Kaieteur News
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Friday December 09, 2016
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
DEPORTATION According to statistics from the Post-Deportation Human Rights Project, since the late 1970s the United States has deported more immigrants than any other country. Many have committed serious crimes, others have entered the country illegally, and some have breached the conditions of their visa and overstayed. Data revealed that the Obama administration deported more people than any other in history. In fact, it has deported more people than the total of all presidents of the twentieth century. Deportation is the removal of a person from a country, simply because his/her presence is deemed inconsistent with the public welfare and is part of the punishment imposed on them. All countries reserve the right to deport persons, even those who are longtime residents and possesses permanent residency. Deportation is done by governments, and is often subject to a simpler legal process, or in some cases none, with reduced or no right to trial, legal representation or appeal due to the subject's lack of citizenship. However, based on US immigration laws, a naturalized citizen should not be deported, but the United States has on several occasions violated that principle by deporting naturalized citizens. During his eight years in office, the George W. Bush administration deported over two million people. In contrast, between 2009 and 2015, the Obama administration removed more than 2.5 million people from the US. These numbers do not reflect Obama’s last year in office for which data is not yet available. It is estimated that 86 percent of all persons deported from the United States since 1992 were criminals who were involved in murders, trafficking of illegal drugs, armed robbery or terrorist acts. And things are likely to get even more intense. Based on some recent statements by President-elect Donald Trump, his administration would likely deport two million immigrants during his first year in office. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was formed as an agency within the newly created Homeland Security Department to monitor the flow of immigrants to the United States. Since then, ICE has deported millions of people to their native countries. In Latin America, the leading countries of origin for removals are Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. In the Caribbean, most deportees are from Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Recently, President Granger stated that Guyana does not have the capability and the resources to manage a large number of deportees. He is attempting to work with the US to ensure that measures are put in place to make sure that the country is better prepared to handle deportees, especially if they are convicted crimes were in vain. However, he acknowledges that it is within the jurisdiction and the rights of the United States to deport those who have committed crimes in order to minimize the impact of violence and abuses in the country. In 2015, ICE deported 235,413 and most of the deportees were criminals, of which 379 were Guyanese, and have met one or more of ICE’s criteria for deportation. On Tuesday last, the US continued its deportation of Guyanese by dumping 21 of them on Guyana’s soil thus increasing the total number for the year to 448. While it is difficult to obtain information on the number of Guyanese deportees, it is estimated that since the creation of ICE, more than 3,500 Guyanese have been removed from the United States of which 94 percent were criminals. Many of the deportees migrated with their relatives as children to the US and therefore do not have any family connection in the country. While some will receive assistance from the public, others may turn to crime in order to survive which Guyana certainly cannot afford.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
UNPLEASANT TREATMENT AT THE US EMBASSY Dear Editor I am forced to write to you about an unpleasant situation I faced at the US Embassy. On December 7th 2016, I went to the US embassy to uplift my passport. I had a phone call two (2) days ago to pick up Monday to Friday from the hrs 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. When I arrived there I went to the security and told them I am here to pick up my passport. The security told me to go and stand over there, which I did. I waited there for 20 minutes then I went back to her and asked what seems to be the problem. She didn’t answer me but start to talk to another security guard and grumbling to one another
that they had made derogatory remarks about Guyanese who have American passports think they are big ones. I went to get my phone and made a call to the citizenship service, a female answer and I explained to her about the problem with the security guard. She told me that she is sending someone out to receive me to uplift my passport. I went back, and as I got there a female guard with a badge- ACS- came to me and took my passport and told me to go to window 13. I gave the security my belongings and placed it in a container and waited to go in. Then a male came to the security and told them not to
let me in. I got very frustrated and was about to leave to head back to my office when an American female employee came and told me her name was Elizabeth and that she has my passport and she need the old one to cancel it. She told me to step over here and said; “I want you to explain the situation that took placed.” I told her about the issues. She was v e r y n i c e , f r i e n d l y, understanding and pleasant. I am asking the US embassy to address this problem and to protect American citizens whenever they come to conduct business. I had posted this on social media and a lot of my fellow American citizens told me they had similar
problems with the security at the embassy. I’m requesting the embassy official to look into this matter in a serious way and to ensure these sorts of behaviour stops. I’m also preparing another letter to be sent to the Office of The Inspector General in Washington, also my congressman in Palm Beach Florida to let them know what American Citizens are facing in the Guyana Embassy with the security service. I strongly advise the American embassy to change this security service. ANTHONY SARJOO, CEO ISAAAC GROUP OF COMPANY
Changed behaviour must apply to the leaders in government too Dear Editor; There is much to be said about the 2017 National Budget which will be done over a period of time. What continues to be striking is the callousness with which the politicians are going about doing the people’s business. Having followed the debates so far, it is of concern that there is an absence of depth and understanding of the theme under which this budget has been presented. This year’s theme speaks to ‘Building a diversified green economy: delivering the good life to all Guyanese.’ In pursuing a green economy, unlike a budget that is presented and guided by the Gross
Domestic Product, the objective is to bring people out of poverty using indicators outlined in the Human Development Index. To first and foremost tax health services, and have a minister stand up and defend it by saying, that those who seek private health services have to be rich, speaks to a disconnect as to what is happening in the society. The public healthcare system is overburdened and in many cases cannot provide the basic services that citizens need. A green economy also includes a focus on quality health, with the aim of ensuring the people engage in productive endeavours as
well as ensuring their longevity. When the state has a health system that is not adequately serving the people and where the private sector service supplements the state’s compassionate governance requires creating a balance not making it prohibitive. On the issue of condoms being taxed, it matters not to us under which government it is being taxed. What must be of concern to us is that when government cares about the prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases, the most serious being HIV, it would not lose sight of the fact that condoms are valued as a very important tool.
Ta x i n g h a s t o b e strategic. Condoms, health services, water and electricity are necessities and vital to persons’ health and wellness. It is known that Ministers of Government exercise the option at the taxpayers’ expense, and without their approval, to seek healthcare overseas. While the average citizen/worker cannot afford to do this, they watch their taxes providing this service for others, as they resort to either depriving themselves of care or being at the mercy of a state-run system that needs an overhaul. If it is the government’s intention to bring about conservation and (Continued on page 05)
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Kaieteur News
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Sherod Duncan throws his hat in the ring Dear Editor; A good predictor of the next nine months at City Hall under its current leadership is the last nine months. Citizens and councillors in looking at the period must ask themselves one question: Are we better off now than when the new leadership took charge? As we close the calendar year we owe hundreds of millions to contractors and other service providers, and this does not include the $1.8 billion owed GPL. Our accounting system leaves much to be desired; it took the Auditor General to tell us that scarcely a dollar of $300 million given by central government for the Georgetown Restoration Programme can be properly accounted for. The government recently turned down a request for a $600 million bailout of the city, including $200 million to fund a cleanup of the capital for Prince Harry’s visit. Last month is perhaps the second month in the last nine in which workers were paid on time. We are in a crisis with no end in sight
under the current leadership. Are we better off today than when we started? Look back to our crude eviction of the vendors and minibuses from the Stabroek Market Square. Because of a lack of clear vision the buses have returned and we still hunt for a permanent home for our vendors. When central government looked at our actions they begged us to be “sensitive” to the plight of the vendors. However, we did not learn from this experience, as we went on to dislocate vendors from Robb and Bourda Streets, a move our Head of State David Granger weighed in on, and described as “reckless”. We’ve implemented a container fee for which we are yet to pass a bylaw to give it legitimacy, yet are taking a rough hand to block businesses that do not comply with payment. With government intervention we were led away from the courts and into the Tripartite Committee, while we’ve stopped turning up to engage the private sector. The parking meter contract is n o w l e g e n d a r y, w i t h
government intervention. President Granger characterized its original cost to consumers as “burdensome”, the Ministry of Finance deemed parts of the contract with regard to taxation as “ignorant”, and the Attorney General’s Chambers described other aspects of said contract as “onerous” to citizens. These are but a few of the issues we made the national headlines with, so the question must be put again, are we better off today than when we started? City Hall has been rudderless, with no compass or course. We’re fighting a guerrilla war against the decadence of the past; a climb to the tallest tree would tell us, however, we’re in the wrong jungle. That is why new strategic direction is needed. I am suggesting that we build on President Granger’s sound proposition and vision for capital towns as engines for economic development giving leadership to the regions they are a part of, ultimately contributing to national development. We have to move away from
Changed behaviour must apply to the leaders... From page 4 optimum realisation of water and electricity through changed behaviours, it did not communicate this. The budget failed to say what role government will play in assisting or redirecting changed behaviour outside of the punitive tax. It would have helped had government started a public awareness programme to re-educate citizens about the need for conservation; and secondly, put in place technical support to help track and manage consumption, with the goal of staying within the non-taxable range. Talk about conservation over the years has been absent of any sustained programme of helping citizens track the equipment and appliances of high consumption, and the
periods when they use more of these utilities. This would be necessary in order to reward reduced consumption with credits, which have proven to be great incentives in achieving the objective. It needs to be noted VAT is paid on the total amount once the maximum non-taxable quota is surpassed. If we are talking about changing behaviour, it must be across the board, and applicable to government officials, given that the taxpayers are paying their bills. Government officials that occupy state residences or where the state is paying the bills wherever they are living must be subject to paying their utility bills once these attract VAT. The point advanced that other societies pay taxes on water and electricity at this
time ignores the fact that those taxes are not as high as ours. The government is surely not listening to their supporters and the citizens, and they have lost touch with the people. It needs to step back and listen to the people, not only how they are thinking but how they feel about them. The local government elections, where they lost badly, should serve as a barometer in g a u g i n g t h e p e o p l e ’s feelings. These elections came after a salary increase for the president, ministers, and members of the National Assembly even as citizens/workers were told the government inherited a bad economy. Arrogance and being disconnected can lead to heavy downfall. Lincoln Lewis
what President Granger calls “compound mentality”, concerned with “control rather than consultation and collaboration with residents”. Instead, with a new ‘capital mentality’ we should be concerned with “moving beyond providing traditional municipal services.” The new emphasis would be on “promoting business, driving economic development and giving leadership to our regions”. The new vision embraces also a ‘commercial mentality’, where infrastructure, investment, innovation, information and communication technology are all central in fostering economies of scale, which are essential to economic growth within the framework of a green economy. My vision would realize our capital city as a growth driver within a green
economy by pursuing several core initiatives which, over the next year, will see us more fiscally responsible, with streamlined services for efficiency; our workers reoriented for greater productivity; civil society and the private sector engaged towards partnerships ? synergies for success. My agenda would be pro-business to compete with the international capitals of the world because people don’t visit countries, people visit cities. This is why whether coming into our country by sea or air, your destination is Port Georgetown (GEO).I would meaningfully re-engage the private sector. In this context I would set up the Mayor’s Business Forum that improves what the current Tripartite Committee sets
out to do. I would include civil society and increase representation from central government to comprise, for instance, the Ministry of Business and Ministry of To u r i s m . Yo u t h representation and representation from the new Guyana Market Vendors Union would also be included. A few months ago I sat down with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to discuss the challenges of doing business in our capital city. It was an insightful discussion and I look forward to continued fruitful engagements with these entities, other nongovernmental organizations, and citizens as we move Georgetown forward. Sherod Avery Duncan Councillor
Sasenarine Singh repeats the PPP’s propaganda Dear Editor; I write to offer a brief response to Mr Sase Singh‘s letter published in Kaieteur N e w s o n We d n e s d a y, November 30, under the caption, “The 2017 Budget exposes the inability of the Finance Minister.” When I read Mr Singh’s claim of the positive influence on him from a writer on India, I became excited at the thought that my mind was about to be exposed to an enlightening discussion by him on what is required to take this country forward. Given the moral concern expressed by Mr Singh, on the need for truth in politics, I expected an objective analysis from him on the budget, and not the usual political partisan
interpretations that have now become the norm. In his review of the budget Mr Singh sees nothing positive. More importantly, he shamelessly repeats the PPP’s propaganda line of “doomsday” for the economy and country. His remarks could have been construed as fair comment only if he had not stated his lifelong concern that truth and politics should go together. I am not interested here with Mr Singh’s forecast on the budgetary
measures, since that is not the focus of this letter, and he is entitled to his opinions. However, I am not prepared to ignore Mr Singh’s profound dishonesty in dealing with the budget, bearing in mind that he is not a layman when it comes to economic matters. How could he in good faith claim that VAT on electricity and water will put a serious burden on the working poor/ “small man” ignoring the fact that the measures will only affect households with (Continued on page 07)
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Kaieteur News
Where are the higher incomes and improved social welfare? DEAR EDITOR; Perhaps the greatest abuses perpetrated against our Guyanese masses have been their impoverishment and the subjection to the brutal system of injustice that has accompanied it. The dismal failures of successive governments have rendered the masses poor, and in many instances, uneducated. This combination of factors has yielded a society where many have little scope for opportunity to live a normal life that includes a well-paying job and raising educated children who can survive in tomorrow’s world. Our governments have acknowledged the massive impoverishment suffered through
Guyana’s structural adjustment policies of the late 80’s and early 90’s. Even after benefitting from higher tax revenues, particularly VAT, these governments have continuously dreamed up massive capital expenditure projects, for which they also have had to borrow in many instances, to pan off to their friends and cronies in the private sector, enriching themselves through corruption while laying bare their bosom with the lie that the government doesn’t have any money, or the government can’t find any money to pay them. A quick check over the years will reveal that literally hundreds of billions (not millions) of dollars in taxpayers’ money, including foreign
loans which Guyanese will have to repay, have been spent on capital projects. The questions here are: Where are the jobs? Where are the higher incomes Where is the improved social welfare? Why do our civil servants, from our police who are entrusted to enforce justice, to other members of the public service, have to resort to soliciting bribes in order to survive? Why do many of our womenfolk have to engage in promiscuous activities to support themselves and their families? Are Guyanese better off for the expenditure of all of these hundreds of billions of dollars? The billions of dollars lost to corruption and cronyism
The honeymoon with David Granger is over DEAR EDITOR; Years from now, historians will put into perspective the transitional changes that began a mere year and half ago. They will have the luxury of hindsight, with knowledge of the outcome. They will be able to see the cause-and-effects pattern that resulted from the policies, which were implemented by an untested President who rose to the most powerful position in our country. They will know, with absolute certainty, the answers to the most important questions Guyanese and corporate citizens faced in 2017. They will know whether or not the massive re-
sponsibilities inherent in being a President will have tempered his ego and soften his stance on many decisive policies he spoke about implementing during the campaign season of 2014/2015. The honeymoon period is long gone. The President must rise to the challenge and convert his campaign promises into policies; policies that will bring jobs and create economic growth. It is the duty of the government to create that viable economic climate. The President needs to change his speech writer and political advisors and stop harping and blaming the opposition. You are in control now Sir; you
Sasenarine Singh... From page 5 light bills above $10,000 and in relation to water, only households whose bills are in excess of $1,500. In both cases the majority of the poor and working people’s households will not be affected by the VAT. This simple truth in relation to the budget Mr Singh finds it difficult to concede. His intent is not objec-
tive analysis. Instead, in his resolve to disparage the coalition, he abandoned his stated concern for truth in politics. I conclude by saying that Mr Singh in his letter has indeed demonstrated how elusive truth can be in relation to politics. Even with the inspiration of India, he fell far short of this noble ideal. Tacuma Ogunseye
have to implement sustainable monetary and fiscal policies that will propel growth in our economy. Excessive taxation will only bring unbearable hardships on your people and it will create higher inflation. In as much as uncertainty is the underlying framework in the promised, “Good Life in a Green Economy”, there is still hope and optimism that our new government will deliver. Only time will tell whether or not this new optimism is warranted or simply a belief based upon the knowledge that the alternative outcome is unthinkable, with devastating repercussions. My heroic dad always told me that President Granger is a good man; and I always remind him that being a President of a nation calls for much more than being a good man. Hana Mohamed
could in fact have been used to engineer a stronger macroeconomic framework that would have supported government paying increased salaries to public servants to lift incomes and expenditures in the economy. Contributing to all of this has been our very own private sector, from financial and other service companies to mining, manufacturing and commercial/retail companies. These business organizations have fed off of the social chaos precipitated by our governments, and systematically engorged themselves on profit of the labour of the masses, underpaying workers, which translates as robbing them of their fair pay, share in the benefits of their labour, and the opportunity to look after their children and prepare them for tomorrow’s world. After the collapse of our economy in the 1980s, these businesses, taking advantage of the prevailing massive levels of unemployment that still exist even today, have consistently and unjustly underpaid their workers when they were more than capable of compensating them their just due. Notable examples of these companies include those household names which make several hundreds of millions of dollars in profits alone on an annual basis. These very same businesses who today portray themselves out as paragons for a better world, have in fact helped to maintain Guyanese in a state of poverty and contributed to many instances of social decay, from ill-health, to poor education, to the resulting crime and increasing erosion of social values that we witness today, which seems
to be catapulting many of our children back into the dark ages of ignorance. These businesses, along with our successive governments, have contributed to what I call the Arrested Development of our society. In light of the problems identified, some obvious recommendations come to mind: 1. The Ministry of Legal Affairs should collaborate with the Guyana Police Force to establish a unit with specific responsibilities for policing the justice system to identify and disbar those lawyers engaged in bribing the courts and also address those employed by the justice system that aid and abet the corruption of the courts. 2. The workers who have been robbed by their employers need to decide how to approach recouping their lost benefits. Further, private employers need to adopt the socially responsible position of paying workers their fair wages and ensure that their NIS benefits are properly remunerated. The
target on fair wages should start at $130,000 per month for the lowest paid worker. 3. Government needs to re-examine the effectiveness of its capital expenditure programs, both in quantity and quality, and in terms of the benefits that are expected to accrue to society. Secondly, it is incumbent upon government to correct past failures by adopting policies that facilitate a proactive stance on raising the ordinary Guyanese out of the systemic poverty that resulted from the adoption of the earlier mentioned structural adjustment policies. Increases in salaries can be easily and effectively managed so as to mitigate their impact on prices. It should also be noted that this will assist in eliminating systemic corruption, which will go a long way to marketing Guyana as a destination for both foreign investment and tourism. Craig Sylvester
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Albion cop dies two weeks after crashing into stray animals A Subordinate Officer who was in charge of the Albion Police Station yesterday succumbed to injuries he sustained in an accident on November 20, last. Corporal Satesh Narine died at the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday afternoon. According to officials, Narine was recovering well after the accident and relatives were hopeful that he would've pulled through, however their hopes were shattered after his condition took a downward spiral. On the aforementioned date, Narine was driving along the Susannah Public Road when he crashed into two stray animals on the roadway. His vehicle ploughed through the animals, killing them instantly, while his car, a Toyota Spacio, uprooted a tree and landed in the nearby trench. Narine was reportedly heading home from his nightly duties when it is believed that he fell asleep at the wheel and subsequently lost control of his vehicle. Narine sustained injuries to his spine, shoulders and head, in addition to internal
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Farewell, Babita Sarjou
Dead: Satesh Narine injuries. He was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital but due to the severity of his injuries, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Narine was described by colleagues as a dedicated worker who worked beyond the call of duty. He was also hailed as one that had a rounded personality. Corporal Narine was involved in scouting. He was also active
in the technology field, assisting the force with technical work. Narine was also the best graduating student from his batch at the Felix Austin Police College, Adventure, Berbice, a few years ago. He excelled as a police officer and at an early stage was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He leaves to mourn his wife, children, other relatives and friends.
Relatives at the Lyken Funeral Parlour A son who never got a chance to really know his mother was among relatives and friends who yesterday bid farewell to Babita Sarjou, six years after she was murdered and buried in a shallow grave. Shortly after 10.00 hrs, S a r j o u ’s r e m a i n s w e r e taken from the Lyken Funeral Parlour. Relatives then took the casket past the Barr Street, Kitty School that the ten-year-old s o n a t tends. Mourners then stopped
at her mother ’s Timehri residence, before travelling to Kuru Kuru, where the remains were interred. The remains were handed over to Sarjou’s relatives last week, after police received the results of DNA tests, which confirmed that the skeleton and other fragments that detectives dug up from a Kitty backyard were indeed Sarjou’s. Babita Sarjou, 28, vanished on the Diwali Night of November 4, 2010, after
leaving her mother’s home at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. On May 22, six years later, investigators dug up the skeletal remains of a female, from behind her estranged h u s b a n d ’s Seaforth Street, Campbellville residence. Sarjou’s estranged partn e r, 3 8 - y e a r- o l d Sharadananda Narine, called “Anand”, and his accomplice, Darel Pronton, have been charged with her murder.
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It is not the time! Sherod Duncan, the Deputy Mayor, should carefully pick his battles. He should withdraw from contesting the position of Mayor of Georgetown in the next couple of days. He will destroy his young and promising political career if he takes such a step. His decision to challenge for the position of Mayor is a political miscalculation. His timing is bad. The incumbent has not yet had a full year in office. It is not likely that the forces that supported her as mayor are going to be convinced to make a change so soon. This will amount, in their estimation, to an indictment against her performance but more importantly, their choice. They will stick with her. They have stuck with another controversial mayor in another municipality. That mayor has been returned to office with an overwhelming mandate. Duncan has to wait on the right moment before he throws his hat in the ring. He
has to wait until there is an irreversible groundswell of disaffection against the present Mayor before he decides to challenge. There is some disaffection right now. But it is not enough to shake the timbers at City Hall. The Deputy Mayor is mistaken about the exercise of international democracy within the coalition in which he operates. The APNU+AFC coalition is not as democratic as he may presume. They do not see the existence of differences within the coalition as a healthy development. For them, the expression of differences represents a serious fissure rather than positive development. APNU is no democratic partnership. The PNCR, the main party, is dominant in all respects. There is no structure which allows for the parties within the partnership to meet and come up with a common position. The partnership is dominated by the PNCR. The AFC is no demo-
cratic party either. It has isolated one of its members that was trying to take an independent stand in the local government elections, and who was questioning the role of the AFC within the governing coalition. The AFC will not support Duncan in his bid. For them, that will be detrimental to the coalition. They too do not recognize the positive value of internal dissent and differences within the coalition. Sherod Duncan should only throw his hat in the ring if and when he is certain that he can win. He must not assume that he has the support of the majority of the council. People are good at giving you their word that they will vote for you, only to deceive you when the time comes. He should ask all of those who would have assured him of their support to come out publicly and express that support. Unless half of them do so, he should not throw his hat in the ring, because he will
end up being betrayed. Duncan has to understand that even though the coalition may seem to be operating as a singular unit, there are problems within the alliance. Things are not as they seem. APNU and the AFC had an understanding. It was a 60/ 40 understanding. There were problems with this understanding in the local government elections. No mayor in all of the regions won by the coalition has come from the AFC. They have been left out in the cold. Their protests have fallen on deaf ears.
Georgetown is the stronghold of the PNCR. The PNCR is not going to allow, ever, any other party to hold the Mayorship in Georgetown. If it is not the incumbent, it is not going to be Duncan. The PNCR will find somebody else. The PNCR is not going to give away turf in Georgetown, not ever. Duncan therefore is not going to be supported by the PNCR candidates for the position of Mayor. The political battle lines will be drawn once he throws his hat in the ring. He should continue to do what he is doing. He should
continue to forcefully represent his constituents and the people who look to him for representation. He should wait. It is not yet his time. The city is not yet ready for change. The political forces that control the city are happy with the present leadership.
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Friday December 09, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
COLOURS and the colour of false consciousness Yesterday, the manager of the Robb Street store, COLOURS, told me it was fine to bring my dog in, once I continued to cuddle her in my arms. I decided I would wait on the pavement with my pet while my daughter bought a pair of joggers. As my daughter came out of the store, two men came up to me; one of them in a very assertive way addressed me. He said loudly, “Mr. Kissoon, you have to talk to Minister Ramjattan to ban these push cart music vendors; you got to talk to the Minister to get them off the streets.” My daughter looked inquisitively as he continued. “These people are a nuisance; they play the music loud man and disturb you.” With a thin smile on my face, I replied; “Why don’t you talk to him?” He shot back; “You know how many times I tried; only you can do it, Mr. Kissoon.” By this time my daughter looked like she wanted the
dialogue to end. We were walking east on Robb Street and as we approached Wellington Street, I said; “I don’t think I will do that; these are poor people trying to make a living.” As we crossed over Wellington Street, he remarked; “I know, I know, but they disturb people with the loud noise.” I experience these kinds of encounters all the time. They all, (every one of them), remind me of how confusing class society is and how sad is the lack of class consciousness. Karl Marx in his famous book, The German Ideology, once wrote that ideology is false consciousness. The great Italian thinker, Antonio Gramsci, who still remains the most brilliant exponent of the nature of class society since Marx himself (even more than the Frankfurt School of philosophy in post-war Germany or the French post-war philosophical thinkers symbolized in no other than, Jean Paul Sartre),
developed Marx’s point in brilliant ways when he coined the term, “ cultural hegemony.” Marx explored the thought of the bourgeoisie creating a deceptive, controlled, one-dimensional society (thus the name of one of philosophy’s great books, One Dimension Man by the Frankfurt School’s biggest name, Herbert Marcuse; Marcuse’s arguments in this book owed a huge debt to Gramsci) through the saturation of false consciousness. What Marx foresaw was that the ruling classes would pass on to the masses, values that are not in the interest of the masses, but that which they will still come to accept as truth. It was left to Gramsci to develop this theme in Marx. Gramsci was superb, because he saw what 20th century society could do to the psychology of the masses that Marx could not see in the 19th century. Whereas Marx saw the Proletariat as selling out their own interests because of values they think are universally objective, it was Gramsci that best explained the success of false consciousness through the process of what he
termed, “cultural hegemony.” Gramsci argued that 20th century capitalism obfuscates the division among the economic class by creating a system of culture which the oppressed classes come to accept as ideological truth. All this philosophical jazz (if you think so) is relevant to understanding how that man was thinking when he approached me and my daughter. False consciousness is at work here, because for him it is un-cultural to be strolling down the streets selling CDs and playing the advertised music loudly. This man has no psychological consciousness of the dangers another class of people pose to the society – the container trucks. Who did the music vendor kill? The answer is no one. Is he a disturber of the peace? The answer is yes. But he is an ephemeral “geographical” nuisance. When he passes by your house, the decibels are incredibly deafening. Then, he passes and is gone and may not come back in your area. The container-truck is ubiquitous in Guyana. There is a City Council regulation
that stipulates that these container trucks are only allowed on the streets during certain hours and certainly not during the rush time traffic. The same restriction applies to sand trucks coming into Georgetown. They have to drop off their load before 6 a.m. That restriction is meticulously monitored, but the container-trucks are never touched. There have been several persons crushed to death by these container-trucks, two of which occurred this year and two school children barely missed being run over a few weeks ago, and in all cases the accidents have occurred
Frederick Kissoon within Georgetown. The complaining gentleman does not see these trucks as burdensome as the music cart vendors. How interesting; the incident occurred outside COLOURS, because it tells the story of the colour of false consciousness.
Dem boys seh... Jagdeo scamps call Dr Nutten bluff A scamp can never con another scamp. That is an old saying. Dr Nutten try to con de nation and de MPs pun de other side ketch him. Fuh de third time in three months Dr Nutten get skin up. De story bout de bond come up again and Dr Nutten decide to bluff dem scamps pun de other side. He challenge a statement by de Chat-3 who tell de parliament that not one tablet in de bond. Dr Nutten jump up and holler, “You want bet. I gun carry y’all tomorrow and show you how much tablet deh inside.” But knowing de Chat-3, he is always a hustler and a scamp, heself. He jump up and seh “You gun put thing tonight. Let’s go now and see it.” Right away Dr Nutten start sweat. He didn’t get time to stammer. De Speaker seh “Done wid this sh**. Carry de people now. When Dr Nutten hear that he seh he don’t have de key. Is then Jagdeo jump in and seh, “Don’t worry wid that. You know me class. I picked every lock in de treasury.” De team went down and de lock get pick. Dem boys hear when Dr Nutten tun on
de light was condom galore, lubricants fuh so and nuff empty fridge but not a single tablet. Dem boys want to know who gun help him now. De last time when Dr Nutten lie, Soulja Bai send three people who dem boys believe was decent and honest. He send Moses, Trotty and Joe Shan to check pun de controversial bond. When dem report back dem cover fuh Dr Nutten wid de dumbest of excuse that people will never fuhget. After yesterday, dem boys want to know who Soulja Bai gun send to defend Dr Nutten. Dem boys watching to see. Dem boys also waiting to see wha Neil gun do. He went good, good at de Waterfalls paper but he ass like stinging nettle. He can’t sit down too lang. He go all about and end up at Soulja Bai paper. He carry he big boy style. Dem boys hear he behave bigger than Soulja Bai— talking down to de Board. He get ee marching order. Dem boys hear when he pack up ee desk and pick up he bag, he pick up he padna and walk. Talk half and watch him run back to de Waterfalls paper.
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
B’dos court upholds 25-yr sentence for Guyanese convicted for killing Russian teen Barbados - The 25-year sentence given to the man who admitted his part in the “senseless” and “reprehensible” killing of a teenager, who died after she was left hanging from the ceiling before her home was set ablaze eight years ago, was upheld by the Court of Appeal on Wednesday. This was the decision of Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson and Justices of Appeal Sandra Mason and Andrew Burgess as the case of Teerath Persaud concluded. Persaud, 49, originally of Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, Guyana, and Christopher Omar McCollin, 34, of Vineyard Tenantry, St Philip, were both indicted for the murder of Anna Druzhinina on November 8, 2008. They pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and Persaud was sentenced to 25 years on December 11, 2012. He was given credit for his four years and 26 days on remand, leaving him with 20 years and 339 days in prison, according to a Barbados Nation story yesterday. According to a report of the Barbados Freepress, on
Conviction upheld: Teerath Persaud (Barbados Nation photo) November 8, 2008, Russian teenager Anna Druzhinina was brutally hanged in her home in Barbados one day after her 16th birthday. Her feet and hands were bound behind her with electrical cable, she was blindfolded, gagged and put to balance barefoot on a metal
paint can stacked on top of a plastic can. A wire noose was tied around her neck and strung over a rafter. The co-accomplices, Persaud and McCollin, left her to sit on the balcony and wait for her parents until she collapsed and hanged. McCollin warned Anna if she fell off she would die. Persaud was employed as a security guard at her parents at SO-LO wholesale food store in Black Rock. He was accused of killing the teen. His accomplice was Christopher McCollin. Anna had been known to Persaud since she was 7. According to the court sentencing for manslaughter in 2010 of the accomplice McCollin, they went for “revenge and robbery”. Teerath Persaud was allowed to plead to manslaughter and sentenced Dec 11, 2012, to just less than 21 years (plus time already served).
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Jamaica imports 2,000 tonnes of sugar from Guyana (Jamaica Gleaner) - There will be enough sugar available to meet the usual spike in demand for Christmas, with the Jamaica Cane Products Sales Limited importing 2,000 tonnes of brown (raw) sugar to fill the shortfall created by the destruction of sugar stored in its Marcus Garvey Drive warehouse by flooding in September. "We had to find a source, and first of all, we had to get it from CARICOM, according to the CARICOM arrangements ...We were able to get it from Guyana. We almost finished importing it. Just a small amount is left to come in," General Manager Karl James told The Gleaner. The flood, which occurred after crop
time, meant that local factories were unable to supply the needed commodity, following a directive from the public health department that the affected sugar be destroyed, according to James. James explained that the company's insurers, Lloyds of London, have begun compensation payments. "We got half the insurance and we are looking to get the rest any time now. We got half of it already because they saw the reasons for it, and all of that, you know, so they didn't have too many questions to ask." Jamaicans consume between about 49,000 tonnes of brown sugar each year, according to the Sugar Industry Authority.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 09, 2016
Murder accused walks free on no case submission
A 24-year-old cattle farmer who was accused of ripping open another man’s belly during a drinking spree in the wee hours of Monday March 16, 2015, on Tuesday last, walked out of the Berbice High Court a free man. This was following the defence no case submission. Romel Sanichar, called “Junior”, who was on trial before Justice William Ramlal and a mixed jury, was accused of murdering 41-year-old Karamchan Jagasar, called “Gingo”, a vendor of Bourda market in Georgetown. Sanichar was represented by attorneys at law Mursalene Bacchus and Kim Kyte in association with Tanya Warren Clements. The state’s case was represented by State Prosecutor attorney at law Orinthia Schmidt. The court heard that there was a misunderstanding between the men that stemmed from a deal over some sheep which the accused had sold to the victim.
Freed: Romel Sanichar
After the prosecution had closed its case, the defence submitted that there was no case for their client to answer, thus he should be set free. After listening to the submission put forward by the defence attorneys, Justice Ramlal agreed that the
elements of a case for murder were not established. He thus directed the Jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty of murder. He subsequently admonished the accused and warned him to stay away from trouble.
Boy, 11, dies after struck by speeding car A first form student of Tagore Memorial Secondary School died yesterday afternoon on the No. 49 Public Road when he was struck by a speeding car. Dead is Simon Kendall, 11, of Number 49 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. A relative speaking to Kaieteur News disclosed that Kendall was walking along the roadway with his elder brother when two cars that were reportedly speeding, approached them on the public road. One vehicle allegedly overtook the other, and slammed into the boy, throwing him several feet in the air. The lad was reportedly
- driver flees scene struck down two houses away from his home. The boy’s brother narrowly escaped. The driver of the vehicle sped away after hitting Kendall. The boy was still alive when relatives rushed to his assistance. He was transported to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he later succumbed. He had sustained severe injuries to his back, feet, head and other parts of the body. Meanwhile, reports reaching this publication have since indicated that the driver of the vehicle has been identified. Information gathered stated that the man,
Dead: Simon Kendall, 11 after escaping the scene, drove home and parked his vehicle and has since fled. His brother is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
HDI handed over record of monies... (From page 6) a better Guyana, he has “never hidden behind anybody”. This comment was in relation to the accusation made against him that he was hiding behind President’s Granger’s explanation of the project. “In over 40 years of Po-
litical Activism, I have never engaged in any acts giving off a whiff of malfeasance, and I deeply resent any whisperings or hints in the media to that effect. I promise this august Assembly, that I will not sit by and suffer in silence if I am now accused by anyone of such acts” he concluded.
Previous reports have indicated that when the Ministry of Public Infrastructure took over the works of the project, over $400M was plugged into the project to bring it to completion. The actual cost of the project is yet to be made public by the administration.
Friday December 09, 2016
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Kaieteur News
APNU+AFC is first Govt. in Guyana’s history to impose 200 new tax measures -Teixeira - MP calls on administration to withdraw oppressive budget
By Kiana Wilburg The APNU+AFC Government will go down in Guyana’s history books for a number of things. And being the first administration in the nation’s history to impose 200 new tax measures will perhaps resound as one of the most disquieting aspects of its record. This is according to the Opposition’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira. She proffered this perspective during her presentation on the third day of debate on Budget 2017. The Parliamentarian supported her colleagues in their condemnation of the Budget and the regressive measures being imposed on the Guyanese nation. She too, called for the withdrawal of the 2017 Budget and the removal of its unreasonable tax measures. Teixeira said that the Opposition “stands ready to offer its knowledge, experience and expertise to bring a new Budget that will stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life of the citizenry”. The Parliamentarian said that having listened to the
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira 2017 Budget presentation by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, she was flabbergasted that the APNU+AFC government would “impose such an antipeople, anti-development budget on the people”. “I am convinced that this budget has been conceived by a philosophically devoid, technically bureaucratic, unimaginative, uncreative, uncaring Cabinet,” Teixeira expressed. The Parliamentarian said too, that this “I don’t care Government” appears to have “a narcissistic desire to
demonstrate that it is different and known for a fresh start,” while denoting that all that came before it was of no value. On that premise, Teixeira waded into the Government’s record since it took office. The Opposition member said that the APNU+AFC government is the first to bring three budgets totaling $670B in 19 months, even though it tells the nation that it inherited a bankrupt state. In this regard, she commented, “So where did the money come from? Certainly not from loans and grants!” Teixeira then disclosed that the coalition is the first government ever in the history of Guyana to impose 200 new tax measures; 143 in February, 2016 and 57 in December 2016. She added that it is the first to do so in a matter of 10 months. Her colleagues agreed with her, while heckling that it warrants mention in the Guinness Book of World Records or to be featured on a segment of ‘Ripley’s Believe
it or Not’. Continuing along the same line of argument, the Opposition Chief Whip said that this is the first government to bring a budget that has been criticized so heavily by all and sundry, including supporters of its own. In this regard, she mentioned Financial Analyst and Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. Teixeira said that the columnist, who is no lover of the PPP, has even called the budget measures into question. Teixeira also noted during her presentation, the concerns raised by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Guyana Women Miners Organization. The Opposition Member said that both groups have made it known that the Finance Minister has brought measures that will hasten the sector’s decline and that overall, the budget has no good news for miners.
Furthermore, Teixeira said that APNU+AFC has emerged as the first government to ignore the recommendations made by the private sector and other national stakeholders, including the labour movement, during the consultations on the Budgets for 2015, 2016 and 2017. She said that it is also the first government to bring a budget while another one is still being implemented, and therefore bringing to the National Assembly an incomplete 2016 expenditure with no actual figures. Teixeira continued, “This is the first government to bring a budget that is devoid of a developmental strategy to resolve the challenges that the country faces nationally, regionally and globally…It is the first government in two decades that is oblivious to the demands of the country, its peoples.” The Opposition Chief Whip added, “It offers merely tinkering of the problems, a lazy, quick taxation-driven approach to development and a willingness to undermine the constitutional provisions such as Article 13 and those that protect rights
of property, freedom of movement, freedom of association, freedom of speech. An impassioned Teixeira also lashed out at the administration for sullying the nation’s record in keeping malnutrition and immunization figures at praiseworthy rates. Teixeira reflected, “This was one of the flagships of our country… How dare you in a matter of 19 months put our country in this state? Put our children at risk? This is a shame. You have increased moderate and severe malnutrition in 19 months and you tell us about the good life? How dare you? This is your fresh start?” The politician said that the aforementioned facts cannot be wished away no matter how many and which political spin doctors the Government enrolls to bring to their defence.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Proponents of used tyres defend against planned import restriction
Following the recent announcement of the $250B Budget for 2017, it was established yet again that the Government will be moving to put a restriction of the importation of used tyres in Guyana. In the previous budget this had been highlighted. However, it was not immediately implemented, after the Used Tyres Association among other entities had signed a petition of over 200 persons and sent it to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Jordan, during his recent budget presentation to the National Assembly said that restriction will apply to the importation of used tyres for motor cars, vans, pickups, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and mini-buses, with effect from April 1, 2017. The measure is part of Government’s plan to ‘green’ Guyana and protect the environment. President of the Used Tyres Association, Allan Newark during an interview with this publication yesterday said that, “I think that is unreasonable, as a lot
of people depend on these used tyres”. He said that the myth surrounding used tyres - that it is rubbish - is totally not true. “These tyres have to be checked and approved by Guyana National Bureau of Standards before being put out for sale,” Newark emphasised. Newark asserted that the Government “does not realise how much a bus driver or a taxi driver would have to pay for a brand new tyre, this would eventually result in the drivers raising their transportation fares for them to be able to maintain new tyres”. “What happens now when you go out and buy a new tyre and it happens to burst; now who is going to be paying for another new tyre?” Newark questioned. “The standard average price for a used tyre is $3000 whereas a new tyre price would start from minimum price of $10,000”. Newark said that other myths surrounding used tyres is that they only last three months and are to be blamed for road accidents. He said that it is not the tyres but
the drivers who are in control of tyres. Newark said that the Government wants to ban used tyres without even knowing the minimum price for a tyre. He further stated that, it would even be reasonable if when persons buy used tyres that they have a guarantee for one month that if something happens to the tyre they can acquire another one. “In many cases used tyres are tyres that were once on a brand new car that was involved in an accident.” President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews yesterday also commented on the issue, speaking from a Union perspective. “We feel first that as a stakeholder among other stakeholders we ought to have been a part of the decision making”. Andrews said that the used tyre business is “a real and necessary business” and has been happening worldwide. He said that used tyres require a 4mm thickness, and if when the tyres are imported and they do not meet this criterion they are to be disposed of.
President of the Used Tyres Association, Allan Newark (left) and President of the Minibuses Union, Eon Andrews. Andrews said that he realized that a government has a right to govern for the benefits of its citizens. However, restricting the importation of used tyres would definitely cost minibus drivers since they are not a company; they are individuals trying to make a living. “Having to pay more on tyres would cause
confusion, as the drivers would have to increase their fees for transportation.” “It is going to cause a trickledown effect, one cannot survive in vacuum, take into consideration the commuters,” he said. “The used tyres industry also provides employment for persons, who will eventually be out of a job.” Andrews said
that he is advocating for consultation, either by survey or invitation of persons. He said that he wants the Government to be successful and that they (stakeholders) are prepared to play the part to help them, but they can only do so if they are treated in a way that is tangible to change - if they work together and make their contributions. Andrews asked, “How do they know the original tyre? How does one differentiate from what is new and what is used?” “I try as much as possible to represent the bread and butter of our members. The Minibus Union is in full support of their partners, The Used Tyres Association.”
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAGE 27
US$100,000 cassava processing mill operations imminent Anthony Kissoon strives... The US$50M annual importation bill for wheat flour is expected to reduce by US$10M with the presence of cassava flour on the local market. This significant achievement will be made possible with the setting up of a cassava processing mill at Parika, East Bank Essequibo. This announcement was made yesterday by Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at the opening session of a two-day workshop on cassava development. The workshop is being held at the Institute’s boardroom, Mon
Repos, East Coast Demerara. At the opening session were George Jervis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Bernardo Ospina, CEO of Clayuca Corporation; representatives of the private sector; farmers, and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture. Cassava development in CARICOM has been given a big boost with funding by the European Union. The Colombian Government is facilitating the implementation in Guyana, Suriname, Grenada, Barbados and Jamaica. Clayuca is the implementing agency on behalf of the Colombian Government. According to Dr.
Homenauth, the programme duration is 42 months, a period that would allow the transfer of technology, introductio n of new varieties, capacity building and most importantly, the setting up of the cassava flour mill. The mill costs US$100,000 and has the capacity to process 10,000 pounds of cassava per day. Earlier this year, NAREI conducted an exercise to determine whether cassava flour would be an effective ingredient in the bread-baking process. The outcome has local bakeries interested in using cassava flour as part of their operations. A study
conducted revealed that 20 percent of cassava flour could be added to the flour mix for bread baking. Dr. Homenauth was clear that neither the agency nor the Ministry is imposing the use of cassava flour but is promoting it as an economical alternative. He emphasized that the US$10M saved from the importation bill would go to local cassava farmers. Meanwhile, Mr. Jervis while expressing thanks to the European Union for funding this initiative, pledged the Ministry’s support for this venture since cassava is an important component of the Ministry’s long term plan.
$50,000 reward for Guyanese correction... From page 18 Association, told the community, “if you see something, say something, urging the community to call the Police hotline, and encouraged those gathered to come together. “It is a sad day, but your sad day will come when you are brought to justice, he promised the unidentified murder suspect. “This lady was assassinated and I am hoping that
the city administration makes sure this individual is brought to justice, said President of the Grand Council of Guardians, Charles Billups. “People label correction officers as thugs and bullies, when they are doing their job. I am challenging the mayor to step forward to ensure there is equal justice for all. This assassin must be caught,” said Billups. During a prayer for the
family, Bishop Seabrook extended condolences to the Bryan family, and asked the community to come together for swift justice. He prayed, saying, there is a God to console the family in their time of crisis, and added that all lives matter. “Let us begin to deal with getting guns off the street, we are all human beings, let us be loving and kind to each other to make the world a better place for our chil-
dren.” Elected officials Assemblyman Alan Maisel, Public Advocate Letitia James, and Councilmember Jumaane Williams all paid their respects to the Bryan family.
From page 25 reminiscent of the style it was told to me by my mother and other friends. I have placed these tales in an orderly and specific time frame and the only reason for doing so is that Guyana was settled and colonized by various people at different times in its history.” The late Viola Burnham (wife of President Burnham) had commented on the first publication of his book that, “Kissoon's “Tales of the Spirits” are folkloric in the oral tradition of our ancestors with an interestingly mischievous addition of fiction and morality, peppered with blood-curdling imagery, to young as well as to adult readers. They attempt to fill a vacuum in the cultural memory of all Guyanese whatever their origin.” Kissoon told Kaieteur Entertainment of the riveting tale of the Moon gazer, which is a man-like creature that stares or gazes at the moon. He said that the legend was handed down by the old East Indian labourers who worked at the sugar plantations from dusk to dawn. It is said that the Moon Gazer, when disturbed, would become very angry and unleash his wrath upon his curious victims. Kissoon asserts that he knows of many who have lived to tell the tale. He is extending an invitation to anyone who is desirous, to take a long stroll across an estate after midnight where the Moon Gazer still sleeps.
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Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Opposition airs Govt.’s ‘dirty laundry’ in Nat’l Assembly - Calls for investigation into outstanding US$5M in GTT shares By Kiana Wilburg The proverbial “dirty laundry” of the coalition administration was on several occasions, aired out in the National Assembly by the members of the political opposition as they made their contributions to the debate on the 2017 budget which started on Monday. Opposition Member, Indra Chandarpal noted during her presentation that the Government’s mantra of a “Good Life for all” has come to mean nothing but increase in taxes and joblessness for Guyanese. She also called the Government’s record of transparency and accountability into question. The Member of Parliament (MP) noted that since the coalition party came to power, there has been a change for the worse. She said that questions still remain unanswered as to the financing of Government’s multimillion-dollar infrastructural venture called the D’Urban Park Project. Chandarpal said also that there has been nothing but silence from the Government regarding the questionable acquisition of eight containers of steel worth hundreds of millions of dollars by contractor, BK International Incorporated. The Opposition member
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira also called for an investigation to be launched into the outstanding US$5 million on the sale of Government’s shares in GTT. Chandarpal noted that the Minister of State Joseph Harmon returned from China with documents on the issue. She said that the nation is yet to see these documents and Government, in the interest of transparency, should make them available. Chandarpal said that the matter needs to be settled once and for all. She stressed that on one hand, the nation is being told that the money was paid off, yet NICIL is indicating that it has never received the money. “This matter should be investigated immediately,” Chandarpal said.
Opposition Member, Indra Chandarpal
Also lending support to her argument was Opposition Member, Odinga Lumumba. Like Chandarpal, he called for the oppressive measures in the budget to be removed. He even sought to separate the budget from the personality of Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He described the economist as a “very caring person” while noting that it must have been traumatic for Jordan to present a budget that has the “shades of economic genocide.” Lumumba concluded that the budget only outlines a number of infrastructural projects, but fails miserably to show the relationship they have with the nation’s economic growth. He stressed that some of the projects are
just part of the Government’s “political gymnastics”. As for Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, she said that the government inherited a nation that showed positive economic growth rate over the last eight years averaging 5%. Teixeira noted that today, the economic growth rate has dropped to 2.6%, which is lower than the 4.4 percent rate projected by Minister Jordan in the 2016 Budget just 10 months ago. Teixeira said that this is the lowest recorded growth rate in the last eight years. The MP said that it is now an undeniable fact, given the aforementioned, that the government is underperforming and has made no effort to enlighten the people or the Par-
Opposition MP, Odinga Lumumba liament as to the reasons why it has underperformed with its capital projects. The Opposition Chief Whip also noted the poor performance of the traditional sectors under the new government. She stressed that before the 2015 elections sugar’s growth rate stood at 16%, rice at 19%, forestry at 14%, manufacturing at 11%, construction at 18% and services sectors at 3%. Now in 2016, Teixeira said that those figures have declined. She said, “It seems that the poor maths assessment in 2016 that the government referred to is not at the primary school level but permeates the highest forum of this country - the Cabinet.”
Speaking to the “crème de la crème” of the Government’s record thus far in office, Teixeira said that the APNU+AFC has managed to strike up 26 scandals of corrupt practices, breach or total disregard for the procurement laws and regulations, cronyism, and just raw corruption in 19 months; the latest being the Jubilee D’Urban Park Development Project. The Opposition Member even challenged those on the Government’s side of the House to find 26 scandals of corruption during the 23 years of PPP government versus 26 scandals under the APNU+AFC government in 19 months. “We still remain convinced that the rush to bring a second budget within 10 months in one year is not without some profound concerns of opportunities for abuse, and just as important, restricting the parliamentary opposition in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities to scrutinize the estimates and hold the government to account.” The Opposition Member stressed that the APNU+AFC government on its own is solely responsible for contributing to the decline in hope and optimism, trust and confidence in the society, and warned that it is hard to regain.
Judge sends gang member to jail for 1080 years... From page 3 Caesar said he and the others left for Lusignan but did not know which house to go in. The prosecutor stated that Caesar recalled that his accomplices began shooting up and running in persons' homes. She said that Caesar claimed he was unarmed, but admitted to barging into homes and ransacking them in search of money. Prosecutor Kaulesar added that Caesar said the “boys” shot persons in the houses before leaving without finding any barrels with money inside. The ordeal lasted for about 30 minutes. Kaulesar told the court that although Caesar claimed he was unarmed, there is evidence that he was carrying an AK 47 rifle. After the Lusignan Massacre, Caesar fled to Nickerie, Suriname. He was captured on March 7, 2009, and escorted back to Guyana where he was questioned by police. He was later placed on an identification parade and positively identified as one of the persons who participated in the killings.
He was charged. Those who lost their lives at Bartica were the town's residents Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian and Irving Ferreira; Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne --all of whom were stationed at the Bartica Police Station; Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam; Ronald Gomes of Kuru Kururu; Ashraf Khan of Essequibo; Abdool Yasseen; Errol Thomas of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Baldeo Singh of Montrose, East Coast Demerara. On the night of February 17, 2008, around 21:40hrs, several gunmen attacked Bartica, killing a dozen people, including three police ranks, during an hour-long attack. It was reported that the armed men attacked the police station before killing the three policemen and freeing prisoners. They then left with the vehicle assigned to the police station and went on a rampage, terrorizing the community. Based on reports, the gunmen arrived in the area by boat and departed in a similar fashion taking monies and firearms they grabbed from the
police station and a mining company. AFRAID OF BEING KILLED BY 'FINE MAN' When asked by the Judge why Caesar should not be given a life sentence or consecutive sentences because he committed the Bartica massacre one month after killing eight persons at Lusignan, Attorney Maxwell McKay said that his client was afraid of being killed by 'Fine Man' and also ostracized or beaten. McKay said that Caesar did not want to disobey orders given by 'Fine Man'. “When you're in a gang you're expected to do certain things and expected to be of certain character.” The lawyer stated that 'Fine Man' killed at least two members of the gang, causing his client being fearful for his life. McKay added that Caesar accepted responsibility for his actions and was throwing himself at the mercy of the court. When asked if he had anything to say, Caesar said, “With all due respect your worship, I came to town at a very young age. I follow the wrong set of company and I
would like to show the deceased family mercy. I would like to change my life and be a better person.” Justice George informed Caesar that he would have to do so from jail. The Judge told him that crime does not pay. She said that in the space of one month, 20 innocent lives were lost at the hands of him and others. Before passing sentence, Justice George considered all mitigating factors coupled with the fact that the lives of innocent children were lost. She said that it is heart-rending. She said that Caesar showed no respect for human lives when he barged into the homes of persons at Lusignan. The Judge noted that a month later he went on another killing spree at Bartica. The Judge also considered the nature and circumstances under which the offences occurred; the degree of deliberation and that the killings were planned; the fact that Caesar was not provoked and that violence was used. The Judge also considered aggravating factors and the antecedents of Caesar. The base sentence for the
Lusignan Massacre was set at 65 years. However, seven years were deducted for the time he spent on remand; 11 years for the early guilty pleas and two years for him showing remorse, and mitigating factors based on what was outlined in a probation report in his favour and what he said in court. The base sentence for the Bartica Massacre was 75 years. The Judge also removed 15 years for the early guilty pleas. UNFORTUNATE BACKGROUND Aggrey Azore, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer said Caesar told him he came from an unfortunate background. Azore said that based on investigations, he was informed that some of Caesar's relatives were allegedly involved in criminal activities. He stated that Caesar grew up in Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice with his mother and stepfather, since his biological father was never around to raise him. Azore related that Caesar was forced to drop out of
school at 12 to work and help support his family. According to Azore, Caesar went to live with his aunt in the interior, where he worked and sent money to maintain his mother and siblings. The fact that he was unable to obtain a formal education, Azore said, resulted in him gravitating to friends of undesirable characters. “A band of dangerous and deadly friends,” Azore told the court. However, Azore stressed that this was no reason for him to become involved in criminal activities which led to the loss of lives. Azore stated that he spoke with people from Caesar's hometown and some of them expressed that they feared his demeanor and that his name was synonymous with criminal activities. He however said that some persons contended that Caesar was very helpful and freehanded. Azore recalled that during an interview with him at the Georgetown Prisons, he reiterated that the persons should not have died in such a manner and that he would turn his life around.
Friday December 09, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Central Bank halts buying Controversial drug bond has huge of TT, B’dos dollars quantities of condoms, lubricants -evidence suggests some applications for US$$ not legit
Central Bank Governor, Gobind Ganga. Central Bank has temporarily halted its buying of foreign currencies from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as a measure to ensure local supplies are not threatened. The disclosures were made yesterday by Governor of the bank, Dr. Gobind Ganga, who also dismissed worry that the foreign currency demand is anywhere near a chronic situation. During a press conference at Bank of Guyana, Avenue of the Republic, the official said that the current situation is being sensationalized, with intermittent shortages in supplies a normal thing in the business. The press conference would come after a number of local businesses and citizens claimed earlier this week of difficulties in acquiring foreign currencies and remitting US at the commercial banks. Other analysts have pointed to crisis situation in coming months after a number of key sectors underperformed despite the continued shine of gold production. This was made worse by a clamping down on the illegal drug trade and the severing of relations by a number of large overseas corresponding banks with Guyana and the region. Both the Governor, who oversees the operations of commercial banks in Guyana, and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, on Tuesday assured that there is enough foreign currency in the system to satisfy demands and there is no immediate evidence of a shortage. Jordan warned local banks not to hoard their supply but make these available to customers. Yesterday, as complaints continue from a number of persons of difficulties in acquiring at the banks, the Governor said that Central
Bank is working with the financial institutions to ensure the situation remains under control. As of yesterday, the local banking system needed an immediate injection of US$6M ($1.2B), the official disclosed. This is by no means a large amount, when taking in context the volumes. Ganga insisted that there were no signs on Monday that the banks wanted Central Bank’s intervention. As a matter of fact, he revealed, the banks had over US$10M floating in the system with just over US$8M in applications and commitments. Following the story in Kaieteur News on Tuesday, local banks immediately applied to Central Bank for help. Commercial banks asking for US dollars from Central Bank this week were told to submit evidence of the demands by customers. Some of the applications by customers could not be substantiated as they were based on letters and emails. Applications for foreign remittances would normally be accompanied by backup documents like invoices, he said. A market analysis yesterday found that Central Bank will have to release about US$6M. One of the immediate measures that Government will be taking also is the Central Bank’s halting purchases of currencies from Trinidad and Tobago and B a r b a d o s . There is evidence that persons and companies have been dumping the currencies here and buying up US. Both countries are facing tough times and shortages of foreign currencies. This is evidence from the fact that there is currently $38M in cash from Trinidad, four times of the 2014 figures.
In terms of Bajan dollars, this has moved from $8M to $13M in cash now. Ganga was unable to confirm how that amount entered Guyana but said it came from both the banks and non-banks (cambios). The cash were sold to Central Bank. According to the Governor, persons with TT and Bajan currencies who want to sell can still visit Central Bank once they can prove that the transactions are legitimate. According to the Governor, commercial banks have committed to injecting some of its own reserves from overseas to help with supplies. The situation with Trinidad is so bad that one customer there is unable to raise US$1M to pay the Guyana Sugar Corporation. According to Ganga, there is evidence of different schemes to buy up foreign currencies here. One is the opening of accounts by foreign companies- like from Suriname- depositing Guyana dollars and asking for US. The official admitted that there will never be a comfortable situation where there is enough foreign dollars available- not anywhere in the world. Ganga argued that it may be true that banks will also be looking out for its customers first than persons who just walk off the road asking for US dollars. There have even been cases of persons using their credit cards to buy up foreign currency, it was disclosed yesterday. According to Ganga, local banks have never been turned away when they come knocking for foreign currency at Central Bank. Making a case of the economy being on solid grounds, the official pointed to strong revenues from gold. While Guyana has not done so well with sugar and rice, the country’s balance of payments has improved significantly from other sectors, including from things like fisheries and rum. With a decline in the import costs for fuel, the Governor insisted that the economy was healthy and strong. It is doing better than other Caribbean countries like Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. It is doing better than Barbados which has a fixed rate system but has also an informal trade being allowed. According to the official, the foreign currency system in Guyana is “efficient”.
…But no tablets, pharmaceuticals Empty shelves and a forklift greeted the MPs
By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton proved last night that the controversial Sussex Street drug bond is not totally empty. However, what is currently there is not what the nation or opposition Members of Parliament (MP) expected to be in storage for the amount of money that is being paid in monthly rent. The events that unfolded last evening were nothing short of dramatic; it all started when Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall took the floor of the National Assembly to make his contribution to the 2017 Budget Debates. Nandlall told the House that there was “not one tablet” that can be found in the bond. He said, “$14M we are spending to rent a bond that not a tablet is being stored.” Nandlall was asked by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland to reclaim his seat as Norton took the floor on a Point of Order. Dr. Norton cited Standing Order 40 (A). He said, “The honourable member said we are paying $14M for a bond in Sussex Street and not a tablet is being stored there. That is misleading the House; I ask that he withdraw his statement.” Dr. Norton got strong support from government MPs for this. They echoed, “Withdraw, let him withdraw.” The Speaker told Norton that he was not able to follow his Point of Order. Norton repeated, “The Honourable Member is misleading the House by saying that no medication is being stored at the bond, I ask that that statement be withdrawn.” The Speaker asked, “Dr.
Norton, you are saying medication is stored at the bond?” Norton responded in the affirmative. Nandlall then maintained his information is correct and said that the bridge was recently being done. As the Speaker deliberated his next move, there was intense cross talking on the floor. The Opposition steadily accused the government of skullduggery in this regard. Dr. Scotland had to plead with the MPs to contain themselves. “What we have is a statement made by one Member and a challenge to that statement by another Member. We can spend the rest of the evening going backward and forward or we can agree that we can ascertain what the truth of it is.” In the preamble to inform the House of his decision, the Speaker made it clear that his chosen course of action was only being done for this occasion and should not be used as precedent on another occasion. Dr. Scotland noted that it is a matter has engaged the House and should be brought to an end. But the Speaker proposed that it will be solved today. Nandlall objected expressing that “they will put things in there.” So the Speaker decided to go last night. The Deputy Speaker accompanied Irfaan Ali, Minister Volda Lawrence and a few other MPs to the bond. The Speaker was heard telling the Clerk, “if it is not true then it must be ended, if it is true then it must be exposed.” Outside the bond, opposition MPs, the media, the Deputy Clerk and Ministers alike waited for over 45 min-
utes before entry was gained. During this period, members of the community converged and started hurling insulting remarks at opposition MPs. One even made a threat to Ali’s life. Eventually, entry was gained. Boxes upon boxes of lubricants were seen, along with a few boxes of umbilical cord clamps. All boxes had delivery dates of August this year. That was in the upper flat. The lower flat stored several pieces of equipment along with several empty refrigerators. Ali asked to see at least one tablet, but none could have been presented. Back at the National Assembly, a report was given to the Speaker. The Speaker told the House of the items. He said that the PS of Ministry of Health reported that the boxes could not have been opened because the supplies would be damaged. More confusion erupted when Ali noted he did not see one tablet. He said he asked both Lawrence and the Clerk to see one table but could not be shown any. The Speaker said that he did not recall the purpose of going to the bond to be seeing a tablet, but just to see it is at all in use. But Opposition MPs recalled a different sequence of events. Deliberations continued for quite some time. He listened to the recording three times, but could not arrive at a solution. Eventually, the House arrived at a solution to solve the issue today. This is so the Speaker can benefit from a transcript. (Additional reporting by Murtland Haley)
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Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Laudable outcomes being realized from YCG’s Science project - continued support from ExxonMobil being sought to expand venture An Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) project initiated a few years ago by Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) has started to yield laudable outcomes. This verdict has been forthcoming from teachers of schools that have been incorporated into the strategic project. The project was implemented in a few Regions of the country but was more recently expanded to Region Three. YCG has recently completed a report of the results of implementing the project in Region Three where it was introduced to three schools La Grange Primary, Malgre Tout Primary and Den Amstel Primary. According to Leelawattie Inderdeo, Deputy Head teacher at La Grange Primary, “The pupils are now exposed to the practical aspects and not only the theoretical component of science.” She explained that “usually students are introduced to practical work in the secondary level.” In yet another testimonial, Marlon Bentham, Head Teacher at Malgre Tout Primary said, “The children are reacting positively to this experience. They are eager to participate fully in each exercise.” According to Bentham, “there are more group activities and at the end of each lesson their work is displayed to the general class.” “It is intriguing to be part of this initiative. Introducing the IBSE kits to the pupils feels rewarding since the children are now more attentive in science sessions,” said Rhonda Winter-Sobers, Head
Teacher at Den Amstel Primary. The project is one for which YCG was able to gain financial support from ExxonMobil, an American multinational oil and gas corporation. Technical support for the project was forthcoming from the Ministry of Education’s National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). The IBSE Project is aimed at reaching 150 pupils and six primary science teachers. It was premised on the realization, according to YCG’s Executive Director Dmitri Nicholson, that educating a new generation in natural sciences and even mathematics is a long process which can prove to be efficient when it commences at an early stage of life and continues for as long as possible. It is for this reason that primary school pupils were targeted for the pilot project. The project, moreover, sought to rejuvenate interest and advanced learning of science concepts by training teachers in the use of an IBSE Method to teach primary level science. The reason for emphasizing inquiry-based education in this project is that, if carried out effectively, it facilitates understanding, Nicholson underscored. “The concept of understanding is different from remembering facts such as the names of the planets in the solar system, or the elements of the periodical table,” Nicholson highlighted, even as he pointed out that “the IBSE approach contrasts with those where facts and pro-
YCG Executive Director, Dmitri Nicholson cesses are learned with little demonstration or practice, a situation leading to boredom at school, an inability to apply the knowledge in daily life and poor long-term acquisition of knowl¬edge.” Nicholson disclosed that after the pilot phase of the project and its subsequent implementation from 20132014, there were measurable improvements in the grades of students in pre- and posttests conducted in the classrooms of the few schools that were initially targeted. In fact the results were so heartening that NCERD requested that the methodology be transferred to additional schools in new regions across the country. The project provided science kits which comprised laboratory equipment and resource material to catalyse a greater interest in the sci-
ences to the schools. Teachers were provided with training and instruction tools. But as part of its deliberate effort to gather feedback from the schools in relation to the impact of the kits and methodology, Nicholson said that a Whatsapp group was created as an ongoing repository for pictures and progress reports and dialogue. “It was observed that in all three schools the enthusiasm level for science grew significantly after receiving the science kits. The feedback from teachers in each school, using photo and written expressions, indicate an increase in the participation of students in scientific experiments and lessons,” Nicholson informed. The project has surpassed its 150 pupils target and has given rise to the possibility that it can be expanded nationally with success. YCG is looking to its partnership with ExxonMobil and NCERD to advance its ambitions plan. According to ExxonMobil’s Director of Public and Government Affairs, Carlton James, improving educational programme worldwide to enhance mathematics and science skills is a priority for ExxonMobil. He pointed out too that “with its continued support for initiatives that encourage an active interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), ExxonMobil is committed to the professional development of highly qualified teachers worldwide.” It is this very commitment that ExxonMobil has demonstrated by giving its support
to YCG, James declared. ExxonMobil, through its Guyana affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, according to James, is committed to building capacity in STEM for both teachers in secondary schools in the regions, and youth in and out of school in urban areas. Amplifying the importance of STEM to the economic development of Guyana, James noted that the role played by YCG and other non-governmental organizations in this regard is critical. “These NGOs complement the efforts of the Ministry of Education in the STEM process,” James asserted as he emphasised that “ExxonMobil’s partnering with YCG goes beyond mere funding. It is a three-way collaboration which includes the Ministry of Education.” Elaborating on the nature of the project, he pointed out that the flexible design of the project facilitates course correction based on feedback
from the participating teachers and the Ministry of Education. He, however, observed that “so far the feedback is anecdotal, yet positive.” A review of the project is planned for the first quarter of 2017, during which it is expected that the implementation methodology; the needs, gaps, challenges, benefits and lessons learned will be examined, James said. “The review will move us beyond anecdotal feedback and evolve recommendations to refine the project,” James noted, as he considered that a review of the fledgling programme will also allow for the identification of any challenges or comparative advantages. “It would provide guidance as to the direction in which the collaboration and implementation should go. It could recommend either consolidation of the project in the current regions and schools or expansion to other regions and schools,” James added.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 09, 2016
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
John Glenn, first American to orbit Earth, dies at 95 (Reuters) John Glenn, who became one of the 20th century’s greatest explorers as the first American to orbit Earth and later as the world’s oldest astronaut, and also had a long career as a U.S. senator, died in Ohio on Thursday at age 95. Glenn, the last surviving member of the original seven American “Right Stuff” Mercury astronauts, died at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University in Columbus, said Hank Wilson, a spokesman at the university’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs, which Glenn helped found. Glenn was credited with reviving U.S. pride after the Soviet Union’s early domination of manned space exploration. His three laps around the world in the Friendship 7 capsule on February 20, 1962, forged a powerful link between the former fighter pilot and the Kennedy-era quest to explore outer space as a “New Frontier.” President Barack Obama,
John Glenn who in 2012 awarded Glenn the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, said: “With John’s passing, our nation has lost an icon.” “When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation,” Obama said in a statement. “And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit
of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together.” President-elect Donald Trump said on Twitter the United States had lost “a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers.” As the third of seven astronauts in NASA’s soloflight Mercury programme to venture into space, Glenn became more of a media fixture than the others and was known for his composure.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 09, 2016
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Iraqi troops pull out from Mosul hospital after fierce battle (Reuters) Iraqi troops who briefly seized a Mosul hospital believed to be used as an Islamic State base were forced to withdraw from the site, but managed to establish a base for army tanks nearby after days of fierce back-and-forth fighting, residents said. The rapid advance into the Wahda neighborhood where the hospital is located marked a change of tactic after a month of fighting in east Mosul in which the army has sought to capture and clear neighborhoods block by block. The ferocity of the fighting reflects the importance of the army’s push from southeast Mosul towards the center, their deepest advance in a grueling seven-week offensive to crush Islamic State in Iraq’s largest northern city. The soldiers seized Salam
hospital, less than a mile (just over 1 km) from the Tigris river running through central Mosul, on Tuesday but pulled back the next day after they were attacked by six suicide car bombs and “heavy enemy fire”, according to a statement by the U.S.-led coalition supporting Iraqi forces. Coalition warplanes, at Iraq’s request, also struck a building inside the hospital complex from which the militants were firing machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, it said. The soldiers involved in the action are at the spearhead of a U.S.-backed, 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi forces including the army, federal police, Kurdish peshm e r g a f i g h t e r s a n d mainly Shi’ite Popular Mobilization forces battling to crush Islamic State in
Mosul. In another part of Mosul already recaptured by government troops, Iraqi police fired shots in the air and threatened to whip crowds with a hose as residents tried to overrun the first distribution of aid by UN agencies inside the city. The distribution aimed to reach 45,000 people in total at several locations. As word of the aid spread, residents of the Zuhour neighborhood flocked to a boys’ primary school chosen as a distribution point. Hundreds surged forward against just a handful of men pushing to close the gate. They burst through, and began climbing over the walls and pushing in through the exit until the police, firing shots in the air and wielding long sticks, managed to regain control.
Islamic State ‘has lost 50,000 fighters’ over two years
(BBC) At least 50,000 militants from so-called Islamic State have been killed since the US-led coalition started fighting in Iraq and Syria two years ago, a US military official has said. The senior official described the figure as a “conservative estimate”. The figure showed air power and a small number of US figures supporting local forces were having an impact, the official said. The US has, however, re-
peatedly warned that IS can replace fighters rapidly. The official on Thursday said that coalition air strikes could be intensified in places like Mosul, which Iraqi troops are now battling to recapture, but that had to be offset against the risk of civilian casualties. The US has often been reluctant to provide figures on enemy casualties. But in August, Lt Gen Sean MacFarland was quoted by the AP news agency as
saying that about 45,000 enemy combatants had been killed. IS has lost a lot of ground since it reached the high tide of its expansion in 2014, and is now under fire from Russian, Turkish, Iraqi, Syrian and Kurdish forces, as well as US and British air power. It is now entrenched in Mosul and Raqqa and the Sunni Arab tribal heartland of the Euphrates river valley, which stretches from eastern Syria to western Iraq.
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FIFA’s Infantino urges zero tolerance for child abuse
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for “zero tolerance” of child abuse in football and promised to look into ways the global governing body can do more to prevent it in the wake of the scandal sweeping the game in England. The English Football Association (FA) have launched a review into allegations of children being sexually abused at professional clubs, while British police are also investigating mounting accusations of pedophile activity. ”It has to be taken seri-
ously. There must be zero tolerance from that point of view, from a football perspective, but also from a criminal perspective as well,” Infantino told reporters in Singapore yesterday. ”Those who have been guilty of abusing on children need to punished very seriously. They have to be out of football, that is without question, but also on the criminal side they need to be punished. ”There are not many worse things in life, not in football life but in life gener-
ally, than child abuse.” Infantino said that although child abuse was a scourge not limited to football, FIFA would not take the scandal lightly. “The Football Association is already, of course, looking into that matter and this is something that to be taken very seriously,” Infantino added. ”In football as well, we probably have to look into that with more care and more attention in order to prevent any potential child abuse in the future.” (Reuters)
Keaton Jennings hits debut ton... (From page 33) struggled during the thirdTest defeat in Mohali after they won the toss on a good batting pitch and Cook and Jennings overcame some early worries here to keep England on track. Cook’s dismissal, stumped as he moved down the wicket to Ravindra Jadeja, was uncharacteristic but showed England’s change in mindset when it came to playing spin, and India’s slow bowlers were stunted during the afternoon session. After Joe Root had fallen, superbly caught at slip by
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Virat Kohli for 21, Moeen looked frenetic at the crease. However, once he settled he looked in good touch, lofting Jadeja high into the crowd for six before falling on the sweep. Boycott said: “I’d like to ask the coach, ‘what do you say to someone like Moeen when we’ve got them by the scruff of the neck and then you let them back into the
game?’” ”Don’t give the opposition a sniff. When you’ve got them down, keep them down.” Bairstow top-edged a sweep to be caught at deep backward square leg, but Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler saw England to the close without further loss. England 288-5: Jennings 112, Moeen 50, Ashwin 4-74. India: Yet to bat. (BBCsport)
Reds announce retirement... (From page 38) Arlott described the inaugural World Cup final in 1975 at
Lords, Reds was still directly involved in other sports. He served as the President of the Guyana Basketball Association from 19691975 and attended three Central American championships. He was Coach of the Santos Football Club and the National Under-23 side in the 1960s and commentated on three World Title fights. Married twice but without children, Reds has devoted his entire life to sports and was behind the microphone in Jamaica when George Foreman fought Joe Fraser in 1973. He was also calling the action for TV when Guyanese Patrick Ford battled Salvador Sanchez in Texas. The versatile Reds was Sports Advisor to former Minister of Sports, the late Shirley Field-Ridley and served as Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC) in the 1970s before migrating to Barbados in 1980 when he got a lucrative contract with the Caribbean Broadcasting Cooperation (CBC). He spent five years with CBC and covered the 1984 Olympics. Reds said his one wish as a retirement gift is see a Prime Minister’s X1 play an Opposition Leader X1 at Bourda and the funds raised go to a specific Charity since he cricket creates cohesion among people. He also encouraged fans to come to Providence tonight and lamented that the matches are not properly promoted.
CAS strips Romanian lifter, Russian boxer of Rio medals Romanian weightlifter Gabriel Sincraian and Russian boxer Misha Aloian have been stripped of their 2016 Olympic medals after failing doping tests at the Games, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said yesterday. Sincraian, who won bronze in the men’s 85kg event, tested positive for exogenous testosterone at the Rio de Janeiro Games on Aug. 12, according to a statement from sport’s highest tribunal. Aloian, silver medalist in the -52kg boxing event, failed a test for tuaminoheptane, a stimulant. CAS said the results of both athletes in Rio had been disqualified. The buildup to the Games was overshadowed by the specter of doping and about 100 Russian athletes were banned from competing following revelations of a widespread and state-backed doping system in the country. (Reuters)
Misha Aloian. REUTERS/ Peter Cziborra
Friday December, 09 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Beware of individuals who are not that reliable or well known to you. You can continue to forge ahead if you make a few long distance calls pertinent to closing pending deals. Pamper yourself for a change. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may find it impossible to get the rest you require. Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for those who attend. Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You won't have much time for your mate today. You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. Don't let situations get out of hand. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't divulge secret information. Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging romantic connections. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you today. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the arts. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You are best to concentrate on your professional endeavors. Changes at home will be necessary. Avoid getting involved with married individuals.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. You may want to get involved in financial investments presented to you. You should follow through on educational endeavors you have wanted to pursue for some time. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls. Accomplishment is yours if you direct yourself accordingly. You may have difficulties with foreigners. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. It's time to reevaluate your own motives and make changes to yourself first. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Try not to hesitate; act on your initial instincts. Anger might lead to carelessness and minor Injuries. Make money using your ingenuity and creative talent. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You will do your best work on your own. You may find your self a bit frazzled if you allow someone to goad you into an unsavory debate. You could lose a good friend because of it. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you. Don't be too eager to spend what's left over; more unexpected expenses are evident.
Friday December 09, 2016
Barcelona invite Chapecoense to play friendly in 2017 Barcelona have invited Brazilian club Chapecoense to play them in a pre-season friendly next summer. Nineteen Chapecoense players and staff were among 71 people killed in a plane crash as the team travelled to Colombia for the Copa Sudamericana’s first leg. The friendly would be for the Joan Gamper trophy, which is an annual match between Barcelona and an invited team. In a statement, Barcelona said they wanted to “pay tribute” to the victims and help Chapecoense recover. Three Chapecoense players were among six people to survive the crash.
Barcelona said they wanted to make the Joan Gamper trophy “a great tribute to the world of football through various activities around this match”. ”Along with the invitation to Chapecoense to the 2017 Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona would like to collaborate on the
Keaton Jennings became the first England opener since 2006 to hit a century on Test debut. Jonny Bairstow was caught on the sweep. Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: “It was a tremendous day’s play. It’s a really good pitch it’s got a little bit of everything but there are runs out there. ”I would say England have just edged that day. Without Ravi Ashwin, India would be right on the back of a terrible day.” Umpire Paul Reiffel was forced to leave the field midway through the afternoon session after being struck on the back of the head by a lobbed Bhuvneshwar Kumar throw from the boundary. The Australian rested for the remainder of the day after a scan. A former captain of South Africa Under-19s, Jennings made a century for the England Lions in Dubai the week he was added to the senior squad to replace the
Athletes braced for bombshell from McLaren report
institutional and sporting reconstruction of the club, and help to recover the competitive level that it had,” they added. ”Barcelona has today sent a formal letter of invitation to the current board of directors of Chapecoense.” (BBCsport)
Keaton Jennings hits debut ton before visitors lose late wickets
Opener Keaton Jennings hit a debut century as England reached 288-5 on a fluctuating first day of the fourth Test against India in Mumbai. The Durham lefthander, called up last week, was dropped before scoring but put on 99 with captain Alastair Cook (46) and went on to make 112. Jennings, Moeen Ali, who made 50, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow all fell to Ravichandran Ashwin. India lead 2-0 in the five-match series. South Africa-born Jennings, 24, supported first by Cook and then by an increasingly confident Moeen, put England in a strong position, although they were helped by defensive fields from India. India were gifted a route back into the game when Moeen was caught trying to slog-sweep Ashwin, and 230-3 became 249-5 when Jennings edged to gully and
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injured Haseeb Hameed. He began tentatively but his innings turned round after he edged a short ball from Umesh Yadav on nought and a diving Karun Nair failed to hold on onehanded at gully. Two balls later he struck his first boundary to get off the mark, setting the tempo of his innings. He mixed easy singles with reverse sweeps and cover drives, looking composed even as he neared three figures. Watched in the crowd by Hameed, who returned to India with his family after having surgery on his fractured hand, Jennings struck 12 fours on his way to a composed century. He celebrated calmly after reaching his hundred with a reverse sweep but could not hide his frustration when edging Ashwin to gully shortly after tea. England’s top order (Continued on page 32)
The Russian national flag and the Olympic flag. REUTERS/Jim Young Frustrated athletes will be watching today’s release of the McLaren report into doping in Russia and are ready to take action if their voices are not heard, said United States Anti-Doping Agency head Travis Tygart. ”There is some discussion about not participating in competitions,” Tygart told Reuters. “That conversation is obviously a last resort but what’s clear is that the athletes voices aren’t being heard by the power groups. “They are absolutely watching. They are not going to stand for lack of action. ”Where that will ultimately lead them is up to them but their voice has to be heard and that is why you have seen them come together like never before.” After a year of scandal Olympic athletes, federations and officials are braced for another bombshell with Canadian l a w professor Richard McLaren poised to release the second part of an investigation commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The much anticipated report is expected to provide more details on an elaborate state-sponsored doping scheme operated by Russia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics that McLaren outlined in his original report in July that led to a partial ban of Russian athletes competing in Rio. While WADA and the International Olympic Committee engaged in finger-pointing and sniping over who was responsible for the crisis, athlete outrage reached a boiling point over
what they view as inaction by both bodies. U.S. athletes, according to report in the New York Times on Sunday, are considering boycotting February’s bobsleigh and s k e l e t o n w o r l d championships set for Sochi citing concerns about doping control, personal safety and information security. It was the southern Russian resort, which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, that was at the center of McLaren’s initial report, the Sochi laboratory alleged to have manipulated tests, including the switching of urine samples through a “mouse hole” cut into a wall of the WADA-approved laboratory. U.S. track and field athletes, meanwhile, have circulated a petition demanding WADA and the IOC accept reforms recommended by a coalition of national anti-doping agencies. Athletes groups want to see WADA operate as an independent agency and severe ties with the IOC. The anti-doping agency is currently headed by Sir Craig Reedie, a prominent IOC member, while several other IOC members sit on the WADA foundation and executive boards. Tygart also views this as a conflict of interest but insists there are simple fixes to getting on top of the fight against drugs in sport. ”IOC leadership could solve this problem today,” said Tygart. “Number one, they remove themselves from the governance of WADA and allow WADA to be a true independent global regulator.
”Number two, they (IOC) have the money. You look at the 2015 financials on their website, the little they do disclose, you see then have a roughly $1.4 billion fund. “From a brand value standpoint having clean sport is valuable so this is an investment in their property. ”They could easily set aside $500 million out of that fund to support antid o p i n g e ff o r t s b y a n independent global regulator. “Whether it is the athletes or the fans people aren’t going to stick around to participate in a rigged competition.” After nearly two years of scandal McLaren’s report could represent a setback in the anti-doping crusade but Tygart sees current events as a golden opportunity to unite the cause and get the fight back on track. “On one hand it has been challenging but on the other holding a state supported system accountable is exactly what clean athletes expect,” said Tygart. “This presented an opportunity for change to happen that will continue to advance the rights of clean athletes.” ”You look at the lack of consequence on state supported sanctioning of doping by the IOC when it had the opportunity. That is unacceptable.” That’s letting (athletes) down. That erodes their confidence and is exactly why you see athletes, literally from around the world, coming together in a way they have never come together before.” (Reuters)
Kaieteur News
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Historic Day/Night game bowls off today at Providence Jaguars, Pride battle with pink balls
By Sean Devers Barbados Pride was the last team to beat Guyana Jaguars in Guyana when they won by two runs at Providence in 2014 but the next time they came here they were soundly beaten earlier this year. Today at Providence, the teams clash from 15:00hrs in the first ever day/night FirstClass contest with a pink ball in Guyana in the 69th FirstClass contest between the two sides. Guyana has won 12 and lost 26 of those matches with 30 being drawn. The two-time defending champions have not been as convincing as in the past two seasons but this is early days in the tournament and with seven games still to play Jaguars are presently the leaders. This will be a very important game since Barbados are second just .2 of a point behind the Jaguars who are on 33.6 points, whichever team wins here will be at the top of the points table. The last match the Jaguars played in St Lucia was also a day/night game which should give them a slight advantage playing under lights with the pink ball which swings more than the red or white balls. The toss will be important since the pitch is normally slow and low but the dew at night might just make the track last for four days and ball bounce a bit more since it is harder than the red or white ball. Teams will want to utilize the first session which is played in natural light and getting a big score in the first 110 overs of the first innings is important since it means a team will earn more batting points. That’s an area that has affected the Jaguars this season although all the batsmen have gotten starts nobody has scored a century
Shiv Chanderpaul during yesterday’s practice session. (Sean Devers photo)
resulting in their team narrowly missing a 300 plus total on two occasions. Rajendra Chandrika has the most runs and along with Shemron Hetymer who needs to temper his aggression a bit, will hope to give their team a solid foundation for Skipper Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh, Shiv Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Chris Barnwell and Anthony Bramble to build on. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who is one of five bowlers with 300 Regional First-Class wickets, can also contribute with the bat. This has been one of the better seasons for the fast bowlers and Left-arm speedster Reifer and Keon Joseph, who has clearly benefitted from his West Indies ‘A’ team tour to Sri Lanka, have been especially impressive with the new ball. Te s t L e g - s p i n n e r Devendra Bishoo has been given a two-match rest but Permaul and Gudakesh Motie have been bowling well. Eon Hooper has replaced pacer Romario Shepherd in the squad and will be another spin option. The Bajans have included five Test players from the UAE tour with opener Kraigg Braithwaite, the best Test batsman in the West Indies and the one B ajan mo s t s u ited in technique and temperament
to score runs at Providence, expected to lead from the front. Test skipper Jason Holder, Carlos Braithwaite and Miguel Cummings have all been rested while leftarm spinner Jomal Warrican has been preferred to Sulieman Benn. The Pride’s batting will hinge on Kraigg Brathwaite, Anthony Alleyne, Shamar Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Omar Phillips, Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich and Justin Greaves while their bowling will be in the hands Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute and spinners C h a s e , Wa r r i c a n a n d Ashley Nurse. Admission is free and NCN Radio will carry the match live. Among the commentators will be veteran Reds Perriera who be doing his last First-Class game. Guyana Jaguars: Rajendra Chandrika, Shemron Hetymer, Leon Johnson (Capt.), Vishaul Singh, Shiv Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Chris Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Eon Hooper, Taignarine Chanderpaul. Barbados Pride: Kraigg Brathwaite (Capt), Anthony Alleyne, Shamar Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Omar Phillips, Shane Dowrich, Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomal Warrican, Ashley Nurse.
Friday December 09, 2016
Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament
Moore and Lewis dominate opponents as Guyanese continue winning ways A severe two fisted attack by Guyanese Lightweight (youth) boxer, Christopher Moore, sent Miguel Diaz (Anguilla) reeling and forced the referee to call a halt to the proceedings in the early stages of the first round when action in the Caribbean Development B o x i n g To u r n a m e n t continued in Bridgetown, Barbados last Wednesday evening. Senior Coach, Sebert Blake, said that Moore is in top form and the confidence of winning his first bout spilled into the second as he wasted little time in establishing his dominance. Light/Welterweight pugilist, Colin Lewis, was also in winners’ row, unleashing a two fisted attack on Frederic Pierre (Guadeloupe) but could not put his man away. Nevertheless, he came away with a majority decision. Yesterday morning, the boxers engaged in light work to maintain their rhythm and three of them were scheduled to be in action last night. They included Middleweight, Desmond Amsterdam, Flyweight (youth), Keevin Allicock and junior boxer, Isaiah Moore (46kgs).
Colin Lewis
The other boxers that comprise the team are Flyweight (youth), Keevin Allicock, and elite boxers, Super/Heavyweight Jason Barker, Middleweight, Lightweight, Joel W i l l i a m s o n , Light/Heavyweight, Markember Pierre, Bantamweight, Clairmonte Gibson and Flyweight,
Kevin Allicock. Adrian Thomas and Clifton Moore are the two other Coaches. Along with Guyana, the other participating countries are Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica, Anguilla, Dominica, Guadeloupe, St Maarten, Belize, French Guiana, Cayman Island, US Virgin Islands, Martinique and Grenada.
Plans progressing for Kennard’s Turf Club Memorial Boxing Day meeting evtravaganza Another year has rolled around and turfites are still reveling in the action packed encounters from the 2015 edition of the Annual K e n n a r d ’s Tu r f C l u b Memorial Boxing Day meet. They will be pleased to know that preparations are moving steadily apace and all systems are in place for a grand showdown when the event gets underway on Monday December 26 at the club’s track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. Seven potentially steamy encounters are carded for the day with prize monies exceeding $5.5M in cash, trophies and other incentives. The feature event for animals classified B and Lower carries a winning purse of $1.2M and trophy over nine furlongs. Then there is the E and
Lower race over six furlongs for a winning purse of $500,000 and trophy. The winner of the H and Lower event, over seven furlongs, pockets $250,000 and a trophy while the race among the 2-years-old, Guyana Bred animals, over six furlongs, attracts a first place purse of $220,000. Several other races are on the cards including the J1 and Lower over six furlongs, the K and Lower, also over a similar distance and the final event, in the L category for non-winners, over five furlongs. This race will see the winner riding off with $130,000 and a trophy. Activities will be conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and the relevant rules apply. In the event that there are less than five horses entered for any event the club reserves the
right to cancel or reframe that event. Owners of horses must pay $5,000 for each horse at the time of entry or the horses will not be permitted to participate. It must also be noted that races will only attract a 3rd place prize when at least 5 horses grace the starting line; seven horses must enter the starting gates before fourth prize is handed out. Entries close on Sunday December 18 and late entries will not be accepted. Interested persons may contact Secretary Niketa Ross (662-4668), Roopnarine Matadial (3253192), Ivan Dipnarine (3310316), Justice Cecil Kennard (623-7609, 2254818, 226-1399), Fazal Habibulla (657-7010), Dennis Deroop (640-6396) or Compton Sancho (6021567.
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Budget allocation for sports almost doubles for 2017 In a positive sign that Government remains interested in the development of sport in Guyana, the budget allocations for Capital Expenditure was almost doubled for 2017, in a move that should allow the Sports Department to do much more. Since taking office last year, the new Coalition Government placed sport as a Department within the Ministry of Education. The 2017 Budget was laid in Parliament on November 28, projecting increased allocations for sport in the New Year. Dr. Nicolette Henry is the Minister of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport and has been at the forefront
of championing the need for more investment in sport. For Capital Expenditure in sports, the ministry received $536,979,000 for 2017, compared to $295,460,000 it received for this year. It means that sports got $241,519,000 more than it received in 2016, representing an increase of 82 percent for the Department. In addition, the National Sports Commission (NSC) was awarded $215,000,000 compared to $178,699,000 this year Current Expenditure. The Commission also enjoyed an increase of $36,301,000, which works out to a 20 percent boost for 2017. The Director of Sport at the NSC is Christopher Jones.
The sports projects and activities that are listed under Capital in the Budget for 2017 include the following: (1) National Stadium - Rehabilitation of roof; (2) National Track and Field Centre - installation of warm up track, washroom facilities, bond, stands, lawn mower and trailer; (3) Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Wa s h r o o m f a c i l i t i e s upgrade; (4) Colgrain Pool Washroom, fence and lights; (5) National Racquet Centre - Changing Room; (6) National Gymnasium General Upgrading; (7) National Aquatic Centre provision for security building, lights and cleaning devices; (8) Ground Enhancement; (9) Purchase of vehicles, truck, sports gears and Gym equipment.
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Friday December 09, 2016
Holness hails “global hero” Bolt at film launch Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has praised Usain Bolt as a “global hero” and says the sprint star has given Jamaica a new level of international visibility. Holness was speaking at the regional premiere of the film “I Am Bolt” which documents Bolt’s life and rise to stardom in track and field. ”Usain Bolt is now Jamaica’s biggest
ambassador. His personality, his ability to draw people to him (and) his showmanship have really given a boost to Brand Jamaica,” Holness said. ”His achievements on the field, tied with his personality and being able to do this while remaining clean (of performanceenhancing drugs), puts him way above the rest, and he is truly not just a Jamaican hero, but a global hero.”
The 30-year-old Bolt is a multiple-time Olympic gold medallist, and widely regarded as the greatest ever sprinter. He has won the 100 and 200 metres at three successive Olympics and has added another three gold in the sprint relay, to bring his tally to nine. He still holds the World records in both the 100 and 200 metres. Holness said Bolt was the ideal example of what could be
accomplished through hard work and commitment. ”[Usain] is a national treasure, an asset for us and a great ambassador, but he is also a great representation of what we can do as humans by working very hard, being committed and maintaining principles,” the country’s leader stressed. Holness was one of several government officials, in addition to political and business
figures who attended the premiere of the film at the National Indoor Sports Centre. Sports Minister, Olivia Grange, said Bolt remained central to Jamaica’s international marketability. ”At the centre of Brand Jamaica is Usain Bolt,” she said. “Usain Bolt is a legend and it is something that we have to cherish and we have to recognise and we have to say thanks for.”
Jamaican P.M Andrew Holness
Tammechandra leads Super Power to victory A fine half century from Vishnu Tammechandra guided Super Power to a five-wicket victory Omesh XI when the West Side 10/10 softball cricket competition continued recently at Leonora Primary School ground. Tammechandra struck 70 and got support from Lincoln Leander with 20 as Super Power finished on 147-5 in 9.2 overs in reply to Omesh XI’s 142-6. The latter’s batting was centered around Amrit Rai and Azad Azeez who scored 36 and 25 respectively. In other fixtures, Prem
XI beat Matrix XI by six wickets while Super Street overcame Fire Crew by 54 runs. The competition continues on Sunday at the said venue with Omesh XI facing Ruimzeight XI, West Bank playing Tuschen, Prem XI challenging Amazon Warriors and Ruimzeight taking on West Bank. The tournament is specially organised to revive softball cricket on the West Demerara so anyone desirous of assisting in any form can contact the organisers on 611 6903 or 670 9982.
Farm overcome North Soesdyke by five wickets Farm secured their place in the semi final of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association 50-over tournament after completing a five-wicket victory over North Soesdyke last Sunday at Farm. Batting first, North Soesdyke scored 192 all out in 37.1 overs. Rohan Sarjoo struck 69 while C. Johnson made 42
and S. Seepersaud 21. Oslyn Batson claimed 3-27 and K. Lawrence 3-28. Farm responded with 194-5 in 31.3 overs. S. Persaud stroked 58 while A. Peerbacchus got 46 and W. Bacchus 26; Kevin Leitch and R. Gangram had one wicket each. The semi finals will be contested this weekend at Farm.
Wiltshire dominoes to commence on Sunday Senior Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Mark Wiltshire will be hosting an 18-team tournament starting at 14:00hrs on Sunday at R and R Sports Club, Meadow Brook Gardens. Entrance fee is $12,000 and the winning team will take home a trophy and $140,000, runner up a trophy and $50,000 and
third place $25,000. ll GDA rules will be in effect and the competition will concluded on Monday at Dynasty Sports Bar with the semi finals starting at 14:30hrs. Among the teams expected to participate are Rage, F and H, Phantom, TNT, Mix Up, Providence and All Seasons. Teams can contact Wiltshire on 665 5855 for more information.
Friday December 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Forde and Farias to represent Guyana at XXIII CONCACAF Extraordinary Congress The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) would be represented at the XXIII CONCACAF Extraordinary Congress scheduled for tomorrow in Miami, Florida by President Wayne Forde and Executive Committee Member, Ryan Farias who is also President of the Rupununi Football Association.
The federation in a release said that Farias and will be a first time participant at this level and was elated at the opportunity afforded him by the GFF. ‘I’m happy to be participating in this Congress; it is the first time that the hinterland will be at this forum and it demonstrates that the
UDFA /UDFA GT Beer KO
Hi Stars thump Panthers 3-1; Eagles and Net Rockers draw
James Trotman overlapped well to gain a brace for West Watooka’s Hi Stars who e a s e d p a s t A m e l i a ’s Ward Panthers 3-1 but the clash between Eagles United and Net rockers ended 0-0 when the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) GT Beer Christmas c h a m p i o n s h i p continued at the M ackenzie S ports club ground on Wednes day night last. Trotman was on target in the 7th minute for Hi Stars and by the 37th minute he had the fortune of converting from the penalty spot to double the lead. The first half ended with
the Stars flying high with a 2-0 lead. The advantage was further increased when Michael Peters slotted home in the 50th minute. With the Stars sailing towards a comfortable victory, a lapse in defence saw the Panthers pulling one back after one of their players was brought down in the area. The resultant penalty taken by Keshawn Dey was able to make it a 3-1 game which was the final score line. The second game did not produce any goals despite the efforts of both teams where a few changes did not bring about the expected goals. While the veteran Tony Adams was his usual busy, he failed to score. That was also the end result for the likes of Shane Luckie and Denzil Pryce. For Eagles, their best effort was from Allan Halley who was not penetrative enough in the end. Two more matches were played last night at the same venue.
Scorpions (314) vs Red Force 35-2 – 1st day, 4th round Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, replying to Jamaica Scorpions’ first innings of 314 all out, reached 35 for two at the close on the opening day of the fourth round game in the Regional Four-Day Championship at Sabina
Park here yesterday. Scores: SCORPIONS 314 (Andre McCarthy 82, Brandon King 78, Jermaine Blackwood 34, John Campbell 33; Roshon Primus 3-32, Jason Mohammed 2-16). RED FORCE 35 for two.
Rupununi Football Association is now being recognized as a fast, steady and growing organisation; it’s history in the making.” The Executive who has been involved in football approximately twenty-six (26) years is also a Football Coach and Teacher by profession. “I’ve been involved in football as a
player at St. Ignatius Football Club (1985-2006); represented them at Kashif &Shanghai for two years (one year as a player and the other as a coach) and has been an Executive Member of my association for about a year. I was also the Coach of the St. Ignatius Male Football team in the 2004 – 2016 period.”
Wayne Forde
Ryan Farias
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Friday December 09, 2016
Reds announce retirement from First-Class cricket Commentary Wants a PM X1 versus Opposition X1 at Bourda
Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira speaks to the Media at the Tower Hotel
By Sean Devers Born on May 30, 1939 in the Riverain Community of Pomeroon in Region 2, Essequibo, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira has progressed from humble beginnings and overcome several hurdles including a stroke in Australia to become Guyana’s best Radio Cricket Commentator and a household name around the World. Yesterday, at the Tower Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana, the 77-year-old Pertreira, his silver locks shimmering in the bright morning sunshine, officially announced his retirement from First-Class cricket
commentary to bring an end to an iconic career on the Microphone where it all began in 1961 in Guyana at Rose Hall Canjie where he made his debut on Radio when British Guiana played Trinidad & Tobago. Reds’ last assignment on Radio will be describing the action in today’s historic four-day Day/Night FirstClass game between Guyana and Barbados at Providence. This brings an end to an illustrious 372- First-Class matches, 147-Tests and 202ODI career in Radio commentary which has taken him to every cricket playing Country except Bangladesh.
With a gleam in his eyes and a wealth of cricketing knowledge in his head, the affable veteran Broadcaster and Sports Administrator rolled back the years with memories of, as he puts it, a ‘wonderful and rewarding life. Armed with his autobiography ‘Living my dreams’ Reds, thanked everyone who helped him to become what he is including the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS) and Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and emotionally remembered his friend and colleague of over three decades, the late Tony Cozier who was buried on Red’s birthday this year. ”He was like my brother, we traveled the world for over 30 years covering cricket in the days when there was no TV or internet or google to help you. You had to read and do your own research and Radio commentators connected you with the players. I miss him” Reds said with a faraway look in his eyes. The fifth of nine children, Reds spent his time as a little boy sailing and fishing and never got involved in organised sport until 1945 when he moved to the City after his father bought a house in Charlestown. Although Reds rose to fame from broadcasting cricket, football was his first love and he made his first division debut as a 16-year-old Goalkeeper for the Georgetown Football Club (GFC). ”Radio was big in those days (1950’s)….you had BBC coming through all the time and on short wave you could catch Radio Australia. I would lie in bed and broadcast an imaginary Test match, imaginary football with Brazil playing England and imaginary World tile boxing,” Reds remembered. Red’s, who described Boxing, Football, Hockey, Table Tennis, Basketball, Netball and Motor Racing for Radio, said every Friday night the American Armed Forces Radio brought boxing from Madison Square Garden’s. The experienced broadcaster, who watched his first Test match in 1953 when West Indies opposed India, got his big break in 1961. Tw o I n t e r- C o l o n i a l matches were being played in the then British Guiana at the same time and two commentary teams were
required. ”One match was at Bourda and the other at Rose Hall Canjie ….I was interested in commentary and was called in by Rafik Khan of Radio Demerara and Kenny Wishart, who helped to select the Radio commentators for the cricket board. I joined Norman McLean and Claude Vieira for my first match,” remembered Reds. ”The fiercest cricket I have commentated on was the World Series Cricket (WSC) in Australia. I got a call from Australia inviting me to come to Radio. I thought it was a prank since nobody there knew my number so I said nothing and just listened. I never asked but I know it was Tony who gave them my number” Reds disclosed. When asked about the demands on commentators on the three formats of the game, Reds said Test cricket takes a lot of time and takes a fair amount of preparation but the ODIs were not as Testing while T20 is a much faster paced game so you are not able to give the type of information you would in Test Cricket or even an ODI. A Commentator must be able to take constructive criticism but you must learn to ignore criticism caused by jealously advised Reds who said the best cricketer he would have seen is Sir Garfield Sobers. He said there must be good relationships in the commentary box and some amount of fun but you can’t go overboard with the banter and must not allow that to take precedence over what is happening on the field. ”A commentator must be careful not to say things like what a colleague did last night, say hello to people all over the place. It’s not a request show. There must be good use of language, knowledge of the game, its history and the players involved” Reds, who now resides in St Lucia noted. He said his most memorable game was the 1975 World Cup semi-final when he commentated on the last 30 when Andy Roberts and Derrick Murray were pushing West Indies towards victory. In 1971 he made his Test debut at Bourda when India toured the West Indies. Although he was now a top cricket commentator and along with Tony Cozier, Brain Johnson and John (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
Friday December 09, 2016
PAGE 43
RHTY&SC/14th annual Busta Champion of Champions T20 starts on Sunday The 14th annual Busta Champ i o n o f C h a m p i o n s Cricket tournament organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) under the Patronage of H.E President David Granger is set to bowl off on Sunday in the ancient county. Matchers in Zone ‘A’ will take center stage on the opening day while matches in Zone ‘B’ would be hosted on December 18th. The year’s edition would be played using the T20 format with two matches being played at one venue. The eight teams competing teams are Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, Tucker Park, West Berbice, Police, Blairmont, Albion, Young Warriors and Upper Corentyne. Sunday’s matches at the Area ‘H’ ground will see Young Warriors taking on West Berbice from 09:30hrs while defending champions Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets would clash with Upper Corentyne from 13:15hrs. Matches fixed for December 18th at the Albion Community Centre ground brings together Tucker Park and Police Cricket Club from 09:30hrs while the home team Albion play Blairmont from 13:15hrs.
Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has informed that the organisers will be providing coloured Busta T-shirts for each of the eight teams. The semis (Area ‘H’ ground) and final (Venue to be decided) would be played after the festive holiday season. The wining team will be rewarded with $100,000 and the beautiful Busta trophy, the runner up $50,000.00 and trophy while the third place team would take home $30,000. It was furhet stated that the tournament would be used to promote the club’s ‘Say NO to Drugs, Suicide, Crime and Say Yes to Life, Education and Sports’ message. The Guyana Beverage Company has been sponsoring the tournament since 2004 and over the years it has developed into the premier first division tournament in Berbice. Foster disclosed that the RHTY&SC has won the tournament 10 times while Albion and Port Mourant have each won it twice. The finals of the tournament over the years has also been played across the ancient county with Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant and the Area ‘H’ grounds all hosting.
Busta Regional Manager Ryan Carroll hands over the sponsorship cheque to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster in presence of other Busta Staff. Foster has expressed gratitude to the Management of the Guyana Beverage Company especially General Manager Marc Telting and Marketing Manager Shameeza Yadram for their continued confidence in the club and pledged that the usual high standards would be adhered to in running off the competition.
Under the Busta brand, cricket tournaments have also been sponsored for the Busta Enterprise Cricket Club and the Essequibo Cricket Board. Meanwhile, the Management of the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets Cricket team has released the names of their players for its opening match against Upper
Corentyne. Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets – Delbert Hicks, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jason Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Shawn Perriera, Keith Simpson, Sylus Tyndall, Royston Crandon, Keon Sinclair, Chanderpaul Govindan, Collis Butts and Brandon Corlette.
t r o Sp
Historic Day/Night game bowls off today at Providence Jaguars, Pride battle with pink balls
Kemo Paul bowls to Vishaul Singh during yesterday’s net session at Providence (Sean Devers photo)
Budget allocation for sports almost doubles for 2017
Christopher Jones
Nicolette Henry
Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament
Moore and Lewis dominate opponents as Guyanese continue winning ways
Christopher Moore
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