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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
HOLDING THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE Almost every day, the nation is being bombarded about the corrupt practices at NICIL and other state agencies, but after spending $137 million on audits, the government has not filed charges against anyone. The audit report on NICIL revealed that billions of dollars are either missing or unaccounted for, but the government has opted to send the head of NICIL and his deputy on leave. It is reported that the head of NICIL misled the nation on several occasions about the entity’s financial transactions. There were the expenditures on the Marriott Hotel, the Berbice Bridge and the development of several acres of land at Pradoville Two that benefited an ex-president, exministers and their friends. For the last decade, the operations of NICIL were secretive and corrupt. Its Chief Executive Officer has shown no remorse for his alleged unethical behaviour. In fact, he has told the nation that he did what the Jagdeo/Ramotar Cabinet had instructed him to do. The logical question is, would he have followed the instructions of the cabinet and jump off the Kaieteur Falls? However, the government seems confused about the future of NICIL and appears to be backing down from its campaign promise to file charges against those allegedly involved in corruption. Furthermore, the government has not made the audit reports public or has not issued any statements on the findings. But the people should hold government accountable. The audit report on NICIL has found some alarming discrepancies about the reckless use of billions of dollars on the Marriott Hotel without the benefit of a feasibility study to determine the hotel’s economic and long-term viability. And it has been alleged that the former PPP administration used public funds to build the hotel without the approval of Parliament. This is both a violation and an abuse of Articles 216 and 217 of the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act by the previous government. Furthermore, the selection of the Contractor, SCG International by the previous government to construct the Marriott Hotel, was done in secret because at the time the company was facing allegation charges for corruption in Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, the award of the contract for over US$50 million a few days before the November 28, 2011 elections, was done in a hurry without prior Cabinet approval to facilitate the company. This should be of serious concern for the new government. The former government used revenues from the proceeds of dividends from several public corporations, the sale of State assets and the Treasury to fund the construction of the hotel—a total betrayal of the trust of the people. It is time for this government to act swiftly and prosecute those who have allegedly violated the laws of the country. Justice must be done to prevent such reckless and crooked behaviour in the future. No deeds should go unpunished and status or wealth should not prevent anyone from prosecution for wrong doing. No one should be above the laws of the country as outlined in the Constitution. Almost every day, the small man is being incarcerated by judges and magistrates for petty crimes, but it seems that the elites who have embezzled billions of dollars of state funds are investigated for wrong doing and then set free. The forensic audits launched by the government six months ago have provided evidence of the pilfering of state funds, yet not a single perpetrator has been charged. Simply put, there is hardly any justice for the poor masses in Guyana.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Clinton Williams responds to his detractors DEAR EDITOR, It is not only annoying but scandalous that detractors aided and abetted by a particular tabloid continue to attack my professionalism and character by publishing inflammatory information about my performance and dedication in providing voluntary service to both the Public and Private Sectors. The latest letter allegedly written by an unnamed writer in the Kaiteur News of December 28, 2015 could not be otherwise considered than a complete fabrication. The allegation that I have been involved as Chairman of BIT in the approval of a Programme by the West Berbice Rural Women and Youth and in the recruitment of Instructors could not be further from the truth. This programme was initiated in 2013 following recommendation by the then Minister to the previous Chairman Dr. Dale Bisnauth. This organisation is not a trainer with the BIT for the year 2015. In prior years training was done with this organisation but not to the extent of the letter writer’s fabricated percentage of 95%. In 2014, the organisation was 1 of 17 trainers utilised for training in Region 5. This group had also trained persons in 2013, prior to my assumption of duties. They were informed in 2014 that the BIT would be reducing the emphasis on Home Economics Programmes and they would not be able to conduct these courses. This was taken as a complaint
to the former Minister, who then instructed that training be continued with them. BIT’s participation in this training programme was kept minimal. As regards selection of Instructors for this Programme, Clinton Williams has nothing to do with it since it would be left up to the agency to appoint the instructors, BIT does not appoint instructors except for life skills training, so we would not have been privy to the selection of trainers by West Berbice Rural. In any event the responsibility for the selection of instructors is entirely within the ambit of the CEO and Staff of BIT. The second allegation with regards to Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, the BIT was aware that the RBSTC received funding from USAID for a training project on gender based violence, HIV/AIDS prevention and peer education, as this was publicised in the newspapers and the agency had informed BIT. There was no conflict of interest as BIT training focused on the provision of vocational skills in the areas of information technology, computer maintenance and repair, electrical installation, catering and cosmetology in 2014.We have had no prior issues with RBSTC- as a recognized NGO, they receive funding from US government for gender based violence projects and other “soft” training. They also received funding from the Japanese government for renovation works. All of the decisions with respect to
this Programme were taken by the then Minister and Chairman of BIT, Dr. Dale Bisnauth. Clinton Williams had nothing to do with it. It is clear from the two fabrications above that the ulterior motive is solely bent on character assassination, defamation of character, all with a particular agenda. Further the fact that I am now a target because of my previous affiliation with the YSM further confirms to this sinister and innocuous agenda all with the purpose of tarnishing my image as a backslider and turn coat. I therefore wish to take this opportunity to categorically state that I am proud to be a product of the YSM an organisation which prepared me for the professional and fearless contribution I have been able to provide to both the Public and Private Sectors over the years which without doubt has always been publicly acclaimed to be exemplary. Without attempting to claim or disclaim my political affiliation both past and current, I want to make it pellucid clear to all of my detractors that I have never and will never jump ship. Finally, whoever wishes to continue to question my political allegiance, whether pseudo senior employee of the MOSP or otherwise, I challenge them to come forward with the facts rather than fiction based on nebulous untruth. Otherwise I might be forced to take legal action yet again for libel and defamation of my character. Clinton Williams
Patrick Yarde has found his voice DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Patrick Yarde of the GPSU has certainly been quick on the uptake with regard to President Granger ’s statements/promises when he visited the Georgetown Hospital on Christmas Day. In particular, Mr. Yarde pounced on what he terms the conditions under which the Nurses have to work and the ‘emoluments’ they receive. While this representation should be applauded, a greater move would be for Mr. Yarde to also examine the treatment which the patients have to endure under the ‘care’ of these same nurses. Before the increased emoluments are delivered, the nurses must DO THEIR JOBS AS REQUIRED. The complaints are endless – no
proper bedside care; patients who are bed confined are not tidied until their relatives come to do this when they visit; no proper records are kept of medications administered; patients calling out for ‘nurse, nurse’ for some form of assistance are treated with contempt; nurses can barely write on the charts because their false finger nails are well manicured and holding pens is an exercise in futility; the hair extensions which fall in their faces render them untidy and unable to perform; the ultra long false eyelashes seem too weighty for their eyelids; no caps, only hair slides or bandoos and the list goes on. However, in the midst of the majority who operate like nursing is for a fancy dress parade, there are a few
who are dedicated to the profession. They can be easily pointed out. Mr. Yarde should clear the dollar sign out of his focus and ask his constituents to take their jobs seriously and stop playing around with people’s lives. Then, maybe, the emoluments could come into play. The Honourable President should have a read of paragraph four of this letter and then do the checks and balances. Up to just a few months ago, Patrick Yarde and the GPSU were barely meowing like helpless day old kittens and now they have suddenly found the throat strength to ROARRRR for all the wrong reasons. Former Nurse
Composition of a national prayer for all school children DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me a space in your paper to express my view on the many articles in all of Guyana major papers with regards to “Prayer in school”. Being a multi-racial and a growing country, Guyana should be allow to learn to grow with what it has until such time as it can take full control of what it has, and then make changes. Today society and our lives are changing for the worst. It is called the “End of Time”, according to Hinduism of which our activities for different
cultures and the little place for religion are dwindling away. Among our new way of life the ethics, values and moral will not be there for our children to live by. Bullyism will be the norms. The strong will prevail over the weak which is taking place right now in front of our eyes. Guyana has lots of different religious denomination with people from all around the world moving to Guyana. Haitians about 30,000 are speaking French. In America, they learn
to speak English and become the best church attendance and officials. Prayer is a scientific system to reach the Almighty God. Draw closer to God and He will draw close to you. God knows what you need before you ask him. If we want God to answer our prayer, we must be a devotee to meet our requirement. God is keenly interested in our inner thoughts because He wants us to be close to Him. One of the basics of a secular society is a society without any official images, (Continued on page 5)
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Christmas in Goa has Blueprint for Guyana similarities with Guyana to become competitive DEAR EDITOR, The Christmas celebration is vibrant in Goa, India, though not as exciting as say in Guyana or Europe or the Guyanese diapsora in North America. Although Christians make up only a couple percentage of India’s population, Christmas is a holiday in India, making India the only country in the world where a religious minority is recognized with national public holidays. Goa is an eminent destination for (European) tourists to India. It is very busy during this time of the year. The wealthy classes from various parts of India come to Goa for vacation during the holiday season and for the summer holidays (May and June). People come to Goa for fun and relaxation. It has the most beautiful beaches in India; Bollywood films are shot here. There is a lot of greenery everywhere from airport to the far corners of the state similar to Guyana. Goa was colonized by the Portuguese who have left a lot of their influence in the small state in terms of religion and clothing. It is a Christian dominated with historical Catholic churches and a Christian tradition. The churches have names similar to those in Italy and Portugal and were built by the colonial state as contrasted with Hindu religious places of worship built by private funding. Christmas in Goa is one of the most important festivals that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm similar to Guyanese. There is praying, nativity scenes, gifting, and merry making. As among Guyanese, Christmas in Goa is celebrated on 25th December. (PS: In the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Greece, etc. among orthodox Christians, Christmas is on January 6 or 7). Goa Christmas festival is marked with a lot of revelry not dissimilar from that in Guyana. People are very spiritual for the festival. Goa Christmas celebrations began with midnight mass in the eve of the holiday accompanied with the singing of Christmas carols, which is followed by offering prayers in the church, and exchanging gifts at home on the day itself. There is also a special lunch and dinner after Christmas day service at the church. The countless churches are beautifully decorated with lights and shining stars. The larger churches host a midnight mass outside and special meals for church goers as well as the less fortunate, a practice not found in Guyana or among the diaspora in North America or even in the West. As in Guyana, there was a lot firecrackers that lit up the night sky disturbing the peace. The market places and building in the urban areas are also attractively decorated with tinsel, buntings, lights and trimmings. In Goa, only Christians decorate for Christmas unlike say in Guyana, Trinidad and the US or Canada where (Caribbean) Hindus and Muslims also decorate their homes and businesses for the season. The decorations in Goa are not as extravagant and spectacular as amongst Guyanese in the diaspora or in Guyana. On the trees are hung candies, sparkling stars, cotton flakes, cakes, socks, and a number of other decorative items. Gifts are also placed under the trees. There is a brightly lit white star in front of homes of Christians. Some families have trees outside and or inside their homes. The church compounds have nativity scenes put up on the day before Christmas. There is evidence of Hindu rituals in the Christian practices: cross is garlanded with malas, various offerings of food, fruits, and other rituals found in Hindu practices like. During the festival, Christians dress themselves in the finest of their (western) clothes. One can distinguish a Christian female through mode of
dress (western clothed unlike Hindus or Muslims who wear traditional gar like saris or shalwars). Frolicking parties form an inevitable part of Christmas season in Goa. On the beaches, there are bonfire and evening parties with dancing and boozing. There are also various water sports, swimming, snorkeling, and building sand castles. The trees have shining bright lights and shimmering adornments. Christmas carols are played in the church area and at homes. Red poinsettas decorate in front of homes and hotels. Goan cuisine is a delight for food lovers. As in many parts of Guyana on the Atlantic coast, sea-food in Goa is a staple. People eat fresh sea food. People are not into much meat which is so much more expensive than fish; much of food is cooked in coconut milk. And as in Guyana, alou is added to much of the curried dishes. A visit to Goa is incomplete without being mesmerized by its scintillating buffet of seafood offered y five star hotels or restaurants that go for about than US $25 that would easily cost four times in North America or Mexico. Roti is different than in Guyana or among the Guyanese diaspora; there is no dhal puri but there is alou paratha and plain naan or chapati that we get in NY in the Indian shops or restaurants. There is also an assortment of scrumptious desserts that are made just for Christmas including fruit cakes similar to those made by Guyanese though the taste is quite different than ours. The open markets or alfresco have countless number of stalls selling homemade chocolates and cakes. There is also an abundance of fruits – both tropical (mangoes, bananas, melons, citrus, etc.) and temperate (apples, plums, apricots, strawberries), all grown in India. Coconuts are found everywhere with its water a favorite among locals as well as visitors from abroad. Coconuts are sold dirt cheap. There are literally millions of coconut trees in Goa reminiscent of what Guyana was like during the 1970s. It is remarkable that the celebration of Christmas in Goa is not restricted only to the Christians. People belonging to various religious communities participate in the festival with immense enthusiasm. The beaches form the center of the festivities among non-Christians. Loud music (carols, Bollywood, western) and dance clubbed with sumptuous dishes mark the festivities on the beaches. The make shift restaurants, with decorated Christmas trees, are quite busy during this period of the year. Hindus and Muslims partake in the festivities with shopping, preparing special meals, and going kite flying. During the season, youngsters are seen flying kite and Hindus and Muslims join their Christian friends to fly kites. However, unlike say in the West Indies where one can visit a home and are offered drinks and a hearty meal, Christian don’t invite non-Christians in their homes for that special meal or to partake in the celebration; it is a kind of selfish, intrareligious celebration. As among Guyanese in the US and Canada, the post-Christmas season in December, comes the week of incessant partying that ends on New Year day almost all of which take place in the afternoons on the various beaches carried on well into the wee hours of the morning. Celebrants are entertained by local and international artistes or deejay music. People from all religions join hands in the merry making with an energetic ambience and vivacity as experienced in the end of year celebrations in other parts of tropical Asia and the Caribbean. There is much (if not more) fun and excitement and so much variety food in Goa for Christmas as it is in the Guynese diaspora. Vishnu Bisram
DEAR EDITOR, The last time we wrote on this subject Mr. Editor (KN 25/12/2015) we asked the question where is the money? We are pleased that the latest report is that some G$7 billion was located and transferred to the Consolidated Fund (KN 27 December 2015). Seven thousand millions is a great deal of money, so that the obvious next question is where is the rest of the money, since there is so much to be done? We know Mr. Editor that the APNU-AFC administration is faced with a great many financial challenges and needs to be met, and we do not envy those responsible given the pressures and difficulties they now face. However, the long term future of Guyana depends on critical changes which must start now. A vital one is to reverse what most young Guyanese would agree Guyana has become, that is, a scientific and technological retard. We therefore recommend that some initial funds should be dedicated, in the 2016 Budget, to drafting a National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy, with sufficient funds allocated to immediately start a National School Science and Innovation Com-
petition (scholarships and business start-up loans going to winners). For practical reasons drafting the strategy should be led by a competently staffed Statutory Body, led by a Senior Executive and which should be authorized to report directly to Parliament. It should be mandated to draft in collaboration with key interest groups and stakeholders such as the Opposition, Labour including the GTU as an independent voice and the Ministry of Education, Private Sector, Standards Bureau, Competition Commission, Consumer Bureau, University of Guyana Faculties of Natural Science, Technology and Engineering, IAST, the Technical Schools and Senior Secondary Schools (e.g Queens College, Bishops, St Stanislaus, Mc Kenzie High School etc). When drafted, Government should invite independent reviews from the UN/ UNESCO, major International Business Schools and Experts who now think about global scientific, technological and innovation trends, in relation to where Guyana is, before laying the Strategy in Parliament for adoption. Each year after 2016 could then see budget allocations to implement the most critical
components while grant funding is sought to complement national resources. The National Development Strategy would have to undergo consequential revision and updating in order to incorporate the proposed Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. Objectives of the National Development Strategy such as ‘attainment of the highest rates of economic growth and the diversification of the economy’ have very little meaning without science, technology, engineering and innovation at the core, not to mention human capacity as the fulcrum of each. Indeed, one could argue that this may be the central task in Guyana for several decades ahead. Guyana will not become competitive until it solves a number of problems including cheaper and reliable energy, learning how to compete, exponentially raising its productivity, and has infused science, technology, innovation and competition culturally throughout the society. Guyana is late, and some are responsible for squandering and embezzling a great deal of public money. Some of what is available should therefore be dedicated to this most critical task. Ivor Carryl
From page 4 nor is there any common ideal type of behavior with universal application, for which the secular system does not set any overall aim. It helps its members to realize their aims. It is not homogeneous, but is pluralistic. They have deep respect for individuals and small groups of which they are a part. Guyana is an English speaking country and we should allow prayers in schools be conducted in English, seeing the Indigenous People can now speak English. They have come a long way being here for thousands of years in South America and Guyana that profoundly help to build this “Guiana” of ours. The prayer which I was doing in school, “O Father Who Art-in-Haven, Hallow Be Thy Name.” I will consider it, a Universal Prayer, bear –inmind, I am not a Christian. In that prayer, “Thy Kingdom Come” to my understanding has nothing to do with the
British or Christianity. To my understanding it means when “I reached the Lord, God Home/Heaven”. Because of changing society and the world, children and society do not take up prayer. This is the biggest problem fathers and mothers are having with their children, family and society. They cannot build around that one thing to help them in having a family built around ethical and moral values. If a person do not want to join in prayer at school, he should be free to remain in silence, but allow other to do their prayer. The Minister of Education, the Government and the Opposition should insist that prayer in school be mandatory for the children’s future being, to build a sound family of principles to live by, with ethics, morals and values to build a great society and a great Guyana. I will suggest an ordinary prayer for all in English. ”O my God, the Omnipotent one of the Universe, I now offer
to You all obeisance, in Your presence, here there and everywhere. O Lord God, please lead me on the right path to reach You, and since You know all that I have done in the past. Please free me from the reactions to my past sins so that there will be no hindrance to my progress”. This is a universal prayer for everyone. They can use it loudly or silently. I do hope Minister of Education Rupert Roopnarine takes this into consideration. Prayer in school should be mandatory for the benefit for our children. S N. Singh, Florida
Composition of a national...
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Police to go ahead with Dire need for blood promotions despite exists at NBTS - ‘O’ Negative and ‘O’ Positive especially crucial Rohee’s concerns
Asst. Commissioner David Ramnarine The Guyana Police Force is reportedly moving with its annual promotions, despite concerns by former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee about the absence of integrity testing and that some of the beneficiaries might still have pending disciplinary matters. Rohee at a press conference yesterday expressed reservations that the impending announcement of the police promotions lists is going ahead without much consideration for a policy directive by former President Donald Ramotar, which was given a month before he was ousted from office by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change. Rohee, in addressing three areas of concern related to the professionalism and reforms of the Guyana Police Force, reminded that former President Ramotar in addressing the Opening Session of the Annual Officers’ Conference of the Guyana Police Force last year had announced that persons tipped for promotion will require integrity testing. He said that Ramotar had emphasized that the move was aimed at weeding out corrupt persons from the law enforcement agency.
Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee
“In future, for appointment to some senior positions there must be some form of integrity testing,” Ramotar had said. According to Rohee, since then, there has been no indication whether the Granger-led administration has taken up the mantle and proceeded in that direction. He said that moreover, little or nothing is known about a number of disciplinary matters that have been before the Police Service Commission for sometime now. This is in addition to several disciplinary matters that are before a Disciplinary Authority that was set up by Rohee himself, and headed by former Senior Magistrate Cecil Sullivan. Sullivan’s contract was terminated earlier this year by the new government, and as a result the work of the Authority ended prematurely, thus placing in limbo those disciplinary matters that should be addressed urgently in the interest of the Force. Rohee referred specifically to Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, with whom he had a public spat after Ramnarine spoke out about his interference in the operations of the Guyana Police Force. Kaieteur News understands that Ramnarine,
who has been an Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Police for the past six years, is earmarked to replace Seelall Persaud as the Commissioner of Police and has reportedly been recommended for the post of Deputy Commissioner. Rohee is of the view that Ramnarine is one whose upward mobility should be delayed pending the outcome of the disciplinary action that he himself had recommended. “It is to be recalled that a disciplinary matter concerning Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine is among several disciplinary matters slated for consideration at the level of the Disciplinary Authority. Concerns have been expressed about persons whose disciplinary matters are yet to be heard and who have not been subjected to integrity tests, being promoted in 2016,” Rohee said. But according to information received by this newspaper, no disciplinary action was instituted against Ramnarine. “The records will show that former Commissioner Brumell had written to Ramnarine and Ramnarine responded, and that was the end of the matter. There is no record that Ranmarine was (Continued on page 24)
A dire need for blood exists at the Ministry of Health’s National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS). According to information disseminated by the NBTS yesterday, efforts are currently being made “to satisfy the ever growing demand for this life saving product.” The NBTS, which is currently being headed by Dr. Julian Amsterdam, has made it known, too, that “at this time of year the demand is high and the blood bank is short of all types (of blood) but especially ‘O’ Negative and ‘O’ Positive.” But despite the desperate need for blood, the NBTS has made it clear that the goal of the organization is for all blood supplied in Guyana to be collected from voluntary, healthy donors. Dr. Amsterdam had earlier admitted to this publication that after several years of trying, the NBTS is still striving to achieve 100 percent voluntary blood donation. But according to him, currently voluntary donation is very close to the sought after target. Dr. Amsterdam said, “We have been moving the mark up in our efforts to phase out the replacement donation. In 2013 we had initially looked at 89 per cent. In 2014 we tried to move that to 100 per cent. The last we’ve checked we were above 94 per cent.” While figures had suggested that the target might have been met, Dr. Amsterdam asserted that this could be questionable, since some persons are asked to be replacement donors when their hospitalised relatives are the recipients of blood. It could therefore be argued that replacement donors cannot be classified as voluntary donors. ”There is a continued culture whenever a patient goes to a private hospital especially; they are advised to have a relative donate units of blood. However, in the true
and technical sense what happens, is that sometimes the relatives would come to donate, and when they discover that it is not a requirement to get units they still donate…so we will have to decide whether that is replacement donation or whether the relative is donating voluntarily,” said Dr. Amsterdam. In order to counter this situation he plans to encourage relatives to return to the Blood Bank at a time convenient to them in order to be classified as voluntary donors. The NBTS has over the years continually appealed for donors to give blood voluntarily to help save the lives of those in need. According to the NBTS in a press statement released yesterday “the unit of blood you donate is screened and delivered through a network of Blood Banks countrywide and used as needed. Every day, pregnant women, children, youths, adults and the elderly need blood in both our public and private hospitals.” Moreover, it was noted that units of blood are accepted from voluntary donors who are 17 years and older and are in generally good health, free from any blood borne diseases and who have a weigh of at least 110 pounds. The donation process entails registration of the donor; a mini health check comprising of the checking of the donor’s weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (iron) level. During the health check too, the donor’s blood
type is also identified. Donors are also asked, during a brief but private and confidential interview, to disclose their sexual lifestyle and medical history. At the actual blood donation stage, a unit (less than a pint) of blood is then taken after which the donor is offered a refreshment. The entire blood donation process takes about 20 minutes. A person, who fits the blood donation criteria, can donate blood every two months. Blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. Once these new cells are replicated, it allows the individual to feel more rejuvenated and healthier, according to information out of the NBTS. It was noted, too, that blood cannot be stored for long periods and that one unit can be processed into three component parts each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions. “We appeal to all our voluntary donors and new donors to visit the NBTS, our blood donation facilities at New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie and Linden hospitals or one of our mobile units and “give a pint!” the NBTS said in its press statement. The NBTS is opened from 08:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9:00hrs15:00hrs. Persons can also contact the NBTS on telephone numbers: 223 7182, 225 4972, 669 8776 or 644 9590.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
Britain needs ‘rethink’ on flood defence after swathes of England hit (Reuters) - Britain needs a ‘complete rethink’ of its flood defences after towns, cities and countryside across northern England were inundated when rivers broke their banks in recent days, a government agency said yesterday. Hundreds of soldiers have been deployed to evacuate residents and help emergency services. Local authorities said around 500 properties were flooded in the historic city of York, and 2,000 homes and 400 businesses in Leeds. Flood defences have been bolstered in recent years, but that has not been enough to prevent some residents of northern England, including the scenic Lake District, from having their homes flooded time and again this month. “We are moving from known extremes to unknown extremes,” David Rooke, deputy chief executive of the Environment Agency, which handles the government’s flood response, told BBC radio. “We will need to have a complete rethink and I think we need to move from not just
Members of the emergency services rescue a woman from a flooded property in York City Centre, in northern England, yesterday. (Reuters/Andrew Yates) providing better defences (...) but looking at increasing resilience.” Prime Minister David Cameron defended the government’s record on flood defences during a visit to York, saying it had committed to spend 2.3 billion pounds over the next six years, and he would consider doing more. “Let’s have a look and see whether more needs to be done and whether the flood defences need to made even higher than they are already, and that’s exactly what we’ll look at,” he told Sky News.
There was a lull in the heavy rain on Monday, and the Environment Agency said river levels were stabilising or starting to fall. But nine severe flood warnings, which indicate a danger to life, remained in place, and further rain is expected tomorrow on already saturated ground, the government said. Regional power supplier Electricity North West said it had restored supplies to 24,750 homes since Saturday, but around 1,200 customers in the northwestern city of Manchester were still cut off.
Oil falls to $37, near 11-year low, as excess supply weighs (Reuters) - Oil fell close to $37 a barrel yesterday, trading within sight of an 11-year low, pressured by excess supply that has more than halved prices since the downturn began in mid-2014. U.S. crude was trading below global benchmark Brent, having earlier in December risen to a premium for the first time in about a year following the lifting of a 40-year-old ban on most U.S. crude exports. Brent crude was down 85 cents at $37.04 a barrel at 1255 GMT. It fell to $35.98, an 11year low, today. U.S. crude was down $1.16 at $36.94. Trading volume was lighter than normal due to a UK public holiday. “We expect both prices to rise next year,” said Eugen Weinberg, an analyst at Commerzbank. “A short-term slide can’t be excluded, due to persisting oversupplies, negative sentiment and stronger downside momentum.” Figures from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries imply a glut of more than 2 million barrels per day, equal to over 2 percent of world demand. Oversupply is expected to persist into the earlier part of
A worker checks the valve of an oil pipe at Nahr Bin Umar oil field, north of Basra, Iraq. (Reuters/ Essam Al-Sudani) next year. “The global supply and demand tables are still showing a heavy picture for the first half of 2016,” said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix. Signs yesterday that a further demand stimulus from low crude prices may be limited also added pressure. In Japan, total oil product sales in November fell to a 46-year low. In Europe, demand growth for oil products
turned negative in October, analysts at JBC Energy said in a report, citing figures from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative - the first year-onyear decline this year, JBC said. The drop in prices gained impetus after OPEC, led by top exporter Saudi Arabia, a year ago dropped its longstanding policy of cutting output to support prices in favour of defending market share.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
‘Soca Warrior’ shot on way home from boat cruise -Team’s manager says someone wanted to ruin player’s career (Trinidad Guardian) National midfielder Keron Cummings, 27, was shot and wounded Sunday by a masked gunman, moments after he returned to his home
from a boat cruise lime. Cummings’ team comanager David Muhammad strongly believes the act may have been committed under envy and is therefore
calling for the police to thoroughly investigate the incident “leaving no stone unturned.” “It seems as though the sole intention was to injure
Keron in such a way to ruin his career because Keron has been top of his game more recently,” Muhammad said. “It is clear that if the gun-
man really wanted him dead he would have shot him in the head or upper part of the body but he aimed for his leg. And, this of course, is a scary situation,” he added.
Cummings will definitely miss the Copa América Centenario qualifying playoffs against Haiti on January 8 in Panama City, Panama. Cummings was due to start training with the national team at 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Sunday, ahead of the Copa playoff. According to a police report, at about 2 am Cummings was dropped off near Bagatelle corner in Diego Martin by a close female friend when he was approached by a masked gunman, who shot him in the leg before running off. Cummings, who also plays for the North East Stars, was taken to the Portof-Spain General Hospital treated and subsequently warded. According to hospital officials, Cummings’ bone has been shattered. He underwent surgery yesterday. An investigating officer said there were no signs of robbery as the motive. Muhammad said that he, along with several other teammates, have visited Cummings at hospital. “Keron is struggling to come to terms with this. We all are because this has left all of us in shock,” Muhammad said. “Some of us are wondering what are the possible risks now, especially if that individual (the perpetrator) is still at large and maybe targeting other top players because we still do not know for sure if it is a personal issue or an envy thing. Keron was really in top form. That is why we really want the police to launch an intensive and extensive investigation into this,” he added. Muhammad said he already spoke to investigating officers and intends to keep in constant contact with them. Soca Warriors Manager, William Wallace said that he was saddened over the incident and wished Cummings a miraculous speedy recovery. Cummings was one of the players, who had threatened not to play in the playoff against Haiti but decided to go ahead with the game since they had successfully negotiated for m a t c h fee s owed to them for the Concacaf Gold Cup, an International F r i e n d l y against Nicaragua and two World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala and the United States. Cummings scored two goals this year against Mexico in an International Friendly match. Investigations are continuing.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 9
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS IS IN GUYANA The ruling administration is doing some damage control using the most disingenuous methods. Reeling from criticisms that the forensic audits have not produced value for money, the administration is attempting to claim that these audits have so far unearthed some seven billion dollars. Well, if it had to take forensic audits to discover what was already in the public domain, that says quite a great deal about the ability of the government, does it not? This seven billion dollars that was supposed to have been uncovered by the audit, ought to have been discovered by a simple examination of the accounts of the entities concerned. One billion of
that was supposedly in NICIL. But was it not the same ruling coalition when it was in opposition which was of the view that billions had been stashed away including in overseas accounts? So how come is it that they found only one billion dollars in NICIL and they did not have to call in the State Asset Recovery Unit to recover it from someone’s bank account? Explain that! If the money was being stolen, how come it was found? The public is tired of this talk about monies being found. The public wants to know how much was stolen, who stole, where it is, and who is going to be charged for stealing the money.
The public is not getting those answers. The government found money in NICIL. This means that nobody stole the money because if the money was stolen it could not have been found. It was the same with the billions that are lawfully held by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). GGMC earns income from its operations. It earns billions. These monies are lawfully held by the GGMC, and have been for some time now. GGMC had at one stage proposed to lend billions to the Ministry of Housing. The loan was blocked and the court ruled that GGMC could not do so until certain re-
quirements were met. The Ministry of Housing, under the PPP, never got the billions. But it was not stolen or hidden. It was being kept all along, lawfully, by the GGMC. Billions from the GGMC and NICIL have been transferred to the Consolidated Fund. The coalition government had long contended that it was not interested in “parallel treasuries” and as such, it wanted the monies from certain agencies to be held in the Consolidated Fund. But is this the reason why the seven billion has been transferred into the Consolidated Fund? Or is it that the government is trying to reduce the Budget deficit by
transferring funds held by statutory bodies? Is this the latest piece of economic wizardry that is being employed by the APNU/ AFC administration? Is this the manner in which the government is proposing to finance the deficit: by taking monies from NICIL and the GGMC. The government did propose in the run-up to the 2015 Budget that it was going to withdraw, in a phased manner, some sixty billion dollars that were being held by government in the financial system. Now the fact that the government could withdraw this money suggests that it was not secreted, but was being transparently held by the
former administration. In the face of criticism that this would pose problems for the country’s financial system and could lead to an increase in credit, nothing further has been said. So it needs to be asked, how does the government propose to finance its 2016 Budget deficit? And is the transfer of the seven billion dollars to the treasury part of that initiative?
Private Sector throws support behind Terrorism Bill following consultation A stakeholder asks a question
By Abena Rockcliffe The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and other stakeholders have decided to lend support to the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill 2015 after consultations held yesterday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. This event was hosted by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and was chaired by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams. Williams was accompanied by other senior Ministry officials who provided answers to questions posed by stakeholders. The consultation was attended by some two dozen representatives from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Bankers’ Association, the Bank of Guyana, Office of the Commissioner of Police, the Guyana Police Force and individual citizens. The Guyana Revenue Authority was notably absent. Williams, in his opening remarks, noted that the consultations were being held in response to the objections raised by stakeholders when the government initially tried to pass the Bill. He said that his Ministry conceded to the calls for consultations, not withstanding
efforts to gather feedback on the Bill from stakeholders over five months ago. Williams said that the Bill is a crucial one. He indicated that his Ministry has been advised by the Financial Intelligence Unity (FIU), an agency entrusted with responsibility to get out all the recommendations made by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to move swiftly ahead with the passing of the Bill. He explained that the Bill has two major clauses that speak to Recommendation 35 of the CFATF rules. Recommendation 35 requires the reduction of certain laws in compliance with three international conventions. Those conventions are the International Convention For The Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, The United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols thereto and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Trafficing in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Williams said that the PPP/C government was being cited twice yearly by CFATF in its follow up reports ever since 2011 for the implemen-
tation of recommendation 35; but PPP remained defiant. He said that at the next meeting with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG)—a review group directly aligned with CFTAF— Guyana is expected to show up Bill in hand. Williams said that the implementation of the required recommendations is nothing to be taken lightly, mainly because FATF and CFATF will do serious damage to the economy of any noncompliant country “whether you like it or not.” The Minister said that this can be done if the bodies decide that a country is creating problems in the international financial system by not implementing the recommendations to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. He saw Trinidad as a case in point. That country suffered tremendously after it was blacklisted. “Trinidad was almost out of the process by its compliance yet it could not get any correspondent bank to deal with their business in that country,” said Williams. Williams impressed upon those who gathered that “no country in the world would be able to carry on any proper business or have a proper
business environment if they cannot have correspondent banks to deal with their business.” The Attorney General explained that Trinidad is almost out of the process and is actually ahead of Guyana, yet it is feeling the weight of having been blacklisted before. Williams, in explaining how keen the financial forces are, noted that it usually wants to see the exact language that is used to be reflected in a country’s legislation. “They seem to want to see back the language that they used…So, if they said that this thing should be done and we use ‘may be done’ they will cite us saying that we are not fully compliant. You have to say it ‘shall be done’. He said that the problem is that the draughtsmen may feel that they should have the freedom to be able to convey a thought in the language they feel best, but they now have to realize that the reviewers want to see a language that they are familiar with. “I want to place on record that we have been very open with consultations.” He expressed glee that the bankers were in attendance since it is one body that responded five months ago when inputs were sought. Williams said that the Bill
makes it illegal for someone to commit a terrorist act, assist in a terrorist act, aid and abet a terrorist or even attempt to commit an act of terrorism. Further, he said that the Bill criminalizes the recruitment of people to commit a terrorist act, it criminalize the equipping and outfitting of people to commit an act of terrorism as well as the raising of funds and deployment of property to assist persons to commit terrorist acts. The Bill also makes provision for extradition in certain cases. It criminalizes dealings with biological, chemical, nuclear weapons and radioactive materials.
Williams questioned whether terrorism was relevant to the PSC. He also stressed that notwithstanding the fact that the government concede this time, it will not send every bill up for consultation. He said that the elements of Bills will be weighed before decisions are made for consultation to be held. “We have to make the decisions not civil society. If we don’t, and something happens, civil society will blame us.” The Minister added, “Our government is an open government, we believe in transparency and accountability (Continued on page 22)
Dem boys seh...
Don’t spare de rod and spoil de child There is an old saying if you don’t deal proppa wid yuh pickney wha do wrong things, you gun live to regret it. Irfaat, one of de youngest billionaires in Guyana is not happy. He not getting call so he can get he way into de 2016 budget suh he complaining bitterly. Is not that he or he party care fuh dem supporters, is just that dem care fuh demselves. When dem was in de govt de opposition had no say. Now dem getting a dose of dem own medicine and dem can’t tek it. Dem know wha dem use to do and how dem use to create and siphon off by de billions and hide it away. Dem use to spend lavish every year end but this Christmas dem seh dem had to spend out dem pocket. Rohee seh dem lie. He seh when he check de party funds short and it ain’t only short in Freedom House. It short from de New York account and Ali Baba been in New York a month ago-that bald head son of a bitch. People want to see all of dem in jail. If dem don’t go to jail then Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan might very well be wuss than dem. One professor seh “it is not just about de past, but more importantly, about de present and de future. If officials in de current govt allow de bareface thievery and scampishness to go unpunished, dem and all gun believe dem can do de same thing and get away wid it, or even worse. Talk half and wait to see when dem scamps gun be walking up de court steps then to de jail doors.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The thing David Granger gave East Indians in 2015 On more than one occasion, the Stabroek News has referred to the razor thin victory of the APNU-AFC coalition over the PPP. The analyst reading that is bound to
conclude that the PPP nearly won. There are some mistakes in that conclusion. First, I think the coalition victory had more votes than what the official results showed. I
wouldn’t say a substantial number but in riverain areas and distant enclaves where opposition activities are traditionally weak, there has been a long pattern of PPP
electoral skullduggery. Unfortunately, over the decades the PNC, later APNU, has not been able to prove it. I know Aubrey Norton and Vincent Alexander are convinced of this pattern. But one has to concede that without a multiparty contest, the coalition should have come far above the fifty percent mark. Secondly, the racist poison, Mr. Jagdeo unleashed was unsavoury and demented. One is sure he was not alone. While his deliveries consisted of open racist incitement at the rallies, the bottom house meetings were perhaps even deadlier. If the gigantic race monster of the African president devouring the helpless Indian population was not invoked by Jagdeo and his acolytes in 2015, maybe the coalition would have taken in far more votes. But at the end of the day, the coalition didn’t hold its own because racist brew or no racist brew, the coalition should have been able to dent Jagdeo’s race baiting. When we review the politics of 2015, no doubt the PPP’s ignominious fall from grace overshadows everything else, and I mean everything. But 2015 has neatly transplanted itself on the pages of Guyanese history because of those racist chants of Mr. Jagdeo. Open exhortation of race has been an intimidating taboo in modern Guyanese politics. The most rabid African Guyanese politician who disdains Guyanese East Indians is going to scandalize Indians at his/her private party and in shuttered rooms but never in the open. No African politician ever went that far from
the fifties onwards. The same goes for the Indian politician who hates African Guyanese and wishes they never have a say in Guyana’s political economy. Indian politicians would say the most derogatory, meanspirited things about Blacks in Guyana but it would be in small groups after church is over in the mosque or temple or at the wedding celebration over drinks and at the vicious bottom-house meetings, but never in public. The irony of race-condemnation and race-baiting is that at a time when the two major ethnic communities were locked in violent competition in the sixties, PNC and PPP leaders were virtually scared of using racist vocabularies. If you examine the newspapers from the first victory of the PPP in 1957 to the end of the violence in 1964, there is nothing near to what Mr. Jagdeo said in 2015 in relation to race. Despite its tempestuous rage over rigged election from 1968 to 1992, there is nothing you can find from the mouth of PPP leaders that was a cussing down of African Guyanese. The simple fact was that public abuse of people’s ethnicity was taboo from the time the PPP spilt in the 1950s until Jagdeo’s 2015 election poison. What came off the lips of Jagdeo never even slipped off the lips of Burnham, Jagan, Hamilton Green, Ptolemy Reid, Boysie Ramkarran, Reepu Daman Persaud, Janet Jagan, Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin, among others. They simply did not have the inviting environment to
Frederick Kissoon preach race openly. Now mind you, the emphasis is on the adverb, “openly.” Jagdeo broke out of that self-imposed jail in May 2015. That year has gone down as the year of the worst race- incitement in the history of this country. I could understand an educated Indian eulogizing the mythical talent of Jagdeo, but it numbs the mind to see Indian intellectuals supporting a politician who was encouraging the expansion of racist venom in 2015. In this context, I lost all my admiration for Swami Aksharananda. One can say that 2015 belonged to David Granger. He showed the East Indian race in Guyana that it was wrong about Black politicians; that the stereotype of Black leaders calling for blood against Indians was a figment in their minds, planted by Indian politicians from the PPP. The 2015 general elections should have opened up the eyes of all Indians. It wasn’t the Black man running for president that was manufacturing racist morbidities that threatened the fabric of Guyana, but an Indian leader who served as President for twelve years. Whatever analysis we put to the significance of 2015, two motifs stand out – Jagdeo unmatched infamy and Granger’s moral example that he gave the Indians of this land.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Styrofoam importers, food houses get three months grace period Other options being shipped in by importers.
Some of the alternatives to Styrofoam being marketed by CCI.
As the country readies for a January 1 ban on Styrofoam containers, Government has assured that those who have stocks in hand and are on the way to Guyana, will be given a three-month grace period. The ban, in the making for a number of years now, was announced a few months ago by Government. According to Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, regulations were laid in the National Assembly last Thursday and will come into effect from January 1. “All those who have stock in hand or even ordered containers that are being shipped, will be given a grace period of about three months, but after that we close off,” he confirmed. ”We want to be reasonable and to work with the importers and users to ensure a smooth transition. An event was held earlier in the month between EPA and Private Sector Commission so we are working with the latter.” Yesterday, following a report of Kaieteur News of ban on importation, importers expressed worry of stocks on hand and wanted clarifications. Government said that Styrofoam, popular in food establishments, is posing a serious health and garbage problem. The government is pushing for bio-degradable products. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Containers Inc. (CCI), Patricia Bacchus, confirmed an increase in sales of its biodegradable line of imported food boxes and cups. The company had moved since 2012 to bring in the products following announcements that Styrofoam products would be
banned from being imported and use in the country. “We expect to see a rise in the sales next year. There is nothing astronomical as yet, but we have been seeing a rise,” the executive said. The ban is expected to affect several importers and food establishments which have been depending on the boxes and containers as a cheap alternative to food containers. The ban has been in the making for a number of years now with the deadline pushed back time and again. Government has gazetted subsidiary regulations: The Environmental Protection (Expanded Polystyrene Ban) Regulations. The legislations explained that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be the entity to implement the ban with Syrofoam-made food
containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, meat and vegetable trays and egg cartons to be prohibited from being imported, manufactured or distributed locally. The legislations when it comes into effect, after the first quarter, will apply to all food service establishments operating in Guyana. The legislations make it clear that any person or entity found to be in contravention (importation or manufacturing) could face fines of no less than $50,000. Guilty food establishments found possessing and selling food in the Styrofoam containers will be served warning them, and could face fines from a summary conviction upwards of $100,000. EPA or authorized persons from the Director of Public Prosecutions can
bring prosecutions in a court of summary jurisdiction, the gazetted legislations said. EPA is expected to work with stakeholders to promote use of recyclable, biodegradable and other environmentally friendly products, it was recommended. In recent months, Government has been pushing for especially biodegradable containers as an alternative for Styrofoam. Earlier this month, at Square of the Revolution, Georgetown, there was a public awareness session
ahead of the January 1st ban. The EPA will collaborate with the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Finance, via the Guyana Revenue Authority, to implement the Styrofoam ban. Importers yesterday said they were concerned about some of the reasons being given by Government about the banning. They said that there is no clarity on what mechanism will be used by authorities to ensure food boxes allowed in the country meet the standards of being termed “bio-degradable”. With plastic not being
banned and worse than Styrofoam, importers warned that serious considerations have to be taken on the issue. With one bale of Styrofoam food boxes wholesaling for $3,000, biodegradable food containers are reportedly going to cost importers more- at least $4,000 to have it landed here.
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Ministry of the Presidency tells Guyana Times, ‘Retract misleading headline’ Corruption in PPP…
The Government has refuted what it says is a deliberately misleading headline of an article, which was carried in yesterday’s edition of the Guyana Times, a newspaper closely linked to ex-President Bharrat Jagdeo. The headline, which was at odds with the actual content of the article published in that newspaper, states “No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger.” “Nowhere in the content of the article, nor in the source of the content, which was a recording of ‘The Public Interest’ aired on December 25, on the National Communications Network, does President Granger say or imply that there is no evidence of corruption against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. “The Ministry of the Presidency would like to categorically state that the headline has no basis in fact and was clearly designed to mislead the readers of that publication. (The Ministry) calls for an immediate retraction.” During the recording of ‘The Public Interest’, responding to a question posed by Mr. Mondale Smith, a Journalist from Kaieteur News; “…Will there ever come a time when people will be held accountable in the true sense of accountability for the things or the atrocities of the past,
President David Granger as these relate especially to our finances?”, the President said that there is a need for evidence to be first established before criminal charges and prosecution can follow. This is the verbatim response provided by the President: “The answer is yes. There is a difference between anecdote and evidence. There is a difference between speculation and surmise and actually providing proof and sometimes people make allegations and you ask them for the evidence and there is no evidence to prove; that is why we have a Court system that is why we have a crimi-
nal justice system. “If people were assumed to be guilty, simply because of a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, the country will be in chaos. So over the months since the new administration has been in office, we have been conducting some inquiries, some investigations, some audits and when there is sufficient evidence, which we feel establishes the blame-worthiness of the persons concerned, we will go to the Courts. “In some instances, some people have been sent on leave to permit investigations to take place, but you can only go to the Court when you have evidence. We can’t go to the Courts and say, ‘Look there is a letter to the Editor alleging that you did so and so’. We’ve got to get proof.” As a follow-up to the first question, Mr. Smith then posed the question, “So your message to those who are a bit antsy as a result of all of those supposed exposé in the media quoting your Ministers of course, would be what exactly?” The President responded: “When we get the evidence, we will embark on prosecution. We are not interested in condoning malpractice but sometimes the evidence has been concealed, sometimes the evidence is not there for us to see so we have to find
out and that is what has been taking place. “In the meantime, we have work to do. We have to run the country. We can’t spend all the time simply investigating, we’ve got to move the country forward so we are doing both at the same time. We are walking on two legs. “We want to ensure that malpractices are brought to an end and there is no reoccurrence of any wrongdoing that has occurred in the past. At the same time we have got to provide a quality of gover-
nance to make sure that the country does not slip backward. So it will take time, it will take time but we are not unaware of the wrongdoings of the past. “We were in the Opposition for three years and we ourselves made complaints. Now we’ve got to provide the evidence.” The Ministry of the Presidency, in the statement, said it is condemning the misleading headline, particularly since it purports to be comments of the President of
Guyana. “It is irresponsible and mischievous and the Government of Guyana calls for a retraction. While the Government of Guyana promotes and stands solidly in support of press freedom, the Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Guyana Times to pay attention to the ethics and responsibilities that ought to be observed in the profession of journalism. Importantly, the media must take seriously its responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public.”
Guyana’s Golden Jubilee launch set for Old Year’s Night …Noise galore to herald in New Year Guyana will be “Roaring in the Golden Jubilee”, 2016 the year of our 50th Independence Anniversary, with much jubilation and fanfare as the Government of Guyana, on Old Year’s Night, will officially launch the celebrations for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee. The launch will be done at the Independence Arch on Brickdam. The official programme will commence with prayers for the nation, followed by the New Year’s Address to the Nation by President David Granger. After the President’s address the sirens at all Police and Military installations across the length and breadth of the country will be blared. This will then be joined by the sounding of the horns on the ships docked in the harbours at Berbice, Essequibo and Georgetown. The countdown to midnight will be ushered by the pealing of bells, and on the stroke of midnight there will be a fireworks display. Thereafter, the gathering will be treated to
cultural presentations that will highlight Guyana’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Similar activities will also be held in the 10 Administrative Regions. Guyana’s Golden Jubilee highlights the following three perspectives:1. Reflection - On the past 50 years in context of learning pertinent lessons for the future and celebrating the history, the heritage, the pioneers and the achievements of the past. 2. Celebration – Rejoicing in the unity of Guyanese culture including the indigenous community and shared experiences and values. Proclaiming Guyana’s desire and commitment to move forward to a brighter future. 3. Inspiration - Inspiring the youth of Guyana to have the confidence and the support to dream bigger and reach higher in the next 50 years. These perspectives are the pinnacle for the celebrations that will last the entire year.
Lone gunman robs Onderneeming businessman
An Onderneeming, Sandpit shop owner would be relieved whenever the police manage to arrest and prosecute a lone masked gunman who attacked and robbed him of a gold chain and an undisclosed sum of money, Sunday night, at his premises. The gunman, who escaped, may have further intentions of launching another attack on the shop owner or other persons in that area. According to reports, about 10:30 PM Sunday, a
police officer who resides in the area received a report from the owner indicating he was attacked and robbed. According to information, the shop owner and his wife closed their shop and took a walk. They returned to their home only to be confronted by the gunman who was apparently waiting for the shop owner who ventured behind his yard to pick up a sheet from the line. The gunman, the report added, then proceeded to
challenge the shop owner before stripping him of a gold chain and an undisclosed sum of money before escaping. A report was lodged with the police at the Suddie police station who responded. Members of the policing group in Onderneening, Sandpit area, are asking the Minister of National Security to engage the group and to make an attempt to resuscitate the group which could be of better service to the police. (Yannason Duncan)
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
C’bean Voice makes recommendations for suicide helpline The Caribbean Voice (TCV) notes the disclosure by Caitlin Vieira, “that the helpline has 100 per cent success rate thus far in the sense that all callers have been helped with their situations, and have received weekly follow-up calls. They are all doing much better.” However, one of the very major, recurring problems, in Guyana, is the lack of statistical data to enable analysis and evaluation. Thus, we would hope that Ms. Vieira is aware that her disclosure, about 100 per cent success rate, means absolutely nothing unless contextualized with data. As far as Caribbean Voice is aware, there has been mention in the media of only one intervention. Ms Vieira and her group should present data that indicate the number of calls received, the range of issues called about, the number of interventions, particularly with respect to suicide, and that geographic range covered by these calls. Release of such data would not only serve to shore up Ms. Vieira’s assertion about total success rate, but would also instill confidence in the public about the effectiveness of the hotline. This public confidence is much needed given that the police force is a far way from eliciting a significant degree of trust and confidence in the public at large. Ms. Vieira also states, “Occasionally a call cannot be put on hold to answer another. In such a situation which can result in a call ringing out, the caller can try any of the other five hotline numbers, Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, BBM or email.” The Caribbean Voice strongly suggests that at least one additional landline number be added to ensure all calls are taken. After all, the issue is about saving lives. It is well known that anyone who is suicidal may well not
make a second call if the first call dos not result in an immediate response. Consideration can also be given to transferring calls to other entities that may be willing to handle them, as an immediate voice at the end of the line is an absolute necessity for anyone seeking help.”We must point out that the interagency Facebook page is actually a ghost page with absolutely no information on the hotline or the work of the committee. Same deal also for the twitter page. TCV’s Bibi Ahamad, had spoken to Ms. Vieira about this in October, but the situation remains unchanged. Meanwhile, The Caribbean Voice highly commends the police and those who man the hotline for the work they are doing. “We hope that in time the hotline can be expanded into a national network, both with respect to taking calls as well as making referrals. “We strongly suggest that the committee handling the hotline, reach out to all media throughout Guyana, and persuade them to publish or broadcast the hotline numbers/contact info at least once a week, if not more frequently, as a public service. And we suggest that overtures be made to GT&T and Digicel to persuade them to send out, to all their mobile phone customers, weekly messages with the hotlines and tips on suicide prevention, antiabuse and related issues. “We urge the committee to reach out to the business community and persuade the members to publicize the hotline and prevention messages on their outdoor billboards and electronic advertisements.” The bottom line is not only that every little bit helps, but also that suicide prevention (and prevention of abuse, sex crimes and so on) is everybody’s business, The Caribbean Voice added.
Page 21
Man found at Kitty seawall drowned Detectives at the scene
- PM
Dead: Avichand Lall Jagwant A post-mortem examination conducted on the remains of Avichand Lall Jagwant, whose body was found on the rocky seaside of the Kitty seawall last Wednesday, revealed that he died from asphyxiation due to drowning. The examination was performed by government pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)
yesterday. Jagwant, of Lot 131 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was last seen alive two Mondays ago. Two days later, his body was found. A relative of the man said that he moved from his parents’ residence a few years ago and was living in Better
Hope, ECD by some friends. He did odd jobs for a living. She explained that his mother was notified that he had been missing and that a body was found at the seawall. “His mother went to the funeral home and identified him by a scar he had above his eye. When he was small,
he was catching fish and fall and burst his eye top so he had to do operation on his eye,” the relative said. Detectives found Jagwant’s nude and decomposing body stuck between several large rocks close to the 1823 Monument. There were no visual marks of violence on his body.
Duo cons woman out of $1.6M for house lots A West Bank Demerara woman is calling on persons to be on the lookout for a couple that goes about claiming to have “links” to getting houselots, with the intention of fraud. Nazeema Persaud, of Swan Street, Klien, Pouderoyen, is claiming that she was approached by a woman in Bartica who told her that she had “links” to get house lots on West Coast Demerara. Persaud said that she was sceptical at first but the woman, who identified herself as “Sandy”, was accompanied by a welldressed male who showed her a business card, claiming that he was a lawyer. Persaud stated that by the end of the discussion she was
completely convinced. “When I come out of the bush I sometimes give she a $200,000, a li’l $50,000 you know, how much I could afford. She does give me receipts so I never like suspect anything. I give she $1,560,000 in all. Is when I ready to come out back for Christmas I couldn’t find her,” the teary eyed Persaud said. After making a report at the Vreed-en-Hoop police station, Persaud stated that she was not satisfied with the police efforts to locate the woman who goes by various aliases, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. She received word of the duo’s location and upon investigating she found out that the male accomplice was not a lawyer but really a construction worker who resides
on the East Bank Essequibo. After inquiring from neighbours, she was told that the couple moved out weeks before Christmas and are currently in Trinidad. However, Persaud stated that the two were seen in various parts of Vreed-en-Hoop walking about freely. She said that she has
given up all hope of getting her money back, but is calling on other persons to be aware of the smooth-talking duo that usually targets “girls working in the back dam”. “Them collect money from two other girls but because them (girls) does do certain work in the back dam, they don’t want talk,” she said.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 Two bedrooms apartment next to UG, young couple, UG students or foreigners, no children-Call: 222-3896;660-6416
CAT 930- Front End Loader, CAT D4H bulldozer, 9wheeled Pneumatic, Roller – Call: 275-0538; 683-7225
One 3 bedrooms apartment, one master room, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining, laundry rooms. Call: 671-1474
Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, 212, IST, Fielder, Spacio- Call: 6523820/ 665-4529
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: 6267040; 265-4535. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
WANTED Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111
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
EXPERIENCED WRITER FOR A SHORT E-BOOK 50 TO 60 PAGES. GOOD PAY. TEXT ME ONLY: 603-0758 One live in domestic maid – Call: 675-5256/ 666-4153/ 6563241
Toyota Fortuner 2012 yearCall: 624-6702
1 Female 18-25yrs living in / around G/Town to work in Snackette 3pm-9pm @ 193 Charlotte St. G/Town-Call: 226-2320
Unregistered Toyota Premio 2007, push start, reverse camera -$3.1M negotiable, Honda Ridgeline, 4 door extra cab-Call: 655-3400
INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Experienced cashier at American Variety Store, Lot 140 Regent & Light Streets. Call: 225-1864 Experienced Pastry Make/ Cake Decorator, Driver, Counter Server, Roti Cook. Apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. Truck Driver to work in G/ town –Call: 218-1156
One domestic to work at Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a week –Call: 220-0302
Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 687-9709
EDUCATIONAL Registered for Phonics, Reading, Spelling etc, classes for all ages, private tutoring also offered –Call: 675-4379
PEN-PAL Trinidadian teacher, Single Hindu Gentleman 50yrs plus, is seeking intelligent caring lady-Call: 615-4583
One Axela Mazda -$1.550 negotiable, one Nissan Titan, one Audi A4; all vehicles in excellent condition-Call: 665-3038; 226-4356 Mitsubishi Canter for sale; GTT series, next to new –Call: 611-5354; 615-4728, price reasonable Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 Holiday Discounts!! Get a gift with the purchase of unregistered: Allion, Bluebird, Axela Fielder, Etc @ City Motors-Call: 6267478
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
Leyland DAF 55 Dump Truck, CAT 320 BL excavator. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Diving Suits-Call: 265-3449/ 613-5158 AMERICAN BULLY DOGS, REMYLINE & GOTTILINECONTACT HARRY: 6100068/220-7933, WHATSAPP: 667-4845 Pure bred pit-bull pups for sale –Contact Lisa: 697-8867 Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Tibetan Terriers & Dachshund – Call: 6806426 1 Complete Music Set, 2 MX 2000 QSC, 2 MX1500 QSC, 2 Gemini 1000W, guggler, mixer crossover, EQ, etc –Call: 2533070, 686-1887
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 VACANCY Full & Part time & Seasonal, local & international work available, training provided $5,000 plus daily – Call: 6221957/ 233-6517, www.jobfairworldwide.com
2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glasstop, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136
LAND FOR SALE Providence house lots, size 50ftX100ft -$7M –Call: 6002031; 233-5535
Qualified Accounts, bond clerks, drivers @ Rosignol, Bond clerks & drivers @ Melanie- Call: 330-2399; 3302772; 623-5920 1 Security guard to work nightly, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Experienced and mature pharmacy assistant and general cashier/staff to work in Pharmacy. Call: 661-3124; 675-8790 Night Security- send application to: P.O. Box 10109, Georgetown, by 8th January, 2016.
DRESSMAKING Working suits/uniforms professionally done – starting $3,000 up –Call Sharmie: 626-2629; 676-6312
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Immediate vacancies exist for at least 12 workers to w o r k @ I c e F a c t o r y, Meadowbank-Call: 2311408/ 642-9191
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. 2 storied transported concrete property- upstairs: 2 bedrooms apartment, downstairs: 2 bedroom apartment, block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D -$19M neg. Call: 625-1514; 231-7255 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244
Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival CityAsking $80,000- Call: 619-2141
FOR RENT 2 Storey @ Robb Street Building, top flat furnished, 3 bedrooms apartment for living/office/ storage, bottom flat for business-Call: 227-2454 Apartments @ Nandy Park, free WiFi, fully tiled & renovated -$90,000 negotiable – Call: 227-5194
Private Sector... From page 9 so with that in mind, we would expect that our citizenry will not unnecessarily hold us up when they recognize how important it is to get certain bills through the house.” The PSC subsequently sent out a press release indicating that it participated in consultations. The commission said that concerns raised were satis-
factorily addressed by the Attorney General and his team, while it was explained that the legislation was mandated under several international Conventions to which the country is a party. “The Private Sector Commission is satisfied that the necessary protections for law abiding citizens are in place and is pleased to lend its support to this Bill.”
Murder accused... From page 15 Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne. He was initially charged for the murder with his older brother, Ramnarine. Deodat, the owner of Cool Runnings Trucking Service, was chopped and shot dead after a group of masked men stormed the grocery shop which he and his wife, Mala,
29, operated. The bandits also chopped Deodat's wife in the head and shot her father, Rafeek Abdul, 47, in the left arm. During the murder/robbery, two of the three attackers were allegedly unmasked, allowing the victims to identify them at a subsequent identification parade. Both Neshan Jagmohan and his brother are known to the authorities, and according to investigators, one of them was released from jail the same day that Deodat was slain. During the robbery the assailants managed to escape with $560,000, a gold band, a laptop computer and a cell phone.
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Three years for cocaine Water vendor charged for possession 2010 goldminer murder Yesterday, a vendor was jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Ramesh Persaud, 48, a Stabroek Market vendor, pleaded guilty to the charge which read, that on December 26, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he had in his possession 4.5 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The Magistrate also fined Persaud $30,000.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that on the day in question, police ranks were on patrol in the Stabroek Market, when they saw Persaud acting in a suspicious manner. The ranks approached Persaud and told him that they were ‘plain clothes policemen’. The lawmen later searched him and found the illegal substance in his right side pants pocket. Persaud was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station. The substance was weighed in his presence and the charge was later instituted.
Diamond men charged with home burglary - remanded to prison Two men were yesterday remanded to prison after being jointly slapped with a charge of break and enter and larceny, when they appeared before the Chief Magistrate in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The men, Denzil Mathias, 24, and Martin Nurse, 18, both of Block X Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, are accused of breaking into the dwelling house of Ashelia Persaud and stealing a quantity of items. It is alleged that the men stole two laptops, a quantity of gold jewellery, a quantity of clothing among other items-all carrying a total of over $1M belonging to Persaud.
Mathias and Nurse pleaded not guilty to the charge and will return to court on January 18. This matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Kerry Bostwick objected to bail for the duo, after citing the seriousness of the offence. He pointed out that the articles were recovered in the men’s possession after they were apprehended by the police. The prosecutor noted that the defendants admitting to committing the crime. Magistrate Ann McLennan upheld these objections and remanded them to prison.
Bus Conductor threatens to kill father - court hears A bus conductor made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with threatening and abusive language to his father. Mark Mohamed, 21, a Route 42 Bus Conductor, who resides at Lot 131 Diamond, East Bank Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated, that on December 24, 2015 at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, he made use of abusive language to Anthony Mohamed. The Magistrate fined the defendant $3,000 with an alternative of 17 days’ imprisonment. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, told the court that the defendant is the son of the Complainant, Anthony Mohamed. On the day in question, Jones said that the complainant threatened to kill his father. Jones said that the older Mohamed summoned the police, who arrested Mark Mohamed. According to the Prosecutor, the young man told his father, “if you come out, I will catch you and kill you”.
Mark Mohamed
Murder accused: Seon Anthony Edwards
Dead: Rawle Peters Seon Anthony Edwards, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the murder of goldminer, Rawle Peters. Peters was allegedly stabbed to death at Puruni Landing, back in 2010. Edwards, 26, also known as “Rasta Man”, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who
remanded him to prison for the indictable offence. He will make his next court appearance on January 15, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. The murder suspect was captured last week, after lawmen tracked him down to where he was selling bottled water in the vicinity of Regent and Hinck Streets, Georgetown. Edwards reportedly confessed to killing the goldminer during an argument. There are reports that the now dead man and Edwards were involved in an argument over $300,000, that Peters had claimed to have lost. Peters allegedly struck Edwards with a piece of wood. The accused reportedly retaliated by slashing Peters’s abdomen with a chopper. Peters died while being transported to the Bartica Hospital.
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Tuesday December 29, 2015
Police to go ahead with promotions... From page 6 written to or summoned by any disciplinary body, either the Police Service Commission or this disciplinary body Rohee is talking about,” a senior police officer told this newspaper. And besides, the Force has vacancies for four Deputy Commissioners of Police, who can be chosen from among the several Assistant Commissioners. The two most senior Assistant Commissioners of Police are Balram Persaud and Ramnarine. Persaud has been an Assistant Commissioner for the past eight years, four of which have been served in the Deputy Commissioner (Admin) portfolio, without the benefits of that senior position. Ramnarine has been an AC for six years and has been serving in the Deputy Commissioner (Operations) position without the benefits. The force is expected to announce its promotions in three days’ time. Rohee at his press conference yesterday also touched on remarks made by President Granger at the annual breakfast at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday December 16, where he is reported to have told his audience; “The Minister of Public Security is obliged to report to Cabinet every single Tuesday morning on the state of the Police Force and on their success in overcoming the crime problem. We haven’t told the police you are paid to do a job go ahead and do it. We sit down and plan and strategize to make sure that Guyana can become a safe country for all our citizens.” The former Home Affairs Minister said that this statement is in stark contrast to the public position of APNU+AFC made when they were in the opposition and had hurled accusations at the PPP government to the effect that there was political interference in the planning, strategizing and operations of the Guyana Police Force, though there was no evidence to this effect. “Under the PPP/C such intrusions were resisted by the hierarchy of the Force and this was manifested in several formal communications to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and at the level of monthly
Ministry of Home Affairs/ Guyana Police Force review meetings to assess implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Guyana Police Force,” Rohee said. He noted that from all indications, the public order mandate of the Ministry of Public Security has been usurped by the National Security Council at the Ministry of the Presidency, where all the “security experts” are ensconced, rather than at Force Headquarters, and the Ministry of Public Security. “This disclosure means that Ramjattan’s wings have been further clipped. His portfolio of responsibility to ‘give general orders and direction to the Commissioner of Police’ on public order and security matters has been diluted further by the National Security Council chaired by Granger.” Rohee said that this must be an unwelcome development for the hierarchy of the Force, especially by those who were once vehemently opposed to political “intrusion” and “interference” by the PPP/C administration in the operations of the Guyana Police Force. He said that for years, the Force has resisted relocation of ‘F’ Division Headquarters to Bartica. Rohee said that it was under the PPP/C that ‘E’ and ‘F’ Divisions were split from one to two separate divisions, with Linden being the headquarters for ‘E’ Division, while the proposal was to have ‘F’ Division Headquarters relocated from Force Headquarters to Bartica. He said that the Police hierarchy is aware of its own excuses made time and again to make this recommendation a reality. He added that they have now bowed to the directives of the National Security Council headed by President David Granger, that ‘F’ Division Headquarters be established at Bartica rather than at Force Headquarters. “The haste by which this new headquarters has been established is manifested in the absence of telephone/ landlines and other communication facilities at the building, housing the new Divisional Headquarters,” Rohee stated.
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Two dead, three hospitalized City residents fume following brawl over woman as garbage returns
An ongoing tug-o-war reportedly over a woman, ended in a brawl involving cutlasses, knives and other implements on Sunday night. The brawl erupted outside a popular night spot at Manchester Corentyne, leaving two men dead and three seriously injured one critically. The two dead men have been identified as Mark Simon, 29, of Liverpool, Corentyne, and his friend Kempton Gray, 23 called “Tappin and Jesus”, among other aliases, a labourer of Alness, Corentyne, Berbice. Those hospitalised are Bhiron Robertson, called “Bouse” 31, and Samuel Fraser, called “Charlie”, 32, both of Liverpool along with Gary Tyndall, 32, of Courtland, Corentyne. According to information the fight broke between Simon and Robertson who were both involved in a relationship with a woman called Ann, or “Fluffy Tail” of Alness. The woman, it is understood, had a relationship with Robertson before moving on to Simon. She subsequently left Simon and went back to Robertson. During the night she was reportedly having a good time with Simon when Robertson turned up around 23:30 hours. A heated argument ensued. Both men armed themselves, Simon with a cutlass and Robertson with a knife. The men began inflicting injuries on each other forcing others to intervene, some to part while others joined in the fight. Simon was stabbed on his foot and bled profusely. He reportedly died on his way to the hospital. Robertson was chopped about his body and is in a critical condition in the New Amsterdam Hospital. Fraser who reportedly tried to part was chopped behind his foot. Gray who was part of the gathering reportedly assisted in taking his cousin, Fraser and friend Simon to the Port Mourant Hospital. At the hospital he was reportedly pointed out to the police as one of the perpetrators. He left the hospital. According to his father, Garfield Gray, he was at home when he received a call from his son telling him about the brawl in the vicinity of the Guinness Bar. He explained that he was at the Port Mourant Hospital and how Fraser got injured. During the time the police turned up and he was pointed out as one of the persons involved in the fiasco. His son subsequently called and informed him that he was in the vicinity of Rose Hall and wanted him to get a
to Le Repentir
A picture of Le Repentir dumpsite in 2009
Dead: Mark Simon (left) and Kempton Gray car to take him home. He told him that the others gone to the New Amsterdam hospital. The elder Grey stated that sometime around 02:00 hrs he received another call from his son who told him that he was in the vicinity of Tain and Bloomfield and was coming home. The man said he told his son, “Boy, suppose something happen to you”. He tried calling desperately around 03:00 and 04:00 hrs, but got no response. He subsequently got a call around 05:00 hrs that the Ambulance just took his son to the hospital and “he deh bad.” He succumbed not long after. Gray stated that when he visited the mortuary he observed that his son sustained an abdominal stab wound, a cut on his hand and a blow to the back of his head. Grey was apparently not among the drinkers, but got involved in the melee and reportedly injured Tyndall. It is not known how Grey got his injuries. However, investigators revealed that they got an unknown call informing them that an injured man was in a yard at Clifton. Grey was found lying on a step in the yard with injuries to his body and breathing faintly. He was rushed to the hospital by the police. Tyndall reportedly stated that he was leaning on his car in the vicinity a short distance away when the fight broke out. He stated that Kempton Gray slapped him just like that. Grey then stabbed him with a knife he had on his person. The man tried to stab
him again and he held on to his hand and sustained a wound to his fingers. He subsequently jumped over a drain in his escape bid. He and some friends then joined his car and proceeded to the Port Mourant Hospital. At Simon’s home his family declined to comment. His mother Alice Simon stated that she cannot say what happened since they were not there. They received a call about the incident and subsequently learnt of his death. The man, it is learnt, is known to the authorities. All the men remains hospitalized. Tyndall was in a stable condition after undergoing a surgical procedure. Robertson remains under guard at the New Amsterdam Hospital in a critical condition with multiple wounds to his body including his abdomen, left leg and face. Kempton Gray leaves to mourn his parents and five siblings while Mark Simon leaves to mourn one child, nine siblings and his mother.
Residents of Georgetown are fuming over a decision by the Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) to revert to dumping refuse at the city’s premier burial ground; Le Repentir Cemetery. Kaieteur News has learnt that the decision was taken by the Council, last week in an effort to bring relief to the solid waste built up, following a large landfill fire at the Haags Bosch site, located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The spontaneous combustion, which occurred some two Sundays ago, caused several sections of the site to shut down and garbage trucks to be re-directed to a dumpsite, at Lusignan East Coast Demerara. The garbage trucks were unable to continue transporting refuse to Lusignan, owing to the condition of the access road to the dumpsite. City Hall’s Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Debra Lewis, explained that the problem was unforeseen. As a result, she said that the Council had no other choice but to revert to Le Repentir. “It was the only option available to the Council at the time, after the fire at Eccles and the issue with the trucks and the access road at Lusignan, but it is a temporary situation until the situation at the Haags Bosch subsides,” she explained. The PRO further held that given the serious nature of the situation, the City considered it best to take the decision, rather than face a built up of
solid waste in and around Georgetown. “We understand the people‘s concern but the Council had to act quickly or face a back up of garbage in the city. We would not want the city to return to the situation, where garbage piles were everywhere and overflowing,” added Lewis At the interim, Lewis said that a big hole has been dug at Le Repentir to aid the solid waste disposal. The PRO further noted that officials of City Hall have since held an emergency meeting with the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. She said that the officers are set to thereafter, meet with the President. In the past, the dumpsite at Le Repentir had been a source of concern for persons, who reside in Wortmanville and in other wards south of the city. Many persons complained of the unsightly refuse pile, which could result in ill health and affect those living in the area in more ways than one. Social activists Freddie Kissoon and Mark Benschop
were particularly verbal about the issue. The men held picketing exercises at the site calling for its closure. Kissoon and Benschop were even placed in the lock ups for a few days, because of their action. The dumpsite was eventually closed and garbage collectors were directed to dispose of the waste at the land fill site in Eccles. However given the recent development, Benschop is once again voicing his disapproval at the Council for voting for the return of garbage to the city‘s cemetery. He noted that the move, whether “temporary” is hazardous and perilous to residents of the neighbouring communities. “It’s endangering people’s health and lives,” Benschop said. The social activist told Kaieteur News that he is prepared to do what is necessary and face whatever consequences to stop the dumping of garbage at the cemetery. Benschop said that he is even prepared go to jail again, if that is what will bring an end to this nonsense.”
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday December 29, 2015
Iraqi forces raise flag above gov’t complex in Ramadi (Reuters) - Iraq flew its flag above the main government complex in the western city of Ramadi yesterday, marking its military’s first major victory over Islamic State since the army collapsed in the face of the fighters’ shock advance 18 months ago. Footage aired on state television showed a handful of soldiers approach a lowrise building and then emerge on its roof to hoist a small tricolor banner above their heads. “Yes, the city of Ramadi has been liberated. The Iraqi counter terrorism forces have raised the Iraqi flag over the government complex,” joint operations spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool said in an earlier televised statement. If the government retains control of Ramadi, which was seized by Islamic State fighters in May, it would become the first city recaptured by Iraq’s U.S.-trained army since it fled from the hardline militants in June 2014. In previous battles since then, the Iraqi armed forces operated mainly in a supporting role beside Iranianbacked Shi’ite militias. Soldiers were shown on state television yesterday publicly slaughtering a sheep in an act of celebration. Gunshots and an explosion could be heard as a state TV reporter interviewed other soldiers celebrating the victory with their automatic weapons held in the air. A separate plume of smoke could be seen nearby. U.S. Army Colonel Steve Warren, a spokesman for a U.S.-led coalition backing Iraqi forces, said in a statement: “The clearance of the government center is a significant accomplishment and is the result of many months of hard work.” He said the coalition had provided more than 630 airstrikes in the area over the past six months as well as training, advice and equipment to the army, counterterrorism forces and police. The U.S.-led coalition, which includes major European and Arab powers, has been waging an air campaign against Islamic State positions in both Iraq and Syria since mid-2014, after the fighters swiftly seized a third of Iraq’s territory. The Iraqi army was humiliated in that advance, abandoning city after city and leaving fleets of American armored vehicles and other
A member from the Iraqi security forces holds an Iraqi flag in the city of Ramadi. (Reuters/Stringer) weapons in the militants’ hands. One of the main challenges of the conflict since then has been rebuilding the Iraqi army into a force capable of capturing and holding territory. Baghdad has long said it would prove its forces’ rebuilt capability by rolling back militant advances in Anbar, the mainly Sunni province encompassing the fertile Euphrates River valley from Baghdad’s outskirts to the Syrian border. After encircling the provincial capital for weeks, Iraqi forces launched an assault to retake it last week and made a final push to seize the central administration complex on Sunday. Their progress had been slowed by explosives planted in streets and boobytrapped buildings. Security officials said the forces still need to clear some pockets of insurgents in the city and its outskirts. KEEPING CONTROL Authorities gave no immediate death toll from the battle for the city. They have said most residents were evacuated before the assault. Finance Minister Hoshiyar Zebari told Reuters the capture of Ramadi was “a done deal” but said the government had to do more to rebuild the city and encourage displaced people to return. “The most important thing is to secure it (Ramadi) because Daesh can bounce back,” he said in an interview in Baghdad, using an Arabic acronym to refer to Islamic State. Iraq’s army took the lead in the battle for Ramadi, with the Shi’ite militias held back from the battlefield to avoid
antagonizing the mainly Sunni population. Washington had also expressed reluctance about being seen as fighting alongside the Iranian-backed groups. Islamic State, also known by the acronyms ISIS or ISIL, swept through northern and western Iraq in June 2014 and declared a “caliphate” to rule over all Muslims from territory in both Iraq and Syria, carrying out mass killings and imposing a draconian form of Islam. Since then, the battle against the group in both countries has drawn in most global and regional powers, often with competing allies on the ground in complex multi-sided civil wars. The Baghdad government says the next target after Ramadi is the northern city of Mosul, by far the largest population center controlled by Islamic State in either Iraq or Syria. Washington had hoped that potentially decisive battle would take place in 2015 but it was pushed back after the fighters seized Ramadi. The government, led by a Shi’ite Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, has said Ramadi would be handed over to local police and a Sunni tribal force once it was secured, a measure aimed at winning over Sunnis to resist Islamic State. Such a strategy would echo the U.S. military’s “surge” campaign of 20062007, which relied on recruiting and arming Sunni tribal fighters against a precursor of Islamic State. Anbar, including Ramadi, was a major focus of that campaign at the height of the 2003-2011 U.S. war in Iraq.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
Comanche stages epic comeback to win Sydney to Hobart Yacht race SYDNEY (Reuters) American super-maxi Comanche staged an epic fightback to take line honors in the tough Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Monday after damaging a rudder in treacherous conditions that knocked out around one-third of the entrants. Comanche sailed into Constitution Dock in Hobart after crossing the finishing line at around 10 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) ahead of compatriot Rambler 88, which was set to take second place, followed by Australia’s Ragamuffin 100 and Italy’s Maserati. Rambler 88 had led the race for several hours after Comanche briefly retired on Saturday night, before quickly reversing that decision and electing to battle on. Most of the leading yachts sustained damage this year, amid wild weather and southerly gusts of up to 40 knots which knocked out
the Australian pre-race favorite Wild Oats XI, thwarting its bid to break its record of eight victories. Organizers say it has been the toughest race since 2004. It is a sweet victory for Comanche’s owner Jim Clark as well as for Australian coowner Kristy Hinze-Clark, who was among the crew and was showered with champagne as the yacht arrived in Hobart to a crowd of supporters dressed in American Indian headdress. Even more so for skipper Ken Read. “That is a hard, hard body of water,” Read told reporters after arriving, recounting his decision to continue the race despite damage to a daggerboard and a rudder. “It was my decision. Sure enough this boat did its thing and got us out of trouble. “We love this boat.” It is the first victory for Comanche, a 100 foot super-
maxi designed to be the fastest monohull ever built, and deliberately made to break records. It is also the first time since 1998 that a U.S. yacht has won the ‘blue water’ event. On its first attempt at the 630 nautical mile classic in 2014, Comanche lost its early lead and ultimately had to settle for second place as Wild Oats XI won a record eighth line honors title. Comanche had already stamped its seal on the race as the fleet headed out of Sydney Harbour on Saturday but then ran into trouble as conditions worsened a few hours later. Its crew spent 13 hours battling to regain the lead from Rambler 88, which belatedly discovered it too had sustained damage. Comanche finally crossed the finish line in a time of two days, eight hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds.
Tuesday December 29, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Put your thoughts into action. Get out and enjoy some entertainment. You can sort out any differences you have in an amiable manner. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will be misinterpreted if you get involved in other people's problems. Selfimprovement could bring amazing results. You won't have to look for the action. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can make headway in the workforce if you put your mind to it. Don't let others put unreasonable demands on you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may find it difficult to communicate. Try to be understanding. Losses are likely if you have left your financial affairs in other people's hands. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may want to put your creative thinking cap on. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Use your quick wit to win points and friends. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume today. Abstain from getting involved with married individuals.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can meet new and exciting lovers through work related projects. Get busy on those home improvement projects that you've been procrastinating about. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Take time to find out if anyone has a better suggestion before you make arrangements for the whole family. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your charm will be captivating. Get down to business and do the work yourself. Don't be afraid to make a move if you aren't happy with your emotional situation. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Good friends will give you honest answers. Don't hesitate
to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. Be sure to keep communication open with those you live with. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It will be important that you have your priorities straight. Try to stay calm and do the best you can. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways.
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Martin Guptill hits 17-ball 50 in victory
Martin Guptill exhibits the big wind up, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Christchurch, December 28, 2015 ©Getty Images BBC Sport - Martin Guptill smashed 93 not out from 30 balls as New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Christchurch to go 2-0 up in their one-day series. The 29-year-old hit his country’s fastest one-day international 50, reaching the milestone off 17 balls to beat Brendon McCullum’s record of 18. He fell short of AB de Villiers’ world record of 16 but went on to hit eight sixes and seal victory in 8.2 overs. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 117 from 27.4 overs earlier in the day. “It was a superb innings. You can’t describe it,” said captain McCullum. “It’s something you witness only once or twice in your life. “There are very few guys in the world who can play like that.” The tourists opted to bat first but struggled almost from the off, with Matt Henry (4-33) and Mitchell McClenaghan (3-32) doing the main damage. Nuwan Kulasekara, batting at eight, was Sri Lanka’s highest scorer with 19. Guptill smashed the first ball he faced towards leg gully but, despite getting two hands on the ball, a diving Milinda Siriwardana could not prevent it going for four. And Sri Lanka were made to pay a heavy price as the hosts cruised to their victory target. Guptill was partnered by Tom Latham, who made 17 not out, as a back injury prevented McCullum from opening the batting. The 34-year-old was injured when he collided with an advertising hoarding while
diving to stop the ball. McCullum, who announced last week that he would retire from international cricket in February, has had a long-standing back problem and will have it reassessed
before Thursday’s third game of the five-match series. Scores: New Zealand 118 for 0 (Guptill 93*) beat Sri Lanka 117 (Henry 4-33, McClenaghan 3-32) by 10 wickets.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure tame SS Jaguars to take Prasad Memorial T20 title
Ramlakhan MOM- Man-of-the-Match Leorayan Ramlakhan (left) accepts his prize from Dwarka Persaud. By Zaheer Mohamed in Wakenaam Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure defeated Sans Souci Jaguars by 39 runs to win the final of the Badri Prasad Memorial T20 cricket title on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success. Navishaul Pooran and Ricardo Adams added 87 for the second wicket to guide Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure to 163-7 after they were inserted in front of a fair-sized crowd before pacer Leorayan Ramlakhan claimed four wick-
ets to restrict the Jaguars. Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure lost opener Ryan Adams who was caught by wicketkeeper Rashaad Rasheed off fast bowler Siddiq Mohamed for four, but Pooran and Ricardo Adams anchored the innings with sensible batting on a decent pitch. Adams played fluently, striking four fours and one six before he was caught on the over boundary off Dellon Osbourne for 32. Pooran however continued to time the ball well, smashing Osbourne for a four and a six, but in a attempt to increase
The runner up Sans Souci Jaguars team. the scoring rate he was trapped in front by the said bowler for 43 (1x4,3x6). The Jaguars fought back through some tidy bowling led by Osbourne who finished with 3-26. Siddiq Mohamed, Zameer Zaman, Imran Mohamed and Nokta Moses had one each. Ramlakhan who bowled with pace and aggression rocked the Jaguars top order early on. The twenty-one year-old fast bowler had Imran Mohamed (06) caught before he uprooted the stumps of Nokta Moses (01) while Bernard Lewis bowled Zaman
(06). Ramlakhan then bowled Kevon Hendricks (00) before Safraz Mohamed and Siddiq Mohamed steady the chase somewhat with a fifth-wicket stand of 30. Safraz Mohamed struck Ricardo Adams to the long-on boundary but was caught and bowled by the said bowler the very next delivery for 13. However, Siddiq Mohamed kept his team in the hunt- he clobbered four fours and three maximums before he was lbw to off-spinner Kennard Lewis for 40. The Jaguars then lost a few quick wickets to be reduced to 98-
9, but Derwin Daniels and Beesham Moses shared in a last wicket stand of 26 as their team finished on 1249. Daniels hit a little cameo, hitting one four and two maximums to finish on 20 while Moses ended on 12. Man-of-the-match Ramlakhan claimed 4-9 off fours overs while Bernard Lewis and Kennard Lewis had two each. Ryan Adams and Imran Khan of Good Success SC pocketed the best batsman and bowler accolades respectively while both teams received trophies.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Oudit Persaud who sponsored the competition in memory of his late father and former businessman Badri Prasad congratulated both teams and lauded the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) for a well organised tournament. He pledged his continued support adding that next year’s competition will be bigger and better. WCC secretary Nazeer Mohamed thanked the sponsor and called on the business community for their backing.
Root in the runs again as England take command DURBAN (Reuters) An unbeaten half-century from Joe Root helped England into a commanding position on the third day of the first test as they opened up a 261-run lead over South Africa on Monday. England finished on 172 for three in their second innings, extending their advantage as little went right for the home team with strike bowler Dale Steyn suffering a shoulder injury and vital catches
spilled. Batting is expected to become more difficult as the wicket at Kingsmead deteriorates over the final two days and England have a firm grasp on the opening game of the four-test series. Root overtook Alastair Cook as England’s leading run scorer for the year as he scored 60 not out with James Taylor unbeaten on 24 at the close. “Once he gets his eye in,
which is usually pretty quick, we know he is a run getter,” England spinner Moeen Ali told reporters. Cook went early again when he was trapped lbw by spinner Dane Piedt for seven and Alex Hales played a poor shot to be caught at long on for 26 before a partnership of 71 between Nick Compton and Root took the game away from South Africa. Compton was caught behind for 49 by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers off Morne Morkel, who had twice had him dropped in tired-looking errors by a confidencedrained South Africa side. Steyn had a scan on a potential shoulder injury after he pulled up in the middle of two separate overs, almost an hour apart, but a scan showed no damage, officials said. South Africa were bowled out for 214 just before lunch despite dogged resistance from opener Dean Elgar, who achieved the rare feat of carrying his bat through the in-
nings and finished on 118 not out. Elgar, 67 not out overnight, punched the air and pounded his chest in exuberant celebration after reaching 100, the first South African to do so in their last seven test matches. Moeen was destroyer-inchief with three wickets, ably backed up by Stuart Broad and Steven Finn. Broad, who finished with figures of 4-25, made an immediate impact with the second ball of the day when he bowled Temba Bavuma for 10. Moeen dismissed JP Duminy (two), Kyle Abbott (0) and Steyn for 17 to finish with 4-69. “It has been almost perfect so far but we’ll be looking for a lead of almost 350 so there is still a long way to go,” Moeen added. Scores: England 303 and 172 for 3 (Root 60*, Taylor 24*) lead South Africa 214 (Elgar 118*, de Villiers 49, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69) by 261 runs.
Joe Root produces a manicured back-foot drive, South Africa v England, 1st Test, Durban, 3rd day, December 28, 2015 ©Getty Images
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Debutant Brathwaite WICB responds to Caricom Secretary... puts smile back on West Indian faces
Carlos Brathwaite celebrates his maiden Test half-century, Australia v West Indies, 2nd Test, Melbourne, 3rd day, December 28, 2015 ©Getty Images MELBOURNE (Reuters) A thick gloom that has pervaded the West Indies lifted briefly on Monday as paceman Carlos Brathwaite struck a defiant half-century on debut and celebrated wildly upon taking his first wicket during the second test against Australia. West Indies have been widely panned for a perceived lack of commitment as much as the quality of their cricket during a tough tour Down Under, but Brathwaite’s spirited 59 helped fire up the Caribbeans’ dressing room. Resuming on 91-6 in response to Australia’s imposing 5513 declared, Brathwaite rode his luck with top order batsman Darren Bravo in a 90-run stand to help push their team to a credible 271 before they were dismissed at tea. Although Australia captain Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja batted the hosts to an imperious 459-run lead at stumps, the 27-year-old Barbadian was satisfied his team had secured a nourishing moral victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. “I was just happy that I could contribute to a fighting day’s performance and we hope that the fans in the West Indies get a smile back on their face and realise that we’re not just here for being here’s sake,” Brathwaite, who replaced injured paceman Shannon Gabriel in the side, told reporters. “We actually want to compete and do well. I know I desperately want to represent the West Indies. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. “It’s something I will hold dear to my heart every second that I’m out there representing the West Indies with the maroon cap on. “I think the team spirit is there. Fortunately for me I see it day in day out.” GOOD MARKETING Making the day more memorable, Brathwaite was dismissed twice by fast man James Pattinson, bowled on 13 and caught in the deep at long leg on 50, but was called back to the crease both times after TV reviews showed the bowler had overstepped. The knock was nonetheless good publicity for the budding entrepreneur’s side-business as the owner of Trident Sports, a sporting goods manufacturer in the Caribbean, which produced the bat he wielded at the MCG. “Ultimately I want it to eventually stand on its own two feet,” he said of his company. “A noticeable brand worldwide.” Brathwaite raised eyebrows with the ball as well, having Australia opener David Warner caught in the gully by Jason Holder for 17 after he and his skipper engaged in some heated banter with the chirpy Austalian vice-captain. He also bowled over Holder when charging through for an exuberant high-five and then slid on his knees in a soccerstyle celebration that had the terraces roar their approval. “I have quite a few (celebrations),” he laughed sheepishly. “(Holder) almost took me out. Fortunately there was one left standing and I went and got my slide in.” Scores: Australia 3 for 551 declared and 3 for 179 (Smith 70*, Khawaja 56) lead West Indies 271 (Bravo 81, Brathwaite 59, Lyon 4-66, Pattinson 4-72) by 459 runs.
(From page 28) WICB is regionally responsible is ‘cricket’. In this regard, The WICB has recruited a four-person Selection Committee headed by former Captain, Clive Lloyd, a professional Director of Cricket and staff, professional Coach and supporting staff of ten specialists. This makes available nearly 20 cricketing professionals who are dedicated to the full time preparation and well-being of the senior team alone. 8. The WICB also executed or offered the following to and for the purpose of the players: 8.1. Retainer contracts; 8.2. Windows to participate in the IPL and other international high-paying T20 tournaments; 8.3. An individual performance incentives program which was rejected by WIPA; 8.4. A team-performance based contract in which an average is applied or prevent players losing in any bad year or series; 8.5. A professional franchise system for first class cricket; 8.6. The Caribbean Professional League (“CPL”), the highly acclaimed T20 professional league which is entering its fourth year. 9. Further the Director of Cricket Richard Pybus has prepared what is referred to as “the WICB 19-point Development Plan”. The Board has approved the WICB Development 19-point plan as recommendations for the improvement of West Indies Cricket. The recommendations included the PCL and its newly established franchise system. 10. The Board of Directors therefore hold the view that it has already put in place and implemented recommendations which are geared to creating the conditions for the medium to long term improvement of West Indies Cricket and player performance. The Board wishes to emphasize however that the focus of its medium to long term is the development of players at the senior team level. This is absolutely necessary for the long term benefit of the game especially as some top players do not or did not make themselves available for Test selection. These players must be given the chance. However, the Board also accepts that the performance of the senior team is a matter of considerable concern to it and all West Indians. This was therefore addressed at the last meeting in St Lucia and will continue to be addressed as a matter of urgency by the Board in the days and weeks to come.
11. These are important facts which show the Board’s commitment to West Indian players The Report and Its Recommendations 12. In view of the above the WICB expressed the view that it would not be possible to accept all of the findings or recommendations of the Panel. The findings upon which the recommendations are made simply do not reflect the current situation or facts. 13. There are however additional reasons why the findings or recommendations of the Panel could not be accepted. The dissolution of the Board is simply not a viable legal or practical option and carries a major financial risk which the panel either ignored or was unaware of. In addition, the recommendations indicate that the Panel is recommending the establishment of an Executive Board with powers to micro manage West Indies Cricket. This would be contrary to the present legal structure of the WICB and the significant governance advancements made since 2000. 14. Further, the WICB and in particular the Presidents of the Territorial Boards (‘TBs’) expressed deep concern that they were not consulted or interviewed and that the Panel’s recommendations would lead either to the elimination of the TBs or a radical alteration of their status and rights as shareholders of the WICB. The Presidents also expressed concern that the Panel made no mention of: 14.1. The efforts of many of the TBs; 14.2. The failure or inability of several CARICOM member Governments to provide the necessary financial and other relevant assistance for the development of local cricket in the respective territories; 14.3. The report made little mention of the role the respective Governments of CARICOM ought to play to encourage and facilitate the development of cricket, on and off the field of play. The implication or suggestion of the panel and indeed many who speak on West Indies Cricket that sole responsibility for development lies with the WICB was not accepted by the meeting. This is a shared responsibility. The Board therefore agreed at the meeting in St Lucia that the fullest partnership and co-operation between the WICB, TB’s and the local private and public sectors including the Governments is critical to the further development of West Indies cricket, and must be pursued by the Board. 14.4. The meeting conse-
quently expressed deep regret that the CARICOM panel found it necessary to make such an unnecessary and intrusive demand, calling for the immediate but impractical dissolution of the Board. The meeting felt that instead the panel should have focused on, among other things, the need for growing private-public partnerships at the local and regional levels in the interest of West Indies cricket development going forward. THE WAY FORWARD 15. The Board’s rejection of the Panel’s recommendations does not however mean that the WICB does not accept the need for further change. It does. But the ongoing discussion and further change decisions to move West Indies Cricket forward must be based on mutual respect, the facts, and a firm understanding of the status, developments and achievements of the WICB to date. Therefore, the Board of Directors will: 15.1. Appoint a Subcommittee, to include independent directors, to review the few recommendations from the Lucky, Patterson and Wilkin Reports which the WICB has not already implemented, and to advise on whether any such recommendation, ought to be reconsidered by the Board of Directors; 15.2. Thereafter, to appoint a change management expert to review the recommendations of the Subcommittee; the present structure and management system; and the Committees of the WICB and TBs. The expert will also advise on recommendations which ought to be considered by the Board to improve the governance, management and administration of cricket. 15.3. Take immediate steps to improve communications through various media and methods including direct communication with shareholders, Governments, stakeholders, Legends and former West Indies Cricketers and the public by the Board and TB’s on matters concerning governance and cricket. 15.4. Take steps to initiate
discussions with stakeholders on and to assist with the development of cricket in the territories especially at the school level. 15.5. Take steps to ensure the wide public distribution of audited financial statements and other reports, once approved by the Annual General Meeting and in so far as other reports are concerned, by the Board. 15.6. Review the present situation with Women’s cricket in the West Indies and design a framework for the further growth of the game. 15.7. Immediately review the present situation and circumstances surrounding and concerning the performance of the players of the West Indies Team including the role of the Coach and supporting staff, the Selection Committee and criteria for selection to the West Indies Team. 15.8. Review the implementation of the PCL, CPL and NAGICO Super50 tournaments at the end of the current cricket year, with a view to creating greater operational and financial synergies while adopting best practices for raising the standard of onfield performances in all three forms of regional cricket. CONCLUSION 16. Through this medium, the WICB therefore thanks the CARICOM Committee for its desire to see West Indies win again, and the panel for its thought-provoking report. However, in view of all of the matters mentioned in this paper the WICB respectfully rejects the panel’s demand for dissolution. Nevertheless, WICB would like to assure all concerned that we are serious about embracing change for the betterment of West Indies Cricket. WICB hereby asks for the patience, co-operation and partnership of all stakeholders, including CARICOM member Governments, as it seeks to put in place the various matters mentioned above, to bring about the improvements which are required to move West Indies Cricket forward to the highest possible level of success.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
WICB responds to Caricom Secretary General Irwin Larocque
Following a meeting between members of the CARICOM Committee on Cricket Governance and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in Grenada to discuss the findings and recommendations of the Review Panel on Cricket Governance, it was agreed that the WICB receive feedback from its constituent members and revert to the CARICOM Committee on its findings. WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron responded by extending gratitude to CARICOM for its interest in the growth and development of the sport and said they look forward to working together to achieve our common objectives. In a lengthy response highlighting several aspects of the deliberations, which Kaieteur Sport was able to obtain, the WICB stated its position on the matters raised by the CARICOM Review Panel. We will let our readers peruse the response and draw their conclusions on the status of our regional game and also weigh in on the deliberations. OBSERVATIONS BY THE BOARD 2. In the course of the review and discussions the following concerns were noted: 2.1. The limited scope of the interviews conducted by the Panel. The Presidents of the Territorial Boards expressed concern that neither they, nor members of their respective Boards were interviewed or consulted by the Panel. Additionally, none of the independent Directors were interviewed by the Panel. This failure to consult with a representative variety of local cricket administrators and operators meant, or had the consequence of, denying the Panel a full opportunity of ascertaining the key facts. This has caused or triggered findings and recommendations by the panel which are not supported by the facts; 2.2. The Panel made statements and conclusions related to the structure and governance of the WICB, while ignoring the sweeping structural and governance changes which have taken place at WICB since 2000; 3 Research available to the Board shows that they paid in the top 5 percentile of Caribbean professionals. 2.3. Great focus was
placed on connecting WICB governance directly to the onfield performance of the senior team. This team is selected by a Selection Committee comprising cricket legends. The team consists of the best players available for selection and consists of men, not boys. The Players are well supported, are comparatively well paid as professionals, and have an obligation to produce their best efforts consistently. It is therefore wrong to blame “governance” of the WICB for the team’s performances on the field. This missed not only the initiatives put in place by the Board. In any event the WICB was not given the credit when the team won the ICC Champions Trophy ten years ago, or the T20 World Cup just three years ago. 2.4. Little, if anything, was said about the significant strides in youth development and other aspects of West Indies cricket, including women’s cricket. It should be mentioned that the Panel made much of the absence of a Women’s Cricket Test Team. But the records show that there has been at least one (1) test match played by WI Women in 2005. The facts are that Test matches for women are not common internationally. 2.5. Women’s cricket has come a long way since then, with players being contracted year-round for the first time and significantly improving our world rankings. 2.6. The Panel relied on the one-year old abandoned Indian Tour matter, and the more recent disciplinary action resulting from the inappropriate public comments by the Coach, as matters which can justify their wide ranging assumptions and recommendations. The Board is of the view that the Panel got the facts wrong in both matters and therefore arrived at unjustified conclusions. For example; a) The facts surrounding the cancellation of the tour are now pubic knowledge and it is well known that the Indian tour was not cancelled or acquiesced by the WICB; and b) The matter of the Coach concerned his own irregular conduct and his breach of provisions of his contract. The matter was appropriately, and some believed leniently, dealt with by the Management, and supported by members of the Human Resource Committee. This was not a Board decision as was assumed by some in the media and the panel. The coach admitted that he had erred and apologized to the CEO and WICB publicly. The panel seems to have ignored the facts in this matter and drew conclusions based
Dave Cameron mostly on misguided and erroneous media reports. 2.7. The Panel’s statement that it “has no difficulty with persons on the Board of Directors”, while at the same time recommending the immediate dissolution of the entire Board as a prerequisite for moving forward. This begs the question of whether the implementation of the panel’s recommendations, with or without the resignation of the Board, would lead to the immediate and dramatic improvement of the players’ performance on the field of play. While the Board is ultimately responsible for the performance of all of the West Indies Cricket teams, members felt there is no objective basis for this assumption or apparent leap of faith. 2.8 The ongoing erroneous assumption by the panel that the critical issue of unsatisfactory player performance on the field is directly related to the existing governance structures of the WICB. The record shows that several best practices initiatives have been put in place to improve the quality of player development and preparation, and employment conditions of all West Indian Cricketers. For example, after just a relatively short period of implementation, it is already clear that the CPL and the new PCL will make a significant difference to the professionalism and performance of the teams going forward. THE POST 2000 CHANGES IMPROVEMENTS BEYONDTHEOUNDARIES 3. During the review meeting, Members of the Board determined that the following facts which have occurred since 2000, but which do not appear to have been considered by the Panel, must be recalled and made part of the record. For example, 3.1. In its efforts to improve on the issues of governance and accountability the Board has in fact appointed independent Directors. There are presently four (4) independent Directors on the Board.
Ambassador Irwin Larocque, CARICOM Secretary General Pursuant to this policy CARICOM itself was invited to recommend a regional person to be an Independent director. Mr. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, a former Minister of the St. Kitts & Nevis Government, was then nominated by CARICOM. Thereafter Mr. Skerritt was unanimously appointed to the Board in 2015 by a special resolution of the Board. This was just one small step in the attempt by the WICB to strengthen governance by creating a cadre of ‘independent’ directors. The Board found it to be curious that the CARICOM Review Panel chose not to interview Mr. Skerritt, a former Rhodes Scholar and West Indies team manager who has both an impressive public sector record and significant corporate background; 3.2. WICB independent Directors are not selected arbitrarily. The name of each independent Director is submitted to the Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee (CGNC) along with a recent copy of the proposed director’s CV and a recent police record. The CGNC then determines whether the Director meets the fit and proper test. If there are more than four (4) nominees, the names are placed on a ballot and a vote is taken. Each Member Director, and the President and VicePresident vote on the nominees. 3.3. Currently, the other independent Directors on the present Board are: a) Mrs Jennifer Nero, the Managing Director of the ECCB; b) Don Wehby, Group CEO of Grace Kennedy Ltd; and c) Clifford Reis, Chairman/ Managing Director of Banks DIH Ltd. 3.4. Other very distinguished and competent Caribbean persons were at one time or the other, Members or Directors of the WICB including:
a) Sir M. Alister McIntyre, Grenadian economist, outstanding academic and a great social thinker of his time; b) Mr. Grenville Phillips, a leading corporate financial practitioner in Barbados; c) Renowned accountant Mr. Ken Hewitt; d) Teddy Griffith, Former President, retired banking and business executive; and e) UWI Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor, Sir Hillary Beckles among others. 3.5. A number of stakeholders, including CARICOM, are invited as non-voting shareholders to attend the Annual General Meetings of the Company. The Articles of the Board were amended to include these persons as Special Members of the WICB. 3.6. The Board has always welcomed feedback from, or discussions with the stakeholders at the AGM or elsewhere. 3.7. The Board of Directors has established a number of active committees and leadership positions namely: a) The Governance and Nominations Committee b) The position of Chief Executive Officer. Previously the Board met twice annually and would decide on all matters concerning the administration of the WICB. This was but one attempt to modernize the management and structure of the Board. c) The Chief Executives Committee comprising the Chief Executive Officers of the Territorial Boards and franchise companies of the respective territories; d) The position of Director of Cricket. A professional with considerable experience has been appointed to assist with the development of West Indies Cricket; e) The Cricket Committee; f) The Human Resources Committee. This Committee ensures among other things, that senior management posts are extensively advertised and/or headhunted and that applicants go through a rigorous process of review and interviews before selection is made. This committee is also responsible for ensuring that performance appraisals of professional staff are carried out. g) The Selection Committee. This Committee comprises former West Indian test cricketers only. h) The Audit Risk and Compliance Committee. This is chaired by Mr. Don Wehby, Group CEO of Grace Kennedy Ltd. Mr. Milton Samuda, an attorney with considerable experience in sports law, is also a member. Mr. Samuda is also the former President of
the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce i) The Medical Committee. This committee of top Caribbean Sports medicine related professionals is responsible for introducing global best practices, including a Board approved competitive fitness standards policy which is now being implemented. j) The Fixtures Committee; k) The Disciplinary Committee; l) The Ethics Committee. m) The Grounds Committee; 3.8. It is these Committees which make recommendations for new policies to the WICB, thus ensuring that no individual at the Board level can. They also advise management and the Board on industry best practices. And it is these Committees which are given the authority to micro manage West Indies Cricket and are answerable to the Board; 3.9. Annual General Meetings (‘the AGM’) are held on time and are properly conducted with the assistance of Auditors. The Audited financials are submitted to the AGM and the WICB accounts for its actions to the shareholders and stakeholders at this meeting. 4. Further, the WICB member directors noted that reference was made to the Lucky Report in the Terms of Reference, but no mention is made of it in the Committee’s Final Report. It seemed curious that no mention was made by the panel of the fact that the Lucky recommendations were all implemented by the WICB. 5. Further, the Panel referred to the Wilkin Report and the Patterson Report. But no reference was made by the Panel to the significant number of recommendations from both Reports which have already been implemented by the WICB. It was further noted and accepted at the meeting that the Board is under no obligation to accept every or all recommendations made to it by any person or body. With goodwill to, and respect for, all, the Board reserves the right to make decisions, which it considers most appropriate and reasonable, and in the best interest of West Indies Cricket. 6. Regrettably, none of the above appears to have been considered or mentioned by the panel. ATTEMPTS TO IMPROVE CRICKET WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES 7. Members restated their commitment to using cricketrelated best practices and policy decisions to solve onfield cricket problems. The sport in question for which (Continued on page 27)
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Guyana Baseball League President sends New Year’s message
It is hoped that many youngsters will learn the game and be able to even play overseas in the not too distant future.
President of the Guyana Baseball League, Robin Singh, has extended New Year’s wishes with the hope of continued partnerships in promoting the sport here. He extended gratitude for all assistance during 2015. Here is the full text of his message: “ D e a r G u y a n a Baseball/Softball coaches, players, fans, sponsors, media and general public, I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year! On behalf of the whole Baseball Guyana organization, I am wishing you all the best as we begin another journey of challenges, victories, lessons and changes in the year ahead. We thank our all volunteer staff and cadre of coaches for their tireless work in spreading the great game
of baseball throughout the ten regions of Guyana. The year 2015 was our third year of operation and we are proud to report our first group of students who undertook to demonstrate baseball for the CSEC exams were very successful, of the thirty students, 22 gained Grade 1 passes and attained 8 Grade 2, our support of students who choose baseball will continue in 2016 and we envision an expansion of this program. Our Coaching education clinics at the end of the year were well attended and exposed the sport to new prospective coaches and r e i n f o r c e d standardization and certification among those more experienced. The GBL also obtained affiliation with the Guyana
Olympic Association, a testament to our years of hard work and the Olympic spirit of camaraderie of our GOA. Our main goal of 2015 was the establishment of a baseball facility and regrettably we have failed to impress the powers that be of the benefits of our sport, we will not however be singing our woes but are resolved to press our case and seek new avenues of achieving our goal of a world class baseball academy for the benefit of all of our nation’s youth. 2016 will see the establishment of the RALLY CAP program in Georgetown for children aged 5 to 110 and Absolutes 15 U, programs that has been much requested and which we are now equipped to deliver.
Our national teams (Female and Male), dubbed the “KANIMAS” are expected to make their overdue international forays in Ca n a d a a n d C u r a c a o r e s p e c t i v e l y, t h i s makes for a very exciting 2016 and we look forward to p r o v i d i n g o ur players with a rewarding sporting and cultural experience. 2016 will see the Guyana Baseball League provide training and logistical support for establishment of baseball programs in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, through support from the islands government funded sport programs. We look forward to working with you and your children for a rewarding new year. May God bless and Protect Our Nation’s Youth.”
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Johnson’s 87 powers his team to 7-Wkt win in first NAGICO Super50 practice game
Leon Johnson sweeps during his 87 at Providence yesterday. By Sean Devers An excellently constructed 123-run third wicket stand between Leon Johnson (87) and Vishaul Singh (35) powered Johnson’s X1 to a sevenwicket win on the Duckworth/Lewis system against Robin Bacchus’ X1 yesterday at Providence in the first rain affected practice match for the NAGICO Super50 tournament. Johnson, the Guyana Jaguars skipper continued his good form from the PCL First-Class tournament with an entertaining 87 from 99 balls with five fours and two sixes and shared in a century stand with his Jaguars ViceCaptain Singh who retired
out with nine runs needed for victory. His 35 was made from 54 balls and included two fours to see their team to a revised target of 180-3 from 35.1 overs, replying the 151-6 in 40-5 overs made by Bacchus’ X1. The truncated game was twice interrupted by rain after Bacchus’ X1 chose to bat on a slow track and lush outfield and their lefthanded Captain led the way with an entertaining 60-ball 66 decorated with 10 fours but only Jonathon Foo (28*) and Jeetendra Sookdeo (23) reached double figures as Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul had 224 from his allotted 10 overs. Bacchus, who played some lovely drives through the off-side and Tevin
Kandasammy Surujnarine is run out by a direct hit from Gudakesh Motie. Imlach (9), added 40 for the first wicket before Imlach was caught behind off of Paul Wintz before Sookdeo who pulled Chris Barnwell for six was removed by leftarm seamer Raymon Reifer after adding 49 for the second wicket with Bacchus. Bacchus was then dismissed by Permaul at 107-3 before two wickets tumbled at 110 when Royston Crandon (1) and Kandasammy Surujnarine (6), who was run out from a direct hit by Gudakesh Motie. Rajiv Ivan (3) was trapped LBW by Steven Jacobs at 127-6 before Foo who looked good and Seon Hetymer (10) took their team to 151 before rain stopped play and ended the innings.
When the action resumed at 14:18 hrs Assad Fudadin, who stroked pacer Romario Sheppard majestically to the cover boundary and Kevin Boodie, who hooked Ronsford Beaton for six, were both removed to leave Johnson’s X1 on 48-2 as new ball bowlers Beaton and the lively Keon Joseph removed the openers. Johnson and Singh joined forces before rain stopped play after 12 overs at 51-2 and when the game resumed the sun returned in all its glory. Johnson rocked back and slapped Joseph behind point for a scintillating four before the left-hander cut Crandon elegantly for four and his innings was flowing. Johnson was the
Vishaul Singh punches Royston Crandon down the ground at Providence yesterday. dominant partner, while Singh intelligently maneuvered the ball into the gaps and rotated the strike nicely as their partnership flourished in sunny conditions. Batting before empty stands, Johnson clipped left arm spinner Raj Nannan for six as both batsmen played with confidence and common sense; putting the fielders in the deep under pressure by running hard. Johnson looked in sublime form and deposited Sheppard for six to move into the 80s, while Singh charged the pacer and blasted him back past his ankles like a bullet. Johnson once again departed when well set for an unbeaten knock when he
edged the impressive Joseph to the keeper at 171-3 at which time Singh retired ‘out’ to bring Barnwell and Reifer to the crease with nine required for victory. Barnwell hammered Nannan for four to reduce the target to four which was duly knocked off. The next practice match, a Day/Night affair, is set for tomorrow at the same venue and is scheduled to commence at 14:00hrs. According to Chairman of selectors Rayon Griffith, the squad to go to St Kitts next month has been selected but will be announced after tomorrow’s game. Guyana lost to T&T in the last final and will play the Windwards in their opening game on January 7.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 35
UDFA GT Beer last semifinal slots decided Milerock crumble against Rockers 5-1, Winners Connection beat Amelia’s Ward 1-0
Net Rockers Goal Scorers (from right) Deshawn Joseph, Denzil Pryce, Shane Luckie and Orande Wills.
Keon Sears Winners Connection goal scorer. The hopes of Petra Organisation Champions Milerock’s of advancing to this year’s Upper Demerara Football Association GT Beer semifinals were dashed as they crumbled to the might of Net Rockers 5-1, while reigning champions Wi n n e r s C o n n e c t i o n overcame the challenge of
Amelia’s Ward Panthers by a 1-0 score to make it to the final four slots in the Upper Demerara Football Association’s GT Beer football third annual championship Sunday night last at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Net Rockers trounced their opponents behind a
brace from defender Deshawn Joseph who shot in goal number one for the Rockers from the penalty spot after the defence of the Milerock were pressured forcing them to foul a player in the 32nd minute resulting with the penalty. This 1-0 advantage remained up to half time and
South Africa wait on Steyn fitness
DURBAN (Reuters) South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn’s continued participation in the first test depends on a morning fitness test after a shoulder spasm restricted him to just 22 balls in England’s second innings on Monday. A scan on his right shoulder revealed no tear after Steyn had twice left the field at Kingsmead in midover in obvious pain and England built a potentially match-wining lead. “Dale experienced some discomfort in his right shoulder after the first day’s play and lot was probably because of the long layoff he’s had, coupled with the fact there was a great bowling load on him on the first day,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said after the third day on Monday. “Today he found the pain and the discomfort increasingly troublesome. We took him for a precautionary scan, which was inconclusive. Moosajee said there were no tears to any muscles, tendons or ligaments. “Depending on how he wakes up, we will test him in
going into the second period of regulation play Milerock folded when there was a ‘handled’ ball which allowed for another penalty being awarded to the Rockers side in the 53rd minute where Joseph stepped up and scored his second goal as the score read 2-0. Being down 2-0, Milerock never recovered and found themselves in a fix to respond with their usual football creativity. Four minutes later the former standout player for the four times Digicel National School champions, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Shane Luckie, sent a cross into the 6 yard box where forward Denzil Pryce slapped home to score in the 57th minute as Rockers led 3-0. Luckie continued to be involved in the play and
when his team was awarded a free kick in the 65th minute he banged the ball ferociously to score from outside the 18 yard box, making it a 4-0 score for the Rockers. Still looking for their complete domination, Rockers would extend that lead with a 75th minute strike when Orande Wills received a squared ball from Deshawn Joseph and completed the play scoring as the Rockers went up 5-0. As a consolation, Milerock would reduce that big deficit when midfield player Ron Fiedtkou would score for Milerock in the 86th minute as the game would end 5-1 for Rockers. The night cap game saw both teams being unable to convert clear chances but this was after Winners Connection had scored within the first five minutes
but referee Maurice Skeete quite rightly overruled that goal since there was an offside violation. However, the game would be competitive without goals being scored with the chances which came their way. Keon Sears would be able to get the game winner when the ball was being cleared by the Panthers defence. Sears pounced to slap a volley from on top the 18 yards box that scored in the 38th minute. The scores were unchanged at the end of the first half and play in the final period did not alter the results as the Winners Connection advanced at the expense of Amelia’s Ward Panthers 1-0 and now play Topp XX in the first game tomorrow, while the other will see Net Rockers facing Silver Shattas.
Taylor half-century helps Thunder break losing skid Dale Steyn twice left the field in the middle of an over, South Africa v England, 1st Test, Durban, 3rd day, December 28, 2015 ©Getty Images the warm-up tomorrow morning and if he gets through that, then we’ll allow him to bowl,” he added. The world’s top-ranked test bowler, only just back after a groin injury which kept him out of three tests in India last month, clasped his shoulder on his follow through after two balls of his fourth over in England’s second innings and was sent from the field by his captain Hashim Amla for treatment. He came back out 50 minutes later and was
brought on to bowl again but managed just three balls before departing the arena, throwing an object to the ground in obvious frustration as he walked to the dressingroom. Steyn went for a scan but returned to field until the close of play, limiting his time off the pitch in case he is passed fit to bowl. The absence of Steyn, who took four wickets in the first innings, was keenly felt as England built up a 261-run over South Africa and took a firm grip on the test match.
P E RT H , A u s t r a l i a (CMC) — West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor stroked her second halfcentury and went past 200 runs as she helped Sydney Thunder beat Deandra Dottin’s Perth Scorchers by 22 runs in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash here Sunday. Opting to bat first at the WACA, Thunder got up to 139 for three off their 20 overs before limiting Scorchers to 117 all out with five balls remaining in the innings, to win their first game in three outings. Taylor top-scored with 59 from 49 balls with seven fours and added 85 off 77
balls for the first wicket with Rachael Haynes who scored 33 from 37 deliveries. When Haynes was run out by Dottin, Taylor added a further 28 for the second wicket with captain Alex Blackwell (26 not out) before finally perishing in the 17th over to fast bowler Katherine Brunt who finished with two for 20 from her overs. Dottin went wicket-less from four overs of medium pace which cost 34 runs. In reply, Scorchers got a cameo top score of 25 off 20 balls from Dottin but she was the only one to pass 20 as the innings declined badly.
Scorchers were reeling at 21 for four in the fifth over when Dottin anchored a 34run fourth wicket stand with Chloe Piparo (19) to lift the innings. When Dottin, who struck three boundaries, was bowled by seamer Nicola Carey in the tenth over with the score on 55 for four, Scorchers steadily lost wickets as fast bowler Rene Farrell (2-17) and offspinner Erin Osborne (2-24) make key strikes. Taylor claimed one for 23 from her four overs offspin. The Jamaican now has 237 runs from six innings at an average of 47.
t r o Sp
Debutant Brathwaite puts smile back on West Indian faces Darren Bravo carves a pull during his fighting knock, Australia v West Indies, 2nd Test, Melbourne, 3rd day, December 28, 2015 ©Getty Images
Steven Smith plays a sweep shot, Australia v West Indies, 2nd Test, Melbourne, 3rd day, December 28, 2015©Getty Images
Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure tame SS Jaguars to take Prasad Memorial T20 title
Members of the victorious Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure team with their accolades. Sponsor Oudit Persaud is standing second from left while WCC secretary Nazeer Mohamed is at left. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210