Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
A LETTER TO SANTA
DEAR SANTA CLAUS, It is once more my privilege and pleasure to write to you seeking special gifts for the people of Guyana, and of course the children. Over the past years, you have been kind to respond positively to many of my requests, but some issues remain outstanding. The year 2014, had both good and bad influences with some very negative developments which affect the quality of life of the people. A recurring problem is the inability of Leaders, especially in the political arena, to build bridges of understanding and strive for purposeful unity in the process of nation building. Such attitudes accentuate divisions in our multi-racial society and create fertile ground for bitterness, hate and conflict. One may conclude that some leaders place more emphasis on their personal goals; rather than what is beneficial for the development of Guyana. Santa, I ask you to give to these leaders, gifts of goodwill, love, compromise and reconciliation. Something that is very new to Guyana is the recent prorogation of Parliament. Whatever are the arguments for and against such action, the bottom line is that it undermines the role of Parliament and curtails the rights of democratically elected people to have their say. I ask of you Santa to give to the decision makers in this country the objectivity,
maturity and vision for corrective action. The crime situation in Guyana has caused persons in all walks of life to live in fear. Businesses, homes, commuters, and even worshippers in church are targeted by criminals. The crime situation affects persons in the city and places along the Atlantic Coast, the riverain areas and even those in the interior places. It’s a very frightening situation. Santa, I ask for two gifts to help the frightened people of Guyana. The first is that you change the attitude of those who kill, rob and steal. Give to them, love and a caring spirit for others. The second approach is that you give to the Law Enforcement Agencies such gifts which will make them effective, to curb crime. Gifts should include personnel, training, equipment including road worthy vehicles and good Crime Lab. Unsolved crimes encourage criminal activity. Traffic accidents – The roadways continue to be unsafe leading in many cases to loss of lives. Santa, give to the Traffic Department the “know how” to deal with this matter. There is need for ongoing Police Patrols, also strengthening the competence tests for drivers. The focus must be of more traffic lights, traffic signs, a curb on speeding and driving under influence of alcohol. Street Lighting – In recent years, there was the installation of street lighting
on many roads, away from the city of Georgetown. A recent survey showed that a large number of these lamps are not working. Incidentally Santa, the city has very little street lighting. The darkness creates an environment conducive to crime. The gift here Santa must be Street Lights and maintenance programmes. Flooding – Effective drainage requires the clearing of all drains, alley-ways and water-ways leading to the Kokers also the clearing of the outfalls. While accepting that when there are heavy downpours in a short period and the tide is washing, there will be some problems, the major issue is inadequate maintenance of the drainage system. Your gift here, Santa, can be Personnel, equipment and an effective drainage system. The Garden City – Over the many years, you have been visiting Guyana, you will recall the beauty of our city. These days the dumping of garbage on parapets and drains, coupled with ineffective policing and lack of enforcement of the city by Laws lead to the city being described as the Garden City. Santa you may be bothered by the stench in some areas. There is need for the gifts of a development plan for the city including zoning, an active City Constabulary and an educational programme for those citizens, who lack pride in their environment. Santa, the situation with the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown is disgusting,
deplorable and laughable. It is sometimes a comedy scene with a Town Clerk who was illegally appointed, according to the Court, having a constant fight with the Mayor and City Councillors. There have been no Local Government Elections since 1994. Santa give the citizens the gift of Local Government elections in the New Year. This will be appreciated countrywide with the People’s Representatives being accountable. Santa, much progress has been made in the Health Sector. The need for more specialists still exists. Mosquito borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and filaria continue. However, there has been a new disease called Chikungunya which affected some Guyanese who suffered severe pain; however fogging exercises, though late, yielded good results. Santa, your gifts here should be more fogging machines, chemicals, mosquito nets and insect repellants. Given the perception of a high level of corruption in Guyana, the need for relevant Continued on page 29
The DPP has been... From page 4 Deputy Commissioner of Police, Henry Chester, when he was retained to review the case following a complaint filed by one of the sacked NBS officers, Maurice Arjoon. The fact that the DPP did not find it imperative to recuse herself from the matter is one that speaks volumes, and I dare say not only is the DPP’s ‘slip showing’ but all of her undergarments are very exposed. She should therefore opt to not wear her Muslim garb altogether and maybe then we can all better understand her motive for bringing her good office into disrepute. Fred Halley
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Consul General in Boa Vista fired
Leila King, the former Consul General for Guyana in Boa Vista, says she now feels “ashamed” being a Guyanese after the treatment she received at the hands of the Foreign Ministry. Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues– Birkett on Monday said King was dismissed after she failed to pay workers a 15% increase that was approved by government for staff of overseas missions. Ms King denies any wrongdoing, but admits her interest in running the Consulate efficiently breached financial protocols. “I received a letter in 2013 from one of the staff members that heard about this increase, but on checking, none of them received it. There was no explanation as to why the staff wasn’t even informed,” Rodrigues-Birkett said. This, and a series of wrongdoing on Ms King’s part, led to her being fired, the Minister told reporters at her Takuba Lodge, Georgetown office. However, King has said if the Ministry had allowed her the right to defend the allegations leveled against her, the matters could have been ironed out, as she acted out of ignorance of the systems in the diplomatic machinery. She said her non-payment of the salary increase had to do with the Ministry’s own lackadaisical attitude in not
- Claims due process not followed
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues–Birkett honouring financial obligations of the Consulate in a timely manner. She said that salaries for the beginning of 2013 were late, and she used the money sent as the 15% increase in salaries to cover salary obligations along with a staff bonus. She had hoped the finances could then be ironed out when there was a new disbursement to the Consulate to pay salaries. However, that never came. When the non-payment of the 15% increase was cited by a staff member, King was ordered to the Minister’s office. “The Minister told me the Ministry sent money for this and that and she wanted to know what happened to the money,” King said in an interview. She was sent on leave pending an audit, which resulted in her being
dismissed. However, King claims that due process was not followed and she was not given a hearing during the audit process. She said she had no experience in public service and had asked for someone to train her and the Consulate staff. “I had no idea how the service works.” She said a Ministry official visited to conduct training, but had no modules or anything to work with, so that visit was useless. And so, King said she operated as she usually would when conducting her business affairs. “The private sector never lets things stop, it’s always working, and that’s the attitude I had.” And so in the absence of strict guidelines under which she was expected to operate, King admits she breached financial regulations. “I only knew after the fact that it was the wrong thing I was doing,” King said. For example, sometimes when she would receive money to go on a trip, she would use whatever money is left back to buy something for the consulate. At times, when she would not make the trips, instead of sending the money back, she used it to buy other materials for the Consulate. She cited one example. “This money had to go back to them, but I took the money and bought a sofa because they never sent me capital and it was a shame to
go into the Consulate to see there is nothing. “They wanted me to send back that money, but I took that money, and used it as a capital.” King feels that her efforts and sacrifices for Guyana went down the drain. She wished she had been given a hearing to clarify matters. “I spent one month of my holiday at home waiting on a phone call to defend myself, to clarify anything they wanted to know, and nothing like that happened. “For each story there are two sides; so you have to listen to one side and listen to the other side, but I didn’t get the opportunity to defend myself. “It made me feel something like you are being used and thrown away. And I am a Guyanese; I was there working for my country, and nobody gave me the value. They didn’t respect me.” King, who escaped with her family to Boa Vista following the Rupununi Uprising of 1969, later spent many years promoting trade and tourism between Guyana and Brazil. She was appointed to the Guyana Consulate in Boa Vista in August 2011. In the two years she ran the Consulate, King said it was always a struggle managing the office without resources and any clear directions. She said that payments to the Consulate almost always came in short, with insurance coverage coming up short
and she had to find ways of paying it in full. She showed Kaieteur News documents to prove this; other documents showed that sometimes her requests for gas money would be ignored, with several months’ payments showing zero for gas. King said she always worked in the best interest of Guyana and Guyanese. Several times when Guyanese would be abandoned at hospitals in Brazil, she would take them to her home and take care of them, and then pay their transportation back to Lethem. “The hospital would say to me, ‘They are your people,’ and I would have to take care of them; I can’t leave them on the streets.” King’s time at the Consulate saw partnerships with the Brazil government in various departments. She has received recognition for ensuring the Customs and Immigration Department in Boa Vista
Fired: Consul General Leila King would be opened at convenient times. Her posting at the Consulate meant her housing arrangements would be taken care of; but instead of renting a furnished apartment, King remained at her own home. She said that apart from her water, electricity and internet bills being paid, a request for funds to paint her house was denied. “At this moment I feel so ashamed to be a Guyanese. There is no respect, there is no consideration, they wouldn’t treat you like a human.”
Visiting Belizean soldier shot during robbery Emil Mendez, a Belizean soldier stationed at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Ayanganna base, was shot several times on Monday night during a robbery at Stanley Place, Kitty. Kaieteur News understands that Mendez was accompanying a close friend to get a taxi to go home when, on his way back to the army base, he was accosted by a gunman who demanded that he hand over his money and possessions. According to police reports, the incident happened at approximately 20:15hours. After the soldier refused to follow the gunman’s demands, a scuffle ensued which resulted in Mendez being shot in the abdomen and thigh. The armed man then made off with the soldier’s belongings, while witnesses in the area rushed Mendez
Belizean soldier, Emil Mendez to a hospital. At the time of print the soldier’s condition was list as serious but stable. Investigations are currently ongoing. Mendez is a Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier who is in Guyana as part of a government programme by the Ministry of Health. He is an Orthopedic Technician.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Forbes ranks Jamaica best country in Caribbean to do business KINGSTON, Jamaica The 2014 Forbes Best Countries for Business Report has ranked Jamaica 64 out of 146 nations making it the best country in the Caribbean region to do business and third in Latin America and the Caribbean. Forbes, a leading international business magazine, determined the Best Countries for Business by grading 146 nations on 11 different factors: property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, freedom (personal, trade and monetary), red tape, investor protection and stock market performance. Forbes said each category was equally weighted. The report was compiled
using published reports, including the World Bank’s Doing Business Report and the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. “I welcome this report as further evidence that Jamaica is taking the necessary steps to improve our business environment,” said Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton. “This latest report will go a long way in repositioning Jamaica in the investor community and ensure that Jamaica comes to mind as one of the top places to invest, not just in the Caribbean and Latin America, but in the world. I look forward to even greater improvements in our
Anthony Hylton 2015 international rankings.” The report ranked Trinidad and Tobago 71, Barbados 73, Dominican Republic 86 and Guyana 96. Costa Rica 57 and Mexico 61 ranked higher than Jamaica in the Latin American region.
Authorities investigating alleged rape of Jamaican national NASSAU, Bahamas CMC – The Bahamas government says it is prepared to let the “chips fall where they may” after an immigration officer was placed on administrative leave with immediate effect “pending investigation of a sexual assault alleged by a detainee who is a Jamaican citizen”. Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell told a news conference that while he would not speak “more to this matter” he was nonetheless prepared to allow the “chips (to) fall where they may”. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration said that “a diplomatic note … will be sent to the Jamaican Foreign Minister and the Minister will speak to his counterpart in Jamaica shortly” on the issue. The statement said that Mitchell had already spoken to Honorary Consul of Jamaica to The Bahamas “to convey his deep regret at these allegations and assured
Fred Mitchell the Consul that the matter will be thoroughly investigated”. The statement said that the matter is also before the police and that “all necessary steps including prosecution, suspension and dismissal from the public service will be applied where warranted. “….the Ministry wishes to indicate that it does not condone or sanction in any way, shape or form abuse of any kind by any officer of the department. It will not be tolerated and the strongest measures will be taken where
there are violations of the rights of people.” Mitchell told reporters that the government will “not countenance any malfeasance on the part of individuals who are a part of this department” announcing that a criminal investigation will be launched into another matter in which money deposited by an inmate at the detention center had disappeared. “The Government and the Prime Minister will not countenance the undermining of the integrity of the Immigration Department and stand by measures necessary to ensure that its integrity is not compromised. “It is important for officers of the Department to understand what we have been saying that this is a new era of increased scrutiny, transparency and public accountability. Those who cannot adhere to those standards are not welcome in the Department.”
US Air Station to close in Antigua ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The economy of Antigua & Barbuda will be hit hard if a decision by the United States of America Government to close its 70-year-old naval operations in the twin-island state takes effect in a few months’ time. Close to 100 people will lose their jobs when the United States Air Station (Antigua Air Station), located in Coolidge, closes by mid-2015, reliable sources have indicated. A well-placed source, who
did not receive clearance to speak publicly on the issue, said the air station will be closed indefinitely and workers will be terminated over a nine-month period. The source said the workers employed by Computer Science Raytheon (CSR), which is contracted by the station, were notified of the closure on Friday, but no rationale was given. “We were told by the Commander that the Defense Department of the United
States government have decided to close the base and the prime minister was informed on December 15 that the process will take place and will happen in the next nine months,” a worker said. “We were shocked by the development because we were in the middle of re-negotiating a new contract with the air station.” The employees say although they were told that the process will take nine months, they fear the base will close much earlier.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Guyana should keep options open in territorial conflict with Venezuela It is not for the United Nations to decide on how the territorial conflict between Guyana and Venezuela is going to be resolved. The United Nations is just acting as a good officer between the two countries; the ultimate decision on how best to resolve this conflict will have to be decided by both countries and not by the United Nations.
Just before he died, Burnham was examining a proposal to cede access to the Atlantic to the Venezuelans. While he was singing one tune to the Guyanese people, behind their backs he was doing another thing. While he was preaching to the Guyanese about not giving up a blade of grass, he was seriously considering allowing
Venezuela certain rights of passage to the Atlantic. As with so many other things, he misread the Venezuelan position on the territorial controversy. They were not seeking a concession in order to withdraw their claim to a substantial portion of Guyana. They did not ask for the territorial claim to be reopened because they
Dem boys seh...
Guyana got one honest politician In a couple of hours is Christmas and Christmas mean thinking back to de days when you had to be good before you get something. Nowadays is de spirit of love, sharing, caring and having a nice time. Is a time fuh party, eat and drink and do a lot of things. Dem boys been out at de Pegasus de other night and dem sit down just next to a young politician wha Donald appoint. He was sitting wid a nice young sweetheart. Uncle Adam did eyeing she and Uncle Glenn was batting he ears to hear she name and wheh she come from. De two of dem was having dinner. De conversation was
interesting. De politician had a lot of sweet words in he mouth and de woman was smiling and touching he just enough to lead he on. Dis woman was sexy and dem boys coulda see that de politician wanted more than he was getting at de moment. De conversation was going on nice till she ask he fuh tell she something bout heself. De man couldn’t wait fuh show off he self wid such a question. He smile and tell de woman, “I am 40, a politician of high standing; I does sleep out, I am from a special breed of people and most important, I am honest.” De gyal smile then she tun and tell he, “I am 30, a high-
priced prostitute, never met a honest politician, and I am a virgin.” He smile and tell she that he believe she. He seh that he got some colleagues, including he boss, who would strip she and carry way everything she got, including she virginity. Dem boys hear when she tell he that she believe and ask he if he stay like he colleagues because she don’t mind if he strip she once de price is right. De last thing dem boys see was he and this thing walking down Brickdam to a hotel. Talk half and keep yuh eye pun dem politicians and you gyal pickney.
wanted access to the Atlantic. This has never been the motivation behind Venezuela’s claim. The basis of that claim is that they believed that there was a conspiracy between the Americans and the Russians to rob them of land during the 1899 arbitral hearings which went overwhelmingly in Guyana’s favour. They were not seeking access to the Atlantic. It was attempting to reverse the arbitral award of 1899 which it views onto this day as a historical injustice. Our local statesmen and women have to be careful when they mention that various options are being considered. They have to understand the rightness of Guyana’s position, but they also have to appreciate what drives the other side. Guyana has to be very cautious and avoid making statements to the effect that when it comes to judicial action or arbitration it is for the United Nations to decide. It is not for the United Nations at all. We must not get confused with an international convention under which
certain disputes can be settled and assume that when it comes to exercising the use of that mechanism, it is up to the international body under whose auspices the convention was developed. Not at all! The dispute over the marine boundaries between Guyana and Suriname was settled under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. But both countries, Guyana and Suriname, were the ones who could have exercised the option of going for an arbitral settlement. Guyana decided to do so, and since Suriname is a member of the Convention, it was obligated
to be part of the process. Suriname came out worse off. The political ramifications were not good for the then government. And so it is likely to be should the same happen in relation to the Guyana/ Venezuela territorial controversy. If Guyana moves towards a judicial settlement, then it will have to live with the outcome of that settlement. If in this process, Guyana loses land, then the government will have to live with the political fallout. The same applies to Venezuela. If Venezuela Continued on page 26
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
It’s Christmas Eve. Good luck with your late shopping I stay away from crowds. Always did. Always will. Every year I finish my holiday shopping around December 10. This has been my pattern for decades now. In my life I have never been in downtown Georgetown doing Christmas shopping around December 20 to 24. I keep away from the heart of the city from around the 20th of the month. This year it was an exception. I had to be right in the middle of downtown Georgetown on December 22nd, because there was a session of my libel trial. I parked far away from
the courts. This year, it would be best to avoid the entire belly of Georgetown. You are going to waste at least an hour (maybe more) in various lines because the traffic is horrible and that is putting it mildly. Fenders of countless cars will get bumped. Not mine. I will not be caught in that vehicular jungle. At times like these I feel deeply sympathetic for employees whose only time to browse as much as they want will be on December 24th. I am not sure employers give a day off for shopping.
This will never happen in Guyana. It may be an hour or two or maybe three, but certainly not a half-day. Having lived in Guyana all my life, and having studied this country as a student then as a professional academic, this is a land of heartless exploitation by business people, most notoriously family-owned entities. I cannot see it being possible, even in the distant future, when employers in Guyana will give their workers a day off for Christmas shopping. Do you know that in the
most popular retail establishments like stores and supermarkets, employees on December 24th, go home way past two o’clock in the morning the next day? That would be 2 a.m. on Christmas Day! They cannot have Christmas breakfast with family because they would be fast asleep. The question is how much extra pay they get for that unbearable hardship. I met a young woman at one of Guyana’s most patronized retail businesses who told me she was constantly harassed for being late. She thought the chastisement was unfair because she never left the workplace at the specified time when her hours were up. She said she always works three hours over the allotted time and is never paid extra. When she made that point, she was rudely told that she can leave the job if she wanted, but she must report to work at eight o’clock every morning. You call that blatant, naked exploitation. And this is the norm in the workplace and has been like this for decades. The PPP Government says it is a Marxist/Socialist party of the working people. If the
working people of Guyana believe such a party will help to alleviate their exploitation, then my advice would be for them to turn to the cemetery. The jumbies there may be more helpful than the PPP Government. What I cannot see in the distant future also is a change in criminal law, where employers who rob their workers are convicted and jailed. Various critical studies of the Obama administration’s attitude towards corporate criminality reveal that not one CEO was even charged muchless convicted for financial manipulation which violated many US financial laws. In fact, the Obama administration bankrolled corporate defaulters. It is one of the major criticisms of the Left against Obama. Even a liberal like Senator Elizabeth Warren (whom the Left prefer to run than Hillary Clinton) has called for tougher sanction against corporate America that violates US laws (for in-depth analysis of Obama’s favoured treatment of corporate America, see the research of the Centre for Public Integrity). In Guyana, countless labourers have gone to jail for
Frederick Kissoon taking the law into their own hands. When faced with employers who didn’t pay them, they resort to “stealing” from their employers. Police charges followed and heartless magistrates sent them to prison. I know a case where a gold miner failed to pay two of her employers, who raided her home in retaliation and are now in the Brickdam remand. What are needed in this country are laws that punish companies and family-owned business that exploit their workers. It is a violation of the law not to submit NIS contributions. Have you heard of any family-owned business or company that was hauled before the courts and a jail sentence passed? Good luck with your late shopping, and for those from the labouring class, I hope your dollar can buy what you desire.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Police Station for Land of Canaan Under the Ministry of Home Affairs bids were opened for the construction of a Police Station at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. The bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Main and Urquhart Streets.
The Home Affairs Ministry also received bids for the construction of a Gymnasium at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.
Still within the sector, bids were opened for the reconstruction of stables, Mounted Branch, Eve Leary.
The Ministry of Public Works received a lone bid for the supply and delivery of under layer (Gabion Stones) within region three.
Public Works Ministry also received bids for the rehabilitation/construction of miscellaneous roads in region four. The bids were divided into 13 lots.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) received bids for the prequalification of suppliers for the supply and deliver of goods and stationery items. The prequalification was divided into four categories; (1) Janitorial, (2) Stationery, (3) Computer Supplies, (4) Ink cartridges.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Ruling allows soldier’s Guyanese wife to stay in U.S. Georgia, US - The wives of two Army soldiers, who are naturalized U.S. citizens, will not be forced to leave the country after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers in Atlanta and
Philadelphia – in separate decisions – exempted them from an agency policy that threatens to split up some military families. The policy, only recently established, states that once
foreign-born U.S. military enlistees become citizens their dependents may not legally stay in the country. Margaret Stock, an immigration lawyer who challenged the policy in
Atlanta on behalf of an Army couple, said the move reversed previous practice. “The immigration system can be so random and arbitrary,” she said. “It doesn’t make any sense [to
split up these families] ... The examiner said it was crazy. He said, ‘I agree with you, she should not have to go home.’” She said her clients, the soldier and his wife, were
especially worried because they had no idea where the U.S. would send her if she had to leave. In many cases when the service member is from one country and the spouse is from another “it’s not always clear what country the spouse will go back to.” At the same time, Stock was arguing for her couple, a Philadelphia attorney, William Stock, was making the same argument for another Army husband and wife, both from Guyana. Margaret Stock said she does not know where her client will be assigned yet. William Stock expects his client “will be assigned to one of the units in the 439th Medical Battalion out of [Joint Base] McGuire-Dix” in New Jersey. The service members in both cases entered the Army under the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, or MAVNI. While some foreign nationals have joined the Air Force under the program, most are doctors who will be commissioned in the Army Reserve. They fulfill activeduty service commitments and, in many cases, hold full time jobs with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The MAVNI program was opened up to about 1,000 individuals. Those who qualify enter the military with the enlisted grade of E-4 and are fasttracked for citizenship. Once that is accomplished, they are given a commission, complete the basic officer leadership course and assigned to a duty station. Previously, the dependents of foreign nationals who enlisted under MAVNI had no problem getting legal residence – a green card – once their service member became a citizen. A few months ago, however, USCIS stated that there would be no automatic granting of legal residency to dependents once the soldier became a citizen and the visa under which the soldier entered the country was no longer valid. Instead, dependents would have to return to their country of origin and wait two years before applying to enter the U.S. Margaret Stock said the wait-time for the application process is about 18 months, meaning a family would be separated for more than three years. A spokesman for USCIS told Military.com earlier this month that the policy is under review and may be changed to accommodate these military families. He said it still must be determined if USCIS can effect a modification by a regulatory change or if it will require congressional action. (www.military.com)
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
‘Money jet’ pilot for February 2015 trial A Puerto Rico Court has set February 23rd, 2015, for the trial of Khamraj ‘Kem’ Lall, the Guyana-born pilot who was allegedly caught with over US$600,000 in cash hidden in his private jet. According to court documents scheduling the processes of the court case, the pilot will have until February 13 to file a plea agreement or signal a change of plea. The matter will be heard before Judge Jay Garcia-Gregory. The matter made headlines in Guyana as Lall, who owns Kaylee’s Gas Station in Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was arrested by airport authorities in Puerto Rico in November, after his jet made stop to refuel, on its way to Guyana. The jet and other assets, including the cash, are mor e t h a n l i k e l y t o b e seized. Earlier this month, Lall pleaded not guilty to the grand jury indictment of smuggling bulk cash. The pilot, who also owns a limousine service in Guyana, flew President Donald Ramotar on occasions on the private jet. His company, Exec Jet Club, has a private hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Government had denied it granted the company any special privileges and said that the operations were in keeping with regulations. Originally charged with bulk cash smuggling after US$620,000 was found in his jet, Lall was placed on US$100,000 bail. A grand jury then decided that he would
‘Money jet’ pilot: Khamraj Lall additionally see forfeiture of the cash and his properties related to the offence. This was both in the US and could involve Guyana as well. According to the indictments filed in the United States District Court of Puerto Rico, Lall knowingly attempted to transfer more than the allowed US$10,000 from Puerto Rico, without declaring it and in breach of laws. Prosecutors are saying that on November 22, last, Lall and two other individuals arrived at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport on a private aircraft bearing tail number N822QL. Lall was the co-pilot, while the other two individuals were his father and the pilot of the aircraft. During a mandatory search, the agents unearthed some maintenance discrepancies and grounded the aircraft until the issues could be resolved. The following morning,
the issues were resolved, and Lall informed the US Customs Agents so that they could resume their outbound inspection of the aircraft. Employing the use of a sniffer dog, the US agents were alerted to a bundle of currency wrapped in plastic bags, and a blanket, was found under the exit row seat. It was approximately US$150,000. His explanation was that the money represented proceeds from his business, and which he had forgotten was there. The agents did not buy his explanation. When they continued their search, they stumbled upon a black suitcase inside a compartment next to the engines. The suitcase was found to contain several black garbage bags containing bundles of currency totaling approximately US$470,000. Lall accepted responsibility for the cash. He later moved to restrict some of the details contained in the court documents claiming that he was “filing the motion with the requested level of restriction because it is necessary to protect the confidentiality of the information detailed in the document and exhibits.” Recently, the Puerto Rican court ordered the jet owner to surrender all his pilot licences. He was restricted to travel between New Jersey in the United States and Puerto Rico only for purposes pertaining to his court hearing. Exec Jet has reportedly also closed it’s Gainesville, Florida office.
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Providence fatal accident…
Alleged runaway driver firmly on police radar Police are on the hunt for Asif Khan, the man said to be the driver who abandoned his vehicle early Sunday after killing a teenage boy and injuring his friends on the Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road. Khan, a Bagotstown, EBD resident reportedly fled the scene, leaving two passengers in his vehicle, which bears the registration number PRR 555. The passengers revealed Khan’s identity to the police. According to a police source, since the accident, they have searched a number of places, but came up empty handed. The source claimed that they questioned the suspect’s wife but failed to obtain any vital information. The accident which occurred just after 00:30 hrs on Sunday has resulted in the death of Parmanand Deokaran, 18, of 233 Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The teen, who had sustained head injuries, was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital. His friends, Davendra Mangal, 20, of 27 Better Hope, ECD and Kayshane Ramnarine, 17, of 184 Good Hope, ECD, are nursing injuries at separate hospitals, and are in stable condition. Nicholas Verasar, who was with the trio at the time of the accident, escaped unhurt. According to reports, the four friends had just left the Princess International Hotel’s casino and were waiting on a
taxi on the East Bank Demerara Public Road when tragedy struck. Nicholas Verasar told Kaieteur News that he was sitting on a concrete structure in front of the hotel while his friends stood on the road, trying to flag down a taxi. “They were facing south and I was facing north, so I could have seen all the vehicles that were heading up the East Bank. My friends were laughing and talking and I see a car, swaying from side to side on the Public Road, heading south,” Verasar said. Fearing for his friends’ safety, Verasar said he rushed to them, but only managed to grab Mangal. “After I pull him away, I tried to pull Kayshane but my hand slipped and the car was already close, so I run back, but it end up hitting all three of them and pitch them in the trench,” the teenager recalled. In his hospital bed, Davendra Mangal, who sustained a gash to the head that required over 44 stitches, said that he and his friends had left a staff party sometime around 22:00 hrs on Saturday, after which they went to a club in the city. “The club was boring, so
Asif Khan we went to Baroombar. Parmanand really enjoyed himself there. We eventually left and went to Princess Casino, because Parmanand said he wanted to have fun and I have a membership card for the casino, so I took them.” Mangal, who was admitted to the Woodlands Hospital, said that all he can remember is walking on the Public Road with his two friends. “After we left the casino, we went walking, and then next thing I know I was in the hospital.” Police are continuing with investigations.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Crane housewife murder…
PPP urges citizens to Cops say hunt stepped register before it’s too late
up for suspect
Investigators have intensified the search for 44year-old Vidol Anthony Rawlins, who is the prime suspect in his wife’s murder which occurred at their Crane Housing Scheme home, on July 18, last. ‘D’ Division Commander Ian Amsterdam told Kaieteur News that ranks at every station, countrywide, are keeping an “eye out” for the suspected wife-killer, who according to the official, “thinks he is smarter than the police.” The senior officer said that ranks in ‘D’ Division have searched a number of homes on the West Coast of Demerara and in the city, including the homes of Rawlins’ relatives. Amsterdam had told this newspaper that since the murder of 30-year-old Candy Rawlins, his ranks have
searched a number of places but came up empty handed. “We are looking for him…We have searched a number of places but we didn’t find him… He keeps moving,” Amsterdam said. A relative of the murdered housewife had told this publication that they had received information that one of the man’s relatives is hiding him in the city. However, some of the man’s relatives claimed that the suspect moved from that location and is in Berbice. “The people said that he moved from there, so I guess he keeps moving from one location to another,” the relative said. This newspaper was told that the suspect was spotted in Crane, West Coast Demerara and in Alberttown, Georgetown. The police said that Rawlins had bound and gagged his stepdaughter before stabbing her mother to the neck. According to a police source close to the investigation, the 11year-old girl informed them that she was in her room when she heard her stepfather demanding sex from her mother. She said that she “did not take the noise too serious” because constant quarrelling was a norm in the home.
ON THE RUN: Vidol Anthony Rawlins “She said she went back to sleep. The next day when she woke up the stepfather taped her mouth and tied her up in a chair,” a police source explained. He added that the girl claimed that she managed to untie herself after some time and ran to her mother’s room. “When she see her mother she start scream and she run and call out for the neighbours who then informed us,” the police source said. No one reported hearing any noise coming from the house. Neighbours had said that the couple fought and quarreled very often.
Notwithstanding the busy holiday season, all citizens should urgently seek to ensure that they are registered to vote come next General Elections which will most likely be held early in 2015. People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Clement Rohee urged this as he noted the fact that GECOM’s registration period will soon conclude. Hosting his party’s weekly press conference, Rohee called on “all those persons who are still to conduct transactions at GECOM offices countrywide, especially transfers [change from previous to current address] to do so urgently”. GECOM recently announced that the seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration will end on 31st December, 2014 and not 13th March, 2015 as was originally planned. This comes as a result of the prorogation of parliament and the announcement that General Elections will be held next year. Rohee pointed out that the nearly concluded cycle will be the last opportunity for Guyanese to ensure they are on the Voters’ list nearest to their current place of residence. The General Secretary said that this is imperative, so
as to avoid having to travel long and expensive distances to cast their ballots, or worse yet, be forced to give up their democratic right due to unforeseen circumstances that might prevent them to travel on “E-Day”. Further, Rohee pointed out that unlike the last Claims and Objections period, GECOM will not be doing transfers during the next such period, which will commence immediately after the close of the Registration stage. He said therefore that the few days remaining before year end will be the only opportunity available to conduct these transactions before the next election. Rohee told the media that the “PPP has indicated time and again that the findings from our ground/ field work indicates a large number of persons still to take transfers especially in the New Housing Schemes across the country, more particularly; Fort Ordnance, Glasgow, No.76 Housing Schemes in Region 6, Diamond Scheme in Region 4 and Parfaite Harmony and Tuschen Schemes in Region 3. The Party is convinced that there are significant numbers of persons who are still to visit GECOM Offices to conduct their transactions; New
Registration, Transfers, Replacement ID Cards, and uplift ID cards etc.” Rohee said that with most persons working, coupled with the Christmas holidays and traffic situation during this season, it is very difficult for persons to find the time, either on weekends or weekdays after work, to visit GECOM Offices. As a result, he reiterated his party’s call on GECOM to dispatch mobile teams urgently. “Mobile Teams must be dispatched on days and times convenient to the residents and must spend adequate time in each community visited.” Rohee also reiterated the PPP’s call for GECOM to ensure that the most qualified and best suited persons are recruited as polling day staff, and that these individuals undergo rigorous training to ensure they act impartially in the execution of their duties. The General Secretary told the media that the PPP will continue to insist on public vetting of these officials. “Persons who worked in the 2011 elections and were found to be either biased or performed poorly and contrary to what was expected should not be considered for the imminent 2015 General and Regional Elections.”
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Unfinished matters will take precedence whenever Parliament is reconvened - Greenidge By Kiana Wilburg In the event that Parliament is reconvened without a dissolution, which is still a possibility, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Financial point man, Carl Greenidge says that the Opposition will take up a number of unfinished matters, starting with the NoConfidence Motion. He expressed that he is also aware that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh may seek to use the opportunity to lay the 2015 budget, so government can hopefully negotiate its way out of the current impasse by offering some “unbelievable goodies” in it. Greenidge however noted that as far as he is concerned, and the Alliance For Change (AFC), the opposition will not be supporting it. The former finance minister also highlighted that the financing options under a prorogued parliament are limited. Greenidge said that the government cannot raise revenues to be spent beyond April 30, 2015. He said that the revenues raised can be spent to a maximum of 1/12 of the budget approved in 2014, and this continues only for three months. On this premise, he strongly suspects that government will reconvene parliament to lay the 2015 budget. Another reason fuelling his suspicion on this front, he said, is that it is unlikely that the Guyana Elections Commission could even fund an election late into 2015 from funds already approved in 2014. The APNU Shadow Minister of Finance said that there have been several proposals to address this kind of predicament, such as getting the President to assent to certain Bills, but
extensive negotiations have proved futile. The real problem in this regard, Greenidge said, is not that there are a lack of effective mechanisms, but the refusal of the People’s Progressive Party Civic to fully embrace substantive issues such as capping the benefits beyond a very generous pension that a former President can receive, and the need for a Procurement Commission, the work of which is unimpeded by political interference. OUTSTANDING MATTERS: PPPAND OPPOSITION With regards to the aforementioned outstanding matters, Greenidge pointed to Financial Paper #1 laid by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The paper is a request for a supplementary estimate to cover excess expenditure totaling $4.554 billion incurred during the period January 1 to June 16, 2014. This sum represents part of the amount of $36.7 billion that the National Assembly had declined to approve in the first place. Greenidge emphasized that this will not be given the slightest consideration until certain explanations specified under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act are fully met and included. He then pointed to the Privileges Committee’s consideration of motion on censure of the Minister of Finance. He reminded of the Motion on the President and the censure motion on the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, which has not been laid but is in draft form. He reminded too, of the Procurement Amendment Bill #17 of 2013 which is still to be assented to by the President, the Telecoms Bill #18 of 2012 & Public Utilities Commission (Amendment) Bill # 17/2012 which are yet to be
Cops find dead bandit, stolen cellphone in backdam The decomposed body of a so far unidentified man, who is believed to be a member of a gang that robbed a Ruby Backdam family recently, was found in the Good Hope Backdam yesterday morning. The body of the man who is of African ethnicity was found at about 08:30 hours by a farmer who was making his way to his farm. Police are convinced that the man was a member of the armed robbery gang since a cellular phone that was stolen during an armed robbery recently at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, was found at the scene. The deceased is about
five feet six inches in height, fair complexion and appears to be in his mid-thirties. The body was clad in a multi-coloured jersey and shorts and bears a tattoo “God Bless” on the upper right arm. The police did not say if the body bore any marks of violence but detectives are probing whether the man was killed by his accomplices or if he was injured during the robbery when rounds were discharged. The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour at Best, Vreeden-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. Investigations are in progress.
APNU’s Carl Greenidge completed. While the Parliament remains in a state of suspension, the government has and continues to, display its commitment in following through on a number of developmental projects. But the Opposition, on several occasions said that such projects will be subject to being reopened and if need be, scrapped, for it will be deemed inherently tainted and illegal. On the other hand, Greenidge said that the chances of the PPP persuading a significant proportion of the populace that it is struggling with an Opposition clearly bent on stopping or undermining the Government’s so-called transformational projects are small, because the claims are both fraudulent and risible. Significantly, he sought to remind at this stage that the National Assembly has certainly opposed many proposals by the PPP Government, and to suggest that this is antidevelopmental is “absurd to the highest degree”. He added that the PPP’s largest projects and programmes,
prior to and during Donald Ramotar’s presidency, have been mostly colossal failures and a public embarrassment. He reminded of some of those very failures; the Skeldon Factory Expansion, the East Coast and East Bank Demerara road projects, the $500M clean-up of Georgetown and the coastal areas, Flood control including the Hope Canal and the Georgetown Cemetery Cleanup programme. He insisted that those projects failed because of corruption and poor conception, kleptocracy and political arrogance. Greenidge said too, that the projects blocked totally or in part by the House have similarly been disasters, having been pursued “illegally” by the PPP in defiance of the House. In most cases, the nation’s worst fears have been justified. “Let’s not forget the controversial Amerindian Development Fund, the Specialty Hospital being built for Indian Doctors to provide medical services to USinsured patients, the Surendra pumps fiasco, the Amaila Hydro-road and the Hydro Dam – a road already over $35M and already breaking up even though it has never been used, the GuySuCo subsidy and sugar is still below target, and the packaging plant is operating far below its rated capacity.” The APNU Parliamentarian asserted that the problem as seen by the Opposition is equally simple; the Government is required to win over a majority of Parliamentarians in order to obtain passage of its legislation. “In a most remarkable approach, Mr. Ramotar has decided that he will not agree to a package of policies with anyone other than PPP
Members of Parliament (MPs). Having done this, he has decided further to implement legislation even if it has not been approved by the Assembly. “In other words, he (Ramotar) is insisting that although he does not have a majority of the MPs in the Assembly, he must be treated as though he does and PPP legislation on Money Laundering, annual Budgets and the like, should be passed by the Opposition as though the PPP has a majority. With typical PPP insensitivity, the expenditure associated with the Government programme is almost, to the last one, associated with some form of illegality,” he firmly expressed. He said that the choice of prorogation is about a Government that believes it has a right to steal and misappropriate state resources and believes by any measure, it is a legitimate
tool to achieve its ends, whatever the implications for democratic practice. “We are also aware that the Government has in the past taken advantage of Constitutional lacunae offered by the absence of the National Assembly scrutiny, such as dissolution of the Assembly. Prior to the 2011 elections, former President Bharrat Jagdeo awarded broadcasting licences to privileged foreign companies and members of the PPP and their relatives. Licences for gold and other mineral exploration along withexceptionalfiscal concessions and tax holidays were also awarded in the same way. “Being aware of this propensity for illegality, I want to stress that we will overturn everything that is not transparent and everything that does not adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability, and respect for the law,” Greenidge concluded.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Limited corporal punishment could pose challenge to school system Violence in the school system continues to be a “burning issue” gaining the attention of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU). At least this is according to President of the Union, Mark Lyte, who during an interview with this publication said that with a moderated version of corporal punishment in place, some children within the school system exhibit behaviour that is less than acceptable. This state of affairs, according to him, permits teachers very little scope to deal with some children who are prone to violent activities in the school environment. “So violence remains a major factor,” said Lyte as he alluded to violent situations that see students attacking students and even some where students are violent against teachers. Moreover, the GTU President amplified the need for strategic measures to be put in place to address challenges in the school system such as Guidance and Counsellors and Welfare
Officers. “Because of the numerous problems we have in our school system, teachers are required to do their normal duties and also battle with children who are deviant in their behaviour and so this poses a challenge for teachers,” added Lyte. “We need to have persons who are strategically placed to take care of the problems that we have in the school system...In some schools, all day they are dealing with matters and the teachers are burdened with these issues that take them away from the actual classroom work,” Lyte said. And according to the Union head, issues seen in the classrooms often range from physical fights to intimate relationships and can even include the effects of economical challenges on students. “Of course we have children who come to school and they are not inclined to learn,” said Lyte even as he spoke of this being a challenge to universal primary education that has
- GTU President already been attained, and that of universal secondary education which the Ministry is on course to realise. “We are saying that we are putting mea s u r e s i n place to ensure that all children are in school, but we know that not everybody is inclined to learn. If you put children who are not interested, how will they focus? And they are likely to use various ways to get attention,” said Lyte as he spoke of this situation often resulting in violence. Although corporal punishment has remained in suspension mode in the National Assembly, the Ministry of Education has not failed to embrace the practice in the school system. Minister Priya Manickchand at a press conference last year said that “the Ministry’s policy on corporal punishment hasn’t changed…it is allowed in school.” However, she
asserted that the use of corporal punishment in the school system is governed by strictly regulated written policies that are in place. But the Ministry is ready and willing to be guided by the decision of Parliament on the matter, she added. She said that although the National Assembly, at a Tripartite Level, is looking at Corporal Punishment, generally there is specific attention being paid to the issue as it relates to the school system. “This therefore means that all of the parliamentary parties are tasked with sitting around the table and deciding what is best for Guyana as we go forward,” said Manickchand. Additionally, she said that comments and views of individual members of the public and/or organisations are encouraged to help chart the way forward. Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, had then said that the input of teachers is also very important to the process. “Teachers’ opinions, thoughts and ideas have been factored into decisions, but specifically in this one
they play a key role,” he said. “The compromise position we struck a number of years ago had to do with the wide array of feelings and opinions on this (Corporal Punishment).” “I think people need to appreciate that we can’t just look at this on one level, but my position has always been that this is a national issue, not just a school issue,” said Sam. He explained that since such decisions will have implications for how children will be treated in the general society, it is imperative that the attitude about corporal punishment takes into consideration parents’ views and emotions as well. Sam said that several consultations on the issue have in fact produced varied opinions, even as he emphasised the importance of collaboration not only with teachers and parents but the Parliament as well as international partners. “The Ministry does not exist in isolation, so all of these things have to be collectively considered when these decisions are being made,” the CEO outlined. In the interim, though, Minister Manickchand said that head teachers as well as teachers are required to
GTU President Mark Lyte comply with the existing Ministry policy which outlines that children should not be beaten merely to ensure that the environment is conducive for learning. According to Manickchand, “We have specific cases when corporal punishment could be inflicted, specific instruments that can be used, and who should administer those blows.” The issue of corporal punishment has over the past few years spurred much discussion and emotions, which was especially emphasised in 2009 when a Berbice teacher was accused of breaching the Ministry’s rules detailed in a document entitled ‘Maintenance of Order and Discipline in Schools/Alternative Forms of Punishment.’ The document categorically states, inter alia, that only a head-teacher can administer corporal punishment to students, or identify a senior teacher to so administer punishment in his or her presence. This procedure was however not heeded by the teacher.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Shotgun forces gunmen to US-based NGO spearheads another outreach abandon car after robbery It was drama at high noon yesterday in Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, after three armed bandits came face to face with an angry, shotgun-toting businessman whom they had robbed after trailing him from a city bank. The bandits had earlier relieved the businessman of $2M, a licenced handgun and documents after holding him at gunpoint outside his home. But they were forced to abandon their car, which had false licence plates, after the businessman armed himself with a shotgun and chased them down a deadend street. Kaieteur News understands that the police have detained a woman who allegedly owns the vehicle the robbers used. The entire drama was caught on security cameras, and police
- drama caught on camera are in possession of the footage. The victim, who declined to be identified, said he had visited a city bank earlier in the day. He then headed home and was about to enter his Vryheid’s Lust residence when three men with guns confronted him. After telling the businessman to “shut the f*** up and hand we the bag,” the robbers relieved him of the money-bag, a licenced handgun, and national identification and bank cards. The robbers then entered a vehicle bearing false licence plates and drove up a street, unaware that they were heading up a dead-end. Meanwhile, the victim ran into his house, grabbed a licenced
….still seeking sponsors for Children’s Aid Centre
shotgun, and returned outside. By then, the robbers had realised their mistake. They stripped off the false licence plates and were heading back out of the street when they spotted the businessman with his shotgun. Although they had removed the licence plates, the businessman said that he recognized the vehicle and the occupants and approached them. But the sight of the armed businessman threw the robbers into a state of panic. They immediately reversed into the dead-end street, where they abandoned their vehicle and fled into the neighbouring village of Better Hope. They are still at large.
Some of the volunteers with the children.
“Get it right before you collect people’s money” - Harmon tells Dynamic Airways Dynamic Airways’ return to Guyana has not seemed to improve its operations and the flying public using the charter is dissatisfied. This is according to Shadow Public Works Minister Joseph Harmon who in an invited comment asserted that the company should, “get it right before you (Dynamic) collect people’s money.” Harmon was at the time addressing the woes being faced by passengers since it would appear that the service is constantly plagued by delays. Dynamic’s problem-filled initial spell and subsequent return to the Guyanese market has seen several inconsistencies which, for the most part, have been blamed on maintenance issues. Passengers have been delayed in some cases; they were placed in hotels with other amenities being provided. Numerous passengers have been engaging the media and lodging their complaints about the type of service they receive. Some have hoped that in the event of highlighting their problems, they would get some relief from the company, especially when many of them would have catered to return on either ends of the New York –Guyana route, in time for work and school among other obligations. Harmon believes therefore that the Guyanese public is being “taken advantage of” given the fact that the country continues to face limited airlift constraints. The Public Works Ministry encompasses the aviation sector and is the oversight
...Tourism Minister expresses concern over service provision body for the smooth running of the sector. The Shadow Minister stated that the USbased charter company is obligated to provide a certain standard of service to the travelling public. Harmon insisted that when a passenger purchases a ticket from an airline providing a service, this transaction is not just a purchase, but a contract between the two sides. He said that the company is therefore mandated to provide the service that it promised the passenger, which would be to take them to a location at the stipulated time, along with all other agreements. Harmon said that given the problems being faced by Dynamic, it appears that managerial problems exist. “From the inception, this company has been having problems and they continue to operate in this manner,” he told the newspaper. Harmon believes that Dynamic is “preying” on the Guyanese market since they fail to provide the service promised. He added that the limited choices of airlift have left Guyanese to basically, “take a chance.” “But this cannot be the Tom and Jerry show, which the president had called it during the launch,” Harmon stated. “It is no joke when it comes to the people’s life!” Harmon stressed, while stating further that the company seems to be raffling the service it provides.
Harmon went further to criticize the Tourism Ministry for its silence on the issue. “Dynamic’s problems are not just Dynamic’s problems, it spells negativity for Guyana given the tourist destination image that Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali is trying to portray. The country is also being touted as the new hub between the East and Western Hemisphere and the Caribbean given its position on the north eastern corner of South America. I am not convinced that the current service being offered is what Guyana requires to take it to where it wants to go.” Harmon thus called on the Tourism Minister to address the issue and to intervene to regularize the service being provided. Kaieteur News had initially sought the comments of both Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Public Works Minister Robeson Benn in an effort to understand what was being done to resolve the passengers’ plights. Benn was unable to be reached. Minister Ali expressed his concern about Dynamic’s service provision. He told this publication that the Ministry has already engaged the company’s local representative, Gerry Gouveia, asking the aviation company to provide “stable and reliable” services. He said the representative was questioned as to the measures to address the (Continued on page 30)
The volunteers of the International Children’s Outreach (ICO) were at it again over the past week, spreading Christmas cheer to the girls at Saint Ann’s Orphanage located on Thomas Street in Georgetown. It was all fun and smiles as the volunteers not only cooked for the children, but played with them in a fun house, bounced with them on a trampoline and made gingerbread houses. Plus, all 42 of the girls were presented with gifts, signalling the start of what might very well be a joyous holiday season. Chief Executive Officer of ICO, Florida-based Guyanese Onica Charles, said that the organization does an annual Christmas fun day in the United States, but as of recent, many of the programmes and outreaches are being extended to her home country. ICO, she noted, has big
plans for Guyana come 2015. In March, a group of 12 volunteers from the University of California, San Diego will be coming here. This visit will see local families benefitting from a number of community outreach programmes. In an effort to have Guyanese benefit from the same services provided in the US, Charles is in the process of putting together a board of directors for an ICO-Guyana chapter to be registered here. Over the past few years, ICO has successfully executed several developmental programmes in Guyana. This includes giving the Diamond Diagnostic Centre a facelift, donating food hampers to families in need at Grove and Craig on the East Bank of Demerara, installing a fully equipped library in the Primary School of that community and renovating the playground of the nursery institution. Additionally, the
ambitious young woman is working assiduously to have a children’s aid centre set up along that corridor. This facility will be equipped with a library and study room overseen by a fully qualified tutor. It will also provide underprivileged children with counselling, along with the often overlooked, but sometimes much needed hot meals and school supplies. They will also have access to a recreational facility. The aim of this centre is to provide less fortunate children with the same opportunities as those coming from more privileged backgrounds. Charles noted that the foundation is still looking for local sponsors to come on board and make the venture become a reality, at least by the end of 2015. Persons wanting to make donations to this and other programmes, can visit the entity’s website at www.icocharity.org.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Heavenly Grace Ministries spreads Christmas cheer to needy children Christmas is a season for giving and this was certainly emphasized when Heavenly Grace Ministries brought holiday cheer to several needy children. Heavenly Grace Ministries is a religious outfit situated at 141-14 Rockaway Boulevard in Jamaica, New York. The organization has been known to host annual toy drives for needy children in Guyana, with this year’s event being held on December 12 and 13 last. The efforts were supported by Dynamic Airways, TravelSpan and Pepperpot Radio of Toronto, Canada. This publication
Pastor Lisa Singh understands that Heavenly Grace Ministries Pastor Lisa Singh travelled to Guyana in order to have hands-on
input in a distribution exercise that saw some 300 gifts and bags of treats being handed out to needy children in Berbice and Zeelugt on the West Coast of Demerara. According to Pastor Singh, the success of the yearly ‘toy drive’ venture is one that is a direct result of the participation of all the members of the Heavenly Grace Ministries’ family and friends, together with the Zeelugt Full Gospel Church, the Bath Full Gospel Church and the Tina Insanally Foundation. An elated Pastor Singh said too that she was especially thankful to Dynamic Airways for
transporting toys at no cost from New York to Guyana. She also commended the support of Pepperpot Radio of Toronto and TravelSpan Vacations who, according to her, helped immensely in spreading word about the drive and did not hesitate to facilitate the collection of toys to enable the drive. The Facebook page of
Heavenly Grace Ministries Kids Club (HGMKC), according to Pastor Singh, has since been updated with pictures of the children who were the beneficiaries of the ‘toy drive’ and has an acknowledgement to all sponsors. However, persons who are desirous of learning more about Heavenly Grace
Ministries and its noble efforts can log on to www.hgmny.org or email pastorlisas@hgmny.org. It is the hope of Pastor Singh that even as the Christmas season is celebrated “God will continue to bless us all as we continue to find ways to give back to those less fortunate in the coming New Year.”
Guyana should keep options... From page 9 agrees to go along with Guyana to have a judicial settlement, then Venezuela has to live with that consequence. If the 1899 arbitral award is deemed a definitive settlement of the issue, then the Venezuelan government will come under intense pressure from their people. So it is easy to speak about going to a judicial settlement. But the political risks involved for both countries are high. But why speak about judicial options. The controversy is not hindering relations between the two countries. Relations between Guyana and Venezuela are not just good. They are excellent. Since the PPPC took government, relations between Guyana and Venezuela have been at
an all-time high. Venezuela is now a major trading partner with Guyana. Indeed, if Venezuela should stop buying our rice, the rice industry as we now know it will collapse. There are however troubling clouds overhead. The Venezuelan economy is bracing itself for further problems. The decline in oil prices will hurt the Venezuelan economy and by extension the many preferences that it can offer to countries like Guyana. As the economic situation in Venezuela gets bad, internal pressures in the country could well force extremists to demand that action be taken on the external front. Guyana has to be wary of this, and especially if the imperialists take back control of the government. If that happens,
right wing generals are not likely to be friendly towards Guyana. At the moment, relations between the Maduro administration and the government of Guyana are excellent. The Maduro government is not interested in annexing any part of Guyana. It is a socialist government and one that is anti- imperialist. The agents of imperialism in Venezuela are however growing stronger and stronger. They have successfully managed to sabotage the availability of basic commodities to consumers in that country and that led this year and l a s t y e a r t o crippling protests in Venezuela. If the Maduro administration loses power, Guyana has to revisit its relations with that country. What is needed therefore is a studied approach to this issue, one that is flexible enough to transition to a new mode should there be a change of government in Venezuela. Instead of therefore Guyana speaking about all its options being on the table, Guyana should instead be keeping its options open to cater for various contingencies that could arise.
Scenes from the recent distribution exercise.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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National Library receives 16 tablet computers
Southern Systems CEO Karl Moore (centre) hands over one of the tablet computers to Deputy Head of the Library, Nadine Moore, in the presence of other library staffers. Chief Executive Officer of Southern Systems, Karl Moore, yesterday handed over 16 tablet computers to the Young Adult Section of the National Library, during a simple ceremony at the Church Street location. The section of the Library which benefited from the donation was
recently renamed the Gillian Thompson Collection in memory of the late Chief Librarian, who passed away earlier this year following an accident. Moore, who worked for nine years with Fox News, before launching his own Information Technology (IT) Company, told the
gathering, which included Deputy Head of the Library, Nadine Moore, that they are contracted to amplify education and the gift is a gesture from the Fox News Digital Education Department. According to the donor, the tablets are not only for the use at the main branch of the National
Library, but will be distributed to the other branches, including the Festival City location. He reflected on the computers as being one of the contributory factors that aided in his development, having spent many hours studying there when he was younger. Moore said four of the
sixteen will be donated to that branch. Ms. Nadine Moore received the tablets on behalf of the institution and expressed sincere gratitude to the CEO and his company, while also taking the opportunity to extend Christmas greetings to him and his family.
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Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suites & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145
VACANCY Male & female workers: managers, accountants, checkers, salesperson & housekeepers @ RA Soda Factory – Call: 330-23992772; 623-5920 Exist for one accounts clerk; apply in person at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Pump attendant; must have Tin #, NIS, ID, police clearance & proof of address @ N&A Service Station Prospect, E.B.D CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN and Factory Assistant living on E.B.D, free accommodation also available. 266 4427 Experienced salesman/ driver 3 CXC Subjects including Mathematics, apply with 2 references, valid police clearance & driver license – Call: 233-3512 Pump attendant at Shell Providence E.B.D (shift work) 5AM-3PM & 3PM12PM Cashier able to work flexible hours and have CXC Maths, send application to jobs@awngy.com HEALTH Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach – Call: 684-9409; 699-4211
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 6472943 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL: 6294946 OR 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 Services & repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, deep fryers Call: 688-0183
TO LET Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apartment in safe environment – W.C.D- Call: 698-6496 Queenstown: newly constructed office space, air conditioned, washroom & kitchenette included. 500sqft - $80,000 Tel: 6003171; 648-3171 1-Two bedroom apartment, grilled, tiled@ Middleton St . C / Vi l l e - $ 6 0 , 0 0 0 Call:650-0716; 667-7836.
LAND FOR SALE LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 MASSAGE Massage Therapy - Call: 674-8147
Blankenburg, Public Road W.C.D (38ftX150ft), (39ftX150ft) - $16M each; Back Street, Unity Street La Grange W.B.D 85X750- $16M Call: 666-3619 Mahaica Creek: River Front, 5 Acres - $5M - Tel: 600-3171; 648-3171
Wednesday December 24, 2014
FOR SALE
CAR RENTAL
VEHICLE FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Pitbull bus ($3.2M) Verossa - $3.7M, Noah- $2M (All new) – Call: 603-9700
Complete Snapper Boats for sale – Excellent Condition – Contact: 648-6815; 641-4506
Spacio 2004, Body Kit, rims, camera, spoiler, dark interior, crystal light, new shape (unregistered) – Tel: 6175536
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) & MORE, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 1 Modern warehouse facility in central industrial area 8000sqft ware house facility 5000 per month – Contact Annie: 695-0333 Property for rent in Bel-Air Park - Call: 694-6606 Two and one bedroom apartment; furnished or unfurnished @ Eccles “AA” Tel: 686-5625 Three bedrooms; 1 self contained house with A/C, parking, full furnished, young professional Scheme Eccles - $1700US neg. Call Sonia: 666-4882 Business space @ Middleton St. C/Ville – Call: 650-0716; 667-7836 Two bedroom Furnished house @ Crane Housing Scheme W.C.D -$40,000 – Call:671-6855
PICK YOUR PIG! CHOOSE YOUR SIZEAND WE WILL HAVE IT READY! CALL: 266-2711 OR 609-4594 Evinrude outboard engine (new) 3-15HP; Can-am ATV 4X4 500cc; Sea Doo Jet-Ski 1500cc with trailer - Tel: 6003171; 648-3171 20ft fibre glass boat and Toyota Spacio- Tel: 617-3001 Portable sawmill fully hydraulic Th30-25 Timber Harvester – Call: 261-2553 Stalls at Robb Street & Bourda –Contact: 695-1359 between 9am -11am Tibetan Terriers pups (FLUFFY) – Call: 222-7891; 609-9202. Christmas Sale: Dell/HP Computer with 19" LCDs, laptops - $55,000 @ Futuretech – Call: 231-2206 XBOX 360 4GB - $40,000, XBOX 360 20GB- $45,000, XBOX360 250GB - $55,000 with original games/ controller – Call: 683-8386 One cane juice mill, glass case, one RZ minibus GHH, series – Call: 604-9400, 6674178 Promix BX with microrize $10,500 per bag; ask for Rayman – Call: 615-2346; 6280200, 263-5300
CAR RENTAL
PROPERTY FOR SALE
DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM
Six acres prime roadside land and metal workshop in Corriverton, can be sold with or without workshop. Call: 626-6245 One house & land in hope low land, E.C.D, one house & land in Bloomfield Berbice Call: 689-5254; 256-0504
A i d a n ’s C a r & P i c k u p rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807; 690-6494 Untouchable car rental: low rates, low deposits – Call: 677-4613; 226-9668 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table – Call: 277- 0578
2-Storey concrete house, virtual 2 units, 55 section ‘B’ Non Pariel, E.C.D Quick Sale Call: 651-8901 Unfinished house at Parfaite Harmony, West Minister, W.B.D - $4.5M – Tel:6610618; 601-3469
SALE! SALE! SALE! New model Spacio (2005) TV, Front & back camera; fully loaded - $2M- Call: 6427295
WANTED One night shift supervisor at shell Providence E.B.D, Submit application to shellramsburg@gmail.com One security Guard - Tel: 218-5105
1 - L-Touring Wagon; HB 9912, price $1,050,000 Neg. Call: 680-4990 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403
One live in domestic must know to cook Indian Dishes 25-50yrs; salary - $60,000 monthly- Tel: 610-5043
One ford IVECO sand truck with Cummings Engine, GNN Series, excellent condition, owner leaving country - Call: 604-6860, 643-2911
A house lot/ 2 bedroom property to buy on the East Coast/East Bank Georgetown area - Contact Anthony Bowen: 609-6505
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154
One live in experienced waitress must be honest & courteous 18-25yrs; salary $50,000-$60,000 monthly – Tel: 610-5043
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
Contract vehicles also mini bus and hire car drivers – Call: 645-0025
Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price $2.5M neg. Call: 6201026
Porters, apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd Cooks, pastry maker, counter clerk; apply to Kiskar Veggie Hut: Camp & Durban Street. Call: 231-4971
One Yamaha Rava125 Motorcycle and Kinlow KL110 motorcycle – Contact: 682-3942; 615-6474 or 6788236
1 Female cleaner to work in snackette & bar , must know to cook, age 20-35yrs – Tel:647-7432, 223-5798 CATERING
2003 Toyota IST; fully loaded with bodykit -$2M, never registered – Call: 628-0909; 260-2327
Monica’s Finger Licking BarB-Que, any amount to orderCall: 661-6793; 677-2482
AT170 Carina; Driving condition or for parts $200,000 – Call: 642-4491
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Not Jam Rock, The plight of the coastlanders when it rains but Georgetown DEAR EDITOR, Rephrasing of the Damion Marley song: “Welcome to Jam Rock” with Welcome to Guy Rock Guyana - crime, poverty and political corruption in Guyana. Welcome to Guyana, territory where the hustlers thrive at The costs are in your purchases It’s in your van back It’s in your hand bag, your knapsack, it’s in your backpack The costs make your girlfriend lose contact Some people do not believe this, they only comment like analysts While at the clubs enjoying beverages Telling impressive stories, and posing like real investors And don’t know the real hardcore If they can’t go to Pegasus, Princess or Marriott Then they join the hustlers and wouldn’t think twice to con you Don’t let them befriend you, unless you really hustle a lot too Or bad things will come at you When Georgetown man stop laugh and see reality VAT stop pay and politicians stop splurging GRA try but they can’t enforce it People mind made up and no clapping Some say them corporate citizen, but a corporate bunny rabbit Independent minds needed like a good habit So don’t play game if you don’t have it Hardcore stands alone Welcome to Georgetown Out in the streets they call it mayhem Where poor people do not know justice Political huskers all around When they win election, politicians become ghosts and phantom Yet the youths get blind by stardom Independent minds to youth, show your hands if you with me To see the poverty upset me Politian’s suit don’t fit me, when they win elections they trick we Then all they do is take your money Come on let’s face it, CXC education is basic And most of the youths ill prepared for it And when they fail it, then they don’t stand a chance at all Then street life replaces it, sports may save it Most times they don’t stand a chance at all And that’s why little youths play street ball With a tennis roll in their back pocket No sneakers on their feet and no money in their pocket And stay on the streets at night until sleep captures them Those without homes, they stop traffic And they take a meal where they can snatch it They will avoid the cops, so they don’t lose it And from night until morning they keep prowling If you see them coming, best hightail it Welcome to Guyana East Coast, West Coast Welcome to Guyana East Bank, West Bank Welcome to Georgetown Queenstown, Bel Air and Ogle Welcome to Georgetown The place where the politicians live in stardom Guyana, Guyana. Ariustotle
DEAR EDITOR, When I write a letter I usually want to see what are the comments are concerning it so I monitor the Stabroek News site to see what the comments on my letter were. I wrote a letter on 20th November 2014 describing what I saw as the shortcomings of the $500 million cleanup campaign the PPP did a few weeks ago, and the end result was that on 20th November 2014 the entire city of Georgetown was flooded out. Usually every Friday evening, I invite a group of friends to discuss topical issues over a drink. This group which includes Carl Greenidge, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Earl John etc. would discuss issues of the day. On Friday, November 21, for the first time in four years I sat alone, since no one could come; they were all locked up in their houses unable to move because they were flooded in. Poor Mr. Greenidge lives in one of Guyana’s most exclusive areas where the British and Canadian High Commissioners live as well as the manager of Scotia Bank— in Bel Air Gardens, and he told me he could not come out, since his yard, up to the
evening of 21st November, 2014 when we spoke,was knee high in water and his long boots were not equal to the task. So home alone I opened the conversation on the phone, I soon discovered that GT&T was probably affected by this flood since most conversations I had were riddled with poor quality reception and frequent disconnections which weres probably caused by water intrusion or high usage. This was explainable since everyone was locked up in their homes and they are all phoning each other. Finally after nearly an hour I gave up since it was not possible to have a decent conversation with anyone due to the poor reception, in any eventmost of my friends were so annoyed at their flooded situation that I could not get them to concentrate on anything else,they were all completely focused on the poor drainage of the city and anger at the damage they had sustained not to mention being virtual prisoners in their homes In the 21st century this is no way to live. After 22 years in office this is what the PPP has reduced us to, flood water in our streets preventing us from leaving our houses on a Friday night and also high enough to disrupt our telephone system.
A LETTER TO SANTA
From page 5 Commissions should be urgently addressed. The Integrity Commissions and the Public Procurement community should be a priority. Agriculture – While the rice industry continues to flourish with new varieties and better agricultural practices, the sugar industry which was once the pillar of the economy is in very bad state. The significant loses as a result of poor yields and low productions are cause of concern. Santa, your gifts here are self evident. You need to give to the sugar industry, competent persons who have relevant training, experience and the ability to lead and motivate workers. You must add to that list fixing the Skeldon Sugar Factory. Hydro Power – Santa, there is a surprising problem with plans for hydro-power. While, all of the Leaders in Government, the Private Sector and the Political parties agree on the need for hydropower, the main decision makers cannot find common ground to initiate this important project. Santa your gift to those decision makers should be cooperation, country first, and an
abundance of common sense. Television Stations – Some of the popular Televisions Stations have not been given permission to erect relay towers which would widen their transmission range. Santa, this is an important gift you need to bring to Guyana. Fuel Prices – It is noted that the price of fuel has decreased in places like the USA. Yet, no price reduction is taking place in Guyana. Guyanese need cheaper fuel so your gift of reduced price for fuel will be appreciated. Violence Against Woman – This subject is receiving much attention. However, more emphasis must be placed on counseling wherein action taken will not create greater bitterness between the parties involved. The Welfare of the children must always be considered. Santa, give to those affected, the qualities of respect, patience, love and tolerance which would strengthen marital relationships. Santa, give to the young people of Guyana access to more technical vocational training. The success of new housing schemes and the ability of many persons to
In Memory of Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte DEAR EDITOR, December 22, 2014 marked the twelfth anniversary of the death of one of Guyana’s Statesmen, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte. Having so much to say and remember Mr. Hoyte for, I confine myself to the few following remarks, which I think summarize much of his impact on our social and economic well-being. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, the man whose commitment
And what caused this? Did we have an earthquake? A tsunami? A hurricane? A volcano? No! In 2013 I did a month by month survey of all of the flooding on the coast and all were preventable because they were all caused by neglect and poor maintenance, especially of the kokers. On November 20, we got what was for us more than what our traditional amount of rainfall was in one day. With the PPP message still echoing in our ears that they were spending $500 million on cleaning up the city including the drainage system ,and that everything will be OK! In the first proper rainfall storm of the December/January rainy season which started on 20th November 2014, virtually reduced Georgetown to a ghost town.Last year we heard the same thing a few days before the deluge we experienced Minister Ramsammy told the nation that we are ready for the rainy season, we were not! This country we can and will in the future get more than six inches of rain in any one day and since our city’s drainage system is designed to remove 2.5 inches of rainfall in 24 hours, I don’t care who is in power we will flood if we get six inches in 24 hours. Tony Vieira
t o G u y a n a ’s d e m o c r a t i c i d e a l s , d i d n o t a l l o w a contemplation of prorogue of the 1992 elections, but obeyed and ensured the voice and power of the People… the man whose achievements the PPP has systematically denied and sought to claim for themselves, who will forever remain an inconvenient truth to the People’s Progressive Party... Craig Sylvester
own their homes create – demand for more carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians. Santa, given the increase in the exportation of logs and the large areas having gold mining, there must be concern for the environment. Do give to those who need it in Guyana, effective monitoring units to avoid deforestation and environmental degradation. Give to the Leaders in Guyana a moral compass which can be a guiding light to our young people. Santa, so far, the wish list has not focused on children. I admire the young boys and girls well attired in their attractive uniform on their way to and from school. Guyana has come along way. Our young people need guidance and good example to follow.
In relation to toys this has changed markedly over the years. Please do not give to our children toy guns, as we have too many people using guns for Criminal activity. Santa, the two floating bridges across the Demerara and the Berbice rivers have made a big difference to travelling in Guyana. A need which has now emerged is for the reactivation of a ferry service between Vreed-enHoop and Georgetown as well as between Rosignol and New Amsterdam. The stellings will have to be repaired. Santa this will be a wonderful gift to commuters. Santa let me end my Wish List here. May you have a safe journey from the North Pole to Guyana and back. Be reassured of the warm hospitality of Guyanese and their thanks for the Gifts. Vibert Parvatan
Who is the AFC/APNU Muslim Representative? DEAR EDITOR, Muslims comprise of 12% of the total population. The Hindu and Christian communities have members among the ruling and opposition parties. The Muslim community needs political leaders, Members of Parliament, among others to articulate our position on issues which affect us and represent our interests. I find this lacking terribly in the main opposition political parties unlike the ruling P.P.P which has five M.P.s who are Muslims.
What I find strange is that members of the Muslim community financially support these opposition groups, retain some of them in their legal matters and provide other forms of assistance. This in my opinion is tantamount to “using” the Muslim community. Therefore, please inform me who is the Muslim representative in the AFC/ APNU, and which Muslim organization or Masjid they are affiliated to so that I could make contact with them. Mohamad Ikbal
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Anna Regina Town Council President meets heads of Army, workers’ strike continues Police Force on crime situation Employees attached to the Anna Regina Town Council will remain on strike as they have received no word on increases for the regional body’s workers. This was confirmed yesterday by Senior Industrial Officer, Dennis English. Employees of the regional agency staged a protest on Monday morning, demanding increases of wages and salaries. Labourers, security personnel and staff of the Town Council had complained that they have not received any increase in wages and salaries since 2010, despite promises being made in the past by the Council’s management. The employees bore placards which read “No
money, no work”, “This injustice must stop,” “All Ministers enjoying holiday with their family, but we can’t, ‘cause there is no money to even buy sweets.” When this publication had spoken to workers, one employee had explained that the demonstration would continue until agreeable negotiations are met between workers and management. English, and Mortimer Livan, of Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) had traveled to the Essequibo Coast to stand in solidarity with the protesting workers. Livan had stated that workers decided that they would continue to protest for an increase in salaries until they get some form of justice.
“Get it right before you... (From page 25) constant delays and the Ministry was assured that additional flight services have been put in place. The Minister also shared concerns about persons travelling on both sides of the route during the peak holiday season and being able to return to their jobs and other commitments on time. The Minister said that Dynamic has assured that its service is back up and running and the additional flights should aid considerably in terms of delays and setbacks. As recent as Sunday, Dynamic passengers were
delayed in New York for more than 24 hours. Prior to that, the company faced several such delays. One weekend every flight scheduled had been delayed as a result of mechanical failure, Gouveia had explained. At another point, a flight was delayed because one of the plane’s wheels had slid off the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The company’s troubles had first started however, when it first came to Guyana and did not have clearance to fly to the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
English said that the situation facing workers has to do primarily with nonpayment, late payment and workers being underpaid. He said that the stated issues are known to the Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Norman Whittaker, who had visited the Region to commission projects in the market. It seems like the Minister is more interested in gaining political mileage than rescuing the workers, English had opined. He believes that management is not making an effort to meet the workers’ demands. He argued that no worker should be made to suffer after they would have worked. Vendors operating inside the Anna Regina Old Market were initially locked out, due to the protest by Council workers. However management had put measures in place to open the market later in day, it was explained. It was unclear how the market functioned without the management of the protesting workers. English told Kaieteur News that he is unsure what will happen to the facility since the workers have not been addressed and they are likely to continue their resistance in a bid to get their increases. He said however, that stakeholders will be updated as to the operation of the business facilities once the information is received.
President Donald Ramotar in meeting with Army Chief, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Police Commissioner (ag), Seelall Persaud, Dr. Roger Luncheon is at right. President Donald Ramotar yesterday met with Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips and Commissioner (ag) of the Guyana Police Force, Seelall Persaud at the Office of the President. According to a Government statement,
the Head of State discussed the current state of affairs with regards to crime, and urged the officials to get on top of the situation. Secretary to the Defence Board, Dr. Roger Luncheon was also present at the meeting.
Do not use us for political mileage - Police Force The Guyana Police Force is appealing to members of political parties not to use the Force for political mileage. The appeal comes in the wake of protest action against ranks from the Berbice Division, which the organization said was organized by a political party. The police did not name the political party, but it is widely believed that they were referring to the Alliance for Change, whose members had publicly pronounced on the police response to a robbery committed on businessman Latchman Pooran and his family at their Maida Farm, Corentyne home last Sunday. The police in a statement said that it has observed that at least one political party has been lying on police ranks in various aspects of their operations. According to the police, in relation to the Pooran robbery, members of the political party wrongfully claimed that the police took more than two and a half hours to respond to the report and then mobilised persons to picket the Whim Police Station and demanded that ranks be transferred from the station immediately. But the police are claiming that the information on the slothful response was a fabrication aimed at achieving political mileage. “To the contrary, the victim himself has indicated to reporters of the Kaieteur News that the police took less than half an hour to arrive on the scene and has publicly praised the work of the
police whom he said worked under stressful and strenuous circumstances,” the police said in its statement, adding that it added that it is making great efforts to improve the quality of service it provides and to gain public trust. However, the police maintained that it is incidents like these that cause persons to question whether some organisations in the society would like to see a secure Guyana or not. Businessman Latchman ‘Anil’ Pooran was robbed of approximately $4M in cash and jewellery by six heavily-armed and masked bandits. Pooran, who injured himself when he jumped some 10 feet to the ground from his verandah, before scaling a seven-foot fence to escape from the thieves, was subsequently admitted as a patient at the Anamayah Memorial Hospital. He was discharged on Monday and immediately moved to dispel rumours that the cops took a long time to respond. He said that the cops responded in less than half an hour to the crime scene and he praised the work of the police whom he said worked under stressful and strenuous circumstances. Commander of Police ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph, said that after initial investigations, his ranks who were patrolling some distance away responded in a timely manner. Around 02:45 hrs on
Sunday, the ranks were in the rough terrain at Topo Backdam, more than 12 miles away, when they received the call. According to information, the first call was made around 02:45hrs. Contact was made with the victims at the scene around 03:09 hrs. The ranks were informed to be cautious, since the men were heavilyarmed and were shooting indiscriminately. Upon arrival, the ranks parked their vehicles and proceeded with caution on foot. They took up strategic positions, but no one was seen. After some time, they made contact with the victims. The ranks after gathering information, went after the bandits, but were unsuccessful. The aftermath of the robbery had also drawn a mini protest on Monday in front of the Whim Police Station. This the police attributed to the protesters being misinformed. “The Guyana Police Force also wishes to advise of its mature stance whenever it is being criticised. Constructive criticisms are taken in good faith and necessary adjustments are being made to improve our services,” the police said. But the force said that it will not lie down and allow organizations to tarnish its image by peddling falsehoods. “It would however be remiss of us if we do not seek to clarify misleading information being peddled with the intent of achieving some ulterior objectives,” the police added.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 24, 2014
Barbados PM defends economic strategy The Barbados government says it remains firmly committed to the strategy for growth and development on which it has embarked, insisting that “the strategy has already begun to show positive results”. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, responding to the latest downgrade of the island’s long-term sovereign rating by the United Statesbased rating agency Standard & Poor’s, said that the strategy is one “based on Barbados’ established competitive strengths in tourism, international business and finance, and food and beverages, and on the island’s potential for green energy”. Stuart said: “It is a strategy led by investment and outstanding entrepreneurship by the private sector, supported by government incentives and world-class financial regulations and legal safeguards. The strategy is anchored on our fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, which is protected by an adequate cushion of foreign exchange reserves.” Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded the long-term
Freundel Stuart sovereign rating of Barbados to ‘B’ from ‘BB-’, warning also of the potential for a further economic downgrade. But while it affirmed the ‘B’ short-term sovereign credit ratings for Barbados, S&P lowered its transfer and convertibility assessment to ‘B’ from ‘BB-’. It said the potential for a further downgrade existed “if the government doesn’t succeed in bringing down its wide fiscal deficit; if growth boosted by key investment projects fails to materialise; or if external pressures of persistent current account deficits mount”. “This scenario would
likely lead to further deterioration in the availability of financing for large fiscal deficits,” the agency said. On the other hand, S&P said it could revise the outlook to stable if the government succeeded in reining in the deficit in line with its targets and maintaining access to financing, especially from private creditors. “This, in turn, would help improve government debt and interest burdens,” S&P said. The announcement by the rating agency comes a few days after Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler told Parliament that the island was on a growth path. “Today, I can say to the country that based on actual performance and projections for the immediate future, we have not laboured in vain. Barbados is on a growth path once again. Our foreign exchange reserves have stabilised; our fiscal deficit is on a downward trajectory; and economic growth is returning,” Sinckler said then. But S&P noted that “much of the fiscal savings have yet to be realised”. (CMC)
Nomination deadline passes for San Fernando East...
Patrick Manning is out Trinidad Express - Former prime minister Manning Patrick Manning is out of the nomination process for the San Fernando East constituency. As nominations closed Monday, party chairman Franklin Khan reported that three persons had submitted nomination papers and had met the criteria for screening. They are former prisons officer Christopher Chinapoo, chief executive officer of Wack Radio 90.1 Kenny Phillips, and Eber Steel Achong. Khan said the three nominees will be screened early in January. Sources said Christine Kangaloo was nominated but she did not sign a consent letter and therefore the nomination was not a valid one. Manning will not be screened for the constituency that he has represented for the past 43 years. Monday he dealt with other business as he attended a funeral of PNM stalwart and long-standing member of the Couva South Women’s League Felicia Charles. The
Patrick Manning funeral was held at Charles’ Lisas Gardens home in Couva. Manning’s decision not to be nominated came in the face of his stated difficulty with the nomination deadline date. On December 5 he wrote to Political Leader Dr Keith Rowley requesting an extension of the deadline for nominations to January 2 because he proposed to make a decision then on whether or not he would accept a nomination. “I propose to seek the appropriate medical advice, whereupon, a determination can be made as to the state of my health. I am near the completion of arrangements to travel to
Cuba for this purpose. In addition, I expect a visit from my Washington-based doctor during the period December 23rd to December 31st, who together with my local medical team will complete the evaluation. “I intend to address the constituency on January 2...on my decision to accept or decline a nomination,” Manning stated. On December 11, Manning’s constituency executive wrote to PNM General Secretary Ashton Ford. No reference was made to any plans to go to Cuba but the executive reiterated that Manning’s medical evaluation was to take place during the period December 23 to December 31. However the PNM executive remained adamant that the nomination deadline would be December 22. Rowley gave Manning the undertaking that if he submitted nomination papers by December 22, and by January 2 was still prepared to remain as a nominee, he would be screened at his (Manning’s) convenience sometime in January.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
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Wednesday December 24, 2014
South Korea steps up cyber security at nuclear plants (Reuters) - South Korea boosted cyber security at the country’s nuclear power plants on Tuesday following what President Park Geun-hye described as a series “grave” data leaks, and prosecutors said they were investigating a new online threat. Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co Ltd (KHNP), which runs South Korea’s 23 nuclear power reactors, said on Monday its computer systems had been hacked, raising alarm in a country that is still technically at war with North Korea. Park ordered inspections of safeguards at national infrastructure facilities, including nuclear power plants, against what she called “cyber terrorism”. A government official said authorities had raised the cyber crisis alert by one level for all the state-run companies to “caution” from
“attention”. The nuclear operator, part of state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp, said only non-critical data had been stolen and operations of the nuclear plants were not at risk. South Korea’s law enforcement authorities are investigating the leaks. “Nuclear power plants are first-class security installations that directly impact the safety of the people,” Park said at a cabinet meeting, according to her office. “A grave situation that is unacceptable has developed when there should have been not a trace of lapse as a matter of national security,” she said. Within hours of Park’s comments, an online user who claimed to have hacked the nuclear operator posted a new threat and a fresh batch of data on the same Twitter
account that was used for previous threats and leaks. “We are now looking at it ... We believe it was done by the same user,” an official at South Korean prosecutors’ office investigating the leaks told Reuters by telephone. An official at the nuclear operator said it was working to verify whether the data had been taken from its computers. Earlier, the investigation team official said Seoul had not ruled out the possibility that North Korea was involved in the cyberattack, although Park did not make any mention of it. The official added that South Korea had requested Washington’s help investigating the matter. In recent years South Korea has accused the North of a carrying out several cyber attacks on its banks and broadcasters.
NEW YORK (AP) — “The Interview” was put back into theaters Tuesday when Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a limited Christmas Day theatrical release for the comedy that provoked an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its
cancelled release. Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton said Tuesday that Seth Rogen’s North Korea farce “will be in a number of theaters” beginning Thursday. He said Sony also is continuing its efforts to release the film on more platforms and in more
theaters. “We have never given up on releasing ‘The Interview,’” Lynton said in a statement Tuesday. “While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.” For Sony, the decision was the culmination of a gradual about-face: After initially saying it had no plans to release the movie, the company began softening its position after it was broadly criticized. Moviegoers celebrated the abrupt change in fortune for a film that appeared doomed as “The Interview” began popping up in the listings of independent theaters across the country Tuesday, from Atlanta to Los Angeles. The film is set to open in dozens of theaters on Thursday, the day it was originally set for wide release.
Sony re-gifts ‘The Interview’ in limited Christmas release
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Jumbo Jet stables impressive but... GDF gives Pele marching orders;...
Organiser Nazrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohammed Junior presents the three year old West Indies bred trophy to Afiah Shariff of the Shariff Stable. From page 42 It was indeed a special day for the connections of the Jumbo Jet stable as She So Special of that stable with Colin Ross won the H class 1000M race and $250,000 ahead of Mary Ann. Royal Cash with
Rodrigues won from, Affinity, Red Jet and Party Time in the ‘I’ class 1000M event. Jockey Badrie of the Jumbo Jet stable was the top rider on show, while the Jumbo Jet stable rode away with the champion stable award and trainer Carlton
‘Black Mouth’ Pluck of the Jumbo Jet stable the top trainer. The day’s activity was by and large incident free with close to 80 horses participating and some $10M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.
Wednesday December 24, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships. The existing problems must be dealt with one way or another. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you. Travel will entice you. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Hard work will bring rewards. You should include children in your activities. Involve yourself in group endeavors. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Concern yourself with legal matters and formulating contracts rather than finalizing your objectives. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Do not overexpand if you have your own business. Sit tight. Your involvement in groups will be favorable for meeting new and exciting individuals. You will easily blow situations out of proportion. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't be too quick to blame others for your bad mood. Driving too fast or double parking will result in difficulties with officials. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Avoid getting trapped in internal disputes. You may overspend if you travel today; however, the trip will be one to remember. You will find yourself tied to the phone. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive. SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your generous nature could be taken advantage of. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you today. CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Conflicts over joint finances are likely. Try not to attempt to do something unless you are fully intent on following through with the plans. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Be creative in your efforts. Try to stay calm and do the best you can. You will enjoy interacting with those who come from different backgrounds. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You are best to ask questions if you aren't certain about issues that are confronting you.
From back page was gifted a precise pass squarely in front of Pele’s goal; he hesitated for a fraction of a second giving the opposition’s defense enough time to converge and spoil the opportunity. Several exchanges, characterized by skilful maneuvering entertained the fans but failed to impact on the score and the GDF went in at the intermission enjoying a slim 1 nil lead. The game was being contested at a hectic pace and light drizzles at the start of the second segment should have cooled down the pace. Instead, both teams turned up the heat and Deon Alfred attempted to seize the initiative for Pele, sprinting down the centre, only to be cut short by a vigilant Army defender. Realizing that time was quickly dwindling, Pele upped the ante and midfielder, Konata Manning, took his
chances with a fierce kick from the centre of the field; the ball missed the army’s goal altogether and slammed into the concrete wall. Undaunted, another Pele player, Calvin Shepherd, latched on to a loose ball and steered it to the army’s goal but he was swarmed by the defenders who staunchly discouraged his advances. The striker persisted and was eventually rewarded, during a goal scrimmage, when he extricated himself and tucked in the equalizer. The army’s response was quick; Phillips collected a pass, dribbled down the right wing and blasted the ball past the Pele custodian to regain the advantage. Pele is a determined team and those players were not prepared to give up that easily. It was the dying stages of the game and they fought like tigers as both teams attacked
and counter attacked. A corner kick taken by Sommersett offered the final hope for Pele but they were denied after the soldiers kicked out the ball. The soldiers then engaged in wide passes, using up valuable time until the shrill sound of the whistle sealed Pele’s fate. Meanwhile, Flamingo FC’ Shem Porter registered a hat trick (12, 16, 82), Dwayne Layne a double (20:30) while Orin Parris and Vivian Crawford’s contribution came in the 59th and 66th minute respectively to see their team across the line. For the first time since the inauguration of the tournament, the Guyana Police Force and GFC join the elite teams in the last 8 to battle onwards. They are among Western Tigers, Alpha, Rhythm Squad, Pele, Camptown and the GDF.
From page 36 Popovich preached last season. San Antonio had a season-high 72 points in the first half, shooting 75 percent while handing out 20 assists on its 30 baskets. “They shot the lights out (of) the ball tonight,” said Clippers point guard Chris Paul said. “At the same time, you’ve got to try to impose your will on defense. (At) some point, you can’t hope they miss, you have to make them miss.” Paul had 25 points and nine assists, Blake Griffin added 22 points and J.J. Redick had 21 for the Clippers (19-9), who have lost four straight to San Antonio. Jamal Crawford’s jumper tied it at 102 with 8:17 remaining, the
first tie since the opening minute of the second quarter. The Spurs hit three 3-pointers after that, including Ginobili flipping a lefthanded pass behind his head to Danny Green for a 115-106 lead with 4 minutes remaining. It was part of a rejuvenated performance by Ginobili, who shot an airball on a 3-pointer at the close of the third overtime against Memphis and had
several untimely turnovers late while playing all three overtimes against the Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers. “That’s why I felt pain for him,” Parker said. “I know usually we take turns on who’s going to play the pick-and-rolls and who’s going to create. All three overtimes it was him the whole time and so he was super tired. I felt bad for him.”
Parker returns, leads Spurs...
Stereotypes and swimming...
From page 37 2008 Olympics. I was there in London when you just missed out on a medal. I observed the frenzy of Gillian Millwood, our young swim coach who now leads the national swim programme and am buoyed that we have a group of young people just in their mid-20s who are able to debunk the myth that black swimmers cannot excel at the highest levels. Alia, you particularly have caused scientists to rewrite the Ivy League data that indicated that a black body is not efficiently buoyant in water. The swimming narrative has been rewritten by you, a Jamaican. Dr Rachael Irving is senior research fellow in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences-Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
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Kaieteur News
Parker returns, leads Spurs past Clippers, 125-118
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, of France, drives around Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, left, during the first half an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) San Antonio (AP) — San to play extended minutes as the Antonio point guard Tony Parker team’s lone playmaker. watched helplessly as the Spurs Parker wanted to give San were drained emotionally and Antonio a lift, and he did so in a physically by four straight big way. He scored 26 points in his defeats, including a pair of crushing losses at home in triple return from a five-game absence, igniting the Spurs to a seasonovertime. He saw the frustration and high 37 assists and a 125-118 despair weigh on his teammates, victory over the Los Angeles especially longtime running mate Clippers on Monday night. “It Manu Ginobili, who was forced was a great relief for everybody
(to have Parker back), and he made us play better and with more confidence,” said Ginobili, who had a season-high 10 assists. San Antonio shot a seasonhigh 64 percent from the field. Tim Duncan had 21 points and 12 rebounds, Boris Diaw scored 23 points and Ginobili added 19 for the Spurs (18-11), who had lost three straight home games in overtime. Those losses took a toll on the Spurs, even Parker, who sat out with a strained left hamstring. “It was hard to watch,” Parker said. “A tough time, so I was just trying to bring energy and be aggressive.” Parker showed no lingering effects from the injury that kept him out of eight of the past nine games. He played 34 minutes, shooting 11 for 18 from the field and collecting four assists. “He says he feels great,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “I’m scared to death about it, but I’m just going to trust him. He has been around for a long time, and he doesn’t want to reinjure himself. Hopefully, he’s OK.” Parker collected a steal on San Antonio’s opening defensive possession and made his initial jumper and first two free throws. Parker’s ability to penetrate reinvigorated the Spurs’ ball movement, providing the “good-to-great” mantra that Continued on page 35
Christmas is known as a time of giving. Footballers are among the many celebrities who visit hospitals to cheer up ill children. It’s not the only celebration period when they do the same, though. New England Revolution players, indeed, are regulars at Boston Children’s Hospital, and their annual Halloween is an extra special visit. They dress up in endearing costumes – there was Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderman, Michaelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Cat in the
years old again, paint pumpkins, and doing everything to see the smiles of these kids’ faces is unbelievable.” And the above photo, of young Camryn posing with (from left to right) Darrius Barnes, Patrick Mullins, Knighton, Charlie Davies, Soffner and Steve Neumann, certainly vindicated that it was smiles all around. The Revs may have left their supporters gutted when they lost to LA Galaxy after extra time in the MLS Cup, but the admirably thrilled at Boston Children’s Hospital a short while earlier. (FIFA)
Super Heroes creating smiles
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Harden’s 44 lead Rockets over Blazers, 110-95 Houston (AP) - James Harden wouldn’t admit he was thinking about last season in Houston’s first game against Portland since the Trail Blazers eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs in the first round. Dwight Howard was certain he was. ‘’I know it’s kind of like a weight off his back because of what happened in the playoffs against Portland,’’ Howard said. ‘’And (Monday) he just destroyed them.’’ Harden scored a seasonhigh 44 points to help the Rockets cruise to a 110-95 victory and snap a two-game skid. ‘’Last year, nah. What happened the last two games,’’ Harden said when asked if he had a chip on his shoulder from the early playoff exit. ‘’Two losses at home is unacceptable, so we wanted to come out here and not make it a third.’’ The Trail Blazers were without leading scorer and rebounder LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed the game with an upperrespiratory illness, and had their five-game winning streak snapped. ‘’Defensively we didn’t give much resistance in the first half and they took advantage of that,’’ coach Terry Stotts said. ‘’Offensively we turned the ball over too much and really weren’t able to mount any kind of legitimate comeback.’’ Harden had 31 in the first half to help the Rockets erase an early eight-point deficit and take a 20-point halftime lead. The Blazers didn’t threaten after that and Harden went to the bench for good with about 4 minutes left and Houston up 107-86. It was Harden’s NBAleading third 40-point game this season, with all of them coming this month. Harden, who leads the NBA in
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks to drive with the ball against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) scoring, has had 11 games fourth quarter. Ray Allen and with at least 30 points this Reggie Miller are the other season, which also leads the players to reach the plateau. league. ‘’He played really The Rockets, who lead the well,’’ Coach Kevin McHale league in 3-pointers, made 13 said. ‘’That was about as on Monday night. Wesley Matthews much juice and energy that we’ve played with in a long received a flagrant foul when knocked Donatas time.’’ Damian Lillard led he Portland with 18 points and Motiejunas to the ground when the two were fighting CJ McCollum added 17. Harden came just two for a loose ball early in the points shy of his career high, third quarter. A highlight for Harden set against Oklahoma City last season. He also had seven came in the second quarter, assists and five steals, while when he drove into the lane Howard added 16 points and and threw up an off-balance 13 rebounds. The Trail shot that swished through the Blazers scored eight straight net as he was fouled by points, with five coming from Matthews. Harden highLillard, to cut the lead to 84- fived several fans in courtside 70 midway through the third seats as Matthews jawed with quarter. But Houston used a officials to draw a technical 9-2 run to push it to 93-72 with foul. Harden made both free throws to leave Houston up 2 minutes left in the period. Jason Terry hit a 3-pointer 57-45. He had eight points in to become the third player in the quarter after that, NBA history to make 2,000 3- including a layup at the buzzer pointers and push Houston’s with two defenders on him to lead to 96-76 entering the make it 73-53 at halftime.
Brazil women take title after U.S. draw Hat, among others – and have a whole lot of fun with the kids. “It’s fun for us to get to dress up, hang out with all the kids, getting to chat to them,” said Luis Soffner. “We had a lot of fun in there – we had a little dance party in there and we even made a movie. It’s fun for us, very rewarding. It hopefully makes their day better and it obviously makes ours.” Fellow goalkeeper Brad Knighton added: “It definitely makes our day a lot better and theirs as well,” said a delighted Brad Knighton. “You get to feel seven or eight
Brasilia, Brazil - Brazil tied the United States women’s national team 0-0 in the championship match of the 2014 International Tournament of Brasilia to claim the title by virtue of accumulating more points than the Americans during the group stage (9-4). It marked just the second time that the rivals played to a scoreless draw in their 32match history. A crowd of 11,000 at the rain-soaked Estádio Nacional de Brasília Mané Garrincha watched an encounter that produced few scoring opportunities.
The USA’s two best chances came in the second half. In the 59th minute, Abby Wambach headed Tobin Heath’s left-sided cross just beyond the upper-right corner of the goal. With four minutes left in normal time, Becky Sauerbrunn’s header off of a Megan Rapinoe corner kick was saved by Brazil goalkeeper Luciana. Though the Brazilians had the better overall possession, U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo was required to make only a single save. The CONCACAF champion did
put the ball in the net in second-half stoppage time, but Carli Lloyd’s goal was disallowed for offside, ending her scoring streak at seven games. NOTES: Brazil defeated the USA 3-2 on December 14 in the competition’s group stage…the USA has a 25W4D-3L all-time record against Brazil…the USA finished 2014 with a 16W, 5D, 3L record…Lloyd, who won the Golden Ball at the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, was the USA’s scoring leader in 2014 with 15 goals. (CONCACAF)
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Navas, Wambach named 2014 CONCACAF Players of the Year Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) yesterday named Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas and Abby Wambach of the United States the 2014 CONCACAF Male and Female Players of the Year, as the Confederation revealed honorees in six different categories for the secondannual CONCACAF Awards. In an equally-weighted vote among Member Association women’s and men’s national team coaches and captains, media and fans, Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas comfortably outdistanced countryman Bryan Ruiz, the second-place finisher in the Male Player of the Year category. Wambach, who last year finished second to fellow U.S. international Alex Morgan in the Female Player of the Year vote, this year edged out Shirley Cruz of the Costa Rica Women’s National Team and club side Paris St. Germain (FRA) for the top women’s honor. In the other categories, Tim Howard (Everton & United States) was named as Goalkeeper of the Year for a second straight year, Jorge Luis Pinto won Coach of the Year for his exploits at the helm of the Costa Rican National Team, American Mark Geiger was named Referee of the Year and Bryan Ruiz’s historic World Cup strike against Italy in June was adjudged to be CONCACAF’s Goal of the Year. The CONCACAF Awards are designed to honor the year’s outstanding
performers and achievements in confederation-sanctioned competitions involving national teams at all levels and age categories, including FIFA World Cup matches and qualifying for both genders. Performances also eligible for recognition included those achieved in professional club football leagues within the CONCACAF Member Associations, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League. The votes of three important stake-holding segments within the Confederation were counted in compiling the results. Member Associations’ national team coaches and captains (women’s and men’s), accredited media and fans each accounted for one third of the final vote. A semifinal list of 10 nominees in each category was determined by a vote of Technical Directors from each of CONCACAF’s 41 Member Associations and the CONCACAF Technical Study Group, which analyzes tactics and rates performances at all official CONCACAF tournaments. Here’s a closer look at each of the categories: PLAYER OFTHE YEAR Winner: Keylor Navas, Goalkeeper (Real Madrid/ESP & Costa Rica) Second: Bryan Ruiz, Forward (Fulham FC/ENG & Costa Rica) Third: Tim Howard, Goalkeeper (Everton/ENG & United States) Navas was the standout goalkeeper at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and followed up that outstanding performance with a high
Four others honored in second-annual Confederation Awards
CONCACAF Awardees 2014 profile transfer to La Liga heavyweight Real Madrid. FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Winner: Abby Wambach, Forward (Western New York Flash/USA & United States) Second: Shirley Cruz, Midfielder (Paris Saint Germain/FRA & Costa Rica) Third: Veronica Charlyn Corral (Merilappi United/FIN & Mexico) Wambach enjoyed an outstanding season for both club and country, highlighted by a four-goal performance in the championship match of the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, during which she led her nation to victory over second place finisher Shirley Cruz and Costa Rica. GOALKEEPER
OF THE YEAR Winner: Tim Howard (Everton/ENG & United States) Second: Guillermo Ochoa (Malaga/ESP & Mexico) Third: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid/ESP & Costa Rica) While these three CONCACAF goalkeepers all shone in Brazil, Howard’s sensational play proved to be pivotal for the United States at the 2014 World Cup. In a 21 extra time knockout round loss to Belgium, the Everton goalkeeper set a World Cup individual game record for saves. COACH OF THE YEAR Winner: Jorge Luis Pinto (Costa Rica) Second: Luis Fernando Suarez (Honduras) Third: Oscar Ramirez (LD
Alajuelense/CRC) Costa Rica’s exceptional quarterfinal run at the World Cup – coming up just short of the semis after a shootout loss to Holland – was more than enough to comfortably assure Pinto the CONCACAF Coach of the Year award. REFEREE OF THE YEAR Winner: Mark Geiger (USA) Second: Marco Antonio Rodriguez (Mexico) Third: Walter Quesada (Costa Rica) Mark Geiger refereed three matches at the 2014 World Cup, including the Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria. He was also selected as the man in the middle for the 2014 MLS Cup earlier this month in Los Angeles. Geiger was additionally named 2014
Major League Soccer Referee of the Year. GOAL OF THE YEAR Winner: Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica v Italy, 44th minute (June 20, 2014) Second: Esteban Ramirez, Herediano v Saprissa, 20th minute (November 2, 2014) Third: Joel Campbell, Costa Rica v Uruguay, 54th minute (June 14, 2014) After an opening match defeat of traditional South American power Uruguay, Bryan Ruiz’s 44th minute strike against Italy set Costa Rica on the road to another scalping of one of world football’s giants, and proved a pivotal moment in the CONCACAF side’s enthralling World Cup quarterfinal run. (CONCACAF)
Stereotypes and swimming: The Alia Atkinson story By Dr. Rachael Irving “SHAKE the hands of a great Olympian, you may not be able to do so later.” Alia, congratulations, we thought you were joking. Years ago, while you were a member of the Y Speedos Swim Club, Jamaica, you would complete each swim and then make your way across to the stands where your mom, Sharon, and other parents were sitting. You would impishly hold out both hands demanding that we shake them now because we might not be near to do so in the future when you accomplish some phenomenal feats in swimming. I remembered as you kept doing this Sharon and I would say to you, ‘Alia, stop dreaming, just go and warm
down.’ We knew you were determined, but we never dreamt that you would have persisted until a dream of a race, no pun intended, was realised on December 6, 2014 in Doha, Qatar. You equalled the 100-metre breaststroke record in a time of 1:02.36 minutes. You are the first black woman to have done this. Back in the days, at the poolside, we argued that black people or people of African descent could not do well in swimming because of body types, that certain body type lacks buoyancy in the water. Yet, we still took our children daily to the pool and to swim meets abroad. The Y Speedos Swim Club, under the guidance of Barbara Briggs, would yearly take a group of qualified swimmers
to the Junior Swimming Olympics at the Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale. There were many swimmers there, far more talented than you were Alia, but none as determined; none as focused. I remembered a particular year at the Junior Olympics in Fort Lauderdale, you were just 11 years old and you had lost the 50-metre butterfly when we felt it was your race to take. My daughter and others had lost out in some of the races that we thought would have gone to Y Speedos swimmers. I remembered that some parents were a little upset because the children seemed to be more interested in playing, but your mother laughed and told us to relax and allow the children to enjoy themselves as we were
taking swimming too seriously. But you Alia, were different, even when your mother called you and told you to relax, you gently reminded her that you were alright but wanted to speak to the coach to find out what you did wrong to have lost the gold medal for that 50metre race. We marvelled that, at 11 years, you were walking with the swim coach around the pool and strategising. You had asked him to pinpoint exactly where in the pool you lost the race. It was two hours before your next race, but you wanted to know what went wrong with your driving, breathing and your turn. You were determined to correct your mistakes before going into the 50-metre breaststroke.
And what a race it was, you went one up to set a meet record for the event. Yet, we still did not believe in the dream you had for Jamaica, you had for swimming, when you insisted then that you were going to do better than or just as well as Amanda Beard, who held the world record for the 200metre breaststroke and Janet Evans, multiple record holder for the freestyle events. We continued not believing even when you and our children were swimming for Jamaica at the Carifta and CCAN levels. Even when you and others set multiple national and Caribbean records, we still did not envision that a Jamaican could set a world record in any of the swimming events. We probably should have disregarded the scientific data
and listened to you, Alia, and watch that indomitable spirit. There were small signs back then that you had noticed. Anthony Lee Ervin, a black American, who was born May 26, 1981, had won a gold medal in the men’s 50-metre freestyle in the summer Olympics of 2000. He also won two World Championships gold medals. Janelle Atkinson, a Jamaican swimmer, had also set a foundation by winning three silver medals at the Pan American Games in 1999. And even earlier Andrew Phillips had made the final in the 200m Individual medley in the 1984 Olympics and placed a creditable sixth. Alia, I have followed you over the years, through your appearances at the 2004 and Continued on page 35
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Wednesday December 24, 2014
Injured Peterson in Malcolm Waller: Zimbabwe alldoubt for 2nd Test rounder banned from bowling Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Robin Peterson, the left-arm spinner, is unlikely to play in the second Test against West Indies after cutting his left forefinger during fielding practice. Peterson has had three stitches and will need 10 days to recover. He was the only spinner in the South Africa squad, who will now search for a replacement after Faf du Plessis indicated they would not go into the Port Elizabeth Test all-pace, as they did in Centurion. “A frontline spinner is very important for this ground,” du Plessis said. “We feel for Robbie. He has waited a period of time to make his return to the Test side. Conditions didn’t suit in Centurion but here, they are more likely to, so we feel for him that he may be out.” Imran Tahir, who was dropped for this series, appears the frontrunner. Dane Piedt, who made a return from a shoulder injury two weeks’ ago, is his closest competition. The selectors are expected to name a replacement later yesterday. Tahir took six wickets in a first-class match for Dolphins last weekend, while Piedt, who
Robin Peterson claimed an eight-for on Test debut in Harare, has been out of top-level action since September. He has been playing though and last Tuesday tweeted, “2nd game back. Was so good. No pain and discomfort. The comeback is around the corner.” Peterson’s injury brings the number of walking wounded in the South African camp to three. JP Duminy was all but ruled out of the series with a knee problem and Quinton de Kock rolled his ankle during the first Test. Duminy was targeting the Port Elizabeth Test for a comeback, but that appears to have been
delayed until the limited-overs matches begin, while de Kock will be out for at least six weeks. The spate of injuries may seem bearable with West Indies being their only assignment this summer, but du Plessis explained they know they need a fully-fit outfit by early next year. “You go through cycles of not having any injuries and then all of a sudden you have a few. We’ve been very unfortunate in the last while, he said. “We’ve got quite an important tournament coming up - the World Cup - so we hope that’s it for injuries for now.” (ESPNcricinfo)
Malcolm Waller BBC Sport - Zimbabwe allrounder Malcolm Waller has been suspended from bowling just seven weeks before the World Cup. The off-spinner, 30, was reported after the second Test against Bangladesh in Khulna last month. The ICC said analysis “revealed that all of his offspin deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance
permitted under the regulations”. Waller will have the opportunity for reassessment after modifying his bowling action. The middle-order batsman, who has been named in Zimbabwe’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad, has been used as a bowling option frequently in the last 12 months and in his last one-day international
against South Africa in September bowled a full complement of 10 overs. Nine off-spinners, including Waller’s Zimbabwe team-mate Prosper Utseya, have been reported to the ICC for illegal actions in the last 13 months. Zimbabwe do not have any full internationals scheduled before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which starts on 14 February.
Shane Watson: Australia allrounder ‘shaken’ by bouncer blow
BBC Sport - Australia’s Shane Watson has been left “shaken” after he sustained a blow to the head from a bouncer during training for the Boxing Day Test with India. The all-rounder’s helmet was struck by a ball from fast bowler James Pattinson in the Melbourne Cricket Ground nets. Watson, 33, was assessed by doctors and a Cricket Australia spokesperson said he was “shaken but otherwise okay.” Australia batsman Phillip Hughes died last month after he was struck on the neck by a ball during a domestic match. Watson was playing in the same game at the Sydney Cricket Ground, turning out for opponents New South Wales. Pattinson’s short ball floored Watson as he landed
Shane Watson on his backside before slowly removing his helmet and walking out of the nets. Mitchell Starc also limped out of the net session ahead
of the third Test on Friday after he was struck on the knee by a ball. Australia lead the four-match series with India 2-0.
Wednesday December 24, 2014
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Rajkumar is Meten-Meer-Zorg West cricketer of the year
Seymour Evans (left) collects his award from NDC Councilor Errol Baird. Vinod Rajkumar copped the cricketer of the year award when the Meten-MeerZorg West Cricket Club held its awards ceremony on Saturday night last at the club’s pavilion, West Coast Demerara. Seymour Evans picked up the batsman of the year prize, Sheldon Alexander received the all-rounder of the year accolade and 17 year-old Levroy Miggings the bowler of the year trophy. Travis Mohamed took the junior player of the year award; wicketkeeper batsman Adrian Johnson received the emerging player of the year prize. The ceremony was sponsored by Odyssey Transport Services and Tiger Sports.
In delivering the feature address, Club President Azeem Troy Khan, congratulated the awardees and challenged other members to emulate their feat. He stated that more cricket needs to be played in the area and called on the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) to ensure same. “A prime example is our Club’s financial report for 2014, which shows us spending a huge amount of money towards development of our ground, fence, covers, gears etc and the WDCA has only invited us to play in five 40-over matches for the year,” he said. The club also participated in the Barakat Brothers T20 tournament.
Port of Spain, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago opening batsman Adrian Barath will most likely miss the rest of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL) after writing to the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) asking for some time off from the game. The 24-year-old right handed opening batsman, Barath, who has been an integral part of the T&T squad since his senior debut in 2007, was left out of the T&T Super50 training squad and has missed the Red Force’s four PCL four-day matches so far. Although the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board has not officially said anything about Barath’s absence, the Express understands that the opening batsman, who was one of the first ten players contracted by the TTCB ahead of the new PCL competition, wanted some time away from the game. Barath has struggled to regain his form after hitting a century on his West Indies Test debut against Australia in 2009. He has played 15 Test scoring one century and four half centuries. He also played
14 One Day Internationals for the West Indies scoring one century and one fifty. The right hander last played Test and ODI cricket for the West Indies in 2012 and was dropped from the T&T four-day side after an inconsistent run in 2013 before he was brought back for the four-day final which T&T lost against Barbados. Barath is the second senior player to pull out of the T&T Red Force side four the PCL four-day tournament. The first was Guyanese player Ramnaresh Sarwan who also did not feature in T&T first four four-day matches due to injury. The Guyanese middleorder batsman was supposed to stabilize the inexperienced T&T middle order, which has failed to deliver so far this season while Barath would have provided another batting option at the top of the innings. No replacement players have been announced but the Express understands that the TTCB are trying to negotiate with both Barath and Sarwan in the hopes of having them available for some part of the season next year. (Trinidad Express)
Barath taking sometime away from cricket
Awardees and other members of the Meten-Meer-Zorg West Cricket Club pose for a photo op after the ceremony.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 24, 2014
Why punish the West Indies players when the administration is to blame? By Michael Holding As ever, the West Indies board has taken the shortterm view and removed supposedly troublesome players instead of recognising its own incompetence. A few days ago, the West Indies board released the squad for the ODIs to be played in South Africa starting January 16. There had been rumours flying around as to its composition and the possibility of a new captain. Well, those rumours are no longer rumours. A press release has confirmed that Dwayne Bravo is no longer captain of the team, and not just for this tour. The chairman of selectors has pointed out that the new captain is younger, and they see him as the person to take this team forward. But it doesn’t end there. Bravo has not just been relieved of the captaincy. He, along with Darren Sammy and Kieron Pollard, isn’t even in the squad to play the five games. Now while arguments can be put forward for the reasons to seek a younger captain, however flimsy those might be, what can you say about leaving those three gentlemen out of the squad? Obviously, questions have been asked of the
The recently dropped Darren Sammy was considered a board man not too long ago © ICC selectors. One volunteered the information that the three were left out because they wanted to have a look at younger cricketers leading up to the World Cup. Now, if they were sensible enough to just do some homework, they would have realised what a ridiculous argument that was. Narsingh Deonarine, who has been selected in the squad, is older than all three left out. Another argument put forward is that they looked at the “stats”, and the cricketers
MHA Inter Agency Dominoes Final
left out weren’t measuring up. Again folks, do your homework. Bravo was just elected into the ICC ODI Team of the Year for 2014; that is the team selected from among all the ODI cricketers in the world. Bravo can make that team, but his “stats” aren’t good enough to make the West Indies side? That being the case, I think the ICC should just hand the World Cup trophy to West Indies instead of playing the tournament as they have one
hell of a team. I read an article based on an interview with the lawyer for the three gentlemen. He speaks of victimisation, and I’m afraid I have to agree with him. But am I surprised? I am afraid not. He went on to mention that the WICB cherry-picked the Task Force report to victimise the three cricketers. That is fairly obvious. Once again, the WICB has commissioned a report into the workings of the board, like the Patterson and Wilkins report, and used what it felt like using to suit its own agendas. Yes, the report did apportion some blame to the players, in particular the seniors, but that came at the very end, just before the recommendations. In its opening salvo, the Task Force blamed the WICB and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) for creating the problem. I draw your attention to the opening paragraph: “We are of the view that the overriding excuse for the players withdrawing their labour was the attempted imposition of new contractual terms of employment on the players negotiated between the board and WIPA, which the players saw for the first
time after they got to India. “There is something fundamentally wrong in sending a team to faraway places with only a historical view of their terms of employment and then to radically change those terms after they arrive in that distant place.” If that doesn’t clearly state that WIPA and the WICB created the problem then I am missing something. But once again, players are being victimised and punished, and I have yet to hear about any repercussions for those who created the problem in the first place. It is so unfortunate that the WICB, in choosing to use only that small part of the report that suits it, is again doing West Indies cricket a disservice. One of the recommendations made by the Task Force, which the board put together without any input from the players, was, “The WICB must now build pillars of trust and respect with the players who are the board’s employees. In this process, WIPA and the senior players have a very real role to play.” Folks, that was recommendation No. 1. Is this how the WICB intends to build trust and respect? I think
its actions clearly suggest that it doesn’t even intend to try. When this fiasco started in India, I wrote that the WICB had learnt nothing over the years. I pointed out that players who were happy to take up the mantle of representing the region when previous players went on strike were now ready to emulate the earlier cricketers and strike themselves. Now, the WICB is looking to replace the “trouble makers”, one of whom, Darren Sammy, was seen as a “board man” not long ago, with new players. But you can bet your bottom dollar that these new players will soon become disenchanted and start rumblings against the board in the not-too-distant future. A much more knowledgeable man than myself defined madness as doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. I leave you readers to determine what you think then defines the people running the WICB.That has been the board’s behaviour for years now. It’s time to change the culture of the board, and it’s obvious that change won’t come from within. (ESPNcricinfo)
Mackeson presents prizes GPF arrest to 3x3 basketball winners
Prison and Fire to take title
Mackeson Brand Manager, Jamaal Douglas (centre) takes a photo moment with representatives from the winning team, Pitbulls and runner-up, Pacesetters ‘A’ yesterday following the presentation of their prizes at the Ansa Mcal headquarters. The three teams in action during the final at the MHA canteen, Brickdam. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) led by the maximum games from Richard Henry romped to victory in the final of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Inter Agency dominoes competition on Wednesday last at the Ministry’s Brickdam canteen.
GPF amassed 72 games to leave in its wake the Guyana Prison Service who totaled 67 games to narrowly beat into third place Guyana Fire Service on one game less. Carl Saul 17 and Linden Matthews with 16 games were the other contributors to
the Police’s winning cause. Leading Prison service were Quain Proctor (14), Justin Amsterdam (14) and Lionel Cave with 13 games. Despite Curtis Liverpool’s maximum 18 games, Fire Service still brought up the rear.
Ansa McAl under its Mackeson Brand yesterday presented the prizes to the various winners in the ‘King of the Rim’ 3x3 Basketball Competition, which concluded last Friday at California Square, East Ruimveldt. Pitbulls, a configuration out of the Ravens Basketball Club, took the lion’s share of
the prizes, carting off $500,000 for winning the competition and $25,000 for joint-zone winners with the runner-up, Pacesetters ‘A’ team. In addition, Pitbulls’ shooting guard, Ryan Stephney was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize for scoring 11 of his team’s 17 points in the final.
He received $25,000 and trophy compliments of Mackeson Stout. The Runner-up, Pacesetters team bounced away with $300,000 and trophy while each zone winner of the four zones, East Coast, West Coast, Georgetown and Linden won $25,000 for topping their respective zones.