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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Not mere serendipity People would have to be very naïve if they are to believe that it was mere serendipity which caused the US authorities to unearth over half-million dollars encased in black plastic garbage bags on a private aircraft bound for Georgetown. First of all the Americans unlike their Guyanese counterparts take their security and the security of their ports of entry and exit very seriously. The fact that the people did not take things at face value and even went so far as to use sniffer dogs, point to some level of previous knowledge or suspicion of wrongdoing. A reading of the comments emanating from the various bloggers tells the story of a jaded populace that is willing to believe the worst of people who are suspected to be associated in some form or another with the ruling elite. From the little information available Lall (not Glen) and party arrived in Puerto Rico to refuel and in the midst of a ‘routine’ check were made aware of certain deficiencies which he undertook to remedy. Now for some conjecture. Those knowledgeable of the way the Americans operate would argue that the whole maintenance situation was set up to give the occupants on the plane an opportunity to reveal more concrete evidence including the movements of persons to and from the aircraft, and what if anything any visitor had in his or her possession. There is no doubt that the plane and its passengers were under surveillance the entire time that the plane was grounded which makes the issue of escape from the long arms of the law moot. Now the investigators will have to examine the source of the cash; and the flight history of the aircraft since coming into the possession of Lall among other related issues. Not surprisingly the wags have placed His Excellency in the mix, as well as the possibility that state funds had been expended for presidential visits abroad in contravention of civil aviation regulations. It is by no means impossible that a large sum of money could have been earned through legitimate means, but for someone to forget that over half-million United States dollars was in their possession would surely boggle the mind of the least imaginative person. Furthermore, the manner in which the money was secured and concealed, taken with the two false declarations of currency renders anything coming but the truth from Lall as unbelievable. It has been a long held suspicion that pilots are not without sin so much so that private pilots have reported unsettling encounters with the Office of Air and Marine of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. According to the Los Angeles Times, it has investigated 1,375 flights during the three years and five months prior to February 2014, of which authorities intercepted 212 at airports and made 39 drug-related arrests. However, a review of the documentary Cocaine Cowboys might throw a larger spotlight on the many ways and rewards for the pilots who ferry contraband and other illicit items within and across borders. Another game that information suggests that local pilots play is to leave these shores for rendezvous with their co-conspirators in the Caribbean islands where they pick up laundered cash and luxury items to bring back to Guyana and evading the type of rigorous scrutiny using loopholes in the system. In that way there is no need to attract the direct attention of US authorities. Things have probably changed but it was once a common sight to see airline pilots and flight attendants arriving at CJIA with their pull-along bags only to go straight through to their aircraft without the least semblance of a security scan. There was absolutely no guarantee that those bags did not contain bars of gold or kilos of cocaine or large amounts of cash. Taking the foregoing into consideration it is more than passing strange that access to a private hangar at the country’s major airport is virtually hidden away from the gaze of the curious. Regardless of the unfinished state of the infrastructure there was nothing inhibiting its use and notwithstanding claims to the contrary no level of comfort is provided as to who and where would have been the final destination of all that money.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
When will law students at UG speak up? DEAR EDITOR, The great Sir Arthur Lewis reminds us that, ”…asking questions is the principal business of university people; if we do not ask important questions simply because they are dangerous questions, we cease to be honest and a dishonest scholar is a menace to society.” I submit that in my humble estimation the weight of such a position takes on an even greater nature and quality when one dons the ‘title’Student-at-Law. Since my foray into these ‘Letter(s) to the Editor’ on the issue of reforms in legal education, locally and r e g i o n a l l y, I h a v e contemplated this letter which seems even more pertinent now in light of several revelations that have taken on an infamous tenor regarding our Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Kaieteur News, and also in the wake of the President’s prorogation of Parliament. Almost a year ago the Council for Legal Education (CLE) had suspended the
Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) - University of Guyana (UG) special arrangement regarding the latter’s ‘Top Twenty-Five’ law graduates. I have written at some length on this and so will not wade again into these waters; suffice it to say that the University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS) nor its students of the Department of Law in any significant numbers have articulated any view publicly on the matter. When the dilemma regarding the 2014 top twenty-five graduates was ‘remedied’ no mention was made of the 2015 or 2016 batch, and even though it seems UG has a new policy of accepting more students in the Department of Law, it is understood that new negotiations must ensue regarding the 2015 batch especially. Law students have thus far said nothing on the issue. I am advised that as regards the matter concerning our Attorney General, there was some
discussion among law students canvassing their position on the matter. Alas, there was a sense that those who were public on the matter were already qualified and could hold their own, while law students were in the process of doing so. Their silence was therefore intentional. Another line of reasoning noted that when these students become attorneys, the focus is then on upward mobility and ‘security of tenure’ - all the more reason not to rock the proverbial boat, which for all intents and purposes seems to be taking on water fast and is in imminent danger of sinking. Attorney at Law Martin Daly in his recent column in the Trinidad Express, titled ‘ L o o k i n g a c ro s s t h e generations’ perhaps articulates my thoughts with greater economy when he said, “… the pursuit of selfadvantage and opportunism at the controlling levels of the society and acceptance of that value system for entry to the top is the natural enemy
of independent thought and expression as well as consultation, reform and innovation. This syndrome also produces bitterness, cynicism and ultimately civil disorder, most pronounced among those who cannot get out from under the neglect of good governance.” I was heartened to see e v e n m o r e r e c e n t l y, according to the Huffington Post, “The Black Law Students Association at Yale Law School has denounced with “sadness, outrage, and indignation” the failure to indict the former Ferguson, Missouri, police officer who shot and killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown.” Part of the group’s statement reads: “We are outraged to see that separate and unequal codes of conduct, nightmares we hoped were relegated to our forefathers’ generations, persist today.” I think on these matters and wonder when UG law students will speak up. Sherod Avery Duncan Legal Education Reform Advocate
‘Name and Blame’ game vs. ‘Time and the Crime’ DEAR EDITOR, A headline on page 20 of the Kaieteur News, December 2, caught me off guard, but moreso was enough to affect my equilibrium: “Guyanese from “poor, violent village” faces death penalty in the U.S”. However, before giving my take on this sad saga, I wish to be informed as to which village in Guyana reference is being made regarding both the poverty and the violence. The mainstream foreign societies do feel that poverty, squalor and violence abound in Third World countries, and in all likelihood view Otis Phillips and his heinous acts as being representative of the so-called norm. What has been overlooked is that the potential death row inmate left his native shores at the age of nine, and has resided more than three times that period in the United States. So pray tell me how much violence could a seven-year-old have seen that would shape his life, alter his way of thinking, and catapult him into a life of crime? Do I sense subtle blame-shifting? Here in the Western society, poor parenting due to affluence has been used as an excuse for murder, but appears to be exclusive to certain members of society,
having the right complexion for the proper protection. To affix its rightful name – ‘affluenza’, and in addition put it in its rightful context rich parents. Plainly put, it is the lack of accountability and belief among entitled rich kids that money can solve all problems. This defence proved lifesaving in June 2013 for a North Texas teen from an affluent family who was sentenced to ten years of probation after he confessed to intoxication manslaughter in a crash on a dark, rural road that killed four pedestrians. Sadly, the converse as a defence is yet to be put on trial. Are poverty and poor parenting to be held accountable for Otis’ crime-ridden life, or is he a product of a social and educational system that failed yet another black youth. Certainly he did not slip through the cracks, as the system did have prior knowledge of his mental deficits. The court records state
that he was diagnosed as having a low IQ and a learning disability. What remedial measures on the part of the State were taken to correct this deficit, of which the defence attorney Michael Hayden is now pleading that they be used as mitigating factors? According to him, his parents abandoned him at age seven, when they migrated to the United States, only to send for him two years later. If he was not part of their daily thoughts, perhaps he would still be residing in the violent village, and not facing the death penalty in a foreign country. Furthermore, in whose care was he left following parental migration, and what type of activities constituted part of his scenario at age seven, that would have such a damning impact on his adulthood. What was the paternal rationale for leaving a child behind? Did dad have an
early peek into behaviours that were headed in the direction of the criminal and ultimately penal system? Immigration is a prominent part of the United States, nevertheless concerns still exist about immigrants’ ability to integrate into broader society. Case in question: it is blatantly apparent that Otis falls squarely into the category of those who have failed to integrate effectively. According to prosecutors, the defendants were members of a criminal street gang known as the Sure Shots and were out to avenge a friend’s killing earlier that day. They also said Otis Phillips wanted to silence Herman Curry so that he could not testify against him in Christopher Palmer’s killing. Witnesses testified that Otis Phillips walked up to Curry on the soccer field, tapped him on the shoulder, told him he was going to die, (Continued on page 5)
From a pensioner to a prisoner DEAR EDITOR, I am a pensioner but I might as well have been a prisoner! My NIS pension was last due in October. To date the pension book is not yet at the Lethem office. On Monday, 1st December I was informed that the book would arrive the next day. I live in Annai, 120km (almost 75 miles)
away. It takes an entire day and $10,000 to collect the book, so pensioners incur a sizeable expense, sometimes only to be told a lie. What is the purpose of this office? To offer poor service and pay two officers to warm seats for a salary? All one can ask is for efficiency. But can that be delivered? And when? Michael James
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
This police rank should be disciplined Attention Guyanese - more of the same or change?
DEAR EDITOR, It is not very often that I get involved in commenting on social issues in Guyana, as there are numerous organizations and individuals who do so, on an almost daily basis. However, in reviewing a recent (online) Capitol News report, I was spellbound by the manner in which a woman was “MAN HANDLED” (no pun intended) by a police rank in downtown Georgetown, and in clear public view. This behaviour certainly speaks of the distrust that continues to develop between the police and suspecting relatives of persons when they are held in police custody, and wind up beaten or hospitalized. I know for a fact there are great police officers. I know many, because I’ve had reason to see them do their job in a professional manner. Irrespective of who I am, I’ve met police officers who did not know me from a hole in the wall, and they displayed professionalism at the highest level. However, this rank has certainly tarnished the image of the good police officers, since the world may have seen this footage and will assume that every Guyanese police officer behaves this way. Look at what inconsiderate police action in Ferguson has created across the United States! This woman is someone’s child, maybe a wife, and
probably a mother. Let us assume that this woman was barely dressed and her clothing not that secured, that officer would have added insult by the woman being exposed in public. Who gave him the right to twist that woman’s arm and tug her like a notorious criminal? As a police officer, he should have known that it was against policy for a male police rank to get that confrontational with a female suspect. This is the reason we have female police officers. I am not condoning what may have been the alleged crime committed by the woman. The fact is that in this day and time when we are seeking
justice and equality, especially on the part of women’s rights and nonabuse, the persons responsible for “Serving and Protecting” continue to be the biggest violators. Congratulations to the Commissioner and Divisional Commanders for their continued outreach in order to establish better relations with our police and communities. However, officers such as the one seen on a video (which is now for the world to see) should be disciplined and re-trained in public handling of such situations and incidents. Bobby Vieira
‘Name and Blame... From page 4 then shot him three times. Authorities said co-defendant Jeffrey Phillips shot into the crowd, killing 16-year-old Alexander Kamara Jr., as he and Otis Phillips tried to escape. In addition to murder and manslaughter, the defendant was convicted of several other charges, including gang participation, conspiracy, assault, reckless endangering
and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Rather than Otis seeking to correct his deficits, he sought to edify himself in a negative manner by joining a gang. Well as the saying goes even in the U.S. “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time”. It’s a lesson seemingly too late for the learning. Yvonne Sam
DEAR EDITOR, A quote by Maximilien de Robespierre is instructive, “The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.” Guyana is a young country, an experimental sovereignty project that has made some gains but is ultimately lagging behind the desires of the masses. Every country, every company, every group and anything else you can imagine experiences major and subtle changes, and Guyana is no different, regardless of the Government and Opposition (I dislike this language between it presupposes a competition – a for and against sentiment, a victor and a villain and it is certainly not helpful to the national ethos) of the day. Many people believe and want to believe that we are struggling against one political party or the other; we are either for or against some group or party. This type of thinking is a trap, it keeps us
locked in a state of dependency on others - in this case politicians/government and it limits how we perceive the relationship between ourselves and Guyana, therefore our capacities and engagement. Politics is a transactional game, politicians seek power, and to get power they usually need to give something in order to get something; for example money, good roads, etc. for our votes and support. Alternatively they can exert pressure and force as a means to acquire their desired support and legitimacy/ control of power. The decisions we have to make as everyday citizens are much more significant than selling our votes and action for handouts and promises. Guyana’s future is not tied to any political party, it solely rests with the collective action or non-action of the Guyanese people. As the familiar saying reminds us, “we have bigger fish to fry.” Our choice today really is a choice for more of the
same or a change in the way we contribute to and are engaged in Guyana’s development. Regardless of where the major political parties find themselves today, Guyana is ripe and ready for positive changes in the management of the country, management of our natural and human resources, as well as our relationships with development and trade partners. In other words, rethinking and adapting the way we as a country/people do business internally and externally; that is, how we relate to and engage in the development project that is Guyana. The change starts within each of us individually. It starts with first reflecting internally, listening to our soul/spirit/mind/ consciousness as our guide and then taking action in the form of voting, volunteering, speaking out, standing up, demanding or whatever form of action that moves you. So where do we go from here? That is up to you! R. Small
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Body of Bosai worker found Ex-police, security guard remanded for hijacking businessman’s car with marks of violence
Edgar Trotman’s distraught mother Janet Trotman and two of his siblings Linden was yesterday plunged into shock after news spread of the murder of a worker attached to the Bosai Bauxite Plant The man who was identified as Edgar Trotman, worked as an excavator operator, with Bosai. He was found dead early yesterday morning with his hands tied behind his back. Trotman was forty- five years old and lived alone at 690 Block 22 Wismar. He was the father of six. The man’s body was reportedly discovered shortly after dawn, as workers for the morning shift were about to begin their day’s work. Trotman had been working the night shift, and it was to be his last night before his shift changed. His body was found a short distance away from the excavator he was reportedly operating. His body bore several marks of violence, according to informed sources. Trotman’s eldest daughter Olivia Trotman, a nurse attached to the Linden
hospital said that she had just reported for duty yesterday morning when she received a call from a doctor that her mother was on the ground floor asking for her. “When I went to her, she told me to sit down, so I said what happened, and she told me that she had received a call that daddy was killed. From what we were told, my father was hit in the head, and his hands were tied behind his back, and he was thrown into a nearby trench. However, when I went out to the scene, the hearse had already taken him away, so I didn’t get to see him.” All of Trotman’s relatives are in a state of shock over the murder, and have maintained that they knew of no grievance he may have had with anyone. “He was a very jovial person, and got along well with people, so I don’t know of any reason why anyone might have wanted to have him killed,” his brother Orrin Trotman said. The man said that his
brother had been working at Bosai for about seven years. “For me and my family this is very shocking because my brother was very easy going, and had no problems with anybody. Trotman’s mother Janet, who had travelled to Guyana recently to attend her brother’s funeral, said that she last saw her son when he left for work on Tuesday evening. He was going out for the seven o’ clock shift at the bauxite plant. “ I walked out with him when he was leaving, not knowing it would be the last time. This is really hard on us, especially coming at this time. My son was a very nice person, all he used to do is go to he lil karaoke and tek a lil drink, but he never trouble anybody, and when I tell he don’t drink, he used to seh, mommy I does work hard.” He was the fourth of eight children. Janet Trotman lamented that she lost her husband last February, and only recently buried her brother. Police investigations into the matter are currently ongoing. (Enid Joaquin)
The ex-policeman and security guard accused of hijacking a businessman’s car one week ago, were remanded to prison when they appeared before city Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday. The former Guyana Police Force (GPF) rank Andrew Pollydore, 27, and KGM Security guard, Keyon Allen, 28, were taken to the Georgetown’s Magistrates’ Court to face a robbery under arms charge. It is alleged that on November 27, last at Coghlan Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, the two armed themselves with a gun, and robbed 58-year-old Rabindranauth Sukha of his $3.3M Toyota Premio motorcar (PPP1862). The charge was indictable and they were not asked to plead. Separately, the security guard (Allen) is being accused of having in his possession two grams of cannabis on November 27, last. He denied that allegation and was granted $50,000 bail. Representing both of the accused was Attorney-atLaw George Thomas, who told the court that Pollydore is currently employed as a miner. Thomas said that the 27-year-old has one child and no pending matters in court. He said that Pollydore was not a flight risk. In his bail petition for Allen, the lawyer told the court that his client has three minor children and is a security guard employed with ‘KGM Security,’ but attached to a mining company. He said the 28-year-old has no pending matters or prior convictions. The attorney told the court that his clients are roommates who reside at Lot 3207 Lamaha Park, Georgetown. Thomas claimed that prior to the court appearance his clients were being investigated in relation to alleged possession of illegal
Accused: Andrew Pollydore ammunition but “lo and behold you come to court and it’s a robbery under arms charge.” The lawyer further stated that Allen and Pollydore had no knowledge of this robbery charge until yesterday, and claimed that although they were placed on an identification parade, neither of them was identified. “I’m surprised that they would charge them with robbery when they weren’t identified on an ID parade and there was no confession. There is no evidence against them,” said Thomas. He requested reasonable bail. The lawyer assured that his clients will return to court if allowed their pretrial liberty and added that they are willing to report to the nearest police station as a condition for bail. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail, however, citing the nature and gravity of the charge. Jones placed emphasis on the stiff penalty the charge attracts and added that the address they provided to the court differs from the one given to the police. Prosecutor Jones further stated, that violence was used in the commission of the crime and that the victim positively identified the accused on Close Circuit Television (CCTV) system footage. Magistrate McLennan granted the Prosecution’s request and the men were remanded to prison until
Accused: Keyon Allen December 8. The matter has been transferred to the Vreeden-Hoop Magistrates’ Court for trial. Though no details were given in court, in a statement issued to the press earlier, the police had said that they are probing an incident of armed robbery committed on a trio who had just arrived in Guyana and had travelled from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to their home at Pouderoyen. The incident, the statement said, occurred at about 03:10 hours on November 27, last when Sukha, Balram Singh, 53, and Indira Singh, 58, were attacked and robbed by two men armed with handguns after they had arrived in a car PPP 1862 and were at the gate of their residence. “They were held up by the two suspects, who relieved them of the motor car, US$8,000, two cell phones, their suitcases and other documents before escaping with the car,” the release added.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Thursday December 04, 2014
Brazil targets Petrobras contractors as corruption probe expands
The headquarters of Brazilian oil company Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro (CREDIT: REUTERS/SERGIO MORAES) (Reuters) - Brazil’s comptroller general opened cases yesterday against eight engineering conglomerates suspected of bribery and fraud in deals with Petrobras, holding them accountable for their role in a widening corruption scandal at the state-run oil company. If found responsible for the alleged graft scheme, some of Brazil’s biggest infrastructure and construction firms could be blocked for years from taking government contracts, complicating President Dilma Rousseff’s push to expand investments in roads, bridges, rail lines and energy projects. Executives at Camargo Correa, Engevix, Galvao Engenharia, Iesa, Mendes Junior, OAS, Queiroz Galvao and UTC-Constran were arrested last month as police investigated allegations of overcharging the oil company, known formally as Petroleo Brasileiro SA, in return for kickbacks to politicians and executives. The comptroller general’s office said that testimony from the police investigation, along with documents, emails, phone records and wire transfers had provided evidence to open proceedings against the companies. Lawyers for the companies have approached Brazil’s top prosecutor, Rodrigo Janot, to propose a plea deal, he told reporters on Wednesday. Janot said, however, that the implicated executives would have to admit involvement in the graft scheme as part of any settlement.
The case is dominating Brazil’s political landscape and overshadowing Rousseff’s plans for a second term starting in January. She was chair of Petrobras’ board of directors from 2003 to 2010, when many of the alleged bribes and kickbacks happened, but has denied knowledge of or involvement in the corruption scheme. The scandal has also intensified scrutiny of corporate governance at Petrobras, where some minority shareholders have complained of lax oversight and outsized government influence. Securities watchdog CVM said yesterday that Petrobras CFO Almir Barbassa violated shareholders’ rights by letting state development bank BNDES and state-led pension funds vote on board members who should be elected solely by minority investors. Without admitting to any wrongdoing, Barbassa agreed to pay a fine of 250,000 reais ($98,000), CVM said, while BNDES and its subsidiary BNDESPAR each agreed to pay 500,000 reais. Petros, the pension fund for Petrobras workers, also faces a fine of 400,000 reais and the CVM said it warned two other pension funds for their conduct. At a Congressional hearing on Tuesday, a former executive who helped to uncover the bribery and kickbacks said political parties have dominated the appointment of senior management at Petrobras for years, highlighting the need for independent oversight.
Thursday December 04, 2014
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THE DAYS OF TRADE UNION MIGHT ARE OVER! The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is like a marabunta without a sting or a dog without a bite. It has no sting or bite. Its glory days are behind it. Those glory days were short lived. In 1989, the GPSU was part of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) which called a general strike against the effects of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP). The dictatorial Hoyte administration considered the actions of the GPSU as a betrayal. Hoyte brought pressure to bear on sections of the leadership of the union. One of the union’s leading lights was forced to flee into exile. After that GPSU was never a force to be reckoned with in FITUG. Hoyte had broken its back and destroyed its militancy. When Janet Jagan was President, the GPSU launched another grand hurrah. It called a strike demanding wage increases above what the government was offering. The union went on strike for 57 days. Disgraceful methods were employed by the union
to press for its demands. But the biggest mistake was the alliances that were forged, alliances that politicized the strike and exposed the unions to charges of pursuing a political agenda. The strike however did have its successes. The union secured arbitration. This resulted in the only substantive increases that public servants have enjoyed since 1993. However, the union paid a huge price for the strike and the unwise alliances that it forged during that process. The union leadership ended up under siege from the membership on the afternoon the strike was called off following the agreement for arbitration. A police raid on the union’s headquarters found Molotov cocktails within the building, leading to further charges that the strike had been infiltrated by political elements. The end of the strike was also met with discord and division by sections of the membership. This affected the union afterwards. But the real blow came
Dem boys seh ...
Guyana is a really private place Dem boys surprised that is only now, after 20 years, that dem Transparency people realise that Guyana is the most corrupt country in this part of the world. Dey use words like chronic and crisis, but dem boys know long that Guyana gone past dem stage. Guyana is one big outhouse. No matter wha yuh do, and how much yuh do, all yuh got to do is just sit back, relax and be private. Yes, private. Dat is de magic word that dem guvament people like fuh use when fire deh pun dem wire. De Chat-3 threaten people and talk a set ah lawlessness about a young female reporter. When he get skin up to the public, he seh was a private conversation. He boss man seh is a private matter. De police and all treating it private. And is not only de Chat-3. When Devil Face fly out to Miami he use a fancy private jet, and when people ask wha wrang wid he mek he use taxpayers’ money, de guvament seh he medical issue was too private fuh anybody know about it. Dem boys had to dig deep fuh find de sturdy plug wha dem hospital people force in. Nothing in dis country does ever be above board. Shaatie and de Fat Crook always telling de Guyanese people about private arrangements, public-private partnership, private sector investments and private investors. Is only time before de people start tellin’ dem fuh put all dey fancy talk in dey private parts. As fuh de money jet man wha like fly Donald de Duck, he runnins’ suh private dat even de airport people didn’t even know about wha he does do. He private jet got to go to a private part of Timehri and park in a private hangar. Not even a private hire car can pick he up. He suh private that he forget that he had he big money stash in he jet. Is dem US sniffer dog had fuh find all and remind he. Donald couldn’t even remember that he travel wid de man plane. Dat is private. A big lady tell dem boys dat integrity is when a person is de same in public as they be in private. Well dis country deh in big trouble. Talk half and see if we gun ever get any integrity commission.
when the government took action in the Courts that led to problems with the agency shop agreement and collection of union dues. The union suffered a severe decline in its finances from which it has never recovered. The PPP broke its back just like the PNC had done in 1989. The only difference is that after 1989, the union regrouped. But it has and will never regroup from the effects of the actions taken after the 57-day strike. But there were also other factors that conspired against the union. The first of these is the decline of the trade union movement around the world. While both the PNC and the PPP may have weakened the GPSU, worldwide, neoliberalism flattened the might of trade unions. After Ronald
Reagan, the age of the big unions ended. Labour is no longer the force it used to be and perhaps will never again be a force to be reckoned with, at least not in my or your lifetime. The GPSU is therefore operating in a context of a weakened trade union movement worldwide, not just in Guyana where divisions have always affected working class solidarity unity. Another factor that has further crippled the GPSU is the changing face of public sector employment. Public sector workers in Guyana bore the brunt of the hardships initiated under the ERP. And they reacted. The public service was emptied of critical human resources because after the ERP was unleashed on the
Guyanese working class, some workers could not afford the transportation to get to work. And therefore many of them moved away from the public sector. Most of those who followed those who left opted for new arrangements, contract employment. The vast majority of workers in the public service today now prefer this arrangement, because most of them are not looking for civil service careers. They are there because the pay is better and they are there to use the experience as a stepping stone for better jobs elsewhere. Contract workers, most of who are not unionized, now far outnumber traditional public servants. And this is by choice, not design. As such, even if a strike is called by the GPSU and
every unionized worker responds, it will not shut down the public service. Some places will obviously be more affected than others, but the public service will in general operate normally, as it did for the most part during the 57day strike. The GPSU may therefore be upset that the government for a record 13th year in a row has imposed salary increases without negotiations. But the fact is that the government can risk this because the unionized workers in the public sector are a minority. The days of union-power are over, and the GPSU is simply too financially constrained to sustain a strike.
‘Fowl cock’ row murder at Mc Doom…
High Court trial gets underway The trial of murder accused Mark Assing called “Jesse”, is in progress at the Georgetown Supreme Court before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed twelvemember jury. Assing was indicted for the murder of Abiola Eadie. Eadie was shot in her face during a fowl cock row at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, on June 20, 2012. Her son Martin Barker, also sustained gunshot wounds to his chest. The woman succumbed to her injuries 12 days after the incident at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Yesterday three witnesses were called to give sworn evidence in the matter. State Prosecutor, Judith Gildharie Mursalin called witnesses Ayesha George, mother of the deceased Pamela Eadie, as well as Lennox Jones to the stand. George told the court that she witnessed the shooting which claimed the life of her neighbour, Abiola Eadie. She recalled that on June 20, 2012 she was sitting at a window of her apartment, when she saw the accused “Jesse” involved in a heated confrontation with Eadie who lived in the lower flat of her building. The woman said that Jesse was quarrelling loudly on the street accusing one of Eadie’s sons (Martin) of “blinding his game cock in one eye. “ The woman said that Eadie called out to Martin four times before he came outside the house. It was then, the witness told the
Murder Accused Mark Assing court that Jesse’s wife came out on to the street and began quarrelling as well; the couple was armed with knives.
Deceased Abiola Eadie George said, that she went downstairs and attempted to make peace between the warring parties but the
accused then pulled out a gun from his waist and pointed it at Martin. The witness said that Eadie quickly jumped in front of the pistol in an attempt to defend her son from their angry neighbour and she also went and stood between them but Jesse shoved her aside. George said that she heard a gunshot and saw her neighbour collapse to the ground. She said that she heard two shots fired, at which time she lost consciousness. George said that when she came to, she realized that both mother and son were seriously injured. Pamela Eadie the victim’s (continued on page 21)
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Thursday December 04, 2014
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
What is the fuss about Alex Moore? The presiding magistrate at Sparendaam, Mr. Alex Moore, has been removed by the Judicial Service Commission pending an enquiry. At the time he was “evicted” he was ensnarled in two controversies. He assigned a suspended sentence to an accused who pleaded guilty to possession of almost 150 pounds of cocaine. Secondly, he purportedly used scatological language in a cuss-down mode to a woman who appeared in front of him. Obviously, he was removed because of the cocaine judgement. The alleged abuse of a litigant would never be the reason. The magisterial humiliation of poor people goes on daily in the courts. This columnist is
of the opinion that the Judicial Service Commission has no interest in such legal atrocities. One of Guyana’s most prominent medical doctors told me that a very senior Georgetown magistrate (who was a student of mine at UG), shouted at him with the order, “stand up straight when you are in front of me!” The doctor said he explained that he has a back problem, but the lady is so power-drunk that she shouted on him with the same order on another occasion when he was giving testimony. He informed me that he wrote to the Chancellor about this power-drunk magistrate. After three years he has heard absolutely nothing about his complaint. This doctor works
for the State and still attends court. What an unbelievable human being. A far less qualified Guyanese abuses him, State officials ignore his complaint, yet he continues in the job as if he is slave. A letter by Mr. Mike Persaud appeared in this newspaper (October 29, 2014) with the caption, “Can judges in the High Courts (sic) of Guyana be so easily fooled”? This is a trenchant condemnation of the crazy things that go on in the judicial system in Guyana. You read that letter of a serious allegation against a judge and you know that Guyana is Chato’s Land. In Chato’s Land, there is no such thing as justice. If what Persaud wrote in that letter is true, then what is the
fuss about Alex Moore? The judge was never investigated. The judge is still on the bench. Moore must be wondering where he went wrong. I will tell you why Moore had to go. Someone in the power establishment woke up one morning, heard Moore’s judgement, and got a fit. Moore’s decision may anger the Americans and this scared them real bad. One hundred and fifty pounds of cocaine is serious trafficking. Afraid of American reaction (which was misplaced in the first place – the Americans only prosecute Guyanese for sending cocaine to the US; the Americans aren’t interested in cocaine in Guyana, only shipments to the US), the power establishment and the judicial boys in their commission club had to use Moore as an example. One has to be silly or naïve, or both, to think Moore’s “eviction” is about judicial impropriety. It is about his
questionable decision, presumably not backed by law, in a cocaine case. Judicial and political personnel are afraid of American reaction. If Moore had freed a man who had confessed to burning down Queen’s College, the judicial boys in the commission would not have even noticed. Remember a school boy tried to do just that to Queen’s College, and he burned down a big part. The horror of the lenient decision exceeded Moore’s indiscretion. That magistrate was never even asked for an explanation. In Moore’s case, he was unceremoniously thrown out. Of course, Moore’s decision needs to be investigated. There should be an inquiry into his alleged behaviour towards the female litigant, who accused Moore of gross indecent language against her in open court. But my contestation is that there is a sordid manifestation of rank
Frederick Kissoon hypocrisy by the Judicial Service Commission on the Nandlall tape scandal. Where is the concern of the Judicial Service Commission into what Anil Nandlall is being accused of? For me, Moore’s unbecoming conduct in his cocaine decision is child’s play compare to Nandlall’s descent into the pit of legal and political disgrace. Could any member of the Judicial Service Commission watch an eighteen-year-old high school graduate in the eyes and tell that child that the Commission has integrity, when that very body has disgraced itself by its shameless silence on the Nandlall tape? Oh, wait a minute! The Commission may have taken the road of Ramotar. Why pursue Nandlall when the tape was illegally recorded and it may not be Nandlall’s voice after all. I have news for the Judicial Service Commission. It wasn’t Moore who delivered judgement in that cocaine case. It was a ghost. So leave Moore alone.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Govt. has low priority for public servants, prefers to invest in brick and concrete - APNU By: Kiana Wilburg A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Minister of Labour Basil Williams is of the firm belief that government’s imposition of five and eight percent increases on public servants’ salaries not only reflects a lack of respect for state workers, but clearly constitutes another act of dictatorship. Though last year’s “frekish” increases summoned nation-wide protests from various sections of the public sector, the government recently announced that the five percent increase on the majority of public servants would be for those who earned above $50,000 monthly as at December 31st, 2013, and made retroactive to January 1st, 2014. Additionally, public servants earning less than $50,000 per month as at December 31st, 2013, also had imposed on them an eight percent increase retroactive from January 1st, 2014. The attorney-at-law made this assertion during a press briefing yesterday which was held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Hadfield
Street, Georgetown. Williams told members of the media fraternity that this imposition by the government is just another disgraceful move when one takes into consideration its vilest act of dictatorship, in shutting down the Parliament. The Shadow Minister of Labour said that the Government violated the rights of the workers by disrespecting the terms in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with their union- the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU)governing wages and salaries negotiations. The result, he noted, is that public servants are denied a living wage pegged at around $135,000 per month by the GPSU’s “basket of goods,” which requires a 35 percent increase in 2014 across the board. He said too that in response to President Donald Ramotar’s request, the Union proposed a multi-year agreement in respect of wages and salaries for public servants for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 proposing increases of 30 percent, 35 percent and 30 percent
APNU Shadow Minister of Labour and Legal Affairs, Basil Williams respectively. Williams noted however, that the government has failed and or refused to sit at the bargaining table to address this issue. After deductions of income tax and NIS contributions, the APNU parliamentarian said that coupled with the high rate of inflation, the imposed increases are negligible. He emphasized that the government has shed all pretense of being a working class government, and continues to oppress the workers. On that note, he called for the
government to honour the CBA and enter into negotiations with the Public Service Union. The APNU Shadow Minister was then asked if he believes the statement by the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Clement Rohee, that the latest increases are what government can afford at this time. He responded that he does not believe that that’s the only increase the government could afford. Williams asserted, “We went through this earlier this year during the debate of the 2014 budget and you would have seen the huge sum allocated for the proposal of increases. But there is a disparity in what was allocated and what they are giving now and the question of what happened to this money arises. They have enough money to pay a proper increase, in fact, pay a living wage, and that’s what the multi- year agreement was about. The Union realized that they could afford this and stretched it over the years,” as he explained earlier. The politician emphasized that the government has a history of not placing all of the taxpayer’s monies into the
Consolidated Fund. He said that a “large chunk of money” is left out from the scrutiny of the Parliament and referred specifically to money from the Guyana Gold Board and the controversial Lotto Funds. Williams also told the media that the increases reflect government’s low priority for public servants and said that it has consistently showed this since 1992. What it has done, he explained, is to step up a class of the public service, specifically for the “PPP hacks, friends and cronies” to undermine the traditional public servants. This he said is reflected in the amount of persons placed on contracts by certain ministries. “We see that the total amount for 20 persons on contract in the ministry would outstrip about 100 of the traditional public servants and they are trying to undermine the traditional service. Government does not invest in people, it has a low priority for them and it prefers to invest in brick and concrete,” he added. Williams informed that while the APNU is trying its best to ensure that the industrial matter is not turned
into a political one by its interference, he noted that members of his coalition have been in consultations with the Public Service Union and are willing to provide assistance where necessary. He remarked that the government is being a “bully and is bulling the Union.” “They haven’t paid public servants increments since 1995 so how can you live on allowances from that time to now. If you join the public service today you will be getting the same pay as the man who was in the service for 10 years. Fact of the matter is, that traditional public service workers have not been dealt with fairly,” theAPNU Parliamentarian asserted. Asked what the APNU is prepared to do if government fails to honour the CBA, Williams said that his party does not want to get involved in the industrial matter adding that, the Union has to decide what strategy it will take. But as to what is going to happen in the future, Williams, who was most passionate on the issue expressed that it was not discussed at the coalition’s shadow cabinet meeting as yet.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 04, 2014
Guyana is the most corrupt country in the English Speaking Caribbean - TI 2014 Report Guyana has improved by three points over its 2013 rating on the Global Corruption Perception Index, but the country remains at the bottom of the list of English Speaking Caribbean countries. The result of the 2014Annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) was released yesterday and out of the 175 countries surveyed by the international body, Guyana ranked 124, with a score of 30 .(0 being highly corrupt;100 being very clean.) The only other countries in the region that ranked below Guyana were Haiti and Venezuela. Guyana’s rating places it among countries such as Vietnam, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Mauritania. Countries in the region that outperformed Guyana significantly include Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago which scored 38 points, Dominica with 58 points, St Vincent and the Grenadines which racked up 67 points and Barbados which scored 74 points. The Bahamas was awarded 71 points. The top five performers in the world were Denmark at number one with New Zealand, Finland, Sweden and Norway following. According to the international anti corruption body’s local arm, “The
ranking of Guyana on the 2014 CPI is just another international indicator which taken together with the local reality, simply increases the public perception that corruption remains a chronic problem in Guyana of crisis proportions.” T r a n s p a r e n c y International Guyana (TIGI), following the release of the results yesterday, repeated its earlier calls for the larger members of civil society such as the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers, Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the trade unions among others, to get involved in combating corruption. It called on the civil society bodies to speak out against corruption and be proactive within its own membership on tackling the scourge. TIGI also called on the civil society bodies to partner with TIGI in order to embrace more collective efforts. “These organizations have the potential to influence change but have been largely silent on the corruption epidemic which continues to have a debilitating effect on Guyana’s development,” said
“Corruption undermines democracy, weakens the rule of law and perpetuates poverty…Corruption hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of persons in a position of authority.” TIGI. The local anti corruption body reminded too that, “corruption undermines democracy, weakens the rule of law and perpetuates poverty…corruption hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of persons in a position of authority.”
José Ugaz, Chair of the international body, following the release of the results called on countries at the bottom, such as Guyana, to adopt radical anti-corruption measures in favour of its people. TIGI as a result, renewed its previous calls to government for measures
such as the urgent appointment of members of the Integrity Commission; the urgent appointment of members of the Public Procurement Commission; Implementation of laws to regulate election campaign financing; Implementation of modern anti-corruption legislation; Implementation of whistle blowing legislation and the enforcement of existing anti-corruption laws by investigating and prosecuting the corrupt, among other measures.
The findings on Guyana by the international anti corruption body is based primarily on surveys carried out by four reputable international institutions – the International Country Guide, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and the Global Insight Country. The administration over the years has repeatedly rejected the findings by Transparency International and has accused the body of soliciting only the views of a few anti government activists.
One-man constitutional court puts nation on dangerous grounds - Greenidge By: Kiana Wilburg Practiced attorneys-atlaw and even members of the political opposition are of the firm belief that the nation is treading in dangerous waters in having only one judge, Chief Justice (CJ) Ian Chang (ag), presiding in the Constitutional Court. Specifically, A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge, is one who holds this view. Greenidge said that it is inconceivable that such a
pivotal institution charged with critical decisions can be presided over by just one person. He said that the work of the court affects the fundamental rights of the populace as a whole and even in the best of circumstances, there is going to be virtue in having more than one judge looking at the Constitution so as to ensure minimization of errors, reducing the scope for overlooking details, eliminating bias and to allow for alternative views. He said too, that whilst it is true that the CJ’s decisions can be appealed, it has to be understood also that in Guyana, the courts are characterized by extensive setbacks. The politician said that one can view these setbacks as a delay in Justice being served. In recognizing this point, Greenidge reminded that one must bear in mind, the Parkinson’s Law – that delay is the deadliest form of denial. Though there is the opinion that the Constitutional Court should have the presence of another judge who can help in the adjudication of difficult cases, veteran lawyers however, believe that the Chief Justice is quite an accomplished judge. They agreed that measured by his output, “he is amazing” but they are also of the opinion that in trying to produce a lot, one can err. While some of the attorneys who spoke with Kaieteur News said that there have been instances where they felt the interpretations of the CJ were flawed, they said to truly determine if he has erred, one would have to rely on the appeals which may be collecting two to three years of dust as it awaits a date for hearing. Greenidge on the other hand, made it clear that he is in no position to pronounce on Chang’s workload and
Chief Justice Ian Chang (ag) speed of work. He remarked however, that the CJ has a reputation for working quickly, but the issue is one of quality especially as reflected in the decisions regarding the financial dimension. He then referred to the decision handed down by the CJ on the “so-called Budget cuts case of 2012”.This he said, was delivered without the benefit of any historical precedent or any logic pertaining to the evolution of the ‘no-taxation without representation’ principle. He opined that the CJ’s decision in that case also contained many inconsistencies such as the claim that any money demanded by the Government from certain agencies, have to be approved as requested, even though that request may not have had the support of the agency itself and even though the agency may not actually have been constituted. This is the case he said, with the Ethnic Relations Commission which the CJ pronounced on. The Opposition member said that such inconsistencies bring the decisions of the Court into disrepute and raises question of bias. Additionally, one lawyer in particular noted that there
APNU’s Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge are increasing complaints in the legal fraternity against the Court of Appeal for having some unresolved cases of national importance, languishing for years. He reminded of the appeal to the Budget cut case which is before the Appeal Court but is yet to start. This he deemed to be highly improper. APNU’s Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams also weighed in on this matter. Though Williams stayed clear of commenting specifically on whether he felt the Constitutional court is effective, he did note that the Opposition would certainly appreciate certain matters of national importance being dealt with speedily in the Court of Appeal. He told this publication yesterday that to the best of his knowledge, the Appeal court has been plagued by many systemic difficulties, questionable conditions for work and even an insufficient number of judges. The Shadow Minister of LegalAffairs said that his mentioning of the irritants of this aspect of the legal system should not be misconstrued to mean that the performance of the court is acceptable.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
Culture Minister urges students to be contributors to Science
A student of the Richard Ishmael School explains her school’s project at the 2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge. Local students are being urged to not only be passive users of science but rather seek to be contributors to creating knowledge for science and humanity. This call was made by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony, as he addressed a gathering of students at the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge finals at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday. “I think that once given the opportunity and guidance you will be able to do this,” said Dr. Anthony of students being contributors to Science and even Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). And according to him, the Sagicor Challenge could be viewed as a starting point for students, coupled with the fact that the Ministry of Education has introduced in schools across the country, Science Clubs. The Sagicor Challenge is one that takes the form of a competition among students who utilise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to create solutions to address issues within their schools or environments. Moreover, Dr. Anthony noted that “I am sure that through the Science
Clubs we will have a more sustainable way of developing these projects.” According to the passionate Culture Minister, “Science is a wonderful thing and I think without Science a lot of what happens in the world cannot happen...we interact everyday with Science yet, sometimes, we are not very conscious about how it works and we need students to take cognisance of this because it is very important.” He added that local students are well on their way to realising this goal, as he lauded the projects entered into the Challenge this year. According to him, “I am impressed not only by what I saw, but the concepts and ideas that have been put forward, and I think if we can see some of these projects materialised then some of the problems that are facing us as a country, we can use these solutions to solve the problems.” His assessment of the projects also helped him to conclude that the projects that were on display Saturday, not only showed innovation but showed that they (students) spent quality time to ensure that they produced workable solutions. The winning project was a paddy
processor produced by students of the Abram Zuil Secondary School of Region Two, East Bank Essequibo. The project emphasised how paddy husk (the shell of rice) could be processed into wooden form that can be used for the purpose of making ceilings, furniture and other products. There were also several other innovative projects that have relevance to the society. And according to Dr. Anthony, the projects indicate that “...they (students) talked about the problems that are confronting their schools or their societies and researched it... and when you talked to them about their methodology you get a sense that it is not just somebody putting this thing together, but they spent time researching the problem and then fashioning a solution, and I think that augers well as we move forward.” He therefore noted that while in the past students graduated from school with a number of subjects but still lacked skills suitable for the world of work, the knowledge gained through initiatives such as the Challenge, will ensure that students are able to translate book knowledge into practical application.
High Court trial gets underway From page 9 mother told the court that she was inside the house assisting her daughter with some cooking when she heard the commotion. Eadie said that she ventured outside and saw her daughter was lying on the ground badly injured. The woman recalled that her grandson was seriously injured as well. Jones, the dead woman’s father became emotional as he recounted his portion of evidence.
He told the court that he visited his daughter while she was in the Intensive Care at the hospital. Jones also testified to witnessing the post mortem examination conducted on his daughter’s remains. The man told the court that he was on a trip overseas at the time of the incident. At the beginning of the trial State Prosecutor, Mursalin, told the court that on July 4, 2012 Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh
carried out the autopsy and came to the conclusion that the victim had died as a result of the gunshot injuries she sustained to her head. The Prosecutor then called Police officer, Samuel Headley to the stand. Headley testified to witnessing the removal of a metal object which appeared to be a warhead, from the body of the victim. The officer was cross examined by Defence Attorney, Peter Hugh. The matter is continuing.
“I think what you have been seeing over the past few years is quite remarkable,” said Dr. Anthony as he alluded to Guyana’s involvement in the Sagicor Challenge which was first introduced in these parts in 2012. “What we have to do is keep working on these projects, continue developing them and perhaps even testing them out in your communities; I want you to move to the next step and try and implement these things because they can be implemented,” Dr. Anthony told the students. In fact, he pointed out that in this age of considerable advancement there are many fields that are opening. Moreover, he noted that focus should no longer remain on the micro level of technology, for instance, but rather efforts should be made to embrace nanotechnology. “We need to have people who can innovate in some of these areas, when we think about the explosion of digital technology. We would like to see some young people using social media but we (also) want you to make the applications that others have been using on social media and the internet and I think you have the ability to do that,” Dr. Anthony told the participating students.
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Food vendor had $63,000 in stolen brand-named clothes - court hears A 20-year-old food vendor accused of receiving a quantity of stolen brandnamed clothing, was granted $50,000 bail when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, last. Tinesha Roberts, of 51 Robert Road, Plaisance, was taken before Magistrate Ann McLennan to respond to a charge of receiving stolen property. It is alleged that between November 15 and 29, last at Regent Street, Georgetown, Roberts received three pairs of ladies jeans, one Guess purse, and o n e b e l t . According to the charge, the items which amounted to $63,000 belonged to Azalea’s Top Brand, a city store. The 20-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge and submitted an application for reasonable bail through her lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat. In his petition, Fung-a-Fat said that his client has an unblemished record and added that Roberts did not know that the articles were stolen when she bought them. The lawyer told the court that the said store was robbed two weeks ago but his client had no knowledge of that crime. He said that when Roberts bought the items, they bore
Accused: Tinesha Roberts no tags and added that she had purchased the articles for $20,000. Fung-A-Fat implored “Your worship, it is the festive season. You must want to buy clothes and dress up.” His application was met with no objections from Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones. He asked, however, that it be set at a substantial sum. Magistrate McLennan, in response, granted bail and adjourned the matter until January 7 for statements.
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Kaieteur News
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Thursday December 04, 2014
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PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat concrete house newly built, all utilities located @ Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice -$7M negotiable - Call: 648-5012, 686-9514 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
LOREX Security System complete with cameras. Brand new and used – 664 5401, 615-5343 Mixed breed puppies for sale. Tel:253-3114; 692-0126 or 662-3139 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 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 23)
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Plaisance man electrocuted at construction site By: Zena Henry The family of a 25-yearold father of one was yesterday afternoon plunged into grief as they became aware of his death by electrocution. Leroy FrancisHarris of Plaisance Squatting Area was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) after being rushed there by his coworkers. It is said that Harris came into contact with a live wire while working on top of a three story building in Evans Street, Charlestown. According to his co-worker Doodnauth Arjoon, he rushed Harris to the hospital when he became aware that the man had been injured. He told Kaieteur News that Harris was employed at Readymix Concrete Limited, located at Eccles Industrial Estate EBD.
The staffers were at the time pouring cement onto the three storey building, Arjoon recalled. He said that he was on the ground level operating the cement pump when he heard men on top of the building yell ‘stop the pump’. He recalled them saying also that Harris “get shock” and they (workers) immediately fetched him downstairs. Arjoon said Harris looked motionless, so he quickly called his superiors who advised that the workers get a cab and take the youngster to the health facility. By the time Harris arrived at GPHC, the doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Arjoon explained that six other workers were on the roof and from what they said, Harris was at the time using what is called a flex; a flexible pipe -looking object. This object, he claimed got into
contact with electrical wires and the man was fatality injured. Patricia Kirton, mother of the deceased said she received a call some time after 17:hrs in the afternoon from her son’s co-workers. The woman said they informed her that her son had a problem with some electricity, “but they did not tell me that it was serious, that he had been shocked and was in bad shape.” The mother said she never expected to hear that her son had died. Renny Burnette told Kaieteur News that he and Harris were good friends for several years. The man who was sprawled on the ground in tears explained that he had spoken to his friend yesterday morning pleading with him not to go on the road. “I say boy, I had a bad dream last night, that a truck drive
over me head. Don’t go on de road today.” Burnette said he also works with the cement company. He and Harris were supposed to “go on a wuk,” but when the supervisor called, he told him, “I aint coming on de road today, if you know wha I dream…Now watch wha happen,” he stated, before bursting into tears. Harris was the second of three children and the only son for his mother. A few months ago, he also became a first time father. Harris’ family were quite upset however that some three hours after the man’s death, a representative of the firm he works for or the persons in charge of the Charlestown building on which he was working could not have shown up at the hospital or made contact with the family.
One of Harris’ sisters collapsed after seeing her brother’s body wrapped for the morgue
Govt says failed talks with GPSU forced imposed... From page 29 in the context of the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA), he agrees that it is routine and the sides must return to negotiations. However, “I think where the breakdown has been occurring over the years is that, negotiations have failed to produce a response, particularly one that enjoys the support of both sides...” A recurring aspect he posited has to do with timing. By the time the alternative to the breakdown in communication is rectified, persons will not get their five percent before
Christmas, the Cabinet Secretary opined. “I hesitate to believe that we are so mercenary...”I will not want to be the one who faces the public and our employees and say we are locked with Mr. Yarde in working on the alternative to negotiations, and therefore we have to cancel this aspect of Christmas; no salary increase retroactive to 12 months ago.” In this explanation, Luncheon said he was not trying to be fictitious, since the breakdown in talks, is essentially what has
happened. He reminded however, that during the mid90s the arbitration process occurred and an award was g r a n t e d . “ H o w e v e r, w e must examine the time that it took and if it were to start now, when the government would have declared their increase and a break down occurs, the likelihood of having salary increases could be made in 2015.” Luncheon said that he is “pretty certain” that the Public Service Minister will continue to engage the union. The GPSU President had told media workers that two
correspondences had been sent to the government to commence talks on increases. However both times, Permanent Secretary Hydar Ally was said to have responded via letters to say that he was awaiting word on how to deal with the matter. Yarde said no talks have been held with the government for the year. Luncheon claims however, that there have been discussions, but like the other years, they were not fruitful in coming to consensus on the issue. GPSU told the
government on Tuesday that public servants will accept an eight percent increase across the board and will view this as an interim increase while the government should meet with the union within 48hours. At the end of the time frame, the GPSU will one week later issue a response if the government does not adhere to its demands. Yarde told the media that he is disgusted that for some 13 years the government has been ignoring the request of the union. He said he is prepared to lead beyond the 1997, fifty seven day public
servant strike. The GPSU has been asking for increases in the range of 30 to 35 percent, but the government says it is unable to surpass a single digit increase and between five to eight percent is all that can be paid out.
(From page 22)
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Thursday December 04, 2014
Traffic restricted on Parika Canje businessman’s decomposing The businessman’s house Stelling as repairs start body found in house
Construction works to strengthen the Parika Stelling is continuing with authorities appealing for understanding amidst traffic restrictions. On Tuesday, a laden truck was stuck on the stelling after a rotten beam collapsed, snarling traffic for a while. Officials of Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) which manages the facilities, denied that the incident was caused by the contractor’s negligence. “The rehabilitation work recently started and therefore it could not have been the contractor ’s fault…that incident was caused after a rotten beam collapsed on the strain of heavy traffic,” one TH&D worker explained to
Kaieteur News. T&HD also said that regular flow of traffic has been temporarily restricted in the Parika Stelling area to facilitate the repairs. This newspaper was told that at least 15 new piles are being driven. “Therefore, we are keeping the big gates temporally closed to control the flow of unnecessary traffic onto the stelling to avoid any possible obstruction of the ongoing work.” To reduce traffic from the area, speedboat passengers going to Bartica, Supenaam, and the other Essequibo River islands, are using a side gate. The big gates are only opened to accommodate
vehicular traffic using the ferries, officials said. This newspaper was told that construction will be at a cost of $31M. The work, which commenced three weeks ago, has been awarded to contractor, Satrohan Maraj. The work consists of repairs to deck, fender and cluster system and will entail replacing beams, piles and general strengthening of the stelling. TH&D officials said the repairs to the structure have been long overdue. Parika Stelling is a key gateway to Essequibo, including the coast, Wakenaam and Leguan Islands, Bartica and Buckhall.
A section of the Parika Stelling being repaired.
Police not pleased with Magistrate’s decision in noise nuisance case The Guyana Police Force is upset with the “slap on the wrist” treatment given to persons convicted of Noise Nuisance by the court. The Force was referring to the decision of Magistrate Zamena Ali to reprimand and discharge a man who had pleaded guilty to Noise Nuisance charges. The decision was handed down at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Vishnu Ramdial, a businessman of Success, East Coast Demerara went there to answer to the charges. The police believe that the magistrate’s decision could undermine their work and could deter citizens from pursuing such matters in the court. According to the police, following police response to a report of Noise Nuisance, Ramdial was brought to the police station where he was processed and released. After securing his freedom, he proceeded to
threaten the complainant, who happens to be his neighbour. He was later charged by the police with Threatening Language and two counts of Noise Nuisance. In court the businessman pleaded “not guilty” to the Threatening Language charge and “guilty” to the Noise Nuisance charges. The Magistrate placed Vishnu Ramdial on bail in the sum of $10,000 in relation to the Threatening Language charge and he was reprimanded and discharged on the two Noise Nuisance charges. The police explained that Noise Nuisance is plaguing the society, with numerous complaints being made by citizens throughout the country, and consequently the police expend a lot of time and resources in processing Noise Nuisance reports. “Given the negative impact of Noise Nuisance on the society and citizens’
desire to be relieved of this nuisance, it is expected that sentencing by the Court will serve as a deterrent in an impartial manner,” the Force said in a statement. A high ranking officer of the Force told this newspaper that while the decision of the magistrate is catered for in the laws of Guyana, she should have taken into consideration the prevalence of the offence and the fact that the defendant is charged for threatening the complainant. Although the police receive several reports of Noise Nuisance, prosecuting the alleged offenders has been problematic, since the complainants in most cases are reluctant to testify in a court. “When people come forward (and give evidence) and they see this approach by the magistrate, they become disillusioned,” the officer stated. The officer however, indicated that the police will maintain their no nonsense approach to Noise Nuisance.
The partly decomposing body of a popular East Canje businessman was found in his house around 08:00 hrs on Wednesday morning with suspected stab wounds to the chest and lower abdomen. . Dead is Terrence Malcolm Mc Lean called “Scatchy”62, of Lot 6 Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice. From the condition of the body ,investigators suspect that the man was killed sometime between Monday and Tuesday. Mc Lean, who lived alone, imported fiber glass boats and engines from overseas for sale. He also repaired boats and engines. He was once a gold smith and operated a stall in the New Amsterdam Market before migrating overseas. He recently re-migrated and started the boat business. His wife and five children still reside overseas. Mc Lean was last seen on Monday around 20:10 hrs cycling home. His son Fredrick Mc Lean called ‘Bumby’, who lives a stone’s throw away from where his
father lived, told the media that he last saw his father on Monday morning when he visited his home. He said he tried to contact him by phone on Tuesday, but was unsuccessful. He added that he did not think anything was amiss since his father had informed him that he had plans of clearing a container that day. However, after his father repeatedly did not answer the phone, he decided to check on him on Wednesday morning. He said on visiting his father’s home he noticed the placed locked. He called and pressed the door bell, but got no response. He subsequently climbed on one of the boats in the yard and peeked through a window and saw his father’s cellular phone on the table. There were also some papers scattered about. He became suspicious, he said, because his father never left his phone at home .He eventually forced his way into the house. A foul smell greeted him and a few moments later he was horrified to find his father’s bloated body lying
on the floor face upwards. There were what appear to be blood stains about the body and several stab wounds to the chest and lower abdomen. At the time of the discovery Mc Lean was clad in a short pants and shirt. The police were summoned and responded promptly. There was no evidence of forced entry. The dead man’s .32 firearm along with six live rounds were found intact in his bedroom, by the head of his bed. His money was also found intact. It is believed that McLean had let someone in his home to do business and a misunderstanding developed and he was killed. Residents told this newspaper that they suspect that the man was killed sometime on Tuesday. They stated that they saw a car parked at the dead man’s home on Tuesday as though he had visitors. Neighbours also stated that sometime later they heard groaning and shouting, but did not pay much mind. Investigations are continuing and no one has been arrested so far.
Prisoner on murder charge found with ganja Rudolph London, a remanded prisoner currently serving time for a murder charge, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday for having an illegal substance in his possession. It is alleged that on November 23 at Camp Street prison the defendant was found with three and a half grams of cannabis in possession. He pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the offense. London told the Magistrate, “its 4 years now I’m in jail, I find it in the yard on the ground when the officer come and say it was mine.” Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that London, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, hails from 109 Best Village, East Bank Demerara. The facts given by
the Prosecutor stated that at around 15:00 on the day in question, a search was conducted at the Camp Street Prison by a prison officer who observed that London had a clear plastic bag in his hand. The bag contained seeds, leaves and stems suspected to be marijuana. London is accused of murdering his reputed wife Shaundell Warwick, in 2011. The incident was said to have occurred after the deceased received a phone call from a male on New Year ’s Eve Day. London reportedly became enraged and armed with a cutlass dealther several lashes to her head. Magistrate Ann McLennan fined the accused $20,000 along with 6 months imprisonment and he was further remanded.
Rudolph London
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Kaieteur News
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Putin under pressure to show Lebanon says detained he can cure Russia’s economic ills woman was Baghdadi (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin is under pressure to show he has a prescription to cure Russia’s rapidly growing economic ills in his annual state of the union address today. Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis, sharp falls in global oil prices and the ruble’s slide against the dollar culminated in an acknowledgement by government officials this week that Russia will enter recession next year. Putin’s popularity ratings are sky high and he has not faced any big protests over the economic decline, but questions are being asked about whether he has a plan to pull the $1.4 trillion economy out of crisis. “The greatest danger for the president is the economy, under the double pressure of sanctions and falling oil prices,” commentator Kirill Rogov wrote in the business daily Vedomosti, which said this week the economy was seriously ill and Russia’s
leaders were refusing to admit it or do anything about it. The annual state of the union address which Putin will deliver in the Kremlin at 0900 GMT to members of both chambers of parliament, the government and other top officials provides the 62-yearold leader with a chance to answer his critics. Opponents say that in previous years the speech has produced more promises than substance. EMPTY PROMISES? Pledges to wean the economy off its dependence on oil and natural gas exports, responsible for about half of federal budget revenues, have come to little. Putin has given little hint of what he might do next, often preferring to send the message that Russia will “tough it out.” He has also diverted attention from the economy by whipping up patriotism, including by annexing the Crimea peninsula, and blaming the United States and
wife for three months
Russian President Vladimir Putin
the European Union for many of Russia’s problems as well as the crisis in Ukraine. U.S. President Barack Obama has said the tough economic situation could eventually help change Putin’s course in other areas. The 30 percent slide in oil prices has blown a hole in state finances and the rouble has lost more than 30 percent against the dollar this year. Russian companies and banks have large debts. Capital flight is expected to soar far above $100 billion this year and some analysts
expect capital controls though the government denies this. Meanwhile central bank interventions to help the rouble have drawn on reserves. Analysts say Putin has avoided budget cuts in some areas, such as social spending and defense, because he does not want to look weak internationally or provoke unrest. He is mindful of street protests against him in the winter of 2011-12, which critics say led to a clampdown on the opposition, and will be anxious to avoid more.
(Reuters) - Lebanon’s interior minister said yesterday that a woman detained by security forces was the wife of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for three months, the first Lebanese government official to speak publicly on the arrest. Security officials in Lebanon, speaking on condition of anonymity, had said on Tuesday that the Lebanese army detained a wife and daughter of Baghdadi as they crossed from Syria late last month. Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk told Lebanon’s MTV channel on Wednesday that the woman was no longer Baghdadi’s wife: “Saja al-Dulaimi married three times and Baghdadi was her second husband for three months six years ago.” Tribal sources say Baghdadi has three wives and conflicting information on Dulaimi’s relationship with the militant leader has spread since her arrest was reported on Tuesday. Iraq, which is fighting Islamic State militants, denied yesterday that the woman was Baghdadi’s wife, saying she was the sister of a man convicted of bombings in southern Iraq. Dulaimi was detained in northern Lebanon after she was found with a fake passport, Lebanese officials say. 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 obtain the release of 27 members of the Lebanese security forces seized by Islamist militants during fighting along the Syrian border in August.
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Thursday December 04, 2014
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
U.S. believes Iran launched air raids on Islamic State in Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (L) speaks to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry prior to a round table meeting of the global coalition to counter the Islamic State militant group at NATO headquarters in Brussels yesterday (CREDIT: REUTERS/ERIC VIDAL) (Reuters) - The United States has indications that Iran has carried out air strikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq in recent days in what appeared to be the first such operations by Iran’s air force, U.S. officials said yesterday. A senior Iranian official denied that Iran had launched any such strikes. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States had indications that Iran had used F-4 Phantoms to launch the raids in Diyala near the Iranian border in the last several days. An Iraqi security expert gave a slightly different account, saying the strikes took place 10 days ago. “It is true that Iranian planes hit some targets in Diyala. Of course the government denies it because they have no radars,” Hisham alHashemi told Reuters. A Pentagon spokesman declined to go into details about the air raids during a media briefing. Officials said the strikes appeared to be the first carried out by the Iranian air force. Diyala is an ethnically mixed province, where the Iraqi army, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga and Shi’ite militias, drove Islamic State out of several towns and villages last month. A British-based analyst said footage on Al Jazeera television of an F-4 Phantom striking Islamic State in Diyala was the first visual evidence of direct Iranian air force involvement in the conflict.
“Iran and Turkey are the only regional operators of the F-4, and with the location of the incident not far from the Iranian border and Turkey’s unwillingness to get involved in the conflict militarily, indicators point to this being an Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force aircraft,” said Gareth Jennings of IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declined to comment. “I am not going to make any announcements, or confirm or deny the reported military action of another country in Iraq. It is up to them (the Iranians) or up to the Iraqis to do that if it did indeed take place,” Kerry told a news conference in Brussels. The White House reiterated U.S. policy against cooperating with Iran in the fight against Islamic State. “At this point our calculation about the wisdom of cooperating with the Iranians hasn’t changed. We’re not going to do it,” spokesman Josh Earnest said. Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told a Washington news briefing on Tuesday that it was up to the Iraqis to manage their air space. “It’s the Iraqi air space and (Iraq’s) to deconflict. We are not coordinating with nor are we deconflicting with Iranian military,” Kirby said. Deconflict in military parlance means to avoid overlap. The prospect of U.S. and Iranian militaries separately carrying out air strikes in the
same country raises questions about the degree of advanced coordination that might be needed, even indirectly, to avoid a mishap. The U.S. military detailed yesterday 11 more strikes in Iraq. But officials noted that there were no U.S. air operations or American troops on the ground in the areas where they said Iranian aircraft had operated. A senior Iranian official said no raids had been carried out and Tehran had no intention of cooperating with Washington. “Iran has never been involved in any air strikes against Daesh (Islamic State) targets in Iraq. Any cooperation in such strikes with America is also out of question for Iran,” the senior official said on condition of anonymity. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, in Brussels for a meeting of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, said he was not aware of any Iranian air strikes. While Shi’ite Iran and the United States have been at odds for decades, they have a common enemy in Islamic State, the hardline Sunni group that has seized large areas of Iraq and Syria. Iran backs the Iraqi Shi’ite militias which are battling Islamic State and has sent senior commanders to help advise the Iraqi army and militia operations since the group took parts of northern Iraq in the summer. Iraqi officials say there are no Iranian troops on its soil.
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T&T oil company suffers Hotel projects to create jobs significant losses in 2014 for thousands of Jamaicans PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday appealed to employees of the state-owned oil company, PETROTRIN, to refrain from taking any action that would further hamper the performance of the company saddled with a multi-billion debt. Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine in a statement to the Senate urged staff to help build the company amid warnings from the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) that it was not prepared to accept the wake of an announcement by PETRORIN that it could not meet increased salaries or bonuses to employees after suffering losses estimated at TT$346 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents). Ramnarine reminded legislators that globally more than 60 oil refinery companies including two in the Caribbean had been forced into closure. “In our very own Caribbean region two
Kevin Ramnarine refineries have closed in recent years In Europe, 13 refineries have closed in the last five years. PETROTRIN, and indeed the country, is not immune from this global scenario. “PETROTRIN is now facing the spectre of falling oil prices which jeopardises the profitability of its off stream business. Oil prices have plummeted mre than 30 per cent since June 2014 and
are currently at the lowest level in four years”. Ramnarine told legislators as a consequence PETROTRIN has had to cut TT$340 million cut of its operating budget for fiscal year 2014-15, but that the company remains no burden to the state, acknowledging that the debt has been climbing. “As of December 1, 2014, the company’s total debt unaudited is TT$14.3 billion,” he said, noting that the figure comprises six billion TT dollars in short term debt and TT$8.3 billion in long term debt. “The weighted average interest rate on total debt is 5.54 per cent,” he said, noting that the repayment figures for the long term payments for 2014 is calculated at TT$1.26 billion. “This is a time when the employees of PETROTRIN must continue to work towards building the company, this is not a time for bring down PETROTRIN, this is a time to build up PETROTRIN,” he added.
Bahamas plane crash kills one, injures 10, including infant NASSAU, Bahamas - A plane crash in Bahamian waters off the coast of New Providence claimed the life of a 77-year-old American and injured 10 other passengers.
The plane, a twin-engine Piper Navajo aircraft, crashed in waters off Clifton Pier in western New Providence around 8:30 am Tuesday. Authorities at the scene confirmed that 11 people were onboard the aircraft and according to a Reuters report “the plane, operated by Ferguson Air, may have lost an engine”. Bahamas police indicated that the pilot notified air traffic controllers that he was experiencing
difficulties before bringing the plane down on an area of water in the Clifton Pier area, just short of the Lynden Pindling International Airport. Reuters said “the 10 survivors, six Americans and four Bahamians, were rescued by staff from a nearby diving business and taken by ambulance to hospital in Nassau”. The crash is the second fatal plane incident in a month in the Bahamas.
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Tourism and entertainment minister, Dr Wykeham NcNeill, and finance and planning minister, Dr Peter Phillips, have hailed the significant investments in tourism on the north coast which, they estimate, will provide jobs for thousands of Jamaicans, while expanding the industry. The ministers were speaking on Friday after an extensive tour of four major projects in St James, Trelawny and St Ann. They visited the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Resorts in Rose Hall, St James; Royalton White Sands in Trelawny; the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Resort, and the Ocho Rios cruise ship pier in St Ann. While on a tour of the Hyatt and Royalton resorts, the ministers were
updated on the progress of work, plans for opening, and the value that these properties will add to the island’s tourism product. Phillips said that, during the tour, “We (got) a chance to see the tremendous revolution taking place in the tourism sector.” “At the Hyatt and Royalton, we have seen massive expansions taking place. At the Hyatt, they have added a couple of hundreds rooms and on top of that, they have improved the quality of the product by adding to the physical amenities …they are employing some 1,200 Jamaicans. At Royalton White Sands… not only has that property expanded, but we have seen the plans for an additional hotel, which is going to be established next
door,” he said. The finance and planning minister said the developments speak to the “potential and the actual benefits that we are getting from the whole Economic Reform Programme, which has made Jamaica’s economy more competitive in global economic terms.” Meanwhile, McNeill noted that the hotel developments and the upgrading of the Ocho Rios cruise ship pier form part of an estimated $35 billion investment in the tourism sector over the last two years. “So, we really are moving in the right direction. It’s not just about the investments as with the investments come jobs… between the properties (Hyatt and Royalton), we are close to 1,500 persons employed,” he noted.
PetroCaribe worries drag Jamaican dollar to new record low KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican dollar traded at a new record low on Monday after oil prices continued to plunge in international markets, leading to renewed speculation that Venezuela may be forced to terminate or restrict the supply of oil under the PetroCaribe initiative. In that event, Jamaica may need additional scarce foreign exchange if the nation is forced to buy crude oil or fuel products in international markets. Oil dominates Venezuelan exports and the government is almost wholly reliant on oil for
its foreign exchange. The South American nation may be forced to revise the PetroCaribe initiative after oil prices plunged more than 20% in the last three months and are down more than 35% for the year so far. Venezuela supplies oil to 17 regional nations under the initiative, which requires an upfront payment of only 50 percent and the rest paid over a span of several decades. According to the Bank of Jamaica website, the Jamaican dollar traded at an average buy rate against the US dollar of 113.13 and an average sell rate of 113.59.
New Canadian visa requirement could have serious financial implications for St Kitts-Nevis
BASSETERRE, St Kitts (WINN) — The impact that the loss of Canada’s visa waiver could have on the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment programme (CIP) and thus the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) may have widespread implications for the country, according to social commentator Sylvine Henry. Canada imposed visa requirements on citizens of St Kitts and Nevis with effect from November 22. The federation has been promoting its CIP as one with visa-free access to Canada, and it’s thought that the Canadian decision will affect the kind of funds that have in the past been generated from the programme and deposited in the SIDF. The foundation funds initiatives like the Peoples Empowerment Programme (PEP) that provides temporary
jobs and training for some 3,000 young people. It also provides funding in several other areas and for development projects. Henry argued that all of this can be impacted by the visa decision, and the country should take the matter very seriously. “The PEP, the REACH, the GRASS — they are all at risk, because as has been said by more than one person Canada is first but the USA has already expressed a serious concern with our programme,” Henry said while participating in Winn FM’s Inside the News radio programme. Labour Party representative Austin Edinborough, who is also a regular panelist, sought to lay the visa controversy at the doorstep of the parliamentary opposition in the federation, and also agreed with a National Integrity Party position that the matter had more to do with economics
that Canadian security concerns. Team Unity’s Clecton Phillip agreed with Sylvine Henry that the government was minimizing the seriousness of the Canadian visas decision. According to Alistaire Yearwood of the Nevis Reformation Party, however, the visa issue is being blown out of proportion. There were suggestions by some panelists that the decision by Canada was not based on security concerns. However, the November 22 announcement said Canada has implemented the visa requirement on St Kitts and Nevis due to concerns about the issue of passports and identity management practices within its citizenship by investment program. The release stated further that Canada was acting to protect the safety and security of Canadians and the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
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The Gold Rush is leaving wounds that never heal EDITOR’S NOTE: On November 14, 2014, Swedish newspaper, DN.se, published a report on gold mining in Guyana. It mentioned comments made by Head of GO-Invest, Keith Burrowes, among others. The Google-translated report, except for a few corrections to make it flow, is below published. Port Kaituma: Guyana has one of the world’s largest gold deposits. It is, nevertheless, the poorest country in South America. The revenue from the gold disappears abroad and leaves a lacerated rainforest. DN (the newspaper) traveled to Port Kaituma. Travis McCarthy stands up to his waist in mud and water sprays a jet of steam on the walls of the pit. The clay settles and dissolved. A tube then sucks up the muddy water in a pipe leading to a homemade panning plant operated by a diesel engine. As the water rushes through the gutter, it is intended that the gold particles be trapped in a wire plastic mat that nailed to the ground. “It’s not easy, but we have come up with much gold here,” says Travis McCarthy; 28. He works every day, from early morning to evening, with 14 other prospectors to get the gold out of a pit they dug by hand. They live in makeshift tent camps that they themselves built and ironically dubbed the Purple Heart, after the Medal of Honor awarded in the US to wounded or fallen soldiers. The food is cooked by a 34-year-old woman who has eight children and was attracted to the gold district to earn money for her children’s education. After two years in the gold camp, she has not yet been able to send home much money. “The gold is running out here. Last week we had just upwards of 100 grams. It does not get much when everyone should have his part,” says Rhonda Aulder. She stands on a beer crate in the kitchen to reach the big pot where she boils rice with curry. The camp will make losses if more gold is not found soon. Some of the men roar from the open mine. A stone has been sucked up into the hose and blasted the plastic tube. Muddy gold water spurts from the ground. Four years ago, McCarthy lived in a tent camp in the middle of the deserted jungle and is always armed. If anyone finds gold, the rumor spreads quickly with the likelihood of robberies. “People kill for a few grams of gold. Life is not worth much here,” he says. When gold prices soared after the financial crisis in the US in 2008, foreign prospectors invaded Guyana. Geologists estimate that there are up to 3,000 tonnes of gold in the ground, one of the world’s largest gold deposits. Over a third of the miners in Guyana come from Brazil.
“We have sold out our independence. And what do we get back? Nothing,” says Keith Burrowes, Head of Guyana Office For Investment (GO-Invest) in the capital, Georgetown. He estimates that over half of the revenues from the country’s gold disappears abroad. The reason for this is that the Guyanese government is involved in the gold trade. They serve private money on the extraction and often places the profits of real estate in the US, Canada and Barbados. The only thing that remains for the people are open sores in the rainforest that will never heal. “We do not even know
recent years, gold fever led to the hamlet from having a few hundred inhabitants to have over 3,000. There is no sewage system and groundwater is contaminated. “There is a risk of cholera outbreak, many are already suffering from severe diarrhea,” says Allan Woolford, the Red Cross Director. Also, the river water is contaminated due to the miners using mercury when panning gold. “You may damage your skin if you bathe here,” warns Woolford, pointing towards the river. He believes that the poisoned water is a result of
“We have sold out our independence. And what do we get back? Nothing,” says Keith Burrowes, Head of Guyana Office For Investment (GO-Invest) in the capital, Georgetown. how many gold miners there are in the country. The government has lost control,” says Keith Burrowes. Some 80 percent of Guyana is covered by forestone of the world’s last untouched ones. That the country is sparsely populated allows multiple gold mining happening without the authorities knowing anything about them. In the region around the village of Port Kaituma, near the border with Venezuela, it is the worst. In
the government not caring enough about consequences. Guyana has been ruled by the same party since 1992, and corruption is getting worse. “The government knows that it is hated and will not be re-elected. Therefore, they sell out concessions now. They are trying to make as much money as possible before they resign,” says Woolford. Along one of the muddy streets of the lawless Port Kaituma, the Brazilians have
Travis McCarthy stands by his diesel engine. their own neighborhoods. There are restaurants, bars and brothels painted in Brazilian colors. Overlooking the river is Edna dos Santos’ restaurant, “Brazil”, and below in the village runs her daughter ’s brothel, “Eldorado”. “When the diggers come back after a few months in the jungle, they want to have some fun,” explains Edna dos Santos. She has been in the gold business for fifteen years and operated other food outlets around the gold mines in Brazil. But after the authorities tightened with environmental licenses, gold mines almost ceased in Brazil. Many have moved on to the neighboring country of Guyana. Other countries have an interest in the gold boom in
Guyana. One of the biggest foreign investments have been made by the Australian mining company Troy Resources Ltd. They are about to open a gold mine in the heart of Guyana’s rainforest that will have 500 employees. “It is gentler to the environment if they are investing properly in one place. It’s better than all these Brazilian gold miners that just ruins the forest,” said Ken Nilsson, President of Troy Resources in Guyana. He was born and raised in Södertälje, but has lived in Australia for more than forty years. “I see great potential in Guyana. The problem is their government. We want to be transparent, but it would not they be,” he says. It’s Friday afternoon in
McCarthy camp and time to loosen the rubber mats in the panning chute to see how much gold was made. The gold is collected in a lump that Travis puts in a sink. Then he burns away the mercury with a propane torch. Behind him stands Devi Felix, 31, who is head of the camp. When she sees how little gold they got together during the week, she cannot hide her disappointment. “This is of course less than 100 grams. It pays barely diesel that we used for the water,” she sighs. “ (If) We do not find more gold, we must move on,” says Devi Felix. She has heard of a new gold vein, another day’s journey into the jungle. The problem is that the Brazilians are already there and has claimed the rights to the find.
Govt says failed talks with GPSU forced imposed ‘backpay’on public workers ...does not take GPSU 48-hour ultimatum seriously
Last year’s five percent increase saw public servants taking to the streets country-wide By: Zena Henry Public servants will endure another year of “imposed” wage and salary increases as a result of failed negotiations between the workers’ union and the government, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon has stated.
During Cabinet’s weekly press briefing yesterday, the Presidential Secretary explained that the two sides at the negotiation table have continuously failed to come up with favourable increases for public servants, and the government refuses to let the workers suffer as a result of deadlock. It has been stated
over the years that the government is not economically able to give public servants more than a single digit increase in salaries. Luncheon reiterated this position yesterday by stating that the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has continued to attend negotiations calling for the
same increases that government are unable to give. He told reporters that he is however, in agreement that collective labour bargaining talks should continue, but given the recurring issues, government is not willing to deny the nation of their five percent increases because they cannot come to terms
with the Public Service Union. Luncheon said that despite the 48-hour ultimatum issued by GPSU’s President Patrick Yarde on Tuesday, he doubts that the warning will have value since the union leader after calling for talks should be most interested in that. Luncheon reiterated that (Continued on page 23)
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Farfan & Mendes Junior Christmas... Berdych inspires Singapore to first... From page 37 then won the third game 11 – 8 and had a match ball at 10 – 9 in the fourth game but Ethan dug deep and won the next three points to take the fourth game 12 – 10. The fifth game was close throughout but after trailing 7 – 8, Michael won the next four points to win the fifth and deciding game 11 – 8. Results in each of the categories were as follows. Category H Mohyryan Baksh defeated Isabella Ramjohn 11 – 2, 11 - 2 Paige Fernandes defeated Teija Edwards 11 – 2, 11 - 6 Geovanna Dos Santos lost to Beau Fernandes 9
– 11, 9 - 11 Category G Jason Gomes beat Liam Carpenter 11 – 6, 11 - 5 Chad DeAbreu lost to Kamir Khan 1 – 11, 1 - 11 Category F Haley Carpenter lost to Nathan Rahaman 10 – 12, 11 – 6, 10 - 12 James Mekdeci beat Aliyah Persaud 11 – 3, 11 - 6 Category E Madison Fernandes beat Nadine Jairam 11 - 7, 11 – 8 Daniel Lowe lost to Kirsten Gomes 4 – 11, 4 - 11 Category D Gianni Carpenter beat Dominic Collins 11 - 3, 11 6, 11 - 3
Michael Alphonso beat Ethan Jonas 11 – 9, 8 – 11, 11 – 8, 10 – 12, 11 - 8 Lucas Jonas lost by walkover to Demetrius De Abreu Category C Rebecca Low beat Maya Collins 11 -4, 11- 4, 11 - 5 , Anthony Islam beat Makeda Harding 11 – 7, 11 – 6, 11 - 4 Category B Larissa Wiltshire beat Daniel Islam 11 - 4, 11 - 5, 11 – 2 Taylor Fernandes beat Alex Cheeks 11 – 8, 8 – 11, 11 – 7, 11 - 5 Matches continue today at the Georgetown squash courts from 6:00 pm.
Thursday December 04, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Don't invest too much of your own money. You may be experiencing emotional turmoil in regard to your mate. Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much. Secret affairs will come back to haunt you. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Be primed to use your intellect in order to get what you want. Emotional situations could bring out your stubborn nature. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. You are ahead of your time, and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much. Don't push your luck with your boss. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back and calm down. Take special care in any home improvement project you work on today, you'll be glad you did. You can be sure that any dealing with large institutions should go well. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Don't allow colleagues to stand in your way. Pleasure trips will induce exciting and passionate encoun-
ters with those of foreign extraction. Be careful when dealing with superiors. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Take a look at your legal position. You're eager to learn. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Spend some time on yourself. Being unappreciated by your boss could make it hard to do your work effectively. You may be in love today, but who knows what tomorrow may bring. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can make rewarding connections through the organized groups you associate with. Reevaluate your position and make decisions about your future goals. You will enjoy getting together with friends. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) Stomach problems could prevail if you haven't been watching your diet. You can make career moves that will be prosperous. Sit back. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You will be in the doghouse if you are being. Overindulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting. Channel your efforts into achieving your goals. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You may not get your facts correct today; doublecheck before making any statements. New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. Don't give your heart too readily.
From page 35 Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios going into the final set of the night, a men’s doubles encounter against Monfils and India’s Rohan Bopanna. The Australians edged the contest 6-5 following a five-minute shootout when the scores were tied at 5-5 with Hewitt dedicating the victory to deceased cricketer and “dear friend Phillip Hughes”, whose funeral took place earlier on Wednesday. The victory ensured the contest ended 23-23 meaning a seven-minute super shootout was needed to decide the winner and home captain Josh Eagle called on Berdych to take on a weary Monfils and his charge duly obliged 10-6 to secure the win. “There’s no better feeling than that,” an elated Berdych said in a courtside interview. “It’s great to share in such an important win with the guys and you can see that everything is possible in this game. We have our first win.” Earlier, the UAE Royals beat the Manila Mavericks 2621 to close on the Aces at the top of the standings. After
five rounds, the Aces have 18 points, with the Royals on 15, the Mavericks on 13 and the Slammers on 10. The tournament has one
more night in Singapore before shifting to Delhi, where Roger Federer will play for the Aces, and concludes in Dubai on Dec. 13.
England morale... From page 34 boundaries and late-cutting Ajantha Mendis for another. But his familiar dismissal pushing at one angled across him - provided a reminder of his struggles and it is now 43 ODI innings and 30 months since he reached 80. There will be many concluding that
Cook receiving an ICC suspension for a slow overrate would be nothing less than a blessing to England. Scores: England 236 for 5 (Moeen 58, Buttler 55*, Root 48*) beat Sri Lanka 242 for 8 (Sangakkara 63, Thirimanne 62*, Woakes 341) by 5 wickets (D/L method).
South Korea F1 returns... From page 35 in danger of losing out to Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg despite winning 10 races compared to the German’s five. A plan to introduced standing re-starts after the introduction of a safety car was also jettisoned after teams raised safety concerns. How-
ever a ‘virtual safety car’ system was agreed. “It will normally be used when double waved yellow flags are needed on any section of track and competitors or officials may be in danger, but the circumstances are not such as to warrant use of the safety car itself,” the FIA said.
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Australia bids emotional Sanchez strikes late as Arsenal beat Saints farewell to Hughes MACKSVILLE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia bid an emotional farewell to cricketer Phillip Hughes at a funeral in his hometown yesterday with a live coast-to-coast broadcast allowing a nation to unite in celebration of the life of a sportsman cut down in his prime. Eight days after Hughes was struck by a ball on the back of the head and six after he died from the catastrophic injuries that resulted, his family, friends and a host of cricketing greats gathered at Macksville High School. Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland spoke for many when he tried to make sense of the huge outpouring of grief that followed the tragic death of the left-handed batsman a few days short of his 26th birthday. “The wave of emotion that has washed over our country this past week tells us so much about the affection millions felt for Phillip and also about the privileged place cricket has near the heart of this nation,” he said. “Quite simply, the boy from this proud community of Macksville, personified the spirit of Australian cricket. “Ever since Bradman, the image of the innocent country boy playing in the backyard while dreaming of wearing a baggy green cap has become entrenched in our psyche. It’s our foundation myth as a cricketing nation.” Some 1,000 mourners, mostly locals with a smattering of luminaries including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, dabbed away
Gregory Hughes (front), the father of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, cries as he carries his son’s casket past mourners after his funeral service in the town of Macksville, located north of Sydney, December 3, 2014. REUTERS/Cameron Spencer/Pool tears and perspiration in the baking heat of the school hall with thousands more watching on screens in the sunshine outside. From the eulogies, they learned of a beloved son, brother, cousin and friend whose passion for cricket was matched only by his enthusiasm for the Angus cattle he helped raise on the family farm. They were also reminded of a small town boy with a prodigious talent for hitting a ball with a bat who headed down the coast to big city Sydney as a teenager and ended up playing 26 tests for his country. Australia captain Michael Clarke broke down in tears for the second time in a few days as he paid public tribute to his former team mate and friend. “Phillip’s spirit, which is now part of our game forever, will act as a custodian of the sport we all love. We must
Lokomotiv Plovdiv player Diyan Moldovanov banned for 10 games BBC Sport - A Bulgarian player who tried to hit a referee with a bottle after being sent off has been banned for 10 games by his country’s football association. Lokomotiv Plovdiv defender Diyan Moldovanov, 29, confronted referee Stanislav Stavrov after the final whistle. The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) also fined the player £3,200 (8,000 levs). The incident occurred in his team’s 1-1 league draw with Cherno More Varna on Saturday. Moldovanov had been substituted earlier but ran onto the field at the end of the game to confront the official. According to Reuters news agency, he was shown a red card but then threw a bottle at the referee and verbally abused him. Lokomotiv are to appeal against the ban.
listen to it,” he said, struggling to contain his emotions. “We must cherish it. We must learn from it. We must dig in and get through to tea. And we must play on. “So rest in peace my little brother. I will see you out in the middle.” CRICKET GREATS Australian greats of the game such as Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath were in attendance, while Richard Hadlee, Brian Lara and India captain Virat Kohli represented the wider cricket world. New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott, who delivered the bouncer that dealt the fatal blow in a state match at the Sydney Cricket Ground last Tuesday, was also among the mourners. When he suffered the injury, Hughes was batting for a recall to the Australia side for the opening match in the test series against India, which has since been rescheduled. Tributes continued to flood in from around the world on Wednesday, many joining the viral campaign to get people to place cricket bats outside homes, workplaces and at sports grounds in tribute to Hughes. Hughes’s own bat rested against the coffin throughout a service which concluded with “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”, the song Elton John dedicated to the cricketer when he played it in a concert in Munich last week. Clarke and fellow cricketers Aaron Finch and Tom Cooper joined Hughes’s father and brother among the pallbearers and delivered the coffin to the hearse, which then set off in a procession through the town. Hughes was cremated in a private ceremony.
Alexis Sanchez struck two minutes from time to give Arsenal victory just as it looked like Southampton would hold out for a draw. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Alexis Sanchez struck two minutes from time to give Arsenal victory just as it looked like Southampton would hold out for a draw at The Emirates. Visiting goalkeeper Fraser Forster had kept Arsenal at bay with a collection of fine saves from Danny Welbeck and substitute Olivier Giroud, but he was powerless to prevent Gunners talisman Sanchez pouncing on Aaron Ramsey’s cross to score his 14th goal of the season. Arsene Wenger’s side deserved the win after applying intense late pressure but Southampton were forced to play out the crucial final minutes without defender Toby Alderweireld, who suffered a hamstring injury after manager Ronald Koeman had used his three substitutes. The victory, coming on the heels of the win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, pushes Arsenal into the top six, while Saints stay third despite a second successive defeat following their home loss against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday. A small group of Arsenal fans brandished a banner at The Hawthorns calling for Wenger to quit, but they can be grateful that he has brought such a gem as the Chilean Sanchez to north London. Just as the frustration of potential dropped points was building at The Emirates, the former Barcelona forward succeeded where other Arsenal strikers had failed to secure an important win. Welbeck had the first opportunity of the night when he was played in by Santi Cazorla’s pass but he could not get himself set and ended up steering a presentable chance just wide. Saints had gathered in plenty of confidence during an excellent start to the
season and they opened with plenty of ambition. Graziano Pelle should have put them ahead in the 15th minute but he shot wildly over. Neither goalkeeper saw serious action until first-half stoppage time, when Southampton’s Forster reacted well to turn Welbeck’s flicked header over the top. The striker also tried a backheel at the near post but was crowded out by Saints’ defenders. As anxiety grew inside The Emirates, Wenger made the change demanded by Arsenal’s fans when he introduced Giroud, although the decision to take off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was met with some jeers.
Giroud almost immediately tested Forster with a snap shot as Arsenal attempted to finally apply concerted pressure on a resolute and well-organised Southampton defence. The French striker then showed initiative with a neat flick to release Welbeck but Forster’s reactions again came to the Saints’ rescue as he made a fine one-handed save. It seemed the England goalkeeper was going to keep Arsenal at bay when he showed great athleticism to claw away Giroud’s header but, just when it looked like Saints would survive despite their numerical disadvantage, Sanchez made the breakthrough.
POSITION TEAM PLAYED 1 Chelsea 14 2 Man City 14 3 Southampton 14 4 Man Utd 14 5 West Ham 14 6 Arsenal 14 7 Swansea 14 8 Liverpool 14 9 Newcastle 14 10 Tottenham 14
GD POINTS 22 36 17 30 14 26 8 25 6 24 7 23 5 22 0 20 -2 20 -3 20
NACRA Sevens Rugby Championship...
Six-time champions Guyana play unbeaten on opening day Six-time champions Guyana underlined their intentions to regain the (North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) title after posting three consecutive victories on the opening day of competition in the NACRA Sevens Championship in Mexico yesterday. The Guyanese ruggers produced dazzling performances throughout the day to finish unbeaten after registering wins against
defending champion Mexico in their first game, before destroying Cayman Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines consecutively. Guyana first defeated Mexico 19-7 in their opening encounter, before returning to beat to the Cayman Islands 36-12 and closed the day with a 47-0 destruction of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The knockout phase commences today and Guyana is highly favoured to go all the way.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
No clash between Winter Olympics and Qatar World Cup LONDON, England (AFP) — There will be no clash between the 2022 Winter Olympics and the controversy-plagued World Cup finals to be hosted by Qatar the same year, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach told the BBC on Monday. Bach, who was elected to succeed Belgian Jacques Rogge in September 2013, said he was confident FIFA president Sepp Blatter would stick to his pledge that the finals, which are due to be switched from the searing heat of June and July, would not take place in January and February when the Winter Games are pencilled in for. “I have no reason not to believe (Blatter),” the 60-yearold German told the BBC. “He made it very clear that a clash of these two great events is in nobody’s interest. “And therefore his clear commitment was, and is, that there will not be such a clash.” Bach, whose 2020 programme for taking the Olympic Movement forward will be debated by the IOC members in Monaco next week, said if there was a clash it would not be good for either the Olympics or football. FIFA have been eyeing either hosting the finals in January and February or
November and December, with UEFA president Michel Platini among those voicing a preference for the former. “A clash would be bad for the international audience who would have two major sports programmes broadcast worldwide, so the public’s attention would be divided,” said Bach. “Also for the sponsors, there are some that are common to FIFA and the IOC. To manage these two kinds of programmes at the same time would be very difficult, so in the end there would be no winners. “The athletes and the players would not get the attention they deserve, and for all the other sponsors and broadcasters being involved it would be very, very difficult to manage. “It’s in the mutual interest that this is not happening and we have this commitment.” Bach, who wants to make the Games more affordable, and encourage more flexibility over bidding and choice of sports, said that it was virtually impossible for them to move the Winter Olympics dates. “Our dates, they are clear. We are committed to the future organiser (Beijing or Almaty) and the Winter Games in particular you need to adapt to the weather conditions in a country so there is no real room to
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Aguero stars again in easy Man City win
Thomas Bach manoeuvre,” said Bach. “There is a situation which is not easy for football, and reading recent statements by the secretarygeneral and president of FIFA they realise that their situation at this moment is not the easiest one, and I think they will address this and hope they will address this at their next board meeting.” Bach, who won a team fencing Olympic gold medal in 1976 for the then West Germany, said FIFA needed to reach conclusions as soon as possible from the inquiry into corruption allegations surrounding the awarding of the 2022 finals to Qatar and the 2018 edition to Russia. Despite numerous calls to publish the report compiled by American Michael Garcia into the allegations, FIFA have refused to do so claiming it would violate Swiss law, where they are based.
Sergio Aguero took his Premier League goal tally to 14 with a double as Manchester City overcame Sunderland. (Reuters) BBC Sport - Sergio Aguero took his Premier League goal tally to 14 with a double as Manchester City overcame Sunderland to make it three straight topflight wins. Sunderland went ahead when Connor Wickham fired past Joe Hart while under pressure from Pablo Zabaleta. But Argentina forward Aguero equalised with a fierce 16-yard finish before Stevan Jovetic fired through former City keeper Costel Pantilimon’s legs. Zabaleta increased the
lead with a fine chip before Aguero completed the rout. City’s performance was every bit as convincing as the scoreline suggests, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side rejuvenated as they head towards the festive programme with growing belief. They remain six points behind leaders Chelsea in second place, but the damaging early season blips against Stoke , West Ham and QPR seem a long time ago. Yet City still insist on doing things the hard way,
Chelsea too good for Tottenham BBC Sport - Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea to a win over Tottenham to maintain the Blues’ six-point lead at the top of the table. Tottenham missed two good chances early on - Harry Kane hitting the bar then dragging a shot wide - and Chelsea went ahead when Eden Hazard finished sweetly following a one-two with Drogba. The striker, who replaced the suspended Diego Costa, then netted with a low shot following a Hugo Lloris mistake. Substitute Loic Remy completed the win with a smart finish from 12 yards. There was plenty to admire about Chelsea, who once again turned on the style for 10 first-half minutes to blow away their second-best opponents. Tottenham, who are still without a win at Stamford Bridge since 1990, could not deal with the sublime skill of Hazard, the power and physicality of Drogba and the rampaging runs down the right from full-back Branislav Ivanovic. Perhaps more
pertinently, though, Jose Mourinho’s men did it all without leading scorer Costa and, in the second half, minus Gary Cahill who suffered a head injury during an early clash with Jan Vertonghen. But it might have been so different if Tottenham had taken their early chances. Vertonghen had already headed over the bar when Kane rattled the woodwork with a header from Aaron Lennon’s right-wing cross. Moments later, the forward picked up on Cahill’s mistake, drove forward into the box but took one touch too many and flashed his angled shot across the face of goal. Those misses proved costly when Chelsea stunned the visitors with a quick onetwo which all but killed the game as a contest. First, Hazard rifled a left-footed shot beyond Lloris after being played in by Drogba. Then, three minutes later, Lloris directed a goal-kick straight to Hazard. He passed to Oscar, who in turn fed Drogba and the Ivorian striker hammered the ball past the
Didier Drogba (right) inspired Chelsea to a win over Tottenham. (AFP) French keeper. Chelsea completely bossed the second half - Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings and it was no surprise when Remy made it three by getting goal-side of Vertonghen, who had a night to forget, before cutting inside and placing a shot beyond Lloris. Spurs registered only their second effort on target in injury time, but Thibaut Courtois was not to be denied a fourth consecutive clean
sheet as he acrobatically saved Nacer Chadli’s shot. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino: “We’re very disappointed because we created some chances to score and after we conceded in Chelsea’s first action, the game changed. After two or three minutes we made a mistake and they scored again. “But I want to congratulate my players because they were brave in
the second half. It was difficult but this is football. You need to be clinical in front of goal against Chelsea. We had a lot of chances in the first 20 minutes but we were unlucky we didn’t score and then they did. “We’re a very young team. Today you could see that we have a very young squad who need games. It’s not because of that we lost. Chelsea were just very clinical in front of goal.”
coming from behind in three of their last four games in league and cup to earn a quartet of victories. Pellegrini’s men had lost 1-0 on their previous four visits to the Stadium of Light and found themselves in familiar territory when Wickham scored in the 19th minute. The former Ipswich forward controlled Sebastian Larsson’s long ball before flicking past Hart while under pressure from Zabaleta. But Sunderland’s lead last two minutes, Aguero equalising for the reigning champions with a spectacular finish from 16-yards that gave Pantilimon no chance. Aguero then turned provider, accepting Yaya Toure’s delicious ball and teeing up Jovetic to fire through Pantilimon’s legs after a superb 39th minute move that had Pellegrini applauding on the sidelines. Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham had all failed to win at the Stadium of Light this season. And, although City missed injured captain Vincent Kompany, with Dedryck Boyata making his first league start for almost 12 months, they went on to secure victory. Full-back Zabaleta made it 3-1 with a superb chip over Pantilimon after a lovely pass by Samir Nasri. Sunderland had won plaudits for a gritty performance that earned a point against Chelsea last Saturday and were lively again. But there were no heroics from Gus Poyet’s side this time, the brilliant Aguero completing the win when he got ahead of Santiago Vergini to side-foot James Milner’s ball home.
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Thursday December 04, 2014
Banks DIH links with WDFA England morale boosted for year-end football tourney by successful run chase The West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) received vital support yesterday when local company Banks DIH Limited, under its Aqua Mist Pure Artesian Well Water and Vita Malt Plus brands, threw their support for that association’s year-end football tournament. The event is set to kick off on Sunday with two qualifiers. Ten clubs from the West Demerara Association will battle for supremacy with two qualifiers fixed for Sunday at the Den Amstel ground, the venue for all the matches. The winners from those two games will join six other teams in the tournament proper, set to kick off on December 12. Matches will also be held on December 14 and 20, with the grand final on December 26. At the launch held at Banks DIH, Thirst Park Headquarters, it was revealed by WDFA President Nigel Garraway that the top four teams will earn the right to compete in the Georgetown Football Association’s fourth annual Banks Beer Cup from the knockout stage after an invitation was extended to the
association to send representatives to that tournament.The winning team will earn $1 million, while the runner-up will pocket $500,000. The third and fourth place finishers will get $300,000 and $200,000 respectively. Individual prizes for the Most Valuable Player, highest goalscorer and best goalkeeper are also at stake. The clubs competing: Beavers, Young Achievers, Slingerz, Stewartville, Pouderoyen, Den Amstel, Uitvlugt, Eagles, Wales and Bagotsville. The tournament is being held in memory of the late Assistant Police Commissioner Derick Josiah, who died by accident in December last year. During his time, Josiah played the game and was also an active administrator in the West Demerara area. Senior Superintendent of Police, Eon Amsterdam, lauded the organisers for a fitting tribute to Josiah. He said the Force was planning its own tournament to honour the late rank. Amsterdam further promised that the Force will be working along with the WDFA to
ensure the competition is held annually in memory of his late colleague. Aqua Mist Brand Manager, Errol Nelson, labelled the launch of the tournament as “groundbreaking” since it was the first time the company has invested in such a massive way in football in the West Demerara area. He made reference to Banks DIH Limited’s sustained investments in football, highlighting the Pee Wee Under-11 tournament, the Guinness Greatest in the Streets and the GFA Banks Beer Cup. Banks DIH NonAlcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, echoed similar sentiments, adding that Vita Malt Plus, which has a blend of Ginseng, Royal Jelly and Aloe Vera, is the perfect beverage for players competing in the competition, as it has all the ingredients to allow for success on the field. Also attending the launch were Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters, WDFA Vicepresident Orin Ferrier, WDFA Treasurer Denise Lovell and representatives of the participating clubs.
PCB ASKS ICC FOR DATE TO TEST AJMAL
ESPNcricinfo - The Pakistan Cricket Board has asked the ICC for a date for the official testing of Saeed Ajmal’s reworked action. Ajmal underwent his third unofficial test at Loughborough University on December 1 after which the PCB applied for a reassessment of his reworked action in order to have him available for the World Cup. Ajmal had undergone two unofficial tests in November and his offspinner and faster balls were found legal, but his doosra was still over the 15-degree limit. It is understood that Ajmal looked confident and ready for the official test after the rehabilitation phases and wanted to be tested officially with the ICC’s independent biomechanics expert. He was earlier supposed to play domestic cricket in Pakistan but preferred to go through the test to get his name cleared. Pakistan had already given their preliminary squad of 30 players, including Ajmal, to the ICC for the 2015 World Cup. The final 15-man squad is expected to be named in the second week of January and PCB wants to push for Ajmal’s inclusion by getting his name cleared by the ICC. Ajmal was suspended from bowling in September after his action was deemed to be illegal for all deliveries. Ajmal’s elbow extension was going up to 42 degrees on average in the official tests conducted which led to his suspension. He has been undergoing extensive remedial work on his action for the last two months with former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. The first phase of the rehabilitation was carried out at the PCB’s National Cricket Academy in Lahore and Ajmal was then sent to the facility of biomechanics laboratory at Loughborough.
Saeed Ajmal was back in training after returning from Brisbane where he had his action tested, Dambulla, August 29, 2014. (AFP)
ESPNcricinfo - England have earned themselves a lifeline in the ODI series against Sri Lanka - and gained some encouragement ahead of the World Cup - with a nervewracking five-wicket victory in Hambantota with eight balls to spare yesterday. It was not just that England claimed a much-needed victory that sees the series balanced at 2-1 to Sri Lanka with four games to play. It was that the architects of the victory were the younger, less experienced players who showed a skill and composure that their senior colleagues have so obviously lacked. If an explosive half-century from Moeen Ali - who with five sixes equalled his own record for the most by an England opener in an ODI innings - set the platform for the England chase, the unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 84 in 64 balls between Joe Root and Jos Buttler was almost as impressive. This was not an entirely positive day for England, though. Their slow over-rate during the Sri Lanka innings - they took 18 minutes more than their allowance - may well result in the match referee taking action against their captain, Alastair Cook. Cook has received a warning previously and faces the prospect of a one-match ban. Cook’s own form continues to provoke debate, too. England made the controversial decision to drop Ian Bell, the most experienced man in their squad, ahead of this game despite his record of late being somewhat better than Cook’s. Bell averages five more than his captain in ODIs this calendar year and has a strike-rate about 20 runs higher than Cook’s
Moeen Ali passed fifty for the second time in the series from only 29 balls. (Getty Images)
in the same period. Cook was unable to take advantage of the extra opportunity. He looked in better touch in driving Mathews for a couple of sweetly-timed (Continued on page 25)
Jules Bianchi ‘did not slow sufficiently’ before crash BBC Sport - Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi did not slow down sufficiently to avoid losing control when he crashed at the Japanese GP, an FIA accident report has found. Marussia driver Bianchi, 25, suffered severe head injuries when he crashed into a recovery vehicle in wet conditions at Suzuka in October. He is no longer in an artificial coma and is breathing unaided, but remains unconscious in hospital in Nice. The FIA says he hit the 6,500kg crane at a speed of 126kph (78mph). Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal head injury when he crashed into a recovery vehicle at Suzuka that was removing Adrian Sutil’s Sauber car from the circuit. After a review of all the evidence, a 10-man Accident Panel appointed by the FIA issued a 396-page report on their findings. One of the conclusions was that “Bianchi did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control at the same point on the track as Sutil”. In the days following the accident, Marussia said they were “shocked and angered” by reports from some media
- FIA report outlets that suggest Bianchi did not slow down under caution flags. They also denied claims they told Bianchi to go faster during the caution period to keep a rival behind. Marussia have since ceased trading with all staff made redundant after they failed to secure funding to compete next season. The report added: “During the two seconds Bianchi’s car was leaving the track and traversing the run-off area, he applied both throttle and brake together, using both feet. “The Failsafe algorithm is designed to over-ride the throttle and cut the engine, but was inhibited by the torque coordinator, which controls the rear brake-bywire (BBW) system. “Bianchi’s Marussia has a unique design of BBW, which proved to be incompatible with the Failsafe settings. “The fact that the Failsafe did not disqualify the engine torque requested by the driver may have affected the impact velocity; it has not been possible to reliably quantify this.
Jules Bianchi (Getty Images) “However, it may be that Bianchi was distracted by what was happening and the fact that his front wheels had locked, and been unable to steer the car such that it missed the crane.” This season, teams were allowed to tweak the parameters of their brake-bywire system to suit a driver’s style and thus Marussia can be seen to have not broken the rules. However, following the results of the report, the BBC has learned that the FIA will be tightening the limits to which teams can make changes to the parameters from next season.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival begins today The tenth annual Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival begins today. The festival is one of the largest and most popular in the Caribbean and over the years has attracted top teams from the Caribbean region and North America. This year ’s festival unfortunately falls on the heels of the recently concluded Central American and Caribbean Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico and has had an impact on the participating teams. According to festival coordinator, Philip Fernandes, teams had indicated an interest up to recently but with their top players all now returning from Mexico it would be difficult for them to travel again. Fernandes indicated that the festival usually attracts the top regional players and that teams are often reluctant to attend with substandard selections. Meanwhile, the players from Toronto had committed since earlier in the year to a tour of Europe in preparation for the Indoor World Cup in February. Although mostly local teams will be on show for this year’s festival, the standard is still expected to be high as Guyana has been making a name for itself on the international stage resulting from its recent silver medals by the Guyana men’s national indoor team a t t h e PA H F C u p i n Montevideo, Uruguay. Top nationals, Jamarj
Jamarj Assanah
Aderemi Simon Assanah and Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon along with their many national counterparts are certain to put on a highly quality and entertaining show for the spectators. The men’s division is expected to be particularly competitive with any one of the contesting sides appearing to have the ability to take the prize. Local favourites, the
PEPSI Hikers will be challenged by a strong and resurgent Old Fort, perennial arch-rivals, GCC, and a fast improving under19 squad along with a wild card team in Renegades. The Digicel ladies competition will see defending champions the GCC Tigers in action against the Hikers ladies, Spice and Old Fort. Carib hockey club of Trinidad has entered a competitive Carib veterans Challenge against defending champs, the Hickers, national champions GCC and Old Old Fort. Cash prizes and trophies will once again be awarded to the winners and runnersup in the male and female and veteran categories. The winning teams in both male and female tournaments will each receive US$1,000 while the runners-up will cart off US$500. The winner of the veteran tournament will receive US$500 with the second place teams receiving incentive prizes. This year’s festival will also be complimented by the conducting of a coach’s course and an umpire’s course funded by the Pan American Hockey Federation. PAHF Coach, Anthony Marcano of Trinidad is conducting the coach’s course which commenced on 2nd December and will run until 6th December, while Mr. Gus Soteriades of the USA is facilitating the umpire’s course from 3rd December to 6th.
South Korea F1 returns, double points scrapped LONDON (Reuters) South Korea’s Formula One grand prix has been reinstated provisionally on a record 21-race calendar for 2015 while double points have been scrapped for the final round in Abu Dhabi, the sport’s governing body said yesterday. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) listed the Korean race as the fifth round of the season on May 3, with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona scheduled for the
following weekend. The tight turnaround, and teams’ previous reluctance to have more than 20 races, immediately raised doubts about the likelihood of the Korean race happening however. The season will start in Australia on March 15. Mexico will also return to the calendar after a 23year absence, with a race scheduled for Nov. 1 in Mexico City. China becomes the third race of the season on April
12, taking the slot initially assigned to Bahrain on a previous draft calendar. Bahrain is now pushed back to April 19. Changes to the sporting regulations included the decision to abandon the controversial experiment with double points introduced this year. The format was unpopular with fans and risked making a mockery of the season, with eventual champion Lewis Hamilton (Continued on page 31)
Tomas Berdych
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INGAPORE (Reuters) - The Singapore Slammers took their first International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) victory at the fifth time of asking when Tomas Berdych led the home side to a thrilling 24-23 victory over the previously unbeaten Indian Aces yesterday. The Slammers started the four-city mixed team tournament with four straight defeats but drew on the big-hitting Czech to overcome the Aces after looking a beaten side midway through the five single-set encounter. With matches decided on games won rather than sets, world number one Serena
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Berdych inspires Singapore to first IPTL win Williams gave the hosts a perfect start with a rousing 6-4 victory over Ana Ivanovic, fighting back from 3-1 down to give a rocking Indoor Stadium plenty to cheer. The tie then appeared to be slipping away from Singapore after Williams and Bruno Soares lost the mixed doubles 6-3 and an error-strewn Andre Agassi was thrashed 6-2 by Aces skipper Fabrice Santoro in the ‘icons’ singles match. Trailing 16-11, Berdych entered to dominate Gael Monfils 6-2 in the men’s singles, setting the stage for Australians (Continued on page 31)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 04, 2014
Annual Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis tourney serves off
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a s t S a t u r d a y, Sachin Puri effortlessly launched the first serve of the 2014 Trophy S t a l l D o u b l e s Te n n i s Tournament at the National Racquet Centre amidst the threat of rain. At least 10 doubles partners braved the weather to come out to play their matches but action had to be cancelled for the entire day after an incessant heavy downpour. Proprietor of the Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich sent his regrets for his absence at the Opening Ceremony but signalled his expectation for a successful tournament once again for the fifth s t r a i g h t y e a r. T h e tournament caters to five categories of players, Men’s Open Doubles, Ladies Open Doubles, Mixed Open Doubles, Men’s Over 35 Doubles and Novice Medley Doubles. A total of 35 doubles teams registered. Matches are to be played during the day on the three weekends of November 29th, December 6th and 13th at the National Racquet Centre, but evening play during the same period will be scheduled at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club during the week. At the
The attendees of the Opening Ceremony of the Trophy Stall Tennis tourney take time out for a photo. Opening Ceremony, the boys champion Gavin Lewis, who is the first junior to perform the duties of Tournament Coordinator, gave charge to the players to take the game seriously and to exercise good sportsmanship at all times especially during close line calls. President of the Association Ms Grace McCalman in her remarks
thanked the clubs for their renewed interest in developing their own tennis programmes and encouraged players to improve their game. In particular, the Non-Pariel Club was noted as one which maintains the largest number of novice players. She thanked CEO, ECI Engineering Services Ltd, M r. S a m B a r a k a t f o r
SOUTHLAND INT’L TO ENERGISE FLEX NIGHT
providing the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club facilities for night play, the absence of which, creates great difficulty in scheduling tournament matches for adults. The first schedule of matches that were played on Sunday November 30th produced the following results: Ladies Doubles: A. Dey / A. Gentle def D. Barrington / K. Richmond 6/4 6/0, A. Dey / A. Gentle def F. Buschell / P. Hope 6/1 6/0. Novice Medley Doubles: S. Puri / D. Razick def R. Sawh / F. Buschell
6/2, S. Puri / D. Razick def. P. Clarke / D. Bharat 7/5. Mens Open Doubles C. Adams / A. Erskine def R. Bostwick / O. Dainty 6/2 6/2, D. Lopes / P. Squires (4) def S. DavidLonge / J. Stephney 6/3 6/1, S. David-Longe / J. Stephney def J. Goodluck / D. King 6/4 6/3. Matches scheduled for Le Ressouvenir starting at 5:00pm are as follows: Wednesday December 3rd: M i x e d D o u b l e s Quarterfinals: Albert Razick / Nazima Razick vs. Orande Dainty / Aretta Dey (4), Leyland Leacock / Afruica
Gizmos & Gadgets sponsors trophies for Flex Night Miss Best Legs
Julian Neblett of Gizmos and Gadgets hands over a cheque to Flex Night Inc. Special Assistant Fiona Harris.
CEO of Southland International Inc. in Guyana Irzad Zamal (right) presents the company's part-sponsorship to Flex Night Inc. Director of Advertising Onai Vasconcellos. outhland International Inc. distributor of the Blue Waters bottled water, Royce energy drinks and the owner of the Carlsberg brand in Guyana, is set to 'energise' the Flex Night International 2014 event, having come on board as a part sponsor. Patrons at this Sunday's show will also
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have the chance to enjoy a wide range of Southland's thirst-quenchers, both before the 6.00 pm show time and during the intermission. Flex Night Inc. is deeply grateful to Southland International Inc. of Guyana for their commitment to the Flex Night event.
Gentle (3) vs. Sanjeev Datadin / Annie Wiest. M e n ’s O p e n D o u b l e s Quarterfinals: Charles Adams / Andre Erskine vs. Jason Glasgow / Nicholas Glasgow (2). Thursday December 4th: Men’s 35 & Over Doubles: Sam Barakat / Linon De Paula vs. Bo Arbogast / Albert Razick. Mixed Doubles Quarterfinals: Phillip Squires / Shelly Daly (1) vs. Dominic Fraser / Patricia Hope. Men’s Open Doubles Semifinals: Leyland Leacock / Afruica Gentle (3) vs. Nicholas Glasgow / Nicola Ramdyhan (2).
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izmos & Gadgets, through its Fitness Factory, has committed to sponsoring the trophies for the Miss Best Legs category at the Flex Night International, billed for Sunday December 7 at the National Cultural Centre. In addition Gizmos & Gadgets will be
mounting a display of a selection of its Fitness Factory products in the lobby of the National Cultural Centre. Displays would be open to the public from 5.00pm and the event starts at 6.00pm. Flex Night Inc. records its gratitude to Gizmos and Gadgets.
Thursday December 04, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Farfan & Mendes Junior Melanie’s TRS Raptors win Christmas Squash tourney East Coast Zone in Mackeson starts with exciting duels ‘King of the Rim’ Basketball The Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with its number one corporate sponsor Digicel commenced their 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. Play commenced on the opening night with matches in seven of the eight categories being contested. Matches in the category A which has four of the top juniors in Guyana, are scheduled to commence tomorrow. In categories A – D, matches will be best of five, while in categories E – H matches will be best of three. Several exciting matches were witnessed as players matched up in their respective categories in this skill level tournament. The
Taylor Fernandes match of the evening was between national players Taylor Fernandes and Alex Cheeks. Taylor won a close first game 11 – 8 but then Alex returned the favour by winning the second game also 11 – 8. Alex was retrieving well but Taylor
was controlling the game with her powerful drives and delicate drop shots. Taylor won the third game 11 – 7 but Alex quickly won the first four points in the fourth game and it seemed as if Alex would be able to force a fifth and deciding game. However Taylor settled down and won ten straight points before Alex could win a fifth point. She then closed out the game 11 – 5 thus winning the match by three games to one. Another thrilling match was between two under 11 players Michael Alphonso and Ethan Jonas. This match went the full distance with Michael eventually prevailing after five extremely close games. Michael won the first game 11 – 9 but Ethan won the second game 11 – 8. Michael (Continued on page 31)
Suriname sending formidable trio to Miss Flex Night Bikini
The Suriname Miss Bikini trio are (from left): Melitia Galimo (2nd place); Vanety Bouoe (1st place) and Suelle Shepperd (3rd place)
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he Miss Flex Night Bikini contest has now emerged as a straight clash between the ladies from Guyana and those from visiting Suriname. Last Sunday at Congress Hall in Paramaribo, Suriname held its first Miss Bikini Fitness contest. The event attracted 6 competitors and Suriname is sending the top three (3) finishers to compete in the Miss Flex Night Bikini and one other to the Miss Best
Legs contest. The quality of the female physiques was noted by aficionados of the sport, especially given the fact that the event was the first of its kind. Also the number of competitors – 6 – was seen as a very positive and encouraging development given the efforts made for years by that country's Bodybuilding Federation to attract females to the competitive stage. Looking to hold off the
Suriname challenge will be seven (7) of Guyana's best, drawn from two gyms – Fitness Paradise Gym (5 females) and Genesis Fitness (2 females). For Genesis Fitness it will be their debut on the Miss Bikini stage, and they are making that debut in fine style, sending the statuesque twins Marissa and Marise Jordan to represent the gym and the country. This marks the first time that twins of any gender will be competing on the bodybuilding stage in Guyana. In the 1940s the Bacchus sisters competed in powerlifting but they were not twins. Building upon a long tradition of female participation in bodybuilding events, Fitness Paradise Gym will be sending five (5) of its best to the Miss Bikini stage. F i a n o S p e n c e r, d a n c e aerobics instructor and winner of the 2014 Fitness Paradise Miss Bikini contest joins her colleagues Shawnell Warner (Miss Flex Night Bikini 2012 winner), Marissa Lowden, Sonia Cummings and Mahaila Goodluck on stage on Sunday night.
Melanie’s TRS Raptors, Ashton Adams (airborne, right) releases a high right-handed floater that evades Plaisance Guardians’ Ron Campbell at rim Thursday night when the Mackeson‘King of the Rim’ 3x3 basketball continued in Plaisance.
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fter Sherlan Legall and Ashton Adams had built up a perfect record against opposition in the Mackeson ‘King of the Rim’ Basketball Challenge, a Floyd Arthur two-point dagger in the dying seconds sealed TRS Raptor’s perfect record in Plaisance. The incentive for the Melanie-based team is that they will play in the Grand Finale after defeating Team Venom 11-8 Tuesday night to end their sojourn with a perfect record against teams from Belladrum, Buxton, Melanie and Plaisance. Arthur had an excellent shooting game, finishing with six points while Sherlon Legall had four points. For the opposition, Buxtonbased Team Venom, Kevin
Dey and Ewart Smith were the main scorers with four and three points respectively. Raptors also overcame home team, Plaisance Guardians 9-8 in a gruelling encounter that saw Legall and Adams entertaining those present with some fundamental ‘big man’ plays in the paint in Plaisance. In their two earlier games, Raptors downed Belladrum Lions 14-9 and overcame Plaisance based Extreme Underdogs 13-8; Arthur scored six points while Legall had seven points. TRS Raptors will move on to the Super Eight Grand Finale. In other results, Team Ve n o m b e a t E x t r e m e Underdogs 14-7 in the first fixture of the night while in the second game; Plaisance
Guardians defeated Extreme Underdogs 9-7 with Belladrum Lions coming from behind to overcome Guardians 10-8. Guardians also toiled to a 9-8 overtime victory against Team Venom becoming the first team to score the mandated two points after regulation time levelled the scores at seven apiece. FIBA’s rule came into practice, suggesting the winner must be two points clear. Lions defeated Extreme Underdogs 10-8 in the sixth matchup whilst Team Venom grabbed their second victory in the eighth fixture when they downed Belladrum Lions 12-10. The tournament continues tonight at California Square, East Ruimveldt.
EASY AS SUNDAY MORNING! Raptors’ big man, Sherlan Legall (second, right) sent tongues waging when he spun off his defender low in the paint to complete a fundamental layup off glass in the Mackeson ‘King of the Rim’ 3x3 basketball in Plaisance.
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Banks DIH links with WDFA for year-end football tourney
Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters (third right), presents the championship trophy to WDFA President, Nigel Garraway. Other officials of Banks DIH Limited and the WDFA share the moment.
Australia bids emotional farewell to Phillip Hughes Michael Clarke, Aaron Finch and Tom Cooper were among Phillip Hughes’ pallbearers. WHILE AT RIGHT: Brian Lara (left) and Shane Warne arrive for the service. (Getty Images)
NACRA Sevens Rugby Championship
Diamond Mineral Water Six-time champions Guyana Int’l Indoor Hockey play unbeaten on opening day Festival begins today Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210