotte Street. Short & Long term available. Furnished two bedroom apartment in Linden for short term local & overseas guests – Tel:444-4704; 614-4415
SERVICES Services and repairs to gas stoves, washing machines Call: 688-0183 (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Letters... Where your views make the news
THE HIGH SUGAR COST DEAR EDITOR, It is Mollycoddling! This has to do with the labour intensive nature of growing this 40-ton of cane per acre crop. And whilst it may be true that at that at some time in the past labour costs may have been 65 per cent, the difference is that the world sugar growers had not yet mechanized at that time to the extent they have today, thereby bringing down labour costs drastically. Also the TIMeS, as usual, does not seem to want to understand that what was relevant 50 years ago is not relevant today; today this cost of labour per tonne is completely unacceptable on the world stage, after
everyone has mechanized their industries, making the TIMeS observations spurious, mischievous and ridiculous. Heavy mechanisation is what we are competing with today and our situation must be put into that context. We are competing unsuccessfully or else GuySuCo would not be approaching Parliament today for an additional $4 billion to bail the corporation out of the economical mess which it finds itself in today. Only the TIMeS would find the argument of growing our sugar uneconomically today and subsidizing it from the national purse, acceptable, since they would not know what it means to
compete fairly, and their sister company GPC for example can call any price for their products. For example selling $600 injections for $8000 to the Guyana Public Hospital as described in the Tuesday June 19, 2012 KN! The fact remains that in view of this large wage bill Jagdeo, a clearly poorly trained economist, has sought to e x p a n d t h e Guyana sugar industry instead of contracting it, as every other sensible nation in the Caribbean and Africa did, with disastrous results today. Even if the Skeldon factory had worked well it would have been a disaster to expand sugar in this
Those blocked waterways DEAR EDITOR, On Tuesday November 26, last, I ran into Francis Quamina Farrier at Stabroek Market whilst on my way to catch a minibus to go home. We started catching up on the times we had whilst working at The Evening News and to update one another about the other staff that we happened to reach. During the conversation we started to discuss the state of the market area with the garbage and the danger it poses. Francis, he informed me that over the years he travelled to numerous countries and never seen one so dirty like Guyana and I told him that Georgetown alone is not dirty but the whole country. The very next day we experience another heavy rainfall and as was expected, it was total chaos. As usual, the Thursday papers had the regulars blaming one another about the state of Georgetown and I decided to say something about it. When they started to charge people for littering in Georgetown, whilst visiting The Evening News studio to record The Mayoral Broadcast, I asked the present Mayor how could they
charged people for littering when one cannot find any garbage bins around the city and he replied that they should hold the garbage until they reach their home or find one. The very next day after the Wednesday flood the Mayor is complaining of clogged drains. Over eight days after that question, I cannot locate a garbage bin when walking most places in Georgetown, but when you look at the roadsides or in the canal/trenches the sight is refreshing. The Mayor is blaming the town clerk Carol Sooba for refusing to sign cheques so that the canal can be desilted. What is ironic is that whilst most news about the recent flooding comes out of Georgetown, there are lots of places around Guyana that suffered tremendously. Lots of people suffered heavy losses and whilst the Government is blaming the Mayor of Georgetown for the flooding in Georgetown, I would like to know who they would be blaming for the other parts of Guyana that suffer also? Every time there’s a rainfall in Guyana, there’s places that gets flooded
quickly and over the years instead of trying to remedy that situation, they make excuses and promises. I am of the belief that their only concern is filling their pockets and helping their friends. We all would be hearing about machines clearing trenches/canals but if you stop and look carefully at the work you would wonder if they are doing it voluntary, because most times I observed them only clearing the top of the canals (weeds/ floating debris) and not digging deep. I could recall too, a few years ago my former boss, Mr. Anthony Vieira had to move to the court after the trench opposite his then house at Versailles was being enclosed by a developer. His reason was that work would cause the environs to be flooded easily . It took a few years but justice was served in Vieira’s favor but to date, the post still remains there and the edges of the trench are almost reaching the post. The people who are really doing work in Guyana have to suffer, whilst those living off taxpayers money are ensuring that we punished! Sahadeo Bates
country since mechanization of the Guyana industry may very well be impossible. This high labour cost today is making our industry uneconomical on the world stage today and has become a drain on the country’s purse and that is the bottom line! When there was no mechanization worldwide, and everyone whom we were competing with were using hand labour we were not making massive losses in the industry since the price of sugar was very high. In addition to this high labour cost we are not getting value for money, since the quality of work is very poor, from cane cutting to planting and everything in between contributing to low/no yields. It is in the 2013 2017 GuySuCo development plan. Tony Vieira FOR SALE / FOR RENT American Slate pool table Tel: 616-8328 American pool table – Tel: 277-0578
(From page 28)
SERVICES
VACANCY
Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. BUDRAM’S LANDSCAPING SERVICES - Call: 6561326; 678-0058
24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call: 6910894/684-2838
Christmas cleaning! Power washing for residential & commercial properties – Call: 648-1544 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:2259032,647-2943
PENPAL
Overseas based Indian male is seeking a female age 29 & up. No texting! Call:661-3299
CAR RENTAL Premio Vitz (NM), Spacio, Rush latest models, best rates with low deposits – Contact:692-1051; 685-5011 Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131 Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 6987807 Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com Premio, Vitz call:679-7139, 639-4452. Joshua’s Car Rental Call:6656485; 679-8400
One receptionist to work in Georgetown - Tel: 6447574 Hire car drivers from E.C.D @ A1 Taxi – Tel:220-1000 One domestic age:25-40yrs, working hours 8am-4pmTel:227-7355
Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL: 6949843/227-2766
Businessman in Trinidad seeks Guyanese woman for friendship & marriage between ages 30-40; email:ramphal mahadeo@ live.com – Tel:0011-868-7243155; 0011-868-4681075
Driver for car & van, sales boys & girls. Apply: Avinash @ Water StreetContact:226-3361/227-7828
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Masons Seeks daily or Job work – Tel:619-3296 Technicians available for appliance repairs – washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, deep fryers, etc – Tel:6190793; 218-0050 We repair L.C.D, Plasma, Led TV, Microwave, Washer & Dryer, Amp etc. Call:6472276/693-3277 Print colour calendars for your business. As low as $9.00 – Many options. 50 minimum. Hurry! 227-2679 Dr. Debra Patterson- Skeete, DDS. Dental Clinic @ 1 Thorne’s Drive Durban Backlands Georgetown. Phone:227-3809; 613-0471 Email: debraskeete@ hotmail.com
LAND FOR SALE House lot for sale on the West Bank of Demerara Harbour bridge in Harbourville contact # 6500402 Blankenburg Public Road WCD - 38x150, 39x150 $16M each - Tel: 666-3619 110 Acres @ Mahaicony Tel: 225-3070; 686-4994 Promising Gold and Diamond mining lands in various areas - Tel: 699-3992 Prime Residential land (100ftX50ft) ($2.2M) - Tel: 672-7592 10 Acres land at Long Creek – Contact:699-3723 Westerbeck Mazaruni- $3M, Soesdyke water front - $35M, Melanie (Highway) 150X200 Ft $25M – Tel:231-2200; 6187483
Visit, live, work, study in Canada, US, U.K authorized by Government of Canada 645-4789. Book appointment. Shop online for all your Christmas needs. Cybertron @ Vreed-en-Hoop - Tel: 2643057 Professional Pressure Washing: We clean homes, driveways, gutters, parking lots, business, $10.00 per square Ft.– call Kevin:592696-5424
MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Let beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse available- Call: 657-5979 Massage therapy service call:674-8147 American Style massage services- Call:678-7499
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Govt. signals intention to sign on Public Works to Extractive Industries Initiative Ministry, M&CC The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is making moves to have within its governance an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to improve the level of transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, particularly mining. According to the Ministry “The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard aimed at improving revenue transparency and accountability in the extractives sector. EITI was established in 2002 and since then has become a robust yet flexible methodology for monitoring and reconciling company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining at the country level.” This will be done in two main components, one being
the disclosure of payments to the government from private companies, and the disclosure of receipts from the government, by means of an Annual Report, with the other component being the constitution of multistakeholder groups including representatives from the government, private sector and civil society responsible for overseeing the process and communicating the findings of the EITI Report. The Ministry established that the undertaking is being advanced through the hiring of an international or local consultancy team to commence a “Scoping Study” on the adoption of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Guyana. According to the Ministry, Guyana is “primarily a resource-based economy” and its extractive industries are important for generating government
revenue, employment and income. “The sector occupies a central place in the economy due to attractive commodity prices, the availability of mining properties, increases in production and technological improvements. With further hydrocarbon exploration, the resumption of manganese mining, increased production of bauxite and gold and the opening to new exploration, the extractive sector is expected to continue growing rapidly.” Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Robert Persaud said that in 2012 the Ministry re-engaged the EITI International Secretariat to implement the initiative in Guyana. “This request was followed by the visit of Mr. Jonas Moberg, Manager of the EITI International Secretariat, and the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2012
to assist Guyana in its preparation for the consideration of EITI candidacy.” According to the Minister, as part of their commitment to exploring the implementation of the EITI in countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank are providing technical advice to the Government of Guyana in its efforts towards EITI candidacy. The benefits for a country such as Guyana that seeks to implement the EITI include among other things an improved investment climate by providing a clear signal to investors and international financial institutions that the government is committed to greater transparency. EITI also assists in strengthening accountability and good governance, as well as promoting greater economic and political stability.
clearing city outfalls
The cleared outfall at Ruimveldt. The clearing and desilting of several outfalls around the city is being facilitated by the Ministry of Public Works in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). M&CC’s Chief Engineer, Colvern Venture says that the cleared areas will better assist the drainage system in Georgetown during periods of heavy rainfall. “The Mayor and City Council had requested the assistance of the Ministry of Public Works to clear the outfall, but this was not forthcoming until now. For the past few days, we have been working, hand in hand to ensure that the areas are cleared to facilitate better drainage. We are currently working on clearing critical areas around town.” Ongoing works include maintenance to the Ruimveldt and Sussex Street kokers in Charlestown. When Kaieteur News visited the two kokers, yesterday de-silting works were already completed, but the “cleared” water outlet at Ruimveldt brought to light decay to parts of the koker. “What happened is that because the area was desilted the increased pressure of the tide may have caused that heavy leaking at the koker, we are not sure if while dredging the area, the machinery may have caused the damage to the koker door but we have never noticed that kind of leaking before…
however we have already built a door to replace it, which should be installed soon,” Venture added. In addition, the City Engineer revealed that desilting of the main canals around Georgetown is underway. “We are currently clearing the Church Street canal… hopefully we will be able to clear the critical areas such as the canal at Avenue of the Republic once the equipment is available to remove the mud and slush…We have been able to clear the Church Street canal because we can leave the debris on the Merriman’s Mall, however at certain parts of the city this is not possible. We need the trucks to remove the waste.” At a recent press conference, Mayor Hamilton Green noted that efforts were made by the council to acquire additional trucks to conduct such work. “We had made recommendations to have additional trucks readily available to the council so that works can be completed, but our proposals were ignored by the Town Clerk (Ag). In fact she has refused to sign the cheques that were presented to her for this reason.’ Kaieteur News understands that several MCC trucks are in need of repairs, but recommendations had been made by the council for the equipment to be sold for the purchase of a new fleet. (Rehanna Ramsay)
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
Cameron says open to Chinese high speed rail investment (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday Britain was open to Chinese investment in its planned 43-billion-pound high speed rail project linking London and the north of England a f t e r B e i j i n g expressed an interest. In Shanghai on the second day of a trip aimed at deepening ties with the world’s second largest e c o n o m y, Cameron was responding to remarks made by C h i n e s e P r e m i e r Li Keqiang in a meeting the previous day. Li said the two countries had achieved “a breakthrough” in talks on the issue, but gave no details.
David Cameron Cameron told China yesterday he would welcome its investment in the project, dubbed HS2. “We think we have a lot
to learn from China in this regard because of the success of your high speed rail,” he told students in a question and answer session in Shanghai. “I said to your president and prime minister yesterday that just as we welcome Chinese investment into nuclear power and other infrastructure, so there will be very open competition to provide the infrastructure for our networks, so we welcome Chinese investment into that as well.” A person familiar with the matter told Reuters the Chinese expression of interest in HS2 had taken Britain by surprise but could lead to “a lot”.
Zimbabwe inmates starving in cash-strapped jails –report HARARE (Reuters) - At least 100 Zimbabwean prisoners have died of hunger and disease this year because the cash-strapped government can only afford one meal a day for inmates, a senior official was quoted as saying yesterday. Prison farms were not getting enough seed and fertiliser from the government to produce s u fficient food to feed inmates, the NewsDay newspaper quoted Deputy Commissioner for Prisons Aggrey Machingauta as telling a parliamentary committee. “Prisoners are dying because of hunger and some (HIV) related diseases,” he said. “The problem of hunger is compounded by the fact that we can only afford to give prisoners one meal instead of
Robert Mugabe three square meals per day.” He also said that 100 prisoners have died this year, double the number from last year. The privately owned newspaper also quoted the chief secretary of the justice ministry, Virginia Mabhiza, as telling the committee
Zimbabwe’s 46 prisons required $1 million a month to run properly. She did not say how much funding the prison system was receiving. Machingauta and Mabhiza were not immediately available for comment. Zimbabwe is struggling to right its economy after a decade-long economic crisis to 2009, which critics blame on mismanagement by veteran President Robert Mugabe’s ZANUPF party. They say ZANU-PF’s seizures of white-owned commercial farms for redistribution to landless blacks weakened food production in a country that was once the breadbasket of southern Africa, leaving millions dependent on foreign aid for survival.
UN launches first surveillance
drone in DR Congo Goma (DR Congo) (AFP) - The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday officially launched a surveillance drone in the strife-torn northeast in the first such move by the United Nations. The Italian-made pilotless aircraft was launched at 12:01 pm (1001 GMT) from the airport in Goma, capital of North Kivu province, at a media event attended by the chief of UN peacekeeping operations, Herve Ladsous and several
diplomats. The UN mission in the DR Congo, MONUSCO, currently has two such drones. According to a military expert in the capital Kinshasa, both aircraft began trial flights on Sunday. The drones, which are unarmed and exclusively equipped for reconnaissance flights, are intended to help the United Nations to watch over North Kivu, a mineralrich province prey to dozens of armed movements, which MONUSCO troops have been ordered to neutralise,
including by force. The aircraft will also be used to survey the porous borders between North Kivu and Rwanda and Uganda, in a bid to prevent these countries from providing support to groups inside DR Congo. The United Nations accused both neighbouring countries of backing a powerful rebel group, the Movement of March 23 (M23), which surrendered on November 5 after a joint assault by the Congolese army and a new UN special intervention brigade with an unprecedented offensive mandate.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Netanyahu ally urges more Russia needs Arctic presence to guard cautious tone with U.S.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should take the heat out of his dispute with U.S. President Barack Obama, his top coalition partner said yesterday, warning that the spat over Iran was not helping Israel. Relations between Israel and Washington, traditionally the closest of allies, have soured over the past month with Netanyahu openly criticizing Obama for backing the big powers’ interim deal with Iran meant to curb its nuclear activities. Some analysts believe U.S.-Israeli ties have deteriorated to their worst point in more than 20 years, unsettling the Jewish state which relies heavily on military and diplomatic support from Washington. “I think we have to lower the flames with the Americans,” said Finance Minister Yair Lapid, who heads the second largest party in the government. “This confrontation isn’t good and it also doesn’t serve our goal,” he told Army radio.
U.S. officials have sought to calm Israeli jitters, saying they will push for a comprehensive deal with the Iranians at the next round of negotiations, repeating past pledges that Washington will not let Tehran develop an atomic bomb. Lapid said he agreed the Iran interim accord was not good, backing the generally held view in Israel that it let Tehran off the hook just as economic sanctions were hitting hard, but said Netanyahu needed to air his frustrations in private. “This is the best way to do it and so it has always been. You sit behind closed doors and speak about it quietly,” he said, echoing comments made by opposition politicians. Israel fears Iran is trying to develop atomic bombs, something Tehran denies, and has threatened to attack the Islamist state if it concludes that diplomacy and sanctions cannot bring about a dismantling of its atomic program. Israel is widely
presumed to have the Middle East’s only nuclear arsenal. Western powers suspect Iran has sought to develop the means to produce nuclear weapons. Iran says it is enriching uranium solely for future civilian atomic energy and to make isotopes for medicine. A poll published late Monday by the Tel Aviv University-Israel Democracy Institute Peace Index showed that 77 percent of Israelis do not believe the world powers’ deal will lead to the end of what they see as Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Seventy-one percent of Israelis thought the United States was still their closest ally, although 49 percent said Israel needed to find new partners to reduce their dependence on Washington. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was due to arrive in Israel today for yet another round of talks centered on Iran and also faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. A diplomatic source said Kerry and Netanyahu had a furious discussion at their last meeting
in Israel on November 8, with advisers from both sides asked to leave the room. There is little sign that the conversation will be much warmer this time around. An Israeli watchdog, Peace Now, reported more plans for Jewish settlement building in occupied West Bank territory - which Palestinians seek as part of a future state - ahead of Kerry’s visit. A spokesman for the group said yesterday Israel had since July advanced plans for 3,000 new settler homes and that in all 8,500 were in “various stages of construction” since March. At least two local newspapers published articles yesterday quoting Israeli officials lambasting Obama’s inner circle and defending Netanyahu’s outspoken handling of the Iran issue. The Israel Hayom daily, which is very close to Netanyahu’s rightist political camp, quoted an official in his office comparing the current situation with the 1930s, when Jews warned of the risk posed by Nazi Germany.
against U.S. threat
MOSCOW (Reuters) President Vladimir Putin said yesterday Russia had vital defense and economic interests in the Arctic, citing a potential U.S. military threat from submarine-based missiles there. Russia detained 30 Greenpeace activists protesting against Arctic drilling at Russian Prirazlomnaya offshore platform in September and they now face charges carrying seven-year jail sentences, underlining Moscow’s strong interest in the Arctic. Putin has ordered a Soviet-era military base reopened in the Arctic as part of a drive to make the northern coast a global shipping route and secure the region’s vast energy resources. “Not only are there major economic interests for our country there...it is also an important part of our defense capability,” Putin told a meeting of university students in Moscow. “There are (U.S.) submarines there and they carry missiles,” the Russian leader said. “It only takes 1516 minutes for U.S. missiles to reach Moscow from the Barents Sea. So should we give away the Arctic? We should on the contrary explore it.” Nevertheless, Putin said Russia was unlikely to get involved in any global conflicts, particularly with the United States. Russia, the world’s largest
Vladimir Putin country and its second biggest oil exporter, is vying with Canada, Denmark, Norway and the United States for control of the oil, gas and precious metals that would become more accessible if global warming shrinks the Arctic ice cap. Moscow claims a whole swathe of the Arctic seabed, arguing that it is an extension of the Siberian continental shelf. Answering questions from students, Putin stressed the need for patriotism - a common theme in his third presidential term in which he faces growing dissent and economic problems. “If we want to keep our identity overall, we of course need to cultivate the patriotic sentiment,” he said. “The country will not exist without it, it will fall apart from inside like a lump of sugar that has been dipped in water.” Russia initially accused the Greenpeace protesters of piracy but later softened the charges to hooliganism. Some activists had tried to scale the Prirazlomnaya platform operated by state-owned firm Gazprom. Russia’s first offshore oil platform in the Arctic, it is expected to start production this month. All 30 Greenpeace environmental campaigners were released on bail last month, but still face prison terms if convicted in a case that has drawn criticism from the West and is seen by Kremlin critics as part of a clampdown on dissent by Putin. Russian geologists estimate the Arctic seabed has at least 9 billion to 10 billion metric tons of fuel equivalent, about the same as Russia’s total oil reserves.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
No winner in a trade war
KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago resume their talks yesterday aimed at settling an immigration matter that had threatened to escalate to a trade war between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran, who is leading a delegation to the talks, said that a “trade war’ would not benefit neither of the countries and that he had come to Kingston “to open this dialogue, to listen to what these concerns are, to identify the nerve that has been inflamed and to see how we can together work towards remedying or getting the cure for that nerve”. Dookeran warned that both countries would “suffer in terms of investment, employment and building our own productive capability”. Media reports had indicated that 13 Jamaicans were denied entry into Port of Spain late last month and deported to their homeland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here has since issued a warning to Jamaicans travelling to Trinidad and Tobago saying it was also
“concerned at this development and continues to interface with the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago on the matter” particularly in light of the Shanique Myrie ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice”. The CCJ earlier this year ruled that Barbados had breached the right of Myrie when she sought entry into the country in 2011, but stopped short of awarding the one million Barbados dollars in compensation she had sought. Myrie, 25, had been granted leave by the CCJ to
file the action, alleged that when she travelled to Barbados on March 14, 2011 she was discriminated against because of her nationality, subjected to a body cavity search, detained overnight in a cell and deported to Jamaica the following day. Jamaica said it was urging nationals who believe their rights under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) regime have been breached, to make a report to the nearest Jamaican High Commission or the Ministry.
Power fails again in Venezuela, capital goes dark …President Nicolas Maduro warns of sabotage CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A power outage briefly darkened Venezuela’s capital and other parts of the country Monday night in what President Nicolas Maduro said appeared to have been an act of sabotage against his socialist government. The blackout began shortly after 8 p.m. as Maduro was addressing the nation about his plan to reduce inflation battering the automotive industry. Within minutes, people in downtown Caracas could be heard banging on pots in an act of protest. Maduro, deprived of the airwaves, then took to Twitter to say that he and his aides were monitoring the “strange blackout that occurred in the same place as the last act of sabotage.” Later, when power was restored, he ordered the armed forces on maximum alert to prevent attacks that he said were being planned by his opponents against the electric grid and the nation’s oil installations. Maduro in recent days had warned that his opponents might try to sabotage the electrical grid to
Nicolas Maduro gain advantage in nationwide elections for mayors taking place Sunday. The late President Hugo Chavez used to levy the same charge, also without presenting any evidence, as blackouts became more frequent in recent years. “These sectors of fascism are getting desperate, because they know a defeat is coming,” Maduro said in remarks that extended for more than four hours. Power started coming back on in Caracas within 10 minutes, and Electricity Minister Jesse Chacon later told state television that
electricity had been restored to most of the city but was still out in several regions of the country. The blackout originated in central Venezuela, the same place where a power failure in September knocked out electricity to 70 percent of the country, he said. “We’re afraid,” said Olinda Reyes, a homemaker who was evacuated from a shopping center in wealthier eastern Caracas shortly after power was lost. “There are no buses, the subway doesn’t work and we’re in complete darkness at the mercy of God.” Although Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, it has been plagued by power outages in recent years. Generally the areas most affected are outside the capital, where the infrastructure is less developed and farther away from the national and international media spotlight. Capriles frequently cites the power disruptions as evidence of government incompetence despite the millions of dollars it has spent to modernize the system since a drought-induced power crisis in 2010.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
LIAT gives Christmas assurance
Government inks agreement with Sandals, as hotelier calls for an end to high taxes
ST JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The regional airline, LIAT, which came under heavy public criticism over its summer schedule, Monday sought to re-assure the travelling public that it would do everything possible to ensure that their journeys are not interrupted during the busy Christmas Season. The financially strapped airline had blamed the refleeting exercise for the
August fiasco and that the fleet modernization efforts were continuing with five new ATR aircraft being added so far and two more due to arrive in January 2014. “Even as we continue the transition from the Dash 8 to the ATR aircraft we are now in a better position to stabilize the schedule during the Christmas peak, traditionally one of the busiest periods for us,” said Acting Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) Mrs Julie Reifer-Jones. “We are determined to get all of our passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible over the holiday season,” she said, adding that the Antigua-based airline which flies to 21 destinations daily, was also working with external agencies “as it endeavors to improve the level of customer service offered by its employees”.
Barbados least corrupt Caribbean country BERLIN, Germany - CMC – Barbados is among the least corrupt countries in the world according to the latest figures released by the German-based Transparency International (TI) yesterday. According to TI, Barbado s heads the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries on the Corruption Perception Index that ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be. Transparency International has ranked
Barbados 15th out of 173 countries with a score of 75, down one place from the 2012 figure of 76. The Bahamas and St Lucia are ranked 22nd, the second best for regional countries with a score of 71, the same as in 2012. While Transparency International did not provide figures for St Kitts-Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and Belize, it said that St Vincent and the Grenadines had a score of 62, the same as in 2012 with a ranking of 33. Jamaica and
Trinidad and Tobago both had a ranking of 38, but while Kingston score remained at 38 as it had been in 2012, Port of Spain slipped one point down. Dominica placed 41st on the rankings with a score of 58, the same as in 2012, followed by Suriname (94) with a score of 36, one less than the previous year, , Guyana (136) with a drop of one from the 2012 figure of 28, while Haiti rounded up the CARICOM countries with the same score of 2012 to place 163rd.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government and the Sandals Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a hotel project that Finance Minister Harold Lovell said would be the first project to benefit from a soon-to-be introduced Tourism and Business Special Incentives Act 2013. “This legislation provides significant concessions to encourage investment in tourism,” Lovell said, noting that it is a “sunset” legislation that would be terminated following its built-in lifespan. Lovell said that the US$150 million Beaches resort project would triple the number of jobs at the present Grande Pineapple Resort, which it will replace. “This investment will triple the employment currently in the Pineapple property from 180 jobs to over 700 jobs. In addition, during the construction phase, we expect to have another 250 jobs, he said. Sandals chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart was
Baldwin Spencer
Gordon “Butch” Stewart
however critical of regional governments whom he said were taxing the hotel and tourism industry out of existence. “People believe and governments believe that you can have an un-level playing field and yet expect people to invest,” he said, noting a “look at the Caribbean, island by island, how much quality development have you seen
in the last 10 years in hotels, very very few. “How many new cruise ships have you seen, a lot,” he said, adding “but I don’t know of anybody that want to buy a basket of taxes that the government of Antigua or Bahamas feel like putting on their product, call it export, try to get business to come and stay with us”.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
FIFA names World Cup draw pots Reuters - FIFA yesterday announced the following pots to be used for Friday’s draw for next year’s World Cup finals when the 32 teams will be placed into eight firstround groups of four. Pot 1 consists of the eight top seeds, one of each to be drawn in Groups A-H. The remaining pots are based on geographical criteria. Hosts Brazil will be allocated position A1 in the draw and will play the opening match in Sao Paulo on June
12. Pot 1 (top eight seeds): Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Switzerland, Uruguay. Pot 2: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chile, Ecuador. Pot 3: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras. Pot 4: Bosnia, Croatia, England, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, France Note: A pre-draw will be
held to move one of the nine European teams into Pot 2. That European team will then be drawn against one of the four seeded South American teams to preserve the geographical balance of the draw. The four South American seeds: Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina will form a temporary Pot X. The three teams not drawn against the European team in Pot 2 will return to the main draw.
Wednesday December 04, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): You may run up against a brick wall early today. Things should ease a bit by evening. Remember that the harder you push against that wall, the more your head will pound, the more bruised your shoulder will become, and the more energy you'll expend. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may feel like a racehorse crammed in the starting gate. You're stuck in a small spot, stomping your feet, and anxiously waiting for the starting bell. You may feel powerless since you have no control over when the gate will open. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your mood will be up and down and back and forth over the course of the day. You're riding high from the past couple days, and you feel more bonded with the people at your side. . ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Be careful about opening your mouth in situations in which it isn't appropriate. When the conversation lags, you feel it's your duty to pipe up. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Get organized in the morning because later you're going to be more scattered. If you start with a solid plan for how to tackle the day's tasks, you're more likely to accomplish everything. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): There may be a frenzy of activity around you, but you'll be able to handle it. Your charm will get you through any door.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Be careful about blaming yourself for something that you aren't responsible for. Maybe you influenced someone to act a certain way and now that action is backfiring negatively. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): You're at an emotionally climactic time, and your feelings are erratic and perhaps unmanageable. Don't feel pressured into making logic out of anything. Your job is to take a deep breath and relax. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Don't box yourself into a corner and shut out everything around you except your immediate concerns. The more you isolate yourself and insist that you don't need anyone else's help, the more frustrated and sad you'll become. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): You're likely to take things to heart a bit more than usual. Dramatic changes in your environment and attitude will keep you on your toes. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 F e b . 1 8 ) : Unexpected people, especially women, will surprise you with what they say. Your mother may bring up an issue that you hadn't even considered. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Today you want things done your way and your way only. Your mood is quite stubborn and others would be foolish to think they could change your mind about anything.
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World Cup prize money set for huge increase Reuters - The prize money at next year’s World Cup finals will be increased by at least a third from that on offer in South Africa in 2010, FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke said yesterday. The overall prize money for the tournament will rise to approximately $560.0 million, around $140m more than the $420m available in 2010, when $30m was on offer to the winners. It means the winners of next year’s tournament in Brazil will pick up around $40m. “There will be a large increase of at least 33 per cent if you compare (the prize money) with the last World Cup, but this figure will be
Jerome Valcke
confirmed after the finance committee meets on Wednesday,” Valcke, speaking at a news conference at the resort in
Bahia state where the draw for the finals will take place on Friday, told reporters. “Also, there will be around $70 million available to the clubs who provide players for the teams in the World Cup, higher than last time as well.” Valcke said full details of the prize money would be announced today. The prize money available in South Africa was 60 per cent higher than that offered for the 2006 finals in Germany.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Letter to the Sports Editor
Supporting Democracy caused me to earn a number of enemies DEAR EDITOR, “Every day is a new beginning, so treat it that way, stay away from what might have been and look at what can be.” Mr Editor, I am just responding to a few critics who felt that I have committed the gravest sin by supporting the GFF President Mr. Christopher Matthias in his quest to reform football in Guyana. Will Rogers once said, “Live your life so that you would not be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.” After being involved in football for such a long time, I am now aware that I have accumulated a number of enemies who was pretending to be friends all these years, “One of the secrets in life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.” My upbringing in humble surroundings has taught me that knowledge is gained by learning, trust by doubts, skill by practice and love by love. “Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools and accepted by idiots.” Persons who have the audacity to deal with personality rather than with issues are contentious and ludicrous. Mr. Matthias was elected during a democratic process conducted by a special committee comprising
of three (3) Attorneys of Law approved by CONCACAF & FIFA. The Wikipedia Dictionary has Elections as an event which people vote; it is an organised event at which somebody is chosen by vote for something, especially a public office. So by saying that the elections were mired in controversy from the beginning is tantamount to saying that skullduggery was committed by the learned legal minds. Elections are usually conducted after vigorous campaigning, public speeches, promises and pledges and all the vagaries associated with elections. It is my view and understanding that manipulating of elections and the electorates are usually done by the incumbent – I may be wrong and if I am, I am inclined to be corrected and edified. All persons who were interested in becoming President along with their campaign managers and supporters all had a level playfield, maybe for the first time in the GFF electoral process, mind you I said maybe. So at the conclusion of the elections when Mr. Matthias was elected as President, where and what did he do wrong and how am I wrong in supporting him so
that he could fulfill his mandate. “One good rule for living is not to worry about the future until we have learned to manage the present.” “There are four steps to accomplishment: Plan Purposefully, Prepare Prayerfully, Proceed Positively and Pursue Persistently.” Mr. Editor, until us as Guyanese attempt to refrain from dealing with personalities, petty issues and fabrications we will continue to thrive in the doldrums in the football world. There are some people who are just bent on creating mayhem and anarchy and in the words of a wise man he said “Greatness is discovered in goodness, humility, service and character”, so to all those who hate my guts for supporting democracy I will leave these few words with them, “REMEMBER TODAY IS THE TOMORROW YOU WORRIED ABOUT YESTERDAY”. May God bless you as we approach the festive season and I wish everyone all the best for the season and the New Year. Remember the reason for the Season “The birth of Jesus and what he endured during his years on the earth. Lawrence Griffith
City complete swoop for 14-yearold Diaz, dubbed the ‘new Messi’ ….and he’s expected to be worth £40m! Manchester City hope that Brahim Abdelkader Diaz (centre) can in future become a big player for them
Manchester City have won the battle for Brahim Abdelkader Diaz. The 14-yearold from Malaga has been dubbed ‘the new Messi’ and Sportsmail revealed in October
that City were fighting Barcelona for his signature. City have paid £300,000 up front for Diaz, with the final deal worth £2.4million depending on what he achieves at the club. Luis
Suarez’s agent Pere Guardiola, brother of Pep, has been involved in negotiations about a player who is touted to be worth between £30m£40m once he develops.
LaMarcus Aldridge San Antonia (AP) Tim Duncan made a jumper with 0.4 seconds left to lift the San Antonio Spurs to a 102-100 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Duncan finished with 23 points and 21 rebounds as San Antonio dominated the middle against the younger and more athletic Atlanta front court. Boris Diaw had 16 points and Tiago Splitter finished with 11. Atlanta had all five starters score in double figures. Jeff Teague had 19 points, Al Horford added 18 and DeMarre Carroll finished with 17. The Hawks trailed 98-94 when Paul Millsap made a 3pointer over Diaw with 17.5 seconds remaining. Manu Ginobili then made a pair of free throws for the Spurs, but Teague drained a 3 over Kawhi Leonard to tie it at 100 with 4.7 seconds left. Curling off a pick, Duncan drained a jumper near the free-throw line to put San Antonio ahead to stay. Millsap’s desperation jumper hit the side of the backboard. Tony Parker added 15 points for the Spurs. Marco Belinelli had 13 and Ginobili finished with 10. PELICANS 131, BULLS 128, 3OT Chicago (AP) - Jrue Holiday made a three-point play with 2.6 seconds remaining in the third overtime Monday night, giving the New Orleans Pelicans a 131-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Holiday had 19 points and
Tim Duncan 12 assists for the Pelicans. He made an 18-footer with 3.9 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score at 103 and force overtime. Ryan Anderson had a career-high 36 points on 12-of-20 shooting, including 7 for 11 on 3-pointers. Eric Gordon added 23 points for New Orleans (9-8). Luol Deng led the Bulls with 37 points and also had eight rebounds and seven assists. TRAIL BLAZERS 106, PACERS 102 Portland, Ore. (AP) LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 10 rebounds and to help Po r t l a n d s n a p I n d i a n a ’s seven-game winning. Paul George had a career-high 43 points for Pacers (16-2), who own the NBA’s best record. The Blazers pulled in front until early in the fourth quarter but the Pacers kept it close, and George hit consecutive 3-pointers that narrowed it to 98-96 with 1:37 left. Damian Lillard answered with a 3-pointer and Nicolas Batum made a pair of free throws for the Blazers before George hit another 3-pointer that got Indiana within 10399 with 21 seconds to go. Lillard hit free throws and George made yet another 3 with 10 seconds to go to make it 105-102, but the Pacers couldn’t get closer. Lillard finished with 26 points for the Blazers, who have won 13 of their last 14 games. JAZZ 109, ROCKETS 103 Salt Lake City (AP) Marvin Williams scored five
points in the final two minutes, Gordon Hayward broke out of a shooting slump to score 29 points and Utah beat Houston to earn its first back-to-back wins of the season. With Utah clinging to a 101-98 lead, Williams stole James Harden’s pass and raced down for a dunk with 2 minutes left. Williams then hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 59 seconds to go to boost the lead to 108-100. Rookie Trey Burke posted career highs of 21 points and six assists for Utah, which shot 54 percent and made 10 of 17 from beyond the arc. Harden had 15 of his seasonbest 37 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Rockets close, but they couldn’t get enough defensive stops. Dwight Howard had 15 points as Houston lost for only the second time in its last 10 games. WIZARDS 98, MAGIC 80 Washington (AP) - Trevor Ariza scored 24 points, John Wall had 16 points and 13 assists, and Washington beat Orlando to get to .500 for the first time since it split its first four games of the 2009-10 season. Nene scored 14 points and Marcin Gortat finished with 13 for Washington (9-9). With top scorer Bradley Beal out of the lineup for the fifth straight game, Ariza supplied the offense, hitting 8 of 9 from the field, including four 3-pointers. Arron Afflalo scored 21 points for Orlando, and Victor Oladipo added 13 points and six rebounds.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
Windies Women shortlisted for ICC awards
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - England’s James Anderson, South Africa’s Hashim Amla and Australia captain Michael Clarke have all been short-listed for the top honours at this year’s LG ICC Awards 2013. The three cricketers have been short-listed for both the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year, with the awards to be announced in a TV show that will be broadcast on December 14. The votes for the LG ICC Awards 2013 short-lists have now been cast by the independent, 32-person voting academy*, and these three men, alongside England captain Alastair Cook, India captain MS Dhoni and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara are the nominees in the running to receive the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. Also featuring in the short-list for the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Award alongside Anderson, Amla and Clarke, are Dale Steyn of South Africa and the Indian duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara. The LG ICC Awards shortlists, which were announced yesterday in Mumbai by ICC Chief Executive David Richardson. Both Sangakkara and Dhoni also feature in the short-list for the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, which
Taylor, Daley, Dottin nominated
also includes the Pakistan duo of Saeed Ajmal and Misbah ul-Haq, as well as the Indian pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Ravindra Jadeja. The Twenty20 International (T20I) Performance of the year sees Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis being short-listed alongside Pakistan’s Umar Gul and New Zealanders Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum. In the short-list for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, last year ’s winner Stafanie Taylor is joined by New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, Australia’s Meg Lanning, South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk and the England pair of Charlotte Edwards and Anya Shrubsole. Ta y l o r, B a t e s a n d Lanning also feature in the short-list for the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of t h e Ye a r, a l o n g w i t h England’s Sarah Taylor and the West Indies duo of Shanel Daley and Deandra Dottin. T h i s y e a r ’s L G I C C Aw a r d s i n c l u d e s 11 individual prizes, including the LG People’s Choice Award. The long-lists of n o m i n a ti o n s f o r e a c h award were put together b y a f i v e - person ICC selection panel, before a 32-member voting academy trimmed the nominees to the short-lists announced yesterday. The ICC selection panel
was chaired by former India captain and current chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee Anil Kumble. The panel also includes former internationals Alec Stewart of England, Catherine Campbell of New Zealand, Waqar Younis of Pakistan and Graeme Pollock of South Africa, while the academy comprises highly credentialed cricket personalities from around the world, and include a host of former players, respected members of the media as well as representatives of the Emirates Elite Panels of ICC Umpires and ICC Match Referees. The David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year award was voted on by the 10 current Test captains and the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and is partly based on the umpires’ performance statistics. The nominees are the 12 Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires. The ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year short-list features New Zealand’s Trent Boult, India’s Cheteshwar Pujara, Joe Root of England and Mitchell Starc of Australia. To qualify for the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Award, a player must be under the age of 26 and have played fewer than five Tests and/or 10 ODIs and/or five T20Is at the start of the
performance period. The ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year award serves to recognise and reward the efforts in international matches of the outstanding cricketers from the teams outside the ICC Full Members. This year’s short-list sees two nominees coming from Ireland in the form of Kevin O’Brien and Ed Joyce, alongside Kyle Coetzer of Scotland and Nawroz Mangal of Afghanistan. Based on the period between 7 August 2012 and 25 August 2013, the LG ICC Awards 2013 take into account performances by players and officials in a remarkable period for the game. That period includes such high-profile events as the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2013 held in India, the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 held in England and Wales, various rounds of the ICC Intercontinental Cup, numerous Pepsi ICC World Cricket League and Championship fixtures, and several bilateral Test, ODI and T20I series. The LG ICC Awards is now in its 10th year, and this year will be broadcast as a TV show. Previous ceremonies were held in London (2004 and 2011), Sydney (2005), Mumbai (2006), Johannesburg (2007 and 2009), Dubai (2008), Bengaluru (2010) and Colombo (2012).
Maradona invited to Colombian ‘Match for Peace’ in Cuba Reuters Diego Maradona has been invited by Colombia’s FARC to play for their team in a soccer “Game for Peace” during talks in Cuba between the rebels and the Colombian government l o o k i n g t o settle a decades-old conflict. The match involving a team of retired soccer players is being organised by former Colombia captain Carlos Valderrama, who invited former Argentina g r e a t Maradona, a friend of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The idea for the game was to gain international exposure for the talks between the government of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that
Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona gestures during their 2010 World Cup quarterfinal soccer match against Germany at Green Point stadium in Cape Town July 3, 2010.
have been going on in Cuba for more than a year. “We’re preparing physically, athletically,” Ivan Marquez, h e a d o f t h e FARC negotiators, told r e p o r t e r s o n M o n d a y. “We’re training to play this crucial game here in Havana.” Marquez, pictured at the weekend with fellow FARC members wearing soccer kit, asked Maradona “to join us, come and play with us so we can try at last to reach a peace that has dodged us for decades.” The conflict between the FARC and successive Colombian governments has been going on for nearly half a century and claimed more than 200,000 lives. Former Argentina captain and coach Maradona currently works as a sports ambassador for the United Arab Emirates.
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JCA secretary looks to put house in order
Recently re-elected secretary of the JCA Fritz Harris (left) and president-elect of the organisation Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven leave the Jamaica Conference Centre last Thursday after the polls to elect a new executive. (Photo: Joseph Wellington) Jamaica Observer - THE recently re-elected Secretary of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Fritz Harris, says the immediate focus of the Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven-led administration is to create ways to improve the state of the sport in the island. Harris, who was also secretary under outgoing president Lyndel Wright, beat challenger Junior Stewart in a one-sided race, to hold onto his position. Obviously satisfied with the outcome, Harris brushed aside any notion that he will pause to celebrate. “My concern really is the state of the association. The outgoing board did a relatively good job but we have to look at what lies ahead and put in the hard work,” he said after the elections last Thursday. “We have just concluded a year where we had serious challenges... the cricket is not in the best of health,” Harris added.Heaven, who defeated former first vice-president Milton Henry — to virtually mirror the respective resounding victories of members of his entire executive slate — to land the president’s job, said he has lined up several targets on his administration’s priority list. Chief among them is the installation of floodlights at Sabina Park, hiring a chief executive officer to run the business of the association and implementing an effective schedule for local cricket competitions. “We got some brilliant people on the team and to be frank with you, it’s not (only about) ‘Billy’ Heaven, it’s about the team that ‘Billy’ Heaven leads. We’ll be looking at lights, and the various systems at Sabina (and) the staffing at Sabina
Park and the whole issue of [having] a CEO. “In short order we have to look at how the cricket competitions are set up. We need a schedule of competitions that will be played over the next 12 months and that has to be in the context of the regional and international schedule,” he said. Heaven added that his team will attend a retreat to review the content of their election manifesto since that is what delegates “bought into” when they voted overwhelmingly in his favour. The lack of lights at Sabina Park has been at the forefront since the failure to put in the infrastructure for the region’s hosting of the 2007 ICC World Cup. In May of this year, Wright, the JCA boss at the time, announced that Sabina Park Holdings, the entity which manages the venue and its facilities, had a deal with a financier and contractor for a light installation project. However, three weeks later, the pa r t n e r s h i p collapsed in a heap and players, fans and potential event organisers were left floundering in further darkness. Additionally, the JCA has been without a CEO since early 2011 when Robert Bryan handed in his resignation to then president Paul Campbell after well, less than a year in the job. With regards to club cricket, many critics have cited lack of proper scheduling to allow for preparation for regional tournaments, little or no sponsorship for local competitions and the sparse number of matches available to aspiring international cricketers.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
WI pounded by McCullum, Taylor Dunedin, New Zealand – West Indies endured a rough baptism, when Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor hit hundreds to break their drought and give New Zealand’s summer of cricket the best possible start in the first Test on Tuesday (New Zealand Time). The Windies were hamstrung by a docile University Oval pitch and their own wayward bowling, and had no response, as current captain McCullum with an undefeated 109 and former captain Taylor with an unbeaten 103 propelled the New Zealanders to 367 for three at the close on the opening day, after they were sent in to bat. None of the visitors’ bowlers could exert significant pressure, as McCullum hit his seventh Test hundred and Taylor followed suit with his ninth Test century, putting on 182 – unbroken – for the fourth wicket and scoring at close to five runs an over in a strokefilled conclusion to the day. Off-spinner Shane
Shillingford was expected to be one of the main weapons for West Indies, but he was the target of much of McCullum’s punishment and was driven to long-on for a single to take McCullum to 100 from 101 balls. It was the New Zealand captain’s first hundred in 47 innings in 26 Tests spread over three years. Tino Best bowled with typical passion, but Taylor flicked him to deep fine leg for his 13th boundary to bring up his 100 from 150 balls. It was his first hundred in 14 innings in nine Tests since he lost the New Zealand captaincy last year in Sri Lanka. Greeted by a green pitch, chilly temperatures and overcast skies, the Windies chose to field, but they soon had enough evidence to suggest that they may have read the conditions incorrectly, when the new-ball pair of Best and Shannon Gabriel failed to extract little or no vertical or lateral movement in their opening spells. As a consequence, the Caribbean side was under
Damaged World Cup stadium will be ready, says Blatter Reuters - The Sao Paulo stadium damaged when a crane collapsed on its roof last week killing two construction workers will be ready to stage the opening match of next year’s World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said yesterday. Blatter, speaking at a news conference following a meeting of the World Cup organizing committee, said: “The problems we now face
regarding the stadiums are so small we can close our eyes. “But there is one sad fact and we deplore the loss of the two people who lost their lives last week and we are feeling sad with the families, but the stadium will be ready for the opening match.” Brazil are due to kick off the World Cup at the Sao Paulo stadium against opponents who will be known after Friday’s draw.
Three stadiums to miss FIFA deadline Three stadiums being built for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will not be ready for the deadline of the end of the year, according to FIFA. Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Curitba’s Arena da Baixada and Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians stadium are all set to miss the December 31 date. Two workmen were killed in an accident in Sao Paulo last month. “We’re feeling sad for the families. Sao Paulo will be ready for the opening match,” President Sepp Blatter said. “We deplore the loss of the two people who lost their lives.” Blatter added that the issues with the stadiums are “so small we can close our eyes”. The 43,000-seater Arena Pantanal, where a plan for a retractable roof has been
abandoned, and the 41,000 Arena da Baixada are also behind schedule. But FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke says they will all be ready by February. Valcke said: “We don’t know when the green light [to resume work] will be given [in Sao Paolo] “We are not in a crisis mood, looking at an alternative to Sao Paulo but Curitiba is facing the most problems and clearly won’t be delivered before February 2014. “The people from Curitiba attended a meeting [on Monday] and promised to organise themselves to get the stadium ready by the end of February 2014.” The draw for next year’s tournament, which starts on June 12 in Sao Paolo, takes place on Friday.
pressure early, when Hamish Rutherford set the tone for New Zealand with 62 and fellow opener Peter Fulton made 61, sharing 95 for the first wicket, as the Black Caps reached 100 for one at lunch. Shillingford, under pressure after undergoing testing in Perth in neighbouring Australia for a suspect bowling action, gave the Caribbean side the initial breakthrough. The lanky off-spinner had suffered, when Rutherford thumped him for a six and a four over long-on in his third over, but he gained revenge in his following over, when the lefthanded opener tried to clear the air space in the same direction and a wrong-footed Narsingh Deonarine held a right-handed catch, running backwards. West had toiled effortlessly for most of the morning period, as the two openers indulged themselves, capitalising on a succession of over-pitched deliveries to gather a number of leg-side fours. Before Shillingford struck, West Indies captain Darren Sammy, bowling his steady medium-pace, came closest to capturing a wicket, when Fulton, on 16, edged through a vacant third slip for his fifth four.
Sammy was guilty of straying in line and length, when Rutherford cut a short delivery outside the offstump through square cover for his ninth boundary to reach his 50 from 60 deliveries before he was dismissed about five minutes before lunch. After lunch, Best and Sammy each grabbed a wicket to brighten West Indies’ spirit, as New Zealand reached 194 for three at tea. Best bowled steadily in a seven-over burst immediately after the interval, when he and Shillingford built-up a bit of pressure on Fulton and Aaron Redmond. The effervescent West Indies fast bowler benefitted from his hard work, when Redmond tried to play a leg-cutter into the leg-side and was caught at gully for 20 from a leading edge, leaving New Zealand 117 for two. West Indies however, met resistance, when Taylor joined Fulton and they pounced on a number of loose deliveries, especially from Gabriel, to put on 68 for the third wicket in the next 1 ¼ hours. Sammy for the second time in the day was the suffering bowler, when Fulton carved a delivery to backward point for his ninth four to
reach 50 from 118 balls. Just when it appeared West Indies were on the back-foot, Sammy had Fulton caught at second slip, edging a back-foot drive at a delivery that bounced a little awkwardly and moved away about 15 minutes before tea, setting the stage for McCullum and Taylor. West Indies included Shillingford as the only frontline spinner in their lineup, leaving out fellow offspinner Sunil Narine, while Gabriel was preferred ahead of left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell to share the new ball with Best, and Kirk Edwards will open the batting with Kieran Powell following Kraigg Brathwaite’s delayed departure from the Caribbean due to visa issues. Leg spinner Ish Sodhi and all-rounder Corey Anderson made their home Test debuts for New Zealand, after playing their first Tests on the recent tour of Bangladesh. Hometown batsman Redmond will also play his first Test in front of a home crowd after playing his previous Test five years ago in Australia. SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st
Innings P. Fulton c Edwards b Sammy 61 H. Rutherford c Deonarine b Shillingford 62 A. Redmond c Samuels b Best 20 R. Taylor not out 103 *B. McCullum not out 109 Extras b4, (lb7, nb1) 12 TOTAL (3 wkts) 367 C. Anderson, +B.J. Watling, I. Sodhi, T. Southee, N. Wagner, T. Boult to bat Fall of wickets: 1-95 (Rutherford), 2-117 (Redmond), 3-185 (Fulton) Bowling: Best 21-4-87-1; Gabriel 17-3-98-0; Sammy 183-68-1 (nb1); Shillingford 285-88-1; Deonarine 6-0-15-0 Overs: 90 WEST INDIES: K. Powell, K. Edwards, D.M. Bravo, M. Samuels, S. Chanderpaul, N. Deonarine, +D. Ramdin, *D. Sammy, S. Shillingford, T. Best, S. Gabriel Toss: West Indies Umpires: I. Gould (England), P. Reiffel (Australia) TV umpire: N. Llong (England) Match referee: R. Mahanama (Sri Lanka) Reserve umpire: C. Gaffaney (New Zealand) (WICB)
West Indies tour to New Zealand 1969 three Test series drawn one all – Part 2
Continuing on his look back at the performances of the West Indies team in New Zealand in their earlier series, Statistician Charwayne Walker looks at the tour there in 1969 which ended in a stalemate. The Caribbean side are currently campaigning in New Zealand with the first Test of this 2013 series starting on Monday Guyana time. Here is the round up of the matches played, highlighting the outstanding performances. Summary of matches played: First Test - Eden Park Auckland - West Indies won by 5 wickets. New Zealand first Innings 323 All out; B.R. Taylor 124, B.E. Congdon 85: Bowling for West Indies Richard Edwards took 3 for 58, Lance Gibbs 3 for 96, Skipper Gary Sobers 2 for 8 7 . We s t I n d i e s F i r s t Innings 276 All Out; Michael Joey Carew 109, Seymour Nurse 95: Bowling for New Zealand B.W. Yuile took 3 for 64, R.C. Motz 3 for 70, B.R. Taylor 2 for 48. New Zealand Second Innings 297 for 8 declared. Skipper Greame Dowling 71, V. Pollard 51 Not out, Glenn
Gary Sobers Turner 48: Bowling for the West Indies - David Holford 3 for 56, Richard Edwards 3 for 71. West Indies Second Innings - 348 for 5; Seymour Nurse 168, Basil Butcher 78 Not Out, Michael Carew 38. Second Test - Basin Reserve, Wellington - New Zealand won by 6 Wickets. West Indies 297 All Out Jackie Hendricks 54 not out, Basil Butcher 50, Clive Lloyd 44: Bowling for New Zealand; R.C. Motz 6 for 69, R.S. Cunis 2 for 76. New Zealand first innings 282 All out, Glenn Turner 74, B.E. Congdon 52, B.W. Yuile 33, B.R. Taylor 33: Bowling
Seymour Nurse
Michael Joey Carew
for West Indies Richard Edwards 5 for 84, Charlie Griffith 3 for 92. West Indies Second Innings 148 All Out, Basil Butcher 59, Skipper Gary Sobers 39: Bowling for New Zealand - B.W. Yuile 3 for 36, R.C. Motz 2 for 44. New Zealand Second Innings 166 for 4; B.F. Hastings 62 Not out, B.W. Yuile 37: Bowling for West Indies - Richard Edwards 2 for 42, Charlie Griffith 1 for 29, Lance Gibbs 1 for 50. Third Test Lancaster Park Christ Church – drawn. West Indies first Innings 417 All Out. Seymour Nurse 258, Michael Joey Carew 91, Basil Butcher 29: Bowling for New Zealand R.C. Motz 5 for 113,
B. R. Taylor 2 for 63, B.W. Yuile 2 for 70. New Zealand First Innings 217 All Out B.R. Taylor 43 Not out, B.E. Congdon 42, Glenn Turner 30, M.G. Burgess 26: Bowling f o r We s t I n d i e s D a v i d Holford 4 for 66, Lance Gibbs 3 for 64, Richard Edwards 2 for 30. New Zealand Second Innings following on - 367 for 6; B.F. Hastings 117 not out, Skipper Greame Dowling 76, V. Pollard 44, B.E. Congdon 43, Glenn Turner 38, B.W Yuile 2 0 : B o w l i n g f o r We s t Indies - Skipper Gary Sobers took 3 for 70, Charlie Griffith 1 for 55, Michael Joey Carew 1 for 24, David Holford 1 for 82.
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Keen competition at RCBG night of boxing in Berbice The first ever amateur boxing card organised by the Roberts Champions Boxing Gym (RCBG) of New Amsterdam Berbice came off with a bang when the activity was held on Saturday last at the Matthew Allen (Stelling road) in New Amsterdam. The night’s activity which featured the three fighters who competed in recently held Inaugural Junior South American Games in Peru; Flyweight Michael April, junior middleweight Travis Fraser and bantamweight Joel Williamson, along with boxers from Berbice and Essequibo pitting their skills against each other, while those from Georgetown suffered cold feet and did not show. Patrons who turned out had more than their fill and most of the bouts were entertaining with two of the three Peru medalists losing their bruising encounters. The fight between the talented Michael April (GCBG) and the promising Shaka Moore of Essequibo Boxing Gym (EBG), fighting in the 110-114 lbs division was a classic, going down to the wire with Moore gaining the nod in the end. Joel Williamson lost a controversial decision to Delon Charles in their catchweight encounter in a
Another good encounter between Travis Fraser (RCBG) and Glenroy Smith (EBG) decision that did not go down well with some sections of the crowd. Welterweight Travis Fraser (RCBR) won his fight against Glenroy Smith in another good encounter which could have gone either way. Nothing should be taken away from the 15-year-old Moore who won the best boxer of the night for his performance, which was by far the best performance from any of the visiting boxers Saturday evening. In other decisions; Colin
Hinds of RCBG got the better of Devon Wright of EBG in another bruising encounter in their 132 lb lightweight fight, Jamal Eastman of RCBG continued his impressive run with a decisive performance against Odemi Moore of EBG in their 100104 lb. fight. Albert Thomas Jr. of RCBG out boxed Christopher Moore of EBG in their 105-108 lbs encounter, while Tasham Jack won his fight with Devon Armstrong in an all EBG affair in the 95-
99lbs category, while in another all EBG affair, Delroy Elcock took care of business when he met Shaka Wright in an 80-84 lbs contest. During the night, international female referee Romaine Agard was recognised as the most experienced local referee in Guyana. Local pugilist Derick Richmond, who broke middleweight champion Edmond DeClou jaw in round two of their scheduled eightround middleweight contest and will be fighting on Boxing
Best boxer Shaka Moore of EBG receiving his award from New Amsterdam mayor Claude Henry. Night for the National Middle weight Title, was also recognised. The event was declared open by Mayor of New Amsterdam Claude Henry. Mr. Henry, who was at ringside, expressed disappointment at the poor turnout. He said citizens of the town need to support their own and be more sports conscious. This he said could go a far way in their personal development. Mayor Henry was also appreciative of the fact that someone took the
initiative to showcase some of the town’s sports men. Organiser, former national and amateur multi weight champion, Jeff Roberts, thanked the patrons for supporting the activity. He also expressed thanks to main sponsors Hand in Hand Insurance, Leader of the Opposition and Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger, Courts Guyana Limited, Berbice Bridge Company and Giftland Office Max. (Samuel Whyte)
Rising Sun/Alpha MMA host Ne-Waza/ submission grappling tournament
Last Sunday a total of nineteen athletes representing three clubs clashed when the Rising Sun/ Alpha MMA hosted a Newaza/submission grappling tournament at the Marian Academy. The clubs that participated were Rising Sun Judo/Jiu-jitsu, Alpha MMA and Black Hawks Martial Arts Academy. It was a day filled with surprises and displays of fantastic groundwork techniques, national Judo champions Randy Phillips and Yara Silva showed why they are the best by dominating their respective categories, while Mitch Satrohan and Corwin D‘Anjou had a wonderful day taking the men’s heavy and men’s under 140lbs respectively. Brandon Hutson was in a no nonsense mood and took no prisoners while securing the under-16 gold. Kudos must go to the Black Hawks contingent for securing 1-gold medal, 2-
Some of the successful participants at the Rising Sun/Alpha MMA Ne-waza/ submission grappling tournament display their medals won at last Sunday’s event. silver medals and 1-bronze and to Andrew Hing and Alex Jarvis for putting up spirited and inspirational performances. The official results are:
Under 16 - Brandon Hutson (gold), Shiloh Cameron (silver), Rene Hutson (bronze). Under 140lbs Men- Corwin D‘Anjou (gold), Sam DaSilva (silver),
King Cameron (Bronze) Under 170lbs Men- Randy Phillips (gold), Raul Lall (silver), Alex Jarvis (Bronze) Men’s HeavyweightsMitch Satrohan (gold), Keifer
Robin (silver), Colwyn Benn (bronze) Ladies Open- Yara Silva (gold), Joanne Williams (silver), Norissa Yong (bronze).
The tournament organisers would like to thank all the sponsors and Marian Academy school for all the help in making the tournament a success.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
GBOC inflexible with indiscipline ICC chief backs new ODI rules - GABA in full compliance
The Cartoon says it all! Compliments of Guyanabasketball.com By Edison Jefford The new-look Guyana Basketball Officials’ Council (GBOC) has taken an inflexible approach as it relates to indiscipline in the sport, which resulted in several clubs losing games last weekend owed to late arrivals, including the number one ranked Division III Trinity Grid Holdings (TGH) Pacesetters. International Basketball Federation (FIBA)-trained referee, Lugard Mohan, who is also a former national player, has taken over GBOC since the resignation of Cecil Chin. Mohan has taken what is definitely a serious approach to disciplinary issues. T h i s w a s e v i d e nt on Saturday when the former Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s (CBC) AllStar for Guyana during his playing career, Mohan, ensured his referees blew a ‘walkover’ against TGH Pacesetters Division III team after they arrived late. The ‘walkover’ gave the number one ranked club in the division an opening defeat in
the Phillip George Legacy tournament, which Colts is hosting in honour of their late Coach, and is currently ongoing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Mohan d i d n o t s t o p t h e r e . H e r e p e a ted the trend on S u n d a y, promptly ensuring ‘walkovers’ were blown when teams were not respective of game-time, albeit, some teams never showed up. Three more games were decided via ‘walkovers’ on Sunday. GBOC message was clear last weekend: teams must respect the rules, which state that they must be at the venue 45 minutes before game-time and ready to p l a y w h e n t h e whistle summons them at their scheduled time. The new ‘modus operandi’ is refreshing. It also sets new standards for the referees themselves where there were past incidences of them arriving late for games, forcing t e a ms to wait on them. Mohan’s regularisation of the
process of officiating is bound to force more respect for the game locally. Mohan formed GBOC some years ago, and not Chin, as was previously reported, to standardise officials in Guyana following his FIBA accreditation. The President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Michael Singh commended the approach of Mohan, asking the affiliate clubs to act more professional. “We are asking for more professionalism. The new GBOC appears to be sharp so I am asking all clubs to be professional as it relates to punctuality. I’m happy that this GBOC/GABA is working together to achieve standards,” Singh said when contacted yesterday. He said that the effort shows that there are some people who have the game at heart. He believed also that referees returning to training and sharpening their skills is refreshing for the sport. It can only result in development, Singh b e l i e v e s , a n d i s a s k ing clubs to cooperate.
U.S., Korea Republic to meet in WC prep match Chicago - The United States and fellow 2014 FIFA Wo r l d C u p p a r t i c i p a n t Korea Republic will meet in a friendly on February 1 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, it was announced on Monday. It will be the first meeting between the sides since a 1-1 draw in a 2002 World Cup group stage match. “As a team that has qualified for Brazil, the Korea Republic will be another great benchmark
for us,” said U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. ”They bring a different style of play than we have seen in the last two years, and that gives us a chance to grow. With only two or three games left before M a y, t h i s w i l l b e a n important opportunity for the players who will be finishing off the January camp. The message will be the same one we start with every time we get together: we are here to win.”
Overall, the U.S. has one win and two draws in six games against the Koreans, who will be making an eighth World Cup appearance. Prior to the 2002 World Cup, they faced off in the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup as Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley scored in a 2-1 win. Six months later, a Clint Mathis goal helped the Americans earn a share of the points in Daegu, Korea. (concacaf.com)
Dave Richardson, the ICC Chief Executive, has defended the new ODI regulations - fewer fielders in the outfield and two new balls - saying they have made “the game more attacking and more exciting.” He said the rules had not resulted in an overall inflation in totals. “Overall, we are seeing that the total runs scored in an innings have more or less remained constant,” Richardson said in Mumbai. “The average runs in a oneday innings is about 250 and the data shows that the only change is that a higher percentage of those 250 is scored in boundaries, as opposed to ones and twos. This is one of the reasons why we introduced the fielding restrictions in the first place, to try and make the game more attacking and more exciting. There are more wickets falling and more boundaries being scored and the totals on an average are remaining the same.” The new rules have been criticised by players and boards in the subcontinent, with the BCCI opposing the use of new balls from both ends. During the recent home series against Australia, India captain MS Dhoni
Dave Richardson suggested it was becoming impossible for bowlers to contain boundaries with only a maximum four fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Nine of the 11 completed innings in that series produced 300-plus totals. According to Richardson that series may have been a one-off, but he conceded that bowlers might be having a harder time on subcontinent pitches. “Conditions vary across the world and certainly in the subcontinent where you find yourself on a good batting pitch that is taking no spin, no seam movement, the bowlers really have their hands full,” he said. “If you
look at the results all over the world in other conditions like England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, you will find that the new fielding restrictions have worked well. Also the fact that we are using two new balls as opposed to one has allowed the bowlers to take more wickets, especially in the first 10 overs when the seam bowlers are at the batsmen. This has also worked well.” Richardson also said the ICC would instruct host venues in Australia and New Zealand to prepare balanced pitches during the 2015 World Cup. “Certainly for ICC events, we do give directions to the host countries as to the preparation of the pitch. It will be the same as the World Cup that w a s h e l d i n t h e subcontinent,” he said. “The difference being that in Australia and New Zealand, conditions tend to be more seamer-friendly as opposed to spin-friendly. So our direction would be we want a pitch that provides good bounce but n o t t o o m uch lateral movement, in this case seam movement. Generally in oneday cricket we try to favour the batting team and we look for totals between 230 and 260.” (espncricinfo)
BCCI discusses restructure in sharing of ICC revenue A changed revenuedistribution model for the ICC was one of several issues discussed between Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards and BCCI president N. Srinivasan in Singapore last week. Edwards is also head of the ICC Governance Committee said his meeting with Srinivasan happened to be part of his regular rounds of talks with ICC Executive Board Members. The BCCI is understood to be in favour of a sharing of ICC revenue that better reflects the size of its financial contribution to the game, rather than an equal split among all Full Member nations. The Singapore discussions were said to have taken place over a middle ground between current practice and BCCI’s informal stand on the subject. Srinivasan was in Singapore for an IPL franchise-owners workshop. Along with being BCCI President and therefore member of the IPL governing council, he is also owner of the
Chennai Super Kings IPL franchise. Neither CA nor the BCCI made any formal statement about their stand on the subject of ICC revenue distribution until Tuesday. At the sidelines of the ICC awards announcement function in Mumbai, BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said the issue was the “legitimate right” of the BCCI and was still under discussion. “This legitimate right issue has been put up before the Full Members of ICC. It is nothing but a just and fair right that we are asking for. It is not any muscle flexing.” Patel told PTI. Srinivasan had put up the issue for the “first time in the history of the BCCI as a Full Member of the ICC. He has worked out very good details and very good options,” Patel said. “President Srinivasan, since last year, was looking into the financial details of ICC. He has made a private study about what could be the contribution of the BCCI into the revenue
stream of ICC. On the basis of that, some formulae have been discussed among us. His own acumen as a businessman has also helped us.” On the home front, the BCCI hands out 70% of its annual revenue to 27 of its affiliates in equal proportions. Cricket Australia’s own views on the subjects are not yet known in the public domain. It has however changed its own financialrevenue distribution in 2012 as part of a raft of governance changes including the move towards a fully independent board of directors. From each state receiving an equal share, revenue is now distributed on a basis of need, as decided by CA’s board. The discussion between Edwards and Srinivasan also covered matters including the vast disparity between dividends received by lower ranked Full Member countries and the top Associate nations like Ireland and Afghanistan. (ESPNcricinfo)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
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Tigers’ win give credence to sport’s emergence By Rawle Welch W h e n G C C Ti g e r s defeated Trinidad and Tobago’s Malvern in the final of the just concluded Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival anyone who has followed the work done by Head Coach Philip Fernandes with this club and the national female squad would’ve seen it as no surprise. Fernandes, who also serves as President of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has over the past two years sacrificed a lot of personal and family time to develop a team that is now at a level where it can challenge the traditional regional powerhouses in the sport for supremacy. The team is a mixture of youth and experience, with the former the more distinct feature, but the combination has worked to perfection so far as evidenced by their domination on the local scene which has now spread to the Caribbean and further afield. The Tigers dominate the national squad and this is by no coincidence, they are a dedicated bunch willing to put in the time to hone their skills to meet the levels and demands required to be regarded as elite. Fernandes no doubt must be credited with the team’s success; here is a Coach who over time has stressed to the team the importance of thorough preparations heading into tournaments, while much time has also spent imparting his knowledge
- Guyana women jump 20 places on FIH latest ranking
GCC Tigers! They are the face of women’s hockey in Guyana on the technical and tactical aspects which from the results garnered this year has borne dividends. Presently the team consists of 9-10 members on the national unit and this is a reflection of how well the players have responded to the coaching proficiency of Fernandes, who is a former national player with loads of experience, exposure and knowledge of the game. Malvern is no pushover and though much of their members are pas t their prime, they are a team filled with players who’ve represented T&T at the highest level with much distinction so the Tigers success over them was hard earned, but deserved. The Trinidadian,
Tenelec Inc. U-15 Cricket - Berbice
Albion through to semis Albion Cricket Club is the final team to seal a semifinal berth in this year’s Tenelec Inc. Under-15 cricket tournament and have joined Police, Edinburgh and Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes, the others to have qualified. They totally outplayed Big Star in settling for first innings honours in their drawn quarter final encounter. In the match played at Albion, Big Star sent in to take first strike was bundled out for a paltry 28 in their first innings.
Leading the destruction for Albion was Berbice Under-15 left arm spinner Joshua Harrichan who snared 5 for 8 from 7 overs with off-spinner Asif Ally capturing 4 for 8 from 6.1 overs. W h e n A l b i o n Community Centre replied, they were given a rousing start of 94 in 18.5 overs by Guyana Under-15 batsman Adrian Sukhwa and Asif Ally. Albion ended their first innings at 252-3. Joshua Harrichan made 49 and Matthew Hardyal and unbeaten 59.
earlier had shown how dangerous a team they are w hen they beat the highly touted Canadians in a game that many felt they could not win so getting into the final, they would have started as favourites, but the Tigers had other ideas and produced a stunning performance to capture the title.
Fernandes’ impact has been felt at every level in the female game and it has helped Guyana jump 20 places from being ranked at #58, before they participated in the Pan Am Cup in Argentina earlier this year, to a present ranking of #38 on the F e d e r a t i o n o f International Hockey
(FIH) latest release. Another remarkable achievement has been the inclusion of goalkeeper A lys a Xavier on the Pan Am Elite team which also includes 7-time FIH P l a y e r o f t h e Ye a r Argentine Luciana Aymar, who has made it on the list for the fourth straight time. This is growing evidence of hockey emerging as a sport to note in the’ Land of Many Waters’ and while the game still struggles to gain the attention of major stakeholders, the recent achievements by the w o m e n ’s t e a m a n d Xavier’s exploits should be enough to jolt a positive response from them.Guyana badly needs a synthetic turf to be able to host international tournaments outdoor and while the DMW Festival continues to gain support from the region and North America, the outdoor version has the attractiveness to engage the attention of teams from Europe and Asia. The players have held their end of the bargain so now it is up t o t h e r e levant authorities to
fulfill their end of the deal. Guyana for years have been blessed with athletes possessing nat u r a l talent, but in the absence of facilities to further enhance those natural qualities then getting to the elite level will always be an uphill struggle, especially against teams and countries that are furnished with the requisite tools to perform at the optimum level. O u r r e g i o n a l neighbour T&T have an international hockey Centre that has hosted many high level tournaments and they’ve been the standout team in the sport in the Caribbean for many years, but due to an impressive programme designed by Fernandes Guyana is beginning to narrow the gap between the two countries in the women’s segment, all this in the absence of a synthetic surface.Guyana is now six places below T&T, while other regional countries such as Jamaica and Barbados are below us. Hockey in spite of the many shortcomings has made its mark and deserves more support.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
K and S Group receives and
gives as school tournament looms Several weeks of stringent planning will finally come to fruition when the curtains go up on the 24th annual Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament, among 24 school teams, at the Georgetown Football Club Ground, Sunday, December 8 next and K&S Directors, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, was busy yesterday as he received valuable support even as he extended similar chivalry. Despite the hard work, those efforts would have been in vain were it not for the input of members of the corporate community. To this effect, the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company has pitched in with its usual contribution towards the success of the event. Yesterday afternoon, two representatives of that firm, Marketing Manager, Trevor Bassoo and Marketing Assistant, Livasti Bhooplall, visited the Irving Street office of the organisers and handed over a hefty sponsorship package to offset the expenses associated with organizational procedures. The donating firm has been a part of the sponsorship team for more than seven years and yesterday improved its contribution to $500,000 which will go to the runners up. “GPC is a strong advocate of youth
development and as such, management could not possibly ignore a request to support the tournament which is in keeping with our objectives,” exhorted Mr. Bassoo moments after the gift exchanged hands. Mr. Muhammad thanked his benefactor even as he revealed that the preparations are progressing satisfactorily. He said that there has been a small change where Charlestown Secondary has replaced Covent Garden Secondary due to unforeseen circumstances. Otherwise, activities will get underway at 16:00hrs this Sunday with the traditional march past of teams followed by the first two games. The organizers have said that there will be no charge to view the games up to the semi-finals stage. Meanwhile, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Day for persons with D i s a b i l i t y a n d M r. Muhammad visited the, Carmichael Street location and blessed those children with one hundred tickets to view the tournament. Head teacher of that institution, Anand Mangru, observed the handing over of the gift which was collected by one of the students on behalf of his colleagues and
Mr. Muhammad hands over the tickets to the one of the students in the presence of other members of the institution administrators. Mr. Mangru was extremely delighted by the gesture and expressed those sentiments to Mr. Muhammad. “This is indeed a good gesture especially since it is done on such a momentous day,” said Mr. Mangru. Another student, Kelly Ann Persaud, echoed her headmaster’s sentiments while extending gratitude to the K&S Executive. Participating schools will be drawn from Linden (4), West Bank Demerara (4), Georgetown (8), East Coast Demerara (4), East Bank Demerara (2), Mazaruni and Berbice (1 apiece).
Statement on TV coverage of WI v NZ St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board joins with cricket fans in the region in encouraging television companies operating in the Caribbean to s e c u r e t h e Te l e v i s i o n broadcast rights for the ongoing West Indies v New Zealand Test, ODI and T20 series. While the WICB recognises that there continues to be a challenging financial climate regionally, cricket fans have been disheartened
that they are not able to see the West Indies team play against New Zealand. From the responses there are legions of fans who are desirous of viewing the matches and that represents obvious interest and demand. Through its broadcast rights deal with TAJ TV the WICB has played a major role in ensuring that when the West Indies team plays at home the television broadcast is
provided to CMC free-to-air partner stations so that fans can view the matches live. Contrary to some misinformation, the WICB does not own or control the broadcast rights for the West Indies v New Zealand series or any series played outside the region. The WICB looks forward to cricket fans being able to view the matches on television with the favourable consideration and intervention of television companies.
Trevor Bassoo (2nd right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Kashif Muhammad in the presence of Livasti Bhooplall (2nd left) and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 04, 2013
Page 43
Guyana Beverage Company Inc. partners RHTY&SC and Enterprise SC By Zaheer Mohamed The Guyana Beverage Company Inc. (GBCI) remains committed to the development of sports. Yesterday at the company’s head office at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, the entity under the Busta soft drink brand has once again committed to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Champion of Champions and the Enterprise Sports Club limited overs cricket tournaments. The Champion of Champions 50-overs competition which has been undertaken at a cost of $1.5M has developed into one of the premier competitions in the Ancient County is expected to start shortly. It is also being sanctioned and co-organised by the Berbice Cricket Board as part of their developmental programme. Speaking at the launching, RHTY&SC CEO/Secretary, Hilbert Foster stated that this year’s tournament would be extra special since it will be the 10th edition, adding that this shows the remarkable bond between the two entities. The tournament will be played between the top eight teams in Berbice; West Berbice, Blairmont Community Centre, Universal Solutions Bermine, Albion Community Centre, Young Warriors Universal DVD, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, Port Mourant Karibee Rice and Upper Corentyne. The winning team will receive $100,000 and a trophy, the runner up $50,000 and a trophy and the man-of-the-match in the final $15,000 and a trophy. The final will be broadcasted live on NCN Radio.
Foster indicated that no form of indiscipline would be tolerated and any team that brings the game into disrepute will be thrown out of the competition and would not be selected to play in future tournaments. He stated that only players who are registered with clubs for 2013 will be allowed to play. He expressed gratitude to the GBCI for their support and also lauded General Manager Robert Selman and Marketing Manager Shameeza Yadram for their contribution giving the assurance that the tournament will be organised and played at the highest standard. The first round will see Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets facing Upper Corentyne at the Area ‘H’ ground; Albion Community C e n t r e h o s t i n g We s t Berbice; Young Warriors clashing with Blairmont Community Centre at Cumberland and Universal Solutions Bermine traveling to Port Mourant. Meanwhile, President of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club (EBSC) Karran Ramdhoon indicated that this the sixth year the GBCI has sponsored their T20 tournament and thanked them for the input. He stated that the club has produced a number of talented players over the years including Kamesh Yadram, Zaheer Mohamed and Rajendra Chandrika. Sixteen teams are expected to battle for supremacy and among them are Lusignan, Enterprise, Buxton, Ogle, Enmore, Golden Grove, Unity and Strathaven. Managing Director of Guyana Beverage Company, Robert Selman pointed out that cricket is one of the major sports in Berbice and this is the company’s way of
Managing Director of the Guyana Beverage Company Inc. Robert Selman (7th left) presents the sponsorship cheque to President of Enterprise Busta SC Karran Ramdhoon in the presence of the officials from both entities.
RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster (7th left) collects the Busta trophy from Robert Selman while members of Club and GBC Inc share the moment. giving back to the community. He said that the RHTY&SC is one of the better organised clubs in Guyana while Enterprise SC has managed to keep the youths off the street which is the aim of the company
Renole Bourne to host tape ball cricket Former Demarara Under-19 cricketer Renole Bourne will host a Holiday Bash six-over knock-out Tape Ball Cricket competition on the Cultural Centre Tarmac on December 28. The event, which caters for teams of
seven players each, has an entrance fee of $7,000 and as you lose you go home. Teams will battle for the winner take all prize of $50,000 while the winner of a special exhibition match will walk away with $10,000. There will also be
prizes up for grabs for the best Batsman, Best Bowler and Batsman with the most sixes. Interested teams can contact Bourne on telephone number 687 9078 or e-mail holidaybash2013@gmail.co m
stating that they are happy to sponsor both tournaments.
He informed that the Enterprise competition has
been sponsored to a tune of just over $700,000.
t r o Sp
Tigers’ win Keen competition at RCBG
give credence to sport’s emergence
night of boxing in Berbice
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P.41
- Guyana women jump 20 places on FIH latest ranking Alysa Xavier
Blows rained in the match-up between Joel Williamson (RCBG) and Delon Charles (EBG).
WI pounded by McCullum, TaylorP.38 Ross Taylor
Brendon McCullum
Windies Women short listed for ICC awards P.37
Taylor, Daley, Dottin nominated Stafanie Taylor
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