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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The Internet Freedom Battle Most Guyanese that use the internet learnt of the battle to control its freedom through the action of Wikipedia, which blacked out its service three years ago. Several other internet giants, such as Google, supported Wikipedia’s stance by less dramatic gestures. What are the issues being contested? Wikipedia’s mission statement gives us a clue: “to empower and engage people around the world to collect and develop educational content … and to disseminate it effectively and globally.” In front of the US Congress and Senate are two bills: the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) that purport to address online piracy. But Wikipedia and its allies assert they will actually censor the internet. SOPA, for instance, would bar “advertising networks and payment facilities from conducting business with allegedly infringing websites, barring search engines from linking to the sites and requiring Internet service providers (ISP) to block access to the sites. The bill would criminalize the streaming of such content, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison. “User-content websites such as YouTube would be greatly affected, and concern has been expressed that they may be shut down if the Bill becomes law. Opponents state the legislation would enable law enforcement to remove an entire internet domain due to something posted on a single blog, arguing that an entire online community could be punished for the actions of a tiny minority.” Even though as a newspaper, we have a vested interest in protecting the intellectual property rights of our output, it is our position that the initiative of the US legislators is akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. To begin with, SOPA and PIPA have been placed on the Congressional agenda through the efforts of lobbyists acting on behalf of primarily the entertainment industry. This industry has made the most absurd inflated claims of “economic harm” the US is suffering because of copyright infringement. In conjuring up their calculations, intellectual property owners tend to assume that every unauthorized download represents a lost sale. This is patently untrue. Most persons copy a file illegally precisely because they’re unwilling to pay the market price. Were unauthorized copying not an option, they would simply not watch the movie or listen to the album. The actual money “lost” due to “opportunity cost” is therefore inordinately smaller and is made up many times over by the publicity and wider acceptance of the artistes in question. The value of this free publicity is never factored into the equation. Another argument against the draconian legislation is that much of the entertainment industry’s angst is directed against downloading of reruns of TV shows in which their costs have already been recovered and profits banked. The situation is akin to akin to demanding that libraries not lending books or used bookstores not reselling books. The question of the greater good to the society versus that of the corporation must be factored in. On the whole there is no evidence that the dollar quantum the US suffers from online piracy outweighs its socially beneficial effects. And this has always been the test by governments when they intervene to regulate businesses. For instance, businesses are allowed to declare bankruptcy, throwing many individuals and businesses into the lurch but allowed to re-enter the marketplace because it is felt to be socially beneficially overall to encourage the existence of businesses. Initiatives that may be used to stifle the growth of the internet must be given careful scrutiny with the litmus test being “the greater good of society”. There have been attempts by companies such as Apple, when Seven Jobs was alive, to craft a compromise but he was rebuffed. Jobs’ solution was simple. Let the industry reduce the prices for the electronic data (which the ‘goods’ essentially are) and there will be little incentive for piracy. The increased market will make up for the “loss”. The entertainment though wants to hog all the profits.
Thursday February 05, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
UG needs a structured and holistic approach to prevent further damage DEAR EDITOR, No one can dispute or has ever disputed the comment in the Editorial of Sunday, SN February 1, titled UG, that one core problem at the university is the government’s attitude that a decent university can come cheap. The obvious corollary is that should the government seriously desire a better university, it has to increase its financial support. The lack of adequate support has resulted in a deterioration of the university’s service and infrastructure, a trend counterbalanced only by the continuous hard efforts of staff and by budgetary juggling. Over the last couple of years, however, a different management paradigm has descended on the campus and has become the root cause of the current industrial crisis there. It is premised on the belief that the university could be salvaged not primarily by an injection of new funds but by a massive slash in expenditure. This slash-and-burn approach is captured by the statement from the UG administration to students this Monday to the effect that the university must no longer return to “deficit management”. On the face of it, reducing financial deficit can be applauded. At UG, however, the devil is in the scope of the plan and its implementation. Firstly, no comprehensive plan has been presented to the university that outlines what is to be done, why, how, where and when. Instead, an atmosphere of uncertainty now engulfs the campus. Stealth and surprise on key issues have replaced consultation and consensus. Secondly, cutting costs without a straight analysis of how both quality of
education and level of student satisfaction would be impacted conveys a disturbing sense of carelessness. And this is the sense at UG. Thirdly, the process is being driven by a misunderstanding of ideas on productivity, cost-effectiveness and e f f i c i e n c y, w h i c h a r e n o t straightforward measures in an organization in the business of knowledge transfer and creation as opposed to sugar and beverages. Cutting costs, for example, is being equated to the much narrower idea of cutting waste. And while cutting waste (always necessary) can increase efficiencies, not all cuts in costs do. Some cuts can undermine what the organization is supposed to produce, quantity and quality wise. One obvious example is the replacement of qualified lecturers by cheaper teacher assistants from the student body. True, this practice occurs in universities abroad, but is done selectively, and mostly employs postgrad students, of which UG has little to speak of. The much-mouthed objective of making the university more costeffective therefore puts at risk its capacity to deliver a decent higher education. Fourthly, the current cost-cutting efforts are further distorted by the longstanding under-appreciation at the national level of what the university has been delivering. If you pause to think of it, the university undertakes one of the largest value-added operations in Guyana. Every year, it admits students with a minimum of five CSEC subjects at Grade III and in four to five years transforms most of them into firstdegree graduates. Their social and
economic mobility is increased. Their technical and intellectual capacities are increased. They become better assets to society and economy. They become better citizens. In terms of research, the other main output of the university, much ado has been made about low levels of production. I have always maintained, however, that the overlooked problem in this regard is a national culture that sees little benefit or competitive advantage in research-driven decisionmaking. Unfortunately for the university, consequently, the undervaluing and underuse of its two main outputs continue to feed into the reluctance by the State to put money into its operations. The fifth and final issue with the current cost cuttings at UG is the most vexing and the direct source of the ongoing friction between labour and management. It stems from the attempts by management to save money by cutting academic staff numbers and accordingly increasing the teaching load of those who remain. The consequences of this policy are already unfolding: lecturers are carrying courses outside of their area of competence, and new and inexperienced lecturers are carrying too much load. In this equation to reduce labour costs is the factor of suppressing wage increases to all workers. The university, in a nutshell, wants to reduce or remove its deficits by overloading the backs of its workers. To make its case respectable, the university has mounted a PR campaign unparalleled in its bad intent for an (Continued on page 5 )
Publishing is no longer confined to any fixed location DEAR EDITOR, In his reply to my letter, Ruel Johnson says there are no publishers in Guyana. This is untrue. Publishing, like so many other businesses and services, is no longer confined to any fixed location. Because of the internet, there are publishers everywhere. Ten years ago, I Googled literary agents in London, picked a bunch and sent them the typescript of my second novel. I got one positive response and that’s all it takes. After some rewriting and editing, my work was submitted to publishers. It took years to find a publisher, but my agent persevered because she believed in the merit of my work. All this cost me nothing beyond the cost of my computer and internet connection which I already had. I believe most writers have access to both, so there is no excuse for not finding a publisher. There are publishers who will work with un-agented writers. The work is demanding. The minimum length for a novel is 80,000 words and it can take up to four years for a work to be completed and ready for
publication. If there are writers here with talent and the will to work there is no reason why they cannot get published. For the record, I have never attended a writer’s workshop. Writers learn their craft by reading. The lessons are all there because so much good writing has already been done. By reading you learn how plots, characters and themes are developed. Every writer does it in their own way and it is up to each writer to find their voice, style and their point of view. These cannot be taught. I work with my agent, publishers and their respective editors from my home right here via email and Skype. I am the only non-European writer for both my agent and publishers, and they signed me up based solely on the merit of my work. This is most refreshing, since here in Guyana the prevailing pettiness means that you are ignored unless you belong to a certain clique and are prepared to kiss the nether end of certain people. My first two novels are being used in Caribbean Literature programmes at
universities abroad – again, they are not part of the local pettiness - and I am hoping that my most recently published third novel will be added to their curriculum. My books have been reviewed by Bernadette Persaud, Pat Dial, Prof. Frank Birbalsingh, Prof. Mariam Pirbhai, and by a number of UK bloggers. On the Guyana Prize, I find it wanting in so many ways. Slim volumes of work win and it makes you wonder what number of words is considered a full-length book. The last judges’ report stated that most, if not all, the works submitted needed editing to make them publishable. Yet they awarded prizes. The Guyana Prize seems to be shifting standards downwards to accommodate the pervasive mediocrity that is Guyana. Who wants to win such a prize? I see the Guyana Prize as part of the rot and corruption that Johnson likes to talk about. I am with Kaieteur News’ Peeping Tom on this (February 3, 2015) and support the call to scrap the prize. Ryhaan Shah
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
We must all strive to resist Take a stand before drunken the temptation of domination drivers decimate the land
DEAR EDITOR, Again the killing fields of Guyana are in the news, with the recent road deaths due to speeding and not heeding, coupled with drinking and not thinking. In my less lucid moments I have oftentimes opined what would Guyanese drivers do if the roads on which they maneuvered their vehicles were as wide as those in North America. Perhaps they won’t end up in coconut plantations, but instead may travel at speeds so rapid that they may rise upwards and disappear like Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370. It is time for the Police Traffic Department and the government to take a stand, of the like that has never before been seen in Guyana. Minus Zero Tolerance. To be honest, not only has the level of civic tolerance expired, but greater assurance of safety should be guaranteed to all levels of road users. At the bare minimum, the common public deserves this much from the Police. The average Guyanese adults consider a visit to the drinking spot as being part of having a good time. The sad part is that far too many of them overspend and extend their visit. When the drinker picks up his keys to either head home or take others home after drinking an excess amount of alcohol, he is not only putting his own
life in danger, but that of several others as well, both inside and outside his vehicle. Drunk drivers should be imprisoned at the first offence, thereby making him/her less likely to commit the gaffe again because of the harsher punishment that waits him/ her on a recurrence. The deceased has been given no second chance, so why should the perpetrator/ murderer be treated differently? The punishments currently in place for drunk drivers may be strict, but not rigorous enough. Seeing that drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death on the roadway, this issue must be dealt with forthwith. If the driver must drink then don’t drive period. Even the smallest amount of alcohol, dulls the senses, decreases reaction time and hampers judgment, depth perception, vision and alertness - some of the vital skills required to drive safely. It is so easy to think you are driving normally when truly you are not. This has been a proven fact and cannot be altered by any homeconcocted alcohol reversal antidotes such as driving with the window open. While a call is being made for a change in action geared at severely punishing the drunken drivers, then the public also should be held responsible. In other words
there is a civic and human duty to Speak Up. Passengers should be held responsible, for even if they could not keep the driver from driving, they could have called the police and made them aware of the unfolding situation. By doing nothing, it may logically be argued that the passengers were complicit in the fatal crash. Drunk driving is everyone’s problem. Often, people around drunk drivers know what is happening. If those individuals could be held accountable for a crash, they might be more willing to intervene. The possibility that everyone in the car—and not just the driver—could be charged might also give drinkers additional motivation to make plans ahead of time for a safe ride home. And the law already allows people to be held responsible as accomplices or accessories for other crimes. If you drive the getaway car instead of pointing the gun at the bank teller, the law still considers you guilty of armed robbery. Why should drunk driving be any different, especially when someone is hurt or killed? A number of countries have “duty to rescue” laws that require people to assist others in danger or, at a minimum, contact law enforcement. And in the (Continued on page 23)
UG needs a structured and holistic... From page 4 education institution. It repeatedly attacks and maligns its academic staff in the media and in internal meetings (most recently, at a meeting with students) as underperformers, idlers or fraudsters. To this end, management cherry-picks data and presents it with much propagandist fanfare as evidence of staff’s collective guilt. This practice brings pure harm. It is also shamelessly unjustified, as no proper measure of the performance of academic staff is even attempted. The go-to metric, contact hours, fails to consider a myriad of other factors
such as class size, scheduled and unscheduled non-classroom face-time with students, other duties of value to the university (such as administration, university and public service, and research), lecture preparation, and marking of scripts. Other universities put a value to all such work and reward staff accordingly. If there are shortcomings in the performance of lecturers, as there would be, let’s have a discussion of the issue after we get a fair and full assessment of what they actually do. The university administration should accept this challenge, but prefers to engage in badmouthing.
One concluding thought. A former UG Vice Chancellor once remarked, in praise of staff, that it was a wonder the university was still running. What he must have understood is the value of the immeasurable input of staff goodwill in keeping the university alive. It is this goodwill that motivates staff to do things beyond the call of duty for the university, most times unnoticed and unclaimed. This goodwill greases the system. To prevent further damage and achieve real improvements, the university needs a structured and holistic approach. Sherwood Lowe
DEAR EDITOR, Let me from the outset state, frank, open and honest discussion on race is different from race being a criterion to be presidential candidate. Every citizen under the Guyana Constitution is guaranteed involvement in decision-making that affects their wellbeing, the right to freedom of association, and protection from discrimination on the grounds of race (Article 13, 147, 149). Said constitution also outlines the criteria to be President and race is not one of them. In short, the law protects a person’s right to vote race, equally as it protects every person from being discriminated against for exercising this right to association. The conversation as to who should be presidential candidate, with race being the dominant consideration, ought to be addressed frontally. By now, we, as a people, should be striving for effective and accountable representation, regardless of the racial identity of the candidate and those elected. Whether a president, regional chairman, mayor, etc, secured office by virtue of racial majority voting, being elected to office gives no person or race the right to discriminate against another group. The majority have no right to control or dominate, equally as the minorities must reject any notion/practice to be led, dominated and marginalised. Our racial diversity should also not fall prey to the notion that representation based on racial identity equals good governance, shared government or government of national unity. Laws, accompanied by supporting systems, are put in place to attend to the people’s wellbeing and once adhered to, should bring about the much-touted desire for good governance and national unity. But laws and systems can only work when they are activated by the people. It is a disregard for the laws to accept a government
discriminating against any group on the pretext that such can be corrected with the racial other winning the presidency or being in the Executive. For instance, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) should have been functioning and given the appropriate resources, including staff, to advance positive race relations. With an opposition parliamentary majority, such muscles should have been brought to bear to make this happen. If commissions like these are allowed to work, organisations like the IAC, ACDA, APA, would be able to present their cases of discrimination to this body for investigation and remedy, once proven. Aggrieved individuals have equal recourse. The ERC’s work is supposed to be submitted to the National Assembly and this is not by accident. For this allows the nation’s highest decision-making and lawmaking arm oversight responsibility and opportunity to strengthen and deepen the ERC’s role in society. One needs to take note that we live in a representative democracy. As such it allows for representation based on race and competence. A fundamental error is being made in advancing the argument that race must be the prime factor to identify persons for national office, even more so when experience has taught us otherwise. We have seen not one African minister, Member of Parliament (MP), Empowerment Advisor or official in 23 years of PPP government taking a stand in defence of any abuse/ violation inflicted on the African community by the government. Neither has any of these persons partnered with African representative groups, the trades unions or
other stakeholders to advance Africans’ interest at Cabinet and in Parliament. In fact, African MPs of the PPP joined with the party in voting against a motion to address the regularisation of ancestral lands. No African MP across the political divide has come out in defence of the African community and resolutely prosecuted its case at the national level. The Indian-dominated Plastic City and similar depressed communities have not seen an Indian-led government seeking to address their plight, unless they protest. The same holds true for Amerindians and other racial groups. African leaders also seek escape for not addressing the prevalent policies of racial discrimination under the misguided pretext that should they do so they will be called racists. In a land with at least six peoples, holding to the notion that racial identity equals representation of racial interest, means that every racial group will have to be in government. And where the emphasis is placed primarily on Indian and African, what this is saying to the nation is that only these groups are important and others need to fall in line, to accept the notion that they are not part of the significant other. This in itself is perpetuating another form of racial discrimination. Based on the aforementioned, this nation’s interest would be best served if persons strive to resist the temptation of domination by the minority or majority and work towards creating a level playing field built on equality for all. This universal principle is enshrined in our laws, awaiting concerted effort and singular voice in demanding and ensuring its activation. Lincoln Lewis
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Sweet victory for manufacturers...
Sugar Industry Authority revamps refined-sugar policy The refined-sugar regime proposed last year by Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier will go ahead with the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) as sole importer, but only for the retail trade, as major manufacturers will continue to source and import their own sweetener. The decision is a win for the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Asso-ciation (JMA), which has lobbied aggressively against an import monopoly, saying it would lead to increased production costs. The parties are finalising the policy that will govern the new arrangement. “Manufacturers would still source their sugar in the same manner, but when the manufacturers source it and bring it in, it comes in under the authority of the SIA,” said chairman of Jamaica Cane Products Sales (JCPS), Allan Rickards, on Monday. For sugar supplied to the retail trade, JCPS will operate as sole distributor under contract to the SIA. Last November, the agriculture minister reinstated the SIA as sole importer of r e f i n e d s u g a r, a m o v e deemed by the JMA to have “very serious implications for the approximately 100 manufacturers registered as refined-sugar users” and a function that the manufacturers felt the SIA
did not possess the re sources to execute efficiently. Rickards’ comment on how manufacturers would operate under the new system appeared to imply that businesses sourcing their own sugar would do so under oversight by the SIA, and is at odds wit h t h e JMA’s take on the negotiated compromise. JMA President Brian Pengelley countered the notion that the SIA would oversee imports by manufacturers. “I don’t know what that means; we would not sign off to that,” he said. “I thought the issue had been dealt with already when it first came up in November and we met the minister.” Pengelley said manufacturers negotiate “very longterm contracts on sugar” which would incur penalties if disturbed. He added that JMA members are not averse to a structured refined-sugar policy “as long as there is no impact on the manufacturing sector and there is no cess or tax duties applied”. Asked to clarify the policy, the new head of the SIA, George Callaghan, said he would not comment, as the issue was now in the hands of the minister. Jamaica does not produce refined sugar and is entirely reliant on imports.
Allan Rickards Under current policy, manufacturers who use the product as input are allowed to import it duty-free. As an end product distributed through the retail trade, refined sugar attracts 128 per cent duty. Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture charged that manufacturers have been reselling the product to retailers at a profit to them but at a loss for Customs, and announced a restructuring of the import regime. Rickards said Monday that the SIA will be the sole importer “on paper”, while the restructured regime will “cauterise any effort to get uncustomed refined sugar on to the shelves.” “Some people will be able, by dint of their special dispensation, to source it themselves, (and) be able to take it to their warehouse, which will be under the very close scrutiny of the SIA,” said the JCPS chairman. Under the new policy, the SIA will closely monitor importations by all parties, and may conduct checks at the warehouses of manufacturers from time to time, he added.
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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THE ISSUE IS NOT JAGDEO; THE ISSUE IS TERM LIMITS We have heard it from virtually the mouthpiece of the horse’s mouth: former President Bharrat Jagdeo is not interested in a third term or indeed in holding any constitutional office. This effectively rules him off the PPPC’s list of candidates for the 2015 elections because in making that list one is making oneself available for appointment to a constitutional office be it a minister or a parliamentarian. The confirmation that the former President is not interested in holding a constitutional office— and this includes the Presidency— may lead some to conclude that there is no longer a need for that motion which has been filed in the High Court, challenging constitutional term limits for the presidency, to go ahead. This view, of course, is premised on a belief that the motion itself was intended to determine whether Bharrat Jagdeo can run again for a third term. There is no evidence that the motion filed has anything at all to do with paving the way for the return of Jagdeo to the presidency. The motion is about the constitutionality of term limits per se. The motion is not about Bharrat Jagdeo. It is
asking the Court to determine whether terms limits as are constitutional. As much as the answer has implications for whether Jagdeo can run again, the motion goes beyond Jagdeo. It has implications for all future President, including Ramotar. The determination by the Court could well determine if Ramotar wins in May if it will be possible for him to run for a third term. I will not comment on the merits of the motion. This matter is sub judice and while offering my take does not bring the court in disrepute or prejudice the outcome of this civil action, I believe that it is best for me not to advance what I feel will be the outcome of the motion. But this much I will state. The motion – and this assessment is based entirely on what I have read in the press— is premised on the belief that there are term limits. What the Court is being asked- and this is my understanding based on the reports in the media- is to determine whether the correct procedure was followed in entrenching presidential term limits in our constitution. One legal mind has said that the motion is intended to ask for an interpretation of the
Dem boys seh ...
Lot 12 got wuk fuh Jagdeo Some people don’t know when dem deh good till dem deh bad. When Jagdeo was president some people complain that he got dem punishing. Fuh dem he couldn’t get out of office fast enough. Things reach de stage that when he go to talk to de sugar workers some people stay pun dem step while others go and drink dem rum like if he didn’t exist. When was voting time de people really mek sure that he didn’t get in—dem stay home. But dem had some who did really like he because when dem thief he tun he face. Dem get rich. Babby didn’t got fuh thief. Jagdeo tek and give he. Then Leslie give he nuff more pun Jagdeo instructions. Now Berry Berry giving de man. Babbie rich. Irfaat rich too. He like a real estate agent. He buy and sell, then he buy and sell again; he tek and then he gie nuff friends. Leslie now giving he more GuySuCo lands fuh sell. Dem boys want to know how much Leslie getting. Irfaat is de hardest wukking Jagdeo boy. He responsible fuh six Ministry. He is de only person who got so much responsibility. He got to be getting six salary fuh buy all dem things that he got. All wha he got plus wha he grandfather give he mek he de richest minister since Jagdeo stop being president. Dem boys wish dem got grandparents like he own. Dem boys woulda worship dem Aajah, and wash he foot wid milk. Jagdeo got to have a good grandfather because he born wid nutten and he end up wid plenty thing. It didn’t come from heaven. Imagine he seh he do so much a things fuh he friends. It got to be true because dem want he comeback like dem Christians expect Christ to comeback. Dem out up billboard, get Kwame stand up at de road corner sharing out flyers and dem even got a driver who rich, at least by name—Richardson- running to court fuh get a third term fuh Jagdeo. Well Jagdeo do wha he like fuh do—he screw de man. Jagdeo done tell Luncheon that he ain’t staying in Guyana and dem boys know why. He know why too. He get Luncheon fuh seh that he nah want no wuk in Guyana. He smart. De only wuk available fuh he in Guyana is in de kitchen at Lot 12. Talk half and watch Jagdeo screw de third term.
constitutional provision dealing with presidential terms limits. This is not my understanding of the motion. My understanding is that the motion before the court starts from the premise that there are terms limits but it is being argued that these limits are unconstitutional because the incorrect procedures were used for entrenchment and because the term limits are in violation of the democratic will. I presumed that a different approach would have been taken. I thought that the real question for the Court to answer is whether under the present constitution there is a two- term limit for any president. There is a view out there- and one that has been written about by Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran- to
wit that there is no impediment to a president serving a third term, provided that the three terms are not consecutive. I would have thought that what the Court would have been asked is if this interpretation is correct. I will not say more on the legal aspects of the case. The case as I mentioned has an interest that goes beyond Jagdeo. Term limits are being contested in many parts of Latin America. Indeed in some countries they have been overturned. The present case before our Courts must therefore be considered in light of the many successful challenges to term limits that have taken place. The case also has political ramifications. One has to ask, for example, whether term
limits are healthy for small countries like Guyana where social change takes time, considerable time, and therefore having term limits can frustrate the agenda of politicians and political parties since the sort of changes and reforms needed to transform entrenched class and social relations cannot be achieved within two terms. Let us take APNU for example. It has voiced concerns about the distribution of wealth in Guyana. Obviously it has concerns about property relations, the relations of production in Guyana and the process of wealth creation and distribution in the country. Does APNU really believe that it could, under one leader serving for two terms, transform the existing lop-
sided relations of production and property relations in the country? Does it believe that it can redistribute the wealth of this country more equitably in a mere ten years? If Burnham could not do it in twenty-eight years, how will anyone else do it in ten? It is doubtful that any party can transform the relations of production and wealth distribution in a mere two terms. Therefore, the opposition parties, hoping for a miracle at the May 11 polls may want to reconsider their opposition to the removal of presidential term limits.
Trotman promises stronger presence in AFC election campaign When the Parliament is dissolved as expected early this month, Raphael Trotman will be officially released from his duties as Speaker of the National Assembly. Trotman is said to be the one Speaker who has presided over unprecedented levels of gridlock in the House. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, the politician said that while he has chaired some of the most challenging of times in Guyana’s Parliament, if called upon after the outcome of the upcoming elections to serve the post again, he will consider it after seeking God’s guidance in prayer, and after being in consultation with family and colleagues. He said, too, that after being released from his duties, he will most certainly work with the Alliance For Change (AFC) in its campaign. Trotman asserted that being Speaker prevented him from playing a frontline
- addresses concerns that AFC would be consumed by vengeance if it assumes power role given the requirements of the job. However, there have been concerns that certain statements by his party give the impression that were the AFC to assume office, it would be consumed by revenge. This concern was premised on declarations made by AFC leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, that the AFC would jail those PPP defaulters who left the country in a mess. In giving his take on this concern, Trotman said, “It is not surprising that with all the corruption and lawlessness that we witness daily, that the people expect that justice will be served once government changes. The AFC has emerged as the “watchdog” party and so will be expected to make those pronouncements. I am aware
that some consider these statements to be “vengeful” but I believe that only those who did anything wrong have something to worry about when they hear them. He said that everyone should rest assured that the rule of law will be applied impartially and not whimsically and in a “wild west” manner. Trotman articulated that the statements are intended only to rattle the cupboards in some places where it is believed that there are a few skeletons. He noted, “It is understood that the AFC
should not engage in fear mongering and needs to ease and press by tempering its language sometimes.” Ironically, Trotman said that there are some who are relentless in their attacks to destroy the AFC and its leadership and no one questions or asks them to refrain from what they are doing. However, he posited that it is recognized that it would be foolhardy once Government changes to spend five years trying to do nothing else “but to lock up people; though as the listing (continued on page 18)
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
A minority PPP government in 2015 will increase the PPP’s inflexibility Outgoing British High Commissioner, Andrew Ayre, made the point that a minority government has to work with a majority parliament. He went on to explain why and though avoided blunt language, implied that it is commonsensical to do so. Mr. Ayre did not name any specific country but some of the most famous states in the world have minority governments. They include the United States, Israel, Germany and Sweden etc. Barack Obama hasn’t got majority congressional support. In Sweden the Left just won the
elections but fell short of a parliamentary majority. A minority government either bargains with the majority parliament or it secures parliamentary assistance from one or more smaller parties. Mr. Ayre comes from the sort of political culture where this outcome is as normal as people sheltering from rain. Unfortunately, the normal world of politics from which Mr. Ayre comes does not exist in Guyana. If the PPP wins the plurality in the 2015 election, it will be even more poisonous and recalcitrant than in 2011.
Psychology explains this. If the PPP wins the plurality, it will contextualize the results within the configuration of a three-party contest. It will tell itself that given the unmitigated assault it endured since 2011, it still secured more seats than the PNC and more seats than the AFC. It will never tell itself it lost to the anti-PPP forces or the opposition itself. This was the context it used in 2011 to demand that the Speaker come from the choice of the PPP. The PPP argued that APNU should not choose the Speaker because the PPP secured more votes than APNU. In the same vein it rejected a Speaker from the AFC ranks because it got more votes than the AFC. This was the logic the PPP used to
reject the parliamentary opposition’s power in the House. There was never any recognition by the PPP that it was a minority government after 2011. The concept of a minority government was never and will never be acknowledged by the PPP because its configuration is of a three-way race and who wins more than the other wins the right to rule. Operating with this methodology then, at the psychological level, the PPP accepted that it was a majority government. This explains three years of total rejection of the opposition’s agenda because there were two agendae – one from the AFC and the other from APNU. For the PPP both of these parties were minority organizations because the PPP beat both of them at the elections. Making concessions, seeking compromise, and listening to the opposition were unthinkable for the PPP because it was the winner of
the 2011 elections. This weird psychology is going to repeat itself if the PPP is returned without a parliamentary majority after May 11, 2015. What the Guyanese must fear is that state functions will be paralyzed again, development will be stultified again, social pessimism will increase and Guyana will descend further into national insanity if the PPP wins the plurality because the PPP will harden its inflexibility. Simply put, the PPP will tell the nation that it won the 2015 elections because it beat APNU and it beat the AFC. This contorted psychology is the greatest danger facing Guyana if the PPP is again made a minority government. My predictions are a widening of its hegemony, more arrogance of power, more political incestuousness, wider corruption and continued domination should the PPP secure the plurality and not a majority. It is easy to explain this.
Frederick Kissoon Even if the combined opposition leads the PPP by more than one seat after the 2015 elections, the PPP will not change its attitude to power control because the psychology of deception will prevent the PPP from accepting that the combined opposition beat it in the election. I honestly believe that if this country reproduces the 2011 results, the confrontations will increase, gridlock will increase, battle lines will be drawn up. Those who believe that if the PPP wins the plurality again, the PPP will likely make a pitch to either the AFC or APNU are mistaken. It is not in the nature of the PPP to concede territory even if it is at a disadvantage. Guyana is not your normal polity. Whereas in most, if not all, countries, minority presidencies will have to concede ground to the majority legislature the PPP will not do it. This country is in for serious problems in its governance structures if the PPP is again the winner of the presidency but not the Parliament. That’s the way I see it. That is my opinion. What’s yours?
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
Marriott hires 239 staffers; 228 are Guyanese …admits recruiting 30 staffers from other hotels Chairman of Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), Winston Brassington, has denied that a significant number of foreigners are being recruited for the running of the Marriott Hotel. The official, in a statement detailing the recruitment, also admitted yesterday that 30 staff members hired once worked at other local hotels. The 197-room US$57M hotel is due to be opened shortly. There have been criticisms that AHI was aggressively pursuing workers from local hotels and not interested too much in local labour. Brassington noted that of the 239 staff chosen from just under 3,500 applications received to operate the hotel, 228 are Guyanese. Some 90 of these staffers are in training with another 60 more to begin training next week. This means, Brassington said in the AHI statement, that less than five percent of the total staff engaged is from overseas. Of a total complement of 29 management staff hired from 922 applications, 20 are Guyanese. Five of these Guyanese were recruited from overseas. Of the nine nonGuyanese management staff engaged from overseas, four are Food and Beverage specialists not available in Guyana. Some 691 applications were received for supervisory staff with 30 persons engaged- all of whom are Guyanese and only five of whom previously worked at another hotel in Guyana. Of the non-management positions, Brassington said, 1,862 applications were received with 180 staff engaged- 23 were from other hotels in Guyana. This meant,
Brassington said, of the 3,475 applications received, a total of 223 positions are recruited from Guyana, of whom, thirty 30 have worked with other hotels in the country. The official said that the salary scales offered for staff recruited from Guyana are comparable with those generally paid in the hospitality sector here for similarly qualified and experienced staff. He reminded that in setting salary levels for recruitment, the Marriott management has a contracted obligation to the principal owners of the hotel to deliver a profitable hotel. The AHI statement insisted that the hotel was already delivering on its promise to create new employment in Guyana and “it is patently ridiculous for anyone to claim otherwise. The hotel will open with 239 new employees. This number will be approximately doubled when the Casino and Restaurant Entertainment complex comes on stream.” In recent weeks, owner of the nearby Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, complained that the hotel was stealing its employees. Over the past weekend, Opposition’s Alliance For Change, made it clear that it will revisit, review and if necessary impose sanctions if it gets into Government when elections are held in May. AHI which is managing the construction and shares of the company, has under the financing arrangement, invested just over US$20M in taxpayers’ dollars and was looking to raise US$27M more from a syndicated loan arranged by Republic Bank Trinidad. Another US$8M would have been coming from two
AHI’s Head, Winston Brassington Hong Kong businessmen. However, a court case filed by Member of Parliament, Desmond Trotman, blocking the transfer of the land, has held up those monies. The US$8M would have controversially allowed the two Hong Kong businessmen to gain a 67 percent control of the hotel. But that investment is held up by the court case. Government has remained silent where it found the monies to carry on construction as the hotel is set to open in a few months. The Opposition has been asking, but Head of AHI Winston Brassington, and Government, have refused to answer. There have been speculations that the remaining monies were coming from local businesses but there has been silence. The extravagant incentives and other benefits to Marriott have left other hotel operators extremely worried as the new 197-room hotel in Kingston, when it comes on stream this year, is more than likely to close them down. In December, Brassington admitted that financing for the project was in jeopardy because of the court case filed by Opposition Member of Parliament, Desmond Trotman. Government said that the new hotel will be giving Guyana branding and attract high-end clientele.
Marriott Hotel is due to be opened in a matter of months.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday February 05, 2015
300 middle income house lots allocated in Zeeburg/De Willem More than 100,000 persons have benefited from the housing drive of Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in Region Three. According to CH&PA, in its latest drive, more than 1000 persons became direct beneficiaries with the disbursement of 300 middle income house lots in Zeeburg/De Willem, Region Three. President Donald Ramotar was on hand to congratulate the families gathered at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground for the Ministry of Housing’s first allocation exercise in 2015. “I think that (home ownership) is indeed one of the most important things that contribute to a good quality of life. At one time in the history of this country, those that were fortunate to own homes got it when we were about 50 years old. What is important to note is that this government has been trying its best to use its social sector policy to improve quality in every area and to redistribute income in this era.” Alluding to the levels of Government subsidy, he noted that for every house lot a person receives from the government, that person gets $100,000 in subsidy which is a part of the redistribution process, and which ensures that ordinary persons get a fair share of the country’s revenue and prosperity. “We see it as an
investment because life has shown us that when we have strong feelings of security among our people it raises productivity. We are investing heavily in our people because the most important factor for development is not how much gold we have and how much diamonds and bauxite, the most important factor for development is you, the people of this country,” the Head of State declared. He also pointed to the investments and resulting strides made in the health and education sectors, citing them as ‘necessary investments” in Guyana’s future, most notably the Specialty Hospital, the benefits of which will filter to the masses. “The Ministry is engaging in another loan to acquire more lands so that they can try to satisfy completely the needs of our people in housing. In the continuation of this programme we are looking forward to your individual and collective support and understanding so that we can ensure that the upward trajectory that out country is on and the higher quality of life our people are enjoying will not, now or ever, be reversed.” Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali, explained that more than $17B has been invested from 2000, in the development of housing in Region Three which has directly benefitted over 100,000 persons. The
President Donald Ramotar, Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali and other officials with some of the persons who were allocated middle income houselots.
demand for housing in Region three has also slumped by 66%- from 6000 in 2009 to 2000 to date. “This gives an idea of the spread of investment by the Government. The road ahead requires work and vision and can only be successful
through commitment, policy, and understanding and through results that were tested. Government has shown that is has what it takes to bring housing solutions to Guyana.” According to the Housing Minister, $213M was
invested in the development of Zeeburg/De Willem, where 60% of infrastructure has been completed. The average cost per lot amounts to $1.3M from which the Government is subsidizing $591,000 per lot. Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of CH&PA, Myrna Pitt, reminded that home ownership is one of the most important decisions one can make. She reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to ensuring that it becomes easier for the average citizen to “live the Guyanese dream”.
Family seeks assistance to continue search for missing ASL crew The family members of the Air Services Limited (ASL) crew that went missing over an interior jungle Region in late December are determined to keep up the search for their relatives. The pilot’s family in an unusual move has made a public appeal for funds to continue search and rescue efforts in the forested area where the flight disappeared. Twenty-seven-year-old pilot, Captain Nicky Persaud and 51-year-old cargo handler David Bisnauth, were on a shuttle mission from Mahdia to Karisparu in the Potaro-Siparuni Region Eight when Air Traffic Controllers lost contact with the flight minutes after it had left
The sign board erected to garner assistance to continue search efforts for the missing ASL crew Mahdia. About 21 days of intense searches turned up empty when aviation authorities and volunteers embarked on the on search and rescue mission. Efforts were subsequently called off.
The pilot’s still distraught father, Cecil Persaud, told Kaieteur News yesterday, “We are not giving up.” He said that the family must make an effort to find his son and co-worker. The information board
erected at the southern end of the Main Street Avenue vows that the family will not give up until the men are found. The family has requested any assistance from public-spirited persons and has set up, also, a Facebook account providing information on how donations could be made. Contact can be made with family members: Stephanie at 624-8257, Frank 624-3298, or Rainforest Tours 231-5661. Donations can also be made to Bank of Novia Scotia under account name ‘Search for missing aircraft Pilot Nicky Persaud and cargo handler David Bisnauth,’ account (continued on page 24)
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
Police being investigated for Nabaclis man shooting The Guyana Police Force has launched an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara resident, Sherwin Jack, last week Wednesday. Jack, 37, who is mentally challenged, was shot in his right leg when police went into the village in search of an armed robbery suspect. The investigation was prompted by the conflicting reports of how Jack, of Middle Walk, Nabaclis, received his injury, with the police, residents and the injured man giving different versions of what transpired. The police are claiming that the shooting was accidental, while the injured man is maintaining that he was in his bed when a rank shot him. Residents however added another twist. They claimed that Jack, who is mentally unstable, was in his yard when a party of policemen, who were hunting a robbery suspect, pulled up in a vehicle and one of the ranks mistook him for the suspect and opened fire. They claimed that the police went away from the scene leaving the wounded Jack, who was bleeding profusely, behind. Relatives of the injured man, who is recovering at home at present, had told this newspaper that they had filed an official complaint with the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), since they were convinced that the police were trying to sweep the incident under the carpet. But a police source dismissed such fears, confirming that while the Force did not receive a formal
Sherwin Jack is now managing to walk after receiving a bullet through his leg from the police. complaint, an internal investigation is being conducted by the office of professional responsibility. “Our investigators started a probe based on what was written in the media…there were conflicting reports,” the police source said. Head of the Police Complaints Authority, Justice Cecil Kennard, told this newspaper that once the police OPR’s investigation is completed, the report will have to come to him. The police have assured that the findings of the investigations will be made
Teen gets four years jail for beating, robbing woman Kelvin Bates, 18, a cane cutter of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice was sentenced to four years in jail, yesterday, by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh when he appeared before him at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on a charge of robbery with violence. Bates, a court regular, is accused of robbing Nalani Jagandan, 22, of 780 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, of one gold chain whilst using violence against her. According to Prosecutor Sergeant Althea Solomon, on Wednesday January 28, the woman with her elderly grandmother and smaller sister had journeyed to Nigg Settlement, Corentyne, to visit a Hindu temple in the
back of the village. The three women were wearing a lot of jewelry. They had completed their business and were on their way home, when Bates who was riding a bicycle rode past them then turned back and snatched the gold chain from the woman who fell to the ground. He proceeded to hit her on the head and was in the process of relieving her of other jewelry when a taxi driver came up. Bates made an attempt to flee, but was chased and arrested. He was taken to the Albion Police Station, from where he made another bid to escape, but was chased and apprehended by the police. In court he pleaded guilty.
available to the media. “If anything comes out of it we will let the public know,” the police source said. In a statement on the day of the shooting, the police had explained that ranks had received information that a suspect in a robbery committed on three men at Haslington, a few days earlier, was holed up in a house at Nabaclis Middle Walk.
About midday last Wednesday, a party of ranks went to the area to apprehend the suspect. The police said that during efforts to arrest him, the suspect attacked a rank with a knife causing the police to resort to the use of force. “A round was discharged by an armed rank and accidentally hit a bystander to his left foot. The injured person was identified as Sherwin Jack, 37, of Nabaclis,” the police statement said. A senior police source had told this newspaper that Jack was standing behind the suspect when he was shot. But Jack, who spoke to members of the media, related that he was in his house when a rank entered and shot him. “I just went ambling on de bed and de police come and tell me don’t run and as soon as I run he shoot me with de gun,” Jack told Kaieteur News at the GPHC. A resident of Nabaclis, who claimed to be an eyewitness, told this newspaper that when the police pulled up, Jack who was in his yard saw them and decided to run back into his house. He said that one of the ranks told Jack not to run and discharged a round when the man did not comply with the order. Family members are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. “They are lying, these policemen are lying,” Dianne Jack, the wounded man’s sister had said.
Man charged for trafficking two grams of cocaine A 41-year-old man yesterday appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer a drug trafficking charge. Daro Peters, on February 2, last, reportedly had in his possession two grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty. When asked by the Magistrate about his occupation, Peters explained, “I does sweep up and dem thing.” He went on to say that he was “sick, bad.” When the magistrate inquired of his address, he said he lived “over de river” (West Coast Demerara). Police Prosecutor, Inspector Shellon Daniels asked that bail be denied since there was no special reason advanced. She added that the address the defendant gave to police subsequent to his arrest was, 103 Wellington
Page 21
Bartica IMC/NDC calls for reduced speed fare The Bartica Interim Management Community/ Neighbourhood Democratic Council (IMC/NDC) is calling for the swift lowering of speedboat fares between Bartica and Parika. In a statement issued by Public Relations and Press Officer, Sherwyn Downer, it was pointed out that the Bartica IMC/NDC has been quietly observing a situation that could be construed as exploitation of passengers. Downer said that the body is calling on the Bartica Speed Boat Association (BSBA) to implement moves towards a reduction of the speedboat fare. He said that currently Barticians are forced to pay a fare of $2,500 per passenger. Downer added that over the years the BSBA has independently carried out its functions, which include but have not been limited to, the almost indiscriminate increase of fares. Compounding the situation, Downer said, is the fact that Barticians are still awaiting a landing dock at Parika dedicated to passengers arriving from Bartica. “This has long been a major concern,” added Downer. “Because the boat captains would moor their boats wherever they choose, oftentimes these areas are not
Public Relations and Press Officer, Sherwyn Downer safe and I believe could potentially be life threatening and therefore do not lend to the comfort of the passengers.” This situation, the Public Relations and Press Officer said, is further impacted by “hustlers pulling and tugging at passengers, a situation that must also be addressed urgently by the BSBA.” And so on the basis that measures have not been put in place to ensure passengers’ safety, Downer said that the Bartica IMC/NDC is calling for a reduced fare of at least $1,800 per passenger. This Downer believes can be easily implemented given the fact that there has recently been a drop in fuel prices.
Night Guard charged with burglary Wendell Humphrey, a 32year-old night guard appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday last, to answer charges of burglary. Police are alleging that some time between January 25 and January 26, last, Humphrey of Barrack Retreat, Lethem, broke into Lam’s Gas Station at Lethem and stole GUY$1, 730,000 and R$350, property of Pauline Murray. Humphrey maintained his innocence and pleaded not
guilty to the charge read to him by the Chief Magistrate. Attorney-at-Law Jerome Khan, who represented Humphrey, explained that the police relied heavily on video footage which did not give a clear view of the person who carried out the act, and contended that it was not his client. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant had no objection to bail, which was set at $125,000. The matter has been transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court and will be heard on March 9.
Construction worker charged with break and entering
Daro Peters in court yesterday Street, Georgetown. The Magistrate refused bail, and Peters was remanded to prison until February 12.
Leroy Seaforth appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday last, to answer a charge of break and entering. Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant, alleged that the accused, who is said to be a construction worker, broke and entered the China Lane, Kwakwani home of Saskia Conway on January 28, last.
It was alleged that Seaforth entered Conway’s home with the intention of stealing from her. An unrepresented Seaforth, who had no previous offences, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $80,000 bail. The case has been transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court and will be heard on February 20.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
VACANCY
WANTED
Admin Assistant, within the vicinity of E.B.D & W.B.D. Must be well spoken & have 5 CXC subjects including: Maths & English. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com
2 wash bay attendants Tel:660-4405 (serious enquiries only)
International Cruiseline Purser officers, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, printers, cosmetologists etc Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755
One male shop attendant, age 18-25yrs, Sale! One stall @ Stabroek Market – Tel:2257794; 679-1151 One female dispatcher; Contact Classic Ride Taxi, 18 Hendbury Avenue Nandy Park E.B.D -233-5227 Experienced sale girls Call: 264-3355,668-3985, 683-7936 Experienced dispatcher and taxi drivers at Princess Hotel @ Providence – Tel: 2657076; 616-5419
Live-in housekeeper 35-45 yrs to care for infant Tel: 697-8797
Live in driver/mechanic 3545 years for live in domestic Tel: 227-1813 (8-5pm)
One Skillful joiner to work in workshop – Contact: 2191342 or 610-7005
One domestic cleaner E.C.D Tel: 644-9802; 603-5416
Factory staff, GTI / GITC Male/ Female graduates preferred. Canter drivers, marketing assistant, Drivers Licence required. Tel. 266 5569 Salesclerk from ages 25-45 with experienced, appear with application @ Christine’s Variety Store @ Lombard St – Contact: 6268003/ 227-8529 One TM 6X6 Driver with mechanical experienced, one burner/cutter – Call: 6165510; 683-3480 Exist for one live in fitter machinist with experienced in resurfacing head, reboring engine block & welding - Call: 603-4637
1 Live in maid to work in Georgetown - Tel:691-6260 1 Cook to work in the interior Tel: 691-6260 One (1) porter, kindly apply with application to K&B Mining & Hardware Supplies, Lot 152 Church St, Alberttown - Tel: 225-0349; 222-2475 One mechanic to work in the interior, must have experienced with Perkins & Cummins Engine - Call: 6916260 Experienced dispatcher @ West Side Taxi - Call: 6000688; 600-0699
Plant shop sales clerk: literate, hardworking, team player 18-28yrs, work and sales experienced, Georgetown - Call: 648-1821
Urgently needed; attractive waitresses - Tel: 686-3116 Responsible hire car drivers Call: 226-0765 Live in caretaker for sawmill at Linden Highway – Tel: 261-2553
Landscape Maintenance Vacancy, hardworking, pleasant, team player 17-28yrs - Call: 648-1821/621-2453
Urgently need two low income house lots to buy in Parfaite Harmonie - Tel:6757292; 652-2018
One watchman to work @ Coverden, E.B.D, apply to Alabama Trading with recent testimonial & picture.
1 Handy boy to work in the interior - Tel: 691-6260
MASSAGE Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach – Call: 684-9409; 699-4211
FORK LIFT OPERATOR WITH EXPERIENCED FOR AFOODCOMPANY. PROPER DOCUMENTATION AND POLICE CLEARANCECALL: 603-0758 Gardener/Handyman; suitable accommodation for live in couple, peaceful environment, apply Sally, 51 Main Street Georgetown. Clerical Staff for copy centre, no experienced necessary, must be computer literate, Jarrods 51 Main Street.
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, AC Units- Call Lindon on 641-1086; 694-2202 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maria Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 For all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, swimming pools, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Khemraj & Son Landscaping & Plant nursery: landscaping, cutting big trees & removing, grafted oranges & limes plants for sale – Call: 627-5969 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table - Tel: 277-0578
Thursday February 05, 2015
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lincoln 500 AMP diesel welders with Perkins 4 cylinder engine - Tel#650-0402 Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579 Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go – Contact Azim: 660-3235 Fluffy, loving puppies - Tel: 645-0240 or 629-3814 Yamaha motor’s for sale 6HP & 8 HP - Contact: 6547876 1 XBOX 360 E with 15 games & 2 controllers, also, 1 Nintendo 3DS with games Call: 683-8386
Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 639-8101 Prime business place to rent on Sheriff Street, only for offices – Contact: 627-6740
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Voxy to register in ‘B’ fully loaded never registered - $2.1M - Call: 6172891 1 Pitbull minibus, stick gear, BPP series, mag rims- $2.2M neg. Call: 673-7652 Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price negotiable – Call: 6201026 1 Toyota Landcruiser Prado PMM Series Call: 219-5354 Monday- Friday 8:154:15Pm & Saturday 8:151:15PM Toyota Hilux 4X4, 2 doors, manual, long base, solid DEF, excellent condition – Tel:603-3384
Executive Residence – centrally and beautifully located in Bel-Air Springs, Georgetown for immediate occupancy. Ph 226-6229, 2265903
1 Honda 600 CCRR, Toyota AT 212, AT 192, Allion, Raum, EP71 Starlet, Alteeza, 1 Nissan Titan – Tel: 6445096; 697-1453
Boutique closeout sale: Clothing, shoes, handbags, fragrance jewelry and more. Whole Sale & Retail! – Tel: 626-0757
3 Bedrooms apartment for rent at Mon-Repos E.C.D $55,000 Contact: 692-9295 or 660-5233
Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer – Tel: 220-1981, 698-7047
Sharon’s Building, limited mall space from $65,000 $275,000- Call: 225-4413/6140949
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
1- Complete 6" Dredge for mining, includes 6 Cylinder Perkins & 1-4 Cylinder. All pumps, mats, etc, asking $3M. Contact: 610-1001
Salon Station to rent – Tel: 667-7889
Tacoma Tundra Parts, BMW, Audi lights & visors, mud flap, Toyota Cami Engine Tel: 680-6374 Dell/HP computers with 19’’ LCDs $55,000, Laptops $49,000, free educational software & games, Future Tech 231-2206
Bottom flat; prime business location, Hadfield Street, Store/boutique/etc – Contact Simone – 626-5317; 227-0501 Fully furnished & unfurnished apartment with TV, AirCondition, hot & cold, cable in South. Call: 689-5877
New Arrivals: New Shipment of Magnet wires (copper) & installation fish paper for sale – Contact: 603-5649 New shipment of pit bull parts: Wind Screen, bumpers, fog lights, back/front bearings - Tel: 628-0909 One Precision built 16" Bore Tractor, Driven Pump - Tel: 227-1830
PEN PAL Indian Male from England is seeking female age 27yrs & older, with good personalityCall: 686-5994 (No Texting)
One Toyota Vigo, manual transmission, ideal for the interior – Call: 600-5759
One male & female European champion adult Rottweiler for sale - Call: 665-9140 or 639-1431 Lights: Premio, Allion, Fielder & Carina and One Toyota IST never registered - $1.9M - Tel: 628-0909
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Prado, Price$5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Toyota SV 40 Camary, AC, Alarm Etc - $700,000 negotiable – Tel: 621-6503
TO LET House for rent @ Grove Housing Scheme with 3 bedrooms -$70,000 – Tel:6424429; 639-8056 Furnished 1 & 2 bedrooms apartments: AC, grilled, parking (walking distance to Caricom & UG) – Call: 6233404 or 222-6708 Spacious 2 bedroom apartment @ Diamond, Section A fully grilled, separate gate, drive way & parking $55,000 negotiable- Call: 616-1598
One Bedford 7 Ton HAIB Lorry Long Bed, & One DAEWOO Excavator (Bobcat) - Contact: 603-4637
One ten pieces music set – Contact Rajin : 617-0022; 6188488; 615-0282; 276-1672
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
EDUCATIONAL CXC Day & Evening classes/lessons Forms 1-5, Phonics Classes – Tel:2233086; 619-7911; 690-5008 FOR SALE 75 KVA Deutz generator 2200hrs in good condition $1.9M - Contact: 683-2575 One new aluminum 12ft Boat- Call: 603-9599
Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours – Call: 227-1218 Three bedrooms concrete top flat in Cane View Ave, South Ruimveldt Gardens $90,000 - Call: 218-1949 One apartment for rent at Mon Repos E.C.D, First Street – Tel: 220-7330 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
Guyanese should elect a President who can inspire the nation DEAR EDITOR, On May 11, Guyanese will be voting to elect a new government. It is the fifth election under the PPP and the tenth since Independence. It is clear that the President buckled under the pressure from the international community, especially the ABC countriesAmerica, Britain and Canadawhich gave him a dose of reality that his rule by decree (dictatorship) is repulsive and will not be tolerated. The dictatorial PPP regime had lost its favour with the ABC countries. We are happy at the fact that the PPP regime, which for the past ten years had demonstrated a high degree of arrogance and intolerance, had to comply. For the PPP, political campaigns are not about objective reality or the truth, but virtual propaganda, never-ending distortions of the truth, empty promises and character assassinations. Strangely, even their faithful supporters who believe that only the truth matters; understand that the PPP regime is dishonest, wicked and corrupt. Guyanese are aware that the country faces its greatest challenge since Independence in this election. The ongoing corrupt practices have transformed the PPP into a kleptocratic party and Guyana into a failed state. The low production of sugar, falling gold prices, lack of income streams to make up
for the sugar shortfall and less foreign reserves have slipped the country into a deep economic hole and it would be long before it can crawl back out. Notwithstanding the fact that Guyana’s deformed Constitution has made things worse for everyone. There is no separation or diffusion of powers between the executive and legislature, which is fundamental for a strong democracy. There is no real representation of the people in the nation’s highest forum. The President remains a reincarnated colonial governor, dominating Parliament and dictating to the opposition and the people with overwhelming power and authority. Guyana has had two incarnations of antiquated authoritarianism—the current and former president—both displaying arrogance, arbitrariness and crudeness in varying degrees. Their nasty and boorish behaviour has been rejected by the people. However, the combined opposition should not see the recent spate of the PPP regime bad luck as an opportunity to just sit by and wait for the proverbial ripe mango to drop in their laps. Indeed, the people are watching and waiting to hear how they will use this opportunity to give insight into some of the new leadership traits that they will apply were they to form the Government after the general election that is due in less
than 100 days. APNU and the AFC must embark on grass-roots campaign strategies to address grass-roots issues. The ordinary people continue to suffer from excruciating poverty under the PPP regime, therefore the party that will win the General Election will be the one that zeros-in on the grass-roots issues that directly affect the lives of the masses. What are some of these grass-roots issues? Joblessness is a concern of every Guyanese, especially the youths. People all over the country are hungry for sustainable jobs and decent wages—a minimum wage of $15,000 per week, a 15 percent increase in salaries for public servants and an old age pension of $20,000 per month. Another grass-root issue is the high crime rate, which has caused many law-abiding citizens to be prisoners in their homes and places of business. The belief that was sown in people’s minds during the last election by the PPP was that mega projects would result in thousands of jobs, increased wages and multiple economic spin-offs. It did not happen. Since the PPP has a slightly larger hard-core base of supporters, for the opposition to win the election, it must address the grassroots issues, promise free tuition at the post-secondary level and universal health care, among others. The PPP is known for its familiarity with the rich and is
in an untenable position to address the issues affecting the masses. With three months to go before elections, the PPP administration lacks legitimacy to initiate radical new measures for economic restructuring. And obviously, they have not done that in three years. The good news is that the people have recognized that they must have a new administration for Guyana to move forward. For too long, the public has been suffocated by partisan politics which has always been decimated by racial/ political allegiances that allowed the PPP and its financiers to get away with murder, leaving the nation’s poor, permanently violated and alienated. Twentytwo years of this PPP legacy have seen the social fissures widened into a chasm. Guyana needs leaders with social consciousness to inspire coherence; set standards and norms; arrest the decay evidenced throughout the country, the murderous violence, abhorrent child abuse, environmental degradation, massive corruption, crassness, and to build civilization and engender refinement. So, on May 11, the people must not vote for the party whose leader looks like them, but for a leader who can inspire the nation. Asquith Rose Chandra Deolall Dr. Merle Spenser-Marks
Take a stand before drunken... From page 5 United States of America there are some situations where individuals are legally obliged to intervene if they believe someone may harm others. Furthermore, in Canada, when it comes to drunk driving, some jurisdictions allow bars or alcohol vendors to be prosecuted or sued for over-serving a person who goes on to cause a crash. This also applies to citizens serving alcohol in their own home and who in the face of displayed signs of intoxication still continue to make alcohol available. However, in most cases there is no legal requirement for bystanders—or in this case, passengers—to sound the alert. But should there be? A device called the alcohol Interlock, or alcolock, is one solution finding increasing favour worldwide. This device is connected to a vehicle’s ignition system and requires the driver to take
a breath test. Typically the driver must record a zero reading on their initial breath test in order to start the vehicle and they are also required to perform random tests during their journey. Some systems also operate with time-dated video cameras to allow the people supervising and administering the program to establish beyond doubt, who was in the driver’s seat at the time the breath test was taken. Currently, there are about 430,500 alcohol interlocks installed worldwide, the majority in North America, and 110,000 in use in European Union member states. In many EU countries the voluntary use of such technology has become widespread on vehicles used for the transport of goods or passengers on a voluntary basis. In the United States all 50 states have laws permitting the imposition of ignitioninterlock devices as an alternative for drunk driving
convictions. Most states now permit judges to order the installation of an interlock as a condition of probation. For repeat offenders, and in 17 states for first offenders, installation may be mandated by law. Secondary Schools, Universities, Colleges, Training Schools etc. should also be part of this new and improved effort to cease the increasing decimation caused by inebriation. There should be ongoing programs
maintained on a regular basis aimed at advancing alcohol responsibility starting from an early age and stage. Alcohol does more than impair judgement it impairs lives. The societal costs of alcohol misuse and abuse impact workplace productivity, health care costs, public safety and the criminal justice system. We will all stay alive if you don’t drink and drive. Drinking kills driving skills. Yvonne Sam
(From page 22)
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Guyana considers establishment of - as police excesses Human Rights institution scrutinised Guyana has committed to investigate all allegations of extra judicial killings and excesses of the police force. This is happening even as moves are made to consider the establishment of a Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and accredited by the Human Rights Council. Based on earlier reports, “the Paris Principles were defined at the first International Workshop on National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Paris from October 7 to October 9, 1991. They were adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission by Resolution 1992/54 of 1992, and by the UN General Assembly in its Resolution 48/134 of 1993. The Paris Principles relate to the status and functioning of national institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights.” Guyana's commitment was made when Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, attended a session in Geneva, Switzerland, where Guyana's human rights situation was under review. The occasion was the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session. At a press briefing held in her Ministry's main conference room yesterday, Rodrigues-Birkett told media operatives that while excesses of the police force was a matter that arose no attempts were
made to highlight the case of two ranks who reportedly tortured a young boy a few years ago. “This particular issue did not come up at the UPR but I did indicate in the recommendations that we have dealt with that; that we have accepted to consider one (recommendation) to do with torture.” The two ranks in question were earlier this year promoted causing concerns to be raised in some factions. In responding to a question as to whether the Government would recommend the rescinding of the promotions, Rodrigues-Birkett asserted that “Government does not promote officers; I just thought that I should get that clarified.” Sharing the spotlight with the Foreign Affairs Minister yesterday was Presidential Adviser on Governance, Ms Gail Teixeira, who informed that since Guyana is a sovereign country its Constitution is in fact its supreme law. “The Constitution makes the Service Commission, constitutional bodies, that are independent and beyond control of anybody including the executive…” Nevertheless, Teixeira noted that through its UPR Guyana has reported on a number of other cases of torture that were brought before the courts and the subsequent rulings. “We go to the UN to report on what we have
From left: Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett done…” added the Presidential Adviser. She pointed out that the “torture cops” issue has been one that has been addressed by the court. Guyana's UPR Report was in fact coordinated by Teixeira. However the Presidential Adviser on Governance did not accompany Rodrigues-Birkett to present it in Geneva. Bad weather in New York curtailed her travel arrangements. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the UPR is a unique process created by a resolution of the United Nations (UN) under the auspices of the Human Rights Council. It moreover, involves a review of the Human Rights records of the 193 member countries of the UN.
PYO to play significant role in election campaign - Rohee General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, on Monday, told the media that the party’s youth arm—the Progressive Youth Organization (PYO)—is already on the road doing its part to ensure PPP retains executive power. Rohee was at the time responding to questions about the strength of the body. The General Secretary said that the PYO and the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) “have always been and always will
be the pillars of PPP”. “It is the Party’s reservoir, particularly the PYO, where most of us would have come from. It is where we train our youth leaders.” He explained that youths of the PYO are trained to “follow, as best as possible, in the direction that the party is going.” “At this point and time as we approach elections, they are out there doing their work, they have had several outreaches and I understand they plan to do more…particularly in respect of mobilizing young people,” said Rohee.
He added that he is of the strong opinion that “the core of young people will contribute significantly and in a very dynamic way to the campaign of the party as it goes into elections. I am very optimistic about the role they will play and the party will always support the youth arm”. Rohee said that Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali is “one of the guiding lights in the PYO.” He said that Ali, Chairman of the PYO, is very vibrant and he labeled him “the right man for the job.”
Since the process is State driven, Rodrigues-Birkett said that it allows member countries to indicate what measures have been taken with respect to Human Rights in order to fulfill their Human Rights obligations. Three documents were used to facilitate the Review. These were The National Report (which is prepared by the State); information contained in Reports from experts and groups, Human Rights Treaty bodies and other UN entities; and information from other stakeholders including National Human Rights institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations. All such documents were posted online. As one of the countries under review, Guyana was granted at the most two minutes to defend its Human Rights situation. This saw her standing alone to respond to a number of questions wielded at her as she presented Guyana's case and sought to give an update it relates to what measures have been taken since Guyana presented its first report in 2010. Back then RodriguesBirkett said that most of the recommendations for Guyana focused on abolishing Corporal Punishment in schools,
abolishing the Death Penalty and Decriminalising Adult same sex relations and removing those sections in the laws that discriminate against Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons. The Foreign Affairs Minister was able to report to the working group in Geneva that a Parliamentary Special Select Committee was established to address those issues. However, at the time of her reporting that Committee had not yet concluded its work. As such RodriguesBirkett advised the member countries that the matters will in fact be taken back to the Parliament following general elections. During the Geneva meeting 54 countries were permitted speaking time with 143 recommendations forthcoming. But according to RodriguesBirkett, “as all States, Guyana had the option of responding to the recommendations there…We could have responded to some, or to all or the option not to respond to any and provide a report at a later date but no later than the session of the Human Rights Council in June (or July).” But Guyana accepted to respond to 79 recommendations, four of which are already
in implementation stages. Among the 75 recommendations accepted are: adopting measures to promote and prevent discrimination against women; shared parental caring between men and women; addressing patriarchal attitudes towards women; strengthening the presence of women in various institutions and political life; implementing fully the Sexual Offences Act; adopting additional measures to prevent domestic violence and adopting measures to prevent discrimination against LGBT persons and investigating promptly hate crimes based on sexual orientation. “We also agreed to consider the abolition of the Death Penalty and/or establishing a formal moratorium,” said Rodrigues-Birkett. “This recommendation was for the State to consider the abolition of the Death Penalty and this is why we accepted, to consider.” Guyana nevertheless has retained the Death Penalty although, according to her, several measures have been taken including certain sentences being commuted to life imprisonment and imprisonment with the possibility of parole. Guyana has also committed to strengthening the National Child Protection mechanisms in terms of strengthening children's rights; trafficking in persons; effective implementation of laws, expanding legal aid services, increasing the capacity of the Police Complaints Authority; continuing the implementation of the Poverty Reduction programme and water and sanitation housing schemes; measures to improve the lot of disabilities and guaranteeing the rights of indigenous peoples. Guyana has committed to consider another 64 recommendations that will be reported on, or before, the Human Rights Council meeting, she said.
Family seeks assistance to ... From page 12 number 114594. Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulphicar Mohamed, said that it is the first time that family members have undertaken such a task to continue search efforts for a missing craft. Government agencies called off searches but Mohamed said that the body would try to provide financial and technical support when needed. The area where search efforts are ongoing is very treacherous. The area is not
only heavily forested and mountainous, but weather conditions can change from good to worst within minutes. Additionally, ground movement can also be difficult since there are limited waterways and no road access. State rescue efforts were coordinated from the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) at the Timehri Control Tower. It included the Ministry of Public Works; Ministry of Health; GCAA; Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA); GDF Air Corps, the Guyana
Police Force and private aviation company Air Services Ltd. More than 230 hours were flown by the helicopters and fixed winged aircraft involved in the search. They searched the Blackwater Creek basin, North Fork, Konawaruk River, Ebini, Eagle, Mowasi, Glendor Mountains, Kurungiku mountain range including “Toucan Face”, “Twin Towers” and Toucan Valley among other areas said to be in the flight path of the missing plane.
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Thursday February 05, 2015
CCJ warns politicians it won’t support death penalty agendas The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has issued a stern caution to Caribbean politicians who believe that their acceptance of the court in its appellate jurisdiction would allow for the execution of the death penalty. In reacting to that view, CCJ president Sir Dennis Byron said, “we are not here to support any political agenda. “We are a court of justice and we will be dealing with the law as it exists and the constitutional rights of our citizens as set out in our respective constitutions.” As crime spirals out of control in some Caribbean states, and with politicians desperate for solutions, a debate over the imposition
Sir Dennis Byron of the death penalty has resurfaced in region. Capital punishment has been proposed as one way of putting a grip on crimi-
nal activity, especially homicides, 13 of which were recorded in Antigua & Barbuda last year. But the CCJ president, in an exclusive interview, told OBSERVER media that it is the law, and not politicians, that will determine the use of the death penalty by the court. The last execution to have taken place in the region was in 2008 in St Kitts and Nevis and this was after five years of no state-sanctioned executions in the Caribbean as a whole and eight in the English speaking Caribbean. Although the death penalty remains of the books in Antigua & Barbuda, the last time someone was hanged was in 1991. (Daily Observer)
Cuba sounds warning ahead of next round of U.S. talks HAVANA (Reuters) Cuba warned the United States earlier this week that it wants American diplomats to scale back aid for Cuban dissidents before the two countries can reopen embassies in each other’s capitals. The long-time adversaries are negotiating the restoration of diplomatic relations as a first step toward reversing more than five decades of confrontation. Officials for both governments met in Havana in January and a second round of talks is expected to be held in Washington this month. But Cuba’s lead negotiator said in an interview broadcast on state television that if the United States wants free movement for its diplomats in Cuba, it must stop using them to support the political opposition. “The way those (U.S.) diplomats act should change in
Josefina Vidal
terms of stimulating, organizing, training, supplying and financing elements within our country that act against the interests of ... the government of the Cuban people,”
Josefina Vidal said. “The total freedom of movement, which the U.S. side is posing, is tied to a change in the behavior of its diplomatic mission and its officials,” said Vidal, Cuba’s top official for U.S. affairs. Washington has long criticized the communist government for repressing opponents of the one-party system. While public support for dissidents is limited, they receive plenty of attention from U.S. and Western diplomats. The United States says it supports Cuban activists who exercise their right to freedom of expression. The restoration of diplomatic ties could happen before a regional summit in Panama in April, when U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro would meet for the first time since shaking hands at the funeral of Nelson Mandela in December 2013.
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Kaieteur News
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Jamaica prepares for... Showstoppers put on show against
West Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of De Streets’ Competition
From page 30 Chris LYNN Dirk NANNES ($30,000) Nathan REARDON Nathan RIMMINGTON ($30,000) Craig SIMMONS Marcus STOINIS Tom TRIFFITT ($15,000) Matthew WADE ($50,000) Jonathan WELLS ($15,000) WEST INDIES – DRAFTED IN 2014 Sunil AMBRIS Robin BACCHUS Carlton BAUGH jnr Ronsford BEATON Sulieman BENN David BERNARD jnr Tino BEST Jermaine BLACKWOOD Nkrumah BONNER Odean BROWN Jonathan CARTER Rahkeem CORNWALL Sheldon COTTERELL Miguel CUMMINS Shane DOWRICH Fidel EDWARDS Rayad EMRIT Shannon GABRIEL Trevon GRIFFITH
Jason HOLDER Akeal HOSEIN Danza HYATT Steven JACOBS Delorn JOHNSON Leon JOHNSON Keddy LESPORIS Evin LEWIS Kennar LEWIS Anthony MARTIN Garey MATHURIN Mervin MATTHEW Kyle MAYERS Nikita MILLER Jason MOHAMMED Ashley NURSE William PERKINS Nicholas POORAN Raymon REIFER Andrew RICHARDSON Kemar ROACH Marlon SAMUELS Krishmar SANTOKIE Javon SEARLES Liam SEBASTIEN Shane SHILLINGFORD Navin STEWART Shacaya THOMAS Gavin TONGE Tonito WILLETT WEST INDIES UNDRAFTED IN 2014
Lionel Baker, Miles Bascombe, Devendra Bishoo, Alston Bobb, Gavan Brown, Brian Buchanan, John Campbell, Shivnarine Chanderpaul ($30,000), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Kyle Corbin, Keron Cottoy, Royston Crandon, Derone Davis, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Justin Guillen, Jahmar Hamilton, Ryan Hinds, Alcindo Holder, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Damion Jacobs, Lindon James, Ray Jordan, Keon Joseph, Steven Ketwaroo, Imran Khan, Brandon King, Steve Liburd, Andre McCarthy, Horace Miller, Kjorn Ottley, Yannick Ottley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kenroy Peters, Omar Phillips, Kristopher Ramsaran, Mali Richards, Marlon Richards, Austin Ricards jnr, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Anthony Simmons, Devon Smith, Kevin Stoute, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Wallace, Hayden Walsh jnr, Kelbert Walters, Jomel Warrican, Kenroy Williams.
Thursday February 05, 2015 ARIES (MARCH 21 APRIL 19): You can use the influences around today to do some kind of research and investigation. ************************************* TAURUS (APRIL 20 MAY 20): You want to sort one situation out in a sensible way now and are taking constructive steps to find out what you need to know. ************************************* GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20): You're examining everything in great detail under the microscope today. ************************************* CANCER (JUNE 21 JULY 22): Be slightly careful about you handle things today. It's important not to become obsessed with one matter, so focused in on the tiny details that you can't see the broad picture. ************************************* LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22): You need to step back and be more tolerant, a little bit more light-hearted or light-handed in t h e w a y y o u h a n d l e conversations and discussions today. ************************************* VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22): The Sun is moving closer to an aspect where you'll be likely to find that you're thinking about things more deeply than usual and talking in a penetrating way. You may come across as being a little bit more forceful than you intend.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22): You may be absolutely right in what you are thinking or saying but it's still a great idea to keep a fairly open mind. ************************************* SCORPIO (OCT. 23 NOV. 21): If you are feeling a bit frustrated because companions are shutting off what you are saying, then you will need to rethink your approach. ************************************* SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21): The Sun is now almost in aspect whick indicates this is great for meaningful encounters. ************************************* CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 JAN. 19): Maybe you want to teach others things that t h e y n e e d t o k n o w, o r maybe someone is doing the same for you. ************************************* AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 FEB. 18): If you are feeling rather gloomy give yourself a shake. Realize that not being light hearted should not make you take the bleak side of every situation. Sometimes you just have to get underneath to find out what people's motivations really are. ************************************* PISCES (FEB. 19 MARCH 20): Try to open up to other people a little bit more. Maybe you feel you would be humiliated if you disclose all your best ideas. But in fact you will gain from creative discussions. You give to companions, they give to you.
Street Ballers to reach final - West Side Ballers escape in penalty shootout Many fans who witnessed the sublime exhibition of skills from host Pouderoyen Showstoppers during their 3-0 dismantling of Patentia Street Ballers have all agreed that they will be hard to stop come final night. The two teams faced each other in semi-final action of the West Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of De Streets’ Competition which concluded on Tuesday night, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. They will now battle West Side Ballers who defeated Raiders 2-1 in a penalty shootout when their clash ended in a 1-1 stalemate after both regulation and extra times failed to separate the sides. The final and third place playoff will be played on Saturday, at the same venue. In the feature game, the host took the lead in the fourth minute of play through Dexroy Adams, who netted from the penalty spot after a Patentia defender infringed the rules and a penalty awarded. It was deemed that he had blocked a shot to goal on the goal-line. They then added to their advantage when Adams collected a pass from midfield, bolted into the opposition area, dribbled past the lone defender and finished with aplomb in the 13th minute for a 2-0 lead. Nathan Allicock then gave them added comfort when he combined with the skilful Adams, received the final pass and fired past the final sentinel in the 18th minute. In the first semi-final, Morgan Denny gave West Side Ballers a positive start when he received a pinpoint pass from the right side, before slamming his effort past the last stop after seventeen minutes and they held that advantage up until the break. However, six minutes from full time Dexter Marshall gained the equaliser for Raiders when he ran on to a pass from the right flank and swept the ball into an open goal. The scores remained deadlocked until the final whistle sounded to send the contest into extra time and that too did not unlock the two combatants, before penalty shootout decided the fate of Raiders as they succumbed to the accuracy of the opposition.
In the exhibition matches that were played earlier, the Media cruised past Promoters by a 4-2 margin with Nicquan Nestor netting a brace in the 13th and 18th minutes, while Dwayne Lindy and Jevon Rodrigues supported with goals in the 11th and 14th minutes respectively. West Coast Veterans blanked West Bank Veterans 4-0 thanks to a treble from Ryan Heeyes, netted in the 2nd, 4th and 12th minutes, while Eustace Joseph completed their tally with a
single strike in the 10th minute. Banks DIH Limited and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) played to a 1-1 stalemate. Seon McKenzie opened the scoring in the 4th minute for Banks DIH, while Jason Waldron responded for GPL in the 12th minute. The winning team will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up pockets $150,000 and a trophy, third place $100,000 and fourth place $75,000.
Conditions shrink India’s... From page 29 will be the favourites for the semi-final. WORLD CUP STATS · India’s batsmen have scored most ducks in World Cup matches - 48, followed by 47 each by England and Pakistan · India is likely to enter the tournament with no batsman
with 300 runs in World Cup matches. Virat Kohli has the highest with 282 If they were an actor Robert Downey Jr: Box office. Big draw. Can’t do well outside the comfort zone. And aren’t bothered by it. THEME SONG “Every F*****’ City (feels the same)” - Paul Kelly
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Kaieteur News
>>>Letter to the Sports Editor <<<
Have the powers of the GFF’s General Council become diluted? DEAR SIR, The public disclosure by the GFF’s Normalization Committee Chairman, Clinton Urling that “No General Council Meeting is likely to be held until September, since all emphasis is being placed upon Constitutional Reform”, surely, Editor has left a bitter taste in my mouth, albeit a hard pill to swallow. This is in view of the fact that the “General Council in the Highest Decision Making Forum”, in accordance to the Constitution! While constitutionally, “the convening of quarterly General Council Meetings is a requirement/mandate”. Unless there was an amendment, which no longer requires four General Council Meetings, per year! As a consequence, are the Affiliates of the GFF (General Council) comfortable with this development? Suffice it to say that pertinent issue affecting the sport in associations; convening of
their respective Annual General Meetings; submission of Its Annual Calendar of Activities, and the nation’s participation in the Olympics and World Cup Qualifiers are all “front burner” issues that need to be discussed within the General Council forum (Meeting). In addition to the appointments of the Technical Director and Senior Male National team Head Coach. So, in actuality to deprive the membership of a voice, or to listen to their plights, transcends into an undemocratic and nontransparent value. Would it be prudent for the Technical Director on any given day to just appear at a match, in any Association without prior notification and is likely to be embarrassed by an irate gateman? Is it prudent for affiliates not being knowledgeable of income and expenditure for 2015; inherent debt and its
liquidation? In the final analysis strengthening of clubs and Association structures; inclusive of constitutional upgrade, are also important factors that cannot be brushed aside within the context of modernizing the sport’s administration. Since the mandate handed down by FIFA must benefit all and sundry, towards achieving the desired results for the nation’s benefit. By the way, was not constitutional reform/ upgrade done before under Klass’ presidency? Was it ever ratified for enactment? While there are glaring examples of FIFA’s undemocratic and nontransparent principles i.e. Russia and Qatar 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids and awarding. A timely reminder however, “No Association or Organization Laws/statutes supersedes the laws that governs a country/nation”! Lester Sealey.
G.S.S.F. pays courtesy call on MCY&S... From page 33 also sought to the United States Practical Shooting Association and all duly completed and required documents were forwarded to the Regional Director of Guyana representing the International Practical Shooting Confederation for signature which is still pending. In relation to local affiliations, the G.S.S.F. is sanctioned by the N.S.C. and sought affiliation to the Guyana National Rifle Association in keeping with their Constitution. Such an affiliation would allow for open and equal participation for all registered local sport shooters
both locally and internationally. Though not yet affiliated the G.S.S.F. will continue to welcome the participation of established practical shooters of the Guyana NRA in their Practical Pistol Matches through match invitations which are currently sent to the Secretary of the Guyana NRA. Through partnership with the MCY&S and the N.S.C. the G.S.S.F. has secured permission to utilise an Indoor facility in the National Gymnasium and an Outdoor Facility (Ministry of Sport GNS Ground) and will be pioneering the sport of Archery in the very near future.
Raikkonen fastest as... From page 29 and everyone wants to do it again. This is where you prove out the car — looking for as many laps as you can, not searching for fast times. “It’s been really positive from that perspective and every day here the car has got better as we learn more about it,” added the 30-yearold who was third on the day’s timesheets. McLaren, whose drivers managed only six laps each on the first two days at the wheel of the new Hondapowered car, managed at least to try some long runs even if technical problems
again hampered them. Jenson Button managed 35 laps, building on the 32 done by Fernando Alonso on Tuesday, but the day again ended early after what the team said was a fuel-related spark/ignition issue. Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson was second fastest for Sauber, who failed to score a point in 2014 in their worst ever season. Seventeen-yearold rookie Max Verstappen was fourth in his Toro Rosso ahead of Brazilian Felipe Massa in a Williams. The next test starts in Barcelona on Feb. 19 with the opening race in Australia on March 15.
Sincere gratitude were expressed to the following persons who assisted in one way or the other for 2014: The Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Sport, Mr. Neil Kumar, the National Sports Commission, Chief of Staff, Brig. Mark Phillips, the Guyana Defence Force, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Seelal Persaud, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Revenue Authority, Mr. Dennis Dias, DD Signs, Dr. Pravesh Harry, Doc.com Pharmacy, Mr. Harish Lakhanpal, Capital Recycling Inc., Trophy Stall, Rohandev and Harrinand Persaud, Kings Jewellery World, Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Neutrino Inc., Mr. Julius Simon, Ken’s Mufflers, the Media, the Founding Board and members of the G.S.S.F. The Report of the Auditors was presented to the membership along with the Financial Statement of the G.S.S.F. This was duly conducted and issued by Auditor, Mr. Harryram Parmesar from the Parmesar Audit Firm. Mr. King congratulated the G.S.S.F. on their achievements to date and being able to achieve clear success in a short period of time. He lauded the Board on being able to produce audited financial statements by an external auditor and expressed the hope that other sporting organisations can follow suit.
Thursday February 05, 2015
Balance favours batsmen - Richardson
Thicker bats have aided boundary-scoring but could soon be subject to a crackdown © Gallo Images ESPNcricinfo - David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, has conceded that modern bats have “shifted the balance” in favour of batsmen, especially in limited-overs cricket. The issue, Richardson said, was a growing concern and the ICC has begun to consider remedial steps, the first of which will come during the World Cup where boundary ropes are to be pulled as far back as 90 yards. “The balance may have shifted a little bit too much because sometimes poor shots or mis-hits are going for six,” Richardson told ESPNcricinfo in an extensive interview. “Let us try and rectify that. What we have done up until now is try and maximize the size of the boundary. You will see for the World Cup, most of the grounds in Australia in particular, which allow for big playing surfaces, boundary ropes will be pushed back to at least 90 yards where possible.” Modern-day cricketers make statements with their bats. They have more bulge at the back, the edges are chunky (as thick as two inches), the whole bat is a sweet spot and it can send the ball much higher, much faster and much farther than once imagined. As the same time, in the name of entertainment, administrators have given consent to shorter boundaries at most venues thereby further hurting the case of the bowler. However, the MCC’s World Cricket Committee, at its last meeting in July, decided against making changes to the law governing bat dimensions. The panel, comprising eminent former cricketers and captains, failed to find a consensus and it was decided to retain the current ruling on the size of bats, contained in Appendix E of the Laws of Cricket, which only limits the length of the bat to 38 inches and the width to 4¼ inches. Such leniency has led to long-standing batting records being shattered. Last month, South Africa’s ODI captain, AB de Villiers, hit the fastest ODI century in 31 balls and 40 minutes, erasing the previous record set by New Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson less than a year ago, which had come off 36 deliveries. According to Richardson, de Villiers deserved praise for his amazing feat. But he also acknowledged the fact that mis-hits could sail over the boundary ropes effortlessly deserved inspection. “No one begrudges an AB de Villiers, who plays some superb shots,” he said. “Him, Brendon McCullum, Kumar Sangakkara, they are exceptionally talented and no one minds if they hit some great shots which go for six. But where some batsmen are mis-hitting balls and it is just carrying over
the rope and going for a six instead of being caught at the boundary, that is what some cricket people believe has become unfair. “The bats are so good these days that the sweet spot is much larger than it would have been 10-15 years ago. The MCC, as law makers, and the ICC will be looking at giving perhaps some consideration to placing limitations on the depth of a bat in particular.” Richardson spoke on a wide array of hot topics, including increasing incidents of onfield misbehaviour of players; playing conditions, such as use of two new balls at each end and the restriction of boundary fielders in ODI cricket; and the promotion of Ireland and Afghanistan into the ODI ranking table, which could allow them to make a direct entry into the ten-team 2019 World Cup. A sked if the ICC was not going against its own policy of spreading the game by shrinking the number of participating nations at the World Cup in four years’ time, Richardson argued that the premier event needed to be far more competitive. “It would if we were precluding the Associate Members from qualifying or finding a route directly to compete with the Full Members in bilateral cricket. But by creating that pathway it has enabled us to kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, it has expanded the opportunities for Associate Members to play at the highest level through bilateral series. Secondly, the World Cup itself, the premium event, without exception should be played between teams that are evenly matched and competitive.” Alongside promoting Ireland and Afghanistan, the ICC Board also decided to put in place a promotion and relegation system, involving the lowest-ranked Associate team in the ODI rankings taking on the winner of the WCL Championship to decide which side will take their place in the full rankings table for the next cycle. Asked why the relegation rule could not be applied to the lowest-ranked Full Member, Richardson said it may be considered in due course. “It is a step by step process. The governance structure of the ICC is such that we have got Full Members and ODI members. The reason that they are Full Members is because they have a cricket economy as cricket-playing countries. There has been significant investment in those countries. So it makes sense to allow them to continue play each other bilaterally. Proper promotion and relegation [of Full Members] might be a step for the future, but at this stage it is too early to contemplate that.”
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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CGI awards 12 Conditions shrink India’s chances Academy contracts Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) has made good on its promise made at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Awards Ceremony in December to provide Academy contracts to 12 of the most promising fringe players in Guyana in addition to the sum paid each month to the 15 contracted players for the Guyana Jaguars when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) players draft was conducted in Barbados last year. “CGI is now extremely proud to make this a reality by announcing the award of 12 Academy contracts to some very promising youths and players on the fringe which is intended to keep them gainfully occupied and have them continuously working on their game and their overall development. These contracts may not seem as attractive as those awarded to the original 15 players retained after the draft last year, but CGI has made a conscious decision to increase our professional player pool which will serve to keep those in the top 3 tiers on their toes as this new Tier 4 Academy group will obviously be challenging for spots in the next draft expected to be held sometime in June of this year,” Chairman of the CGI Raj Singh said yesterday at the signing of the contracts at the GCB office at Bourda. “Through prudent financial management, CGI was able to put aside at least USD5,000 per month to pay these additional 12 players, officials and other training and match relating expenses. This progressive move
Players to receive $50,000 each for six months will now guarantee 27 players an opportunity to advance their careers and professional development in a structured manner and create more opportunities for themselves and cricket in Guyana and regionally. A few other players were offered contracts but already had contractual obligations with some clubs in TT and made a decision to decline this Tier 4 contract at this time,” the GCB Executive added. The 12 fifty thousand dollars monthly payments will come from the US$45,000 per month sent by the WICB to pay Guyana’s Franchise players and the CGI Academy players who have been contracted from February 1st 2015 until July 31st 2015. Eleven of the 12 players awarded Academy Contracts were present for the signing of the contract, while Shemron Hetmyer, who has been selected for the Jaguars’ next three overseas games, is in Jamaica and missed yesterday’s signing. The Academy players are: Shemron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Jason Sinclair, Raun Johnson, Ricardo Adams, Keemo Paul, Raj Nanan, Robin Bacchus, Kevin Boodie, Kemol Savory and Steven Sankar. These Academy players will commence their training on Monday, February 9th under CGI Coach Michael Hyles and Trainer Clive Grimond.
ESPNcricinfo - India go into this World Cup not only as the defending champions but also as one of the only three teams that have won it more than once. Had they won the World T20 final against Sri Lanka in April 2014, they would have held all three big limited-overs international trophies. In the lead-up to the World Cup, they have either been the No. 1 ODI side in the world or thereabouts. Yet you wouldn’t put them among the two or three big favourites to win the tournament. A lot of this has to do with the venues. The last time India played ODIs in Australia and New Zealand, they failed to make the final of a triangular series in Australia and went winless in a fivematch bilateral series in New Zealand. India are half the side when their spinners cannot dictate terms and their spinners are unlikely to be too effective on pitches in New Zealand and Australia, though the big grounds in Australia will give them some breathing space. Between World Cups, spin bowlers have averaged the worst - 50 - in New Zealand, with an economy rate of 4.97, which is second only to 5.02 in South Africa. Little wonder that India have struggled in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. India will face another unique challenge. By the time the World Cup starts, most of their players will have played without a proper break for almost a year. If they make it to the final of the World Cup, most of them will have been away from their homes for a stretch
Raikkonen fastest as first test ends in Jerez
(Reuters) - Formula One’s first pre-season test ended in Jerez yesterday with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen fastest, Mercedes doing more laps than anyone else and McLaren once again bottom of the timesheets. While Raikkonen completed 106 laps in the new Ferrari SF15-T car, and ensured Ferrariengined cars set the pace every day, champions Mercedes showed off their reliability with the most distance covered.
Double world champion Lewis Hamilton did 117 laps, taking Mercedes’ tally over the four days to 516 laps and equal to 2,284km, and was not worried about the times. “It’s been pretty amazing this week to see how reliable the car has been and how much mileage we’ve covered,” said the Briton, who won 11 of the 19 races last year. “We all loved the experience of last year (Continued on page 26)
India will be under pressure to defend their crown. (sportskeeda.com) of 144 days, starting with a Test series and triangular series in Australia. The odds might not be stacked in India’s favour, but the field is limited and the format soft. There is no way a big team can be knocked out in the league stages unless things go nightmarishly wrong, repeatedly, and after that it is a matter of three good days. Temperament has not really been an issue for this side under MS Dhoni, the only major captain from the 2011 event to survive so long. It is not going to be easy with the conditions not in India’s favour, but with the nature of the format and shrinking competition in world cricket, don’t rule India out. WORLD CUP PEDIGREE Until June 25, 1983, India were nobodies in limitedovers cricket. Since that day, when Kapil Dev’s team fashioned India’s most famous success to date, they have entered every World Cup with high expectations, winning the last one, thus joining Australia and West Indies as the only repeat winners. They have come close on three other occasions: losing the 2003 final and two semifinals at home, in 1987 and 1996. The alternate editions, 1992, 1999, and 2007 have been strictly forgettable. The law of averages then doesn’t make for good news after their 2011 success. X-FACTOR The oldest member of the side, one of the few survivors from the 2011 win, MS Dhoni might be the most familiar face in cricket today, but he still has it in him to surprise. With his tactics, with his field placements, with his batting. It is hard to imagine India doing well in this World
Cup without Dhoni being at his best as a batsman, wicketkeeper, and captain. PLAYERS IN FOCUS VIRAT KOHLI Virat Kohli began to believe he belonged in international cricket when he last toured Australia, scoring a hundred in the Adelaide Test and then following up with an 86-ball 133 in an ODI in Hobart ODI that propelled India to 321 in 36.4 overs. Now - despite a lean 2014 - he is India’s batting mainstay. How well he comes out of this inevitable bad patch will have a big bearing on how well India do in the World Cup. SURESH RAINA To the spirit of the team, Raina’s worth is far more than the runs he scores. He is India’s best slip fielder. He bowls handy part-time offspin. He is selfless, in that he bats in difficult positions. And he doesn’t look at his own average, which, while not great, is on the mend after he returned to the side with a Man-of-the-Series performance in the ODIs in England in mid-2014. RAVINDRA JADEJA India’s best one-day bowler since the last World Cup. He is excellent in the field too; his rocket arm will be required in Australia. He was picked despite a shoulder injury. That shoulder, which the selectors expect to be fine in time for game one, will be needed. On India’s last trip to New Zealand, he single-handedly tied a game off his bat. Against all expectations, Jadeja has carved himself a place as a successful international cricketer; now he enters the biggest stage. FACT BOX Previous World Cups 1975: Group Stage 1979: Group Stage
1983: Winners 1987: Semi-finals 1992: Group Stage 1996: Semi-finals 1999: Super Sixes 2003: Finalists 2007: Group Stage 2011: Winners SQUAD MS Dhoni (capt & wk), R Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Akshar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav FIXTURES February 15, v Pakistan, Adelaide February 22, v South Africa, Melbourne February 28, v UAE, Perth March 6, v West Indies, Perth March 10, v Ireland, Hamilton March 14, v Zimbabwe, Auckland GAME STYLE India’s pace attack is the weakest among major teams. If their spinners are not effective, almost every match will bring extra pressure on the batsmen. Since no target is deemed safe, India normally prefer chasing; they don’t want the bowlers to crumble during the decisive moments. Contrary to popular opinion, India will need spicy pitches to bring their bowlers into the game. Otherwise they will remain spectators. PREDICTION It is hard to predict when the format is as relaxed as this World Cup’s. All you need is three good matches - because your qualification for the knock-out rounds is all but a foregone conclusion - but if one were to stick one’s neck out, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka (Continued on page 25)
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Thursday February 05, 2015
Jamaica prepares Serena Williams to end Indian Wells boycott after 14 YEARS for 2015 CPL Draft CPL - Jamaica is buzzing ahead of the Player Draft for the 2015 Limacol Caribbean Premier League, which takes place in Kingston today. Some of the biggest names in world cricket are up for grabs when the six teams the Barbados Tridents, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Jamaica Tallawahs, new boys St Kitts and Nevis, the St. Lucia Zouks and the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel - pick their squads for the 2015 season, due to start in June. The six teams have already chosen four players to retain from last season (St Kitts and Nevis were able to pick players from the Antigua Hawksbills, who will not be playing at CPL 2015): BARBADOS: Kieron Pollard ($150,000), Shoaib Malik ($100,000), Dwayne Smith ($80,000) & Ravi Rampaul ($70,000) GUYANA: Sunil Narine ($150,000), Lendl Simmons ($70,000), Denesh Ramdin ($50,000) & Christopher Barnwell ($30,000) JAMAICA: Chris Gayle ($150,000), Andre Russell ($80,000), Jerome Taylor ($40,000) & Chadwick Walton ($20,000) ST. KITTS: Carlos Brathwaite ($40,000), Devon Thomas ($20,000), Orlando Peters ($10,000) & Justin Athanaze ($5,000) ST. LUCIA: Darren Sammy ($150,000), Kevin Pietersen ($80,000), Johnson Charles ($70,000) & Andre Fletcher ($40,000) TRINIDAD: Dwayne Bravo ($150,000), Darren Bravo ($80,000), Samuel Badree ($70,000) & Kevon Cooper ($40,000) Each team will finish with a final playing squad of 16 players, with 11 players chosen today in the Draft and the final place available going to an Under-19 cricketer (each team will be assigned four local U19 players and one from the ICC Americas membership as part of their training camp squad, and one will be chosen for the final 16). Yesterday, the six young players from the Americas were named as Canadian quartet Nitish Kumar, Nikhil Dutta, Satsimranjit Dhindsa and Farhan Malik, American Steven Taylor and Bermudan Christian Burgess. The teams they have been assigned to will be revealed shortly after the Draft. Here are the 200-plus players available in the Draft, which is due to get under way
in Kingston at 4pm local time (some have a reserve price, which is the sum in US dollars in brackets): PAKISTAN Shahid AFRIDI Saeed AJMAL Kamran AKMAL Umar AKMAL Zulfiqar BABAR ($15,000) Umar GUL Mohammed HAFEEZ Junaid KHAN ($20,000) Nasir JAMSHED Wahab RIAZ Yasir SHAH ($15,000) Ahmad SHAHZAD Haris SOHAIL Sohail TANVEER Misbah UL HAQ SRI LANKA Niroshan DICKWELLA Tilakaratne DILSHAN Shaminda ERANGA Dilhara FERNANDO Mahela JAYAWARDENE Kosala KULASEKARA Nuwan KULASEKARA ($15,000) Farveez MAHAROOF ($10,000) Lasith MALINGA Ajantha MENDIS ($30,000) Jeevan MENDIS ($15,000) Dilshan MUNAWEERA Angelo PERERA Dilruwan PERERA Thisara PERERA ($40,000) Dhammika PRASAD Seekuge PRASANNA ($10,000) Ashan PRIYANJAN Suraj RANDIV Bhanuka RAJAPAKSHA Sachithra SENANAYAKE ($20,000) Kaushal SILVA Milinda SIRIWARDANA Upul THARANGA ($10,000) Lahiru THIRIMANNE Kithruwan VITHANGE AFGHANISTAN Mohammad NABI ENGLAND Azar MAHMOOD ($30,000) Owais SHAH SOUTH AFRICA Andrea AGATHAGELOU Craig ALEXANDER Farhaan BEHARDIEN ($15,000) Johan BOTHA ($30,000) Henry DAVIDS Cameron DELPORT Marchant DE LANGE ($30,000) Dillon DU PREEZ Dean ELGAR ($15,000) Robert FRYLINCK Herschelle GIBBS
Beuran HENDRICKS ($15,000) Davey JACOBS Christian JONKER Jacques KALLIS Tom KHOZA Eddie LEIE Eden LINKS Tim LUDEMAN ($30,000) David MILLER ($70,000) Chris MORRIS ($20,000) Justin ONTONG Wayne PARNELL ($20,000) Dane PATERSON Robin PETERSON ($15,000) Andile PHEHLUKWAYO Dwaine PRETORIUS Tabraiz SHAMSI Mthokozisi SHEZI Jon Jon SMUTS Jean SYMES Imran TAHIR ($40,000) Rusty THERON Lonwabo TSOTSOBE Rassie VAN DER DUSSEN Rolof VAN DER MERWE ($15,000) Vaughn VAN JAARSVELD Shadley VAN SCHALKWYK Morne VAN WYCK Stiann VAN ZYL Dane VILAS Hardus VILJOEN David WIESE ($10,000) Khayelihle ZONDO NEW ZEALAND Grant ELLIOTT Martin GUPTILL ($50,000) Nathan MCCULLUM ($30,000) Colin MUNRO Jimmy NEESHAM Tarun NETHULA Hamish RUTHERFORD Ross TAYLOR ($70,000) Daniel VETTORI IRELAND Kevin O’BRIEN ($20,000) BANGLADESH Shakib AL HASAN ($50,000) Tamim IQBAL ($20,000) ZIMBABWE Elton CHIGUMBURA Hamilton MASAKADZA Brendan TAYLOR AUSTRALIA Michael BEER ($30,000) Aiden BLIZZARD Doug BOLLINGER Ben DUNK Callum FERGUSON ($20,000) Peter FORREST ($20,000) Michael HILL ($15,000) Brad HODGE Brad HOGG ($70,000) John HOLLAND ($15,000) Ben LAUGHLIN ($20,000) (Continued on page 27)
Serena Williams of the U.S. stretches to hit a return to Maria Sharapova of Russia during their women’s singles final match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 31, 2015. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
(Reuters) - World number one Serena Williams has buried the hatchet and will return to Indian Wells to play in the tournament she has boycotted for 14 years after suffering racist abuse. In an interview with TIME magazine, the 19-times grand slam singles champion said she had discovered the “true meaning of forgiveness” and would go for a third title in the Californian resort in March. “It has been difficult for me to forget spending hours crying in the Indian Wells locker room after winning in 2001, driving back to Los Angeles feeling as if I had lost the biggest game ever — not a mere tennis game but a bigger fight for equality,” the 33-year-old Williams wrote. “I’m fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove. I’m
still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. I play for the love of the game. “It is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015.” Williams won her second title at the showpiece event in 2001, beating Kim Clijsters in a final marred by the behavior of some fans who booed and heckled the American and her family, apparently in response to sister Venus withdrawing injured from their semi-final. In her autobiography My Life: Queen of the Court, Williams describes the events which prompted her boycott: “I could hear the shouts of “Nigger!” here and there. “I even heard one angry voice telling us to go back to
Compton. It was unbelievable.” Williams made her main draw debut at Indian Wells as a 17-year-old in 1999, beating Steffi Graf in the final. “I have thought about going back to Indian Wells many times over my career,” Williams, who won the Australian Open on Saturday, said in the TIME interview. “I said a few times that I would never play there again. And believe me, I meant it. I admit it scared me. What if I walked onto the court and the entire crowd booed me? The nightmare would start all over. “I’m just following my heart on this one,” she adds. “Indian Wells was a pivotal moment of my story, and I am a part of the tournament’s story as well. “Together we have a chance to write a different -ending.”
Preparations continue for Jumbo Jet Sprint Classic horserace meet Preparations are continuing for the much anticipated Jumbo Jet Sprint Classic, one day Pre Mashramani horserace meet in collaboration with the Rising Sun Turf Club set for Sunday 22nd February at the Club’s entity Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice. With the horses benefitting from a long layoff due to this being the off season preparations have picked up pace with both the organisers and horses owners getting busy with race day getting closer. Connections of the Jumbo Jet, Shariff, Elcock, Bacchus, Sooklall, Habibulla, Dookie, Jagdeo, Crawford, Singh, Velloza and Jagroop stables among others have all started preparations for the big meet. Entries have started to roll in and over 30 have registered so far. The event has over $7M in prizes with nine races carded for the day with all the events being 1100M sprints. The feature event for animals classified D1 and lower will see the winners taking home a sumptuous $1M and trophy. The three-year-old event for Guyana and West Indian bred horses has $500,000 and trophy for the winner. The E2 event also has
a winning purse of $500,000 and trophy. There is $400,000 and trophy up for grabs for the winner in the G1 and lower contest. A first prize of $400,000 and trophy is also available for the winner of the race for four year old animals. The three year-old Guyana bred animals will gallop for a winner’s pocket of $250,000 and trophy. The winner of the H and lower race will also get $250,000 and trophy. The event for I3 and lower animals will see the winner taking home $200,000 and trophy. The final event is for animals classified J3 and lower for a winner’s money of $150,000 and trophy. Entries close on Saturday February 14th. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons still have time to contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 2320633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 322-0369), Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Ramnauth 3375311, Romel Jagroop (624-1798) and Sancho 690-0569. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. Race time is 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
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Mayor’s Cup action heats up as teams head into last-16 playoff
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lay in the Mayor’s Cup Knockout f o o t b a l l tournament has reached its last-16 playoff stage with four straight nights of competition set for the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground staring tomorrow. The tournament has produced a number of upsets thus far. Big question, will they continue? Fans are encouraged to troop to the GFC ground where the excitement promises to be fever pitch. Tomorrow Riddim Squad face Golden Grove at 7:00pm and Western Tigers oppose Agricola at 9:00pm in the double header. Fans may well note that Golden Grove of the East Coast had upset Grove Hi Tech of the East Bank, can they repeat? The East Coast boys will sure have that in mind. Agricola booted Victoria
Shemroy Arthur
Solomon Austin
Tichard Joseph
Kings in another upset and the word is they intend to declaw the Tigers; easier said than done. Saturday, leading West side club Slingerz are down to collide with Mahaica in the opening contest. Mahaica were responsible for Santos being on the sidelines, so Slingerz should
be mindful. The mighty GDF play Ann’s Grove in the nightcap and the soldiers need to be very watchful and prepared because their opponents manhandled Camptown. The tough army unit will not be in a mood for slip ups but the East Coast side has proven they can cause problems.
Eusi Phillips Sunday the action continues with Pele versus Cougars and Conquerors tangle with New Amsterdam United in an evening dubbed ‘GT versus NA’. While in the past city sides have been in the ascendancy, there is the big possibility the upset nature of this tournament so far could very well continue.
Monday Pouderoyen face off with the winner of the Police - Haslington game that was played last evening, while Den Amstel battle the winner the GFC – Uitvlugt contest also last night that would have completed the last 16 teams left in the tournament. Solomon Austin (W Tigers), Tichard Joseph (Slingerz), Eusi Phillips (GDF), Shemroy Arthur (Pele) and Eon Alleyne
Eon Alleyne (Conquerors) are among the leading players on show over the next four days who are expected to play key roles in their teams’ fortunes. Friday February 13, Sunday 15, Wednesday 18 and Sunday 22 are the remaining playing days for the tournament, all at the GFC ground. Teams are reminded to provide their own physiotherapist in the event of injury to their players.
GSCL Inc Republic Cup bowls off on Saturday
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h e m u c h anticipated Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) Republic Cup is now set to bowl off on Saturday at Everest Cricket Club with action in the over-40 category. The tournament was set to commence on Saturday last, but the organizers were forced to reschedule the fixtures due to rain. Six teams will battle in the over-40 division for a top prize of $200,000 and a trophy while the runner up will take home a trophy and $100,000. At Everest (09:00hrs) Regal Masters will face Floodlight on pitch three, Industry Superkings will battle Tropical Spring Masters on pitch one and Amazon will play Parika Defenders on pitch two. At 13:30 hrs, Regal will take on Parika Defenders on pitch three, Floodlight and Industry Superkings will match skills on pitch two and Amazon will take on Tropical Spring Masters on pitch one. The Open segment will commence on Sunday at the said venue and will be of 15 overs duration. The winner will pocket a trophy and
Members of the GSCL Inc executive following the launching of the inaugural Republic Cup with Director of Sport Neil Kumar
$150,000 and the runner a trophy and $60,000. At 09:00 hrs, Regal will play Wolf’s Warriors on pitch one and Speedboat will challenge Farm on pitch three. At 11:30 hrs Regal will battle Farm on pitch three and Speedboat will face Wolf’s Warriors on pitch one. At 14:30 hrs, Farm will play Wolf’s Warriors on pitch one and Regal will
tackle Speedboat on pitch three. The top two teams will contest the final. On Saturday 14 at the said venue (09:00hrs) in the over-40 segment, Regal will play Tropical Spring Masters on pitch one, Industry Superkings will clash with Parika Defenders on pitch three and Floodlight will battle Amazon on pitch two. The top four teams will
then contest the semi finals from 13:30 hrs. The team that finish with the most points will play the fourth placed on pitch three, while the second placed will take on third on pitch one. The competition will conclude on Sunday 15 at Everest, an exhibition game will precede the finals from 09:00 hrs. Admission to the venue is free.
GCUC OGM set for February 15 at GNIC
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he Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) will be held on February 15 at GNIC Sports Club at 10:00 hrs. Among the items on the agenda are Financial Statement, Reports from the sub-associations and any other business. Members are asked to make a special effort to attend.
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Thursday February 05, 2015
Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis Tournament concludes
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he Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis Tournament with 34 doubles teams finally came to a close on Sunday afternoon at the National Racquet Centre. Speaking during the Closing Ceremony, President of the Tennis Association, Ms Grace McCalman praised the players for their commitment and patience to properly conclude the tournament since it was suspended in December due to bad weather. She reminded the players that doubles play forms the basis for club membership, growth and excitement. “Also, without tennis clubs, the GTA will have no purpose, so I hope that partners can establish permanence in their relationships which will help t h e s p o r t t o g r o w. ” “Tournaments such as the Trophy Stall Doubles go a long way in creating interest at the club level and we must thank Trophy Stall for its fifth consecutive year of sponsorship.” She congratulated the winners and reported that the first event for 2015 is the long awaited Inter Club Tournament which is scheduled to start
Top performers display their prizes after the presentation. during February. Representative of the Trophy Stall, Ms. Alexis Barrington thanked the GTA for supporting their business for many, many years and related her appreciation for the way the sport is being
conducted. She looks forward to Trophy Stall Doubles 2015. The Closing Ceremony was attended by US Diplomat, Mr. Albert Razick who participated in the tournament along with his
son Daniel Razick. The final results: Men’s Open Doubles: Winner: Leyland Leacock/Nicholas Fenty; Runner Up: Khalif Gobin/William Spangler. Ladies Open Doubles: Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan/
Nicola Ramdyhan, Runner Up: Denise Barrington/ Kizzy Richmond. Mixed Open Doubles: Winner: Leyland Leacock/ Afruica Gentle, Runner Up: Orande Dainty/Aretta Dey. Men’s Over 35 Doubles:
Winner: Godfrey Lowden/ Omar Persaud, RunnerUp: Albert Razick/Bo Arbogast. Novice Medley Doubles: Winner: Sachin Puri/Daniel Razick, Runner Up: Philbert Clarke/Diana Bharat.
Smythfield Rockers in come from behind win over East Canje Knights Action in the game between Smythfield Rockers and East Canje Knights.
Smythfield Rockers had to take some time to steady themselves and bounce back for a come from behind 4036 victory over a fading East Canje Knights when play continued on Sunday in the second edition of the Anamayah Memorial First Division Basketball Competition in Berbice. In the game which was played at the Vryman’s Erven Basketball court, the Knights were out early and raced to 15-5 for a 10 points lead by the end of the first quarter. However, as the game went on it was clear that the Knights were being worn down and would have been in for a tough time. The first half ended with the Rockers closing the gap considerably
to be behind 18-22. The Knights attack was completely blanked as they flopped in the third segment scoring only one point as the Smythfield Rockers took control to lead 28-23 at the end of that segment. The rejuvenated Knights line up made a game effort to fight back in the last quarter as they scored 13 points, but it was no stopping the Smythfield Rockers as they went on to win 40-36. The men responsible for the Rockers victory were Jamal Felix with 20, Neil Watts 12 and Sherwin Braithwaite 8. The top scorers for the wounded Knights were Kevin Emmanuel 10, Cledwin Cort 9 and Steve Roopnarine with three shots from down town for 9 points. This is Knights first loss having defeated Rose Hall Town Jammers in the first game in the competition 4743.The competition continues on Sunday with Ithaca Hardliners taking on Hopetown Warriors at the Ithaca basketball court. (Samuel Whyte)
Thursday February 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
CBC Zoning Policy will benefit Guyana - says Hinds
GABF President, Nigel Hinds (standing left, third row) joins other member federation and FIBA Officials at the CBC Congress in Barbados last weekend. By Edison Jefford President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Nigel Hinds has indicated that Guyana will benefit from the proposed shift in policy of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) to have member federations compete in different zones. Hinds was speaking to Kaieteur Sport yesterday following his return from CBC Congress, which was held in Bridgetown, Barbados over last weekend. Hinds said that member federations will be grouped before 2017, as part of CBC policy, in three zones. “I believe this new structure of sort of trying to facilitate home and away
games in south, central and northern zones will help to improve the quality of the CBC Championships,” he informed in an interview with this publication after his return on Monday. Currently, the structure of the CBC Championships brings together interested members under an umbrella to compete for the title. But that will change before 2017 with teams competing in three zones before advancing to the CBC Championships. According to a CBC press release, the policy is aimed at targeting the development of boards on a “closer” level. According to Hinds, Guyana will be in one of the zones in which it will be able to really compete as
opposed to what obtained in the past. The move is sort of setting up a level playing field so that member federations can authentically compete. Guyana has played against countries like the British Virgin Island, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the past. Those teams usually feature prominently their NBA and European professionals in the sport, which puts some member federations at a disadvantage. The 2015 CBC Championships is set for Tortola, British Virgin Islands, June 9-20; Guyana had competed last year and placed fifth. To continue to strengthen its participation, which has already been
registered, Guyana will be hosting Bermuda next month. Asked if he was able to advance any programme aimed directly at developing basketball on the domestic level, Hinds said “the meeting was a formality, no territory was specifically able to do so, but what was on the agenda for me was election of a Treasurer”. Hinds, who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at Hinds and Statia Financial, was nominated to contest the vacant CBC post of Treasurer. However, the Antigua and Barbuda federation head, Daryll Matthew defeated Hinds 105 in the voting process, and was elected to serve during 2015-2019 as the new CBC
Treasurer. International Basketball Federation (FIBA) President, Horacio Muratore, FIBA in the Americas President, Usie Richards and Regional Director, Alberto Garcia, along with Central American a n d C a r i b b e a n C o n f e d e r a t i o n (CONCENCABA), President Ruperto Herrera joined 18 of the 23 CBC Member Federations in Barbados last weekend. The member federations present included, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, St Vincent and the
Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. “I think the presence of the FIBA President at the CBC Congress speaks directly to the concern of development of basketball in the region. It was a move that ensured that the Executive feel as though they are connected right to the top,” Hinds indicated. Meanwhile, Guyana’s National Basketball Championships, The Road to Mecca II will begin on Sunday February 15 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The competition will be used to select the National Men’s Te a m s t h a t w i l l f a c e Bermuda in March here in Guyana and compete at the 2015 CBC Championships.
G.S.S.F. pays courtesy call on MCY&S after First Annual General Meeting
B
oard members of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and presented documents which were adopted at the 2015 AGM of the G.S.S.F. held on the 29 J a n u a r y, 2 0 1 5 . T h e Federation was lauded by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alfred King as the first body to do so for 2015, in keeping with the requirements set out by the MCY&S and the National Sports Commission for all sport organisations in Guyana. These included copies of the Federation’s Report for 2014 together with externally audited Financial Statements and a copy of their updated Constitution.
During the visit the Board members discussed with the Ministry its plans for the future and gave an update as tothe accomplishments in 2014. They also previewed the happenings of the recent AGM where President of the G.S.S.F., Ms. Vidushi Persaud categorically stated that the success has been due to all of the members who un-hesitatingly came on board to promote sport shooting in Guyana in a safe and well regulated manner. She paid tribute to the work of the Directors of the founding Board who have all given so freely of their time and energies to make 2014 the success it has been. At the AGM, the Secretary of the G.S.S.F., Mr. Steve Ninvalle delivered a comprehensive Report to
FROM LEFT: Dr. Bhiro Harry, Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Ms. Vidushi Persaud, Permanent Secretary MCY&S, Mr. Alfred King and Mr. Roul Bhudu during the visit. the membership, from establishment in August 2014 to the end of the reporting period of 31December 2014. He indicated that though a y o u n g e n t i t y, t h e Federation has successfully
hosted two Steel Challenge competitions and a Practical Shooting Match and saw members participating in two international matches earning for Guyana prizes for Practical Shooting and
also conducted three of the G.S.S.F.’s Range Discipline & Firearms Safety Courses utilising Government’s National Sport Resource Centre. The Secretary further reported on affiliations,
stating that the G.S.S.F. is affiliated to two international bodies, the Steel Challenge Shooting Association and the A m a t e u r Tr a p s h o o t i n g Association. Affiliation was (Continued on page 28)
t r o Sp WEST DEMERARA GUINNESS ‘GREATEST OF DE STREETS’ COMPETITION
Showstoppers put on show against Street Ballers to reach final - West Side Ballers escape in penalty shootout
Part of semi-final action that featured Pouderoyen Showstoppers and Patentia Street Ballers on Tuesday night.
Action in the clash between West Side Ballers and Raiders which the former won.
CGI awards 12 Academy contracts Players to receive $50,000 each for six months
Jason St Clair signs his contract at the GCB office yesterday as the other players and CGI Chairman Raj Singh witness the signing. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210