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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Vagrancy, intolerance and contemptible acts The rapidly increasing number of pavement dwellers in the city and its environs has always been a source of concern. Economic hardship, drug addiction and mental illness have for the most part been causal factors. There is no doubt that this situation did not arise overnight and cannot be solved immediately. However, it is vitally important for the relevant authorities, particularly the Human Services Ministry, to address it with alacrity, engaging all appropriate agencies. Apart from being aesthetically displeasing, the existing state of affairs is further exposing two other disquieting social ills – youth intolerance and delinquency. The correlation comes from the fact that while in recent times, dogs and other animals are mercifully being spared the wrath of misguided youths, the targets are now inexplicably, the homeless. In areas around any of the municipal markets, particularly at night, one can witness some of the most despicable acts of insensitivity towards these hapless souls. The vile, unprovoked attacks range from the throwing of stinking trench water on sleeping pavement dwellers to the unthinkable - glass bottles and large stones raining on them. Those of us who do not indulge in such lunacy cannot conceive this manner of contemptible behaviour, but it is most important that the authorities recognise its severity. There have been many occasions when vagrants have succumbed to injuries sustained during those gratuitous acts of violence and no one has been held accountable. The unrelenting sadism speaks to a deep-rooted problem. Many among us are not very subtle (and surely not very kind) when we speak of the less unfortunate in our midst. Sadly, most homeless individuals are viewed as “mad people” and are treated with reckless abandon. This in essence feeds the unrestrained beast described above. The authorities must somehow revisit their methods in dealing with vagrants. And whatever they come up with needs to be conducted in a structured manner. The state certainly has an interest in seeking to help these ill-fated people to live a life that is integrated more positively with their fellow citizens. As it is, the average citizen skirts very warily around those who inhabit our streets especially after the media highlight the occasional acts of violence that a minority resort to. It would be an interesting statistic, if we could be informed of the number of street dwellers who are the victims of accidents, rapes, savage beatings and other atrocities in comparison to those they inflict on others. A mark of our humanity is how we treat our less fortunate. If life in Guyana has proven to be so challenging to those of us who have things going in our favour, imagine what it must be like to those at the other end of the scale. Some years ago we were informed that the regulations for institutionalizing the mentally challenged had been loosened radically, and this resulted in the influx of such persons into our streets. Another factor has undoubtedly been the increased use of hard drugs, which have a deleterious effect on the faculties of the habitual users. Today the loosening of the Guyanese family structure has forced manyofeventheborderlinecasesintothestreets. We reiterate that this problem must be dealt with in a coherent and well thought-out manner. Let us begin with a study that informs us of the magnitude of the problem. We are certain that it will qualify as an emergency. The phenomenon of vagrancy is by no means a new one and various intervention strategies have been attempted across the globe. We are sure that our social services officials, in collaboration with our law enforcement personnel, can craft an initial intervention programme suitable to our circumstances. The programme would then be monitored and amended as necessary. Funding cannot be a constraining factor. If money can be found for projects of dubious economic value, we are positive that funds can be sourced to help citizens who live under the most oppressive, depressing and disgraceful conditions.
Friday December 06, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
THIS ATROCITY BY THE MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVT IS A DENT ON DECENCY THE EDITOR, There was an irony of all ironies when on Wednesday December December 4, 2013 in the midst of a forum for Mayors of the Americas and the Caribbean, I received the news that the Ministry of Local Government had appointed the least qualified and experienced of the applicants to the substantive position of Town Clerk. The irony was that at this gathering of senior representatives of the United States Government, the IDB/OAS, the Miami Dade County, and the Florida International University, one of the main thrusts was to give cities and municipalities more money, management capability and authority to deliver services to their respective communities.
This appointment by the Ministry of Local Government must be seen in the context of the refusal by the President to assent to the vital Bill to trigger Local Government Reform. This atrocity by the Ministry of Local Government is a dent on decency and a denial on democracy, and puts us in the dungeons of depravity. The journey of inappropriate actions by the Ministry of Local Government continues. Forget the bullyism over the years - Recently we had an MOU signed with a bogus entity, now did the Ministry fail to investigate Ms. Sooba’s shenanigans while attached to the Deeds Registry in New Amsterdam? We want only the truth Hon. Ministers Ganga Persaud and Norman
Whittaker about your latest appointment. Enough has been said on this dark day, but allow me to congratulate the PPP Civic Government for scoring a lower ‘D’ in their return to democracy. Allow me also to congratulate the Town Clerk, Carol Ryan Sooba on her preferment, and we wish her all the best. Notwithstanding this act by the state, is reminiscent of the Emperor Caligula who had appointed his horse as a Consul of Rome. It is true history repeats itself. We expect the vast PPP propaganda machine to be in high gear in dealing with the Municipality, but to all and sundry the truth shall prevail and the righteous and those who are now victims in the city must not surrender. Hamilton Green, J.P., Mayor
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
THIS IS NOT THE LEGUAN I KNEW AS A CHILD DEAR EDITOR, One of the oldest, most likeable and popular priests in Leguan, Pt Jairam Maharaj (Bata)passed away on Deepavali night Nov 2nd at the age of 71. The late Pt. Deonarine Sharma was his Cha Cha. Pt. Mukesh, who follows in his father ’s footsteps, was instrumental in ensuring that at the “wake” only appropriate Bhajans and discourses were rendered by the various Satsang Groups and sympathisers. The community, families and friends, many of whom travelled from abroad, turned in in large numbers to offer their respects. Even President Ramotar was in attendance one evening and offered his condolences. There was absolutely no card or domino games, a refreshing break from the norm. That this trend continues is the dream of many. The passing of Pt.Bata has left a large void on the
island where there is a shortage of Hindu Priests and little co-operation to stop the forces of conversion which are so rampant in the country. On the island there is a great urgency for families to regularly attend and support their temples and make a commitment for their young ones to practice the teachings of our Dharma. We seem to forget verse Ch 3 v 35 of the Bhagavad Gita which states: Sreyansvadharmovigunah, paradharmatsvanusthitat Svadharmenidhanamsreyah, paradharmobhayavahah Better to perform one’s own duty even though imperfectly than to perform the duties of others in a perfect manner. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another path is dangerous. Pt. Deodat (Munesh )Dhanrajh, my nephew, performed the final funeral rites at Uniform beach. Hundreds attended, myself
included as I happen to be visiting the island at the time. Soon after the funeral rites were completed it started to rain very heavily. Mourners, children and elders were slipping and sliding on the mud dam as they left to seek shelter. Gigantic holes and ditches were left by heavy machinery and areas of the beautiful beach were strewn by all sorts of garbage, empty bottles, household items etc. certainly not a good impression to visitors and foreigners visiting for the first time. Some clean up and maintenance needs to be done. A lot of the debris can be easily burnt at home as an alternative. I was so disappointed with the condition of the area that I attended the local council office and asked what can be done. I was told that there is abundant supply of free sand in the area, people just had to co-operate and transport it a
Voters should choose Presidential Candidates like America DEAR EDITOR, The process of choosing executives to run the parties and or selecting candidates to contest elections in Guyana is broken. An election is imminent but democratic reforms empowering people are lacking. Urgent reform in choosing party leaders is needed or better yet a complete replacement of the system is most apt. What we have had in Guyana since independence is what existed in America for a long time and was referred to as Tammany Hall machine politics, when a few party leaders met behind closed doors and selected executives to run the party and selected candidates for office through a corrupt process that excluded supporters of the party. It is most undemocratic and the Americans, the bastion of racism and imperialism, according to our nationalist leaders, replaced the system, giving voters the power to run the party and select candidates for office. Democracy for the poor and the working class in America did not come easy. American voters went to court and successfully challenged the system that was against them. The court ruled in favor of the voters and mandated that all voters must be allowed to join a party and must have the right to elect party leaders as well as nominate candidates in Primary elections. If we are so much interested
in democracy and rights of the people, then we should emulate the American model of democratic governance. Our political leaders in Guyana used to refer to America as the greatest imperialist nation. This imperialist nation is now home to more Guyanese than Guyana itself – clearly showing that Guyanese prefer to live under imperialist rule than socialist rule. America allows Guyanese Americans to join a party and to select a candidate to represent them for any elective office. When will our democratic working class, socialist leaders in the AFC, PNC (APNU), and PPP allow Guyanese to choose executives and leaders of their parties or to vote to nominate a candidate seeking elective office (Parliament, Regional, Local Council, etc)? When will we do away with this fraudulent process of a small number of people selecting delegates to a convention who meet behind closed and vote for the executives of parties? When will we end the undemocratic process of small committees in the three parties choosing Presidential candidates behind closed doors – not even allowing debates and discussions? Imperialists give Guyanese Americans a free choice. It is time the leaders of the socialist working class paradise of Guyana allow the workers to choose Presidential candidates and those wanting to run for
office. Who within any of the parties has the courage to condemn the undemocratic process? Who among them has the testicular fortitude, as the American working class, to go to court and challenge the undemocratic process? If the leaders in Guyana are true democrats and have faith and confidence in voters, then they should emulate the American model – give all voters a choice to become member of a party and hold primary elections for the voters (members of a party) to chose their leaders and candidates. I conducted NACTA opinion polls in 2010 and 2011 on the issue and almost everyone supported the idea. Everyone feels the members of the parties should choose their Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates, among other positions up for grabs, and that the positions should be opened to all members of the party not just a small handful in an elite committee. When will the Opposition, that controls a majority, introduce a bill to empower voters allowing them to vote for their party leaders, Presidential and parliamentary candidates? Give us one-personone-vote so that deals are not made among a select few. The people have the ability to determine the best person to lead the party into general election. Vishnu Bisram
few hundred feet to fill the holes. Assurance was given that the office has no objection for locals to use the sand to do the necessary work. This was not the LEGUAN I remember as a child and wonder what has happened over the years to a society where people survived with minimal government involvement. We in Canada have always helped the island. We were the first to adopt our schools after 1992 and ensure that at least they have basic educational and sports equipment. We sent funds to repair the buildings and also contributed to the needs of the hospital. We participated in the establishment of the first library on the island, an initiative of Canadian Organisation for Development through Education. We supplied free Bhagavad-Gitas by Mahatma Gandhi to each of the six temples on the islands for distribution to every person who wanted a copy of this book of universal ethics , irrespective of their religion. Yet we seem to be missing an essential ingredient to get
people to work together. The island has a long history and has laid the foundation for countless successful scholars, business people and professionals who now reside all over the globe. One of them , Ramnarine Sahadeo, a lawyer, recently published his book Mohandas K. Gandhi, thoughts, words, and deeds in which is mentioned his place of birth. As this inspiring work on a saint of international repute is being circulated ,people from various countries are now asking where is Leguan, Guyana and some of our friends from India and elsewhere are hoping to see the country one day. We have impressed them with our knowledge and practice of a culture that is one of the oldest in the world but they would surely be disappointed if they were present to observe the be downward trend legacy and
culture that our forefathers , who came as indentured servants left for us. This letter is to appeal to the people to clean up their surroundings, use the materials that nature has provided in abundance and work together with government to ensure that the island regains it past glory where all can live and die with dignity. We will continue to help financially and otherwise but the initiative and cooperation must now come from the residents of the island. Omesh Sharma, Canada
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 06, 2013
Money spent on overpriced drugs could pay 20% increase to nurses, teachers - AFC tells Ramotar “The AFC deems the refusal to establish the PPC as a sad commentary on the presidency’s will to stamp out cronyism, favouritism and discrimination and the perception thereof, in the procurement process.” By Abena Rockcliffe The Alliance For Change (AFC) has identified that Guyana has suffered many financial disasters in the absence of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) - one being the excessive spending on overpriced drugs. Nevertheless, the party is saying that it is not too late to curb the rampant corruption in the awarding of contracts. However, the government is seemingly not willing to give up the stronghold it has on the procurement process. The AFC has long held the position that it is extremely keen on securing a level playing field for local contractors, and that one of the main measures in doing so is to ensure that Guyana gets a PPC. As the party continuously seeks the reality of a functioning PPC, AFC leader, Khemraj Ramjattan initiated consultations with
President Donald Ramotar. On November 29, last, Ramjattan wrote Ramotar saying that Guyana is in urgent need of both the Anti Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) Bill and an operational PPC. Ramjattan stated in the letter that a PPC will have vast effects on the financial architecture of Guyana. The politician said it would have put to rest the concern that government would have had saved $1.8B over the last two years, enough to pay all the nurses and teachers a 20 percent increase in salaries this year, if there was no cabinet involvement in the procurement in pharmaceuticals. “It would have also removed any perception of collusion on the part of your government in the award of the Amaila Hydro Road project,” noted Ramjattan. Ramjattan, in the letter, registered his party’s belief
that the setting up and operationalization of the PPC will be a massive asset in partnering the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism and sees their existence as “…wholly symbiotic. Therefore the necessity in having both must be appreciated and worked for by the lawmakers of Guyana.” Ramjattan told the President that if all parliamentary parties work together towards having the Bill and the Commission set up and operational, both can be done before the next plenary meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), set for February. Ramjattan put forward that “A road map can see the nominations from the PPC being sent into the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) within a week, with the PAC then recommending its five names for parliamentary approval in time for the sitting on the 12th December. At this
President Donald Ramotar
AFC leader, Khemraj Ramjattan
Bobby Ramroop
sitting the AML-CFT (Amendment) Bill can be also brought back and sent to the Special Select Committee after its first reading...Thereafter, the next sitting should see an item for the approval of the five members as recommended by the PAC and the laying of the financial paper for approximately $50M, to support this Commission and the passing of the AML-CFT Bill, which by then would have finished its work in the select Committee.” It was noted that the AFC consulted with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and no objection was forthcoming. But the government stands alone. Ramotar responded that his executive does not view the Bill and the Commission as “wholly symbiotic. In fact there is hardly a nexus between the two.” Ramotar said that obligations with the passing of the amendment Bill are time bound and if not discharged can attract sanctions which can have a crippling effect on the country’s economy. He said that the challenge will affect Guyana both regionally and internationally, as a
nation stigmatized as engaged in money laundering and terrorism activities. He then reiterated that the government will not call a deal unless Cabinet can maintain its no-objection power. Ramotar said “If the Cabinet’s role is removed from the procurement process, we will be left with the abnormal situation of having a constitutionally established oversight body reviewing a process which essentially has no executive input, role and participation…Another significant factor which must be addressed is who will be held legally responsible and liable for any act, omission, negligence or the infraction of any legal principle in the procurement process. Clearly if Cabinet‘s role is removed, it cannot be the executive. Will the PPC accept and be in the legal position to discharge this responsibility?” Ramotar highlighted that in many countries the Cabinet still awards contracts, and he added that the Cabinet in Guyana plays the most minimal role in the PPC than in any other country in the Caribbean.” But it didn’t stop there.
Yesterday the AFC wrote back, sticking to its position, still suggesting the use of the road map. Ramjattan told the president clearly that the AFC sees the Bill and the Commission as a shield and sword to protect Guyana and eliminate dirty money. “Corruption eats at the sinews of our society and unless we fix our systems to deal with dirty money and procurement deals in a complementary way, Guyana may very well become a pariah state with which no one would want to do business or invest. The AFC deems the refusal to establish the PPC as a sad commentary on the presidency’s will to stamp out cronyism, favourism and discrimination and the perception thereof, in the procurement process.” Ramjattan dismissed the comparison to other states, saying that that comparison pales into insignificance when these states have functioning integrity commissions, ombudsmen and other watchdog bodies. He said too that those states don’t have some constitutional mandates like Guyana does.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
Nelson Mandela has died JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Former South African President Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his Johannesburg home yesterday after a prolonged lung infection, President Jacob Zuma said. Mandela, the country’s first black president and antiapartheid icon, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa through bloodshed and turmoil to democracy. “Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed,” Zuma said in a nationally televised address. “Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love,” he added. Mandela would receive a full state funeral, Zuma said, ordering flags to be flown at half mast. Mandela rose from rural obscurity to challenge the might of white minority apartheid government - a struggle that gave the 20th century one of its most respected and loved figures. He was among the first to advocate armed resistance to apartheid in 1960, but was quick to preach reconciliation and forgiveness when the country’s white minority began easing its grip on power 30 years later. Mandela was elected president in landmark all-race elections in 1994 and retired in 1999. He was awarded the Nobel
Nelson Mandela
Peace Prize in 1993, an honour he shared with F.W. de Klerk, the white Afrikaner leader who released from jail arguably the world’s most famous political prisoner. As president, Mandela faced the monumental task of forging a new nation from the deep racial injustices left over from the apartheid era, making reconciliation the theme of his time in office. The hallmark of Mandela’s mission was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which probed apartheid crimes on both sides of the struggle and tried to heal the country’s wounds. It also provided a model for other countries torn by civil strife. In 1999, Mandela handed over power to younger leaders better equipped to manage a modern economy a rare voluntary departure from power cited as an example to African leaders.
In retirement, he shifted his energies to battling South Africa’s AIDS crisis and the struggle became personal when he lost his only surviving son to the disease in 2005. Mandela’s last major appearance on the global stage came in 2010 when he attended the championship match of the soccer World Cup, where he received a thunderous ovation from the 90,000 at the stadium in Soweto, the neighbourhood in which he cut his teeth as a resistance leader. Charged with capital offences in the infamous 1963 Rivonia Trial, his statement from the dock was his political testimony. “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.
The UN Security Council was in session when the ambassadors received the news of Mandela’s death. They stopped their meeting and stood for a minute’s
silence. UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon hailed Mandela as a “giant for justice” who had inspired freedom movements the world over. “Many around the world
were influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways,” Mr Ban told reporters.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Mandela’s name would always be associated with the fight against the oppression. “Not even years in prison could break Nelson
Mandela or make him bitter a new, better South Africa eventually emerged out of his message of reconciliation,” she said. “Nelson Mandela’s shining example and his
political legacy of nonviolence and the condemnation of all forms of racism will continue to inspire people around the world for many years to come.”
French president Francois Hollande said in a statement that: “Nelson Mandela made history. That
of South Africa and the whole world. Nelson Mandela’s message will not disappear. It will continue to inspire
fighters for freedom, and to give confidence to peoples in the defence of just causes and universal rights
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World pays tribute
His Excellency Donald Ramotar “ A giant in defence of human rights and for a free and just society” On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana and on my own behalf, I express sincere condolences on the passing of Former President Nelson Mandela. This loss is not just one for the people of South Africa, but for Africa as a whole, and the world at large. Nelson Mandela was a giant in defence of human rights and for a free and just society, not only for his beloved South Africans, but for the oppressed the world over. The world is much poorer after his passing for he was one of the most outstanding statesmen of all time. The struggle he led with other distinguished antiapartheid fighters has entered into the annals of world history as one of the most defining periods in our world. However, it was not only the
struggle, but the manner in which it was conducted which will always remain an example and an inspiration for others working for social and economic justice everywhere. He was truly the Father of his Nation, tirelessly devoting his life to serving the people of South Africa with humility and dignity in leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preserving that hard won unity and the pride of liberation. Highly loved and respected the world over, his memory will forever be cherished. For Guyana, this is particularly so, as we recall the strength of character which he continually displayed during those long, dark years of incarceration, a grave injustice. As we mourn now with South Africa, we rejoiced then, when he won his freedom and took his
rightful place as leader of his country. Mr Mandela’s name and work will endure throughout the ages. I have asked that the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, convey our sympathy to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.
Barack Obama : He ‘took history in his hands’ and wrought justice
Yahoo News - President Barack Obama paid somber tribute to Nelson Mandela yesterday, celebrating the late South African leader’s “fierce dignity and unbending will” and unquenchable thirst for justice. “For now, let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived — a man who took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice,” Obama said in the White House briefing room. “He achieved more than could be expected of any man. Today he’s gone home, and we’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth,” Obama said. “He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages. “His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings — and countries — can change for
the better,” Obama said. The president also recalled the personal connection he felt to Mandela, and the antiapartheid campaign that fueled the young American’s political passions. “I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s life. My very first political action — the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics — was a protest against apartheid. I
would study his words and his writings,” Obama said. “The day he was released from prison it gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they’re guided by their hopes and not by their fears. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set. And so long as I live, I will do what I can to learn from him.” In his 1995 autobiographical “Dreams From My Father,” Obama had described Mandela as something of an idealized father-figure — inspiring him and filling the void of his absent Kenya-born parent. “It was into my father’s image, the black man, son of Africa, that I’d packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela,” he wrote. The two men met in 2005, when Mandela visited Washington, and Obama was a junior senator.
David Cameron says “not just a hero of our time, but a hero of all time.” UK Prime Minister David Cameron has paid tribute to the former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has died at the age of
95. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Mr Cameron said that “one of the brightest lights of our world has gone
out”. He described Mr Mandela as “not just a hero of our time, but a hero of all time.” (BBC)
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 06, 2013
CARICOM chairman and T&T PM on to Mandela’s death
P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) yesterday joined world leaders in paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon, who died at his home following a prolonged illness. He was 95. CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, said the world has lost a freedom fighter and statesman. “The world has lost democracy’s most loyal friend and advocate. Nelson Mandela was the 2 0 t h c e n t u r y ’s i c o n o f freedom and liberty. He inspired us to believe that no obstacle is too large; no walk is too long, and no enemy of freedom is so powerful, that we should ever consider giving in. “His life will surely become one of the most epic stories in world history, of the true depth and strength of the human spirit. He inspired us with his life, his words, his work and his triumph. “ Prime Minister PersadBissessar said Mandela would forever be remembered as a man who fought for freedom and won it for millions around the world, without once compromising his beliefs or his principles. “The legacy he has left us is one we shall always celebrate and we shall always thank God for
CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, said the world has lost a freedom fighter and statesman. Nelson Mandela.,” she said, adding that she Mandela was now resting in peace “knowing that he leaves behind many who will continue his fight”. St. Kitts-Nevis Prime M i n i s t e r D r. D e n z i l Douglas said the Caribbean had played a role in ending the apartheid system and Mandela had ensured that despite his long years in prison all South Africans had to commit themselves to ensuring that stability, rather than chaos become the hallmark of post-apartheid South Africa. “For this, the name of Nelson Mandela will live throughout the ages. Through this, he gave to leaders everywhere a governance model worthy
of emulation. And from this, the people of the new, democratic South Africa have benefited greatly.” “On behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts & Nevis, I extend deepest sympathy to the family of Nelson Mandela, and to the people of South Africa, whose now-nonracial democracy will be forever indebted to the great man, and the great spirit, the world has come to know as Nelson Mandela. We are humbled by his example. We are most thankful for his life,” Douglas added. Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said that the “world is now a poorer and darker place for his passing.
“We in Barbados share the grief and sense of loss which has suddenly enveloped not only his native South Africa but the world of which he was so unique and so distinguised a citizen. “ Over the next few weeks we will all have cause to reflect on a life courageously lived and selfishly given in service of the freedom of all mankind and we will all have occasion too to pay tribute to his
memory. “ “May He whose glory the heaven declare extend to Nelson Mandela that warm embrace reserved for those who have fought the good fight, finish their course and kept the faith. and may light perpetual shine upon him,” Stuart added. Mandela, who led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison, had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital. In a statement on South African national television President Jacob Zuma said Mandela had “departed” and was at peace. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the w o r l d ’s m o s t r e v e r e d statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years. He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004. “What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him h u m a n . We s a w i n h i m what we seek in ourselves,” Zuma said, adding “fellow South Africans, Nelson
Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.” Caribbean leaders were joining world leaders in paying tribute to Mandela, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, but was released in 1990 as South Africa began to move away from strict racial segregation. Former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shridath Ramphal told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the region should seek to emulate the life of the South African, who had been given every possible award from regional governments. “What we could do best in honouring his memory is to follow his example,” Sir Shridath said. Sir Shridath said that Mandela was aware of the role played by Caribbean countries in seeking his release from prison and the fight against apartheid. “He was aware of what we had done in the Caribbean within the Commonwealth. He knew we had helped,” said the former Guyanese-born diplomat.
Education Ministry overpaid thousands, not millions Kaieteur News in Wednesday’s edition inadvertently reported that
Education officials presided over o v e r p a y m e n t s t o 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 Te c h n o l o g y (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.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Use of the archives should be restricted It is extremely disturbing to read that persons believed to be associated with a publishing company have been combing through the newspaper records in the Walter Rodney Archives, formerly the National Archives, and have been making copies of Kaieteur News articles dating back to 2008. This is a worrying development in three respects. Firstly, the records of the National Archives are not intended to be made available to any Tom, Dick and Harry. These are historical records that are required to be preserved for posterity and are not like the newspaper records kept at the National Library, which can be easily assessed to source some desired information. The records of the National Archives should be sparingly used by John Public and their use should be restricted to specified research purposes, and that should not include persons trying to obtain records about articles published in a newspaper of recent vintage, purportedly to pursue legal proceedings.
This is not what archives are about. They are primarily for research purposes, mainly academic research or research related to historical sources of information. Secondly, for copies to be made of hundreds of articles is subjecting the records of the archives to unusual exposure, something that should not occur given the need to preserve these fragile documents. One of the problems with using historical records within the National Archives is the high degree of physical deterioration of the records because of poor preservation in the past. The result is that as you browse through old historic newspapers, the pages can easily become torn or crumble to dust in your hands. This is how bad things have become with Guyana’s historical records. Most modern archives keep backup microfilm copies of newspaper articles. This allows researchers to browse through these records without physically damaging the originals. Newspaper records dating back to 2008 will still be crisp and in pristine shape. But they should still be handled with care and under expert
supervision and tight security, since they have to be preserved for posterity and for eventual microfilming and referencing. Guyana has a far way to go in terms of the microfilming of its historic records and it is hoped that in next year’s Budget the parliament approves considerable sums to accelerate this process which has begun, but which needs to move faster. Guyana cannot afford to have its records deteriorate further. There is also the issue of security. Many researchers have hinted that in the past, persons using the archives were at liberty to tear out pages that interested them, fold these pages, and walk out of the archives with primary source documents in their pockets, oblivious to the staff at the then National Archives, when it was on Main Street. This is one of the main reasons why access to the new Walter Rodney Archives should be restricted and persons using the archives should be subject to careful scrutiny and undergo some orientation as to how to use the records. The third concern about what is reported to have taken
place in relation to those who are digging up material on Kaieteur News is that any request for access to use the archives’ records of Kaieteur News newspaper dating back to 2008 should have been denied. As mentioned before, seeking information that is only five years old cannot be deemed historical research and therefore should not have been allowed. There is also another reason why access to information relating to Kaieteur News should have been denied. There are other sources where this information can be easily available. The National Library, for example, will have records of Kaieteur News. Those requesting use of the archives should have been referred to
that source. But there is even a better source available and one that allows for electronic search options. The archives of the Kaieteur News are online and go back to 2008. Therefore, why waste time going through page by page of volumes of Kaieteur News newspapers, when whatever information that is being sought can be easily had, and at the click of a computer mouse, by accessing the World Wide Web. It is bewildering that persons would want to go through newspaper by
newspaper when whatever information they are seeking can be accessed more cheaply and quickly on the Internet. If there is any article that you want that was published by Kaieteur News over the past five years, that article is online and in an easyto-navigate format and with search options available.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 06, 2013
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The problem with street politics is a deadly one No one can deny that the PNC is setting on a bed of thorns. A good example of this is a letter in the Stabroek News yesterday written by two stalwarts from the Working People’s Alliance, Abyssinian Carto and Dr. Nigel Westmaas, the latter who gave his entire youth to politics fighting the Burnham Government in the seventies and eighties. Captioned, “The mountain of written and spoken protest has not shifted the government,” here is a moving passage in this angst-ridden letter. “Isn’t it time the range of protest is extended? Human beings have a range of other peaceful options of protest…even closing down the city until the garbage problem is seriously addressed…As hard as it can
be to muster the time, courage, and resolve to draw oneself into public and collective protest, it works over time in all societies including Guyana.” This strong advocacy has been reverberating in Guyana since Mr. Jagdeo became extremist in his policies. The PNC has taken the brunt of it. Then after the 2011 election results, the PNC became virtually besieged in the letter pages of the two independent dailies by Guyanese who have urged that the Government needs to be pressed to stop its unjust policies. Even the AFC was not spared, with people calling upon the party to act, thus equating the AFC with the larger and more resourceful PNC. Under Mr. Jagdeo, there
was no intensification of street protest and in Mr. Ramotar’s tenure there was only the rebellion in Linden over the electricity tariff hike. The demands on the PNC and AFC will continue into the New Year. The question is, what can the PNC do (I don’t believe the AFC can bring out the numbers like the PNC, so the rest of this analysis will centre on the PNC)? The common thread uniting all the castigators of the PNC and AFC is that there must be extra-parliamentary dimensions, because the PPP Government is not going to go to the table and offer democratic concessions. Almost inevitably, when you ask these critics what they mean by upping the tempo, they refer you to street protest. The Carto-Westmaas letter
follows in that tradition with the advice to close down Georgetown. Guyana’s polity is very different from a majority of countries in the world. When people take to the streets in Thailand and the Ukraine as is presently going on, it is a homogeneous population out on the streets. There is no scope for ethnic manipulation. Street protest in Guyana led by the PNC has a deadly hurdle that no great leader in the PNC can surmount. The PNC is very strong in Georgetown. The PNC supporters are predominantly African. While urban rebellion is occurring in Georgetown, the PPP constituencies in Berbice and Essequibo are quiet. It is easy then for devious politicians to destroy the integrity of
Five percent pay hike...
Public servants ‘sick-out’ to continue retaliation Staffers of the country’s hospitals have decided to take their protest action against the Governmentimposed five per cent increase a notch further by embracing a union call to start a two-day ‘sick-out’. Soon after an announcement by Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, of a retroactive increase of no more than five per cent a few weeks ago, protest action was engaged by some public servants, including staffers of the GPHC, the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex. Officials of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) - the entity which represents a wide cross section of public servants - were also involved in protesting the five per cent pay hike. This publication was informed that the latest move to engage a sick-out is premised on the need to emphasise the importance of public servants, hence the need for them to be granted at least a 15 per cent pay increase. At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday there were reports
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peaceful city protest by conspiring to create ethnic violence and blame both the PNC and its supporters. This has happened in every urban demonstration the PNC has organized. The movement was infiltrated by agent provocateurs and the PNC was stigmatized. The PPP reaped monumental electoral capital in subsequent elections. An ugly reminder of this was a speech in Parliament in which a PPP parliamentarian inside the National Assembly made some ugly remarks about Moses Nagamotoo being involved in violence during the skirmishes at Agricola last year. It was complete fiction. Nagamootoo was nowhere in Agricola that afternoon, but this parliamentarian was playing the race card and directing it to Berbicians. Dr. David Hinds and I were told by influential players in the PNC that had the PNC shown solidarity in Georgetown with the Linden protestors, then, the conspiracy of ethnic manipulation would have occurred. How does the PNC get out of this hopeless trap? It cannot. And any analyst of
Frederick Kissoon Guyana’s political culture would tell you that the ethnic factor plays into the hands of the PPP when there are urban demonstrations. Most, if not all, keen observers of Guyana’s politics would tell you that the PNC has only one route to go if it accepts the advocacy of countless Guyanese that it has to be more forceful and go the extraparliamentary road – it can no longer take part in national elections under the present constitution. This writer’s opinion is the moment the PNC takes to the streets, Berbice and Essequibo will be rallied to see the PNC as the perennial bad guy. Then elections are held, and the PPP wins. My advice to the PNC is that if it accepts to participate in the next election, then stay off the streets.
Dem boys seh...
Creatah tek Mandela de great, waiting fuh Rat de devil Patients at the West Dem. Hospital awaiting medical care yesterday that most of the senior nurses were fully embracing the sickout while the junior nurses were tasked with manning the wards. The Linden Hospital Complex sported a similar atmosphere, although there were reports that some staffers were unwilling to fully support the industrial action for fear of being victimised. In fact, according to GPSU’s Region 10 representative, Maurice Butters, some staffers were even threatened by the management of the hospital that should they stay away from work they will be recorded as absent. Butters disclosed that this state of affairs is in fact a longstanding matter. He explained that public servants are entitled to have three sick days off, after which they are required to submit a certificate of sickness from a doctor. However, the Union Representative said that he
was informed that management of the hospital was some time ago instructed to record as absent any staffer who fails to report to work during the course of the two-day sick-out. According to Butters, the union has been seeking for close to four months to have the matter addressed, thus far to no avail. Nevertheless, he asserted yesterday that some public servants in Linden are involved in the action with a view of having the five per cent increase reviewed. A visit to the outpatient section of the West Demerara Hospital yesterday revealed scores of patients waiting for medical attention. A young nurse was on duty delivering care as per normal. Other sections throughout the hospital’s complex displayed similar activities. But according to a senior official who has endorsed the reported protest action, the sick-out is very much active. The official explained that
strategic measures were put in place to ensure that no patient seeking medical care is turned away. Another senior official who also professed to have knowledge of a plan to have the sick-out, denied awareness that it had started during this publication’s visit yesterday morning. “We are here now and we are trying to see who are here to ensure that things are put in place...but we are embracing the sick-out,” said an official who even sought to express disappointment that the Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford was vocal enough to say that public servants should be happy with the increase. “It is unreasonable, it is insensitive because if you check things on the market they have gone up...she (the Minister) did not have to say that, she could have said it in a different way,” the official opined.
Dem boys seh that a great leader get call to the house in de sky yesterday. And dem boys certain he gun deh good because de Big Man whisper that he gun tek care of this great leader. Let your heart not be troubled. However, He tell dem boys that he waiting fuh dem leader wha Guyana got. He seh that he really want a particular leader, Bar de Rat. He whisper to dem boys that he gun arrange fuh Uncle Sam deal wid he first. Then he gun tek over. He got a special place fuh de Bar de Rat. This Bar de Rat and he kavakamites, including Brazzy, Bobby and Rob de Earth, do suh much of wrang thing to this nation and to de people. If dem boys got to list dem, a lifetime of de Waterfalls paper can’t hold all of dem. De story too nasty, dutty and stinking. Imagine just a few days dem try fuh thief all de prime real estate at Bourda. Bobby de Trump put up a plan fuh build something more fancy than de Taj Mahal wha Donald de Trump build. He did plan fuh tek GCC and GFC fuh free. Dem boys want to know if he Mooma did lef that real estate fuh he. Fuh sure Bar de Rat and Brazzy was part of that Bourda jumbie deal. All of dem love jumbie deal. Fip was a jumbie deal when he come fuh build de hydro road. Dem boys still remember when he flip. Some things ain’t good fuh talk but dem boys sorry that when he flip he didn’t … Jenny de Web is another jumbie deal. She seh so much in she statement that dem boys ain’t sure wha she seh. All dem know is that everything sound jumbie/ghost-like, even de solid waste company tun out to be a ghost company. She had to learn that from Bar de Rat. She wuk for him, under him and with him for years. Anybody who do that got to think, smell, behave and look like de Rat. Bar de Rat issue radio frequency to all dem ghost company and he do that round Halloween. Up to now when dem boys tun on dem radio dem hearing ghost sounds; some of dem got jumbie reading de news and playing music. You don’t hear nobody name.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 06, 2013
Govt. advertises for Solid Fallout continues over Waste Recycling Plant Town Clerk appointment By Latoya Giles The Government of Guyana has announced that it is looking for eligible service providers including individuals or agencies to express their interest to build, transfer, and operate a Solid Waste Recycling Plant, through a public/private partnership agreement. The announcement was made yesterday via the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. This new announcement follows the government’s recent decision to abandon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed by the Local Government Ministry and Natural Globe Inc. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon had stated that it was in wake of the media revelations, and in the context of its recent execution of the MoU with the firm Natural Globe Inc, for recycling services in Guyana, that the decision was taken to withdraw its execution of the MoU with the firm. According to the Ministry, individuals or agencies interested in providing the services should obtain an “Operator’s Profile Form” from the Permanent Secretary Secretariat, of Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD), Fort Street Kingston, Georgetown. Uplifting the forms can be done from Monday and Thursday between 8.00 hrs and 16:30 hrs, and on Friday between 8.00 hrs and 15:30
hrs. Bidders can also visit the Ministry’s website www.mlgrd.gov.gy to obtain a form. It was advised that the form should be completed and returned to MLGRD along with two (2) copies of a detailed project proposal accompanied by the following documents, Business’s Registration, Tax Identification Number, List of Equipment and Machinery owned (inclusive of their registrations), Human Resource Capacity and two recent References - one of which must be from your recent and or current employer where similar services were or are being provided. Expectant bidders are also advised that the government requires that all intended activities be operated and managed under the guidelines and policies outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Further the government said that they would prefer to collaborate with those who have previous working experience providing identical services in other Countries where records of operations and/or services are accessible and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. It was indicated that upon receipt of all documents, a technical team will be assembled to review and provide advice (where necessary to applicants) on the submitted documents. “Applicants satisfying the required criteria will be shortlisted and tasked with the responsibility of
providing additional information upon request,” the Ministry advised. All applications should be sealed and delivered no later than Friday December 27, 2013, at 15:30 hrs. When the MoU between the Local Government Ministry and Natural Globe Inc., was first announced, Guyanese were told that it was a Canadian Company. Searches for the Canadianregistered company proved futile. It was later learnt that the Company was in fact registered in Guyana only three months ago. The proposal for the project was submitted 14 months ago. Natural Globe Inc., the company in question, is run by Mohamed Osman. When Kaieteur News first began questioning the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with what was deemed a ‘Ghost Company’, the Ministry of Local Government lashed out saying that it wished “to clarify the misrepresented, misinformed and mischievous statements published by Media Houses which seek to confuse and communicate incorrect messages to the public on the recent signing of the MoU for the establishment of recycling plant in Guyana.” The Ministry said that the company is owned and operated by a Guyanese entrepreneur who resides in Canada and is in the process of becoming a re-migrant resident. “This company is also a local consultancy firm that (Continued on page 14)
Staffers of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) continue to take offence to the “unconstitutional and unjust” appointment of the “unqualified” Ms Carol Sooba to the senior position of Town Clerk. Additionally, the Council has asserted that two other senior positions were also given to “unqualified” persons. As such, the Guyana Local Government Officers’ Union (GLGOU) has called on the government to rescind the appointments, especially in positions where suitably qualified persons would have been identified and recommended for the relevant offices. The Council is completely against the appointment of Sooba as Town Clerk since she was “the least qualified” of the persons interviewed a few weeks ago for the post. Interviews were also held for the post of City Treasurer and City Medical Health Officer. The GLGOU said it has given the government 72 hours to recall the appointment of Ms Sooba, meanwhile, discussions are being held on the way forward in addressing the matter. Union president, Dale Beresford said that the union’s international affiliates including Public Service International have already been alerted, “and this matter will be going far and wide.” He added that a letter has also been sent to the Local Government Minister about the non-agreement of Sooba’s appointment. As one on the interview panel which was put together by the Local Government Ministry, Beresford said, “We went through a transparent and professional, integrity process of appointing someone... the entire interview panel unanimously agreed, before we walked out that room, on the applicant most suitable, and our hope was that our choice would have been communicated to the
Town Clerk Carol Sooba
GLGOU President Dale Beresford
Minister and acted upon.” A candidate by the name of Paul Clarke was found to be the most suitable candidate, having a wealth of academic achievements and experience, both locally and internationally, “not only as an employee but as a policy maker in previous capacities.”The Council’s PRO, Royston King was the second choice, while another gentleman and Sooba were sidelined. “Ms Sooba was the least qualified of the applicants and her performance at the interview was unimpressive,” Beresford related. He claimed that Sooba, “falsified her qualifications in her last letters of application (earlier this year) from three subjects to six, and failed to walk with the originals of her qualifications, even after being told to do so. This was brought to the attention of the head of the interview panel; her inability to complete a three-year academic programme at UG after seven years is in itself a serious indictment.” “Sooba’s appointment to the position of Town Clerk means that the Local Government Ministry has appointed the least qualified and experienced person among 40 senior officers within the employ of the M&CC; from the position of Clerk III to Town Clerk. We have Clerk I staffs with more qualifications than Sooba,”
Beresford charged. He continued that, “Sooba’s appointment to the position of Town Clerk is an insult to the principles and manual of the Public Service Ministry, all the persons who recently successfully graduated from the University of Guyana with Associate Degrees, Masters and Doctorates in respective disciplines.” “It is an injustice to every single worker in Guyana and it makes no sense you go to school anymore.” An explanation was demanded for the appointment of Sooba as Town Clerk. As it relates to the Treasurer and City Medical Officer, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said that those chosen are unfit for the job. The treasurer, it was noted, does not have the qualification for the post, while a decision was taken not to appoint the Medical Health Officer after the Council had expended millions on her to complete a course in Jamaica, and to date, that has not been done. Minister of Local Government Ganga Persaud has noted, however, that Carol Sooba would have been chosen for the Town Clerk position, since she was the second most qualified person for the post. The Minister claimed that Mr. Paul Clarke; who was ‘chosen’ for the Town Clerk position failed to state in his application for the job that he had been terminated from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Persaud did not expound on the dismissal, but given the “panel of expertise,” he said, the second ranking individual would have been chosen. When told of the findings that Sooba was the least qualified of the lot, the Minister said that would not have been the case in light of her appointment. He said the “panel of expertise” would have made their decision, done their findings, “but in the final analysis, that was the decision.”
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
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APNU says… The “illegal” Mining Agreement between the government and the Chinese bauxite mining company has been classified as, “a product of corruption.” This assertion was made by Financial Analyst and former tax officer, Ramon Gaskin, who was also supported by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Joseph Harmon who stands in the capacity of Shadow Minister of Public Works and Telecommunications. The duo asserts that, “The contract was clearly designed to rob Guyana of the revenue it was entitled to.” Harmon also purports that the Chinese company owes Guyana over US$5.4M in royalties. When BOSAI had taken over the Omai Bauxite Company, its operations were then governed by a signed agreement which Harmon claims was drafted by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The contract which was signed in December 2004 says, “For greater certainty, any amount of corporate tax paid by the Company for any given year shall reduce correspondingly the overall amount of royalty to be paid thereafter by the Company.” According to Harmon, this simply means that the royalty to be paid to GGMC will be reduced based on the corporate tax paid to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). He said, “That part of the contract means that if you are paying a $100 in corporate tax and your royalty is $120, your tax will be subtracted from the royalty and it will be reduced to $20.” He added, “Nothing in the contract or even in that part, says anything about a waiver.” Harmon explained that this contradicts what the Company Secretary
APNU’s Joseph Harmon reportedly said. Mr. Norman McLean said that after five years, the company (BOSAI) is required to pay royalties but if it makes a profit, the rate of the royalty is reduced by the corporate tax. This he claims is intended as another incentive to encourage companies to be profitable and pay Corporate Tax which is much higher than the 1.5 percent royalty. Moreover, The Commissioner (ag), Mr. Rickford Vieira of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) who is supposed to collect the royalties from BOSAI informed this publication that GGMC is unaware of any agreement between government and the company which says that the corporate tax would offset the royalties to be collected by them. Mr. Vieira revealed that a copy of the contract was not even in their possession, despite several efforts to contact the Bauxite Company to provide them with one. However, Mr. Harmon who provided an extract of the agreement contended he finds Vieira’s statements to be quite odd, since he had obtained the said document from one of the directors of the Commission. Nevertheless the
Commissioner says that regardless of the arrangement between the government and the company, they are supposed to pay royalties to GGMC. He said that any other arrangement simply contradicts the Bauxite Act. “We are not aware of any waiver or even the specifics of the arrangement as it was done between the government and the bauxite company. We don’t have the records and we have tried for some time to get the records from them, but to date they have not provided us with the proper documentation. An economist was hired to calculate how much bauxite was extracted and shipped, and that report was sent to the GGMC already. At this point we are unable to accurately calculate the amount of royalties owed based on the arrangement between the two parties. However, we will be able to estimate, according to normal standards, how much they are supposed to pay.” “This piece of document is very important and even if we wanted to, our reaction to this is very restricted at this time, as it relates to taking legal action because the copy of this contract is not being provided to us.” Further, Mr. Gaskin as well as Mr. Harmon firmly believe that the contract is illegally drafted as, they both contend that despite the fact that corporate tax is supposed to be paid, nowhere in the laws of Guyana makes a provision for royalties to be reduced because a company is paying an increased tax. Gaskin stressed that the laws of Guyana are clear on the issues, and royalty and corporate tax are separate. “According to the Income Tax 85.01, the Commissioner General of the GRA is supposed to collect all taxes on income whilst the Mining Act says that GGMC is supposed to collect royalties
GDF jeep kills granny, 80 What started off as a peaceful afternoon stroll to the mosque ended with the demise of 80-year-old Nazo Saddick. The octogenarian was fatally struck by a speeding jeep on the East Bank Public Road yesterday afternoon. According to reports, a Guyana Defence Force jeep collided with the elderly woman as she was attempting to cross the public road at Double Bridge, Little Diamond, at about 15:30 hours. Eyewitnesses related to Kaieteur News that Saddick was in the process of
soliciting public transportation when she was killed. 16-year-old Sasha Beveney was at her sister’s ‘corner stand’ and witnessed the collision which she described as ‘so horrific’ that it caused her to scream. “The GDF vehicle just come outta nowhere in a full speed and knock Granny down when she did crossing the road. Just before, she de standing on the western side of the road and there was a bus on the other side at a far distance asking the bus where it was heading,” the (Continued on page 14)
Dead: Nazo Saddick
on all minerals being shipped out of this country. These companies are simply being allowed to drain this country of its resources without paying a cent. The company already had five years free of taxes and it is four years now since it had that free period as it came to an end in 2009. What more does it want?” Moreover, it was reported that McLean had submitted Articles 9 and 12 of the Mineral Agreement together with the audited Statement of Accounts to the Leader of the Opposition which showed that the Chinese company was profitable over the last four years and therefore did not have to pay royalty. When Mr. David Granger, the Leader of the coalition, APNU, was contacted yesterday, he told this publication that he was not in possession of the said documents and that checks should be made with Mr. Harmon to verify if he had received them. Harmon then provided this publication with copies of the Statements titled, “Financial Statements as at 31 December 2011 together with report of the auditors.” Another two-page document
was also given the same title, but for the year 2011. However, what was deemed as highly insulting was that the two-page statements for each year only contained information on the amount of dividends paid for January, April, November and December for both years. But missing from the document was the report of the auditors, which Harmon said, was not a part of the statement when he received it. Chartered Accountant, Mr. Christopher Ram, who also supports the position taken by Harmon and Gaskin, made reference to the fact that the Bauxite (Production Levy) Act clearly says that, “Notwithstanding anything in any law, a tax to be known as a production levy shall be paid in accordance with this Act on all bauxite… won or extracted in Guyana on or after January 1974.” Whilst McLean says that BOSAI paid up its share of corporate taxes in keeping with the agreement, there has been no disclosure as to how much tax has been paid thus far and how much royalty is owed. Meanwhile, at a press conference facilitated by the
AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan Alliance for Change yesterday, Party leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan said, “If the law states that you have to pay a royalty, and another law states that you have to pay income tax, then both have to be paid. But it just goes to show where this country is going...” On the issue of the actual waiver, Ramjattan stressed that it is absolutely illegal. “I have been doing some research on it and I have seen nothing in the contract document which says that there had been a waiver.”
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Kaieteur News
Auditor General’s report unveils several discrepancies at GRA An examination of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his 2012 report, has found that there were 734 seizures during the period 2005 to 2010 but as of June 2013, these files still remained outstanding. It was recommended by the audit office that GRA should continue its efforts to locate and present all outstanding files for audit scrutiny. It was also noted in the report that the delay in processing seizures can result in the deterioration of goods which would in turn result in lost revenue. The report highlights that in 2012, amounts totaling $65.4M, $19.55M and $42.7M were collected as additional duties and taxes, fines & conveyances and sale of seizures respectively. Files are required to be opened and closed for all incoming vessels within 42 days. If files are still opened at
a transit shed after 42 days, a report has to be prepared stating the reasons for the incompletion. An audit examination of the Ships’ Rotation Book which is kept at Customs House revealed that in 2012, 1,185 vessels came into Port Georgetown, but only 916 were completed and submitted to the filing room. Some 269 files have to be completed and similarly, there were 176 files not closed for 2011. The Administration had indicated to the AG that in 2011, 487 ship files were opened and 311 were not closed. It was explained that these files were not closed for various reasons which are included in reports. It was also noted that a bond worth $60M which was established for King Solomon Enterprises in January 2001 with Globe Trust & Investment Company Ltd. for the purposes of the warehousing of goods without payment of duty on
the first entry had expired. According to the report, a physical inspection revealed that the thirty-two vehicles kept in the warehouse since 2001 were exposed to the rigours of nature (sun and rain) and were in a deplorable state. “The windscreens were broken, engines rusted, tires removed and chassis numbers either missing or unclear” the report stated. In addition, there was no active bond which was in force to cover for the vehicles, since, the Bank went into foreclosure. The taxes payable on these vehicles were estimated at $58.2M and no yearly warehouse license fees were taken out by the warehouse keeper for more than four years. The Guyana Revenue Authority in response to this said that they were currently working with Law Enforcement to dispose of the vehicles in accordance with Section 123 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.
Govt. advertises for Solid... (From page 12) provides integrated solutions for sustainable development in the fields of solid waste management and specializes in operations in the environmental sector,” the Ministry had said. Osman during an interview with this publication had said that the US$30M required for the project was already in place and that the company was just awaiting word from Government to go ahead. Asked to identify the investors, he said that he and a partner would be putting US$15M each. Questioned on the source
of his share of the financing, Osman said that he is the Vice President of Mogford Enterprise in Canada which is the parent company for a subsidiary called the Tadger Group International. While there was no website found for the parent company, one was located for what Osman claimed is the subsidiary. When questioned further about this company, details such as contact information, among other things, Osman said he could not recall at the time and would text Kaieteur News the information. The Ministry of Local
Government had on the very day contradicted what Osman was saying when it released a statement that “Osman serves in the capacity of Te c h n i c a l Advisor to this agency.” In light of the revelations, A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Joseph Harmon had described the MoU between Osman and Government as “disgusting and disturbing.” The APNU executive was adamant that the persons at the Local Government Ministry who actually dealt with the proposal should be disciplined.
Friday December 06, 2013
Town Clerk’s appointment constitutes executive lawlessness - AFC
Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan has labeled the recent appointment of Carol Sooba as Town Clerk, as an act of “executive lawlessness” and a total breach of Guyana’s constitution. And Executive Member Cathy Hughes asserted that, “As a country, we continue to do things that get us absolutely nowhere. We never want to choose the best person for the job. We are not big enough as a country to say, ‘I don’t care whether he is black, got blue eyes, got straight hair, if he is PPP, AFC or APNU, he (Mr. Paul Clarke) is the best qualified person for the job and should be appointed but year after year, we as citizens continue to accept this.” These assertions were made at the party’s weekly press conference which was held yesterday at the Side
Walk Café. Clarke, an Afro Guyanese, is considered the most qualified person for the position of Town Clerk. This is according to senior officials of the City Council, who said that Sooba was the least qualified of the applicants shortlisted for the post. Ramjattan also reinforced the point made by his colleague as he said that Sooba’s appointment “vindicates what Mr. Frederick Kissoon had written about and was unjustifiably sued for”. The Kaieteur News’ columnist was sued by former President Bharrat Jagdeo for what Jagdeo claimed to be defamatory remarks made against him. The article which Kissoon had written, spoke to the
A 24-year-old farmer lost his life when the tractor he was driving into the backlands of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, turned over and pinned him around 08:20 hours yesterday. It took rescuers almost an hour to free Tameshwar Sukhdeo from the vehicle. His friend, 39-year-old Intiaz Rahaman, was lucky to survive the mishap and was only treated for minor injuries. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that Sukhdeo was heading to his farm in the tractor when he encountered difficulty while proceeding along the access dam, which had become slippery as a result of the recent rains. He lost control of the tractor which veered off the dam and toppled into a trench. Rahaman managed to jump off the tractor before it turned over.
After realizing that Sukhdeo was pinned down, he desperately tried to free him but his efforts were not enough. Rahaman subsequently summoned help from another farmer who used his tractor to pull Sukhdeo’s vehicle off of him, but by then it was too late. The dead man’s father, Hemkarran Sukhdeo, who is popularly called ‘Bootie’ told Kaieteur News that his son was going into the farm to pick ochroes. The farm is located two miles from their home. “We lef’ house together but he went to he farm and me go to another rice land wha deh about three miles away,” Sukhdeo explained. He said that while he was working he received a message that his son was involved in an accident at his farm.
former President’s method of leadership during his term. Ramjattan also expressed that Sooba’s appointment shows that government continues to exercise political power in such a manner. There were criteria for the appointment of the right candidate, and this being the case, Mrs. Hughes expressed that it is very unfortunate when the media and the Opposition are blamed for t h e h i g h c o r r u p tion in Guyana, whilst instances like these prove that, “we have a serious issue with corruption.” Ramjattan then added that, “If the local government commission which deals with regulations and staffing of local democratic councils such as the MMC were in place, I am sure that the commission would have opted for the more qualified clerk as opposed to Sooba who has no degree.”
Farmer killed by overturned tractor
Tameshwar Sukhdeo “Me tek me bicycle and ride and go. When me go me see de man lie down pon de dam and de tractor deh in de trench,” the elder Sukhdeo recalled. He was obviously devastated by the loss of his son who he described as his “Main Post”.
GDF jeep kills granny... (From page 13) teen told this publication. “After they knock she, she get drag on the ground and they then pick her up, put her in the vehicle, and take she to the hospital.” Beveney told this publication that the soldiers who were in the jeep, DFB 1533, transported the injured woman to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Saddick resided at Lot 30 Little Diamond Squatting
Area with two of her six children. When news of the woman’s death was relayed to the family they expressed disbelief at the terrible fate which the matriarch met. When Kaieteur News visited the home of the dead woman’s relatives, her daughter Bibi Saddick told Kaieteur News that her mother had left home a short while before to go to the mosque to uplift some tokens
that are usually distributed by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG). In tears, she related that the now dead woman had left instructions with her (Bibi) to cook, promising she would return soon. According to a police press release, the driver of the motor vehicle was taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 15
Regional Strategy proposed to improve performances in Maths and English With a view of improving the performances of students in the areas of Mathematics and English, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has proposed a Regional Strategy for Performance Improvement in the two subject areas. This development was highlighted by Pro-Registrar of CXC, Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch, even as the examining body met with scores of principals of schools across the country. The meeting, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, was strategically designed to have officials of CXC, who arrived in Guyana earlier this week, respond to concerns of the senior educators in relation to the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. This annual feature, according to Superintendent of Examinations within the local Education Ministry, Ms Saudia Kadir, is intended to have principals, in particular, have a better understanding of the direction that CXC is going.
CXC Pro-Registrar, Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch “It is completely for their benefit; it is an opportunity for them to question CXC and have their concerns answered,” she asserted. At least 14 questions, including concerns about School Based Assessments, the need for Resource material and the availability of mock examinations, were brought to the attention of the CXC officials ahead of the meeting.
The educators in attendance yesterday were provided with detailed responses from CXC, through Cumberbatch, but also had the opportunity to gain further clarity. In fact, Cumberbatch’s disclosure about the Regional Strategy was in response to a concern of the local educators in relation to “What strategies can CXC suggest for students’ mastery of Mathematics and English syllabuses?” This question was asked in light of students’ continued poor performances in the subject areas across the Caribbean. According to Cumberbatch, the regional strategy proposed by CXC is one that can be replicated at the national level in order to engage teachers and students effectively at the classroom level. He disclosed yesterday that already some countries have begun implementing aspects of the proposed strategy, but noted that “our recommendation is that we need to take a holistic approach to this problem.” Among the key elements of the approach is a move to
solve the problem at the levels of Forms Four and Five to be successful. It is the belief of CXC that addressing the problem of English and Mathematics must begin from the earliest stages of education and must be consistently followed through as students move from stage to stage. And in order for system-wide improvements to be achieved, Cumberbatch said that “we need to take an integrated approach and address things such as teacher capacity (teacher’s ability to effectively teach the subjects in ways that engage students and excite them); instructional support resources for both teacher and student.” The Pro-Registrar noted though that it is recognised that performance improvement is not a “quick fix” but rather requires consistent and persistent application of policy solutions to achieve the desired results. The process, according to him, can commence with the analysing of individual schools’ results over a period of time. There should be
specific focus on subject reports for several years posted on the CXC website, which according to Cumberbatch, provides insight from the Examining Committee on the performances strengths and weaknesses, and advice on what schools need to pay attention to in order to improve. “This should provide you with key pointers to the areas that you need focus on to improve student performance,” he noted. The meeting yesterday was officially called to order by Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, who described it as “an invaluable, rare opportunity... And I think we
should count ourselves particularly lucky to be able to interface with the top brass of CXC to really get a deeper understanding of the processes that are so vital to the education system not only in Guyana, but in the Region in general.” According to CXC Registrar, Dr Didacus Jules, while the aim of the forum was to respond to various concerns, the examining body may not have all of the answers. This, he said, is in light of the fact that “no matter how good something is, there is always room for improvement and this is what we are after...continuous improvement.”
Page 16
Kaieteur News
Friday December 06, 2013
APNU moves to Parliament to reduce Berbice Bridge toll “Wealth is devolved from Berbicians to benefit a private company” - Harmon The political opposition has for a number of years been calling for a reduction of the toll of the Berbice River Bridge and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has taken this call one step further. APNU Executive Member, Joseph Harmon, has filed a motion in the National Assembly looking to force government to reduce the toll. In the motion, Harmon calls for the House to direct the Bridge Company to reduce the toll for cars and minibuses by more than half. The present toll for minibuses and cars is $2,200 and he is asking that this be reduced to $1000. Harmon is requesting that the National Assembly call on the Government of Guyana to instruct its representative on the Board of Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI), to demand an immediate reduction in tolls charged for crossing the Berbice River. According to Harmon, since its commissioning in December 2008, the Berbice Bridge has facilitated the crossing of over 650,000 vehicles, resulting in annual revenue of over $1.5B for the BBCI. He pointed out that the Berbice Bridge was built with significant investment by the Government of Guyana, “on behalf of the People of Guyana.” Harmon noted also that the government through National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) is a preferential shareholder and a member of the Board of Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. In his motion, Harmon argues that the toll for
Winston Brassington
Joseph Harmon
crossing the Berbice River is exceedingly high when compared to a similar crossing of the Demerara River and represents a significant devolution of wealth from the people of Berbice in particular, to the benefit of a private company. Apart from NICIL being the single largest shareholder, in 2011, Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) which is owned by Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, the best friend of the former president, Bharrat Jagdeo, acquired even more shares in the BBCI making him the second largest shareholder. That information was not filed in the company’s annual report. The sale of shares was unearthed by financial analyst, Christopher Ram who in his analysis of the company’s 2011 performance found that CLICO’s Liquidator sold to the Ramroop Group, the 80 million ordinary shares it held in the Bridge Company. The main providers of the finance for the bridge are the investors in ordinary share capital of $400M, preference shares of $950M and various loans amounting to $7.2B. The holders of the ordinary shares are NIS, New GPC, QAII and Secure International Finance Company each having $80M, and Hand-in-Hand and Demerara Contractors each
holding $40M. New GPC is also owned by QAII, making Ramroop the second largest shareholder in the bridge Company behind NICIL. Ram in his writings had accused Brassington of deliberately presenting a misleading annual report for the Bridge Company. He (Ram) suggested that as the head of the Guyana Power and Light inc., Brassington should report accurately. Ram asserted that if
The proposed rates that APNU is looking to have Govt. direct BBCI to charge Brassington had reported accurately and completely on Government’s shareholding in BBCI, it would have exposed a scheme by the
BBCI, its Secretary Brassington (himself) and NICIL which he represents. Compounding the situation further is the fact
that NICIL has for years waived its dividends in order to ensure that the private investors make their profits and recoup their investment.
Completion of $78M sluice at Buxton suffers year-long delay Completion of the $78M sluice being constructed at Buxton, East Coast Demerara has been delayed over one year, with shortage of timber piling and poor weather conditions blamed. Construction of the sluice commenced in November 2011 and had one-year duration. The project is undertaken by Colin Talbot Contracting Services. This is according to Lionel Wordsworth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), who yesterday revealed some of the reasons for the delay. According to Wordsworth, the contractor was unable to access timber
piling for six weeks from July 18, 2012 to August 31, 2012 since there was a shortage. But the timber tanking piles were unable to penetrate the soil strata within the footprint of the structure and the consultant, E&A Consultant, recommended driving steel sheet piles, which were later sourced. “Because of the low demand and high cost for these steel sheet piles, local companies don’t readily have them in stock. These had to be sourced externally which took some time,” he added. Another setback was that the foreshore did not allow for deep penetration of the strata to accommodate a coffer dam for the construction of the
northern section of the structure north of the sea defence. As such advice was sought from Sea Defence Department and NDIA is concluding the connection of the sluice to the sea defence, which will see the completion of the project. In addition, poor weather conditions in September 2012 prevented the pouring of concrete for the foundation. However, this was rectified by the construction of an access road. He noted that the communities of Buxton and Friendship were designed to drain via a pump- sluice combination, whereby a fixed pump empties the water into a basin which drains via a
sluice. However, the existing sluice has a flume/discharge box deep below the seawall which suffers from heavy siltation thereby not allowing the basin to drain. As such, NDIA placed a mobile pump to drain the discharge basin, he noted. “The new sluice being built is designed with a vertical lift gate to allow for free flow discharge in an open channel arrangement from the high level pump discharge basin onto the foreshore and will not suffer from foreshore accretion. The new sluice will provide a more efficient and reliable discharge of water from the drainage system,” Wordsworth said.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Jagdeo authorized radio licence for ‘Ghost Company’ Days before President Bharrat Jagdeo demitted office, he directed that a ‘Ghost Company’ be handed a radio licence with five frequencies. General Elections were held on November 28, 2011; Radio Guyana Inc., was incorporated on December 14, 2011, more than two weeks later. Ramroop was listed as the lone director. A few days later, he appointed as Company Secretary, Lakshmiwatie Shiwnandan, an Attorney-atLaw, whose mailing address was listed as Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt. TWO RADIO COMPANIES It has now since been
revealed that Ramroop owns two separate radio companiesRadio Guyana Inc, and ‘One Guyana Radio Inc.’ One Guyana Radio Inc. was registered three days before the General Elections of 2011 and is still to receive a licence to operate. When this company was incorporated, Ramroop appointed himself as sole director. As is the case with his other radio company, Ramroop also appointed as Company Secretary, Lakshmiwatie Shiwnandan. One Guyana Radio Inc does not broadcast. AIRWAVES Other broadcast facilities had been approved for licences by Jagdeo before he left office, among them the New Guyana
Bharrat Jagdeo
Bobby Ramroop
Brian Yong
Robert Persaud
Company Limited, which publishes the Mirror newspaper, and belongs to the ruling People’s
Progressive Party. That company was handed five radio frequencies and is yet to commence broadcasting. In addition, Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting Incorporated, was granted five radio frequencies. Telecor had at the time, Ruth Baljit, the sister of Robert Persaud, as its sole shareholder. Persaud’s wife, Kamini Persaud, who also happens to be Jagdeo’s niece, was the
other director. Jagdeo gave one radio frequency each to other persons. These are NTN Radio (Anand Persaud), Rudy Grant, Wireless Connections (Maxwell Thom), Hits and Jams Entertainment (Rawle Ferguson), Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprise (Alfro Alphonso), Haslyn Graham and Little Rock Television Station (Rockliffe Christie). There are other radio licences in the pipeline. A meeting to examine those applications
will be held on Monday, December 16. In December 2010, Jagdeo had also granted two close associates of the PPP permission to broadcast television signals on the 2.5 GHz band, which allows for cable TV operations and internet-related services. These persons were Vishok Persaud, the son of longstanding PPP stalwart Reepu Daman Persaud, and Brian Yong, who mounted the PPP platform in 1996.
Relatives identify seawall victim The man whose nude body was found on the Georgetown seawalls on Wednesday has been identified as 52-year-old Andrew Erskine of Lot 93 Subryanville. Relatives identified the body yesterday at the Lyken Funeral Parlour. A sister told Kaieteur News that her brother had been unemployed for several years, suffered from
depression and had tried to commit suicide on several occasions. She said that her sibling was also in the habit of hanging out at the seawalls. The woman said that she last saw Erskine at around 13:30 hrs on Tuesday. “I left for work and when I returned he was not there,” she said. Esrkine’s relatives decided to check at the Lyken Funeral Parlour yesterday after learning that a body had been
found at the seawalls. She described her brother as an easy-going individual while expressing puzzlement about his apparently violent demise. Erskine was found dead at around 12:00 hrs Wednesday on the Georgetown seawalls, in the vicinity of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Force. He was nude and his privates were (Continued on page 31)
Page 30
WANTED Female to work night shift in bar, must know to cook. Age 20-30, Tel:223-5798; 647-7432 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 One domestic, live in & live out babysitter from 12pm8pm- Call:225-4492 Person to slaughter and clean pigs at new Hope, E.B.D. call: 266-2711, 609-4594 Experienced Roti/Puri cooks, curry cooks, pastry makers, cleaners & handyboys – Apply @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce Street. Salesgirls & porters: Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies: Lot 1E Middleton & Dennis Street, Campbleville Two joiners and one upholder to work in workshop – Contact:2191342 or 610-7005 Scrap metal – Tel:658-9045; 658-9044
Kaieteur News
WANTED Magazine writers needed. Email resume & CV to teshawnalall@gmail.com. Contact: 629-2206 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 1 Labourer/handyman for half day – Call:226-3736 Chain saw operator with own saw - Tel: 618-0487 Indoor & outdoor sales representative must be computer literate, aggressive & able to work without supervision – Tel:672-4090; 657-8380; 225-7532 Land wanted in Parfaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292 Labourers, Painters & Capenters with own tools to work with limited supervision Tel: 225-6070 Land to buy in Eccles, Herstelling, Parafaite Harmonie & Non- Pariel - Tel: 675-7292 Jet + Marack men, one male baheir - $80,000 monthly - Tel: 694-2310 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
Urgently needed live-in waitress to work in bar. Reasonable salary offered! Tel:259-0574
Toyota Spacio PPP series $2.1M neg – Contact:6921051; 685-5011 1 Toyota Rav-4, IST, NZE Corolla, Fun Cargo, AT 212, AT192, AT170, Tacoma, Caldina Wagon – Tel:6445096; 697-1453 Mitsubishi Galant Car, fully loaded – Tel: 227-7544; 6122542, 614-6011. 2005 Tacoma 1995 V6 4x4 Tacoma – Tel: 651-8870 1 Toyota 212, 1-Toyota AT212, 1- 91 Corrola, 1 Corrola Axio 4WD (new model) never registered - call: 259-0836, 621-7838
FOR RENT Furnished top flat house, Queenstown, generator, A/ C, Grille & parking -Tel:2271218 or kpthomas7@gmail. com
URGENTLY WANTED: Thirty five (35) Security officers. Apply: SECURITY ALLIANCE Barrack Street, Kingston (upstairs FedEx)
Rental of wedding dresses & clothing for sale Phone:6160505
Attractive live in waitressCall:228-5129, 604-8277
Work station @ Salon in New Market Street - Call: 601-5143
Contract cars, Atlas Taxi Service- Tel:661-3043
Diamond - $150,000, $60,000, $80,000, $70,000 Tel: 661-0180
Courtney’s Boutique stall AB No.37 @ Bourda Market: wanted experience sales girlTel:227-3407
One bottom flat 3 bedrooms house located at Land-OfCanaan opposite Gafoors Contact:266-5469; 680-9252
General workers (Male & Female) Operators Apply in person to: B.M. Enterprise Inc. GFL Wharf Houston EBD Tel: 592-227-8176/7
House to rent in Friendship E.B.D.-Tel:266-0163 Yard Space for rent – Tel:6546394
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Runx, Nissan Wingroad wagon - Tel: 6455893 First Class Auto: Carina 212, Fielder, IST, Allex, Axio, Spacio, Raum (Old & New models) Please Call:6098188; 602-6307 2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis - Tel: 698-0674 One 1995 Toyota Tacoma stick gear 4 wheel drive 3 RZ engine. Price:$1,650,000 negotiable -625-2516 1 strong open back customized canter in good condition, Model M bush truck for interior-Tel:2318417, 223-1238,624-0443
Corrola Axio -$2,850,000 , Spacio PRR Series -$2.1M, CRV PJJ - $1.7M – Tel: 697-0294 PPP 3361 Runx – Tel:6414684 ($2,350,000) Tractor from Canada: 285MF $2.5M, 265MF $2M, 165MF $1.8M, 135MF $1.3M, Ford Ranger pickup $1.5M- Call: 682-5230/628-9596 1 Suzuki GSX–R 600cc, 1 Toyota Hilux Pickup 4X4- Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453 RZ bus PGG, long base, good condition $475,000Contact:685-2046,643-2934 1- F150 6CYL, fully loaded $3M Negotiable – Tel:6895254; 256-0504
Christmas Special! Premio $2.4M, Spacio-$2.1M, 2008 Fielder $2.7M, Unregistered - Tel: 617-2891 MRR Autos: Fully loaded 2004 Raum, Price $2.25 Neg. Great pre-order deals. Call Today! Tel: 657-1796; 626-9590 AT170 Corona EFI flair, mags, alarm $650,000Contact Sham:669-2850 1-G Touring wagon with rims, excellent condition Call: 622-7831 New ATVs: Introductory price $1,199,000 (Duty Free)Call: 691-0234 1 AT212 Carina, grey, excellent condition $1,250,000- Contact:6523066, 690-1611 (Old Model) One (1) TATA truck, GEE 9962- Contact:219-2395,6299286,642-5535
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
1.2 Megawatt Generator, 16 Cylinder Cummings engine, Onan 1250 KVA coil, 3 phase 440 Volts - G$15.5M Call:614-8960; Trinidad: 0011-868-297-4823
Live and pluck chicken - Tel: 220-9203; 650-4421
Honda ATV 500 4X4 DBL shocks – Tel:688-6274; 6913851
5 Head & 7 Head Moulders, 150Kw Genset, CC Saw, Resaw – Tel:626-0024; 6165595; 665-3676 NISSAN WINGROAD PRR SERIES - TEL: 695-4785 WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931
ALYEA AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2004, ALLION 2008 NEW SHAPE & CARINA 212 @ 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK – TEL:231-7284; 622-3823
New 2013 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabs- Call: 691-0234
Attractive live in waitress- Call:327-0252/ 674-4665 Space for gym in Georgetown or immediate environment - Tel: 647-4587; 615-5315
VEHICLE FOR SALE 17ft fiberglass boat with 175 Yamaha Seadoo jet ski - Tel: 651-8870
Friday December 06, 2013
PROPERTY FOR SALE 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 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:644-6551 ‘BB’Eccles - $25M, Alberttown - $32M. Have properties to let or sell? Contact Diana 227-2256; 626-9382 2 bedrooms @ Craig -$12M, Diamond 1st Bridge $14.5M, Diamond 5th Street$40M, Diamond 6th Street $28M – Tel:661-0180 2 Storey concrete building ( Corner Lot) @ Land of Canaan E.B.D 60x32 - Land 95X60 - $50M negotiable Call: 642-0867; 615-9441 (Navo) Excellent Middle Street Town House in drive, 2 modern apartments, garage. Must Be seen! – Tel:2253159; 662-1558 One two storied business property (Transported) @ Brickery Public Road E.B.D Tel: 660-8128 SALON Enrol today @ Nalini’s School of Cosmetology. Classes starting January 2014. Full course only - $80,000 - Call: 614-6655; 226-6705
New Xbox 360 with all accessories $55,000, home surveillance systems with 500GB DVR $85,000Contact:600-3038,611-3038 270 Amps, portable welders Telephone: 611-5114 Original Games- Call:6722566 1- Rome plough 20 dish, 11630 Bedford truck articulated with 2 trailer- Call: 693-4596 One 8000 Ford Tractor one Ford 450 2005 towing truck contact:694-5599; 689-1864 Potting soil, top soil and quality cow mould - Call: 6561326; 678-0058 Ducks & Pigs – Tel:688-7291 1-320 Cl excavator excellent condition - Tel: 699-3992 Live/pluck chicken call:6504421, 220-9203 Fluffy Dachshund pups – Tel: 642-6664 Cheapest Online Vehicles!!! – Tel:626-2771
Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566 One 40FT Cabin Cruiser with Five (5) Ins Seine Contact Tel: 655-2314 1 CAT standby 3306, 194 KVA 3 phase 60 cycle- Call: 641-8472 2- M132 Lavarda Combine, 1- 22RB Dragline, 3Pressure pump 4x3 for gold field, 1- 2640MF tractor 4WD- Call:627-0447 Massey Ferguson 6140 4X4 Turbo – Call:688-6274/6913851 Metal scaffold, size 5"X5" & 6.6"X5"-Call:691-3509,2671563. Price negotiable One pressure washer Honda Psi 2700 – Call:673-9501 One Dewalt circular saw, one Dewalt miter saw, one Hp office jet pro 8600 printer – Tel: 673-9501 Two cummings engine 6 Cylinder for sale: - Tel: 6919844; 673-9501 PORK wholesale only, whole half and quarter carcass - Tel: 266-2711; 6094594 Tee Shores for construction work all over 12ft long. Very Cheap! Tel:227-1830 3 Pcs furniture suite - Tel: 645-0240; 685-0942
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943
Terrier puppies for sale – Contact:696-7467 or adorethemdogs@gmail.com
Curtains and carpet for sale - Call: 653-1192 after 6PM
One mini-bus BKK series Price:$1,350,000 - Tel:6852101
Back up camera systems – 22,000 Tel:680-6374 Farm at Yarrowkaara-Call:6931585 1 smoothie machine, 2 ice machine - Contact: 231-0655 ,683-8734 New Led TVs from $39,000, LCD monitors 19" from $15,000, DVD players$7,000Contact:225-3391,695-6971 Cheapest iphones!!! - Tel: 626-2771
EDUCATIONAL Big Christmas deals on computer classes. Diploma in computers $25,000. Micrographics @ Vreed- enHoop – Tel:264-3057 (Continued on page 31)
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Bandits leave returning Guyanese stranded Two members of a Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Berbice family, returning from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, chose the wrong location and time to stop to relieve themselves early yesterday morning. They were attacked and robbed by three guntoting bandits who left them stranded on the Mahaicony Public Road until day clean. Vijay Ayana, accompanied by his cousin- in- law Chetram Gobin had gone to collect his wife Lalita, who had returned from St. Maarten. The journey back home was long and the two men stopped to relieve themselves, while Lalita Ayana slept in the back seat of the car. “When we reach Mahaicony, they stop the car just before the gas station not far from the police station,” Lalita Ayana told this newspaper. She said that she was later told by her husband that a car pulled up alongside theirs and three men came out and held the two urinating men at gunpoint. They pushed them to the ground and rummaged through their pockets, taking out all the contents which included cash and other important documents. The men also relieved Gobin, who is also visiting from overseas, of his gold band and chain, while they took away a gold chain from Vijai Ayana. They then turned their attention to the sleeping Lalita in the car, awaking her with two gun butts to her head. “They were saying, ‘the bag, give us the bag!’ they fired a shot just above my head and then they grabbed my bag,” Lalita told this newspaper. In the bag were a little more than US$2100 and all of Lalita’s important documents including her passport, and bank cards. The men also threw away the keys for their car, rendering them immobile as
they made good their escape. “I cried out for help and some people took me to the police station…the police were crawling (moving very slowly),” Lalita Ayana said. Obviously, the incident has severely dampened her spirits for the Christmas season. It has also shattered the plans of Chetram Gobin who is scheduled to return to St. Maarten tomorrow (Saturday). “I wish if they (bandits) could leave the documents somewhere where we could get them back. We don’t care for the money now, all we want are the documents,” Lalita Ayana pleaded. The incident occurred despite police assurances that incoming early morning flights will be monitored with a view to limiting the chances of visitors for the Christmas season being robbed on their way from the airport. Early last month, Assistant commissioner in outlining plans for the police A division Christmas policing plans announced that the officer in charge of the Number Four Sub-Division (Timehri), is expected to obtain the itinerary of incoming flights at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and coordinate with other stations along the route from the airport with the aim of protecting visitors who are expected in droves for the holidays. “We know that these guys (criminals) target the late night flights and try to rob people when they come down to Georgetown. Now if we have it locked from the airport to the city, what we find is happening, is that they follow the incoming passengers to other areas on the East Coast (Demerara), and West Demerara to rob them,” Josiah had told a gathering at the Police Officers’ Mess. He had added that there will be snap roadblocks to augment the other plans to protect the incoming visitors.
Relatives identify seawall... From page 25 missing. The body also reportedly bore other marks of violence. A vagrant found the corpse and immediately informed the police. A source said that when the vagrant walked into the police station, ranks attempted to put him out, thinking it was a “joke” but after a senior officer intervened, two police ranks went to the scene.
(From page 30)
VACANCY
MASSAGE
SERVICES
FOR SALE / FOR RENT
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Friday December 06, 2013
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
US warns China against escalating air zone tensions Beijing (AFP) - US Vice President Joe Biden warned China yesterday against escalating a dispute over an East China Sea air zone, adding that regional peace and stability were in Beijing’s interests. Biden also criticised China’s tightening of controls on foreign journalists, stressing that the world’s second-largest economy could become more prosperous with American values such as human rights and freedom of speech. China’s controversial move last month to declare an “air defence identification zone” (ADIZ) — which includes islands disputed with Japan — has “caused significant apprehension in the region”, Biden told a group of 60 American business leaders yesterday morning. “As China’s economy grows, its stake in regional peace and stability will continue to grow as well, because it has so much more to lose,” he added. “That’s why China will bear increasing responsibility to contribute positively to peace and security.” Biden reiterated in his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping that the US does not recognise China’s newlydeclared air zone, a senior White House official told reporters in Beijing late Wednesday. China says all aircraft within it must obey its instructions or risk unspecified “defensive emergency measures”. The move provoked anger in the region and prompted the US, Japan and South Korea all to defy Beijing by flying military and paramilitary aircraft — including two B-52 bombers in Washington’s case — into the newly-declared zone. The US official, who spoke anonymously in order to discuss Biden’s talks, added that it is now up to Beijing to take action “to avoid the risk of mistake, miscalculation, accident or escalation”. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei, meanwhile, said yesterday that the US “should respect” that the zone “is in line with international laws and conventions”. Beijing sees Tokyo as the aggressor in the dispute over the islands, which are controlled by Japan but claimed by China. Biden went on to South Korea late yesterday for the final leg of his three-country trip before returning to Washington. Despite the heightened nationalistic feelings and rhetoric surrounding the issue — which hinges on a decadesold dispute over the Tokyocontrolled island group —
experts say that any outbreak of violence remains unlikely, as the major trade relationship between the two Asian powers is a strong incentive for both sides to avoid conflict. ‘Innovation thrives where people breathe freely’ On his China visit — his second trip to the world’s second-largest economy since becoming US vice president in 2009 — Biden also emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and human rights, saying that they were key to its future prosperity. “Innovation thrives where people breathe freely, speak freely, are able to challenge orthodoxy, where newspapers can report the truth without fear of consequences,” he said, adding that China “will be stronger and more stable and more innovative if it respects universal human rights”.
The comments yesterday came after he told mostly young Chinese visa applicants at the US embassy Wednesday that “children in America are rewarded, not punished, for challenging the status quo.” “I hope you learn that innovation can only occur where you can breathe free, challenge the government, challenge religious leaders,” he added. China’s ruling Communist Party maintains a tight grip on political dissent, and while authorities routinely say their country protects lawful freedom of speech and religion, rights groups and others note that abuses are rampant. Biden’s comments did not go unnoticed by China’s state-run Global Times, which often takes a nationalistic tone and dismissed his remarks in an editorial yesterday.
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Local vote to test Venezuelan president’s strength CARACAS (Reuters) Nationwide local polls this weekend are President Nicolas Maduro’s first electoral test since taking power and will show what Venezuelans think of his socialist government’s radical response to deepening economic problems. Sunday’s vote for 337 mayors’ and 2,523 council posts is theoretically a local affair, with humdrum issues such as pot-holes and street-lights sure to influence voters. Yet both sides in the polarized South American OPEC member also view their candidates’ fortunes as a snapshot of national mood and measure of their relative strength for future battles. In a close-fought April presidential vote that showed Venezuela split nearly down the middle, Maduro replaced Hugo Chavez after cancer cut short his 14-year rule. The 51-year-old former bus driver has displayed plenty of his late mentor’s
fiery anti-capitalist rhetoric and kept firm state controls o n t h e e c o n o m y, e v e n launching his own policy of aggressive inspections of businesses to force prices down. Yet Maduro has little of Chavez’s personal charisma, rapport with the workingclasses, personalized control of the ruling Socialist Party’s various factions, or international presence. And he has seen Venezuela’s economic problems worsen. Decades-old inflation has hit an annual 54 percent, shortages of basics from milk to toilet-paper have spawned queues round the country, economic growth has slowed, blackouts are frequent, and the bolivar h a s t a nked on the black market. “After the 8th of December, with the constitution in our hands, we’re coming for you (Maduro) and your failed, corrupt government,” opposition leader Henrique Capriles, 41, vowed as he crisscrossed the nation in the
run-up to Sunday’s ballot. Despite such fighting talk, it is not clear exactly how the opposition would seek to undermine Maduro, even with a strong showing at the vote. Activists are divided over how aggressively to confront the government, with street-protests and a petition drive for a recall referendum in 2016 - half-way through the presidential term - among possible tactics. Maduro has decreed Sunday an official day of “loyalty and love” for Chavez, who is still revered by many Venezuelans especially among the poor, and he has repeatedly accused opponents of planning violence around the ballot. His continuation of generous, oil-financed welfare programs from the Chavez era, and the former president’s dying exhortation to support him, have helped Maduro keep support of “Chavistas.” “Get ready for Sunday’s results, the victory of the fatherland is a fait accompli,” he told supporters.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Security Minister launches ‘Unite Cuban light bulb trial: Wright for Change’ to help tackle crime opened company accounts as Jamaica Observer – KINGSTON, Jamaica — Security Minister Peter Bunting yesterday morning launched a public awareness programme dubbed ‘Unite for Change’ which he says aims to rekindle hope among Jamaicans, and convince lawabiding citizens that they are not helpless. Among the most innovative aspects of Unite for Change is the introduction of a mobile phone application (app) that will enhance the resources currently available to empower citizens and improve their level of safety and security. “This app will offer each Jamaican the opportunity to play their part by engaging either the iReport, Panic Mode, The Law or Alert icons on their mobile devices in order to report incidents of crime, seek assistance from the police or be informed about their rights,” the Minister said. Bunting said that the initiative is part of a threepronged approach predicated
on: 1) Interrupting the transmission of crime and violence, 2) Preventing future spread by improving capacity of our security force to respond to crime, and 3) Changing group norms. “Much like the approach that would be taken in the event of an epidemic, the first/ immediate response would be to identify and isolate instances or cases of infection. With respect to crime, the operational arm of the national security apparatus, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is actively responding to the high incidence of violence crimes via a comprehensive crime control programme,” Bunting said. He referred to the recent Operation Resilience which he said has curtailed a spike in murder and violent crimes earlier in the year. “In a bid to prevent a further increase in violent crimes in Jamaica, the Ministry of National Security is focused on c a p a c i t y building,” Bunting said. “The Revised National Security Policy outlines six
main imperatives to effectively reduce crime; namely, removing the profit from crime; reforming the justice system; policing by consent; dismantling gangs; focusing on at-risk i n d i v i d u a ls and strengthening governance and oversight structures.” The Minister said that the third and most lasting phase of eradicating the epidemic of violent crime is to put programmes in place to change behaviour and establish new norms.
secretary, banker testifies
JamaicaGleaner-Aprosecution witness Wednesday testified that Colleen Wright, the co-accused in the corruption trial of former Junior Minister Kern Spencer, signed several documents indicating that she was the secretary for two of the companies which businessman Rodney Chin claimed he fronted for the former legislator. Craig Williams, a business banker who was then employed to the Santa Cruz branch of the
National Commercial Bank (NCB), testified that Wright signed the documents in 2006, when she opened two company accounts for Universal Management Development Limited (UMD) and Caribbean Communication Media Network (CCMN). Chin, who was jointly charged with Spencer and Wright before he became the prosecution’s star witness, has admitted setting up both companies, but said he was
only acting as the frontman for the former junior minister. Spencer and Wright are on trial for money laundering and illicit enrichment arising from the implementation of the Cuban light bulb project. Williams testified that he was at work on September 29, 2006, when Wright, with whom he was acquainted, visited the NCB Santa Cruz branch and indicated that she wanted to open two accounts for UMD and CCMN.
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Friday December 06, 2013
Di Luca banned for life... Albion and RHT Farfan & Mendes... From page 38 positive EPO test at the 2009 Giro. The 2007 Giro winner was sacked this May by his Vini-Fantini team, who said they would be seeking compensation from a rider they feared could cause problems given his past. He was provisionally suspended pending Thursday’s decision by the Italian tribunal. A statement said he was
also fined 35,000 euros ($47,400) as well as being ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings. Italian cyclists have been involved in drugs scandals more than most in the doping scourge which wreaked havoc across the sport in the last 20 years but being banned three times marks out Di Luca as one of the most caught offenders.
Even Lance Armstrong, who had his seven Tour de France titles stripped before he confessed to systematic doping, said Di Luca was beyond the pale. “Knowing I have 0 cred on the doping issue - I still can’t help but think, ‘really Di Luca? Are you that....stupid??’” the American tweeted in May. ($1 = 0.7377 euros)
Friday December 06, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Instead of dragging on with something old, tired, and worn out, why not start something new? If you refuse to give up on a project that's doomed to fail, you'll be in for a long, frustrating road ahead. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): Social engagements will be your saving grace. Without them, you may be confused and sad about issues that are reaching a climax. In some form or another, you're being asked to make some major transformations. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 JUN 20): The intensity should increase around an issue regarding love and romance. Friction is building. Unfortunately, this tension may be unavoidable. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Let your heart shine. Love surrounds you like a beautiful pink cloud, and you can't help but attract people to you. Take romance to a higher level with someone really special tonight. You'll find that whatever you give will come back to you tenfold. Your aura glows brightly with emotion, so let it light your way. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): There's a great deal of transforming energy in the air that you should harness and capitalize on. " When tomorrow comes and there's a huge meal of pizza, soda, and fries, suddenly the diet once again starts "tomorrow." Use the powerful energy of today to break out of this habit and make a real change in your life. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): You may experience writer's block in every sense of the phrase. Even if you don't consider yourself a writer, for some reason it may be difficult to get even the simplest words down on paper.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Action should be your main priority, especially when it comes to love and romance. You may not be too concerned about what sort of action you take. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): A surprise in love and romance is on its way to you. Things are coming full circle, and the investment you made in this realm is finally paying off. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Getting along with others may prove challenging today, Sagittarius. The planetary aspects can have you isolating yourself. You might feel impatient and easily annoyed. If this is so, stay solo if you can. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Know what you're getting yourself into, especially if it has to do with love and romance. You may be like a fly on a tree branch, carefully inspecting the beautiful spider web at your feet. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Your heart may be hurt by misfortunes that have befallen you. Thinking about times past is just pulling up buckets of tears from a well. Don't keep doing this to yourself. It's time to move forward. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You're filled with joy! There's a tremendous wave of love coming your way. Everything involving romance could be taken to extremes. An extreme in the direction of love and boundless creativity means that at some time there will be a dramatic swing in the opposite direction.
From page 40 and in danger of losing but Hardyal came to the rescue with an unbeaten 42 to guide his team to victory backed up by Manoj Kasinauth, 5 not out. Sinclair had 2 for 15 and Anderson 2 for 23. A t R o s e H a l l To w n , RHTF&M got past Edinburgh by 19 runs. Rose Hall Town made 112 in their first innings; Kelon Anderson stroked N.O* Junior Sinclair 31. For Edinburgh leg spinner Wazir Latif collected 5 for 21 and off spinner Videsh
Mangra 4 for 52. In reply, Edinburgh was sent packing for 74 all; Roger Britton mustered 27. B o w l i n g f o r R H T, o ff spinner and National Under-15 Captain Bhaskar Yadram snapped up 6 for 34 while fellow U-15 off spinner Ve r a m o o t o o Senwansane had 4 for 26. RHTF&M batting again posted 148 with Yadram contributing 46. For Edinburgh, Latif took 3 for 6 and leg spinner Joel Seitaram 3 for 46. Set 187 to win the match, Edinburgh found
themselves stuttering at 67 for 6 before Joel Seitaram and Seecharran tried a rescue act by putting on 60 for the seventh wicket but Seecharran fell for 35. Seitaram and Videsh Mangra added another 30 for the 8th wicket to put Edinburgh in sight of victory. But with Seitaram going for 60 and Mangra 24, Edinburgh eventually fell for 167. For RHTF&M, off spinner Joshua Gobin snatched 5 for 21 and Yadram 4 for 50 to end with a 10 wicket match haul.
Disciplined England... From page 37 however. He would certainly have bemoaned the dropped catches that would have seen both Clarke and Bailey trudge back to the dressing room and expose Australia’s tail. Panesar spilled a kneehigh chance off his own bowling in the seventh over after lunch, granting Bailey a life on 10. Clarke was then dropped on 18, with a diving Joe Root unable to bring down a flick to mid-wicket from the Australian captain off Swann. England’s task could have been yet steeper, however, with Australia having cruised to 155-1 midway through the second session before Watson maintained his habit of failing to convert starts by spooning a catch back to bowler Anderson. That ended a 121-run partnership with Rogers and sparked a collapse as Australia lost three wickets for 19 runs before stumbling to 174-4 at tea. Rogers was caught behind by Matt Prior for 72 off his Ashes nemesis Swann the over after Watson’s departure and Panesar bowled all-rounder Steven Smith for six. The quick wickets breathed life into a meandering contest which started with three rain interruptions which cut an hour’s play in the morning at the re-developing stadium. Opener David Warner was also culpable for an unnecessary dismissal, giving up a simple catch to Carberry at point for 29 in the morning.New Zealandborn all-rounder Ben Stokes was handed his first test cap by former England Captain Andrew Strauss before the toss, and finished with 0-26 off his eight overs. Root has been moved up the order to replace Jonathan Trott at number three after the South Africa-born batsman left the tour this week to deal with a stress-related illness.
Friday December 06, 2013
Kaieteur News
Demerara fight back after Essequibo’s bright start on rain affected day By Zaheer Mohamed Demerara were fighting back at the close of play on day one against Essequibo in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) organised Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T)\Hand-in-Hand Insurance four-day Senior Inter-County tournament yesterday. Essequibo ended the day on 101-3 in 36 overs after they were inserted by their opponents at the Enmore Community Centre ground, East Coast of Demerara. When play finally commenced at 14:35hrs due to overnight showers, openers Royan Federicks and Kevon Boodie gave the visitors a solid start by adding 56 for the first wicket. The pair rotated the strike sensibly and wasted little time in dispatching the bad balls. Federicks pulled medium pacer Christopher Barnwell to the mid wicket boundary before punching Trevon Garraway through point while Boodie who played some handsome shots on both sides of the wicket took the score to 49 at tea. Amir Khan provided his team with the breakthrough after the
wicket before Peters skied Khan to mid off for 13. Heyliger and Kemo Paul then saw their team to the close without further trouble; the former is unbeaten on 16 and Paul who hit the final ball of the day’s play to the point boundary on 07. Khan has so far taken 2-24 from 14 overs while Mohamed has 1-16 off 8. Play is expected to start at 09:00hrs today.
Opening day washed out
Under blue skies and in bright sunshine, the covers are about to be placed on the pitch after play was called off yesterday at Everest. Heavy overnight showers and inadequate ground staff combined to ensure the opening day of the first round of the Hand-in-Hand/GT&T four-day Senior Inter-County cricket match between Berbice and the President’s X1 was washed out without a ball being bowled at the Everest ground yesterday. The sun was out in all its glory from as early 08:00hrs yesterday morning and remained shining until close to 17:00hrs even as the Umpires hoped for a start after Tea. However, play on the first day was eventually called off 55 minutes before the scheduled 16:30hrs close of play. The ground staff present were occupied with removing
bundles of grass from the sward after the Eastern section of the ground was cut on Wednesday evening and nobody was available to remove surface water that had settled on the Western section of the ground. The head curator lamented that he needed at least four extra members to his team to efficiently get the job done especially since it was known by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) that grass had to be removed from the ground before the start of play. The Umpires and Match Referee, former Test pacer Colin Stuart inspected the ground just after 15:00hrs and the stumps were put in place. But the infield was still soggy resulting in play being called
World Cup money pot increased to $576m
Reuters - The 32 teams at next year’s World Cup finals will share a total fund of $576 million, including a prizemoney pot of $358m with the winners taking home $35m, FIFA said yesterday. The amount of money made available to the countries taking part has increased 37 per cent from the $420m on offer at the 2010 finals in South Africa. The winners’ prize money has gone up $5m. The decision was announced by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke at a news conference following the two-day FIFA Executive Committee, which ended
Kevon Boodie
interval when Federicks lofted him to mid on where Paul Wintz held a dolly; he departed for 29 which included five fours. Boodie who was put down by Barnwell followed shortly when he attempted to hoist Zaheer Mohamed and was bowled off the inside edge for 32 with four fours at 68-2. Ricardo Peters and Dillon Heyliger added 25 for the third
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off leaving players from both teams, who resorted to playing pools, cards and dominoes during the all day wait at the venue, inactive and frustrated. This competition, which also involves Defending Champions Demerara and Essequibo, is being used to select the Guyana team for next January’s Regional Super50 tournament and play today is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs. Manager of Berbice Albert Smith, the long serving former National Coach, feels matches should have been fixed for Berbice since it was raining less in that County, adding that more cricket being played there was highly likely. (Sean Devers)
yesterday. The runners-up in Brazil next year will pocket $25m, while the third-placed team will take home $22m and the fourth-placed team $20m. The four teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will leave with $14m; teams in the last 16 will receive $9m; and those eliminated in the first round will get $8m. In addition, each of the 32 finalists will receive $1.5m for their “preparation costs”, up $500,000 on 2010. “There will also be awards of $70m for the clubs whose players are taking part in the World Cup and, in addition to that, $20m will be given as a
legacy to Brazilian football,” Valcke said. “We will not wait for the start of the World Cup for that, those payments will start immediately and will rise to $100m in the future.” Valcke confirmed that the legacy money would be ploughed into grassroots football in Brazil as well as education and health projects linked to football in the country. The grand total of $576m includes a figure of $100m available as insurance for players injured while playing for their national teams, known as the club protection programme.
Blatter prays to God over April date for Sao Paulo stadium Reuters - The stadium that will host the opening match of the 2014 World Cup will not be ready until April 14 or 15, less than two months before the tournament kicks off, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said yesterday. The announcement came a day after the Brazilian government said the stadium would be ready in February. The Itaquera Arena in Sao Paulo was originally supposed to be ready this month but an accident last week set the timetable back. Two workers were killed after a crane collapsed into a stand. Blatter did not give details but appealed to higher powers in the hope the stadium will be completed. “We believe it is a question of trust and that it will be done,” he told reporters. “For the time being there is no Plan B and what FIFA can do now is ask God, Allah, whoever, that no more accidents shall arise in connection with the World
Cup. That is all we can do and we hope the reconstruction can start as soon as possible.” Host nation Brazil will open the tournament at the stadium on June 12. Their opponents in the prestigious match will be known on Friday when the draw is made for the 32-team tournament. The
setback is the latest in a string of delays involving stadiums and transportation. At least five cities have scaled back or abandoned plans to build metros, bus lanes or trams in time for the World Cup, which will take place in 12 cities next June and July. Only two of six stadiums built for June’s Confederations Cup were delivered on time. The other six for the World Cup were scheduled to be handed over this month but at least half will be late. Arenas in Cuiaba and Curitiba will be delivered by mid-February, officials said earlier this week, while downplaying the delays. “At every single wedding I’ve been to, the bride was always late,” said Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo. “The wedding always went ahead despite this. It is possible that one or two are delayed, but the most important thing is that they’ll all be delivered.”
Adelaide - A disciplined England attack shrugged off the challenge of a bland Adelaide Oval wicket to limit Australia to 273-5 and leave the second Ashes test delicately poised after the opening day, yesterday. Trailing 1-0 in the five-test series, England could do little about the coin-toss, but will rue some poor fielding late in the day, with three dropped catches letting Australia off the hook. The third, a regulation chance spilled by two-test opener Michael Carberry at backward point, spared Brad Haddin in the third-last over and the
wicketkeeper survived to stumps on seven not out with Australia captain Michael Clarke on 48. Blessed to bat first on a gentle Adelaide Oval wicket, Australia failed to cash in with four of their five batsmen throwing away their wickets after making promising starts. In the final hour’s play, Bailey was the third to score a halfcentury, his maiden in his second test, but will regret flashing at a Stuart Broad delivery that ended up in a leaping Swann’s sure hands. Like Chris Rogers (72) and Shane Watson (51) before him, the one-day specialist
Bailey was on top of the England bowlers and had carted recalled spinner Monty Panesar for two sixes over his head and Broad for a third over the square boundary. The England selectors’ decision to pick a second spinner was validated as Swann and Panesar gleaned some encouraging turn from a flat deck that offered little for seamers Broad and James Anderson. Captain Alastair Cook may rue the loss of a second straight toss with the wicket likely to break up later in the match, (Continued on page 36)
Joseph Sepp Blatter
Disciplined England hold Australia in Adelaide
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Flex Night Int. now set for March 2, 2014 Director of Flex Night Inc. Donald Sinclair has disclosed that this year’s Flex Night International body building and fitness show will not come off this month as was originally scheduled. Sinclair in an invited comment stated that the decision to put the show back would have been arrived at due to a number of challenges and in the interest of pulling off an event that is second to none, they have decided that Flex Night International will neo take place on March 2, 2014. The Manager of Fitness Paradise Gym noted that they are working on making the environment for gym members bigger and more comfortable and they are in the process of moving to a
Donald Sinclair new location. Sinclair informed that the respective countries and athletes who were invited have been informed of the
new developments and they will pull out all the stops to ensure that come March 2, 2014, fans will be fully entertained and impressed with the quality of athletes and the show. Surinamese Soepe Koese was crowned Mr. Flex Night International last December at the National Cultural Centre. The little Dutchman who had won the 154lbs and Under category, outdueled three Guyanese, Rawle Green (over 176lbs); Kerwin Clarke (155 – 165lbs) and Delon Harlequin (166 – 176lbs) in the clash of the category winners in the overall pose down. Meanwhile, Flex Night Inc. will shortly be launching the second edition of the Flex Night Magazine.
WICB launches “We vs Them”
Members of the #WINavy on the beach during the “We vs Them” campaign launch in Antigua. (WICB Media Photo) St. John’s Antigua – Cricket lovers from around the world joined DJ Chicky over the weekend as the WICB launched its campaign for next year’s limited-overs series against England. Several hundred cricket-lovers of all ages – Antiguans, Guyanese, Barbadians, Dominicans, Trinidadia n s , J a m a i c a n s ; as well as fans from India, South Africa, England and even Gambia –were in attendance at three venues in Antigua a s t h e “ We v s T h e m ” slogan made its debut. The Windies will host England in three ODIs at the picturesque Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua and in three T20s Internationals at the
historic Kensington Oval in Barbados. Fans got the chance to play novelty games where they won authentic Windies Team kit, We s t Indies memorabilia and tickets f o r t h e matches in Antigua. They were kept entertained by DJ Chicky – the man who brought the concept of “party cricket” to Antigua back in the 1980s. As part of the festive season the WICB has setup a special promotion. Patrons purchasing “early bird” tickets before Christmas Eve will get another free for the same match. Tickets for the ODIs in Antigua will cost EC$40 (US$14) for
u n r e s erved seating and EC$55(US$20) for reserved seating. The tickets process for the matches in Barbados will be unveiled soon. The WICB’s Corporate Communications Manager, Imran Khan outlined the promotion. “Ticket sales will start very soon, and fans in Antigua will get two tickets for the price of one and that will last up until Christmas Eve,” he said. “We wanted to bring the ‘game’ to the fans from early and make sure everyone out there has an e q u a l c h an c e o f b e i n g part of what promises to be an amazing actionpacked series next year,” Khan added.
Friday December 06, 2013
Proteas decimate India in tour opener Johannesburg: India’s supermen were pelted with the cricketing equivalent of Kryptonite yesterday as South Africa thrashed them by 141 runs in the first ODI at the Wanderers. If it wasn’t bad enough conceding 358 after being given the best of bowling conditions, India’s tackling of the gigantic chase was even more execrable – unless you were not Indian, or prone to drawing vicarious gratification from the suffering of others: a little schadenfreude, if you please! Even if, for a moment, one chose to overlook the hiding that Quinton de Kock (135), Hashim Amla (65), AB de Villiers (77) and JP Duminy (59*) inflicted upon their guests – this is, after all, the age of batsmen – Rohit Sharma, in the 43 uncomfortable deliveries he faced at the beginning of the pursuit, symbolized all that ails Indian cricket. The Mumbai opener entered the series on a rich vein of form and comparisons with a recently-retired legend. As it happened, he took 14 deliveries to get bat on ball, his first runs coming off a lucky leading edge. The other stalwarts of this star-studded batting card fared no better in seaming conditions, as India were bundled out for 217 in just 41 overs. Sharma (18) was eventually run-out (the fourth batsman to fall) after surviving countless plays and misses against Steyn. The three batsmen who preceded him into the pavilion had looked equally incompetent. Shikhar Dhawan (12) was done in by a Morne Morkel delivery that hurried and rose on to him. Virat Kohli (31) was dropped by de Kock and struck a painful blow to the ribs by Steyn. He went on to crunch out a few retaliatory strokes before falling to a searing Ryan McLaren out swinger. The cameras had caught a pensive Yuvraj Singh awaiting his turn. His stint lasted all of two balls, on the second of which McLaren flattened his middle stump. David Miller’s under-arm accuracy from cover ended Rohit’s agonizing stay, and a few overs later, Suresh Raina, equally scratchy anywhere
except on the soporific pitches at home, was caught just short of his ground by what was almost a direct hit from deep square-leg by Steyn. At 108/5 in the 23rd over, it was all but over. A facesaving half-century by skipper MS Dhoni (65) whittled away at the margin of defeat. There was, however, no escaping the humiliation that stems from the puncturing of big reputations. South Africa had earlier accorded a severe welcome to their guests. De Kock and Amla, playing in an all-pink kit, added 152 in less than 30 overs for the opening wicket (the second-highest opening wicket stand by SA against India in SA) after Dhoni elected to field. India, however, squandered a couple of chances to dismiss either batsman early in their innings. Amla was handed a runout reprieve when he had scored seven as Dhawan failed to knock down the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Then, in the seventh over, de Kock slashed Sharma to square leg where Shami dove forw a r d v a l i a n t l y, b u t vainly, to take it on the bounce. The next ball saw Amla’s leading edge fall tantalizingly short of Rohit at cover point.
The bearded one rubbed it in by punishing Bhuvneshwar for four and six – the latter a casual flick that soared over square-leg and clattered into the giant scoreboard. De Kock was even more assertive. Having milked the seamers, he switched gears when spin came on in the 15th over, cutting R. Ashwin for fours and then sweeping him authoritatively from outside off stump. The Proteas were coasting on 150 without losing a wicket in 29 overs when they opted for the Batting Powerplay and, as is often the case, promptly lost their first. Amla was the victim, playing on as he attempted to run Shami down to third man. Another victim of the Powerplay was Kallis, who was caught at extra cover trying to clear the infield off Shami. De Kock remained unfazed. Successive boundaries off Bhuvneshwar took him into the 90s and a free-hit six against Mohit brought him to 98. A single and de Kock was on his second ODI ton, his first on his homeground, in just 101 balls. It took Kohli’s part-time medium pace to get the lucky break when he held a simple return catch to send back the centurion. It was then that de Villiers and Duminy stole the game. They shredded a clueless seam attack hellbent on hurling in length balls (and nothing else!) for 105 runs in just 7.4 overs. One-hundred-and-thirtyfive were score in the last 10 overs, as Duminy smashed 59 off just 29 balls, clearing the ropes five times during his blinder, the pick of his strikes being an inside out maximum off Mohit. De Villiers was no slouch. His 47-ball 77 included four sixes, one of them an unbelievable quasi-sweep that he, on bended knee, picked from wide outside offstump and deposited over fine-leg. That remained the definitive moment of the match – until the sight of a hard red ball scrunching portentously into the ribs of India’s leading batsman replaced it. (Yahoo Sports)
old tested positive for the banned blood booster erythropoietin in an out-ofcompetition test taken at his home in April, five days before the start of this year’s Giro. He had previously been
suspended for three months in 2007 for frequenting a doctor banned for his involvement in doping and received a two-year ban reduced to 15 months for a (Continued on page 36)
Quinton de Kock
Di Luca banned for life after third doping offence Reuters - Former Giro d’Italia winner Danilo Di Luca has been banned from cycling for life after a third doping offence, an Italian Olympic Committee tribunal ruled yesterday. The 37-year-
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Bravo, Edwards give WI lifeline
Chanderpaul’s first innings 76 takes him past 11,000 runs Dunedin, New Zealand – Purposeful half-centuries from Darren Bravo and Kirk Edwards helped West Indies rebound from a first innings batting collapse on Wednesday (New Zealand Time) and revived their hopes of saving the first Test against New Zealand. Left-hander Bravo was unbeaten on 72, but makeshift opener Edwards was dismissed inside the final hour for 59, as the Windies reached 168 for two in their second innings on the third day at University Oval, still trailing by 228. The odds had looked bleak earlier in the day, when Tim Southee and left-arm fastmedium bowler Trent Boult shared seven wickets and the visitors were bowled out for 213 in their first innings. West Indies have not won a Test in New Zealand since Courtney Walsh claimed a match haul of 13 wickets and bowled them to an innings and 322-run victory inside four days 18 years ago at the Basin Reserve in Wellington – but the hosts, w h o made 609 for nine declared in the first innings, are looking for their first win in 10 Tests since Brendon McCullum took over the captaincy late last year. When Kieran Powell was caught at second slip for 14 from a loose drive off Trent Boult, things again looked uncertain for the Windies. But Bravo came to the crease and took the attack to the Black Caps’ bowlers to collect 10 boundaries from 130 balls in three hours of batting. He added 117 for the second-wicket with Edwards, opening the batting following Kraigg Brathwaite’s delayed departure from the Caribbean due to visa issues. Bravo was fortunate on 40 however, when he took his eyes off a rising delivery from Neil Wagner and the ball flew to first slip after striking him on the forearm. The New Zealanders re v i e w e d English umpire Nigel Llong’s “not-out” decision and, though TV replays suggested it flew from the glove strap, TV umpire Ian Gould was not convinced. Edwards, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, grew in confidence and struck six fours and one six from 110 balls in 2 ¾ hours before
Darren Bravo
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
he was adjudged lbw playing back to a slider from rookie leg-spinner Ish Sodhi about 35 minutes before the close. Marlon Samuels joined Bravo and survived a few close calls against Sodhi including an lbw review and was not out on 17 at stumps. Earlier, another half-century and milestone for Shivnarine Chanderpaul was overshadowed by another batting collapse that left West Indies under severe pressure. Chanderpaul, the veteran left-hander, batting a smidge out of character, hit the top score of 76, becoming the seventh player in history and second West Indian behind Brian Lara to pass 11,000 Test runs, as the Windies were dismissed about an hour and 10 minutes before tea. Darren Bravo made 40 and Windies Captain Darren Sammy was not out on 27, but none of the other batsman looked self-assured at the crease, as Southee ended with 4-52 from 16 overs to put the skids on the top-order, Boult finished with 3-40 from 18 overs to stifle the lower order and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi took 2-63 from 15.1 overs after some early punishment. Typically, Chanderpaul entered with the Windies’ backs up against the wall, when Bravo was caught at gully for 40 from a loose drive
at a delivery from Southee angled across him in the fourth over of the morning. Chanderpaul also had to endure Marlon Samuels being caught at first slip by Ross Taylor off Southee for 14, edging a flat-footed drive at a well-pitched delivery, and Narsingh Deonarine caught in the same position on the second attempt by the same fielder off the same bowler for 15, trying to force a delivery angled across him. In the final half-hour before the interval, Chanderpaul gave a glimpse of a side to his batting that he seldom exhibits, reaching his milestone, when he hooked a short delivery from left-arm fast-medium bowler Neil Wagner through backward square leg for the third of his eight fours. He joined the esteemed company of the recentlyretired Sachin Tendulkar of India, Ricky Ponting of Australia, Rahul Dravid of India, South African allrounder Jacques Kallis, Lara and Australian legend Allan Border in the 11,000-run club. He brought up his 50 from 63 balls, when he moved from 38 to 52 in the space of four deliveries in Sodhi’s ninth over. Chanderpaul slapped the third delivery through cover for his fourth boundary, worked the fourth ball through mid-wicket for a deuce and finished the over with a flourish that fetched him successive boundaries, a lofted straight drive and a
whip through square leg. He followed up with boundaries off the second and third deliveries of Sodhi’s next over, a fluent cover drive establishing a 50-
run stand with Denesh Ramdin, as West Indies reached 159 for five at lunch. After the interval, Chanderpaul was fortunate on 70, when he was dropped
at third slip off Boult and gained four runs, but the same bowler started the decline two balls later, when he had Ramdin caught behind for 12, gloving a rising ball. Chanderpaul was just getting into the thick of things, when he was adjudged lbw to Boult, offering no stroke to a delivery that moved back from outside the off-stump from the left-arm bowler delivering over the wicket. The durable West Indies left-hander wasted no time reviewing the decision and TV replays revealed he was struck on the thigh pad, but ball-tracking technology suggested the delivery would have clipped the bails on the top of the stumps, allowing the decision of Australian umpire Paul Reiffel to stand. After his departure, there was little resistance from the rest of the batting, except Sammy, defying his right glute injury, to hit a few crisp strokes, as the Windies lost their last five wickets for 30 in the space of 43 balls.
Guyana Beverage Company GM Robert Selman honoured by RHTY&SC General Manager of Guyana beverage Company Inc., Robert Selman was on Tuesday last recognized by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for his remarkable contribution to the development of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The Company under the leadership of Mr. Selman over the past ten years has sponsored the popular Busta Champion of Champions cricket tournament and has also cosponsored numerous charity, educational and awards programmes of the club. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who presented a special gift to Mr. Selman described him as a amazing and trusted friend of the Club, describing him {Selman} as one of the foundation pillars of the club’s success story over the years. Selman, Foster stated has never turned down a request from the club, even when the company was approached for other organisations, including churches and schools, he has readily
RHTY&SC CEO Hilbert foster hands over the gift to Mr. Robert Selman cooperated. The 10th edition of the Busta Champion of Champions tournament for Berbice teams was launched on Tuesday last and will feature the top eight first division clubs. The tournament has been very successful since its inception.
The final is one of very few to be aired live on NCN radio. The club and its members have extended wishes for continued good health and strength for Mr. Selman so that he can continue his outstanding work of making a positive difference in the lives of Guyanese youths.
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World Scrabble Championships
McDonald delivers lukewarm returns in two days of intense competition After two intense days and 15 rounds of word forming activities in the World Scrabble Championships, Prague, Czech Republic, National Scrabble champion, Abigail McDonald has endured mixed fortunes and has only managed to amass 5 points and a negative spread of 218. Barbadian, Orlet Bullock did not fare much better and has scored 6 points with a negative spread of 132 while Trinidadian, Leslie Stewart, finished day two on 7 points and a negative spread of 323. McDonald surrendered her first game to American, Dave Wiegand (27) but rebounded in her second game with a win over Englishman, Terry Kirk (48). Thereafter, she lost to New Zealander, Peter Sinton ( 148), Englishman, Martin Harrison (-146), American, Jason Keller ( -87), Muhammad Shabaz (-77), New Zealander, Nicholas Cavenagh (-12) and Anlaug Frydenlund of Norway ( -15). The local scrabble queen then notched up 3 successive victories against Pakistani, Mohammad Inayatullah (76), Fadlan Satria of Indonesia and won by a spread of 67 and Peggy Fehily of the Federal Republic of Germany, whom she narrowly defeated by a spread of 2. She then lost to Englishman, Austin
Allie thanks sponsors and support team - signals early preparations for the new season
Afraz Allie (recent) - Local Group 2B champion Afraz Allie waves the chequered flag following one of his victories in his Toyota Starlest.
Abigail McDonald Shin (-8), New Zeelanders, Howard Warner ( -17) and Blue Thorogood ( -110) before ending yesterday with a victory over Villam Snabel (SVK) by a spread of 236. Meanwhile, five-times world champion, Malaysian, Nigel Richards, lost games to Gerald Carter of Thailand (-
80), Ming Hui Hubert of Singapore (-51), Englishman, Martin Harrison (-84) and Canadian, Joel Wapnick (-73) but still finished the second day leading the point standings on 11 points and a positive spread of 820. The tournament concludes on Sunday. (Michael Benjamin)
National Senior Chess C/ships
Interesting twist to championship as Meusa stumbles When former Senior Chess Champion, Wendell Muesa, defeated his successor, Taffin Khan, on day two of the 2013 National Senior Chess Championships, the former player had said that his major challenges were over and he could not visualize losing to any of his other opponents and was good and ready to reclaim the coveted title. This was not to be as former junior champion, Anthony Drayton, triumphed over Muesa and put a monkey’s wrench in his plans when the tournament conti n u e d a t t h e O c e a n Spray Hotel, Rupert Craig Highway and Stanley Place Kitty, Wednesday evening last. Muesa remains at three points, the same as veteran player, Errol Tiwari, who defeated Rashad Hussain. However, Muesa still
Friday December 06, 2013
Despite not having the kind of success at the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), local Group 2B champion Afraz Allie speaking with Kaieteur Sport recently said his 2013 performance has left him anxious and motivated ahead of the 2014 season. Allie, who drives a Toyta Starlet, managed to qualify second on the grid alongside Barbados’ Kurt Thompson, but suffered an early setback in the opening race due to being hit by the Barbadian resulting in him spinning and in the process losing the top spot after the first turn. “I qualified second to Kurt Thompson on the grid....the only 2 cars to qualify in the 37 seconds bracket and led the race into the first corner before being hit by Kurt into a spin that caused me to restart the race from almost half lap down, but
was still able to finish on the second,” Allie said. He pointed out that the car subsequently developed a problem with the gearbox that was bought specifically for the Meet and that hampered their chances of winning. “The car itself was good it had the power needed, but couldn’t convert it because the gearbox broke the main power gear, nevertheless we continued the race and managed to score valuable points for Guyana which ended with us winning the Country title.” Allie, who won the Champion Driver Award for 2013 in the Group 2B for outstanding work leading the points by a wide margin, informed that preparations are already being made for next year’s championship and he expects the car to gain even more progress by then. “We are starting very
early to work on the car’s development for 2014 CMRC, the car is in good shape and it’s just a matter of changing a few parts, before we commence testing,” Allie mentioned. The reigning champion extended gratitude to the following sponsors for their support over the years and they include: Banks DIH - R1 White Ice, Mohamed’s Enterprise, ReadyMix Concrete Limited, Classic Printing Supplies, Mike’s Copy Centre, Prem’s Electrical, Martina’s Cambio, Cellphonix, Clifton Auto Spares and General Store, Tulshi Machine Shop, Fullworks Motor Spares, Ramchand Wrecker Service, the entire Team and his family who according to him made the biggest contribution by allowing him the extra time to invest in the car, all of which contributed to make the year a successful one.
Tenelec U-15 tourney Berbice
Albion and RHT Farfan & Mendes into final; 10 wicket haul for Yadram Roberto Neto
Errol Tiwari
managed to assume the lead position after benefiting from the tie break system. Drayton and Khan are on 2 ½ points each after the latter player easily defeated Davion Mars. Roberto Neto and Glenford Corlette are on 2 points each while Davson Mars is on one point. Hussain is yet to score a point and
resides in the cellar. Meanwhile, the players return tomorrow for the fifth round and Muesa will play Hussain while Mars plays Drayton. Neto opposes Khan while Tiwari tangles with Corlette. The final two rounds are set for Sunday all at the same venue. (Michael Benjamin)
Albion Cricket Club (ACC) and Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes (RHTF&M) pulled out all the stops in their respective semi final matches en-route to the final of the Tenelec Inc. Under-15, twoinnings competition in Berbice. Albion was sliding towards defeat against Police but was pulled back by Guyana Under-15 batsman Matthew Hardyal who held firm to see them home safely while RHTF&M was at their wits end to get the vital break
through when Edinburgh seemed to be heading for victory. Enjoying home advantage, Albion arrested Police by four wickets. Police batting first was bowled out for 90 in their first innings; Malcolm Mickle led with 33. Doing the damage with eth ball for Albion were fast bowler Vevakand Jagit 5 for 4 with off spinners Matthew Hardyal and Rishi Sookram snatching 2 for 12 each. Albion fell for 103 in their first innings; Guyana Under-
15 player Adrian Sukhwa top scored with 28. For Police, left arm spinner Steffon Anderson grabbed 5 for 18 and off spinner Kevin Sinclair with 4 for 23. Police batting a second time did not fare much better than the first innings and was all out for 97; Anderson 45 and Sinclair 20 the leading run getters. Asif Ally picked up 5 for 34 and Sookram 3 for 16 for Albion. Pursuing a target of 85 for victory, Albion slid to 45 for 6
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t r o Sp Hand-in-Hand/GT&T Inter-County cricket
Demerara fight back after Essequibo’s bright start on rain affected day
B’ce vs President’s XI - opening day washed out
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Opener Royan Federicks collects runs on the offside.
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