Monday December 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news...Letters... Where your views make the news
2014 THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
DEAR EDITOR, 2014 has been a year of “Political Revelations” for the Guyanese youth, many of whom went to the polls for the first time in 2011 and saw the power of their vote shifting the position of our status quo to one that has never before existed. As the months and years went by, many of us Guyanese youth slowly began to regret that we stained our fingers in November 2011. With time we realized that a one seat majority functioned with powers of a minority, and that the Executive did not recognize that compromise was what we voted for. As we got to 2014, the revelations that were to come would only solidify this belief. The starkest of revelations came when in 2014 the PPP/C showed its true colours as we now live under a dictatorship, while being coaxed by a weak joint opposition divided by ego, pride and the love of power. As we wind down the curtains on 2014, it’s important that we stop and reflect on what the nation has endured in what we call “The Year of Political Revelations”. This has been one of the most interesting years for politics in this nation; it has revealed to us “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. The Good..? The Bad As a nation we continue
to receive overwhelming international recognition for all the wrong reasons; continued drug trafficking/ smuggling, high suicide and homicide rates and money laundering. Adding to our bad woes are the continued rape of our forest by Bai Shan Lin, failed contracts our government has entered into, yet another unsubstantiated bailout for GUYSUCO and we can go on. The Ugly The nation has been privy to the true identities of many of our political organs and leaders. As a nation, we were able to see the true nature of our Attorney General as he vociferously threatened Kaieteur News Staff in his telephone conversation with a KN journalist. We have seen the face of true dictatorship through the act of Prorogation of Parliament by our dear President, the drunken-law breaking and excessive spending of state funds by our Finance Minister, the disquieting silence of two of our well known Reverend and Bishop on critical matters, the failure of our President to assent to Bills still on his table, the true incompetence/lacklustre attitude of the joint opposition on grave matters, a joint opposition divided by ego, pride and power. The list goes on; the uncorroborated rape case against the House Speaker,
Happy 2015 Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I thought I’d get an early start to my New Year Greetings and have opted to share an interesting quote by the world renowned scholar Khalil Gibran. Twist it or turn it, 2015 will be a year of transformation in Guyana. We will either demonstrate our maturity as a people, especially the Government and combined Parliamentary parties, or we will continue to pretend that partisan politics is undermining our potential and the progress we’ve made post-Independence. Either we will step up to the plate and do what we all know and feel is right and best for Guyana and her people or we will try to defy history and natural law by creating parallel Guyanas with parallel
governments and parallel existences. Back to my New Year’s Greetings. I take this opportunity to wish all Guyanese, wherever you might be at this time, a prosperous, abundant and happy 2015. As we all reflect on our personal, communal and societal experiences of 2014, it is my hope that the following quote by Khalil Gibran inspires you to reach for the stars in 2015. “Learning is the only wealth tyrants cannot despoil. Only death can dim the lamp of knowledge that is within you. The true wealth of a nation lies not in its gold or silver but in its learning, wisdom and uprightness of its sons.” Khalil Gibran R. Small
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.
the dysfunctional DPP, Magistrate, Police Force, Cabinet etc. The question is why no good? The Good we seek to highlight is the fact that the Guyanese Populace has had the opportunity to see the startling revelations of 2014. Those of us who were not as concerned before and those of us who did not think it was as bad as some were suggesting can no longer deny the excesses of this government and the inefficiencies of our current opposition. We have to now decide based upon the revelations of 2014 and times passed what our future will look like. With the dawning of a new year, the youth of this nation should no longer look outside of themselves for the change they wish to see. Change, though inevitable, doesn’t simply happen. It is stirred by our very actions (and in some case inactions). Come 2015, we encourage all Guyanese to play their part in ensuring that our politicians are held accountable for their actions and also to ensure that we demand the best for this nation from those in office. So we in the WRYM ask humbly of youth across our nation to take a stand for political and true democratic change in 2015.Together, the people are the majority and the Walter Rodney Youth Movement is here to work and advocate on the people’s behalf for a Guyana that is for everyone. We bid all Guyanese a prosperous and successful 2015 as we together prepare to write a new chapter in our country’s history. Clayon F. Halley Ainsley Dyer Tabitha Sarabo - Halley Elsie Harry Tondicka Austin Royston Alkins Leone Cipriani
Juan Edghill brings absolutely no political benefit to the PPP
DEAR EDITOR, As a fledgling PPP supporter, I sometimes find it challenging to understand why the party would seek to elevate certain individuals, fully knowing that those individuals are incompetent and useless. One such individual is Juan Edghill. The party is yet to receive any benefit from its association with Juan Edghill who appears to be “in over his head”. It appears that as of recent, there is on some sort of internal campaign to position Juan as the next Prime Ministerial candidate. Juan Edghill, firstly, is lacking of knowledge and experience that would allow him to function in the
capacity of Prime Minister. He has no formal qualifications that I know of in subjects such as Law, Economics, Engineering and Administration. He claims to have qualifications in Psychiatry and Divinity from where only he knows. Secondly, Juan Edghill as a Junior Finance Minister has demonstrated that his knowledge of procurement issues is superficial and is shown by the hollow rhetoric he uses when discussing issues of procurement. Juan Edghill is yet to provide a way forward to improve the efficiency of Guyana’a approach to procuring goods and
services. So far, all he has done is restate the obvious. Thirdly, Juan Edghill brings absolutely no political benefit to the PPP. He is incapable of attracting AfroGuyanese and Christian votes since his infamous gaffe about whom Jesus Christ would vote for. It is also apparent that the PPP Hindu support base finds this selfanointed Bishop very unappealing. In summary, Juan Edghill is a liability that is on a free ride because of his loyalty to Bharrat Jagdeo, the great destroyer of the PPP! Name and address withheld for fear of victimization from Juan and the Bees!
2014 was a terrible year... From page 4 unemployment and corruption and the Jagdeo/ Ramotar regime has no policy in sight to address these dreadful issues. The PPP regime must accept full responsibility for their incompetence and failures. Instead, the Minister of Home Affairs is occupied with his new job as the General Secretary of his party, the Attorney General is busy trying to find ways how to improve his tarnished image and his vulgar, pimp and crooked behaviour and the Director of Public Prosecutions has developed an unsound mindset of how not to charge the PPP untouchables such as Nandlall and many others. One method of exposing the untruths peddled by the PPP cabal is to shame them, but this is almost impossible to achieve, since the entire cabal does not accept responsibility for their inept actions. Basically, it is impossible to shame the PPP cabal who has no shame. The barefaced and bully Freedom House gangsters even have a
website where they boldly falsify statistics relating to their performance in fighting crime, reducing corruption and creating jobs which are clear indications of their collective lack of shame, dishonesty and disrespect for the people. One of the many challenges the people face, especially as it relates to corruption and wrongdoings by the PPP regime in general, is the lack of courage to speak out freely for fear of victimization which comes in many forms, including violent threats. The Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal is well known for their vindictiveness and threats of violence on innocent citizens, including the Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall and his staff, whose lives have been threatened by the AG and the GRA Commissioner who released the confidential tax information of Glenn Lall to private citizen Jagdeo. Not to mention the report by the Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, which found that trump-up charges were filed against the CEO of NBS Maurice Arjoon, Operations
Manager Kent Vincent, and co-worker Kissoon Baldeo by former President Bharat Jagdeo, former NBS Chairman Nanda Gopaul and the DPP Shalimar Ali Hack. In a society where no one in the government accepts responsibility for their actions, where incompetence is rewarded with promotion, corruption is applauded, crime is ignored, vulgar, abusive and cuss-down behaviour by Ministers is accepted and banditry thrives with help from some in the government, it is hardly likely that the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal can ever solve any of these problems in 2015, recognizing that they are the greatest obstacles to the security of the people and economic growth and development. So the only option left for the people is to remove this corrupt and unrighteous PPP regime by any and every legal means available to them, including a revolution if needs be. This must be done immediately in order to save Guyana from further descending into the pits. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
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Kaieteur News
Rival kills husband in victim’s own house
The suspect under police guard
A 32-year-old labourer was stabbed to death in his house at around 22.00 hrs on Saturday during a brawl with a carpenter who claimed to be the lover of the slain man’s wife. Vibert Benjamin of Good Hope, Essequibo, sustained multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Suddie Hospital. Kaieteur News understands that the 24-yearold ‘rival’ confessed to killing Benjamin, but claimed that he acted in self defense. He sustained multiple injuries. According to reports, the suspect and Benjamin’s wife were in the couple’s home
when Benjamin suddenly arrived. Kaieteur News was told that Benjamin, the husband, tried to stab his wife but her lover held onto the weapon and urged the woman to run. A fight then ensued between Benjamin and his alleged rival, during which both men stabbed each another. They were taken to the Suddie Hospital where Benjamin was pronounced dead, while his alleged killer was admitted under police guard. He sustained injuries to his face, head and back. A postmortem is likely to be performed on the victim today.
Monday December 29, 2014
CAL provides non-stop flights on Guyana/NY route Airline passengers on the Georgetown/New York route will no longer have to endure stopovers in Trinidad and Tobago, since Caribbean Airlines is now providing daily non-stop flights in and out of Guyana. The Twin-island state carrier has announced a revised schedule that will be implemented from January 15, through to February 4, 2015 because of increased travel demand. This new service also means that Guyanese will no longer have to disembark in Trinidad before their onward flight to New York. They will also no longer have to submit themselves to further security searches. Along with Dynamic Airways, Fly Jamaica and CAL being the most popular on the Georgetown/New York route, the current air transport seems inadequate for the travelling public. CAL stated that, “The popular Georgetown/New York route is therefore increased to daily non-stops in both directions (Guyana to New York and vice versa).” Frequencies over Trinidad are also improved, the airline stated, with daily flights to and from Toronto, Miami and New York. As the only airline offering non-stops from Trinidad to London, Caribbean Airlines is increasing the frequencies effective February 4, 2014 to four weekly flights. The company has announced, however, the termination of the Toronto-Georgetown two flights per week non-stop service. This will be replaced
by daily through flights in both directions effective March 1, 2015. CAL reported that with increased customer loads, due in part to being the first airline in the world to rescind the fuel surcharge, the company was pleased to announce the revised schedule which will be implemented, some in early January. “In addition to increased capacity and more non-stops, Caribbean Airlines says it is expecting major cost savings from a more efficient schedule that will see better utilization of the Boeing 737 and 767 fleets. Many of the changes will focus on the company’s Port of Spain hub at Piarco Airport, where improved connection times will make it easier for passengers to connect to and from various points in the network. Some of the new schedules include the airline’s launch of a new daily non-stop between Trinidad
and New York featuring the first wide-body aircraft on the route and a new daily departure on the Trinidad/ New York route which increases to three daily nonstops in each direction. Buoyed by the steep decline in its number one expense which is aircraft fuel, Caribbean Airlines says it is confident that the new schedule will build on the airline’s goal to achieve profitability. “The revised 767 flying patterns will see increased utilization and a more customer friendly schedule based solely on flights to/from its Trinidad hub.” “Improved schedules go hand-in-hand with various product enhancements seen this past year such as; improved in-flight entertainment with new wallto-wall screenings of the latest Hollywood releases, introduction of free digital headsets in all classes, a complimentary rum cocktail courtesy of world-famous El Dorado Rum and Nestle Orchard, hot meals on longer flights, free first checked-bag, and of course our renowned “Warmth of the Islands”.” In early 2015, CAL
promises to install digital inflight entertainment players in the entire 737 fleet to improve the quality of screenings, while further enhancements to the airline’s product will be offered in 2015. Local aviation authorities have seen the change in CAL’s schedule as a plus, especially where the Guyanese, market it concerned. While challenges for the popular airlines, have seemed to be minimal this season, newcomer Dynamic Airways continues to struggle leaving many Guyanese passengers stranded and missing the Christmas holidays. With cheaper airfares, passengers on the Guyana/ New York route have opted to travel with US-based charter service. The company has returned after an extremely rough start midyear, passengers are still to see major improvement in the service as delays seem to be the company’s trend. While Fly Jamaica has offered increased luggage for free and CAL offering increased nonstop flights, Dynamic’s survival by cheap airfares will be put to the test should their passenger capacity fall.
Monday December 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
The Mighty Sparrow is Person of the Year for NY-based Caribbean mag NEW YORK - CMC – A United States-based publication has named calypsonian Slinger Francisco, popularly known as The Mighty Sparrow, as its “Person of the Year.” “Any person, in any part of the world, regardless to sex, age and vocation, can emulate the virtues The Mighty Sparrow exemplified during 2014,” said Herman Hall, the Grenadian-born editor, publisher and founder of the Brooklyn, New Yorkbased Everybody’s magazine. “For those reasons, we unabashedly proclaim our readers’ selection of The Mighty Sparrow as the ‘2014 Person of the Year’,” he added. Hall said Sparrow was “overwhelmingly” selected by its readers and social media friends from among “many regional leaders and people of Caribbean heritage in the Diaspora”. He said they included Tiffany Ford, of St. LucianGrenadian heritage, elected into municipal government in Toronto, Canada; Rodneyse Bichotte, the first HaitianAmerican elected to the New York State Assembly; Barbados Leader of the Opposition Mia Ottley; the
2008 and 2014 Formula One Grand Prix World Champion, Lewis Hamilton of the UK, who is of Grenadian heritage; outgoing US AttorneyGeneral Eric Holder, of Barbadian heritage; and Antigua and Barbuda’s newly elected Prime Minister Gaston Browne. “Of all email messages received from Toronto, UK (United Kingdom), Jamaica, Guyana, Boston (Massachusetts) and other places, one name kept appearing often – The Mighty Sparrow,” Hall said. Hall said this “indomitable spirit has been the defining feature of Sparrow’s life work, as he continues demonstrating sheer grit and
Armed bandits rob 300 tourists on Venezuela beach CARACAS, Venezuela — Just days after Venezuela’s tourism minister announced a plan to attract more tourists to the country, a group of seven armed bandits robbed some 300 people relaxing on a Caribbean beach in eastern Venezuela. The attack took place around noon on Friday at Arapito Isla Beach. Local media reported that,
The Mighty Sparrow
an ability, ‘inspired by God’ to, ‘survive through pain, sorrow and tears,’ rendered in one of his hits, ‘Survival’. “Sparrow’s timeless message and his health challenges testify to man’s will to survive,” he added. The Mighty Sparrow, whose roots are in Gran Roi, a rural fishing village in Grenada, was born there to a poor working class family. The family migrated to Sparrow’s adopted homeland, Trinidad and Tobago, when he was one year old. At 20, Sparrow emerged as the leading calypsonian in Trinidad and Tobago with his record-breaking hit, “Jean and Dinah”.
Monday December 29, 2014
according to the victims, the assailants landed on the beach in a boat whose motor wouldn’t start when they tried to leave, so they stole a fisherman’s boat for their getaway. The daily El Tiempo in nearby Puerto La Cruz said the robbers hid their faces with ski masks and “carried R-15 (military) rifles.” “They started shooting in
the air,” then ordered “all their victims to keep calm because otherwise blood would be spilled.” “One of the bandits ordered the tourists to open their purses and hand over all their belongings, while the others kept their victims at gunpoint,” the newspaper said. No one was hurt in the incident. (Caribbean News)
IMF advises more wage restraint for Jamaica Jamaica Observer - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Jamaican Government to enact another wage restraint programme in order to meet the country’s planned 2015/ 16 budgetary targets. “A key component to achieving the fiscal targets will be securing a new multiyear wage agreement, and the Government of Jamaica is now actively engaged with employee representatives to reach an agreement that facilitates achievement of the targeted wage bill of nine per cent of GDP,” said a statement published on the IMF website on December 23 by Serge Dupont, IMF executive director for Jamaica, and Trevor Lessard, alternate executive director. The statement was one of three adjoining documents which included the Sixth Review of Jamaica. The IMF added that budget revenues as a share of GDP are expected to decline in 2015/16 and that keeping wages lower would aid in balancing the books. S p e c i f i c a l l y, Government’s bill for wages and salaries is set to dip towards $158 billion for the next fiscal year ending March 2016 compared to $160.8 billion for this fiscal year, according to the IMF document. “The overall tax base is expected to be eroded by a lower Government wage bill and weaker imports (including due to lower oil prices) and, to a lesser extent, declining government interest payments, all of which are important contributors to tax revenue,” stated the document. Several public sector unions and associations signed a Heads of Agreement with Government to enact a wage restraint covering the
contract period 2012-2015. The Government aimed to generate growth over that period in order to achieve sustainable development. However, it achieved average growth levels of under 1.0 per cent a year. As such, the IMF sees another wage restraint as warranted. “A mix of wage containment (through a new wage agreement) and efficiency improvements will be needed. There was broad agreement on the need to maintain social spending as a top priority and retain a substantial contingency in the budget to address possible further revenue shortfalls,” added the IMF. In October, Horace Dalley, the minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, had told the Jamaica Observer that the Cabinet had no intention of seeking another three-year wage freeze, as had been the case over the past six years, for public sector employees. “We have just concluded work on the parameters of what we will be putting on the table to the unions and, as the chief negotiator (for the Government), I am expecting the negotiations to commence within another two weeks. I am not preparing for another wage freeze,” Dalley said. “Something will be on the table. It might not be as much as they would want, but something will be on the table,” he added. In july, Dalley told the House of Representatives that the Government — as part of its human resource reform, and recognising that the public sector is in need of a “more robust and effective” compensation package — had conducted a compensation review in March as an IMF structural
Horace Dalley benchmark. The IMF, in its December 23 statement, conceded that investor confidence continues to grow, as evidenced by the Government’s US$800 million dominated bond issue that was oversubscribed and settled at the lowest commercial rates ever enjoyed by Jamaica. “Our authorities consider this a strong positive shift in investor sentiment that reflects the steady progress under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). They expect (domestic and external) confidence to continue to rise as fiscal targets and structural benchmarks continue to be met in the future. While it in no way diminishes their commitment to fiscal and debt sustainability.” The IMF also lauded the island for improving its exchange rate competitiveness and for improving its rank in the global Doing Business Report. The island jumped some 27 places to 58th. “Jamaica is now number one in the Caribbean, according to this World Bank survey,” stated the IMF, which added that as stability becomes entrenched, emphasis will shift towards growth and job creation.
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Kaieteur News
Woman, relative detained for remigrant’s murder Police have detained a 20-year-old man and a woman in connection with the brutal chopping death of 66-year-old remigrant Kingsley Joseph, whose body was found on Saturday in a clump of bushes a few yards from his Phase Three, Wisroc Housing Scheme home. The detained youth is said to be a relative, while the woman is said to be a close friend of the slain man. Joseph’s body was discovered by his son in a pool of blood in the bushes aback his wisroc home. It was covered by a sheet close to a shallow grave. Several chops were visible on his torso, head and hands. According to one report, the killers had planned to bury Joseph before anyone could find his body as spades and other digging implements were discovered by the police in close proximity to where his mutilated remains were discovered. However, a police source refuted this report. Sources claimed that robbery was the clear motive, as Joseph was carrying around a large amount of cash. ”This man used to live alone, so like somebody de creasing he after de realize that he used to keep he stash (money) on he,” one source claimed. However, other sources claimed that Joseph had a regular female visitor. “He had a girl friend that used to visit him a lot, so he wasn’t really lonesome, he used to have company,” one source told Kaieteur News. Kaieteur News understands that Joseph had told a grandson who lives at Victory Valley, to visit him at around 06.00 hrs Saturday, since the remigrant had planned to pluck some of his chickens around that time.
But it is alleged that when the grandson arrived, he found the premises locked and there was no sign of Mr. Joseph. However, on peeping into the home, he reportedly saw a cutlass on his grandfather’s bed, and observed that there was blood on the floor. The relative notified the police, who visited the scene and verified the report after entering the house. About two hours later, the ranks found Joseph’s mutilated body in a clump of bushes. The victim was covered with a sheet. Joseph had reportedly returned to Guyana about six years ago after residing overseas for several years, and only recently completed his home. Joseph who recently started to rear chickens was reportedly expected to pluck the birds on Saturday morning. “He only recently did a lot of things, because was just the other day he get lights to the house, and he completed painting and so on,” a resident said. “He was such a nice man, so jovial-he was my best neigbour; I can’t imagine who would do such a thing. (murder him), one neighbour said. The area where Joseph resided is desolate with houses few and far apart, and interspersed with thick vegetation. Several of the houses are without electricity. One neighbour claimed that although she lived a short distance from the victim, she was unaware that anything was amiss until somebody called to inform her of the murder. “But I at first doubted them; I say, ‘no man can’t be’, because only yesterday I saw this man. However his murder was later confirmed, so now I’m in shock, I can’t believe it!”
Monday December 29, 2014
Boy missing after creek outing with family Police and relatives were up to late last night searching for a 14-year-old boy who mysteriously disappeared at 17:00 hrs yesterday after a quiet family outing at the creek just outside of Splashmins. Kaieteur News understands that Dhaniram Ramgopaul, of Good Hope; East Coast Demerara, was having the time of his life, playing in the water and came out minutes after to go to a
nearby washroom. After 15 minutes, relatives got worried and searched the washroom but Dhaniram Ramgopaul of Good Hope; East Coast Demerara was nowhere to be found. Combing the creek for nearly three hours for his body also turned out to be a fruitless exercise. The parents subsequently contacted the police. The worried mother Jankie Seecharam told this
publication up to press time that the highway police were conducting patrols but neither her son nor any of his belongings could be found. She described her son as a strong swimmer. Dhaniram Ramgopaul was last seen wearing white pants and a white vest. Anyone having pertinent information that could lead to finding the teen can contact relatives on 673 4686 or the nearest police outpost.
Labour Ministry receives 1,244 complaints this year For 2014, the Ministry of Labour received a total of 1,244 complaints of which 821 or 66 percent of those were resolved. According to the Ministry, while in 2014 more complaints were lodged, less were closed, and this was due to the fact that many of the complaints were related to the mining industry. Here, both employers and their complainants seem to always be out of touch with the Ministry. “We have always had to move swiftly to track them down and to move swiftly to resolve those matters.” Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul noted.
Further, of the 1,244 complaints, only 24 or 1.9 percent were related to nonpayment of wages below the national minimum wage. This is an indication that the national minimum wage is now settled and those persons, despite some amount of resistance, have now accommodated the request. A small number of persons made requests for the minimum wage to be paid and wages to be investigated. Out of the complaints, the sum of $31.5M was recovered on behalf of workers, representing $4.2M for annual leave, $1M for overtime, terminal benefits
$12 M, wages $13M and $18.2M for complaints being in the pipe line. During the course of 2014, $49.7M was received on behalf of workers filing cases with the ministry. In addition to these, the sums collected represented out of court settlements against employers and the number filed in 2014 was 141. The number of matters closed was 38 and the number of employers taken to court in 2014 totaled 57. The number of charges was 362 in 2014, with 130 cases pending and filed, including paying wages, failure to give severance pay, in lieu of notice, grant leave with pay and small national minimum wages offer.
BURNHAM AND... From page 9 it was only logical once this had happened that he had to establish ties with socialist and communist countries. The record will show that just prior to establishing relations with Cuba, Guyana had established diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China. Establishing relations with Cuba was also part of a plan to neutralize Cheddi Jagan. Burnham lived in the perennial shadow of Jagan who was always more respected in the socialist world than he, Burnham, ever was. Burnham, according to persons close to him and close to his early foreign policy formation, was deeply envious of the high regard that Jagan enjoyed. What better way to neutralize the threat of Jagan than by Burnham projecting himself as the ultimate leftist radical of the Caribbean? And what better way to achieve this than by doing the radical: establishing formal diplomatic ties with Cuba.
Monday December 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suites & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145
VACANCY Live in housekeeper; to care for infant 40-50yrs – Call: 697-8797 IT Technician to install outdoor antenna, must have drivers license. Send application to jobs@awngy.com Pump attendant; must have Tin #, NIS, ID, police clearance & proof of address @ N&A Service Station Prospect, E.B.D CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN and Factory Assistant living on E.B.D, free accommodation also available. 266 4427 Experienced salesman/ driver 3 CXC Subjects including Mathematics, apply with 2 references, valid police clearance & driver license - Call: 233-3512 Waitresses to work at a Bar at Agriculture Road –E.C.D Cashier able to work flexible hours and have CXC Maths, send application to jobs@awngy.com Pump attendant at Shell Providence E.B.D (shift work) 5AM-3PM & 3PM-12PM Experienced cook with food handlers medical; Accounts clerk with CSEC Subjects; Apply with 2 references – Call: 650-4974; 686-8640
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 Services & repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, deep fryers Call: 688-0183 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table – Call: 277- 0578 LAND FOR SALE
TO LET One 3 bedroom apartment bottom flat – Call: 648-9329 1-Two bedroom apartment, grilled, tiled@ Middleton St. C/Ville - $60,000- Call:6500716; 667-7836
Blankenburg, Public Road W.C.D (38ftX150ft), (39ftX150ft) - $16M each; Back Street, Unity Street La Grange W.B.D 85X750- $16M Call: 666-3619 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M & $3.5M (110ftX50Ft) Herstelling - $5.5M, Providence -$5.5M, Schoonord -$4.2M, Gove $2.6M –Call:675-7292; 6522018
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) & MORE, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 1 Modern warehouse facility in central industrial area 8000sqft ware house facility 5000 per month – Contact Annie: 695-0333 Business space @ Middleton St. C/Ville – Call: 650-0716; 667-7836 1 Upper flat 2 bedroom concrete apartment @ Grove New Housing Scheme E.B.D (First Bridge) - $45,000 per month – Call:642-1956 One two bedroom apartment at 55 A Station Street Kitty Greater Georgetown – Contact: 227-6662; 654-0382
EDUCATIONAL Maths Lessons! @ 44 Delph Street Campbellvill – Contact Sir Dass. Call: 654-3159; Forms 2, 3, 5 & repeaters, limited space available
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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Complete Snapper Boats for sale – Excellent Condition – Contact: 648-6815; 641-4506 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 PICK YOUR PIG! CHOOSE YOUR SIZEAND WE WILL HAVE IT READY! CALL: 266-2711 OR 609-4594 20ft fibre glass boat and Toyota Spacio- Tel: 617-3001 Portable sawmill fully hydraulic Th30-25 Timber Harvester – Call: 261-2553
VEHICLE FOR SALE
WANTED
Pitbull bus ($3.2M) Verossa $3.7M, Noah- $2M (All new) Call: 603-9700
One manager to work at an out of town hotel - Call: 225-2535; 626-6909 from 9am to 4pm One live in experienced waitress must be honest & courteous 18-25yrs; salary $50,000-$60,000 monthly – Tel: 610-5043
SALE! SALE! SALE! New model Spacio (2005) TV, Front & back camera; fully loaded - $2M- Call: 6427295 1 - L-Touring Wagon; HB 9912, price $1,050,000 Neg. Call: 680-4990 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 One ford IVECO sand truck with Cummings Engine, GNN Series, excellent condition, owner leaving country - Call: 604-6860, 643-2911 Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price $2.5M neg. Call: 6201026
Christmas Sale: Dell/HP Computer with 19" LCDs, laptops - $55,000 @ Futuretech – Call: 231-2206
2003 Toyota IST; fully loaded with bodykit -$2M, never registered – Call: 628-0909; 260-2327
1 – Nissan canter; needs repairing, going cheap$500,000.00 – Call: 228-5655; 628-1756
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma - Call: 680-3154
Promix BX with microrize $10,500 per bag; ask for Rayman – Call: 615-2346; 6280200, 263-5300 1 Toshiba Laptop (17.3inches) 1 5000 Watts Briggs & Stratton generator - Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 1 Numark DM 1295 4 Channel mixer, 1 Teac CD burner uses any blank CD – Call: 6220503; 689-9932 2 Gemini GXA 4000 Watts power amp, 1 Technical Pro 3250 watts pro 3250 watts power amp – Tel: 622-0503; 689-9932 2 SL I serato boxes, 2 Denon 3500 CD Juggler, 2 Gemini GXA 3000 Watts power Amp – Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 Diving Suit – Call: 265-3449; 613-5158 Tibetan Terriers pups (FLUFFY) – Call:222-7891; 609-9202 Stalls at Robb Street & Bourda –Contact: 695-1359 between 9am -11am
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Cheapest: VVTI & 1RZ Stick gear, automatic buses, front view property in Bougainvillea Park, E.B.D for sale. Call: 616-7635 2005/ 6yrs Silver Toyota Allion, new shape, lights at D.North Auto Sales, low mileage - $2.550M – Tel:6630584
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 HEALTH Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach – Call: 684-9409; 699-4211
PROPERTY FOR SALE One house & land in hope low land, E.C.D, one house & land in Bloomfield Berbice Call: 689-5254; 256-0504 Unfinished house at Parfaite Harmony, West Minister, W.B.D - $4.5M – Tel:6610618; 601-3469 House & Land @ Cemetery Rd. Helena No.1 Mahaica E.C.D. Land (65FTX150FT) $13M- Tel:689-0820, 674-3902
DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM
CATERING
AT170 Carina; Driving condition or for parts $200,000 – Call: 642-4491
Untouchable car rental: low rates, low deposits – Call: 677-4613; 226-9668
Monica’s Finger Licking BarB-Que, any amount to orderCall: 661-6793; 677-2482
CAR RENTAL
Cooks, pastry maker, counter clerk; apply to Kiskar Veggie Hut: Camp & Durban Street. - Call:231-4971 Contract vehicles also mini bus and hire car drivers – Call: 645-0025 One night shift supervisor at shell Providence E.B.D, Submit application to shellramsburg@gmail.com Two wash bay boys @ Classic Ride Wash Bay, Lot 18 Nandy Park E.B.D –Call: 233-5227 Porters, apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd
CAR RENTAL Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807; 690-6494
Monday December 29, 2014
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Islamic State executed nearly 2,000 people in six months – monitor (Reuters) - The Islamic State militant group has killed 1,878 people in Syria during the past six months, the majority of them civilians, a British-based Syrian monitoring organisation said yesterday. Islamic State also killed 120 of its own members, most of them foreign fighters trying to return home, in the last two months, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The militant group has taken vast parts of Iraq and Syria and declared a caliphate in territory under its control in June. Since then it has fought the Syrian and Iraqi governments, other insurgents and Kurdish forces. Rami Abdulrahman, the head of the Syrian monitoring group, told Reuters that Islamic State killed 1,175 civilians, including eight women and four children. He said 930 of the civilians were members of the Sheitaat, a Sunni Muslim tribe from eastern Syria which fought Islamic State for control of two oilfields in August.
Rami Abdulrahman Reuters cannot independently verify the figures but Islamic State has publicised beheadings and stoning of many people in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq. These are for actions it sees as violating its reading of Islamic law, such as adultery, homosexuality, stealing and blasphemy. The group, an offshoot of al Qaeda, has also released videos of executions of captured enemy fighters, activists and journalists. It beheaded two U.S. journalists, and one
American and two British aid workers this year in attempts to put pressure on a U.S.-led international coalition, which has been bombing its fighters in Syria since September. Abdulrahman, who gathers information from all sides of the Syrian conflict, said that Islamic State had also executed 502 soldiers fighting for President Bashar al-Assad and 81 anti-Assad insurgents. He said that 116 foreign fighters who had joined Islamic State but later wanted to return home, were executed in the Syrian provinces of Deir Al-Zor, Raqqa and Hassakeh since November. Four other Islamic State fighters were killed on other charges, Abdulrahman said. The overwhelming number of the group’s victims have been from the Syrian population. More than 200,000 people have been killed in the Syrian civil war, which started when Assad’s forces cracked down on peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011.
Monday December 29, 2014
Angry police shun NYC mayor at funeral for slain officer
Pallbearers carry the casket of New York City police officer Rafael Ramos following funeral services at Christ Tabernacle Church, in the Glendale section of Queens, Saturday. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) NEW YORK (Reuters) - Te n s o f t h o u s a n d s o f police from cities across the United States filled a New York City church and nearby streets Saturday for the funeral of one of two policemen shot by a man who said he was avenging the killing of unarmed black men by police. The service for Rafael Ramos was one of the largest police funerals in the city’s history, with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden among the dignitaries. But the tradition-bound ceremony was marked by an unusual protest against Mayor Bill de Blasio. As he rose to deliver the customary mayoral eulogy, thousands of uniformed officers outside silently turned their backs on him in a pointed display of disrespect as his image filled the large screens broadcasting the service. Angered by the mayor’s qualified sympathy for nationwide demonstrations calling for police reform, some New York police officers had
similarly shunned de Blasio as he arrived a week ago at the hospital where Ramos and his police partner, Wenjian Liu, were declared dead. “He believed in protecting others,” de Blasio said as he stood behind Ramos’ coffin, which was draped in the police department’s flag and bathed in blue light, “and those who are called to protect others are a special breed.” Singled out for their uniforms, the slaying of Ramos, 40, and Liu, 32, as they sat in their patrol car has become a rallying point for police and their supporters around the country, beleaguered by months of street protests accusing police of racist practices. Offering a counternarrative to the anti-police chants at many protests, Vice President Biden made the first of several speeches that touched on the marked increase in the racial diversity of the city’s police force, which only a few decades ago was almost entirely white. “I believe that this great
police force of this incredibly diverse city can and will show the nation how to bridge any divide,” Biden said during the service at Christ Tabernacle Church in the suburban Queens neighborhood in which Ramos lived with his wife, Maritza, and their two teenage sons. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the department had officers hailing from more than 50 different nations and included speakers of 64 languages. He went on to criticize some of the protesters who have held rallies in the city on a nearly daily basis. “The NYPD protected the right of free speech even though they themselves were the targets of false and abusive tirades by some,” he said. Streets outside the church were filled for blocks with neat, quiet crowds of officers in blue uniform, including delegations from Boston, Atlanta, St. Louis and New Orleans. Biden said some 25,000 people were thought to have come.
Monday December 29, 2014
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Miner dies after doused Indonesia resumes search for missing with petrol, set alight
AirAsia plane carrying 162 people
Family members of passengers onboard AirAsia flight QZ8501wait for information inside the AirAsia crisis centre at Juanda Airport in Surabaya, East Java yesterday. REUTERS/Antara Foto/Suryanto (Reuters) - Indonesia was set to resume at first light today the search for an AirAsia plane carrying 162 people from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore, which went missing yesterday just after the pilot requested a change in course to avoid bad weather. Singapore said it had sent two naval vessels to help the Indonesian military look for
the Airbus A320-200 operated by Indonesia AirAsia, adding a C-130 air force plane took part in the search yesterday. Malaysia would send three naval vessels and a C130 to assist, Singapore’s Channel News Asia television reported. Australia, the United States, Britain, South Korea and India also offered help ranging from planes and navy ships to experts and
investigators. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this incident,” said Indonesia AirAsia Chief Executive Sunu Widyatmoko. “We are cooperating with the relevant authorities to the fullest extent to determine the cause of this incident.” The carrier is 49 percent owned by Malaysia-based budget carrier Air Asia. The
U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan ends combat role - thousands of foreign troops remain
U.S. General John Campbell (C), commander of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), folds the flag of the ISAF during the change of mission ceremony in Kabul, yesterday. REUTERS (Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan formally ended its combat mission yesterday, more than 13 years after an international alliance ousted the Taliban government for sheltering the planners of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on American cities. About 13,000 foreign troops, mostly Americans, will remain in the country under a new, two-year mission named “Resolute Support” that will continue the coalition’s training of
Afghan security forces. The Afghan army and police are struggling to fight against Taliban militants who this year killed record numbers of Afghans. “Today marks an end of an era and the beginning of a new one,” said U.S. General John Campbell, commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), at the ceremony marking the end of the mission held at the ISAF headquarters in Kabul. “We will continue to
invest in Afghanistan’s future,” Campbell said at the ceremony, during which he rolled up the coalition’s flag. Since 2001, nearly 3,500 foreign soldiers have died in the Afghan war, including around 2,200 Americans. “Now, thanks to the extraordinary sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, and the longest war in American history is coming to a responsible conclusion,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. The late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had strong relations with the Taliban, who let him and other members of his global militant network hide in Afghanistan. The Taliban have launched increasingly deadly attacks in the past year. Nearly 3,200 Afghan civilians were killed in the conflict between the militant group and the army in 2014, and more than 4,600 Afghan army and police died in Taliban attacks. For Afghanistan’s new president, Ashraf Ghani, keeping government control of territory and preventing security from further deteriorating is a top priority. ISAF said it had withheld details of Sunday’s ceremony until the last moment for fear the insurgents might attempt an attack with rockets or mortars.
AirAsia group, including affiliates in Thailand, the Philippines and India, has not suffered a crash since its Malaysian budget operations began in 2002. Onboard Flight QZ8501 were 155 Indonesians, three South Koreans, one person each from Singapore, Malaysia and Britain, while the co-pilot was French. The plane was about halfway between Surabaya and Singapore when it lost contact with air traffic control at 6:17 a.m. yesterday (2317 GMT Saturday), Indonesian officials said. It issued no distress call, officials added. There was bad weather over nearby Belitung Island at the time and the aircraft had been flying at 32,000 feet before asking to fly at 38,000 feet to avoid clouds, said Joko Muryo Atmodjo, air transportation director at Indonesia’s transport ministry. The pilot “was requesting deviation due to en-route weather before communication with the aircraft was lost”, the airline added.
Police are probing the murder of gold miner Mikel Huntley, who was reportedly doused with petrol and set alight at Ikawan, Cuyuni River, on Boxing Day. Police stated that Huntley, of New Amsterdam, Berbice, was involved in an argument with another man, during which he was soaked with gasoline and set alight. He succumbed to the injuries. Investigators have dispatched a team to the area.
One dead, hundreds stranded in Greek ferry disaster ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Hundreds of passengers and crew braved smokey fire, frigid temperatures and gale-force winds yesterday as they waited for nearly a day to be evacuated from a burning ferry adrift in rough seas between Italy and Albania. At least one person died and two were injured in the risky rescue operation. The Italian Navy said 190 of the 478 people on the ferry, sailing from the Greek port of Patras to Ancona in Italy, had been evacuated by late last night. Most were airlifted by helicopter to other merchant vessels sailing nearby, though a few were flown to hospitals in southern Italy to be treated for hypothermia. “It will be a very difficult night. A night in which we hope we will be able to rescue all on board,” Greek Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said in Athens. He said 10 merchant ships were in the area assisting rescue efforts, and that those who had already taken on dozens of passengers from the stricken ferry would remain in the area until the operation was over. Only then would it be determined where they would go, Varvitsiotis said. Nevertheless, officials in the Adriatic port of Brindisi were preparing for the first large group to arrive — some 49 people, expected sometime after midnight, the coast guard said. The fire broke out before dawn yesterday on a car deck of the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic, carrying 422 passengers and 56 crew members.
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Bartica Super 6 Football final rescheduled to New Year’s Day The final of the Super 6 Football tournament at the Bartica Community Centre, which was set for last evening, has been rescheduled to Thursday, New Year’s Day in the Mining Community. The event which is coordinated by I Salaam has been sponsored by Whitter Aka ‘Plain man’ Mining, Hopkinson Mining and Miles Jones Mining. It started out with Beacons, Rising Stars, Wolves United, Milballers, Riverview and Potaro Strikers. When the dust had settled, Beacons were down to challenge Riverview for the title with Potaro Strikers battling Milballers in the third place playoff. The winner of the final collide for a first prize of $200,000, the second prize is $100,000 and third $50,000. Heavy rain in Bartica yesterday forced the organisors to reframe the final for Thursday from 6:30pm.
Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing stables expresses appreciation
Coordinator Nasrudeen Mohammed Jnr. The organiser, coordinator and organizing committee of the recently held Guyana Cup Rematch horserace meet has expressed their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the sponsors, members of the public and the various media houses in Guyana who contributed in one way or the other in making their one day horserace meet, which was held on Sunday December 21st 2014 at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice,
a success. The members of the management Committee expressed a big thank you Beverage Giants Banks DIH Limited, Jumbo Jet Auto sales, Edward B. Beharry and Company, Sheriff Racing Stable, Poonai & Poonai, Taljit Enterprise, Mark Morgan, Toolsie Persaud LTD, Sankar Auto Works, Atlantic Mining Supply, Colin Elcock Racing Stable, Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service and racing stables, Jumbo Jet Racing Stable, Candy Corner, Asuriea INC Insurance Company, South Land INC, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Rising Sun Turf Club and Romel Jagroop Construction Company and Slingers Sound Systems among others. According to coordinator Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Junior, the committee will also like to say special thanks to Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph and ranks of the Guyana Police Force and look forward for similar support at their next race meet.
Monday December 29, 2014
Brathwaite, Samuels fight after Steyn blitz ESPNcricinfo - West Indies had the better of large swathes of day three, but Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, with bat and ball respectively, made the high-impact contributions that ensured South Africa were still in control of the game at stumps. Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels put on an unbroken 92-run stand after Morkel had rocked West Indies with twin strikes just before tea, and West Indies were 71 short of the followon mark when rain and bad light brought play to a close. After a wet outfield delayed the start of play, West Indies’ seamers scythed through South Africa’s middle order in rain-freshened conditions. It meant South Africa had lost five wickets for 74 runs starting with Faf du Plessis’ dismissal on the rain-soaked second day. Steyn counterattacked thereafter, and hastened South Africa’s declaration with a 28-ball 58 that lifted South Africa’s score from 369 to 417 in five manic overs after lunch. Clearing his front leg against Jerome Taylor and stepping confidently down the track to Sulieman Benn, Steyn freed his arms and struck the ball with ferocious power. He swatted Taylor for two big sixes either side of a clanging drive down the ground for four, before taking a blow to the left forearm at the non-striker’s end when Vernon Philander attempted to partake of the fun with a meaty straight hit. That didn’t hamper Steyn in any way, though, as he carved Benn for a four and two big sixes in the arc between extra cover and
long-off, before holing out attempting another big hit. Hashim Amla declared as soon as Jason Holder wrapped his hands around the ball at long-on. West Indies began solidly in reply, moving past 50 without loss before Morkel arrived to ruin the taste of their tea. Coming on as first change, Morkel hit Devon Smith on the side of the helmet with a bouncer in his second over, but otherwise stuck to a fullish length, angling the ball into the left-hander from around the wicket and getting a couple to seam away. Smith, front foot striding hesitantly to the ball, poked at one of them and edged a catch to first slip. Morkel then suckered Leon Johnson, another lefthander, into driving away from his body at an even fuller ball and du Plessis at third slip took an excellent low catch. Brathwaite had looked assured at the other end, batting with more freedom than he is known to, striking four fours before tea including two in two balls against Vernon Philander, a crisp straight drive followed by a sweetly timed back-foot punch through the covers. He continued to look impressive after tea, cutting Steyn for two fours in an over and otherwise keeping the strike rolling over. He survived a tough chance when Imran Tahir failed to hold onto a rasping straight hit, but was otherwise untroubled in making his seventh Test halfcentury. Samuels used his feet well to Tahir and hit him for five fours as he moved to 60 off 92 balls. He was less assured
against the quicker bowlers at first, sending a thick edge flying wide of second slip off Steyn and having an lbw decision overturned after Morkel had struck him high on the pad with a sharp indipper that, according to Hawkeye, would have cleared the top of the stumps. Philander produced some reverse swing late in the day and had Samuels edging streakily to the third man boundary, but there was less help from the surface than there had been at the start of the morning. There are few more daunting sights for a bowling side at 289 for 3 than Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers walking out to bat, but West Indies managed to dismiss both in the space of seven balls. Amla struck two fours off Taylor in the first over of the day, but Jason Holder brushed away the ominous signs with a ball that nipped back to get him lbw. There seemed to be doubts over the line of impact and the height, but Amla was shown to be right not to review, with Hawkeye saying umpire’s call on both counts. In the next over, Taylor produced the ball of the Test match. It was set up by the ball before, which angled in sharply towards de Villiers and struck him on the pad as he looked to work it into the leg side. The umpire ruled not out, West Indies reviewed, and Hawkeye showed it to be shaving leg stump, not enough of it to overturn the umpire’s decision. The next ball followed a similar trajectory three-fourths of its way to the batsman, angling
Michael Sam tells Oprah... From page 26 August, but he was immediately picked up by the Dallas Cowboys practice team, only to be cut in October. “There was nothing I could do,” he said Saturday. “The roster was full already and I had to go.” After he came out, Sam heard from “a few” gay players who privately thanked him for his disclosure and said they wished they had that courage, he said. “They need to come out whenever they feel comfortable for them to come out,” Sam said. Sam also reflected on a childhood filled with turmoil, bullied by two brothers whom he believes he will eventually forgive. “I was abused daily,” he told Winfrey. He recalled one incident in seventh grade, when his older brother broke his Most Valuable Player trophies out of jealousy. Upon graduating college, he said, his mother handed him a letter from one of his brothers, but he chose not to read it. “They made my life very difficult growing up,” he said. Sam said he would hold on to his dream of playing in the NFL during the regular season “as long as I can.” Asked whether he believes he’s not on a team right now because of his homosexuality, Sam said, “I don’t like to think that way.” “I believe good things are on the horizon.”
Dale Steyn hits a six during his whirlwind fifty. (Gallo Images)
Morne Morkel has a bowl. (AFP)
in towards middle and off stump, but veered away late in the air, sneaked past the closed face of de Villiers’ bat, and crashed into off stump. South Africa had lost their three best batsmen for the addition of 30 runs, and into this situation were thrust Temba Bavuma, on debut, and Stiaan van Zyl, with one Test behind him. Taylor and Holder found both their edges and Holder had a big lbw shout turned down when Bavuma shouldered arms to an in-ducker, before a bowling change brought West Indies the breakthrough. Before the Test began, Bavuma had suggested with surprising candour that his lack of height could be a disadvantage on bouncy pitches, and Shannon Gabriel produced a lifter that few batsmen could have done anything about. It followed Bavuma even as he tried to sway out of the way, and was too quick for him to drop his hands and prevent a scrape of glove through to the keeper. Kenroy Peters then completed a morning in which every West Indian seamer picked up a wicket. Van Zyl sliced and drove the left-armer for two fours in three balls, and it was evident he would keep going after anything outside off stump. He sent the fifth ball rolling to the keeper off the inside edge, and then, chasing away from his body again, nicked the sixth to the keeper. Scores: West Indies 147 for 2 (Brathwaite 65*, Samuels 60*, Morkel 2-24) trail South Africa 417 for 8 dec (Elgar 121, du Plessis 103, Steyn 58) by 270 runs.