Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

Collapsing structures Guyana had long prided itself as being outside the earthquake and hurricane belt. Indeed, the country has not been known to suffer from any earthquake but in recent times it has felt many tremors, some of them so hard that they actually sent people scurrying to locations of safety. In one case, a tremor sent a motorcyclist crashing into a bridge. Luckily, the man survived but he sustained serious injuries. Strange as this may seem and given the nature of the constructions that abound in Guyana, no building has been known to collapse during tremor. The same cannot be said about the effect of high winds. From time to time there would be squalls as the Atlantic winds collide with winds that roar along the tropical intercontinental zone. These are usually accompanied by rain. Strongly build buildings invariably survive but there are those that have been around for so long that even the tilts on which they stand become unstable. So it was that when high winds lashed coastal Guyana on Saturday at least four came crashing down with the occupants inside. All of them were sited on the lower East Coast Demerara and were owned by people who probably never saw the need for maintenance over the more than eighty years they had been standing. This is a remarkable contradiction when one considers that the government is always boasting about its housing programme. Indeed the government has distributed thousands of house lots and has supervised the construction of thousands of new homes. It caused the commercial banks to make loans available at reasonable rates but then again, this was only for the construction of new homes. Therefore, those who had existing homes were left to their own devices. They would have had to seek loans under terms they would have worked out with the banks. Then there would have been the problem of many rural properties being what Guyanese call ‘children property’. These are property left by parents who failed to leave a will—who died intestate. All too often these are left to collapse because each child refuses to knock a nail on the grounds that each is not an individual owner of the property. There are many of these in the villages. Three of them collapsed in the heavy winds over the weekend. Such incidences highlight one of the shortcomings of national life. Most of the people who inhabit the houses that collapse are at the lower end of the economic ladder. They may have relatives who reside overseas and who could actually help rehabilitate the residence. But selfishness has crept into the family relationship. As should have been expected the homeowners who have nothing left but rubble now want the wider society to help. We must wonder at how these people managed to feed themselves if they could not afford a nail for the proverbial barn door. But these are the people who would have constructed a temporary homestead if the need had arisen. In fact, following the collapse of the house there is such a need at this time. In the city, the municipality once had a campaign that identified derelict buildings. The people conducting the campaign often had to get the Ministry of Social Services to move the occupants, particularly young children. We have never seen these people living on the streets. The village councils should all have a similar programme through which they would identify the derelict buildings, some of which collapsed over the weekend. The occupants, having been forced to move, would have made alternative housing accommodation. The reality is that once people are comfortable they do not look far for added comforts. At the same time, people on the outside would argue that the occupants are so poor that they can spare nothing for repairs. But new constructions could come crashing down also. There have been some slipshod work and we could very well see some new structures toppling.

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Crude stubbornness at City Hall DEAR EDITOR, During and after our rains I visited several areas in Georgetown, listening to concerns expressed by various persons. Conditions were horrible, certainly unacceptable for the Nation’s Capital - Clogged drains, bush-trucks blocking entrances while destroying our parapets, double-parking in the commercial areas, garbage pile-ups, but the most worrisome was the accumulation of water from the heavy rains. Yes, we will always have a build-up of water after heavy rains, since we are below sea level, but if measures were put in place, the entire city would be drained after a few short hours. Much of what is taking place is not necessary, but due to a crude stubbornness at City Hall, this is the case. I give just a few examples: The stall holders were forced to flee from the Bourda Green Market facility. Water was several inches in this area loss of produce, loss of business, not to mention the health hazard. But excuse me; that is no big thing, since a Minister of Local Government had said he would welcome a health crisis in the City - some are so callous and myopic that they don’t realize that a health-related outbreak will recognize neither municipal nor geographic boundaries. This situation could have been easily avoided if the Town Clerk Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba, paid some heed to

the wisdom of others, and more importantly, respected the decisions of the Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown. The Bourda Green is drained through a culvert alongside Orange Walk into the North Road Canal. We had available an excavator to desilt this canal which is silted up and therefore cannot provide relief for the Bourda Green stallholders. The decision made, instructed the Town Clerk to secure the services of certain private truck contractors. We pleaded for them to make available their trucks to cart away the mud removed from the canals. Without trucks the excavator is idle and thousands suffer. Right now we have a similar situation with the High Street canal. I invite one and all to see for themselves. This excavator, located west of City Hall, is idle because of some policy of an installed Town Clerk who defies and disregards decisions of the duly elected Mayor and Councillors. She boasts that she is only accountable to the Ministers of Local Government. This is a serious matter. Yet Mr. Rohee has the temerity to blame Green and APNU. The time has come for civil society to bring a class action against the Ministers of Local Government and their Town Clerk for criminal negligence. May I add this caveat; it could not be for the lack of

funds, since the same Ministers have boasted that under Ms. Sooba the financial status of City Hall has greatly improved - More of this later. One other example to establish how much this Ministerial imposition is doing great harm to our City, and is the cause of much embarrassment and discomfort to citizens. Talking all factors into account, including a statement by our new Director of Solid Waste, Mr. Walter Narine, to the effect that given the resources available to him, he needs help in order to maintain some acceptable level of garbage collection. The Full Council decided to outsource two key areas in the City, Numbers 7 and 8. After weeks, the Honourable Town Clerk has failed or refused to take any action, hence you see ugly piles of garbage in almost every block of Georgetown. When Messrs. Rohee, Persaud and Whittaker point their fingers at Mayor Green, let them deny the above facts. When will this PPP administration realize that only by upholding the lofty principles of decency and democracy can we advance Guyana? T h i s i n c l u d e s a n e ff i c i e n t , competent, professionally-driven and qualified public service officer corps. Mr. Rohee, your propaganda effort is unworthy of your high office. Hamilton Green, J.P., Mayor

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

A research agreement that benefits all Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, It has been with great consternation that I have been reading the past week’s Stabroek News and now the Kaieteur News in relation to the utterings over the award of a Permission of Geological and Geophysical Survey (PGSS) in the south of Guyana to the Guyanese company Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. I am puzzled as to the motive behind all the negative light in which this potentially large scale investment is being cast. This is a survey which holds great promise for Guyana, yet the motives of many of the objectors such as the Guyana Human Rights Association, A Partnership for National Unity’s Joseph Harmon and several political pundits remain, at the best, unknown. I am yet to comprehend what it is that they want, despite reading all of the complaints, accusations and demands. Some I have seen call for the resignation of the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources Robert Persaud, the rescinding of the PGSS, a separation of Ministerial duties and Protection of the Environment. I have also noticed that this matter only came to the fore when there was a discussion about an illegal road being built by a Brazilian in the Parabara area. For the record, the builders of that road and Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. are not connected, neither is Muri involved in any road-building. So far all of the articles seem to hint and make the assumption that there is some level of corruption involved. However, to date, I have not heard anyone stating that the agreement signed between the Minister and the company is illegal. In my humble opinion, once it is a legal agreement it must be honoured. It is time that the Government state this fact, regardless of the reasons given by some persons who feel that this legal agreement is not in the best interest of Guyana. I would like to state why legal binding agreements must be honoured. I refer to two more popular cases from our recent history. 1: The agreement with the GT&T which created a “monopoly” and 2: the Omai mine agreement, both of these agreements were questioned by all and sundry and attempts were made to rescind them. The GT&T issue is still ongoing and I will not comment. Following the change of Government in 1992 there was an official

investigation and inquiry into the Omai agreement, led by Dr. Maurice Odle. The determination was that the agreement was fully compliant with the law. On a historical note, this is not the first time the area in question is being studied visà-vis research activities to determine the type of minerals. Were there any previous studies in this area? The answer is yes. Several decades ago, studies were done by the United Nations Revolving Fund Programme whose findings are a matter of public record. Studies were also done in the late 70’s by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) headed by Geologist Chris Barron. Under the stewardship of Commissioner William Woolford further studies were done by Mr. Nestor, GGMC, these findings should also be public knowledge. Studies have been done by a Guyana/Brazil team over the Mursi area, I am not aware if these findings have been made available to the public. The above is proof that studies for minerals in this area were conducted by Government over its territory.

The only difference today is that the studies are being carried out by a private firm. So why all the fuss about this study? There are many statements being placed for public consumption that are at best, most misleading. The first is that of the map purporting to show mining on the borders. Any preliminary investigation would show that there is a definitive area on all Guyana’s borders in which mining can and cannot be conducted. This is the law of the land. The second bit of information which states that this agreement is a “sell-out” and that 2.2 million acres (approximately 4% of Guyana) has been granted to this company is ingenious in its ambiguity and designed to arouse the patriotism of Guyanese citizens. The fact however remains that the major beneficiary of this research, which would involve a foreign investment of tens of millions of US dollars, is Guyana. PGSS agreements have been implemented simply because the GGMC does not have the technical or financial

resources to do this type of research. Yes, there is an agreement that after a few years Muri will have the option to apply for prospecting licences, however, what is not stated is these licences will not be chosen from the 2.2 million acres being researched. As with all previous agreements (I have not seen the Muri agreement), areas have to be released by the companies each year as per a schedule that allows for approximately 50% in the first year and 25% in the second year and so on. From what I understand this agreement will see at least a 30% release of the first year. So exactly how many acres are being given in the form of prospecting licences? Based on what has been the precedent, the average prospecting licence is 12,000 acres, it means that the acreage to be prospected could be around 216,000 acres. Needless to say, if after years of prospecting one decides to apply for a mining licence, the maximum acreage is 20,000 acres.

I am also aware that there have been applications by local miners to do prospecting in the area and I recall the Minister stating that he has not approved any prospecting licences in the area, only a PGSS. As a matter of policy, the GGDMA has always stated that all applications must be accepted by the GGMC and following the proper checks and research, the applicant must be informed if he can or cannot be issued permission and reasons must be given. It is sad to see that there has been no comment or response from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission or its board on this matter. The Private Sector Commission, whose current chairman was the Chairman of GGMC, has remained largely silent on this issue which threatens to drive away not only this, but future foreign investment into Guyana. In conclusion, Guyanese are aware of the claims by the Venezuelan Government in the Essequibo which have restricted, and will continue to restrict, large scale

development such as the Upper Mazaruni Hydro Development Project and the Beal Space Project. We are also aware about the claims by Suriname, which is apparently also restricting development in the New River Triangle Area. Personally, I can understand where these foreign countries are coming from, but it is totally incomprehensible to me why our own people (Guyanese) are against the development of Guyana for the benefit of all Guyanese. Edward Shields Former Director of GGMC, Retired Executive Director GGDMA

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 17, 2013

PSC defends position on GPSU seeks permission for daily Berbice bridge toll reduction protest marches until year end Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ronald Webster, confirmed yesterday that a few persons may not have been aware of the recently issued statement warning the Opposition parties that they should not get involved in “nonregulatory interference” pertaining to toll reduction at the five-year-old Berbice bridge. The Chairman, in response to sections of the media peddling that the Commission would have issued the Bridge statement against the knowledge of constituents, insisted that the statement is “factual” and that there was no attempt to issue the statement without the knowledge of its members. Webster said in a telephone interview that the Commission’s executive was well aware of the statement since it was first discussed and decided upon. He added, “Several persons knew about it, but there may have been one or two persons who were not aware of the statement, but who felt that they should have known.” Webster explained, further, that the Commission is made up of hundreds of members and it would be “impossible” to get the say of every affiliate.

PSC Chairman Ronald Webster The Bridge statement was an executive release, Webster said. The core idea of the statement, he asserted, was based on the issue of the bridge toll and that there should be no government interference. Webster reiterated that the statement was “factual and accurate” but because of the size of the PSC it would be possible that not every member was aware of the move. What is important he noted, is that the executive/board discusses any actions and subsequently takes a position. Another member of the Commission who opted to remain anonymous told this publication that he too knew that “one or two” persons were not

aware of the Bridge statement and may have had objections about not being informed. He added that as part of the executive, he can say that the matter was discussed. The executive is made up of the chairman, vice chairman, secretary and treasurer, while chairman of sub-committees within the Commission are also made aware and are present at the executive meetings. The PSC chairman has promised however, that the Commission will be issuing a full statement on the recent revelations during the course of the week. The statement in question warned the Opposition parties, specifically the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) against any form of “non-regulatory interference”. APNU had signaled their intention to seriously pursue moves in the National Assembly to reduce bridge tolls which they believe is too high. The PSC contended however, “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 non-voting preference stock in the company and provides one of the few opportunities for a good investment return on Guyanese workers’ NIS contributions. It may also be considered critical to the future life of the scheme.” The statement added, “The company is managed by a Board of Directors representing the investment interests; no one Director can determine or undermine the decision of the full Board, Government or not.” APNU’s MP Joseph Harmon had stated that it amended a motion to reduce the tolls, anticipating that the Government would argue that the bridge company is a private one. The bridge directors have decided however to reduce bridge tolls, but this reduction, it is being argued, is still inadequate.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is seeking to host mass protest marches across the city until year end. The union has requested permission from the Guyana Police Force to host the marches from December 20 to 31 in refusal of the five percent pay increase imposed on public sector workers. The union and its members have been holding public demonstrations for the past two weeks, placing pressure on crucial public sector entities. In a media release, the union said that, “it will commence peaceful protests/ marches throughout Georgetown from Friday December 20, 2013 at 11:00 hrs (11:00 am) to Tuesday December 31, 2013 and hereby, seeks the concurrence and cooperation of the Guyana Police

Department.” The union’s intended routes for this exercise, “starts at GPSU’s Headquarters, 160 Regent & Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown, down Regent Street to the junction of Vlissengen Road; South along Vlissengen Road to the junction of Vlissengen Road and Brickdam; West along Brickdam to the junction of Brickdam and High Street, North along High Street into the Western side of Main Street to the junction of Main and Lamaha Streets, East to the junction of Lamaha Street and Eastern Side of Main Street, South along the Eastern side of Main Street into High Street to the junction of High Street and Regent Streets, East along Regent Street and back to the GPSU headquarters.” The union warned that these activities would be held daily except for Saturdays

and Sundays. The union has remained resolute in getting the government to change its position on the annual arbitrary imposition of increases on state workers. It has been argued that for the past 12 years an arbitrary increase has been the state of affairs; denying union members the right to relevant consultations. Workers argue that the “measly” increases are inadequate as it is unable to suffice the cost of living. The government has charged however that they are unable to pay the workers more than five percent citing the Opposition’s slashing of the government forwarded budget. They subsequently charged that money allocated for public servants is not only for their pay increase, so despite the approved sum that was allocated for the workers, they cannot have it.

Saturday funeral for former Commander Josiah

The body of former Police Divisional Commander Derrick Josiah will be laid to rest with full military honours on Saturday. A senior police officer yesterday confirmed that the Force in consultation with the late Commander’s family is finalizing arrangements for the funeral. Josiah, who was an Assistant Commissioner of Police, died last Friday at a private city hospital where he had gone for a medical checkup, following a vehicular accident he was involved in a little over a month ago. His death sent shockwaves throughout the Force, with Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell describing it as a “great loss for the organization.” “He was a Christian, he was a team man; a man whom I respected, who was always willing to go the extra mile. He was a driving force in my administration and I will miss him terribly.”

Derrick Josiah As a result of Josiah’s death, the police ‘A’ Division has cancelled its annual Christmas lunch out of respect for its fallen Commander. Meanwhile, the main opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has extended condolences to the wife, children, relatives and

friends of the late Assistant Commissioner of Police. “APNU also sends it condolences to the Commissioner of Police, and the men and women of the Guyana Police Force, especially to the ‘A’ Division family where Mr. Josiah last served. The Police Force not only lost a Divisional Commander but from all accounts, a good and upstanding officer. The Leader of the Opposition Brigadier David Granger and all the parties that make up the Partnership extend profound sympathies at the passing of Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Josiah,” APNU said. And the Ministry of Home Affairs has also expressed deep regrets at Josiah’s passing. According to the Ministry, Josiah was a member of the Guyana Police Force Change Team, which oversees the modernization (continued on page 23)

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Triangular love affair…

Father of four was killed in his mother’s house - Neighbours

The shack where Garnett was killed The father of four who was killed by his estranged wife’s lover late Sunday had gone to the house in Lamaha Springs only after his children had called to inform him that they were being ill-treated by their mother and her partner, according to neighbours. The house, in which Carl Garnett was killed, is owned by his mother who is currently residing overseas. Garnett of Lot 229 Section ‘B’ South Sophia, was reportedly stabbed five times to the chest and once in the upper thigh by his estranged wife’s lover, Akeem James during a confrontation a little after 18:00hrs Sunday night. James, who also sustained a chop wound to his head, was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was then escorted to the Brickdam Police Station yesterday. During an interview with eyewitnesses yesterday, Kaieteur News learnt that Garnett walked out of his matrimonial home early this year after he found out that his wife, Rhonda Garnett, was cheating on him with James. “The day after he (Garnett) moved out, she bring in her younger man (Akeem) and they were living together with Carl’s four children,” a neighbour said.

Carl Garnett She added that the Garnetts were high school sweethearts. Apart from the separation early this year, the neighbour said that Mrs. Garnett had left the home for a while and was living home with another man but moved back with her husband. “Carl is a nice man. He loves his children but after he find out that his wife had somebody he move out and left them. His 14-year-old daughter called him some time last week and told him that her

mother hit her in her head because she refused to wash the wares and he went and collect his daughter,” the neighbour said. She said that on the day of the incident, she heard a loud noise coming from within the house and thought it was Mrs. Garnett and her lover fighting. But after about 15 minutes, she said she heard the woman yelling, “Akeem, lef he now.” “After she started screaming, the daughter run out and we started asking her what happen and she said her father called and Akeem answered the phone and when he realized it was him (Carl), he hang up. “She said her father called back and she answered the phone and then handed it to her mother.” Neighbours assumed that Carl had called to question his wife about the complaints he received from his children. Kaieteur News was told that Carl went into the house with a cutlass while James armed himself with a knife to scare Carl away.

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Tuesday December 17, 2013

PPP banks on new GuySuCo Board for change in fortunes The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has taken note of the continuing failure of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to meet its production targets and calls on all stake holders to redouble their efforts to turn the industry around. PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee told reporters that he hopes that the new board can impact a significant turnaround in the sugar industry. The PPP’s concerned interest in the sugar industry was made known at a press conference yesterday at Freedom House. Rohee noted that the mining sector has performed well, overtaking sugar as the largest foreign exchange earner to the economy. The General Secretary said that sugar is still the largest employer of labour and any further decline in

sugar production could have disastrous effects on the livelihood and well being of sugar workers and their families. Rohee was questioned about the validity of PPP’s continued statements that there will be a turnaround in the sugar industry. He said that he is hopeful that the newly appointed Board of Directors, working in tandem with the principal unions in the sugar industry could address existing deficiencies. The General Secretary boasted that Guyana continues to be the largest exporter of sugar to the region despite contrary reports and criticisms. He recommitted on the party’s behalf to the resuscitation of the industry. Rohee said, however, that changing weather patterns nonetheless continue to be of concern. He called for the

relevant education in this regard. PPP will not give up hope on the sector being that “it is too valuable and vital… I’m convinced that there is great potential for Guyana’s sugar industry.” Rohee also lauded the almost five per cent economic growth in the country. He said that his party commends the government, more particularly, the Ministry of Finance for its good stewardship of the economy and for ensuring that the fundamentals of the economy are maintained. “Among these are macroeconomic stability, stable exchange rates, low inflation rates, strong foreign exchange reserves and low interest rates, all of which are indicative of fiscal discipline and sound monetary policies on the part of the administration.”

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

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PURCHASING POWER IS BEING ERODED BY DEVALUATION The amount that a government decides to pay or to offer workers as an annual salary increase is not determined by any voted provision in the Budget. In fact, it is the other way around, the voted provision more or less represents some form of catering for whatever Government will offer or decide to pay workers. Salary increases are matters that are influenced by wages policy. The government has to make provision for this along with a host of other related matters such as the hiring of new staff and promotion of others. The fact therefore that the government may have voted in support of a certain sum of money under a Budgetary category entitled Revision of Salaries does not mean that the voted provision is available for the payment of salary increase. The Treasury may well be able to afford the voted provision if its financial targets are met. It may equally be unable to afford the provision even if it meets its revenue targets. This can happen for example, if despite reaching its projected revenue target, there are other needs which have to be satisfied and which were not catered for. Regardless of the monies available to the government, the decision in what levels of salary increases should be paid is most often based on other considerations, foremost of which is a wages policy. The wages policy of the PPP

administration is as predictable as night follows day. And it is not as some would have it merely reduced to paying an annual five per cent increase plus a little extra whenever it is an election year. To understand the wages policy of the PPP requires an understanding of the assumptions that the PPP makes in relation to wages and its impact on the economy. The principal economic assumption pursued by the PPP administration is that it cannot afford to distribute wealth that it does not have. That is a lesson that it learnt from the PNCR. As such the PPP’s economic policies are aimed primarily at increasing GDP. This is where the second set of assumptions comes in. The PPP’s calculates the GDP according to the formula: GDP= C+G+I+NX where C is equal to private consumption, G is equal to government spending I refers to the level of investment in the economy, and NX is next exports As can be noted, if net exports is negative this can undermine GDP. It is further assumed that an increase in the money supply through increased wages will increase the disposable income available to private consumers. However, since the internal market is small and most of the consumables in the economy are imported, then an increase in disposable income can lead to increased imports which can lead to negative value of NX which subtracts from

Dem boys seh ...

People hack into de people script People does end up in trouble when dem ain’t watching. De other day dem boys also learn that people can hack dem computer and de whole newspaper. Dem use to read how de Chronicle website get hack and dem use to laugh. But old people seh wheh laugh deh, cry deh. Dem boys wake up and see de column that dem does talk about and realize that people want to see dem get put in trouble. De talk name was not wha dem boys accustom to. Dem don’t worry bout who jump wheh and who play hopscotch. Right away dem decide to call in Bibi and ask she fuh trace de hacking. She tell dem boys that she don’t know to do dem things. She direct dem to de NFMU but de boy deh tell dem boys that he ain’t got de machine. He seh that he suspect that is somebody who got access to equipment that can hear people telephone conversation and who can hack people e-mail. Changing password is nutten; it don’t protect you mail. That is why dem boys end up in shock when dem see some story bout a woman climbing ladder. Dem boys know that woman can do anything; dem fight fuh equality a long time ago such nuff of dem is painter and carpenter. Dem boys never care bout that. De investigation still going on to find out who write that column because dem boys know is not dem. Dem already ketch people who been searching up dem files in de Archives. When dem dig deeper, dem find out that Bobby and de Big Bee send dem to do de wuk. Dem stop de research after dem get ketch but that didn’t mean that dem stop dem wickedness. Suh dem boys believe that is dem do de column de other day. Talk half and wait till somebody get ketch.

overall GDP. As such the PPP economists are wary of large salary increases since they are convinced that these increases will not be backed by increased domestic production and therefore increased wages will spiral inflation. The PPP has dogmatically followed this line since it got into office and which is the official position of the IMF and World Bank and which states that increases in salaries not backed by both production and exports will lead to increased inflation and reduce GDP growth. For close to twenty years therefore the PPP has mainly

offered single digit salary increases to public sector workers. The only exceptions took place just after the PPP took office in 1993, the arbitration awards of 1999 and in election years when the PPP usually offers a significant increase. All other increases have generally been tied to the rate of inflation. The problem with this approach is that it has led to a net decline in the purchasing power of workers because even though wages are increased slightly above the annual inflation rate, not many people are convinced that the official inflation rate truly reflects the movement of prices in the

economy. The present situation in the economy is instructive. In its Budget presentation, the government estimated annual inflation for 2013 at 4.3%. What this means is that if the government is successful at holding inflation to this level, the real increase in wages based on a 5% increase in 2013 would be under 1% for workers. However, serious concerns remain about the actual level of inflation in the economy since the official inflation rate as recorded by the government is not viewed in some quarters as being reflective of the actual movement of prices in the

economy. For example, right now the US exchange rate is on a runaway train. Businesses are being forced to purchase US dollars at a rate of G$213 to 1US$. This will drive inflation further up and completely erode the net gain on workers’ wages. The government therefore, has to revisit the manner in which it sets its wages policy because while each year it offers a meager 5% that increase is more often than not been eroded by inflation.

Report on Camal Home COI to be released in January The Commission of Inquiry (COI) appointed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to investigate allegations of maltreatment at the Camal International Home for Abused Women and Children, Albion, Corentyne, has announced that it has completed all necessary inquiries. The Commission said that it is currently compiling findings and it maintained that the report of the investigation will be released no earlier than January 10, 2014. The inquiries come after three girls, aged 12, 14 and 15, were arrested on November 20, 2013 and held for several days at the Albion Police Station, after allegedly ‘wandering’ away from the home. The matter was called before Magistrate Ravindra Singh who ordered that the girls be deployed to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) in Essequibo. Currently, however, the girls, two of whom are sisters, are being temporarily housed at the Canaan Home at Port Mourant, Corentyne. On Thursday last, the twoday inquiry commenced with testimonies from individuals directly related to the case. The venue for the commission was the Albion Sports Complex. The exercise was premised by the Ministry under the basis of gathering information from the public into the allegations of maltreatment of children at the popular orphanage. According to Commissioner Saudia Ferouz, testimonies were received from about eight persons including the three girls; Head of the Home, Carmen Kissoon; probation officers, representatives of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) and two relatives of the sisters. The Commission, on the second day, took to the fields where interviews were conducted with persons from the

Administrator of Camal Home, Carmen Kissoon with relatives who turned up to testify on Thursday last. Albion community, officers at the Albion Police Station, staff at the Camal Home and the Attorney-at-Law, Adrian Anamayah, who had filed on behalf of the teenagers. Following the arrest of the girls, claims of ill-treatment on the part of the Administration surfaced with members of society questioning the competence of

the home in properly caring for the children housed there. Concerning the 12-year-old, who had attended the Corentyne Comprehensive High School, one teacher said, “I spoke to the girl personally and the girl said sometimes she goes to school without lunch and the teachers would have to buy lunch for her.

“We never knew the extent of her sadness. When she was absent, the teachers were trying to get in contact with the home but they were given the royal runaround, that there were two such homes in the county.” There were also claims that the Administrator would sell items that are donated to the Home.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Mursi deal with Robert Persaud ...

Company director openly campaigned for PPP - Granger The scandalous events unfolding that involves the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, and Mursi Brasil Ventures Inc, is a matter of concern for all Guyanese, and must be seen as a clear and present danger to our National Security and the preservation not only of the pristine environment of the New River Triangle, but more importantly, the territorial integrity of Guyana. This is according to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), who yesterday in a public missive, said that the Granting of Permission for Geological and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) to Mursi Brasil Ventures Inc. might seem innocuous on the surface, but a deeper examination of the parties involved makes it even more sinister. APNU said that it notes that one of the persons listed as a Director of the CompanyMursi Brasil, is Yucatan Reis. According to the party, “One would recall that in the November 8, 2011 issue of the Kaieteur News, a photograph was printed showing the Brazilian Governor of the State of Roraima addressing

Standing next to the Brazilian Governor Jose de Anchieta Junior, on the PPP platform is Yucatan Reis

a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) rally at Lethem- Upper Takatu- Upper Essequibo Region…In that Kaieteur News photograph standing next to the Brazilian Governor Jose de Anchieta Junior, on the PPP platform is Mr. Yucatan Reis.” APNU said, “The question that now springs to mind is whether as an inducement for his support of the PPP campaign was handsomely rewarded with the granting of

the PGGS.” The party further said, “The question also arises as to the involvement (if any) of the Brazilian Governor of the State of Roraima in this nefarious scheme to sell off Guyana.” According to APNU, the PPP’s financial empire and the failure of the Ramotar administration to be open and transparent are now being exposed for all to see. APNU is the latest to

come out in condemnation of the permission granted to Mursi Brasil Ventures Inc. Permission granted by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Persaud, to Muri Brasil Ventures Inc, to survey more than two million hectares of land in Guyana for rare earth elements will pose a border and security threat. According to Financial Analyst, Christopher Ram, in latest writings points out that the Permission Area is located at the confluence of the Kuyuwini and Essequibo Rivers and is right on the border. “Indeed, Annex A to the permission states that Point

C of the area is located approximately three hundred yards from the Brazil Guyana border”. Ram charges that had the Minister done the kind of background research which one associates with such major decisions, he would have recognised that the national policy was against any commercial activity in the area. According to Ram, “National security and territorial integrity could be compromised over a huge swathe of Guyana.” He reminded that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) voiced its opposition in an earlier attempt under the Cheddi Jagan Administration. He said, “It is to ensure that we are not exposed to such threats – as Robert Persaud’s action now does – that the GDF is given a place on the Board of the Geology and Mines Commission.” He said that the “tragedy is that the law allows Persaud to bypass the GGMC and engage in the kind of recklessness starkly demonstrated by the Muri permission.” Regarding the threats to the security and border that Ram suggested; that could be incurred as a result of the deal inked by Minister Persaud. The financial analyst drew

reference to the fact that it has drawn a not particularly friendly reaction from Suriname. In that country, its Deputy Speaker of Parliament is calling for her country to lodge a formal complaint with Guyana. According to Ram, “that will certainly complicate issues even as the bigger question remains the border with Brazil.” He said that Guyanese will now wait to see if President Donald Ramotar will define himself and protect the integrity of the borders of this country. “Decisive action on this issue will give some credibility to his Presidency…If he fails to act now, nothing ever will.” Ram has suggested that, in face of the implications and improprieties, President Ramotar has only one option in this matter. According to Ram, the President must scrap the ‘Permission to survey’ given to the company and relieve Robert Persaud of any ministerial duties. Ram suggested that Persaud’s Ministerial performance has been characterised by some grave lapses and his commitment to responsible governance and accountability is even poorer than Guyana’s.

Wife clings to hope of finding missing Guyanese man Tortola, BVI (Virginislandsnewsonline) - A search team returned without results after combing several stretches of the northern shoreline of Tortola for missing Guyanese, Roger Fraser aka ‘Scarry’ yesterday, December 15, 2013. Fraser, 41, went missing one week ago on December 8, 2013 after leaving his Long Trench home for a fishing expedition in the Cooper Bay area with close friend and fellow Guyanese, Kendeye Thomas. The two often told persons they were brothers because of their closeness and shared fishing as a favourite pastime. Both men were reportedly swept out to the sea by strong waves while fishing near rocks in the Cooper Bay area. Thomas’ body was discovered the following day, December 9, 2013 in the Larmer’s Bay area after it washed ashore. He was reportedly planning a trip to Guyana within the coming days to meet relatives after being away for nearly a year. An eight-member team comprising several friends of Fraser and his wife, Rehani Bacchus, embarked along the treacherous pathway that

Roger Fraser called ‘Scarry’ took the two missing men to the area where they were last seen on that fateful day. Searches were also done in the Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay areas without success. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Bacchus related that the couple had been together for nearly two decades. The mother of three said Fraser left home hurriedly after speaking with a friend on the phone whom she presumed to be Thomas. He was reportedly playing a (continued on page 23)

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 11

APNU seeks to sanction Finance Minister for unapproved spending The political opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has taken the next step in its promise of holding the Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh accountable for allocating unapproved monies that the combined opposition cut from government agencies and projects in the budget. APNU, through its leader David Granger, announced recently that the action by the Finance Minister was unlawful and that APNU will initiate action through the National Assembly to deal with “Ministers who feel that they are not accountable to the National Assembly and who behave in an unlawful manner.” According to the Granger “As far as that is concerned you have not heard the end of it, any Minister of the Government who is held to

behave in an unlawful manner will have to answer to a Committee of Privileges and that action is going to be taken.” Granger articulated that the process to bring the Finance Minister to the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges has started. “A motion has been drafted and I think by now it would’ve been in Parliament or submitted” said Granger. He said that ministers are accountable to the National Assembly and he is aware of the law and what the Constitution and the Standing Orders call for. Speaking on when the Finance Minister will be brought before the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges, the Opposition Leader said that once the motion is brought before the National Assembly, it has to be first approved and after the decision is taken it is then up

to the Speaker to convene a committee. “Given the time of the year it may not occur until next year but it could happen, we are meeting again on December 19.” This year ’s National Budget approved $31.35 billion less than what was originally presented to the House. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had presented a $208.8 billion budget on March 25. After a series of amendments, the budget was reduced to $177.4 billion. The Opposition had cut the budgetary allocations set aside for the National Communications Network (NCN), Government Information Agency (GINA) and Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL). Cuts were also made to the Ministries of Public Works and Health however Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh

$12 int’l call rate to US approved Regulators of the telephone industry have approved reduced international rates to Canada and the United States. According to an advisory of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the promotion on the outbound international calls, excluding calls to Alaska and Hawaii, are at the approved pre-tax rate of $20 per minute (peak) and $12 per minute (off peak). The rates were made effective from Sunday last

and will run to March 31, 2014. The promotion, PUC said, is applicable to all Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Digicel

customers and is offered on both landline and mobile services, free of any subscription or fixed charges. According to PUC, with the applicable taxes, the rates will be $23.2 (peak) and $13.92 (off –peak). The advisory noted that the peak period is from 6am – 6pm, during the weekdays, while the off peak period is from 6pm to 6am. Weekends and holidays are considered off peak, the body said.

Soldiers’ Day at Lethem

Colonel George Lewis serves a soldier during the annual ‘Soldiers’ Day’ celebrations at Base Kanuku, Lethem, last Sunday.

went ahead and spent on those agencies, despite such cuts by the Opposition. On the floor of the last sitting of the National Assembly on December 12, APNU MP Jaipaul Sharma as he explained the wrongs of the Finance Minister and the three Ministers to whose

Ministries moneys were allocated even though it was cut by the opposition, said that they should be placed before the Committee of Privileges but to that notion most members of Parliament (MPs) sitting on the government side heckled/laughed at the pronouncement.

David Granger

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 17, 2013

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Guyana: The longest war I believe if there is any indication that President Donald Ramotar is not going to break, even in a minor way, with the long, ancient distrust and permanent tragedy that characterize the political culture of Guyana, was his refusal to invite the Opposition Leader to accompany him to Nelson Mandela’s funeral tribute. In what ways could that generosity have dented or changed the policies of government that Mr. Ramotar have composed and has been implementing since be became President? The answer is none. It would have been no concession to power,

just brilliant statesmanship. The statesmanlike gesture would have had symbolic importance for Guyana’s political culture. At least it would have told Guyanese that we don’t have to fight all the time. In pragmatic politics, Mr. Ramotar would have been a winner in every conceivable way. In fact, Mr. Ramotar, as the person who offered the invitation, would have had more plaudits coming his way since he was the initiator. It would be interesting to find out (and I don’t believe we ever will) what was the argument against Ramotar emulating his Trinidadian

counterpart. I could only think of two. The Government did not have funds. This makes no sense since even if Mr. Granger wanted another opposition figure to accompany him, the expenses could not have been that intimidating. The second reason has more validity and all Guyanese need to reflect on it because it will send this country down the chasm sooner rather than later. I believe the inflexible, hardcore elements (and that may include Mr. Ramotar himself) took the position that it is a war going on in Guyana - we versus them - so why should we taken one of them to South Africa. I want to believe in my heart that this was not the reason but the reality of Guyana’s political

culture and the bold facts of the PPP’s behaviour in power point to this explanation. I see the Mandela funeral snub as one of the largest signs, perhaps the largest to date, that the longest battle in Guyana’s history – the PPP versus the PNC – will not abate under Mr. Ramotar. If the PPP turned its back on such a small gesture, then it will not concede political space to the PNC and I believe the AFC too. Every PPP word, every PPP action, every PPP political thought, every PPP instinct is driven by the religious dogma of we versus them. And it extends to even imaginary areas. By this I mean “the we versus them” scene is envisaged and given existence in areas of life in Guyana where it is an illusion.

I refer to the situation where a well known, learned city lawyer was groomed for the CEO post of a European investment company and the Government refused issue a license unless he was dumped. He was merely the chair of a civil society group that spoke out on corruption. He lost the job because he was seen as part of “them”. This is what is so frightening about Guyana, and it is getting worse. Many stakeholders live in self-induced delusion that Guyana is going to go on and become a prosperous society and politics will not come in the way to haunt and destroy us. You wonder what it will take for a stakeholder like the private sector to see that Guyana is not your normal polity and normal country and things are going on in this country that should scare every citizen. The most graphic fact that stands out more glaring than the sun itself is that with each passing day, the politicians in the PPP get more obdurate and inflexible in an age where power is now split between Legislature in the opposition’s hands and the Executive controlled by the PPP. In such a brutally realistic situation, only one road is

Frederick Kissoon available – compromise. Everyday compromise receded like the tide after a big rush to the shore. The USAID governance project has been rejected by the Government. Any journalist or commentator could tell you why. Somewhere in the details there would have been some form of opening for the opposition and the Government got alarmed because why should they be allowed any space? After all is we versus them. The Mandela funeral opportunity offered a tiny opening that the longest battle does not have to be fought on every front. For those who have been around long enough and even for those who may be young and live in Guyana, you cannot help but ask; where and when is it all going to end and will it end to the satisfaction of Guyana’s children?

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

‘Bamboo’ and Cash thieves Police will deal condignly with those rampant in Stabroek Bazaar bent on breaking the law - Commander Three separate stallholders in the Stabroek Bazaar have been robbed by bandits who apparently are targeting Cigarette “bamboo” wrappers (wrappings used to smoke cigarettes and other substances) and the cash that the stall holders would have on them when they lock up. And this has happened in the space of one month The most recent victim was to H. Balrams Haberdashery. Sometime between Saturday Night and Sunday. Apparently the robbers broke the locks used to secure the premises and stole $100,000 in cash and all of his bamboo cases while his other products remained intact. According to the owner, Balram, his premises was robbed before and since that incident, he would not leave his money in the stall when he closes. But on this occasion he forgot to take his money with him when he left. Balram expressed that the constables don’t do enough work in the monitoring of stalls in the Bazaar, he even went further to suggest that they might even be in on the robberies since he is of the opinion that some amount of noise must be heard when his locks are broken and doors forced open and as such, the constables who secure the area must have heard something. “But when you ask them they never know nothing,” he said. Two lots down from where Balrams Haberdashery is located, is Babaloo Confectionery. The owner of the premises explained to Kaieteur News that she had to reinforce her stall with grills. She also had to make a steel plated door since she was robbed twice. The second robbery occurred one month ago. The owner said that since her first robbery in which over $4M was stolen from her business because she didn’t carry her money to the bank, she has made it her duty not to leave money in there. On her second robbery the bandits clipped her locks and gained entry to the business and stole all her “bamboo” stocks and made off with $20,000 in cash that was in the drawer. Just opposite her stall was another confectionary business (Bibi’s) that was robbed two weeks earlier of some of its stocks and approximately $90,000. The business owner reported that the police constables came and swept the area for fingerprints. He also took statements and left. She has not heard anything from them since. In what is a bizarre calling

One of Balram’s locks that was broken

card or possible strategy used by the robbers, according to the owners is that when they (robbers) broke or clipped the locks of all three of the business stalls they replaced them with new ones and locked back the building. The owner of Bibi’s Confectionery said that her heart “fluttered” when she came and saw new locks on her doors. The woman said that the locks even bigger and stronger than the ones she used. The owner of Babaloo’s

Confectionery said that she had to call the fire service to cut the bigger locks that were used by the robbers on her doors. They are appealing for more vigilance and input from the part of the police constables who are supposed to guard that area, since one owner said that regardless of what happens, when her rent is due at the end of the month, she has to pay it on the deadline or else face expulsion.

Those bent on breaking the law and disturbing the peace in Berbice, especially over the Christmas season are in for some tough times. Commander of the police Berbice ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph is giving residents that assurance. He says the police will adopt a zero tolerance against mischief makers. They will also pay special attention to those disturbing the peace by playing loud music. He stated that they will also turn up the heat on those who do not desist from lighting and throwing squibs and bombs. The commander said that residents in Berbice feel that the police force needs to take tougher action against offenders who are bent on breaking the law. They have been constantly complaining about the chronic and unending disturbances being caused by those miscreants who are allowed to continue for the entire day and night disturbing the peace without much intervention from the relevant authorities despite numerous complaints. The commander gave the assurance that the police are working to address the issue. He stated, “A number of

Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph persons have been dealt with already. Their ‘boom boxes’ have been seized whilst others have been placed before the courts. A number of persons believe that they are above the law, but we have news for them. Everybody will be treated the same way. We have a zero tolerance approach towards this matter.” He is urging thepublic to inform the police and to report to any senior officer if the police do not take action. About the contentious areas such as the loud music emanating from parked vehicles outside popular ‘hang out’ spots, along Main

Street, New Amsterdam, Joseph stated that action is being taken and recently police have been monitoring those areas. Residents in some areas of New Amsterdam, Canje, Corentyne and West Berbice have been constantly complaining about the disturbances in the areas without much success; however Commander Joseph plans to change the trend. Dwellers in those areas have been hammering away in the letter columns as they complain about the noise nuisance and constant disturbances they have to endure on a regular basis cause by the various boom boxes. They stated that the laws must be applied where necessary and it is the responsibility of the Guyana Police Force to enforce the laws against noise nuisance, particularly, when reports are made at the police stations. In respect to those bent on selling and lighting squibs and bombs during the Christmas season. “Many of those persons were brought to books .The police will step up the campaign against those persons and they will be prosecuted.”

Digicel continues to spread Christmas cheer Digicel Guyana brought Christmas cheer to the children of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) over the weekend when they were given a treat, complete with Santa Claus and his elves. The more than 70 children were given toys and other goodies for the holiday season through the Digicel Sponsored Christmas party held annually. This event is highly anticipated by the children of the Centre, said Director, Ms. Cynthia Massay, who remarked that “Digicel is part of our family here at the PRRC,

so having our family over at Christmas time is a very joyous thing…we really enjoy Digicel’s company at this special time of year.” Events and Sponsorship Manager of the telephone company, Gavin Hope noted that “Over the past five (5) years Digicel has been a part of Christmas Cheer with PRRC; it has been nothing but joy and pleasure to bring laughter and happiness to the children at the PRRC. The children make it a wonderful Christmas for us each year; the joy of the season is to see those beautiful smiles on their faces.”

Digicel said as part of its ‘Brighten Someone’s Christmas’ are in place to share Christmas cheer with children across Guyana. Already, visits were made to Regions One, Two, Seven, and 10. The first leg got underway in Arakaka and Baramita in Region One earlier this month. Hundreds of children came out to be treated with gifts for Christmas. At that event the children received school equipment consisting of computers, backpacks and lunch kits, in preparation for the new school term; January 2014.

Receiving these items on behalf of the Arakaka Secondary School was Headmistress, Ms. Bibi Samad. Ms. Samad had noted that the donation of the computers comes at an important junction, since they will give her and her staff a better chance of adding positively to the school’s curriculum. “Technology is something that will give our students a great opportunity to learn about the world and upgrade themselves, this is a very important thing for us and we thank Digicel for thinking about us.”

Ms. Samad has been Headmistress at the school for the past eight years. Similarly, receiving the donation at Baramita Primary School, Headmaster, Mr. Bissoonauth Bacchus thanked Digicel for its generous donation. “We are extremely pleased that Digicel has travelled so far to come and spread Christmas cheer with us in Baramita, we appreciate this donation of the computers which will go a far way in helping our students and teachers develop their skills.” Mr. Bissoonauth has been Headmaster of the school for the past 14 years.

Students and teachers of Baramita Primary with Communications and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope

Page 22

WANTED Magazine writers needed. Email resume & CV to teshawnalall@gmail.com. Contact: 629-2206 Driver for compactor truck Contact:220-8110/ 622-4364 Wanted: contract cars & experience dispatcher @ West Site Taxi - Tel: 6130419; 600-0688

Kaieteur News

WANTED Hire car drivers & experienced dispatchersContact:622-8350 One mechanic to work in the interior must know about Cummings & Perkins - Tel: 681-6044 Waiters/ waitresses $3000 daily - Tel:233-6517,622-1957

Looking for a work shop to rent or a place to open a work shop- Contact:6827470 or 617-0532 1 Maid living around Georgetown- Annandale ECD. Must Know to prepare Indian & English foods, bake pastries & cakes - Tel: 621-6006

Toyota AT 192 PLL 841: Leather interior, rims - Tel: 616-1671

One [1] handyman. Must know gardening – Tel:6216006

Premio, Vitz call:347-933-9790, 639-4452.

Urgently need 2 plot of land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie Tel: 675-7292

Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup - Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807

Attractive live in waitress- Call:327-0252/ 674-4665

American pool table - Tel: 277-0578

FOR SALE / FOR RENT

One live in domesticContact:627-2550,658-9495, 699-7782 All rounded hair stylist needed - Tel: 225-7678 Male or female to work in fast food restaurant immediately. Experience Necessary! - Tel: 225-1024 or 226-2829

1 X Toyota Rav 4: Pearl White, Late PMM series, fully loaded, excellent condition, under 80,000 KM Call: 624-5331

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 salon station to rent at the back of Bourda Post OfficeTel:225-4665 Rental of wedding dresses & clothing for sale Phone:6160505 Are you interested in opening a restaurant? A popular Hotel @ Tuschen Public Road have space- Tel: 638-1627 Space to rent as Sports Bar and restaurant – Call:6573274 Cement ransom for rent $15,000 daily- Tel:233-6517

VEHICLE FOR SALE Christmas Special! Premio $2.4M, Spacio-$2.1M, 2008 Fielder $2.7M, Unregistered - Tel: 617-2891 1 Nissan Canter, long tray, GFF 218, unladen WGT 4910 KGS- Tel:266-5986,256-3156 1 RZ longbase minibus BLL series, fully loaded- Tel:6737934 1-55 Leyland DAF truck, excellent working condition. Price $2.8M, Must Go!Contact:656-8346

Nissan Pathfinder ($1.65M) & Nissan Laurel ($750,000) immaculate condition, fully loadedTel:698-7878,225-8427 First Class Auto: Carina 212, Fielder, IST, Allex, Axio, Spacio, Raum (Old & New models) Please Call:6098188; 602-6307 1 Madza PPP series-Tel:6686329 Toyota Allion PNN 9626 $1.9MContact:2335557,610-1309 1 Toyota Rav-4, IST, NZE Corrola, Fun Cargo, AT 212, AT192, AT170, Tacoma, Caldina Wagon – Tel:6445096; 697-1453 One 1995 Toyota Tacoma stick gear 4 wheel drive 3 RZ engine. Price:$1,650,000 negotiable -625-2516

Top Flat @ Lot 261 Golden Grove EBD – Tel:233-5802 or 617-2261

BMW sports (unregistered)Contact: 650-0979

Yard Space for rent @ Vryheid’s Lust Public Road– Tel:654-6394

Ford F-150 (2009), immaculate condition, GRR 7452Contact:227-3728,676-2784

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

American clothing: Jessica Simpson, American Eagle etc. Wholesale & retail. 126 Thomas St Kitty- Contact: 680-2177

Live and pluck chicken - Tel: 220-9203; 650-4421 We cut, polish and bevel glass, also mosquito screens to specification ( 2) Beeson windows and Doors Tel# 622-4197

EDUCATIONAL Big Christmas deals on computer classes. Diploma in computers $25,000. Micrographics @ Vreedin- Hoop - Tel: 264-3057

WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931 270 Amps, portable welders Telephone: 611-5114 1 farm 20.1 Acres @ Yarowkabra – Tel:265-3586 Blackberry Bold 2 & 4, reasonable price- Call:6851231 Earth delivery to spot also Bobcat and Excavator rentals Tel: 626-7127

Mitsubishi Canter 4 D32GHH series, short base, open tray, in working condition. Owner drivenContact:627-6305,680-7119

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154

Attractive live in waitressCall:228-5129, 604-8277

Experienced roti/ puri cooks, pastry makers, counter servers, cleaner & handy boys. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal @ 5 Commerce St

1 strong open back customized canter in good condition, Model M bush truck for interior-Tel:2318417, 223-1238, 624-0443

1 Suzuki 600 GS X – R 600cc, 1 Toyota Hilux Pickup 4X4Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453

URGENTLY WANTED: Thirty five (35) Security officers. Apply: SECURITY ALLIANCE Barrack Street, Kingston (upstairs FedEx)

Person to slaughter and clean pigs at new Hope, E.B.D. call: 266-2711, 609-4594

ALYEA AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2004, ALLION 2008 NEW SHAPE & CARINA 212 @ 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK – TEL:231-7284; 622-3823

Premio Vitz (NM), Spacio, Rush latest models, best rates with low deposits – Contact:692-1051; 685-5011

Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com

Wanted 1 driver to work in interior must have bus and lorry license - Tel: 681-6044

1 -AT 170 Car: AC, CD, rimsContact:695-8528

1 Raum PKK series - $1.250M Tel: 264-2954; 642-1305

1 Couple or small family to live and work on live stock farm @ New Hope E.B.D 2662711, 609-4594

1 experience nail technician specialized in nail art design & air brush- Tel:231-6000

2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis - Tel: 698-0674

CAR RENTAL

Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131

Season’s Greetings! Urgently Needed contract cars for taxi services – Tel:656-3669

Cheapest manual buses, Spacio, Hilux- Manual , automatic- Cell:616-7635

AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & cheap RZ buses, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

1 Live in domestic must know to cook & 1 experienced waitress. Boarding & lodging free, starting salary $50,000 - Tel: 610-5043

Contract cars, Atlas Taxi Service- Tel:661-3043

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Ducks & Pigs – Tel:688-7291 PROPERTY FOR SALE VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community - Call: 592624-8704/ 592-684-9203 Property for sale - Call: 6275416 One two- storey concrete house, Ave A DiamondTel:643-5161 One two storey business property (Transported) @ Brickery Public Road E.B.D Tel: 660-8128 Prime property opposite Leonora Primary School – Contact:652-0709/268-3572 One wooden shopping complex at Kurupung landing. Price $ 6M- Call: 226-9492, 226-9485. Monday- Friday (9am-4pm) 2 Flat Concrete Building @ Chateau Margot ECD – $32M Tel:661-9431 Ogle – $45M, 2 storey concrete & wooden building with going business- $60M, Republic Park - $40M – Tel: 645-5938 Soesdyke /Linden Highway, Solid concrete building. Building -95"X55"; land space- 200"X100" – Price negotiable – Tel:668-9846; 656-1360

Live/pluck chicken call:6504421, 220-9203 Old bottles, stamps and coins - Tel: 694-8486 Brand new RCA led TV $75,000 3", Vehicle Dash Board Video Recorder camera -$25,000 brand new Tel: 621-7728; 609-7257. Brand new Queen size spring filled mattress with box spring - $125,000 – Tel:6217728; 609-7257 One boat cupeller R-H -24" Contact:676-8324

Tibetan Terrier (Fluffy) pups - Call: 222-7891; 609-9202 Dell computers complete with 20" LCD $69,000, 6 months warranty @ Futuretech- Call:231-2206 Fully vaccinated mixed (Pitbull & German shepherd) puppies. Price $40,000- Call: 678-1771 PORK wholesale only, whole half and quarter carcass - Tel: 266-2711; 609-4594 Household Items: Electronics, 4x4 Wheels, food warmers, steel grills, carpets, colognes, motorcycles, cars & much more. Tel: 223-1885 PIT-BULL pups (Red Nose) - Tel: 667-0338 Original Games- Call:6722566 1 smoothie machine,2 ice machine- Contact:2310655,683-8734 Rayobe 2 colour printing machine etc - Tel: 639-9553/ 277-3627

LAND FOR SALE

12 Pure bred German Shepherd pups – Six [6] weeks old – Tel:638-5778

Waiakabra, Linden Highway: 1,409’x403’ or 13.73 acres. Concrete house thereon. 1,100 feet from HighwayCall:619-4152

Metal scaffold, size 5"X5" & 6.6"X5"-Call: 267-1563. Price negotiable

High Income Land for sale @ Diamond - $5.5M negotiable – Tel:683-9699

New arrival: 1 Toyota Tacoma, aluminum boats (12ft & 14ft)- Call:2201981,685-8282,690-1945

Exclusive residential land in Parfaite Harmonie $2M – Tel:675-7292

Two propellers – Call:6673124; 226-9659 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032,647-2943 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566 1- 20" Grizzly Planer 5 HoP’ 1- 62"X9" Wadkin Jointer, 1 Milwaukee mitre saw - Tel: 685-0904

Parfaite Harmonie - $1.2M – Tel:675-7292 2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at ParikaCall:226-7968 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

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THE AFC MUST CORRECT ITS SHORTCOMINGS FOR 2014 Financial Analyst, Ramon Gaskin recently contended that the Alliance For Change was doing insufficient research and trade union work. David Granger was not aggressive enough in the fight against corruption, he added. The other opposition party, the Alliance For Change (AFC), is also guilty of being lazy, Gaskin added. He said that the Opposition parties must clean up its act and be more effective and aggressive in their fight against corruption. A senior AFC member of the political opposition party informed this publication that while they don’t deny that it has failed in some key areas, the necessary adjustments will be made for 2014. AFC’s Vice-Chairman and Member of Parliament, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, explained that while it has been unable to achieve certain things, it must be recognized that their major success was the defeat of the notion that a “third party” such as AFC could not survive in Guyana’s divisive and polarized political arena. The AFC, he believes, has not only carved out an indelible niche‘ on Guyana’s political landscape, but has become the fastest growing political party as well. Nagamootoo explained that he believes this is due primarily to three factors, one of which includes the fact that the AFC maintains a vibrant and robust voice in the National Assembly. Another tangible success the politician spoke of was that the AFC has finally bought a building to house its headquarters, and the Centre for Change will soon be part of their profile of being ready for Government. He noted, too, that they maintained a cohesive leadership, in spite of the attempts at character assassination and “cuss-

Ramon Gaskin down politics” and our National Executive Committee and Management Committee broke new grounds in meeting outside the Capital. As it relates to the failures of the political party, Nagamootoo admitted that standing out as the major failure of the party would be ineffective communication with its members and supporters. This he said is as it relates especially to the interior communities and riverain areas. The attorney at law said that this is mainly because of the denial of access to the state media (radio, TV and newspaper), “all of which have been converted into propaganda outlets of the ruling party.” He asserted, however, that for this very

reason his party will keep its scissors sharpened for any subvention to these state agencies. This therefore leads to the party being denied the right to reply to vicious attacks and misinformation by the ruling cabal and have to divert their meager resources to paying for TV time on private channels. “The result is that our rank and file does not get timely information of AFC’s position on national issues as in the case of our conditional support for the Amaila Hydro project. “Also, we have not been successful against the PPP’s propaganda onslaughts, to convince a wider section of our people that AFC’s position on various issues is patriotic, in the national interest, and intended to make our governance clean, honest, transparent and accountable. “But, it is satisfying to know that our fight against dirty money via crooked deals and contracts, is gaining ground, which is why there is now broader support for the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to end government’s role in approving or disapproving public sector contracts amounting to billions of dollars.” According to Nagamootoo, there are several issues that will roll

over to the New Year. “At the top of the agenda would be how to get Local Government elections by midyear so that we can energize the grassroots to be involved in the process of changing their communities. We will continue to track the spending of public funds and may cite senior government officials for corrupt practices, and up the fight to bring all public funds into the State Treasury, like excess monies from NICIL, Wildlife, Lotto, etc., so that they flow to the people and not into the pockets of government cronies.” He said, too. that the AFC will also continue to fight for a fully-staffed Financial Intelligence Unit to go after dirty money, the Integrity Commission to probe the assets and unjust enrichment of the political elite, broadbased state media board to ensure equitable access and for a Commission of Inquiry to examine the give-away allocation to friends and family of television, radio and other telecommunications frequencies, as well as state lands and concessions. While Nagamootoo acknowledged even the criticisms given by the citizens of Guyana, his party has pledged to uphold a high standard of political behavior, as they continue to fight for an honest government in its country.

Saturday funeral for former... From page 6 of the Guyana Police Force. “At Change Team Meetings, which are chaired by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, he was very vocal on issues and made valuable contributions, which aided the modernization process. He was one of the earliest beneficiaries of training in Domestic Violence and this training was manifested in his

professional approach in treating with reports on Domestic Violence that are made at Police Stations,” the Ministry observed in a belated statement. It added that the late assistant Commissioner of Police was supportive of the concept of community/police relations and as Divisional Commander, spearheaded the formation of Station

Management Committees and Youth Clubs in the Divisions in which he worked. “He was a talented officer with great potential and we shall miss him greatly. The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to express its deep condolences to t h e m e m b e r s o f M r. Josiah’s bereaved family at this difficult time,” the Ministry said.

Wife clings to hope of finding missing Guyanese... From page 10 game of ‘Patience’ [Solitaire], which he loved and asked Bacchus to pack up the cards as he left. Those were the final words she was to hear from her husband before he disappeared. Rehani described Roger as a friendly, jovial and loving person and although she acknowledges that the passage of time may make his safe return all the more difficult, she is keen on answers to the entire episode, both for herself and his mother who is currently in the Virgin Islands on vacation.

Fraser reportedly sang the happy birthday song for his mother on the day of his disappearance. The missing man’s wife has not given up hope and continues to press forward in a very brave manner, especially for the three children who are currently at home in Guyana and anxious for news of his safe return. Persons having any information about Fraser’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Meanwhile, Head of the Virgin Islands Search and

Rescue (VISAR) Mr. Philip Aspinall related that his team last conducted searches on Friday December 13, 2013 for the missing man and will now focus their efforts along the shores. “We’re working with the police on that,” Aspinall disclosed, “we’re scheduled to go out again [today, December 16].” He also related that Bacchus and Fraser’s mother have been in contact with him daily for updates. Searches were conducted in both eastern and western directions of where the two

men were last seen, “We’re expecting if anything that if he is going to come ashore, that he will come ashore in that very same area,” Aspinall stated. The group has gone as far west as Brewers Bay. He described the ocean’s condition as “nasty” and said they have been rough and unpleasant all week and too rough to put divers into. Efforts made to contact Public Relations Officer, Ms Diane Drayton for any comment on the status of police investigations proved unsuccessful up to post time.

(From page 23)

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Tuesday December 17, 2013

Govt. debunks low Corruption rating Mr. Dominic Gaskin of the Alliance for Change (AFC) has said that the continued refusal of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) to accept the results of Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perception Index is the political equivalent of denying the existence of Santa Claus even though his familiar figure is instantly recognizable to most of the world’s population. T r a n s p a r e n c y International in its 2013 Corruption Perception Index ranked Guyana as the second most corrupt country in the Americas but the government has taken offence to the findings and as such, has requested that the agency provide the formula and the statistics used to arrive at such a conclusion. An extract of the notification read, “Having regard to the above, the PPP wishes to respectfully suggest to Transparency International that it should review its information sources on Guyana.” “It is the considered view of the Party that adequate consideration was not taken by those responsible for providing data and information on Guyana of the several initiatives taken by the current administration at both the legislative and administrative levels to

enhance accountability and transparency in Guyana.” Frederick Collins, Vice President, Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI) during the presentation of his findings said that the finding on Guyana is based on surveys carried out by four highly regarded international institutions – the International Country Guide, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and the Global Insight Country. Collins had also declared that Guyana has been ranked 136th out of 177 countries, joining Bangladesh, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Kenya with a score of 27. Guyana was ranked 133rd last year. In terms of the Americas, Guyana has been ranked 28 out of 32, while for the Caribbean, only Haiti scored lower, with 19. While the AFC is not surprised by these results, Gaskin posited that by challenging the results of the Index and attacking the local chapter of Transparency International, the PPP-C government, is positioning itself on the wrong side of the war against corruption. “This is clearly its comfort zone from which it intends to retaliate against those who speak out against corruption.” He asserted that Government’s steadfast refusal to establish independent and

constitutionally required bodies such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the Integrity Commission and the Public Procurement Commission does little to assure citizens that it has any desire to seriously address issues such as corruption, nepotism and other abuses by public officials. “Many senior government officials have now accumulated wealth that most Guyanese can only dream of. Their newly acquired wealth is perhaps easier to comprehend if one actually believes in Santa Claus.” Also commenting on the state of corruption in Guyana, was the Vice Chairman of the AFC, Moses Nagamootoo. The politician said that corruption is a disease that is now an epidemic and is one that has contaminated the bloodstream of Guyana. He said, “The evidence is out there - corrupt procurement transactions, poorly conceived and executed capital projects, allocation of scarce national resources like land and the airwaves to friends and cronies, ostentatious and extravagant lifestyle of a handful, and the erosion of the efficacy of public institutions that ought to safeguard law and order and justice.” He articulated that no state is born in corruption.

Dominic Gaskin

Moses Nagamootoo

“It’s an acquired character deficit among public officials who cannot resist putting their slimy hands in the nation’s cookie jar, grabbing public funds, helping others to grab in exchange for titles, awards and honorarium, selling national assets for self-aggrandizement and practicing nepotism and cronyism to benefit an elite. “These manifestations under the post-Jagan policy are a criminal indictment of politically exposed persons.” It was here that Nagamootoo then charged that the fight against corruption must continue to be consistent and steadfast by all. He said that the cure always starts with a will to fight and overcome corrupt practices. “Apart from

political will, we need systems to operate as a protective fence to keep corruption out. Such could be found in the Integrity and procurement bodies which not only have to be established but made fully operational.” “That no one who holds or has held public office has been prosecuted for any corrupt practices shows a systemic failure. Accountability and transparency must become the norm of how our leaders do business. But in Guyana, every business is tainted by sleaze as we have seen and continue to see.” The Member of Parliament posits that the obstacle to clean business is that the ‘watch dogs’ are

becoming toothless poodle. “A presidency and government in minority acts only for its own constituency and practices political patronage; the majority in parliament is ignored and disrespected; the judiciary is not autonomous and the media - the so called fourth estate -- become a partisan propaganda outfit that is uncritical and blinkered.” The AFC member also contended that while the solution may be a coming together of all in the interest of protection for all, he stressed that there must be no sacred cows in public office. He said, “We must start now with the public declaration of assets of all persons in public life - from president down. We must have the courage to show what we owned say, 10 years or 15 years ago compared to what we have now. This requires leadership by example. We need motivational leaders who can by their own selflessness help to re-establish integrity to public office. “Mediocre leaders who pander to their handlers and cronies will not bring about change. They may end up wallowing in the trough.” “The time has come for a government of national unity to motivate the fight against corruption rather than being consumed by it.”

Cheshire home gets more assistance for Christmas Every year around this time a group of individuals who make up the Enterprise Road Safety Association gives true meaning to the spirit of Christmas by donating from their modest earnings to the less fortunate residents of the Cheshire Home at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. The group, made up of mostly hire car drivers and other concerned villagers in Enterprise, have been undertaking this “duty” for the past 39 years. According to Treasurer Lloyd Persaud, who has been a member of the association for over 40 years, it is a blessing to visit the Cheshire Home every year to play a part in the lives of those who could hardly help themselves. He explained that it was way back in 1974 that the relationship between the Cheshire Home and the Enterprise Road Safety Association started. “When we first came here, it wasn’t a building like this; it was a small building with a ramp. And in those days you hadn’t electricity and the Canadian government used to give gas lamp and nettings and these things.” “Fortunately our late

Wanda Jagan receives the donation from Treasurer of the Enterprise Road Safety Association Lloyd Persaud, in the presence of other members. President John Narine got into contact with these people and we started about 1974,”Persaud told this newspaper. The Cheshire Home is a non-profit facility which houses about 25 persons who were born with various forms of disability. It was established in the early 1970s. Apart from an annual grant from the

government, it has survived on the benevolence of individuals and groups both local and overseas. According to the Enterprise Road Safety Association Treasurer, “Our organization has been blessed by the Lord to be standing up so many years and for that we are giving out what we can afford to handicap and needy

children.” Among the items donated by the organization are toiletries, food stuff and clothing. The organization also provides a special dinner for the residents. He said that every year planning for the Cheshire Home visit commences as early as the month of June. “All of us are very positive about this venture. Once the

members hear about Cheshire home, it is like you get a new baby born,” Persaud stated. He said that the staff at the home has always been cooperative and a pleasure to work with. Wanda Jagan, a staff who received the items on behalf of the home, expressed heartfelt thanks, noting that the donation will go a far way in making life at the facility

much more pleasurable. “I know the children will benefit from it,” she said. Jagan, who has been at Cheshire Home for the past 10 years, told Kaieteur News that other organizations and individuals have been following the lead of the Enterprise Road Safety Association and life has become so much easier for both residents and staff.

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Ukraine leader seeks cash at Kremlin, Kiev protest planned (Reuters) - Ukraine’s president could secure loans from Russia today when he meets Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin - money that could help fend off economic crisis as anti-government protests continue in Kiev. Demonstrators demanding that Viktor Yanukovych step down after he spurned a trade and investment deal with the European Union last month plan a new show of force in Ukraine’s capital today as the president meets his Russian counterpart. Caught between Western powers, keen to anchor the nation of 46 million in a friendly embrace on the EU’s borders, and Moscow, which accuses the West of turning its former Soviet territories against it, Ukraine is in the grip of impending financial crisis that could hit fuel supplies this winter. President Putin, who meets Yanukovych at 3 p.m. (1100 GMT), seems set to agree a loan deal, and possibly offer Ukraine a

discount on the Russian natural gas on which its people depend. “The situation in Ukraine is now such that without loans, from one side or another, they will simply fail to maintain economic stability,” Andrei Belousov, an economic adviser to Putin, told Interfax news agency. “I do not rule out that, if there is a request, a credit could be provided.” Russia’s Finance Ministry confirmed talks on a loan were under way. Ukraine’s dollar bond prices rallied and debt insurance costs fell as concerns receded that Kiev would become unable to pay its creditors. Ukraine’s energy minister said a deal was also very probable on lower prices for Russian gas. Despite snow and freezing temperatures, Yanukovych’s opponents mustered 200,000 people in Kiev on Sunday to call for his removal and for a free trade pact with the European Union, which Yanukovych

rejected last month after threats from Russia to cut off gas supplies and block Ukrainian imports. They have called for a new demonstration on Tuesday. Many of those protesting say they fear greater influence from the Kremlin, which exerted oppressive power over Ukrainians during the Soviet period, and see closer ties with the 28-nation EU offering greater freedoms and prosperity. Many are also complaining about Yanukovych’s record as he prepares to campaign for reelection in just over a year. Opponents, backed by EU leaders, accuse him of manipulating the judicial system to keep opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko in jail. Ukrainians also begrudge widespread corruption.

EAST VS WEST Agreement on Tuesday would also be seen in Moscow as a triumph for Putin keeping Ukraine in Russia’s political and economic orbit more than two decades after the Soviet Union collapsed, and preventing a historic westward shift by Kiev. Underlying the East-West tug-of-war, Sweden’s foreign minister, Carl Bildt, accused Moscow on Monday of trying to woo Kiev with propaganda and “sometimes outright lies”. His Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, meeting EU foreign ministers in Brussels, took a veiled swipe at the bloc by criticizing “external intervention” in Ukraine. Ukraine is seeking help to cover an external funding gap of $17 billion next year - almost

the level of the central bank’s depleted currency reserves. Putin aide Belousov did not say how much Russia, whose own economy is stuttering badly, would be ready to offer Ukraine. But sources in Ukraine said the deal could be worth $15 billion, with Russian providing about $3-5 billion up front. The most Brussels has so far offered Ukraine is 610 million euros ($838 million) but EU officials are in discussion with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other financial institutions on ways

to help Ukraine. Apart from loans, Ukraine is seeking a lower price for Russian gas now at around $400 per 1,000 cubic meters - to help it cope with its debt burden. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov says he hopes a deal on cheaper gas prices will soon be concluded. A reduction of at least 10-15 percent is likely, sources in Kiev said. Today’s talks are intended to conclude a “substantial package” of agreements to chart out a road map to removing trade barriers for Ukraine with Russia, both sides say.

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U.S. judge rules phone surveillance CXC looking to certify skills program is likely unlawful level in the Caribbean by 2020

A National Security Agency (NSA) data gathering facility is seen in Bluffdale, about 25 miles (40 km) south of Salt Lake City, Utah, December 16, 2013. Jim Urquhart/CREDIT: REUTERS (Reuters) - The U.S. government’s gathering of Americans’ phone records is likely unlawful, a judge ruled yesterday and ordered the suspension of the collection of data on two phone company customers who sued the Obama administration. In a significant challenge to U.S. spying authority, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington D.C. wrote that the government’s program likely violated Americans’ right to be free of unreasonable searches. “I cannot imagine a more ‘indiscriminate’ and ‘arbitrary invasion’ than this systematic and high-tech collection and retention of personal data on virtually every single citizen,” Leon wrote, citing earlier court precedent. The U.S. Department of Justice was reviewing the ruling. “We believe the program is constitutional as previous judges have found,” department spokesman Andrew Ames said in a statement. Leon suspended his injunction against the program “in light of the significant national security interests at stake in this case and the novelty of the constitutional issues” pending an expected appeal by the government. The judge ordered the government to stop collecting data about two Verizon Communications Inc customers who had sued. They were Larry Klayman, a lawyer who founded Freedom Watch public interest organization and Charles Strange, described in court documents as the father of a cryptologist technician for the National Security Agency who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Verizon, which was the first phone company to have its involvement in the program revealed, declined to comment on the ruling. The British newspaper The Guardian reported in June that a U.S. surveillance court had secretly approved the collection of millions of

raw daily phone records, such as the length of calls and the numbers that are dialed. The data collected do not include actual conversations, U.S. officials said. Details of the program were revealed after leaks by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. Civil liberties advocates have called the database an intrusion on privacy and they sued to end it, while the government has said the ability to search data going back seven years is crucial to fighting militant groups such as al Qaeda. Leon expressed skepticism of the program’s value, writing that the government could not cite a single instance in which the bulk data actually stopped an imminent attack. “I have serious doubts about the efficacy of the metadata collection program as a means of conducting timesensitive investigations in cases involving imminent

threats of terrorism,” he wrote. That is important, he added, because for the program to be lawful, the government must show its effectiveness outweighs privacy interests. Greg Nojeim, senior counsel at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a nonprofit group in Washington, D.C., described the decision as “a gamechanger.” Nojeim said, “It means that the NSA bulk collection program is skating on thin constitutional ice.” In defending the data collection, U.S. Justice Department lawyers have relied in part on a 1979 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that said people have little privacy interest when it comes to records held by a third party such as a phone company. Leon, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush who sits in Washington, D.C., wrote that the latest circumstances were simply different.

By the year 2020, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) will be in a position to ensure that every Caribbean person has the opportunity to have their knowledge, skills and competencies certified. This disclosure was recently made by CXC Registrar, Dr Didacus Jules, who was at the time speaking at a press conference convened at the Pegasus Hotel. The measure that CXC will be poised to implement, Dr Jules said, will allow for both the in- and out-of-school population, of all ages and stages, to have the opportunity for continuing education for greater certification and preparation for the world of work. “By 2020 we would have enabled differentiated certification for differentiated opportunities...,” said Dr Jules. This move is being visualised even as “a lot of people in the Caribbean when they talk about CXC exams, refer to CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate), which is our secondary terminal exam, and that is because in many people’s minds CXC is only about one single examination.” But according to the CXC Registrar, such a perception has to change because in fact “we have a whole suite of examinations; six ranges of certifications starting from the primary level, now a replacement for the Common Entrance Exam, going right up to the associate degree level that literally provides opportunity for someone to

move from wherever they are to where they want to get.” So the strategic plan Dr Jules noted, will see “CXC opening this range of opportunity certification for different purposes and we need to get out of that mindset that says that certification is only about CSECs, school leaving examinations.” This however, does not mean that moves are being made to “water-down” examinations but on the contrary, the CXC official said that efforts are being made to improve standards, while at the same time providing different forms of certification for different purposes to suit different opportunities. “We really need to get that message across, and we want to appeal to our colleagues in the media to do our marketing plan next year, which is a major thing in 2014, to help us get that understanding across,” said the Registrar. Moreover, he said that by 2020 CXC will have measures in place to ensure that teaching, learning and assessments are a part of a unified methodology. This is essential, he said, since “you cannot separate teaching from the results of learning, and assessment definitely cannot just stand outside and measure what has been achieved.” “There are lessons in the measurement that can help improve how we teach and improve how we learn; so all of the information we have about candidate performance and all of that, we are making that increasingly available to

Ministries of Education (and) to schools so that they can use an analysis of that performance to in turn inform better teaching, better learning and results improved performance.” And even as improved performances are being anticipated, Dr Jules said that CXC is also looking to have the results of examinations more accessible by 2020; online and on demand. The fact that candidates are now able to see their examination results online simply by logging into the CXC’s website is one of the clear indications that the organisation is already an Information Technology (IT) intelligent entity, according to the Registrar. He pointed out that as part of its enhanced IT capabilities; CXC has been able to create Notes Masters, which is an online learning portal that is free for students to follow courses of study related to subjects offered at different levels. Further still, he noted that even the registration process for examinations has been streamlined and is available to schools online. In fact, Dr Jules disclosed that “there are a whole range of instructional support material that CXC has now developed and provided to schools and candidates.” He highlighted the use of IT even as he alluded to the new strategic direction (CXC 20/20) for CXC which is expected to guide its operation until the year 2020 which should see a great deal of transformation.

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Tuesday December 17, 2013

Guyana reflects on the life and works of Nelson Mandela Guyana’s role in the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid system of control was highlighted on Friday at a commemorative symposium on the life and works of the legendary World Leader, Nelson Mandela. The keynote speakers of the event, organized by the Forbes Burham Foundation paid tribute to the South African leader who passed away on December 5. “Nelson Mandela you have given us a proud legacy thus for future generations you are legendary. You have taught us your people to forgive; you have shown us in only love can we live. Your life was filled with fundamentals of greatness and uncovered the power of selflessness. We thank you for giving us back our home a paradise where all of mankind …” Astell Collins of Be the One (BD1) Leadership Development said, “It is said that South African leader, Nelson Mandela, embodied the spirit of ubuntu. Literally translated it means spirit of humanity which proclaims “I am because you are, and no one man can rise above the condition of the masses,” Mandela was so concerned about his community and society that he sacrificed himself selflessly. “This is a challenge for us as a people,” Collins added. Former ambassador Ronald Austin shared the historical perspective of Mandela’s life. “There is nobody like Nelson Mandela. What Mandela has done creatively, peacefully and permanently is without comparison. South Africa stood on the brink of a major social disaster; the country could have gone in a number of directions. “Mandela created his own party and today South Africa stands as a country that has been radically transformed and can easily stand as a model for the other African nations. “What is interesting is that Mandela’s life inspired people to action and words … So far, we have had a lot words coming from different parts of the world. “My only hope is that we can take this country forward, racially and otherwise, based on the example that Mandela has set.” Vincent Alexander spoke of Guyana’s contribution to the struggle in South Africa for liberation from the apartheid movement.

The late Nelson Mandela “During the life of Guyana’s first Executive President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and the period of struggle Guyana was on unswerving support of struggle. Guyana’s commitment was both moral and material” Alexander was Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement, the youth arm of the People’s National Congress, during the period. “Much can be said of Guyana’s international contribution to that struggle. We followed Mandela’s growth as a thinker and freedom fighter; a man, who grew from peaceful struggle to armed struggle and ultimately, victory. “When Mandela started the struggle his view was that South Africa should go it alone; that it should not join with any other group he started there and ended up a universal struggle for humanity. What he stood for lives on in us and we are forever indebted to him,” he added. According to Mr. Alexander, Guyana‘s first contribution was $250,000 or US$50,000. “Guyanese were participating because they were motivated to understand what the struggle meant to Guyana. Foreign affairs expert and former minister of foreign affairs Rashleigh Jackson detailed the international perspective. Jackson said that Mandela was criticized for the armed struggle, by many world leaders, but where there is oppression elsewhere arms struggle is used to achieve liberation. Nelson Mandela died on December 5. He was 95 years old. South Africa buried Mandela on Sunday.

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

>>> Letter to the Sports Editor <<<

Can the GFF Premier League Sustain Itself? DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, While the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ 2013 Premium Beer Premier League have not reached the halfway stage as yet, two plusses the competition to date has achieved, is that on a weekly basis all sixteen (16) participating teams plays one (1) match each. In addition it secured sponsorship compliments of beverage giants, Banks DIH Limited, unlike the previous administrations that failed in this endeavor. However, what remains extremely disappointing is the lack of extensive publicity, in both the electronic and print media, highlighting the competition as a marketable product, wherein the action photos and most importantly mentioning the sponsor’s name or the relevant brand i.e. GFF/Premium Beer National

League, is mentioned continuously. On a disappointing note of the 4 Sunday newspapers publication of 24.11.13 only the Stabroek News had an article of the Premier League, including the Points Standings. But in Guyana’s largest selling daily and New York’s most popular weekly Kaieteur News, not one iota of information pertaining to the nation’s supposedly highest level of club football’s was evident. Rather, the publication of an article by Rawle Welch captioned “Matthias not being intimidated by those with hidden agendas Intends to forge ahead with development plans”. Editor, doesn’t the extensive coverage of the Premier League, moreover on Sundays, when more newspapers are sold, than

any other day constitutes to proper Marketing? Also it must be taken into serious consideration that the sport of football, the world’s most popular; emotional, passionate, and the largest viewership globally is bigger than the “inflated egos” of a few officials. Inflated, in the sense that the relevant article pertaining to Matthias, President GFF accompanied by a passport size photograph that is to be continued takes precedence over a sponsored competition! What of the sponsor, players, officials and the paying public aren’t they privy to read something interesting about the competition? Wouldn’t it have been prudent for the article to appear another day when matches in the competition are not being played? Isn’t there anyone from

Tuesday December 17, 2013 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You will be able to borrow money in order to invest. You can make changes that will enhance your appearance.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism. Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable and should lead to new and lasting friendships. Secret love affairs may be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the restraints that will follow.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Changes at home will be necessary. Don't let your mate talk you into going somewhere you'd rather not go. Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you.

GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool. Depression may put a damper on your day. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Question your mate if you must. Make some notes regarding the changes that you should make. Don't let an incident at work play on your mind. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Look into making changes to your personal papers and don't neglect those bills that have been piling up. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Problems with peers is apparent. Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Don't make large purchases or investments. Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) Don't rely on others to do your work. Your emotions are soaring and if you don't get your way, look out world. Try to convince a good friend to take a holiday with you. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring about greater social activity. Someone around you may not be trustworthy. Look for something entertaining to do. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. Empty promises will cause upset. You need to do more research before you make your final decision.

within the Executive or General Council, which is bold enough to say “with all due respect Mr. President, the article on the given day doesn’t make sense”! Meanwhile, the increase by 6 teams, from 10-16 automatically means a substantial increase in expenditure: i.e. Ground Rental, Transportation, Referees Fees, Ground Preparation, Security, Gate Management, Medical Personnel, Electricity Costs (Floodlights), Ball boys, Refreshments, Percentage of Gate Receipts and possibly Meals. While I have omitted advertising with inclusion in the budget, it would still add up as a cost. In this aspect, does the income on a weekly basis by way of ticket sales remains adequate to cover the expenditure, for a break-even or profitable situation? And what of the sale of Premium Beers also on a weekly basis at the various venues, is it profitable? When taking into consideration that an additional expense have to be incurred for ice, cups and barmen! I shudder to accept that the agreement for sponsorship entails the sale of 115 cases of Premium Beer on a weekly basis, at the various venues, as I was reliably informed. From a mathematical perspective, this would transcend into 2,760 bottles. With a selling price of approximately $300 each, total sales would be $828,000 weekly. For the duration of the competition (15 weeks) sales would be $12,420,000. If, profitability entails $80.00 per bottle then the GFF stands to gain $3,312,000. But for the public’s information, on a weekly basis are there 2,760 persons in totality attending matches at the various venues, who consumes at least 1 Premium Beer each! Further, with all the compulsory expenses listed, is a break even or a profit being obtained weekly, from the sale of Premium Beers? But like the National League under previous administrations, the Points Standings is a clear indication that the quality of football leaves much to be desired. Since of the 16 participating teams, 8 have a positive goal difference; 7 with a negative and 1 standing at 0! Is this ominous sign conducive to attracting additional paying spectators and how many other expenses including prize monies is inclusive in the sponsorship? Lester Sealey.

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Joseph Memorial Dominoes to start on Wednesday

The late Orin Joseph

Faye Joseph

The Orin Joseph Memorial Dominoes competition is set to start on tomorrow at Faye Joseph residence, Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park. The tournament is being sponsored by president of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Faye Joseph on behalf her late husband and President of the GDA, Orin Joseph, to commemorate his birth anniversary. Among the teams set to battle for the top prize of a trophy and $100,000 are Rage, Thunder, C7, Specialists,

Loggers, Mix Up, Providence, Wild Bunch, F and H, B6, Impressers and Transport. According to Ms Joseph, teams are not required to pay an entrance fee, but late entries will not be accepted. The finals are set for Thursday at the said venue. Meanwhile, Ms Joseph, Frankie P and organising secretary of the GDA Mark Wiltshire will be hosting an all green excursion to Aruni Creek on the Linden Soesdyke Highway on Boxing Day with transporting leaving Dynasty Sports Bar at 09:30 hrs.

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Tuesday December 17, 2013

Bravo appointed brand ambassador for Bailey hits worldChina Harbour engineering company record 28 off over

LONDON, England (CMC) — Global T20 superstar and West Indies Cricket ODI captain, Dwayne Bravo, has become the first international cricketer to partner with one of the largest Chinese corporate entities in the world. Bravo, the West Indies Cricket ODI captain has been appointed as the sporting brand ambassador for the multibillion-dollar engineering, construction and consultancy giant, China Harbour. The deal will see Bravo featured in exclusive ad campaigns and conducting personal appearances on behalf of China Harbour. “To become the first international and West Indian cricketer to be sponsored by a globally renowned Chinese

firm is an incredible honour and a privilege,” said Bravo. “The Chinese are by far one of the most powerful nations in the world today, thus their introduction into, and their presence within West Indies cricket, will make a tremendous difference not just for us as cricketers but for the entire Caribbean region.” China Harbour becomes Bravo’s official corporate sponsor ahead of a packed West Indies playing schedule. The schedule includes the upcoming one-day international series against New Zealand followed by the team’s home series against England and subsequent participation in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where the West Indies will defend their

T20 Championship title, early next year. “For me to be the first cricketer to be bestowed with such a prestigious partnership is an incredible feeling,” said Bravo. “I further hope that our affiliation will pave the way for significant ongoing relations and investment between China and the Caribbean, long-term.” Bravo’s agent, Emma Everett, says they were thrilled that China Harbour was interested in a partnership, although cricket is still a virtually unknown sport in China. “Dwayne has made history today,” Everett said. “He has become the first international cricketer to venture into the powerful Chinese market whilst cricket

as a sport remains relatively new in China.” China Harbour is estimated to be worth US$10 billion and has a substantial presence in the Caribbean. “Whilst it is a new concept for us to affiliate with a sporting brand ambassador, we are thrilled by this exciting partnership and look forward to Dwayne Bravo leading our brand and ethos with the same diligence and commitment he displays when representing West Indies Cricket,” said Deng Bo, China Harbour regional general manager. “We are proud to associate our brand with a Caribbean and international superstar, to elongate our ongoing relationship with the Caribbean region and the rest of the world.”

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

SIZZLING ACTION ANTICIPATED TONIGHT FOR FINAL SPOTS If one is to go by what was witnessed during the round of 16 that ended until the wee hours of the morning then it is only justifiable to conclude that tonight’s quarter-final and semi-final engagements would produce some sizzling action when the Georgetown segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition resumes, at the national Cultural Centre Tarmac, starting at 20:00 hrs.

In the opening encounter, Berlin Massive tackle Queen Street of Tiger Bay and this clash is anticipated to set the tone for the rest of the evening. Berlin Massive, narrow winners over Globe Yard in their last encounter, will no doubt look for outstanding performances from Michael Payne, Akine Collins and the dependable Devon Charles, who has been ‘Mr. Reliable’ for them to boost their chances of advancing to the

Aussies ‘batter... From page 31 Stuart Broad. Broad injured his right foot when struck by a swinging yorker by Johnson, who may have delivered the final blow to England’s hope of hanging on to the Ashes. Broad was trapped lbw by the delivery for five, and limped to a fitness test in the WACA nets between innings, before being taken from the ground for scans. He took no further part in the day’s play and the England camp said he was waiting on the results of the scans, with a further announcement likely on Monday. To add insult to injury, the embattled Prior, who again failed with the bat earlier in the day, gifted Warner a life when he missed the easiest of stumpings in spinner

Graeme Swann’s first over of the innings. Warner was on just 13 and was comprehensively beaten in flight by Swann, who was struck a painful blow on the right index finger while batting earlier in the day, but Prior failed to take the ball. Prior’s afternoon went from bad to worse when he then failed to react to a thin edge from Rogers, on 26, from the bowling of Jimmy Anderson. The ball carried at good height just to Prior’s left and he didn’t move, forcing first slip Alastair Cook to make a last-moment lunge to his right, grassing what appeared to be the wicketkeeper’s catch. Scores: England 251 and 5 for 251 (Stokes 72*, Bell 60) require another 253 runs to beat Australia 385 and 6 for 369 (Watson 103).

semi-finals, while Queen Street’s fearsome twosome of Deon Alfred and Leon Fredericks performances could prove pivotal towards the team’s quest to move on. In the second game, Hope Street of Tiger Bay will look to advance in their clash against West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ and this battle promises to be a sizzler. The energetic and equally prolific Wrensford Coleridge, who has displayed tremendous form throughout the tournament, will once again be called on to lead them over the line and he is expected to be supported by the likes of Dwayne Dickson and Dennis Caledenia. West Front Road Michael Oie and Randolph Wagner and Wendell Pedro are as deadly as they come and they’ve also been in terrific touch so here we have a titanic duel to make the last

four. The Stevedore Housing Scheme versus California Square is a tricky one to call since both teams, Stevedore Housing Scheme will be led by Steven Dolphin and also includes Fitzroy Weatherspoon, while Christopher Darlington is expected to do the same for California Square. Island All star’s Alpha McPhoy has been magnificent so far and along with Paul Porter and Yannick Peters they present a formidable trio to contain, while Albouystown ‘B’ with the youthful Marlon Nedd leading their attack should not be underestimated. He will be supported the Roy Cassou in the final quarter-final match. The winners of the first two matches will clash in the first semi-final, while the survivors of the final two games will square off in the other semi-final.

ESPNcricinfo - George Bailey, Australia’s newest Test player, has joined Brian Lara in the history books by equalling his world record of 28 runs in a Test over. Bailey’s assault came off the bowling of James Anderson in the final over of Australia’s second innings at the WACA and matched Lara’s mauling of Robin Peterson at the Wanderers, which occurred ten years ago almost to the day. Bailey, who was playing his third Test, could have been forgiven for batting conservatively given that he has yet to really cement his place in the side, but followed the team plan for quick runs to allow Michael Clarke to declare once the lead passed 500. His attack against a bowler of Anderson’s quality and Test experience highlighted the gulf that has grown between the two sides this series and pleased his team-mates no end. “We didn’t know it was a record,” Shane Watson said after stumps. “There’s no doubt we’ve had quite a few bad experiences against Jimmy Anderson. To see that is always nice to have the shoe on the other foot, because he’s certainly had the upper hand on a lot of our batsmen in the Ashes series that I’ve been involved in ... at certain times individuals in the Australian team have been at his mercy. It certainly provided a little bit of enjoyment for us.” Watson had already thrilled the crowd with a sustained assault on the England bowlers earlier in the session, his best over having brought 22 when he launched Graeme Swann down the ground for three sixes. But Bailey’s efforts were all the more remarkable given Anderson’s pace, and brought to mind the way he has played in his highly successful one-day international career. He began with a hard cut

Russian torchbearer dies after carrying flame in Sochi relay MOSCOW (Reuters) - A torchbearer died of a heart attack after carrying the Olympic flame as part of Russia’s torch relay leading up to the Sochi 2014 Winter Games in February, an official said on Monday. Vadim Gorbenko, 73, a sports school director and Greco-Roman wrestling coach, felt ill after walking 150

metres (500 feet) with the torch in his home city of Kurgan in western Siberia, said Roman Osin, spokesman for the Sochi 2014 torch relay. “He returned to the gathering place and was photographed, then he said he was not feeling well and was taken to hospital, but the doctors were unable to save him,” Osin, who travels with

the relay, said by telephone. “We express our deepest condolences to his loved ones.” Osin said Gorbenko, who had trained top Russian wrestlers and won state honors, had suffered two heart attacks in the past. He was conscious when he was taken to hospital and had spoken to his son at his bedside before his death.

George Bailey’s assault equalled Brian Lara’a world record © Getty Images that flew over the slips and ran away for four, then followed up with a straight six that cleared the sightscreen at the Prindiville Stand End. A two clipped through the leg side followed, and then came a better-placed swat through square leg for four. Bailey finished the over with two more sixes down the ground, one that just cleared long-off and another that sailed much further into the crowd at long-on. Anderson was unable to find a length that stopped Bailey from getting under the ball but Clarke’s declaration at the end of the over prevented any further carnage, although Anderson and his team-mates still looked dejected as they left the field facing a chase of 504. Bailey was left unbeaten on 39 from 30 deliveries; he had started the over with 11 from 24 balls. Anderson now holds the unwanted record of most runs conceded by a fast bowler in a Test over, the previous record having been the 25 that Andy Roberts took off Ian Botham at Portof-Spain in 1980-81. Australia’s previous record for most runs in an over was the 26 that Mitchell Johnson - Bailey’s partner during the over - clubbed off Paul Harris at the Wanderers in 2008-09.

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Doolchand to lead Demerara Kwakwani are schools’ - Ann Gordon’s Volleyball Association for two years basketball titans dynasty continues Kwakwani Secondary continued a fine tradition started under the skillful tutelage of Ann Gordon when they became the titans of schools’ basketball Sunday night after beating the n a t i o n ’s leading institution, the University of Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Kwakwani defeated the University of Guyana (UG) 7954 to win the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Titan Bowl, which including the eight best basketball-playing schools in the country for a weekend playoffs to ultimately decide the nation’s best. Against their trademark defensive pressure, the school hailing from Region 10 was excellent on the glass

and on both ends of the court to top the efforts of the University, which never really got things going as their top offensive players struggled. Guard, Jonathon Pooran was again at his best, relentlessly penetrating the lane, but his passes fizzled to nothingness. Shafeeq Thomas finished with 25 points while Domair Gladstone dropped 12 points in the win. Usually a top scorer, Leonard Primo did not contribute much to the score, but was a rebounding beast with 16 ‘boards’. Pooran was the only player in double figures for UG with 16 points, six assists and five rebounds in the loss. Meanwhile in the third place game, Linden Technical

Institute (LTI) humiliated Bishops High School 90-62 with Terron Welch scoring 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and five steals to get the Most Valuable Player award. Dennis Niles scored 20 points, while Vibert Benjamin finished with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds to blow away the Georgetown side. Daniel Haynes had 26 points and 16 rebounds for Bishops while Marvin Durant had 20 points and 10 rebounds. In addition to Welch gaining MVP honors, Pooran won the ‘Most Assists’ award, while Primo was the ‘Best Defensive Player’ of the tournament.

ICC suspends Shillingford for illegal bowling action ESPNcricinfo - The ICC has suspended Shane Shillingford, the West Indies offspinner, from bowling in international cricket after his action was found illegal. His team-mate Marlon Samuels, who is a part-time offspinner, has been prohibited from bowling quicker deliveries in international cricket. The pair were reported for suspect action on November 16, during the second Test against India in Mumbai. They underwent biomechanical analysis in Perth on November 29, before the start of the series against New Zealand. Shillingford has taken six wickets at 42.66 in the first two Tests against New Zealand but will now not be available for the final match in Hamilton which starts on Thursday. Samuels has not bowled in the current series.

An ICC statement said that an independent biomechanical analysis had revealed that for both Shillingford’s standard offbreak delivery and his doosra, the amount of elbow extension in his bowling action exceeded the 15 degrees’ level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations. Shillingford will remain suspended until he submits a fresh analysis that proves his action has been corrected. Earlier this week, when asked about the pending report, West Indies coach Ottis Gibson said he was confident Shillingford would be cleared. “There are a few people around the world bowling with similar, if not worse actions, so I expect him to be cleared for sure.” Meanwhile, the analysis on Samuels’ action revealed

that the spinner’s standard off-break delivery was legal but the quicker delivery exceeded the prescribed levels of tolerance. If Samuels is reported for a suspect action in the next two years, the ICC will take note of it as a second report and the player will have to undergo a biomechanical analysis. If the analysis concludes that Samuels has an illegal action for any delivery, he will be banned from bowling in international cricket for a minimum period 12 months. Shillingford had earlier been suspended from bowling in international cricket in December 2010, a month after being reported for a suspect bowling action on West Indies’ tour of Sri Lanka. He underwent remedial action on his bowling and was cleared by the ICC in June 2011.

Aussies ‘batter bruise’ England in third Ashes Test PERTH, Australia, (AFP) — England were battered and all but beaten with Australia on the verge of regaining the Ashes at stumps on the third day of the third Test in Perth, Sunday. Australia led by 134 runs on the first innings after the England tail folded meekly again before lunch and the home side were dismissed for 251. The Australians were 235 for three in their second innings at the end of play for an overall lead of 369, with

Shane Watson on 29, and Steve Smith on five and two days left to play. Opener David Warner (112) capitalised on the shoddy wicketkeeping of Matt Prior, who missed two stumping opportunities from the left-hander, to post his second century of the series and take his tally for the series to 457 runs at 91.40. By contrast, England’s highest scorer in the series is Michael Carberry, whose 157 runs at 31.40 is only 10 ahead

of Australian tail-ender Mitchell Johnson’s aggregate. Australia lead the fiveTest series 2-0 after comprehensive victories in Brisbane and Adelaide and can regain the Ashes, which they last won in 2007, with victory in Perth. As if England’s predicament wasn’t already dire enough, the tourists returned to the field for the Australian second innings without their best fast bowler (Continued on page 30)

President Jadeshwar Doolchand (4th right) with the other members of the newly elected Demerara Volleyball Association Jadeshwar Doolchand has been elected President of the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) for the next two years when that entity held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday last. Despite the heavy downpour that left many sections of the City under water, members of the volleyball community were determined that the business of the sport must go on, thus they converged at the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard Base, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

and to elect a new body. Proceedings were chaired by Mr. John Flores, Vice President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF). Doolchand was elected to lead the entity, Jarryd Douglas was elected Vice President, Secretary is Ms. Shontell Maloney, Treasurer Ryan Briglall, Secretary/ Treasurer Krystal Yan, Public Relations Officer Tiana Badley and Organising Secretary Ronald Smith. The four Committee Members are Marlon Pearson, Satrohan

Ramnarinre, Odile Broomes and Clarence Williams. President Doolchand expressed gratitude and thanked those members for showing the faith in him to lead the DVA while urging all to work as a team by pooling ideas for the promotion and development of the sport. The other executive members also expressed their commitment to work diligently as a cohesive unit. The new body will meet shortly to discuss and plan activities for the first quarter of 2014 and beyond.

Murray wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year LONDON (Reuters) Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, the first British winner of the men’s title for 77 years, was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday. The 26-year-old Scot, who was not at the awards ceremony in Leeds because he is training in Florida following a back injury, edged out Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby union fullback Leigh Halfpenny and jockey A.P. McCoy to win the award. Murray was presented with the trophy by nine-times Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova. “Thanks to Martina Navratilova for giving this to me,” Murray said. “She’s possibly the greatest tennis player of all time. “I’ve got a few people to thank - my family first. A lot are there in the crowd. They’ve supported me since I was a kid, making a lot of sacrifices for me. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Murray beat Serbian Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the Wimbledon final in July to become the first home winner of the men’s

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray poses with his girlfriend Kim Sears, and his Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal after receiving it from Prince William during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London October 17, 2013. REUTERS/Paul Rogers/Pool singles at the grasscourt grand slam tournament since Fred Perry in 1936. The British & Irish Lions rugby union side were named team of the year following

their victory in Australia, the Lions’ first series win since 1997. Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany claimed the overseas personality of the year prize.

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Tuesday December 17, 2013

Who can West Indies turn to? Guyana Hockey Board Shortlists A key bowler suspended, the other bowlers struggling to take wickets and batsmen unable to cope with swing. Can any of West Indies’ reserves make a difference?

Sunil Narine only has 15 wickets from five Test, but 12 of them came against New Zealand © DigicelCricket.com/Brooks LaTouche Photography ESPNcricinfo - The optimism generated by West Indies’ fightback in Dunedin - even though without the rain it would have still ended in defeat - disappeared in the space of three days in Wellington. Now their key bowler, Shane Shillingford, has been suspended from bowling two days out from the final Test. So who is there in the squad that West Indies can turn to? SUNIL NARINE Suddenly a bowler with 15 wickets at 48.06 is West Indies’ big hope. That is largely based around his performances against New Zealand in the Caribbean where he took 12 of those Test scalps in two matches. New Zealand have had problems against spin and did not play Shillingford well in the second innings in Dunedin, although that was down to over-aggression but the pitch is likely to be another with a good covering of grass. Still, the batsmen have not seen anything of Narine for a while so he could catch a few by surprise. What Ottis Gibson said: “Looking at New Zealand, if I was in their camp it would probably be another green seamer. They’ve got three

seamers who are swinging it and causing us problems so I don’t see why they’d change the format. “ SHELDON COTTRELL Johnson, Boult…Cottrell. Probably not, but West Indies’ three right-arm pacemen have not caused New Zealand’s batsmen too many worries so a change of angle could be useful. He would probably have to replace Shannon Gabriel, who improved in the second Test, because there will be a reluctance to ditch Tino Best as, for all his waywardness, he has caused a few problems. West Indies are also desperate for someone who can generate some swing. What Gibson said: “It’s a constant work in progress to get people thinking clearly under pressure and understanding you need to be a bit fuller on this pitch when the ball is new. Our bowlers are probably a little quicker than theirs and we have bowled a bit short. But if it’s not swinging you can’t pitch it up to quality batsmen. It’s finding the right length. We find it sometimes three balls out of six. We have been inconsistent with everything we have done. As a bowling group we haven’t

Wild Bunch take La Belle SC Dominoes title Wild Bunch won the final of La Belle Sports Club Dominoes competition which was contested on Sunday night at the La Belle Sports Bar, Norton Street. Wild Bunch marked 80 games while TNT placed second with 75 and F and H finished third on 69. Jermin Jackson scored 17 and William Hardy 15 for the winners, while Sonia Goodluck chalked 17 and Colin Thomas 15 for the runner up team; Earl

Maloney and Colin Austin were F and H leading players with 17 and 15 games respectively. Wild Bunch won the semifinal with 70 ahead of TNT 65 and Mix Up 59. Jackson made 14 games for Wild Bunch, Shawn Morgan marked 16 for TNT and Tony Smith 17 for Mix Up. F and H drew the bye to the final. Wild Bunch received a trophy and $150,000, TNT collected $75,000 and F and H $35,000.

stuck to plans for long enough.” KRAIGG BRATHWAITE Delayed by visa difficulties, Brathwaite eventually joined the squad in Wellington. The 21-yearold has played nine Tests and scored four half-centuries. Prior to the series the plan was likely to be for him to open alongside Kieran Powell, but the delay in arriving meant Kirk Edwards had to take on the role and he has made some gusty contributions. Powell has reached double figures in six of his last eight Test innings but has not gone past 48 which is wasteful. Brathwaite’s lack of recent cricket counts against him, but the incumbent batsmen need to feel pressure from somewhere. What Gibson said: “We have faced swing bowling before. Last time we went to England we faced swing bowling. some of us got undone a little bit. Marlon Samuels had a great series, but this is high quality swing bowling at good pace and we haven’t been able to deal with it in this game.” VEERASAMMY PERMAULAND CHADWICK WALTON The left-arm spinner and reserve wicketkeeper are the two least likely players to figure in the final Test. If West Indies really wanted to pick from left field they could still play two frontline spinners with Permaul alongside Narine, either with just two seamers or as part of a fiveman attack on the basis that they have to take 20 wickets. Denesh Ramdin, as vicecaptain, will hold his place but his keeping has been poor in this series and the batting unconvincing - although his second innings at Wellington was ended by a contender for catch of the year - while Walton made an unbeaten 61 in the warm-up match.

Indoor Pan Am Cup Squad

The Guyana Hockey Board has shortlisted a squad of 36 local male players to begin preparations for the Indoor Pan American Cup, scheduled for Montevideo, Uruguay form the 7th to the 13th of April 2014. The Guyanese men will be returning to international competition after a three year hiatus due to a lack of funding. While the national female hockey team has been competing with great success in recent years, it was the men who represented Guyana with good success in the 90’s and early 2000’s. The last time Guyana competed in an Indoor Pan Am Cup was back in 2010 where Guyana finished fifth out of eight nations. Prior to that, Guyana had only competed in one Indoor Pan Am Cup which was in 2005 where the locals narrowly lost out to the USA for a bronze medal. Very few of the faces that have competed for Guyana in the past remain on the current list. The squad in fact may be seen as a changing of the guard as 19 of the 36 players named are below 21 years old. This young crop is led by the exciting talents of Aroydy Branford, Jamarj Assanah, Omar Hopkinson, Andrew Stewart and Steven Xavier. They will be guided by the experience of former national captain Devin Munroe, as well as the likes of Kevin Spencer, Aderemi Simon and Shane Samuels who all have multiple international caps to their names. Overseas players such as England-based Marvin Dannett are also expected to make strong cases for their inclusion. The team will train under the guidance of newly appointed national men’s

Devin Munroe

Aroydy Branford

Aderemi Simon coach Robert Fernandes, who recently completed his FIH level 2 and Pan American

High Performance coaching courses. Fernandes is a former national player and coach of the outstanding Hikers Cadets who have dominated local indoor hockey at the junior level and more recently have been having similar success at the senior level. The tournament in Uruguay is a senior continental World Cup qualifier with the winning team earning an opportunity to compete at the highest level in the 2015 FIH World Cup. Canada is likely to enter as tournament favourites having never lost any PAHF Indoor Cups in which they have entered. The USA boasts the second best record in the region while outdoor powerhouses Argentina have been recently been placing more focus on indoor as well. Guyana’s best ever finish has been a creditable fourth place and the current squad is hoping to eclipse that mark in 2014. Indoor Pan American Cup 2014 - Training Squad Orland Semple, Kevin Spencer, Raphael DeGroot, Stephen Xavier, Eric Hing, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Mark Sargeant, Medroy Scotland, Robert France, Devin Munroe, Randy Hope, Colonel Heywood, Travon Younge, Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Rayon Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Michael Harding, Shane Samuels, Laured Stewart, Jason Hoyte, Osafo Timmerman, Joel Hunte, Chris Low-Koan, Dwight Sullivan, Aderemi Simon, Askofu Simon, Jason DeSantos, Anthony Cole, Omar Hopkinson, Richard Thomas, Micah Hartman, Timothy Baker, Stephon Sprostra.

Chico/Kashif & Shanghai Secondary Schools Football Tournament

New Silver City Secondary, Mackenzie High School advances after dismissing opponents New Silver City Secondary School triumphed over Friendship Secondary School 5-0, while Mackenzie High School inflicted a 6-1 drubbing to Queenstown Secondary when the action in the Chico/Kashif & Shanghai Secondary Schools Football Tournament continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden, Sunday evening last. New Silver City surged ahead compliments of goals off the boot of T. McAllister in the 16th and 33rd minutes

and closed off the first session with another success from O. Webb in the 4th minute to notch up a 3-0 advantage. K. Louis and D. Sanchara then returned in the second half to push the game further away from Friendship Secondary with strikes in the 62nd and 71st minutes respectively. Andel Mendonca struck twice in the 20th and 30th minutes for Mackenzie High School before Jason Williams narrowed the score in the 72nd minute. Kelon Primo

then resumed control for the eventual winners when he netted a brace in the 72nd and 79th minutes before Alexander returned with his second success in the 90th minute. The action resumes today at the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground when President College tackle Stewartville Secondary from 14:00hrs to be followed at 16:00hrs by Uitvlugt Secondary up against Annandale Secondary. Admission remains free of charge.

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Tuesday December 17, 2013

SUNBURST LABA U-17 SECONDARY SCH. B’BALL TOURNEY SEMIS

Mackenzie High oppose New Silvercity, Linden Foundation face Christianburg/Wismar tomorrow

P

laces in the championship game are at stake w h e n t h e semifinals of the Sunburst Orange Juice sponsored, Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) inaugural Under-17 championship comes off tomorrow at the Mackenzie

Sports Club, Hard Court from 14:30hrs. The smooth flow of the competition has been hampered by the inclement weather but preliminary round matches were completed on Saturday, thus the top four schools booking their respective semifinal slots. They are top seed

Mackenzie High, Linden Foundation Secondary, New Silvercity and Christianburg/ Wismar. In booking their place in the final four, Mackenzie High were led by their leading scorer Daniel Anthony, Allister Lewis and Tyrese Mitchell as they notched up five wins against

the contesting schools; being triumphant against Linden Foundation 30-22, Wisburg 44-16, New Silvercity 2711, Harmony 57-2 and C h r i s t i a n b u rg Wi s m a r Secondary 13-12. Their opponents are fourth seed New Silvercity whose best players are Wayne Wilson, Branley

Branley Griffith Griffith and Darrel Fleming. They recorded wins over Wisburg 41-17 and Harmony 29-19, but lost to Christianburg Wismar 2319, Linden Foundation 30-25 and Mackenzie High 27-11. The number two seed after the preliminary round was Linden Foundation Secondary who, through the likes of Isaiah Semple, Nigel Plowell, Dillon Pellew and Isaiah Haynes will face the third placed team C h r i s t i a n b u rg Wi s m a r ‘Multi’ Secondary. The Multi side which won the Linden Under-19 schools tournament earlier this year has among their best players Dillon Patterson and Daniel Lee. Linden Foundation secured wins over Christianburg/Wismar 2319, Wisburg by walkover, New Silvercity 30-25 and Harmony 33-5, but lost to Mackenzie High 30-22.

Daniel Anthony

Nigel Plowell The third ranked C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r advanced with eight points as they won against Wisburg 40-7, Harmony by walkover and New Silvercity 30-10. They however lost against Linden Foundation 23-19 and Mackenzie High 13-12.

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Banks Malta Supreme continues partnership with HRC Bodybuilding Show compete at this competition with the organisers seeking to attract more females. Ross in remarks conveyed gratitude to McKenzie the Banks DIH for their continued show of confidence in the show

Clayton McKenzie, Banks DIH Brand Manager – NonAlcoholic Malts (right) hands over the cheque to Hugh Ross, Chairman of the HRC committee. Beverage giants; Banks DIH Limited has once again maintained its status as the main sponsor of the fourth Hugh Ross Classic Body Building and Fitness competition which will be known as the Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic. Yesterday at the entities Sports Club located at Thirst Park, Clayton McKenzie, Brand Manager of Non Alcoholic Malts handed over a cheque to Chairman of the Hugh Ross Classic Committee Hugh Ross which confirmed the b e v e r a g e c o m p a n y ’s commitment. McKenzie in brief remarks noted that Banks DIH Limited is once again pleased to be in partnership with the HRC with the Body Building & Fitness competition which is scheduled to be held on Saturday March 29, 2014. “Banks DIH is sponsoring this event under the Malta Supreme brand. Malta Supreme is a NonAlcoholic Malt beverage that contains vitamin B and honey. The tagline of this product is “Be Smart, Be Strong, Be Supreme with

Malta Supreme which synchronizes with the athletes participating in this event. Being fit is being Smart; Body Building

makes you become Strong and upon being fit & strong, a degree of Supremacy is achieved.” The best athletes in the nation are expected to

which showcases the best athletes in the Land of Many Waters. “The HRC committee is very elated with the fact that you at Banks and Malta Supreme are maintaining your partnership with us and

we can assure you that we are working towards producing a show that will bring supreme results not only in exposing our athletes but working with them to excel beyond the shores of Guyana.”

t r o Sp

ICC suspends Shillingford for illegal bowling action Dwayne Bravo at the signing with a rep of the Chinese company.

Bravo appointed BRAND AMBASSADOR for China Harbour engineering company

Kwakwani are schools’ basketball titans

Shane Shillingford had earlier been suspended in December 2010 © BCCI

Longstanding Kwakwani School’s Basketball Coach, Ann Gordon (left) poses with her super successful basketball-playing institution Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

- Ann Gordon’s dynasty continues

Who can West Indies turn to?

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