Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

GDP is not a good measurement of human development DEAR EDITOR, Nobel-prize winning economists Joseph Stiglitz and Amartya Sen have admitted that GDP does not capture the human condition and urged the creation of different tools to gauge the wellbeing of nations. Yet we have the Finance Gurus of the PPP who continue to be obsessed with using GDP growth rate to spouting a human development illusion. All has not been well with the workers since the great floods of 2005 and the GDP numbers do not capture such facts. From whom is the GDP growing? Certainly not for the 75 percent of the public servants who were promised $52 a day more by the PPP with their yearly diet of crumbs. The people are aware that their Government is not working to provide opportunities for them to live in dignity, so what do they do in reaction to this oppression from the PPP? They sabotage any efforts to increase productivity? Nothing gets done in the public services these days without fried-rice money. In addition to the fried rice money, the public also have to face undue delays. This is not an acceptable practice but what should a mother who has to buy milk for her baby do with the $47,000 she gets

every month? Rent alone is $20,000, basic food is $20,000 and we have not even catered for GPL or Transportation Costs? That is why public servants have to trade-in “Avon” products, cassava ball, chewing gum, etc. on Government’s time as a side business because they do not have enough money to buy milk for their babies. What are their options? Is the PPP recommended prostitution as a choice? That is why I am a firm advocate for 10 percent now as a pre-condition to any collective bargaining talks – let the people see real dollars now rather than the illusionary carrot of money later. The workers truly and honestly deserve ever single cent of the 10 percent – they are human being; not animals in a PPP Animal Farm. I want to remind the nation that in 1999 and 2000 when the Armstrong Commission awarded the workers 31.6 percent and 26.6 percent as wage increases, inflation was less than when the workers got the usual diet of five percent in 2007 and 2008. So those experts who continue to pontificate about this inflation “boogieman”, they clear do not know what they are talking about. The Bank of Guyana has

a well-managed monetary policy that can track and attack inflation in an effective manner as they did in 1999 and 2000. So the PPP boys are only flagging a red herring. I am convinced beyond a doubt that the nation can afford 10 percent without any material impact on inflation. But the Ministry of Finance has to tighten on the excesses on the capital projects. Why this meanspiritedness from the PPP with the workers? The PPP always found funds to pump into the pockets of the Fip Motilals of the world? Why not the workers? As I opened, 10 percent for the workers is not going to radically transform their living conditions, but it will make a difference for all including the business community. Does Dr. Roger Forbes Luncheon support these acts of paying only five percent to the workers? History will be harsh on all of those who continue to abuse the workers. Just observe what is happening in India today against the corrupt forces. It speaks volumes. People all over the world shall rise up against corruption and oppression and it shall also happen in Guyana. Sasenarine Singh

No respite from the noise DEAR EDITOR, The failure by the Charity police to enforce the law to institute prosecution against perpetrators of noise nuisance emerging from business places just under the nose of the station, is responsible for an escalation of the unbearable situation ever so much detrimental to the environment with me being a victim as well. This line of action is the only way out to serve as a deterrent and it is within the right of the police to do so as a responsibility and not a favour to protect the society. To shirk from doing so becomes questionable and open to scrutiny with ranks there not confirming their operations within the ambit of the law. Unless law is not respected and properly executed, further lawlessness and chaos will be inevitable with any form of violation. On Monday December 9, 2013 around 15:00hrs I went to the Charity Police Station to make a report about loud music being played at a bar which is neighbouring to me. I was shocked. When I was about to make my report I was told by the inspector and the station sergeant that the

Commander was at Charity and that he visited the places where reports were made about loud music. The inspector said that he had come to a agreement with the management of these places as to the volume these places could play their music. As i am writing this letter, my home is bombarded with the loud music emanating from this bar next door. At the station, after listening to the remarks by the inspector and station sergent, I insisted on the police taking my report and statement, but the report was refused by the police on the instruction of the inspector who further told me that I should seek an audience with the divisional commander.

I was assisted by the inspector to see if I was able to meet with the commander that afternoon, but could not because he was out of the district. It is my strong conviction now that the hands of the ranks at the Charity Police Station, might be tied by senior officers in this division making ranks at the Charity Police Station unable to take the necessary action to prosecute the offenders of this offence. I must state that within the past month, several reports and statements were given to the police and several court days had passed yet I was not asked to attend court to give evidence as the police had taken no action on my reports. Name withheld

Somebody is lying at... From page 4 eight hour day. Perhaps Sangster will also be kind enough to direct us to a location where they are working 16 hours a day! Also 16 hours harvesting cannot be conducted without heavy lights with generators, but we do not know of any location where there are heavy lights and generators. The public must now decide if you are competent to hold the office you do. And ask the opposition to do something about it, since I have said that this industry cannot turn around not with this chairman, this board or these managers, and that includes you. Tony Vieira

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela Johannesburg (CNN) — They gathered in the tens of thousands — presidents, prime ministers, royals, celebrities and ordinary South Africans — all united to say farewell to a man hailed as a global symbol of reconciliation. In what has been billed as one of the largest gatherings of global leaders in recent history, representatives from around the world joined street sweepers, actors and religious figures to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela. From President Barack Obama to Cuba’s Raul Castro, praise came from all sides in a four-hour memorial service at Johannesburg FNB stadium for the revered statesman, who died Thursday at age 95. “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again,” Obama said in a speech to roaring cheers. “To the people of South Africa — people of every race and every walk of life — the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us,” he said, calling him a “giant of history.” Gray skies and pouring rain throughout the service did little to dampen the mood. Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was celebratory, with people dancing, blowing vuvuzela plastic horns and singing songs from the antiapartheid struggle. Around them, huge poster pictures of Mandela hung inside the stadium. In that same place 23 years earlier, Mandela had delivered his first speech after he was released from prison, hailed by supporters as the hope of a new South Africa. Also known as Soccer City, the stadium was where Mandela made his last public appearance at the World Cup final in July 2010. On Tuesday, many people carried banners honoring “Madiba,” Mandela’s traditional clan name. Others were draped in materials covered with his face or the green, yellow, black, red and blue colors of the South African flag. Some had skipped work and lined up for hours to secure seats so that they could pay their respects to a man who’s considered a moral compass and South Africa’s symbol of the struggle against racial oppression. “There is no one like Madiba. He was one of a kind,” South African President Jacob Zuma said. “Everyone has had a Mandela moment when this world icon has touched their lives.” ‘TATA MADIBA’ The memorial service, coinciding with U.N. Human Rights Day, was the

Obama, world leaders praise ‘giant of history’

President Barack Obama addresses the crowd during the memorial service. centerpiece of a week of mourning. It began with a marching band playing the national anthem. The joyous cries died down as speeches from Mandela’s family and friends, members of the African National Congress, as well as a fellow Robben Island prison inmate, began. Anguished faces listened quietly as a sorrowful chant to “Tata Madiba” filled the air. “Tata” means “father” in Mandela’s Xhosa tribe. THE WORLD HAS LOST A BELOVED FRIEND AND MENTOR’ Mandela’s gift for uniting foes across political and racial divides was still evident at the service. Walking up the stairs onto the stage to deliver his speech, Obama shook hands with Castro, an unprecedented gesture between the leaders of two nations that have been at loggerheads for more than half a century. He earlier gave a warm greeting to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, kissing her on both cheeks, despite recent tension between the two countries over reports the U.S. government was spying on her communications. Obama, who like Mandela was his nation’s first black president, has cited Mandela as his own inspiration for entering politics. He said his death should prompt self-reflection. “With honesty, regardless of our station or our circumstance, we must ask: How well have I applied his lessons in my own life?” Obama said. “It is a question I ask myself, as a man and as a

president. We know that like South Africa, the United States had to overcome centuries of racial subjugation. As was true here, it took sacrifice — the sacrifices of countless people, known and unknown — to see the dawn of a new day.” The presidents of Namibia, India, Cuba and South Africa were also designated speakers, as were Roussef and Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao. “South Africa has lost a hero, they have lost a father. The world has lost a beloved friend and mentor,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said to loud cheers. “Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time, he was one of the greatest teachers. And he taught by example.”

The stadium, which can seat around 90,000 people, was not full, and speeches were hard to hear at times. But the celebratory mood was evident as thousands clapped and waved South African flags throughout the service. PRESIDENTS AND CELEBRITIES Foreign guests included British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Prince of Wales, French President Francois Hollande and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. “It means a lot because it really is to say goodbye to an extraordinary man and to commemorate someone who did so much not just for South Africa, but also for the world in terms of the inspiration that he gave,” Cameron told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and members of The Elders, a group of retired statesmen founded by Mandela and others, were also in attendance, including former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The crowds cheered loudly and clapped as a huge screen showed famous faces, such as F.W. de Klerk, the last leader of white South Africa, who shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela for helping to end apartheid. Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, and his former wife Winnie Mandela embraced and kissed as they arrived. The world of entertainment also was well represented, with South African actress Charlize Theron and U2’s Bono in attendance. Celebrity guests also included model Naomi

Campbell. TIGHT SECURITY With 91 heads of state attending, security was tight. Working off plans developed for years in secret, the South African government planned to use an elite military task force, sniper teams and canine teams to help secure the stadium, CNN’s Arwa Damon reported Monday. In addition, helicopters and military jets frequently flew overhead. U.S. officials said they were satisfied with security arrangements. The event rivaled other significant state funerals in recent decades, such as that of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1965 and the 2005 funeral of Pope John Paul II, which attracted some 2 million people to Rome — among them four kings, five queens, at least 70 presidents and prime ministers and the leaders of 14 other faiths. Security was also stepped up outside Mandela’s home, where crowds danced under umbrellas. Some even enjoyed the rain, jumping into puddles. “We want to respect our father of the nation, our father of the country. That is why we left work to pay that respect to him,” one South African told CNN. Send us your stories, memories and photographs of the Nobel Peace prize winner and former South African president STATE FUNERAL ON SUNDAY Crews had worked overtime Monday to prepare the stadium for the service. The government set up

overflow locations at stadiums and other facilities throughout the country. With private vehicles banned from the area around the stadium, the government pressed buses from around the country into service and stepped up train service to move the crowds. In Soweto township, where Mandela lived before he was imprisoned for 27 years, people waited for three hours for buses to take them to the stadium. Unfazed by the wait, they sang and danced. While Tuesday’s memorial is the first major event honoring Mandela since his death, it won’t be the last. A state funeral will be held Sunday in Mandela’s ancestral hometown of Qunu in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Other speakers at Tuesday’s service included Mandela’s friend and fellow anti-apartheid activist Archbishop Tutu “We promise God that we are going to follow the example of Nelson Mandela,” he said to loud cheers. Mandela family members, including his grandchildren, also spoke. Paying tribute to his uncle, Gen. Thanduxolo Mandela said his family has gone through waves of grief, sorrow and anguish after his death. But “today, more than any other feeling my family holds is thankfulness for that wonderful life,” he said, also giving thanks for the outpouring of respect from around the world “This universal show of unity is a true reflection of all that Madiba stood for — peace, justice, unity of all mankind. Let us pledge to keep Madiba’s dream alive.”

Dignitaries from all over the world stand at the beginning of the memorial service.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

Obama and Castro shake hands, Zuma humiliated at Mandela memorial

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuba’s Raul Castro at a memorial for Nelson Mandela yesterday, a rare gesture between the leaders of two ideological opponents that reflected the anti-apartheid hero’s spirit of reconciliation. But the peace and harmony did not stretch to South African President Jacob Zuma, whom the crowd at the rain-soaked Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg booed and jeered as he prepared to give his closing address. Mandela’s death at the age of 95 has diverted attention from a slew of corruption scandals in Zuma’s administration, while underscoring the gulf between South Africa’s first black president, a giant of the 20th century, and its fourth. “Mandela had a vision. Mandela lived that vision,” said Funeka Gingcara-Sithole, 31, who was in the crowd. “But what Zuma speaks, he doesn’t live. He should do the honourable thing and resign.” Zuma’s reception was a

Jacob Zuma

Obama shakes hands wit Cubam President Raul Castro just before speaking marked contrast to the rockstar welcome for Obama, one of about 90 world leaders bidding farewell to Mandela in Johannesburg. As he bounded onto the podium, Obama extended his hand to communist leader Castro, who shook it and smiled back. The White House played down the move, saying it was

a routine pleasantry, not a sign of a policy change. “Nothing was planned in terms of the president’s role other than his remarks,” Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters travelling with Obama. “He really didn’t do more than exchange greetings with those leaders on his way to speak, it wasn’t a

substantive discussion.” The only previous known handshake between U.S. and Cuban presidents since the island’s 1959 revolution was at the United Nations in 2000, when Raul’s brother Fidel shook the hand of then-U.S. president Bill Clinton in a chance encounter. Obama’s gesture did not prevent him delivering tough words to leaders who, he said, invoked Mandela’s struggle against oppression while quashing opposition and dissent at home. “There are too many of us who happily embrace Madiba’s legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality,” he said, speaking yards away from Castro and Chinese VicePresident Li Yuanchao. “There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba’s struggle for freedom but do not tolerate dissent from their own people,” he added, using Mandela’s clan name. In Cuba, state-run television broadcast the Obama-Castro handshake without commentary, along with Castro’s speech. Some Cubans said they hoped the gesture could help to foster better ties. “I never imagined such a thing could happen,” said Yesniel Soto, 25, on her way to a government job in Havana. “I see it as something that has begun to change, a change we are all hoping for.” Such hopes have been fuelled by several recent instances when cooperation has replaced hostile rhetoric. Obama questioned last month in Miami whether an embargo put in place in the 1960s remained an effective way of tackling

the United States’ differen c e s w i t h C u b a . But Rhodes noted that, w h i l e Wa s h i n g t o n h a s eased bans on family travel and remittances to Cuba, and taken other steps to allow greater contacts, points of friction remain. “We continue to have the same grave concerns about both the human rights situation in Cuba and Alan Gross,” he said. G r o s s i s a U .S. government contractor jailed in Cuba for committing what a judge called a crime against the state. Meanwhile the crowd’s reaction to Zuma - many gave the thumbs-down sign or rolled their wrists in a soccer substitution gesture - is a worrying sign for his African National Congress (ANC) as it heads for polls in six months. Although Africa’s biggest economy has been transformed since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, it remains one of the world’s most unequal societies, plagued by poverty, crime and unemployment. Even though its support is waning, the 101-year-old ANC is almost certain to keep power next year. Party spokesman Jackson Mthembu dismissed the jeers as a “little blot” on an otherwise successful event. “It came as a bolt to all of us. We were quite surprised,” he told ENCA television. “The ANC thinks that this would not have been the best platform to convey such views.” Coinciding with U.N. Human Rights Day, the memorial ceremony at the stadium - scene of the 2010 World Cup final - was the centrepiece of a week of mourning. Mandela, revered across the world as a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness, shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with South Africa’s last white president, F.W. de Klerk.

“He was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time. He was one of our greatest teachers,” U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the crowd. “His baobab tree has left deep roots that reach across the planet.” Since Mandela’s death, Johannesburg has been blanketed in cloud and torrential rain - a sign, according to African culture, of an esteemed elder passing on and being welcomed into the afterlife by his ancestors. The atmosphere before the ceremony was one of joy and celebration, more akin to the opening game of the World Cup. Whites and blacks danced, waved flags, blew plastic “vuvuzela” trumpets and sang anthems from the long struggle against apartheid. The packed carriages of commuter trains heading to the ground swayed side-to-side with the rhythm. “I was here in 1990 when Mandela was freed and I am here again to say goodbye,” said Beauty Pule, 51. “I am sure Mandela was proud of the South Africa he helped create. It’s not perfect but no one is perfect, and we have made great strides.” The celebrities in attendance included singers Bono and Peter Gabriel, film star Charlize Theron, model Naomi Campbell and Virgin boss Richard Branson. Francois Pienaar, captain of the 1995 rugby World Cup-winning Springbok side, was also in the stands. Mandela’s remains will lie in state for three days at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he was sworn in as president in 1994. He will be buried on Sunday in Qunu, his ancestral home in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape province, 700 km (450 miles) south of Johannesburg. Only a few world leaders are due to attend what will be a more intimate family affair.

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Kaieteur News

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THE DEATH OF A COMRADE It is hard to tell whether the world is mourning Nelson Mandela or whether they are celebrating his life. Glowing tributes are being showered on the former President of South Africa and the mood in South Africa as it is around the world is one in which people are saddened by his passing, but are feverishly celebrating his life. There have been glowing tributes that have been paid to Mandela and all of them reflect the tremendous impact that his life has had on the freedom struggle and on the struggles for freedom throughout the world. Mandela belonged first and foremost to the struggle for the liberation of his people from racial apartheid. He rejected the idea that there should be separate development of peoples based on their race. He was also part of a larger struggle for liberation, not just from apartheid, but from all forms of political and economic oppression. Like Cheddi Jagan, Fidel Castro and so many others, Mandela was a communist.

And like so many communists, he was reviled and deemed a terrorist during the early years of his life. Last year, historical research unearthed the fact that he was not just a rebel within the bosom of the African National Congress (ANC), but he was also within the top leadership of the Communist Party of South Africa, which had long held close ties and had supported the African National Congress. He has never failed to defend the Cuban Revolution which he admired and which was the inspiration behind his decision to advocate armed struggle against the system of apartheid, a system that was supported by many of the countries whose leaders are now waxing lyrically about the inspiration that Mandela was to them and to the cause of freedom worldwide. The struggle for freedom of the people of South Africa was an important period in the life of Mandela, whose life had many stages. In almost all of those stages, Mandela benefited from a lucky hand.

Mandela was one lucky fellow. Even to the end. He lived to the extra-ripe age of ninety-five. Even when he could no longer recognize the members of his family, his body refused to expire. Mandela was fortunate that he was arrested and charged, unlike so many others of his colleagues who met a violent end at the hands of a merciless regime. Mandela never claimed that he was innocent of the charges that were laid against him. His defence was that his cause was just. He was fortunate to have been imprisoned. He himself must have anticipated during his trial that he would have received the death sentence. Instead he got life imprisonment. He was fortunate to have been married to Winnie Mandela, whose campaign for his release converted him into a global symbol for the end to apartheid, at a time when there were more fitting candidates for that role. He was fortunate that the ANC, though in exile, was strongly supported by leftist

BANDITS DUMP AK-47 IN HIGH SPEED CHASE

Police at Linden are on the hunt for two men who dumped an AK-47 assault rifle with 23 live matching rounds during a high speed chase through the streets of Linden last night. The men managed to escape on a motorcycle after eluding a police patrol for several minutes. A press release from Eve Leary said that at about 19:30 hours yesterday two police ranks were in a motor vehicle travelling along Watooka Road, Mackenzie, Linden, when they observed two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was carrying a haversack. The ranks became

The AK-47 rifle with a magazine and twenty-three 7.62 x 39 rounds that were found. (Police photo) suspicious and decided to follow the two men who, upon realising that the ranks were behind them, threw away the haversack and escaped on the motorcycle. The bag was

retrieved and searched and an AK-47 rifle along with a magazine and twenty-three 7.62 x 39 rounds were found. Investigations are in progress.

Dem boys seh

People getting rich overnight Jagdeo empire growing. Fuh a man who had nutten before he tun president couple years ago, this man got more than wha some big ones who had real money when dem born. This man didn’t have no business and he didn’t pursue investment. Fuh sure he didn’t have a goose that lay de golden egg and he family was no Silas Marner. And he was no King Midas who tun everything he touch to gold. In fact, everything he touch tun to kaka. That is why dem boys want to believe that he was in

some business that was not de people’s business at all. Jagdeo build a mansion pun prime real estate on de Sparendaam foreshore. He try fuh tell people that he use he salary, but he legitimate salary couldn’t do that. If perks and hustling and spin-off from project and things like that is salary, then de man do extremely good. That’s a smart man. If dem boys check he friends, dem all think dem smart like Jagdeo. But dem boys want to tell dem that dem ain’t smart. Is just that dem

think people stupid. Some stupid, but nah all stupid. Dem got a saying that you can fool some of de people some of de time, but not all de people all de time. Brian James who get de laptop contract and plenty other deals under Jagdeo, transferring two prime property in Queenstown that in he name, to Jagdeo. He got to tell people how much money he get from Jagdeo, or if is a payback fuh dem contract wha he get. Talk half and watch how people getting rich.

parties and governments throughout the world. While Mandela languished in prison it was the great Oliver Tambo who kept the ANC intact and allowed it to remain the centre of resistance to apartheid in South Africa. History gifted him his freedom after the Cold War had ended and the justification for western support of the apartheid system could no longer be sustained. Mandela was fortunate when he became President to have by his side so many able and capable freedom fighters

in their own right. He was lucky to end his term as the first black president of South Africa before the rot that has now engulfed the ANC leadership and threatened to remove the gloss from his presidency. He eventually handed over power to Thabo Mbeki, who took care of things until he (Mbeki) was unfortunately booted out from the leadership of the party after the mad grab for power began. As South Africa and the ANC bury its communist comrade, it needs to be asked

whether with the death of Mandela, the luck of the ANC has run out. Or will Mandela inspire from the grave a revival of the ANC and the fortunes of the government in South Africa? If from the Great Beyond, Mandela can rescue South Africa from the mess that it is presently in, he will have to be crowned much more than a superman!

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Wednesday December 11, 2013

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Mandela, Tony Blair and President Ramotar In a conversation with African rights activist Pender Guyan and media operative Charlie Griffith of Channel 9, I told both of them that the problem I have with attending the PPP-sponsored evening of eulogy at the Umana Yana for Nelson Mandela is that first, it should have been hosted by the Government of Guyana. Secondly, Charlie told me that he wanted to go because he needed to see what shape it would take. I said that was easy to see even before you go. My column for yesterday was already on the editor’s desk before the PPP’s evening tribute. But so predictable was the PPP that every criticism I made in that article about the PPP’s rejection in emulating Mandela was potently

accurate. The evening was a PPP propaganda event, vulgar in all respects, because it was a divisive process shamelessly done in the name of one of the greatest human beings since civilization began more than five thousand years ago, Nelson Mandela. Cheddi Jagan was compared to Mandela. This was the part that I told Mrs. Guyan and Charles Griffith that I was afraid of. Every opportunity would have been used to paint Jagan as great, with Mandela’s death being the occasion. Not even Jagan deserved such rude treatment. What was not mentioned during the speeches was the name of Forbes Burnham. It was Mr. Burnham’s party with Desmond Hoyte as President

who named a major gateway that links the Atlantic to south Georgetown and the East Bank after Nelson Mandela. The process of the insane denial of history continues by the PPP leadership of which the 50th anniversary of UG stands out. Dr. Jagan founded the University of Guyana in October 1963. He lost power as Premier of British Guiana in December 1964. This meant that UG only existed for one year under Dr. Jagan. For the next twenty years, it was the Burnham Government that nurtured and expanded the university. Moving the campus to Turkeyen in 1971, Mr. Burnham provided it with a sprawling estate that made it into a top class institution. Nowhere in the presentations

for the 50th anniversary was this generosity of Burnham acknowledged. It is indecency of the mind and soul to deny Burnham his role in the birth of UG. At the time of my Tuesday article, I didn’t know, President Ramotar was going to attend Mandela’s funeral service. But he left without inviting the Leader of the Opposition, no doubt a man who would have played no small part in his country’s quasi-military assistance to freedom fighters in Southern Africa, because he was a top ranking army officer in the GDF at the time under Mr. Burnham’s presidency. Not only was Mandela’s legacy abused at the Umana Yana last Monday by the PPP. But it was even more lacerated by the vulgar denial of at least a small indication of statesmanship by the PPP leadership, through an invitation to Mr. Granger to accompany President Ramotar to the memorial service. The Trinidadian PM did

exactly that. The Trinidadian initiative has exposed the deadly nature of the political culture in this country that is going to drag us into oblivion sooner than later. Early in the morning, while driving my wife to work, we both noticed how the streets were deserted. Yes, in rush hour, the streets were unfilled. People stayed home to watch a fantastic gathering of the world’s leading decisionmakers attending Mandela’s funeral ceremony. Back at home, my daughter and I watched the event, and there was the BBC interviewing former British PM, Tony Blair. He was extolling the greatness of Mandela. I turned to my daughter and said to her that Blair could have been in Mandela’s shoes. He ruled a powerful country for ten years, half of the time Mandela served as President of his. Yet Blair demitted office ignominiously. He was actually compelled by his party, like Margaret Thatcher, to step down.

The history books will canonize Mandela while they will be cruel to Tony Blair. Blair chose not to be a Mandela. Even if he couldn’t, at least he could have tried. I told my daughter why Blair did not want to emulate this great man that he, Blair so admired is something we, humans, will never understand. It is the same with the Guyanese President. Here was a glorious opportunity for Ramotar to begin the healing process in Guyana. The Mandela funeral was a unique moment for Ramotar to begin his legacy. It doesn’t look like he wants one. Will Donald Ramotar end up like Tony Blair in a book that has Mandela on the cover and no mention of Blair and Ramotar?

In recognition of the daunting impact of NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs), Guyana has formulated what has been described as a “bold plan” to combat the escalating health challenge. The plan is characterised by a Presidential Commission on NCDs, headed by President Donald Ramotar, in an attempt to embrace stakeholders’ support to combat the impact of the disease. The Commission is similar to that of the Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS, which fundamentally targets lifestyles with a view of realising changes to curtail potentially fatal outcomes. This disclosure was made by Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, during his most recent post-Cabinet press briefing. According to him, Guyana made the ambitious move in collaboration with international bodies, particularly the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO). According to WHO, NCDs are known to kill more than 36 million people annually, with nearly 80 per cent of these deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. More than nine million of all deaths attributed to NCDs, are among persons below the age of 60 inflicted with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, hypertension and even

arthritis. Those at high risk of developing NCDs are persons indulging in the use of tobacco and alcohol, those embracing sedentary lifestyles or those who consume unhealthy diets. Although NCDs are conditions that are not passed from person to person they could, however, have long durations and generally slow human progression. According to WHO, they are the leading causes of death in most regions of the world and they have the frightening potential to cause an even dire impact by 2020 if urgent intervening measures are not taken globally. In light of the incidence and prevalence of NCDs, Dr Luncheon emphasised the need for sensitisation measures to be enabled with a view of reaching younger members of the population in order to help halt a daunting cycle. “If we do not act today, as the old people say ‘heaven help we tomorrow’.” Because of the NCDs situation, the Ministry of Health in its 2013/2020 Strategy has deliberately focused on measures which prompt lifestyle interventions aimed at guiding young people along a healthy lifestyle path. “The bigger picture is bringing together a national array of stakeholders to get on board to deal with similar and such interventions,” Dr Luncheon noted. “The spectre of the

enormous impact of runaway incidents and prevalence of non-communicable diseases worldwide, and particularly in developing countries such as Guyana, has led to a heightened focus by the world, by developing countries and specifically by Guyana, on interventions...what to do about this veritable epidemic proportion of NCDs,” the Cabinet Secretary noted. According to him, the personas of these NCDs are in fact conditions that, decades ago, were only prevalent in first world countries but “have now made impressive in-roads into the health status of thirdworld countries and third world nations.” This development, he said, has in fact been putting a dent in the fixed expenditures of third world countries. “In third world countries where a budget on health care is limited, the pie has to be shared now by this increasing demand for diagnostics and interventions for these NCDs,” thus amplifying the need for urgent prevention action, according to Dr Luncheon. In combating NCDs, he observed that Guyana has already introduced cardiac interventions such as bypass, cardiac catheterisation as well as renal biopsies, renal transplants and hemodialysis, even as he gave note to the fact that sensitisation is also paramount to aid prevention.

Frederick Kissoon

Govt. poised to tackle NCDs with Presidential Commission

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Estimate almost tripled for One-Mile Primary construction Bids were retendered yesterday to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), for the construction of One-Mile Primary School, Linden. In September last, five bids were submitted for the construction of the school. The engineer’s estimate at that time was $60M. However, the present engineer’s estimate is $172.9M – almost triple that amount. The then bidders included: Deodat Harrynand, Eshau Akbar Construction Service, Bhoraj Construction Supplies, R Bassoo and Sons Construction Company and P.D Contracting. The school was set ablaze by arsonist(s) last August. It was the largest primary school in Region 10, housing more than 800 students. The bids opened yesterday were as follows:

Bids were received for the Procurement of Armed Security Services in 2014 for the Audit Office of Guyana.

A lone bid was submitted for the Provision of Security Services at the National Exhibition Centre under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce. Still in the education sector, bids were opened for the re-printing and delivery of textbooks for national distribution- Nursery Level. The bids were divided into two lots that included Coloured, Black and White.

Still within the sector, another lone bid was submitted for the Provision of Security ServicesMinistry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce Head Office.

Under the National Parks Commission, bids were submitted for the raising of the athletic track at the National Park.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President retendered for the supply, installation and commissioning of a Variable Voltage/ Frequency Converter Drive.

The Office of the President also received three bids for the provision of security services at E- Government LTE sites.

The National Parks Commission also received bids for the excavation of a pond at Joe Vieira Park. The Supreme Court of Judicature received bids for the Provision of Sanitact Service and Pest Control.

Bids were submitted for the Rehabilitation of the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Regional Integrated Office-Linden.

Under the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport bids were submitted for the construction of a monument at Palmyra, East Canje, Region Six.

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Kaieteur News

2013 murder rate similar to crime wave years If the trend continues, this year’s murder figures seem destined to surpass those of 2012 and rival some of the years of the infamous crime wave. Figures released by the police’s Criminal Investigations Department have revealed that there were 130 murders as at last month, four more than the corresponding period last year. Already, there have been at least three murders so far for this month, which would make the figure even more worrying. Significantly, murders committed during robberies under arms, showed a 110% increase over last year’s figure; 21 in 2013 as against 10 in 2012. And while recent execution-style killings have been a cause for alarm, police records show that so far this year the number of such incidents up to November month end is half of what obtained for the same period last year. So far this year, the police have only recorded four executions. Most of the murders (48) occurred in Georgetown and its environs, followed by the

interior with 33. East Coast Demerara and Berbice, with 18 and 16 respectively, accounted for the other significant amounts of murders. This year ’s murder figures stack up similarly with those of the dreaded crime wave which occurred between 2002 and 2008. In 2002, the year of the infamous jailbreak, there were 142 murders, a figure which was topped by a wide margin in 2003, which had 206 unlawful civilian killings. One hundred and thirty one (131) persons were murdered in 2004; 120 in 2005 and 150 in 2006. In 2007 the murder figure was 115, while in 2008, 157 persons were murdered in Guyana. The 2008 homicide rate soared primarily because of the mass killings at Lusignan, where 11 villagers were slaughtered; Bartica, where 12 were slain, and Christmas Falls, where eight miners were murdered and their bodies burnt. These figures were compounded by the fact that there were several sensational

murders which remain unsolved to this day. Meanwhile, the police figures revealed yesterday showed an overall increase of five percent in serious crimes at the end of November 2013 in comparison to the same period in 2012. According to the police, the total number of reports of serious crimes made between January 01 and November 30, 2013, was 3,690 compared to 3,522 for the same period in 2012. At the end of November 2013, robbery under arms overall has increased by seven percent, with 1,038 reports compared to 971 for the same period in 2012. The statistics indicate an increase of 16% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; and a seven percent decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators. Again, this year’s armed robbery figures bear a striking similarity to those between 2005 and 2008. A look as far back as eight years ago showed that the police investigated 995 armed robberies in 2005; 1,119 in 2006; 1,084 in 2007 and 1,228 armed robberies in 2008.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Deported Guyanese allowed to re-enter T&T with medically ill son A Guyanese woman who was expelled from the sister Caricom nation of Trinidad and Tobago in late October with her two-year-old Trinidadian son has been finally accepted back into the island. Rosinda Nicholson and her son had returned to the island yesterday and after a brief hold-up at Piarco International Airport, they were finally allowed entry on humanitarian grounds. Nicholson, who admitted that she had been previously living illegally in the country for almost five years, claimed that her son, who was born in Trinidad, is in need of medical treatment. She was sent back to Guyana on her attempt to re-enter the twin island republic after returning home for a short stay. The Trinidadian authorities had insisted that the woman was not deported, and that it was simply a case of “Voluntary Departure” since Nicholson was not able to prove her means of support for her stay in Trinidad. But Nicholson refuted the claim, stating that her brother and sister were willing to provide her with support during her stay on the island. Her case was first

Rosinda Nicholson and her son are back in Trinidad. highlighted by the Trinidad Express and had the potential of bringing into question the free movement of Caricom Nationals across the Region. Nicholson received no assistance from the local authorities and she subsequently appealed to social activist Mark Benschop for assistance. Benschop had contacted the authorities in Trinidad and was given assurances that Nicholson’s case would be actively reviewed on humanitarian grounds. However, when weeks passed and there was no word from the Trinidadian authorities, Nicholson was advised to book a flight and head back to Trinidad. She did so yesterday morning. But upon arrival in Trinidad, immigration authorities quickly detained her and her son.

They were placed on a bench and ordered to be sent back on the next flight to Guyana. Contact was made with Benschop again and he quickly made contact with the Trinidadian authorities via emails and asked them to intervene and allow Ms. Nicholson to re-enter the Island with her son, on humanitarian grounds. According to Benschop, he received favourable replies from the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and the Island’s National Security Minister. Later yesterday, Nicholson and her son were allowed entry back into Trinidad. In a subsequent telephone conversation Nicholson told Benschop that she was very pleased about the decision and thanked the Trinidadian authorities.

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take three-minute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

North West Secondary to be completed by Dec. 31 Having missed two deadlines in the past four months, the completion of renovations at the North West District Secondary School now hangs on the promise of contractors. The new deadline is December 31, 2013. Construction works to the Region One Secondary School begun in January last and were expected to be completed in August. The works included dismantling and redesigning some sections of the building, refacing the school’s internal and external walls and complete rebuilding of the upper floor. According to the Regional Chairman, Paul Pierre, renovations were also aimed at improving ventilation in the building and enlarging classrooms since the building was “cramped”. The works were set to be completed in time for the opening of the new school year, however, the deadline was pushed back to November as works remained incomplete. Now, students are forced to hope for a realization of the yearend deadline.

Kaieteur News was informed that for the entire period, classroom sessions were facilitated simultaneously in the Region’s Community Centre building, the Learning Resource Centre, the Roman Catholic Church and the Mabaruma Primary School. According to residents, this arrangement has resulted in students being unsupervised for the majority of the hours spent at school. One concerned resident explained that since the buildings are located some distance away from each other, the times allotted for teaching are reduced as teachers need to move from building to building to attend to classes. “All the subjects have different teachers, and by time one teacher move from one building to go over to another building, is time wasting. And the children just roaming all over the place… It’s really a mess,” he opined. He said that the lack of supervision results in students vandalizing the buildings and indulging in other misacts. He also raised

C’tyne murder trial adjourned again - Second lawyer recuses self The murder trial of 52-year-old Charles Albert called Charles Greaves, has been adjourned again. The trial was expected to get underway yesterday in the Berbice High Court before Justice Dawn Gregory and a mixed jury. Yesterday’s adjournment was because the second lawyer who had been assigned to the matter has recused himself from the trial. Attorney at law Raymond Ally yesterday told the court that he will no longer be conducting the trial for the defence. The matter has been adjourned to tomorrow for the accused to get another lawyer or the case may have to be aborted. Earlier attorney at law Joewair Misir had recused himself from the matter after indicating that he would not be able to continue the trial, because he would be out of the jurisdiction. State prosecutor attorney at law Renita Singh had only read the indictment and the mixed jury was sworn in. Greaves, a former security guard of the Mayor and Town Council, Corriverton, and of Scottsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, is alleged to have killed his daughter Rowletta Onica Greaves, 32, on December 12, 2011

Renovation works at the North West District Secondary School.

concerns about the sanitary facilities available for the students’ use, noting that at some of the buildings; only “pit latrines” are available. While the discomfort of both teachers and students remains at the forefront of the concerns raised, residents are also of the view that the renovation works do not depict ‘value for money’. “They are doing crude work there, it is very rough. There is no neatness. There is no finesse in the work, like the men on the ground have no pride in their work,” one resident opined. Moreover, residents argue that materials that are being used are inferior and workmen are moving at too slow a pace. “I doubt it would be finished for January. A lot of work still needs to be done.” According to the Regional Chairman, the work on the building has been

progressing rapidly as of recent; and judging from its present structure completion is near. Commenting on the slothfulness of contractors argued by villagers, he said that works had indeed been slow during the period that the North -West ferry had stopped working. The ferry had to be reined in for months due to mechanical difficulties. He said that during this time, it was difficult to transport building materials into the Region. At the same time, the Regional Chairman acknowledged that the speedy completion of the building would be of benefit to all, as the present situation is discomforting to both students and teachers. “Completion will be good. It would mean less movement for teachers and more spacious classrooms for students.”

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Bharrat Jagdeo acquires more Prime Real Estate in GT Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has acquired even more prime real estate, this time in the posh Queenstown, Georgetown neighbourhood. According to the Official Gazette, dated December 7, 2013, he acquired the two properties from his friend Brian James. The leases will be passed after December 21, 2013. Brian James is the local partner for Haier, the company that won the contract to supply computers for the One Laptop Per Family programme. It is unclear how much was paid to James by Jagdeo to acquire the two properties. Public record discloses that the transports for the “North halves of lot numbered 299 Church Street and 300 New Garden Street, Queenstown, in the City of Georgetown, in the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, with the buildings and erections thereon,” are to be passed on to Jagdeo. The lot 300 New Garden Street property is the building that houses the Bharrat Jagdeo Foundation which he began building after leaving office. The properties are located across the road from, and in the vicinity of the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda ground, which Jagdeo’s best friend Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop recently sought to take control of. The new properties acquired by Jagdeo, would be

in addition to the mansion he built at Sparendaam on East Coast Demerara, an area commonly referred to as ‘Pradoville Two.’ How Jagdeo acquired that property was cause for concern when word broke. During the ‘corruption debates’ which were broadcasted live on NCN, Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes had lambasted the saga. Hughes, who had virtually taken on members of the ruling administration by himself on the “corruption debate” had lashed out at the circumstances under which Jagdeo acquired his twoacre plot of land at Sparendaam. According to reports, which were confirmed during last September ’s debates, Jagdeo acquired his land at Pradoville Two at a “market value” of $5M per acre, a price that was justified by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. But when compared with the price that the government is offering land to re-migrants at Providence, East Bank Demerara, Jagdeo and his associates have actually secured a sweetheart deal, Hughes said. In 2010 Jagdeo sold a property he had built in ‘Pradoville One’ for $120M. That property was sold to Ernest Ross, Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Trinidad and Tobago.

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Wednesday December 11, 2013

GPSU requests paper trail on government spending of budgeted public servants’ funds

Public workers’ protests continue daily. In light of government’s explanation through the Finance Minister that money designated for public servants did not serve only for the increase of public servants’ wages, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has requested from the Finance Ministry a detailed explanation of the spending of the budget -approved funds. President of the Guyana Public Service Union, Patrick Yarde has dispatched a letter to several top officials in the

country, including President Donald Ramotar, Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, and Speaker of the National Assembly and the Ministers of Labour and Human Services Nanda Gopaul and Jennifer Webster respectively. A statement from the union said that “The Guyana Public Service Union has taken action to request of the Government of Guyana as represented by the Minister of Finance, for pertinent details of expenditure under

the Account Code entitled “Revision of Wages and Salaries” for which $4.4 billion dollars were provided and from the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry, for information related to the payment of all contract employees in the Public Service that are paid from allocations approved in the Estimates of the Public Sector-Current and Capital Revenue and Expenditure for 2013.” Yarde told Kaieteur News yesterday that the Finance

Minister must go into detail on how the budgeted funds were spent. He explained that one noticeable issue with public servants’ payment is that permanent workers are being sidelined, while in other cases they are being removed from pensionable positions and placed on contracts. He explained that while this could be allowed, the system is being abused. He added also that these persons when removed from fixed positions and placed on contracts, would only receive gratuity

up to the time when they would have worked at their fixed post. Contract workers outside of fixed positions, it was also explained, are sometimes being paid three and four times more than what a public service staff would receive. Yarde said that the union had intended a long time ago to request a paper trail identifying the pattern in which public workers’ money is being spent. The request also comes about, Yarde said, since the government- since January -has refused to respond to letters requesting information on all contract workers. Again, Yarde is convinced that the contracting system is being abused and could contribute to the squandering of money for public workers. The union said that it has taken note that in the Annual Budget 2013 under the heading, “Abstract of Current Expenditure Account Code 6141 Revision of Wages and Salaries, the sum of $4.4B was allocated by the National Assembly (for the public sevants). The government has been accused of withholding half

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde of the budgeted funds, while arbitrarily imposing a five percent increase. An arbitrary increase has been the state of affairs for the past 12 years, without the relevant consultations between the workers’ representatives and the government. The Administration has however defended that the designated budgeted fund is not only for the purpose of workers increase but caters also for shortfalls, promotions and additional workers. Minister Ashni Singh explained that while a sum is Continued on page 27

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Cops, OPR revisit scene of 72-hour ultimatum against Sooba appointment ‘starts over’ Golden Grove shooting deaths By Zena Henry The 72-hour ultimatum demanding that the Local Government Minister withdraw the appointment of the “unqualified” governmentimposed City Town Clerk Carol Sooba has restarted, since he did not receive the union letter warning of legal proceedings if the controversial appointment is not rescinded. The Guyana Local Government Officers’ Union (GLGOU) had cited legal action when the government, specifically the Local Government Ministry, “unconstitutionally and unfairly” appointed the least qualified candidate to the senior post of Town Clerk; over the recommended and qualified candidate chosen by the government-convened interview panel. President of the GLGOU Dale Beresford told Kaieteur News yesterday that the Local Government Minister had notified the union that he was not in receipt of any letter pertaining to the unwanted Town Clerk. Beresford stated, however, that another letter has been sent to the Local Government Minister while another, he (Beresford) hand-delivered. Beresford has stated also that should Sooba’s appointment remain, the government can look forward to industrial action, among other acts of resistance. It was charged also that support has been sought from regional and international bodies involved in union movement activities. He said that locally, the union met with other union representatives such as the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and they too are expected to speak out on the issue. Beresford is also expected to receive support from the Public Service International (PSI) which represents some 120 million workers, the Caribbean Public Service Association (CPSA) representing 17 Caribbean nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO). In the December 6 letter to Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud and forwarded to several senior officials and government ministers, Beresford stated the union’s concern over Sooba’s appointment to Town Clerk for the city of Georgetown. He said that the interview panel, of which he was a part, and chaired by the Local government Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, recommended Mr. Paul Clarke for the post of Town Clerk as he “met the requirements set out in the advertisement, and also performed considerably well at the interview. The panel was impressed with his all-round academic,

- Minister ‘never received union’s letter’

GLGOU President, Dale Beresford

Town Clerk, Carol Sooba

managerial abilities and attributes. Mr. Clarke’s strategy and vision for the Municipality was quite impressive and was exactly what the Municipality needed to be injected at this time of crisis.” “Your choice for the position of Town clerk, Ms. Carol Sooba, who was the least qualified, placed third, of the four applicants for the position. Her performance at the interview was unimpressive, and Ms Sooba failed to answer simple questions and in some instances the chairman of the panel had to further simplify the questions put to Ms Sooba. The person who scored second was Mr. Royston King. An examination of the score sheets signed and counter signed by all of the members of the panel will validate this. Further, Ms Sooba in her last application, falsified her qualifications from three (3) subjects in her last application (June 2013) to six (6) subjects in November 2013, and further, did not

produce to the panel as was told to do, her certificates. As if that was not enough, Ms Sooba threatened the panel and her behavior was quite unethical and unprofessional to the members of the panel. Ms Carol Sooba was NEVER recommended by the panel for the position of Town Clerk.” The union has demanded an investigation into the falsification of Ms Sooba’s qualification, as was brought to the attention of the chairman of the panel. The union has further requested copies of the applicants’ score sheet, an analysis for the making of the appointment and a report of the chairman’s report. The Local Government Minister has indicated however that the recommended applicant failed to disclose that he was dismissed by the IDB and therefore Sooba was next in line since she was the second most qualified applicant. City Hall has further refused to work with Sooba and maintains that they will not accept her appointment.

‘Christmas rush’ for barrels at Laparkan - Company reports 500% increase The flow of gift packages and barrels from the diaspora in North America to families and friends in Guyana has increased to about 500 percent for the festive season when compared to the other months of this year. This is according to Rohan Beekhoo, Deputy General Manager of Laparkan during a brief interview with this publication yesterday. Beekhoo said that Laparkan has two flights per week that are bringing in cargo, particularly flat rate boxes. The service offered includes a combination of barrels and gift packages coming out of New York, Miami and Toronto. Beekhoo disclosed that Laparkan has experienced an increase of customers due to the inflow of gift packages since early December. The company handles several thousand transactions daily and has extended its opening hours. He noted that Laparkan opens to business at 07:30hrs daily and sometimes operates until 19:00hrs to satisfy customers who travel long distances. In addition, the company has employed temporary staff to help process documents in a timely manner. Beekhoo said that last year the shipping of cargo from the United States of America started late because of Hurricane Sandy. However, this year business is pretty good, he said.

- Ranks at stakeout to give statements Investigators from the Brickdam Police Station and Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) yesterday revisited the scene of Saturday’s confrontation that left two suspected bandits dead in the yard of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara businessman Ravi Dookram. The investigators questioned Dookram’s wife and some of the family’s immediate neighbours, and Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell said that they are to take statements today from the ranks who participated in the stakeout. “So far, I think they have a statement from the lady, (Dookram’s wife) and the ranks will be questioned tomorrow (today),” Brumell said. Dookram’s wife told Kaieteur News that the investigators questioned her about the circumstances that led to the shooting. “They asked me what happened and I said that I was not around; we got information about the bandits and we jumped in a taxi and left about ten minutes before (the incident).” According to the woman, the investigator also scoured the yard for signs of the shooting. She related that the family had to discard some blood-spattered clothing that was hanging on a clothesline. Brumell said that he ordered the investigation because of the conflicting reports that have emerged, particularly about where alleged bandits Paul Bascom and Alberto Mustapha were shot. A police release had stated that the men were shot

“while approaching on foot.” However, Brumell has since stated that Bascom and Mustapha were shot in Dookram’s yard. Residents had also said that they saw the police removing the bodies from the businessman’s yard, and Kaieteur News had also observed drying pools of blood in the yard near one of the front gates. Police have said that they staked out the area after receiving information that bandits were planning to rob a ‘gold miner.’ ”At about 22:30hrs, the police challenged two men who were approaching on foot and one of them pulled out a handgun and opened fire on the ranks. The police returned fire and fatally wounded both men,” the statement said. The slain men were identified as Paul Bascom, called ‘Shine Buck’ of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and Alberto Grant, or Alberto Mustapha, 28, called Mukie, of Lot 299 Meadow Brook Gardens. Police also said that they recovered a .38 snub-nose revolver with two live rounds and two spent shells, along with one 9mm. round and two

7.62 x 39 rounds. Bascom was charged last year for shooting and robbing Diamond, East Bank Demerara businesswoman, Bibi Samaroo. She was shot in the right shoulder and pelvis and robbed of $25,000. However, he was released on $1.8 M bail last March. However, Mustapha’s relatives insist that he was no criminal. Kaieteur News understands that investigators are checking into Mustapha’s background. Dookram operates a trucking service that plies the interior routes. He told Kaieteur News that he was returning from an interior location when the shooting occurred. His wife and three children were at home. The businessman said that he was told that while he was still heading home, police ranks informed his wife that bandits were planning a robbery at his residence. “She was scared and pack up and left with the children,” he said. “Then the policemen took charge; that is all that I know.” Dookram said that he was later informed about the shootout.

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Wednesday December 11, 2013

No option for GuySuCo but mechanical harvesting

- Agri official Some 27 percent of the total area under cane lands by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been converted to accommodate mechanical harvesting. According to Raymond Sangster, General Manager of GuySuCo’s Agriculture Services, these lands - over 48,000 acres - do not include those under cultivation by private cane farmers. Sangster was over the weekend defending criticisms by former Member of Parliament, Anthony Vieira, concerning GuySuCo’s land conversion exercise to accommodate mechanical harvesting. According to the GuySuCo official in a letter to the editor, the conversion programme is concentrated on estates that are more adversely affected by the shortage of labour – Skeldon in East Berbice and LBI and Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara. Sangster said that the approach to mechanization in the industry is not to replace labour with machines.

“As labour availability declines, machines will be introduced. The conversion process is indeed very time consuming and also expensive and cannot be done overnight.” The official made it clear that GuySuCo cannot wait to begin the process until labour becomes unavailable. “Rehabilitating (re-tilling) a converted hectare costs 65% of the amount compared to retilling a traditional hectare.” At Skeldon, 56% of the area under cultivation is configured for mechanical harvesting; 63% at LBI and 80% at Enmore. With Uitvlugt now showing a steep decline in labour, efforts are being made to convert some of the lands on that estate for mechanization. Sangster denied that the conversion of cane lands to accommodate mechanical harvesting has been a major contributory factor to the reduction of yields across the industry. “Enmore which has 80% of its areas converted is experiencing higher yields than some locations which

Some of the mechanized harvesting equipment of GuySuCo at Enmore, East Coast of Demerara. have little or no conversion. Also yields in the converted areas are comparable to those in the traditional areas.” Sangster blamed weather as a major factor responsible for reduced yields over the last five years. “Guyana as a sugar producing nation is not singular in this respect. Decline/low yields are a major challenge to many sugarproducing countries including Brazil and Australia.” The official dismissed calls by Vieira that GuySuCo should cease its land conversion and mechanization programme and go back to manual labour. At Enmore, for instance, to grind for 24 hours in any one day, the factory requires 2,520 tonnes of canes. While an average cane harvester will cut and load approximately

2.4 tonnes per day, Sangster said that to supply canes to Enmore to have continuous grinding, it will require 1,050 harvesters to work on a daily basis. “Currently Enmore and LBI together are having an average daily total turnout of 500 cane harvesters. Such a turnout could only supply canes for 12 hours of grinding. At Skeldon, with the potential grinding rate of 300 tonnes of cane per hour, the estate will require 3,000 cane harvesters to supply the factory for 24 hours. The

current daily turnout of harvesters at Skeldon is averaging 510 which is equivalent to 4 hours of grinding per day.” The official insisted that the current fleet of machines that GuySuCo has is quite adequate to supply the two factories –Skeldon and Enmore- with canes. GuySuCo is battling a run of poor production in recent years, with 2013 set to fall below 200,000 tonnes of sugar…its lowest in 20 years. The corporation has been blaming weather and low workers’ turnout for its poor

showing. The Opposition has been demanding more accountability for an industry which at one time was the biggest foreign currency earner. It has now fallen behind gold and rice. Government has been experimenting with overseas help from Europe and now India to pull the industry back from the rut it has found itself in. Its US$200M flagship project at Skeldon has failed to live up to expectations, with one technical issue after another.

PPP queries source of Transparency International’s data T r a n s p a r e n c y International in its 2013 Corruption Perception Index ranked Guyana as the second most corrupt country in the Americas, but the ruling party has taken umbrage to this. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday in a public missive has said that while respecting the organization’s right to obtain information from whatever sources it deemed necessary, it nevertheless feels compelled to draw attention to the body’s reliance on information from organizations and individuals, “which have known hostility to the ruling PPPC administration and with obvious links to opposition parties.” According to the PPP, under such circumstances, it is not illogical to assume that subjective and partisan influences can be brought to bear into the information and data-gathering processes which in turn could introduce biases into the report. “Having regard to the above, the PPP wishes to respectfully suggest to

Transparency International that it should review its information sources on Guyana.” The PPP also said that in the interest of transparency, the group may also wish to inform the Guyanese people of the methodology used to obtain information, its sampling techniques and the universe of persons and organizations contacted to provide information and data. “It is the considered view of the party that adequate consideration was not taken by those responsible for providing data and information on Guyana of the several initiatives taken by the current administration at both the legislative and administrative levels to enhance accountability and transparency in Guyana.” Government argues that among the anti-corruption initiatives are the establishment of the Integrity Commission, the de-linking of the Auditor General’s Office from the Ministry of Finance, and the Freedom of Information Act. “The PPP wishes to state

that it has serious difficulty to accept the ranking given to the country in view of the manifested biases and prejudices of officials comprising the local Chapter of Transparency International.” The party said that the credibility and integrity of the Report on Guyana will continue to be held suspect by a wide cross-section of the Guyanese people, “unless Transparency International puts in place new and transparent modalities in the way they conduct their business in Guyana.” The reaction by the PPP comes days after Government’s official spokesperson had blamed the media for the low rating by Transparency International. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said that he believes that the local media is a contributor to Transparency International being rather uncharitable to Government by perceiving Guyana as the second most corrupt country in the (Continued on page 25)

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CARICOM strengthens commitment GO-Invest not yet affected by to persons with disabilities Guyana blacklisted status

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) strengthened its commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the Caribbean with the signing of the Declaration of Pétion Ville last Friday in Haiti. In the Declaration, the CARICOM Member States reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the Kingston Accord on the Responsibilities of States with respect to Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the InterAmerican Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, in accordance with the Constitution and laws of respective Member States. They have agreed “to address with renewed energy and dedication the development of legal frameworks at the national level made through adherence to international and regional instruments to promote and protect the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.” Additionally, the Declaration stated that the signatories would continue efforts to build inclusive societies for both present and

future generations of persons with disabilities. It also recognized the vulnerability of women and girls with disabilities, who are often more exposed to violence, abuse, mistreatment and discrimination and gave a commitment to also pay attention to the needs of men and boys with disabilities, particularly in respect of education, training, health and employment opportunities. committed to integrate policies and programmes that prepare societies to support

the continued independence, productivity and well-being of aging populations in development planning. It also included a resolve to establish a common definition of disability and to develop and implement a common framework for national and regional data collection, to promote the standardization of measurement of progress in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. The Declaration also addressed the needs of older persons with disabilities.

Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) is unaware of the impact Guyana’s blacklisted status by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) would have on investment, says Keith Burrowes, Chairman of the Board of GOInvest. GO-Invest, the primary contact for investors and exporters, has not experienced any negative effects as yet from the situation but wants to mitigate the impact by collaborating with relevant agencies, he noted. In an effort to avoid disseminating negative and possible inaccurate information to potential and existing investors on Guyana being blacklisted, GO-Invest is hoping to have Toussaint Boyce, an Attorney-at-Law and expert in the field, host a seminar. In November, because Guyana failed to submit an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2013 to the CFATF, it was

Nascimento told this publication that the event which he described as nothing more than an “incident” occurred around noon. He said after the pilot landed on the airstrip, it was recognized that the brake gave a slight problem which led to the aircraft “veering off” the airstrip. According to Standard Operating Procedure,

the wickedness you members of the media perpetrate in making these unqualified and unsubstantiated conjectures about Government on corruption and lack of accountability.” Frederick Collins, Vice President, Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI) whilst presenting TI’s 2013 Corruption Perception

with foreign and local investors in all sectors and wants to ensure they are equipped with the relevant information. The entity does not want to scare off investors. Burrowes stressed that at the moment GO-Invest does not know the extent of the impact the blacklisting status would have on Guyana.

Local entities display some byproducts of pineapple during the most recent exposition

Nascimento said, the plane was immediately taken for maintenance checks. It was determined that the aircraft suffered no damage. Passengers were safely escorted to the airport terminal. Nascimento explained further that the incident has already been reported to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, also as matter of procedure.

PPP queries source of... (From page 16) Region. Not surprisingly, defending Government’s stance on corruption, Dr. Luncheon said, “Government has been making overtime leaning backwards in addressing this issue of transparency and accountability.” He also said, “I think they have fallen prey to some of

GO-Invest Chairman, Keith Burrowes

MOA pursues phasing out bottom-house agro-processing

Trans Guyana aircraft veers off Ogle runway A Trans Guyana aircraft returning from the interior location of the CuyuniMazaruni Region yesterday veered off the Ogle Airport runway after experiencing a partial seizure in the brake apparatus, spokesperson for the local airline company, Kit Nascimento explained. Some six passengers transported on the aircraft walked away unhurt.

blacklisted. The country was regarded as non-compliant with 98 percent of the requirements of CFATF. In fact, the blacklisted status applied to Guyana by CFATF is reportedly akin to that which was applied to Iran and North Korea. In order for Guyana to get off the list, it has to pass the requisite legislation and remedy the identified deficiencies in the statement. The CFATF’s decision will inevitably affect payments for oil, family remittances, payment for goods, and a host of other transactions that could virtually cripple trade. Government has signaled its intention to return the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 to Parliament. According to Burrowes, GO-Invest would be approaching Attorney General Anil Nandlall to learn more about the Act and the impending consequences. He said GO-Invest deals

Index (CPI) for Guyana had stated that the finding on Guyana is based on surveys carried out by four reputable international institutions – the International Country Guide, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and the Global Insight Country. He announced that Guyana has been ranked 136th out of 177 countries, joining Bangladesh, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Kenya with a score of 27. Guyana was ranked 133rd last year. In terms of the Americas, Guyana has been ranked 28 out of 32, while for the Caribbean, only Haiti scored lower, with 19.

As the Ministry of Agriculture pursues the phasing out of bottom-house agro-processing, subject Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has announced that the Guyana Shop will not buy from unlicensed operators. The Minister said that this is to ensure that more agro-processors get their facilities on par with what is required by international buyers. Dr. Ramsammy explained that getting licensed will prove beneficial in many ways, noting that once licensed, local agroprocessors will be afforded the opportunity of showcasing their produce

during one of the monthly exhibitions held on the lawns of the Guyana Shop. “So there are dual functions for holding the exhibitions,” the Minister emphasized. He added that in addition to promoting local produce, its many fascinating byproducts, and the makers of them, the exhibitions are held to show members of the public how much the local quality and standards of the packaging and labeling industry have improved over time. The most recent such activity was a pineapple exposition. The Guyana Shop falls under the purview of the Guyana Marketing

Corporation, and sells strictly locally produced items, while extensively promoting local agro-processors. Meanwhile, Dr. Ramsammy has acknowledged that while the quality and taste of locally made products are on par and in some cases better than those from other countries, the not-so-advanced packaging and labeling of these are hindrances on the market. “People would look at the package that is more attractive, and buy that, so this is where Guyana is at a disadvantage,” Dr. Ramsammy said, stressing that “our product itself is as (Continued on page 27)

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Passengers lament exorbitant Dead Guyanese fisherman was set increase in minibus fares Passengers using the route 32 (Georgetown to Parika ) and 44 (Georgetown to Mahaica) minibuses are complaining over the high fares that they are being forced to pay to reach their destinations which according to them are intensified significantly after working hours. As it pertains to the route 32, many passengers complain that once the minibus operators recognize that the bus parks are crowded, they double their fares, resulting in commuters paying $200 for short drops and as much as $600 for longer journeys. Apart from the arbitrary fare hikes that the minibus operators inflict on passengers, the minibus operators are being accused of being ‘selective’ in who they transport, discriminating against persons going shorter distances. “They pick up passengers based on whether they are going short or long distances (short being from Georgetown to Vreed-En-Hoop, with long being Georgetown to Parika),” one passenger lamented. Another passenger who traverses daily from Georgetown to Zeeburg on the West Coast of Demerara highlighted that many nights he would wait hours on the park for a bus only to be told that he would have to pay the Parika fare since that was the vehicle’s final destination. Other passengers complained about experiencing the reverse of that situation in that some

Commuters waiting on transportation. buses would only carry short distance passengers. Many persons expressed that this ‘exploitation’ is possible because of the non availability of public transportation, “so these private minibus operators can hold the commuters to ransom because they know that we don’t have a choice,” said one distraught passenger. Another commuter said that transportation during the day is no problem because there are sufficient minibuses available to supply the travelling demands of consumers. However the problem arises after 18:00hrs

when many minibus operators stop working. An official from the Small Business Bureau of the Ministry of Tourism told Kaieteur News that he is aware of the arbitrary price increases that the route 32 minibus operators are imposing. Against this backdrop, he divulged that a meeting was called yesterday with the United Minibus Association. The official said he is also aware of the situation in which the route 44 bus operators are jacking up their fares during peak hours and after working hours even

though no proposals were made by them for an increase in fares. Commuters using that route complain that during the night and at rush hours, buses would increase their fares. Meanwhile, the United Minibus Association and the Combined Road Transportation in a joint press release on the issue yesterday stated that “many concerns common to minibus operations were ventilated which included the contentious and burdensome fare imposition the route 32 commuters have to bear. We have therefore jointly agreed on a fare structure for the route 32 buses which will be displayed in the buses with passengers paying upon entry. Commuters are urged to board only buses that display the new fares which take immediate effect.” The release further stated that the fare restructuring is only for the route 32 minibuses and that the other routes will be addressed shortly. “Even though we can support our members increasing bus fares, the above organizations are committed as a unit in consultation with the Ministry (as a mark of respect) to arrive at a consensus, in good faith, that will benefit all stakeholders and the nation as a whole” the release stated. However, the Ministry of Tourism official posited that the proposal made by the United Minibus Association for an increase in the fare structure was not approved by his Ministry.

to travel home

Tortola (BVInews.com) With Christmas just around the corner, Kendeye Thomas, the BVI resident who perished at sea over the weekend, was counting down the days for when he would have boarded a flight back to his native country, Guyana. He wasn’t the only one engaged in the countdown. December 23 was the date Thomas scheduled to reunite with his children, after not seeing them for about a year. “The children were calling everyday asking for him, and just waiting for the day to come,” said Allison Bucchus, Thomas’ common-law wife. “They got their hopes up high. They were saying they gonna greet him with hugs and kisses,” she recalled before bursting into tears at her Long Look home. When Thomas boarded his vehicle and headed to sea on Sunday morning, fate decided to step in. Plans for the Christmas reunion were immediately shattered. On Monday morning, police reported that they recovered Thomas’ body at Larmer’s Bay, west of the original fishing site off Cooper Bay on the northern side of Tortola. Thomas died after he, along with another Guyanese friend (Roger Fraser), was swept away by strong waves while fishing from rocks. Fraser is yet to be found. Another man who was among the fishing trio survived. Bucchus said she last saw Thomas leaving home at Long Look early Sunday morning. She recalled asking him: “You leaving?” “He raised his hand and laughed, then tell me that he gone. This was my last time seeing him,” Bucchus further told BVI News Online. The next time she heard any mention of her children’s father was Sunday afternoon when the lone survivor of the incident delivered the devastating news that

DEAD: Kendeye Thomas Thomas and another man drowned at sea. “I heard somebody come and said ‘Kende drown’. I didn’t believe because it’s years him on the water (fishing). He loved the sea (and) so I was never afraid for him.” Bucchus further stated that it was not until she went to the morgue on Monday and saw the body, that reality finally sunk in. “Me feel it; trust me. Me feel it!” she wept. When BVI News visited the Long Bush area, Chilly Gumbs, a good friend of the deceased, was also in a reflective mode. He said he and Thomas were good friends for approximately eight years. Gumbs remembered that, on the night before Thomas died, they had a long conversation about plans to “plaster” a building in the area. He is now left with the reality that such conversation was the last they shared. “He was a very good friend of mine, and would always give me a helping hand with anything. It’s sad to see a good guy like Kende just gone like that,” Gumbs said. “When I heard {about Thomas’ death}, it was a shock to me. Up until now, I can’t believe it.”

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Opposition says Minister lied to Parliamentary Committee The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is categorically refuting claims that its head, Minister Robert Persaud is selling out large portions of Guyana. But comments, views and “facts” coming from mining associations, miners and politicians support quite the opposite. Unlike the silence that normally follows media exposures, the Ministry of Natural Resources yesterday sent out a release to debunk claims that Persaud leased over 2 million acres of land to a “Brazilian” company. The land is located in the south east of New River and is an area where Persaud had told a Parliamentary Committee nothing is going on. However, a letter stating that Persaud indeed granted Permission to a mining company—Muri Brazil Ventures Inc.—to survey the area, has surfaced from an anonymous source. That and other documents to “prove’ that “Guyana is being sold out”, were attached to a letter which called on President Donald Ramotar to take “serious” action. The statement sent out yesterday read that the Ministry and its regulatory agency, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) want to restate that no mining permit/licence has been issued by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission for areas east of the New River. It added that the records that surfaced are not secret. The statement noted that a company’s expression of

“Firm was only granted permission to survey” - Robert Persaud

APNU’s Joseph Harmon

GWMO President, Simona Broomes

interest based on a public call for proposals was evaluated and it was granted Permission for Geological and Geographical Survey (PGGS) through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to conduct Geological and Geophysical Surveys in the Rupununi, Mining District No. 6. “Cognizance should be taken of the fact that the PGGS held by Muri Brazil Venture Inc., a Guyanese company, was done in keeping with the ISO Certified procedures. Additionally, it should be noted that a PGGS is a property exclusive to exploration and does not include any mining and/or profit-related activities. This is not related in any way to a Prospecting Licence, Mining Licence or Mining Permit, all

of which are also done in keeping with the Mining Act and its Regulation.” Just recently, relevant disclosures were made through various reporting mechanisms as the Ministry shared this information with the Guyana Human Rights Association and the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, both of whom recently met the Ministry and its agencies. The statement noted that Persaud has directed the GGMC to put online all the various permits and licences issued in the interest of transparency. But members of the Opposition are of the view that the Minister should not be even granted permission to survey that area as other eventualities can result in an

MOA pursues phasing out... (From page 25) good as anything you will get anywhere else.” In speaking with this publication on the sanitary conditions of bottom-house agro-processing, representative of the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Wilmot Garnett said that in agriculture, IICA works with ‘Agriculture Health and Food Safety’ to ensure that the local products are “export ready.” Earlier this year, Dr.

Maxine Parris-Aaron, Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist of IICA, had stressed that packaging and labeling- sometimes the major attractions for a productremain a challenge for local agro-processors, who have to compete with similar products produced overseas that are on the local shelves. The specialist emphasized the need for Guyanese to buy local in order to boost the agro-processing industry. She pointed out that for instance, in Jamaica, there

GPSU requests paper... From page 14 budgeted for current workers, the revised aspect of wages would also be used for newly hired staff and promotions. Khemraj Ramjattan, parliamentarian and opposition member dismissed Singh’s claim, stating that increases are already embedded in the allocations to public servants already on the payroll. He suggested further that even if funds were used from the revised amount for public servants pay, enough money should be left over to pay workers more than five percent. Nationwide protest has gripped the country with public service workers downing tools on a daily basis, hitting the streets in refusal of the “arbitrary” five percent increase.

are overseas products on the local market but Jamaicans support their own. Dr. Parris-Aaron noted too that in addition to packaging and labeling, agroprocessing facilities in Guyana’s rural areas need upgrading. She believes continuous training and providing relevant material of what is happening regionally and internationally to agroprocessors in far-flung communities, could improve their standards and products. Nonetheless, Wilmot Garnett reiterated that his entity remains committed to the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners in development, to continue modernization of the agriculture sector in Guyana. Garnett said that next year will see IICA concentrating on addressing the issue of production cost with focus on the ground level. “We will work with the farmers, being very clear and letting them know the details that they can consider so as to make a profit,” he said.

actual extension of the Brazilian borders. Opposition members have basically concluded that Persaud lied to the Committee of Natural Resources—the very committee the Ministry mentioned. A Partnership for National Unity Parliamentarian, Joseph Harmon, had indeed questioned Persaud on the matter. Harmon told the media that based on the fact that Persaud told him that “nothing is going on in that area, he should now be made answerable for his signature that appeared on a document giving permission for survey.” President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Patrick Harding told Kaieteur News that he “cannot comment” on the issue because he doesn’t know what is going on. Harding said that he read about the issue but doesn’t necessarily take what the media says as the truth. However, President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), Simona Broomes, told this newspaper that she read about the issue in the news, and as the head of such an association, did her own investigation. Broomes said that what has been revealed brings into focus the fact that things have really changed for the worse in the mining industry. She told Kaieteur News that lots of miners have bemoaned that fact that many times when they check the map at GGMC and request an area to work, they are told that it is a

Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud closed area. “But it all of a sudden, becomes an open area to a large scale miner. Suddenly you will see a man come and get 40, 30 or 25 acres from that same closed area, while a small or medium scale miner can’t even get one block.” Broomes said that only a few can get Prospecting Licences to do large scale mining, then those very people lease sections to small miners and “they become landlords… It is all a trick. Where does that leave the average miner? We are left at the mercy of the same ‘rapers’…then they say that the industry is developing… that is a lie. Small scale miners are now being used as touts to prospect for the big ones.” Broomes said that she is in a position to speak from experience as she had applied for one medium scale block and was told that it is on a closed area. “But all of a sudden it became open to someone else.” Broomes said that it is all happening “through a special

corruption formula…We need a level playing field.” The miner told Kaieteur News that it is a “shameful season” where illegal mining is prevalent… “And when the Association points it out, members are questioned whether they are trying to act as mining police.” However, Broomes noted that the GWMO finds it necessary to a d d r e s s certain issues… “because a mining officer can only talk to certain people, as in most cases when they do their jobs, higher authorities override it.” Broomes said that she has always been accused of speaking the truth, as if it is something wrong, “but I will continue…everybody has a part to play all I’m asking is that we get to play ours. How a single company can get all that to prospect? It is almost like a takeover. Broomes also called for the confirmation of the GGMC Commissioner, stating her view that that move can make a difference.

Page 28

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Kaieteur News

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FOR SALE

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Wednesday December 11, 2013

1 CAT standby 3306, 194 KVA 3 phase 60 cycle- Call: 641-8472 2- M132 Lavarda Combine, 122RB Dragline, 3- Pressure pump 4x3 for gold field, 12640MF tractor 4WDCall:627-0447 PORK wholesale only, whole half and quarter carcass - Tel: 266-2711; 609-4594 Tee Shores for construction work all over 12ft long. Very Cheap! Tel:227-1830 One mini-bus BKK series Price:$1,350,000 - Tel:685-2101 Sears 42" riding mower excellent condition. Kholer engine $240,000, 1- double door refrigerator (large) – Call: 261-2988 Happy acres- $66 million; Ogle- $65M; Hotel on prime commercial spot- $2M USD Contact:223-8479/647-3768, www.spaceseek.gy 1 farm @ Yaracabra Linden Highway- Contact:265-3586 Houses & house lots, MonRepos -$23 million; East Ruimveldt-$10 million; Diamond-$ 34 millionContact:223-8479/647-3768, www.spaceseek.gy Almost new Honda 6500 watts generator on wheels only 18 hours $ 430,000 - Call: 261-2988 One boat cupeller R-H -24" – Contact:676-8324 Large scanner, 1 GPS map 76Tel:652-6894,223-1719 Metal scaffold, size 5"X5" & 6.6"X5"-Call: 267-1563. Price negotiable New arrival: 1 Toyota Tacoma, aluminum boats (12ft & 14ft)- Call:2201981,685-8282,690-1945 Builders and Home Owners (1) Beeson Windows and Doors are located At New Eccles Industrial site Tel# 622-4197 (Continued on page 29)

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Letters... Where your views make the news

Where is the Mandela in our leaders? DEAR EDITOR, ONE of the best responses to Nelson Mandela’s passing is for the leaders of the ruling oligarchy not to pretend that they are his friends but to honor his legacy of peace, reconciliation and a commitment to uplifting the lives of all the citizens of Guyana. Actually, this is the hallmark of an honest, caring and incorruptible politician. It is without a doubt that Nelson Mandela is proof that such politicians do exist but not in Guyana. He forgave those who did him wrong, promoted peace, equality and harmony, and nurtured others to do likewise. As we hear, the numerous tributes from the leaders of the ruling cabal here, recounting the courage and magnanimity of Mandela, we wonder how many will listen to themselves, will take the time to ponder the nice words, and act on them. Mandela was not corrupt, greedy or spiteful and was never interested in personal wealth or in using the state

resources to fatten his pocket and those of his relatives and friends as is the case in Guyana. He was for justice and equality and during his tenure as president he did not use his power to marginalize any ethnic groups or promote ethnic superiority, something he could have easily done because of the treatment he received. We believe that real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people. But if we are to use this as a yardstick to measure those in the regime then no one is qualified to be called a leader. No one is asking any of our leaders to spend 27 years in jail protesting against injustice by an evil regime. Our national heroes have already sacrificed their lives and braved the authorities to win for us our basic rights. What we are asking of those in the PPP leadership is to afford every Guyanese regardless of their ethnicity or party affiliations the right to have a job, to obtain a contract from the government, earn a decent

Rekha may be acting beyond his competence DEAR EDITOR, When I read the news recently that the Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital was asked to proceed on his annual leave, I was shocked because Mr. Michael Khan is one of the most effective administrators that the hospital has ever had. I later learnt that this edict, which was subsequently overturned, was issued by no other than the newly arrived Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Nirmal Rekha. Mr. Rekha has been set loose like a pitbull at the Georgetown Public Hospital. His rash and ill-considered decision to ask the CEO to proceed on annual leave was both improper and ironic. It was improper because someone cannot be ordered to proceed on one’s annual leave, and it was ironic

because of Mr. Rekha’s own troubled tenure as Secretary to the Treasury. Even more appalling is the humiliation and embarrassment that such an action would attract from members of the public and from within the hospital itself. Mr. Rekha, who at one time had to be sent on leave for close to a year and a half, ought to have been mindful of the fact that his intemperate decision would sully the good name of a decent man. Mr. Rekha had no lawful or moral authority to ask the Chief Executive Officer to proceed on his annual leave. He has not only acted improperly by his edict, but he had in the process once again raised questions as to whether he is not put to function in capacities way above his abilities. R. Dos Santos

salary, to have equal access to the state resources and to enjoy a safe and just society. We are not heartened by the Minister of Home Affairs incompetency and lack of skills to reduce crime and his silly statement that the blame game over garbage removal in the city is good politics. Only idiots make such foolish remarks. We call on the minister to tell the nation what good comes to Guyana when innocent law abiding citizens are robbed and murdered in their homes or at their place of work. Furthermore, we are not impressed with the lies made recently by two ministers who Dr. Luncheon had to publicly rebuke. These ministers have sworn to tell the truth and the fact that they have lied to the nation and have not been fired shows that they are not accountable to anyone but themselves. This is the clique that is pretending to mourn Mandela’s death. Well, we want them to know that Mandela was neither a phony nor a hypocrite by any stretch of the imagination. He was a genuine human being who was committed to freedom, justice and fairness. We are saying to the leaders of the PPP let the people see the Mandela in you. Let them see the unflinching courage, the perseverance, the passion and the genuine commitment to free the people from crime and illiteracy. Let the people see the Mandela in their president, who will insist on the highest

professional standards of accountability, transparency and good governance. Let the people see the Mandela in you, who will tackle corruption, establish the Procurement Commission, the Integrity Commission, the Ombudsman’s office, respect for the people and the Constitution and assent to the Bills passed by Parliament. Let us see the Mandela in the president, who will create employment for the youths, improve the pensions of seniors from $12,500 per month to $20,000, reduce VAT by two percent, give the workers a minimum pay increase of 10 per cent per year, stop the marginalization of one ethnic group, improve the lives of the poor and the working class, and stop denying those who are not members of the PPP to have free and equal access to all government services. Let us see the Mandela in you, who are not greedy, selfish, vindictive, and will distribute the state resources equally among all and not just among their friends and relatives. Finally we believe that the PPP is a hypocrite to hold any activity honoring Mr. Mandela. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

Overseas based Indian male is seeking a female age 29 & up. No texting! Call:661-3299

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(From page 28)

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Supermarket robbery accused refused bail Three men were arraigned yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in connection with a staged robbery, allegedly committed on Survival Supermarket. Appearing before Magistrate Faith McGusty were 28-year-old Joseph Griffith and 26-year-old Marlon Dolphin, jointly charged with Larceny by Clerk/Servant, as well as 18year-old Lasell Duke, who was separately charged for Simple Larceny. Duke denied the allegation that on November 25, at Alberttown, he stole $223,970 property of the said supermarket. The prosecution further claimed that, at Third and Light Streets, Alberttown, whilst being employed by the supermarket as a clerk/ servant Dolphin and Griffith stole the aforementioned amount from their employer. The duo also pleaded not guilty. The prosecution was led by Sergeant Vishnu Hunt, who conveyed that Dolphin and Griffith were respectively employed as the driver and porter for the supermarket. He said that on November 25, the driver reported to

Alberttown Police Station that whilst delivering food to a customer, he was held him at gunpoint at Third and Light Streets, Alberttown and robbed of $500,000; cash which belonged to the supermarket. Hunt relayed that when Duke was arrested he told the police that the robbery did not involve a gun. Duke then claimed that the other two told him that they usually transport large sums of cash and instructed that he can “come and collect it.” The Prosecutor said that the trio planned to divide the money, whereby the employees would receive half, leaving Duke to benefit from the other fifty percent of the sum. However, according to Hunt, Griffith admitted to Duke’s version of events and the matter was investigated, hence the charges were instituted to the men. Hunt added that Dolphin claimed to have been robbed of $500,000 but when the invoices were tallied, the missing money amounted to the sum mentioned in the charge. An application for Lasell

Duke to be granted reasonable bail was submitted by Defence Attorney Patrice Henry, who stated that he was surprised that the charge was instituted against his client since there was no specific person or place listed. However, Sergeant Hunt objected to bail on account of the prevalence of the offence and the quantity involved in the crime committed. In his objections, Hunt cited the penalty attached to the offence and said that a written confession was provided by the accused. The Prosecutor added that Duke has several similar matters in the court and opined that if Duke is granted pre-trial liberty, he would not return to face his charges. The prosecution additionally maintained the same grounds of objection to bail for the two unrepresented men. He added that under caution, Griffith provided an oral admission to the offence. Magistrate McGusty upheld the objections of the Prosecution and the trio was refused bail. Duke, Griffith and Dolphin will make their next court appearance on December 19.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Sophia man jailed for threatening ‘child mother’, step daughter A series of muffled laughter was the common factor at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday when the case of a 29-yearold Sophia resident was called in the courtroom of Magistrate Faith McGusty. The prosecution claimed that Kerwyn Baksh on November 15 at King Edward Street, Albouystown, used threatening behaviour to Rhonda Phillips while on December 8, he further used threatening behaviour to Miranda Taylor. Even though the charges were accepted by the accused, the court heard four sides to the same story. The first tale was told by Corporal Seon Blackman who representing the prosecution informed the court that Phillips is Baksh’s ‘childmother’ whilst Taylor is his stepdaughter. Blackman said however, on November 25, Phillips and Baksh had an argument and the defendant threatened to

kill her. Out of fear, she made a report to the station but Baksh was not apprehended because he thereafter went into hiding. The Prosecution added that on December 8, the defendant who returned to the house, picked up a knife and threatened to kill his stepdaughter. However, Baksh told the court that on November 25, his ‘child-mother’ “did encouraging me to have sex with her but I refused and we end up fighting and I threaten she.” Phillips retorted “He threaten fuh chop off ma neck and go in the bush yuh worship.” He however turned the focus to his stepdaughter and said “Your worship this lil girl always, she saying I too young fuh she mudda and always causing a problem.” At this point, a fourth voice was heard, as Taylor interjected “He threaten to kill me and my man.” Baksh however said that

“I went to the house and they did using the same language on me that I was using on them. I need help your worship. I am in love with this woman, but I need to keep she away from me.” “I went to jail for three years already and it was hard your worship, I don’t want to go back. I just don’t need to be punished. Ah begging with you to see with me so I could move on with my life, and she could move on with hers.” The Magistrate at this point, said “I am starting you at six months; let’s see how we can reduce this based on special reasons.” “Your worship this girl does skin she behind on me and them things” Baksh added to the highly amused courtroom. The drama ended when Magistrate McGusty ordered two months imprisonment on each charge. The jail sentences however, will run concurrently.

Housewife fined for lying to obtain a passport A 43-year-old housewife of #11 Village, West Coast Berbice was yesterday fined $40,000 by Magistrate Faith McGusty for making a false declaration for the purpose of procuring a new passport. Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Tolsiedai Persaud accepted the charge which claimed that on August 24, last year, at the Central Immigration and Passport Office, Georgetown, for the purpose of procuring a new passport, she made a false statement, that is to say she signed a written declaration that she was Parbattie

Roopnarine, despite knowing same to be false. The Prosecution, headed by Corporal Seon Blackman in the matter, relayed that Persaud applied and later obtained the passport using her sister-in-law’s name. The housewife reportedly used the same passport to travel to Trinidad and Tobago where she stayed for awhile. However, on January 25, 2013, her sister-in-law Parbattie attempted to apply for a passport at the Central Immigration and Passport Office, Georgetown, but was informed that she already possessed a passport.

Roopnarine denied the claim and was then shown the application form which was used to obtain the passport, but she recognized the imposter to be her sister-inlaw Tolsiedai. Blackman said that the matter was reported and statements were obtained, but the police were unable to arrest Persaud since at the time of the discovery, she was yet to return to Guyana. Nevertheless, the housewife subsequently returned to Guyana and was arrested on September 16, 2013, at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice. Blackman said that she was escorted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, where under caution she admitted to applying for the passport in her sister-inlaw’s name. When Persaud was asked by Magistrate McGusty whether she had anything to say to the court, she maintained her constitutional right to silence. However, it was the instant that the Magistrate informed her that the one penalty for the charge is imprisonment when the housewife began sobbing. The woman was heard saying “Ah cyaan guh jail” as she begged the court for leniency, but the Magistrate informed her that she would be fined with the alternative being three months imprisonment.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday December 11, 2013

Afghanistan’s Karzai rebuffs U.S. pressure to sign security deal PARIS (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has criticized what he said was pressure from the United States to accept a security agreement, accusing Washington of behaving like a colonial power. Karzai has thrown the pact shaping the U.S. military presence post-2014 into doubt in the past by saying that he would only sign if new conditions were met and then only after elections in April. In an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, Karzai said the special U.S. envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, James Dobbins, had effectively told him during a recent visit to Kabul that without a security agreement there would be no peace. Karzai said that could be interpreted as meaning: “If

Hamid Karzai you don’t sign the agreement, we will provoke fighting in your country, we will cause trouble.” In the absence of a deal, Washington says it will consider pulling its entire military presence out of Afghanistan, which remains gripped by the Islamist Taliban’s insurgency.

“Even if they are serious, they can’t push us up against the wall,” Karzai said. “What I’ve been hearing in recent days and heard in the past is classic colonial exploitation,” Karzai added. “Afghans will not submit, they have already fought colonial masters, they don’t accept it.” U.S. troops first went into Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States to oust the Taliban government, which provided refuge to Osama Bin Laden. Twelve years later, 47,000 U.S. troops are still there. The United States has been in discussions with Afghan officials about keeping a residual force of about 8,000 troops after the end of the NATO combat mission next year.

Ukraine president digs in heels over Russia ties despite protests KIEV (Reuters) Ukrainian President Viktor Ya n u k o v i c h g a v e n o ground yesterday to protesters who want Kiev to move closer to the European Union, insisting his government needs to deepen trade ties with Russia instead. In his first public appearance since meeting Russia’s President Vladimir Putin last F r i d a y, Yanukovich ignored the demands of pro-Europe protesters, hundreds of thousands of whom have taken to the streets in the past two weeks, including

Viktor Yanukovich thousands camped out round-the-clock in freezing temperatures.

“We cannot talk about the future without talking about restoring trade relations with Russia,” Ya n u k o v i c h s a i d i n televised comments. He added he was also committed to European integration - wording he has often used since his government turned its back on a trade pact with the EU on November 21. The protesters, who range from liberals to farright nationalists, say Ya n u k o v i c h a n d h i s government must resign. They are maintaining a tented camp in the snowbound capital’s vast Independence Square and occupying public buildings, defying riot police who late on Monday pushed them from some streets.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

Thai PM urges protesters to take part in election BANGKOK (Reuters) Her eyes welling with tears, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra pleaded yesterday for antigovernment protesters to clear the streets after she called a snap election, but protests leaders said she should step down within 24 hours. After weeks of sometimes violent street rallies, protesters dismissed her call on Monday for a general election and said she should be replaced by an unelected “people’s council”, which has stoked concern that Southeast Asia’s secondbiggest economy may abandon the democratic process. Yingluck insisted yesterday she would not step down and said she would continue her duties as caretaker prime minister until the election, which is set for February 2. “Now that the government has dissolved parliament, I ask that you stop protesting and that all sides work towards elections,” Yingluck told reporters as she went into a cabinet meeting held at an army club. “I have backed down to the point where I

don’t know how to back down any further.” Tears briefly formed in her eyes as she spoke, before she quickly composed herself perhaps a glimpse of the emotional toll of weeks of protests. The protesters, a motley collection aligned with Bangkok’s royalist elite, want to oust Yingluck and eradicate the influence of her brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled by the military in 2006 and has chosen to live in exile rather than serve a jail term for abuse of power. Thaksin was convicted in absentia of graft in 2008 but he dismissed the charges as politically motivated. He is widely seen as the power behind Yingluck’s government, sometimes holding meetings with the cabinet by webcam. Yingluck, a 46-year-old former businesswoman, had no political experience before entering a 2011 election she won by a landslide thanks to votes from the countryside, where Thaksin built up a devoted following with policies to help the poor. In a speech to

supporters late on M o n d a y, p r o t e s t l e a d e r Suthep Thaugsuban gave Yingluck 24 hours to step down. “We want the government to step aside and create a power vacuum in order to create a people’s council,” said Akanat Promphan, a spokesman for the protest group. Suthep has said this council would be made up of appointed “good people”. By mid-afternoon yesterday, only 6,000 protesters were in the historic part of Bangkok around Government House where Yingluck’s office is located, police said, a far cry from the 160,000 that converged peacefully on the complex on Monday. Yesterday was a public holiday in Thailand and Yingluck attended a ceremony to mark Constitution Day in parliament but only about 1,500 protesters turned up there, police said. Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party enjoys widespread support in the populous north and northeast, Thailand’s poorest regions. The party said she would again be its candidate for prime minister.

Disarray in India’s ruling party after poll drubbing NEW DELHI (Reuters) Disarray within India’s ruling Congress party burst into the open yesterday after its stunning defeat in state elections, with a senior figure saying the party would lose a general election and needed time in opposition to reinvent itself. Mani Shankar Aiyar - a veteran of the party who is close to the Nehru-Gandhi family that has run the Congress for decades predicted defeat in the national election due by next May. “Who can be even halfway realistic and expect the Congress to return to power?” Aiyar told Reuters. In a further signal of uneasiness about Congress’ chances in the general election, the leader of a key party in the coalition government said on Monday the state polls amounted to a rejection of “weak rulers”. “People do not want weak rulers,” Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar said, according to domestic media reports. “They want

decisive and result-oriented leaders who will formulate policies for (the) poor and implement them.” Manmohan Singh, the taciturn 81-year-old prime minister, has been widely

criticized for the government’s policy drift and a sharp economic slowdown, and for allowing corruption to spin out of control since he was appointed to a second term in 2009.

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Wednesday December 11, 2013

Uruguay set to become first country to legalize marijuana trade MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Uruguay’s Senate is expected to pass a law yesterday making the small South American nation the world’s first to allow its citizens to grow, buy and smoke marijuana. The pioneering government-sponsored bill establishes state regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wresting the business from criminals. Cannabis consumers would be allowed to buy a maximum of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) each month from state-regulated pharmacies as long as they are over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly purchases. Uruguayans would also be allowed to grow up to six plants of marijuana in their homes a year, or as much as 480 grams (about 17 ounces). They could also set up smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that could grow up to 99 plants per year. The bill, which opinion polls show is unpopular,

passed the lower chamber of Congress in July and is expected to easily pass the Senate on the strength of the ruling coalition’s majority. Uruguay’s attempt to undo drug trafficking is being followed closely in Latin America where the legalization of some narcotics is being increasingly seen by regional leaders as a possible way to end the violence spawned by the cocaine trade. “Our country can’t wait for international consensus on this issue,” Senator Roberto Conde of the governing Broad Front left-wing coalition said as Senate debate opened. He said organized crime had turned Uruguay into a transit country for drugs, such as marijuana from Paraguay and cocaine from Bolivia. Rich countries debating legalization of pot are also watching the bill, which philanthropist George Soros has supported as an “experiment” that could provide an alternative to the failed U.S.-led policies of the long “war on drugs.” The bill gives authorities 120 days to set up a drug control board that will regulate cultivation standards, fix the price and monitor consumption.

The use of marijuana is legal in Uruguay, a country of 3.3 million that is one of the most liberal in Latin America, but cultivation and sale of the drug are not. Other countries have decriminalized marijuana possession and the Netherlands allows its sale in coffee shops, but Uruguay will be the first nation to legalize the whole chain from growing the plant to buying and selling its leaves. Several countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and Israel have legal programs for growing medical cannabis but do not allow cultivation of marijuana for recreational use. Last year, the U.S. states of Colorado and Washington passed ballot initiatives that legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana. Uruguay’s leftist president, Jose Mujica, defends his initiative as a bid to regulate and tax a market that already exists but is run by criminals. “We’ve given this market as a gift to the drug traffickers and that is more destructive socially than the drug itself, because it rots the whole of society,” the 78-year-old

former guerrilla fighter told Argentine news agency Telam. Uruguay is one of the safest Latin American countries with little of the drug violence or other violence seen in countries such as Colombia and Mexico. Yet one-third of Uruguay’s prison inmates are serving time on charges related to narcotics trafficking.Even though it is set to clear the Senate, the legislation faces fierce opposition from conservatives and Mujica has yet to convince a majority of Uruguayans that it is a good idea. According to a recent opinion poll by Equipos Consultores, 58 percent of

Uruguayans oppose legalizing pot, although that is down from 68 percent in a previous survey in June. Critics say legalization will not only increase consumption but open the door to the use of harder drugs than marijuana, which according to government statistics is used by 8 percent of Uruguayans on a regular basis. “Competing with drug traffickers by offering marijuana at a lower price will just increase the market for a drug that has negative effects on public health,” said Senator Alfredo Solari of the conservative Colorado Party. If it works, the legislation is expected to fuel momentum for wider legalization of

marijuana elsewhere, including the United States and in Europe. Decriminalization of all drug possession by Portugal in 2001 is held up as a success for reducing drug violence while not increasing drug use. “This development in Uruguay is of historic significance,” said Ethan Nadelmann, founder of the Drug Policy Alliance, a leading sponsor of drug policy reform partially funded by Soros through his Open Society Foundation. “Uruguay is presenting an innovative model for cannabis that will better protect public health and public safety than does the prohibitionist approach,” Nadelmann said.

Netherlands legislators want Suriname President arrested while at Mandela funeral Jamaica Gleaner Legislators in the Netherlands have call e d f o r t h e government to state whether it will be making an attempt to have Suriname President Desi Bouterse arrested while he is in South Africa attending the funeral of Nelson Mandela on Sunday. There have been calls from an anti-Bouterse

movement for the amnesty law that could provide a pardon for his role in the murders of 15 citizens in 1982 to be rescinded. The legislators have asked the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Foreign Minister to indicate whether the government was willing to request South Africa to arrest Bouterse and extradite him to the

Netherlands to serve his jail term on cocaine trafficking charges. Bouterse was convicted in absentia in 1999 and given an 11-year jail term. He has consistently denied involvement in cocaine trafficking and managed to evade arrest and prison time by not travelling internationally until he became President in 2010.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

Int. Canadian star Dwayne ...

From page 42 2005. Among his other awards are MLS Golden Boot 2011 and elite spots among the MLS Best XI every year from 2005 to 2011. With a carrier spanning some 14 years, DeRosario comprises an integral part of the Canadian National Team and is currently preparing to represent his country at 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Mr. Nelson’s interaction with Guyanese footballers commenced in 2000 when he took Kayode McKinnon to Spain for a tryout. One year later, he sponsored Randolph Jerome and Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard on a similar expedition to the USA.

In 2002, Mr. Nelson penned an autobiography of McKinnon and that book now forms a part of those in the Linden library. The hard working football executive then secured 2nd division contracts in the USA for Nigel Codrington, Pollard, Randolph Jerome, Shaun Cameron and Kevin Beaton. He was also instrumental in securing the Major League Soccer contract for Gregory Richardson in 2004. Maybe, his most sterling achievement occurred shortly afterwards when he introduced beach soccer to Guyana and formed the Linden based, Beach Soccer Football Association. While a more detailed itin-

erary of the two football stalwarts will be released shortly, they are expected to grace the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden, for the Chico/K&S Secondary Schools competition, Sunday December 22 next. Meanwhile, Allen Tumazeri, a Guyanese residing in England has presented two sets of football gears to Marcus Wilson and Beveney Marks, two outstanding players of the victorious St Pius Primary Football team in the just concluded Courts Primary Schools Football tournament. The winning team won all of their games and exited the tournament with an impeccable record.

Wednesday December 11, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): You may experience a bit of tension and resistance with someone during the early part of the day, but things will ease as evening draws near. People will be more flexible as the day wears on, and be more receptive to your perspective. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may be caught in a difficult quandary. Your attention to other people's needs may draw you into dramas that you don't want to be part of. As a result, you may be indecisive and unsure of how to proceed. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Once you have your feelings under control, you can be more expansive in other parts of your life. You can branch out, reach toward others, and make important connections that will help move you toward success and good fortune. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Instead of directing all your energy outward and dominating the conversation with your ideas, consider listening. Let ideas flow your way. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Things will be moving more in your favor as the day wears on. An easygoing, sensitive energy dominates the atmosphere. It will be easier for you to be yourself. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You may feel like you're spinning your wheels today, especially as the end of the day draws near. Nothing seems to be going your way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): You're in a good position to make a major breakthrough. Your sensitivity works to your advantage. It gives you insight into things that others miss. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): Don't get too hooked on the free spirit that may dominate the morning hours. Have your fun at that time, but all good things must come to an end at some point. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): You may feel you're coming to a dramatic emotional climax regarding an issue that you take personally. There's a strong force stirring up your feelings, but that doesn't mean you have to spin out of control. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Be careful of letting your erratic, willful nature dominate the scene. Go with the flow and be more sensitive to the people around you. Stay grounded, focused, and aware of your emotions. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 F e b . 1 8 ) : You may be scolded for something you failed to take care of properly. There's a wonderfully expansive feeling to the day that you should capitalize on. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): The beginning of the day may start out boisterous and easygoing. The object of the game for you will be to have some fun.

Page 35

Tyson forced to move Q&A session... after finding out he is BANNED from entering UK Former World Heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson has been forced to scrap appearances in London after discovering he is banned from entering the UK. Tyson, 47, was due in London this week as part of a promotional tour for his new autobiography Undisputed Truth, which included a photo call with journalists and a book signing at Waterstones. His Publishers said recent changes to UK immigration laws meant he was unable to travel to the country and has been re-routed to Paris instead. Tweets posted on Tyson’s official Twitter account as recently as Friday suggest the boxer was unaware he would be hit by the changes. He wrote: ‘So, UK fans, who is brave enough to get in the ring and ask me a question?’ And then in subsequent tweets added: ‘Tweet me a question with #UndisputedTruthBook in it. The 5 best get to step in the ring & ask me it in person’ and ‘Ok, lots of questions there. If you’ve won, @harpercollinsUK will be in touch soon. Thanks everyone for participating.’ A spokesman for

Morgan places second, third at... From page 43 some difficulty with 3km to go in the race. It was three weeks of competition straight,” Morgan said, adding that the events were her last of the year. In a statement, she said that she is “okay” with her performances this year at the South American 10km Road Race, Suriname Marathon and the Run Barbados 10k and Half Marathons. She said that she hopes that the National Sport Commission “will take note of my performances for 2013”. She thanked sponsors Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company, Dr. Roger Luncheon, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister Jenifer Westford, Cummings Electrical, Payless Variety Store and Steve Electrical.

HarperCollins said: ‘There was a change in the UK immigration law in December 2012 of which we were unaware. For this reason Mike had to change location to Paris to salvage his press obligations for the UK.’ Tyson is currently booked in for a British tour for his one-man Broadway show, directed by Spike Lee, which is booked for eight nights in March next year in London, Glasgow and Manchester. He was convicted in 1992 for the rape of a teenage beauty queen, and served three years of a six-year sentence. He also has convictions for assault, cocaine possession and driving under the influence. Under the new immigration rules, any person who has been sentenced to more than four years in prison is barred from entering the country. The explosive boxer

was the youngest man ever to become heavyweight champion of the world after he beat Trevor Berbick in 1986 when he was just 20. But throughout his career he also courted controversy. He bit opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear, went bankrupt, lost his four-yearold daughter in a tragic domestic accident, and was jailed. A Home Office spokeswoman said: ‘We would not comment on the details of an individual case. ‘We reserve the right to refuse entry to the UK to anyone who is convicted of serious criminal offences. ‘In December 2012 we toughened up the rules on entering the UK, replacing the previous discretionary approach with a clearer, stronger framework including mandatory refusals based on the length of, and time since, sentence.’ (MailOnline)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

GT&T/Hand-in-Hand Inter-County tourney

Bishoo’s 6-50 gave Berbice Half centuries by Singh, Ramdass propel President’s XI to first innings points upper hand against Demerara By Zaheer Mohamed Skipper Vishal Singh and Ryan Ramdass stroked half centuries as the President’s XI grabbed first innings points from Essequibo when the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board organised Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Hand-in-Hand Insurance senior Inter County four-day tournament got under way yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. At stumps, the President’s XI, in reply to Essequibo’s first innings total of 104 all out are 121-4 with Singh unbeaten on 52 and Shaquille Williams on 01. The President’s XI response got off to a bad start when pacer Dillon Heyliger removed Robin Bacchus (00) and Kemo Paul sent back Dominic Ricky (00) with the score on 02, but Singh and Ramdass added a century partnership for the third wicket with level headed batting on an unpredictable pitch to steady the innings. Ramdass who brought up his fifty off 58 balls slammed six four’s before he played back to a delivery that kept low and was trapped in front by left arm spinner Anthony Adams for 59. Adams who has so far taken 2-28 also sent back Seon Hetymer (07) in similar fashion just before the close; Paul has 1-12 and Heyliger 134. Earlier Essequibo were bowled out in 33.3 overs,

Ryan Ramdass on the go during his half century knock

batting first. Stoll bowled opener Royan Federicks (04) who opted not to play at one that came back from outside off stump while Seon Daniels had Eaknauth Persaud (01) caught behind leaving Essequibo at 7-2. Daniels got into the act once again by removing Heyliger (06) and Adams (01) before Stoll trapped Kevon Boodie (18) LBW at 38-5. Paul and Parmesh Parsotam then attempted to repair the early damage with a sixth wicket partnership of 37. Paul pulled Daniels over mid wicket for six before dancing down the pitch and smashed him back over his head for another maximum

while Parsotam flicked the said bowler to the mid wicket fence. However off spinner Shaquille Williams accounted for Paul just before lunch for 22 (1x4 2x6); he faced 34 deliveries. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals after the break with Stoll removing Parsotam (19) and Mark Gonsalves (02) while Steven Sankar dismissed Ricardo Peters (09) and Keano Harry (09) leaving Hemchand Persaud not out on 02. Essequibo were bowled out 57 minutes after lunch, Stoll was the pick of the bowlers with 4-34, while Daniels claimed 3-31, Sankar 2-11 and Williams 1-6.

Indian compliance a major step towards lifting ban - IOC

Reuters - A last-minute decision by the banned Indian Olympic Association to comply with IOC orders is a good first step for the country’s gradual return to the Olympic fold, IOC President Thomas Bach said yesterday Tuesday. In a late act of compliance on Sunday, the IOA passed an amendment to its constitution to exclude tainted officials from office. “These (IOC) recommendations of good governance have been accepted,” said Bach. “This is a major step in the right direction.” The IOA remains suspended since last year for going ahead with its December 2012 election in which Lalit Bhanot, who spent 11 months in jail on corruption charges, was voted in as Secretary General. The IOC subsequently

Thomas Bach offered a lifeline, and a December 9 deadline, for the dithering IOA to bar all tainted officials from contesting its elections. Bach said in order for the ban to be lifted, free and transparent elections will need to be staged but until that happens

Indian athletes qualified for the 2014 Sochi Olympics will not be affected. Should elections be held before the February 7-23 Games and meet IOC guidelines then the athletes will compete under the Indian flag. If elections are held after the Games then the athletes will compete under the Olympic flag with no reference to the suspended nation. “Now we are looking forward to the implementation of these new rules by a transparent open and democratic election in the IOA and after this we can make further considerations,” Bach, who took over in September, said. “Whether elections take place before Sochi or not Indian athletes can participate in the winter Games if they have qualified,” added the German.

By Sean Devers Another mesmerizing spell of leg-spell bowler from Test player Devendra Bishoo and a solid opening partnership gave Berbice the upper hand after day one of their GT&T/Hand-in-Hand senior four-day inter-county clash against Demerara yesterday at the Enmore ground on the East Coast of Demerara. Bishoo who had 6-57 in the first innings of the first match against the President’s X1 at Everest, finished with 6-50 off 18.8 overs yesterday and got support from fast bowler Keon Joseph who 353 as Demerara were bowled out for 161 in the second session. Berbice in response were 73-3, needing 89 more runs for first innings points going into today’s second day. Berbice won the toss under a clear blue sky and asked Demerara to bat on a two-paced track with preparation moisture for the first session and a fairly fast outfield. The home team began badly when Rajendra Chandrika (8) was trapped LBW by fast bowler Keon Joseph to leave the score on 12-1 in scorching heat. Joseph struck again five runs later when he got rid of the left-handed Trevon Griffith (4) as Demerara, who registered an outright win against Berbice at Everest when the teams last met at this level in January, slipped to 17-2. Former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan joined Leon Johnson and together they revived the position by taking the score to 73 before Raun Johnson removed Sarwan, who hit three boundaries in his 28. Joseph not bowling ‘flat out’ but with good control got rid of the inform Chris Barnwell who seemed set for another big score. Barnwell struck three fours and a six in his 32 and his demise left Demerara on 114-4. By Lunch the hosts were in trouble on 115-4 with Johnson on 32 and Steven Jacobs, who missed the opening round due to professional commitments in the USA and only arrived in Guyana on Monday evening, yet to score. Bishoo struck with the third ball after lunch with the score on 116-5 when Jacobs was comprehensively bowled for a duck as a small but vocal crowd watched as Demerara continued to

Davendra Bishoo

struggle. Johnson who hit five fours and a six in his 38 was next to go with the score on 125-6; caught at wide mid-on off Bishoo who soon bowled Chris Patandin (7) as the lefthander missed a slog sweep, the defending champions slipping to 133-7 just after lunch. Bishoo, who took nine wickets in the first round against the President’s X1, then bowled Joseph Perry (9) and had Zaheer Mohamed (11) LBW at 1529 to pick up his eighth five wicket haul at this level after missing this competition for the last three years. On a track which still kept low at times but which played much better after lunch when it had dried out, Demerara were all out 90 minutes after lunch when Paul Wintz (10) who was hit in his rib-cage area by a high full toss from Joseph, edged a big swing to Sewnarine Chattergoon at slip as Bishoo finished off the innings. By Tea Berbice were five without loss from two overs with Chattergoon and 2012

National under-19 righthander Kandasammy Surujnarine at the crease. Offspinner Jacobs was introduced after three overs because Wintz was off the field for the last session due to his injury. However, the openers picked the balls to hit and ran cleverly between the wickets, posting the 50 partnership from 17.2 overs and 61 minutes. The partnership was finally broken when Surujnarine (31) was removed by former West Indies under19 leg-spinner Amir Khan, playing on his home ground. Chattergoon (26) then fell to off-spinner Mohamed before Test batsman Assad Fudadin who was in an ultra defense mood, pushed tentatively forward and was trapped LBW to Jacobs just before the close after taking 47 balls for his seven runs. When stumps were drawn Crandon (12) and night watchman Krisendat Ramoo (0) were the not out batsmen. Play on the second day, today is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Man United needle Shakhtar Donetsk Man City come from behind to beat Bayern Munich Jones hits the target with this volley for Manchester United

Phil Jones scored a second-half winner to ease the pressure on Manager David Moyes as Manchester United finished top of Champions League Group A with victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. United, who came into the game having lost successive home matches for the first time since 2002, struggled to match Shakhtar for large periods. But they got the decisive goal when Jones volleyed in from a corner. Earlier, winger Ashley Young twice should have scored but shot wide. Those misses, in the end, did not prove costly as Moyes’s men finished their group campaign with an impressive 14 points and four wins from six matches. But for most of this match, there was one team who played like the United of old, and it was not the home side. The three-time champions looked sluggish and lacked invention at times - two characteristics that rarely reared their heads under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson. But what they do have which other struggling sides in the Premier League do not - is quality and experience of

getting out of difficult situations. And it was the quality of delivery from substitute Robin van Persie and the finish of England international Jones that helped United avoid the ignominy of three successive home defeats for the first time since 1962. For 60 minutes, United were chasing Shakhtar, who zipped the ball about brilliantly on the Old Trafford surface. The English champions’ best chances, up to the time of the goal, came on the counter and from errors by the Ukrainian side. Two fell to Young. The former Aston Villa winger first did brilliantly to nick the ball from Darijo Srna before lifting the ball above keeper Andriy Pyatov but wide of the far post. He then sliced a shot wide with the keeper to beat after Wayne Rooney had played his team-mate in. In between those efforts, Rooney looked like he was about to burst the net, but was stopped from doing so by Olexandr Kucher’s outstanding block. Jones, aside from his agility on the goal, and Ryan Giggs looked relatively cumbersome alongside the

James Milner wheels away after putting City 32 ahead in Munich having been 2-0 down bw

sprightly Brazilians of Taison, Alex Teixeira and Douglas Costa, who circled around them. It was only when 40-yearold Giggs - making his 149th appearance in the competition - was replaced by Tom Cleverley that United looked more competitive in the middle. Van Persie came on for Young at the same time. Four minutes later, he was involved in the opener. The Dutchman, who is as effective on set-pieces as he is in front of goal, delivered a wicked in-swinging corner that found its way to Jones, who swung his leg at the ball and smashed a shot past Pyatov. By this stage, Shakhtar knew that Bayer Leverkusen, a point behind them in third at the start of the evening, were ahead in Marseille and on course to beat them to second place in the group. Their heads dropped further after the goal and they failed to muster an effort of note in the c l o s i n g s t a ges, having earlier gone close through Teixeira, whose angled shot went a yard wide, and Yaroslav Rakitskiy, whose deflected effort spun off the post.

Manchester City staged a fine comeback to end Bayern Munich’s record run of 10 consecutive Champions League wins but they still finished as Group D runners-up behind the German champions. Bayern were dominant early on as Thomas Muller struck from Dante’s pass before Mario Gotze scored following a corner. David Silva pulled a goal back from close range after Jesus Navas’s cross. Aleksandar Kolarov equalised with a penalty after James Milner was tripped before Milner ’s fine finish won it. It was an amazing turnaround from Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who almost earned the 4-2 victory they needed to go through as group winners as Alvaro Negredo had a late effort saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. But after Bayern scored twice in the opening 12 minutes, the fact City fought back will give them

Tiger Woods loses to Zach Johnson in World Challenge From page 38 year. “You don’t want to see it like that, especially when he has hit a really good sand shot. “He played great, he didn’t make as many putts as I did. That’s all it really was. “Everybody talks about going head to head with him. That’s what I want as a competitor, I want to play against the best. He’s the best I’ve ever played with, and I want to put myself in that position.

“I just like to compete and being in those situations where you get into holes you have to execute, you have to hit a shot. I feel very honoured to be the champion.” For Woods, it was only the fourth time in his career that he lost a lead of at least two shots going into the final round and the second time at Sherwood, following McDowell’s victory in a playoff having been four shots behind in 2010.

But reflecting on 2013 he said: “Five wins, and you know, on some pretty good venues, so I’m very pleased with the year.” Woods won the most recent of his 14 majors in 2008 but is confident about next year’s venues. He has won at Augusta, the p e r m a nent home of the Masters, four times, finished second and third in the last two US Opens staged at Pinehurst and has previously won at both Hoylake - venue for next

year’s Open Championship and Valhalla, which will host the PGA Championship in August. “I’ve won at every one, except for Pinehurst, and I’m trending in the right way,” the 37-year-old said. “I’ve finished third, second. You get the picture, right? “So I’m looking forward to the major championship venues next year. They have set up well for me over the years and I look forward to it.”

confidence as they progress to the last 16 for the first time. Finishing with 15 points is a huge return and this performance might finally silence concerns about their away from. City have won all three of their Champions League away games this season, but only five in all competitions. City and Bayern had already qualified before this game but Bayern boss Pep Guardiola was clear that finishing second in the group was “not an option”. But his team looked vulnerable as they suffered only their third defeat of 2013 with Silva and Milner excellent throughout. It started so differently as City looked nervous after an early a mix-up between Joleon Lescott and recalled goalkeeper Joe Hart. And after five minutes the visitors were undone in the simplest manner as Dante’s diagonal pass caught Kolarov napping and Muller nipped in behind the City captain and finished past Hart. Hart had to save Dante’s header and turned Ribery’s effort onto the post after another Lescott mistake before Bayern went 2-0 up from the resulting corner. Mario Mandzukic had time to shoot towards goal and his effort found Gotze, who also had space to stroke the ball pas t H a r t f r o m close-range. By this stage, City were rocking and the only question was how many goals Bayern would score. Hart had made four touches, and two of them were to pick the ball out of the net.

Matters appeared to worsen when Micah Richards was replaced at right-back by Pablo Zabaleta after pulling a hamstring but the introduction of the e x p e r i e n c e d A rg e n t i n e seemed to galvanise the visitors. Shortly after a decent p a s s a g e o f p l a y, C i t y grabbed a goal back. Silva, on his return to the team after a calf injury, tucked in after Milner had headed Navas’s right-wing centre back across goal. Bayern reminded City of their power when Gotze was denied by a decent Hart save. After a frantic first half, the second began at a more sedate pace and City continued to improve as Edin Dzeko tested Neuer with an 18-yard shot. Given the first 15 minutes, the game then flipped on its head in the space of three minutes either side of the hour mark. Silva was the architect as he played in Milner, who was brought down by Dante in the penalty area. Kolarov sent Neuer the wrong way from 12 yards. Spanish midfielder Silva then set Navas free down the right and Milner curled a beautiful shot in at the back post after Bayern’s Jerome Boateng had missed the cross. Substitute Negredo could have made it a perfect night when Neuer saved his shot after a Dante mistake but whatever the group placings, this was a incredible way for City to prepare for hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Giftland chooses Hockey Record breaking Ronaldo returns Sports Ambassador to seal routine win for Spaniards Giftland OfficeMax yesterday announced the winner of its Hockey Sports Ambassador at its Mega Store on Water & Holmes Sts. South Cummingsburg. The third leg of ‘The Quest’ comprised of GCC player Aliyah Gordon and Hikers’ Janella Munroe. Kwadjo Garnett from Buxton United Football Club had copped the second title of Giftland Sports Ambassador after GDF bodybuilder Devon Davis became the first ambassador in August when the programme was launched. Yesterday, Giftland announced the winner in Ms. Giftland “The Striker” 2013– 2014, Aliyah Gordon. Gordon, who attends, Queens College, will benefit from at least $300,000 in sports equipment and academic material and yesterday signed the one-year agreement in the presence of her Father, Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Secretary, Tricia Fiedtkou and

Janella Munroe of Hikers Hockey Club. Gordon acquired 564 votes, which were conducted on facebook, BBM and instore voting, while Munroe received 484 votes and was awarded $10,000. Aliyah Gordon 2013 Achievements: · October 2013 – Named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the GT&T National Indoor Championship · September Represented Guyana at the Pan American Hockey Federation Cup (PAHF) in Argentina · Youngest Player on the team · One of only two local players to score a goal in the tournament · August, 2013 Represented Guyana at the Canadian Senior National Hockey Championships · Caribbean Kids

Hockey Festival, voted Most Valuable Player, Girls under 16 Compton Babb, Giftland’s Public Relations Officer explained that his company supports Hockey and every other sport and promised Giftland’s continued support of the careers of talented young sportsmen. He said the company intends to assist them to develop academically. “Everyone here is a champion. We at Giftland are happy and proud to be associated with and want to build a strong and longlasting relationship with our young sporting Ambassadors,” Babb said. According to Babb, Track and Field will be the next leg with the champion being chosen from the justconcluded 53rd National Schools Championship. He said all athletes chosen are entitled to a one year endorsement with Giftland OfficeMax.

Rio has no time to lose says Brazil-bound IOC boss IOC President Thomas Bach (L) poses with the presidency key next to his predecessor Jacques Rogge during a ceremony at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Reuters - Organisers of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics have no time to lose with the International Olympic Committee president flying into the country in the coming weeks to monitor progress, the IOC said yesterday. “We have to realize that there is not a single moment to lose, that every effort has to be made every day to bring the construction of Olympic sites and infrastructure forward,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. Rio Games Organizers have been repeatedly urged to speed up progress as the country struggles to prepare for the world’s two biggest sports events - the 2014 soccer World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Bach said he was planning to visit Brazil before February and would meet

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff to help improve work between the government and Organisers. “What will be essential and crucial for the success of Rio will be a seamless cooperation and coordination among different levels of government and the organizing committee,” Bach told reporters. “To ensure this I will most likely travel with the (IOC) delegation to Rio and Brasilia even before the Sochi Games (in February) to speak with the president of Brazil and speak with other levels of government and the organizing committee in such a way to ensure this... because this is definitely needed to have successful Games and to meet the schedules.” With the country already

struggling to meet deadlines for next year’s World Cup, Games Organizers have yet to finalize the overall budget less than three years before the event while also dropping behind in constructing the venues. Bach said the IOC’s Olympic Games executive director Gilbert Felli, who is retiring in August, will only deal with Rio progress after the Sochi Olympics and will continue to do so even after his retirement in an effort to speed up work. “We have had a request on behalf of the Rio organizing committee to put Mr Felli at the disposal of the organizing committee,” said Bach. “After Sochi Mr Felli’s top priority will be close cooperation with the Rio organizing committee and even after his retirement at the end of August he will continue to work closely with Rio 2016.”

Ronaldo sweeps in his 26th goal of the season from close range Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in the history of the Champions League to score nine goals in the group stage, and he didn’t even have to play every game to manage it. The Portuguese was back after missing Real Madrid’s last group match against Galatasaray to score on 58 minutes. He now has 59 goals in 96 matches in the competition, scoring in each of the five games he has played in this season. He should have had a hat-trick hitting the post and missing a penalty late in the second half. Luka Modric scored a spectacular first, as Madrid became the first team to beat Copenahagen in a group match at the Parken Stadion. On a sticky pitch and with some of the home side’s challenges late enough for the

knockout stage Madrid cruised through their last test before next Monday’s draw in Nyon, where no-one will want to face them. Marcelo set the tone teeing-up Benzema with a cross from the left and then with a through ball that the Frenchman shot tamely at Johan Wiland. Ronaldo then went close with a lo n g - r a n g e f r e e kick that the Danish keeper pushed out for a c o r n e r. W h e n t h e breakthrough came it was former To t t e n h a m midfielder Modric who had not found the net yet this season but scored a goal even better than the one that sent Real Madrid through at Old Trafford last season. The Croatian turned two opponents on the edge of the area and sent his shot just

under Wiland’s crossbar. It was the 31st consecutive European game that Madrid had scored in but their rivals did not buckle. Yousef Toutouh kicked Xabi Alonso but as the tackles flew in it was Marcelo who was booked for a harmless challenge on Nicolai Jorgensen. The Brazilian full-back was getting forward at every opportunity and Bale almost connected with his cross at the far post. Ronaldo then had a shot just turned around his post by Wiland but it was the homeside who had the ball in the net five minutes before the break. Thomas Delaney headed past Iker Casillas but the goal was ruled out for a soft foul on the keeper leaving Madrid still ahead at half-time.

Zach Johnson beat world number one Tiger Woods in a play-off to win the World Challenge in California. In a remarkable conclusion, Johnson found water with his approach at the 18th before holing from the drop zone. Playing partner Woods then put his bunker escape to within four feet and made par to force a play-off. At the first extra hole, again the 18th, Woods found sand once more with his approach and missed a par putt from five feet to hand Johnson victory. Woods was the tournament host at Sherwood Country Club and aiming to win his sixth tournament of the year,

although this was not an official PGA Tour event. Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, a two-time winner of the competition, was highest-placed European on five under in the 18-man event. Woods and Johnson, the world number 16, finished the regulation 72 holes on 13 under par. Woods carded a final-round 70 while Johnson fired four birdies in his last eight holes for a closing 68. “You want to end the tournament with someone making a putt,” Johnson said after the miss from Wo o d s h a n d e d h i m h i s second tournament victory of the (Continued on page 37)

Zach Johnson

Tiger Woods loses to Zach Johnson in World Challenge

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Kaieteur News

Industrial Safety Supplies/GNRA Pistol C/ships

Dale Hing emerges as the top shot Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Small Bore Captain, Dale Hing ended the 2013 shooting programme on a high shooting his way to the top spot in the three-day Industrial Safety Supplies sponsored yearend Pistol championships which ended last weekend at Tactical Services Unit Range, Eve Leary. Hing amassed 658 points overall top win despite a final day burst by Dr. Johan DaSilva who took top

honours in the Action Pistol Shoot Saturday. Dr. DaSilva finished the day with 250 points followed by Lawrence Layne second with 240 points while Hing placed third with 225 points, Vice Captain Gordon Richards was fifth with 206 points while sixth place went to Ryan McKinnon on 203 points. Hing’s consistency throughout the competition paid off as he recorded a grand aggregate of 658 points with Richards securing the second spot back on 602

Claudette Izel Humphrey

Games. The school was then located in 5th Street, Albertown, Georgetown and the students were promised a day off if the athlete performed well at the meet. Unfortunately, the former athlete failed to qualify for the finals and the students’ population, though disappointed that they did not receive a day off, was nevertheless proud of their fellow student. Claudette’s performance prior to and at the Olympics earned her the distinction of Sportswoman of the year (1956) in British Guiana. She competed in the 100 meters heats and finished 5th with a time of 12.87 seconds in the face of such records from other competitors as Germany (11.7secs); Great Britani (11.9secs), New Zealand (12 .3secs) and South Africa (12.5secs). The countries competing in the 100 meters were: Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Soviet Union, Italy, USA, France, South Africa,

Potentially scorching encounters as turfites gear up for delightful horse race meet

points while third place went to Dr. DaSilva on 590 points. Mc Kinnon was fourth with 581 points while Layne was fifth with 571. Officials of the GNRA thanked Industrial Safety Supplies for sponsoring the tournament which attracted some of the nation’s top handgun shooters. The presentation of prizes will take place shortly and will form part of the GNRA’s Annual Presentation Ceremony at a date and time to be confirmed.

Tutorial Alumnus pay homage to past athletic stalwart Claudette Izel Humphrey Members of the Tutorial Alumnus convened at the Tutorial High School, Woolford Avenue, yesterday afternoon and paid tribute to former sports stalwart and past student of that institution, Claudette Izel Humphrey, who passed away early last month. She was 74 years-old. The deceased was the first local female Olympian, representing British Guiana at the 1958 Olympic Summer Games in Melbourne Australia, even as she attended Tutorial High School. The ceremony was held in the school’s auditorium and graced by several executives of the Alumni including Chairman, Gregory Blyden, School Counselor, Vicram Mohabir, Malcolm Parris, Ivor O’Brien, Fritz McLean, Gregory Blyden and Headmistress (ag) of the school, Carleste Sutton. Dozens of schoolchildren also attended the function. Tributes were delivered by Mr. Parris while Mr. McLean reflected on the life of the deceased. Mr. Obrien read from the scriptures while the school choir delivered ‘Hymn for Guyana’s Children.” Mr. Mohabir was tasked with the deliverance of comforting words and the benediction. He also said the closing prayer. Claudette attended the St. Georges Anglican School and subsequently entered the Tutorial High School on an athletic scholarship. Her athletic ability was recognized by the Castello Brothers, founders of Tutorial High school, during the annual public schools’ sports meeting. Shrewd nurturing of that talent saw the now deceased athlete gaining a place on the British Guiana team to the 1956 Melbourne Australia Olympic Summer

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Poland, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and British Guiana. The standing Olympic record at the games of 11.5secs was held by an American. The prolific athlete also attended, the 1958 Commonwealth Federation Games and competed in the 100 and 200 meters races. She was, however, eliminated in the heats after registering personal times in the 100 meters 200 meters races. In 1960 Claudette became a Student Nurse at the Georgetown Hospital and spent approximately one year there before emigrating to London, England, in 1961 to further her studies in Nursing at Central Middlesex Hospital in London, England. There she met and married Winston Humphrey, a fellow Guyanese and a Naval Soldier in the British Navy in Southampton England. From that union they bore three children. Abigail Sharon, Karen Allison and Ian Spencer.

Organiser Mohammed ‘Nankoo’ Shariff (right) and another organiser displays one of the trophies at The Trophy Stall, one of the sponsors. The thundering sounds of galloping hoofs will resonate around the arena when the Port Mourant Turf Club stages ‘Clash of the champions’ this Sunday, December 15 and turfites are expected in their numbers to view the riveting encounters. Three of Guyana’s leading racing entities, Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF), the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) and Shariff Business Conglomerate and Racing Stable of West Berbice, have combined to organise the event and have promised a chockfull of fun on race day. Jockeys will be competing for over $8M in cash and other prizes and to date more than 70 entries are already registered for the event. Eight exciting races are carded for the day with the ‘A & Lower’ event leading the programme. This race will feature three of Guyana leading race horses, Score’s Even, Elle’s Vision and the fast improving ‘Settle in Seattle,’ in what is expected to be a scorcher. The feature clash will involve the best horses out of Guyana over 6 furlongs and turfites are guaranteed an action packed encounter that nets the winner 1.2M and a trophy. Some of the horses competing in this race include

the newly imported Rock Movie Star, Money in Return, Got To Go, Grande de Roja, Donut Prince, City Tune, CP Got Even, Swing Easy, Prince Charming, Who is on the Case, Force Entry, The Message, Country Armagh, Red and Lovely, Blame The Jockey, Zelick, and Rena Del Café. The other races on the day will also include the event for 3yrs old which will feature Guyana and West Indies Bred horses, the E and Lower event, the Two Years old encounter, the G1and Lower event, the D3 and Lower for maiden horses and the J, K and L class event. So far most of the top stables are rounding out preparation for the big day and the Jumbo Jet Stable is expected to lead the way with over 12 entries followed by the Shariff Racing Stable with nine. Other participating stables include Habibulla, Colin Elcock’s Delmur, P&P Syndicate, Jagdeo’s, Asrafalli’s, Simple Royal, Marcel Crawford’s, Night Eyes, Mahaicony, Jagroop and Jagmohan, Bacchus, Sukdeo, Ghansham Singh, Chico Singh and Lenny Singh. Most of these entities will be fielding multiple entries. There will also be special prizes for outstanding

individual performers including top jockey, best trainer and most successful stable. These categories are sponsored by Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. Several other corporate entities have contributed to the success of the meet including Atlantic Marine Supply Inc, Tulsie Persaud Limited, Buffalo Energy Drink, Phagoo General Store, Southland Incorporated, John Dere Company, Kit Scipio of USA, Jai Sign, Khanai’s Electrical, Fazal Habubulla, Banks DIH Limited, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables, Dequan Shipping, Kris Jagdeo Construction, Lekeram ‘Buddy’ Sukhdeo, Romell Jagroop Construction and racing stables, Customs Racing Stable and family, Businessman Shano Seenarine, Attorney at law R C Poonai, Delmur Shipping Company, Balram and Lenny Singh and family. The event will be conducted under the aides of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and the relevant rules will apply. Registration could be done by contacting Mohammed Shariff (611-0684), Chanu Ramkissoon (6249063), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 322-0369), Rajendra Jagdeo (618-7278) or Ramnauth (337-5311).

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

WICB President’s letter to CSA Jaikaran retains GCC Presidency St John’s, Antigua - The following is a letter from West Indies Cricket Board President, Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron, to President of Cricket South Africa, Chris Nenzani, on the passing of world figure Mr. Nelson Mandela. Dear President Nenzani, On behalf of the Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board, the We s t I n d i e s t e a m , o u r management and staff and all stakeholders of West Indies cricket, please accept our deepest condolences on sad occasion of the departure, from this earthly realm, of the incomparable world figure M r. Nelson Mandela. We s e n d t o o o u r condolences to the entire South African cricketing fraternity, the f a m i l y, r e l a t i v e s a n d friends of Mr. Mandela, your government and people and cricket fans and supporters. M r. M a n d e l a ’s h u m a n i t y, f o r t i t u d e , grace and humility are beyond any comparison. These values which he has indelibly etched in our hearts and minds through the example of his phenomenal life are v i e w e d b y u s i n We s t Indies cricket as critical pillars in the

Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron development of our game both regionally and globally. His life has been a source of inspiration for ou r players, administrators, officials and numerous others i n v o l v e d w i t h We s t Indies cricket. We remain particularly honoured that the West Indies was S o u t h A f r i c a ’s f i r s t o p p o nent upon your c o u n t r y ’s return to international cricket after Mr. Mandela’s release from legal confines. We are further honoured to have had Mr. M a n d e l a ’s l o v e a n d respect for the history and l e g a c y o f We s t I n d i e s cricket, the warmth extended to us and the importance which he always accorded the West

Indies. For these and countless other reasons we too feel a deep sense of loss. Madiba’s life, as you are aware, has deeply impacted and influenced Caribbean life and our people. The entire region is consumed at this time in both mourning his passing and celebrating his life. At our meeting of our Board of Directors tomorrow we will formally observe a solemn minute’s silence in honour of Madiba’s life as we join with you and all South Africans and the world in mourning his earthly departure. As the West Indies is scheduled to tour South Africa in the 2014/2015 season I shall be grateful for our two boards, at an appropriate time, to discuss tangibly a joint initiative to celebrate Mr. Mandela’s life. Cricket, sport and humanity have all been advanced beyond measure for Madiba’s presence and influence. For this we are eternally grateful. I end by repeating the sentiments of his dear friend, the Dalai Lama. “He was a man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity, a great human being, someone of whom we can t r u l y s a y, ‘ H e l i v e d a meaningful life’.”

NBS 2nd Div. 40-over cricket

Young Warriors and No.71 to contest final Young Warriors and No.71 will clash in the final of the 2013 N e w B u i l d i n g Society Second Division 40-over cricket competition in Berbice after they both won their respective semi final encounters. At Cumberland, Young Warriors defeated Cotton Tree Die Hard by 5 wickets. Cotton Tree Die Hard, winning the toss and batting first, could only muster 139 in 36.5 overs with the only resistance coming from Asim Ibrahim with 26 and Patel Jairam with 22. Bowling for Young Warriors, former Berbice Under-19 all-rounder, Kevin Ramdeen with his off spin took 3 for 33 and one-time Guyana off spinning allrounder Hubern Evans 2 for 18. When Young Warriors began their response, Cotton Tree opening pacer Afzal Haroon picked up two wickets in the third

Kevin Ramdeen over to have them 18 for 2. However, Ramdeen, who opened the batting, put on 41 for the third wicket with Sanjay Khan (25) and then 52 for the fourth wicket with Evans (22), setting up Wa r r i o r s ’ c h a rg e t o victory. They reached 140 for 5

in 24.3 overs with Ramdeen on 69 not out. Bowling for Cotton Tree Die Hard, Tage Singh took 2 for 16 and Haroon 2 for 44. Over at No.71 on the Corentyne, No.71 got past No.70 MYO by six wickets. The match which was reduced to 35-overs-a-side due to a late start because of rain saw No.70 MYO taking first strike and posted 164 for 9 in 35 overs. Mahmood Khan 48 and Niazi Khan 35 led the scoring while bowling for No.71, pacer Sohan Sugrim took 3 for 4 from 6 overs and off-spinner Chatterpaul Lionel 2 for 27. No.71 did not have many problems reaching 168 for 4 in 25.3 overs, Soomdat Singh guiding the way with 33, Manouram Vincent 32 not out, Chatterpaul Lionel 27 and Afraz Mohamed 20. Young Warriors and No.71 are scheduled to meet in the final on Sunday at the No.69 ground.

Members of the GCC Executive Committee standing from left are Glen Hanoman and Phillip Fernandes. Sitting from left are Jameel Baksh, Ramsay Alli, Lionel Jaikaran and Pratab Singh. Missing are Eon Caesar and Les Ramalho. Lionel Jaikaran retained the Presidency of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) when the organisation held its Annual General Meeting on Monday evening last at the club’s pavilion. Ramsay Ali returned Vice President while Jameel Baksh and Pratab Singh will serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively for another term. Philip Fernandes returned as the Club Captain while the committee members are Eon Caesar, Leslie Ramalho and Glenn Hanoman. Cecil Kennard, Paul Chan-A-Sue, Brian Woodroffe, Jeofrey Fraser, R.E. Legall, Harold Dhanraj and A. Jainarayansingh are the Ballot Committee members. Leon Johnson (cricket), Devin Hooper (hockey), Robin Low (squash) and Roy Rampersaud (lawn tennis)

were elected as Captains for the various disciplines. In an invited comment, Jaikaran said that he is very happy to be re-elected and thanked the members for their confidence and support. He said that the executive will work feverishly in 2014 to ensure that the club continues to develop adding that he is pleased that the resolution to allow females to become full members of the club was approved. Meanwhile, the following players were rewarded for their outstanding performances in 2013 at the club’s annual awards ceremony held recently. Hockey: Kevin Spenser Most valuable male player, Alysa Xavier female MVP, Kareem Mc Kenzie most improved male player, Samantha Fernandes most valuable

female player, Eric Hing most promising male player and Briawna Gordon most promising female player. Cricket: Ronaldo Mohamed (U-15), Martin Pestano - Belle (U-19) , Devon Lord (second division), Leon Johnson (senior), Jeetendra Sookdeo (most dependable player), Ronaldo Mohamed (emerging and most promising young player), Khemchand Hardyal, Stefan Wilson and Tariq Dharamlall (discipline), Zackary Jodah, Rahul Singh, Ravaldo Mohamed, Sanjay Persaud, Bheem Hardyal and Yohance Angoy (Emerging Nursery players). Leon Johnson, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Robin Bacchus were also rewarded for representing Guyana and the West Indies teams.

Down Memory Lane with Statistician Charwayne Walker

West Indies in New Zealand

We s t I n d i e s i n N e w Zealand 1951 F i r s t Te s t L a n c e s t e r Park Christ Church, result, We s t I n d i e s w o n b y 5 wickets N e w Z e a l a n d ’s f i r s t innings 236 all out. V.J. Scott 45, B. Sutcliffe 45, G. O . R a b o n e 3 7 , F. L . H Mooney 34. Bowling for We s t Indies Sonny Ramadhin took 5 for 86, Al Valentine 3 for 51. West Indies first innings 287 all out, Frank Worrell 71, Clyde Walcott 65, S.C. Guillen 54. Bowling for New

Zealand T.B. Burtt took 5 for 67, J.A. Hayes 3 for 52. New Zealand second innings 187 all out, F.B Smith 37, skipper B. Sutcliffe 36, R.W.G. Emery 28, V.J.Scott 29. Bowling f o r We s t I n d i e s S o n n y Ramadhin 4 for 39, Gerry Gomez 2 for 25, Al Valentine 2 for 73. We s t I n d i e s s e c o n d innings 142 for 5, Frank Worrell 62 not out, Roy Marshall 26. Bowling for New Zealand, T.B. Burtt 2 for 39. Second Test Eden Park

Auckland, result, Draw. We s t I n d i e s f i r s t innings 546 for 6 declared, Frank Worrell 100, Clyde Walcott 115. Bowling for New Zealand R.W.G Emery 2 for 52, D.D. Beard 2 for 96. New Zealand’s first Innings 160 all out, V.J. Scott 84, B. Sutcliffe 20, A.M. Moir 20. B o w l i n g f o r We s t Indies, Al Valentine 3 for 29, Sonny Ramadhin 3 for 41, Jeffrey Stollmeyer 2 for 12. N e w Z e a l a n d ’s s e c o n d innings following on, 17 for one.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Page 41

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

National and defending

champions fail to reach KO stage Both national and defending champions Back Circle and Leopold Street were the missing names on the teams’ list to have qualified for the knockout s t a g e o f t h i s y e a r ’s Georgetown segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the streets’ Futsal Competition after the completion of the preliminary rounds which ended on Monday night, at Demerara Park. The teams going forward to the next stage which will be held at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac tomorrow night are as follows: West front Road, Sophia North, California Square, Broad Street ‘B’, Island Allstar, North East LaPenitence, Albouystown ‘B’, East La Penitence, Queen Street Tiger Bay, Castello Housing Scheme, Berlin Massive, Globe Yard, Alexander Village, Hope Street Tiger Bay, Stevedore Housing Scheme and Albouystown ‘A’. Meanwhile in results of the final round of preliminary matches: Game 1 - Berlin Massive3 defeated Norton StreetWest-1 Berlin Scorers: Michael Payne–7th, Devon Charles10th, Akine Collins-13th N o r t o n S t r e e t - We s t Scorer: Nigel DeCamp-6th Game 2 - Stevedore Housing Scheme-2 vs North-

Last Entrance-0 Stevedore Scorer Steven Dolphin-3rd and 4th Game 3 - Albouystown‘A’ vs Norton Street-East Albouystown - A won via walkover Game 4 - Globe Yard-3 vs Tucville-3 Globe Yard Scorers: Kevin Lewis–2nd, Lionel Lali-4th and 14th Tucville Scorers: Jahaal Greaves-5th and 24th, Gordon Henry-23rd Globe Yard won 3-2 on penalty kicks Game 5 - Hope Street Tiger Bay-3 vs Kingston-0 Hope Street Scorers: Rensford Coleridge–8th, Dwayne Dickson–13th, Dennis Caledenia-17th Game 6 - Bent Street-2 vs Alexander Village-1 Bent Street Scorer: Sheldon Profit-2nd and 18th Alexander Village Scorer: Shem Porter-16th Game 7 - Albouystown‘B’-2 vs Riverview-1 Albouystown Scorer: Marlon Nedd–5th, Roy Cassou-16th Riverview Scorer Travis Martin-9th Game 8 - Leopold Street1 vs Broad Street-‘B’-1 Leopold Scorer: Mark Hart-22nd Broad Street-B Scorer: Jamal Cozier-24th Leopold Street won 6-5 on sudden death kicks from the halfway line.

Action continues with two potentially enthralling encounters Tw o a c t i o n - p a c k e d matches heralded the opening of the inaugural Chico Kashif and Shanghai schools football tournament at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda, Sunday evening last and football fans can be assured of similar entertainment when activities continue this afternoon at the same venue. North Georgetown Secondary will go head to head with Patentia Secondary in the opening encounter at 16:00hrs while Charlestown Secondary will oppose Lodge Secondary in the second game. All school children will be

permitted to view the games free of charge up until the semifinals and even then, the organisers are attempting to retain this arrangement for the final phase of the competition. The teams will be easily recognized after Mishal’s For Kids & More of Ogle Airstrip Road ECD donated an equivalent number of name boards to the K&S Entertainment group. Participating schools will be drawn from Linden (4), West Bank Demerara (4), Georgetown (8), East Coast Demerara (4), East Bank Demerara (2), Mazaruni and Berbice (1 apiece).

Part of the action in the clash between Stevedore Housing Scheme and North-Last Entrance which the former won to advance to the knockout stage.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

K&S Secondary School Football C/ships

Int. Canadian star Dwayne DeRosario/ administrator, Garth Nelson are guests In 2009, the K&S Entertainment group broke all grounds when it hosted legendary football star, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world as PelĂŠ, who spent several nostalgic hours mingling with local administrators and players alike. Now, four years later, those principals will emulate the feat when they host top Canadian soccer player,

Dwayne DeRosario and football administrator, Garth Nelson, at the 24th edition of the K&S Secondary School Football Championships currently underway. They will be in Guyana December 21-24 next. A player of no mean order, DeRosario is born to Guyanese parentage and has notched up several lucrative awards during his illustrious career. He has clinched the

coveted Canadian Footballer of the Year award on four separate occasions while copping the MLC Cup MVP in 2001. DeRosario was also voted Toronto FC Player of the Year in 2007 and 2009 as well as the MLS Most Valuable Player in 2011. The prolific ball weaver also earlier secured the MLS Goal of the Year award two years in a row, in 2004 and (Continued on page 35)

From left, Mr. Richie (teacher), Marcus Wilson, Beveney Marks and Allen Tumazeri.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 11, 2013

Page 43

Top players rewarded as Guyana Tennis Association hosts awards ceremony Hard work over the past fiscal year has netted several L a w n Te n n i s p l a y e r s remarkable successes and their efforts were noted and tangibly rewarded when the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) held their 2013 Awards ceremony in the dining room of the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown, Monday evening last. Senior players, Carol Humphrey and Anthony Downes copped the top female and male awards r e s p e c t i v e l y, w h i l e administrators employed a point system to decide the on the junior awardees based on their tennis performance (40%), academic performance (20%), attendance at practice (20%) and discipline (20%). The respective awardees in the Ladies Novice Singles were Kizzy Richmond with Tracy Shamshudeen as the runner up. Darren King copped the award for the

Nicola Ramdyhan, Gavin Lewis and Carol Humphrey pose with their accolades. Anthony Downes is the missing player. Men’s Novice singles and the runner up was Jesus Lamazon.

The latter player then teamed up with Khawn Rodney to take the medley

Novice Doubles. The girl’s U-18 champion is Afruica Gentle with Jaamali Holder

occupying the runners up position. Nicola Ramdyhan and Gavin Lewis also received awards for their runners up positions in the mixed doubles while Leyland Leacock and Shelly Ramdyhan won that category. Several other players were amply rewarded after finishing in top positions. They included Carlos Adams, Owen Lewis, Omar Persaud, Godfrey Lowden and Jason Andrews. Meanwhile, President of t h e G TA , R a m e s h Seebarran, delivered a comprehensive report of the activities of the players. He noted that the award ceremony was the first after a number of years even as he expressed optimism that it will once again be an annual feature. He congratulated the recipients of awards and said that the idea behind the function was to inspire the players to aspire for higher

accomplishments. The GTA President also noted that the development of the sport is severely hampered by the unavailability of courts that meet the basic requirements of the parent body, the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Te n n i s Federation. He said that he was optimistic that this anomaly would soon be rectified as he had recently brought this to the attention of Minister of Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony, who has instructed that his executive submit the relevant quotations to enable his Ministry to attend to the issue. Earlier, GOA President K.A.Juman Yassin had presented a cheque to the value of $200,000 to the GTA President to offset some of their expenses. Mr. Seebarran expressed deep gratitude saying that the gift will assist in some administrative work.

Morgan places second, third at Run Barbados Distance athlete, Alika Morgan placed second and third in the Run Barbados Half Marathon on Sunday and 10km Road Race on Saturday respectively with times of 1:40 in the Half Marathon and 42:06 in the 10km race. Speaking to Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Morgan

explained that she was keeping some energy in reserve for the Half Marathon on Sunday, which is why she did not push herself too much in the 10k race the day before. “I was keeping something in reserve for the Half Marathon, but I found (Continued on page 35)

Alika Morgan

t r o Sp GT&T/Hand-in-Hand Inter-County tourney

P.36

Bishoo’s 6-50 gave Berbice Half centuries by Singh, upper hand against Demerara Ramdass propel President’s

XI to first innings points

Fast bowler Andre Stoll in action

President’s XI Skipper Vishal Singh sets off for a run after turning a delivery to the leg side

Giftland chooses Hockey Sports Ambassador P.37

Industrial Safety Supplies/GNRA Pistol C/ships

Dale Hing emerges as the top shot P.39

Giftland Hockey Ambassador Aliyah Gordon (with contract) is flanked by the 1st runner-up Janella Munroe (2nd from right), Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Secretary, Tricia Fiedtkou (1st from right) and Giftland's official Compton Babb.

Dale Hing

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