Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The actions of the disciplined services Much has already been written about the Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of renowned historian Walter Rodney, and the fact that the entire probe is degenerating into a forgettable charade. This view is supported by the presence of several anomalies which bear highlighting; they include the fact that several high profile witnesses who gave evidence-inchief are yet to be recalled for examination by the attorneys representing the several interests in the matter. What requires an explanation is the reason why a ‘caring’ government should seek to expend taxpayers’ dollars to bring a potential witness to these shores only to take a statement and allow him to depart without appearing on the stand to deliver his version of the events under review. What is really the role of the Commissioners if not to ensure that every aspect of what is essentially an inquest is above board and can withstand scrutiny? Or is this whole set up someone’s idea of an elaborate game to bolster flagging electoral chances? Juxtaposing the Rodney COI with the New Building Society anyone with half a brain might be forced to arrive at the conclusion that the system of justice in this country is being prostituted by vested interests. But the real cause for concern should be the reality that the system is being corrupted by those with the technical knowledge and authority to do so without question. The unbelievable words coming from police headquarters that files are moved from person to person belies the expectation that the movement of criminal files is supposed to be accounted for by an established chain of custody. But no one should be surprised at the arrant nonsense that spews from the mouths of some of these officials. To seek to lay the blame for the disappearance of key documents from the police files on an investigator who is now deceased is reprehensible and demonstrates that there are no depths to which some people are prepared to sink in furtherance of their own advancement. The Linden Inquiry which was commissioned as a result of widespread condemnation over police excesses in Linden during the July 18, 2012 public disorder event where three men lost their lives and several persons were injured, was the precursor which tested the waters for the current Rodney COI. The decision emanating from that circus and the ridiculous awards can be likened to a state getting away with murder, and that life is cheap in this country. But as mentioned before in a previous column, members of the disciplined services should not expect that their unprofessional conduct will be explained away by claiming that they were following orders. Indeed any member of a uniformed service who carries out an order which is unlawful must be prepared to face the full brunt of the law. Such an eventuality may at this time seem distant from the perspective of wishful thinking by those bent on preserving the status quo, but as surely as there is a tomorrow everyone will be answerable for his/her misdeeds. For far too long people have come to accept the trampling on human rights by the authorities in this country with sporadic outbursts of condemnation which quickly die down because of limited attention span, or the fact that the immediate past atrocity has been overtaken by another equally gruesome or more so. One wonders if the commissioner of police will continue to meet with protesters after every police excess, and what can the Guyanese people expect as the next steps. If he is genuine in his actions and they are not intended as image enhancing moments then we should give him our unconditional support. At the same time it would do the police force an immense good if its members can be told what behaviours they are expected to display in support of police reforms.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

PRIME MINISTER HINDS SAYS FREDDIE IS WRONG DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the Freddie Kissoon column, published in the Sunday, December 07, 2012, edition of Kaieteur News, entitled, “The idiotic, ignorant, pathetic nonsense of Minister Ashni Singh.” Differences there will be, and the strong advocacy of different views is essential to ‘clearing’ of our way, but I was, indeed, shocked and pained by the intemperate language, bordering on the vituperative and vulgar, in that article. I felt, the attack, personally, and I wondered, why? I recognized that, partly, it was because it could have been directed at me; for when I had read about the event of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) dinner, late on Saturday, December 6, 2014, after having been abroad for a few days, I had concurred with what Ashni Singh was reported to have said at that event. So, emotionally, I was reading the attack on Ashni, as an attack on me. Freddie is not right and that column will anger many and misguide many others, intensifying discord in our society. I cannot find a redeeming feature in it at all! My reaction, however,

was tempered by some maxims that I recalled. One was that, to be attacked like that might be a good thing, and not a bad thing — it makes real or perceived differences in positions and views, very clear. But that intemperate language was not necessary; it was painful, and not helpful. Freddie has allowed his frustrations to get the better of him! There will always be differences in positions and views, which rightly ought to be debated, and in the course of that debate, we will all be educated and even amend our views. In the course of getting things done in our country, with the people, the resources, including money, and the time available, one needs feed-back, particularly feed-back that is critical in nature. It is in this view that, I admit, I read Freddie’s (and others’) columns, as often as I could. There is no doubt that Freddie’s column presents a view from ‘another’ side. There is, thus, some ‘efficiency’ in reading Freddie, to get quickly some of the ‘other’ views. A second maxim that consoled me some (particularly on reading Freddie’s columns), is about

Clarifying any misconception of my consistent position DEAR EDITOR, This opportunity is taken to respond to my friend, C h r i s R a m ’ s misinterpretation of my contention that Guyana is a “nation of laws.” Reference is made to his letter “Lincoln Lewis’ assertion is a contradiction of all that he has courageously championed for decades” (KN 8th December, 2014). It is accurate to say ours is a nation of laws. This society as we know it today is established on laws, the supreme being the Constitution. What we can discuss and which has much merit is the disrespect for the rule of law. Being a nation of laws and practicing/upholding the rule of law are two different and

distinct positions. And to the violation of the rule of law in the examples cited by Chris, there is convergence of views that the government has no regard for the rule of law. It is this disrespect for the rule of law that is a factor for the lawlessness in society. It is out of concern for the disrespect for the rule of law in a nation of laws the premise of my arguments is built for adherence to the constitution and its attendant laws. Trust this would clarify any misconception of my consistent position, which is, in a nation of laws the people must demand respect for the rule of law and hold elected and government officials accountable. Lincoln Lewis

An extensive and comprehensive programme must inform ranks that if they ignore international human rights conventions, claims that they were following orders will be unacceptable.

ignoring the person of the speaker, but paying attention to the words – how true or not, the words are. In this regard, I say without reservation that, in this matter, I stand alongside Ashni. Ashni was correct, and Freddie is wrong — Freddie should eat his words! What is the essence of Freddie’s criticism of what Ashni said? It is that Ashni’s reference to the 238-year-old U.S.A. still having democratic stalemates similar to, and at times even more intense than, that of our 48-year-old Guyana, is invalid and not relevant, because the effects of such stalemates and in-fighting are much more disastrous on Guyana, than on the U.S.A. That the effects are likely to be more disastrous on Guyana is probably true, and should be something of great concern, but that does not invalidate or make Ashni’s reference irrelevant. Ashni’s reference is not only correct, but it positions our experience within the process by which nations are built, and it helps us understand the problems that we face and how we may resolve them. What Ashni was saying is, “Look, the people of the U.S.A. have been working for 238 years at achieving accord in their society, but still experience difficulties. Read in their 238-year history of nation-building their meetings with the indigenous Indians, their ‘Wild West’ frontiers where, for a time, the various outlaws and saloon-keepers reigned, their civil war, their prohibition period - and you would recognize that they

are working always towards a more perfect Union, and you would get a feeling of the process of arriving at where they are today. We in Guyana have been working at it for 48 years — it is not easy, but we must not give up; we must keep on trying.” As much as we would like it to be so, it would be unreasonable to expect that we would be as developed as the U.S.A, is, today. I think that we (Ashni and I) and Freddie differ on what we consider as the starting state, the natural state of us humans, and the relation between us humans. Freddie seems to hold, and start from the view, that us humans start from a position of full accord, equality, law and order, perfect governance - all milk and honey - and that it is bad people, bad leaders, especially bad politicians, who cause humans to fall from such a state of grace, We (Ashni and I) start from a different position - of human individuals with a myriad of conflicting, contradicting, contesting views, out of which a degree of law and order, some sorts of accord and governance„ slowly emerges over time, through a series of events: an evolutionary process in which various persons feature - saints and devils, and persons in between with good things and persons sometimes bringing bad results, and with bad things and bad persons sometimes bringing good results. In our model, we can expect, and must work for, ever more perfect accord and governance, and are aware that new circumstances and (Continued on page 5)

High hopes for Cuban embargo to be lifted DEAR EDITOR, As Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meet in Havana this week, hopes are increasing that the embargo initiated by the US government in January 1962 will be lifted so that trading between Cuba and the outside world will commence ,and moreso, Americans will be free to travel to the communist state without any restriction. CARICOM Heads are looking at ways and means to strengthen cooperation in multi-lateral trade.

The Castro regime signed an agreement in 2002 with three big states in CARICOM - Trinidad, Guyana and Barbados. The protocol calls for a confab every three years and today, Tuesday December 9 is the 12th anniversary. In fact December 8 is called Cuban/ Caricom Day. Several recognized newspapers in the US are calling on the US government to remove the embargo on Cuba. There are signs of the removal since the (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

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

Ramotar had no choice but to dissolve parliament DEAR EDITOR, This is in response to your news reports (KN Dec 6, 7) on the proposal from the Private Sector Commission on resolving the parliamentary prorogation, the statement from the President on dissolving the assembly, and APNU’s response to President Ramotar’s address. Based on conversations I had with people within Guyana, including critics of the government, people are disappointed as well as pleased with President Ramotar’s announcement that he would dissolve the assembly in the new year.

They are disappointed with the failure of the parties to resolve their differences and return to parliament to continue their work for which they were hired (elected). But since the parties cannot compromise on a way forward, the people are pleased that the President has decided to act on the demands of the opposition to dissolve the parliament and face the electorate. The church, business community, and the population must be applauded for putting pressure on the political parties to meet and work out their differences. But these

noble efforts have all failed to get the politicians to listen to rational views on the political state of affairs. The parties display stubbornness, with each wanting its own way or the highway. Each of the parties is pulling in its own direction looking out for its own interest rather than for the interest of the nation, leading to contradictory positions. For example, APNU said it wanted local government elections. President Ramotar said he was looking at a date for the second quarter of next year. This was followed by a contradiction when APNU

The Fallacies of Reticence DEAR EDITOR, We are at a critical juncture in our history. Inherent in that precarity in power that the PPP now faces is the solution for true Guyanese democracy for the first time not just since Independence, but in our entire history, as a modern geopolitical space. The excesses of the government and impunity with which they treat the average citizen have all but guaranteed that neither they nor any party will receive an unchallenged mandate for leadership now or in the near future. A curious development in light of this situation, one that runs counter to apparent logic however, is that we have not had a corresponding seizure of the opportunity to initiate change, particularly from the middle class. What I see at play here is the age-old phenomenon where people in dictatorial, oppressive societies engage in varying levels of deliberate cognitive dissonance, mentally reshaping their reality whenever the oppressing power is actually in danger. Many in the middle-class in Guyana – the lawyers, medical professionals, the clergy, the consultants, people in the media – have long made up their minds that the PPP is unassailable and that has been their rationale for both silence and complicity. Better after all to cooperate and survive than to tackle an apparently

invincible juggernaut. When the juggernaut is nonetheless about to be toppled, the error of silence and complicity becomes glaring, so for many people, already accustomed to taking the easy way, it is far simpler to seek to undermine and discredit the force capable of upsetting the system in which they have carved out a compromised comfort. Machiavelli noticed in his time that: “...there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.” From those who don’t necessarily support the PPP directly but who have done well or moderately well in Guyana, we see a retreat into several fallacies to excuse their reticence, and to undermine those who are actually speaking out. The one I hear most is that I am too negative and I do not offer solutions to the issues I criticize, something that is patently false. My most stringent criticisms over the past year on a particular subject have been on the mismanagement of the Caribbean Press by Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. David Dabydeen; not only have I pointed out the lack of

financial accountability and inadequate systems of administration, but I offered to engage, going as far as suggesting ways the Press can improve, including the convening of editorial and management boards. President Ramotar, Anthony and Dabydeen have several times committed to putting boards in place, something that has not been done to this day. I comment on racism, I offer the solution of dialogue. I comment on suppression of the media, I offer the solution of stronger systems of democratic expression. I comment on the impunity with which the government acts, I offer the solution of a strong and unequivocal response from both politicians and civil society. The problem is that people will see what they want to see, and blind themselves to what they don’t. Another fallacy of reticence that I’ve encountered is that of transference of ownership of responsibility. I’ve called out artists, journalists, youth activists, religious people and very often the response I get is that while the group or person has considered speaking out in general, they will not do so according to ‘my’ schedule or on ‘my’ issues. I have to find myself pointing out that I don’t own any issue and very often the issues that they are silent on are issues that they have (Continued on page 23)

said it would also support the no confidence motion to end the life of parliament, thereby annulling any date for local elections. This was followed by a prorogation. Virtually every democratic nation allows for a prorogation of its legislature. So it is not an illegal or dictatorial act, and it would have been foolhardy of him not to take evasive action to protect his government. The political parties (the two opposition parties, in particular, as noted by the business community) have rejected calls for compromise and mediation to come together in the interest of the nation. The President tried to nudge the opposition to join him for talks to end the prorogation. His letter of invitation was turned down. The opposition was adamant in its position it would not talk with Ramotar unless he reconvenes parliament and face the no confidence motion - I have never heard of such a position before in any part of the globe. In Grenada, for example, parliament was prorogued in

2012. After the six-month period, the PM recalled parliament and immediately dissolved it and held elections. In other countries where prorogation was invoked - in Canada, for example - parliament was reconvened and the government did not face a no confidence motion. What is the point of reconvening parliament if the assembly is going to be dissolved via a no confidence motion? That is idiotic. Which leader would allow him/ herself to go to the slaughter house if the constitution allows a different path that permits temporary survival? Ramotar said he invoked the prorogation as a last resort to save the life of the parliament that had not even completed three years of a five-year term. He said he wanted a cooling-off period, hoping the opposition would reconsider its action to end the life of the parliament. The opposition said they don’t want to talk. The business community (through the PSC) intervened

and tried to meet the goals of all three parties by forcing them to come to the table. APNU wants local elections, and it was in the PSC proposal to be held in 2015. PPP did not want to dissolve the assembly and the PSC offered it breathing space for some time before a no confidence motion would even be considered. AFC wants general elections and PSC said it can always reintroduce its no confidence motion, in partnership with APNU, after some time, that would lead to elections. But the two opposition parties insisted the parliament meet and the President debate the no confidence motion. Clearly, no one wanted to budge, and so the only way out of resolving the impasse is general elections. After less than a month of reasoning with the opposition and failing to come to a resolution, the President wisely announced the parliament would be dissolved. Conversations with colleagues in the US and (Continued on page 23)

Prime Minister Hinds says... From page 4 situations keep arising, which put to test the accord, the governance, previously attained. It is with this view, quixotic and trivial though it may seem to some, that I keep rejecting the description of us Guyanese as a divided, even splintered, society. That description suggests that we were one at some time: we were never one! Fate threw our six ancestral groups together here, with all sorts of possibilities before them - the most difficult and challenging of which is the coming together, as one nation, to which we aspire, and which we have undertaken. We are a people not divided, but a people coming together from very different starting positions. We have been converging, closing much distance between us, but with some distance still to close! In a similar way, I bristle on reading reports from multilaterals and others, and on hearing our people, especially our youth, speaking about

what Guyana does not have as if these things should have just been there, and not things that have to be worked for, and to be built by us: things which we do not yet have, which we have not yet built, and which we are still to build. Compared with the U.S.A., Guyana is at a much earlier stage of all aspects of social, economic and political development. That we will experience relatively more turbulence than the more mature U.S.A. and, at the same time, be much more vulnerable to such turbulence, even to the point of becoming a so-called failed state, is troubling, but true. Living together calls for sacrifices of our individual inclinations to some common order, which itself is established ‘on the run.’ People make the sacrifices, the compromises, appropriate to the

danger that they perceive. It is the dangers that we perceive that motivates the level of sacrifices which might yet avoid failure. Freddie starts from a different base, one assuming full accord as the point from which we start. I stand with Ashni. Ashni was correct. It is by working through differences over a number of generations that we have a hope of getting ever closer to some ideals of accord, democracy, good governance. Freddie was wrong, and wrong to attack Ashni, so! Freddie should retract his words! Samuel A. A. Hinds, O.E., M.P., Prime Minister

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Tuesday December 09, 2014

Three more Surendra pumps now in operation - Agri Ministry The new Enterprise/Paradise, ECD, pump station.

The new pump station at Pine Ground, Mahaicony.

As Guyana readies for the rainy season, Government has announced that three more of the India-funded “Surendra” drainage pumps are in operation. Over the last week, four pump stations were put into operations representing some of the largest investments for the drainage and irrigation within recent years. The new pump stations include one at Paradise, East Coast Demerara, Region Four; Pine Ground, Mahaicony, Region Five; Canal 1, West Bank Demerara, Region Three and Vrede-enVriendschap, Canje, Region Six. According to the Ministry, the pumps will collectively add 720 cubic feet per second drainage capacity to the system. The pump stations now up and running are in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The pumps that went into operation last week were part of the EXIM Bank of India US$4M loan signed back in 2011. Indian firm, Surendra Engineering, was hired to supply the 14 fixed and mobile pumps. Surendra is the same Indian contractor fired this year from the Specialty Hospital construction at Turkeyen. Government said that fraud in bond security submitted by the company and failure in meeting deadlines had resulted in the sacking. There have been questions, also, about the delivery of the pumps by Surendra with evidence

suggesting that the Indian firm never had any experience to supply pumps. Rather, there was evidence that it was being purchased in pieces from different suppliers. Earlier this year, Rose Hall Town, Number 19 Village, Patentia, and Three Friends Pump Stations with a combined capacity of 390 cubic feet per second were commissioned. Before the end of the year, another station at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, with 200 cubic feet per second capacity will be added. Earlier this year also, the Ministry said, the Mibikuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne irrigation pump capacity was expanded by about 200 cubic feet per second. According to the Ministry, the additional drainage capacity is part of the bigger program to transform and maintain agriculture as the pillar of Guyana’s economy. Major improvements to the drainage systems were last done since the 1970’s and 1980’s, the Ministry said. “During that period several important pump stations were closed and others reduced in capacity. Most of the closed stations have been restored and others are being expanded. In addition, stations at new locations are being established. “All the new pump stations operationalized in the last week are new locations which now have permanent pumping capacity for the first time.”

“With the addition of the pump stations, the NDIA (the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has paved the way for an immediate increase of its pumping capacity by 720 cubic feet per second, which is equivalent to or has the capacity to drain in excess of 18 million gallons of water per hour. This improved drainage service will benefit approximately 16,000 acres of mostly agricultural land,” the ministry said in its statement.

Within the next two weeks, the pump station at Windsor Forest will also become operationalized. “For this year alone, pumped drainage capacity for Guyana has increased by more than 1,100 cubic feet per second. This represents the largest increase in Guyana’s pumped drainage capacity in any single year.” According to the NDIA, the increase in capacity created this year means that the country can now pump an additional 30 million gallons

of water per hour. In the first quarter of 2015, the authority is expected to further increase its capacity for drainage by almost the same amount. “It should be noted that while pumped drainage is undertaken in areas where there are very high foreshore conditions or there is a small window to effect gravity drainage among other evaluated boundary conditions, the authority is currently constructing drainage sluices at Profit, Bagotville and La Grange.”

However, NDIA has warned that while the additional pumping capacity cannot prevent increased accumulation of water on lands when there is intense rainfall, the addition of such stations will significantly increase its ability to effectively drain water in a more efficient and timely manner. “It is expected that by 2020, Guyana’s pump drainage capacity will increase by 100 per cent over the 2010 level,” the Ministry projected.

State settles with Sparendaam torture victim for $1.5M The Government has conceded that the state was liable in the torture of 19-yearold Sparendaam resident, Junior Thornton, and has settled with the young man to the tune of $1.5M. Kaieteur News understands that the State, through Attorney General Anil Nandlall, threw in the towel in the constitution motion which was filed in late June by Attorney at Law Dexter Todd on behalf of Thornton, opting not to offer a defence. The decision not to challenge the motion is a clear admission by the state that Thornton did suffer torture at the hands of the police, while he was in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station late in May month. However, according to Attorney at Law Todd, this will in no way bring an end to the criminal matter for which police Constable Earwin Forrester is before a Magistrate; nor is it related to the civil action brought

against Forrester and Commissioner of Police(Ag) Seelall Persaud for damages for personal injuries. Another related criminal matter regarding the Attempt to Pervert the Course of Justice brought against a Police Inspector, who happens to be a relative of the victim, was dismissed on October 10 last. Junior Thornton was picked up for loitering and was held in the Sparendaam Police Station lock-ups for a few days. It is alleged that he began behaving in a disorderly manner and refused to desist when asked to do so by the ranks on duty. He told relatives that the ranks became angry and they saturated his hands with the flammable liquid before setting fire to it. Thornton was released with his badly burnt hands and was immediately taken to the hospital by his relatives. There was a huge public outcry over the incident

Junior Thornton

which culminated in the criminal charges and the subsequent civil matters. Yesterday, Thornton’s attorney said that there was clear evidence that the young man was tortured hence the state “saw no sense in defending that.” “After a few hearings the state offered to settle the matter,” Todd told this newspaper. According to Todd, the amount of the settlement should not be seen as the big picture. He said what is important is the recognition of the state that there was

torture. “The State recognized that the police actions were not in keeping with the Constitution. I commend the Attorney General because he did not waste the court’s time. We have to look at the bigger picture here. It is not all about the money. I don’t want the public to think that the amount that was settled for is all that my client was worth,” the Attorney at Law stated. He is firmly of the view that the move by the Attorney General will give strength to the criminal matter as well as the civil action brought against the Commissioner of Police.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

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Tuesday December 09, 2014

Jamaican reggae star, Buju Banton, seeks early release from US prison TAMPA, United States, Monday December 8, 2014, CMC - Grammy winning reggae artiste, Buju Banton, who was convicted on cocaine trafficking charges in 2011, has filed a motion in court in an attempt to secure an earlier release date. The Tampa Bay Tribune reports that Buju,whose given name is Mark Myrie, filed his own motion from prison asking to be released early based on a recent change in federal drug sentencing guidelines. This would mean an earlier release date and deportation to Jamaica. Buju is currently serving a mandatory ten-year sentence for his conviction on a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be released in 2019. However, the

amendments do not apply to those serving minimum mandatory sentences under the law. This would only be possible where the convicts cooperate with investigators or at give a full confession to their crimes.

According to the paper, this is unlikely to happen, as Buju has maintained his innocence since being arrested. Buju was convicted in February 2011, days after he won a Grammy award for his album, “Before the Dawn.”

Trinidad government defends spending TT$2.6m to deport African nationals P O RT- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad- CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government has defended its decision to spend TT$2.6 million (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents) to charter a plane to deport 15 illegal Ghana nationals saying that it was difficult to get visas for them men to travel back to their country through commercial flights. The Ghanaians were deported following a marathon 12 hour court case on Saturday by lawyers to prevent their deportation. National Security Minister Gary Griffith told the Trinidad Express newspaper that there were 100,000 illegal immigrants here, whom he said were draining the country’s resources. He also accused some of them of being involved in criminal activities. “The matter has to be dealt with and we

cannot bury our heads in the sand. What was done was done within the law,’’ said Griffith, adding that the deportees can reapply to be regularised. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan denied that the coalition People’s Partnership government was engaged in a witch hunt against immigrants. “The rule of law has prevailed and the process was followed. A historic emergency session of the High Court and Court of the Appeal was necessary to avoid any furthe r delay and unwarranted expenditure that can surpass two million dollars,” he said. “This is not a witch hunt, we are asking persons to come forward and we are providing them with the opportunity to be regularised,” said Ramlogan, who also said that some of the illegal immigrants had a

track record related to criminal activities. “Our intelligence suggests that there are many dimensions to this problem, including links to the gangs, drugs, arms and other crimes that have plagued our society.” But attorney Faris Scoon described the move to deport the African nationals as unjust and unhumanitarian. He said some of the men deported have been living here for more than 10 years and have Trinidadian wives and children here. “I think that is harsh, oppressive, unjust, inhumane and unhumanitarian conduct. Quite frankly, I am ashamed to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago on account of what our immigration policies are,” said Scoon. Earlier the men had tried to challenge the deportation order of the Chief Immigration Officer but failed.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

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THE RETURN OF BIG B? The Mirror newspaper which is associated with the ruling party this past weekend gave front page significance to the PPP’s congratulations to Tabare Vazquez, the President-elect of Uruguay. I hope the opposition parties, especially the heady Alliance for Change (AFC), are paying attention. I hope that they are “reading between the lines”. The PPP has never in recent times given such significance to any Presidentelect of any South American country or to any leftist leader who was elected to office. Not in recent times! So, why Tabare Vazquez, the President of Uruguay, a country which is not a neighbour or even a trading partner with Guyana? The front page feature by the Mirror is not a gesture of comradely solidarity. Vasquez, the incoming President and Jose Mujica, the incumbent are leftists. But the PPP is not forging any leftist alliances. In fact, the PPP is far removed from its leftist roots. So why the front page coverage of the congratulations to Vazquez? The PPP is not enamored with the leaders of Uruguay’s Broad Front. It is not trying to imitate the lifestyle of the incumbent Mujica who drives an old Volkswagen to work. He wears leather slippers rather than shoes to work. He joins the line for treatment at the hospital. He donates more than 90 per cent

of his salary to the poor. And the incumbent President lives on an old-ramshackle farm owned by his wife. So why the front page coverage of the congratulations to Vazquez? The PPP after the experience of being toppled by the Americans in the 1960’s are never going to be as radical and anti-imperialist as the incoming President of Uruguay, Tabare Vazquez. So why the front page coverage of the party’s congratulations to Vasquez? The significance I believe has to do with the fact that Vazquez is returning after a break of one term. Vazquez was President of Uruguay from 2005 to 2010. Jose Mujica succeeded him from 2010 to 2015. Vazquez now returns from a second term. The Constitution of Uruguay does not allow for consecutive terms. As such, Vazquez had to sit out a term and wait until the end of Mujica’s five-year term before he could have returned which is what will happen as a result of his recent election victory. The Constitution of Uruguay is explicit. It unambiguously states that a president cannot be reelected until five years has elapsed since the end of his term. As such there is no consecutive term. But a president can be reelected after a gap of five years. There is no ambiguity in the wording of the Uruguayan Constitution.

There was also never any need in that country for any challenge to the constitutionality of term limits. In Guyana of course there is at least one legal opinion that a President who has served two terms after 2001 can be reelected for a third term once there is an interruption between the end of his second term and the beginning of a new term. The opposition does not agree with this opinion but it must bear certain facts in mind. If the PPP goes with Bharrat Jagdeo for the forthcoming elections, once he is elected as President, regardless of the legality of his candidacy, he is insulated from removal by the

approach the Courts for an interpretation as to whether Guyana’s Constitution allows a third term for a President first elected after 2001. The opposition had better be careful. If Jagdeo returns they will be caught off guard since all of their preparations for elections are being made on the presumption that it is Ramotar that will lead the PPP into the elections. If Jagdeo is the candidate it puts a different complexion on things. The opposition parties were out maneuvered by Ramotar when he moved to prorogation. They had better be wary that they are not outfoxed again when it comes to the person they are likely

to face in the 2015 polls. They should preempt the PPP. The opposition parties should immediately, as a safeguard, seek the interpretation of the Courts on this controversial issue of the third term because it is one thing to face Ramotar but it is another thing to face Jagdeo. He may be controversial but he is no pushover. Surprises are not good for the opposition. They have been caught napping before. They should avoid being caught off guard.

Interior shopkeeper shot dead in robbery Police in the interior are on the hunt for three men who invaded a shop at Mango Landing, Essequibo River, killing the owner, Linden McAlmont, and robbing his wife of raw gold and cash. McAlmont, called ‘Stone’, 50, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was shot three times during the attack, which occurred around 01:30 hours on Monday. He was officially pronounced dead hours later at the Mahdia Hospital

Dem boys seh...

De fat crook better than Donald Trump Everybody know that Donald Trump is a business tycoon. A piece of time everything he touch tun to gold. Guyana got a man who try to emulate Trump but everything he seh that he touch, Guyana don’t know wheh it disappear. He is no other than de fat crook. De fat crook got to be de best thing selling Guyana and anything in it. Even when de thing don’t exist de crook can sell it and meek profit. He seh he sell de shares in de phone company to some Chinee people; Guyana still don’t know how much de fat crook sell it for, wheh de money deh if he collect it, from who he collect it, when he collect it and wheh he put it. He seh that he sell de Santa complex but before that he seh that he rent it to Babbie. Dem boys want he tell de nation how much he sell it for, wheh de sale money plus de rent money deh. This crook sell state land—all de state land behind Houston to Diamond—plus land to Ed Ahmad. How much he sell dem for and wheh all this money deh. Bai Shan seh that dem pay US$8 million fuh couple acre of that land. If he can pay that amount fuh only a couple acre, is how much hundred billion de fat crook and de man wha resemble de

Constitution which states that a suit cannot be brought against a sitting President. So once the Guyana Elections Commission announces that Bharrat Jagdeo is the duly elected winner of any election next year, no legal challenge will succeed since the Presidency is immune from such challenges. The opposition parties may feel that the PPP will not go this route. But then again, these same parties did not feel that Donald Ramotar would have prorogued parliament. They may also feel that the PPP before announcing the candidacy of Bharrat Jagdeo as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2015 elections would likely

devil collect fuh all dem hundred acre. Dem boys seh that de controversial Marriott wha he tek de taxpayer money fuh build ain’t even done yet and de fat crook done seh that he gun sell it fuh a profit. He done fix profit price too. But when dem was to build this same hotel dem holler how is a public private partnership thing and how much this thing mean fuh Guyana. He seh that de private people would not put in dem money because de project didn’t mek sense. That is how it tun public/private partnership thing. Up to now de fat crook, de shaat scamp and de devil can’t get a single private investor. That is why dem can’t done de hotel. But dem suh bright that he done decide that he gun mek nearly US$20 million profit in ten years. Dem boys want tell de nation that de fat crook can’t run a wine bar to mek a profit, and that is he own. If he can see so much profit ahead in de Marriott how come he never see de profit in he own wine bar? And dem boys seh that since he is a see far and a know all how come he nah see de pumpkin jumpsuit fuh all of dem? Talk half and hire de fat crook fuh sell you property.

Mortuary. Police said in a statement yesterday that the three men, one armed with a firearm and the others with knives, entered McAlmont’s shop at Mango Landing and held him up, along with his wife, Maureen. According to the police, during the incident, McAlmont was shot about his body and his wife was robbed of her jewellery by the perpetrators who escaped. A source in the Mahdia area told this newspaper that McAlmont’s shop is the only shop in the location and the bandits took advantage of the deserted area. The source said that the men told McAlmont that they came for the gold. “He wife tell he give dem

de gold but he resisted and de man with de gun fire off three shots dat hit he in he chest,” the source stated. He added that after seeing her husband lying motionless on the ground, his wife handed over an ounce of gold and $30,000 to the men. The bandits raided a couple of rooms at the location, beating the lone occupant about his body before relieving him of a cellular phone. When the men left, the victims managed to contact the police at Mahdia who subsequently visited the scene and brought McAlmont’s body to the Mahdia Mortuary. The dead man’s sister, Maureen Shepherd, who resides in Berbice, told this

Boat collision at Kartabo leaves one dead At approximately 19:00 hrs last evening, at Kartabo in the Essequibo River, two motor vessels collided, resulting in the death of one passenger. One of the vessels was captained by Lloyd Apple, 54, while the other was being operated by Pamela Persaud, 34, who had her uncle, Anthony Williams in the vessel. Williams succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the collision.

At present Apple is in custody at the Bartica Police station while Pamela Persaud is hospitalised at the Bartica Hospital. Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn, said boat operators are not adhering to safety procedures in the night as they are operating without lights, which is against the rules. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is investigating the incident.

Linden McAlmont called “Stone” newspaper that she received a message from another relative who said that McAlmont’s wife had called to say that there was a robbery and that “Stone get shoot”. At the time she was not told that he had died. She said that she tried calling several numbers to ascertain her brother’s condition. The woman said that she later learnt that McAlmont was dead.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 09, 2014

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Dictators do not live in the real world Today at 1 PM, I have to be in Justice Brassington Reynold’s court for a date to be fixed for the continuation of the libel that Bharrat Jagdeo, in his capacity as President, brought against me and this newspaper in September 2010. The case began in July 2011 and is still being heard. The last session was in February when Mr. Jagdeo’s lawyers appealed against a ruling of the judge. The case had to be halted pending outcome of that appeal. Since then, almost a year now, the trial has been in dormancy. From July 2011 to December 9, 2014 is three years, five months. What is interesting is that the case may resume in the midst of a general election campaign. It started in the middle of an election campaign in 2011. President

Ramotar in his GeneralSecretary’s report to the PPP 2013 Congress told his audience that the libel trial cost the PPP votes at the 2011 general elections. He went on to state that the opposition and the media “took full advantage of the libel case.” (See my August 6, 2013 column, “I’m glad my libel defence reduced PPP votes in 2011"). Mr. Ramotar’s lamentations on the effects of the libel case brought into focus the reason for the libel. Since Mr. Ramotar echoed that regret, people have asked why then did Jagdeo start the litigation in the first place. Anyone who studied the nature of authoritarian systems would know that the difference between the ordinary citizen and the power-drunk leader is that the dictator does not recognize the objective

situation on the ground. The autocrat does not live in the real universe. He/she dwells in an imaginary world that he or she invented. Where the ordinary citizen sees danger, the dictator sees opportunity to excel. When the ordinary citizen can anticipate a policy failure, the tyrant sees glowing success. Invincibility blinds the authoritarian ruler from seeing him/herself as mortal. Mr. Jagdeo was convinced of his own invincibility because he took excessive latitude outside of the law, extensive latitude in assaulting state structures, that he was assured that he was too powerful to fail in anything he did. Once Jagdeo crossed the authoritarian line that President Burnham was afraid to attempt, Mr. Jagdeo felt that he had absolute power

and that he could use his authority to do what he wanted, to government and citizenry. The examples should not detain us here. It is against this background that Mr. Jagdeo sued for libel. Prime Ministers and Presidents hardly sue newspapers and academics. Among thousands of Prime Ministers and Presidents the past hundred years, you can literally count on your fingers the cases of libel they brought in court. One of the reasons for this is because Prime Ministers and Presidents do not like to testify about matters of state. They believe that is their special preserve that they should not publicly discuss in a court of law. They are also contemptuous of lawyers who try to question them. After all, who are you to raise your voice or shout at the Prime Minister or President? Mr. Jagdeo sued because he felt that as President,

nothing could stand in his way. The case would be over in days; that the court will not go against a sitting President. A critic and the newspaper he writes for will be punished. In the election campaign, he and his colleagues could boast to the electorate that Freddie Kissoon and the Kaieteur News were irresponsible, wrote nonsense and the court shut them up. It didn’t turn out that way. If power intoxication didn’t take over the mind of Mr. Jagdeo, then he would have been fully conscious of the fact that my lawyers would have been top class minds who would inevitably question him on the contents of his twelve year reign since he was about to complete twelve years in office at the time of the start of the libel. I am inflexibly wedded to the belief that because of his power-driven instincts Mr. Jagdeo believed that he didn’t have to testify. This is

Frederick Kissoon the way dictators think; they don’t have to do anything to please anyone. So a President of a country brings a libel against a leading newspaper and did not turn up to argue his case. Mr. Jagdeo got a rude awakening. The libel trial shows that there are limits to power. Mr. Jagdeo couldn’t get his way in court simply because that is not the reality in Guyana. It is like the Guyanese proverb –”bucket ah go a well, one day he gun lef.” Power left Mr. Jagdeo when the libel trial began. He couldn’t use power against my lawyers, me and the courts.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Women and Gender Equality Commission disappointed by paper committal ruling The Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) has recorded disappointment with the recent landmark ruling of Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang. The ruling deemed paper committals under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act unconstitutional. This is the second decision of this kind. The Chief Justice’s ruling stemmed from a successful challenge to the Act made by Attorney-at-Law Murseline Bacchus. The lawyer had challenged a Magistrate’s decision to commit his client to stand trial in the High Court under the Act. Bacchus, on behalf of his client, had moved to the court for an order or rule nisi of certiorari directed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Commissioner of Police and Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus herself, to show cause why her decision to commit his client to stand trial for the offence of rape should not be quashed on the grounds that the committal is null, void, unlawful and unconstitutional. In his petition, Bacchus had submitted that he was not permitted crossexamination of the witness whose statements were filed by the Prosecution, nor was his client permitted to give evidence or call any witness

in the proceedings before he was committed. After listening to arguments from all sides, on November 14, Chang ruled said that paper committals under the Sexual Offences Act are unlawful as the accused is given no opportunity to defend him or herself in the Magistrate’s Court which is a breach of one’s constitutional rights. According to the Sexual Offences Act, no witnesses are required to attend the Magistrates’ court to give evidence and the Magistrate would make a verdict based on statements provided by the virtual complainant, investigating ranks along with complainant’s medical report and birth certificate. However, Chang’s ruling noted that the Magistrate acted in violation of the Applicant’s rights under Article 144 (2) (d) and (e) when she disallowed crossexamination of the makers of prosecution witness statements tendered against the applicant in the preliminary inquiry. It goes on to say that an accused/defendant {d} shall be permitted to defend himself or herself before the court in person or by a legal representative of his or her own choice and {e} Shall be afforded facilities to examine in person or by his or her legal

representative the witnesses called by the prosecution before the court and to obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court on the same conditions as those applying to witnesses called by the prosecution. These rights, Chang said, were violated. This ruling is, in fact, the second of time the Chief Justice has handed down such a decision. The first was in August 2012. By way of public statement, the WGEC said it “once again” wished to express its disappointment and dismay at the recent challenge to the Sexual Offences Act. The Commission said that under challenge by this ruling is a procedure which sought to lessen the number of times a victim is forced to relive the trauma of sexual assault. “It is the second time the Constitutionality of the procedure of paper committals under the Sexual Offences Act is being challenged in the High Court since the Sexual Offences Act came into effect in 2010.” It explained that paper committals are part and parcel of this new law and added that the “Stamp It Out” campaign that engaged Guyana’s population and ushered in the modern Sexual Offences Act

Ailing Chief Education Officer medivaced for overseas treatment After being admitted to a city hospital for just over one week, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam, was evacuated over the weekend for urgent medical treatment. A senior Ministry of Education official yesterday confirmed this development. He said that Sam has left for Barbados en route to the United States for further evaluation and treatment. Sam, two Saturdays ago, complained of a severe headache and was rushed to a city hospital for medical attention. Reports reaching this publication suggest that Sam’s condition was as a result of a leak in an artery in his head resulting from an untreated aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery, usually the aorta (the main artery of the body). The bulge usually occurs in a weak area of the artery wall and the pressure of blood inside the artery has the potential to force the weak area to balloon outward. If untreated, an aneurysm may rupture, resulting in internal bleeding.

Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam Consequences are usually dependent on the size of the rupture. A large rupture may be rapidly fatal and a small one sometimes termed a ‘leak’ may produce warning symptoms that allow people to seek medical care. But according to a colleague who worked close to Sam ahead of his hospitalisation, there was nothing to suggest that something was physically wrong with the CEO. “He was with me on Friday (the day before his hospitalisation) and he was fine,” recalled the

official who has since been informed that the CEO’s condition could have been the result of high blood pressure. Ahead of being hospitalised Sam was engaged in official work detail at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where the two-day finals of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge was being convened. Sam was present both days of the event and was even required to make brief remarks. The Chief Education Officer who is currently in his mid 40s was appointed to the position of CEO in December 2010, a position which Ms Genevieve WhyteNedd formerly acted in. The announcement of Sam’s appointment was made by former Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh, under whom Sam had functioned for three years as Technical Advisor. Sam, a Queen’s College old boy, is the holder of a Master ’s Degree in International Education with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chairperson of the WGEC, Indra Chandrapaul

Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang was a milestone for legislation on rape. Guyana, the Commission pointed out, has been lauded regionally and internationally for this law and its provisions. “Women in Guyana who have been sexually assaulted face numerous impediments on the pathway to accessing justice. The Sexual Offences Act improved the process. This was a piece of legislation

that was worked on by a wide cross-section of society including activists, advocates, attorneys and ordinary citizens. This hard won battle seems to be under threat once again.” The commission affirmed the rights of women and men to be upheld under the Sexual Offences Act and added that it stands in solidarity with all those who defend these

Constitutional rights. Since the ruling, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall moved to challenge Chang’s decision. On November 25, last, Nandlall filed an appeal to the decision and is also seeking a stay of execution of the judgment. He is awaiting a date for fixture for a hearing by the Court of Appeal.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Jagdeo/Kissoon libel case to re-convene today The High Court libel case involving former President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Kaieteur News columnist Frederick Kissoon, the newspaper’s publisher Glenn Lall and its Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris, will re-commence today before Justice Brassington Reynolds. The case had been suspended in light of an appeal against the amendment of the case for the defence. However, nine months later the defendants are yet to receive any documentation relating to the appeal. Justice Reynolds had expressed the hope of having the libel case, which has been dragging on for four years now, completed in a timely manner. He suspended the case to afford the plaintiff time to appeal the decision he made relating to the defence case. At the last hearing on March 26, last, lead attorney for the former President, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, had difficulty with

evidence that a defence witness was presenting a few weeks earlier. Trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis, had stated in his testimony that the former President had intentionally suppressed the Critchlow Labour College. His evidence came in line with allegations made by Kissoon in a column, that Jagdeo had made certain decisions while in office to depress certain agencies that benefited mostly AfroGuyanese. The evidence was one of several other testimonies against the former President. De Santos (SC) had expressed however, his discontent with the evidence and had charged that while the defence was making assertions and bringing evidence to speak of ills against the former President, none was bringing evidence to justify their statements. He was adamant that the defence must not only provide what it says is evidence, but they must also justify the evidence. He said that they should

...nine months and no word on plaintiff’s appeal not only bring witnesses to say what the President had done, but prove the accusations; for example, that while Jagdeo was at the helm of the country, AfroGuyanese were being sidelined for certain jobs. Nigel Hughes is representing the Kaieteur News team. He had responded to De Santos’ objections by stating that the defence was tasked with proving statements made against the former President. This, he related, was based on various researches which Kissoon (the defendant) had conducted. He had stated, also, that the defence’s case is a plea of justifying the statements Kissoon made against the former President, and in doing so, witnesses were being called to speak on the areas of public/social services where “ideological racism”

was practised. In De Santos’ call for the justification of the evidence, Hughes said that the defence would be seeking to amend the case to deal specifically with the issue of justification. He had indicated also, that what De Santos was asking in terms of justification of evidence would require the defence to amend its case to include the justification of the evidence the witnesses were bringing out. De Santos was however, unsupportive of the defence being allowed to amend their case. He was specifically concerned that not only would the defence be amending their case after the plaintiff would have closed theirs, but it would also be prejudicial to the plaintiff’s side. De Santos decided therefore that he would appeal the matter.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Kaieteur News columnist Frederick Kissoon

More than three years into the libel case, De Santos was against Hughes seeking to make amendments at this stage of the matter. He had argued that the defence should have known that they would have to amend their case and thus make the necessary changes. When Kaieteur News sought clarity from Hughes on the reply to the appeal yesterday, he told the paper

that the defence is yet to receive a reply from the plaintiff. He confirmed that no documentation was handed over to the defence in relation to the appeal. It is unclear however, what steps would be taken if the appeal was not made at all, since the appeal would have been the sole cause of the matter being suspended. Jagdeo is suing the defendants for more than $10M.

St. Thomas US Virgin Islands resident gets 5 years, fined $49.3M for drug trafficking A resident of St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands, Tanasha Lee Fleming, was sentenced and fined by Magistrate Ann McLennan on a drug trafficking charge yesterday at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court. The presiding Magistrate sentenced Fleming to five years’ imprisonment and fined her $49,396,500. Fleming, on December 5, at Cheddi Jagan International

Airport (CJIA), Timehri had in his possession 18 kilograms and 295 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, to which he plead guilty. Fleming was unrepresented but told the court that he is 28 years old, a mechanic by profession and resides at 7B Contant Street St. Thomas Virgin Islands. Police prosecutor Dinero Jones said that on the day in question at 9:35 ranks from the narcotics branch at CJIA said Fleming was an ongoing passenger on a Dynamic Airways Flight destined for J.F. K International Airport. When his suitcase was placed on the conveyor belt officials noticed a strange image emerge when it was being scanned. Ranks removed the suitcase in the presence of the defendant and conducted a search; where they found the suspected cocaine in seven packs of Champion baking powder and five packs of Champion custard powder. The packets were weighed in his presence and amounted to 18

Tanasha Fleming, US citizen sentenced to 5 years kilograms and 295 grams. Further investigations were carried out and the defendant was arrested and charged. When Magistrate Ann McLennan asked if he had anything to say, he only told the court that he wants the money that was on his person which was amounted to US$300 and $6000 in local currency to be entrusted to U.S Embassy Official, J a c k l y n Orrot, who was present in court.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Guyana Heritage Society launches new publication on Brickdam Cathedral

The Guyana Heritage Society yesterday launched a new publication, “From Ashes to Ferro-Concrete: A History of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 1924-2014”. The Society continues to lead the way in preserving Guyana’s heritage, with the launch of a new publication authored by Dr. Joanne Collins-Gonsalves. Gonsalves tells the story of one of Guyana’s most historic buildings, and coincides with the celebration of the Cathedral’s 100th anniversary. Popularly known as the Brickdam Cathedral, the structure was one of the first steel reinforced concrete buildings constructed in what was then British Guiana. This publication is the latest launched by the Society, and follows a long list of rare and out-of-print books to be reprinted by the GHS, such as “The Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana” by Robert Schomburgk, Webber’s “Centenary history and handbook of British Guiana”, Rodway’s “Story of Georgetown”, and “The History of Victoria Village” by William Arno. The Guyana Heritage Society is a non-governmental organization open to all persons interested in the promotion and preservation of Guyana’s heritage. The book is available for purchase from the Society for $3,800.

Boy, 13, critical after being struck by police vehicle A 13-year-old Dolphin Secondary School student is hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was struck down by a Guyana Police Force vehicle. The accident occurred around 19:30 hrs on Sunday at the junction of Regent and Light Streets. Kaieteur News was told that four ranks were in the vehicle doing patrol duties. The injured lad has been identified as William Amin Bouyea, of Lot 44 First Street, Alexander Village. He sustained a broken right arm and internal injuries. According to reports, Bouyea and two of his friends were heading to church to attend “Sunday night service” when the accident occurred. His mother, Bahati Bouyea, said that she was informed that a minibus, which was heading east along Regent Street, stopped at Light Street to pick up passengers when her son attempted to cross the road. “His friends said that he crossed and he pass the bus but the police vehicle which was heading in the other direction (west along Regent Street) hit William,” the older Bouyea explained. She added, “His friends said that they didn’t cross because the conductor had already closed his door so they let William cross because he was already ahead.” It is unclear whether the rank, who was driving the vehicle, was taken into custody. Up to press time, the lad was in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday December 09, 2014

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WANTED One receptionist/secretary, experienced required. Send application & CV to 48 High Street, Werk-En-Rust, G/ Town. One domestic cleaner, E.C.D Tel: 644-9802 Drivers with lorry licence apply @ Wieting & Richter Ltd. Female janitors, between ages 25-40 years – Call: 2258066 Live in Couple Berbice/ E s s e q u i b o p r e f e r a b l y, Husband –Driving/ mechanic, Wi f e Domestic. Tel: 227-1830 One night security guard between 35-50yrs preferably from G.Town , with experienced. Tel:6233231 or 225-3198 Experienced truck driver, for the interior – Contact:2269768. Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call: 612-1607 One manager to work at an out of town Hotel – Call: 2269768, 642-7963, 629-0037 Bartenders to work at an out of town hotel – Call:2269768 Receptionist, maid to work shift at Hilton Crest Hotel – 25yrs and over, must be experienced – Call:223-6284 1 Female cleaner to work in snackette & bar , must know to cook, age 20-35yrs – Tel:647-7432, 223-5798 Bartender, kitchen assistant, waitress, ASAP @ Streem Café & Bar : Oronoque & Robb St. Must have ID – Phone: 658-6873 (apply In person) Shop assistant to work in the interior salary $80,000 – Tel:688-5409; 664-5199; 6757043 One experienced driver for one 32 Zone minibus. Call: 629-2302, 610-3081 One live in domestic to work in Diamond; age 25-45 –Salary $60,000 – Tel:6885409; 664-5199 Hire car driver @ Gem’s Taxi Service – Call: 667-9013, 225-5075 Contract cars & hire car drivers at Atlas Taxi Services – Tel:218-5593; 2185594 VEHICLE FOR SALE R1 2007; Candy Red motor cycle, never fall; 40 original paint 1100 miles -$7,000US or best offer – Call: 623-4045 2- 40FT Trailers for sale. Anyone interested please contact: 683-3805 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Letters... Where your views make the news

Ramotar had no choice...

From page 5 Canada suggest the President should have dissolved the assembly from the inception instead of proroguing. It was felt that at the end of the day, the assembly would still have had to be dissolved, because the opposition wanted to end its life and there was nothing Ramotar could do to save it except through prorogation. Clearly, Ramotar was not comfortable with the prorogation. (He could have waited for another five months before announcing a dissolution of parliament). Ramotar did right in

announcing he would end it. People applauded the President for at least trying to get the opposition to hold their hand and to rethink their position to end the life of the assembly. People I conversed with in North America, Trinidad and Guyana support the President’s announcement to dissolve the assembly and go to the polls. They also feel the President did right not to announce a date for the election now because it would cast a gloom over the end-of-year holidays. The opposition’s insistence that the President

announce a date now would disrupt the Christmas spirit. I would prefer elections at the earliest perhaps ending of March (but Gecom may not be ready). Many people (from the business community) I spoke with in Guyana say it would be better if the date is announced after Mashramani so as not to disrupt celebrations that buoy the economy. Had the President decided to enforce the prorogation through May as allowed by the Burnham constitution, elections would be held much later in the year. Vishnu Bisram

The Fallacies of Reticence From page 5 committed to in their own selfprofessed mandates. The final, and flimsiest, excuse for reticence is that my often colourful language on social media turns people off from supporting ‘my’ cause. My cause is change, for a better and more equitable society for everyone, free from fear and free of discrimination – if one of my crasser rhetorical methods,

the sort of engagement that even Walter Rodney did not reject, turns you off from lending your voice in support of change, then you’re not really interested in change in the first place. There is no excuse for reticence, and it is often a selfjustifying posture. If you stay silent and encourage silence among your peers for fear that you will be targeted, you create the environment that

High hopes for... From page 4 Organization of American States (OAS) at its 39th summit in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, in June 2009, lifted the trade embargo. Hillary Clinton who was the Secretary of State at the time was at the conference when the decision was taken. She made it clear at that conference that the United States will not remove the embargo until there are fair and free elections in Cuba and US detainees are released. Despite travel restrictions on US citizens, more than 90,000 Americans visited Cuba last year - the most in 52 years. It seems as if the US is now in favour with People to People cultural exchanges. Moreover Cuba is included in the global climate change programme and efforts are being made to include the communist island in the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda. Despite its limited economic resources, the communist island has one of the best medical facilities and has trained thousands of doctors free of cost from other Caribbean islands and the wider world. On the other hand Cubans are not happy with the

travel and economic restrictions imposed on them and they continue to flee their homeland for the United States in their quest for a better way of life. Reports state that the number of Cubans fleeing has doubled during the past year. Meanwhile, there are scores of Cubans who are detained in the United States for spying and there are a few Americans who have been detained in Havana. One of them is 65-year-old government contractor, Alan P. Gross who has been arrested since 2009 on espionage charges. The US government is calling for his release, but the Cubans are not prepared to do so until the US releases at least three of their detainees. A Release from the Cuban Foreign Ministry stated that Caricom Chairman, Gaston Brown, who is also Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Caricom Secretary General Irwin La Rocque and Cuban Prime Minister Raul Castro will address the confab. The OAS and CARICOM have issued calls on the US government to lift the 52-yearold ban. Oscar Ramjeet

encourages that targeting. If you seek to discredit legitimate critics of a corrupt administration on the most spurious of charges, like not offering solutions, you are in fact an agent by proxy of that corrupt administration. We have an increasingly oppressive society, as evidenced most recently by the presidential guards allegedly assaulting a teacher for voicing his opinion and with no official response from the Office of the President – the solution is to speak out against such oppression since our Constitution, as flawed as it is, guarantees freedom of speech. It isn’t my problem, it is all of ours, and I am not dictating the timeliness of interventions, the urgency of the situation is. Too many people in this society lie to themselves in order to live with themselves. Your silence isn’t respectful, it isn’t it strategic, it isn’t noble – it’s just selfpreservation and the sustenance of comforts that you refuse to risk, even when the possibility of true change is staring you right in the face. Ruel Johnson

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GECOM urged to recruit ‘competent and suitable’ polling day On the heels of the President’s announcement that he will call General Elections early next year, is a call from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ensure that competent and suitable persons are recruited to work on polling day. The Party is adamant that the President’s indication that elections will be next year should result in this process taking precedence and gaining momentum. This was the contention of PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, yesterday, as he hosted the Party’s weekly press conference. At that forum, Rohee stressed the importance of quality training for persons recruited to work on Election Day. He said that this is so as to not have a repeat of problems during the 2011 elections. According to Rohee, a GECOM trained Presiding Officer, working in a traditional PPP support area in 2011, “either intentionally or due to poor selection and training, failed to stamp 19 ballots with the six digit official stamp thus rendering those ballots rejected. This individual took away the democratic right of 19 hardworking Guyanese who have their country at heart.” Further, he said that there were several instances in Georgetown where Presiding Officers refused to accept PPP candidates at polling stations. Rohee told the media that the PPP certainly does not wish for a repeat of this occurrence next year. He said that the PPP therefore urges GECOM to ensure that polling day workers and others who acted

“unprofessionally” in 2011 are not selected again and those chosen now must act impartially at all times in the execution of their duties on polling day. Rohee also said that “GECOM is obligated to the nation to make public the names and details of all selected polling day staff for public vetting.” He opined that this will serve to improve the confidence of the Guyanese people in GECOM and allow the Commission to “maintain its own integrity.” The General Secretary also wants GECOM to involve all major political stakeholders in reviewing polling places used in the 2011 elections and to make “firm decisions.” Rohee said that, with the establishment of the many new housing schemes and the movement of people into existing schemes, a total review is needed. He added, “The Party has made representation time and again to GECOM with regard to persons being asked to travel long distances to polling stations, especially in the Hinterland and Riverain Communities. Experience has taught us that in these instances, people are not inclined to travel the distance or cannot afford to do so.” The politician then used that opportunity to “remind” GECOM that it is the Constitutional right of all Guyanese, be it on the coast or hinterland, to be afforded the opportunity to vote and GECOM is the vehicle to make that possible. Rohee said that the issues he highlighted are not new to GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, or the members of the Commission and the (Continued on page 24)

(From page 22)

VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 PRR IST, Body Kit, mags, music, chrome, kit, crystal HID Lights - $1.7M, Best Offer- Tel: 617-7113 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 One Toyota RAV4 2002 Model, fully loaded- PMM 7257 – Call: 628-0060 Special Sale! 2003 Toyota Premio - $2.3M, Spacio $2.1M, Fully Loaded, unregistered. Tel:617-2891 1-Honda-600RR, Toyota Raum, Rav4, AT212, AT192, AE100 Sprinter Fun cargo, Tacoma 2007- Call: 644-5096, 697-1453 CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Political parties must work Watch out APNU, AFC is gaining ground together to develop Guyana - PPP General Secretary warns General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee has warned the main opposition force - A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)—to “look out” because the Alliance For Change (AFC) may very well steal some of its supporters. Rohee sent this warning to APNU via the media yesterday when he hosted the PPP’s weekly press conference at Freedom House. Rohee told the media that AFC may very well take APNU’s place in the National Assembly if the coalition is not careful. But when asked if his party’s work on the ground indicated that the AFC is indeed gaining momentum, Rohee refused to comment. He said that, that is something “APNU needs to worry about”. He suggested that the AFC may not have

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee come anyway close to gaining the support that APNU has been able to secure. Asked why then he made earlier statements, Rohee said “I can say a lot of things.” Further questioned as to whether his pronouncement was reflective of a fear for the opposition at the upcoming elections, the General Secretary responded, “I can say anything, I can say lots but it all depends on how you interpret it…read my lips… “APNU better watch out. Today I read an article with (APNU Member of Parliament

GECOM urged to... From page 23 Officers in the Secretariat. These issues had formed part of a discussion Agenda at a post Elections 2011 Retreat which was convened by the Chairman and members of

GECOM in 2012. The General Secretary then vowed to continue making representation “on behalf of the Guyanese people to ensure that the 2015 General and Regional Elections are free and fair.”

Carl) Greenidge speaking highly of Ramjattan.” “Something is rotten in the Kingdom of Denmark.” He described the AFC as a “force ripe” political party that “love big-ing up itself,” Rohee said. APNU “better look out because AFC is coming knockout.” He said that the AFC is targeting APNU supporters just as it targeted PPP supporters at the 2011 elections. “The last time they targeted our (PPP) supporters but they now realize that they (PPP supporters) are now coming back home.” Rohee said that the AFC understands that there is a high level of dissatisfaction among those residing in areas that are deemed APNU strongholds. The politician identified Linden as one such place and said that the AFC is “seeking to cash-in” in those areas and “take advantage of the difficulties (APNU Leader David) Granger is experiencing in his leadership.” Rohee, however, said that his Party is not afraid of the momentum that the AFC is gaining. Even though the Party has been spending a lot of time and resources discrediting the AFC, Rohee said that he is assured that the PPP will not be fettered by the AFC. He added that neither AFC nor APNU has faced the hard times like the PPP has. The General Secretary said that the PPP is a” battled hardened party… we are tough and ready.”

- MACORP’s CEO “The day that Guyana will go forward fast is the day that it has a low-cost source of power,” is the conviction of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP), Jorge Medina. According to him, a lowcost source of power is one that can be had, for instance, if natural gas becomes available. With this in place, he noted that “we can generate power at a lower cost than we are doing today.” “In five years we may have hydropower if all Guyanese work together for that purpose.” Although a hydropower facility is also seen as a means of lowering the electricity cost, Medina also intimated during an interview with this publication that a wind farm could be just as effective. “We have all of the resources to drop the cost of operation,” he stressed. With such a development, according to him, the industries of the country will see improved performances as there will be more efficiency. Such a realisation Medina added could even lead to better roads, better airports and better communication systems. “The economy of Guyana can be completely different,

and we are ready to support that growth of the economy,” said the CEO of MACORP’s commitment. Turning his attention to the divide between politics and business, Medina who hails from Colombia but is currently a naturalised citizen, said that “my vision of politics is different from what happens here.” He said that while Government is the entity that is tasked with running the country, the possibility of that entity changing at an election is always a possibility. He said that there should be no resistance between the government’s side and that of those opposing to work together towards the common goal of the country, that is, to take the country forward. “Unfortunately, I see here that one political party don’t support the other because it will get applauses for a good job done...once that political party avoids that other political party getting applauses they put up all the barriers and who are affected? All the communities,” asserted Medina. Nevertheless, he insisted that “the politicians (opposition and Government), everybody have good ideas. It’s just for

Bandits rob city businessmen Georgetown businessmen plying their trade in the Adventure Sands Area, on the Essequibo Coast, were robbed over the weekend of some $1.2M in cash. According to reports, the men, who were selling goods from a Canter truck were robbed and beaten after the bandits stopped them under the pretext that they wanted to buy an item. The businessmen could not have

recognized the bandits who later escaped. The Georgetown businessmen, who sustained injuries about their bodies, received treatment at the Suddie Public Hospital and were sent away. The men later lodged statements with police ranks at the Suddie Police Station where investigations are continuing. No arrests have been made.

Children of Red Cross... From page 20 community outreach programme of the Guyana Red Cross Society that provides residential care and support for children ages five and under. It caters to children who are convalescing from malnourishment, abuse, neglect, abandonment and orphanage and was therefore referred to CCH by the child Care and Protection Agency. CCH aims to promote the children's safety, welfare, and healthy physical, mental and

emotional development, with the ultimate goal of family reintegration or fostering/ adoption. Businesses or individuals desirous of making contributions can contact 225-7120. The traditional hosting of Christmas parties and giving toys by businesses at the end of the year are common phenomena but to enrich this experience Fun Park Rentals brings the “FUN” to the party with the Bouncy Castle and trampolines.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jorge Medina them to work together, to have dialogue in any scenario, in any place, in order to benefit the future of this nation.” This is particularly important at this juncture, as according to Medina, the existing business climate is not particularly easy given the fact that the prices of some commodities, such as gold, have been significantly lowered. But while there are some businesses that are suffering immensely, such as small miners, Medina noted that there are some who are reaping benefits at this time. “We cannot panic; we are seeing low prices in gold and bauxite but we are also enjoying high prices in rice and sugar so it is a balance,” informed Medina as he pointed out that MACORP is one that caters to companies that are doing good as well as those that are not. He, however, informed that the affected sector of gold is one through which MACORP is able to gain its greatest earnings. Moreover, as the year nears an end, Medina noted that his company has observed a diminished profit margin. Despite the challenges faced, Medina related that MACORP is taking steps to ensure it remains a permanent name in the business sector. For this reason, he informed that moves are already apace to train locals to eventually take up the reigns of the company’s operation. He therefore pointed out that the company is bent on creating the atmosphere here to ensure that locals can remain grounded. This is in an attempt to ward off the brain-drain situation which affects not only MACORP but the entire business sector which by extension impacts Guyana as a whole.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

U.S. stocks stumble, oil falls to five-year lows

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (Reuters) - U.S. and European stocks fell on Monday after weak Chinese and Japanese data stoked worries about slowing global economic growth, while oil prices sank to five-year lows on expectations of oversupply into 2015. The euro sagged to 21/2-year lows against the dollar after European Central Bank policymaker Ewald Nowotny warned of a “massive weakening” of the euro zone economy and said the purchase of state bonds could provide a boost. His comments came just days after Standard and Poor’s downgraded its credit rating on Italy, the bloc’s thirdlargest economy, to a level just above junk status. Nowotny’s remarks raised bets in the bond market for a fresh round of ECB stimulus in the first quarter of 2015. Data out of Asia and the sell-off in oil took a toll on sentiment. In energy markets, Brent

crude settled down $2.88 or 4.17 percent at $66.19 a barrel, a five-year low, on predictions that oversupply would keep building until next year after OPEC decided not to cut output. U.S. crude futures settled down $2.79 a barrel, or 4.24 percent, at $63.05.[O/R] Jap a n r e p o r t e d i t s third-quarter economic contraction was deeper than previously thought, while China’s unexpectedly weak import data signaled slowing demand in the world’s second- biggest economy. The disappointing economic developments abroad overshadowed Friday’s robust U.S. jobs report, which revived bets the Federal Reserve might consider ending its near-zero interest rate policy in mid2015. “I think people are looking at the potential ripple effects from the slide in oil. You’re seeing some of these ripple effects today,” said Michael

James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles, noting there also seems to be profit-taking as year’s end draws near. The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 106.31 points, or 0.59 percent, at 17,852.48, the S&P 500 ended 15.06 points, or 0.73 percent, lower at 2,060.31 and the Nasdaq Composite finished down 40.06 points, or 0.84 percent, at 4,740.69. [.N] The FTSEurofirst 300 ended down 0.7 percent at 1,395.44, while Tokyo’s Nikkei eked out a 0.08 percent gain. [.EU] [.T] The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 45 nations, fell 2.88 points, or 0.68 percent, to 421.87. In the currency market, the euro fell to a more than 21/2-year low against the greenback at $1.2247 before rebounding to $1.2309 in U.S. trading, up 0.2 percent from Friday.

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — Junior doctors in Sierra Leone went on strike Monday to demand better treatment for health workers infected with Ebola, a health official said. The

began their strike anyway, according to Health Ministry spokesman Jonathan Abass Kamara.

dedicated to their care have already opened in Liberia and Sierra Leone.As infection rates in Liberia and Guinea begin to stabilize, Sierra Leone has now recorded the highest number of cases, and Sierra Leoneans have been asking why the disease is picking up pace there and some have lashed out at the British response. In particular, the charity Save the Children, which is running the first U.K.-built treatment center to open, has been criticized for a slow and disorganized rollout.

Sierra Leone doctors strike for better Ebola

association representing junior doctors asked the government to make sure life-saving equipment, like dialysis machines, is available to treat infected doctors. The government has promised that a new, fully equipped unit is opening soon near the capital. But the doctors

Ten of the 11 Sierra Leonean doctors who have become infected have died. Ebola has killed more than 6,300 people, including hundreds of health workers. Throughout the outbreak in West Africa, health care workers have periodically gone on strike to demand better protection or higher pay. In an effort to make sure health workers get top-notch treatment, special centers

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Tuesday December 09, 2014

Syria calls for U.N. sanctions U.S. allies to send about 1,500 troops to Iraq - commander on Israel over air strikes (Reuters) - Syria asked the United Nations Security Council on Monday to impose sanctions on neighboring Israel, a day after accusing the Jewish state of bombing areas near Damascus international airport and in the town of Dimas, near the border with Lebanon. Israel has struck Syria several times since the start of the three-year conflict,

mostly destroying weaponry such as missiles that Israeli officials said were destined for their long-time foe Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a letter to U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon and Chad, Security Council president for December, Syria said that “such aggressions will not stop it from fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestation across the

entire territory of Syria.” “At the same time, the Syrian Arab Republic calls on the international community and the Security Council to shoulder their responsibility and forcefully condemn this brutal attack and to cease covering it up under any pretext,” the letter read. “Syria also calls for the imposition of stern sanctions against Israel ... and requests that all measures prescribed under the Charter of the United Nations should be taken to prevent Israel from again committing such aggressions,” it said. Israel has avoided taking sides in Syria’s civil war and does not publicly confirm bombing missions, a policy it sees as aimed at avoiding provoking reprisals. Syria also accused Israel of carrying out the air strikes to “cover up internal Israeli divisions and draw attention away from the collapse of the Israeli coalition Government and Israel’s extreme policies, particularly its continued occupation of Arab territory.”

(Reuters) - U.S. allies have committed to send about 1,500 forces to Iraq to help train and advise Iraqi and Kurdish soldiers battling the Islamic State, which increasingly appears on the defensive, the top U.S. commander guiding the coalition effort said on Monday. Lieutenant General James Terry, commander of Operation Inherent Resolve targeting the militants in Iraq and Syria, said the forces would come on top of the up to 3,100 troops U.S. President Barack Obama has authorized to deploy to Iraq. The allies’ commitments were made during a conference among coalition members on Dec. 2-3 “When you start now to balance the different capabilities out across the coalition, I think we’re doing pretty well in terms of boots on the ground,” Te r r y t o l d r e p o r t e r s

travelling with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Kuwait. Since Islamic State’s June offensive, the Sunni militants have had little success breaking beyond the solidly Sunni Muslim provinces of Anbar in the west and Salahuddin north of Baghdad, as well as the strongly Sunni province of Nineveh, home to the city of Mosul which the Islamists overran in June. At the same time, the Iraqi and Kurdish forces have been able to tout important gains, including securing Mosul dam. Although the Islamic State still conducted limited attacks, the group appeared broadly “on the defence, trying to hold what they have gained,” Terry said. “When you look at some places out in Anbar, it’s a little bit stalemated out there. And we’ve got some work to do. And I think it’s do-able,” Terry said.

Hagel, speaking to reporters after the Pentagon chief visited U.S. troops in Kuwait, said he wasn’t ready to say the Islamic State was “on the ropes.” But he noted recent gains had given Iraqi and Kurdish forces new momentum. Terry declined to say which countries would contribute the roughly 1,500 troops — the final number was still being determined — but added most would be involved with training. He said the troops would represent a broad mix from a anti-Islamic State coalition that, on the military side, now included nearly 40 countries. The U.S.-led coalition has also carried out air strikes in Iraq since August. Asked about Obama’s critics in Washington who say more U.S. forces are needed, Terry said: “I’m comfortable with the boots on the ground that I have right now.”

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

One dead, several injured as vehicle crashes into crowd at St Vincent political meeting KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC - The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has appealed for calm and restraint after one man died and several others were injured when a vehicle crashed into people attending the party’s political meeting in Clare Valley on Saturday night. “Party Leader Mr Arnhim Eustace appeals for calm and restraint as all Vincentians await the results of a swift, thorough and transparent police investigation,” the NDP said in a statement on Sunday. Dead is Upper Questelles resident, Edgar Cruikshank. Cruickshank, a former South Leeward council member of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), recently began campaigning with Member of Parliament for South Leeward, the NDP’s Nigel Stephenson who is seeking a second term in office. The former ULP activist was attending his first political meeting with the NDP since throwing his support behind Stephenson, when he was injured and later died. “The NDP extends condolences to the bereaved widow and family of Mr Cruickshank, and wishes a speedy and full recovery to all who suffered injury, physical and mental,” the

party said in the statement. The NDP said the injured include retired nurse, Augustine Allen, videographer Orvil “Ruff” Samuel Ruff, who sustained broken legs; and Mikhail Francis, whose legs were injured, and Winston Phillips. The party statement said that the vehicle “drove directly into the crowded meeting space, pinning five attendees” and that “at least one person fled the scene and was apprehended by police, where he remains in custody. “Witnesses confirm the vehicle was heard to be revving before ploughing into the crowd; its headlights were turned off; and that the vehicle had driven past the public meeting twice before the incident,” the statement added. “Mr Edgar Cruickshank, who was among persons pinned underneath the car, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, just past midnight, despite the efforts of medical personnel. Cruickshank had recently begun campaigning with NDP MP and Candidate Nigel Nature Stephenson in the South Leeward Constituency and his presence at the public meeting was acknowledged by Nigel who hailed it as a Clare Valley first,” the NDP said.

“The New Democratic Party leadership joins with those who question the circumstances giving rise to the national tragedy at Clare Valley,” the party said. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Jomo Thomas, the ULP’s candidate for South Leeward in the next general elections, called for a thorough investigation of the incident. “While I don’t have all the facts surrounding the incident of last evening at Clare Valley, the unfolding tragedy is horrible and unspeakable. It has brought death, pain and suffering to many. I express my total and complete condolence to the family of Mr Edgar Cruickshank. I also express sincerest sympathies to the families and love ones of those who were injured. In times like these, the pain and sorrow are not only shared, they are multiplied. Thomas said that “nothing short of a thorough investigation into cause or causes of this incident will suffice. Cruickshank had expressed disappointment in Thomas emerging as the lead contender for the nod as the ULP’s South Leeward candidate in the next general elections, which must be held by March 28, 2016, but are widely expected by December 2015.

Kamla denies multi-million dollar grant to churches is to ‘curry political favour’ P O RT- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad- CMC – Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has denied suggestions that the TT$55 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) grant given to religious groups here was aimed at seeking their support ahead of the 2015 general elections. “The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Energy continue to monitor what is happening with the energy prices thus far, there is no cause for panic and we are of the respectful view, based on what the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Finance have said we can afford to treat the most vulnerable, the most needy at Christmas time, which I think is one of the most blessed times for the year,” she said as she handed out toys at the St Augustine Girls’ High School, east of here on Sunday. She told reporters that the country’s religious institutions have an important role to play in the fight against crime and other ills in society. “I heard someone say it was an attempt to buy out the Christians, I think that that is an insult to the Christian

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar community of Trinidad and Tobago because I would hate to think that anyone in the Christian community could be bought out. “Those who do not wish to accept the grant, they are free not to accept it, it is a democratic country, but I was very upset when they said it was an attempt to buy out the Christians. I do not think any Christian, any Hindu, any Muslim or any other one in this country can be bought out,” she said, adding that the grant was simply a gesture of goodwill. “We feel the churches have a very important role to play

for our country in the national community, for the better society of Trinidad and Tobago, I really think so, therefore that is why we give the support to all the religions, not just the Christian community,” Persad-Bissessar said. “They say why are they getting so much? And you know why, the CSO (Central Statistical Office) statistics show us that the Christian community is the largest community in Trinidad and Tobago, it is not a vikey-vie thing. “I looked at the statistics and we made the grants and disbursements according to each denominational group and even within the Christian community some will be larger groups, some will be not so large, so we will do it equitably and using the statistics as to how we give out these grants.” She said there would always be critics of her administration, recalling the comments that followed her decision to give out hampers and toys at Christmas.”I am very proud and happy my government has taken the step.

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Haris, Afridi steer Pakistan to thrilling win Half-centuries from Haris Sohail and an unexpectedly restrained Shahid Afridi revived a floundering chase as Pakistan won a thrilling first ODI by three wickets. New Zealand, having hauled themselves out of a mire of their own thanks to a century from Ross Taylor, were running away with the game at the three-quarter mark, but Haris and Afridi snatched it away with breathtaking coolness. Haris finished on an unbeaten 85, to go with 10 tight overs of left-arm spin earlier in the day. When Afridi walked in to bat, Pakistan were six down, and needed 123 off 122 balls. The left-handed Haris was batting on 34, and had played a couple of lovely lofted drives against the spinners in a fighting innings that seemed

destined to go down as a small positive in a big defeat. That’s all it would have been if Afridi had made a typically harebrained 15 or 20 at the other end. But Afridi knuckled down, and brought out his first slog only 21 balls into his innings. By then, he had picked up boundaries with a screaming drive over extra cover and a crafty dab behind the wicket, but had otherwise simply knocked the ball around for ones and twos. That first slog produced a thick edge to the third man boundary. The next slog came when he was on 30. He swung and missed and the ball was wide of off stump. Feeding off a senior partner who was batting like one, Haris grew in confidence and reached his half-century with a glance off his hips. The runs kept flowing,

and the decades rolled away from the equation. When Pakistan needed 40 off 30, Haris smacked James Neesham over mid-off. With 27 required from 19, Afridi launched Kyle Mills over long-on. Taylor kept New Zealand in the game, running out Afridi with a direct hit when 13 were still required, but Wahab Riaz kept his cool at No. 8 to see Pakistan home with three balls remaining. Pakistan had left out Umar Akmal, and the lack of urgency in their new-look top six - among whom Younis Khan boasted the highest strike rate, 75.33 - was shown up as they began their chase of 247. Never the most confident chasers, Pakistan lacked thrust at the top of the order, particularly with Sarfraz Ahmed batting at No. 7. The runs came at a trickle, and scoreboard pressure

Tuesday December 09, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Do other countries represent real openings for you? This is a question that you will soon have to answer. This may be true, but it may also be an illusion that gives you a simplistic explanation for the dissatisfaction you feel now in your professional life. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You're going to think this is a strange period. It isn't, Taurus. It's just that today won't be like others. Look around and you will see that people are either depressed or trying to keep up a good façade. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) AToday, Gemini, you might get the chance to take a trip around the world to visit fabulous palaces and experience a timeless love, and all - get this - totally free! CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will float today, Cancer. You won't talk, you will be sleepy, and your mood won't be the best. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're certainly in a strange mood today, Leo. True, things have been going smoothly for the past few days, but be careful not to be fooled. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It will be as though you're in a new and hopeful world today, Virgo. The people you meet will be cordial and caring, and the future will seem like a bright, attractive place to live.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Because you have a tendency to brood over everything right now, Libra, a day like this can't be anything but beneficial. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Yes, Scorpio, this is a good moment to abandon old beliefs and moral values. Your view of life has changed and, above all, you're more aware of how your outdated, preconceived ideas sometimes poison your life. SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21) If you aren't careful to keep your eyes straight ahead and focused on the future, the past is likely to catch up to you, Sagittarius. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This would be the moment to say yes to your destiny, Capricorn. You're a little frustrated because things haven't been moving forward the way you'd like. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't expect to meet the partner of your dreams today, Aquarius. Rather, your romantic hopes are likely to meet with frustration. energy, the rewards are more likely to be forthcoming. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There's some likelihood that a recent meeting with an influential person has put a damper on your hopes for your projects.

produced wickets. By the 18th over, they were 52 for 4. Misbahul-Haq and Haris then added 34 in 48 balls - which was relatively brisk going, considering the pace of the innings till then - before Vettori sent back Misbah with a blinding one-handed grab at midon. Sarfraz sparkled with positivity during his brief stint at the crease, his strokes finding hitherto unexplored parts of the ground and causing the team management, possibly, to wonder if his inventiveness would have been better served up the order. When he holed out to long-on in the 31st over, Pakistan were 124 for 5 and it looked like the game was up. Sent in to bat, New Zealand had been in a similar situation - 111 for 5 in the 29th over - before Taylor rallied the lower-order to steer them to 246. Taylor last played an ODI back in January against India, but showed no signs of having been away, extending his form from that series to complete his third hundred on the bounce in the format. The single that took Taylor to 100 caused him considerable pain, a lifter from Riaz in the final over catching him on his right thumb and going on to strike him on the neck. By then, though, he had ensured - via lower-order partnerships with Luke Ronchi, Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum - that New Zealand would set Pakistan a challenging target. At 111 for 5 in the 29th over, they had seemed in danger of falling short of 200. With Mohammad Hafeez banned from bowling, there was serious doubt over how

Police present... From page 30 the youths and curb their involving in crime. ASP Alli noted that it was realized that within Berbice crime is committed mostly by those between the ages of 16-35 years of age. As such, focus is being placed on strengthening community development through partnership in sports and youth engagements. Mr. Newland also noted that persons should lend a helping hand to their communities and other troubled areas. He said that efforts must be made to break the trend that is plaguing the society and empower youths to be involved in constructive activities towards a brighter tomorrow.

Pakistan would fill their fifthbowler quota. Their five specialist batsmen apart from Hafeez had taken a combined haul of three ODI wickets. It was a hole New Zealand might have looked to target when they were sent in to bat, but by the time Haris came on to bowl his left-arm spin, they were in no position to go after him, having lost two wickets to Mohammad Irfan in their first 11 overs. Haris almost had Anton Devcich stumped with his second ball, with only a faint deflection off the pad causing the ball to elude Sarfraz’s gloves behind the wicket. Haris kept finding sharp, if slowish, turn off the dry Dubai surface, and bowled with enough control to fulfill the fifth bowler’s quota all by himself, and all in one spell, finishing with figures of 10-0-390. By that time, New Zealand had lost three more wickets, and Taylor was waging a lone fight. Apart from a couple of thrillingly precise cuts off Afridi, he was batting in risk-free fashion,

knocking the spinners for singles down the ground and either side of sweeper cover. He needed help. He got that from Ronchi and Vettori, with whom he put on 44 and 58 for the sixth and seventh wickets. Having receded into the background during his partnership with Ronchi, Taylor’s scoring went up a gear during the last 10 overs. When Umar Gul dug one in short in the 44th over, he swatted him away over the midwicket boundary. Given width four balls later, he slapped Gul away through the covers. The 200 came up in the next over, and Vettori swung Riaz away for fours off the first two balls of the 46th, before he walked too far across his stumps to a yorker. With McCullum and Taylor adding a further 33, New Zealand ended up taking 78 from the last 10 overs. Pakistan 250 for 7 (Haris 85*, Afridi 61) beat New Zealand 246 for 7 (Taylor 105*, Irfan 357) by three wickets. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Regal blow away Wolf’s Warriors to take R & R Auto Spares Open softball title Floodlight are Over-40 champs By Zaheer Mohamed In what was billed as a rematch of the Guyana Softball Cup four open final, Regal rebounded after losing that encounter against Wolf’s Warriors with a comprehensive 65-run victory over the said opponents to capture the Rohan and Ramchand Auto Spares open title on Sunday night last. Regal posted a challenging 215-7 off their allotted 20 overs batting first at Demerara Cricket Club ground. Openers Richard Latif and Keon Joseph laid the foundation with a 100-run partnership before Joseph was dismissed for 18. Latiff and Safraz Esau continued to frustrate their opponents with a 50-run second wicket stand. Latif executed a number of lovely shots on both sides of the pitch and reached his fifty off 24 balls with a double to mid-wicket. He continued to bat positively before losing Esau for 26 (1x4 1x6). Latif struck two fours and eight sixes in a top score of 80 while Ricky

Sargeant chipped in with 23 not out (1x4 2x6). Amir Nizamudeen captured 2-29 and Mark Harold2-42. Wolf’ Warriors were reduced to 11-2 in reply but Amrit Rai and Safraz Karim added 67 for the third wicket to steady the chase somewhat before Karim was dismissed for 30 (3x4,1x6). Wolf’s Warriors lost a few more wickets, but Rai and Leon Leander tried to keep their team in the hunt with a 56-run fifth wicket stand. But consistent bowling by Regal ensured the asking rate continued to mount, and in an effort to step up the scoring Rai was taken in the deep for 41 (2x4 3x6) while Leander finished unbeaten on 32 (2x4 2x6). Nizamudeen contributed 20 not out (2x4 1x6) as Wolf’s Warriors ended on 150-6 in 20 overs. Privnauth Motilall claimed 222 and man of the match Latif 2-25. Floodlight overcame Mike’s Wellman by eight wickets in the over-40 final. Batting first, Wellman managed 131 all out in 9.4 overs. Terrence Daniels made

Members of the victorious Regal team display their accolades. 26, Hardat Heranadan 23 and Nigel Estrado 19. Imtiaz Mohamed snared 4-18, Richard Persaud 2-17 and Reyaz Hussein 2-23. Floodlight replied with 132-2 in 15.3 overs. Ramesh Narine stroked 84 (6x4 7x6) and Persaud 37. Slingers beat Parika Defenders by 36 runs to take third place in the over-40 category. Slingers posted

149-3 in 10 overs, taking first strike. Mohamed Rafeek scored 64. Parika Defenders responded with 113-8 in 10 overs. Hackim Mohamed made 25; Rafeek and Rudy Mayers took wickets each. Trophy Stall Angels thumped Mike’s Wellwoman to win the female division. Trophy Stall made 80-8 in 10 overs, taking first knock. Kavita Yadram got 14; Zola Telford and Latoya Smith had

two scalps apiece. Wellwoman were restricted for 74-8 in 10 overs in reply. Amanda Bobsemple cracked 20 and Abena Parker 18. Yadram took 2-15. Ricardo Adams (open), Wayne Jones (over-40) and Latoya Smith (female) were the Most Valuable Players while Patrick Khan (Farm), Sadik Yusuf (Farm), Diaram Persaud and Narine Bailey of Wolf ’s Warriors were rewarded for

taking five-wicket hauls. Adams (Wolf’s Warriors), Harrinarine Dilchand (Uprisers), Patrick Khan, Nizam Khan (Challengers) and Ejaz Mohamed (Uprisers) received prizes for scoring centuries in the open division. The Over-40 centurions were John Samir (Floodlight), Danny Gangadin (Fisherman), Wayne Jones (Floodlight) and N. Chand (Industry).

From page 33 reminded that the GFF’s pivotal aim is to foster development of the sport and their current main thrust is grassroots football. “This is the mechanism to develop youth football,” she emphasized. Mr. Griffith said that the tournament will be staged on a yearly basis and organizers will be broadening the scope to other regions as the competition gathers momentum. He said that for the inaugural championship, organizers

would be concentrating on talent around Georgetown. Mr. Young stated that the group took up the challenge after another group of organizers decided not to stage a youth tournament which started last year. “We decided that this is the ideal opportunity to promote a tournament of this nature,” he explained. Meanwhile, Mr. Griffith was loud in praise of the many sponsors that supported the tournament and expressed his gratitude. Among those on

board are Demerara Harbor Bridge, Fazia’s Collection, Albert Kramer, Dev’s Grocery, German’s Restaurant, Nigel Hughes, Pooran Brothers, Dynamic Trading, Ross Gas Station, Medicine Chest, Juice Power, GFF, People’s Choice Barber Shop and Talk is Cheap Internet Café. The winners cart off $150,000 with the second place finishers receiving $100,000. The third and fourth places receive $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.

Police present school bags and sports gear to children Football enthusiasts organize...

Ravens eyeing Phillip George... Some of the students that received gifts from the police along with several police officers. Using sport as a tool to keep youths off the road and away from illicit activities, the police Berbice (‘B’ Division) Crime Reduction unit under the theme “Prevention is better than cure” on Friday donated a number of school bags and some other necessities to children of three primary

schools in New Amsterdam Berbice. The simple yet significant ceremony was held at Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. Those selected include children from less fortunate families mostly from the Angoy’s Avenue area and who would have shown good aptitude to do well in school

in both academics and sports. Officer in charge of Subdivision No 1, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ronald Alli and Station Sergeant of the CPS Michael Newland both alluded to the effort being made by the police in the division to help (Continued on page 25)

From page 33 reaching Ravens.The game was more or less decided in the third quarter when Ravens outscored Colts 3013 for a 16-point lead after the penultimate period. However, Nikkoloi Smith and Causway landed three-point jumpers to cut the lead to 10 points in the last quarter. It was too late to stop Ravens from a sure place in the final. Republic Bank Nets will join Ravens in the final after continuing their unbeaten run with a 75-61 win against Pepsi Sonics. Mortimer Williams

scored 20 points to lead Nets with Antwaun Austin adding 11 points for the win. Shooting guard, Trevor Smith shot his way to 25 points while Colis Pluck had ý11 points for Sonics. In the third division competition, Colts topped Plaisance Guardians 63-55 to reach the finals with Leonard Primo scoring 16 points while Errol Dryden had 12 points in the eight point win for the Colts junior team, which got due reprieve for the senior team flop. For Guardians, Colwin Nurse had 21 points

while Kelvin Yorrick scored 17 points. In the other semi-final, Eagles soared above the University of Guyana to win 73-55 to move onto the final of the third division tournament. Kevin Higgins dumped in 15 points while Lyndon Wilson and Travis Belgrave had 11 each for the Eagles. Kheon Evans helped with 10 points. For UG, Quincy Easton was the top scorer with 19 points while Dwight McKinnon and Sherlan Gillis scored 13 and 10 points respectively in the loss.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 31

WICB Four-Day Franchise Cricket

Jaguars pressure Red Force to innings & 60 defeat; remain in the lead at the break By Sean Devers in Trinidad in association with Noble House Seafoods, Payless Varity Store & Cascadia Hotel This was the 53rd time these two teams were meeting at this level and yesterday at the Queens Park Oval in the fourth round of the WICB Four-Day Franchise Cricket, Guyana drew level with Trinidad & Tobago with 12 wins each when the final day of First-Class cricket for year ended in an innings and 60run win for the Guyana Jaguars. The Red Force, set 294 to avoid an innings defeat, began the final day on 58-4 and were bowled out for 234, an hour and 26 minutes after lunch despite 67 from Akeel Hosein and an entertaining 47 from West Indies under-19 Wicketkeeper Nicolas Pooran. Leading wicket-taker left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul finished with 4-51 to go to 33 scalps, 12 ahead of Imran Khan’s 21. He got support from leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (3-82) and pacer Ronsford Beaton (2-24) Scores: Red Force (198 & 234), Jaguars (492-8 dec). When play resumed 30 minutes earlier to make up for time lost on the third day, lefthander Yannic Cariah and night watchman Daniel St Clair frustrated the Jaguars for 40 minutes. St Clair hit Permaul for a big six before driving Beaton past mid-off

for four. Cariah (26) played with a sound defense and put the bad balls away until he edged Permaul to wicket Keeper Anthony Bramble after batting for 105 minutes, facing 66 balls and hitting three fours to leave the home team on 805. The last time a night watchman scored a FirstClass century in Trinidad was in the 1991 Red Stripe Cup when Guyanese pacer Garfield Charles made 101 at Guaracara Park in South Trinidad and yesterday St Clair, who hails from that same area, showed good batsmanship and looked quite capable of a big score on the easy paced pitch. The 21 year-old lefthanded Akeel Hosein smashed Deonarine for

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica Franchise required just half-hour on the final morning here yesterday to trounce Leeward Islands Hurricanes by four wickets and log their third victory of the new WICB Professional Cricket League. Resuming on 160 for four needing a mere 35 runs for victory, the hosts lost both overnight batsmen before reaching their target off the first ball of the sixth over of the day, sent down by parttime bowler Devon Thomas. Nikita Miller, on five not out, and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jnr., unbeaten on one, were at the crease when victory was achieved. Opener John Campbell added just five runs to his overnight 63 and extended his fifth wicket stand with David Bernard Jr to 89, before

becoming the first of two wickets for leg-spinner Colin Hamer, who finished with two for 30. At 185 for five, Jamaica were never in danger but Bernard, who began the day on 33, completed his 27th first class half-century – exactly 50 – before also perishing with five runs required for victory. He faced 97 balls, in 126 minutes and counted four fours. The defeat was the fourth on the trot for the luckless Hurricanes who collected just three points from their outing while Jamaica grabbed 16, to move to 50 points overall. Leewards will remain rooted to the bottom of the standings on ten points, regardless of the outcome of the remaining matches. Summary Scores: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 1st Innings: 103

Trevon Griffith takes the catch to end the match. (Photo by WICB Media/Ashley Allen) consecutive boundaries before St Clair tucked one to mid wicket for a single to bring up the Red Force’s 100 in 154 minutes from 224 balls as another nice little partnership was being put together in brilliant sunshine in Carnival country. St Clair, who turns 27 later this month is playing in only his second match for his Country at this level but just when he seemed set for something substantial he pull Permaul to substitute Taignarine Chanderpaul, running in from deep square as the Red Force slipped to 102-6. The partnership was worth 22 runs and St Clair’s 25 lasted 89 minutes, 72 balls and was decorated with four fours and a six. Yesterday was a working day in middle of the

Christmas season and preparation for Carnival (set for February 16 & 17 next year) which is bigger than Christmas here. These festivities and not cricket attract attention at this time. Add the fact that the standard of Cricket has significantly declined and it was no surprise that no more than 10 spectators were in the stands to see the final day’s play of a contest without any of the leading West Indian players. The Red Force’s batting has been substandard this season with their highest total being 213-5 against Barbados, but yesterday they were not going down without a fight and got to their highest score for the season. Hosein latched onto Bishoo and brutally pulled him to the mid-wicket boundary while Khan swiveled and swept Deonarine to fine leg for four before clobbering him viciously through mid wicket for another boundary. By Lunch the pair was still together with the Red Force on 148-6. Hosein was on 47, Khan on 13 and the deficit had been reduced to 146. After the Interval, Khan hammered Bishoo for four while Hosein reached his 50 from 118 minutes, 114 balls with eight fours and celebrated with back-to-back boundaries off Bishoo, who soon produced a brute of a ball that bounced

spitefully and turned forcing Khan to edge a catch to Chris Barnwell at first slip. His demise left the Red Force on 176-7 and ended a promising 74-run stand with Khan’s contribution being 24 from 94 minutes and 76 balls. Pooran stroked Deonarine for a couple of crunching off side fours before backing away and dabbing Permaul to third man and the deficit was into double digits. However, when 36 short of his second hundred at this level, Hosein hooked Bishoo to long-on at 191-8 after hitting 10 fours, from 155 minutes and 132 balls while Skipper Rayed Emrit (1) was taken at mid-off as a powerful straight drive rebounded off the bowler as Permaul struck to leave the hosts on 208-9. The aggressive Pooran jumped into Bishoo and deposited him into the Media stand to bring up the 200 before he dumped Bishoo for another six over square-leg. A savage pull for four finished off the expensive over from the Test spinner. Last man Marlon Black hoisted Permaul over midwicket for when he tossed one into the air but Pooran was taken in the deep off Bishoo to end the match. Pooran’s 47 came from 48 balls, 72 minutes and included six fours and two sixes. The conquering Jaguars return home today and the emphatic win pushed the South American unit

further into the lead on 57 points with three wins and a shocking loss to Barbados. The Four-Day Franchise will break for Christmas and resume with the Nagico Super50 tournament from January 15. The Four-Day format continues with the fifth round on February 6 with Guyana’s foundation well laid for them to clinch their seventh title and first since 1998. This was Guyana’s second 300 plus total and Coach Eusan Crandon said he was pleased with the all-round performance of his team which will shift its focus to the 50-over version of the Franchise. “We are pleased with our showing here especially after the manner in which we lost to Barbados and I say congrats to Vishaul (Singh) for reaching his first century and leading the guys to his first win as Captain. It’s always an honor to represent our Country and we wish the entire Guyana a merry Christmas and promise to play hard cricket when the competition resumes next year” the former Guyana pacer concluded. Result: Jaguars won by an innings and 60 runs. Points: Jaguars 18 (3 bowling points + 3 batting points + 12 for victory), Red Force 1 (0 batting points + 1 bowling point). Man-of-the-Match: Vishal Singh (Guyana).

Jamaica storm to easy 4 wicket victory

Players leave the field following the conclusion of the match. (Photo by WICB Media) All Out (42.4 Overs). Lyndell Richardson 31, . Rahkeem Cornwall 20, Jeremiah Louis 19, Montcin Hodge 9; Damion Jacobs 15-7-27-5, Dave Bernard Jr 5-1-10-2, Marquino

Mindley 6.4-2-16-1, Nikita Miller 10-2-26-1. Jamaica 1st Innings: 222 All Out (61.4 Overs). Nikita Miller 62, Damion Jacobs 41, Marquino Mindley 21,

Shacaya Thomas 20; Gavin Tonge 22-6-57-5, Orlando Peters 14-2-44-4, Rahkeem Cornwall 13.5-4-51-1, Jeremiah Louis 9-0-26-0. Leeward Islands Hurricanes 2nd

Innings: 313 All Out (120.4 Overs). Rahkeem Cornwall 95, Montcin Hodge 58, Jahmar Hamilton+ 44, Lyndell Richardson 36; Nikita Miller 39-15-55-3, Damion Jacobs 24-7-74-3, Tamar Lambert 8.40-32-3, John Dillon Campbell 6-1-19-1. Jamaica 2nd Innings: 195/ 6 (55.1 Overs). John Dillon Campbell 68, Dave Bernard Jr 50, Tamar Lambert* 45, Shacaya Thomas 9; Gavin Tonge 11-4-37-2, Colin Hamer 9-1-30-2, Jeremiah Louis 9-024-1, Orlando Peters 10-0-431.Result: Jamaica Franchise won by 4 wickets. Points: Jamaica Franchise 16 (3 bowling points + 1 batting point + 12 for victory), Hurricanes 3 (0 batting points + 3 bowling points). Man-of-the-Match: Damion Jacobs (Jamaica Franchise).

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Kaieteur News

Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition

Sparta Boss handling favourite tag with ease

Part of the action in the quarter-final clash between Leopold Street and West Front Road on Sunday, at Demerara Park.

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Richard Haniff cops top prize in Grand Coastal Golf Tourney 12 and 13-year-old Ramroops debut

The recipients of prizes display same following the presentation.

While players from the three other quarter-final matchups had to endure the agonizing unease of depending on a teammate to be successful in his penalty attempt, tournament favourites Sparta Boss had no such trepidation after producing a masterful display to settle their account in regulation time when play in the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition continued on Sunday evening, at Demerara Park. Appearing in the final game of quarter-final action against Albouystown ‘B’, Sparta Boss leading marksmen Devon Millington and Sheldon Shepherd did what they have been doing throughout the competition to date, firing in the goals in the 2nd and 5th minutes

respectively to ensure a semifinal berth for the hot favourites to take the crown. In the opening encounter, former champions Leopold Street ensured that West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ performance imitate that of the slumping price for gold on the world market when they defeated them 4-3 in sudden death penalty kicks. The two teams had battled to a nil-all stalemate in regulation time. The second game saw Festival City Warriors eliminate Cross Street with a 2-1 penalty shootout victory after their clash failed to produce any goals in regulation time, while North Ruimveldt won via a similar route against Globle Yard after their encounter did not create any goals. Game -1: Leopold Street-0 vs West Front Road-0;

Leopold won 4-3 on sudden death kicks. Game-2: Cross Street-0 vs Festival City Warriors-0; Festival City won 2-1 on penalty kicks. Game-3: North Ruimveldt0 vs Globe Yard-0; North Ruimveldt won 1-0 on penalty kicks. Game-4: Sparta Boss-2 vs Albouystown-B-0; Devon Millington-2nd, Sheldon Shepherd-5th. The semi-finals which is scheduled to be played tonight at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac will see Sparta Boss tackling North Ruimveldt and Leopold Street engaging Festival City Warriors. The two clashes are anticipated to produce fireworks as the teams inch closer to the top prize of $600,000 and a place in the national playoffs.

Rookie Richard Haniff, who has been playing golf just about 1 year now, continued a fine season when he carted off the top prize in the annual year-end Grand Coastal Golf Tournament last Saturday. Grand Coastal Hotel & Restaurant of Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, rated as “your number one choice for business or pleasure accommodations in Guyana, South America,” has been sponsoring a year-end tournament for nearly a decade. General Manager of Grand Coastal, Mr Kevin Daby, on hand to congratulate the winners, expressed Grand Coastal’s pleasure in supporting the Lusignan Golf Club by sponsoring tournaments. The competition for the over

40 golfers who participated, saw Haniff, handicap 20, returning a net score of 63 to be a clear winner. Haniff also turned in the best gross of 83 and therefore also won another prize. He delightedly explained, “I had posted on

With about two weeks to go before the lucrative Guyana Cup rematch Horserace meet, over 50 entries have already been received. The event, which is set for Sunday 21st December at the Port Mourant Turf Club, is organised by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club. So far over 50 horses have been entered for the much anticipated meet and according to one of the organizers, Tribuwan ‘Turbo’ Jagdeo, the venue will be in top shape and a record turnout is anticipated. Nine competitive races are scheduled for the day. The Meet

is expected to see most of the horses that competed in the feature event of the original Guyana Cup lining up once again for the feature D1 and lower race for $1.5M and Trophy over 1600M. Horses such as Defending Guyana Cup Champions CP Got Even will be looking to shield its turf against the likes of Treacle, California Strike, Red and Lovely, Princess She Not, Jack Is My Style, Settle In Seattle, Curfew Tower, Plum Plum and Got To Go among others. The Co-feature 1600M event for 3 year old Guyana and the West Indies bred horses will see the likes of Just call Me Boss, Unsettled, Release the Beast, Shooting Star, Royal

Empire, Quiet Dancer and Settling Jet renewing their battle for the tantalizing $1M and trophy up for grabs. Midnight Blues will be looking for another bright day in the Two year old event for West Indies Bred horses as it takes on Storm Bird, It’s My Choice, Gold D Kova, Miss Lewinsky and She Running Hard among others for the winners money of $600,000 and trophy over 1200M. Other events on the day are the E class and lower 1500M for a first prize of $600,000 and trophy. The G1 and lower 1200M race fetches the winner $500,000 and trophy.

The two year old event for Guyana bred horses has a $300,000 price tag and trophy over 1200M. The H1 and lower 1200M race has a winning pocket of $250,000 and trophy. The ‘I3’ and lower 1200M event has a pole position taking of $200,000 and trophy. The J3 and lower 1200M race has a winning pocket of $150,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers. Entries close next Saturday 13th December.

The organisers have also have put together some interesting incentives for lucky patrons and participants that will be unveiled later. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority Interested persons still have time to contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 2320633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 322-0369), Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Ramnauth 3375311, Romel Jagroop (6241798) and Sancho 690-0569 for additional details. Race time is 12:30 hrs. The coordinator is Nazrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. (Samuel Whyte)

Lakshana (left) and Sachin Ramronts.

Entries roll in for Guyana Cup rematch $10M horserace meet on December 21

my facebook page the 5 trophies I won during this year at golf, and mentioned that I hoped to add a sixth in the Grand Coastal Tournament, but in fact, I’ve added two today!” But it was his attitude to the game that was remarkable he noted. He was able to focus on playing each hole on its own merit, and feeling good about his play, not checking on his scores until the last 3 holes. GM Mr Kevin Daby, a personal friend of Richard Haniff, was highly commendable of Richard’s outstanding performance. Club President David Mohamad thanked Grand Coastal for their consistent and dependable sponsorship of tournaments. He noticed that the friendly but keen rivalry the golfers exhibited, after the three week lay-off from competitive play due to too wet grounds, continues to augur well for the sport in Guyana. He made special note of his pleasure at the debut of 12- and 13-year-old Lakshana and Sachin Ramroop, and welcomed the involvement of more such youthful players in the game of golf.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Page 33

Football enthusiasts organize U-17 School football tournament Envisage yearly feature The football season has started and there are tournaments on the East Coast, West Coast, East Bank and even in the Upper Demerara. Just when it appeared as though the fans are truly inundated, another group comprising past stalwarts has launched an Under-17 School football tournament which gets underway tomorrow afternoon. Touting an agenda of development of youth, the group which identifies itself as ‘Premiership Sports Promotions,’ is operating in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Yo u t h a n d S p o r t a n d tomorrow’s games will pit the skills of St George’s

The organizers capture a photo op shortly after launching the tournament High taking on Dolphin Secondary followed by Charlestown Secondary up against St Stanislaus College starting at 13:00hrs.

Thereafter, matches will be played up to Sunday December 21 when the finals will be contested. The tournament will be played

Ravens eyeing Phillip George three-peat - after reaching third final

After struggling through the earlier rounds of the third Phillip George Legacy tournament, slowly building momentum with their impressive win against Pacesetters to oust the number one seeded Georgetown team; Ravens are finally firing on all cylinders. With Coach Darcel Harris back in charge, Tyrone Hamid cemented the dominance of the Ravens Sunday night in their semifinal game against Colts

OH NO! Ravens Forward, Tyrone Hamid throws down a monstrous tomahawk dunk from the baseline Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

with a humongous dunk from the baseline, in an 8568 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The win meant that though they limped, Ravens are now headed full throttle for yet another title in the Phillip George tournament, having already won the two earlier episodes in 2012 and 2013; Ravens’ three-peat now looks eminent in two weeks’ time. Guard/forward, Akeem Kanhai scored 22 points to lead Ravens as Ryan Gullen

adding 13 points and Jermaine Slater 12 points; Marlon Rodrigues and Hamid ended 11 and nine points to cap off an all-round team effort for the Ravens in their third title bid. Shane Webster had 16 points for Colts, who looked like early favorites after leading 35-34 at the halftime break. Guard, Dave Causway had 15 points while Shelroy Thomas had 10 points for the Colts that had played unbeaten before (Continued on page 26)

on a knock out basis and all matches will be played at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue. The organizers hosted a

press conference at the GFF office Dadanawa Street, Section K Campbellville yesterday afternoon to discuss the modalities of the

competition and the forum was graced by Mark Young (Chief Organizer), Lawrence Griffith (competition coordinator), Ceon Erskine from the Department of Physical Education, Ministry of Education, GFF General Secretary (Ag), Mabiola Howard as well as some members of the representative teams. M r . E r s k i n e congratulated the team of organizers and expressed gratitude on behalf of his Ministry for the honour of being a part of activities. He urged the participating schools to retain a high level of discipline while abiding by the rules of the championship. He also beseeched the teachers to supervise their charges and concluded by stating that his Ministry wishes to engage in future programmes of a similar nature. Ms Howard (Continued on page 26)

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Kaieteur News

GFA/Banks Beer Cup

GCA/Banks Malta Supreme U-13 tourney

Western Tigers maul Houston All Stars; Fruta Conquerors/GFC end in 0-0 stalemate Marvin Joseph netted a brace in the 82nd and 91st minute with support from Joshua Britton (26), Stellon David (63) and Lorenzo Duesbury (77) to lead Western Tigers to a decisive victory over Houston All Stars when action in the GFA/Banks Beer Cup round robin knockout tournament 2014/15 continued at the Tucville Ground Sunday evening last. The two teams tangled in the Group ‘A’ encounter moments before Fruta Conquerors and Georgetown Football Club (GFC) battled to a nil all stalemate. The initial stages of the Western Tigers/ Houston All Stars encounter were fraught with tactical blunders that saw both teams wasting perfect opportunities.Nevertheless, the common trait was determination and persistence, forcefully underlined when Britton collected a pass from Marvin Joseph and pasted the Houston All Stars custodian.

Joshua Britton The success seemed to have buoyed the spirit of the ‘Tigers’ and a brilliant pass from Joseph landed on Britton’s ‘sugar foot’ and he duly converted with relative ease. All along, star striker, Stellon David, was working relentlessly but was denied by a strong defensive line up of the opposition. The dapper front man underlined the benefits of persistence just after resumption when he performed a solo from halfway down the field to send his team up 3-0. Suddenly, Joseph came to

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Marvin Joseph life and his double in quick succession sealed the deal for his team. The feature match was a fiercely fought affair but like the preceding encounter, was rife with missed chances. Activities continued last evening at the GDF Ground, Thomas Lands, when Santos FC took on Beacon FC while Riddim Squad FC played Camptown FC. Tomorrow’s encounter will see GDF battling Black Pearl FC followed by the highly anticipated encounter between Pele FC and Flamingo FC.

DCC and Everest register victories Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Everest recorded victories when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Banks Malta Supreme Under-13 competition continued last weekend. On Sunday at Gandhi Yo u t h O r g a n i s a t i o n ground, DCC overcame the host by 92 runs. GYO managed 230-6 off their allocation of 25 overs, batting first. Extras contributed 23 and Brandon Matthews made 11. DCC suffered 13 dismissals, but scored 322 in 25 overs in reply. Dwayne Dick struck 20, Sachin Singh made 19 and extras assisted with 17. Matthews grabbed 4-12 and Shawn Thomas 2-19. On Saturday at Muslim Yo u t h O r g a n i s a t i o n , Everest trounced Diplomats by 28 runs. Diplomats scored 237-7 in 25 overs, taking first strike. Ntini Permaul cracked 23 while Jonathan St. Hill and Deonte Lupe made 15 each.

Ntini Permaul (left) and Joshua Campbell Sachin Premchand took 215. Everest responded with 265-6 in 25 overs with 60 extras. Zacharia Mootoo and Ariel Tilku made 11 each. Joshua Campbell bagged 523. According to the competition regulations, the batting side shall be divided into five pairs and each pair shall bat for five overs. Batsmen have unlimited “lives” but each dismissal results in 10 runs being deducted from the team’s total. Batsmen are allowed to change ends after each dismissal except on the

last ball of the over. Each player on the fielding side must bowl at least two overs, with the exception of the wicket-keeper. Each team can commence its innings with a score of two hundred runs. The winning team shall be the side scoring the higher number of runs after deduction for dismissals has been made. In the event of a tie the players on each side can bowl one delivery to the stumps and the team scoring the most hits will be the winner.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 09, 2014

Flex Night Int. 2014 It was a night that those in attendance would be talking about at least for the next year; a colorful evening where male and female experts in the bodybuilding arena shone in all their glory. Some sixty-eight athletes graced the National Cultural Centre’s stage on the night and when the posing was done, Godfrey Stoby of Top End Gym emerged as the new Overall King of the Flex Night International stage. Stoby, competing in the most competitive category of the night - Mr. Flex Night (Under 176lbs) – was pushed to the hilt by Sylvester Andrews of Body Max Gym but gained the judges’nod for the top spot in an intense showdown. This category attracted four competitors and it was clear from the time the athletes were asked to take the stage that the battle was between Stoby and Andrews. Following their free posing routine and compulsory posing, Judge #1, v e t e r a n F r a n k Tu c k e r required a further comparison between the two well chiseled and toned athletes to decide the winner. The other category winners in the Mr. Flex Night showdowns that Stoby took care of were Zallim Bacchus of Tej Mohall Gym (Under143lbs); Sylvan Gardener (Buddy’s Gym) Under 165lbs; Marlon Bennett (X-Treme Fitness Gym) Under 154lbs class and Alex Hamilton representing Fitness Zone Gym in the Over 176lbs showdown. Proceedings got underway with the Mr. Flex Night Physique (Open) that attracted 13 athletes. This was the first time that this category was added to the Flex Night programme and it was well received by the attendees. Inking his name in the history books as the first winner of this category was Daes Burgzorg of Suriname who was pushed to the hilt by local Sports Journalist Emmerson Campbell of Body

Godfrey Stoby waltz to overall title;

Alisha Fortune and Shawnell Warner also sizzle

Shawnell Warner-Bikini Short and Overall winner.

Alisha Fortune receives her trophy and hamper from Nadine Taharally of Flex Night Inc. Max Gym who had to settle for second place. A bright prospect in the making, Zallim Bacchus of Tej Mohall Gym in Corentyne took the top spot in the Mr. Flex Night (Under 143lbs) gaining the judges’ nod from the seven athletes in this category with a solid performance. While the male athletes had their time to shine, the ladies started first in the Ms. Flex Night Best Legs which attracted 11 beautiful young ladies. They appeared in the Mini Dress sequence and were later required to perform the compulsory poses (four quarter turns). The multi talented athlete Alisha Fortune (GDF Gym) competing in this category for the first time displayed her versatility by brushing aside her local rivals and the three Surinamese to win.

Setting herself apart from the rest of the opposition in a clinical display of a balanced tight and toned body to win the Ms. Bikini (short) and the Overall contest was Shawnell Warner of Fitness Paradise Gym. Warner, ever since hitting the stage has shown that she is a fierce competitor who aims to better her previous performance. The winner of the Ms. Bikini Tall contest was Vanety Bouwe of Suriname. The top two from the Short and Tall competitions later returned to decide the overall winner and Warner outdid her rivals. The Guest Poser for the night, Suriname’s first Professional bodybuilder, Eddy Wilson entertained the crowd with his imposing physique while the Guyana Prison Service also entertained after the intermission with their

Daes Burgzorg - Men’s Physique winner. presentation of a Muscle Skit. Apart from the many medals, trophies and hampers that were distributed to the athletes, the top five in the overall showdown were presented with cash prizes of $200,000, $150,000, $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000.

UDFA SUPA 16 GT Beer Cup launched The Upper Demerara football Association ( U D FA ) l a u n c h e d i t s yearend football tournament on Saturday during a simple ceremony which was conducted at the Watooka Complex. The tournament dubbed UDFA SUPA 16 GT Beer Cup will feature 14 clubs registered with the association and two teams

Page 35

from Madhia and Lethem respectively. According to a release from the organisers, they believe that the inclusion of the invited teams should provide a higher standard of play within the competition, while providing keen rivalry among the participating teams. Over $3million in cash

and prizes will be up for grabs and according to Brand Manager Errol Nelson, the Company is pleased to be given the opportunity to partner with the association in helping to promote and develop the sport. President of the Association Collis Griffith, in his response said the UDFA in its effort to develop

and promote the sport is quite satisfied that it is fulfilling its mandate and was pleased with the support offered by Banks DIH and a number of other sponsors. He encouraged all participating teams to give of their best and encouraged all of Linden to come out in their numbers to witness the games.

Flex Night Int. 2014

t r o Sp

Godfrey Stoby waltz to overall title;

Alisha Fortune and Shawnell Warner also sizzle P.35

Mr. Flex Night 2014, Godfrey Stoby (right) and other category winners from left, Zalim Bacchus, Sylvan Gardner, Alex Hamilton and Marlon Bennett.

P.31

Jaguars force Red Force to innings & 60 defeat; remain in the lead at the break

Guyana’s players celebrating the win. (Photo by WICB Media/Ashley Allen)

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