Kaieteur News
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
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
NO CHANGE IN THE PPP After a long hard 18 months of frustration of being in opposition, the PPP hierarchy has finally decided to hold the Congress. This happens after an absence of three years and is being held under the theme: “Strengthen the Party; Defend Democracy; Onwards to Victory”. In his opening remarks of the 31st Congress at Cotton Field Secondary School, opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo called on the party to free itself from the “isms” of the past and focus on what is good for the country. He told hundreds of party supporters that while he does not support the removal of references of Marxism-Leninism from the PPP constitution, the party must move away from them and the historical notions of development. It must pursue a new path of development that is good for the country and all its people. However, based on media reports, it is not likely that any substantive change has taken place at the Congress. The de facto PPP leader was at his best as he assured the nation that if his party wins the next general elections, all Guyanese would be treated fairly, even those who are not members and supporters of the PPP. If not, the party will have no moral right to fight discrimination if it discriminates against people because of their race, religion or party affiliation. These are heartening words; they have been repeated many times but the very Jagdeo has not converted them into reality. Cries of discrimination still fill the air. The former president urged party supporters to be broad minded and reach out to all segments of society, including disappointed supporters of the governing coalition. However, it is predictable that they will attack their former comrades: Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan and Ralph Ramkarran. One by one, the senior leaders of the party have called for a drastic change in the direction of the PPP, but like at all previous Congresses, the concept of change is just a thought. It is expected that no change will ever occur, because most of the leaders are inflexible and are resistant to change the core principles of the party. Ironically, as is the tradition of the PPP at its Congresses, speaker after speaker were handed a script which instructed them to praise the founder and late leader of the PPP, Dr. Cheddi Jagan as the indisputable architect of the nation’s political and economic development. Many claimed that his radical leadership contributed to the events of the 1950s and 1960s as part of a regional revolt against the inequities of the plantation economic system, the yoke of colonial oppression and the struggle for universal adult suffrage, among others, which gave every adult Guyanese the right to vote for the first time. It is rather odd and perhaps moronic for the opposition leader to call on the members to remove the “isms” from the party. Lest we forget, almost two decades ago, it was Khemraj Ramjattan who had called on the party executives to remove the Marxist-Leninism references from the party’s Constitution in order to attract broader support. At the time, Ramjattan had the vision that the PPP which was in government needed to change its image. However, he was chastised by the party hierarchy who felt that his actions were blasphemous. He was expelled from the party. The call made almost two decades ago by Ramjattan to remove the “isms” from the party is being made today by Jagdeo who crucified him. He has single-handedly decided who should be the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates in the last two general elections and is likely to do the same in the next election.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Commander Hicken should not coerce ranks to solicit gifts Dear Editor; I am adding a few comments to the “Frustrated ‘ A’ D i v i s i o n O ff i c e r ” concerning Commander Clifton Hicken, dated December 16, 2016. Quoting from the letter, “We are being pressured.... In addition to this, police ranks are supposed to engage with businesses to sell tickets and ask for donations.” There is a terrible culture of deplorable behaviour in Guyana where soliciting donations and selling tickets is a norm, especially at government offices. Mr. Editor, something is seriously wrong with the leadership in Guyana, not
just the police force. The same article indicated, “... recently our Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan warned police to be careful how it takes charity.” This certainly is a farce, because right in front the eyes of Ramjattan the tactic by Hicken is open and blatant. Hicken loves to parade his uniform and smile for the cameras, while quietly directing his ranks to seek “donations.” Some police mean well to serve the public; however, leaders like Hicken are not displaying a culture of professional motivation. If you are friends with Hicken or people who are his friends you will get results
and treated well. If you are not a friend don’t expect professional treatment. So his demand for 60 Christmas gifts from stations and outposts shows his continued boldness for unprofessional leadership. Other cops are afraid of speaking out, and when you have leaders who would retaliate because someone speaks out about the dictatorial attitude, not much imagination is needed to know the net results. Why should a senior cop demand or influence his subordinates through coercive tactics to solicit gifts, and Minister Ramjattan sitting on the sidelines turning the other
way? Soliciting “gifts” through coercive tactics devalued the meaning of a gift, and I would be ashamed to accept such a “gift.” We l l , M r . E d i t o r , H i c k e n ’s a c t i o n s a r e unacceptable and this cannot be allowed to continue and time for Hicken’s removal. Ramjattan is good with his mouth but unable to make decisions suitable for the people: remove Hicken from the force, remove other senior conspiratorial officers, and instill a notolerance policy from anyone in the police force who solicits “gifts.” C o n c e r n e d businessman
I insist that Minister Jordan made reference to me Dear Editor; Reference is being made to Deon Abrams’ letter “Lincoln Lewis used me to get personal with the Finance Minister” (KN 19th December 2016). Let me from the outset disabuse the notion that the response to Minster of Finance Winston Jordan’s discussion on the programme “Groundings,” which Abrams hosted, provided opportunity to “use [him].” There is no need to, and the programme was only mentioned to provide the evidence in my rebuttal. The National Budget is what underpins the developmental plan of a country, where the revenues would be sourced and expended, and the role of the people in the process. In discussing the 2017 Budget, including the view of the social partners’ (trade unions and private sector)
opinions on it and outreach to leaders in the National Assembly, the minister’s statement ‘the one who does be writing in the newspapers’ was clear reference to me. If the programme’s host paid no attention to this or it eluded him such did not happened with me. The Minister of Finance is a public servant who has taken an oath of office to serve the people. Being paid by the people to be in service to them means he can be held accountable by any citizen or group, at any time. He carries a greater responsibility to address any matter raised by the public objectively. In taking the time over the years to acquaint myself with universal acceptable principles and issues of governance, Abrams is being assured that in speaking to matters of such nature from a
position of conviction, is not weakness or attempt to flaunt knowledge. These are important tools in the struggle to realise good governance, which I am committed to. We r e h e h a s n o w immersed himself in the discussion let him bring to this nation’s attention evidence of his claim that my letter comprised “unmerited attack [on the minister that] carries numerous allegations that were all untrue.” The letter that has become his source of contention is, “This country does not belong only to Minster Jordan” (KN 14thDecember, 2016). As an educator he ought to know the importance of evidence. And as a politician of his level, he should know that gut-feelings ought not to guide public discourse or action. Further display of
such conduct is seen in the mis-characterisation of my reference to Clarence Ellis. My introduction of Ellis’ name was prefaced by this statement: “As an aside, note is taken that in the debate the minister was proud to promote a budget of conflicting economic models, by saying he ‘cut his teeth’ under the leadership of Clarence Ellis, who was Chairman of the State Planning Commission.” I disagree with the minister’s use of Ellis’ name to give credibility to his performance and issues within the budget that would have conflicted with Ellis’ stance on governance, and cited instances to support it. Abrams may find it useful to return to my letter and reread it in arriving at an informed view that can withstand scrutiny. Lincoln Lewis
A national alcohol policy is urgently needed Dear, Editor; As of July 2016, according to a report from the Guyana Police Force, there have been 1,035 traffic offences caused by drivers being under the influence of alcohol. The lack of existence of an explicit and articulated national policy on alcohol is an indicator of the disregard and lack of commitment by the leaders of the nation throughout the years to reduce the consumption of alcohol and its harmful effects. The laws that do exist are not enforced. It is imperative that the government
implement measures to reduce the accessibility and availability of alcohol. The Government must value public health and welfare over political investors. Businesses have an ethical and social responsibility to Guyana and they must value the welfare of the country over profits. The Government should implement laws to prohibit alcohol companies from the sponsorship of sports or cultural events. Open bar promotions which allow customers to drink as much as they want to for a fixed price should be banned
because these promotions encourage excessive drinking. I propose an increase in the age limit of alcohol consumption to 21, and to increase the age limit for the purchase of alcohol to 21. The Government should consider reforming the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2008 and reduce the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit to 0.05% and drivers under the age of 21 should have a Zero BAC limit. It is my hope the Minister of Finance strongly enforces the
increases in the liquor penalties as stated in the budget. A National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control should be formed. This Committee will be responsible for the establishment of an Enforcement Surveillance Centre for alcohol control regulations. This Committee should be funded by the taxes collected from producers and importers of alcohol. Guyana’s national drug is alcohol. We have a tendency to regard the use of (Continued on page 5)
Tuesday December 20, 2016
The channels of communication in the police force are weak DEAR EDITOR; Why has the police force not filled the four vacant deputy commissioners’ positions? There are vacancies for Deputy Commissioners Administration, Operations, Law Enforcement, and Special Branch. The vacancies have been there since the last government was in power. No other appointment has been made since Leroy Brummel and Seelall Persaud were appointed deputy commissioners. They both became commissioners and the vacancies have not been filled. Is it that the shoulders of the present assistant commissioners in the Force are not broad and strong enough to accommodate the badges of rank of deputy commissioners? Is the barrel empty? Will we see retired brigadiers and army colonels taking up those appointments? Will we have International Police Officers (IPO) from the United Kingdom and Canada filling those
vacancies as was done in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and some other Caribbean islands? Even if the vacancies are filled will there be consequential promotions? Will those promotions be backdated? If the massive road blocks established between Seelall and Ramnarine are not surmountable will we have a retired brigadier or army colonel heading the Force as was the case in Jamaica? Flashback! Renowned law enforcement expert, Norman Mc Lean as a serving member of the GPF was appointed Chief of Staff of the GDF. He did an excellent job and retired as a Major General. Assistant Commissioners of police Cecil Kilkenny and Welton Trotz served well as Directors of Prisons. Could things be done in the reverse? Would we have an abolition of office in accordance with the Constitution as was done in 1985 by President Desmond Hoyte? Was Ramnarine given
K. Juman Yassin should know it is time to go DEAR EDITOR; It ought to be noted by anyone who reads the newspaper that Mr. Rawle Welch has been consistently hammering at the Guyana Olympic Association chief, K. Juman Yassin for incompetence and non-performance. From all evidence, in the light of what we have been seeing/ not been seeing, I fully well agree with him. Mr. Yassin has been at the helm of the GOA for over 20 years and really there is nothing much in terms of progress to show.
I concur with all those who say he has failed dismally. The time has come for him to step aside. It is long overdue. Let us allow someone else to take over. Yassin is not the game and the game is not Yassin. What is it with this stubbornness in not wanting to let go of the reign of control after 20 plus years of stewardship and nothing to shout about. Come on! Be a man of stature and dignity and step aside, too long is enough. Frank Fyffe
a basket to fetch water? Is he a blue flame officer? In this modern age of policing why the police are not progressively moving towards e-governance? Is technophobia at work? Of all the skills a manager/ leader/ supervisor needs to be effective, skill in communicating is the most vital. Communication is a critical part of policing. Research has shown that 93 percent of police work is one-on-one communication. Estimates vary, but all studies emphasize the importance of communication in every day law enforcement operations. One-and-one, face-toface, and eyeball-to-eyeball communication between the number one and two men in the Force and perhaps with some other senior officers is something of the past. The communication is predominantly written. Commissioner Laurie Lewis used to say papers don’t talk. Another Top Cop Winston Felix who disagreed with Laurie Lewis on numerous major matters also believed that papers don’t talk. The other channels of communication are completely blocked or are at a mere trickle. Nowicki (2002) notes, “The process of effective interpersonal communications is much more than just words. The ability to pick up on the nonverbal components of interpersonal communications demonstrates much more than words. The old adage, ‘It’s not what you say, but how you say it’ is absolutely true. “ The ability to effectively communicate with people is (Continued on page 6)
A national alcohol policy is urgently... From page 4 other drugs with animosity and celebrate the use of alcohol. Any altered state impairs your judgment, but alcohol seems to do so with gusto and social acceptability. The culture surrounding drinking is particularly what makes it so dangerous. Alcohol is a toxic, carcinogenic and addictive substance. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system which, in turn, impairs motor functions and motor performances. Alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other health problems including high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, liver disease,
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cancers, learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor academic performance. Women who binge drink are more likely to have unprotected sex and risky sexual escapades. Additionally, alcohol has a large social impact. It can destroy relationships between friends and family members, lead to interpersonal violence, and increase the risk of road traffic accidents. Alcohol is also associated with child neglect and abuse as well as absenteeism in the workplace. ‘’Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise’’. Proverbs 20:1 Matthew Gaul.
Granger government has embarked on a journey of “detour and frolic.” DEAR EDITOR; We as a group have not written a formal letter since May 2015; we were committed to the principle that President Granger must have his 100 days to set his foundation for the next 5 years. Even though we were very disappointed after 100 days at the incompetence of the Grangerled administration, we thought that we must provide him with some more time since he claimed that the economy was in such a bad shape after the PPP lost the elections. But falsehood must be exposed and President Granger today stands as a messiah of falsehood when it comes to how he has managed the nation - like a titular President who is checked out; the new Arthur Chung. In 18 months, we have found verifiable cases of some 20 incidences of malfeasance, mismanagement of the Treasury and plain old nepotism on the part of the Granger-led administration. There is now enough evidence to confirm that the Guyanese people were duped by these aging politicians as they practice their wicked trade of detour and frolic. We can find very little evidence that this Granger-led administration is any better than a Ramotar-led administration. We are on record for firmly calling out the Ramotarled administration for their blatant acts of nepotism and mismanagement of the nation. We think that we have earned the right as members of the Diaspora and civil society to call out these wanton acts of financial escapades that are happening every day under this Granger-led administration. It must be opposed, exposed and if necessary deposed. And the most power sword to carry out this battle is the pen. This latest nepotistic act of providing two sitting Ministers appointed by the PNC to the Granger cabinet with some $6.6 million per year to
fund their studies is nothing but abhorrent. In total over the life of their studies, collectively these two Ministers will cost the nation some G$26 million. That is enough money to build at least one brand new low-income house for poor and deserving families in every administrative region of Guyana. Anyone with any modicum of integrity will know while serving as a sitting Minister they ought to focus on their jobs 100%. Poor people’s lives are depending on their performance. The foolish excuse that the PPP granted Robert Persaud a scholarship while he was a sitting Minister, is utter nonsense. It was wrong under the PPP and it is wrong today under the Granger led government. President Granger has now reduced the management of the affairs of the state into nepotistc frolic because if he was morally centered, he would have known that the responsibility of a Minister is for decision and policy making in a government. That is not a part-time job. These Ministers are being paid G$18 million annually each in wages and benefits to supervise several government departments and at least one of them is an abysmal failure as a policymaker, in the case Minister Henry. But yet, over the next 3 years, President Granger will have allowed these two Ministers to commit alleged legal recklessness by distributing some $125 million of the people’s money to
their benefit (wages, other benefit, school fees, travel and so on) while they work part-time. But what is painful; this same Granger government continues to say they have no money to pay the ordinary workers a living wage? This is heartlessness. This modus operandi from President Granger is that he and his cabinet have “the first call on the Treasury. This situation exposes him for what he really is; a political conspirator who never had the welfare of the people at heart all along. Fool us once, it is on you, but you dare not fool us twice and that is why our pens are out once again after some 19 months in hibernation. The majority of people now have no confidence in him as the Local Government elections revealed. How dare he tell the Diaspora to stop writing? Is he a dictator? Those with wisdom will know that the pen is mightier than the sword so why would they surrender that advantage? We leave the nation with this historical metonymic adage which says: “Beneath the rule of men entirely great The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold The arch-enchanters wand! — itself is nothing! — But taking sorcery from the master-hand To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike The loud earth breathless” Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
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The good days of sugar as we know them are gone DEAR EDITOR; The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) would like to respond to Mr. Hydar Ally’s letter titled ‘What the sugar industry needs is a higher level of efficiency’. We would like to invite the author to undertake a deeper analysis of the realities of the Guyana sugar industry so that his contribution to the debate on the best possible solutions can be reflective of a more objective understanding of the issues. It is important to note that Booker Tate Limited was brought in by the Desmond Hoyte Government to reposition GuySuCo for possible divestment. Its mandate was the “sugar” business. Contrary to views expressed, GuySuCo was making real progress with its diversification activities through the Other Crops Division, but given the mandate of Booker Tate, this was discontinued. The management of the Guyanese economy was regulated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program that was in place at the time, and Booker Tate with the support of the then Guyana Government obtained the approval of the IMF to increase wages up to 75% in order to attract workers back into the Corporation. What is
noteworthy is that the state of GuySuCo’s agricultural infrastructure in 1990 was significantly better than it is at the moment. Also, the cadre of technical skills and experience which obtained in 1990 was significantly greater than that which currently exists. In order to successfully deliver its mandate Booker Tate brought in a team of expatriate administrative and technical staff, which peaked at over twenty in number. This team was supported by Booker Tate’s corporate office in the United Kingdom which had some of the best technical expertise in the sugar world. Fundamental to this review is that GuySuCo and Booker Tate in those years had the benefit of the EU Preferential market. Given the direction in which sugar prices and costs were trending, in particular the latter, the Booker Tate management during the mid1990s recommended the rationalization of the industryfewer factories and the rationalization of cane hectarage – to reduce cost, increase productivity and better secure the future of the industry. However, this strategic plan was not approved. Over the years Booker Tate was required to reduce their numbers. At the same time skilled,
experienced Guyanese were leaving-retiring, resigning or migrating. The local and international environment, within which sugar as a business exists, has been changing over the years, particularly over the past 10 years. During this period the EU preferential price was lost; there was the loss of skills and experience as a result of the reduction in the number of Booker Tate technical staff, the exodus of Guyanese skills and experience, both of which resulted in the overall weakening of the technical and management team across the industry; the under-capitalization of the sugar industry was severe; there was the granting of increases in wages and salaries despite the financial difficulties being experienced by the Corporation; not to be under estimated was the havoc wreaked by the floods of 2005, the effects of which were felt in subsequent years; the escalation of cost of production and financial losses including cash deficits continued. Additionally, another area which has impacted negatively on the sugar industry is the adversarial industrial relations environment. Man days lost due to strikes from January 2000 to end September 2016 exceeded 1 million. From 2005 to 2015, there were 2,019 strikes with an average of 150 per year. The number of strikes to 31 October, 2016 is
The channels of communication in... From page 5 a sine-qua-non for law enforcement officers. Fulton (2000) contends; “Communication at all levels is an inexact art. But misunderstood communications can have consequences in the life and death world of police work. “He further argues that lack of communication is often an obstacle to correcting problems. Without effective com-
munication people do not know what is expected of them or how well they are doing. Officers and their subordinates may not be able to agree on the quality of service they provide. Equipment needs may not be revealed. Animosity may fester. Cliques will emerge.The consequences of not communicating well include low morale, increase disputes, reduced work quality and quantity and sometimes even lawsuits. This may be applicable to the current situation in the Force. According to Scoville, (2009) “Communications are more critical to police operations
than guns and ammo.” Dark clouds are hovering over the Police Headquarters. Some are moving towards the divisions. Certainly, they are not rain clouds. However, behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining. The clouds will soon roll by. The words of Commissioner Lloyd Barker keep wringing in my ears, “Commissioners will come and commissioners will go but the Guyana Police Force goes on forever.” May God bless the Guyana Police Force. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired)
139; as of 31 October, 2016 43,693 were lost. This situation continues to have a significant negative impact on the Industry’s health. Cane yields reported on the basis of tonnes cane per hectare (tc/ha) is an important indicator measuring the health of the cultivation. For the period May 1976 to December 1979 the tc/ha was approximately 71.5; from January 1980 to December 1989 it was approximately 71.0; from January 1990 to December 1999
it was approximately 66.8;January 2000 to December 2009 approximately 66.2; and for the period January 2010 to 2016 to date the average yield approximates 57.6 tc/ha. Finally, it is important to note that significant rationalization/reorganization is necessary to become viable. Mr. Ally is correct, that higher production will reduce unit cost but this is only to a degree. With the best of marketing strategies, the existing preferential markets cater
for about 70,000 tonnes of sugar, with any additional production having to be sold at prices which are based on the World market. The world to which Mr. Ally alludes, albeit very incompletely, is very different from that which presently obtains. In the interest of the employees of the industry and the economy at large, different remedies are required. Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer
Guyana is on the expressway to lawlessness, mayhem and death DEAR EDITOR; I’ve banged my head so many times out of frustration with the current state of affairs in my beloved country that I have resorted to putting on a helmet prior to reading your paper. The PPP-C during their term in office governed in their own man-made cocoon of family and friends, and after their defeat, emerged as righteous butterflies. Mouths flapping, antennas up, oblivious to the stench and waste that had engulfed their cocoon, they have now embarked on a similar policy of a party of the country that they totally disrespected, the Republican Party of the United States. Using a strategy of condemnation, fault finding and the peddling of false information to sway the population’s confidence in current administration, their aim is the building of a bigger cocoon to accommodate the anticipated petro dollars with a victory at the polls. And to my surprise, the current administration is an unconscious accessory to the plot. My advice to the leader of the current administration is to stop being a ‘nice guy’ to his cabinet and take a tough stance against anyone fingered in questionable dealings. I don’t know if he’s counting, but soon it would be two years, then three, and by year four, it’s too late. The crime situation which is deemed by those in authority to be down does not bode well with the populace. There is a
significant difference in the degree of confidence in one’s security when faced with two hundred incidents involving pick pockets and three robberies involving the use of firearms and the wounding or killing of the victims. Mr. Editor, I had stated in a letter a few months ago that judges should be given newspapers daily to read so they can make sensible decisions regarding the granting of bail to those involved in robberies using illegal guns. Additionally, the laws pertaining to the charge of robbery under arms have to be changed. A person charged with committing a robbery while being in the possession of an illegal firearm has to face two charges - illegal gun possession and robbery under arms. The charge of illegal gun possession should not be a bailable offense and should carry an automatic five year jail sentence. How many people have to suffer at the hands of criminals out on bail for committing armed robberies who hide their guns for their brief court appearance? I have to ask the following questions, “Is there corruption in the judicial system?” “Mr. President, do you not have some sort of executive power to end this madness?” Guyana does not have a revolving door of justice. What we have is a court that is a speed bump on the expressway to lawlessness mayhem and death. Joe Owen
Quoting Franz Fanon to reflect on Courtney Crum-Ewing DEAR EDITOR; Yesterday (Dec 16, 2016) I received a call from Donna Harcourt, she said her husband passed and saw the palm tree we planted in memory of their son had been de-
stroyed. It was too ridiculous to be true. I told her I would go immediately to check it out. Editor, upon reaching Middle and Carmichael Streets, I was forced again to remember that the depravities of some in this society know no limits. Twenty one months since the assassination of Courtney Crum-Ewing we’ve witnessed many acts of desecration - from the newly minted untouch-
ables to the kangaroo courts to the chambers of t h e n a t i o n a l a s s e m b l y. These acts have not gone unnoticed. Which bring me to Frantz Omar Fanon, Martinique born Caribbean psychiatrist, philosopher, revolutionary, and writer. “When we revolt it’s not for a particular culture. We revolt simply because for many reasons, we can no longer breathe” Mark Jacobs
Tuesday December 20, 2016
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Dead bandits are known criminals- police source
PI into KNews grenade attack...
Chief Magistrate to rule on Jan. 5
- Letlow was charged in 2012 for robbery - Shot in 2014 for grabbing chain - Charged in 2015 for stealing a motorcycle Two bandits who were cornered and gunned down by the police during a shootout after they had robbed persons at a family function at Seaforth Street, Campbellville on Sunday, have been identified as Jamal Letlow and Shaquille Fraser. Both men are 22 years old and are said to be known characters to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Letlow, a father of three and a fish cleaner, resided at John Fernandes Squatting Area while his accomplice, Shaquille Fraser, a mason, resided at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara and Lot 153 Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown. Yesterday, Letlow’s brother, Patrick Peters, said that they were informed that his brother had been killed when someone called and informed them that there was a shootout in Campbellville. He said that he as well as other relatives went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they identified the father of three. According to Peters, his sibling was watching television with him for a few hours before he was gunned down. “He was watching TV and then he left to go out and he didn’t come home back. Then we get the call that he was dead.” Peters maintained that his brother was not a criminal but in fact a hard worker, who cleaned fish at the Meadow Bank wharf to support his three children. “I don’t think my brother ever had a gun because I never see a gun yet in my life and I hear people saying that my brother surren-
Dead bandit: Jamal Letlow dered and the police still kill he. I don’t know what is going on here because (President David) Granger said not to shoot anyone,” Peters said. He added that the death of his brother is a tragedy and his family is devastated, especially his eldest brother who is currently serving a jail sentence in prison. While Peters said that he could not recall why his brother was charged, this newspaper was able to confirm that 30-year-old Quincy Letlow was remanded to prison on several occasions for robbery under arms. Jamal Letlow, on the other hand, was shot in 2014 when he grabbed a gold chain from a 14-year-old passenger while disembarking a mini bus. An alarm was raised and a city constabulary, who was in the area at the time, responded and shot Letlow to the buttocks. In 2015, the father of three was charged for stealing a motorcycle from Shawn Edu and in 2012, Letlow was among three per-
sons who robbed Ramsarran of $8,000. While Kaieteur News was unable to get information on Shaquille Fraser, there are reports that the 22-year-old man was involved in at least two robberies. Kaieteur News understands that the men were killed minutes after carrying out a robbery at the Seaforth Street residence. A man, who was at the function said that the bandits both armed with guns, came at the gate and requested to speak with “Kevin.” The man, who declined to divulge his name, said that he told the men that no “Kevin” was there. It was then the bandits whipped out their firearms and demanded that the occupants remain still. One of the bandits searched almost everyone present at the event and took away cash, jewellery and other valuables. The other gunman ransacked the home and made off with several cellular phones and other items. An alarm was raised just as the bandits escaped and ranks on the patrol managed to track down the two armed men who sought refuge in the churchyard behind Campbellville Secondary School. The armed men allegedly shot at the police, but were riddled during the ensuing shoot-out. One .38 revolver and one spent shell were recovered along with five live matching rounds.
Alfie Garraway
Janeil Howard
The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the Kaieteur News grenade attack has concluded. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan will make a ruling on January 5, on whether a prima facie case has been made out against the accused. Leroy Williams,25, of Durban Backlands, Georgetown; Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; and Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown are accused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. The offence occurred on June 4, at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown. Garraway is currently out on $300,000 High Court bail. The two other accused remain on remand. Williams is being represented by Attorney Neil Bollers. Attorney Stanley Moore is representing Garraway.
Howard remains unrepresented. When the matter was called yesterday, Police Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers, handed over written submissions to the court. Thereafter, the Chief Magistrate indicated that she was ready to make a ruling in the matter. However, the ruling was deferred until next month because both attorneys were absent. Garraway told the court that his attorney would be available on January 5, or anytime after that date. A woman, who told the court she was Bollers’s Legal Clerk, told the court that the lawyer
Leroy Williams
WANTED: Shemar Wilson was on his way from the East Bank of Demerara. However, (Continued on page 23)
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
PPP hunkers down to ‘old heads’
Jagdeo leads vote-getters in 31st congress - Anthony, Teixeira, Ramotar, Nandlall in top five By Leonard Gildarie Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has discovered his popularity within the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) with critical internal voting Saturday in Essequibo. The results had him leading the pack by almost 100 votes. Jagdeo managed to amass 718 votes from the delegates that reportedly numbered over 1,200 at the Cottonfield Secondary School where the party held its 31st Congress. The elections to the Central Committee, the forum which carries out the mandate for the congress-- the party’s highest decision-making body-- was widely expected to be the high point following last year’s first loss at general elections after 23 years in power. There was talk of some changes, with the party shedding some of the older folks. Jagdeo’s tactical rallying call Saturday for the party to strengthen strongholds, woo Opposition supporters and depend on old stalwarts for experience, would have given him a further advantage. It is believed that Jagdeo will make another shot at the Presidency in 2020 after a court decision earlier this year cleared him to run for third term. There has already been an appeal to the Chief Justice’s ruling. A constitutional law passed over a decade ago had
Highest vote-getter: Bharrat Jagdeo
Third: Gail Teixeira
Fourth: Former President, Donald Ramotar
Fifth: Anil Nandlall
Eight: Irfaan Ali
Ninth: Zulfikar Mustapha
Tenth: Shyam Nokta
Dharamlall 453; Dr Vindhya Persaud 439; Hydar Ally, 422; Vickram Bharrat, 408; Dharamkumar Seeraj/ 393; Komal Chand, 378; and Colin Croal at 360. The other persons who received the nod to the Central Committee were Alister Charlie 356; Brian Allicock 326; Neil Kumar 321; David Armogan 317; Dr. Jennnifer Westford 304; Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo 289; Clinton Collymore 287; Kwame McCoy 281; Dr. Bheri Ramsaran 278; Faizal Jaffaraly 277; Majeed Hussain 267; Rickey Ramdat 260; Claire Singh 255; Anand Persaud 242 and Mitra Devi Ali at 230. Missing from the con-
gress was former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, who has reportedly migrated. He had been featuring as a top vote-getter. Harripersaud Nokta, who had been a long-time stalwart, will not be in the Central Committee. However, his son, Shyam, is in the top 10. The three-day congress which ended yesterday was targeted by the party as the launch-pad to regain power in 2020 when general elections are slated. On Saturday, Jagdeo in his rallying call, urged party members to strengthen the traditional base, and woo supporters of the Coalition to reflect an inclusionary ap-
proach. During the opening session on Saturday, party leaders painted a black picture of the coalition’s performance, with Jagdeo insisting that the administration practiced ethnic cleansing of PPP supporters from Government office. He also singled out the recent national budget, the economy and taxes for criticisms. When the Central Committee meets, it is expected to choose members of Executive Council which will then select the General Secretary of the p a r t y . The selection for the General Secretary is reportedly being hotly contested.
Second: Dr. Frank Anthony
Sixth: General Secretary, Clement Rohee
Seventh: Ganga Persaud
allowed for only two terms for a president but a court challenge had argued that it was wrong and trampled on voters’ right of choices. Former Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, received 98 fewer than the Opposition Leader. In recent years, Anthony, who led the party’s youth arm, Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), has emerged as one of the most popular within the party. Gail Teixeira, the party’s Chief Whip in the National Assembly, was the only female in the top 10, coming in third with 583 votes. She has
been vocal in press conferences held by the party. Rounding off the top ten were former President Donald Ramotar with 570; former Attorney General Anil Nandlall at 548; General Secretary Clement Rohee at 522; Ganga Persaud at 512; Irfaan Ali 511; Zulfikar Mustapha at 496 and Shyam Nokta at 495. Indra Chandarpal, who has been vocal for women’s rights, came in number 11 with 490 with former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon next at 488. The rest for the top 20 are Paul Sukhai 460; Nigel
Delegates, observers and other invitees during the opening of the PPP’s 31st Congress on Saturday, on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two.
Tuesday December 20, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The days of sugar are numbered The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) seems to have an obsession with Mr. Hydar Ally, former Central Committee member of the People’s Progressive Party. It seems that every time Mr. Ally writes about the state of the sugar industry, the criticism affects the local sugar barons so much that they feel compelled to respond. There would be nothing wrong with this approach – after all the sugar company does have the right to respond to criticism – except for two reasons. The first is that the sugar company does not spend as much time responding to other critics of the sugar company as it does to Hydar Ally, who was once associated with the Human Resources Department of the sugar company. The second thing is that the responses to Ally make highly contestable claims. Its latest missive issued under the name of its senior communications officer Ms. Audreyanna Thomas, it was claimed that the Desmond Hoyte government brought in Booker Tate to reposition GuySuCo for possible privatization. This is a confusing statement. The mere bringing in of Booker Tate represented an act of privatization, not a repositioning of the company for privatization. The Hoyte administration privatized the management of the sugar company. The contract with Booker Tate had nothing to do with preparing for possible privatization. One assumes that when GuySuCo now
says “possible privatization” it means outright sale or divestment. No such plans for ever concocted. Booker Tate was brought for two reasons. It was brought in because of the need to manage the company and secondly, as Hasyln Parris once explained, because of the linkages that Booker Tate had with the markets in which sugar was sold. If the company which manages your industry is also an interested party in the companies to whom you sell, then you have a good chance that the sugar you produce will be sold. The second contestable claim made by GuySuCo was that the Guyanese economy was regulated by the International Monetary Fund with the support of the then Guyana government. It may have been a condition of negotiations with both the IMF and World Bank that the management of sugar be privatized but it certainly cannot be the case where the Guyanese economy was regulated, as claimed by GuySuCo, by the IMF with the support of the government of the day. The related claim about the IMF approving a 75% increase in salaries did not state over which period this happened and which categories of workers benefitted. So the public is left with the impression that sugar workers benefitted appreciably from wage increases because of Booker Tate’s involvement. Along the same vein it can be argued that sugar production peaked after Booker Tate took over. But that would
be removing from consideration the fact that the decline in 1989, which saw sugar production collapse, had to do with the struggle of the workers for better wages. In fact all sectors of the economy suffered when the ERP was launched. It is not true that GuySuCo’s infrastructure is much better in 1990 than it is today. The declining productivity in that earlier period had to do, in part, with the poor infrastructure, including problems in maintaining factory equipment. The problem with GuySuCo is three-fold. The company has never recovered from the more than 30% cut in prices paid for sugar by Europe. Few companies in the world can remain viable when their main market cuts prices by that amount. The problem was recognized. Two logical choices faced the government. It had the option of closing the industry down because of the cuts in prices and the fact the quotas were expected to eventually disappear. That choice would have created economic and social turmoil in Guyana. Thousands of Guyanese would have been put on the breadline. But the economy would have also been hurt. It seems that the glittering of gold and its assumption as the major industry in Guyana has blinded people, including the present government, to the fact that even though GuySuCo is loss-making, it is still a significant foreign exchange earner. If you close the industry down you will save having to bail out
Dem boys seh
Get rid of charter flights Marriage is one of de most beautiful things on earth. It satisfies and soothes de soul that is entangled, especially when you find de right soul mate. Wedding plans does tek time and tons of money. People does travel great distance to be part of that joyous event. But dem have some people who don’t have regard fuh people future and happiness. Dem people who does run charter flights charter plane like Dynamic and Eastern Airline. Every week if dem got ten flight dem got forty delay and de forty delay does last fuh at least twenty-six hours a day. A gyal coming home to get married and Dynamic flight couldn’t tek off. That is wha dem does do when dem don’t have enough passengers. Dem does delay to get more passenger to full de plane de next day and inconvenience people. Dem boys seh dem don’t have common courtesy to pick up de phone and call de passenger to seh “De flight not leffing today.” People does go in de airport, send way dem family who carry dem to de airport. Then dem sit down inside and deh waiting this time dem don’t have no plane in sight. After a few hours dem gun tell you
dem got some disaster. Dem got snow and not a drop fall. De claim de plane wing damage, de pilot ain’t come yet, de plane on its way or de pilot drunk and sleep way. De gyal who was coming to get married in misery. De food spoil; guest turn up all dressed up fuh wedding only to be told de plane can’t come off de ground. And all this time de airline don’t even give you a chit to get a bottle of water, much less li’l food. Dem boys seh Dynamic should pay all costs for de girl brand new wedding and send de people to a nice honeymoon resort and dem boys not talking bout Arrowpoint. That’s not a resort. Dem boys hear nuff people come pun dem charter flight fuh funeral and by de time de plane touch down more family members dead and bury. This is de kind of business arrangement and contract de government enter into and allowing dem to mek a mess of de people without any form of compensation. Dem boys seh it is always good to have something to count on. Fuh sure Dynamic and Eastern not in that category. Talk half and hope Soulja Bai terminate dem inefficient airline service.
the industry but the social costs and the economic costs associated with the loss of foreign exchange earnings will hurt you more than the 12 billion dollar annual subvention which now has to be paid. Two billion dollars, for example, is small sum to pay to save jobs at Wales. The reorganization of Wales will require investments that are multiple times that two billion in order to address the social and economic effects of the closure of the estate. It therefore makes economic sense to keep the loss-making industry afloat rather than close it down. But those obsessed with seeing the end of the sugar industry are not going to be open to that sort of thinking. The second problem was the need to reduce costs as part of the restructuring of the industry. The new factory at
Skeldon was part of the plan to cut costs. There are problems with the factory but even if the factory was up and running there would not have been sufficient canes because the private cane farmers simply did not deliver. They will contend, with some justification, that it was the factory which forced them under, but the fact is that they were never going to be in a position to supply adequate canes for that factory. The third factor which has led to the problems of the sugar industry is that development in other sectors of the economy meant that sugar workers were no longer attracted to the industry. Cane cutting is hard work. Those who do this work do not want it for their children. Cane harvesters have found work in other areas of the economy. There is a shortage of labour
in the industry. The situation is not likely to get worse. The solution was mechanization of harvesting. But apart from the technical problems there was the problem of money for the investment needed. The debate on sugar should continue in the newspapers. That debate is not likely to take place within the management and boardroom of GuySuCo. The sugar company seems to have decided, given the nature of its responses to Hydar Ally, that the days of sugar are numbered.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 20, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
A moment of toilet embarrassment at the PPP’s congress The PPP’s congress is over. The chant of taking back power in 2020 was so reverberating that the Essequibo River quivered. There was one hilarious moment that reminded us of the king’s new clothes. One of the big boys on top of the PPP’s pyramid, Roger Luncheon, went to take a pee at the school toilet (the congress was held at the Cotton Field Secondary
School) and was repulsed at its dilapidated, smelly state. Luncheon in a moment of irritation asked the aging cleaner why the toilet was in such a terrible state. The old, frail woman, oblivious to who Luncheon was and the time and place, quietly and without any visible emotion, said, “Deh (meaning the toilets) bin like dat daankey years now.” Lun-
cheon looked around at a few delegates who were behind him waiting to use the washrooms and not a word or a whisper or a murmur was heard. All the people by that toilet knew that moment was the greatest irony of the congress. A party that ruled Guyana for twentythree years and left it in a devastated state wants to have power again. The broken down washroom tells the story of the troglodytes that are intoxicated with power. What went through the minds of those delegates as the dinosaurs addressed them? Almost eighty percent of those delegated have grown up with the rule of the PPP. It has been in power from 1992 to May 2015. Did they believe what was told to them by their leaders? Was it true that the election of 2015 was rigged as Jagdeo mouthed off in front of them? Are these
delegates so foolish and dumb that they didn’t ask Jagdeo why the election in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2006, 20011 were not rigged. Why the riggers allowed the PPP to govern for twenty three years? Why didn’t they stop them long before 2015? Do you rig an election and give yourself a one-seat majority? Where in the world the past 100 years can you find an election that was rigged and the conspirators allowed their lead to be just one parliamentary seat? Do you rig an election and you put your victory at 4500 votes more than the other side? Didn’t you want a landslide? The listeners were told by Jagdeo; “The stealing took place on a massive scale.” I am about to write something not that I am unhappy with it but I need to use it for
emphasis. Here it is. I can understand if illiterate or semiliterate people or persons with a low IQ are unable to see the deception in politicians but surely not literate parents and people with an education and those who have progressed far up the education ladder. Can’t you see a politician is a downright liar when he can tell you the ruling party stole the election on a massive scale and that ruling party’s total votes against the opposition’s was 4500. Did someone with commonsense ask Jagdeo to define “massive?” We may want to laugh at the speeches of the PPP leaders at that congress and maybe we did but Guyana stands out as a country whose politics is psychologically frightening and tragic. There are recent letters in the press by former President Ramotar, Leslie Ramsammy, Hydar Ally, Anil Nandlall that describe what the PNC Government did when President Burnham ruled. All the speakers at the congress spoke about the Burnham days. It is comical yet sad the reference to Burnham; comical in that seventy percent of Guyanese do not know about those days and sad in that it is serious psychosis for politicians to try to win support
Frederick Kissoon by telling their constituency about a period that is long, long gone. Mr. Burnham died thirtytwo years ago. Do you know the percentage of the population that is 32 years old? It is substantial. When is this psychosis going to end? In 2020, as sure as night follows day, the PPP will tell its attendees and listeners to vote for them because the PNC destroyed the country when it was in power and 2020, would be 35 years since the Burnham era went by. How can young Indians listen and watch this morbid political masturbation and accept it? If and when these leaders reach age 85 and if they are still sending letters to the newspapers, all they will conjure up are the days of Burnham. And it is not only PPP leaders but many intellectual supporters of the PPP. It was Swami Asksharananda who during the 2015 campaign reminded us constantly of the bad Burnham days. This is sick, very sick.
Tuesday December 20, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Frontline officials exposed to Trafficking in Persons training course The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons recently conducted a ‘Trafficking in Persons Training Course for Frontline Officials’ at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre, Camp and Young Streets, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The training course featured 37 participants from the various Regions representing the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigation and Immigration Departments, Guyana Defence Force, Ministry of Social Protection, Community Policing, Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objectives of the training course were to equip local stakeholders with information regarding the nature of the crime of trafficking in persons; functions of the Task Force; services available locally, how to identify, assist and refer victims; and best practices for investigating the crime; create a network for exchange of information among frontline officers and other stakeholders in different regions of Guyana who may come into contact with potential cases of trafficking in persons’ and garner infor-
Participants and presenters from the ‘Trafficking in Persons Training Course for Frontline Officers’ conducted by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons mation to make the Task Force more effective and efficient in its operations. Ms. Tanisha WilliamsCorbin, Coordinator (ag) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, Ministry of Social Protection commenced the training course with a presentation on ‘The Definition
of Trafficking in Persons’ and presided over the Case Study Interactive Exercises. Mr. Oliver Profitt, Coordinator (ag) of the Technical Arm of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons presented on the Task Force’s functions, activities and plans.
Govt to heighten efforts to train youths in entrepreneurship Several programmes and initiatives in 2017 will see youth development being advanced, one of which is entrepreneurial based. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, said that the aim is to empower youths to become entrepreneurs, while at the same time, create a healthier business environment, especially for small businesses. Minister Jordan, during his recent 2017 budget speech, noted that the Small Business Bureau (SBB) will be extending its reach into educational institutions to expose students to entrepreneurial initiatives and skills, and also expand its existing programmes aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship. “This new venture will include a competition which will see at least 10 students receiving grants to start their very own businesses.” The Finance Minister explained that the Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project will continue with its financing and training and development activities, targeting prospective and established entrepreneurs and small businesses. He noted that to date a total of 660 clients are targeted for training and business support. Additionally, 600 microenterprises will be visited
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan to review their business plans and the results of training facilitated by the project. To ensure a level playing field in bidding for government contracts, the Government is enforcing the requirement that every endeavour be made to ensure that at least 20 percent of public contracts are awarded to small businesses. Further, Minister Jordan indicated that the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme will continue to support small and micro-enterprises’ growth through a suite of programmes.
“The Government maintains that a strong and resilient private sector is one of the cornerstones of a healthy and robust economy, and is committed to maintaining a thriving and fair business environment so that our business owners and future entrepreneurs may prosper,” Minister Jordan emphasised. Minister Jordan underlined that youths represent approximately 20 percent of the population, “So if we are to ensure that they are well equipped to be independent, viable, and productive members of society, then we have to ensure that we are strategic in our planning, the aim is to stimulate job creation for youths, while providing the necessary allocation to enhance educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.” The Minister believes that with the right knowledge and skills youths can become self-dependent, contributing to an expansion in the gross domestic product and household incomes, while reducing unemployment. Other programmes targeting youth unemployment include the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme and Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) platform for certified training for out-of-school youth among others.
Task Force Member Mr. Neil Bacchus, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Peoples Commission, presented on the role of his organization in the fight against human trafficking and participants from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) performed a skit which displayed the experiences of
Mines Officers in the field. Additionally, presentations on ‘Victim Identification, Referral and Assistance Training’ and ‘Investigative Skills Training for Human Trafficking Investigations’ were delivered by Inspector Fiona Harris of the Guyana Police Force’s Immigration Department and Woman Con-
stable Ranata McBean of the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department, Major Crimes Unit based on information received through training from INTERPOL. In 2017, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons intends to target (Continued on page 23)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 20, 2016
Importance of recognising cases of Type One Diabetes amplified at awareness forum
Paediatric Endocrinologist, Dr. Debra Cohen
President of the Guyana Diabetic Association, Mrs. Glynis Alonzo-Beaton
The Type One Diabetes awareness forum in session yesterday Type One Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas is incapable of making insulin because the immune system attacks it and destroys the beta cells that make insulin. Medical experts are yet to determine what causes Type One Diabetes but what is very well known is that many young children and teenagers are diagnosed with this condition, annually. One of the major challenges that have been linked to this medical situation, according to Paediatric Endocrinologist, Dr. Debra Cohen, is that there have been limited efforts to raise awareness about it.
She disclosed that even some health care workers are not aware enough to diagnose many children with diabetes. “Many health care professionals and parents are not aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes so some children may even die before they are diagnosed.” Dr. Cohen is currently attached to the United States based ‘Life for a Child’ nonprofit organisation (NGO) which falls under the purview of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). IDF is a global advocate for people with diabetes. The mission of IDF is to promote diabetes care, prevention and
a cure worldwide. Its affiliate NGO – Life for a Child – is said to be an innovative and sustainable support programme in which individuals, families and organisations contribute monetary or inkind donations to help children with diabetes in developing countries. Moreover, it was through deliberate collaboration forged by President of the Guyana Diabetic Association, Mrs Glynis Alonzo-Beaton, a member of IDF, that Dr. Cohen’s visit was made possible. “Because of (AlonzoBeaton’s) association with (Continued on page 23)
Security guard stabs man before robbing him of cash, cell phones - Court hears A 23-year-old security guard has been remanded to prison for allegedly stabbing a man several times with an ice-pick before relieving him of cash and cellular phones during a robbery. It is alleged that on December 15, last, Jermaine Jeffery, of Lot 48 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, while armed with an ice-pick robbed Yohance Smith of a cell phone, $1,400 cash and other items-property of the said Smith-and another cell phone valued $46,000-property of Keron Humphrey. The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The court was told that the defendant confronted the virtual complainant (VC) at Irving and Laluni Streets, Queenstown and stabbed him several times before relieving him of the cash and cell phones. Smith raised an alarm and public-spirited citizens ran to his rescue and apprehended Jeffery and handed him over to police. According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the defendant was positively identified by the VC on an identification parade. Prosecutor Jones opposed bail for Jeffery citing the nature and gravity of the charge. Jones also pointed out that Smith was stabbed during the robbery and that an offensive weapon was used in the commissioning of the crime. The Prosecutor informed the court that the articles
REMANDED: Jermaine Jeffery were recovered in the defendant’s possession and are presently lodged at the police station. Jeffery will return to court on January 11.
Tuesday December 20, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GPL uncertain of a blackout-free Christmas Over the past few days, there has been much discourse over the spate of power outages being experienced in several communities throughout the country. This has resulted in many residents turning to available fora venting their frustration at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). Questions were raised about the Company’s ability to provide a reliable service during the festive season. During a press conference yesterday, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) – Technical, Elwyn Marshall, said that some of the setbacks occurred over the past few days and the company went about rectifying these issues. When quizzed on whether he can assure the public that these setbacks do not occur again, Marshall said I am not “going to put my head on a block.” He added that the company is not a 100 percent, and he places faith in the intensified maintenance exercises that have already commenced. Marshall explained that GPL usually conducts regular maintenance on the feeders. “Just before the Christmas season we intensified this programme ...Do inspections, deal with vegetation and try to have the network in a condition that would not present faults.” THE RECENT BLACKOUTS The DCEO said that since
last week, there has been a fair amount of unexpected and so far, “unexplained” series of outages within the Demerara/Berbice System. The DCEO said that on Tuesday night at around 20:30hrs, one of the feeders coming out of the Kingston Power Plant experienced a conductor failure which had burnt off and fell across another line that was being fed out of Sophia. As a result of this, the line linking the Kingston/Sophia substations tripped and led to a total outage in the system, he said. The repairs took GPL almost three hours to restore the system to normalcy – a duration which he admitted, was longer than usual. He explained that there are times during the process of restoring the system that additional problems occur resulting in a second collapse. On Friday last, there was a failed insulator on the feeder that feeds Alberttown, Queenstown and several areas along Thomas Road. “Because of the failure of the insulator, the cross arm caught fire and the conductor ended up shorting out. GPL provided alternative feed from another feeder so that the (Georgetown Public) Hospital and a large portion of the aforementioned areas were supplied with power whilst repairs were being carried out on the defective conductor,” On Saturday, two of the
Acting Chief Executive Officer, GPL Renford Homer (left) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Technical, GPL, Elwyn Marshall briefing media yesterday. three feeders coming out of the Kingston Two plant which feeds the commercial district, became entangled. One of the feeders encountered a burnt jumper and a switch. “What seemed to have happed is fault on the circuit and the heavy current in the conductor...Because of the entanglement of the conductors in the Kingston area resulted in the Kingston Plant tripping out due to overload. It took us a while to sort out that problem.” On Sunday, there was a total outage. The DCEO said that a power transformer at Kingston – which converts the powers that comes from the generators – tripped and resulted in a total outage.
“While in the process of bringing back the system, the cubicle at Kingston One Plant which has the switch gear for two of the four generators, suffered from an insulation failure which resulted to sufficient damage,” he said. GPL was forced to take the generator out of service and the three remaining cubicles were disconnected to facilitate the cleaning of the damaged cable. The DCEO said that since the system was brought to normalcy, there have not been any “major” outages within the system. GPL AND ITS STRIKING WORKERS
The press conference was held hours after more than 30 workers took industrial action
against the Power Company reportedly calling for increased wages and salaries for 2016. These workers are reportedly transmission and distribution workers. CEO of the company, Renford Homer, said that it was not a strike. He explained that GPL is currently negotiating with the Trade Unions that represent their workers, particularly the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) with wages and salaries for 2016. He added that management had made some proposals which were refused by the Union. GPL further improved its
offer but this was once again, refused by the Union which in turn took a stronger position. This resulted in a stalemate between the Union and management. Homer said that this caused some concern amongst the workers –since they would have had high expe c t a t i o n s o f s e e i n g something coming to them by way of improved wages. This he added, led to some agitation. The parties are scheduled to meet this morning to continue negotiations. Homer said that he is hopeful that the issues can be resolved. “Management has also made a request to the workers to return to work and wait the outcome of the meeting.”
Media group writes PM calling Finance Minister proposes... for more press conferences KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness complaining about his “failure” to hold press conferences since assuming office in February this year. “The PAJ stressed that it was very concerned about media access to ministers of government, and particularly to Mr Holness as prime minister,” the PAJ noted. PAJ president Dionne Jackson Miller, in her letter, also urged Prime Minister Holness to talk more with newsmen in the new year for the benefit of the public. Jackson Miller acknowledged that while Holness had given several interviews to local media houses since assuming office, “they are necessarily selective and exclude many reporters and media houses, and therefore do not provide the kind of broad-based access to media which press conferences do. “The PAJ noted that Mr
From page 13 as Prime Minister for five plus years, but Sam Hinds, who only served as President for nine months, enjoys a pension that is seven-eighths of the current President's salary. He said that no one argued or made a fuss in this regard. With regard to the sustainability of the salary increases Government gave to its senior ministerial officers, Jordan said that it was an increase that was paid in June,
Jamaican PM Andrew Holness
Holness, since assuming office in March, had yet to hold a comprehensive press briefing in the capacity of prime minister, which all media representatives could attend and ask him a range of questions, for the benefit of the public. The PAJ urged Mr Holness to remedy this deficiency as early as possible in the new year, and to make these briefings a regular staple on his schedule,” the
PAJ said in the statement. The PAJ said its letter has been acknowledged by the Office of the Prime Minister, with a commitment to respond to the concerns expressed at the earliest possible time. The PAJ had similar complaints against the previous Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, accusing her of not speaking directly to the press for most of the time she was in office.
2015 to eight senior ministers and three Vice Presidents. He said that the entire increase just amounted to just $65m annually. The Finance Minister said that he does not foresee another increase for ministers in a hurry. The pay hike to the public servants accounted for an additional billion dollars annually. Furthermore, the Finance Minister said that there are a number of categories for people who earn over $1M and
they are complaining that it is not enough. “But what I think we need is a Salaries Review Commision that can deal with people in the legislature and judiciary because salary increases will always be a contentious issue. What we can have is a permanent body of that sort rather than it being part of the job of the Executive. Hopefully some of the heat will be taken off of us,” expressed the economist.
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VACANCY Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 American Variety Store; 140 Regent & Light Street: Experienced & mature cashier apply in person with written application. 1 General Domestic, must be able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Exist for 2 Real Estate agent & assistant, apply to gmerealestateagency@outlook. com or tex: 648-2345
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LAND FOR SALE High value transported land with small two bedrooms house @ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme -$12M negotiable. Call: 265-4338
Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044
Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514
Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Drop Cords for Christmas lighting. Call: 225-3480 Taxi Service for sale (Georgetown) Prime location, including 16 radio sets. Call: 695-0704
CHRISTMAS SALE: 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2009 RAUM -$2.3, 2009 NOAH $2.6M. CALL: 617-2891
1 Steam boat and engine 200HP with power steering kit -$2M negotiable. Call: 6585299/ 638-7748
1 AT 192 Carina and 1 Mitsubishi Dingo for sale. Call: 695-0704
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231
One 2007 Toyota Allion, excellent condition, one Toyota Primo 2005, very clean. Call: 678-8035/ 6853924 1 Toyota Carina AT192, PHH series -$650,000. Call:623-9518 or 692-8178 Pearl white Raum -$850,000 negotiable, owner migrating. Ralph: 613-9390/ 662-5052 1 Toyota 212 New Model Carina. Call: 653-0350/ 6099089 One 2009 Super GL Pitbull bus, just registered.Contact: 691-5086
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
Fully furnished air condition apartment for local and overseas visitors -$4,000 & $5,000 per night. Call: 2230994
Lot 12 Mon Repos ECD, First Street. Call: 220-7330/ 6024105 House lot at Herstelling. Call:614-2377 50X198 located in Friendship E.B.D –price $4.5M (negotiable). Call: 645-6498 80X160 located in Bank’s Park, looking for 20% down payment, asking price $33M negotiable. Call: 645-6498 La Parfait Harmonie (front) 50X100 -$2.5M , Diamond 21st Street (transported), Land of Canaan with water & light 6.5 per acre. Call: 2312199/ 618-7483
I-pad2 – 16GB 9.7Inch, Samsung Galaxy Tab4 $19,000, Dell Inspiron 700m laptop, Dell Zino HD mini desktop PC. Call:621-9604/ 694-1748
WANTED Driver between ages 30-50 to work at office in Pouderoyen W.B.D. Call: 624-0239 1 Offset Printer to operator AB Dick machine. Inter services Enterprise. Call:2261877/641-3687 (attractive salary) Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
PEN PAL Male seeking female for serious relationship. Call: 684-3613
Need immediately dry cow mold 400 bags, preferably from Berbice Area. Call: 6437193 One live in waittress $70,000$80,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free, 18-30yrs. Call: 610-3974
CAR RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817
Land at Lot 432 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Plantation Great Diamond, E.B. Demerara – Call: 718-598-7149
Nintendo DS Lite -$8,000, Samsung Galaxy Note $55,000, I-Phone5 16BG $23,000, I-phone6 Plus 64GB. Call: 621-9604/ 694-1748
One kitchen assitant . Call: 621-7862/ 225-3700
House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274 Two buildings on lot at180 Charolotte Street Bourda (W30XL120). (Price negotiable). Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183
Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548
YEAR END SPECIAL: 2012 TOYOTA RACTIS -$2.6M, 2010 TOYOTA FIELDER $2.6M 4WD, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS -$2.6M. CALL: 6427295
Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
Tuesday December 20, 2016
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
TO LET 1 Fully furnished apartment located in Eccles, E.B.D, Internet, parking, cable etc. Call:667-2536 Two and three bedrooms luxury apartments to rent fully furnished, long term and short term. Call: 665-3505
EDUCATIONAL Visa Processing Centre: Study in Canada/US, Visitor’s Visa @ Micrographics, 26 Vreed-en-hoop, next to Two Brothers. Call: 264-3057 Christmas Deal: 9 Courses Diploma in computers, computerized Accounting $20,000 of any Packages @ Micrographics, 26 Vreed-enHoop, Tel: 264-3057
Tuesday December 20, 2016
Importance of recognising cases... From page 12 my organisation she had requested that someone be sent who could help raise awareness about diabetes, educate health professionals and also see patients and their families and perhaps give them some advise... I think that it would be important for Life for a Child to work with the Diabetes Association and the Ministry (of Public Health) going forward to see what we can do working together to improve Type One Diabetes care here in Guyana,” Dr. Cohen revealed. Dr. Cohen’s visit here is intended to help the ongoing effort of the Diabetic Association to raise awareness about diabetes. At a forum held at the Georgetown Nurses Association Hall at Charlotte and Alexander Streets, yesterday, the target audience included practising nurses drawn from a number of health facilities within Georgetown and Region Six. According to Dr. Cohen, “There is no proper education of health professionals and parents; they need to know how to take care of a child with diabetes; they need to know how to prepare food and how to adjust insulin to allow the child to grow and thrive...and so the child is constantly having hyperglycaemia which means that they are not feeling well and they may not be growing as well as they should and are constantly missing school.” Currently there is no existing screening programme for Type One Diabetes. But according to Dr. Cohen, any child after the age of one can develop this type of diabetes. It is awareness of the symptoms of the disease that can reveal its presence, Dr. Cohen noted. “It is just being aware of a child who is not thriving well, who may be drinking a lot and urinating a lot and losing weight that tells us that child may have Type One Diabetes. We have wonderful diabetes awareness posters that give signs and symptoms that can be put up in bathrooms or churches or schools to help the children themselves and parents become aware of how to look for diabetes,” Dr. Cohen noted. There is a dire need here in Guyana for at least one Paediatric Endocrinologist or at least an Adult Paediatric Endocrinologist who will be willing to take care of children, Dr. Cohen added. “Endocrinology is an extremely specialised type of care, b u t c e r t a i n l y t h e r e are Paediatricians who are very knowledgeable about Type One Diabetes and perhaps that person can be a champion. But I do think that the country needs at least one child diabetes champion, be it a Paediatric endocrinologist or an Adult Endocrinologist o r P a e d i a t r i c i a n , ” D r. Cohen asserted. In the interim, though,
Dr. Cohen is convinced that educated health professionals could help to improve the delivery of care. Already the nurses who were exposed to yesterday’s forum have expressed their intention to implement what they have learnt. According to George Pereira, the lone male nurse who attended the sensitisation forum, “I always believe that prevention is better than cure so the earlier we know something, the better off we will be. We have learnt about the importance of recognising Type One Diabetes at an early stage in the children before lifethreatening complications develop.” Nurse Pereira has been practising at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the past two years and, according to him, there have been a number of children who visit the public facility with Type One Diabetes complication. There are about half a million children living with Type One Diabetes in the world. While this does not suggest a large number when taken into the global context of 1.6 billion children, Dr. Cohen considered that “taking care of them is difficult and it is a lifelong challenge. “So it is not a segment of the population that should be ignored just as children with cancer perhaps will not be a large segment but is also a segment that needs to be addressed,” Dr. Cohen related. She added, “I think we need to strive for regular diabetes clinics and regular diabetes care (at least) four times per year for every child by an experienced nurse who is either a diabetes nurse educator or a doctor with an interest in diabetes.” She said, “I think t h a t t o g e t h e r we should strive for that kind of care for
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diabetic children and also a diabetes awareness campaign for Guyana.” According to AlonzoBeaton, the Association has been garnering support from the Ministry of Public Health to facilitate such sessions. In fact she disclosed that the Ministry has been so keen in its support that it has streamlined plans for its Health Sciences Education Division to create a curriculum focused on diabetes so that nurses can be trained. But Alonzo-Beaton, who herself is a diabetic, asserted that “we are hosting this session because we are diabetics and we know that we need to have our nurses equipped to manage our children.” She noted that yesterday’s forum was designed specifically to raise awareness about the need to improve care for children with Type One Diabetes. “I think that with this kind of knowledge we will be a bit comfortable over the holidays that the nurses can manage our Type Ones,” said AlonzoBeaton. But the collaboration to advance training for local health professionals will not end this week as according to the Diabetic Association President, a three-day session to train doctors on how to deal with Type One cases is being streamlined for the near future. “We also want to go in the outlying regions such as Region 10 so that we can improve care there for children with Type One diabetes...whether the GPHC get the training or not the Diabetic Association will ensure that our nurses can deal with our types ones when they come in,” Alonzo-Beaton related. Tomorrow a special camp/ clinic will be held between the hours of 09:00 and 16:00 hours for Type One patients who will be given an opportunity to be attended to by a doctor. It is expected that the children who will be in attendance will be accompanied by their parents, according to Alonzo- Beaton.
Reduced bailouts for... From page 16 Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU). Kaieteur News understands that a comprehensive presentation was done by the GuySuCo team, where the 47 representatives were provided with production and financial data from 2010 to year 2025. The information presented indicated a very discouraging future for the sugar industry, where the Corporation is projecting losses of approximately $14.195 Billion in 2016 and further losses of $13.758 Billion in 2017. The participants were advised that this situation was unsustainable and re-organization of the sugar industry was inevitable and absolutely necessary at this time. The Union's representatives were encouraged to submit their thoughts on how the industry could secure the future well-being of the approximately 17,000 employees and their families as well as ensuring the profitability of the business. It was subsequently agreed that a team comprising representatives from the three Unions would meet with a team from GuySuCo to get a deeper appreciation of the financial and other data which were provided.
Chief Magistrate to rule on Jan. 5 From page 7 when the lawyer turned up at court the matter had already been adjourned. At the last court hearing (December 14) both lawyers handed over written submissions to the Chief Magistrate and prosecution. According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound coming from near Glenn Lall, publisher of Kaieteur News, Toyota Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) PRR 8398. The SUV was parked on the western side of newspaper’s Lot 24 Saffon Street,
Georgetown office. On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted a grenade lying near one of the front tyres. Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showed a greycoloured vehicle, slowing down as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown. Shemar Wilson also known as ‘Abdue’ is still wanted by police for questioning in relation to the grenade attack. He is 20 years of age. His last known addresses have been given as 43 North Sophia and 51 West LaPenitence, Georgetown.
Frontline officials exposed to Trafficking... From page 11 other relevant entities, such as the Judiciary, Media and the general public in its coordination of similar Training Courses and implementation of sensitization initiatives as it seeks to increase the effectiveness of the Government’s efforts to tackle the scourge. The Task Force remains
committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, local and international, in combating trafficking in persons in Guyana and wishes to extend its gratitude to INTERPOL, the United States Embassy and Task Force Member Agencies/Departments the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission
and Ministry of Social Protection, Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit for their contribution to ensuring the success of the Trafficking in Persons Training Course for Frontline Officials and their unwavering support in the overall fight against trafficking in persons in Guyana.
Guyana/Jamaica body donates... From page 20 doctors who have been given great responsibilities as Regional Health Officer in charge of Region Two and Medical Superintendent of Suddie Hospital respectively. They have shown great promise in their work so far. Their enthusiasm has already caught the eye of the IADB project managers who included them in the planning and implementation of the US$8 million project on Maternal and C h i l d Health slated for Guyana next year. Dr. Denbow also handed over other medical equipment used for diabetes management He promised more equipment next year. G J FA which has adopted the Mashabo Primary School also donated the exam study booklets
entitled "School News" to Senior Teacher at Mashabo Primary School, Moti Beepat, who thanked the New York Charity for their thoughtfulness and opined
that the students would benefit greatly from the papers and promised that this would be manifest in their performances academically in the future.
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PM wants swift justice in Trinidad and Tobago
T&T PM Dr. Keith Rowley PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley yesterday called for “swift justice” in Trinidad and Tobago and dismissed reports that a crime plan should be outlined to deal with criminal activities in the country. Speaking at the opening of a new police station in East Trinidad, Rowley said that a crime plan does not necessarily has to be a new document and that his government acknowledges that “it is the quality and effectiveness of the police that will give us the kinds of results that we are looking for as a response to unacceptable violent crime in many districts in Trinidad and Tobago. “If that plan is not acceptable then we will have to revisit it. But at the level of the Cabinet we are not of the view that that position has expired. “We have, I would say, a fairly well resourced police service in Trinidad and Tobago and what we as citizens expect is that the efforts of the police service will bring the kinds of results that would give us the comfort that we are being properly policed, properly secured”. Rowley said that such policing has two facets including enforcing the law, “Particularly against citizens who operate on the basis that the law does not matter or that wrong doing will go undetected or unpunished”. He said there was also the need for law abiding citizens
to feel “a sense of safety and security and that the community if being protected against those who will break the law to the detriment to the rest of the national community”. Rowley said that his administration would continue to provide “all that is affordable” in terms of resources, in a bid to deal with the crime situation, and hoped the results would lead to a drastic decline in crime and also the fear of crime. “I have not heard a citizen that puts the element of fear of crime in any numerical way and until we bring down the element of fear of crime and criminality in all our communities, the society will not accept that we are in fact making the kind of progress that they expect.” Earlier National Security Minister Edmund Dillon told the ceremony that criminal activities in this section of the capital had declined by 14 per cent, but that murders were still a problem for the local police island-wide. So far this year, more than 440 persons have been murdered. “Police can’t do it alone. We have to depend on collaboration and cooperation…in a relationship that will rebound to the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Dillon said as he urged the population to help the police deal with criminal activities. Dillon said he too understands “the fear of crime is worse than crime itself” and
that the government was doing all in its powers to provide all the law enforcement agencies with the tools and resources to deal with the situation. Rowley said it should not be said that the police are not getting results or not working as it relates to crime, adding “it is the results overall that will bring back that sense to the national community that we are winning the fight against the criminal elements. “I can tell you some aspects of the criminal element are of the view that they are winning the fight,” Rowley said, adding “we cannot allow that to prevail much less to become a reality. “It has to be that the vast majority of citizens and the police infrastructure and all the security agencies working together is what is winning the fight,” he said, adding “and therefore we as citizens are looking for results”. Rowley said the “swift justice” was needed in Trinidad and Tobago to prevent the ongoing situation where criminals are put out back on the streets to continue their activities either to pay lawyers to defend them or to ensure that they enjoy their freedom. “If you see things happening and it is happening right now, the population seeing certain crimes being committed, certain kinds of information would be in the public domain and the population will think that given this crime, given what we know….we really expect to see a result in persons being held accountable ….because justice has to be swift, it has to be seen to be swift. “I cannot say that in Trinidad and Tobago there is swift justice even when we are fortunate to have some detection of crime and the perpetrators are known to us. There is no swift justice in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said, adding that this moves beyond the police responsibility to another area. He said the criminals are processed and are back out on the street “for how long nobody knows. “But while they are out on the street they are in mortal fear of losing their freedom and they will do everything possible to preserve their freedom because the same way the national community wants to be protected …those perpetrators of crime want to be free,’ Rowley added.
Tuesday December 20, 2016
Russian ambassador shot dead in Ankara gallery
Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov lies on the ground after he was shot by unidentified man at an art gallery in Ankara. Hasim Kilic/Hurriyet via REUTERS (Reuters) - The Russian ambassador to Turkey was shot in the back and killed as he gave a speech at an Ankara art gallery yesterday by an off-duty police officer who shouted “Don’t forget Aleppo” and “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire. President Tayyip Erdogan, in a video message to the nation, cast the attack as an attempt to undermine NATO-member Turkey’s relations with Russia - ties long tested by the war in Syria. He said he had agreed in a telephone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin to step up cooperation in fighting terrorism. At a special meeting at the Kremlin, President Putin ordered increased security at all Russian missions and said “the bandits” who committed the act would feel retribution. “We must know who directed the killer’s hand.” The assassination of an ambassador, not least of a major power such as Russia, marks a dangerous escalation of tension in the region and beyond. Security sources said he was off duty and some witnesses said there was no security scanning machine at the entrance. The attacker was smartly dressed in black suit and tie and stood, alone, behind the ambassador as he began his speech at the art exhibition, a person at the scene told Reuters. “He took out his gun and shot the ambassador from behind. We saw him lying on the floor and then we ran out,” said the witness, who asked not to be identified. People took refuge in adjoin-
ing rooms as the shooting continued. A video showed the attacker shouting: “Don’t forget Aleppo, don’t forget Syria!” and “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Greatest”) as screams rang out. He paced about and shouted as he held the gun in one hand and waved the other in the air. Russia is an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its air strikes helped Syrian forces end rebel resistance last week in the northern city of Aleppo. Turkey, which seeks Assad’s ouster, has been repairing ties with Moscow after shooting down a Russian warplane over Syria last year. The gunman was killed by special forces. Three other people were injured. “We regard this as a terrorist act,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. “Terrorism will not win and we will fight against it decisively.” GULEN Erdogan, who has faced a string of attacks by Islamist and Kurdish militants as well as an attempted coup in July, identified the attacker as 22year-old Mevlut Mert Altintas, who had worked for Ankara riot police for two and a half years. CNN Turk TV said police had detained Aydintas’s sister and mother. A senior security official said there were “very strong signs” the gunman belonged to the network of the U.S.based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara says orchestrated the failed coup in July. Erdogan has denounced Gulen as a terrorist, but the cleric, a former ally, denies the
accusation. Gulen described the killing as a “heinous act of terror” that pointed to a deterioration of security in Turkey resulting from Erdogan’s wideranging purge of police as well as the army, judiciary and media following the coup bid. The government says Gulen, who has lived in selfimposed exile in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania since 1999, created a “parallel network” in the police, military, judiciary and civil service aimed at overthrowing the state. Suspicion could also fall on a group such as Islamic State, which has carried out a string of bomb attacks in Turkey in the last year as Ankara has pressed a military campaign against the militants in Syria. The group has urged “lone” attacks in the West. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was due to meet his Russian and Iranian counterparts in Russia on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Syria. Officials said the meeting would still go on, despite the attack. “The attack comes at a bad time: Moscow and Ankara have only recently restored diplomatic ties after Turkey downed a Russian aircraft in November 2015,” the Stratfor think-tank said. “Though the attack will strain relations between the two countries, it is not likely to rupture them altogether.” However, both Russia and Turkey indicated that they were looking to work together to find the combat militant attacks.
Tuesday December 20, 2016
Kaieteur News
Increased cases of respiratory illness in Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados is recording an increase in respiratory illnesses in November 2016 as compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Health in a statement did not give figures to indicate the number of cases, but noted that “for the subset of cases tested, the causative organism was not the flu virus but mostly Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). “Nevertheless, PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) has advised that the incidence of seasonal flu is starting to increase in North America and sporadic cases are also being seen in neighbouring islands.” Health officials urged Barbadians to continue to practice good hygiene as this is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses. “These practices include washing hands with soap and water for at least
20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcoholbased hand sanitiser is recommended.” The Ministry of Health said as in previous years “persons at risk for severe
illness from the seasonal flu virus are advised to ask their doctor about receiving the vaccine against seasonal flu. These include persons with asthma, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases”.
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
Tuesday December 20, 2016
Kaieteur News
Truck plows into crowd at Berlin Christmas market, 12 dead (Reuters) - A truck plowed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin yesterday evening, killing 12 people and injuring 48 others in what Germany’s interior minister said looked like an attack. Police said on Twitter that they had taken one suspect into custody and that another passenger from the truck had died as it crashed into people gathered around wooden huts serving mulled wine and sausages at the foot of the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church in the heart of former West Berlin. The nationality of the suspected driver, who fled the crash scene and was later arrested, was unclear, police said. German media cited local security sources as saying that there was evidence suggesting the arrested suspect was from Afghanistan or Pakistan and entered Germany in February as a refugee. “We heard a loud bang,” Emma Rushton, a tourist, told CNN. “We started to see the top of an articulated truck, a lorry ... just crashing through the stalls, through people.” Rushton said the truck seemed to be traveling at about 40 mph (65 kph). Police later said that 48 injured people were brought to Berlin hospitals. Pictures from the scene showed Christmas decorations protruding from the smashed windscreen of the black truck. In the aftermath, it was resting lopsided on the pavement with a mangled Christmas tree beneath its wheels. Berlin police said on Twit-
ter they were investigating leads that the truck had been stolen from a construction site in Poland. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the circumstances of the crash were still unclear, adding: “I don’t want to use the word ‘attack’ yet although a lot points to that.” The incident evoked memories of an attack in Nice, France in July when a Tunisian-born man drove a 19tonne truck along the beach front, mowing down people who had gathered to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day, killing 86 people. That attack was claimed by Islamic State. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump condemned what he called an attack, linking it to “Islamist terrorists” before German police officials had said who was responsible. The White House on Monday condemned what it called “what appears to have been a terrorist attack”. Germany has not in recent years suffered a large-scale attack from Islamist militants like those seen in neighboring Belgium and France. But it was shaken by two smaller attacks in Bavaria over the summer, one on a train near Wuerzburg and another at a music festival in Ansbach that wounded 20 people. Both were claimed by Islamic State. And government officials have said the country, which accepted nearly 900,000 migrants last year, many from the war-torn Middle East, lies in the “crosshairs of terrorism.” In mid-October, police ar-
rested a Syrian refugee suspected of planning a bomb attack on an airport in Berlin. The 22-year-old man committed suicide in prison shortly after his arrest. PEOPLE URGED TO STAY AWAY A government spokesman said Chancellor Angela Merkel was briefed on the situation by de Maiziere and the Berlin mayor. Police said there were no indications of further dangerous situations in the area and urged people to stay away from the scene. “I’m deeply shaken about the horrible news of what occurred at the memorial church in Berlin,” Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said. The truck veered into the market around 8 p.m., normally a crowded time when adults and children would be gathering in the traditional cluster of wooden huts that sell food and Christmas goods in an annual celebration replicated across Germany and much of Central Europe. Ariel Zurawski, whose Polish freight company owns the truck, said the driver of the truck did not work for him. “It wasn’t my driver,” Zurawski told Polish private broadcaster TVN 24. “I vouch for him. He’s my cousin.” The incident took place near a famous Berlin landmark - the Gedaechtniskirche or memorial church built in 1891-95, which was left a ruin with a jagged tower after it was damaged in World War Two bombing raids as a monument to peace and reconciliation. Police cars and ambulances converged quickly on the scene.
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
Tuesday December 20, 2016
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GFF-NAMILCO tournament... Cycling: Mystery package was flu treatment, says Team Sky boss Brailsford
(From page 31) players that didn’t make the squad at this moment in time will be returning to the training camp for the tournament. We will continue to monitor these players and also be looking for other players that we have not seen on the trials so throughout the year, the U-15 will be constantly addressed…” The nation-wide GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Intra-Association U-17 Tournament, is a five (5)-year partnership between the GFF Inc. and the National Milling Company, that will see an investment of thirty million dollars (G$30,000,000) by the Company over that period. The tournament is a key component of the Executive Committee’s strategic objective in its youth development thrust. This new model emphasizes three essential
goals: 1. To streamline sponsorship agreements beyond Executive Cycles. 2. To ensure that consistent youth football at all levels are played in each Association throughout the year. 3. To enable the establishment of Academy Training Centers (ATC) in each Association that will facilitate growth and development of Elite Coaches
and Elite Players. In an invited comment, President Forde noted; “we are consciously laying a deep foundation for consistent, long-term technical development of Coaches and Players. This will not pay immediate dividend; however, it will require us all to exercise patience, discipline and belief in the vision that we can be the strongest football nation within the CFU.”
Nair triple century fuels... (From page 26) another short delivery. Nair was on 217 when Joe Root dropped him at slip off Jake Ball and the batsman also survived a stumping opportunity. Ashwin hit a six off Moeen Ali and registered his 10th test fifty before he fell for 67 to a brilliant diving catch by Jos Buttler off Broad. Virender Sehwag is the only other Indian to make a test triple century, achieving the feat twice. Scores: England 477 and 12 for 0 trail India 759 for 7 dec (Nair 303*, Rahul 199) by 270 runs.
Tuesday December 20, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Talk to those in a position of power about your intentions. Concern yourself with legal matters and formulating contracts rather than finalizing your objectives. You can ferret out secret information if you just listen to what others have to say. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Do not yield to children or relatives when they really don't deserve it. One-sided relationships are likely. You will be on the rampage today. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible. Children may be on your mind. Set a limit on the amount you're willing to spend, and be sure to stick to it.
from within. Contracts will not be as lucrative as you think. Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Do whatever your mate wants; it really doesn't matter as long as you're together. Spend some time on yourself. Chances are you could get stuck with a colleague's job unexpectedly. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) They won't get away with it. Don't overload your plate. Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may need to make a choice. You can deal with large institutions or government agencies successfully today. Your ability to deal with humanitarian groups will enhance your reputation.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The answers can only come from within. You can't win and they won't listen. It may not be the best time to socialize with clients or colleagues today.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Voice your opinions and contribute to the debate. You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations. You can make money if you get involved in real estate deals.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. Don't forget that you've only heard one side of the story. You need to refrain from being the generous one in the group.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The answers can only come
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things.
(Reuters) The mystery package at the center of a UK Anti-Doping investigation into British Cycling contained a flu treatment, Team Sky chief Dave Brailsford told Members of Parliament yesterday. British Cycling and Team Sky have been under scrutiny over the package delivered to the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine in which Bradley Wiggins was riding. Wiggins’ then coach Shane Sutton, giving evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry into doping in sport, earlier said he did not know what the package contained. The chair of British Cycling’s Ethics Commission George Gilbert said it could have been pedals. Brailsford shed more light on the situation, however, after he said he had been given permission to do so by United Kingdom Anti-Doping which is investigating allegations of wrongdoing in the sport. He said Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman had told him it was Fluimucil - a product to treat coughs and sore throats. “Doctor Freeman told me that it was Fluimucil that was in the package, a product that is for a nebuliser. That is what was in the package,” Brailsford told MPs. Brailsford repeated Sutton’s comment that British Cycling coach Simon Cope had brought the package with him on a preplanned logistical trip. Admitting he was “pained” by the shadow cast over British Cycling by the investigation, Brailsford said the package had only recently been brought to his
Nine West... (From page 28) least number of 14. Rising Pune Superstars released 11 players – the highest number – but Kings XI Punjab still have the biggest cap space of close to US $3.9 million to spend on bringing new playing resources to the franchise.
Australia survive... (From page 26) I’m happy and proud the way the team played.” Scores: Australia 429 (Smith 130, Handscomb 105, Wahab 4-89, Amir 4-97) and 5 for 202 dec (Khawaja 74, Smith 63) beat Pakistan 142 (Sarfraz 59*) and 450 (Shafiq 137, Azhar 71, Starc 4-119) by 39 runs.
Dave Brailsford (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard) attention. “Let’s just be clear, I wasn’t aware of the package at the time. When it was brought to my attention, it is my role to take those matters seriously to try and gather the facts and see if there was any need for a disciplinary procedure,” he said. “My first course of action was to speak to all of the guys on the team. I got witness statements, and then I couldn’t see that there was any anti-doping rule violation. “However, I also felt that it was probably appropriate to pass that on and have it viewed by an independent authority who could verify the fact.” Asked why Team Sky had flown out the Fluimucil, a permitted drug on the WADA list, rather than buy it locally,
Brailsford acknowledged that it did seem “extreme” but said it was normal to get supplies from their own stock in Britain. Brailsford said Team Sky regularly gave Fluimucil to their riders to treat colds. “As a cycling team we are constantly moving around late at night. (Simon) was on his way anyway and brought it down with him. He has his own stores in Manchester so brought it with him. That was the decision made and I totally understand it.” Sutton had earlier said it was not his job to know what medication 2012 Tour de France winner Wiggins was taking. “Never even thought to ask,” Sutton said. “I know Brad was suffering toward the end of the Dauphine.”
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
Yunnis century Delroy Tyrrell continues good hands Fishermen XI showing in the pool in T&T comprehensive win A fine century from Yunnis Yusuf handed Fishermen XI a 68-run victory over Better Hope when the Better Hope Community SC centre hosted a T20 softball fixture on Sunday. Yusuf blasted a fluent 109 as Fishermen XI posted a challenging 209-4, batting first after the game was reduced to 15 overs due to rain. Openers Ramo Malone and Kennard Luke put on 47 for the opening stand to give Fishermen XI a fine start before Malone was caught at the wicket off Satro Seeraj for 12. Luke then shared in a second wicket stand of 38 with Yusuf, however following Luke’s demise for 47; Yusuf proceeded to dominate the opposition attack as he blasted five fours and nine sixes before he was caught off the last ball of the innings. Seeraj finished with 1-23. Better Hope lost three early wickets as their reply got off to a bad start, but Manoj Arjune and Seeraj
Yunnis Yusuf steadied the chase fairly with a fourth-wicket stand of 65. Arjune struck four fours in a top score of 47, while Seeraj hit two boundaries before he fell for 27. Following their departure, Better Hope
never recovered and were bowled out for 141 in 11.3 overs. Extras contributed 21. Troy Ramsaywak picked up a hat trick to finish with 3-0 while Yusuf captured 2-10 to claim the man-of-them-match award. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Nair triple century fuels record India total (Reuters) Karun Nair made an epic unbeaten triple century to power India to their highest ever innings total against a demoralised England in the fifth and final test yesterday. Nair became the second Indian batsman to score a test triple hundred and his 303 not out helped the hosts post a massive 759 for seven before skipper Virat Kohli declared. After conceding a 282run first-innings lead, England finished on 12 for no loss, needing to bat out the final day to save the match and prevent a 4-0 series loss. Skipper Alastair Cook
was unbeaten on three at the close with Keaton Jennings on nine after a difficult day in the field for the touring side. Nair struck his 32nd four off Adil Rashid to bring up his triple century before raising his bat in celebration as his coach Anil Kumble, a keen photographer, captured the moment on camera. Nair was at the other end when Lokesh Rahul, his partner in a 161-run fourthwicket stand, fell agonisingly short of his double century on Sunday by playing a rash shot when one run away from the milestone.
Volcanoes draw with Pride ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Windward Islands Volcanoes drew with Barbados Pride on the final day of their fifth round match in the WICB Regional 4-Day Tournament yesterday at Windsor Park. Scores: PRIDE 200 for eight declared (Kevin Stoute 50 not out, Shai Hope 43, Roston Chase 35, Omar Phillips 28, Jonathan Carter 22; Mervin Matthew 4-52, Kenroy Peters 2-42) VOLCANOES 42 without loss (Tyrone Theophile 27 not out)
Playing only his third test, Nair brought up his maiden century in the morning session, turned it into a double after tea and accelerated to reach the 300-mark in an innings which also included four sixes. Resuming on 391 for four, India lost Murali Vijay for 29 but Nair and Ravichandran Aswin added 181 runs for the fifth wicket to put the hosts firmly in command. Batting down the order following a shoulder injury, Vijay became debutant Liam Dawson’s first test victim when the left-arm spinner trapped him lbw. Nair, dropped on 34 by Cook, enjoyed another slice of luck when he hung out his bat trying to leave a Stuart B r o a d d e l i v e r y, t h e deflection running past slip to the boundary. Ben Stokes bowled with hostility, generating reverse swing from an otherwise flat track, and nearly had Nair caught at mid-off with (Continued on page 25)
Guyana born Delroy Tyrrell copped five medals at the recently concluded ASATT Invitational Swim Meet which splashed off on Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th of December, at the National Aquatic Centre, Couva, Trinidad. Tyrrell, swimming under the Tidal Wave Aquatics banner, won gold in the 200m backstroke boys 13-14 age group in a time of 2:27.78 seconds, achieving a Carifta C time in the process. The Guyanese returned to win silver in the 1500 Freestyle (19:11.70) and silver in the 50M backstroke (31.41 secs). Delroy, eager for more, copped two bronze medals in a keenly contested 100M backstroke (1:07.78) narrowly missing the Carifta C time (107.10) and 400M Freestyle (4:44.96). D e l r o y Ty r r e l l h a s represented Trinidad at four consecutive Goodwill Swim Meets and is anticipating wearing the colours again for the Carifta Swim
Delroy Tyrrell Championships which will take place in the Bahamas in March 2017. The Swim
Meet was won by Tidal Wave Aquatics for the fourth consecutive year.
Australia survive scare to win by 39 runs (Reuters) A relieved Australia captured Pakistan’s last two wickets to win a captivating first day-night test in Brisbane by 39 runs yesterday but the touring side won huge admiration for their dogged fourth innings resistance. Chasing a test record 490 for victory, Pakistan had resumed the fifth and final day on 382 for eight and paceman Mitchell Starc proved the game-breaker when he ended a stubborn 71run ninth-wicket partnership between Asad Shafiq and Yasir Shah. Starc struck with a searing delivery that pinged off Shafiq’s glove for an easy catch to David Warner in the gully, bringing to an end a heroic knock of 137. Yasir fell moments later to seal the win, run out by home skipper Steve Smith with a direct hit for 33, having failed to ground his bat after an aborted single as Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 450. Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but Pakistan showed impressive fight to turn the match into a cliffhanger and will head to the second game in
Melbourne on Dec. 26 with renewed confidence. Starting the day needing 108 runs to win but with only two wickets intact, the tourists maintained a sliver of hope with middle-order batsman Shafiq at the crease after he cleaved a magnificent unbeaten century on day three. Australia’s nerves were becoming increasingly frayed as Pakistan approached their target but the relief was palpable when they finally sealed a victory that looked a formality a day earlier. “I lost all my fingernails, I think,” joked Smith. “Some game of cricket, wasn’t it? “Credit’s got to go to our bowlers, they really stuck at it and got us over the line. “That wicket, I guess, of Asad showed the class of Starcy with a ball that was 60 overs old and quite soft.... but what a game of cricket.” RODE LUCK Australia appeared bemused to even be competing on day five and it manifested itself in Smith’s conservative field settings. Shafiq and Yasir cantered past 400 and the Australian captain became fidgety as his
front-line bowlers were despatched regularly through the gaps. Slow bowler Nathan Lyon was introduced and coaxed a nick from Yasir which pinged off his pad and flew just wide of Peter Handscomb at short leg. Growing in confidence, Yasir then whipped paceman Jackson Bird off his pads for four at the square leg boundary to bring up the 50run partnership with Shafiq. Yasir then survived a missed stumping, a dropped catch and overturned an lbw decision by umpire Richard Illingworth before Starc timed his intervention to perfection at the other end with a searing, short-pitched delivery that reared up on Shafiq. Shafiq was named manof-the-match following his ninth test century, the most ever for a number six batsman. “The way the team, all the batsmen showed their character, that was wonderful,” Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said. “Asad Shafiq, that was a superb knock. “So, a lot of positives, and (Continued on page 25)
Tuesday December 20, 2016
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STAG Nations Cup KO Football
Western Tigers and Santos ease into final 8 It was a rainy night in Georgetown and not Georgia which also rained down goals when the STAG Nations Cup five association knock-out football championship continued on Sunday night last at the Tucville Community ground. The rain had not abated but that was no bother to Western Tigers and Santos which had downed their respective opponents, Flamingo and Herstelling Raiders, by 8-0 and 4-0 margins, respectively to book their places in the quarter finals on Christmas and Boxing Day at the Tu c v i l l e a n d B u x t o n grounds. Western Tigers were not daunted by the fact that Flamingo, on account of Shem Porter’s goal - the best goal in the championship to date - had defeated Mahaicony Thunders of Berbice on the opening day of the competition at the Golden Grove ground. Coming up against the Tigers would have always been a monumental task given their recent run of form in the Georgetown FA Premier League. As the pundits had predicted,
Western Tigers made light work of the Flamingo’s, prevailing 8-0. Randolph Wagner led the Tigers with a second half double in the 55th and 67th minute; but the platform for the win and quarter final place, which will see them taking on the winner of tomorrow’s match between Pouderoyen and Mahaica Determinators, was set up by the two first half goals which were scored by Andre Webber (12) and Dwayne Mc Lennon in the 34th minute. The other goal scorers were Rensford Colridge (72), Shamar Wilson (83), Darren Benjamin (85) and Anthony Sancho, two minutes to full time. Santos took care of Herstelling Raiders 4-0 and had sealed the deal by the end of the first 45 minutes by which time they built up a 30 advantage with a brace from Keith Cains in the 7th and 32nd minutes, while Orin Yard had netted the first of his two in the 14th minute. Yard completed his brace in the 78th minute as Herstelling found it difficult to break down the 10-man Santos unit; the latter losing one of their players who received a straight red card
Santos FC
in the closing moments of the first half. Santos’ quarter final opponent would be the winner of tomorrow’s main event between Uitvlugt
Warriors and City side Northern Rangers at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. The Pouderoyen vs Mahaica Determinators
showdown is the supporting match on tomorrow night’s double header card. The final day of roundof-16 action is set for Friday
at the Diamond ground when Ann’s Grove take on Den Amstel from 18:00hrs and Grove Hi Tech match skills with New Amsterdam United.
Aldridge leads Spurs past Pelicans (The Sports Xchange) LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points in 26 minutes of play and Manu Ginobili added a season-high 17 points off the bench as the San Antonio Spurs manhandled the New Orleans Pelicans 113-100 on Sunday at the AT&T Center, winning their fourth straight game. Kawhi Leonard added 13 points for San Antonio (225) while Tony Parker and Jonathan Simmons had 12 points and Patty Mills scored 11 points for the Spurs, who have won 8 of 19. Pau Gasol pulled down a season-high 14 rebounds in 24 minutes of play. After the game, the Spurs retired the No. 21 jersey of former power forward Tim Duncan in a typically understated ceremony. Duncan’s 19-year career, all with San Antonio, featured five championships
San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) knock the ball away from New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) during the second half at AT&T Center. (Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports) and a 1,072-438 regularseason record. The Spurs’ .710 winning percentage during Duncan’s tenure was the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and was the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB
over that time. Alexis Ajinca led the Pelicans (9-20) with 16 points while Buddy Hield added 14. Anthony Davis and Langston Galloway scored 12 points each and Tim
Frazier had 11 for New Orleans. T h e S p u r s outrebounded New Orleans 49-37 and went to the free throw line 22 times (making 18) while the Pelicans were just 8 of 14
from the charity stripe. Five points from Ginobili and a 3-pointer from Patty Mills in a 90second span of the first quarter allowed the Spurs to turn a 19-18 deficit into a 26-19 lead at the 2:58 mark. New Orleans responded with a spurt of its own, tying the game at 26 before a Gasol jumper and a Leonard layup handed San Antonio a 3026 advantage after 12 minutes. The Pelicans owned a 44-42 lead at the 6:25 mark of the second quarter after a driving layup by Hield, until San Antonio forged a 9-0 run, capped by a 3pointer by Danny Green, to sweep past New Orleans and assume a 51-42 advantage. The Spurs led 61-49 at the half. Aldridg e l e d a l l scorers with 16 points in the first half while Ginobili hit for 12 and
Leonard added 11. Gasol had 12 rebounds in 18 minutes of play before h a l f t i m e a s the Spurs owned a 29-18 edge on the boards. Davis and Ajinca led the Pelicans with 10 points each at intermission, but Davis picked up his third foul with 1:07 to play in the second quarter. New Orleans got back to within 72-62 on a Hield jumper at the 6:39 mark of the third quarter, but then the Spurs kicked things into another gear again, reeling off an 11-2 run that was highlighted by another Ginobili 3pointer. Three free throws by Mills with 14.4 seconds to play i n t h e q u a r t e r pushed the San Antonio lead to 21 points, 92-71, and allowed the Spurs to play mostly their reserves for the final quarter.
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
Red Force a spent Force as Jaguars roar to 10-wkt win
Jason Mohammed sweeps during his 36 at Providence yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul’s 20th First-Class five-wicket haul and a 73rd First Class ton by Man-of-the-Match Shiv Chanderpaul provided defending champions Guyana Jaguars with an emphatic 10-wicket win against T&T Red Force on the final day of their fifth round Digicel Regional fourday cricket tournament at Providence yesterday. Pacer Keon Joseph (238) and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (2-92) supported Permaul as the Red Force were bowled out for 235 after starting the day on 96-2. Kyle Hope (40), Jason Mohammed (36), Yannic Cariah (27) and Skipper Yannick Ottley (21) wasted
good starts for the struggling Red Force unit. The Jaguars, set 20 to win reached 21-0 in 2.4 overs with Shemron Hetymer, who smashed two fours and a six in 17, hit Jon Russ Jagessar for a boundary to finish to contest with more rain threatening. Rajendra Chandrika (4) was the other not out batsman for the Jaguars who moved to 64.6 points, 3.2 points behind leaders Jamaica Tallawahs (67.8) at the half way stage of the tournament which takes a break for the Christmas Holidays and resumes in March after the Regional Super50 is played from January 24 to February 18. Scores: Jaguars 378 & 21-0, Red Force 162 & 235. The 27-year-old Permaul
Bajan Kyle Hope hits Motie for four at Providence yesterday as he fell 10 short of 50. (Sean Devers Photo) followed up his 4-31 in the first innings with 5-53 for match figures 9-84 to take the tally for Guyana to 314 with 18 five-wicket hauls. It was his 10th five-for at Providence. Permaul, who has played six Tests, is one of only five bowlers with 300 Regional FC wickets, while Chanderpaul (447) is the only Guyanese batsman to reach 300 runs or a century this season. Joseph (17) and Raymon Reifer (16) are the leading pacers so far, while Motie has 17 scalps. Play started at 09:00hrs but after three overs rain stopped play with the Red Force on 112-2 and when play resumed 65 minutes later, night watchman Roshon Pierre (5) was
removed by Motie at 112-3. Mohammed joined Hope and took the score to 147 before Hope, who missed a hook off Joseph, repeated the shot in the same over only to see Hetymer at deep squareleg run forward to take the miscued offering to leave the score 147-4. His injudicious shot ended his innings of 40 from 184 balls, 237 minutes with three fours and a six. The score was 151-3 at Lunch but rain during the interval cut out 20 minutes from the second session and when the action restarted Cariah drove Reifer sweetly to the cover boundary before stroking Permaul for another delightful four. Mohammed touched one to Wicket-Keeper Anthony Bramble off Reifer to leave
the score 168-5 as the sun returned in all its glory to the relief of the Jaguars’ camp and the few fans in the stands. Ottley joined Cariah and with a strong breeze blowing across the ground which had the T&T and Guyana flags dancing merrily in the Grass Mound, Cariah elegantly whipped Reifer off his pads for four as the Red Force closed in on the 216 needed to make the host bat again. Ottley drove Motie through the covers for four and dumped him back over his head for six to post the 200 before Cariah (27) was lbw to Permaul after reaching the boundary four times to end an important 39run sixth wicket stand and leave the score on 207-6.
Roshon Primus, built like a heavyweight Boxer, joined his Captain and insured the Jaguars had to bat again before Ottley (21) was lbw to Permaul at 216-7. Primus (11) hammered Motie for four but was caught at cover as he tried to hit the spinner out of the ground next ball to leave the Red Force on 226-8. Marlon Richards (7) clobbered Motie for six but was taken at short leg in the next over from Permaul who finished off the innings with his 27th wicket this season when Steven Katwaroo’s top-edged sweep provided Bramble with his fourth catch and 24th dismissal this season which is the most by any Keeper.
Nine West Indians among 140 retained for next season MUMBAI, India, CMC – N i n e We s t I n d i e s Twenty20 stars that have enriched the lucrative Indian Premier League have been retained for next season, organisers announced yesterday. Superstars Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, as well as current West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite headline the list, included among 44 overseas players of the 140 in total kept when the window for the eight franchises to retain players for the coming season closed on December 15. Current West Indies Test and One-day International captain Jason Holder and fellow fast bowler Jerome Taylor are the only two West Indians that were part of the IPL last season that were cut, being dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians respectively.
Gayle and leg-spin bowler Samuel Badree were retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore which lost the Final this year against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gayle and Badree are two of 20 that RCB have retained at a cost of close to US $9 million and will help to form the same core of players that played last season. Bravo and his namesake Dwayne Smith have been kept by Gujarat Lions which retained 16 players at just over US $8.5 million, but also off-loaded eight players including star South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn. Brathwaite regained his place with the Daredevils, as one of five overseas players retained among the 18 at a cost of close to US $7.5 million Though they may have
Chris Gayle retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore. parted company with Holder, the Knight Riders have however, held on to spinner Sunil Narine and allrounder Andre Russell, as two of four overseas players
retained as part of a group 14, costing a little over US $7.7 million. The Indians have kept big-hitting Kieron Pollard and compatriot Lendl
Dwayne Bravo is one of two West Indians retained by Gujarat Lions. Simmons among six overseas players that help to form the 20 which the franchise retained at a hefty price tag of just over US $9 million – the highest of the
franchises. RCB and the Indians have retained 20 – the highest number of players – and KKR have retained the (Continued on page 25)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 20, 2016
D’Andrade closes 2016 with 5km win Trinidad and Tobagobased Guyanese distance runner, Lionel D’Andrade stopped the clock at 19:45 to win The Hillview Grand Splash and Glow 5km race on Saturday at Tunapuna, Trinidad. Trinidadians Troy Gale was second in 19:49 and Dominic Timothy third in 19:53 respectively. The Guyanese told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that he is elated about completing the 2016 season on a high note given his rigorous year. “I’ve had a great 2016! I competed in 48 races - the most races I’ve ever run in a year. I’ve been training hard and wanted to close off the year on a high,” he said. The distance runner thanked his sponsor Builders Lumber Yard, who
D’Andrade has been supporting him in his competitions throughout the past year. “I am looking
forward to another great year in 2017,” D’Andrade added.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Congratulations to the Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani National Schools Champions Dear Mr. Editor, Kindly afford me the o p p o r tu n ity to ex ten d sincere congratulations to t h e U p p e r Demerara/Kwakwani (Linden) for their outstanding performance in winning the National Schools Championship for an unprecedented 15th time. Over the years the L i n d e n e r s h a v e demons t r a t e d i m m e n s e talent and prowess in various sporting activities, such as athletics, football, table tennis, billiards and cricket, yet they are being deliberately prevented from participating in Cricket by a group calling itself the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). Although the cricket administration Act 2014 includes the Upper Demerara Cricket Association as a bona fide member of the GCB; it is the only area Association that has not been allowed to participate at any level in any of the tournaments organized by the so called GCB and particularly the National School’s Cricket Competition which was cosponsored by Digicel and the Government. What is surprising is that the present Government
seems to be supportive of the orchestrated repudiation of Region 10 cricketers, while t h e R e g i o n 1 0 administration and people seem to be satisfied with t h e o b n o x i o u s discrimination meted out to a genuine legal body that contributed 16,000 votes to the Government’s election to office, and who should therefore be more vocal at representing their rights. It is noteworthy to mention that at the November 4th Launching of the School’s Championship the Minister of Sports and other Sports Officials publicly supported the need for sports and education within the school curriculum, whilst outlining the immense benefits to be derived from this effort. Maybe Upper Demerara Cricket Association (Linden) is not considered important in this regard, when it comes to cricket. The involvement of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association in local cricket tournaments could bolster our chances of providing quality players to Guyana and WI teams, for although Guyana has been winning regional tournaments players have been finding it difficult to access any of current WI teams (Male or Female), which arguablyare presently at the weakest in considering the
past twenty years or so. The continued exclusion of Upper Demerara Cricket Association from participating in Guyana Cricket stems from a deliberate attempt by this group, GCB, to stymie the democratic process of free and fair elections throughout the GCB membership, and therefore constitutes. 1. A blatant disregard for the law of the land, 2. Lack of opportunity for the youths of Region 10, 3. A deliberate practice of discrimination that must not be tolerated by any Government The simple solution to the problem is for the Attorney General to pursue his defence of the frivolous challenge to the law, by Anand Sanasie etal which violates the constitutional rights of citizens with an injunction that effectively stops all elections indefinitely. The Attorney General must now appoint a lawyer in his defence, bring the matter up for urgent discussion and decision, so that we would have free and fair elections, which is the only way we can bring legality back to Guyana Cricket. It is long overdue. M. Burns. Linden.
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Tuesday December 20, 2016
National U-15 squad ready for international encounter
- Critical thinking encouraged Georgetown: The Guyana National Under-15 team were set to play their first game in the Claude Elise Under-15 football Tournament last evening against Martinique in French Guiana. This is the first international encounter of 2016 for the squad and it is being served as preparation for the August 2017 CONCACAF U-15 tournament. Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said: “Ultimately, what we need to stress (is) it is a development tournament; we’re not trying to win the tournament. We’re going there to try to develop these boys and make them ready for next year ’s competition. We’ve got a lot of individual talent. We still need to do a lot of work on how we play as a team, how we defend as a team and how we attack as a team and the idea of this tournament is to give the boys exposure away from home, exposure to tournament football and,
Guyana Under-15 footballers and coaching staff take time out for a photo. most importantly, exposure to playing better opposition to what they’ve been exposed to before so we’re confident in terms of the developmental process and looking forward to next year.” Prior to departure on the 1 5 t h D e c e m b e r, H e a d Coach, Bryan Joseph, noted that critical thinking was one
of the skills imparted in the squad. “We’ve created a positive learning environment in the camp for the kids by encouraging them to be themselves first. We’ve adopted an approach where we basically question them in such a way that they can think and come up with the appropriate answers so
they’ve been challenged throughout the duration of the camp. In terms of our onfield preparation, the same was carried over there. The coaching sessions were structured in such a way that the players had to think about the decisions that they’re making. Obviously, we provided the guide, we provided the challenges and
I think that they have done very well to step up to those challenges.” Commenting on the fitness of the team, Joseph noted: “The fitness is not where we would have liked it to be. Obviously, a lot of the players would have played in the NAMILCO U-17 tournament … So, we did a lot of work in the initial days
of the camp, trying to get the players up to a proper fitness level, we think we have achieved that so I think right now, the players are at a level where they can compete in the short-term.” Guyana’s second game is scheduled for the 20th against Guadeloupe at 18:30hrs.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 20, 2016
PAGE 35
GFF-NAMILCO tournament feeds Nat’l U-15 composition – Players not selected in the final squad urged to continue working
Georgetown: Fourteen of the sixteen shortlisted national U-15 players representing Guyana in the Claude Elise Under-15 football Tournament in French Guiana are players involved in the GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 tournament. This follows the twentyone (21) of the twenty-seven (27) initially shortlisted for encampment who played for various clubs across Guyana. It is also evidence of the impact of the national tournament on the development of the base of youth football for which national team selection can be premise on. Troni Semple, who plays in the forward position and would have reportedly, scored nine goals in the tournament thus far, said the G F F - N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 tournament motivated him to perform well on the field. “Before the start of the tournament, there was a presentation about the (tournament). They had said they will be (selecting) players from the tournament according to how well you play to go on the national team…it was a wonderful experience for me and I will be a better player.” Meanwhile, the Buxton United FC player said that being on the national team has been a learning
Daniel Lowe experience. “It is very new to my knowledge. I’ve learned a lot of stuff and approaches. TD (Technical Director), Coach Bryan (Joseph), Coach Challus (Mc Kinnon) (are) very great coaches, they’ve taught me a lot so far for these past five days. I have learned a lot of new stretches, warm ups, new game play, new set for shape and attacking – diamond – I usually play with triangle.” Another player who plays in the forward position, Jermaine Garrett, said the movement from the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 tournament to the national team has been good. “I’ve improved a lot on my skills, my attacking and defending. In the national team, it is very disciplined…” The positive and direct winger, who is the brother of National U-17 captain, Jeremy Garrett, said his older brother inspires him. “I’ve always wanted to follow him, I’ve always wanted to play like him. We play (in) different positions but I just have to keep working hard like him in
Jermaine Garnett school and football and become just like him.” Finding the discipline and balance between football and education is also a priority among the parents of the squad members. In an invited comment following the parent-player meeting just before the team’s departure, Loyce Adonis, mother of commanding goalkeeper Shawn Adonis noted: “He (Shawn) has a balance, he goes to lessons from Monday to Friday. (The) days he plays are Saturday and Sunday and Sunday he has to be home by 18:00hrs. If he can’t balance, he can’t play, that’s just my rules. He has to learn to balance himself…education is important; as long as you cannot balance yourself, you cannot play.” While some players were shortlisted, others were not but like GFF’s President, Wayne Forde said at the parent-player meeting, “...take this as an inspiration for you to work even harder… it is not the end of the
Shawn Adonis
road…”. One of the team members who was not selected to travel but, from all accounts, is a talented and creative forward is Daniel Lowe. At eleven (11) years old, he was the youngest in the squad. His father, Christopher Lowe, in sharing his thoughts about the camp noted that “everything was done really well, I was so impressed that
the TD (Technical Director) came and brought a different standard to soccer in Guyana.” Lowe, while stating Daniel will put in the required work to be shortlisted in the future, underscored the importance of parental support. “Once the child has a dream, always put it first because it is very important. If they fail
Troni Semple or not, it is always important for them to try. If they have a dream, let them try it. Go as a parent with your best ability and work as you have to make them at least try.” Commenting on the future, Ian Greenwood, Technical Director, said, “everything is geared at 2017 – CONCACAF Tournament – so all the (Continued on page 25)
t r o Sp
Red Force a spent Force as Jaguars roar to 10-wkt win P.28
Steven Katwaroo top-edges a sweep to give Permaul his fifth wicket and end the Red Force innings at Providence yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
STAG P.27 Nations Cup KO Football
Western Tigers FC
Western Tigers and Santos ease into final 8 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210