Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news...Letters... Where your views make the news
WE NEED A THINK TANK FOR BRAINSTORMING DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS DEAR EDITOR, In developing countries a chasm often emerges between an elected government and the population, a divide characterized by variances in political expectations and delivery, approaches to governance, developmental priorities, inclusivity and the use of consultative tactics. In the past, countries that had adopted a socialist approach to government relied heavily upon bureaucratic systems of centralized planning. Of course this had many drawbacks, as the levels of participatory consultation and public inputs were often very low, and often government policies and programmes clashed sharply with the priorities and expectations of the wider society. Guyana, in the 1970s and 1980s was no different. The State Planning Secretariat (SPS) was established in 1977 as part of the Finance Ministry, and today continues to function as the principal agency for advising government on the use of state resources, even though Guyana has long since moved into being a market-led
economy. Bharrat Jagdeo is a product of that department. But who does the SPS consult with before arriving at a position on what initiatives to advise the government on pursuing? And what is the consultative process used? In developed democracies, organizations that comprise civil society form the cornerstone for participatory planning and inclusive governance. Such diverse organizations represent different interest groups in society. They ratify key areas of concerns for their constituencies, help to streamline developmental objectives and channel upward to government their recommendations, which then go into shaping public policies and programmes. Can such an approach be welcome in Guyana? Is there room at the top for contributions from such organizations? Developed democracies normally set aside public resources to encourage the formation and functionality of civil society organizations. In short, such approaches bridge the divide between government and the governed, and help to focus
more on meeting society’s needs and expectations. Such organisations, because of their dual role of guiding government and representing social interests, also attract funding from the private sector, academic institutions and even the donor community. Socio-economic development can be considered a gradual, guided process, which is often characterised by choosing from among competing / conflicting interests and demands for limited public resources; wasted initiatives and resources; lack of social ownership and sometimes even apathy. Political conflict and ethnocentric tendencies, as in the case of Guyana, can completely derail otherwise good initiatives, and push back the whole developmental process. How can we change this state of affairs, and make socioeconomic development a fully participatory and engaging process? We need to first see that socio-economic development is broad-based, and may affect many stakeholder groups, depending on the specific initiatives being pursued. We have many non-
The income of fat cats, father cats and house cats DEAR EDITOR, This APNU-AFC Government has no interest in and is unconcerned about the living standards of the Retired Civil Servants (RCS). For this year, the RCS were given 5 percent increase retroactive from July. The reality is that the RCS were given two and a half percent increase from January. The PPP government never gave the RCS two and a half percent increase. They always gave the RCS more than 5 percent increase per year, retroactive from January. Whatever the public servants receive, the RCS always get the same increase. For this year, Public servants receive 5 percent plus $5000 per month retroactive from July. They are got an additional $50000 for this year. The RCS can only get two and a half percent. Minister Harmon gave a reluctant apology for the 50 percent the old, pensionable Ministers are getting from July-six weeks after they became ministers. I wonder if he has any apology for the meager two and a half percent increase the RCS received for
this year. Just imagine the RCS, some of whom gave more than 30 years service to the country, are still receiving pension below the minimum wage. What the government is telling the nation is that the cost of living is only affecting Public Servants and Ministers; the RCS do not have financial needs. This is the change we are getting-change for the worse. Just imagine NIS pensioners were given 5% increase for 2015 after so many years. When again will NIS pensioners receive an increase in the pension? For 2015, the APNU-AFC government gave the old age Pensioners $300 increase per
month. Can you believe that? The PPP Government was already paying them nearly $17,000 per month (inclusive of GWI and GPL subsidies). Does this APNU-AFC Government have any sympathy for the Retired Civil servants, NIS Pensioners and old Age pensioners? I doubt whether. The Fat Cats are out. The Father cats are in. The House cats are starving. Isn’t there any person/organization who can represent the 60 year old plus? There is nothing in the news which is highlighting the pains, plight, suffering and helplessness of the 60+ or Retirees. Aggrieved retiree (name supplied)
governmental organizations (NGOs) in our midst, representing a variety of interests such as industry, commerce, labour, social and human rights, religious and secular causes and the professions. And then there is academia, though not as organized. Some NGOs are well-established and strong and have good external support linkages. Others are feeling their way through the growth process. If we can get broad-based cooperation among these NGOs and have academia fully involved, we can have a working basis for advancing a National Council for SocioEconomic Development (NCSED), a ‘think-tank’ for brainstorming developmental needs, ideas and proposals. This will likely limit the political manipulations, tokenism and bickering that accompanies every developmental initiative in Guyana, and it will have development undertaken in the genuine interest of the population. We can envision the approach as having NGOs in each socio-economic sector
nominate permanent representatives to the NCSED who together put forward initiatives, debate and ratify the aims, goals and objectives of each initiative, and give a generalised working model for how these are to be resourced and implemented. This body should be a permanent structure, sustained internally by its own fraternities, and from external financing provided by donors, and statutorily by the government. The NCSED should have a permanent secretariat comprised of academics and professionals (including legal advisers), either volunteers or paid employees whose task is to conduct the background research for the initiatives, figure out how best the implementation process should work, conduct costbenefit analyses for each initiative, facilitate public discourses and compile and forward development proposals to the government. The secretariat and the NCSED as a whole should become the owner of those proposals and civil society’s
agitator for government’s action on such proposals. The NCSED can also become civil society’s watchdog and scrutineer for government-led initiatives. This can be done by ensuring that a consultative process is followed and that the public’s input is obtained. Such an approach, as described above, becomes necessary in the absence of a constituency-based political system, and our long history of partisan politics, c o r r u p t i o n , underdevelopment, and mammoth spending on things which brought little or no benefit to society. The revelations we are now hearing, such as the operations of NICIL and irrecoverable (but preventable) losses in every sector, cannot convince anyone that government has always worked in the best interest of society. If civil society cannot be afforded a place at the table, and we continue to allow any government to run amok, we should stop calling ourselves a democracy. Khemraj Tulsie
Can Mr. Clinton Williams please answer? DEAR EDITOR, Can Mr. Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training, Clinton Williams explain how the West Berbice Rural Women and Youth, run by the wife of an elite of the PPP, was allowed to run 95% of the training courses in Region five (5). That organisation was employing trainers and paying them very low salaries. Employment of trainers is the sole responsibility of BIT. It is also alleged that an organization (Roadside Baptist) in Region six (6)
funded by USAID to train individuals in various disciplines, was also paid by BIT as though that organization was training those very individuals under the BIT programme. Mr. Editor, this Government is bound to regret its actions, if it continues to remain unmoved on these things. The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) falls under the Ministry headed by Ms. Volda Lawrence. It is Mr. Williams connected by blood to anyone high up in that
Ministry? If the answer is yes, can Mr. Williams explain so as to avoid talk of conflict of interest? On an unrelated matter but not so unrelated given the nature of politics in Guyana, someone said he was a YSM boy. Can Mr. Williams confirm this? I have no ulterior motive in asking these questions. I am just seeking answers to question in a Ministry I am closely involved with Senior employee Ministry of Social Protection (name supplied)
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Kaieteur News
Cycle of corruption will continue if white collar criminals escape prosecution - Dr. Hinds If the new government does not secure justice for a nation which was plagued by white collar crimes over the last decade, the cycle will never stop. This is the dire warning that Political commentator and Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, has sent to the coalition government which his party forms part of. In his most recent piece published on www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. , Dr. Hinds said that when others see obvious misdeeds go unpunished, it gives them the go ahead to do the same. The commentator believes that the new government has made several mistakes already but contended that none was overly tragic. “The issue on which it has been most vulnerable is prosecution of misdeeds by the previous government.” He added that the PPP pre-empted possible prosecution of its Ministers. It was quick in leveling charges of witch-hunting and ethnic cleansing. “In our ethnically sensitive society such charges will always have currency in the section of the community that feels or are told that it is targeted. These charges, to my mind, have caused the government to be more circumspect than it normally would be.” Dr. Hinds said that apart
University professor and Political Activist, Dr. David Hinds from sending some workers on leave and firing a few, Government has not “rocked the boat. Ms. Jennifer Westford may count herself unlucky to be the only former Minister to be charged.” “On the other hand, Government supporters have not unexpectedly been loud in their calls for more high level prosecutions. The daily revelations of misdeeds have justified those calls. In addition, the two independent daily newspapers, especially the Kaieteur News, have been unrelenting in their reporting and editorializing on this matter.” Hinds also pointed out that Head of the State Assets Recovery Unity (SARU), Professor Clive Thomas, has been quite vocal about the findings of his unit. He noted that this
“intense pressure” is what he thinks forced the hand of the government on the action it took in sending Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington on leave. “While he was not a Minister, he is considered a big fish in the river of misdeeds that the audits have apparently uncovered.” Dr. Hinds posited that the PPP’s charge that the reports are biased because the auditors are known critics of that party does not hold water. “But even if it were true, let due process determine this. The other charge that Kaieteur News has a vendetta against Mr. Brassington is equally without merit. Kaieteur News is doing exactly what all newspapers should be doing— investigate and expose. “For too long our media have been too soft on public officials, which in turn has helped to nurture corruption in high places. The other function of the media in a democracy is to inform and educate; something Kaieteur News has done effectively as far as the Brassington matter is concerned.” Dr. Hinds wrote that while he supports caution by the government on the matter of prosecution, he believes that where the evidence is overwhelming, the appropriate action should be taken. “For me, it is not just about the past, but more importantly it’s the present and the future. If officials in the current government see obvious misdeeds go unpunished, they would soon believe it’s okay for them to misbehave too.” (Abena Rockcliffe)
Monday December 28, 2015
Lack of consultations on 2016 budget worries Opposition The political opposition is concerned about the 2016 budget and if it will reflect any of the issues and projects it spoke on over the past few months. At least, this is according to PPP Executive Member with some responsibility for the financial sector, Irfaan Ali. In an interview with this newspaper, Ali said that his Party sent a document to the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, detailing that certain key documents must be made available to them before consulting. But the Finance Minister had made it clear on Saturday that his Ministry does not have these documents. Ali told this newspaper yesterday that these documents being requested by the PPP include details on the statistical revenue collection and expenditure for the nation and the Public Sector Investment Programme. “These documents are central for our understanding so that we can be able to determine the measures the Budget 2016 should address. The documents we requested are basic and the Finance Minister should have them. He should not be saying that he doesn’t have them.” “Moreover, we are particularly worried as to how the budget 2016 will address certain critical sectors such as rice and sugar in light of the regional and international economic challenges we are seeing taking place. “But with the Finance Minster announcing that the
budget is expected as early as January, then one could safely conclude that there is no room for proper consultations with the Opposition. This is the same government which preached of inclusive governance and here we see again that the Opposition is not being allowed to have its projects and initiatives reflected in the budget.” Minister Jordan had told Kaieteur News that he did invite the PPP to talks on the budget but they laid down terms and conditions which need to be met first. Jordan said that this is not how it is done but his door will always remain open to the Opposition. Nonetheless, Ali said that he can only hope that the Finance Minister has taken note of their concerns and the initiatives which they would like to see reflected in the 2016 budget. Ali recalled that government has a track record for showing no respect for the opposition’s recommendations in general. The former Housing Minister had said, “We have made our views public and would have outlined many interventions. But they have been shown total disregard by the government. “Take for example the rice issue. We presented nine recommendations to help the farmers in boosting the industry and safeguarding their livelihood. To date, we have heard nothing in relation to these recommendations from the Government.” He said that this may be a
PPP Executive member, Irfaan Ali very good indication of how seriously government would take its proposals for the 2016 budget. Ali asserted that the PPP has called and will continue to call on government to deliver to the rice farmers, nurses and teachers and other public servants, what was promised to them in the 100-day plan. As for the 2016 budget, the PPP executive member said that his party will lobby for the reinstatement of the “Because we care grant” and the water and light subsidy for old age pensioners. Ali insists that these are matters which must be addressed. “We will call upon the government to implement all the projects we negotiated with the Indian Government in the US$50 million line of credit inclusive of the IT Centre of Excellence negotiated by the (former) PPP/C Government. “The government must (Continued on page 11)
Haag Bosch landfill fire continues because of fire service negligence Nearly a week has passed - claims Site Manager and the Haag Bosch dumpsite fire continues to smoulder and Site Manager Lloyd Stanton says it is because of the negligence of the Guyana Fire Service. Stanton stated that half of the surface fire was extinguished last week but they ended up right back to ‘square one’ after the firefighters began to turn up whenever they felt like. ‘If we were constantly at it this fire would have been out, but the firemen are coming on the site whenever they feel like...look today (Sunday) they didn’t show up,” he said, adding that areas where they had managed to put out were on fire again. The blaze started last Sunday and is burning through hectares of garbage. The situation is being described as dangerous and
has caused operations to cease on the location. Garbage trucks are still being re-directed to the Lusignan dumpsite on the East Coast of Demerara. On Sunday, an employee was leaving the premises
when he noticed smoke emitting from a section of the garbage dump and he quickly alerted others. Employees had joined forces to put out the flames but were unsuccessful and the situation worsened.
Dr. Astell Collins tipped... (From page 3) work. Over the years, Habitat for Humanity Guyana has provided approximately 600 fully functional houses at no or little cost for partner families in addition to assisting several thousand through livelihood development and skill training. On this occasion we reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to advocate for more flexible housing finance opportunities that improve accessibly to the basic human need of adequate shelter. In partnership with families and companies like Edward B. Beharry and Company, Habitat for Humanity Guyana builds more than houses, we help build stronger family bonds and healthier living conditions, so every child, and every family has a place to call home.
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Christmastime storms, tornadoes kill at least 41 in U.S DALLAS (Reuters) Storms hit southern and central U.S. states over the Christmas holiday, unleashing floods and tornadoes that killed at least 41 people, flattened buildings and snarled transportation for millions during a busy travel time. At least 11 people were killed in the Dallas area over the weekend by tornadoes, including one packing winds of up to 200 miles per hour (322 km per hour). The twister hit the city of Garland, killing eight people and blowing vehicles off highways. “A tornado of that strength is very rare in a metropolitan area,” National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Bishop said in a telephone interview. Powerful tornadoes are a staple of spring and summer in central states but occur less frequently in winter, according to U.S. weather data “It is total devastation,” Garland Police spokesman Lieutenant Pedro Barineau said. “It is a very difficult time to be struck by such a horrible storm the day after Christmas.” Three other deaths were reported in the Dallas metropolitan area, the United
A sign sits underwater located in the downtown area of Elba, Alabama. REUTERS/Marvin Gentry States’ fourth most populous with about 7 million residents. Scores of people were injured in the region, officials said. Three tornadoes were reported in Arkansas yesterday, the weather service said, but there were no initial reports of significant injuries or damage. The service has issued tornado watches and warnings for areas in that
state, as well as in parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. A tornado watch means a storm is likely, while a warning means a storm or storms have been sighted. In Illinois and Missouri, flash flooding killed at least 11 people, officials and local media reported yesterday. Six adults drowned when
they drove their cars into flooded waterways in Missouri’s Pulaski County, said county Sheriff Ron Long. In neighboring Illinois, Salem-based radio station WJBD reported a family of three adults and two children was driving near the village of Patoka, 85 miles (137 km)east of St. Louis, Missouri, when their
car was washed away by floodwaters. The storms came on the heels of tornadoes that hit two days before Christmas, killing at least 18 people, including 10 in Mississippi. In Alabama’s Coffee County, the body of a man who went missing during those storms was found on Sunday, officials told local
media. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said his office had declared Dallas County and three nearby counties disaster areas. He also warned people to be wary of snow in western parts of the state and rivers spilling their banks in other places. “If you do not need to be on the road, please stay off the road,” he said at a news conference. The weather service issued severe weather advisories for large parts of the central United States, including a blizzard warning for parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas and a flash flood watch stretching from Texas to Indiana. New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency for the entire state due to a winter storm expected to dump up to 2 feet of snow in eastern parts of the state. The bad weather forced the cancellation of nearly 1,300 flights in the nation as of 4:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, according to tracking service FlightAware.com. About half of the canceled flights were in Dallas, a major U.S. flight hub.
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Kaieteur News
Monday December 28, 2015
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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THE BLUE- EYED BOYS Divisions are reported to have emerged within Cabinet. These divisions are reportedly over the positions taken by certain ministers; positions which have not been supported by other ministers, leading at times to acrimonious exchanges that have led persons to leave Cabinet to “cool off.” The government will
obviously deny that this is happening. The denial is necessary to avoid creating the impression that there are deep divisions and differences among members of the government. These divisions are not cosmetic. They are divisions which are inevitable whenever there are political marriages of convenience.
Political alliances have to transcend the mere achievement of political power because once political power is achieved, differences will emerge within Coalition governments that will lead to self- destruction. In the post 1964 Coalition government between the United Force and the Peoples National Congress there were
Selected RPA recommendations for rice industry being mulled The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is studying several recommendations made by the Rice Producers Association (RPA), aimed at lowering the operating costs of rice farmers. It is understood that these recommendations have been forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, for approval. The ideas had formed part of a nine point proposal that was sent to the Ministry of Agriculture back in November. These recommendations also formed the subject of discussion at the board’s recent meeting and following that meeting, a decision was reached to forward the proposals. According to reports, from that list, members of the GRDB board have identified the best options offered in the plan, which can be implemented to provide relief for the rice farmers. Farmers have complained and even protested throughout the year in an effort to garner support from government. The aspects that the board has identified, from the plan, are the ‘removal of taxes and duties on fuel, and inputs for the industry.’ This is inclusive of the taxes and duties on all spare parts, machinery and agriculture equipment. The board has also identified the recommendation calling for a minimum export price for rice and paddy to be set. The recommendation calling for authorities to intercede with the Bankers association to address loan payments was also highlighted. And the final recommendation that was flagged by the board was the reduction of export commission on paddy and rice, in the expectation that the benefit would come down to the farmers. Meanwhile, the other recommendations that formed part of the nine point proposal were for negotiations to reopen between Guyana and
Venezuela. This recommendation was aimed at reestablishing the Guyana/ Venezuelan oil for rice deal, which came to an official end in November. Under that agreement, Venezuela had purchased rice from Guyana at concessionary prices, while supplying Guyana with oil. Venezuela has huge oil reserves and had offered similar deals to other regional countries. However, Venezuela’s deal with Guyana came to an end on November 16th and was not renewed. Another recommendation from the nine point plan was to suspend payments, which farmers have to make for land leases, drainage and irrigation charges. There had also been recommendations for a
supplementary provision in parliament to provide financial support for farmers, to help them in purchasing seed paddy and fertilizer. Given the platform to make their concerns heard at the National Rice Industry Conference, earlier in the year, many farmers have taken the position that Guyana’s rice industry has become too costly to justify their investment. Farmers have also been calling for the very recommendations now being forwarded. Some farmers have put their cost of production at approximately $150,000 per acre, out of which they garner significantly reduced returns. One farmer, when asked about the interventions needed, had declared that Continued on page 23
divisions between the leader of the United Force and Forbes Burnham. When reports surfaced about these divisions, they were vehemently denied. But these divisions were real and almost brought a premature end to the coalition. The United States embassy which bankrolled the PNC administration for much of that period intervened directly to mend the breach. The damage however had already been done and even though the United Force did not walk away from the coalition as it had planned to, Burnham decided that he would no longer tolerate the United Force and opted to rig the 1968 elections to gain the majority that he needed. The PNC has never been comfortable with alliances other than alliances of convenience. The United Force was needed in 1964 and they were tolerated until it had cemented power and no longer needed them. The Alliance for Change finds itself in a similar position today. It is part of a Coalition government. It is a tenuous coalition held together by a common hatred of the PPP
and the need to remove them from power rather than any ideological affinity or common programme. The absence of ideological compatibility or common programme between the AFC and APNU means that this is a marriage of convenience. The AFC leadership wanted the PPP out. Now that the PPP is out and the infatuation with political office is waning, differences are beginning to emerge. This is one source of the present divisions within the government. The APNU/AFC division is not the only source of division. There are intra-party divisions. Within the AFC there are divisions which have their roots in factionalism. There are similar divisions within APNU. There are divisions within the coalition, with at least one party, the Working Peoples Alliance, not allowing the party to be muzzled in the interest of unity. It has spoken out against the termination of the Commission of Inquiry into the death of Walter Rodney. There are divisions within the PNCR camp.
These divisions are between the hard core party members who are opposed to the control and penetration of ex-military personnel within the party and within the government. The traditionalists fear that the party is undergoing a coup and is being transformed into a veterans’ party. One is therefore not surprised by reports that Cabinet is now becoming a war room with major flare-ups taking place. The government is not likely to collapse as a result but the differences that are emerging can permanently poison relations between the various parties and the personalities involved. Power is too intoxicating to allow for these divisions to force a collapse of the coalition but unless the underlying causes are addressed, unless the “blueeyed boys” are forced to accede to the wishes of the majority, the government may find itself trotting from one disaster to the next.
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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$3.6B Hope/Dochfour project…
Northern Relief channel to be completed in 2016 - Holder The eight-door sluice section at Hope/Dochfour
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, has laid out the plans for the National Drainage and Irrigation Agency (NDIA), come 2016. Among some of the works that have been identified for completion is the Northern relief channel at Hope/ Dochfour. This was communicated during the Ministry of Agriculture’s year-end press conference and the news will come after years of the project being behind completion schedules. The $3.6B dollar project began in 2010, under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration.
At the time, a two-year completion date had been on the cards but delays left the project behind schedule by three years, with minor works being completed. The project was conceptualized to be an alternative route to discharge excess water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), rather than using the Lama and Maduni sluices. . In 2005, due to a breach in the EDWC, flood waters wreaked havoc to farmlands along the East Coast of
Demerara (ECD). It is estimated that almost 30,000 hectares of farmlands lie along the EDWC. In June of 2015, there was periodic testing of the Northern Relief Channel outfall. At the time it was conducted, the objective had been to drain the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) of excess water. During the trial, which was graded as successful, the head regulator (southern sluice), strength of the canal and holding dam and
Lack of consultations on 2016 budget... (From page 6) realize by now that they also blundered badly on the Amaila Falls Hydro project and we are convinced that they will have to implement this project if we want to expand our economy.” The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said that the PPP will also insist that government aggressively bring back on stream, the Low Carbon Development Strategy and implement the projects and programmes conceptualized under this programme. Ali said that he will lobby the government to ensure that the Amerindian livelihood programme be reinstated immediately as well as the reinstatement of the almost 2000 Amerindian youths fired by the Coalition government. He added, “The Hinterland airstrips that were cut out of the budget by this government must be completed and implemented immediately.” The former minister said that “confidence cannot be restored with the continuous ethnic purge that is taking place in Public Service. The Loss of professional services and wanton firing of young people and experienced public officials based on political affiliation and ethnicity must be addressed
as well.” The gridlock between government and the opposition in this regard was also evident during the planning of the 2015 budget. The Finance Minister recalled the challenges he encountered during his first interaction with the Opposition’s representatives at that time. He said that during that time, he found himself in a situation where he had to set the record straight on a number of allegations, particularly from PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee. Some of these accusations had to do with the Petro Caribe Fund being empty and witch-hunting by the Granger administration. The Finance Minister said that he had addressed Rohee on each contention leveled against the government. The Finance Minister said that when the delegation turned up at the Finance Ministry, he gave the floor to Rohee “who started right away with accusations of how we are witch-hunting, how we are destroying the economy and how they left a good economy.” Jordan added, “All along I waited to hear what ideas they were bringing to the table. My letter to them clearly said an exchange of ideas on the 2015 budget. But
I did not hear anything about that.” The Finance Minister said that he had explained to Rohee, the framework of the budget as well as what was inherited from the previous administration. Jordan said, “I told him what was inherited from last year in relation to rice and sugar and how the mining sector was shaping up. It is going to be a three-month budget and there is nothing much that can be done now.” He added, “They could have even given ideas that could be used for the 2016 budget but I got nothing. Eventually he (Rohee) said he has to go back and consult with his party and then they will give us a response. Couple hours later, they sent what appeared to be extracts of our 100-day plan.” The Finance Minister emphasized that the entire point of the consultations on the budget was for him to learn from the opposition what they would like to see within the budget and issues they may have with the framework. But regardless of the troubles in the beginning, Jordan said that he remains willing to engage the opposition at any time on matters in relation to the economy.
the efficiency of the automatic high level doors at the northern sluice were tested. The Channel has since been operating on a periodic basis. OTHER PROJECTS Meanwhile, Holder also projected that the rehabilitation works on several relief sluices will be completed. The sluices he cited were at Maduni and Sarah Johana (Cunha). He also spoke of the construction of drainage
structures at Upper Pomeroon, Charity, Paradise, Naamryck, Beribissibali and West Watooka. The Minister also projected the revetment of drainage and irrigation structures at Leguan, Wakenaam, Hogg Island, East Bank Essequibo, Buxton/Friendship and West Berbice. Holder also announced that come 2016, a feasibility study and preliminary designs for water conservancy facilities in the
Rupununi Savannahs will be conducted. There are also plans for the rehabilitation of hydraulic excavators, pontoons and pumps. There are also plans on board for excavating outfall channels and to purchase high density polyethylene tubes (HDPE). The agency will not only be rehabilitating pontoons and excavators, as there are plans on stream to procure pontoons, excavators and steel sheet piles.
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Outgoing CJ to rule on aspects of Elections Petition, Technocrat Ministers matters Outgoing Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang is likely to complete aspects of two critical court cases, before he officially retires in February 2015. Prior to taking leave, Justice Chang had been presiding over a number of constitutional matters. Among the cases is a petition challenging the results of May 11 Regional and General Elections and a motion to challenge the selection of two Technocrat Ministers; the outcome of both matters could have significant bearings on the nation. Justice Chang proceeded on pre- retirement leave on December 15 last, leaving former Court of Appeal Judge Yonette Cummings Edwards to fill the position of Chief Justice (Ag). Kaieteur News understands however, that given the significance of the matters, Chang is likely to complete certain aspects of both matters before his retirement. With regards to the Elections Petition, Chang was set to make a ruling on the summons filed to strike out the petition. The summons to strike out the Election Petition is among three summonses filed in the case. The summons was filed by Attorney, Roysdale Forde in his representation of the Chief Elections Officer, Keith
Outgoing Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang Lowenfield, a respondent in the matter. Forde had contended that sufficient material facts have not been provided in the petition challenging the recently concluded elections. The Attorney held that the petition is frivolous and vexatious. He requested that the elections petition be struck out on the grounds that sections of the petition failed to disclose reasonable cause of action. Anil Nandlall, in his representation of the petitioner, Ganga Persaud, also went to court for an order directing the Chief Elections Officer to produce the parcels of all elections papers and documents, including those he received from the Returning Officer of each Electoral division under section 102 of the Representation of the People Act for inspection and
examination for the purpose of the Elections Petition. The summonses are being dealt as prerequisite to the substantive matter of the Elections Petition. The Elections Petition was filed on behalf of Opposition MP Ganga Persaud, on June 23, last. In the petition, the applicant (Persaud), who was appointed Elections Agent on the List of Candidates for the PPP/C, claimed that the elections were “unlawfully conducted” and the result of the elections was affected or might have been affected by unlawful acts or omissions. Persaud claimed that unrest, fake Statements of Poll (SOPs) and multiple voting were among several causes cited when the PPP/C filed its Elections Petition. In regards to the case against the Technocrat Ministers, notices were set to be sent to parties involved regarding Justice Chang’s ruling on the issue of jurisdiction to hear the case. The matter was filed by PPP member Desmond Morian. Morian questioned the appointment of APNU+AFC members Winston Felix and Keith Scott to Parliament as Technocrat Ministers, since according to him, their names were not extracted from the coalition’s list of candidates. He argued that they did not fit the criteria for the positions.
Monday December 28, 2015
Man kills self after torturing teen lover “Tell yuh mudda, yuh love she for the last time, I going to kill you today...” By Mondale Smith A jealous young man took his life on Boxing Day, hours after terrorizing his teenage girlfriend and escaping from the Grove Police Station. Lorenzo James, 21, who resided at Duncan Street and at Lot 218, Grove, East Bank Demerara, reportedly succumbed in a house in South Ruimveldt after ingesting a poisonous substance. Earlier in the night, James, who had shared an on and off relationship with his girlfriend who is 16 years old, had gone to her home while her mother was at work. There, he had reportedly held his girlfriend at knifepoint and subjected her to a brutal beating. “He knocked at the door and asked to use the toilet so I let he in and then he lock the door and started to beat me after he pull out a knife and made me repeat that I must not disrespect Lorenzo and he family anymore while on my knees,” the girlfriend, with a swollen jaw and blood shot left eye recounted yesterday. The ordeal, in which the teen was bloodied and stripped to her underwear, lasted for about 10 hours.
Lorenzo James, 21
Reports are that on Boxing Day the young woman’s mother, a security guard in Queenstown Georgetown; telephoned her daughter who was left alone at their home. After getting no response the mother called a taxi and headed home in tears, while expressing fears that she suspected that her daughter was in danger. After repeated efforts to contact her daughter by phone, she reached the teen who said “mommy I love you, and this is the last time I will be able to say I love you.” “I’m sure he was going to kill my daughter. He used to threaten her. He telling she in the phone tell yah mother I going to kill you today.” The mother immediately contacted a neighbour. However, when the neighbor checked, the house was locked and after a few shouts for the young woman the volume of the music was turned up. The woman said her daughter had broken up with her boyfriend but that the boy was still harassing her for a relationship. On her way home the mother stopped at the Grove Police Station to report her fears and was advised to go check on her daughter. “When we arrived at the house it was locked up tight and the music was loud and we tried to get in but the place was locked from inside.” The mother asked the taxi driver and another man to break the door down. “When I break open the door the girl was naked, bleeding from her face, mouth and head and the guy was in his pants alone armed with a knife,” one of the men told Kaieteur News. “She was crying and he go to escape by running but because I look like a police I warned he that he should not run or he will make things more difficult.
“So I arrested he and took he to the Grove Police Station and the girl was given a medical form and sent to the hospital.” The teen’s mother recalled that they left the suspect at the Grove Police Station but “yesterday afternoon a friend named Jermaine called and said that Lorenzo kill he self.” “Is negligence of the police that make he get away and had he not killed himself he would have returned to complete his job of killing my daughter and now she is traumatised. She get terrible injuries and she almost dead.” The woman played a hairraising recording in which the man is heard terrorizing her daughter while delivering what sounded like blows, even as the girl begged for her life. When Kaieteur News visited the man’s home on Duncan Street his family and friends had gathered with a different story to tell. His father, Lorenzo James senior described his son as “a deeply in love guy” who introduced the girl to him about five months ago. “He said dad this is my girlfriend and he was very happy. She even used to come and spend time by we and he used to go by she and do the same thing too.” He last saw his son on Christmas Eve morning at about 10:00hrs and said “We shopped on the 23rd and to me all was well. He didn’t tell me he had any problems.” The man’s cousin told Kaieteur News that as far as he is aware the two were together for four years. “Yesterday he was so jolly that this comes as shock, they had problems couple years ago but they still used to see each other and she used to still come here and he used to go there and sleep. They had problems because she had ah lot of men.”
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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WEST INDIES CRICKET DOWN UNDER For my generation, cricket is still the glue that holds the West Indies together. It is also, for many of us, the common thread in our own lives. We are not all as extreme as Mr. Smith of Hawthorne in this espncricinfo.com anecdote. One afternoon during a Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the public address system announced, “Would Mr. Smith of Hawthorn please go home your wife is having her baby and must be taken to hospital.” Laughter flowed around the ground as the spectators pictured a stressed father-tobe rushing to the hospital. After more than half-an-hour, the voice again boomed across the ground, this time with some urgency, “Repeating our earlier message to Mr. Smith of Hawthorn... would he please go home immediately, because his wife is in labour and must be taken to hospital straight away.” Much more mirth from the crowd, this time picturing a man reluctant to leave the cricket - but surely by now bidding farewell to his mates to dash to his vehicle and tear off home. How wrong were the 20,000 spectators. Much to their delight the now pleading message was repeated with grim urgency some 20 minutes later. After a further 30 minutes passed there was a bland announcement, “Would Mr. J. Smith of Hawthorn please go to the Mercy Hospital, where his wife has now given birth to a baby son.” The British comic, Dennis Norden, truly understood the
fanaticism and singlemindedness of the genuine cricket fan, “It’s a funny kind of month, October. For the really keen cricket fan it’s when you discover that your wife left you in May.” This is perhaps the reason a batsman’s wife was so understanding when a fast bowler delivered a bouncer which hit the batsman on the head and he had to be taken to hospital for observation. The next day the bowler apologized to the batsman’s wife, “I’m terribly sorry about what happened to your husband, I feel very bad about it.” ”Think nothing of it,” replied the wife, “I’ve been wanting to do that myself for years.” And perhaps this explains another story, “A keen bowler was well into his run up when a funeral procession passed the ground. He stopped in his tracks, took off his cap, held it over his heart, and bowed his head. The umpire was impressed. ‘You’re a man who shows real respect for the dead,’ he said. ‘It’s the least I could do,’ said the bowler. ‘After all, I was married to her for 30 years.’” Wives also would not like what British playwright, Harold Pinter, said, “I tend to think that cricket is the greatest thing that God ever created on earth - certainly greater than sex, although sex isn’t too bad either.” But that is another story and certainly not an attitude shared by my fellow West Indians, male or female. Cricket is still the major thread in the fabric of my life, sometimes embroidered and embellished in my stories and anecdotes, at times a
patchwork quilt like West Indies cricket, but on the good days and nights a comforter like the blanket that Linus, the Peanuts character, clings stubbornly to despite his sister Lucy’s attempts to take it away from him. I love football and even coached it in Trinidad and during my University days in Ottawa. I was there watching in 1973 when OJ Simpson broke the rushing record, Secretariat won the Triple Crown, and the NixonWatergate hearings took over television. But even that momentous year pales in comparison with a few minutes I spent in the early morning of December 14th, 1960, shivering from the morning cold, listening to the radio and not fully understanding the significance of what I had heard. My father was a truckdriver and invariably left for work at about 04.30 every morning. I was sound asleep and he shook me awake despite my protestations to “Leh me sleep nah. I tired.” “Come,” he demanded. “Listen to this.” He dragged me to sit next to him trying to make sense of the static from the big PYE radio we had in the living room. It was about four in the morning but it felt like I had just closed my eyes and fallen asleep. It was the tied test match, the first in history, and is the bond between my father, me and cricket. Up to that time, I played bat and ball in the yard of my Uncle’s home and with the other kids at school but without any seriousness of purpose or real feeling for the
game. That morning, however, changed many things for me, some of which I forgot and only remembered after my father died. In a sense, too, the many trips to the Queen’s Park Oval as a five-year old and onwards, initially taken there by my Uncle and then on my own, and my subsequent journeys to Kensington, the Antigua Recreation Ground, Kingston and, the crowning irony of all, Lord’s. It was June 22, 1995. Lord’s was the place where Garry Sobers had made centurions of Bernard Julien and David Holford, forcing them to stay with him and bat through the usual crisis of “collapso” cricket. It was and always will be cricket’s field of dreams. It was my dream and it turned into a nightmare. Before the Test Match, the team had split apart between Captain Richie
Richardson’s faction and Brian Lara’s. Lara left the team hotel and went out on his own. I met Ian Bishop, someone I genuinely admired, after a net session on the morning of the first test, asked for his autograph for an article I was writing and he refused. Despite all this drama behind the scenes, the West Indies scored 324 in reply to England’s 283 but when they batted again, England made 336 and the West Indies lost by 72 runs. Dominic Cork got seven wickets (including a hat-trick) for forty-three runs. It was the beginning of the end and the end of a glorious beginning for West Indies cricket. Perhaps the most
fitting end is a retelling of an old joke. A cricketer went to Rudy Webster, the sports psychologist and pleaded, “Dr. Webster, it’s terrible. I can’t score runs, I’m a really poor bowler, and I can’t hold a catch. What can l do?” Dr. Webster replied, “Best thing is to find another job.” The cricketer moaned, “I can’t. I’m playing for the West Indies in the Boxing Day test match tomorrow.” *Tony Deyal was last seen talking about the cricketer who dropped so many catches that he went to the doctor and complained that the Australian crowd was calling him “Butterfingers.” “Don’t worry,” the doctor advised, “it’s not catching.”
Cops ID Harbour Bridge... (From page 15) the bus into the rain, both men immediately rejoined the bus. According to Williams, the victim opened the window, while the suspect slammed it shut. Shortly after, Williams heard a gunshot. This was followed by a second shot, which grazed him. While the shot passen-
ger collapsed in the bus, which had stopped, the gunman exited and headed east. Meanwhile, the unidentified man, who was shot in his
head, was rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, (Diamond Diagnostic Hospital), where he was pronounced dead.
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Kaieteur News
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 New model Raum: A/C, TV, Mags, PMM series, excellent condition never work hire $1.350M- Call: 619-1047 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822
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Monday December 28, 2015
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Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
House lot scandal the Minister needs to investigate DEAR EDITOR, I am sending a list of names of people who got houselots from the Governments in 1997. Out of 54 households only four Afro Guyanese were given lots. Many Indians households who already had property were given houselots while people who need still have to do without. Housing Minister official, Harry Narine Nawbatt was told about it but he did nothing. A certain man was
responsible for collecting names of persons to get lots. He already had property but he gave himself and many of his relatives and friends too. Enclosed is a list of names of the people who got houselots. The ones that are underlined already have property elsewhere and are living comfortable; some have lots in other government housing schemes. Please come and investigate this corruption and expose this scandal.
Through this letter, I am begging the Housing Minister to intervene. This has happened in Craige Mile, Cove and John, East Coast Demerara. It is 18 years now and some of these people have not occupied their lots because some have sold their lots and others are waiting to sell at very high prices. A certain man is selling his own for 6 million dollars when he paid $58,000 for it. I hope something will be done. Frustrated citizen
What is happening at the Blairmont Masjid? DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me a space in your newspaper to let the Muslim and Guyanese know what is taking place at the Blairmount Masjid. The Mausam is staying at the Masjid house in the Masjid Compound. The Mausam’s wife’s attitude is totally unacceptable. This attitude is not being discussed. A Pastor (Jamaal) knows about this yet he is still not dealing with the issue. A brother of
the masjid has tried to intervene but this brother has little support and the Mausam and other family members refuse to listen. The Mausam knows about his wife’s attitude but would not talk to her. The present Treasurer, Faizul is also at fault because he sides with her. No one speaks out at the attitude of this lady. I am begging you to publish this letter/news in your own way in your newspaper to attract readers’ attention. Thank you. Concerned Muslim
Some property owners not... From page 4 amount we expended on the host of other services we provide to citizens. Yet, for all of that, some property-owners have been treating the Council unfairly; they have not been paying their rates. Understanding the financial predicaments and economic constraints of some of our citizens, we granted an amnesty on interest on general rates for about two months. Unbelievably, some big corporations and propertyowners did not even make a telephone to our treasury let alone to come in and settle their accounts with us. It is sad but true. We know that in order for us to continue providing vital municipal services in an efficient and effective manner we need more money. Those who use more of our municipal services and facilities must pay more. For example, businesses must pay more to the Council for collection of commercial and industrial waste. They generate more than private citizens and our solid waste department uses more fuel, transportation, space and other resources to haul such waste; they must pay more. Also, the Council must contemplate new and special rates and charges for those corporations and agencies whose businesses are
contributing to environmental degradation. Those businesses that emit huge amounts of greenhouse gases must be required to pay more to allow the Council the financial ease to put in place systems and measures that would offset the effects and impact of those emissions on the environment and public health. Those corporations and companies which run cables beneath and above city space must compensate citizens. Those corporations that use our parapets, verges, open spaces, thoroughfares and waterfronts must pay for utilizing such city spaces based on market value. We continue to make the point that all city spaces including reserves, pavements and open areas are collectively owned by all citizens residing in Georgetown. Therefore, those who utilize such spaces must compensate citizens through the city authority- the Mayor and City Council- for such uses. We hold a similar thinking about the action of those who have made parts and, in some cases, entire drains and alleyway facilities impervious
by concreting them. This continues to contribute to overtopping and attendant environmental problems in certain local communities. Going forward, our constabulary will begin to take up its responsibility of managing and controlling traffic in council’s areas as required by the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, and to enhance its crime detecting and fights competencies. Finally, at City Hall, we are propelled by a vision of greatness in a city with vast environmental, economic and cultural potentials. We are on a new path to create a city whose natural environment is not polluted by toxic emissions, to develop cohesive neighbourhoods in which our children can play in spaces that are green, safe and healthy; our senior citizens can walk, in the cool of the mornings or evenings reflecting on their years; shrubs and trees blooming in their seasons, casting their shadows in the evening sun, scrubbing the atmosphere of gases that hurt the environment; and parapets kept clean and tidy. Royston King Town Clerk
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
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GTU hoping for augmented membership in 2016 Teachers should be given the right to support the work of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) if they so desire. However, they are not always granted this privilege, at least not without a fight. And GTU is prepared to battle for the rights of its teachers. According to President of the Union, Mr. Mark Lyte, “We have had challenges for the deductions for dues. Teachers have applied several times but still can’t get things going.” He was at the time explaining the process of becoming a member of the GTU even as he highlighted the obstacle preventing teachers from doing so. The application process, according to him, entails teachers writing to their respective Regional Offices requesting that the Regional Executive Officers make the necessary Union fee deductions. “On many occasions the deductions are not made for reason(s) that we don’t know; so there is frustration on the part of the teachers who are desirous of becoming members of the Unions,” related Lyte. He is however hopeful that this would be one of the issues faced by the GTU during the past year that will be urgently addressed in 2016. Currently the Union represents some 7,000 teachers spread across 39 branches who teach in the public education system. And once the issue of the stalled deductions is addressed more teachers will be granted the privilege to solidify their membership with the Union. Lyte is optimistic that this matter could be addressed under his tenure. He was elected to be president in 2014 replacing Colin Bynoe. A n d Ly t e t o l d t h i s
— set to continue multi-year agreement discussion with Govt. publication that he is definitely vying for the presidency again this year. The GTU is slated to conduct its biennial conference next April. The results of an election will be announced determining whether Lyte will continue at the helm. The election is usually held prior to the conference which is expected to be held in Bartica. Among his projections for the New Year is the completion of a constitutional reform for the GTU. This, according to Lyte, will include improving some areas that have been identified for attention such as the mode of elections. Once he is re-elected, Lyte has plans to develop and complete a five-year strategic plan to help chart a guided way forward for the GTU. The GTU President is hoping to be a part of continued discussions with Government regarding the multi-year agreement that will govern the remuneration package and other benefits for teachers. “We want to cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s in 2016 regarding this multi-year agreement,” said Lyte. Soon after assuming the position of President, Lyte had touted a 20 per cent across the board pay increase as suitable for public school teachers. The last multi-year agreement was inked with the previous Government – the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic – in 2011 and will expire at the end of this month. The agreement was one that catered to a five per cent pay hike for teachers at the beginning of each year during the life of the agreement. But Lyte had earlier informed this publication that continued negotiations will
not only address an increase in salaries, but also other benefits that the Union believes teachers should be entitled to. “Our focus is not only on salary issues but also on non-salary issues as well,” said the GTU President who noted that the proposed package for teachers will include duty free concessions, allowances for head teachers and principals. Although Lyte hasn’t revealed the details of the agreement being proposed by the Union he had however earlier told this publication, “We are also looking to include incentives for the lecturers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the technical institutes because they are our members as well, and we intend to bring them on board in terms of the benefits we expect them to have.” He’d intimated too that “We are looking to put a complete package together that will help the Ministry focus on the welfare of our teachers.” This move is imperative, Lyte had insisted since the Union is cognisant of the fact that the teaching profession has become very stressful and that teachers should be properly compensated for their efforts. Lyte had even then revealed the GTU’s intention to not make the craft its proposal without the input of teachers. He noted, “We are allowing for the input from all levels of teachers. We are going on the ground to our various branches to hear what teachers would want us to include in their pay package.”
Selected RPA recommendations... From page 9 something the Government must do, was to facilitate a guaranteed price of $3000 and over for paddy. Anything under, he said, and rice farmers could not survive. There had also been calls for the Government to subsidize the price of fuel to farmers, in addition to the removal of duties on manure. Another farmer had made it clear that millers and the rice industry depend on the farmers and their output. He had stated that more can and should be done for farmers. “It goes hand in hand. If your famers can’t produce,
there would be no millers.” He said. “We are at a new period in this country where we have to relook things, not just keep things that we acquired sometime in the past. It’s all about making life for the farmers easier.” The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has also laid into the issue, with their Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, coming down heavily on the administration for not implementing the recommendations. During a press conference in late November, he had accused government of not making known any plans for
fertilizer and fuel subsidies and related assistance. He had also declared that money was not circulating in rice growing regions, in particular Region number twoPomeroon/Supernaam. He had contended that the main economic driver of the region is rice and farmers are not returning to the fields. “In relation to the farmers continuing into the next crop, it requires more capital investment for a portfolio that had (no) returns in the last crop,” Ali had said. “So what is the reaction of the farmer? The reaction is that many of them are not going into this crop.”
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Iraqi army declares first major victory over Islamic State in Ramadi Reuters - Iraq’s army declared v i c t o r y o v e r Islamic State fighters in a provincial capital west of Baghdad yesterday, the first major triumph for the U.S.-trained force since it collapsed in the face of an assault by the militants 18 months ago. The capture of Ramadi, capital of mainly SunniMuslim Anbar province in the Euphrates River valley west of the capital, deprives Islamic State militants of their biggest prize of 2015. The fighters seized it in May after government troops fled in a defeat which prompted Washington to take a hard look at strategy in its ongoing air war against the militants. After encircling the city for weeks, the Iraqi military launched a campaign to retake it last week, and made a final
push to seize the central administration complex yesterday. “By controlling the complex this means that we have defeated them in Ramadi,” said Sabah alNumani, a spokesman for the force leading the fight on the government side. “The next step is to clear pockets that could exist here or there in the city.” State television broadcast footage of troops, Humvee vehicles and tanks advancing through Ramadi streets amid piles of rubble and collapsed houses. Some districts appeared to have been completely destroyed by the advance. Television also showed nighttime celebrations in mainly Shi’ite cities south of Baghdad for the victory in Anbar, with people dancing in the streets and waving Iraqi flags from cars.
Iraqi security forces gather to advance towards the center of Ramadi city. REUTERS/Stringer
Officials did not give any immediate death tolls for the battle. The government says most civilians were able to evacuate before it launched
its assault. Anbar provincial council member Falih al-Essawi called on the government to restore
says operate in Xinjiang. “Terrorism is the public enemy of mankind, and the Chinese government will oppose all forms of terrorism,” An said. Rights groups, though, doubt the existence of a cohesive militant group in Xinjiang and say the unrest mostly stems from anger among the region’s Muslim Uighur people over restrictions on their religion and culture. The new law also restricts the right of media to report on details of terror attacks, including a provision that media and social media cannot report on details of terror activities that might lead to imitation, nor show scenes that are “cruel and inhuman”.
Reuters - Up to seven people died when Nigeria’s army repelled an attack yesterday by suspected Boko Haram fighters on a village near a northern state capital, residents and military sources said. Gunfire and explosions could be heard in the evening outside Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and birthplace of Boko Haram’s insurgency to establish an Islamic state in the northeast of Africa’s most populous nation. Soldiers stopped suspected Boko Haram fighters in Aldawari village on the outskirts of Maiduguri, military sources and witnesses said. “We just came out of the mosque after evening
services to Ramadi quickly and start rebuilding the city to allow the return of the displaced.
“It will not be easy to convince families to return to a city that lacks basic human needs,” he told Reuters.
China passes controversial Nigerian army repels Boko Haram attack near state capital – witnesses counter-terrorism law
BEIJING (Reuters) China’s parliament passed a controversial new antiterrorism law yesterday that requires technology firms to hand over sensitive information such as encryption keys to the government and allows the military to venture overseas on counter-terror operations. Chinese officials say their country faces a growing threat from militants and separatists, especially in its unruly Western region of Xinjiang, where hundreds have died in violence in the past few years. The law has attracted deep concern in Western capitals, not only because of worries it could violate human rights such as freedom of speech, but because of the cyber provisions. U.S. President Barack Obama has said that he had raised concerns about the law directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking after China’s largely rubber-stamp parliament passed the law, Li Shouwei, deputy head of the parliament’s criminal law division under the legislative affairs committee, said China was simply doing what other Western nations already do in asking technology firms to help fight terror. “This rule accords with the actual work need of fighting terrorism and is basically the same as what other major countries in the world do,” Li told reporters. This will not affect the normal operation of tech companies and they have nothing to fear in terms of having “backdoors” installed
Xi Jinping or losing intellectual property rights, he added. Officials in Washington have argued the law, combined with new draft banking and insurance rules and a slew of anti-trust investigations, amounts to unfair regulatory pressure targeting foreign companies. China’s national security law adopted in July requires all key network infrastructure and information systems to be “secure and controllable”. The anti-terrorism law also permits the People’s Liberation Army to get involved in anti-terrorism operations overseas, though experts have said China faces big practical and diplomatic problems if it ever wants to do this. An Weixing, head of the Public Security Ministry’s counter-terrorism division, said China faced a serious threat from terrorists, especially “East Turkestan” forces, China’s general term for Islamists separatists it
prayers, then we started hearing gunshots ... then suddenly there was the sound of a blast,” said Nene Hassan, a resident, adding that four people died and five were wounded. Since losing most of the territory it seized earlier this year to the army, Boko Haram has resorted to hitting soft targets such as markets, bus stations and places of worship, as well as hit-andrun attacks on villages, mainly in Borno state. Another witness of yesterday’s attack, Mustapha Ahmadu, said at least seven people had been killed. “More body parts are just lying everywhere,” he said. The village was set on fire during the shootout between
the army and the gunmen, said Alhaji Jiddari, another resident. “After the prayers we saw people running away from Aldawari village into ours, and there was the sound of gunshots from that direction,” said Jiddari. “Soldiers drove towards the direction of the shooting.” The insurgency in Nigeria has killed thousands and displaced more than two million people in the remote northeast.
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Head of China Telecom ‘taken away’ as probe launched Beijing (AFP) - The head of China Telecom, one of the nation’s big three telecoms firms, is under investigation for “severe disciplinary violations”, the government said yesterday, the latest highprofile target in a corruption crackdown. News of the probe into Chang Xiaobing, 58, was given in a statement on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the watchdog of the ruling Communist Party. The term is normally a euphemism for graft. Chang had been “taken away”, according to an article in the respected business magazine Caijing, which added that he disappeared
Chang Xiaobing just days before a meeting of the state-owned company planned for December 28.
A memo saying the meeting would be postponed was issued on the evening of the 26th, the article said. Chang’s phone was switched off and he had not responded to multiple calls, it added. In August, after 11 years as chairman and party secretary of China’s second largest telecoms provider China Unicom, Beijing announced Chang would head China Telecom. That decision, Caijing said, was made despite widespread rumours that the executive was under investigation. It sparked speculation about an imminent tie-up between the two industry leaders and the third major player, China Mobile.
Iran’s Rouhani says it’s up to Muslims to correct Islam’s image DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday that Muslims must improve the image of their religion, which has been tarnished by the violence of hardline groups such as Islamic State, “It is our greatest duty today to correct the image of Islam in world public opinion,” Rouhani told a conference on Islamic unity i n Te h r a n i n a s p e e c h broadcast by state television. His remarks were rare for a leader of Iran, which considers itself an authority in the Islamic world and often blames the “enemies” of the religion for problems in the Middle East. “Did we ever think that, instead of enemies, an albeit small group from within the Islamic world using the
Hassan Rouhani language of Islam, would present it as the religion of killing, violence, whips, extortion and injustice?” Rouhani said. Rouhani, a relative
moderate, said Islamic principles opposed violence and the extremism of groups such as Islamic State stemmed from “narrow-mindedness and a lack of moderation”. Rouhani criticized Muslim countries for “being silent in the face of all the killing and bloodshed” in Syria, Iraq and Yemen - conflicts in which Iran plays a role. Iran supports the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has close ties with neighboring Iraq, and condemns the Islamic State group which fights both governments. The Islamic Republic is also an ally of the Houthi movement which seized control of most of Yemen last year and has fought a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia for nine months.
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Hezbollah leader tells Israel to brace for retaliation over Qantar’s death Reuters - The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group said yesterday that Israel
miscalculated by killing prominent militant Samir Qantar in Syria last week,
saying that retaliation for his death was inevitable, whatever the consequences.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking in a ceremony to mark a week since Qantar’s
Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah addresses his supporters via a screen during a commemoration service marking one week since the killing of Hezbollah militant leader Samir Qantar, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, yesterday. REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER
death in a strike in a residential quarter of Damascus, said Israelis should brace themselves for a response either inside or outside Israel. “The Israelis should be justifiably worried... They should be worried along the border, inside (Israel) and outside,” he said. “The response is coming no matter what ... We cannot forgive the shedding of our mujahideen blood by the Zionists ... anywhere in the world,” he said. Israel has welcomed Qantar’s death, but has not confirmed it carried out the air strike that killed him.Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said on Saturday Israel took seriously a possible retaliation for Qantar’s killing and accused Iran, Hezbollah’s backer, of trying to open “a terrorist front on the Golan Heights”. Yaalon said Hezbollah should be mindful of the 2006 Lebanon war, when Israel responded to a spate of cross-border attacks by the militant group with a largescale ground, air and sea offensive. Qantar was jailed in
Israel for his part in a 1979 raid in Israel that killed four people when he was a member of a Palestinian militant group. Qantar was repatriated to Lebanon in 2008 in a prisoner swap with Hezbollah, which he then joined. Nasrallah who described Qantar as a “leader” in Hezbollah for the first time acknowledged that Qantar had played a key role in creating a “popular resistance” in Syria against what he said were Israeli designs on the Syrian Golan Heights. Hezbollah is fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s civil war. Syrian state media said Qantar was involved in a major offensive earlier this year in Quneitra, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Q a n t a r ’s growing military role in the strategic area had unnerved Israel, Nasrallah said. Israel seized part of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and annexed it later.
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
SOUTH AMERICA FLOOD ‘WORST IN 50 YEARS’
Concordia’s streets have now turned into canals. BBC News - Vast areas in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil are being hit by the worst flooding in 50 years, forcing the evacuation of more than 150,000 people. Days of heavy rains brought on by the El Nino weather phenomenon have caused three major rivers to swell, and officials report at least six deaths. A state of emergency is in force in Paraguay, the worst hit nation, where 130,000 people have fled their homes. In northern Argentina, some 20,000 people have left their homes. Dry weather is forecast for the Brazil-Uruguay border region in the next few days, but in Paraguay and Argentina water levels are still expected to rise. The Paraguay river in the
capital Asuncion, is only 30cm (12in) away from overtopping its banks. Officials warn this could lead to widespread flooding in the area. And it could also affect thousands of other people who live by the Paraguay - the country’s main river - the authorities said. “(The flooding) was directly influenced by the El Nino phenomenon which has intensified the frequency and intensity of rains,” Paraguay’s national emergencies office said. Nearly 200 electricity pylons have been damaged or destroyed by strong winds, causing power cuts. Four people have been killed by fallen trees. After declaring the state of emergency, President Horacio Cartes said $3.5m (£2.3m) would be immediately available in relief funds for
the victims of the flooding. At least two people have died in the floods, which are mostly affecting the northeastern provinces of Entre Rios, Corrientes and Chaco. Some 20,000 people have been evacuated in the border city of Concordia, where the Uruguay river is now 14 metres (46 feet) above its normal levels. Local officials said the flooding was the worst in the last five decades. Newly-elected President Mauricio Macri was expected to visit the region yesterday. In the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, nearly 1,800 families in almost 40 towns had been forced to leave their homes. Heavy rain began to fall in the region on 18 December, swelling the Uruguay and Quarai rivers.
Stewart to expand Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort
Daily Observer - Chairman of Sandals International Resort, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has partnered with Grenada’s Prime Minister Keith Mitchell to invest US$10 million in the expansion of Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort by summer of 2016. During a ground breaking ceremony last week, the duo unveiled plans to expand the resort which currently spans 32 luxury suites to house 257 lagoon nature reserve suites. “We have had the most extraordinary two years in Grenada where we see the demand for our brand and this destination, soar. So we have decided to invest more in our product here, in an effort to meet the high demand the international travel trade has placed on us for Grenada,” Stewart told media. He added that some 150 construction jobs will be created as a result of the expansion efforts, with more full time employment to be created upon completion. According to Stewart, the new lagoon nature reserve suites will accompany the most sophisticated amenities ranging from butler service, smart TVs and other traditional Sandals opulence. The Caribbean hotel mogul is of the view that travelers are looking for more on their vacation experience and believes
that the industry must spare no effort redefining itself. “Grenada, one of our newest destinations is part of that redefinition. We challenge ourselves every day to raise our standards and to offer the world new innovations and fresh travel experiences,” said the Sandals founder. Prime Minister Mitchell noted that Grenada’s economy has seen tremendous growth averaging 5.7 per cent for the last two years and credits the resurgence of the spice isle to the growth in tourism. “Our encouraging economic growth is as a result of great performances in tourism and agriculture, and tourism has grown in large measure to the contribution of Sandals. It was only a year ago we were discussing the idea of Sandals opening its marketing center and today one year later the center is well established with 150 high paying jobs,” Mitchell said. Also speaking at the event was local tourism guru Royston Hopkins who acknowledged the tremendous benefit Sandals has brought to the entire industry. Similar sentiments were shared by Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Yoland Bain-Horsford.
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‘A BUNCH OF LIARS’ JWALA FIGHTS BACK
Several Recruits Kicked Out Of Police Training School After Failing Lie-Detector Tests
Police constables during a graduation ceremony at the Jamaica Police Academy in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine. The Gleaner - A large number of persons trying to join the police force have been rejected after failing polygraph (lie detector) tests, which one senior officer has dubbed “a high-tech waste of time”. Police sources say in recent times almost 50 per cent of the applicants have failed the lie-detector test while they were at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) training school in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, after responding to questions about their criminal background and social affiliations. Those who fail the tests are barred from graduating at the end of the six-month training programme, and are deemed unfit and incompetent to professionally discharge the duties of a constable. But a senior officer, who asked not to be named, has taken issue with the tests. “Personally, I think polygraph is nonsense. If 50 per cent of those people fail the polygraph test, it simply means that something is
wrong with the polygraph,” said the senior officer. “If they ask if you ever smoked ganja or stole something before and you say ‘yes’, the polygraph will probably say that you have failed that. But failing someone to join the JCF because they smoked ganja many years ago is just nonsense,” added the senior officer. He argued that there are better ways to weed out undesirables who want to join the Force. “It is more of a confessional than it is anything else. If something can’t stand up in a court of law, it’s all about the person administering the tests using very devious ways to get you to confess. “We need to do better investigation, better background checks. That, in my mind, is a far superior method than trying to get people to confess. Worst of all, you wait until they come into the system to do polygraph and that again is just heights of ‘silly billiness’,” said the officer.
Govt. clamping down on drones Daily Nation - Flying that drone you got for Christmas will be even more strictly controlled. Government plans to clamp down on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), called drones, to prevent their misuse and unregulated activity. Word of this comes from the Ministry of Defence and Security as unconfirmed reports suggest drones have either been spotted or heard flying over heavily populated residential districts. The ministry outlined its tough stance in a statement to the SUNDAY SUN. It said: “In 2016, measures will be taken to introduce a legislative framework that will require, among other things, the registration of all drones in Barbados with the appropriate authorities. An audit of the numbers of drones will also be required.
But that is a position not shared by Deputy Commissioner Clifford Blake, who has defended the psychometric and polygraph testing of new recruits in the past. “We (JCF) have to be very cautious who we admit to join the police. Over the years, we have tightened our processing of recruitment to ensure that only the best and those willing to serve gain admittance,” argued Blake. Polygraph testing of recruits falls under the remit of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), but deputy director of that entity, Assistant Commissioner Selvin Hay, refused to comment on the number of persons not accepted ion the Force for failing the tests. In the past, Hay has noted that polygraph testing is done in the Force for forensic or vetting purposes. Forensic polygraph tests are done as parts of criminal investigations while vetting tests are done for various reasons, including for the promotion of policemen to sensitive areas, and the testing of recruits. “Polygraph tests have served us very well, and while it has given the commissioner ammunition to act against some persons who are not facing criminal charges, it has also saved the careers of several members of the Force who have been subjected to innuendos and allegations,” Hay had said at that time. More than 500 police personnel have resigned, been dismissed or charged for corruption and ethical violations since 2012 when the Canadian government pumped some $59 million of resources into the Polygraph Unit.
…threatens to sue over dismissal
Trinidad Guardian - Three days after being sacked as Central Bank governor, Jwala Rambarran Saturday issued a strongly worded statement in which he accused the Government of mishandling the matter and threatened legal action. In a two-page media release, Rambarran said two days before his appointment was revoked he met with Finance Minister Colm Imbert who at that time “had ample opportunity to raise such issues.” Rambarran said he has been in contact with his lawyers over what he described as the “complete failure of Cabinet/acting President to abide by due process of law” and signalled his intention to take legal action. He said he first learned of his dismissal through the electronic media at about 10.30 pm on Wednesday night and received official notice of his termination at 6.30 on Christmas Eve, some 20 hours after the news first broke. He said he was never contacted by acting President Christine Kangaloo “to solicit my views on any purported allegation or complaints. “Indeed to date, I am not aware of the contents of the Cabinet documents and supporting material that were sent to the acting President,” he said. Rambarran described his removal as surreptitious and
Alvin Hilaire
Jwala Rambarran
questioned the timing as President Anthony Carmona was out of the country and a former People’s National Movement (PNM) minister of Legal Affairs was acting in that office. He said it “appears to be strategic and calculated with the incumbent President out of the jurisdiction”. “Pertinent questions arise as to whether the Cabinet should have referred this complaint to the acting President having regard to the proximate relationship between the entity making the complaint and the decision maker,” he said. “The principles of apparent bias are well established in this country.” Imbert Saturday told the Sunday Guardian because of Rambarran’s intention to approach the High Court, he would not be able to comment on the issue in the public domain. “As stated in my press release, the Cabinet thought
it was essential to restore confidence in the governance of the Central Bank and the confidentiality of the banking system,” he said, adding that the first step in restoring that lost confidence was the appointment of a new Central Bank Governor. The Government has appointed Alvin Hilaire, the former deputy governor, as Central Bank Governor. His appointment is for five years. Dr. Hilaire, who has worked at the Central Bank for a cumulative period of approximately 20 years, has held the positions of senior economist, chief economist and director of research. He had been serving in the position of deputy governor since April 2013. The new Central Bank Governor has extensive experience in macroeconomic policy development and implementation, and monetary policy matters.
Cell tax ‘will most likely fail’
Jeremy Stephen
Daily Nation - Government’s plan to raise $14 million from increased tax on cellphone services is very likely to fail. This was the view of the president of the Barbados Economic Society (BES), Jeremy Stephen, who told the SUNDAY SUN that the financial target was based on an illconceived analysis. “It just seems as if [Government] knew how many airtime minutes in data were downloaded and they said, ‘Well look, let’s add an additional [4.5 per cent] and see how much more VAT we can get from that,” he said, noting that they failed to consider the spending behaviours of consumers in Barbados. Stephen proposed that, instead, it would have been necessary to assess how many people purchased each type of data package to get a sense of what the consumers were willing to pay.
Martinique joins list of regional countries with Zika Virus Infection The Gleaner - Martinique has become the 11th country in the region to confirm reports of the mosquito borne virus Zika, and the 12th country to confirm local transmission of the disease. Last month, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) confirmed five cases of Zika in Suriname. Transmission of the virus
has also been reported in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela. Zika is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe illness requiring hospitalisation is uncommon. Symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
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Redskins shoot down Eagles to claim NFC East title Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 31-of-46 passes for 365 yards and four touchdowns while leading the Washington Redskins to the NFC East division title following a 38-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. The Redskins (8-7), who have won three in a row since falling to 5-7, will compete in
the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Eagles dropped to 69 and will miss the postseason for the second time in three years under coach Chip Kelly. While Kelly won 20 games in his first two seasons, the Eagles still have not won a playoff game since he arrived. Philadelphia has given up 34 touchdown passes this season, the most in franchise
history. Running back DeMarco Murray gave the Eagles hope when he rushed for a fouryard touchdown to close the gap to 23-17 with 4:47 left in the third quarter. From there, however, it was all Washington. Murray fumbled a pitch from quarterback Sam Bradford and Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall
scooped the ball up and scampered 17 yards for a score and a 30-17 advantage. Cousins later tossed his fourth touchdown pass, this time to wide receiver Pierre Garcon from 13 yards out. A two-point conversion gave the Redskins a commanding 38-17 lead. The Eagles’ fans then quickly escaped for the exits. Philadelphia took the opening kickoff and marched 80 yards in six plays. Bradford completed all four of his passes for 50 yards. Running back Ryan Mathews, who started his third straight game, scored from two yards out. The Redskins put
together a strong drive later in the first quarter. Tight end Jordan Reed hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Cousins with 5:50 left. Kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point and the Eagles still held a 7-6 lead. Reed caught his second touchdown pass, a 12-yard connection from Cousins, with a minute remaining in the first. The extra point was good and the Redskins jumped ahead, 13-7. In the process, Reed became the first Washington player with at least 10 touchdown receptions since Gary Clark in 1991. The Eagles’ offense sputtered early in the second,
with penalties on three straight plays at one stretch. Bradford then missed tight end Zach Ertz for a potential go-ahead 60-yard touchdown. Ertz was racing wide open down the sideline and Bradford’s pass sailed over his head. Kicker Caleb Sturgis got the Eagles within 13-10, hitting a 34-yard field goal with 5:56 left in the second. Just when it seemed as if the Eagles were on the move again, Ertz fumbled and the Redskins recovered. Washington advanced only 25 yards in eight plays, with Hopkins converting a 28-yard field goal for a 16-10 lead with 1:43 remaining in the half.
Wade weighs in to lead Heat past Magic
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) and defensive end Cedric Thornton (72) hit Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-USA Today Sports).
Prince Ali calls for urgent publication of Garcia Fifa report
Jordanian Prince Ali bin al-Hussein discusses the FIFA corruption scandal at the National Press Club in Washington December 4, 2015. (Reuters/Gary Cameron) BBC Sport - Fifa presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein wants Michael Garcia’s report into allegations of World Cup bidding corruption to be published now. Garcia resigned as Fifa’s
independent ethics investigator in protest at the handling of his report into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The full report may not be made public until Swiss authorities conclude a
criminal investigation. Prince Ali said: “People need to know what has been going on at Fifa.” The Jordanian said football’s world governing body needed to have some “basic norms”, which included the immediate publication of the Garcia report. After former US prosecutor Garcia submitted his findings in September 2014, Fifa released a 42-page summary that cleared Russia and Qatar - the next two World Cup hosts - of corruption. Garcia resigned, claiming that summary was “incomplete and erroneous”. Prince Ali is one of five candidates to succeed Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, along with Jerome Champagne, Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa and Tokyo Sexwale. The election will take place at Fifa’s extraordinary congress in Zurich on 26 February.
Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Dwyane Wade had 24 points, including 12 in the final five minutes, to lead the Miami Heat to a 108-101 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Forward Chris Bosh, who had 30 points in an overtime victory against New Orleans on Friday, also had 24 points along with 10 rebounds. Goran Dragic added 22 points. The Magic (17-13) were led by center Nikola Vucevic, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Point guard Elfrid Payton had 16 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Heat reserve Gerald Green had 15 points, making a pair of three-pointers during the fourth-quarter rally. Wade hit the jumper for a 91-89 lead the Heat retained into the final buzzer. Tobias Harris had 13 points and six rebounds for
the Magic. Evan Fournier had 12 points and seven assists. The Magic were hurt by poor free-throw shooting (6of-13), while the Heat made 22of-23 free throws. The Heat took their first lead, 82-81, since early in the game on a three-pointer by Gerald Green with 8:32 remaining. Bosh had scored seven points earlier in the fourth quarter. Green hit another three-pointer for the 87-85 lead. After trailing almost the entire first half — and down by 12 at intermission — the Heat used an 11-0 run early in the third period to pull within 66-64. Bosh scored six points in the run. Victor Oladipo hit a threepointer just before the third period ended for a 76-69 Magic lead. Fournier scored the last five points before intermission, giving the
Magic 56-44 lead. He had 12 points and hit a pair of threepointers before halftime. Vucevic had 10 points and eight rebounds in the first two periods. Dragic had 12 point and four rebounds in the first half but the Heat made only 15of-39 shots (38.5 percent). The Magic hit 23-of-44 shots (52.3 percent) and made 6-of-12 from three-point range to control the game early. Heat center Hassan Whiteside, who leads the NBA in blocked shots (4.0 per game), got two fouls in the first five minutes and struggled through the first half. Whiteside, who also was averaging 12.6 points and 11.3 rebounds, had no points, two blocks and one rebound in 13 first-half minutes. Magic rookie Mario Hezonja provided a spark with a pair of three-pointers in the second quarter.
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (top) and Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier play for the loose ball during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. (Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)
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Spit Fire burns them up at KMTC Pakistan spinner Shah suspended for doping offence (Reuters) Pakistan legspinner Yasir Shah has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday. “The sample Yasir provided in an in-competition test, which was conducted on 13 November 2015, was found to contain the presence of chlortalidone...” the governing body said in a statement.
Chlortalidone is a diuretic drug which features in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances. “In accordance with the ICC Anti-Doping Code, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, Yasir has been provisionally suspended,” the ICC added. The 29-year-old was the second player from the subcontinent to be provisionally suspended for
a doping violation recently. Sri Lanka wicketkeeperbatsman Kusal Perera faces a four-year ban after his ‘B’ sample tested positive for a banned substance. Shah’s sample was taken in Abu Dhabi which hosted the second match of Pakistan’s one-day series against England. A wily leg-spinner who has bagged 76 wickets in 12 tests, Shah has also played 15 one-dayers.
A close race as She so Special of the Jumbo Jet Stable with Ramnauth edges out Cat Messiah of the Singh Stable with Blake on the outside in the H and lower event.
Pakistan’s Yasir Shah (right) in action. (Action Images via Reuters / Jason O’BrienLivepic)
It was a repeat of things all over again as like in the previous race meet; the late Mohamed Shariff, Racing Stable took the feature event. As if doing it in remembrance of the late owner, in superstitious fashion this time it was Spit Fire that took its turn to roast the field and take the feature C class event when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) held their annual Boxing Day horserace meet on Sunday last. The venue was the KMTC track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice. The feature C and lower 1-mile event lived up to all expectations and was a closely contested race throughout. In the end it was the highly touted Spit Fire ridden by the wily Colin Ross that did the trick as it held off a ding dong battle with the much improved Lady Budapest of the Bactowar Stable with Randolph Richmond in the saddle. The Nine animals all had a chance at the coveted $1M winner’s money and the Kharag Memorial (Metro Office Supplies) trophy. As they left the starting gates in an even break, Diplomatic Cat along with Just Call Me Boss, Rosetta, Good Will Boy, Spit Fire and Lady Budapest, were the early front runners. The race started fast and fans quickly realized that it would be good contest. The animals were really stretching it out as the event picked up pace. Keep on Swinging and Good Will Boy, were joined by Lady Budapest up front. Lady Budapest and Good Will Boy then forged ahead in battle in a fierce one on one battle for the lead. As the animals neared the far turn, Ross began to take Spit Fire forward and the racehorse soon took over the lead. However, Lady Budapest with Richmond was not done yet and made another surge for the front as the animals hit the homestretch.
The pair came roaring down to the finish line with the two experienced jockeys giving it their all, but it was Spit Fire that was able to forge ahead to take the coveted trophy and prize money. Keep on Swinging was adjudged third ahead of Good Will Boy after some deliberations. Precise Gold of the Shariff stable with Ross again in the saddles made it two from two for that entity as it won the E and lower 6F event and the $500,000 first prize from Africanist, Chelsea and Right to Rule. The H1 and lower 6F event was won by She’s So Special of the Jumbo Jet stable with Ramnauth on board holding off a fast finishing Cat Massiah of the Ghansham Singh stable as Cassie and Marry Ann rounded out the money. The win was worth $250,000 and a trophy. Part Time of The DeMattos Stable with Prem Chandra riding came good as it won the $180,000 first prize and trophy in the J1 and lower 6F race from the Girl Is Mine and Affinity. The ‘K’ class 5F event saw Plane Land of the Hansraj stable with Godfrey on its back taking off and landing safely as it took home the $120,000 first prize and trophy ahead of Golden Kiss, Red Region and Amazon Warrior. Royal Stallion of the Simple Royal Stable won the ‘L’ Class race and ran away with the $100,000 money and trophy in the 5F event ahead of Blue Lighting, Secret Thinker and Mystic. The G and lower race was not staged for known reasons. Colin Ross was judged the champion jockey with Apadhu the runner up. They all received trophies compliments of the organizers. (Samuel Whyte)
Godfrey abode Plane land distances itself from the field in the K and lower event.
Monday December 28, 2015
Kaieteur News
NBA MVP Stephen Curry shoots way to AP Male Athlete of Year OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Stephen Curry’s greatness as a basketball player can be measured by his recordsetting shooting numbers that are changing the game. His immense popularity derives from something less tangible. While many NBA greats rely on uncommon height and athletic ability that average fans can only dream of having, Curry’s game relies on the traits that every casual player can work on: shoot, dribble and pass. The difference is, perhaps nobody ever has put those three skills together the same
court. His amazing year, in which he won an MVP, led Golden State to its first title in 40 years and helped the Warriors get off to a recordsetting start this season, earned him The Associated Press 2015 Male Athlete of the Year. Curry finished first in a vote by U.S. editors and news directors, with the results released Saturday. He joined LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird as the only basketball players to win the honor in the 85 years of the award. Curry beat out golfer Jordan Spieth, who won two majors, and
Stephen Curry way Curry has the past year as he has dominated on the court and made the once downtrodden Golden State Warriors the NBA’s mustwatch team. “The way that I play has a lot of skill but is stuff that if you go to the YMCA or rec leagues or church leagues around the country, everybody wants to shoot, everybody wants to handle the ball, make creative passes and stuff like that,” he said. “You can work on that stuff. Not everybody has the vertical, or the physical gifts to be able to go out and do a windmill dunk and stuff like that. I can’t even do it.” That’s about all Curry is unable to do on the basketball
American Pharoah, who became the first horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown. While American Pharoah got three more first-place votes than Curry’s 24, Curry appeared on 86 percent of the 82 ballots that ranked the top five candidates. More than one-third of the voters left American Pharoah off their list. “That’s a real honor,” Curry said. “I’m appreciative of that acknowledgement because it’s across all different sports. ... It’s pretty cool.” Curry has become the face of the NBA this past year. His jersey is the best-seller in the league, his team’s games get record television ratings
at home and in opposing markets and even his 3-yearold daughter Riley became a star by overshadowing her dad at playoff news conferences. Even his intricate warmup routine has become a show for fans who get out early or even sometimes on TV pregame shows. He does an elaborate twoball dribbling routine, works on passes and shots with both hands, takes jump shots from just inside half court and then caps it with a long-range shot from the tunnel on the way back to the locker room. “Steph actually looks different,” ESPN analyst Jalen Rose said. “Like the best player in the league usually is also physically opposing — 6-6 plus, scowl on his face, menacing. With the attitude that we appreciated because like a Michael Jordan or Shaquille O’Neal, or Kobe Bryant, you know, just a cutthroat nature. Steph allows us into his living room. We see him on a national stage be a son, a dad, a husband, a father, a brother. And he does all of it while continuing to improve.” Curry has improved his scoring from 23.8 points per game to 30.8 — the biggest one-year jump ever by an MVP — prompting Rose to say that Curry could be the most improved player and repeat as MVP this season in a remarkable tribute to the offseason work he put in even after winning a title. He has become much more efficient scoring on drives and has amazingly added range to his already record-setting 3-point shooting. Curry can consistently make shots from 28 feet out as he is on pace to shatter his own record of 3pointers made in a season. The drive to succeed is fueled by the fact that Curry got no major scholarship offers coming out of high school, he was the third point guard taken in the 2009 draft and he settled for a belowmarket contract extension three years ago because people questioned his durability following ankle injuries. “The thing I would say about Steph, what makes him who he is, is that nobody has to challenge him to get to the next level because he does it on his own,” coach Steve Kerr said. “I didn’t think he could get that much better from last year but I do think he’s gotten considerably better, which is quite a feat when you’re the reigning MVP.”
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West Indies batting crumble against rampant Australia
Adam Voges gets a hug from Steven Smith after reaching his century, Australia v West Indies, 2nd Test, Melbourne, 2nd day, December 27, 2015. Getty Images MELBOURNE - Reuters The West Indies batsmen crumbled late on Sunday to leave their team teetering at 91-6 and staring at another humiliating defeat at the close of day two of the second test against Australia. The dramatic collapse in the final session left the tourists 261 runs short of making the hosts bat again and came after centuries to Australia captain Steven Smith and Adam Voges drove the hosts to a mammoth first innings declaration at 551-3. Darren Bravo was 13 not out, with debutant paceman Carlos Brathwaite on three, and their team in absolute disarray. Pacemen James Pattinson and Peter Siddle grabbed two wickets apiece along with spinner Nathan Lyon as the Caribbeans’ hopes of staving off a 2-0 series defeat appeared shot. Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Rajendra Chandrika had negotiated a nervous hour to tea but their hard work was undone straight after the break by Lyon.
In his first ball of the session, the offspinner dismissed Brathwaite for 17, the Barbadian prodding a straightforward catch to Joe Burns at short leg. Chandrika held on for another half-hour but was out lbw for 25 off Pattinson after failing to play a shot. Pattinson needed only three more deliveries before grabbing his second wicket when Marlon Samuels was trapped lbw for a duck. Jermaine Blackwood survived a contentious review decision after spooning a shot to Burns who claimed a low catch at short leg when on 18. Umpire Marais Erasmus called on the TV replay for guidance and third umpire Ian Gould issued a not out decision to the howling derision of fans. Jamaican Blackwood then skipped down the wicket at Lyon to hoist him over the fence for six but was caught and bowled by the spinner four balls later after attempting the same gambit. Denied by Gould, Burns hit back to secure the fifth wicket for Peter Siddle,
leaping to his right to catch wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin for a duck. Siddle bowled Jason Holder for a third duck next ball but was denied a second career hat-trick by a straight bat from Brathwaite. West Indies had managed to prise only three wickets from nearly five sessions of cricket, but Australia’s bowlers managed six in the final two hours. Smith, the ICC Cricketer of the Year, earlier raised his 13th test century and walked off unbeaten on 134 after declaring before tea. His untroubled 177-ball innings was his sixth test ton for the year and put him on top of the leading run-scorers for 2015 ahead of England skipper Alastair Cook. Voges was also unbeaten, his 106 off 166 balls the Western Australian’s fourth test century since his debut at the age of 35 against the same opponents on tour in Roseau. Scores: West Indies 6 for 91 trail Australia 3 for 551 declared (Khawaja 144, Burns 128, Smith 134*, Voges 106*) by 460 runs.
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Kaieteur News
Monday December 28, 2015
INSPIRED BROAD GIVES Holder captaincy ‘a monumental blunder’ - Chappell ENGLAND THE EDGE
Dean Elgar batted through to the close for 67 not out, South Africa v England, 1st Test, Durban, 2nd day, December 27, 2015. Getty Images DURBAN Reuters - Stuart Broad shone with bat and ball to give England the advantage on an enthralling second day of the first test against South Africa on Sunday. Opener Dean Elgar provided stubborn resistance after Broad claimed three wickets as the hosts finished on 137 for four in reply to England’s 303. Elgar was unbeaten on 67 at the close after Broad removed three of his partners, including a superb delivery to dismiss the dangerous AB de Villiers caught behind. Temba Bavuma was 10 not out with South Africa 166 runs adrift going into the third day. Broad also snagged the wicket of Stiaan van Zyl with the second ball of the innings and had out-of-form South Africa captain Hashim Amla caught behind for seven. Spinner Moeen Ali bowled Faf du Plessis for two, the
batsman dancing down the track but missing the ball which clipped the top of the bails. The second day in Durban tests are traditionally the preserve of the batsmen but 10 wickets fell on a sunny and breezy day after Saturday’s play was dogged by rain delays. England could not have asked for a better start when Van Zyl, back in the side, shouldered arms to a straight ball from Broad and was bowled while Amla was squared up by Broad and caught behind by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. De Villiers survived a controversial call for a gully catch that was eventually ruled to have fallen short when he was on 11 but was cleverly set up by Broad who tempted him into a faint touch to a wider ball when he was on 49. “AB was taking the game away from us slightly so we
tried to put pressure on him to make score shots and the ball swung late and got more grip than I thought it would,” Broad told reporters. Morne Morkel took four wickets before lunch as England added 124 runs to their overnight tally for the loss of six wickets. Nick Compton, 63 overnight, was one of Morkel’s victims as he went out for 85, the top score of the innings. Morkel also dismissed Stokes, Moeen and Chris Woakes, out first ball, in a hostile spell that brought him figures of 4-76. “The first hour tomorrow will be crucial,” Morkel said. “It’s tough to score with the wicket and outfield both being slow.” Scores: South Africa 137 for 4 (Elgar 67*, Bavuma 10*, Broad 3-16) trail England 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76) by 166 runs.
(Omnisport ) Yahoo Sport - Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has described West Indies’ appointment of Jason Holder as skipper as “a monumental blunder”. With senior figures such as Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo no longer part of the Test set-up, Holder was given the role earlier this year. The 24-year-old has experienced a difficult start to his tenure, going down 2-0 in Sri Lanka before a crushing defeat by an innings and 212 runs in the first Test against Australia earlier this month. With West Indies currently performing woefully in the second Test in Melbourne - the tourists closed day two 91-6 in reply to Australia’s 551-3 declared - Holder’s captaincy earned the praise of coach Phil Simmons. But Chappell pulled no punches in his criticism of the initial choice to appoint Holder to lead the side. “One thing I’d say is you have to query the decision of
Jason Holder the West Indies selectors to give Jason Holder the captaincy,” Chappell told ESPN Cricinfo. “Here’s a guy who’s trying to learn his cricket. He’s a good young cricketer but to burden him with that job was, in my opinion, ridiculous in the first place. “When you see him captain and understand that
A wonderful feeling!
Stafanie Taylor revels in being named ICC T20 Cricketer of the Year
Stafanie Taylor… scored 340 runs in nine matches.
Stuart Broad struck with his second ball, South Africa v England, 1st Test, Durban, 2nd day, December 27, 2015. Getty Images
he just hasn’t played enough cricket to really work out what’s going on, it’s a monumental blunder in my book. “It’s a situation - and I wouldn’t agree with this too often, I believe you pick the XI and then you’ve got to pick the best guy out of that XI to captain the side. “But in these circumstances I would be prepared to pick a guy from outside the squad - and how the hell are you going to say he’s not good enough to play in this West Indies team? “If he’s a good captain, I’d be playing him and just say ‘you captain the side and whatever performance you put up we’ll accept it’. “You’ve got Denesh Ramdin batting at six in the Test side... eight would be about the spot for him, that might be one too high. “You’ve got guys who aren’t really doing enough to hold down a Test place so why not pick someone who’s a good captain and put him into this team?”
Jamaica Observer STAFANIE Taylor says winning the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Cricketer of the Year Award is as satisfying as receiving global accolades in previous years.
Taylor, the 24-year-old West Indies captain, was declared the top individual in that category at the ICC Annual Awards for the period September 18, 2014 to September 13, 2015. During that time the Jamaican scored 340 runs in
nine matches. “Winning such an award is great, so it’s a wonderful feeling,” said the top-order batter and off-spinner. “This is a category award, but for me it’s the same feeling as winning Cricketer of the Year,” Taylor, who was the ICC Women’s One Day International Cricketer of the Year in 2011 and in 2012, told the Jamaica Observer. The highly talented player added that “training hard” and self encouragement have contributed to yet another stellar season in international cricket. A highlight for her over the past year is a 58-ball knock of 78 runs away to Australia. But Taylor chose not to single out any particular performance. “To be honest, I can’t remember [a standout display]. I have played so much cricket it’s hard to be selective,” she said. This year Taylor led West Indies to a 3-0 series sweep versus Pakistan. The regional team skipper has received public praise from the West Indies Cricket Board, West Indies Players’ Association, and Jamaica Cricket Association.