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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 12, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Money seems to be in short supply The air in the country is one of protest. Just about every worker is protesting one thing or the other. There are the former employees of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation who say that when the company became privatized they were promised certain terms and conditions. Today, those terms and conditions are so ridiculous that the cleaner and the former managers are getting the same pension. Then there are the protests sparked by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon’s announcement that public servants would receive a traditional five per cent pay hike. Public servants led by the nurses attached to the Ministry of Health have been protesting almost daily. They all believe that they deserve more since inflation has made their pay irrelevant. But the government is insisting that the pay hike which started out to ensure that inflation did not erode the pay is serving that very task. The government recently said that inflation is way below the five per cent that the public servants would get, reality is that some goods actually cost so much more. What makes the situation more inflammable is the fact that the public servants at the bottom of the pay ladder say that the same five per cent has a different meaning for those at the top of the ladder. And so the political opposition is insisting that in parliament they had voted for money to pay at least a fifteen per cent increase. The Finance Minister says not so and this has sparked another issue that could further inflame the situation. The Finance Minister says that the money voted was to compensate for earlier pay increases. Now comes the call for a detailed explanation of the money voted. The government says that in cases where there appeared to be reduction in staff and an increase in the pay roll it was simply a case of a Ministry or Department hiring a more qualified person. When the heat of this discussion dies down, and that may not be anytime soon, someone would then turn to the amount of money spent on a number of projects during the past year. A lot of money has been spent on the Amaila Falls project. When that project failed in the face of political opposition and the pull out by the contractor, Sithe Global, the government said that it would continue the road project for the benefit of the miners and other hinterland developers not yet known. Then there is the Skeldon sugar factory that has consumed some US$300 million. This is also money wasted because instead of boosting Guyana’s sugar production, the government is presiding over Guyana’s worst ever sugar production. Despite the talk, it is not known when there would be an upswing in Guyana’s sugar production. The public servants see money being wasted here and believe that such sums would have been more than adequate for a living wage. Indeed, the national planners had calculated that with the various investments then the national coffers would have swelled and there could have been enough money to pay increases of various levels. However, there must not have been proper planning so the nation not only lost the money that would have ensured additional funds for the coffers; it lost money that would have been better spent on the workers. Yesterday, the Guyana Sugar Corporation found itself in an even worse situation that it thought it would have been when the year started. Its production has further declined; its ability to satisfy its foreign markets is being threatened and its earning capability has diminished. Its workers now want more. So there is the company earning less, producing less and being asked to pay more. This situation could be expanded to include other companies in the country in the face of the blacklisting by the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce. Companies would have a harder time moving produce; would have to negotiate with individual countries and maintain a level of earning that would see its workforce happy or begin the downward spiral to collapse.
Mr. Mandela has left us richer than anything money can buy DEAR EDITOR, The world has lost a great freedom fighter and statesman with the death of South Africa’s first black President, Nelson Mandela. All is not lost however, for he has left us with a great legacy and left us richer than anything money can buy. He lived his life by virtues of truth, honesty, knowledge, caring and sharing with peace. We are indeed saddened by his passing but he lived a great life, touching the world with his genuine love, kindness and compassion,
having taught us much, so let’s celebrate his life.”Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” Mr. Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the age of 95. The world has lost democracy’s most loyal friend and advocate for freedom and justice. Nelson Mandela was the 20th century’s icon of freedom and liberty. He inspired us to believe that no obstacle is too large; no walk is too long, and no enemy of freedom is so powerful, that we should ever consider giving in. He has
lived a life not only for himself and the people of South Africa, but the entire world. He has lit the candle for the world to see freedom. His life will surely become one of the most epic stories in world history, of the true depth and strength of the human spirit. He inspired us with his life, his words, his work and his triumph. Mandela will forever be remembered as a man who fought for freedom and won it for millions, around the world, without once compromising his beliefs or his principles. He has
sacrificed his life for freedom. The legacy he has left us is one we shall always celebrate and we shall always thank God for Nelson Mandela. The prayers, love and support of the Board of Directors, Executives and members of the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc, its Guyana and Toronto Chapter are with his family and those dear to him. May he rest in peace knowing that he leaves behind many who will continue his fight and carry on his legacy. Pandit Suresh Sugrim
DEAR EDITOR, All it requires to halt the decline in this country is will and self-respect. The nation is apprised, after departure, of the fact that the President left for South Africa on Sunday, 8th December to attend Nelson Mandela’s funeral. This contemptuous treatment of the citizens has become a norm in this society. The President and the Leader of the Opposition hold the nation’s two premier political and constitutional offices. By virtue of these offices, they are expected to set the tone for the society to embrace universal acceptable norms, principles and courtesies, values that are key to nurturing positive human and national development. The holders of these offices are elected by the people and paid by the people. But what we continue to be subjected to is constant disrespect, yet at the same time, they expect us to embrace universal values. As children, our elders taught us the cardinal principle of doing unto others as you would like them to do unto you, and nurtured us on values with the expectation that as we grow older we will not depart from them. In the realm of public leadership, such is extended to being respectful of the people to whom you have offered yourself to serve, and are being paid to so do. Even the cake shop in the most remote area informs its patrons when business will be opened and closed. And this mark of selfrespect is informed by courtesy and value for the customer’s support. The universal ethic of accountability by office holders is being replaced with an attitude where they think
they harbour no sense of duty to inform the nation prior to departure, including the nature of the visit and, on return, submit a report. If we recall our childhood we would remember our elders admonishing us that such behaviours are unmannerly and anti-social. Our family, religion and community were/are the moulding blocks for whom we are and later become. Lest we forget, this ethic was upheld by former leaders, namely, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Desmond Hoyte and Robert Corbin in some instances. The people of this country must stop settling for less when we know better and deserve better. And the composition
of the President’s delegation is a reminder of everything the man whom he is going to pay homage to fought against i.e. absence of humility and rights and the presence of political/racial divisions and pettiness. Where other countries in paying homage to the life and work of Mandela have reached across the political aisle, Guyana remains mired in political crassness. Trinidad’s Prime Minister has reached out to the Leader of the Opposition to be part of that country’s delegation. The United States announced that all its living presidents shall form its delegation. Regardless of what one may think, the PNC, which is currently in
opposition, is the party that was in government which led the way in mobilising this nation in the anti-apartheid struggle and contributed to paving the way for Mandela’s release from prison and his ascension to the presidency. Our leaders’ approach to governance is more about making good sound bites. These sound bites are very rarely supported by actions. The President’s correct articulation of what Mandela stood for and made his life’s work is unfortunately not being emulated in his management of the nation’s affairs and treatment of its people, in as much as he said these qualities are deserving of emulation. Lincoln Lewis
We continue to be subjected to constant disrespect
Dr. Singh must respond to the legitimate issue raised DEAR EDITOR, The leader of the AFC Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan is clearly on to something. Why this “higgledypiggledy” position from the Ministry of Finance on the issue. I speak of the call by the AFC Leader for an explanation on how the funds allocated for increases in the workers’ wages over the last five years, were utilized. Dr. Ashni Kumar Singh is one of the more brilliant minds in Guyana. So how did this gentleman end up in this reputational cul-de-sac? Why this determined effort from the Ministry of Finance at subterfuge and deceit like a brume? Why make wild allegations on every issue that is irrelevant to the debate rather than do your duty and respond to the legitimate issue raised – a statement
from the Leader of the AFC that some G$8 billion approved by Parliament over the last five years for wages increases, has been mismanaged? Why is it so challenging for the Ministry of Finance to respond pointedly to this statement from the AFC Leader with evidence and facts? Should this not be a “walk-in-the park” for the Ministry, since they are the custodian of the nation’s numbers? What is deeply concerning for me as a Finance professional; is the Minister’s dogged attempt to complicate a very simple question by importing irrelevant issues into the debate as a decoy to not respond to the core issue. What is he trying to hide? The Minister would want us to believe that the budget
category defined as “Revision of Wages and Salaries” included the “cost of new recruits”. How much more ridiculous can he get? The Boston University clearly explained that Revision of Salary means – provision for salary increase. Plus the Oxford Dictionary explains that the term “revision” as meaning - to change or modify. Every Ministry has an established strength and thus there should always be resources provided for the established strength in the “Wages and Salaries” category of the Budget, not in the “Revision of Wages and Salaries” category, so this statement from the Minister of provision of funds for new recruits is just a red herring. This political exchange between a man who is known (Cintinued on page 5)
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Corruption has to be curbed to spur economic growth DEAR EDITOR, The general consensus among the people of Guyana and Guyanese in the Diaspora is that the PPP regime has not developed any programme that will curb corruption, reduce crime or spur economic growth and jobs for the thousands of unemployed youths and those who want to work. No such programme exists and none is forthcoming since the regime has been unable to deal with those issues, especially corruption and crime. And even though the Minister of Home Affairs is back, that would not make a difference. The country needs a competent and visionary Minister of Home Affairs, a capable Police Commissioner and a professional and incorruptible police force to take the bite out of crime. The 130 murders Guyana recorded as of last month is far too many for a country with a small population of only 730,000. This means that a murder takes place once every two days in Guyana and the Minister of Home Affairs continues speak on every other issue than the crime issue. One of the most important factors that stifle economic growth in Guyana and other emerging economies is the perception of corruption at all levels of government. This includes, but is not limited to, bribery, nepotism, cronyism, and money laundering, mostly by senior government officials. We have seen welldocumented evidence which supports the fact that corruption is a deterrent to the country’s economic growth. Guyana’s ranking on the Global Corruption Perception Index is consistently low; yet, the government has done absolutely nothing to curtail the monster of corruption. In fact, some would say that the PPP has encouraged corruption, because in most cases, those connected to the party are the ones most likely
to be involved in corrupt practices and will not be disciplined or fired by their PPP masters. During the past twelve years, there is no evidence that the Jagdeo and Ramotar regimes have done anything to curb corruption, although they are aware of its significant negative impact on the country’s economic growth and sustenance. While both presidents preached a zero-tolerance approach to corruption during the election, there are no serious collective or concerted efforts made to rid the country of this atrocity. Their actions are duplicitous. Corruption is so pervasive in every level of Government, and any attempt to curb it might unravel some unsavoury events, thus forcing political accountability, political exodus, or early political retirement. We s t r o n g l y b e l i e v e that any serious attempt by the PPP to charge one of their own party members for corruption would result in political instability, severe repercussion, and collateral damage within the party, and the leaders are fully aware of this. Their public theatrics are designed to spread propaganda and to fool the masses into believing that the PPP is serious about wiping out corruption but in reality,
they are not. Guyana’s solution to chronic corruption is embedded in a pond of PPP propaganda, distortions and untruths that get stagnated because there is no drainage. It is also entrenched in the PPP government pipeline which contains the rain of corruption. Therefore, we believe that corruption cleansing should begin at the top with ministers, permanent secretaries and all senior government officers, as well as the judicial system and the police force. What the people have seen and have come to accept as corruption panacea are senior government officials and police bribe-taking scandals, which usually do not reach the court for lack of evidence or missing case dockets. This type of coverup is aimed at protecting senior party officials and friends of the regime from prosecution and conviction which the regime fully supports. It is a fact that the PPP regime cannot or is not willing to solve its corrupt practices because it might be counterproductive, in that it will expose and weaken the party. Corruption does not start with the marginalized group and the average citizen; it does not start in a vacuum, and there is no magic wand that can be waved to
cure the problem. The logical, parochial thought process would dictate that corruption does not start at the bottom levels of government; it starts at the top with senior party officials and spreads outwards and downwards. Corruption under the PPP regime is a trickle-down process. We urged the leaders of the opposition Mr Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC and Brigadier David Granger of APNU to put aside their differences, unite and think about the masses; their continued sufferings, their pains, their despair and hopelessness, their integrity, and forced the stubborn PPP cabal to establish the Integrity Commission; the Procurement Commission; employ collective intellectual vigilance and consistency to replace mediocrity; extrapolate, expose, investigate, publicize, and highlight high-profile corrupt cases, and make examples of those who are found guilty of corruptible practices. This is long overdue. This would minimize corruption in the top tier of the government where it is needed the most, and its ripple
effect disseminated to the ordinary citizens and among the lower ranks of the police force. This tactic, most certainly will have a positive effect on foreign investments, sustainable economic growth and employment, and improve local and
international perception. It will bring decency and integrity to all government employees and the nation. And Guyana will no longer be labeled as one of the most, if not the most corrupt country in the Caribbean. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh
Dr. Singh must... From page 4 across Guyana for his politics of principle (Mr. Ramjattan) and one who is now seen as a compliant member of the PPP cabal, demands further action in the National Assembly. I humbly call on Mr. Ramjattan to bring this matter to the Economic Services Committee with haste. All indicators are pointing in the direction that chunks of the funds reserved for the traditional public service were carved out to pay the PPP ‘Fat Cats’ some stupendous salary increases and to recruit more PPP charlatans at enormous salaries, leaving the workers with the five percent only; more crumbs from the PPP. They did this in the 9th Parliament when they dominated the political scene
and they are trying to do it again in the 10th Parliament, totally oblivious to the fact that they are a minority Government with more checks and balances in place. If there is anything this 10th Parliament must achieve, it is more financial integrity from the Executive. The time for subterfuge, deceit and smokescreens died with the 9th Parliament. This matter will just serve to reinforce the need for Dr. Singh to face the privileges committee after his alleged actions at ignoring the expenditure plan approved by the 10th Parliament in the 2012 and 2013 National Budget. Certainly he is not Caesar and he is not spending Caesar’s money! Sasenarine Singh
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 12, 2013
One Mile School to be bigger, Sooba was not appointed based on better with new engineer’s estimate Town Clerk controversy...
qualifications alone - Dr. Luncheon
Hamilton Green
Carol Sooba
Dr. Roger Luncheon
Government is adamant that academic qualifications are only a subset of the criteria that the interview panel used in making their recommendations for the appointment of Town Clerk Carol Sooba. But, the Mayor and City Councillors continue to be disgruntled with the appointment of the “unqualified” Town Clerk. They believe that her 16month stint as acting Town Clerk does not provide relevant experience for the job. Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, responding to queries about Sooba’s qualifications for the job said that as a public officer, relevant job experience and qualifications are needed. However, the completion of a ‘first degree’ does not make one experienced, he added. Dr. Luncheon posited that academic qualifications were not the sole criteria for
the job. Local Government Minister, Ganga Persaud had said that an eligible candidate for the position must have academic qualifications and Sooba is not without that. He had said that the Ministry is satisfied that Sooba is the best suited candidate for the position, “with all things being equal full stop.” However, the Mayor and City Councillors believe that relevant academic qualifications should have played a major role in the appointment. Mayor Hamilton Green at a press conference at City Hall, yesterday said it has become clear that Sooba is being used as a ‘whip’ to suffocate and beat the Council. He said Sooba joined the Council in 1997 as a legal clerk. Her academic qualifications listed in her file are GCE and CXC subjects but certificates to backup these claims were
never provided. “The only experience she had was working at the Deeds Registry in New Amsterdam. In her application, which the Personnel Officer can confirm, she listed certain Magistrates as the person she worked with as a legal clerk,” he said. In addition, she was a school teacher. But, even with the controversy about her qualifications Sooba has refused to set the record straight. When approached yesterday, Sooba said she is not speaking to Kaieteur News. And further “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”, Sooba said.
The One Mile Primary School will be rebuilt thrice its previous size, hence, the increased engineer’s estimate moving from $60M to $172M for the project, according to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. Her comment was prompted by a headline “Estimate almost tripled for One-Mile Primary construction” in Tuesday’s last publication. The Minister explained that $60M would have built only a portion of the school that would only have been able to house a fraction of the number housed at the old school. Previously the school housed 800 students; it was torched by arsonists last August while residents in Linden were protesting the intended increase in electricity tariffs for the district. One Mile students are attending classes at three schools and one community centre in the district. Underscoring that an entirely new building plan was done for a new school, the Education Minister said this nullified the previous engineer’s estimate which was $60M. “The engineer’s estimate that they speak of is for a wholly different project from the one advertised before.
- Minister Manickchand When it was advertised before for $60M, this only catered for one block. And that was because regional officials were adamant they would rebuild the school and raised funds. This new engineer’s estimate is for the whole school. So naturally it will be bigger in amount.” “Government wisely scrapped the previous plan after realising that a large section of the residents would still be inconvenienced by having to travel far distances to attend schools that are overcrowded because of having to place this new number at those schools.” Previously, a Self-help Committee was established to oversee the rebuilding of the One Mile Primary School and donations were made by organizations and individuals to contribute to the rebuilding. Millions of dollars were collected and some form of rebuilding was done. The self help committee had estimated that their rebuilding effort would have cost $100M. That reconstruction started with concrete works being executed on the foundation and ground floor. Then works on the front wing of the building commenced. Works
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand had also begun on the bottom flat and top floor. The Self-help committee had planned that when completed; the school would have two wings, and would include new features such as an Information Technology laboratory and staff room. It was expected that construction of the first wing would have concluded last September, for the new school year. The second wing was scheduled for April 2014. Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon was in a meeting.
Govt. seeks embassy permission to disclose details of rejected USAID project By Latoya Giles Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon has said that he would have to seek permission from the US Embassy to divulge the details of the project that Guyana rejected from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project. Luncheon was at the time addressing questions as to
why the government had pulled out of the 2012 project. According to Luncheon, some time in the latter half of 2012, the US Embassy on behalf of USAID had engaged the government in support for an agreement on a USAID project for Guyana. Luncheon explained that the project is the one Cabinet ultimately rejected in October, 2013. He said that the design for that project had generated
considerable comments at the level of Cabinet. It was explained that conventionally, when such projects are being developed, both parties sit across the table and discuss it maturely. This time around this did not happen. The Cabinet Secretary said that it was unfortunate that the project did not occur. He said what the administration was confronted with in the latter part of 2012 and what they were dealing with in 2013 was impressing on their developmental partner USAID that the abandonment of convention, meeting and talking on the project was unacceptable. “I don’t want to get into the merits or demerits of the proposed activity on the project. Essentially the design, activity and merits consideration along those lines, the Cabinet said that they were not moving ahead and that they were unprepared and they contacted their counter parts,” Luncheon said. He said too that the project proposal presented to Guyana did not reflect bilateral input of the
Government of Guyana and USAID, and on that basis considerable reservations were expressed by the administration. He explained that the design was considered by Cabinet and both project and design were rejected. “The project that habitually and conventionally is an engagement between Guyana and its development partner, USAID, this one in 2012 departed from that convention…Firstly, we were presented with an agreement to sign over which we had zero contribution.” Luncheon said that when they officially got the design, “there was considerable objection, as far as the administration was concerned. This design would have never ever been provided for in any bilateral relationship, as a consequence it was rejected.” Dr. Luncheon added that the design allowed for the involvement of the USAID in the national life and politics of Guyana. The US$13.1M bilateral agreement was to advance development in health, economic growth and democracy and governance.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
Debate over unaccounted $8000M…
Finance Minister must provide the names, categories, salaries of recruits Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, has concluded that the credibility of Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, is identical to that of his predecessor, Bharrat Jagdeo. During his presentation at a press conference yesterday at the Side Walk Café on Middle Street, Georgetown, Ramjattan reminded members of the media corps of how the AFC was criticized about its claims surrounding the $8,000M in the Revised Wages and Salaries category. He insisted that this money has not been properly accounted for over the past five years. Ramjattan said that he did not respond to Dr. Singh’s initial response for “it simply revealed how scatter-brained the Minister was getting, now that his game was up and the Ministry’s scheming was being unraveled.” Dr. Singh then issued another response. In his statement, Dr. Singh did not speak directly to the AFC claims. Instead, he complained about Ramjattan’s integrity. The Finance Minister said, “Mr.Kemraj Ramjattan has been making some outrageously inaccurate claims regarding the level of salary increase that can be paid to public servants as provided for in the 2013 National Budget. “These public statements clearly demonstrate that the AFC, and in particular Mr. Ramjattan, is unfamiliar with the structure of the National Budget and has not been paying attention to answers provided in the National Assembly in relation to this precise matter,” the Finance Minister said. “Yet, Mr. Ramjattan pretends to be of moral high ground when in fact, the information regarding the uses and purpose of the Review of Wages and Salaries was already presented to the entire nation through the National Assembly as recent as Tuesday, April 2, 2013 and in a statement issued by the
Ashni Singh
Khemraj Ramjattan
Ministry of Finance on Sunday December 8, 2013.” Mr. Ramjattan having read the letter informed that there is not an iota of truth in this second response. “What he said then in April 2013 was indeed said. But it was all suspect and hollow. Just like in the previous year when he had said that the Opposition has the right to reduce proposed budgetary allocations which right he will respect, yet going to Court to argue that there was no such right.” “It is not completely true to say that only about half of the approved $4.4B for Revised Wages and Salaries for 2013 was going to go towards increases for public servants. The most substantial part was supposed to, if not the whole of it. And, so too, it is not true that the other half was intended for new recruits and promotions.” The Member of Parliament contended that it would be most absurd to consider that new recruits and promotions from April 2 to December 10 would involve so much expenditure which amounted to approximately $2.2 B. He said that the Minister
will now have to say how many new staffers the Public Service took on during that period and why. Ramjattan also said that the Minister will have to come forth with the said categories and salaries of the supposedly, “new recruits.” “Now that he is plausibly arguing that this sum catered for promotions, he has to inform about and account for all the said promotions.” The Attorney at Law said, “The Minister will not be let off the hook.” The AFC leader contended also that Dr. Singh’s credibility “has become the identical ilk like a predecessor of his or probably worse.” “We all remember when Jagdeo was, with all the theatrics of an Academy award winning actor, saying there was no money to pay additional increases to Public Servants because all the money, including those under the Revised Wages and Salaries allocation, had been used up for similar reasons ....new recruits and promotions… Now, it is the same disingenuous strokes but with a different batsman (Dr. Singh) playing them.”
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Trafficked Indian national rescued from Regent Street store The store in which the young man worked
A sting operation led by the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization (GWMO), the Human Services Ministry and the Guyana Police Force resulted in the rescue of an Indian national from an abusive labour situation at a Regent Street store. The 23-year-old man, allegedly a Trafficking In Persons (TIP) victim, arrived in Guyana last year December and has been working with Satnam Variety Store as a sales clerk. He received no salary, though he was promised US$300 monthly. The man whose freedom was restricted and who was subjected to physical and verbal abuse, resided at his employer’s Georgetown residence, situated in a posh neighbourhood. When questioned by a police rank during the sting operation the employer, also an Indian national, admitted that the man’s passport was in his possession. Both men were taken into police custody
to provide statements. President of GWMO, Simona Broomes, who organized the sting operation, said this is the first rescue mission that the organization has executed in the City. Usually complaints of human trafficking in the City are referred to the police. However, constant e-mails and messages to the GWMO about the man’s maltreatment forced the body to act. Yesterday before noon, Broomes, an officer of the Ministry’s TIP Unit and a police rank walked into Satnam Variety Store under the guise of shopping. The victim, who was assisting customers, secretly expressed fear and the need to be rescued. He begged the team not to leave without him. Additional ranks joined
the operation subsequently and the man was rescued. The men were taken to Police Headquarters at Eve Leary to assist with investigation. According to Broomes, the victim recounted his terrifying situation of abuse to the police in a statement. He does not want to leave Guyana since his family in India is depending on him financially. Broomes said this is not the first time that the employer is being accused of maltreatment. Apparently, two men who were employed under similar circumstances at the store lodged a complaint against the man at the Ministry of Labour.
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Kaieteur News
Vagrant blocks flow of traffic The man of unsound mind lying beneath the truck yesterday
Thursday December 12, 2013
Vehicular smash up blacks out neighbourhood
The Grey Honda CRV with the plates removedThe red vehicle with the lantern post next to it and the grey CRV at the end-
The vagrant being apprehended by the police yesterday after he was pulled from beneath the truck A man purportedly of unsound mind, created commotion on the La Penitence Public Road, yesterday by “jumping in the way of a moving dump truck.” The driver of the truck, Wola Simpson, said that he was transporting silt. “We de coming from desilting dem drain along the public road when dis man come out of nowhere and jump in me passage way so I turn fuh avoid he and me ain’t knock he but all de silt and stuff from the truck fall pon de road. The man lie down in all de slush. He just lay down
under de truck and ain’t want move” When Kaieteur news arrived on the scene, the man was lying beneath the truck in a pool of slush obstructing the flow of traffic. He was refusing to move. As persons living and working nearby converged on the scene, several passersby took photographs and inquired about the man’s condition. “What happened? He said he want to kill heself?” some said. An officer at the scene told this newspaper that the fire service was called in to
assist. No police ain’t gon want hold he in da condition. The fire truck arrived some time later and sprayed water on the road way and beneath the truck. Yet the man refused to move. However, the driver of the truck assisted in pulling him from beneath the vehicle. The man (no name given) was later identified as a vagrant, who is usually in the vicinity of the La Penitence market. He was taken into police custody. He was heard saying that he wanted to kill himself because someone was trying to kill him.
Residents of Camp and Princes Streets last night witnessed a multiple vehicle crash at the junction. Last night around 08:00 hours the driver of a grey Honda CRV PRR 4791 was reportedly speeding east along Princes Street when he collided with a red Toyota car PKK 5138 that was driving south along Camp Street and about to continue on to Russell Street. No one was seriously injured. The driver of the red vehicle which had four
persons inside said that when he realized what was happening he swerved to avoid a collision but was hit by the grey CRV and ended up slamming in the lamp post taking it down before coming to a halt. The CRV then crashed into a concrete bridge at the junction before stopping. A team from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) was on the scene defusing the severed electrical wires from the poles within the immediate vicinity. Eyewitnesses who were
on the scene said that the grey CRV was driving so fast that one person said “he wanted to take flight” with that amount of speed. After the accident occurred the residents reported that the driver of the grey CRV removed the license plates from the vehicle. Police were summoned to the scene but took a while to come. During that time the persons on the scene were discussing amongst themselves the best option to resolving the issue and to satisfy themselves.
Russia may answer conventional attack with nukes
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional strike and sees them as a “great equalizer” reducing the likelihood of aggression, a senior Russian official said yesterday. While Russia amended its military doctrine years ago to allow for the possibility of using nuclear weapons first in retaliation to a non-nuclear attack, the statement by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin reflected Moscow’s concern about prospective
U.S. conventional weapons. Weapons that have been developed in the United States under the so-called “prompt global strike” program would be capable of striking targets anywhere in the world in as little as an hour with deadly precision. Russia, which has lagged far behind in developing such weapons, has described them as destabilizing. Without naming the U.S., Rogozin told lawmakers in comments carried by Russian news agencies said that those who “experiment with non-
nuclear strategic weapons” should remember that “if we come under attack, we will undoubtedly use nuclear weapons in certain situations to defend our territory and state interests.” He said that it should discourage any potential aggressor. “We have never underestimated the role of nuclear weapons ... as a ‘great equalizer,’” Rogozin said. Asked for reaction, an official at North Atlantic Treaty Organization headquarters in Brussels said,
“NATO has stated repeatedly that it does not view Russia as an adversary. Last year at the Chicago Summit, NATO leaders reiterated their desire to see a true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia. NATO is committed to the principles laid out in the Founding Act of the NATORussia Council, and works productively with Russia across a range of issues of common concern.” The Russian doctrine mirrors the American strategy during the Cold War, when the
U.S. would not rule out using nuclear weapons first, because it feared it might have to do so in response to overwhelming conventional attack on western Europe by Soviet forces. Rogozin said that Russia is working on developing its own version of the “prompt global strike” weapons, but wouldn’t give any details. The U.S. plans included modifying some of the existing nuclear-armed missiles to carry conventional warheads as well as designing new vehicles
capable of traveling at least five times the speed of sound. Russian officials said that such U.S. weapons wouldn’t fall under any restrictions but would have combat efficiency comparable to nuclear weapons, and thus should be included in any prospective nuclear arms reduction talks. Russian suspicions about the U.S. intentions have aggravated tensions caused by a dispute over the U.S.-led NATO missile defense program, which Moscow sees as a threat to its nuclear deterrent.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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WHAT HAS CHANGED? Anyone who is familiar with the US immigration laws knows all too well that if you are denied a visitor’s visa at a US embassy, it makes little sense in reapplying unless you can demonstrate that your circumstances since the first interview have changed. If you cannot show how things are different--and favourably different since your last interview there is little chance of you being successful when reapplying. In short, between the time of your first application and your second application, your circumstances cannot remain the same if you are to stand any chance of being granted a visa. The government of Guyana is about to re-table in the National Assembly a number of pieces of legislation which were all voted down by the combined opposition. Amongst the most important pieces of legislation in this bundle of Bills is the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of Terrorism Bill which was previously voted down by the opposition. The particular Bill was necessary to allow Guyana to become complaint with its international obligations to combat terrorism and fight money laundering. As a result of the negative vote, the government was unable to bring its laws in compliance with the recommendations of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). The CFTAF met in November and blacklisted Guyana as not
being sufficiently compliant. If Guyana does not become compliant by May of next year, Guyana will be reported to the international partners of the CFTAF and thus become subject to deepreaching sanctions which are likely to hurt the economy and discourage foreign investment. The government is eager for the Bill to be passed. But since it has a minority in the National Assembly, it needs to be assured that one or both of the opposition parties will support the passage of the Bill. But what has changed since the last time the Bill was introduced? It is the same Bill that was rejected that is going to be introduced and while the rejection by the opposition parties were on the basis of grounds extraneous to the contents of the Bill, there is nothing to suggest that the circumstances between the government and the opposition has changed thereby allowing for support for the passage of the Bill. The AFC had demanded that the government establish the Public Procurement Commission. The government tabled an amendment to the Procurement Act to remove what it saw as a contradiction in the existing law relating to government’s right to a no objection. The AFC is uncompromisingly opposed to the government having any such right. Since then there has been
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo get de wrang house Jagdeo get vex, then he smile then he get vex again and all de time is dem boys he vex wid. He doing he own business wid Brian James but dem boys suh busy to expose de thing that dem even put other people house in de scenario. When Jagdeo open de paper de next day big and bold he see a house which he couldn’t believe was he own suh he call Brian. But is not only he who call. De people who own de house call too. In fact dem get dem lawyer to mek people understand that dem never sell, that dem don’t know no Brian and that while dem glad from a security point of view that Jagdeo is dem neighbor, dem never discuss any business wid he. De thing is that Jagdeo seh that he stop being president for more than two years an people still zeroing in pun he. But dem boys seh that de people had other reason fuh frighten. Suppose people believe that is Jagdeo house then de next thing you know is that people start fuh gang up deh wid placard. Just like wha dem do Steve Surujbally, is de same thing dem people might do and de people can’t sleep while Bharrat deh in he fancy bed at Pradoville2. Donald ain’t know wha happening because he can’t access de internet wheh he deh. Guyana refuse to pay de bill because dem claim that dem want every cent fuh pay de workers. That is why Donald never even know that dem had a fan out after he lef de country. De plan is to replace he as de party leader into de next elections.
no progress made in talks between the sides and in fact the relationship between the government and the opposition reached a lowpoint after the opposition killed the Anti- Money Laundering and the Countering of Terrorism Bill. The opposition is inflexible and the government is defiant. This is the perfect combination for no progress and therefore it is befuddling to understand just what the
government hopes to achieve by re-tabling the Bill when it knows very well that nothing has changed and the Bill is not likely to be passed. In order to break this impasse what is required to a period of cooling off for both sides. It is inopportune for the government to be attempting to once again table Bills without any possibility of these Bills enjoying the support of either or both of the opposition parties in the
National Assembly. If the Bill is defeated again, this will only worsen the already strained relationship between the government and the opposition parties. And with that will come a great deal of problems as the country prepares for another Budget without any input at all from the opposition. The political climate has not improved. Heavy winds of hostility are driving the
ship of political stability off course. The clouds are dark and thick; a storm is brewing and the rise in the political temperature that will result from continued stalemate will not make things better. Not now. Not next week. Not next month.
Guyana Gold Fields’ US$283M mining project to pour first gold bar in 2015 ... to introduce first ever underground mining
Sedgman officials explaining to attendees the extent of their work
One of South America’s largest gold mines and Guyana’s second largest gold extracting operation since the departure of OMAI in 2005 is expected to pour in the first of thousands of gold bars in 2015. On hand is a US$238M Aurora Gold Project. Canadian –based Guyana Goldfields Inc. (GGI) officials, during the projects launch at the Conference Centre yesterday, added that Guyana will also see its first ever underground mining set up; extracting ore to be processed. With this multi-million dollar venture Guyanese are said to be benefiting immensely. The greatest prize is in the areas of local employment, training and remittances to the local economy. Project officials said that some 400 to 500 locals would be employed during operations, while the workforce would be primarily, 90 to 95 percent locals. Employees also stand to benefit medically; and will attain training from foreign experts in technical skills, geological, underground and surface mining; managerial, leadership and professional development. The company has also vowed to provide during its beyond 17-year mining life span, health services to other miners in the Aurora Region Seven district.
GGI has embarked on attaining a total 3.29 million ounces of gold, averaging 194,000 ounces per year. GGI has further executed a “Heads of Agreement and Term Sheet”, documenting the principal terms and conditions with joint venture partners, Sedgman Limited and Graña y Montero for the full engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) of the initial processing facility and power plant.” Of an explained fourphase mining process, Aurora is at the second stage which speaks to the development of the mine during its lifecycle. At the first phase of exploration and predevelopment, more than 250 Guyanese were hired; this stage involves investment, exploration. The next phase; development and construction involves up to 900 locals being gainfully employed. Actual operations are to start in 2015; and beyond will some 500 persons earning jobs. Scott Caldwell, GGI CEO explained that the company is pleased to be undertaking such a massive project in the country. This is an extremely significant milestone for the Project and for the Company. We are excited to be moving the Aurora Gold Project
forward and have engaged an excellent team whose strengths complement each other.” Chief Operations Officer Lello Galassi said, “We have set ourselves 2015 as the first gold pour.” He said, “Open mining is where we start and then it is an underground mine 18 months later, to increase production.” That operation is expected to start 2018. Natural Resource Minister Robert Persaud congratulated the company on the project before accusing sections of the society of stifling government process. “As a nation we have always been talking about the rich potential that we have and we need to unleash the potential especially in developing and ensuring that our people and country benefit from resources but we will not be able to do so if we sit around... and that is where we have to give incentives to both locals as well as creating an environment for pouring investment. “I want to speak to that issue because it seems as if every time there is an effort made to ensure that we attract some form of investment to move the government forward, there are probably segments of the society which take that to mean, sell
out or buy out or whatever terminology used.” Persaud announced however that as of yesterday morning the gold production declaration was in excess of 452,000 ounces, surpassing the 451,000 target. After explaining environmental considerations; he expounded on the benefits of interior community development and economic mobility. It was explained that the proposed EPC contract will be on a “not-to-exceed” basis, valued at US$137M. The agreed general terms and conditions for the engineering, procurement, management and construction of the initial 5,000 tons per day (“tpd”) processing facility and power plant for the “not-to-exceed amount” of US$137M, while the total capital cost for the entire project is now estimated to be US$249M.” Sedgman Limited is a services company involved in test work, design, construction and operation of mineral processing plants. Graña y Montero is the oldest and largest engineering and construction company in Peru and is publically listed on the Lima and New York Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of over US$2.3B.
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Thursday December 12, 2013
Public hearings begin into Computers donated to Critchlow Labour College operations of Corentyne orphanage By Leon Suseran
Wilson Alexander Shervington makes a donation to a member of CLC‘s administrative board As efforts are being made to sustain the legacy of the institution, the administration of the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) received a batch of brand new computer systems on Monday, to assist in the process. The computers systems were donated to the institution by Wilson Alexander Shervington, of “Shervington Third World Trust” a UK-based non-profit organization, which was established to support the development of education and health care in poor countries. Fifteen computer systems were handed over to team from the administrative
department at the CLC complex on Woolford Avenue Georgetown. Shervington, a Guyanese by birth, expressed satisfaction at being able to contribute to the development and enhancement of the historic college. “I am pleased to make this contribution towards the development of this institution and education sector as a whole. It’s just a small token of what is to come,” he added In accepting the presentation, Head of the Administrative team at CLC, Rawle Lucas said that works are in progress to restore the college to its original standards. “Capacity building is very important, therefore in addition to strengthening the capacity of our computer lab, we also think it’s important to strengthen the capacity of our
staff and the resources were given will to boost that capacity. It is important for to us to ensure that we make good use of it.” He said that plans are in the pipeline for the introduction of new courses to the school curriculum as well as for international accreditation for graduates of CLC. College Administrator, Shawn Austin, explained that a new board is in place and work is being conducted to address challenges facing the institution. “We are working on reestablish all our programmes we have about eleven programmes, which will begin soon, we are putting administrative and other mechanisms in place so as to have the smooth functioning of the college come January 13.” CLC has faced numerous challenges in recent years after Government pulled its financial support some nine years ago. However, the administrative team is enduring the fight to preserve the legacy of the historic institution. CLC currently offers an advanced diploma project management, advance courses in mental health, communications and effective speaking as well as Mathematics and English.
Public hearings into the operations of the Camal International Home for Abused Women and Children begin today at the Albion Sports Complex on the Corentyne. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has announced that public hearings will be held where members of the public are invited to express their views and give information regarding allegations of maltreatment of children at the popular orphanage. The inquiry is being conducted in the wake of the recent arrest of three young girls who resided at the Camal International Home, and subsequent allegations of maltreatment of children housed at the Institution. The girls were arrested and sentenced to the New Opportunity Corps. They have since been released and are being housed at the Canaan Home at Port Mourant. The Inquiry, headed by Mrs. Ayo Dalgetty-Dean, will review the operations of the home in accordance with the Minimum Operating Standards for Children’s Homes and Institutions. Other members of the investigating team are Ms. Saudia Feroze and Mrs. Erma Bovell, both of whom are members of the Visiting Committee for Children’s Homes and Institutions; Ms. Joan Ann Edghill, Legal Counsel at the Child Care and Protection Agency; and Mrs. Claudia Munroe, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer. A very emotional Carmen Kissoon, head caretaker of Camal International Home, said that she welcomes the Inquiry. Kissoon, who will be present during today’s public hearings, said that she will set the record straight to “Ms. Webster and Ann Greene.” “I am going to tell Webster and Ann Greene my side of the story,” she stated. Speaking about the three girls that ran away from the home,
...Kissoon welcomes inquiry
Camal International Home Head: Mrs. Carmen Kissoon Kissoon said that it was the second time they did. “They wanted to go and they ran away before. The Probation Department brought them back and we took them back, and then they ran away again. We called the police and told them that we cannot deal with these girls anymore and before anybody rape them or kill them, it is better the police handle the matter,” she said. Speaking about allegations of making the girls do her housework, Kissoon said, “We didn’t do these girls all these things. That’s not true; all that the lady takes them to do housework are only accusations.” The home now has 34 children, she added. It was started by herself and her husband in 1995 after they remigrated to Guyana from Canada. “People who always come here and know, we are not punishing them, starving them, beating them, still give us their support. We don’t have any men here—just three ladies,” she said. Kissoon, a Canadian citizen, and Social Worker, who worked in Canadian Correctional Facilities and numerous schools, stated that her children in Canada are quite upset and ashamed.
“People in Canada put so much garbage on Facebook and when my children in Canada see that, it hurts so much. Why did I leave Canada to come here and help the homeless and I am going to punish them?” she queried in tears. “I have nothing to hide that’s why people are still supporting us, but some people who don’t know, they believe anything,” she added. “I am very strict. I don’t allow them [the three girls] to dress anyhow, or go and walk on the road, but they are big now- 14, 15, 16- years old and they want to be free. I have nothing to hide! I am not ashamed of anything, but ashamed of how people are accusing me and harassing me. “I know for sure I am not a bad person. I don’t know why the public is on my back. A reporter from Guyana Times made so many accusations.” In addition to Kissoon, there are other volunteers who assist with the day-today operations of the home. There is a house mother, Sunita Tantoon who normally chaperone the children for the night. There is also one other individual, Sandra, from Guava Bush who comes and assist during the day.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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The Opposition has performed inadequately If the works of the Opposition were to be graded at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) since they attained the oneseat majority, the opposition would undoubtedly secure a Grade Four. This assertion was made by Financial Analyst, Mr. Ramon Gaskin who is of the firm belief that the Opposition has done a poor job since the 2011 elections. Gaskin says that while the Opposition which consists of the; the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), worked together and were successful in placing a halt on the controversial Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Anti Money Laundering Bill and have made notable cuts to the 2013 budget which is still before the court, they have still missed a few more critical issues that require immediate attention. He made reference to the fact that the corrupt acts of NICIL still continue without consistent resistance by the Opposition. “When we look at the Opposition, we don’t see them outlining half of these things and protesting against them. In fact, other persons within our society have been more aggressive and steady in the fight against corruption. Our Opposition has to do more and with the gift of being in the majority, their work for the past two years is sorely unsatisfactory.” Gaskin referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which he believes is also slow in its work and has not been doing enough to pinpoint the violations of the constitution by the Government. The analyst said, “The Opposition should have been working day and night in order to get this government out of office... The Accounts
- Granger is not militant enough as a leader - Gaskin
Ramon Gaskin
Committee and the Opposition should have been working hand in hand to expose this government and be behind it for the illegal contracts it drafted.” Gaskin claims that the biggest failure of APNU and the AFC is their inability to mobilize the people. “This is not struggle today and rest tomorrow. The behavior of the Opposition is one that reflects laziness. One of the greatest leaders of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela has proved to us that nothing can be accomplished without struggle. But while the Opposition speaks of how corrupt the government is, they don’t prepare to fight the battle. They have to understand that the people put them there to fight for their cause and not go on vacation. In fact, the Opposition goes on vacation more than the school children.” “The fact that the Opposition has to be spoon fed on certain topics shows that they have not been doing enough research. They are not vigilant enough. They need to do more union
work, more research and more work in the Parliament.” As for the Leader of the APNU, the analyst said that Mr. David Granger is not doing anything, “but talking.” He said, “Granger is not sufficiently militant for the people of Guyana. When there are protests, we hardly see him and this is something he needs to change.” Mr. Granger, when questioned on the successes and failures of his opposition collation, requested that the questions be directed to Mr. Carl Greenidge, the financial spokesman of the coalition and Mr. Joseph Harmon, who functions in the capacity of Shadow Minister of Public Works and Telecommunications. In winning 26 seats in the National Assembly, Greenidge said that APNU continues to fight for the constitutional reforms agreed in 2002 and the implementation of the key constitutional decisions taken by the House and fight for the interests of the poor . At the APNU press conference on Friday last,
Carl Greenidge
David Granger
when the Opposition leader was asked what course of action his party intends to take with regard to the five percent increase for public servants, he said “We have stated clearly that the five percent is inadequate.” “However, in keeping with our principles, we do not interfere with the negotiation process between the union and the government and we have asked for this to be done in good faith… We feel that it is not in our place to say what percentage should be given. The (trade) union can speak for itself and we support its demands…and we are prepared to accept the outcome of that process.” This was in stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by members of AFC. They asserted that they will join the public servants in their protests as they support the notion that the five percent increase is simply insufficient. As for the goals which remain hanging in the balance, he said that “at the top of that list would be the removal of the People’s Progressive
Party Civic (PPP/C) from office by way of the electoral process…and to bring an end to its excesses.” This he contended may not necessarily be the goals of the other Opposition Party or “it may not have been its goal to begin with.” Despite Gaskin’s affirmations, Greenidge is of the firm belief that the APNU has been successful in its attempts to hold the PPP regime accountable for its actions by pursing a number of measures. He said, “Under the new dispensation, which is clearly less restrictive prior to 2011, these measures include
promoting our own Bills and motions and winning support for its proposals once they can work with the AFC.” While he did not directly respond to the failures of APNU, he asserts that it has to be recognized that there are limits to Parliamentary action. Contrary to what Gaskin believes, he said that within the Parliament, the Opposition has been successfully challenging what the PPP regime does. He said that APNU has been using all the available Constitutional avenues in order to counter the corrupt practices of the PPP. When asked about the achievements of the collation, he said that it has been putting a brake, with varying degrees of effectiveness, on illegal actions by the Government. This is in relation to unauthorized spending, illegal procurement, and the issue of contracts “as in the case of the Specialty Hospital.” He said, “Our party has been fighting for the transparent use of public funds, but the Opposition cannot muster sufficient votes to change the Constitution without the concurrence of the PPP. APNU has however passed a number of Motions followed by Bills seeking to effect Constitutional change, but the President has not assented to them as yet.”
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Thursday December 12, 2013
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
President Obama and the richest African woman in the world In 1930, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru became the president of the Congress Party of India. That is 83 years ago. Between Mr. Nehru, his daughter, Indira, and Indira’s son, Rajiv, between them have headed the Government of India for thirty-five years since Independence in 1947. At the moment, the Congress’s President is the wife of Rajiv (deceased), Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, and Sonia’s son, Rahul, is the VicePresident Rahul is also a Congress Party Member of Parliament. Looking at the statistics, it would show that over the past
eighty years, the ruling party in India and the Government of India has been a dynastic affair – one family has been in control It is no secret in India and the world that Rahul Gandhi will in the future contest elections as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Congress Party. This is the Third World where Nelson Mandela is seen as a virtual saint. Let us cross over to Africa. Forbes magazine lists Isabel dos Santos as the seventh richest person in Africa at US$4 billion, making her the wealthiest African woman in the world ahead of Oprah
Winfrey by US$1billion. Isabel dos Santos is nowhere near the age of Warren Buffet, the richest American. Buffet is 83, dos Santos is 40. Maybe if she lives as long as Buffet, she may surpass him in billions of dollars. Of course you are tempted to ask; how at age forty she got US$4 billion? Isabel dos Santos is the daughter of José dos Santos, the President of Angola since 1979. He is the fourth longest serving African President with Mugabe at number five. The world, including Guyana under Forbes Burnham, helped dos Santos and Mugabe to come to power. Even the World Council of Churches headquartered in Switzerland gave money to the guerilla war led by Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo in what was then Rhodesia. The Third World, including large India, large China and small Guyana stood with dos Santos and Mugabe. It was Cuba that played the definitive role in 1976 in bringing dos Santos
to power when its soldiers fought on behalf of the guerrillas led by Mugabe and Jonas Savimbi. Guyana played its part by allowing the planes to refuel when Barbados and Trinidad refused. Maybe Isabel dos Santos should spend some of that money in Guyana. She owes us and we should tell her so. Today Nkomo is dead. Harassed by Mugabe, he made a statement that is today so resounding that all young people need to remember it. He intoned; “I was never ever persecuted like this even under the white man in Rhodesia.” He was referring to what Mugabe did him. Savimbi resumed fighting, this time against dos Santos after claiming that dos Santos rigged the elections. Incidentally, the Guardian (of London) got hold of thousands of secret off shore accounts in which the world’s wealthy have hidden their money. The Guardian has published some of the names of these accounts hidden away in some small islands in
the Caribbean and South Pacific. Guess who is a holder? Robert Mugabe. Up came the phenomenal Barack Obama at Mandela’s funeral service. He took a huge swipe at dictators who love Mandela but are trillions of miles away from what Mandela stood for. No doubt Guyana must be included in the hypocrisy that President Obama had exposed. Here are the words of the US President; “There are too many people who happily embrace Madiba’s legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge poverty and growing equality…there are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba’s struggle but do not tolerate dissent from their own people.” The Guyanese people know what President Obama means. I know what Obama means. Twice I was attacked, lost my job, and still facing a court case. But I am still alive. Some like Walter Rodney were not so fortunate. But we
Frederick Kissoon must remember Rodney was killed thirty three years ago. That was a long time ago. Yet so many of us in the 21st century here in Guyana fear for our lives in a country whose leadership went to pay homage to Mandela. The people of Africa know deep down in their hearts what this great American President means. President Obama was brave to say it - in this world where leaders openly say they love Mandela, they turn their back on horrible poverty and they practise horrible racial discrimination. I documented race discrimination in my own country and it earned me a libel suit from the then President. I am not afraid. I am a child of Madiba.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Thursday December 12, 2013
Deplorable state of West Guysuco suffers countrywide Front Road causing concern strike over annual bonus
The frustration of residents and bus drivers traversing the western end of West Front Road is mounting, as potholes in the road are developing into craters; increasing maintenance costs for motorists and posing a danger to pedestrians. The thoroughfare serves as an entry point for Route 47 minibuses into the West Ruimveldt area. Reports pertaining to the poorly maintained roadway suggest that its condition deteriorated rapidly, with “small” potholes gradually growing and expanding over time across its entire width. It was noted that a month ago, the condition of the road was not as intolerable as it is now. Drivers of the Route 47 minibuses, voicing their concerns to this newspaper, a r e o f t h e b elief that inclement weather has contributed to a large extent to the constant deterioration of the roadway. “It’s because of the rain and the street busy. Bus passing every minute… Due to that, every vehicle that go in causing the holes to get bigger and bigger,” one bus driver lamented. Other residents placed blame on the utility companies, Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), noting that the road would be broken to facilitate works. However, repairs carried out thereafter are substandard, resulting in gradual deterioration. According to the bus driver, there is no other option
afforded to them but to brave the large potholes in the execution of their daily activities. This, however, causes a strain on their pockets. The owner of a fairly new bus expressed his dismay at the current condition of the roadway, noting that he is forced to bear the strain of having to “paddle through” the large holes daily. “Because of the hole, it affects the steering of my bus. The steering ends and racking have to be replaced very often because of the state of the holes.” The man estimated his expenses to be to the tune of $15,000 monthly. Moreover, the driver noted that on rainy days the road is completely inundated, causing even more damage to vehicles. “When the rain fall, the water cover the road. Drivers can’t pick up where got holes. A strange vehicle don’t know the channels of the road and would just run straight into the holes.” Not only are drivers discontented with the present condition of the public roadway, but residents in immediate proximity have registered their disgruntlement and have expressed worry for their safety. According to some, constant danger lurks, especially considering the fact that fences bordering households are mere metres away from the public road. Of the concerns voiced, the most worrying is the fear of vehicles crashing into the fences upon attempting to
swerve from the potholes, as had occurred in times past. “The state of the road is evidently seen by taxi drivers, minibus drivers and individuals who work in high offices. They pass it. I don’t think they should turn a blind eye to what they are seeing. It is dangerous,” an elderly resident noted. The community is now seeking the attention of the Public Works Ministry. They are also requesting that speed bumps be included in the revetment plan so as to cater for the safety of pedestrians. Meanwhile, speaking with Kaieteur News, Works Ministry Engineer, Ron Rahaman, related that he was not aware of the extent to which the road had deteriorated. He said however, that the Ministry is currently engaged in roadpatching activities in Georgetown and will see to it that the West Front Road is examined. According to him, works to the roadway were scheduled to be carried out before the end of the year by the Ministry’s Force Account Unit. However, due to inclement weather, this was not possible. The Engineer said that definitive steps to restore the craters can only be done in dry weather. “The crusher run would have to be covered with asphalted concrete… That cannot be done in wet conditions.” He noted though that works to Front Road are still expected to be carried out as scheduled, before the year ends.
Drivers traverse the atrocious West Front Road
Sugar workers across the country downed tools yesterday as talks over the annual bonus between the main union and GuySuCo broke down Tuesday Sugar workers downed tools yesterday on all eight estates as talks broke down over the annual production bonus. There were differing statements from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) over the ongoing talks. According to the corporation, the union which is the largest bargaining body for the industry submitted a claim on November 18 for an annual production bonus of 6.80 day’s pay for a production of 201,000 tonnes sugar, or alternatively 29,500 tonnes per day pay. On Tuesday, during a prolonged deliberation between GuySuCo and the union, the Corporation suggested that GAWU should review its original demand to facilitate further dialogue on the matter. GuySuCo indicated that Seepaul Narine, General Secretary of the union, who headed the delegation, indicated that the bargaining body “flexible” on its demand and at the next meeting would communicate its “flexible position”. “On this note the Corporation suggested that both parties meet no later than the current week. It was then mutually agreed, with the concurrence of the delegation that both parties shall meet on Friday, December 13 at GAWU office.” GAWU officials yesterday said that its members only decided to take actions after learning that GuySuCo had said during at Tuesday’s meeting that it could not afford the bonus, as the industry is set to record another low production. GuySuCo said in its statement that it was therefore not only most disappointing for the union to call a strike when there was an agreement to meet and further negotiate its demand, but the strike actions violated the core of the extant collective labour agreement.
“The strike will only exacerbate the Corporation’s ability to meet its financial obligation. Despite low production strikes and low turnouts, the Corporation in good faith continues to enhance wages.” According to GuySuCo, over a month ago, it reached an agreement with the unions for an across the board increase of four per cent, effective from January 1, 2013. The retroactive payments totalling $735M will be paid on December 20, 2013. As of yesterday morning, GuySuCo claimed that there are approximately 960 loaded punts with 5,300 tonnes canes waiting to be processed, which could yield 375 tonnes sugar. “In addition, there are 1,275 tonnes of canes burnt in the fields waiting to be harvested, and could yield another 884 tonnes sugar. The Corporation was disappointed with this strike action and called upon all parties to act more responsibly to ensure a full resumption by tomorrow. The strike actions could spell more trouble for an industry which is already
reeling from troubles with its factories, workers, weather and cash. Last year, GuySuCo recorded its lowest production in 20 years —218,000 tonnes. This year, more bad news has come with industry and union officials confirming that the country may not even meet the 200,000-tonne mark. The accusations have been flying back and forth with Government admitting recently that it has moved to hire overseas help for the struggling Enmore factory; which has been experiencing technical issues. The US$200M Skeldon project in Berbice has failed to live up to expectations more than five years after becoming operational, facing one problem after another. Workers have been leaving in droves and with 190,000 tonnes committed market to Europe, GuySuCo has been struggling and a major embarrassment for Government. With grinding for the year expected to close on December 21, the race is against time. Strikes at the end of the year have become a norm for the industry in recent times but there have been few answers to the many challenges.
Underage teen busted with 18-year-old An 18-year-old Affiance teenager, who was apprehended at a house in Affiance with a 14-year-old girl, is expected to be released later today on station bail. Reports have indicated, the 14-year-old Cotton Field Secondary School student was found in the company of the 18-year-old, Tuesday afternoon, at Affiance. The 14-year-old said that there was no sex, and a medical report has had to be delayed, since the 14-year-old was said to be experiencing her menstrual cycle. Reports have also indicated that the 14-year-
old was apprehended a l o n g w i t h the Affiance resident in her School uniform. Detectives at Anna Regina Police station were summoned at the house in Affiance, after alert residents informed them about seeing a student during School hours at a house with an adult. Earlier this year, a number of female Students, a minibus driver and conductor were arrested after calls were fuelled by residents of Capoey Mission, alerted police. The female had walked with social clothes, while the minibus driver and conductor had beers in the vehicle.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
City Magistrate’s husband remanded for assaulting her The husband of a City Magistrate is now a remanded prisoner after he was yesterday brought before the courts for allegedly assaulting the woman. Behind tightly closed doors, Aboo McGusty, was indicted before the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on an assault charge. The prosecution claimed that the man assaulted the Magistrate on December 9 at John Street, Werk-en-Rust. When the case was called, the courtroom was cleared and many whispers of “very sensitive matter” were uttered by officials who, like the many baffled, were also forced out of the courtroom. Though there are unconfirmed reports of what occurred between the two, the man was allegedly drunk when the incident occurred. One of his sisters was yesterday spotted crying whilst communicating with him at the prisoner’s cell at the court where he was detained before the Magistrates’ ruling. ‘Petunia’ was heard asking the man “If you know you can’t drink, then don’t drink.” The matter was first called in the morning but the Magistrate’s decision was handed down in the afternoon. The Chief Magistrate reportedly remanded the man to prison where he will await his next court appearance which is supposedly scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2014.
Aboo McGusty
GPL Power outage shuts down Essequibo Coast
While businesses and Government entities continue to experience prolonged power outages throughout the Essequibo Coast, Engineers from the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) are working assiduously to restore the regular supply of electricity. In a statement to the press, the Power Company expressed regret for the outage along the Essequibo Coast. “GPL wishes to apologize to its customers along the Essequibo Coast who have been experiencing unreliable electricity supply since Monday, December 9.” “At present, Engineers from the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) are working assiduously at the Company’s Anna Regina Power Plant to rectify electrical problems that developed within the high voltage switchgear. With only two megawatts of generating capacity available for distribution, consumers would have experienced prolonged periods without electricity as GPL resorted to loadshedding.” According to reports, the entire Region Two had plunged into darkness on
- Company working to fix the problem Tuesday, due to a technical problem developed at the power plant, aback of Anna Regina. “Residents from the area said that workers from the GPL office at Anna Regina had explained that explosion had caused a small fire which resulted in a complete shutdown of the system. Dem say the equipment dem old and gon tek a time fuh fix.” The shutdown resulted in great inconvenience to workers, shop owners and taxi drivers and housewives. An officer at Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) office at Anna Regina said that the company is trying to ascertain the cause of the shutdown. Even the hospital mortuary was affected as
families of the deceased have been forced to provide at least two huge bags of ice each day for bodies to be adequately stored until the date for burial. The GPL release stated that the switchgear should have been completed by yesterday facilitating the distribution of the Plant’s 5.4 MW installed capacity to the system which has a maximum demand of 4.2 MW. Meanwhile other emerging reports have indicated that a main circuit at the Station had been damaged, resulting in the long periods of blackouts. GPL Technical personnel are said to have been summoned from Georgetown to assist in rectifying the problem on the Essequibo Coast
Page 21
Stay out, Berbice Bridge is private The Private Sector Commission is resisting moves by the Opposition to reduce the tolls of the Berbice Bridge. The business body has made it clear that it is against this form of “non-regulatory interference” which if allowed will have an impact on future investments of a similar nature in the country. Parliament’s largest Opposition faction, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), recently signaled its intention to seriously pursue moves in the National Assembly to reduce the tolls which it felt was too high. However, PSC pointed out that the fact that there is no Government investment, save for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), it will be a tough task. “The Berbice Bridge Company is owned 80% by Guyanese private sector interests, including pension funds and 20% by an institutional investor, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), that also holds nonvoting preference stock in the company and provides one of the few opportunities for a good investment return on Guyanese workers’ NIS contributions and may also be considered critical to the future life of the scheme.” PSC said that as far as it is aware, the Government directly or indirectly has no investment in, or liability relating to the bridge at this time. PSC argued that the Bridge Company attracted investment by offering a minimum return to investors who were prepared to take the financial risk. “This must not be interfered with. The company’s safety and maintenance records are well above average, as are customer facilities at both ends of the Bridge. The company is managed by a Board of Directors representing the investment interests; no
- PSC warns Opposition one Director can determine or undermine the decision of the full Board, Government or not.” The business body said it supports private investment of this nature in national projects, but the ability to attract this type of investment demands confidence in the future of the economy and low capital risk. Recently, APNU’s Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon, announced that it has amended a motion to reduce the tolls, in anticipation that it will be argued by Government that the bridge company is a private one. The Opposition will be banking on arguments that the responsibility for establishing the toll order falls within the purview of the Minister of Public Works and is provided for in the Berbice Bridge Act of 2006. The MP also pointed out that the Government, which has shares within the Bridge Company through the National Industrial Commercial and Investment Limited (NICIL) and NIS, would have a Director sitting on the board who must be able to articulate on government’s behalf for a reduction in the tolls. The Opposition has been pushing for a reduction of the tolls saying that many Berbicians and commuters are complaining over the high costs required to travel over the bridge. Harmon had said the fact that the tolls were reduced in August for a “holiday special” is evidence that the company can reduce tolls and still remain viable. “The reductions which we have proposed are reductions which the management itself had undertaken in the period of August between the 1st and 12th…they said they were responding to criticisms which were made by the
opposition political parties and that they are also responding to that …what they were going to do is implement a holiday special for that period…Our belief however is that because that period coincided with the PPP Congress that was held in Berbice, they deliberately reduced the tolls to facilitate movement by their PPP comrades across the bridge…So what we are saying is that if it can be done then it should be done for all the people not just for the PPP Congress.” In addition to NIS, investments had come from the Government-owned NICIL, Hand in Hand Trust and CLICO. Queens Atlantic Investments Inc, a company headed by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, a close ally of former President Bharrat Jagdeo and the New Building Society were reportedly drawn in after CLICO collapsed. There have been accusations that investments were structured to ensure that certain investors were guaranteed returns from the investments. The Opposition believed that the bridge would have paid out over $1.5B in dividends to its shareholders over the past five years. With a car being charged $2,200 return, the Opposition is hoping to reduce this by half and also make this across-the-board for other categories of vehicles. The 1.5 kilometre bridge, costing around US$40M, stretches from D’Edward Village on the western bank of the Berbice River to Crab Island on the eastern side.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
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Thursday December 12, 2013
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EDUCATIONAL Big Christmas deals on computer classes. Diploma in computers $25,000. Micrographics @ Vreed- inHoop – Tel:264-3057 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Prisoners can pose a threat to GPHC “The police need to inform us when a prisoner is admitted”- Khan “There is no rule which states that we should inform the hospital”- Police source presence of armed ranks in the hospital rooms. “What happened recently shows that ranks should not be armed at the hospital. Having a gun would not solve any issue,” Khan noted. Khan is calling on the higher authorities to put a system in place so that everyone will be comfortable in the end. However a senior police officer speaking on the issue, said, “There is no rule which states that the police should inform the hospital when they are guarding a prisoner,” The police official also added that, “If a rank decides to notify the hospital about a prisoner being there, then it will be out of courtesy, nothing else.” But officials from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) opined, “Do you walk into anyone’s home without asking permission. Do you think we can walk into any police station without saying anything?” Staff and patients alike at the medical institution have been expressing fear for their lives whenever a prisoner is admitted to the hospital. Some are scared at the presence of armed ranks. The most recent incident which occurred on November 30, last, when a rank discharged four rounds in the
hospital, at a fleeing bandit who was admitted there, has sparked even more questions which according to the hospital official, the police until now, cannot provide an explanation. Persons are now suggesting that there should be a room set aside for prisoners only. Kaieteur News was told by the police source that ranks have been guarding prisoners at the hospital for years and nobody ever made a “‘fuss’. It is only because of what happened recently, that everyone is questioning.” He added, “We cannot do anything regarding police officers having guns in the hospital because there might be a dangerous criminal there, perhaps a murderer, so that rank must have a gun and it would be nothing more than a revolver,” the officer said. He said that the GPHC and the Guyana Police Force should in future make certain arrangements so that no party would be uncomfortable at anytime.
Police constable remanded for taxi service robbery
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In the wake of some prisoners effortlessly escaping from the GPHC after being treated for wounds during their encounter with the law or irate public spirited citizens, many persons are of the view that mechanisms need to be put in place to make sure that citizens safety are addressed and that law breakers who are admitted for treatment should be identified and secured properly. Some of the persons that this news agency spoke to expressed fear over the situation. A security guard working at GPHC said, “I was on duty that day and I see when the prisoner ran out but I didn’t know what was going on until I see the police running behind with the gun in his hands. I was scared. I wouldn’t lie. I run and hide.” Amanda Ali, whose mother is a patient at the health institution, said that prisoners should be placed in a different room. “Lets us say it is a murderer in the hospital. Well of course, if I was in the same room I wouldn’t sleep at all. I will keep thinking what if the prisoner tries to harm other people. And the police only put young ranks to guard these people; they can hardly fire a shot.” A doctor at the hospital said that it can be dangerous for other patients, medical personnel and even the rank.
“I don’t feel comfortable being in a room with a prisoner. Sometimes you go in there and the prisoners are not handcuffed. I can remember one time I went into a room to check on a patient and I see a police rank and a man talking like best friends so I thought maybe it was his relatives but I was wrong. It was a guy who was shot by the police during a robbery in Sophia.” GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan said that the administration should know what is going on in the hospital and it is just a matter of standard operating procedures. “We are two government agencies and we have a common purpose and both institutions should work towards delivering that in the end. We have been very negligent in the past in terms of how we dealt with prisoners but that doesn’t mean we should continue it,” the CEO stressed. He suggested that the police should inform all the relevant authorities at the hospital so that everyone will be on the lookout. “The police should inform, everyone even our security guards so that they too can assist the police.” The CEO also said that some system should be put in place regarding the
A Police Constable based at the Wismar Police Station in Linden was yesterday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for allegedly robbing Green Ice Taxi Service of a hefty sum of cash. At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Constable Colin Harris, 19, and Kelvin Pollard, also 19, were charged for Robbery under Arms. The police claim that they were armed with a gun when they relieved Rosita Kalchow of $620,000 and US$50; monies belonging to Vibert Pooran who heads the taxi service. The robbery allegedly occurred at the taxi service base at 99 Sugar Cane Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens. Georgetown on December 7. Kalchow – who police say is the office assistant of Green Ice – was reportedly sitting at her desk when she was approached by the Constable, who armed with a gun snatched the cash which was sitting on her desk. According to the Prosecution, who was at this court hearing represented by Corporal Bharat Mangru, Constable Harris then dashed towards his accomplice who was waiting on a motorcycle. They then fled the scene on the cycle. However, Mangru said that immediately after the theft, the office assistant alerted all the Green Ice taxis and the drivers soon dispersed to pursue the duo. Following the chase, the accused were reportedly apprehended on Mandela Avenue. Attorney Melvin Duke rose to defend the accused, said that his client is an upstanding
young man who serves as a rank in the Guyana Police Force. Contrary to the prosecution’s case, Duke said that on the day in question, his client went to the police station to file a report that his motorcycle was stolen but was however pointed out as one of the accused in an armed robbery. The lawyer said that nothing was found on his client. He noted that the man who committed the act was said to have been wearing a red helmet whilst according to him, his client presented himself at the station wearing a black helmet. Attorney-at-Law Winston Moore represented Pollard. He told the court that his client who is self-employed lives with his parents. He petitioned for his client to be granted pre-trial liberty since according to him, Pollard was at no point in time singled out in the identification parade. Despite the lawyer’s submission for bail, Corporal Mangru maintained that the seriousness and prevalence are grounds by which the duo should be held as remanded prisoners. He opined that if granted bail, they would not return to court to face the charges. Mangru emphasised too that Constable Harris was identified during an ID Parade. In response, the Chief Magistrate upheld the objections of the prosecution and the Constable and civilian were remanded to prison where they will await their next court appearance which is scheduled for January 10, 2014.
(From page 22)
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Page 24
Kaieteur News
Thursday December 12, 2013
No family member witnesses PM of four-year-old who died at GPHC A post mortem examination was conducted yesterday on the remains of four-year-old Jaden Mars who died Tuesday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The demise of the Ascension Nursery School child came days after he was admitted a patient at the public hospital to merely have his damaged tongue sutured. He was admitted to the
hospital last week Wednesday. His emotional mother, Natalie Caseley, who had one day earlier planned on witnessing the post mortem, was unable to do so. She said, yesterday, that no family member witnessed the post mortem which was reportedly conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh. Caseley, who resides at 45 West Ruimveldt, Housing
Scheme, Georgetown, with her family, is an employee of Qualfon Guyana Inc. She, during an interview with this publication, disclosed that she has been warned to remain emotionally stable since she is currently six months pregnant with her third child. She and her reputed husband, Junior Mars, currently have one other child, Jada, who is one year, nine months old.
The family, up to press time, had not received the death certificate detailing Jaden’s cause of death. According to reports from the family, Jaden who was at home with his maternal grandmother, Nancy Gittens, on Wednesday last, accidentally fell and hit his chin on a five gallon bucket. This resulted in his teeth splitting his tongue. Gittens upon realising her
Dead: Fouryear-old Jaden Mars.
grandson’s dilemma immediately rushed him to the East La Penitence Health Centre where a nurse was able to stop the bleeding and assess the wound before referring the child to the GPHC to have his tongue sutured. Although Caseley was at work at the time, she too, on learning of the incident, hurried to the GPHC to accompany her son and mother. At the hospital the child was triaged and it was ascertained that his condition was not an emergency. He was eventually attended to by a doctor who administered two 25 milligram doses of Ketamine intended to sedate him so that his tongue could be sutured. However, since the general anaesthetic medicine was not effective in putting the child to sleep he was referred to the theatre for the needful medical care. The process should have taken about 15 minutes but it was not until one hour later that medical personnel emerged from the theatre to inform Caseley that her son’s “heart had crashed.” He remained in an unconscious state until early Tuesday morning when he died. In expressing disbelief about her son’s death, Caseley explained how, “from
baby he was always healthy, well-fed and well-taken care of; he wasn’t sickly...so he shouldn’t be dead.” Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Mr. Michael Khan, said that “the death of anyone, especially a youngster is always of concern to us.” “This is a life that is lost; he could have grown-up to be somebody who is a very positive individual in our nation.” An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances that led to the child’s death. Khan informed that the investigation had started even before the child’s demise. He insisted though that he was unable to comment on the findings as the process is not yet completed. The CEO anticipates that the investigation will be concluded by today after the necessary parties involved are provided with the post mortem results. According to Khan, as at yesterday, he was not privy to the post mortem results, as he was engaged in meetings all morning. He noted that efforts are being made to keep the family of the deceased updated about the investigation. A meeting was held with family members on Tuesday and another is scheduled to be held tomorrow.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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CARICOM Reparations Commission identifies six key areas for priority action KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission has identified six key areas for priority action as it gets ready to present its first interim report to regional leaders in February next year. Commission chairman, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles told a news conference following a meeting of the Commission with law firm, Leigh Day, earlier this week that public health was identified as one of the six areas for reparatory diplomacy and action. “The African descended population in the Caribbean today has the highest incidence in the world of chronic diseases such as hypertension and type two diabetes,” he said, adding that this was the direct result of their nutritional exposure, endemic inhumane physical and emotional brutalization and other aspects of the stress experience of slavery and post slavery apartheid. The Commission has also said education was another area identified with Sir Hilary stating that at the end of the colonial period, the British left the African descended population in a state of general illiteracy. He said this illiteracy continued to plague Caribbean societies and accounted for significant parts of their development
challenges. Speaking to cultural institutions, Professor Beckles said there was no development of institutions such as museums and research centers to prepare Caribbean citizens for an understanding of their history. He spoke of cultural deprivation as another issue that needed to be addressed and outlined that the primary cultural effect of slavery was to break and eradicate African commitment to their culture. Sir Hilary said the Commission was of the opinion that African culture had been criminalized and pointed to how Caribbean people have been affected as a result. He said this included
low ethnic self-esteem; the devaluation of black identity; broken structures and diminished family values; delegitimisation of African derived religious and cultural practices, and disconnection from ancestral roots and culture. Psychological trauma was another area identified
by the Commission that needed to be addressed, with the Commission chairman noting that during the time of slavery, Africans were classified in law as nonhuman, chattel, property and real estate. He said they were denied recognition as members of the human family
by laws and practices derived from the parliaments and policies of Europe. This history, he said, has inflicted massive psychological damage upon African descendants and is evident daily in social life. The sixth issue which the Commission said needed to be remedied
was that of scientific and technological backwardness. It was highlighted that for 400 years the policy of Britain and Europe had been that the Caribbean should not participate in any manufacturing or industrial process, and should be confined to the production of raw materials.
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Thursday December 12, 2013
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
‘Happy tears’ as South Africans celebrate Mandela’s life
Cape Town (AFP) - Tens of thousands of South Africans danced and sang for Nelson Mandela yesterday as formal ceremonies were put aside to celebrate the hero who was known for his own trademark shuffle. International and local stars from Johnny Clegg to Annie Lennox took to the stage in the free concert in Cape Town to pay tribute to Mandela’s remarkable life and journey. “This is what he would have liked because he liked music very much,” said Nodumo Dayimani, 33. “He knows how we celebrate in South Africa — we like to sing, we like to dance. I’m sure he would have loved it.” Sitting a stone’s throw from the stage, Dayimani said she was there to pay her last respects to “a great man”. “The last few days were very formal and very difficult for all of us. Now t h a t w e h ave accepted everything...it’s time for us to celebrate his life.” Posters of Mandela waved across the crowd in the stadium, which a city official estimated at between 40,000 and 50,000, alongside South
Africa’s democratic flag. While there were occasional tears when the music saw emotions spill over, the dominant atmosphere was joyful as the crowd overcame the blow of his death by letting their hair down. “We’re celebrating his life,” said Maryam Valodia, 20, who was born the year before Mandela became president in 1994. While she had shed “happy tears”, she said the concert was fitting as “Madiba was a very happy person”, referring to his clan name as he was affectionately known “We love Madiba. He’s our father and we are his nation,” said Valodia. “I didn’t personally know him but what he did for us — it’s just love.” A poignant moment was when Clegg, know as the “White Zulu”, sang his powerful anti-apartheid ballad “Asimbonanga” which tells of not having seen Mandela when he was in apartheid prison and saw voices in the crowd rise up to join him. In 1999, Mandela joined Clegg on stage when he was
performing the song in France, dancing with both arms swaying and his feet shuffling in delight at the music, with the video a hit online. Instead of performing any of her top hits, Annie Lennox gave a spoken performance calling to fight HIV and violence against women. “Protect yourself, safe sex!” she chanted, with the crowd adding their voices in the nation with the world’s biggest HIV positive population. “Where’s Madiba? He’s with us!” she also said. While the focus was on music, there were also a few brief speeches from politicians to sporting star former Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar who received the World Cup in 1995 from Mandela who was wearing a replica of his jersey in a historic gesture of unity. Speaking for the country’s sports teams and stars, Pienaar thanked Mandela whom he called “our spiritual coach and our captain”. “A herd boy became one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. From prisoner to president.”
Ukrainian leader offers talks, protesters say no KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Opposition leaders in Ukraine rejected President Viktor Yanukovych’s offer of talks yesterday, saying they will not sit down with him until he fires his government and releases all arrested demonstrators. That stance reflected
their growing confidence after the abrupt withdrawal of riot police from parts of U k r a i n e ’s c a p i t a l e a r l y yesterday raised protesters’ hopes that weeks of demonstrations have eroded police support for Yanukovych and his government.
Yanukovych issued an invitation late in the day to political, religious and civil figures to join a national dialogue. But it gave no details about a proposed date for the talks — and could have been merely an attempt to buy time and mollify Western officials.
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Thursday December 12, 2013
Britain’s Cameron defends ‘selfie’ with Obama at Mandela service (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday defended his behaviour at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service in South Africa after he was criticised at home for posing with U.S. President Barack Obama for what some said was a disrespectful photograph. The self-portrait - known as a “selfie” in online social media - was taken on Tuesday in Soweto at the memorial event for Mandela, who died last Thursday aged 95. It captured Cameron and Obama - who suffered a similar ticking off in the U.S. media - smiling broadly either side of Danish Prime Minister Helle ThorningSchmidt. All three appeared to be in high spirits and sharing a
joke as a stern-faced Michelle Obama looked away. The image graced the front pages of many of Britain’s newspapers on Wednesday, with the massmarket Sun tabloid newspaper calling it a “gaffe” that betrayed a lack of respect for the late South African politician. Cameron, who is trying to court the Sun’s readers ahead of a 2015 election, was asked about the incident during his weekly question and answer session in the British parliament. “You should always remember that the television cameras are always on,” Cameron told parliament. “In my defence I’d say that Nelson Mandela played an extraordinary role in his life and in his death in bringing
people together.” So when asked by the Danish prime minister to join the photograph he said he had thought it only polite to agree since she was married to the son of a former leader of the opposition Labour Party. Separately, Cameron’s spokesman stressed the event had been a “celebration” of Mandela’s life rather than his funeral, which is due to take place on Sunday. Across the Atlantic, the New York Daily News said Obama had committed “a funeral faux pas” by participating in the photograph, which the Washington Post said had detracted from the U.S. leader’s eulogy to Mandela.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are raising questions about the secret U.S. diplomacy with Iran that led to last month’s nuclear breakthrough, demanding greater transparency and expressing disappointment at being left in the dark. The Associated Press has reported that much of the Nov. 24 deal among world powers and Iran resulted from a series of secret meetings between U.S. and Iranian officials. The talks took place in the Middle East sultanate of Oman and elsewhere over eight months. Yesterday, Sen. Bob Corker, who recently visited Oman and discussed the diplomatic back-channel with the country’s foreign minister, asked one of the American officials involved to explain the process. Puneet Talwar, Obama’s senior Mideast adviser who has been nominated for a senior State Department post, responded by saying he met with an Iranian team in Oman in the summer of 2012 and then again in March 2013. He said the talks only heated up after Iran’s moderate president, Hassan Rouhani, took office in August. “We then had an accelerating pace of discussions bilaterally with the Iranians,” Talwar said at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. He said the discussions, however, were constantly linked to public, parallel negotiations involving Iran and the U.S., Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. “It was made clear,”
Talwar said. “It focused exclusively on the nuclear issue, so there were no other side discussions underway. And it was merged, after the conversations gained traction,” with the process involving the global powers. The agreement last month required Iran to halt and roll back central elements of its nuclear program. That included eliminating its production and stockpiles of higher-enriched uranium, banning the addition of any new centrifuges and barring any work on a heavy water reactor that potentially could produce plutonium for nuclear bombs. Iran insists its program is designed solely for peaceful energy generation and medical research purposes. In exchange for its concessions, the U.S. and its partners agreed to ease economic penalties that the Obama administration estimates at about $7 billion. The administration also promised no new penalties for the six-month duration of the deal, a source of lingering contention with skeptical lawmakers in Congress. In weekend comments, President Barack Obama played down the significance of the secret talks. Appearing at the Brookings Institution, he said the contacts were few and focused on seeing how serious Iran was about engaging in serious negotiations. “They did not get highly substantive in the first several meetings but were much more exploring how much room, in
fact, did they have to get something done,” Obama said. As they became more technical, he added, the discussions merged with the public talks with world powers. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., made clear his disappointment at not being informed of the private diplomacy. Rubio asked Talwar if any member of Congress had been briefed; Talwar said he didn’t believe so. Rubio also asked whether other issues came up in the talks, such as human rights, Iran’s support for Hezbollah and Hamas, and an alleged Iranian assassination plot against Saudi Arabia’s ambassador in Washington. Talwar said only that the fate of three detained Americans in Iran had been discussed. On Tuesday, Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., accused the State Department of deliberately misleading the public. He said such deception raises questions about the administration’s current information on Iran. “The administration claimed not to be in negotiations with Iran, when they in fact were,” Salmon said, specifically accusing a former State Department spokeswoman of misleading reporters in February by flatly denying the existence of bilateral discussions. “Your department,” Salmon told Secretary of State John Kerry, “intentionally misled the American people about these negotiations taking place behind closed doors.
Congress raises questions about secret Iran talks
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
Thursday December 12, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): This is a good day to keep a low profile. Any attention that comes your way today is suspect. Don't trust the motives of anyone who asks too many questions or who seems too interested in anything you're doing. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Today you might have lots of plans for the future. Ideas could come thick and fast. You might find it difficult to decide which ones are most workable. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): A night of troubled sleep and strange dreams might have you feeling listless and lacking in motivation. Pull yourself together. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Mood swings and irritating little distractions could have you temporarily at odds with a partner. You may perceive insults where none are intended. Communication is strained. It's best to get out by yourself for a while and do something entertaining. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Inspiration could hit you today like a bolt from the blue. Your imagination, innovation, and ingenuity are high. Whatever you devise or discover should attract a lot of positive attention. Your nerves could be a bit stressed, so try to remain calm and not get too flustered if you hit a few roadblocks here and there. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Help with a creative project - either working on the project or promoting it in some way - could come from an unexpected quarter, increasing your inspiration. This is an excellent time to present anything you've done to the public or to those who matter.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Today you might host some kind of group activity or meeting in your home. A number of interesting people could attend. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21): An intense phone call, perhaps some kind of cry for help, could come today from a relative or close friend. You're more strongly equipped than usual to help someone in need, but try to stay objective. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 DEC 21): Experiments with computers or other technology could reveal a hidden talent you didn't know you had. You could decide to work at developing this skill as it could open doors that increase your income. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Your mind is going a thousand miles an hour. Different ideas, interests, goals, and projects could dart through your mind all day. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Occultism, alchemy, or astrology could grab your interest today. You might attend a lecture or workshop on the subject, or you could sign up for a class. Your mind is sharp, so whatever you decide to study you'll learn faster and retain more. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Friends involved in the arts and sciences may want to get together today, perhaps to brainstorm a few ideas. You should be feeling innovative. Perhaps you have a lot to contribute. Group activities should prove satisfying, particularly those involving humanitarian pursuits. This promises to be a busy, stimulating day.
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Rainy end in Centurion... From page 30 23 overs. De Villiers, in particular, was severe, doing as he wished to the bowlers on a pitch was slow and twopaced because of the moisture it had retained from all the rain over the past week. This was India’s best chance to create an impression in the series. The ball stopped, there was some seam movement and turn, and South Africa had rested Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis. All that did seem to be working for them: Hashim Amla got out to a leg-side full toss, and Henry Davids and JP Duminy fell to some seam and some extra bounce in one Ishant over. Considering the situation, de Kock might rate this century better than the previous two, but he did benefit from fielding errors in the formative stages of the partnership. De Kock had played a few punchy drives down the ground, and it was proving to be difficult to get the timing right. As the balls became softer and spin came on, it seemed India could employ a tight hold on the batsmen. De Kock was 37 off 49 when he tried to pull an Umesh Yadav halftracker, which ended up dragging to the left of short fine leg where Ajinkya Rahane spilled it. Three overs later, he gave R Ashwin the charge, but the ball stopped a touch, and his
GCA/Noble House Sea Foods tournament continues this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)\ Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament continues this weekend with several matches. GNIC will host University of Guyana with Deon Feassal and Leyland Liverpool umpiring; Transport Sports Club will take on Everest at Muslim Youth Organisation ground with Ryan Banwarie and Cyril Goberdhan in charge; Georgetown Cricket Club will battle Third Class at Everest under the watchful eyes of Linden Matthews and Clyde Layne and Gandhi Youth Organisation will entertain Demerara Cricket Club with Mario Nichols and Montgomery Chester officiating. All matches start at 09:30hrs.
lob went towards long-on. Yuvraj Singh ran back from mid-on, seemed to have overrun it, slowed down, got two hands to it, but never had the stability you need to catch them over your head. De Kock was 43 then, the partnership 52, and South Africa were only just recovering. Soon, though, the fight seemed to have left the bowlers. Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t effective, Ashwin began to drop short, and the runs began to flow. It was in the 28th over that the two batsmen really began to cut loose. A short ball from Ashwin was cut for four to take de Kock to 70 off 88. At 36 off 55, de Villiers, too, was about to open up. By the time the Powerplay came about, de Villiers had crossed
his fifty, and de Kock was on 98, with South Africa on 168 for 3. De Villiers just stood and swung and he got the balls to do so. There were some lovely effortless hits too, the sweep off Ashwin for six and also the chip over extra cover off the same bowler. There was one difficult chance for Yuvraj running back from mid-off, but he couldn’t catch de Villiers. De Kock fell after bringing up the hundred, de Villiers too, but it failed to slow the rate down. Shami and Yadav bowled well in the 48th and the 49th over, but both ended the overs with full tosses. David Miller was there to accept all the gifts, and his 56 off 34 took South Africa past 300. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Kaieteur News
Taylor century punishes sloppy WI West Indies had the chance to dismiss Ross Taylor for the first time in the series off his fifth ball in Wellington. Kirk Edwards put him down at third slip off Tino Best, though. Taylor would have been gone for a duck, and New Zealand would have been 26 for 3. By the time he finally fell in the 88th over, Taylor had made his tenth Test hundred, gone past 4000 career Test runs and tallied 362 runs for the series. In half-century partnerships each with Kane Williamson, Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson, Taylor also carried New Zealand to 307 for 6 after they had been put in on a grassy Basin Reserve pitch. All three of Taylor’s dismissed partners scored briskly without any difficulties, but none of them managed more than 45, all falling against the run of play attempting more strokes. Taylor tightened up after the reprieve. He did not fall behind his partners in run-making but cut out risks till he reached his hundred, unless the ball was too short or too full. West Indies, hampered again by the inconsistency of their fast bowlers, bowled 31 consecutive overs of spin, but Taylor wasn’t to be enticed into a mistake. He slowed down, reached the century in the final over before the second new ball, and cut loose thereafter. West Indies were to drop him again on 122, this time Best himself the culprit at fine leg, before Shane Shillingford dived at
deep point to limit the damage from the first drop to 129. Darren Sammy had chuckled as soon as he won the toss but his fast bowlers could not summon the consistent control required to fully exploit the pace, seam and carry in the wicket. The skies were overcast before the start but sunlight gradually increased till the ground was brightly lit. The wicket did not turn out to be as bowlerfriendly as was expected. However, there was sufficient help on offer for the quicks, especially from a fuller length, but West Indies’ favoured length was much shorter. They did dismiss Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford cheaply, but frittered away the pressure soon, unable to stop the flow of runs. Sammy was guilty of dropping Rutherford in the slips off Shannon Gabriel, but the batsman wasn’t able to make much of the reprieve. New Zealand were in trouble at 24 for 2, but West Indies soon started tailing into the pads when they tried the fuller lengths and Taylor clipped them through midwicket. Short-and-wide balls also started appearing now and then, and both Taylor and Williamson ensured they were put away. Williamson, returning after recovering from his thumb injury, looked solid from the start, playing late and swaying inside the line of bouncers early. Best let it slip further after the Taylor drop, digging it short and wide and was cut over the third-man boundary for six by
Williamson. Williamson came out still more positive after lunch, driving, cutting and pulling boundaries. But in trying to force a back-foot punch off Best, he edged one on 45 and this time, Sammy held on at second slip. Although the stand was worth 88, New Zealand were still only 112. McCullum’s arrival ensured the runs kept coming. McCullum scored in his usual busy manner, refusing to keep his cuts and pulls down but also hitting the gaps, even if he hit the odd stroke perilously close to a fielder. With Taylor in complete control at the other end, West Indies weren’t able to stop the batsmen from frequently turning the strike over. By tea, the stand had progressed to 74, but McCullum was to go soon after the break, stabbing Narsingh Deonarine to midwicket. Corey Anderson arrived to take on the spinners with powerful cuts, sweeps and lofted hits down the ground. He had motored to 38 when he under-edged a sweep onto pad and there on to silly point off Shillingford, just before the second new ball arrived. Taylor, who’d nudged his way around against the spinners, drove Best ‘s first delivery with the new ball straight past the bowler for four. BJ Watling batted safely for stumps at the other end, and New Zealand would have ended even stronger had a tired Taylor not thrown his bat at everything.
Rainy end in Centurion after another de Kock ton At press conferences, AB de Villiers sits next to Quinton de Kock, and watches de Kock talk with the admiration of a big brother at the success of the little one. Jokes are shared, comments are made, and fun is had. In Centurion, in similar company of the captain, de Kock joined de Villiers as one of the only five players to have score three successive centuries in ODI cricket. Not only that, de Kock broke the record for most runs in a bilateral three-match series, following which de Villiers brought up his own hundred. Looking at the ease with which they punished the Indian bowling in that 171-run stand, you could hardly tell
Thursday December 12, 2013
Afridi leads Pakistan to tense win Maturity is an adjective that, at best, can only be sporadically applied to Shahid Afridi, but it was the hallmark of his blitz against Sri Lanka, as he struck an unbeaten 39 from 20 to lift his side to a three-wicket win in Dubai. Arriving at the crease with 50 to get off 35, Afridi was discerning in his attack, even as wickets continued to fall at the other end. The crowd may remember the big blows that carved a chunk from the required total, but Afridi’s thoughtful singles were as vital to Pakistan’s victory, as he lionised the strike while Pakistan’s remaining batting talent dwindled, largely thanks to Lasith Malinga, who took his best Twenty20 haul in over a year. He had been instrumental with his sharp, varied legspin as well, conceding only 20 from his five overs as Sri Lanka spluttered to 145 for 5. Though this score was only five less than captain Dinesh Chandimal had hoped for at the toss, it seemed insufficient on a decent batting surface, not given to extravagant turn. Mohammad Hafeez’ hope that dew would hamper the side bowling second also came to fruition, as Sri Lanka delivered occasional shockers that sealed their fate. Two sixes from Afridi off Nuwan Kulasekara’s 16th over was his first definitive play, as he walloped a kneelength full toss high into the stands, before crashing one over deep cover when Kulasekara resigned himself to going full and wide. After that over Pakistan needed 29 off 24, with five wickets in hand, but immediately, Malinga’s four-run over, in which he also claimed a wicket, reclaimed ground for Sri Lanka. Thirteen runs off Thisara Perera’s 18th over, though, all but secured the result for
Shahid Afridi Pakistan. Malinga delivered another miserly six deliveries in between, but with six needed off the final over, Afridi knelt and swept Kulasekara’s first ball over long-leg. Before Afridi arrived, Pakistan’s leisurely innings had not seemed so different from Sri Lanka’s. Both sides had largely progressed at around 6.5 an over, with several batsmen earning starts but falling before achieving a substantial score. Sharjeel Khan plowed on through the early overs, as he and Hafeez put on 57 for the second wicket, but they both fell against the run of play. Sohaib Maqsood had also seemed promising in his 13. Mathews had rode good fortune to his 34-ball 50, surviving an almost-plumb lbw shout off Afridi on 17, before being dropped in the 18th over, in which he also made his most dramatic gains. In his fourth Twenty20, right-armer Bilawal Bhatti pitched full and then short early in the over, and Mathews took consecutive boundaries in front of square on the leg side. The next ball
was back of a length and Mathews’ top-edged heave should have been caught by Hafeez, running back from cover, but he failed to settle under it. Mathews would strike one more to the fence, taking the over-tally to 18. Hafeez had known his experienced slow bowlers held the key to restricting Sri Lanka, and he began the bowling himself, before bringing Ajmal and Afridi on in the middle overs to keep Sri Lanka’s modest run-rate in hand. Only the occasional loose delivery marred the Powerplay overs, in which a vital dynamic was established: if Sri Lanka wanted boundaries, they would largely have to manufacture them at some peril. Aside from that Bhatti over, Pakistan stamped down on every Sri Lanka surge, as the batsmen rarely found release apart from when they skipped down the track or played premeditated strokes. It did not help that signs of rust were evident for almost every Sri Lanka batsman. Kusal Perera and Kumar Sangakkara were timing the ball well, but neither excelled in shot placement, and both departed trying to find spaces in the outfield. Though Mathews’ power sent his big strokes to the fence, he will also reflect that it was far from his most fluent knock. Mahela Jayawardene’s absence allowed Dinesh Chandimal to push himself up to a more-favoured No.3, but although he hit his first Twenty20 score in excess of 15 in over two years, he was trapped in front for a run-a-ball 22. The ball that drifted in and straightened from Afridi was almost the right-handed equivalent of Kusal’s dismissal, for 15, to Ajmal.
Late Hafidi goal sends Raja... Quinton de Kock
they had come together at 28 for 3 after India had finally shown up on this tour. However, India were spared another big chase as persistent rain forced play to be called off without a ball bowled in the second innings.
That sighting of India was brief: they dropped de Kock on 37 and 43, the spinners became flat after a few good overs, and the quicks barring Ishant Sharma served up their usual length bowling in the end to concede 185 in the last (Continued on page 29)
From page 33 who was denied by Auckland goalkeeper Tamati Williams inside the box, who saved with his leg. Raja dominated possession for the majority of the first half, but Auckland were able to break in the 29th minute when Roy Krishna had his shot blocked. The deadlock was broken when Karrouchy found Iajour in the box who slotted his left-foot shot into the far corner past Williams to send Agadir into a frenzy. The hosts brought their momentum from the first half into the second
as Moutaouali curled a shot from the left edge of the box only to be denied by the post. Auckland asserted themselves on the attack when Christopher Bale shot wide from 16 metres out. The Agadir Stadium turned quiet when Mohamed Oulhaj and Ismail Benlamalem ran into each other, failing to clear effectively, leaving F i j i a n Krishna an open path to score the equaliser past Khalid Askri. After K r i s h n a ’s equaliser, Raja continued to attack when clever passing between Moutaouali
and Abdelilah Hafidi led to a pass for Kuoko Guehi who had hist shot blocked by John Irving in the 77th minute. The tie looked to be heading into extra time when Karrouchy crossed from the goalline to find Oulhaj whose headed shot was initially saved by Williams only to fall to the feet of Hafidi who tapped in the rebound to send Agadir Stadium into delirium. The Moroccans will now face CF Monterrey (MEX) in the quarter-finals in Agadir on December 14. (fifa.com)
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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GT&T/Hand-in-Hand Inter-County tourney
President’s XI take control against E’bo By Zaheer Mohamed The President’s XI are in a comfortable position to register an outright victory against Essequibo as the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board organised Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T)\ Hand-in-Hand senior fourday Inter-County tournament continued yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. At stumps on day two Essequibo, batting a second time were 126-6 in 35.5 overs, needing a further 68 runs to make their opponents bat again. The President’s XI resumed on their overnight first innings score of 121-4 with Skipper Vishal Singh on 52 and Shaquille Williams on 01 and were bowled out after lunch for 297. Singh and Williams frustrated the Essequibians for most of the morning session with sensible batting. Williams cut and drove with disdain, brought up his fifty off 67 balls with eight four’s before he was caught at deep mid wicket off Anthony Adams for 52 at 199-5. Singh continued to bat patiently and added a further 27 runs for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper batsman Jason Sinclair before he was leg before to Adams for 86, Demerara went to lunch at 226-6; he struck one four and faced 245 balls. Medium pacer Dillon Heyliger then removed Butts (00) while left arm spinner Keano Harry up rooted the stumps of Steven Sankar (01) after the break leaving the President’s XI on 262-8. But Sinclair took the fight to the opposition adding 33 for the ninth wicket with Andre Stoll before Stoll was bowled by Harry for 14 at 291. Sinclair who timed the ball
Sinclair, Williams hit 50’s
Jason Sinclair cuts a delivery on his way to a half century.
well brought up his half century off 107 balls before Seon Daniels (03) was caught off Harry which resulted in the President’s XI innings ending after 108 overs. Sinclair remained unbeaten on 60 with three fours and two sixes. Adams finished with 490 from 47 overs; Harry snared 3-49 off 17 overs while Heyliger claimed 2-59 and Kemo Paul 1-7. Trailing by 193, Essequibo, batting a second time lost Kevon Boodie (00) LBW to Stoll in the first over with the score on 01 before Royan Federicks and Eaknauth Persaud added 52 for the second wicket. Federicks took a liking for pacers Stoll and Daniels driving them to the cover boundaries on several occasions which prompted Singh to introduce spin. His decision proved fruitful when off spinner Collins Butts got
rid of Persaud (12) off his first ball. Entered Heyliger who came off the mark with an exquisite cover driven boundary off Butts before Stoll who was switched to the Regent Street end had Heyliger caught at second slip for 06 at 61-3. Five runs later Federicks pushed forward to Butts and was taken at short leg by Seon Hetymer for 38 with six fours and one maximum. Essequibo then lost Adams LBW to Butts for 18 at 87-5, but Parmesh Parsotam and Paul halted the fall of wickets featuring in a sixth wicket stand of 39 with attacking batting before Parsotam was caught in the day’s last over at short wicket off Robin Bacchus for 23 (2x4) leaving Paul not out on 24 (3x4). Butts 2-14 and Stoll 2-19 are the pick of the bowlers so far. Play starts at 09:30hrs today.
Phillip George Legacy goes ... From page 34 Legacy, dubbed PGII, Division I competition will pocket $100,000 while the second place club gets $50,000. The Division III winner will get $35,000 with $15,000 allotted for the second place club. Phillip George’s daughter, Philemeena George will donate the MVP Trophy the Division III and son Rashleigh George will donate a trophy to the Most Discipline team in the tournament. There will also be a MVP trophy for the Division I competition. The sponsors of the
competition include: The Original Palm Court, Banks DIH Limited, Agri Parts, The Hallmark Store, Chetsons, Lorenzo Alphonso, WR Rambaran Transport, Imon Communications, The Trophy Stall, Charles Ramson Jr., Starr Party Rentals, Ronald Thorne, Hinds and Statia Financial, Paladin Security, Giftland OfficeMax, Sanjeev Datadin and Demtoco – for cleaning the Burnham Court environs. George, who was at the time of his death, Head Coach of the Bounty Colts
Club, is credited with leading several junior national teams to overseas competitions. In addition, he piloted the careers of notable Guyanese players, Lorenzo Withrite and Andrew Ifill. George, who was also known as ‘One Foot’, ‘Coach Man’ and most recently ‘Mr. Fundamental’ passed away on December 20, 2011; he was 63 years old. The renowned local Basketball Coach was one of the most consistent visitors of the Burnham Basketball Court, which was effectively his Mecca. (Edison Jefford)
Khan engineers Demerara recovery after Crandon’s commanding 95
By Sean Devers Former West Indies Under-19 leg-spinner Amir Khan engineered a Demerara recovery with 6-69 after Royston Crandon’s pugnacious 95 had set up Berbice for an imposing total on day two of the GT&T/Hand-in-Hand fourday Inter County cricket match at a sunlit Enmore ground yesterday. The 21-year-old Khan who had 5-62 against Essequibo in the first round, befuddled the batsmen, grabbing his third five-wicket haul at this level as Berbice fell for 243 replying to Demerara’s disappointing 161 all out to give the visitors a lead of 82 runs. Off-spinner Zaheer Mohamed supported home boy Khan by taking 2-46 to follow up his 6-11 in the opening round. At one stage, just after Lunch, Berbice’s biggest worry was when to declare with the score over 200 and both overnight batsmen well set for massive scores on a pitch with little assistance for the bowlers. But then Khan, aided by some indifferent batting ripped the middle and lower order to shreds with his incisive 35.4-over spell. But by the close of play Demerara had dug themselves into a deep hole and were wobbling on the ropes on 68-6 in their second innings, still trailing by 14 runs. Bishoo had 3-15 from 15 overs and Crandon 212. On a day blessed with glorious sunshine Berbice resumed on 73-3, needing another 89 for first innings points and the overnight pair of Crandon and night watchman Krisendat Ramoo took their team to 204 before Crandon was controversially given out caught behind off Khan, five short of what would have been consecutive tons at this level. Visibly upset by the decision of Umpire Shannon Crawford, Crandon stood his ground before reluctantly leaving the field. His partnership with Ramoo was worth 131 runs and Crandon’s demise triggered a sensational Berbice collapse which saw them catapulting from 204-3 to 209-7. Ramoo came out all guns blazing and smashed off-spinner Steven Jacobs for three scorching boundaries in the fourth over of the day, offering excellent support to the in-form Crandon, who greeted Mohamed with an exquisite cover driven boundary to bring up the 100 in 45.3 overs.
Amir Khan On a track which was at its best for batting and an outfield which was much faster than it was on the first day, Crandon smashed Chris Barnwell for a scintillating four in his first over of the day to bring the handful of spectators to life. Crandon then edged a slash at Barnwell in his next over for a boundary to post the 50 partnership and celebrated with an all run four in the same over as the visitors confidently moved towards their target. By Lunch Berbice had progressed to 182-3, enjoying a lead of 21 with Crandon, who had two chances in two balls off Barnwell, unbeaten on 86 with nine fours. Johnson put him down at second slip with the right-hander on 60 before the next ball flew past the head Ramnaresh Sarwan at first slip. The fourth wicket pair batted out the entire first session yesterday and brought up their century partnership in 29 overs. The contribution from the 23-year-old Ramoo was 36 as the pair added 109 in the opening session. Crandon hit nine fours, faced 163 balls and batted for 134 minutes and his unfortunate dismissal brought Demerara right back into the game. Jonathon Foo did not last long. The ball missed his forward defensive push and crashed into the stumps before he had scored and two wickets had tumbled at 204. It was soon 205-6 when Devon Clements was LBW to Leon Jonson for duck and all of a sudden the atmosphere in the middle had dramatically changed over the course of three overs. Ramoo was denied a maiden Inter-County fifty when he was removed by Khan for 49 at 209-7. His 49 lasted 122 balls, 114 minutes and was decorated with six fours.
Anthony Bramble was trapped in front to the wily Khan for 15 at 226-8 and Khan’s home fans were dancing in the stands as he spearheaded the Demerara fight back. Devendra Bishoo has a First-Class fifty and scored a ton in Berbice cricket earlier this month. But yesterday he was not allowed to score freely and missed a sweep off Mohamed and was bowled behind his back for seven with Berbice on 230-9. Raun Johnson (11) threw his bat around before he missed a wild swipe at Khan and was bowed on the stroke of Tea. When Demerara began their second innings Rajendra Chandrika (2) and Trevon Griffith ended up in the same crease resulting in Chandrika being run out at 14-1 in the second over. Johnson joined Griffith and the pair saw their team to 51 before Johnson (10), like he has done so often in his c a r e e r, w a s d i s m i s s e d sweeping. This time he was LBW to Bishoo. Griffith played some sweetly timed drives in an attractive 40 with three boundaries before another shocking umpiring decision, this time by Nandkumar Shivsankar, sent the DCC left-hander packing; caught behind with the score on 56-3. Sarwan, Guyana’s youngest First-Class player, was very watchful and took 32 balls to score his first run before being stumped off Crandon for one at 62-4. Barnwell (5) was then bowled by Bishoo two runs later while Jacobs (2) played back to a ball which never got up and was LBW to Crandon and Demerara were tottering on 64-6. Khan and Chris Panandin carried Demerara to the close on a pitch beginning to keep alarmingly low.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 12, 2013
Pacers keep pressure Ginobili leads Spurs on Heat with 90-84 win past Raptors, 116-103 Indianapolis (AP) Indiana treated Round 1 with Miami like it was a championship event. Now it’s time to get ready for the rematch. Roy Hibbert controlled the middle, scoring 24 points, and Paul George scored 15 of his 17 points during a secondhalf scoring spree that helped the surging Pacers pull away late from the two-time defending champion Heat 9084 - on a night Indiana didn’t come close to playing its best. Nobody has done that better this season than the Pacers, who improved to 10-2 when trailing at halftime. But everyone seems to be asking the same question: How good is Indiana? The Pacers (19-3) returned home after finishing a five-day road trip that took them to four of the top five teams in the Western Conference, and a three-game span in which they beat both of last year’s finalists - San Antonio and Miami. Indiana’s three losses have come to teams that are a combined 46-19, all on the road, and they continue to hold on to the coveted title of NBA’s best record. Tuesday night’s win also gave Indiana a three-game lead over the Heat (16-6) in the Eastern Conference chase for home-court advantage and extended their franchisebest home start to 10-0. As for the schedule, it’s not getting much tougher. After holding four-time MVP LeBron James to nine points and 3 of 11 shooting over the final three quarters, the Pacers play get back-toback home games against Charlotte and Detroit before heading to Miami on Dec. 18. They’ll host Houston two days later and then play 12 consecutive games against teams currently under .500. But it’s that rematch that everyone wants to see. Win that one and the Pacers will assure themselves of no worse than a season split, and Miami (16-6) has a better sense of what they’ll have to do next week, too. That’s been the Pacers mantra all season, and it was
Indiana Pacers Roy Hibbert, left, react to hitting a bucket as he was fouled by Miami Heat center Chris Bosh in teh second half. no different Tuesday. Before the game, Lance Stephenson acknowledged he was treating this contest like a championship game something two of Miami’s big three, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, downplayed. The hometown fans were in postseason form, too, booing loudly at the officials, chanting ‘’He’s a flopper’’ on some contestable foul calls and eventually serenading Miami players with those familiar chants of ‘’Beat the Heat.’’ It looked a lot like last season’s Eastern Conference finals, which Miami won in seven games. Hibbert dominated the middle, scoring nine of Indiana’s first 11 points and making a season-high 10 baskets most from point-blank range - despite playing in the second half with a cotton plug in his injured nose. David West added 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists including a lefthanded, 4-foot runner that gave Indiana an 88-81 lead with 38.9 seconds to go.
James’ defense and Miami’s physical doubleteams frustrated George most of the night, but when George finally got free in the second half, late, he made three big 3pointers to help the Pacers pull away. George, the NBA’s No. 4 scorer, finished with 17 points, three rebounds and four assists. Chasing George all night apparently took a toll on the Heat. While James, the league’s No. 2 scorer did get 17 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, he struggled uncharacteristically over the final 36 minutes - three quarters when Miami failed to top the 20-point mark. Wade also finished with 17 points, while Bosh added 12. Miami never trailed through the first 2 1/2 quarters. Indiana finally tied the score at 55 on George Hill’s 3 with 8:15 left in the third, and Hibbert gave the Pacers’ the lead, 58-57, on a three-point play 2 minutes later. Miami never tied the score or retook the lead again as George heated up to keep the Heat at arm’s length.
Toronto (AP) - Tony Parker praised ‘’the usual guys’’ on San Antonio’s bench for their role in beating the Toronto Raptors, then singled out Australian big man Aron Baynes for special attention. Baynes scored a careerhigh 14 points, Manu Ginobili had 16 and the Spurs beat the Raptors 116-103 on Tuesday night. Jeff Ayers made the first start of his Spurs career in place of injured center Tiago Splitter, but it was Baynes whose contribution proved most vital to San Antonio’s sixth straight victory against Toronto. Baynes had scored just 17 points on the season coming into Tuesday’s game, but blew past that mark by shooting 7 for 9 from the field and matching his season high with six rebounds. Undrafted out of Washington State, Baynes played professionally in Lithuania and Greece before joining San Antonio. He may not boast a star’s resume, but he’s impressed his teammates nonetheless. Splitter missed his second straight game with a sore left calf, and did not join the team for a two-game trip to Toronto and Milwaukee. Tim Duncan scored 14 points as the Spurs overcame a 14-point first quarter deficit, improving to 26-9 all-time against Toronto. San Antonio has won three of six since its 11-game winning streak was halted with a loss at Oklahoma City on November 27. Danny Green had 14 points for the Spurs, while Marco Belinelli had 12 and Patty Mills 11. Ginobili had nine assists for the Spurs, who are 10-1 this season when he has at least five. DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points and Amir Johnson had 19 points and nine
Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to teh basket against teh Toronto Raptors bw rebounds for the Raptors, who lost for the sixth time in seven games. Terrence Ross scored 14 points in his first start of the season, Jonas Valanciunas also had 14 and Kyle Lowry had 11. Toronto, which traded Rudy Gay, QuincyAcy andAaron Gray to Sacramento on Monday, was still awaiting the arrival of forwards Chuck Hayes and Patrick Patterson and guards John Salmons and Greivis Vasquez in return. Hayes, Patterson and Salmons were due to arrive late Tuesday night while Vasquez, who had to make a detour to New York City for a work visa, was not expected until Wednesday afternoon. Raptors forward Tyler Hansbrough (left shoulder) missed his second straight game Tuesday, leaving
Toronto with just 10 players against the Spurs. Splitter’s absence proved to be an immediate problem for San Antonio’s defense. Valanciunas and Johnson each scored 10 points in the first and combined for eight rebounds as Toronto led 3624 after one quarter. It was the most first-quarter points allowed by the Spurs this season. San Antonio closed the gap by opening the second quarter with a 13-4 run, cutting the deficit to one. Parker scored eight points in the second and Baynes had seven as the Spurs led 59-53 at halftime. Duncan scored nine points in the third as San Antonio stretched its lead, taking an 89-74 edge into the fourth.
minutes, Napoli were on course to qualify for the last 16. But Kevin Grosskreutz’s goal for Dortmund three minutes from time in Marseille sent last season’s runners-up through in their place. Arsenal, who had to lose by three goals in order to miss out, took the sting out of the game with some controlled possession and there was no time for Napoli to grab a third after Callejon had lobbed Wo j c i e c h S z c z e s n y t o double their lead. Dortmund, Arsenal and Napoli all finished on 12 points, but the Germans beat Arsenal to top spot on a better
head-to-head record. The Gunners pipped the Italians to second place on goal difference. As runners-up the Gunners will play a top seed, meaning they will be up against holders Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain or Atletico Madrid. Arsene Wenger’s side may have been forgiven for not approaching Napoli in their usual attacking manner, but they soon found a rhythm to their passing after an energetic opening from the hosts which saw Goran Pandev test Szczesny with an early shot.
Arsenal reach last 16 despite loss Arsenal qualified for the Champions League knockout stages as Group F runnersup, despite losing to Napoli. It is the 14th successive season the Gunners, who weathered early pressure before going close via Olivier Giroud, have reached the second phase. Gonzalo Higuain put Napoli ahead before the Gunners’ Mikel Arteta was sent off. And although Jose Callejon scored a second for Napoli in injury time, Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 win at Marseille eliminated the Italian side. When Argentine striker Higuain struck after 73
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
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BCB reappoints Foster as Special Events Committee Chair
Banks DIH, Trophy Stall on board ‘Clash of the Champions’ Horse Race Meet
….also heads 75th Anniversary Committee The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has reappointed long standing Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster as Chairman of its highly successful Special Events Committee and will also head the BCB 75th Anniversary Committee. Foster who resigned from the position in May due to illness was approached by Executives of the Board after recovering and readily agreed to assist. This time around, the work load will not be as hectic as compared to the five years when Foster led the committee when over 600 activities/programmes were successfully completed. The committed administrator in an invited comment stated that while he had agreed to assist Berbice cricket, his main priority would be his duties at the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Since Foster ’s
resignation the BCB had not undertaken a single special events programme and he e x p r e s s e d h i s disappointment that no one was able to step up to the challenges. Instead of undertaking a record b r e a k i n g 1 7 5 activities/programmes per year, Foster disclosed that the BCB Special Events Committee would now concentrate on 20 to 30 major projects per year including a massive countywide coaching programme, awards ceremony, annual magazine, elite training programme, assistance to less fortunate clubs and anti-drugs and proeducation programmes. Sponsorship would also be obtained for tournaments at the Under-15, 17, 19, Female, Second and First Divisions levels. The BCB during the period of August September 2014 would be celebrating its 75th Anniversary, having come into9 existence in 1939 to
Nandran Arjune (right) of Three Singh Establishment presents the checque to John Cheffoon
Hilbert Foster administer the game in Berbice. The Board would be organising a series of activities to mark this special anniversary. Members of the Special Events Committee are Anil Beharry, Angela Haniff, Winston Smith, Leslie Solomon, Rabindranauth Saywack and Gegory Rambarran. Foster issued a challenge to the members to work together and to dedicate themselves to the task of working for the development of the sport in the Ancient County.
Late Hafidi goal sends Raja through
With the most anticipated horse race meet of the year just a few days away more sponsors have come on board for the long waited ‘Clash of the Champions’ showdown this Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice. Beverage giants Banks DIH limited continues to lead the way with an attractive package for the feature ‘A’ class event. Leading trophy p r o v i d e r : T h e Trophy Stall are also on board in a big way for the event that is jointly organised by Ryan Crawford Memorial Tu r f C l u b and Sports Facilities, Port Mourant Turf Club and Shariff Business Conglomerate and Racing Stable of West Berbice. Over $8M are up for grabs in the eight race meet and fans cannot wait
to see the best horses in Guyana in action with some 75 entries received so far. Other sponsors on board are Sankar Auto Works, Valvoline Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables, Dequan Shipping, Atlantic Marine Supply I n c . , To o l sie Persaud Limited, Buffalo Energy Drink, Phagoo General Store, Southland Incorporated, John Dere Company, Businessman Kit Scipio of USA and Guyana, Jai Signs and Designs, Khanai’s Electrical, Fazal Habubulla, Kris Jagdeo Construction, Lekeram ‘Buddy’ Sukhdeo, Romell Jagroop Construction and Racing Stables, Customs Racing Stable and family, Businessman Shano Seenarine, Attorney-at-Law R.N Poonai, Delmur Shipping Company, Balram and Lenny Singh and family.
The main A and lower event compliments of Banks DIH will feature the best of the best in S c o r e ’s E v e n , E l l e ’s Vision, Settle in Seattle in b a t t l e a g ainst newly imported Rock Movie Star, Money in Return and Some Legend and seasoned campaigners Got To Go, Grande de Roja, Donut Prince, CP Got Even, Prince Charming, Who is on the Case, Force Entry, the Message, Country Armagh and Zelick. They will gallop for the hefty $1.2M first prize and trophy over 6 Furlongs. This Meet is being governed by the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). Race time is 12:30hrs. C o o r d i n a t o r i s Mohammed Nankoo Shariff.
Neymar hits hat-trick as Barcelona crush Celtic Raja Club Athletic players celebrate a goal Raja Club Athletic (MAR) treated a packed Agadir Stadium to a confident 2-1 display against OFC representatives Auckland City FC (NZL) in the opening match of the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Morocco. The two sides had never met before, and it was the first time Raja Casablanca
had faced opponents from Oceania, while Auckland City had their best result against an African opponent at a Club World Cup in a 3-2 victory over TP Mazembe in the 2009 fifth place play-off. The Moroccan national league holders had the first chance in the seventh minute of the match when Raja captain Mohsine Moutaouali
crossed from the right to the far post where Adil Karrouchy volleyed his shot over the bar from close range. Supported by their passionate home crowd, Raja came close in the 22nd minute when Moutaouali threaded a beautiful through ball to Mouhssine Iajour (Continued on page 30)
Reuters - Neymar finally showed the goal scoring touch he has been threatening with a hat-trick as Barcelona shrugged off their recent dip in form with a 6-1 win over Celtic yesterday to seal top spot in Champions League Group H. Gerard Pique stabbed home with seven minutes on the clock and, with Celtic stretched at the back, Pedro and Neymar both finished clinically before half-time. Neymar had never
scored before in Europe but got two more after the break, with Adam Matthews unable to stop the Brazilian’s third from going over the line. Cristian Tello completed Barca’s scoring with another deflected shot. Celtic grabbed a consolation goal through Giorgios Samaras two minutes from time. Barca finish top of the section with 13 points, four ahead of second-placed Milan and five ahead of Ajax, who drew 0-0 at the San Siro.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 12, 2013
Guinness’ Greatest of the Steets’ Futsal Competition
Skill and fortitude on display tonight as KO phase commences Tonight the real test of skill and fortitude will be on display when the knockout p h a s e o f t h i s y e a r ’s Georgetown segment of the Guinness’ Greatest of the Steets’ Futsal Football Competition commences, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. In the opening encounter, Berlin Massive takes on Globe Yard and this clash should set the tone for a night that is anticipated to produce fireworks from the start. Berlin Massive convincing winners over Norton Street in their last game will no doubt look for outstanding performances from Michael Payne, Akine Collins and the dependable Devon Charles to bolster their chances of advancing to the next round, while Golbe Yard, who survived a tense penalty kicks shootout against Tucville after regulation time failed to yield an outright result will depend on the services of Kevin Lewis and Lionel Lali to boost their chances of winning. In the following encounter, the dangerous Alexander Village tackles Hope Street of Tiger Bay and this could be an explosive matchup since the former is a very experienced team in this format, while the latter his shown impressive maturity this time around. Alexander Village who
lost their previous game to Bent Street will once again rely on the expertise of the prolific Shem Porter to see off their opponents, while the same could be said of the p r o d u c t i v e Wr e n s f o r d Coleridge, who has been in terrific form in the competition. He will receive support from Dwayne Dickson and Dennis Caledenia, both of who revealed silky skills in their earlier clash against Kingston. Neighbours Queen Street of Tiger Bay faces a determined Costello Housing Scheme and this has all the markings of a frenetic showdown. Mark Welch and Sheman Anthony will lead the attack for Costello Housing Scheme, while Queen Street’s formidable duo of Deon Alfred and Leon Fredericks performances could prove decisive for the team’s chances of moving forward. The Steven Dolphin led Stevedore Housing Scheme which also includes Fitzroy Weatherspoon and Quason Winterthen square off against Albouystown ‘A’ and this should be a scorching affair. Andrew Murray Jr. and Shaka Jones have given their team every opportunity to grab the top prize and once again their input on the night will be vital for this lofty ambition. California Square
This is what the National Cultural Centre Tarmac will resemble come tonight when the knockout phase starts.
and Broad Street ‘B’ collision is a hard one to predict a winner, but judging from the teams’ earlier performances, the latter should start as slight favourite. Jamal Cozier will lead Broad Street ‘B’ challenge, while Christopher Darlington is expected to do the same for California Square. West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ and Sophia North engagement should see the former start as favourites, but they’ve looked indifferent this year and will have to be at their best to stave off the stubborn
Sophia North unit. G regory J ones and Akeem Frank will lead Sophia North’s quest to advance, while Michael Oie and Randolph Wagner are expected to be the chief architects to draw up the victory plan. Island Allstar has been the ‘sleeper’ in the competition to date and when they face North East La Penitence fans could feel assured that it will not be a lackluster contest, but rather a slugfest. Alpha McPhoy has been magnificent for Island Allstar along with Paul Porter, while Alwin and
Calvin Moore and Carl Tudor has also been in sublime form so a fierce battle is envisaged. The Albouystown ‘B’ and East La Penitence tussle is another intriguing affair with the latter being slightly favoured. Devon Millington and Jermaine We e k s h a v e l o o k e d unstoppable and their natural talent is anticipated to be too superior for their o p p o n e n t s , b u t Albouystown ‘B’ with the youthful Marlon Nedd leading their attack should not be underestimated. He will be supported by the Roy
Cassou. This year’s tournament saw 32 teams from across the City play for a top prize of $500,000, with the second, third and fourth placed teams taking home $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies. Along with the above mentioned prizes, teams were eligible to pocket an additional $25,000, $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 each, according to their final placing following the completion of the preliminary rounds.
Phillip George Legacy goes to his Mecca tomorrow The Phillip George Legacy Basketball Competition will go to the Mecca of the late Colts Coach, Burnham Court on Saturday for the Final Four where the best clubs in Georgetown will battle for a place in Sunday’s Grand Finale, which is set for the same venue. The semis in the Division III contest begins at 5pm with Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters taking on Pepsi Sonics and Colts challenging Plaisance Guardians in the same Division in the following game. The winners of each
encounter will play for the title on Sunday. The semis in the First Division competition bounce off at 8pm with Colts playing Republic Bank Nets and Ravens coming up against Pepsi Sonics in the final game. The number one ranked Club in Georgetown, Pacesetters was booted from the competition. Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) President, Michael Singh informed that the GABA has put in place two novelty challenges: a ThreePoint Shootout and a Skills Challenge to determine the
best long-range shooter and fastest player over the court with a basketball, respectively.
Singh said that the Shootout will give the winner the opportunity to be named the best three-point
shooter in Georgetown. In addition, both winners of the two novelty events will receive $20,000 and a pair of
sneakers. The winner of the second edition of Phillip George (Continued on page 31)
Thursday December 12, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Sunburst renew partnership with Camptown FC …both entities committed to developing solid relationship
Continental Group of Companies Company Secretary Percival Boyce Jr. (5th right) hands over a pair of boots and a ball to Sunburst Camptown FC President James Bond in the presence of club and staff members. Continental Agencies Limited through its marquee brand, Sunburst Orange Juice, has recommitted itself to sponsoring Sunburst Camptown Football Club and yesterday at its Industrial Site Office, handed over a quantity of gear and other equipment to the club. Handing over the items was Company Secretary, Continental Group of Companies, Percival Boyce Jr. to Club President, Attorney-at-Law James Bond in the presence of Honorary Secretary Ackram Sabree, Coach Joseph Wilson, Captain Travis Martin and staff of the sponsors. Boyce in remarks said it was a pleasure on behalf of
his CEO Mr. Rakesh Prui, Management and staff to rise to the occasion in support of Sunburst Camptown FC in their efforts, not only to maintain their sponsorship as a leading corporate citizen but in giving back to the community with their focus on the preparation and maintenance of Sunburst Camptown players and by extension the Coach and club executive. “It would be remiss of me not to make special mention of the support received from Mr. Ralph Green, President of Camptown Football Club, N e w Yo r k , w h o w a s instrumental in sourcing the outfits and equipment and air dashing them on behalf of the sponsor. The company
wishes to express our gratitude to Mr. Green and by extension, his executives in New York for their support with Sunburst Camptown, Guyana.” Sunburst Camptown are the defending GFA/Banks DIH knock-out champions and the new equipment has come at the ideal time, the club brushed aside Essequibo in their opening game sounding a warning to all pretenders that they are going all out to retain the championship. Boyce reminded that the Continental Group of Companies under the Sunburst brand stands fully behind Camptown in their quest to retain the crown. Responding on behalf of the club, President Bond
expressed gratitude to CEO Puri and Mr. Boyce for the confidence they have shown in the club noting that the Company has been sponsoring Camptown for a number of years but there would have been a period of inactivity. Bond noted that it was as a result of the consistent efforts of Mr. Boyce that the relationship is back up and running for the better. “Mr. Boyce has played an instrumental role in bringing us back together again, we sat down, and I must also mention Mr. Toussaint Boyce who also sat down with us and we fleshed out the details of what the club wanted from Continental and what Continental wanted from the
club. We both realized that it was beyond Club so to speak, that football and youngsters from the Campbellville community and from across Guyana could benefit from the initiative of Continental.” Bond also noted that Continental has also been sponsoring other sports including motor racing and the current Linden Amateur Basketball Association Under-17 Inter Secondary School competition. “It does not happen often in Guyana where you see a company giving so much to sports. So I must say to Continental that we are happy to be on board, we are happy to make our commitment to you and will wear our uniforms and brand
proudly so that we are worthy of the name of the sponsor.” In an effort to professionalize the operations at Sunburst Camptown, Bond disclosed that the entire Technical Staff and Players receive a stipend, this, the President noted is the start of bigger things to come in the near future. Among the equipment handed over were two sets of complete Sunburst branded uniforms, boots, shin guards, two s ets of complete goalkeeper uniforms, 25 water bottles, game and practice balls, ball bags, travelling polo shirts and another set of hose compliments of Mr. Boyce.
Athletics free from doping is an unrealistic idea - Michael Johnson F o u r- t i m e O l y m p i c champion Michael Johnson believes it is “unrealistic” to think athletics will ever be drug-free. Six Jamaicans, including former 100m worldrecord holder Asafa Powell and 2004 Olympic sprint relay champion Sherone
Simpson, tested positive f o r b anned substances earlier this year. “Athletics is a microcosm of real life,” said American Johnson. “In real life you will always have people who cheat. It’s unrealistic to expect athletics to be drug-free.”
Johnson, who won 4x100m gold at the 1992 Barcelona Game s , t h e 200m and 400m double in Athens four years later, and the 400m title in Sydney in 2000, believes the Olympics is the saving grace of athletics but thinks the sport needs to adapt in order to
improve its appeal. “Other sports may have fans that can put up with [doping] but in athletics the fans want to see the Olympians hold true to the Olympic ideal and values,” he said. “To be honest, if it weren’t for the Olympics, athletics would be dead. Off the face of the earth.”
He added: “Everyone loves to see people have a race but we’re seeing too much emphasis placed on world records and not on the battle between the athletes. “We must look closely at the sport and see what it is that people actually want to watch. “Do we need the
women’s discus? A 3,000m and 5000m steeplechase at the same meeting? Nothing has happened to change the sport in my time. “We need to look at a new format, package it better to engage more fans. Other sports have done it to increase their fan base, why can’t athletics?” (BBCsport)
t r o Sp
INTER-COUNTY TOURNEY
President’s XI take control Sinclair, against E’bo Williams hit 50’s P.31
Left arm spinner Anthony Adams delivers during his 4-wicket haul yesterday.
Khan engineers Demerara recovery Ross Taylor century after Crandon’s punishes sloppy WI commanding 95
Ross Taylor Royston Crandon (right) and Krisendat Ramoo leave the field at Lunch after batting out the entire first session at Enmore.
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