Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Parties should cooperate as Election not practical before May DEAR EDITOR, Your media reports say both opposition parties (AFC and PNC) have dared the President to dissolve the parliament and announce a date for general and regional elections. The opposition leaders (and parties) have also made contradictory statements demanding the President end the prorogue and recall parliament, but they have also simultaneously threatened the President that their first order of business would be a no confidence motion to end the life of parliament. So what is the point in recalling parliament – just to end its life? Compromise does not appear possible from either side as neither side wishes to back down from impractical demands. Elections, therefore, are inevitable given that the combined opposition has stubbornly turned down the President’s invitation for a dialogue on revocation of the prorogue and recalling parliament. The question is when is it practical to hold elections given that the population and the business community don’t want political campaigns during holiday seasons. The nation remembers well the effect (violence perpetrated) on business, employees (salaries), transport, etc. when campaigns were held during national holiday seasons (1997, 2001, etc.) . Gecom also says it needs about three months notice. So the President does not have much wiggle room given the pressures he face from business, the population, the combined PNC-AFC
opposition, and Gecom on a date for election. An election date is not practical before May. The opposition was going headlong into the no confidence motion in November that would have triggered elections and a campaign during the holiday season given that the election period may be up to three months. That has been averted by the Presidential prorogue of the assembly saving its life. Dissolving the assembly in December is not practical as it would cast a gloom over the holiday spirit; it would be the grinch stealing Christmas. The population would punish a party or parties that force an election campaign during the holiday season. Dissolving the parliament in January would also be difficult is it would impact on the Mash (February) celebrations and Phagwah (March) spirit of brotherly love. Gecom also needs January to update its electoral list. The Mash and holi celebrations are followed by Easter in April and no one wants to be bothered by selfish politicians (offering impractical promises) when they could be flying kites and going on vacation with families. It seems, therefore, the earliest an election could be held is May. The parliamentary prorogue also ends latest in May. Thus, every effort should be made for the parties to cooperate to find a way to recall parliament now and address the nation’s business if the parties truly have the interests of the population at heart. Vishnu Bisram
The president has lost his way DEAR EDITOR, THE recent dastardly act by the president to prorogue Parliament has not only revealed a vile mindset but has also stripped the inarticulate minority PPP regime of its political, economic and social senses which make up the nucleus that disconnects the Freedom House dictators from the people, especially the poor and the working class. And for the General Secretary to say that the PPP regime will “fight tooth and nail to preserve is integrity and honor” shows how insane he is. Does he not know that the PPP regime has no integrity and no honor whatsoever and the people including most of their own supporters do not have any trust and confidence in them? Does he not know that the PPP regime which has disrespected the people and prorogues Parliament is dishonorable and depraved? Does he not know that the regime, which supported the most disgraceful and vulgar behavior of the AG, is wicked and immoral? The Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal should have been put out to political pasture a long time ago for stifling the human and economic development of the c o u n t r y, f o r r a p i n g t h e t r e a s u r y, f o r f a i l ing to reduce corruption and crime, and for providing the bulk of the government contracts to their relatives and friends for huge kick-backs. They should be put out to pasture for giving away the
airwaves to their friends and relatives; for not sanctioning the Commissioner of GRA for giving confidential tax information of Kaieteur News to private citizen Jagdeo; for recklessly squandering the taxpayers’ money to build the Marriott Hotel when hotel occupancy rate in the country is at 52 percent; for not repudiating Ms. Manickchand for her vulgar and cuss-down behavior of the US Ambassador at his residence and the foulmouth, profaned and illmannered AG who attempted to pimp a young Kaieteur News reporter for his aged uncle. If the PPP reign does not end soon it will hasten the process of more deceitful and corrupt acts and more attempts to close down the private media especially Kaieteur News for exposing the devious behavior of the PPP. But the president has never had control of the government, and this has allowed many of the Freedom House gangsters with overzealous ambitions to take advantage of the situation. This state of affairs is dangerous since the country is in deep economic, social and political trouble. And while all this is happening, some in the regime are preoccupied with how they could use the state resources to get richer. Plain and simple, the proroguing of Parliament is the most foolish act carried out by the president. It shows that mediocrity is a premium in the inept PPP regime. Nearly three years into
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it
the job and the president has not done anything with noticeable results or measurable benefits to the majority of ordinary Guyanese. The Cabinet has done little that is noticeable, other than to waste over $50 billion of the taxpayers’ money through bogus contracts and sub-standard work. As is the case, with every little down pour of rain, the country is floods, Georgetown is stink with heaps of garbage all over the city, City Hall is in chaos under the night lady, fire and police services limp along with some towns without a single fire engine, police vehicles have tires which are smooth like the middle of a baby’s hand, hospitals lack basic medical supplies and an adequate staff, UG and the public schools have collapsed, blackouts are everywhere, potholes are all over and the historic buildings are falling apart, yet the PPP regime boasts of progress. Guyana is a far away from progressing and it will not happen under these thugs who seem to fatten their bank accounts with the taxpayers’ money, take the best beach front lands for themselves, and rule as dictators. And the do-nothing president continues to accept
failures from his incompetent ministers and pretend to be dumb, deaf and blind to the squandering of the state resources, mistreatment of the citizens, rule by decree and disrespect of the Constitution. But the people should not expect any good deeds from this dictatorial regime and from its do-nothing president who has lost his way. If the opposition parties want to improve their image and popularity they have to continue the street protests until the president ends the prorogue of Parliament, pass the no confidence motion and promise to stamp out corruption, reduce crime, end nepotism, and prevent flooding. They also have to pledge to reduce VAT by two percent, increase old age pensions from $13,000 per month to $20,000 per month, increase salaries/wages by 15% and lower the toll on the Berbice Bridge. One thing is for sure, the rot cannot continue unabated. Guyana does not need 22 ministers in the government for a population of seven hundred thousand. At best, there should be no more than 12 to 14 ministers which will save the taxpayers billions of dollars. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
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Wednesday December 03, 2014
Commercial Court “desperately needs another Judge” - Litigants, lawyers say volume overwhelming The High Court houses the Commercial Court
Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram By Kiana Wilburg It is popular opinion that the presence of only one Judge in the Commercial Court is grossly affecting the timely settlement of business disputes which was essentially the principle that inspired its establishment in the first place. Litigants, lawyers and even investors have opined that Guyana’s Commercial Court which is housed in the High Court and presided over by Justice Rishi Persaud, “has too much work before it and it is simply an impossible task for it to be handled by only one judge. It is in desperate need of another Judge or else it will continue to fail in having an appreciable impact on business disagreements.”
Bar Association President, Ronald Burch-Smith One petitioner expressed in an interview with Kaieteur News that quite often there is a situation where cases would be deferred to several adjourned dates without trial starting for several months. Another litigant said, “The court is clearly overwhelmed and because it is overwhelmed, it could give the impression that the Judge is not efficient, but of course that too would be unfair to Mr. Persaud, because it is not his fault that he has to carry out the duties on his own. But at the end of the day it is the litigants who suffer. Can you imagine having millions of dollars tied up in a court case and it has not even started? “It is absolutely ridiculous and while it may not be entirely the fault of the
Judge, the Judicial Service Commission has to take note of this. Aren’t they concerned about the impact this can have on potential investors and even the business community? It is a deterrent and we need to pay attention to it, because all the while it is our monies that are being tied up and the inefficiency just discourages you from investing your money, because when you run into problems and you turn to the courts for justice it just takes forever. It is sickening.” Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram also expressed his concern about the Commercial Court. Ram emphasized that there is absolutely no argument to negate how imperative it is for another Judge to be appointed to the Court. He said that the number of unresolved cases with regard to this court could also have an impact on the business community and stressed that the matter should be dealt with, with some urgency. Lawyer and Leader of the Alliance For Change, Khemraj
Ramjattan, who appeared before the court several times had said that the Judge had done “a commendable job in settling certain matters” but considering the influx of certain cases since its establishment, Justice Persaud would need assistance. Persaud, Ramjattan had opined, is overburdened and as a result, other cases will be delayed. Ramesh Dookhoo, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission had been more explicit in stating that, “the Commercial Court is not working up to speed,” and that he would hope it improves sooner than later. He had also said, “I don’t think it is overwhelmed, but it needs to be more efficient. The reason we supported the establishment of the court in the first place is because of the backlog of commercial cases that was occurring in the regular court system. The Commercial Court initially started out with some amount of promise, but it is not working as efficiently as it should be. We need to get
this court in order. Its efficiency would benefit the investment community once this is done. The solution I believe is that the court needs another judge. There is too much to be done and one judge cannot do it alone.” Also weighing in on the matter was Head of the Guyana Bar Association, Ronald Burch-Smith. In a brief telephone interview, he said that he shared the concerns expressed with regard to the Commercial Court and is generally concerned about the pace of litigations. He noted, however, that there are some steps being taken to improve this and he hopes that the initiatives being undertaken to improve the justice system will be implemented soon. BurchSmith reminded of a recent seminar which was held for lawyers, judges and court staff, which sought to raise awareness about the flaws of the judicial system and apprising of steps to be taken to improve such. For example, the Bar Association head spoke to the fact that the 1955 laws are
said to be too inefficient or inadequate to deal with the problems in this developed time. He said that there was also mention at the seminar of the need for proper resources for the court staff and even improved salaries and wages to improve the work of those belonging to the legal fraternity. He said, too, that it is not only unfair to expect the Judge to perform the tasks of two or three judges, but the litigants must also bear in mind the fact that it is physically impossible for one man to achieve that feat, for his court is the chamber for all business disputes. Burch-Smith said that while he supports the appointment of another judge, there is also need for the improvement of resources. He highlighted on this premise, that there is need for equipment that can enable the court to have verbatim reports of proceedings. This, he stressed, would also help to improve the efficiency of the court.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 03, 2014
CariFLAGS asks Stuart to state Barbados’ position on gays BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CariFLAGS, a coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations in the Caribbean, has entered the debate now swirling around Barbadian Minister of Environment & Drainage, Dr. Denis Lowe, over faith, equality and “genderneutral” legislation in Barbados. In a letter sent yesterday to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, the group expressed disappointment in his silence on the matter, and reminded him of his duty and pledge to uphold human rights for all Barbadians. The group further urged Stuart to clarify the position of the Barbados constitution and his own Government on the exclusion of specific Barbadians from social protection, since Lowe continues to serve in his Cabinet. CariFLAGS, whose stated mission is to build Caribbean nations where LGBT people enjoy the full fruits of citizenship, copied the letter to the Inter-American Human Rights Commission and a
Freundel Stuart global parliamentary grouping, as well as local organization B-GLAD. B-GLAD, the leading LGBT advocacy voice in Barbados, urged Lowe to resign over his comments, rather than wait to do so – as he threatened to – if legislation was passed to close gender gaps in laws against domestic violence and harassment. CariFLAGS also alluded to apparent mixed positions within Stuart’s own Cabinet on the matter. The group
reminded the Prime Minister that another Cabinet Minister, Sen. Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, had previously supported the kind of “level-headed” legislation that Lowe opposes, both in 2009 as Minister of Family, Youth & Sports, and again in 2011 as Minister of Labour & Social Security—after Stuart assumed the office of Prime Minister. While congratulating Stuart for his “fine example of senior Caribbean statesmanship” when he, on a previous occasion, wrote BGLAD to commit himself to the elimination of discrimination against persons of differing sexual orientation, CariFLAGS sounded a note of caution on comments like Lowe’s. Lowe, warns CariFLAGS, is “claiming a dangerous freedom as a Government minister to advocate genderbased discrimination, and to speak out against the freedom of a group of Barbadians.” Such political statements, says CariFLAGS, amount to nothing more than “cheap appeals to polarisation and exclusion.”
US to donate $45 million for police body cameras Jamaica Gleaner - The United States government has committed US$400,000 (J$45.4 million) to purchase body cameras for the Jamaican police, moving the long-anticipated project one step closer to reality. Meanwhile, Minister of National Security Peter Bunting, who made the disclosure to The Gleaner recently, said Jamaica and the US have settled on specifications for the cameras and that the procurement process is already under way. In the aftermath of the controversial police killing of popular cook shop operator Nakia Jackson in downtown Kingston, on January 20, Bunting announced later that month that his ministry would embark on a project that would see members of select units within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) wearing body cameras. He promised then that the project would be rolled out in the second half of this year. Since the minister ’s announcement, KingAlarm Systems, one of the country’s
Peter Bunting leading private security companies, has spent more than $25 million to outfit all its guards with body cameras while they are on duty, as well as to purchase the computer software required to monitor and store the images gathered and train staff. However, during a recent interview with The Gleaner, Bunting shied away from giving another timeline when Jamaicans could see members of the JCF fitted with body
cameras while they are on operations. “They [US government] are the ones procuring the cameras, so it is within their procurement process, so as you can appreciate, it’s out of my control,” he underscored. He revealed that as part of the search for the specifications best suited for Jamaica, some members of the security forces were outfitted with body cameras under a pilot project. “So it’s not that nothing has happened, but in terms of any large scale ... that we could outfit a division or an operational team in a division, we have not reached that scale yet,” Bunting said. Speaking during a postCabinet press conference in January, the national security minister said the body-camera project is to encourage police personnel to act in accordance with the JCF’s professional standards, including guidelines governing the use of deadly force. He said it would also protect the police from unfair allegations.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Increases for public servants have become a Christmas bonus It was always asking too much for anyone to hope that when it came to public service salaries, the Donald Ramotar administration would have done anything different from the Jagdeo administration. I will not go where people
expect this line of argument to logically go, except to say that there is not much separating the Ramotar presidency from that of his predecessor. When it comes to annual wage increases for public
Dem boys seh...
De Devil Face man is King Liar Dem boys watch yesterday as the usual suspects continue to hoodwink the Guyanese people about the Marriott. Dem scamps lie so much that now dem mekkin’ people laugh till dem cry. When dem boys read de latest excuse about de pawning of de Marriott, right away it mek dem remember four nice quotes wha dem read de other day, and they proppa suit de three lying amigos – Devil Face, de Fat Crook and Shaatie. De first one go like dis; “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” Well dem boys now see why dem three always lookin’ tired and frighten; dem always got to remember wha dem seh, because nothing that come out of dem mouth does be de truth, and dey always got something fuh cover-up. De second quote is “The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.” Dem boys would never forget when de Fat Crook had a meeting with heself about the Marriott. He did sit down on one side of the table and ask a question and then get up and walk round to the other side fuh answer. And that is why he do that. He is the only one who could accept dem answers that he does give fuh de thousand and one bogus schemes. Conscious people don’t accept stupidness and scampishness. De third quote just suit Shaatie, it seh; “I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me.” He know good that he been giving out false details about how de country runnin’ nice since he start fuh wuk wid Devil Face. Dem boys know he couldn’t be serious all de time. And dem boys save de best for last… a special one fuh Devil Face; it go like this: “Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he
cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” That is the perfect description for the man who want to own de whole country and destroy the Guyanese people lives with all he lies. Talk half and tell dem boys if that is not King Liar.
servants there are two permanent features that characterize the government’s approach. The first of these is that increases are being imposed on public servants without negotiations with the representative unions in the sector. The second is that the PPP has become a 5% government when it comes to public service salary increases. Today, I will briefly deal with the latter. Each year almost without exception, the government offers a 5% increase to public servants. And it just so happens that the declared inflation for the previous year is almost invariably around 4%. This means that in real terms, the government is offering workers an almost negligible increase in salaries each year.
There are many persons, including influential economists, who question the degree to which the declared inflation rates effectively measure the increase in prices in the economy. The government has never sought to defuse the controversy over its inflation numbers by having an independent analysis of its inflation numbers. It should. The workers, however, will tell you that the same basket of goods is costing them more each year. And therefore it can be concluded that year after year, instead of reducing the labour debt, the government is increasing this debt by reducing the real income of workers through an increase that, officially, barely compensates for the declared inflation rate which many believe is not reflective of the
movement of prices in the economy. In this context it is an insult for the salary increases offered this year to be described as a “freck”. It is an insult to the word “freck”. You cannot offer a child in this country a 5% increase each year on their pocket piece. They will look at you as if you are mad. A 5% increase is no “freck.” It is more like “freckery.” The real income of workers is being eroded because the 5% that is offered each year cannot compensate for the increase in prices in the economy. Regardless of what the government states is the official rate of inflation, the realities on the ground are different. It is time for the inflation rate to be independently analyzed and it is time for the government to stop this double whammy of eye-pass
that it is inflicting each year on public servants. The annual salary increases are no longer about compensation for the labour of workers. It has never been, also, about trying to move towards a living wage. These increases are about trying to ensure that workers have a little small piece in their pockets - compliments of retroactive back pay - so as to spend for the Christmas. It is a Christmas bonus. This is what the Jagdeo administration turned the annual salary increases of workers into. They turned it into a Christmas bonus. And to no one’s surprise - and perhaps in keeping with the spirit of the Season - the Donald Ramotar administration has continued the tradition.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Mystery or social science theory? Yesterday, I described my encounters with villagers in Providence last Sunday at a meeting called to listen to the grievances the folks there suffered from severe flooding due to a defective koker. One of the attendees of the meeting in criticizing the PPP intoned, “Freddie, after five years you see some lifting of standards, then, it goes higher after ten, but Freddie every year the standards are going down.” He wanted to know why. This is something every Guyanese that bemoans the backwardness of Guyana says to me. Once the conversation begins, you hear the expected intonation; “Freddie you ain’t seeing improvement.”
Guyanese scholars have not answered that question because they feel the answer appears political and they are fearful of being accused of being a biased analyst. Academics who think like that should be civil servants rather than scholars. What is the answer for the continuous degrading of services, standards and infrastructural decline in this country the past twenty years? There has to be one. The philosopher of the Holy Roman Empire, Saint Thomas Aquinas, wrote that everything in life has an explanation and the answer is God. Karl Marx wrote that life doesn’t have unexplained mysteries. The answer lies in dialectics. The philosophers
say life is logical, even evolution followed a logical path. What then is the answer for the following inexorable abomination? In 1996, to get a passport it took you the entire day of waiting. People felt that the PPP needed a chance because it inherited a weak treasury that President Hoyte begun to strengthen from 1988. In 2014, the identical situation obtains. In 1996, you had to wait months and months to get a birth certificate. The crowds in the the Post Office building were a deterrent. The reason was the same as in the passport fiasco. In 2014, the identical situation obtains. In 2000, your spirits
were immediately daunted when you visited the Lands and Surveys Department to make a transaction. In 2014, the identical situation obtains. In 2000, the entire UG ambience looked like it was hit by bombing that was more intense than the Allies attack on Dresden in 1945 and the American devastation of Cambodia in 1970. In 2014, UG’s appearance resembles a ghost town. A laboratory in the Faculty of Technology is simply a bare room with dirty things strewn all over the floor. In 1998, the Georgetown Hospital was a rat-infested stable. Money was simply not there. The PPP’s excuse was that the place was too impoverished over the Burnham years and it would take time for improvement. The lines were endlessly long. Service was horrible. People died in large numbers. The Georgetown Hospital that my mother died at in 1985 while waiting for treatment is the same institution in 2014. Last week a man beaten by the police died because he lay
on his bed at the Georgetown Hospital without receiving treatment for days and he begged his wife to be removed. He was bleeding internally from the beating. In 2014, the reality may be too horrible to contemplate, but you stood a better chance of survival at this hospital in 1980 than in 2014. In 2000, a magistrate told his court; “I going home and eat hassar curry and watch cricket, I gone.” He left his court in the middle of the session. In 2010, a judge that Roger Khan’s lawyer Robert Simels said goes by the code name, “The Oracle,” refused to hear a writ of habeas corpus over a police detention for a minor traffic offence because it was 4 p.m. and he said he was hungry. Last week, a magistrate used the F-word, the S-word and the term bugger in cussing down a woman that appeared in front of him. The Police Force in 1998 is the same cruel, unprofessional group of misfits in 2014. What is the answer for the total decline of Guyana over the past twenty years? It will
Frederick Kissoon get worse, but our analysts will cringe in using the appropriate concepts. My theory is that the PPP Government refuses to upgrade this country because the PPP is vindictive and resentful at the Guyanese people. Is this a workable, plausible social science theory - the concept of a vindictive, anti-nationalist ruling political class that views Guyanese people as ingrates who will never give them a landslide victory that they deserve, so they will not spend money on services and infrastructure, and are comfortable with a decayed Guyana? Do you have an alternative theory? I would like to hear it. I would like to see how you explain the continuous failure of the PPP the past twenty-two years.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Brassington continues to Cop accused of killing drug counselor freed hoodwink nation on Marriott The policeman who was fingered in the fatal shooting of a drug counselor attached to the Phoenix Recovery Project walked out of the Georgetown Supreme Court a free man yesterday. Sherwin Smith was freed after Justice Brassington Reynolds upheld a no-case submission presented by Defence Counsel Glenn Hanoman. Police Corporal Smith was indicted for the murder of Ralph Turpin who was shot twice in his head at point blank range when he intervened as a peacemaker during a heated argument between two warring factions outside the Stabroek Market. The victim who was employed with a drug rehabilitation programme at Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, had accompanied a group of friends to the Stabroek Market area to buy food after a night out, when the incident
DECEASED: Drug Counselor, Ralph Turpin
FREED: Sherwin Smith
occurred. According to reports, one of Turpin’s female friends became engaged in an argument with two gun-toting individuals, a policeman attached the West Demerara Division (Smith) and a woman, when he attempted to intervene and was shot. In his argument,
Hanoman, who worked in association with Attorney Tanicia Daniels, told the court that one essential facets of the offence of murder that must be established clearly in reference to the evidence, is to prove to the jury that it is indeed the accused and noone else who shot the Continued on page 30
Government yesterday defended the mortgaging of Kingston property for the Marriott Hotel, saying that the financial arrangements in place allowed it to do so. But its statement raises even more questions over the arrangements between Government and the investors. According to the Government, the ownership of the Marriott Hotel project, the assets of which total in excess of US$58M, would remain with AHI and the syndicated loan of US$27M will be repaid from its operations. This would contradict the fact that the notice for the mortgage published on November 22, 2014 in the Official Gazette, states clearly that all the buildings and erections on the land and any future buildings will belong to the mortgagor - Republic Bank. Denying reports that the Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI) has in effect “pawned” off the hotel, the statement by Government yesterday said that the publication of these mortgages to Republic Bank is in fact concrete evidence that the financial arrangements with that bank are being concluded and that the funding, some US$27M, has been committed. AHI is the special company established by Government to manage the
Winston Brassington project. Sitting at the head of that company is Winston Brassington, whose controversial handling of Government’s investments and privatizations has been under fire. AHI said that publication of the mortgage in the Official Gazette is normal for any loan agreement. Brassington said that the feasibility studies for the hotel allowed for mortgages to be taken. AHI insisted that on more than one occasion it had pointed out that the conclusion of the Republic Bank financing is a requirement for the closing of the arrangements with the principal investors to acquire 67% of the equity of AHI. The US$58M hotel has been controversial from the start with secrecy
surrounding the investors. It was only recently, when the hotel is almost completed, that Government announced that it has found two Hong Kong-based businessmen as partners. Those businessmen are the ones who will put in US$8M. There have also been numerous questions about the source of monies being used in the project but few answers. The project is now set to be completed in February next year, with the hiring of staffers underway. The construction is being carried out by the Chinese-owned, Shanghai Construction Group. In September, Brassington had said that Republic Bank was “close to finalizing the documentation for the debt financing agreement”. To date, all the money that has been spent on the Marriott has been taxpayers’ dollars – some US$20M of it. In October, Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Desmond Trotman, petitioned the High Court to prevent the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Government-owned company that controls AHI and their head, Brassington, from mortgaging, leasing or in any way transferring the title of the land and building on which the Marriott Hotel sits in Kingston.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
Dr. Gobind Ganga is new Central Bank Governor
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Guyanese boxer questioned by NY cops over woman’s death Queens, New York (New York Daily News) -A professional boxer is being questioned in the vicious murder of a woman who was stabbed with a knife and beaten with a pipe near her Queens home, the Daily News has learned. Trevis Hall, 28, is at the 103rd Precinct station house, but has not been charged, sources said. On Monday afternoon, Margarita Rivera, 31, was killed on Watson Pl. in Jamaica. She was stabbed numerous times in the chest and beaten on the head with a pipe. It was not immediately clear how Hall and Rivera
From left: Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, New Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, President Donald Ramotar, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank , Leslie Glen and Junior Finance Minister, Juan Edghill. After serving as acting Governor General of the Bank of Guyana since the passing of his predecessor, Dr. Lawrence Williams, in May, Dr. Gobind Ganga was officially appointed to the position yesterday at the Office of the President. Assuming his previously held post as Deputy Governor of the Bank will be Mr. Leslie Glen. Dr. Ganga was appointed by President Donald Ramotar and Glen, by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. Dr. Ganga holds a PhD degree in Economics from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Administrative Studies from the University Of Winnipeg, Canada. He was first appointed Director of the Research
Department at the Bank of Guyana in 1995 and held that position until November 2003, until he was appointed Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., representing 10 Caribbean territories along with Canada and Ireland. In June 2005, Dr. Ganga was appointed Deputy Governor at the Bank, but was only able to take up his appointment after completing his term at the World Bank. On May 8, 2014, he was appointed Governor (ag.) of Bank of Guyana. The father of one, who possesses a wealth of banking experience, told Kaieteur News that he is thrilled to take the post and is excited to continue to perform as exceedingly well
as his predecessor did. His wife and daughter, Devika and Opriya r e s p e c t i v e l y, e x p r e s s e d they were proud of him and said, that they didn’t expect anything less for “he has always been a hardworking and loyal worker.” As for Glen, the father of six has a Master’s degree in Monetary Economics from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a B a c h e l o r ’s d e g r e e i n Economics from the University of Guyana. He has been serving the Bank of Guyana since in the 1980s in several key positions. During the period 1997 to 2006, Mr. Glen was Chairman of the National Clearing House in Guyana. In 2005, he was appointed
Banking Manager, at the Bank of Guyana, after serving the post of Director of Operations from August 1995 until November 2005. In that position he was vested with oversight responsibility for the implementation of the Bank’s liquidity management policy; domestic currency operations; and other banking operations.
Trevis Hall
knew each other. Hall, a featherweight from Guyana, has a record of six wins, one loss and one draw. In his last bout, on Sept. 20, he defeated Angel Garcia at the Resorts World Casino, at Aqueduct Race Track. In 2009, he won the Golden Gloves championship at a bantamweight in the novice class. In 2010 and 2011, Hall was a Golden Gloves semifinalist as a bantamweight in the open class. In an interview with The News five years ago, Hall said his protective mother had tried to point him away from boxing because it was too dangerous.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
GPSU gives govt. 48-hr ultimatum on wages By Zena Henry The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is preparing to take serious action if a 48-hour ultimatum issued to the government is not met. It is the union’s opinion that the government has once again imposed five and eight percent increases on public servants. While the union is still contemplating its actions, it is demanding that the Administration hear its calls or the public could look forward to a response to the government’s defiance within a week after the 48 hours would have expired. President of the GPSU Patrick Yarde told media operatives during a press conference at the union’s headquarters yesterday that if the government remains defiant, he is prepared to “lead” regardless of the consequences. “In 1997 we had a 57-day strike, and I am prepared to lead beyond that if necessary,” the union head warned. Yarde expressed disgust at the “imposed wages” and laid the blame squarely at the feet of Head of State, President Donald Ramotar. Yarde reminded that on more than one occasion, President Ramotar assured the public that wages would not be imposed and that discussions would be held with the union for “workable” wage increases. In a letter sent to President Ramotar yesterday, Yarde said he reminded the Head of State of his utterances and provided physical evidence of promises made. “Isn’t there any minimum moral standard that public servants can expect from anyone in this government?” Yarde asked, as he expressed that based on earlier statements by the President to bargain with the workers’
- prepared to go beyond duration of 57-day 1997 strike
GPSU President Patrick Yarde (2nd left) during last year’s countrywide protest following that year’s five percent increase. union, “he had created a legitimate expectation not only within the ranks of the union, but also to public sector workers.” Yarde said that, “the arbitrary imposition of five to eight percent is an insult and is therefore rejected”. However, in the meantime, Yarde said the Union is prepared to accept the eight percent increase as an interim offer across the board to all public service workers and demands that Government officials commence negotiations with the GPSU within the stated 48 hours.
President Ramotar had explained in March that there was no wage/salary increases allocated in this year’s budget because the union opted for bargaining and he assured that would have occurred. However, on the many occasions that the union made contact with the relevant ministry to commence salary increase talks, they got no definite answer. In June of this year and as recent as September 15, the union was told by Permanent Secretary in the Public Service, Hydar Ally, that he was “still awaiting guidance on the issue of
wages and salaries negotiations for 2014 from the relevant agencies.” The letters, on both occasions were copied to the President, Prime Minister, Public Service Ministry, Labour and Finance. Despite this, Yarde said there was no attempt to engage the union in any discourse. He is of the view therefore, that given all that occurred with wage increase impositions over the years, “it appears as if we were the target of a conspiracy that was featured with layers of deceit.” He said, “Clearly there is a sequence” of events that occurred earlier in the year that directly led to wages and salaries being imposed on public servants. CHALLENGING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNION
The GPSU President was not spared, however, as members of the media challenged the effectiveness of the union in its representation of the workers. For 13 consecutive years, government has ignored the legal requirement of Collective Bargaining and arbitrarily imposed wages and salaries on public workers and many believe that union leaders allowed it to happen. Many have also criticized the seemingly lax attitude of union leaders in demanding the attention of the government to concur on rules and regulations that relate to public sector workers. To that, Yarde said that the union is not a hasty organization, and there are procedures to be followed. He said that the union is every member and anything determined must be within the
File sent to Complaints... (From page 3) us in, and he said that there will be nothing that will be covered up and I am so happy for that, because I want justice for my husband… because he die and I am a widow now with four children, and I don’t know how I will make life out,” she said. Family members said, too, if they do not see action being taken in the matter over the next few days, they will step up their protest action. Kaieteur News understands that two Constables who had arrested Khartoon are at the centre of the OPR investigations. However, several police ranks, including officers were questioned during the probe as investigators are also looking at department lapses that might have occurred.
union’s policy. “Decisions are also made at certain levels; the various members must have a say in what occurs as they come from various political divides and races,” Yarde asserted. He advised that there are many things to be taken into consideration when taking certain action, particularly strike action, since public servants serve all citizens and they (citizens) stand to be affected most when relevant services are not available during standoff action. Additionally, Yarde believes that the government’s plot is to keep public servants dependent on it, so that measures such as intense protest become difficult as workers suffer economically and otherwise. “During a strike you are not paid,” Yarde charged, and when asked, he said although the union is able to help its members to some degree, it is not equipped to finance certain levels of defiant action. “GUYANESE PROBLEM” On another issue, Yarde, when asked about correspondences previously sent to the European Union and the foreign missions here, said that the letters are to keep the agencies abreast with what is happening in the public sector given certain agreements signed with the foreign bodies. However, he is of the belief that the yearly imposition on workers is a “Guyanese problem.” He believes that Guyanese must stand up and react to the constant impositions of the government. He recalled in 1994 when the union took action, citizens were affected and they believed that it was harsh for the workers to go on strike. “The public must be willing to understand and aid when workers strike for their rights,” Yarde stressed. He said it is always to prevent unwanted stagnation of people’s lives, businesses and the like, that the union refuses to be hasty. Over the weekend, government announced the aforementioned increases for the public sector workers. Last year, the Administration budgeted some $4.4B for public servant wage increases, but they still received the usual sum. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh was requested by both the opposition parties and GPSU to provide a paper trail of the money’s spending. It did not manifest and public servants staged countrywide protest action until the Christmas season kicked in and demonstrations died naturally.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Woman worries that ‘offensive’ dentist will not be brought to justice Although promises have been made that justice will be served, a young woman is worried that this reality may not be realised. The woman who is currently in her mid 20s just a few weeks ago levelled sexual assault allegations against a prominent dentist, a matter that was brought to the attention of the Guyana Police Force. But according to the woman since making an official report and even facing the perpetrator in the presence of police officers at the Brickdam Police Station, attempts to garner an update on the matter were merely met with assurances that the matter was under investigation. The woman told this publication that she even visited the Brickdam Police Station to meet with ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, and was told that the matter was going to be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and that she will be informed of a court date. That was over one week ago. According to the woman she has not been privy to
anything further on the matter. In a conversation with this publication, the woman said that she is especially concerned that the matter may not be treated as a priority, as the official at the centre of the alleged sexual assault is an established dentist. This publication had two weeks ago published an article detailing the damning allegations made by the woman. The woman claimed that while she was a patient of the dentist for a few months, it was only last month that he made sexual advances to her. The woman alleged that the dentist (who this publication had then named) made the advances as part of a negotiation tactic for a highpriced dental procedure she required. The woman claimed that in addition to asking her for favours of a sexual nature, the dentist went on to caress her torso. She remembers being told by the dentist as part of his negotiation tactic, “ ‘you can just lay there for me naked, and you coming here and do that after-hours when
my staff leave will convince me you are willing to do anything’.” The woman recalled not tolerating the dentist’s actions and wasted no time in registering her disgust. She first reported the matter to the Alberttown Police Station upon leaving the dentist’s Charlotte Street, Georgetown office, but was told to take the matter to the Brickdam Police Station where another report was made. According to the woman, while at the latter Police Station at least two female police ranks made unflattering remarks to her. One rank, she claims, said “what do you want?” suggesting that she was hoping for some financial gain, while another said “if was a young man you wouldn’t ah mine....” The remarks were brought to the attention of Commander Hicken who confronted, at least one female officer, who categorically denied that the woman was denigrated in any way while at the police station. Hicken told this publication that he is inclined to believe that his officers
Bids tendered for extension of GPHC Maternity Building Three bids were tendered under the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the extension of the Maternity Building, South Block. The bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Main and Urquhart Streets.
Still in the sector, the health institution received bids for the construction of a New Operating Theatre and ICU, ACDC Building GPHC.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works received tenders for the Corentyne River Bridge Access Road Structures - Rehabilitation of Bridges and Culverts.
Finally, a single bid was opened for the procurement of Human Resource, Payroll and Accounting Software (HRPAS) for the University of Guyana.
would not belittle the woman while she made her report at the station. “That could not have happened; my officer is saying that did not happen,” insisted the ‘A’ Division
Commander. The woman has however, maintained her position. She told this publication that she is particularly concerned too that justice will be denied since no action has been
taken to prevent the dentist from practicing. The dentist had admitted to requesting sexual favours from the woman when he reportedly told police ranks that “I was only joking.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
“You ain’t trying me case!” Gunmen grab $$M in pension - Enraged murder accused tells Judge money from BV Post Office Murder accused Rondell Bacchus is known for throwing fits of rage and shouting expletives at judicial officers. He was at it again yesterday as he greeted Georgetown Supreme Court Judge Navindra Singh with a series of profane words expressing his displeasure about facing a second trial before him. Bacchus of ‘C’ Field, Sophia Squatting Area, is indicted for the murder of scrap metal dealer Akbar Alli, whom he allegedly gunned downed during a robbery at Brickdam, Georgetown, on July 24, 2008. On the same occasion, Bacchus is alleged to have used a handgun to rob the man’s wife, Rameena Bibi Hydar Alli of $2.1 million in cash. Last year, during his trial before Justice Singh, Mrs. Alli, who currently resides in United States of America, testified via audiovisual link, (Skype) that she had positively identified Bacchus at an identification parade in Georgetown sometime after the shooting. However, some members of the jury were apparently in doubt about the evidence which was presented before the court, thus the trial ended in a hung jury. The accused was scheduled to face a retrial for the murder, but when he
Justice Navindra Singh
Murder accused Rondell Bacchus
appeared before Justice Singh yesterday he exploded with anger and began to vent his frustration. “Take me back to the prison yard, this f***ing man ain’t trying me case!” Bacchus began shouting at the sight of Justice Singh. The man even accused the judge of being insane. “He crazy, he ain’t trying me case” the prisoner repeatedly said turning his back on the judge. “I been in jail for six f***ing calendar years, I know ‘bout eating jail food and pumping f***ing iron. Let me go back to prison and pump me iron, ‘cause you ain’t trying me case. Over me dead body! You ain’t trying me case, you gon see!” the angry prisoner shouted, causing persons to gather outside the door of the courtroom. At one point the heavily
shackled man attempted to jump out of the dock, forcing at least four police ranks to restrain him. In response, the Judge told Bacchus that he will be held in contempt of the court and his trial will commence on December 8, with or without him. The Judge then ordered that the prisoner be taken back to the lock-ups. In 2009, the accused was involved in a similar incident. He became enraged and gave vent to his feelings after he alleged that a cell phone and a quantity of cash were stolen while he was in the confines of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts lock-ups. Bacchus’ outburst disrupted the active courtroom and resulted in a temporary delay in his Preliminary Inquiry (PI) since he shouted expletives and threats at the presiding Magistrate and Prosecutor.
Staff of the Beterverwagting Post Office, yesterday, had no choice but to turn away expectant pensioners from collecting their monthly stipend, as earlier in the day the building was robbed by two armed bandits. The gunmen reportedly fled the scene in a tinted 1993 white Toyota Carina AT 192 with in excess of three million dollars According to officials, the robbery was committed around 09:50 hours at the East Coast Demerara facility. When the incident occurred about 25 persons were in the process of collecting their pension money. Reports indicate that the duo barged into the post office from a side entrance
demanding the whereabouts of the office’s safe. A post office staffer who was at the time serving customers recounted that the men threatened her at gunpoint to reveal the location of the safe. Fearful for her well-being, the staffer succumbed to the gunmen’s aggressive demands. It is unclear whether any other customers or staffers were robbed, but it was reported that no one was injured in the process. When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene of the crime, investigations were already underway by police officials. As a result of the robbery, the post office closed its doors to all customers. Public Relations Officer
(PRO) of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) Telesha Whyte said that the post office will remain closed until investigations are completed. In the meantime she explained that persons can receive their pensions at any of the other East Coast post offices. However, the PRO expects that the Beterverwagting Post Office will reconvene its services before the week concludes. This incident is the latest in a string of armed robberies directed at post offices. On September 3, two armed men robbed the GPOC’s Carmichael and Lamaha Streets branch in Georgetown, where a guard was injured during the invasion.
Beterverwagting Post Office following yesterday’s robbery
Traffic Chief discusses adjusting lights for Christmas season The Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department is in discussion with the Ministry of Works to effect temporary adjustments with respect to the traffic lights in certain sections of the city. This was made known by Traffic Chief Hugh Denhert last month during a presentation on the police plan to control traffic in the city and its environs throughout the Christmas season. It has been argued that some of the traffic lights in Georgetown are actually causing a build-up of traffic. Last year the two agencies experimented by shutting off a few traffic light systems at some busy intersections, allowing the traffic to regulate itself. Many motorists praised the approach, deeming it very successful, and they have been calling for a repeat of the arrangement. “The Traffic Department does not control the lights, but we are in discussions
with them (Ministry of Works) to have the lights switched off so that it will give us a better flow of traffic,” the Traffic Chief stated. And the traffic department appears to be still in discussions with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to restrict the movement of container trucks through busy city areas, to ease congestion. For years, many motorists have been lamenting the congestion caused by container trucks through downtown Georgetown, and at one time the police were successful in getting members of the business community to adjust their work schedule to allow for the movement of the trucks after peak traffic hours. “We are in discussion with the Chamber of Commerce and we’re discussing the movement of containers during certain hours of the day,” the Traffic
Traffic Chief Hugh Denhert Chief stated. Meanwhile, with road deaths currently at an alarmingly high figure, the Guyana Police Force is once again appealing to road users to allow good sense and judgement to prevail, so that the roads can be used in a safer manner. The appeal comes just after the end of one of the deadliest road safety months, in which 16 persons (Continued on page 19)
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
Improving women’s business skills high on YCG - spearheaded programme A young mother earning an income by walking the streets of Georgetown to sell confectionery could be among the targets reached when Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) commences another phase of its Women Entrepreneurship Programme. The programme, which is being done in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), is slated to target 60 women from areas in Regions Four and Three when it kicks off in the New Year. With a timeframe of one year, the programme will offer training and support to participating women at absolutely no cost to them, as all costs will be absorbed by UNESCO. According to YCG’s Education Programme Manager, Nadine Sanchara, YCG will from next month begin recruitment of the women to participate in the programme which, in its initial stage, will constitute a series of workshops that emphasise the importance of book-keeping, marketing, networking, strategic planning and communication for businesses. “After the workshops we are going to provide ongoing support for them; we are going to create a network of participants as well as people with experiences in entrepreneurship to provide support, mentorship to them throughout the year,” Sanchara informed. And she pointed out that while the women seeking to participate in the programme must be of the age of consent, there will be no cut-off age. “A person who may be 90 (years old) and has a business but never learned how to manage a business can still come and be a part of this programme,” said YCG’s Executive Director, Dmitri Nicholson. He intimated that the recruitment process will see preference being given to women who are already involved in their own small businesses that have been registered. However, those who do not have registered businesses but have a desire to so legitimise their businesses will also be considered, Nicholson added. “If it is not registered we can help them through the process. Once you are engaged in some kind of commerce we can help you...providing you are willing to move your business to a different scale (and) make your business a part of the national system.” According to Nicholson, the move to undertake the venture was premised on the
YCG’s Dmitri Nicholson (left) and Nadine Sanchara. recognition that there has been an increase in the number of women entrepreneurs who do not have the necessary skills to make their business sustainable or to diversify. In essence, he noted that “we want to help to make them more sophisticated”. Of particular focus for the programme, too, will be those women who have taken loans from lending agencies such as banks, as according to Nicholson, “we know the difficulties that women may face trying to build a business and repay a loan. So if we can aid them in that process that is what we are aiming for”. YCG, he disclosed, is also working in collaboration with the Women’s Partnership Network, which will also be lending support to recruit women for the planned programme. The Women and Entrepreneurship Programme is one that was first introduced by YCG in 2011 with support from Exxon Mobil. In excess of 50 women were similarly supported then, to the extent that they have expanded their businesses to include other products and services, according to Nicholson. “What we have seen over time is that more and more women are asking for this kind of support and we thought that it might be opportune to help women in general to become sustainable business managers and owners,” Nicholson said. Those formerly trained were provided with guidance in entrepreneurship which saw them being provided with a mentor to support them in the areas of improving their businesses. The support, Nicholson noted, ranged from managing records to developing manuals for staff and policies for their business, even as they were able to gain a better understanding of cash flow. Once trained, the women are continually supported through a Women’s Entrepreneurship Network, and according to Nicholson,
“the office (YCG) maintains a ‘hands-off’ support system to make sure that we are aware of how their work is going and what types of needs they have.” This tactic is imperative, he added, so that future projects can use those as a measurement on what could be improved. “What this is, is building on what was already existing,” said Nicholson of the newly introduced programme.
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Scotiabank named Bank of the Year in Guyana Scotiabank was recently named the Bank of the Year in Guyana by The Banker magazine, a Financial Times publication. Scotiabank announced yesterday that this is the fifth time the Bank has been recognized by the publication. “We are proud of this award because it is a reflection of the hard work of our employees and their focus on providing sound financial advice and good service to our customers,” said Amanda St. Aubyn, Guyana’s Country Manager. “Scotiabank has had a presence in Guyana for more than 45 years and we’re proud to be known for our customer service and for delivering superior results for our shareholders.” Scotiabank was also named Bank of the Year by The Banker in Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The Banker selects winners based on their ability to deliver shareholder returns and gain strategic advantage.
It is the world’s longest running international banking magazine, recognized as a leading source of information on finance and investment around the globe. Scotiabank said its Caribbean operations have been recognized with numerous awards this year for its strength and stability as well as products, services and community work, including Bank of The Year in the Caribbean from LatinFinance; World’s Best Consumer Internet Bank in 21 countries across the Caribbean, including Guyana, by Global Finance, along with regional recognition in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean and the
Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS Awards for Business Excellence – Community Investment. This year, Scotiabank was also named one of the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute. Scotiabank has been part of the Caribbean since 1889 and with operations in 21 countries. It has financial services provider in over 55 countries and is Canada’s most international bank. It offer a broad range of products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, corporate and investment banking to over 21 million customers.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Exec Jet Club’s operations currently ceased By Zena Henry The various agencies linked to local air travel are unhappy that Khamraj Lall, the Guyanese pilot found with over US$600,000 stashed in his jet, would have been involved in alleged unlawful actions. This is so, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn told reporters yesterday, because Lall was the first to offer what he thought was a vital service within the aviation sector; that is a Guyanese national providing high-end executive flights, and on-demand medivac services. Lall on Monday attended court in the unincorporated US territory of Puerto Rico and was placed on US$100,000 bail. The pilot requested from the court not to have certain information pertaining to his business and assets made public. This however request has apparently not warranted
... CJIA, GCAA claim all local activities were above board
Transport Minister Robeson Benn (centre), flanked by GCAA head Zulficar Mohamed (left) and CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir (right) with other aviation officials.
grave concern from local authorities, since they claim that all Lall’s operations here
have been above board. Currently, Minister Benn said, Lall’s local operations
have ceased, naturally, in light of the legal action against him. Flanked by head of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulfikar Mohamed and Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir, among other aviation officials, Benn explained that the government was at the time satisfied with the due diligence conducted on the pilot and his operation. It was pointed out that Cabinet had given the goahead for Lall to construct a hangar at CJIA in 2012 since it was believed that the services he offered were necessary. Benn said that in August 2010, Lall expressed interest in developing a hangar for his aircraft service. In December of the following year, the management of CJIA received an application for land to construct a hangar to facilitate his aircraft operations. “He wanted to operate an Executive Jet Service and Air Ambulance Service in Guyana and presented a sound business plan to push the venture. In October 2012, Cabinet approved a lease to allow for the construction of the hangar, which to date is not completed,” Benn said. As he clarified further the part played by local authorities, the Minister stated categorically that Lall’s company was never granted a blanket approval to operate into Guyana; rather approval was granted by GCAA on a per flight basis. It was claimed that Exec Jet is authorised to conduct on demand flights for compensation under 4 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the company operates two Westwind 1 Jets
under Air Carrier Certificate #R6QA548L, and is authorised to operate into South America among other geographic regions such as Central America and Mexico. “Therefore, all of the flights operated into and out of Guyana by Exec Jet are legal and the company is duly authorised to conduct such flights by competent aeronautical authorities,” Benn charged. He defended also that Exec Jet Club’s flights adhered to CJIA’s established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and was never given any special privileges at CJIA, where the airline’s staffers’ bypassed customs, immigrations and drug ranks among others. “Additionally, at no time was any instruction given to the staff to waive the airport security procedures with regards to Exec Jet Club’s staff ingress and egress at the airport,” Benn continued. He said that CJIA’s security supervisors verified that at all times checks were carried out as is customary for all operators accessing the restricted areas at the airport. “While these agencies can access their facilities, they cannot access the airside or restricted areas of the airport without the approval of airport security. Because the construction work is yet to be completed, the keys to the gates of the Exec Jet Club Hangar are with CJIA Security Department,” it was related. Minister Benn insinuated however, that the Lall’s troubles may have been a blow to the aviation sector since his services allowed for cheaper flights and timesaving movement of persons within certain financial levels basically. He promised however to provide pricing for services rendered since it seemed
unconceivable to reporters that a company offering private and sometimes direct flights to a location, would cost less than an ordinary carrier making various stops before its final destination. The company has been conducting flights in and out of Guyana since 2010 and so far for this year it has conducted as much as 18 trips. It was mentioned that President Donald Ramotar would have made some of those trips with Lall and to that, Benn was unable to say whether the government would continue to access Lall’s services if he is found culpable of the charges against him. “I cannot speculate on what the government would do in terms of its air travel arrangement,” Benn said. The Minister also chose not to speculate as to whether Guyana would have detected the stashed cash had it arrived in at CJIA. He stated however, that given the various security measures, it is possible that the money could have been found, “We have found many things,” he told reporters. This was stated even as several pounds of cocaine are alleged to have passed through CJIA and reached the US within the past two weeks. It was stated however that in the construction of Lall’s hangar, persons were flown in to perform tasks on the building. The Minister was unable to say whether these persons were given work permits and promised to provide the information. For now, Executive Jet Club’s hangar is still incomplete, but should have an executive lounge, pilot and crew quarters, immigration and customs station among others, the Transport Minister said.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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UG students organise walk to raise public awareness on Epilepsy By Nicholas Peters A group of University of Guyana students, this past Sunday, organised a walk to raise public awareness for the neurological disease known as epilepsy. The event was part of the commemoration of Epilepsy Awareness Month, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognises as being in November. Participants also remembered those Guyanese who lost their lives as a result of an epileptic episode. The walk which began at the intersection of Lamaha and Albert Streets, ended with mural painting at the seawall near Pere Street, Kitty, in Georgetown. The occasion involved members of the University of Guyana’s Medical Students’ Association (UGMSA), the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) and the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana (EFG) and their colleagues. The walk was said to be the first of its kind in Guyana to highlight the issues of epilepsy and epileptic seizures, which are commonly referred to as “fits”. The idea for the walk was initiated by UG Medicine Student, Christopher France, who was diagnosed with the neurological disease earlier this year. France published an
Some of the participants and organisers at the seawall following the Epilepsy Awareness Walk.
article on the blog “Youth Blogs GY” addressing the issue. The article resulted in support from many readers, both domestically and
Remand prisoner gets 46 months for ganja Brian Haywood, who is currently on remand for attempted murder - accused of setting his sister alight - will serve 46 months for possession of an illegal substance for the purpose of trafficking. Magistrate Ann McLennan took into consideration that he pleaded guilty and admitted to the offence and fined the accused $75,600 along with 46 months imprisonment. The current inmate of Camp Street Prison was caught red handed with a quantity of cannabis in October. Haywood appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday to address the charge. The court heard that on October 15 at the prison, Haywood had in his possession 63 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded guilty to the charge and told the magistrate that, “I don’t want to waste the court’s time.” Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones said that at 13:35hrs Police and Prison Officers were conducting a search on the defendant and his cell. Police found two white buckets placed one in the other, with the handles
Brian Haywood removed. Upon seeing this officers became suspicious and decided to search further. They discovered a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems. The prisoner was told of the offence and admitted to it being in his possession. He was subsequently charged. Haywood’s incident involving his stepsister, Samantha Schwartz, 38, of Section D, South Sophia, occurred when the accused, who is a cobbler by profession, asked her about a pair of slippers that was allegedly stolen from his stall. He reportedly then doused her with a flammable substance before setting her alight. Schwartz sustained burns to her upper body and was hospitalised.
internationally. Upon seeing the impact of his article, the third-year medicine student decided to dedicate his energies towards bringing awareness to epilepsy throughout the month. While participants were few, their voices were loud as they marched through the streets of Georgetown chanting “What do we want? To cease epilepsy!” garnering the attention of many passersby as marchers handed out fliers. Most participants wore purple, as it is the official colour of Epilepsy Awareness Month. At the end of the walk, Thomas Singh, a cofounder
of the EFG, announced the formation of his foundation with the aim to provide support for local sufferers of epilepsy. The foundation’s directors include two medical doctors, Dr. Andrea Lambert and Dr. Mallika Mootoo along with the head of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Cynthia MassiahThomas, Professional Counselor Daam Barker and Maureen Massiah. The foundation’s objectives, much like France’s initiative, are to raise awareness, advance medical treatment with regards to epilepsy, and collect data on
Bandits rob Black Bush farmer of millions A Black Bush Polder farmer and his family were on Monday evening attacked and robbed of over $2.5M in cash and jewellery by four armed bandits. Reports are that 46-year-old Jainarine Singh called ‘Hardat’ of 38 Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, was at home with his wife Drupattie, 42, and two children when they were attacked and robbed. The bandits were armed with a shot gun, a hand gun and two knives. They were all wearing ski masks. The man stated that around 20:30 hrs he was at home with his wife and children. He was outside relaxing in a hammock under a shed when he was suddenly pounced upon by the men who invaded the yard. They started to demand cash and jewellery and threatened untold harm if their demands were not fulfilled. His wife who was inside realized what was taking place and quickly closed the door. The men then proceed to harass Singh and threatened to kill him if she did not open for them. Listening to her husband’s pleadings, the woman eventually opened the door and the men took over $2M worth in jewellery and $500,000 in cash. They then made good their escape. The police were contacted and responded promptly, but no one has been arrested so far.
persons experiencing epileptic episodes in Guyana. The EFG is also looking to collaborate with other agencies to improve/create facilities that are equipped to deal with persons affected by epilepsy. Singh remarked that as someone who suffered from epileptic seizures, he found it troubling how vastly unaware Guyanese are of the condition. It is for this reason, that Singh is looking forward to collaborate with the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). “We have had extensive discussions with Dr. Laura Mantoan and Juliet Solomon, Administrative Director of the UK Chapter of the ILAE, with a view to getting support from
them for our efforts in Guyana,” Singh related. Both women are considered experts in the field of neurology. The event closed off with the commemoration of Guyanese who have died due to epileptic seizures. The group remembered persons like GDF Lance Corporal Darrel Prince, handyman Bashidae Rambissoon and 23 year-old Odessa Fraser, among others. According to the World Health Organisation, about 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. Persons are encouraged to email the EFG at epilepsyfoundationgy @gmail.com if they wish to become a member of the foundation’s platform
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Kaieteur News
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LAND FOR SALE Parika (Butcher Shop Street) – One (1) Lot 38' X 150' $ 7m - Contact 650-0402 - for serious inquiries One land Located at Cornelia Ida W.C.D, Phone, water & light, Price $2.5M – Contact: 652-0709; 276-0556 Blankenburg @ The Back Of Gas Station (3) Lots @ 75' X 76' Each. $20M for all 3 Lots. (1) Lot for $10m - Contact 650-0402
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 6273206
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807 DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM
Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 FOR LOW COST: REPAIRS TO FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C UNIT, MICROWAVES, TV & WASHINGMACHINE - CALL: 629-4946 OR 2254822 Magicjack!! Magicjack!! Magicjack!! (Authorised Dealer) Renewal/Repairs/ Troubleshooting Laptop Screens/Batteries/Keyboards Computer/Printer Repairs, Call: 231-9429 An elderly Christian Woman, age 48 is seeking a job for housekeeper of a home – Call: 600-2469 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 ACCOMODATION
TAXI SERVICES City Taxi Service (since 1968), 8 Vlissengen Road, Newtown -24hrs service – Call: 225-8600, 226-1088, 2271101, 226-7150 Eddie’s Taxi Service, 6 Vlissengen Road, Newtown. 24hrs service Call: 226-0606, 225-1513 Contract Cars Call City Taxi Service; lot 8 Vlissengen Road, Tel: 660-1100
SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suites & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145 Harmony Inn: Furnished apartments (A/C, Hot & Cold, refrigeration, microwave, etc) $5,000-$8,000. Your luxury hide away. Tel: 668-0306, 694-7817
Live in waitress to work in bar- Tel: 604-6606 1 Experienced cook (Interior Restaurant); Ages 30-45, 1 Female Bartender for Interior Location; Ages 20-30. Attractive Salary! Tel:6812997, 680-1323
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Miracle Touch Gents Spa with professional masseuses Candy & Summer for appointments - Call: 688-9286 Massage Therapy Services. Call: 674-8147
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Tired of Frizzy Curley hair, try our new Japanese permanent hair straightening – Contact Acklema: 678-5586
Live-in Domestic to work in Mahaicony River. 225-6571, 644-6905 One Nail Technician specialized in Nail Art design, Air Brush and also Hair Extension. Tel: 231--6000 Experienced dispatcher & taxi drivers at Princess Hotel Providence – Tel: 616-5419, 265-7076 Land to buy in Providence, Herstelling, Eccles, Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt. Call Anita: 677-7095, 6522018 One manager to work at an out of town Hotel – Contact: 642-7963, 226-9768 One Masseuse @ Grove Time Square Mall – Call: 6694390, 216-3174 Baker & table hand for Bakery @ Best Village, to bake bread, preferably from W.C.D -Tel: 254-1399, 627-2515 One assistant salesgirl E.C.D Contact: 622-3250, 665-9747 Live in Couple Berbice/ Essequibo preferably, Husband –Driving/mechanic, Wife- Domestic. Tel: 227-1830 One night security guard between 35-50yrs preferably from G.Town , with experienced. Tel:623-3231 or 225-3198 One experienced driver for one 32 Zone minibus. Call: 629-2302, 610-3081
VACANCY Counter Staff, Cashiers and Kitchen assistants. Bring written application to Bettencourt’s Dinner at 22 ZZ Durban Street W/Ville. Four Security Guards – Apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd; 38 Ketley & Sussex Street Charlestown. Tel:225-7864, 227-8607 Salesgirls & Boys @ Avinash & Anand’s Stores – Call: 2263361, 227-7828 International Cruiseline Purser officers, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 Sell plants, maintain plants, have initiative, punctual, pleasant, read and write- Call 648-1821 (8am -4pm)
PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat concrete house newly built, all utilities located @ Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice -$7M negotiable - Call: 648-5012, 686-9514
TO LET 1 upstairs to rent for business or residence. Call 223-9727 or 673-0373 Apartment, bottom flat, 3 bedrooms, car parking space, telephone –Call: 6160427, 220-8770, 689-3612 House to rent in Friendship, E.B.D. Tel 266-0163 FOR RENT
MASSAGE
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Two; Three & Four Bedrooms Houses & apartments, located in Georgetown, EC.D & E.B.D – Contact: 223-8479, 6473768 www.spaceseek.gy Prime business place to rent; only for offices on Sheriff Street. Tele: 627-6740
Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353,216-4338 1 Massive 2- story concrete house & land @ Public Road, Vreed-En-Hoop, can be used for business or residence Call:626-2237, 602-3294 2 STORIED 3 BEDROOMS CONCRETE & WOODEN PROPERTY ON LARGE LAND 300FTX40FT, IN BERBICE, NEAR CANJE BRIDGE. CALL MAX: 6098132, 672-8569 HEALTH Hazel Herbal Store for genuine herbal supplements. Iridology Evaluations on Monday December 8th 2014. Call: 2269136
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 1 PKK automatic mini-bus, good condition- Call:6520709, 276-0556 Minibus (pitbull) sliding glass - $15,000- Contact:6280909 One Honda Vigor, price $650,000 negotiable Contact: 671-4687 Silver Mitsubishi Lancer Car; PKK 4953, $900,000 negotiable - Call: 683-0150 Unregistered Premio with Rims - $2.250 – Call: 6571796 AT 192 Carina, in excellent condition - $900,000 negotiable – Call: 641-4192, 229-6515 Honda CRV PKK Series, excellent condition –Call: 615-2007, 666-4327, 644-7000 Allion PSS Series – 1700cc engine - $2.8M negotiable – Call: 604-0883 or 660-4904 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Fun Cargo - $1.2M negotiable – Call: 604-0883, 660-4904 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Nissan Wing Road, PSS Series, price - $1.5M negotiable - Excellent Condition – Call: 698-5949 Unregistered Spacio 2004, camera, rims, body kit, Fielder 2003, black interior, fully loaded. Call: 617-5536 Toyota Sienta PRR Series, Excellent condition $1.850M – Call: 691-7475 Special Sale! 2003 Toyota Premio - $2.3M, Spacio $2.1M, Fully Loaded, unregistered. Tel:617-2891
FOR SALE AMERICAN BULLY, REMYLINE PUP. CONTACT:667-4845, 2207933 Used Dell E4300, E6500 M4400, HP Elite Book 6930 Laptops – Contact Sean: 226-9377 Rubberized Tarpaulins for sale 20X20 - $20,000, any size available – Tel: 600-0498 Panel indicating light, Genset exhaust box, contractors & relay. Tel: 627-7835
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 One 14 inch dredge / draga Call: 663-0742 Complete sawmill operation with lots of equipment, customers & suppliers and large land space – Contact Swamee: 614-1466; 672-4438 Three bedroom house Located at Somerset Court (ready to move in) – Contact: 223-8479, 647-3768 www.spaceseek.gy Commercial Properties, luxury houses, located at E.C.D, Georgetown & E.B.D Contact: 223-8479, 647-3768 Home Hardware item: Fast Efficient & Courteous Service, Discount for “small time” contractors @ Sheriff Street. Phone: 227-1363 Sale! Sale! Dell/Hp Computers Complete with 19" LCDs, Laptops from $49,000, Blackberry from $14,000 @ FutureTech – 231-2206 1 -33FT Flat bottom boat, 400lb 5" cat guts seine, 1-40 Yamaha engine. Contact: 220-7655, 695-9860, 220-0410 Two forklifts Clarke & Toyota 5000lbs, wood mizer XT40 sawmill, fire proof explosion proof safe – Call: Paul: 612-7206; 619-7393 Xbox 360 S: Systems, Games, Controllers, Hard Drives & Kinect Sensor. Call 683- 8386 Used AC split units in excellent working order. Peake brand. 664-5401, 615-5343 LOREX Security System complete with cameras. Brand new and used – 664 5401, 615-5343 1 Heavy Duty Button Hole Machine. Call 223-9727 or 673-0373 XMAS SALE – Wicker & Rattan Furniture. Beautiful designs. Showroom: 68 AA Victoria Ave, Eccles E.B.D. 652-5601, 613-8740, 629-4269 Xbox ONE, Xbox 360 - $40,000, PS3 - $35,000, Nintendo 3DS $25,000, PSP - $16,000. Call:621-7497/603-8643 Plastic barrel for sale. Call 684-5918 Clean Garden Earth Delivery on Spot, also bobcat & excavator rental. Tel: 6267127 110 Corolla - $1.2M, Avensis - $2.6M – Call:645-0078, 6030078 (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Stop buying everything the Americans sell us DEAR EDITOR, Why are we beating around the bush about corporal punishment and indiscipline in schools? Let’s face it. We are followers of the so called developed countries, adopting wholesale whatever they implement and sell to the world, whether there are negative effects or not. For instance, they lined up a slew of experts to malign corporal punishment, removed it from their school system in most states, and today we have a system free of corporal punishment but one where there are metal detectors and a branch of the police department assigned to each school. We ignore the fact that there is a financial aspect to banning corporal punishment in so many schools in the U.S. Look at the big picture. No corporal punishment resulted in children acting up since there is no consequence to
their actions (time out? Please). These delinquent behaviors are then given names by the experts and medication is prescribed. Here is where the big bucks are made. Medical personnel in New York City recently complained about educators dumping mal-behaved kids in hospital for medication which is costing the state millions of dollars. Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer are minting millions as a result of these programs. Let’s for a minute, examine the argument against corporal punishment. The claim by the so-called experts is corporal punishment damages the child and causes him to be violent. This would suggest several generations of us who are over 35 are damaged since we all grew up in an era where corporal punishment was the norm. Yet, I dare say we are a much more disciplined and
productive generation as a whole than the current generation brought up on no CP. Very few are aware that the U.S. via the UN is pressuring developing countries to ban corporal punishment. Their intention is to have our youths popping pills (their products) to moderate their behaviour. It turns my gizzard to see Guyanese arguing in favour of a system of discipline that has failed and continues to fail in developed countries. The bottom line is always financial for the U.S. and we’re following foot to foot. Of course CP is unpleasant to a child which is why said child wouldn’t cross certain boundaries to get a spanking. You learn to obey the rules and operate within the “law.” Today we have a generation of youths who have no respect for said boundaries. When they hit eighteen years of age of course they have no respect
for the law either and end up in the blossoming prison industry. There is another money maker; another reason for banning CP. Tons of money to be made by the pharmaceutical industry as well as the prison system. There are private companies running prisons in the U.S. No doubt “the man that look like the devil” (see “Dem Boys Seh”) or one of his acolytes will soon capitalize on this industry in Guyana. The question is: what can we lose from bringing back corporal punishment in schools? One thing we can is the aid the UN would threaten to cut since we will not dance to their tune. What can we gain? We’ll definitely have more discipline in schools. Students will learn there are immediate consequences to their actions. I often ask myself what would have become of me if I
grew up in an environment free of corporal punishment. I don’t think I would have finished high school. If there was nothing to stop me from doing what I wanted, no one could’ve got me to study anything. The fear of corporal punishment motivated most of us to do the right thing. Throughout my five years in high school, I got spanked (two lashes) once. Fear of CP made me conscious of operating within the rules, both at school and at home. By the time I was eighteen, this was part of me and I never ran afoul of the law. This applied to most of us at that time. I’m well aware that the generation of today is more than ever exposed to distractions my generation did not have to deal with. From television to the violent video games and the ever present distractions of cell phones (with which, as poor a nation as we are, each
student seems to be equipped), the last thing students need is the lack of discipline. So, to the Brendon Mounter’s of our world who give Corporal punishment the “ebola” treatment, let’s get real and recognize the fact that the removal of CP in our schools is one of the main contributing factors for the decline of discipline in our schools. Stop buying everything the Americans sell us. Mr. Mounter claims that the violence in schools is global. He’s probably right. But show me a country where CP was not removed from schools and I’ll bet they do not suffer from this epidemic. I dare you. Look up “School corporal punishment” on Wikipedia and after reading other countries’ approach, ask yourself why it is still in place in so many countries. I can answer that for you. Corporal punishment works. Nathaniel Hinckson
The M&CC was not consulted on this proposal DEAR SIR, Once again, we, at the Mayor and City Council, have been taken by surprise by the announcement made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, to cover City canals. We are particularly worried with three aspects of this recently announced proposal. First, the Mayor and City Council was not consulted on this proposal. This is deeply troubling because the Mayor and Councilors are the people’s representatives. They should be properly informed and involved in major projects, such as the one announced, to add or take away value from the economy and general welfare of city. Covering canals-the provision of additional space to facilitate parking is both adding and taking from the city value. However, we heard the announcement in the local
media but have no other information about timeframes, objectives, engineering and technical logistics and related risks and benefits to the citizens of Georgetown. Moreover, if the justification to cover main waterways in the city is to facilitate parking of vehicles because they are being imported at a fast rate in the country, then it has to be said that it is a very simplistic way of looking at an emerging issue that requires more in depth study and general consultations with the people’s representatives and all stakeholders. Covering canals could not be the solution to the problem of parking; it will trigger other challenges. In 1996, Mayor Hamilton Green proposed a Ring- Road concept. This would have facilitated the use of roadways on the outer limits of the city by heavy duty
An Open Letter to the... From page 4 indeed deliver more and better on government than the PPP. And that is their message and purpose. Listen to them, hear what they are saying. They do not speak of violence and upheaval. They speak of peaceful protests, engaging international support against the PPP, and returning to Parliament and managing the country’s business. They speak of going to the polls to have the electorate deliver a referendum to the PPP, to put an end to all of the infighting and chaos in Parliament that is resulting from the PPP’s corruption and gross mismanagement of our financial and natural resources, and its continued violation of our democratic rights in respect to the holding of local government elections, which returns government back to towns and communities. The Opposition has a plan to move this country forward. More importantly right now however is that Guyana’s democracy especially depends on the supporters of the PPP. Consider the alternatives and place your support strongly behind a return to Democracy in Guyana. Craig Sylvester
vehicles and shuttles in the main shopping centres of Georgetown. Then, in 2001, Professor Akhtar Khan, Chartered Town Planner, submitted the Greater Georgetown Development Plan- 2001 to 2010. It was accepted by the Mayor and City Council. In that plan, Mr Khan spoke to the issue of parking. He suggested, inter alia, rerouting of vehicles, minibus control, waiting restrictions, creation of pedestrian areas, cycling schemes, traffic calming schemes and onsite parking for high rise/ multistory buildings. Also, he suggested innercity linkages and the creation of terminus at various points of the city of Georgetown. Generally, the plan is aimed at facilitating order, efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gases and beauty. It is very clear that, there needs to be a holistic and comprehensive plan on parking in the capital city of Georgetown. Merely covering city canals, as was proposed, will not “cut it”. Second, the debate over the balance of costs and benefits of this initiative must be given full space among experts and local citizens. Designing and developing appropriate structures to cover city canals will, no doubt, require massive sums. Would it be better to spend those sums to develop proper parking facilities for vehicles, in more suitable areas, in and beyond the city? Covered canals have serious financial implications for the Georgetown Municipality. For example,
Council will have to remove and replace those covers every time it wants to dredge those channels. Perhaps, this will require special equipment or tools, which, we know, are not in the possession of the Council. Clearly, the Council will have to find additional sums to carry out works in these waterways. If Council is bowing low beneath the current burden to maintain those vital drainage facilities, then exactly what will happen when main city canals are covered for parking? The other dimension to that is management of the city’s solid and liquid waste. Some time ago, Council experimented with this very approach to parking on South Street. What we discovered, at that time, was that individuals were removing the covers to dump waste in the canals. This affected the free flow of water through these channels. Eventually, the Council had to remove these covers; that approach did not work. The recent overtopping in Georgetown gives us a clue of the magnitude of challenge awaiting us with this venture. Imagine plastic, Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials under those covers during the coincidence of heavy rains and high tides. The picture that emerges is, to say the least, frighteningly worrying. Third, historically, the city of Georgetown has been defined by its well laid out system of canals. Therefore, these canals have aesthetic value. Covering those canals will immediately diminish that value and in a way redefine Georgetown as a city.
According to the Town Planning Act, the Central Housing and Planning Authority ought to be enhancing those amenities not negatively affecting their values. Critics will argue on the point of our inability to keep those very canals clean. However, that inability is contingent on the lack of resources, of which we will have to divert from other developmental works to clean those waterways when they would have been covered. Again, we can do much better if we are allowed to implement new revenue projects. We have not even touched on the ecological factors involved and its impact on the natural environment and the general public health of the city, particularly in circumstances where we are experiencing unprecedented environmental events. The combined existence of the aforementioned factors and the paucity of crucial information have led to our uneasiness and doubt in the plan to cover all of our canalsa significant aspect of our fragile drainage system- in the city. We are not very optimistic that it will in effect assist the extant traffic congestion and parking confusion in the city. Finally, having regards to our knowledge, expertise, the local culture of the city, the fragility of the city’s drainage system, and our own experiences, might we suggest a comprehensive overview of the issue of parking, exploring other possibilities such as the ones discussed in Professor Khan’s Greater Georgetown Plan. Royston King
(From page 28)
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Four bedrooms apartment in Ozama Street North Ruimveldt – Tel: 689-5877 House – Tel: 231-5153 Commercial Properties, Bond in the heart of Georgetown – Contact:223-8479, 6473768 www.spaceseek.gy Fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South with TV, air condition, hot & cold, cable. Tel:689-5877 Executive Residence – centrally and beautifully located in Bel-Air Springs, Georgetown for immediate occupancy. Ph 226-6229, 226-5903 3 Bedrooms house at 19 Goedverwagting. E.C.D opposite Pradoville, 2 months deposit upfront. Call: 222-9098 or 614-9516 for details
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Efforts being made to close the gap in fight against HIV/AIDS As Guyana joined the rest of the globe in observance of World AIDS Day, on Monday last, it was noted that policy makers and programme representatives around the world have been looking to identity and develop strategies which will help to close the gaps in term of making resources to combat the virus universally accessible. While the commitment of health workers and other stakeholders in Guyana has contributed to a steady progress in terms of combating HIV/AIDS, Director of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, (NAPS) Dr. Shanti Singh has noted that efforts are being made to improve their campaign against the epidemic. Dr. Singh said that efforts have been redoubled to remove the barriers which impede on the universal access of all members of the public to accessing preventive care, support and treatment for groups most vulnerable to the disease. According to Dr Singh, NAPS has provided continuous training for counsellors and workers tasked with dealing with groups who are vulnerable to HIV. In 2004, the rate was 24.4
- Dr. Shanti Singh
Participants at the World AIDS Day Walk and Interfaith Service.
percent for homosexuals and 21 percent for sex workers. Those figures have since declined in 2009 to 21 percent for homosexuals and 16.6 percent for sex workers. It was reported that there were gaps in such persons seeking testing, care and treatment for Sexually Transmitted
Infections and HIV. As such, Dr Singh said the key is providing adequate non-discriminatory care and treatment to vulnerable groups like commercial sex workers, persons who use drugs and youth,” She revealed that latest research shows that
approximately 7,200 persons are living with the disease, with almost 80% being on Anti-Retroviral (ARV) treatment. The remaining 20%, she explained, will not need the treatment until the disease starts to affect their CD4 count or immune defence
mechanism. Dr Singh says that NAPS nonetheless continues to provide support for all persons affected by HIV/AIDS. On Sunday, scores of health officials’ workers and citizens participated in the annual WAD awareness walk and interfaith service under the global 2014 theme ‘Closing the Gap’ to show their support for persons affected by the disease. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Guyana’s prevalence rate of HIV has increased. Reports emanating from NAPS indicate that more people are living with HIV rather than dying of the disease because of an
aggressive public education campaign and greater access to treatment and care. Reports also indicated a drastic decline in HIV transmission between a pregnant mother and her child. Based on the Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (BBSS) conducted by NAPS there are expectations that the prevalence rate for gays and sex workers would further decline. However it was reported that confidentiality and trust had increased among the general population; persons are more willing, open and interactive about various aspects of the battle against HIV.
Cop accused of... From page 12 deceased. The lawyer cited the evidence provided by State Prosecutor Teshana Lake’s main witness, Karen Busby-Girard. He noted that based on Busby-Girard’s evidence, someone else might be the shooter. According to the evidence, she (Busby-Girard) places a silver gun in the hands of woman at the time of the shooting. Busby had emphatically stated, “I knew she (the woman) took something from the vehicle and held it in her hands and leaned over his shoulder.” She later confirmed that the something was a gun and that it was silverfish in colour. During his cross examination of the witness, Hanoman recalled that he asked the witness whether it is true that on the night of this incident, an East Indian woman went and stood behind a negro man and was leaning on him with a gun
resting on his shoulder and she responded in the affirmative. The lawyer noted that he went on to ask the witness whether it was true that she heard the same woman cursing Ralph Turpin saying “ you don’t know who the F*** we are?” and the witness replied “yes”. Hanoman also pointed out that Busby-Girard admitted to withholding the information about the woman and gun because she received threats. In conclusion, Hanoman noted that since the prosecution had not proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, any verdict of murder arising from the circumstances would be “unsafe and insupportable”. After considerable review of the submission presented by the defence, Justice Reynolds upheld the no-case submission and set the accused free.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
Sierra Leone Doctor Who Got Ebola Is Not Relenting DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — For eight weeks, Dr. Komba Songu-M’briwa worked at the understaffed Hastings Ebola Treatment Center outside Sierra Leone’s capital. When he began feeling sick, he thought it might be exhaustion but on Nov. 26 he got dreadful news: He had tested positive for Ebola. Songu-M’briwa and just two other doctors, along with 77 nurses, work at the 120-bed treatment center. It was the “most difficult, most pitiful” work of his life, the 32-yearold said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press from his isolation room. Even so, he vowed to return to that crucial work if he recovered. “I do enjoy the work here and I hope and pray once I’m out of here, I’ll take a bit of rest, and I’ll come back and fight,” Songu-M’briwa said on Sunday. On Monday, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brima Kargbo announced that Songu-M’briwa had tested “completely negative” for Ebola after three tests came back clear. Songu-M’briwa — Ksong to his friends — doesn’t know when or how he became infected. Sierra Leone has lost seven doctors to the disease; on Tuesday, the Health Ministry announced that yet another one had fallen ill with the disease. The country had only about 135 doctors to begin with, serving 6 million people. Denmark, with roughly as many citizens, has nearly 19,000 doctors, according to the Africa Health, Human & Social Development Information Service. Health care workers treating Ebola are supposed
to spend only about an hour inside a treatment unit because of the dehydration and exhaustion that comes from wearing a sealed protective suit and the focus required to take care of the patients. But there are too many patients to take onehour shifts at Hastings, Songu-M’briwa said, so he and his colleagues labored for three or four hours at a time. “We’re stretched out, three of us cannot do all the work here,” he said. He and his colleagues have enough supplies, enough protective suits, enough chlorine, enough food and enough gloves. What they need are more colleagues. Foreign doctors have come to Sierra Leone — their precise number is unclear — but many more are needed. The staff relies on patients to help keep an eye on one another and call for help as needed, he said. Ebola is spread through contact with bodily fluids, and often whole families are brought in at the same time. When one’s condition worsens, a relative is often the one who sounds the alarm, calling doctors back to the ward to attend to the patient. Most nights, SonguM’briwa slept at the facility but he tried to go home to see his wife and two children a couple of times a week. When he initially started feeling under the weather on Nov. 20, he thought the pace had just gotten to him and asked for time off. But his symptoms worsened while he was at home and when he got a fever he was pretty sure it was Ebola. He called his treatment center to come get him, and he was admitted on Nov. 25.
Songu-M’briwa was given his own room at Hastings, but he received treatment similar to that of other patients: general antibiotics to keep other diseases at bay, intravenous fluids to replace fluids lost through diarrhea and vomiting and good nutrition to keep strength up. He noted that Hastings doesn’t have access to experimental drugs or techniques, but that these basic interventions help a lot of people, especially when the infection is caught early, as his was. “I don’t have regrets because I’m enjoying my job, and I think it’s been a blessing to other people,” he said with an easy laugh. Sierra Leone’s acute lack of doctors and the crumbling health system are partially a legacy of a decade of civil war. Growing up, Songu-M’briwa was good at math and physics and he thought he would be an engineer. But his mother wanted him to be a doctor. As many former classmates went into private practice in Sierra Leone or left the country, Songu-M’briwa joined the military where he is a captain. He was working at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown until he volunteered for duty at Hastings. “When Ebola broke out, I felt it was a fight for all of us to try to contain,” he said. Before contracting Ebola, he had tried rallying his colleagues at 34 Military Hospital to volunteer for Ebola duty and thought he was succeeding. Now his illness “has sent shockwaves,” making that effort harder, Songu-M’briwa said.
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Kaieteur News
Egyptian court sentences 185 to death for attack on police Reuters) - An Egyptian judge sentenced 185 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to death on Tuesday over an attack on a police station near Cairo last year in which 12 policemen were killed. The ruling is preliminary and subject to a lengthy appeals process. It also goes to the country’s top religious authority for approval although his opinion is not binding. The sentence comes days after another court dropped charges against Hosni Mubarak over the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising that ended his 30year rule.
The attack on the Kerdasa police station took place on Aug. 14, 2013, the day that Egyptian security forces cleared two Brotherhood protest camps in Cairo, killing hundreds of people in one of the bloodiest episodes in Egypt’s modern history. Of those sentenced, 151 are in custody, with the others being tried in absentia, a judicial source said. Egyptian authorities have rounded up thousands of Brotherhood members since the army ousted Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July last year, following protests against his turbulent one-year rule.
Egyptian courts have since sentenced hundreds to death in mass trials that have been condemned by human rights groups. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the army chief who orchestrated Mursi’s removal, went on to win a presidential election in May. His critics say he has steadily rolled back the freedoms won in the 2011 uprising but many Egyptians appear willing to tolerate those curbs, seeing them as the price to pay to restore stability and economic growth. None of those sentenced since Mursi’s ouster have been executed so far.
Lebanon detains wife of Islamic State leader (Reuters) - The Lebanese army detained a wife and daughter of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as they crossed from Syria nine days ago, security officials said on Tuesday, in a move seen as likely to put pressure on the Islamist chief. The woman was identified as Saja alDulaimi, an Iraqi, by a Lebanese security official and a senior political source. The Lebanese newspaper As-Safir reported she had been detained in coordination with “foreign intelligence”. A Lebanese security source said the arrest was “a powerful card to apply pressure” in negotiations to secure the release of 27 members of the Lebanese security forces captured by Islamic militants - a view shared by other Lebanese officials who confirmed the a r r e s t . H o w e v e r, U . S . Secretary of State John Kerry dismissed any suggestion that Washington might also try to use similar tactics to free p r i s o n e r s . “ We d o n o t engage in that type of negotiation. Period,” he told a news conference in Brussels. A senior Lebanese security official said Baghdadi’s wife had been travelling with one of their daughters, contradicting earlier reports that it was his son. DNA tests were conducted to verify it was B a g h d a d i ’s c h i l d , t h e official said. They were detained in northern Lebanon after Baghdadi’s
wife was found with a fake passport, officials said. Investigators were questioning her at the Lebanese defence ministry. There was no immediate reaction from Islamic State websites, although some supporters rejected the report. Fawaz Gerges, a Middle East expert at the London School of Economics, said the arrest indicated that the American-led coalition seemed to have solid intelligence in Syria and Iraq. “I talked to a few people who told me this was a coordinated arrest between American intelligence services and the Lebanese army,” he told Reuters. “If I were Abu Bakr Baghdadi, I would be very anxious that they are getting very close,” he said. “This is a development ... that is very alarming for ISIS, in particular the top leadership.” A U.S. government
source said Washington was not sure how recently the woman had been with Baghdadi, and how much useful information, if any, she might have. The U.S. embassy in Lebanon said: “This was an operation by the government of Lebanon.” It had no further comment. Dulaimi was one of 150 women released from a Syrian government jail in March as part of a prisoner swap that led to the release of 13 nuns taken captive by al Qaeda-linked militants in Syria, according to media reports at the time. A source with contacts with Iraqi intelligence said the captured woman was an Iraqi wife of Baghdadi’s, but could not confirm her name. There was cooperation between Iraqi and Lebanese authorities leading up to her capture, the source said. Baghdadi has three wives, two Iraqis and one Syrian, according to tribal sources in Iraq.
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Wednesday December 03, 2014
ANSA McAL launches school of journalism Trinidad Guardian – The Guardian School of Journalism will help the profession of journalism and the field of media in T&T says Norman Sabga, chairman of the ANSA McAL Group. He also called the University of the West Indies (UWI) the “intellectual brain” of the country and the region. “We are very proud of growing that intellectual capacity in the country and region. The Guardian Media Group is the largest in T&T and
we have been sending journalists abroad for many years for specialised training. “With the growth of the Guardian School of Journalism which will look at all arms of the media, it will be a huge development for the growth of the media in video, print and voice,” he said. Sabga spoke Monday at the signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding between UWI and the ANSA McAL Group at the 10th Floor, Tatil Building,
Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain. ANSA McAL Group will fund the construction of a building that will house three schools, the ANSA McAL Psychological Research Centre, the Anthony N Sabga School of Entrepreneurship, and the Guardian Media School of Journalism. Sabga hopes that the School of Entrepreneurship will go beyond just producing executives but will produce executives who can run businesses efficiently.
Three regional nominees for ACP secretary general post BRUSSELS, Belgium (ACP) — Nominees from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states of Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are contesting the post of secretary general of the 79member African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group). The new secretary general will be appointed during
the 100th session of the ACP Council of Ministers on 9-12 December 2014, to take office from March 2015 to March 2020. The appointed person will hold executive powers as head of the Brussels-based ACP Secretariat, which is the administrative and technical body of the ACP Group. The ACP Group is the largest inter-governmental
organisation of developing countries working under a partnership treaty with the European Union, through which EUR 31.5 billion has been committed for development cooperation in 78 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific for the period 2014-2020 (11th cycle of the European Development Fund).
University of the West Indies St Augustine (UWI) campus principal Professor Clement Sankat, centre, looks on as Dr Anthony N Sabga, left, chairman emeritus of the ANSA McAL Group signs the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between UWI and ANSA McAL. At right is Grenfell Kissoon, chairman of Guardian Media limited. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Gerrard, Mata leave Liverpool, United smiling Steven Gerrard and Juan Mata scored pivotal goals as Liverpool and Manchester United each posted victories over obdurate opposition in the English Premier League. Gerrard, the subject of speculation about his Anfield future this week, stroked home the crucial second goal as Liverpool came from behind to win 3-1 at ten-man Leicester City. Victory lifted Brendan Rodgers’s side up to eighth place, but they remain five points off the UEFA Champions League berths
after Mata’s fortuitous strike earned fourth-place United a 2-1 success at home to Stoke City. The Spaniard saw a freekick from wide on the right drift straight into the net in the 59th minute at Old Trafford, sending United to within a point of third-place Southampton, who visit Arsenal on Wednesday. Leaders Chelsea entertain Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, while secondplace Manchester City travel to Sunderland.
Gerrard, 34, was recalled to Liverpool’s starting XI after starting Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke on the bench, but his return did not spare the visitors from a wobbly start at the King Power Stadium. Esteban Cambiasso should have put Leicester ahead in the 20th minute when under-fire Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet played the ball straight to him, only for the Argentinian midfielder to roll the ball wide. But Leicester went ahead two minutes later, with
Wednesday December 03, 2014 LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Do you feel as though your self-expression is being stifled, Aries? Perhaps you need more time to choose a direction in life. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Is there someone persecuting you, Taurus? Is there a situation that feels unbearably o p p r e s s i v e ? To d a y y o u won't have any trouble identifying the source of your problems.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Although your current mood is somewhat reserved and modest, you probably feel tempted to strut your stuff every once in a while. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Obviously, you have an i m p o r t a n t r o l e t o p l a y, Cancer. The mood today may be somewhat frustrating, but the way you handle it will earn you rewards and recognition in your workplace or at school. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will feel as though your back is against the wall, Leo. And this particular wall is impeding your progress. Others will ask you questions and ask for your opinion. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is likely to be a bit gray, Virgo. You won't be able to see how you can get out of your current situation. You may have some financial or physical problems at the moment.
22) Yo u ' r e w a s t i n g y o u r e n e rg y, L i b r a , a n d y o u know it. You go out to dinner, attend parties and shows, but you're never really present. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It isn't always easy to think about how your life is going, Scorpio. Imagine if you were alone in the world, with nothing to hold you back or force you to do anything. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Now is the time to be thinking about your professional orientation, Sagittarius. You may need to get some more fun in your life and experience pleasures that you've never had before. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may be worn out, Capricorn, but you will have to push forward anyway. You're entering a long period of work and perseverance. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) In a series of days that have tested your patience to the limit, here comes the moment of truth that could make or break you. You can expect a high-pressure day when you will be induced to express your deepest motivations. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Are you hankering for a little fun and longing for a little experimentation and perhaps even childish play? Tempting as these prospects are, you will have to ignore them.
Leonardo Ulloa’s shot hitting the post and cannoning into the net off Mignolet’s back for an own goal after Martin Skrtel had blocked on the line from Jamie Vardy. The hosts’ lead lasted just four minutes, however, with Adam Lallana drilling home an equaliser from Rickie Lambert’s knockdown. Gerrard’s moment arrived nine minutes into the second period. Wes Morgan could only get a toe to Raheem Sterling’s low left-wing cross and Gerrard strode forwards to bend the loose ball into the bottom-right corner. After Morgan was sent off in the 63rd minute for hauling back Lambert, Sterling’s back-heel teed up Jordan Henderson to sweep home a late third for Liverpool after a fumble by home goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. A knee injury to Wayne Rooney saw 19-year-old James Wilson handed a surprise start for Manchester United, who took a 21st-minute lead when Marouane Fellaini headed in Ander Herrera’s inviting left-wing cross.
GFF Normalization Committee... From page 40 have suggested that ideally the applicant should be a former player, though not at international level. He/she must be recognized by CONCACAF and/or FIFA and must be able to satisfy the members of the NC that he/she possess the requisite skills and experience in the implementation and delivery of football development programmes. Further, the applicant must be willing to work irregular hours and travel extensively among other virtues. Remuneration package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested persons are asked to apply with full CV marked Private and confidential as well as the position applied for on the envelope to: The General Secretary Guyana Football Federation 17 Dadanawa Street Section K Campbellville Georgetown Or via e-mail at gff@networksgy.com on or before December 12th 2014
Steven Nzonzi equalised for Stoke six minutes before half-time, lashing home from outside the box after a dart by Bojan Krkic. But Mata’s goal gave United a fourth straight v i c t o r y, w i t h M a r c o s R o j o ’s l e a p d i s t r a c t i n g visiting goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and allowing the former Chelsea playmaker’s free-kick to nestle inside the left-hand post. To m k i n s s i n k s We s t Brom We s t H a m U n i t e d remain a point behind Louis van Gaal’s side in fifth place after coming from behind to win 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion. Craig D a w s o n ’s t e n t h - m i n u t e header put the home team in front, but Kevin Nolan equalised 15 minutes later and James Tomkins gave
West Ham victory with a header in first-half injury time. Swansea City climbed to sixth place, two points behind West Ham United, after well-taken late goals from Ki Sung-Yueng and Wayne Routledge secured a 2-0 success at home to secondbottom Queens Park Rangers. Burnley climbed out of the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United, with Papiss Cisse earning the away team a point after George Boyd had put the hosts ahead with a strike from distance. Meanwhile, Christian Benteke scored the only goal as Aston Villa moved five points clear of the bottom three with a 1-0 success at Crystal Palace. (FIFA)
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Letter to the Sports Editor
Will normalcy return to local football?
DEAREDITOR, I still support the notion of the philosopher who once said, “If one were to ask me the perquisite of being involved in Sports, I would say the first thing is to be happy.” However, despite the appointment of a five member Normalization Committee, by representatives of FIFA, after months of “foot dragging” that enabled the former GFF President, the distinct privilege of defying constitutionality, in addition to ruling autocratically and dictatorially, to the extent that the individual became “the last man standing”! Editor, at this crucial juncture and turbulent times, in the ocean of our football history, I’m still unhappy! Unhappy indeed, that despite the fact the Normalization Committee’s Chairman, had in the past served as President, of the Georgetown Chamber of Industry & Commerce; and Chairman of Blue Caps. As such, Clinton Urling’s resume administratively, should speak volumes for itself. But surely this is not the case, as it relates to the Committee’s ruling pertaining to Applications, Consultations and Approval towards Associations coordinating its own year-end tournament, along with Kashif & Shanghai Organisation, that had also previously applied during Matthias’ tenure as President. Meanwhile, with the K&S
Organisation’s application coinciding with the observance of its 25th Anniversary, which was supposed to be a megaevent, but was reduced to naught when the dust finally settled. Editor, cause it what it may, I find the Normalization Committee’s decision not to give credence to the observance of an Organisation’s 25th Anniversary illogical. Suffice it to say, no mathematical equation or formula can be compared/ equated with 2 applicants (1 with an indebtedness of $23,000,000) against (observance of a 25th Anniversary) which of the two is a logical perception towards enhancing the sport’s image publicly? Editor, “adding fuel to an already combustible situation” entailed granting approval to the GFA, UDFA, WDFA, with consideration also to other associations that are desirous of hosting its own tournament, either individually or jointly! Does Mr. Urling and those who are advising him know of the legal ramifications in granting approval? Whereby, jointly would entail the imposition of a levy fee by the GFF along with other contractual obligations. Is the Normalization Committee aware of this? Are they aware of the fact that a significant amount of Clubs in Linden had qualms with the illegally Matthias installed IMC? Within this context which body is entitled to
coordinate the tournament? In the final analysis “the final straw that broke the camel’s back” was reading from December, 2015 the GFF will be coordinating its own tournament, and the K&S Organisation, can coordinate their tournament in April, 2015. With the election of Office Bearers scheduled for November, 2015, no elected Executive is obligated to honour that Agreement! Within a two weeks’ time frame for Easter (April) would a 16 team KO be prudent? Would it be prudent for any Association (s) failing to submit, Minutes of its Annual General Meeting, Audited Financial Report/Statement, Calendar of Seasonal Activities and most importantly Non-Constitutional Reform/Upgrade be granted approval to coordinate a yearend tournament, moreover, when financial gains/returns for a selected few takes precedence over development? Is Matthias smiling; and the previous presidents laughing as the “comedy of errors continues unabatedly”! At the end of the 11 months I do hope abnormalcy does not outweigh normalcy with the FIFA appointed Normalization Committee that is seemingly oblivious to the essential components of “moving Guyana’s Football Forward (GFF)”. Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey
Leonard leads Spurs over winless 76ers 109-103 Philadelphia (AP) - The Spurs didn’t have Tim Duncan or Tony Parker, and that gave Kawhi Leonard a chance to shine. Leonard scored 26 points and had a crucial three-point play in the final minute to help the San Antonio Spurs defeat the winless 76ers 109-103, extending Philadelphia’s franchise-worst losing streak at the start of the season to 017. The Spurs (13-4) played without stars Duncan (rest) and Parker (shoulder). Even without the duo’s more than 31 points per game, San Antonio had little trouble dispatching Philadelphia. Aron Baynes scored 15 points and Manu Ginobili and Cory Joseph each added 14 for San Antonio, which won its eighth straight. Leonard also had 10 rebounds while tying a career high in points. Leonard scored 20-plus
points for the fourth time this season after doing it three times all of last season. Michael Carter-Williams had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Alexey Shved added 19 points for Philadelphia. The 76ers also were short-handed, as leading scorer Tony Wroten (knee) missed his second straight game and rookie first-round pick Nerlens Noel (hip) sat after getting injured in Sunday’s practice. Philadelphia coach Brett Brown was surprised Noel, who is day-to-day, pulled himself out after warming up. Philadelphia became just the fourth team in league history to open a season with 17 losses, joining the 1998-99 Clippers (0-17), 1988-89 Heat (0-17) and the 2009-10 Nets (018). The 76ers can tie the Nets for the worst start in NBA history on Wednesday at Minnesota with a potential
chance to break the record at home on Friday against Oklahoma City. Philadelphia made a late run at the Spurs, pulling within 101-96 with 1 minute, 33 seconds remaining on Henry Sims’ layup. But Leonard put the game away by converting a three-point play to make it 104-96 with 42.7 left. The 76ers were competitive in their last three losses, losing by an average of 8.3 points per game to Portland, Brooklyn and Dallas, during this four-game homestand. They fell behind big early before battling back late. The Spurs shot 49 percent (24-for-49) from the field and outrebounded Philadelphia 31-17 in the first half while taking a 61-46 lead. UP NEXT - The 76ers are at Minnesota today; the Spurs play the Nets in Brooklyn today.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Ramdin urges young batsmen to step up Johannesburg, South Africa - Denesh Ramdin has reason to want to forget the last time West Indies played Tests in South Africa. He was going through a rough patch and scored only 109 runs in the three-Test series, which was sandwiched between rubbers against England and Sri Lanka where he didn’t manage much more. But Ramdin is forcing himself to remember the summer of 2007 because it was a season when West Indies enjoyed a rare success. They beat South Africa in Port Elizabeth - their only win in the country - in the series opener and were dreaming of much more. “The last time we were here we won the first Test match but then we didn’t show the fight and determination for the rest of the series,” Ramdin said. “This time we will let that motivate us and we will try and go one step further.” If Ramdin is talking literally, he is asking his men for two victories which will see them take the Sir Viv Richards trophy off South Africa and topple the World No.1s. That West Indies, who are ranked 8th with only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe below them, have allowed themselves to think that far seems admirable. That they are doing so while missing two headline batsmen in Chris Gayle and Darren Bravo appears nothing more than wishful. But Ramdin is lining his fantasy with reason. “Of course for any team that loses Chris Gayle, it’s a blow for them and everyone would have loved to see Darren here batting - he is a free stroke-playing guy but he’s got personal issues,” Ramdin said. “So hopefully a young player can take the
Denesh Ramdin opportunity to do well for himself and the team. There are a couple of young players in the mix but then a couple of senior players [Shivnarine] Chanderpaul, myself, Marlon Samuels - who will guide them through.” Batting big is going to be West Indies’ priority and it may be why they arrived in the country with more than two weeks to go before the first Test. “We are trying to acclimatise to the pitches as quickly as possible,” Ramdin said. West Indies have one three-day tour match against an Invitation XI next week but will be based up country where they can enjoy the spicy surfaces at grounds like the Wanderers and SuperSport Park as they prepare. Their focus will be on readying the top-order for resistance against Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. “They have a very strong bowling line-up but we have to bat really long and not give them opportunities with the new ball to get the middle and lower order in,” Ramdin said. They may even ask Gayle, who is in the country playing for the Johannesburg-based Lions’ franchise in the domestic twenty-over competition, for
some advice. “He always has wise words and he will be a motivating factor,” Richie Richardson, West Indies team manager said. “If he is around the hotel and he wants to meet us, we will invite him in.” Ultimately, though, it will be up to Devon Smith, Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood to step up and Ramdin is confident they will. He pointed to Smith - fresh off a century for Windward Islands - and Brathwaite’s domestic form and urge them to make the most of the chance to “make a name for themselves,” in South Africa. “It’s very important that guys who are set don’t leave it up to the other players,” Ramdin said. “If you get hundred, you should score a big hundred. When you do that you keep the opposition out of the game.” And he did not forget about the job his bowlers will have to do. On lively pitches, Ramdin hopes Jerome Taylor and Shannon Gabriel can give South Africa a taste of their own medicine. “We have a very good bowling line-up as well,” he said. “The new ball is going to be very important and we will try and expose the middle and lower order of the South Africans.” But the undercurrent of Ramdin’s tough talk was that his men would actually be the ones on the back foot over the next five weeks and anything more than that would be a bonus. “It will be a very tough series for us,” he admitted. “It’s going to be tough mentally. We have not been playing Test cricket as we would like to play so we really need to play some good cricket here.” If they do, then the 2007-08 series can return to where it belongs: the back of Ramdin’s memory bank.
Proteas wary of explosive West Indies Johannesburg, South Africa - Captain Hashim Alma says South Africa do not intend to underestimate West Indies when the series against the tourists from the Caribbean get underway here in two weeks. The eighth-ranked West Indies come into the series with six losses from their last 10 Tests, but Amla believes Denesh Ramdin’s men would provide a good contest for the Proteas. The first test match of their tour begins on December 17 in Centurion. “There’s definitely no need to be complacent against the West Indies. They are a team that has a lot of explosive power, they play colourful, exciting cricket,” Amla said in Johannesburg yesterday. “There’s no reason for us to hold them in any
lighter esteem. We’ve got a good squad and the strength of our team is concentrating on what we do well.” South Africa have come off a 4-1 ODI series loss away against Australia last month. However Amla is optimistic that their 50-over struggles against the Aussies will not return to haunt them against their West Indian rivals. ”I don’t think any of the baggage [from Australia] will follow us,” he said. “Test cricket is a largely different format from one day cricket. Being at home with the team we have — an almost developing Test team — I don’t think that series will impact us.” The second test starts on Boxing Day, December 26th; the final test is due to start January 2nd at Capetown while three T20s and five One Day Internationals (ODI) will follow. (CMC)
Wednesday December 03, 2014
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Squad building key to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer on Ballon d’Or list Trinidad’s Gold Cup ambition
From left Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer and Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer have been named on a threeman shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or prize, FIFA has announced. The three were chosen from an initial 23-man list, which included Gareth Bale, and the world player of the year award will be announced on January 12. Nadine Kessler (Germany), Marta (Brazil) and Abby Wambach (USA) were shortlisted for the women’s award. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or in 2013. Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, Germany’s World Cup winning boss Joachim
Low and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone are on the shortlist for the FIFA coach of the year. Portugal international Ronaldo 29, scored 51 goals in the 201314 season while helping Real Madrid win the Champions League. He beat Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Barcelona’s Messi to the 2013 award. Four-time winner Messi, 27, won the honour in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Argentina forward broke the La Liga goalscoring record last month and also holds the Champions League goalscoring record. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Neuer, 28, is the first
goalkeeper to make the final three since compatriot Oliver Kahn made the shortlist in 2002. Neuer helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which came after helping Bayern to the 201314 Bundesliga title. The Ballon d’Or - formerly the FIFA World Player of the Year award - has featured Messi in either first or second place in each of the last seven years. Wolfsburg boss Ralf Kellermann, Germany under19 and under-20 coach Maren Meinert and Japan coach Norio Sasaki were shortlisted for the FIFA world coach of the year for women’s football award. (BBCsport)
Brahimi wins BBC African Footballer of the Year award 2014
Yacine Brahimi has been voted the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2014. The 24-year-old midfielder becomes the first Algerian to win the award, which is decided by football fans. Porto winger Brahimi told BBC Sport: “It’s a big honour for me to receive this wonderful trophy. I owe it to my country, Algeria, and to all the people who voted for me. “It’s also a trophy for the whole of Africa, because it rewards an African player. So I am really very happy.” After a record number of votes were submitted from fans in 207 Fifa-registered countries, Brahimi came out on top ahead of Nigerian Vincent Enyeama, Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ivorian pair Gervinho and Yaya Toure. He is thrilled to have been acclaimed as the best player on the continent for the past year. “This trophy is going to give me more strength, more desire to work, to get better, to learn so that I can keep having great performances,” added Brahimi, who was
Yacine Brahimi congratulated in a Tweet by last year’s winner Toure. During 2014, Brahimi has shone for club and country. He starred for Algeria at the World Cup in Brazil, helping them reach the last 16 for the first time and scoring his first international goal in the 4-2 win over South Korea in the group stage. Domestically, Brahimi started the year at Spanish club Granada, where his strong performances led to him being named best African player in the country last season - and earned him a move to Portuguese giants Porto. He has scored six goals in 15 appearances for his new club and is revelling in the
challenge of European Champions League football, where he hit a hat-trick in the club’s first group match. “First I won the award because of the people who voted for me. So once again I need to thank them. “Then it’s thanks for FC Porto - they allowed me to play in the Champions League, to play in big games and to have great performances. The club has allowed me to express myself and to perform well on the pitch.” Brahimi will also be part of Algeria’s squad to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea from 17 January to 8 February. “The Africa Cup of Nations is also coming. There are big opportunities for me,” he said. “And I hope I’ll be able to achieve big things this year both with my national team and my club. “I’m sharing this trophy with my family, with all the African countries and with all the Algerians who have always supported me. Thanks again.” (BBCsport)
Attauallah Guerra (right) helped lead Trinidad & Tobago to the final of the 2014 Caribbean Cup. Montego Bay, Jamaica With seven months to prepare for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Trinidad & Tobago head coach Stephen Hart knows what his team needs to be successful: better fitness and more playing time with the players’ respective club teams. The Soca Warriors finished second to Jamaica in the recent Caribbean Cup, losing to their rivals on penalty kicks, 4-3, after playing to scoreless draw in the championship game. “Physically, we were behind,” Hart said. “If we are to play at a higher level, at the Gold Cup level, we need to be much fitter and the players need to be playing football.”
The Jamaicans showed a lot of energy in the second half of the championship game, according to Hart. “If you look at their squad, they have a number of players who have played consistently with their club,” the 54-year-old noted. “And we’re the opposite. We have a number of players that are not playing 90 minutes, so I am not surprised at all. Just weeks after being handed managerial reins, Hart guided Trinidad to quarterfinals of the 2013 Gold Cup, dropping a narrow 1-0 decision to Mexico. After acquiring additional familiarity with the side, the former Canada chief is looking to do even better
in the CONCACAF competition. “We have to look for some international games to settle our internal problems, and build a squad,” stressed Hart. “If you look, I think we have a nucleus of a nice squad. We have a few players to bring in as well who weren’t available for selection. So, hey, when is Gold Cup? July. We should be fine.” Trinidad went undefeated in the Caribbean Cup with a 2-2-0 record, while finishing first in Group A. Wins over Curacao (3-2) and French Guiana (4-2) were followed by draws against defending champion Cuba (00) and the Jamaicans. (CONCACAF)
Blatter: FIFA not responsible for workers in Qatar Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP) - The welfare of migrant workers involved in building facilities for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the responsibility of the companies who hired them, not FIFA, Sepp Blatter said yesterday. Speaking to reporters during his visit to Sri Lanka, the FIFA president said the workers are employed by companies from Germany, France, England and other European countries and “they are responsible for their workers.” Qatar has come under increasing scrutiny over its labor practices since FIFA awarded it the right to host the tournament in 2010. Like other energy-rich Gulf nations, Qatar relies heavily on migrant workers drawn mainly from South Asia to build its roads, skyscrapers
and stadiums.In Qatar, World Cup organizers released the design of their fourth stadium on Tuesday. The Qatar Foundation Stadium in Doha is being designed to seat 40,000 spectators, with the capacity reduced to 25,000 after the tournament. International criticism is mounting over abuses in Qatar, with rights groups saying tens of thousands of migrant workers building infrastructure for the World Cup would face exploitation and misery. Amnesty International said last month that Qatar is lagging behind on addressing concerns about the abuse of migrant workers six months after it laid out plans for labor reforms. Qatar government officials have said it plans to implement labor reforms in the next few months. Also, Blatter declined to comment when asked whether
Joseph S. Blatter FIFA intends to publish the World Cup bid corruption investigation report by American prosecutor Michael Garcia, citing FIFA regulations. Blatter was in Sri Lanka to attend a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of country’s soccer federation.
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South Africa name 3-Test series squad Johannesburg, South Africa - Robin Peterson has been recalled to the Castle Lager Proteas Test squad for the three-match Sunfoil Series against the West Indies later this month while the bizhub Highveld Lions duo of Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada have been included in the Test squad for the first time. Peterson takes the place of Dane Piedt who, along with JP Duminy remains on the injured list, and is the only specialist spin bowler in the squad. Imran Tahir has dropped out of the squad. Stiaan van Zyl, who was the reserve batsman in the oneoff Test match against Zimbabwe, is the other uncapped player in the squad. “We have been very pleased with the way the Test squad has performed in its last three outings in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection convener, Andrew Hudson. “Part of this has been the result of consistency in the selection process and
Robin Peterson also establishing a pecking order. Stiaan was the reserve batsman against Zimbabwe so he is the logical choice to replace Duminy. “At the same time we want to bring players whom we have identified as having international potential into the team environment. This is a policy that has worked well in the past with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock, among others. “Both Temba and Kagiso have impressed at franchise and South Africa A
level and they are ready to be considered for senior international duty. “The medical committee will monitor the recovery process of both Duminy and Piedt and there is a reasonable chance that we will be able to consider JP for selection during the second half of the Test series.” Castle Lager Proteas Test squad: Hashim Amla (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), AB de Villiers (The Unlimited Titans, vice-capt), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Dean Elgar (The Unlimited Titans), Faf du Plessis (The Unlimited Titans), Stiaan van Zyl (Nashua Cape Cobras), Quinton de Kock (bizhub Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Nashua Cape Cobras), Robin Peterson (Nashua Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Nashua Cape Cobras), Morne Morkel (The Unlimited Titans), Temba Bavuma (bizhub Highveld Lions), Kyle Abbott (Sunfoil Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions). (Cricket South Africa)
Serena’s Slammers lose again as Aces continue to dominate Reuters - Serena Williams returned to the scene of her WTA Finals win but could not prevent her Singapore Slammers team slumping to a fourth straight defeat in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) yesterday. The world number one is the highestprofile player participating in the four-city mixed team event at Singapore’s Indoor Stadium this week but it was the unbeaten Delhi-based Indian Aces who continued to dominate the early proceedings. The Aces were on court first as a sparse crowd witnessed the form side of the tournament ease to a 30-11 victory over the UAE Royals in the five one-set format tie that is decided on games won rather than overall set victories. Playing in front of a packed arena in the night session, Williams won her match against Belgian Kirsten Flipkens but lost the mixed doubles, partnering Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, as her team fell 29-21 to the Manila Mavericks. The tournament kicked off in Manila on Friday and will proceed to Delhi before concluding in Dubai on Dec. 13, the event mirroring its Indiabased cricket counterpart by adding bright lights, glitz, glamour and audience participation to a fast-paced
Wednesday December 03, 2014
PM Mitchell congratulates Smith St. George’s, Grenada CMC - Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has congratulated Windward Islands opening batsman Devon Smith on his return to the West Indies team for the tour of South Africa. Smith, who last played test cricket three years ago, was called-up as a replacement for veteran opener Chris Gayle who has been forced out of the side due to injury. The Grenadian batsman has been in superb form already this season, amassing 334 runs at an average of 55 including a score of 145 to lead Windwards to victory over Leeward Islands in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League over the weekend. “Devon’s talent is unquestionable, and his development is evident, as
Dr. Keith Mitchell was most recently demonstrated in the Professional cricket League; therefore, he deserves to be included on the West Indies team,” declared Prime Minister Mitchell.
“We are very happy for, and proud of him, as he continues to grow in the game. We look forward to the South Africa tour with increased excitement to see our boy in action.” Smith, 33, will fly out to this week to join the West Indies squad which left the Caribbean on Sunday for London enroute to Johannesburg. Smith will be joined by left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell who leaves the region on Friday for South Africa. Prime Minister Mitchell has also conveyed best wishes and a speedy recovery to Gayle who has struggled with injury in recent years and missed the recent ill-fated oneday tour of India as a result. West Indies open their tour with a three-day practice game in Benoni starting December 10th.
Points’ standings after rain ruins latest round of GCA matches Following are the points’ standings after last weekend matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) tournaments were rained out without a ball being bowled. Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) are heading the table in the Hadi’s World City Mall Inc first division two-day tournament with 132 points from seven games followed by Transport Sports Club (TSC) on 93 points after eight matches, Everest with 85 from seven, Malteenoes SC 81 (MSC), Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) 80, Police 61, GNIC
60 each from five games, Guyana Defense Force (GDF) 53 from four and Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) 47 from five. TSC are atop of zone A with 60 points after three games in the New Building Society 40-over second division competition, Everest occupy the second position on 40 points from two games while GNIC are in third place with 34 from three followed by Ace Warriors on 32 from three, GCC 30, GDF 25 from two apiece and Third Class five from one. Muslim Youth
Organisation and University of Guyana are joint leaders in zone B on 68 points from five games each followed by MSC on 57 after six matches, GYO 44 from four, Sophia 40 from five, DCC 37 from two, Diplomats 12 from three and St. Stanislaus five from one. GYO head the Banks Malta Supreme U-13 competition with 85 points, Everest are in second place with 76 followed by TSC on 70, DCC 68, Bel Air 35, Diplomats 34 all from six games, GCC 13 and MSC six both from five matches.
Red Bull speed Vettel on his way Singapore Slammers’ Serena Williams (Credit: Reuters/Edgar Su) format. Additional touches include a 20-second serve clock, a ‘Happiness Power Point’ joker that scores double and can be played once per set, no advantages, no lets, coaching timeouts and a five-minute shootout if a match is tied at 5-5. Ridiculed by some observers as little more than an extravagant series of exhibition matches, Williams jumped to the defense of the tournament, saying it was an ideal mix of fun and competition. “I came into this thinking it was going to be fun and a blast but not good preparation (for the new season). However, after I played in Manila I realized this is a great way to
prepare for the pre-season,” Williams told reporters. “I can only see it growing as it’s such a great fun opportunity and all the players are supporting it. We are not happy to keep losing but we did the best we could. “Maybe we need to relax a little bit as we are trying too hard because we want to win so bad,” said Williams who won the WTA Finals here in October. After four rounds of matches the Indian Aces lead on 16 points, ahead of the Manila Mavericks and UAE Royals on 11 points with Singapore propping up the table on six points.
Reuters - Red Bull waved Sebastian Vettel off to Ferrari yesterday with some gifts that might come in useful in Italy and the promise of eventually being reunited with one of his title winning Formula One cars. However, as team principal Christian Horner explained to the four times champion in front of staff at the Milton Keynes factory, the car will have to wait a while because “we don’t want it turning up in Maranello.” Red Bull said the 27-year-old German was given an espresso coffee cup, a pair of tight red Speedo swimming trunks and some sunglasses among other items. As they pointed out on their website, none of them had ever been required at their headquarters on an industrial estate in central England. “You’re not making this any easier,” said Vettel,
Sebastian Vettel
who spent the weekend meeting his new team mates at Maranello after officially parting company with Red Bull on Friday. He returned to Milton Keynes for speeches and presentations that included a half-size model of a bull with his championships engraved on the plinth.
“The last six years have been incredible. What we’ve achieved, the work that’s gone in. So much passion, so much dedication. It will always stay in my heart. “It’s been a great journey and I’m very grateful for what all of you did for me. I’ll shut up now,” he added.
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Kaieteur News
Guyana’s South American youth team returns Guyana’s successful three-member South American Youth Championships team returned earlier yesterday morning with Athletics Association of Guyana VicePresident, Gavin Hope, receiving them at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timerhi. Running Braves’ Jason Yaw and Natricia Hooper represented Guyana with Yaw setting a record in the 400m with his Personal Best 46.79 performance. Yaw erased the old mark of 47.46s when he took on South America in
Columbia last Saturday. Meanwhile, Hooper also had success when she ran an impressive 55.05 seconds to clinch silver in the Girls’ 400m race. The Running Brave Athletics Club Coach, Julian Edmonds was sent to Columbia with the athletes on the three-member team. The athletes and officials from the athletics association paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony yesterday.
Fitness Express continues its support of bodybuilding Colours Boutique also on board Manager/Owner of Fitness Express Jamie McDonald presents cheque to David Gomes, Flex Night Inc. Director of External Resources.
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Dilan Allicock ready to take on Richard Williamson as Rose Hall boxing card looms When Dilan Allicock enters the ring for his 12 rounds duel with Berbician, Richard Williamson, he will go all out to avenge an earlier loss he suffered some two years ago when he debuted into the professional arena. At that time the two boxers had faced off in a 4 rounds bout at the end of which Williamson was declared the winner. “I feel deep down in my heart that I had won that fight,” Allicock had pronounced shortly afterwards. He had since yearned for a return. In the meantime, the young pugilist continued to hone his skills and went on to defeat Charlton Skeete in a 4 rounds bantamweight encounter. That was more than one year ago but Alicock diligently applied himself to his training schedule at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) boxing gym, James Street Albouystown, patiently biding his time. That time has finally arrived and Allicock will face off with his nemesis when Thom’s Promotions presents 26 rounds of fistic fury at the Rose Hall Ground, Berbice, Saturday, December 13. The Allicock/Wiliamson clash is the main bout, scheduled for 12 rounds and the winner will be crowned the new super/ bantamweight champion of Guyana. Williamson is a promising boxer and is currently honing his skills at the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym at the junctions of St Magdaline Street and Strand New Amsterdam. The Berbician displayed good techniques in his sparring sessions with Dereck Richmond and spouted confidence of replicating the previous feat. He had dispatched a memo to his opponent that this time around he (Allicock) would be knocked out. Over at the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Allicock is hard at work with victory on his mind. “I do my talking in the ring,” he blurted when informed of
Allicock (L) mixes it up with Delon Charles during yesterday’s training sessions Williamson’s ‘threats.’ In the meantime his work ethic is commendable and suggests that Williamson is in for a tough fight. Yesterday afternoon, he donned gloves with Delon Charles and appears to be rounding off nicely for what he terms the fight of his life. The two boxers sparred for 6 tough rounds and Allicock looked exceptionally well and it is obvious that Williamson will have to be at his best if he is to repeat the last feat. “Dilan was unlucky not to have won that bout,” said one of his coaches, Joseph Murray. He assured that this time around his charge will leave the ring victorious. Allicock also hit the heavy punching bag for several rounds before a lengthy session with the jump rope and a similar period engaged in calisthenics. His other coach, Sebert Blake, was also in attendance and supervised his training session. “I am confident that Dilan has the tools to take
care of Williamson and take the local title,” he confidently declared. In the two other professional fights, Berbician, Kishawn Simon, faces off with former lightweight champion, Revlon Lake in an eight round jnr/welterweight encounter that has caught the imagination of pundits while another Berbician, Derick Richmond, will tackle Romeo Norville over 6 rounds in a super/middleweight bout. Fans will also be entertained with several other amateur bouts that will comprise a part of the card. The names of those boxers will be announced soon. The fight is touted as an extra special holiday treat for the Berbicians since they have not witnessed a classical boxing card for quite some time. Admission is $2000 for the VIP section while general admission is $1000. Sponsors are Castle Hotel of New Amsterdam and Luxury Flats and Apartments, Fifth Street Alberttown, Georgetown.
Women’s Super League to be expanded from 2015
Onai Vasconcellos receives cheque from Waheeda Ali of Colours Boutique Fitness Express, renowned retailer of sports and exercise equipment and health and nutrition supplements, located at John and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville, is once again lending its support to the cause of bodybuilding and fitness in its part sponsorship of the December 7 Flex Night International event. Winners of specific
categories on Sunday can expect to be taking home nutritional supplements, compliments of Fitness Express. Flex Night Inc. records its deepest gratitude to Fitness Express for the support rendered to the Flex Night International 2014. And, Colours Boutique, known for retailing sports and casual wear, also made a contribution in support of the
Flex Night International event. In receiving the cheque from Waheeda Ali of Colours Boutique at their Robb street location, Flex Night Inc. Director of Advertising Onai Vasconcellos thanked Colours Boutique for lending support to the event which kicks off at 18:00hrs sharp on Sunday next at the National Cultural Centre.
Two teams will be promoted to the Women’s Super League from next season as part of a two-year plan to expand the top flight from eight teams to 10. The addition of a second promotion place, with only one team relegated to the second division, means nine teams will contest the top flight in 2016. Ten teams will still contest WSL 2, with a team promoted from the Women’s Premier League for the next two years. WSL 2 champions Sunderland will compete in the top division next season. This season, Liverpool retained the Super League title on goal difference on a dramatic final day of the season, where Chelsea and
Birmingham had also been in contention. “This year has arguably been the most competitive FA WSL season to date and promotion and relegation has certainly played a big part in that,” said FA director of the national game and women’s football Kelly Simmons. “Increasing the number of promotion spots not only opens up more opportunity for clubs but will also help to drive the standard of FA WSL 2 which can only benefit the women’s game.” The 2015 WSL season begins in March with fixtures expected to be announced in the New Year. (BBCsport)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
GFF Normalization Umpire sessions to commence today Committee advertises for Technical Director Marcano begins five-day Coaching Course
Participants at the opening session of the Pan Am Hockey Federation / GHB organised Coaching Course listen attentively to T&T Head Coach Anthony Marcano yesterday. Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) National Hockey Coach Anthony Marcano began a five-day Course for local personnel interested in becoming coaches, at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion. The Course is expected to coincide with the s t a g i n g o f t h i s y e a r ’s Diamond Mineral Water Festival and according to President of the Guyana Hockey Board Phillip Fernandes in addition to the Coaching aspect; the Board has also secured the services of an Elite Umpire to conduct classes for aspiring and current umpires, courtesy of the Pan American Federation.
US Umpire Constantine ‘Gus’ Soteriades was expected in late last night and he along with Marcano will conduct both theoretical and practical sessions with the participants, at the GCC Pavilion and the National Gymnasium. Fernandes said Marcano and Soteriades will provide match examination of the coaches, umpires and players, during the games. According to him, it is all aimed at improving the skills and competence of our local players, umpires and coaches which could then instigate the general development of the sport here.
Anthony Marcano
The persons tasked with the responsibility of charting a course for local football’s development, known as the Normalization Committee, has begun to work in earnest and are currently on the lookout for a competent Technical Director. Officially, Mark Rodrigues, a Guyanese residing in the USA, is performing such duties but it is unclear whether his tenure is over or if the current football overseers are bent on a complete change of certain personnel to create a fresh atmosphere. Consequently, those officials have dispatched a circular to the various associations clearly outlining the prerequisites for the post. The position is a full-time one which will define and lead the National Technical Programme under the authority of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and in compliance with the aims, objectives and values of the body. Consequently, the successful person will be vested with a wide range of responsibilities including the ability to develop and implement a clear and thorough technical development plan complete with a technical chart aimed at continually promoting and improving the game of football in Guyana at all levels.
This programme must also encompass developmental strategies for youth football, women’s football, futsal, beach soccer and coaching education. The successful applicant will also be required to advise the GFF on all matters related to the effective development of football in Guyana as well as to be accountable for the development of a strategy and policy for the performance of football programmes. The range of responsibilities is wide and the new TD will be expected to collaborate with the various national youth teams and their coaches through development programmes in order to enable Guyana to attain its goals within CONCACAF and FIFA, including putting in place clear systems and processes for identifying and developing talented players. The document that outlines the criteria is extensive and can be had from members of the NC. Further, in keeping with FIFA’s mandate, the successful applicant would be thoroughly screened and must also pass a character test. He/she must possess the highest degree of coaching diploma available in the country with a solid football background. The officials (Continued on page 31)
Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition
Business end starts tonight
The business end of the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of De Streets’ Futsal Competition begins in earnest this evening with round of 16 action, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. When the competition began two weeks ago, over fifty teams registered to compete for prize money totaling in excess of $1million, along with an opportunity to play in the national playoffs. The large number of entrants forced the Organisers to stage two nights of preliminary matches to arrive at eight teams who then joined the traditional twenty-four for the main draw. One of those that qualified was West Back Road and they’ve since earned the status of giant
killers after registering an unlikely win against title holders Queen Street-Tiger Bay, who were eventually eliminated from the tournament. In the fixtures tonight, Leopold Street led by O’kenie Fraser takes on Festival City Street Fighters, one of the teams that participated in the preliminary phase and this could be a dangerous opponent for the former champions Leopold Street. This encounter will be followed by the clash between Cross Street and West Back Road. The Cross Street uni t h a s i n t h e i r lineup players the caliber of Ronaldo Dover and Samuel Hunte, while Akeem ‘Too Cute’ Fitzpatrick and Keon Caesar will lead the charge for victory for West
Back Road. Hope Street, the last remaining team from Tiger Bay will need to continue its sublime form to get past North Ruimveldt packed with starstudded players such as Gerald Gritten, Joshua Browne and Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant. The game before the break pits West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ with a lineup that includes Hubert and Wendell Pedro and Stellon David against the Paul Port and Devon Hyman led Island All-star team. After the break, Albouystown ‘A’ with Shaka Jones and Stefan McLean tackle Globe Yard, before Andy Duke and Vincent Thomas lead 2012 national champions Back Circle in its engagement against
Flashback! Part of the action in this year’s competition Albouystown ‘B’, followed by the penultimate clash of the night involving Alexander Village and Festival City Warriors. The final game of the evening will see crowd favourites Sparta Boss tackle
South Sophia in a highly anticipated matchup. Dennis Edwards, Cleyon Forrester, Eusi ‘Boneyman’ Phillips and playmaker Devon ‘Don Don’ Millington is set to appear for Sparta Boss, while South Sophia will have in their
lineup, Shemroy Arthur and Sheik Kamal. The games are expected to produce some exciting football and once again the Organisers are urging the fans to come out and support the night’s action.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
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Eastman cops Phillip Arokium Road race in Berbice The Flying Ace Cycling Club ended its 2014 season on a high when it successfully staged the sixth annual Phillip Arokium Memorial cycle Road Race in Berbice. The event which was open to all cyclists in Guyana saw a number of top riders taking to the starting line in their quest for the lucrative prizes available. In the end it was the young and fit legs of Hamza Eastman that took the top
spot in the 60-miler as he crossed the finish line in a time of Two Hours 31 Minutes and 31 Seconds (2:31:31). The riders were sent on their way from the Philadelphia and Main Street Junction, proceeded to No 43. Bridge on the Corentyne and back to finish at Main and Alexander Streets. Eastman beat off the stiff challenge of Michael Anthony, Junior Niles finished third followed by
Lara to represent WICB at Hughes funeral
Brian Lara St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday advised that Brian Lara will represent the Board at the funeral of fallen Australian batsman Phil Hughes. Lara who is currently in Australia, was asked by President Dave Cameron to represent the Board at the funeral after Hughes’ tragic passing last week while playing for South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Lara readily agreed especially since it was
logistically difficult for a WICB official to travel from the Caribbean to Australia in adequate time. The WICB has sent its condolences to Hughes’ family, teammates and friends, Cricket Australia and the entire Australian cricketing fraternity and has asked Lara to convey same in person to Hughes’ parents and siblings. The Board thanks Lara, the former West Indies Captain and world record holder, for his willingness to represent the WICB and the West Indies cricket fraternity at this time when the entire cricket world is in shock and a state of grief. The players of the six WICB franchises participating in the Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament, along with match officials wore black ribbons for the third round matches in memory of Hughes. The teams and officials also observed a minute’s silence before the start of the three third round PCL 4 Day matches. (WICB)
Pele: Brazil legend continues to improve in hospital Brazil legend Pele has left intensive care as he continues to recover from a urinary infection. The threetime World Cup winner was admitted to Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital on November 24. A statement from the hospital said the 74-year-old “is doing well without medical complications”. His kidney function will be assessed again on Wednesday (today) but he is “lucid and eating well”, can walk around his room and is receiving “semi-intensive care”. A World Cup winner
in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was initially discharged from hospital on 13 November after surgery to remove kidney stones. Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, he scored a world-record 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his 21year career. Capped 91 times by Brazil, scoring 77 goals, he was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000. He made 14 appearances at World Cup finals, scoring 12 goals, and was awarded the FIFA Golden Ball as the best player at the 1970 tournament. (BBCsport)
Orville Hinds, Paul De Nobrega, Christopher Holder, Marlon Williams and Mario King in that order. During the race, Eastman, Anthony, King, Hinds, De Nobrega, Holder, Williams and Stephano Husbands made an early break and continued to increase the lead on the journey along the Corentyne Highway. Husbands soon faded to leave the six to continue their battle.
As the miles increased the cyclists were showing no let up approaching the turn back point. The battle continued into the return journey when Eastman and Anthony made another break. Eastman took his opportunity around the Canje Bridge entrance using his power to move away from Anthony who made a desperate effort to reconnect but to no avail. Anthony was the first junior to cross the
line doing so ahead of Romello Crawford and Stephano Husbands. The females who had their duel from Rose Hall Town to the finishing line saw Toshwanna Doris, Ronella Samuels, Whitney Poyer and Shamika Teixeira finishing in that order. Elijah Bhajadder, Audrel Ross and Syborne Fernandez were the first three cyclists from the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) to cross the
finishing line. The sprint prizes were taken by Anthony (2), Andre Abdul, De Nobrega, Eastman, Hinds and Husbands won one each. Organiser and coach Randolph Roberts thanked the Arokium family for their continued support of the sport. He said the late Phillip Arokium was a member of the club and had sponsored many races. (Samuel Whyte)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
Team Bond named for ‘Respect the Game’ Charity Basketball
Giftland OfficeMax trumps up support for Dec. 13 event Attorney-at-Law, James Bond has named his team for the upcoming ‘Respect the Game’ Charity Basketball Showdown set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, December 13 where some Division I players will team up with professionals and entertainers.
Team Bond will play Team Toney, a compilation from Journalist, Rawle Toney, in what will be an entertaining grudge contest for the Respect Trophy. The celebrity-hyped event will bounce off at 7pm with a High School match-up. The University of
Guyana takes on Qualfon in the second game before the national and Division I players team up with local celebrities, professionals and entertainers for a basketball rivalry for several charities of choice. Team Bond has drafted national forwards, Ryan
Gullen (Ravens), Royston Siland (Pacesetters), Jermaine Slater (Ravens) and the high-flying Tyrone Hamid (Ravens). Point guards, Travis Burnett (Pacesetters) and Rodwell Fortune (Ravens) along with shooting guards, Jarrell Allen (Berbice), Ryan
Stephney (Ravens) and Chris Williams (Linden) have also been drafted to help Team Bond overcome the opposition. In addition, the seasoned players will have as adequate backup, Javed Ali (Chief Executive of the Slingerz Sound), Faizal Khan (Guyanese football aficionado), Malcolm ‘Mr. Wickedee’ Ferreira (radio host 94.1 Fm) and Nuriyyih Gerrard (radio host 94.1 Fm). Curtis ‘Casual’ Armstrong (radio host 98.1 Fm), Chad Ramsarup (Journalist), Edison Jefford (Sports Journalist), Christopher Barnwell (Guyana and West Indies cricketer), Cardella Hamilton (model), Joel Browne, Herman Liverpool a n d R o g e r Ye a r w o o d (Attorney-at-Law) were also all included in Team Bond with National Coach, Mark Agard. The event is a call out to
all sportsmen and women to return respect to the game, whatever your game may be; whether it’s the arts, sports, business or professional sectors, ‘Respect the Game’ is geared toward returning ‘respect’ to society using what it believes to be the one forum that brings people together, which is sports. Meanwhile, Giftland OfficeMax yesterday handed over its sponsorship for the event, stating that it was motivated by the concept. “We love this concept from this group as a means of respecting the game we all love,” Marketing Representative, Delroy Dash said. Footsteps Megastore, Exclusive Styles, Boom Energy Drink, The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under the auspices of the Director of Sport, Neil K u m a r, M o h a m e d ’s Enterprise and Buddy’s Pool Hall are among some of the other sponsors of the event.
Giftland OfficeMax Marketing Representative, Delroy Dash (left) hands over their contribution to ‘Respect the Game’s’ Director, Surika Danraj yesterday at its Water Street Department Store for the upcoming Charity Basketball showdown.
Simon is new BCUA President Joseph Simon replaced Roshan Moakan as President of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) when that body held its Biannual General Meeting on Sunday last at the Berbice Cricket Board Office. Clement Brusch will serve as the Vice President
while the Secretary is Augustus Outar. Jaipersaud was elected Treasurer and Dhieranidranauth Somwaru t h e A s s i s t a n t S e c r e t a r y / Tr e a s u r e r. Oomadatt Samaroo was chosen as the Auditor and the Committee Members are Rafeek Latif, Orwin Archer and Samaroo.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 03, 2014
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McKinnon wins GSSF Steel Challenge Shooting competition The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) hosted another Steel Challenge Shooting Match on Saturday last at the GDF Timehri Ranges. In spite of the heavy downpour, local handgun shooters made their way to the Range to hear the melodic pings of led impacting steel. The challenging first stage named “Speed Option” saw the Stop Plate being located some 35 yards away, hitting this was made easylooking by match f a v o u r i t e Ry a n McKinnon who set the bar high causing the other competitors to follow sometimes doubling and even tripling his time total. Needless to say, a lot of extra rounds were needed as several seasoned competitors relentlessly strove to secure hits on the steel plates thus causing them to ring with that ‘ping’. The second s t a g e n a m e d “Roundabout” saw targets set at closer distances but in somewhat of a tricky arrangement, this caused shooters to engage them in random orders as they each felt was best. Ray Beharry won this stage by showing resilience and not backing down from the challenge of the dominating M c K i n n o n . T h e competitor ’s best four scores out of five strings of fire on each stage was then added together for the collective score. The lowest total time/score for all stages won the match overall and that was McKinnon. Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Match D i r e c t o r, D r. P r a v e s h Harry welcomed members who came out to take part in the event
through the inclement weather and encouraged shooters to have fun while keeping safety paramount throughout the Match. Overall Scores Stage 1 Speed Option Position Name Score 1st Ryan McKinnon 26.9 2nd Pravesh Harry 37.03 3rd Ray Beharry 48.77 Stage 2 Roundabout 1st Ray Beharry 23.27 2nd Ryan McKinnon 23.57 3rd Pravesh Harry 28.95 Overall Winners 1st Ryan McKinnon 50.47 2nd Pravesh Harry 65.98 3rd Ray Beharry 72.04 GSSF President, Ms. Vidushi Persaud presented copies of “Front Sight” Magazine the official journal of the United States Practical Shooting Association to the new m e m b e r s f o r participating. Steel Challenge is the perfect way to introduce newer shooters to competitive shooting because of the easy to understand Rules and the instant audible feedback of the bullet hitting the plate is encouraging and satisfying. The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation wishes to thank the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Director of Sport Mr. Neil K u m a r, t h e N a t i o n a l Sports Commission, the Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport and the members of the GSSF for their usual support.
Overall winner Ryan Mc Kinnon (2nd right) flanked by other prize winners, Ray Beharry (2nd left) and Pravesh Harry (centre) poses with other competitors. GSSF President Ms. Vidushi Persaud is at left.
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Guyana’s South American youth team returns P.39
Farfan & Mendes Junior Christmas Squash tournament commences today
The Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with its number one corporate sponsor Digicel will run off the Annual Farfan & Mendes Junior Christmas Squash To u r n a m e n t , a t t h e Georgetown Club Inc. Squash Courts. The tournament which will commence today is anticipated to have most of the country’s leading junior players competing for top honours and according to a
AAG Vice-President, Gavin Hope (right) welcomes the successful South American Youth Team back to Guyana early yesterday morning; the team included Coach, Julian Edmonds (third, right) with Natricia Hooper and Jason Yaw.
release from the GSA fortyfive players have entered the tournament and they have been divided into eight categories with players of equal skill levels in the respective groups.The release added that a few of the players will be using the tournament as a warm up, before they depart these shores to participate in the Canadian and US Junior Open tournaments scheduled to be held later this month.
Lara to represent WICB at Hughes funeral P.41
National ruggers go into action today
The national Men’s Sevens rugby squad seen during a training session at the Mexico High Performance Centre on Monday. The national rugby team will open its quest for top honours in this year’s NACRA Sevens Championship today
against host and defending champions Mexico. The c u r r e n t N A C R A 1 5 ’s champions who were forced to
miss the championship last year due to late registration, will be hoping to get a good start in the tournament, a format in
rugby that they are famously familiar with, having won the title six years consecutively. Guyana is placed in Group C
along with defending champions Mexico, Cayman Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They next face the
Cayman Islands, before closing the Group stage with an engagement against St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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