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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
Common frameworks and experiences are necessary One of the most striking powers provided by emerging technologies, especially transmitted via the internet, is the growing ability of consumers to “filter” what it is that they see or read. In the extreme case, people will be fully able to design their own communications universe. They will find it easy to exclude, in advance, topics and points of view that they wish to avoid. We believe that in a diverse society such as ours this new power may have its downside risks. Such societies require more than free, or publicly unrestricted, individual choices. In fact, they impose two distinctive requirements for societal harmony. First, people should be exposed to materials that they would not have chosen in advance. Unanticipated encounters, involving topics and points of view that people have not sought out and perhaps find quite irritating, are central to democracy and even to freedom itself. Second, many or most citizens should have a range of common experiences. Without shared experiences, a heterogeneous society will have a much more difficult time addressing social problems; people may even find it hard to understand one another. We expand on the latter. Why might these shared experiences be so desirable? There are three principal reasons. Firstly, simple enjoyment is probably the least of it, but it is far from irrelevant. People like many experiences more simply because they are being shared. Consider a popular movie or a major sporting event. For many of us, these are goods that are worth less, and possibly worthless, if many others are not enjoying or purchasing them too. Hence a sporting event may be worthy of individual attention, for many people, simply because so many other people consider it worthy of individual attention. Secondly, shared experiences ease social interactions, permitting people to speak with one another, and to congregate around a common issue, task, or concern, whether or not they have much in common with one another. In this sense, they provide a form of social glue. They help make it possible for diverse people to believe that they live in the same culture. Indeed, they help constitute that shared culture, simply by creating common memories and experiences, and a sense of common tasks. Lastly, a fortunate consequence of shared experiences — many of them produced by the media — is that people who would otherwise see one another as quite unfamiliar, in the extreme case as belonging to a different species, can come instead to regard one another as fellow citizens with shared hopes, goals and concerns. This is a subjective good for those directly involved. But it can be an objective good as well, especially if it leads to cooperative projects of various kinds. When people learn about a disaster faced by fellow citizens, for example, they may respond with financial and other help. The point applies internationally as well as domestically; massive relief efforts are often made possible by virtue of the fact that millions of people learn, all at once, about the relevant need. Even in a nation of unlimited communication options, which we certainly are not, some events will inevitably attract widespread attention. But an obvious risk of an increasingly fragmented communications universe is that it will reduce the level of shared experiences, having salience to diverse people. This is a simple matter of numbers. To the extent that choices proliferate, it is inevitable that diverse individuals and diverse groups will have fewer shared experiences and fewer common reference points. It is possible, for example, that some events that are highly salient to some people will barely register on others’ view screens. And it is possible that some views and perspectives that will seem obvious to many people will, to others, seem barely intelligible.
Friday February 07, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
President must give reason for witholding assent; court decides constitutionality DEAR EDITOR, Upon reading Guyana’s constitution at the National Assembly’s library, Mr Brynmor Pollard, SC has shared an opinion on the fourth local government bill, which President Donald Ramotar declines to sign into law. Based on what Demerara waves reported on 2-5-14 the elderly Senior Counsel “said the President was obliged to assent to Bills passed by the National Assembly and it is only the Court that could decide if they were unconstitutional.” Based on his age , legal training and experience is that opinion now most correct and conclusively right? The prequisite of Presidential assent by the constitution for a bill…, any bill … to become law does indeed sound very right. The learned senior counsel also pointed out that
“ even if an approved (National Assembly ) Bill was perceived prior to assent to be in contravention of a Fundamental Right of the Constitution, only the court could decide on the basis of someone mounting a legal challenge. “He has no choice. It is not for him to declare law unconstitutional. he learned senior counsel also pointed out that “ even if an approved (National Assembly ) Bill was perceived prior to assent to be in contravention of a Fundamental Right of the Constitution, only the court could decide on the basis of someone mounting a legal challenge. “He has no choice. It is not for him to declare law unconstitutional. It is for the Court to do that,” he said. Speaking with reporters, Pollard argued that the Attorney General was not the custodian of Guyana’s
Constitution but the Court which must decide on constitutionality. If all reported is correct who could disagree with such profound wisdom? Not me for sure as is obvious from the reverence due and paid to him. That the court is not only the assigned constitutional guardian, but interpreter, protector and enforcer as the highest living supreme legal authority of the land is beyond question. Should the court be the only arbriter with all the costs involved or can other alternatives be resolute? Evidentially the Guyanese public at home and abroad wants to have their say. President John Kennedy convened a group of eminent luminaries during the Cuban Missile crisis to advise and recommend resolution for peace and dignity for all.
He succeeded. This is an internal matter which may , as usual now set judicial precedent for non Guyanese to determine their destiny. With the USAID Lead project anxious to be of service funding is assured in making Guyana more democratic, stable and harmonious. Both the executive and legislature can emulate President Kennedy, do likewise to include all those former Guyanese Attorney Generals, and a mix from the Caribbean if needs be. Whether Commonwealth judges will be preferable can only be resolved by the respective parties to decide. With two respected Senior Counsels giving such free legal advice, Speaker Mr Ralph Ramkarran SC was the first at his website conversationtreegy.com in (Continued on page 7)
An opportunity for us to examine how our national assembly operates DEAR EDITOR The Preamble of a constitution frames its spirit and intent, one of which for us is to “Forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and boardbased participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law.” Laws are made for society and not society made for laws. In the absence of understanding the dynamics of a society, laws are dead at their hearts. A principal role of the legislature is to create laws consistent with the constitution and oversee the management of the nation’s resources to ensure prudence and equity. Only in this framework can development be the achievement of all. The ruling by acting Chief Justice (CJ) Ian Chang on whether the National Assembly has the authority
to reduce or cut the National Estimates/Budget has to be considered within the context of the political dynamics that currently exist, guided by the spirit and intent of the Guyana Constitution. While I have concerns about some aspects of the ruling, it is my view that it opens the opportunity for us to examine how our national assembly operates taking into consideration our political and cultural dynamics. To interpret the CJ’s decision in a literal sense places the society at a disadvantage. Justice Chang in summing up says “But, as a matter of constitutional legality, the Assembly cannot itself proceed to amend the Government’s estimates. It cannot be the fixer and approver at the same time. Even the demands of political expediency cannot justify unconstitutionality.” In considering this statement it opens the opportunity for
This is hardly a suggestion that everyone should be required to participate in the same thing. We are not speaking of requirements at all. In any case a degree of plurality, with respect to both topics and points of view, is also highly desirable. Our point is that a common set of frameworks and experiences is valuable for a diverse society, and that a system with limitless options, making for different choices, will compromise the underlying values. Being aware of the downside risk of unlimited filtering, let us try to be on the same page at least, so that we may have some hope of eventually building a nation.
all parties to put mechanism in place to improve our governance system to meet the needs of the society based on the intent of the framers of the constitution, taking into consideration Article 13 which states, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organizations in the
management and decisionmaking processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their wellbeing.” Unfortunately, this article suffers true implementation given an executive that continues to make decisions inimical to the nation’s security and the wellbeing of the collective. Further, note must be taken to the summation that (Continued on page 7)
Best wishes to the Chinese community on the occasion of the Chinese New Year DEAR EDITOR, I wish to extend best wishes to the Chinese community in Guyana on the occasion of the Chinese New Year which is celebrated in mainland China and the entire Chinese diaspora under the theme “Year of the Horse”. The horse is noted for strength, endurance and loyalty which to a significant degree characterized the Chinese people in the pursuit of their life and existence. There can be no doubt that Chinese have made and continues to make a significant contribution to Guyana’s development. Today they have moved
beyond the traditional Chinese restaurants and are well entrenched in the business and commercial sectors. The Chinese community in Guyana must be commended for their hard work, entrepreneurial skills and discipline. Their thrift, work ethic and simplicity of lifestyles are also worthy of emulation. Contrary to what is being peddled in some quarters, the Chinese are not “taking over” but are taking advantage of business opportunities that exist in the country for which they ought to be commended. Hydar Ally
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
No reference made to any Adam right on crime; politicians must jointly address problem comparable constitutional scenario DEAR EDITOR, People relate to Adam Harris’s frustration over the spike in crime – murders, robberies. No one can really feel safe from criminal elements in the society, particularly business persons, middle class and practically anyone with a little bit of wealth. One is at a loss for words to describe the criminal chaos that pervades society. Adam rightly bemoans the failure of the police to rein in the criminals. But as he said police must be paid a livable wage and be guaranteed an insurance for their family in going after the criminals who have no regards for life. Tackling crime must be the number one priority of the Government. The culture and climate of crimes with so many deaths have far-reaching consequences. frightening away investment and business activities. People are scared to travel to Guyana. Investors will all shy away when they read the front page stories of killings. Our immediate concern should be to root out sources of crime. There are serious flaws in governance that need to be addressed in order to get to the bottom of criminality. Society must attempt to eliminate or minimise the root causes crime, we wouldn’t go far in curbing the crime rate. Guyanese don’t need to engage in criminal activity – a murderous rampage to earn a living. Our country is blessed with resources — plenty of fertile land, fresh water, sunshine, minerals, human talent. Work and a living wage should be available to all. It is a frightening development how easy it is for criminals (youths included) to have access to any type of weapon. Access to illegal firearms appears to be much too easy and worryfree and the authorities need to go after the peddlers of
arms. The spate of murders make my blood curdle and to think that some of the perpetrators are youths suggesting how low our society has descended since we obtained independence less than fifty years ago. During our colonial era, such violent crimes were unthinkable because of the zero tolerance by the authority. The state’s response was swift and severe to any criminal violation, including corruption. The authorities need to confront and deal with this current deadly set of killings and the threat to society. We got to find a way to guide the youths away from a life of crime - education, skills training, jobs, etc. - with tough discipline in civic responsibilities and at an early age. Tough actions against crime should have been taken years ago. Crime will not stop on its own. An activist approach is needed. The government can no longer behave like the proverbial ostrich that hides its head in the sand believing crime will decrease or not be placed on the front pages of the media if ignored. The politicians have to put aside their differences and come up with a workable plan that will calm the behavior of the criminals if not putting them away altogether.
Acts of criminality should not be politicized. The victims are from all neighborhoods and of all ethnicity and political affiliation. No one is safe in our society. Crime transcends politics. Governance and being a politician involve integrity and honesty and a sense of duty to do the right things for the nation. Let all join hands devoid of party politics, to tackle ever growing crime in the land. It is the interest of every politician and law abiding citizen to come together to address this intractable issue. People from all walks of life and political affiliation must face the reality and take steps to stem the violence. It is noted that since some of the criminals are themselves police offices and many of the criminals are very violent with friends in the police force, the people cannot depend on the police to protect them. Then government should consider granting the people firearms to defend themselves from the criminals operating as police officers and bandits in general. Also, the government should encourage the people to establish community policing groups and arm a few of the members to protect their community. Vishnu Bisram
DEAR EDITOR, A history-making judicial coup, a pyrrhic political achievement, a devastating embarassment to decisionmaking of any kind in this country, but most immediately to that of the standard of jurisprudence in the Caribbean Region (on which the CCJ is bound to comment); not to mention, to the underpinnings of Constitutional law throughout the Commonwealth. Perhaps it is the recognition of the above that has bowed the membership of the Guyana Bar Association into a silence – which albeit admits to the schizophrenia inherent in their profession. One taxi driver posed a simplistic question: as to how acceptable would be the most recent contentious ruling by the Chief Justice (acting) if either parties were in the other’s place. It is a question left for the pontificators to ponder. But perhaps a more intricate proposition is how well read are those persons who expound, of the relevant
provisions of the Constitution. They would discover, then speak to the distribution, not only of power, but also of responsibilities to be shared amongst partners in governance. The Executive is but one partner, a status it certainly recognises when, for example, it seeks the agreement of the opposition to appoint the two highest positions in the Judiciary, as specifically provided by the Constitution. It would be improper for any one to suggest any nuance of hard feelings in this particular exercise as they say: ‘it’s only business’. However, it is certainly worth inviting attention to the
incontestable fact that the Budget is more than just a set of numbers. Those who would not have studied a copy of the National Estimates would probably not fully comprehend that the statistics are not just about projects like roads, buildings and other infrastructure. It is pre-eminently about people, about the appointment of personnel with skills and competencies adequate to the expected deliverables of each budget agency. Is there the slightest implication that the performance of any public servant does not fall within the ultimate purview of the (Continued on page 7)
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Six years later….
Friday February 07, 2014
Anti-Money Laundering discussions…
Cops jailed for allowing A “certain degree of progress” achieved at latest meeting prisoner’s escape A nerve-racking wait over the past six years ended in anguish yesterday for two police ranks who were before the court for allowing a prisoner to escape from lawful custody. Both Constables Ernest Ivan and Sandra Corridus were jailed for two years by Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The two ranks, who were interdicted since they were initially charged in February 2008 for allowing former murder accused Onika King to escape, broke down in tears after the sentence was handed down. It is alleged that the two ranks allowed King to escape while they were transporting her to the prison in New Amsterdam. It is alleged that on November 2, 2007, at Handen-Veldt, Mahaica, Constable Ivan, who was attached to the Tactical Services Unit and Constable Corridus, a former Police Impact Base rank, “assisted Onika King in escaping, while she was in lawful custody.” Yesterday’s decision came after six agonising years,
during which the summary matter was heard by six Magistrates and seven different Prosecutors, not to mention different defence attorneys. The matter started in February 2008 before Magistrate Yohhannseh Cave and was subsequently heard by Magistrates Heymant Ramdhani, Judy Latchman and Alex Moore, and more recently, Sueanna Lovell. Kaieteur News understands that all seven police witnesses had testified in the trial, but the constant adjournments and Magistrate changes resulted in several aborted trials. Another main witness, Ashanti Schultz, called ‘Blondie’ who was also a prisoner in the vehicle with King, left the jurisdiction shortly after the two cops were charged, and therefore was unavailable to offer any evidence. The court had heard that on November 2, 2007 at Handen-Veldt, Mahaica, while being on a criminal charge, King escaped from custody. On that day, King had attended court in Georgetown and was being transported
back to the New Amsterdam Prison when she escaped. At the time, the 22-year-old King of 1830 North Ruimveldt, Festival City, Georgetown, was facing charges for the December 13, 2006 murder of Selvin King. According to reports, the police vehicle transporting King and another female murder accused, Ashanti Schultz, had stopped at the liquor restaurant. The ranks and the two murder accused allegedly entered the liquor restaurant where the policemen ordered drinks. While there, King reportedly told the ranks that she wanted to relieve herself and they allowed her to go to the restaurant’s washroom. It is alleged that while the ranks remained at their table, the accused crawled through a hole in the fence at the back of the premises and disappeared. King managed to remain at large while the police ranks faced the court. But after almost two years on the run, King was arrested in French Guiana for simple larceny and was subsequently deported to Guyana. The murder charge against her was dismissed.
By Kiana Wilburg Though much bickering and the popular “blame game” had tainted most of the discussions on the contentious Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, there was finally a ray of hope at the conclusion of one of the committee’s meeting held last evening. This is according to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Public Works and Telecommunications, Joseph Harmon. There were reports that the Chairperson of the Select Committee, Gail Teixeira, had concluded the works on the Bill in the absence of opposition members, but Harmon informed this publication that this was not the case and that deliberations on the Bill are still continuing. He added that the meeting “went so smoothly” that he is “most pleased with the way it was conducted”. “We have a matrix which we have put together and it will be looked at over the weekend. We have fresh documents that we have to look at as well. The meeting last night went well… We achieved a certain degree of progress.” Prior to this successful engagement, Basil Williams, who serves as the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs of APNU, had expressed his disappointment over the fact that there was no meeting held to review the pertinent presentations made by some stakeholders on the AntiMoney Laundering Bill. Williams informed members of the media corps during a press briefing at
Joseph Harmon APNU’s Hadfield Street office that some important questions and suggestions on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill were presented to members of the Special Select Committee. Some of these stakeholders included Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, Professor Clive Thomas and members of the Bankers Association. Williams said that the People’s Progressive Party had once again shown a laid back attitude in having the works of the Special Select Committee done in a proper manner. “At first we had to fight with them for stakeholders to be heard, which they shut out at the first sitting. The government had to be
brought kicking and screaming before those persons could testify before the committee. And I am happy they came.” The politician then made reference to a question raised by members of the Bar Association. The question was based on the privilege of communication between lawyer and client. “The legislation says that the supervising authority can turn up at the lawyer’s office without a search warrant and seize important and confidential documents, and since it doesn’t say that it can be taken permissively, it suggests that certain confidential information can be taken with force from lawyers. This raises questions of protection of property and third persons accessing information and the security of the individual.” While describing the presentations as lively and incisive, Williams opined that the next appropriate thing was for there to be a review of such submissions and for it to be reflected in the Bill. But it was never suggested, more so conducted. “Everything was just rushed,” Williams stated. Further, it was reported that Guyana had topped the list of some 55 countries that are non-compliant and without effective legislation and may therefore be subject (Continued on page 31)
Alleged sexual assault of waitress…
File with DPP Chambers Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack confirmed yesterday that the file pertaining to an 18-year-old waitress who claimed sexual assault by her former employer at the Princess Hotel, is currently with her Chambers. The DPP told Kaieteur News that the matter is being looked at, but this newspaper was unable to get further clarification on allegations made by the teen about advice reportedly given to her by a staffer of the entity. The sexual assault matter was brought to life after the teen, her sibling and father held a press conference to highlight what they said was the failure of the system in ensuring justice for the young lady. The teen told the media earlier this week that while employed at the Princess Hotel, she was sexually assaulted by a senior official. She claimed that the incident occurred around
15:30 hrs on Saturday January 11, last. The teen and her family claimed that she was advised by the secretary to the DPP that there isn’t enough evidence for her case to stand up in Court. The DPP Chambers stated in a follow-up statement that “at no time did the officer who met with (the woman) advise her not to go to Court.” The DPP Chambers then advised that it had the file and the matter was being given due attention. The Princess Hotel and Casino Guyana establishment which is headed by the Georgetown Investment and Management Services Inc. (GIMS Inc) categorically denied all claims of sexual assault on the teen. The establishment expressed alarm over the teen’s public statements and has threatened legal action, while highlighting that they have fully cooperated with authorities on the matter.
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
An opportunity for us to examine how our national... From page 4 “The power of the Assembly to approve (or not to approve) the Minister’s estimates simply means that the Assembly is conferred with a “gate keeping” function by the Constitution and does not imply or involve a power to amend or to adjust (cut) the estimates presented by the executive Minister. The Assembly can mark the paper for passing but it cannot amend or interfere with its contents in order for it to be passed. If it needs any correction or amendment for approval, it is the Minister who must do the correction or amendment to obtain the Assembly’s approval. Assuming for the purpose of analysis, that the Assembly were to take the view that a sum of money would be insufficient to implement a project acceptable to the Assembly and the issue becomes not that of “cutting” but of increasing the estimates. Surely, it would be the Minister who would be required to raise his estimates and not the National Assembly to effect any increase in the estimates.” While there may be concern on the ruling as we examine Article 171, a way forward has to be found to realise the type of governance system that can realise our principal political objective stated in Article 13. It was not by accident our political system makes provision for regional Members of Parliament (MPs) who have a responsibility to represent the interest of the regions at the national level. The CJ’s ruling has made it over important that in developing the programmes and estimates for the respective regions, these MPs must be integrally involved. And when the national estimates are presented to the National Assembly the process of shrewd negotiations must commence to make sure that the limited available resources are equitably distributed across the nation. Budgeting and estimates cannot continue to be arrived at in abstract or how someone feels about a community or group of people. Our system of governance makes provi-
sion for the national budget to have its genesis in programmes developed by the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and approved by the Regional Democratic Councils, then sent to the Executive to be placed into a National Budget and brought to the National Assembly, of which political groups at the local government level are represented. The time has come for us to develop a People’s Budget and not an executive or PPP budget given all members of the cabinet have sworn to uphold the Constitution which does not give them the right to discriminate against any person or group. And where there is failure in arriving at consensus, or the pervasive culture of the minister and current executive to say what is presented is final and must be approved, this attitude must be met with the treatment prescribed in the CJ’s ruling to exercise “the power of the Assembly to approve (or not to approve).” Also, inferring from what the CJ has said the National Assembly can request the minister (author of the budget) to make necessary adjustments to the estimates. His failure to do so must be accompanied by acceptable explanation or justification. The dogmatic politics must end and a consensual politics must emerge consistent with the spirit and intent of the constitution. The point needs to be made that the responsibility for preparation of a National Budget is that of the Executive, a position I articulated (verbally and written) wherever the opportunity presented itself after the 2011 elections. In this present political situation we can learn from Forbes Burnham and Cheddie Jagan where they needed each other for political, legislative and executive successes; and national security. When opportunities presented themselves both leaders made full use of them. This politics of magnanimity and shrewd negotiations must return to our body politic and seen in the 2014 Budget. Lincoln Lewis
GUYANA SWAT: A PROUD MOMENT FOR GUYANA
DEAR EDITOR, Witnessing the launch of GUYANA’S SWAT TEAM earlier today is truly a moving and powerful moment for the peoples of our beautiful and promising Guyana. Personally, I am exhilarated, excited, bubbling with personal joy, as if it is a personal achievement. It may be personal too. Since I remigrated to Guyana in 1993, I have been calling for the establishment of a SWAT , and even before, in 1997, I wrote Commissioner Lloyd Barker for a local Crime Reaction Unit. Not too long after, the famous ‘Blue Clothes’ was effected, which later became the ‘Black Clothes,’ under Mr. Laurie Lewis. Notwithstanding, I kept writing in the printed media, and with discussions on the electronic media when invited to discuss crime, and on my personal programme, kept demanding that the SWAT be established in this country. The most recent demand for the SWAT from this writer came at the ‘wake’ of young Zulfikar Namdar, son of famous Muslim activist and humanitarian, Sheikh Goolzar Namdar, which was attended to by thousands of people, including His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Hon. Minister of Tourism, diplomats and peoples of all sectors of Guyana’s society, from all over Guyana. I made a resounding call that the time
President must give reason for witholding assent; court decides... From page 4 the SN , both Senior Counsels have now upheld the authority of the Judiciary so stipulated by the constitution as inviolable. Lavishing such legal counseling ought to be made constitutional. In high hopes of Guyanese becoming beneficiaries and may it not displease them both; would it now be imprudent to mention what the constitution specifically details? How and what the President must communicate his reservations to the National Assembly is actually written in the constitution. Should its clarity be so summarily dismissed and/or ignored? In respectful beseeching their eminent contemplative deliberation, is submitted the relevant part of the constitution, if they be not so inconvenienced, for reconsideration and readjustment. Article 170 of the Constitution outlines the relevant clauses as follows:
(1)”… the power of Parliament to make laws shall be exercised by Bills passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President. (2) When a Bill is presented to the president for assent, he shall signify that he assents or that he withholds assent. (3) Where the President withholds his assent to a Bill, he shall return it to the Speaker within twenty-one days of the date when it was presented to him for assent with a message stating the reasons why he has withheld the assent. (4) A Bill shall not become law unless it has been duly passed and assented to in accordance with this constitution. In our fledgling democracy does the President have the right to freedom of choice? Freedom to assent, and to withhold assent from Bills presented to him is not automatic. In the event he does not assent he has to give a reason, which he did.
Pledged to uphold the constitution he cannot agree to undermine the supreme law of the land by willful abandon when he makes his decision. In other word the President, on receipt of the bill on his desk must state the reason not justify it - of Presidential discomfort. Since no prior President was as blessed with President Forbes Burnham’s legal nimbleness, Guyana’s Attorney General became the automatic taxpayers imperative as the principal legal officer, with constitutional authority to represent all the pros and cons, afterwards which the President then so communicates his decision to the National Assembly The President’s, preference not to do wrong or be irresponsible , credited the unconstitutionality of the bill as the reason for its rejection. Variance with his oath to upkeep and uphold the constitution would be premeditative . Is he wrong? Then let
the judiciary rule “on the basis of someone mounting a legal challenge” as the learned Mr Pollard, so astutely recommended. Guilt is not affirmed by many, loud or chorused hearsay when culpability has yet to be adjudicated by the court, moreso in this case coming under specific jurisdiction of the supreme law of the land. If Demerarawaves correctly quoted the learned Senior Counsel and the President sent the bill back with “reason” in according of the constitution , who is to be held responsible of violating the constitution or be fully exonerated by the court will become obvious “on the basis of someone mounting a legal challenge”. Any additional enlightenment in a civilized and democratic country coming from those who are still revered and respected for their vast experiences would do the body politic good. Please hurry up to avoid the rush. Sultan Mohamed
is now for the establishment of “Team Swat Guyana” or a similar unit, which could move fast, with the most sophisticated firepower and explosive devices, which will protect the peoples of this country, and even send ‘shock and awe’ on the criminals. In less than twenty four hours, we heard and read in the media that the Government will see that the team is established, and the Minister of Home, Affairs, the Hon. Clement Rohee, went into action to see it done. Kudos Minister Rohee. Kudos Government of Guyana. Many have tried to get me to disrespect the Hon. Minister in discussions at various functions at the cocktails circuit, and to think him a ‘lilliputian,’ but I will let them know he is a ‘Gulliver….a giant of man with an elite brains.’ I serve with this man in a professional basis, on a most import Board in this country as a Commissioner in The National Commission of law and Order, and involved in various other activities and Boards managed by his Ministry, e.g the Prison Sentence management Board, and even as Chairman of interviewing panels, etc. It is my personal honour and opportunity to serve with him, and be guided by him. He has most achievements in the Crime Fighting Sector
than any other Minister in the history of Guyana. Maybe, it is time the PR people of the Ministry of Home Affairs publish and list the achievements of the Ministry during his period as Minister. He is also one who listens. While I was demanding this team in Guyana over the decades of course, there were others also in action requesting and demanding that this unit be established. I salute their foresight. Many Home Affairs Ministers since 1992 have been speaking of it, but again, to my opinion, it is another great achievement for this Hon. Minister Clement Rohee, who has caused enormous positive strides in the crime fighting sector. The terroristic and vicious criminals have been wreaking havoc in the city, the coastlands and interior. This must be put to an end. The people have their rights to enjoy and earn by hard work in any legal endeavour, no one has a right to take their property, and more so kill or try to kill them. Thank you Minister Rohee, Thanks Government of Guyana, it has been a along wait, but we now have SWAT. Roshan Khan CEO/Founder RK’s Guyana Security Services Commissioner, National Commission of law and Order.
No reference made to any comparable... From page 5 National Assembly? If there is then someone will have to come up with a convincing argument why the Executive and the opposition should share oversight of the performance of budget agencies at least at the level the Public Accounts Committee, and the Economic Services Committee, to the former of which the Auditor General, a Constitutional position responds. One legal luminary of international status quickly cut through the dross of all the argumentation to the quick conclusion that what has been witnessed was at least an act of insubordination. Comparatively, it would
be interesting to see how managers of business organisations would react to an appointee who argued that the employer had no right to adjust his/her compensation package, following an evaluation of performance. The prudent employer would quite likely refer to internal precedents, as well as best practices elsewhere. Some observers have pointed out that they did not detect reference to any comparable constitutional scenario which would buttress this instant opinion – surely an unusual omission in shaping such a fundamentally new construct. Hardly a sporting gesture! E.B. John
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No favouritism in teachers’ promotion - TSC “There is no favouritism in promoting teachers,” said Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Leila Ramson. Ramson, during an interview with this publication, said that there are a number of teachers who are of the belief that “we at the teaching service have favourites when we are doing promotions, but this is not so.” According to the TSC Chairperson, who has sat at the helm of the commission for the past 19 years, “I can assure you that when we are doing promotions we – Commissioners and the Chief Education Officer – sit around the table, and even if I have a sister that I would like to assist, it can’t be done, because if I do it for my sister then the other commissioners would want to do it for their families and friends too.” The task of teachers’ promotion is conducted by seven commissioners (including Ramson) and the CEO of the Education Ministry, who according to her, are required to go through “tons” of applications and files in order to score and decide where, or if, teachers are eligible to be promoted. And this task, she underscored, is a rather “long and tedious” process. “We have to go through the many files and all applications; and there are some positions, especially in Georgetown, where you have as much as 45 applications coming in and all those applications have to be scored,” said Ramson. Although the TSC is not yet aware of the vacancies that are available to teachers this year, it is expected that a list will be made available by the Education Ministry this week. And according to
Eccles biker’s killing…
More witnesses testify as PI continues…
handing over in the schools,” the TSC Chairperson explained. Even as the Commission is gearing for senior promotions, Ramson said that efforts will soon be directed to junior promotions as well. She disclosed that junior vacancies are in fact available in every Region each term, a situation that is premised on the fact that some teachers simply do not return to the public school system. “There are teachers who either leave to go away or some who don’t go back to school because of some domestic problems or they want to look after their children...Every term we have these vacancies at every level,” said Ramson, who noted that the TSC is prepared to continue its work fervently this year.
Police investigators associated with the probe into the death of biker, Kirk Davis, were yesterday called to testify on behalf of the prosecution as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into his death continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The PI is currently engaging the attention of the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Randy Jagdeo, 27, of 159 Third Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, is said to have shot Davis to death at his Eccles, East Bank Demerara residence on September 3, 2013. On November 21, 2013, the Prosecution had stated that it will be leaning on eight witnesses to establish a case of murder against Jagdeo. Thus far, a total of five witnesses have already offered their testimonies. On Wednesday, the biker’s brother, his employee and a Detective Corporal who is a crime lab photographer attached to the Criminal Investigations Division Headquarters, Eve Leary, had already given sworn testimonies to the court. At yesterday’s hearing, the said Detective Corporal Whittington was once again called to the stand. Adding to his previous testimony, the photographs of the crime scene were tendered as evidence and he was cross-examined by
Randy Jagdeo
Dead: Kirk Davis
Attorney at Law Mark Waldron who appeared in association with Roger Yearwood on behalf of the accused. Next to testify in the matter was Detective Corporal Keith Conway, who is attached to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Brickdam Police Station. Under oath, he related what he did during the investigation of the murdered man. The death certificate, post mortem report, spent shells recovered from Davis’s body and metal fragments were all tendered as evidence. He was also cross-examined by Waldron. The Prosecution’s final witness
yesterday was Detective Constable Carlston Rockcliffe, who is attached to the crime lab of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Brickdam Police Station. He related to the court the part he played in the murder investigation. At the request of Corporal Bharat Mangru, who prosecuted, Detective Constable Rockcliffe will return to court on the next scheduled date to continue giving his evidence. The Prosecution indicated that it has four remaining witnesses to support its case. The case stands adjourned to February 10.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Deborah Backer, has resigned as a member of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) Backer who has been ailing in recent months tendered her resignation letter yesterday to the Leader of her party, Brigadier (rtd).
David Granger, who also heads the coalition, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), and Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman. Another APNU frontbencher Joseph Harmon, last evening confirmed the resignation. Backer is currently overseas receiving treatment for cancer.
Harmon said that Backer is “one fierce politician” who has served her position exceedingly well. He wished the former APNU member a “speedy recovery during such an unfortunate period of her life.” Harmon said that deliberations are still ongoing over Backer’s replacement.
Deborah Backer
Leila Ramson, TSC Chairperson Ramson, some of the applications will be coming from as far as the interior too. “We are starting this exercise this month and we anticipate that it will finish at the end of June. We have to keep this schedule so that we can advertise the positions,” Ramson said. She disclosed that once advertised, the teachers desirous of promotion will have a monthlong period to fill up the relevant forms and send same to their respective Regional Education Offices. Having been examined by the Region, the applications are then sent to Central Ministry before they are forwarded to the Commission. Aside from scoring teachers, the TSC Commissioners are also tasked with conducting interviews with some teachers for their promotion. “We have to do so many interviews and finish them in one week, in order to keep our schedule and finish everything in good time, so that teachers know who will be promoted, and that they will make proper arrangements to do their
Friday February 07, 2014
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What is my own is mine! Old people say never to let other people’s property “fatten your eye”. But that warning has more often than not been ignored. There are individuals who like to “eyeball” what others have in the hope of coveting it. And when you try to take something from somebody that does not belong to you, you are flirting with danger. Just last week, a fifteenyear-old lad, who should be eyeballing his school books was shot dead after he and his associates entered the property of a businessman and robbed the man and his family at gunpoint. While his two friends reportedly went downstairs with the businessman to relieve him of the earnings of his shop, the now dead fifteen-year-old, armed with a scissors, stayed upstairs and proceeded to tie up the man’s wife. Why do you think he stayed upstairs and why was he tying up the man’s wife? He has his own plans, except that he did not cater for the woman’s husband returning upstairs - after his friends had fled - and confronting him. He believed that with the scissors as a weapon, he was invincible. He is now dead and as sad as that may be, the lesson he did not live to learn is that what belongs to
someone else is not yours. Do not allow other persons’ possessions to “fatten your eye”. There are a lot of problems in this country. And heaven forbid, there can be improved governance. But the biggest problem is this tendency of dishonest individuals to covet what does not belong to them. Stealing is a major problem in Guyana. It is not just a case of persons entering your home and stealing from you, or of being mobbed and dispossessed of your valuables. There is a serious problem of both blue collar and while collar crime experienced by persons who own businesses. Do you know the amount of losses suffered, both knowing and unknowing, by the owners each day? Do you know the stealing that employees commit on employers in this country? It is hard enough to run a business amidst unfair competition, much less to contend with the pilfering by employees. But the cruelest cut of all is when someone invades your private space to rob you of your possessions and to take advantage of your family. An individual may work hard to earn his keep. It may have taken that person
many years of savings and borrowing from the banks to acquire some material possessions, only to have some other person decide that they have a right to take it away. Those who steal from others do not understand or appreciate the sacrifices that those persons have to make to acquire things. They do not know your indebtedness to the bank, and if you cannot payback what you owe you can lose everything. Yet they want to come and take what you have away from you, because they feel that you have too much while they have nothing. Or because they are greedy and want more than they have. Or because they are just wicked and do not want to make the sacrifices to acquire what they want. That is nonsense. It does not matter how much I have. What I have is mine. No one has any right to come and deprive me of what I have earned. There are hardworking people in this country, and they have every right to decide what to do with their money. If they want to build a nice house and surround themselves with expensive things, well that is their right. If that is what makes them happy, then so be it!
Licencing of vessels in C’tyne remains a challenge - MARAD About 90 percent of small boats operating in the Corentyne area are not licenced with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), due to the border situation which persists between Guyana and Suriname. This assertion was made by Captain Stephen Thomas, Director of Maritime Safety, during the Ministry of Public Works’ 2013 performance press conference, last Friday. He suggested that the boats are probably licenced or registered in neighbouring Suriname. “That area doesn’t see much intervention from our department, mainly because of the maritime border situation there,” Thomas said. However, for other areas where fishing is a major activity, MARAD has been trying to have fishing vessels licenced to ensure maritime safety. About 50 percent of fishing vessels operating are not licenced, but that percentage fluctuates whenever there are countrywide campaigns. Captain Thomas explained that unless staffers
engage in out-of-town activities or are consistently behind operators, many vessels would remain unlicenced. According to Captain Thomas, MARAD and the Agriculture Ministry’s Fisheries Department are drafting a Memorandum of Understanding to make the licencing of fishing vessels compulsory. “So if they aren’t licenced by us they wouldn’t be licenced to fish and things like that, all in the interest of promoting safety,” he said. Providing other highlights of the department for 2013, Captain Thomas said personnel of the Ship
Inspection Regime inspected over 500 vessels during the past year. He related that 350 personnel certificates were issued. “Most of them were for renewal and 150 were for new personnel,” he added. According to Captain Thomas, there were 22 reported accidents and unfortunately there were 37 deaths and 10 injuries. He noted that MARAD’s foreign vessel inspection programme did not perform as planned. The department was only able to inspect four vessels. This falls below MARAD’s target of surveying 25 percent of the foreign vessels that come to Guyana.
There are others who do not work so hard, but who have it good, because they may be lucky or belong to some rich family or have persons overseas who are helping them out. That is their luck. Good for them also! And then there are some individuals who spend all day looking at what you have and deciding that they want some of it, or they feel that because they feel you have more than you need, you have a right to share it with them. There are some persons in this country, however, who
feel that they have a right to tell you how to spend your money. They know you may have a lot more extra cash than you may need, and they decide that it is their right to ask you to pass off some of what you have to them. And when you say no, they hurl insults at you. Well sorry, folks. My money is my money. Whether I have too much is my business. I have to decide what I want to do with it. I have a problem with those who feel that because I have more money than I need, I
should give some to them. Sorry, that is not my philosophy. If I want to give you something, I will give you something. If I don’t feel the need to give you something, then that is my choice. Do not allow what I have to “fatten” your eyes. Do not try to tell me how to spend my money. You have no say in that!
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Looking down at Guyana from way above the skies When angry Guyanese engage me about the PPP’s horrific performance, I would say to them that no one can understand what the PPP has done with more than two decades of power. On this page, I have made reference several times to the impossible recovery of Dresden in Germany. The story of Dresden is a
sensitive one, because genetic dimensions of racism may come into the argument. Some historians argue that the Allied bombing of Dresden in the final days of World War 2 is the worst type of aerial devastation in history. Dresden was flattened and was reduced to literally burnt earth. This was in 1945. By 1965, Dresden had
become a normal, European city. Today, Dresden is an ultra-modern, futuristic city. Forget about a comparison with other Third World countries, let’s take Guyana. It became a sovereign, independent state in 1966. Compare Dresden with sovereign Guyana today in 2014, and you may want to invoke the Naipaulian concept of racial explanation for the demise of Third World development. Go up in the skies and look down upon this wretched land named Guyana and you see an unbelievable motion that the Marxist philosopher would say is not possible, because dialectics do not work like that. The dialectics never worked in Guyana. This explains why the country is
receding into primitive times rather than going into the future where Dresden has long gone, to the point where Dresden is beyond imagination. Of course Dresden is just one of hundreds of postmodern cities and they can be found not only in Europe Canada, Australia, China, Japan, and the US. In Turkey, Malaysia, Qatar, the UAE, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, just to name a few, there are fantastic cities where the developmental achievements are awesome. When young Guyanese see the height that civilization has reached in these places, wild horses cannot drag them back to Guyana. When you look at this country is it dirty, run-down, poor, devastated, ruined, wretched. There is no movement towards a more developed society. On the contrary, we are going back in time. Go from above and look at the roads, parapets, trenches, gutters, alleyways, beaches, public parks, ports, bridges, public educational institutions, public buildings etc, and you see the stultification of a country. Look at the road outside the Ministry of Human Services. Words cannot describe the sickening ambience. Look at the ugly, pauperized internal and external environment of the
University of Guyana. And to think there has been a government in office since Independence in 1966. I say without fear of contradiction, there isn’t even a semi-clean toilet in any, I repeat, any public building. Toilet conditions are horrible at UG, Cyril Potter College, many schools, the courts, police stations, just to name a few. Do you know the security lodge at the entrance of the UG campus is exactly the same building as when I first entered UG in 1974? Look at the filth that surrounds the base of the Independence Arch at Brickdam and Vlissengen Road. This is a prized possession of our country. It was a gift from the bauxite company at the time. In all, I repeat, all countries in the world that would have been preserved as a national gem. In Guyana, it is a national disgrace. Stand on Avenue of the Republic as it meets Croal Street and look up at the façade of the High Court. The windows are falling down. The drainage pipes on the roof are hanging. In the courtyard itself, of this high judicial institution, sewage is seeping from the very spot that I saw it when I was a visitor to the Arnold Rampersaud trial in 1974. The sewage system of the
Frederick Kissoon High Court collapsed at the beginning of the eighties. It is still in that state and we are in the 21st century. In fact 14 years into the 21st century. There are things you could not understand when you were very young. When Samuel Doe pulled off a coup in Liberia in 1980, I was hurt as a human being to see the way he dealt with the government personnel he had overthrown. You felt personally revolted deep inside at the way humans can threat others the way Doe did. As a philosophy student at the University of Toronto at the time, I hated Doe for what he had become. But can we really understand the anger that boiled up inside of people like Doe, who for decades saw how ruling politicians treated Liberia. That was in 1980. Ask me how I feel now about what Doe did. It scares me to think that I may agree with his methods.
Dem boys seh...
Donald need a pacifier Every time Donald talking these days he crying and complaining. For years dem boys talk bout de substandard wuk dem contractors does do. He know that before he tun president, and he use to complain to dem boys. Now he tun president, he still complaining. In fact, this thing get worse. He not only complaining; he singing de same tune that he use to sing before, and now he tun president he crying how sand does disappear, how road not build properly, how drugs does throw away. Dem boys gun enter he fuh de upcoming calypso competition wheh he gun sing as de ‘Mighty Complainer.’ He gun deh next to Ah Kneel who gun be holding de mike on de truck, de same way how he does hold de mike fuh Donald at Sleep Out. Dem boys seh that is time he Donald stop this sand dancing and crying like a baby. He must get down to de business of de country. Dem boys and de whole nation want you step up to de plate and do de wuk and do it right. Kick way de Rat; do it your way. Start clean up de place and don’t complain. Deal wid dem kantractahs and kak tractahs. De nation fed up wid de complaining. As de commander in chief you can’t behave suh dem foreign country and even de local school
children wouldn’t have respect fuh you. De boys don’t believe that you got de Rat pulling de string on to now. You ain’t no puppet, and if you is one, dem boys want give you a pacifier fuh put wheh you want put it. De people of de country upset and dem boys more upset, because dem think dem know you better than that. Ali Baba and de same 40 chores he had holding you back. Wake up, get up, stand up. Do it not fuh yuhself, but fuh de people of this country. How else you gun win back you majority in de parliament. Start tekking action wid de weather man. This is a man who tell de nation, yesterday, that massive rainstorm gun hit Guyana and cause massive flash floods and all de schools should shut down. Late, late in de night when people should be sleeping, he got dem putting sandbag in front dem door. Next day sun hot, hot, hot, and dem got to move de sandbag in that same hot sun. Fire that mother ——g man for a start. Then right away, as soon as you hang up de phone, dial Rob de Earth and give he de marching orders, because he is de one who hire de weather man when he was Agri Minister. Fire LesLee, too, in de same breath. He continuing de nonsense and de lawlessness. Talk half and wait fuh rain and sun.
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Concerns mount over AML-CFT deadline Watchdog body, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), has joined increasing calls for lawmakers to pass critical anti-money legislation or face likely crippling blacklisting measures. TIGI met with business advocacy group, Private Sector Commission (PSC), on Wednesday to discuss a number of critical issues which have placed the Government and Opposition sides in the National Assembly at odds with each other. These include the US-led Democracy and Leadership Project; the Anti-Money
Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill (AMLCFT); the Public Procurement Commission impasse; the Integrity Commission; 2014 budget; the implications of the Chief Justice’s ruling and allegations of police brutality. According to a joint statement from the two bodies, they remain in full support of the democracy project being handled by the USAID. Government had said it is not supporting the project as it had little input in the process. “We urge the Government to do everything
- Watchdog, business bodies urge early passage, budget talks possible to resolve with the United States Embassy any outstanding issues to ensure the smooth execution of the project. We believe that legislators, political parties and the general citizenry are likely to derive enormous benefits from the project,” the statement from TIGI and PSC said. They also called for early Local Government elections which have not been held since 1994.
Health Ministry directing serious attention to men’s health - as efforts are made to increase life-expectancy rate A decrease in the life expectancy rate of the population has seen the Ministry of Health putting strategic measures in place to curb this state of affairs, wherever possible. According to information emanating from the Ministry, the life expectancy rate for women currently stands close to 70 years old while the age for men is currently lagging behind, reaching ages between 64 and 65. While statistics for the period 2012 through 2013 are yet to be released by the Ministry, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, said that “we actually saw a drop from the 2009 – 2010 period, and in 2011 – 2012,” during an interview with this publication. According to the CMO, the situation that obtains for men is linked to murders, road traffic accidents and other violent deaths compounded by deaths caused by diseases. “For example, even though we have few malaria deaths, almost exclusively or about 89 per cent of them are usually men. For HIV deaths also, men outnumber women,” Dr Persaud said. He disclosed that the efforts of the Health Ministry are being geared towards realising an at least 70 years old life expectancy rate across the board. In fact, efforts in this regard have been extensively amplified in the Ministry’s Health Vision 20/20 Strategy, which is intended to serve as “sort of a roadmap to achieving the goals that we set for increasing life expectancy to be at least, for both men and women, at 70,” said the CMO. The Health Strategy is expected to guide the work of the Ministry until
Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer 2020. But according to Dr Persaud, the health sector has quite a challenge on its hand to get more men on the whole to adopt health seeking behaviours. “Men hardly ever, unless they are ill, visit a health facility to even get their blood pressure checked, check their blood sugar or get their weight and height measured, so that we could calculate their BMI; they don’t even come to do their heart test...” said Dr Persaud. It is for this reason he observed that relatively healthy men would collapse. And some such cases were seen during the past year, said Dr Persaud. “We had persons who we expect would be very fit in professions that they are expected to perform at high levels... and they just collapse and die.” Moreover, the CMO disclosed that good health does not start merely with the way people treat their bodies, but also includes their lifestyles, behaviours relating to diets, exercise and healthseeking behaviours, which he noted is very minimal when
compared to the rest of the Caribbean, especially when it comes to men. As such, one of the important gaps that have been found by the health sector, Dr Persaud said, is the need to improve the level of health literacy. He noted that although people in Guyana have a wealth of information pertaining to health, they however fail to practice good health. It is for this reason, Dr Persaud said, that the existing strategy, like previous strategies, aims at improving the livelihood and wellbeing of Guyanese in terms of health and wellness. The vision, according to him, is designed to help improve the health of Guyanese to an extent that it is comparable to that of not only persons in the Caribbean, but also across the Americas. However, Dr Persaud noted “that is quite a long journey when it comes to North American indicators; when it comes to life expectancy, and reducing infant and child mortality and reducing maternal mortality.” The efforts of the health sector are being fast-tracked, even as it seeks to combat the challenge of high suicide rates. He pointed out that Guyana is known for a lot of suicides, even as he explained that although a great number of women are known to attempt suicide there are even more males who succeed in this regard. As such, he noted that there is an ever-growing need for the health sector to cater to the needs of the nation, particularly males, even as moves are made to tackle Non-Communicable Diseases including diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, cancers and chronic lung diseases.
“We call on our political leaders to set aside their differences and take urgent measures to ensure that Local Government elections are held as early as possible to allow residents to elect their leaders among the local communities and to hold them accountable.” Regarding the AML-CFT legislation currently before the National Assembly, disappointment was expressed at the level of distrust among the political parties, that ha s s o f a r resulted in failure to amend the existing legislation to bring it in line with international standards. The laws are necessary in keeping with measures taken by other countries to halt dirty money from being “washed” in the system and used for financing terrorism. “Our disappointment is further compounded when one considers recent reports that Guyana and Mozambique are rated as the lowest in the world in terms of their legislations dealing with antimoney laundering and countering of terrorist financing.” TIGI and PSC said the consequence of blacklisting and sanctions will almost certainly have a significant adverse impact on the activities of the business community and on the lives of ordinary citizens. Already, some banks are reporting delays in sending and receiving monies with
mandatory measures now in place to verify identities of the persons transacting business. “We issue an urgent call to our political leaders to set aside narrow political and partisan interests; to put the broader interest first - the interest of the country; and to do whatever it takes to meet next week’s deadline for effecting the appropriate amendments to the existing legislation.” Both entities, touching on the sloth to establish the Public Procurement Commission despite the laws being passed 13 years ago, called on Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to expedite the selection of the five best candidates for appointment to the Commission from among the list of 20 persons who have been nominated. “It is our sincere hope that once these two actions are taken, the President will be in a position to make the appointment.” Similarly, the Integrity Commission, which monitors public servants and other office holders, noted that the Integrity Commission has not been functioning due to the failure to appoint the Commissioners. “We believe that a Commission that is staffed with independent, and technically and professionally competent officials, and provided with adequate resources, is the
single most important institution in any fight against corruption. …We urge the Government to appoint the members of the Integrity Commission without further delay.” Meanwhile, on the budget and the implications of the ruling by Chief Justice Ian Chang recently, the bodies said they are aware of the differing views of the various stakeholders on the ruling on whether or not the National Assembly could reduce the Estimates of Expenditure as presented. “Regardless of how we may feel about the ruling, we urge our legislators to respect the ruling, unless a higher Court decides otherwise. The country cannot afford a third year of political bickering over sums to be allocated for undertaking the essential services of the Government and for infrastructure works.” They called for a spirit of compromise. TIGI and PSC also expressed concerns over allegations of police brutality. “While we acknowledge that the majority of officers carry out their duties diligently and in a professional way, there is a serious deficit in public confidence in the Police Force, precipitated by the actions of undesirable elements in the Force. For too long these rogue elements have been allowed to operate with impunity.” The Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police were both urged to pull out all stops to lift the standards of performance of the Police Force.
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SWAT team will not be used as a political tool - Home Affairs Minister By Zena Henry Twenty-seven of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s finest were yesterday introduced to the public as they gear for intense, highlevel training to assemble the country’s first ever Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. They were identified during a special ceremony at the Police Force’s Camp Road Training Centre, attended by keynote speaker Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, senior police officials, members of the security sector and several public stakeholders. During the occasion, which marked the official launch of the much anticipated tactical unit, Minister Rohee addressed what he said was a continuous echo by persons who opposed the commissioning of a local SWAT team. “This SWAT team, as far as I am aware, is not being established to oppose and suppress members of the public or members of the opposition and people who are opposed to the government.” He continued that the team is not being
- 27 ranks to commence training established, “to be used as a political tool, or to accomplish political objectives,” but rather to fulfill certain professional responsibilities based on established Standard Operating Procedures. Rohee also slammed those who were outspoken about the non-necessity of a SWAT unit in Guyana, stating that a case had been made out with respect to its relevance. He said the question is whether the team will be helpful and contribute positively or not, before positing that any move in the current direction will see the people being the beneficiaries. “There are some who claim to have a wealth of knowledge on security matters, and claim to be security experts, who themselves question the necessity for a SWAT team... but I am not a security expert and I don’t have a wealth of knowledge on security matters, I am just a mere politician.” The Minister said that based on what he has learnt on security matters, he is
uncertain how those claiming to know so much about security, question the need for a SWAT team. Minister Rohee charged that from 2004 to last year, some $2B has been spent on security. He expressed disapproval of the country’s crime rate. He said he is not at all satisfied with the level of criminal activity taking place in the country, especially with the large sums of money being used to address the issue. He thus urged the SWAT ranks to perform diligently and professionally, as it is demanded of them, to give quality for money. Minister Rohee highlighted investments made in equipment such as the force’s water cannon, CCTV (surveillance), forensic improvement and transportation among other things, before reiterating the need for citizens to experience a more secure country based on the money that is being spent. The Minister urged citizens to see the establishment of a SWAT
team as a phase of the modernization of the GPF. “The establishment of this unit has to be looked at in the context of modernizing the GPF. If you are modernizing the force and you have done other interventions... establishing a SWAT team must be seen as part and parcel of modernizing the force; it is moving from the old into the new, and that is a positive development.” Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell said that despite the need of the SWAT team to have the ability to dilute sporadic matters of security, the most important aspect is, “serious discipline, training, coordination, precision, professionalism and the ability to make positive decisions in any eventuality.” He said the Administration saw training
as pivotal and thus collated with The Emergence Group (TEG) to formalize training. “Sporadic situations emerging, if not manage effectively, can evolve into acts of terrorism; as such a SWAT team is a vital component to our organizational structure. SWAT establishes strong training attendance standards which are mandatory, day by day, addressing civil and state emerging issues such as hostage rescue, resolving high-risk issues, and dissolving acts of terrorism.” Brumell informed the gathering that the selection process for the SWAT team was based on criteria set out by senior management and specialized officers of the GPF who looked at age, health, mind-set, years of service, experience and conduct. “There are two major benefits of enhanced SWAT training; improvement in job
specification, general physical preparedness, and overall physical performance. It reduces injury rates which can lead to the operational longevity of the SWAT operator.” Dennis Hays, Director of TEG, the group tasked with training the officers, explained the purpose of SWAT and related the benefits of the unit. He highlighted that SWAT is also another way of ensuring security in the country, based on the high level of training and tactics. He stated further that SWAT helps also to reduce the amount of violence needed to keep the country safe. Senior Superintendent Paul Williams, Force Training Officer, introduced 15 Constables, three Cadet Officers, Corporals and Sergeants, two Assistant Superintendents and one Special Constable, as the initial batch of SWAT trainees.
Diamond resident charged for vehicle fraud Bail was yesterday set to the tune of $350,000 for a 34year-old Diamond, East Bank Demerara resident who was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for an alleged vehicle fraud. It was the first court hearing for Satyanand Persaud who pleaded not guilty when the charge of obtaining money with intent to defraud was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. The particulars of the charge laid against him
detailed that between December 1, 2012 and January 21, 2013 at Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $1.5M by pretending he could sell a motor bike. The Prosecution in this case was represented by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Deneashwar Maindranauth, who offered objections to bail stating that the accused is a flight risk since he had evaded custody
since the commission of the alleged offence. However, his claim was refuted by Defence Attorney Kevon Bess who represented the accused. In submitting his bail application, Bess stated that his client was not a flight risk since he had turned himself in. Notwithstanding the Prosecution’s objections, bail was granted and the case stands adjourned to February 28.
PI date set for Carol Ann Lynch The date for the Preliminary Inquiry into the death of former Swiss House Cambio Manager, Farouk Razac, was on Wednesday set when his wife Carol Ann Lynch made her second court appearance on account of his murder. Lynch, who once held the title of Mrs. South America,
- Prosecution to produce 16 witnesses is currently held in remand for Razac’s murder which occurred on May 7, 2007 at Ireng Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Her case is being heard by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and prosecuted by
Corporal Bharat Mangru of the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions. At her last court hearing, the Chief Magistrate promised to set the date for her PI to commence. On Wednesday, she addressed Lynch’s lawyer, Peter Hugh. “I know that you’ve asked for an early date for the PI but there are persons before your client so she will have to wait her turn.” As such, Lynch was further remanded to prison and the Preliminary Inquiry is set to commence on April 1. Mangru indicated to the court that their investigations are complete and that the Prosecution will be presenting 16 witnesses to support their case.
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60 % of CJIA runway extension poses biggest challenge - CHEC exec. The biggest challenge facing the US$150M Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) project stretches for 1,400 of the 2,247-ft. extension of the runway. This is according to Assistant General Manager of the China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC), Dr Zhimin Hu, who yesterday provided an update to the massive engineering confab held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC). The problem is as a result of the soft nature of the soil and the level of water present. Dr Hu told those present at the conference, including Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn, that the company proposes to drill and install a number of sand columns meant to dry the soil and allow for greater consolidation. The stretch of runway will also require tonnes of sand to fill it, in order to raise the level of the soil to meet the current height of the existing runway. This will have to be done along the 1,400 feet
Dr. Zhimin Hu speaking yesterday about the challenges faced by CHEC on the project section which will be 115 metres wide and will have to be raised as much as 15 metres in some sections. This publication understands that the existing airport was built on a plateau and as such at the end of the existing runway there is a slope downwards that will have to be raised to the level of the runway. Dr Hu in her presentation yesterday said that one of the first challenges was finding a suitable location for the new terminal. She said that given
the fact that the existing terminal was recently expanded and the fact that its extension would have disrupted services at the airport, it was decided by the Guyana Government to build a completely new terminal. Dr Hu said that finding a suitable location that would allow for it to be integrated as well as not disturb the current operations also proved to be challenging. In providing some background into the project, she said that the Guyana
Government approached China Harbour, which prepared the project proposal as well as provided assistance for the financing through the Chinese EXIM (Export/
Import) Bank. While the contract for the project was inked in late 2011, days before former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, demitted office, work on the project did not begin until mid-last year. Meanwhile, CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, in responding to a question posed as to the ability of the extended runway to take off the load of large cargo planes, said that what is being targeted would be the Boeing 747-400. He said that Boeing 777 and 787 would also be facilitated. Earlier this month, in providing an update of the project, Ghir had said that some 4,500 truck-loads of sand has been dumped on the site to date, and the design
for the new terminal will be completed at the end of March. Currently slated as the second largest public infrastructure project in the country, the initiative has not found favour with the Opposition, who voted down several billion dollars allocated in the budget, last year. The Opposition said they want more clarity on the project as there were not sufficient reasons advanced to justify the spending. Government had been arguing that increased passenger traffic and a short runway have both stifled the growth of CJIA. In addition to sewage problems, the current airport in peak season is unable to handle the crowds.
Contractor on bail for stabbing man for $100 A contractor was yesterday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to be indicted on an unlawful wounding charge after he allegedly stabbed another man for $100. Yesterday, Kent Beckles appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on January 21, at Stabroek Market, he
unlawfully wounded Kumar Outar. The Prosecution’s case is that about 23:00 hours that day, Beckles approached Outar and begged him for $100. Inspector Michael Grant, who prosecuted, stated that Outar refused, and as a result, Beckles broke a glass bottle and stabbed the man twice about the body and lashed him to the head.
The matter was subsequently reported and the accused was later charged with the offence. However, the Prosecution offered no objections to bail and Beckles who was unrepresented by legal counsel was granted bail in the sum of $125,000. He is expected to make his second court appearance on March 6.
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 15
Bosai to restart operations The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment says it has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intensify monitoring of Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc (BMGGI) tailings discharge into the Kara Kara Creek, Region 10. This was after the bauxite company was cleared to resume the discharge following remedial works which led to the waterway returning to normalcy. Tests carried out recently found that the bauxite company’s tailings discharge was almost six times the allowed turbidity levels. An EPA team late last month had instructed Bosai to cease operation of its wash plant and tailings discharge, and to ensure the remedial measures to prevent further contamination are put into place.
Bosai has done remedial works and has been allowed to continue its discharge into the Kara Kara Creek, Region 10. Water quality assessment of turbidity levels at the discharge point was found to be 288 NTU. According to the
Ministry yesterday, the Mining (Amendment) Regulations 2005 in Guyana stipulate that tailings water can be discharged into a river
Kitty man gets 12 months for burglary A Barr Street Kitty resident was yesterday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after she found him guilty of burgling the house of another Kitty resident. Yesterday, the trial for Mark Mangal who was accused of break and enter and larceny concluded at the Georgetown Magistrates’
Court after the presiding Magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution. Lance Corporal Renetta Bentham, who prosecuted, managed to prove that on September 5, 2013, Mangal broke and entered the dwelling house of Paul Booker on David Street, Kitty and stole $742,000 worth in electrical items. On September 30, last
year, he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry who subsequently transferred the matter to Magistrate Azore, before whom the trial was conducted. After listening to the six witnesses who testified on behalf of the Prosecution, the Magistrate found him guilty and sentenced him to prison.
or creek once it meets the turbidity of less than 50 NTU. Turbidity refers to a measure of the amount of light that passes through water. Heavy suspended and dissolved sediments present in water often result in a murky
‘coffee-coloured’ appearance. Representatives of Bosai had claimed that the turbid discharge was as a result of increased and direct flow of tailings to the Decant Tower, just above the Kara Kara bridge. The Decant Tower has an overflow barrier that allows for settling of sediment, but was in a dilapidated state. The increased flow was attributed to above normal rainfall in the area a few days prior to the reported event last month. On January 30th, 2014, the Agency confirmed that the remedial works were completed with the exception of the dyke. However, resumption of tailings discharge was allowed and the turbidity levels were monitored and found to be below the acceptable level of 50 NTU. Turbidity in the Kara Kara Creek at the point of the tailings discharge returned to normal. According to the Ministry, EPA’s Environmental Management
Compliance and Enforcement Division (EMCED) conducted several compliance inspections of Bosai during 2013. Inspections targeted the company’s compliance with its Environmental Permit, specifically Mining Operations, Waste Management, and Water Quality monitoring, among other areas. Bosai is required to monitor ground and surface water for turbidity, suspended solids, and heavy metals, in and around its operations. The agency also said that checks on Bosai’s dust collection systems found acceptable levels with an air quality monitoring protocol has been developed and will be implemented during the first quarter of 2014. The Ministry insisted that EPA has the capacity to monitor with EMCED being established last year. Bosai is the biggest employer in Linden with several hundred employees.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 07, 2014
Stakeholders will attend only when necessary - APNU
Anti- money laundering discussions… The Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs of the political faction, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Basil Williams says that members of the media fraternity and the Private Sector Commission will only attend the discussions on the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill in the Parliamentary Select Committee when it is necessary. This declaration was made yesterday at APNU’s Headquarters on Hadfield Street. The Attorney at Law reminded members of the media that when he and his colleagues turned up for the meeting on Monday last at the
“If they come to every meeting it would be like treating us like little boys” – Basil Williams National Assembly, they were expecting to move forward with the work of the committee in terms of the discussions on each clause. But to their surprise, the Chairperson of the Select Committee, Ms Gail Teixeira, spent nearly over an hour and a half talking about the presence of the media and the private sector at the meetings. Williams said he found this to be very upsetting, as he and other APNU members have made it clear that they are not opposed to the presence of the stakeholders, but when it is appropriate for
them to be there, they will be invited. Williams said that this position was spread throughout the media and he could have only deduced that the action by Teixeira was intended to delay effective works on the committee. “We turned up for the next meeting on Monday (last) and we saw on the agenda the topic about the media and other stakeholders being present. We have made our position clear on this and the rules of the Committee don’t give anyone the right to take part in it. Teixeira can
blow hot or cold on this issue, but APNU will continue to protect the sovereignty of the National Assembly and ensure that its rules will not be treated whimsically or capriciously. We have said we don’t have a problem with their (media and other stakeholders) presence and we have said that it must be at an appropriate time.” He reminded that APNU’s financial spokesman, Carl Greenidge had made a motion in this regard and it was put to a vote and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) lost
the vote. Even in the face of this, Williams said that the Finance Minister proceeded at the meeting to read a letter which said that the Private Sector Commission wanted to come and practically have oversight of the proceedings. “He was suggesting to us that the private sector wanted to come to ensure that we do our work properly. No nongovernmental organization, no media or nobody could come into the meeting to act in some supervisory position over us, which would be tantamount to relinquishing our responsibility to the people of Guyana.” Williams said that it was clear that they were not interested in the main item;
Brazilians nabbed after attempting to rob Chinese store Three Brazilian men allegedly trying to commit a robbery at a Lethem haberdashery store were last evening nabbed by police ranks at the Guyana-Brazil border, moments after they fled from the Chinese-owned establishment. Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that the incident occurred between 18:00 and 18:30 hours yesterday when three men entered Pacifico, located on Barrack Retreat, Central
Rupununi Commercial Zone armed with handguns. The source said that as the owner noticed the armed men, he quickly called the Lethem Police Station to report that he was about to be robbed. As soon as the men realised that a call had been made, they reportedly scurried off towards the border. However, they were soon cornered as the police ranks notified the access road complex which is usually
manned by custom officers and law enforcement officers. A road block was reportedly set up at the border and the men were apprehended and taken to the police station. The source added that an Identification Parade was conducted where they were fingered out by the store owner as the men who tried to rob his store. They are currently in custody assisting with investigations.
Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams going through the bill clause by clause. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, he said, then moved a motion which was in effect to override Greenidge’s motion. It was intended to have the stakeholders present at the meetings after the one which concluded on Monday last. Williams said that such actions only bring the work of the committee into disrepute and that it was contemptuous of the Minister to do so. Teixeira was then told not to entertain such a motion. Instead, she lashed out saying that she could do anything as Chairperson. Williams then said, “There was no profit in that.” He added, “She must be asked to explain why they were opposed to having the media present at the Special select committee on local government. It is like treating us like little boys if they (stakeholders) are to come to the meeting ... They are simply playing with this bill.”
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Guyana’s foreign policy is Accused deemed mentally in a mess - Aubrey Norton 2012 gold trader’s murder…
unfit to stand trial
A city magistrate yesterday deemed that murder accused Joshua Payne is presently unfit to stand trial over accusations of a stabbing to death of a gold trader which occurred in the vicinity of Stabroek Market over two years ago. Payne, who has been in remand ever since December 2012, appeared once again at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on account of the capital offence. It is alleged that on December 19, 2012 at America Street, he murdered 42-yearold Kelvin Caines of Lot 236 Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown. At yesterday’s hearing, a psychiatric evaluation was presented to Magistrate Fabayo Azore by Psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry. Dr. Harry told the court that since Payne was ordered in psychiatric care he has been cooperating fully with officials. He added that whilst there had been improvements in his mental condition, there are still moments where he relapses.
“There are moments when he is delusional. At times he calls on the Crown, Queen and Euros.” The specialist made a suggestion to the court that “He is much improved, but he is not fit to stand trial.” The Doctor doubted whether Payne’s utterances are proper and added that he could benefit from more treatment. Dr. Harry requested that Payne remain at Camp Street where he can easily access him to further his treatment. After listening to the report, the Magistrate indicated that Payne is unfit to stand trial and engaged him in a conversation. She encouraged him to continue with his treatment. Payne’s case is currently being prosecuted by Inspector Stephen Telford. The presiding Magistrate
indicated to the prosecution that she would have to consult with the Chief Magistrate before she can proceed. At present, the matter stands adjourned until a date is determined, and Payne was further remanded. Previous reports indicate that at around 03:00 hours on December 19, 2012, Caines died shortly after he was stabbed under his arm. Caines, a father of two, was allegedly sitting at one of the gates at the Stabroek Market, conducting gold business when Payne allegedly approached him with a knife and stabbed him and escaped. Caines reportedly died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Payne was later apprehended and the murder charge was later instituted against him.
“You gain the impression that it is a disorganized set of people whose only interest is what they can benefit personally, but not what the society can benefit. And so it is evident that in the area of foreign policy, this Government is lacking.” Guyana has no coherent foreign policy, with Government seemingly incapable of identifying major interests and developing foreign policy approaches that speak to those interests that would benefit the country. This is the opinion of Aubrey Norton, former People’s National Congress Reform Parliamentarian, who unequivocally asserts that “the current administration does not understand foreign policy…in simple language; the country’s foreign policy is in a mess”. Norton, who served many years in the country’s Foreign Service and has a working knowledge of the international arena, related that “Guyana has a reactive
Aubrey Norton foreign policy and has been all over the place in terms of foreign policy. There is no clear articulation of what Guyana’s interests are and the country’s course of action to
pursue those interests”. “It started with a New Global Human Order that has disappeared, and then we moved to a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which to me at this point is a tragedy.” Lamenting on the LCDS, which was developed by the Bharrat Jagdeo regime and is being continued by President Donald Ramotar, Norton said Guyana is a signatory to the Biodiversity Convention and stands to benefit, but there is no evidence that Government has developed an approach that permits the country to benefit from its biodiversity. “There is this issue in the biodiversity debate about countries like Guyana benefiting from (Continued on page 31)
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Friday February 07, 2014
FOR SALE
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FOR RENT
PROPERTY FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES O F H IGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICKSILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Dell computers complete with 20" LCD $65,000, 6 months warranty @ Futuretech- Call:231-2206
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Paradise [Land] - $1.5M, Happy Acres - $45M, Regent Street - $46M - Call Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382
M.F Tractor 3650, 4X4, 131 H/P, 6 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Tel: 228-5040; 662-9848 1-2640 MF Tractor 4wd with 1 – Rome Plough 20 dish, 1CAT Satndby 3306,194KVA 3 Phase 60 Cylinder – Tel:693-4596 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Greenheart Piles - Tel:6393450 270 Amps Portable Honda Welders and 1-2002 Tundra Tel: 611-5114 Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203
3 (8) weeks old: White Brown & Cream Fluffy Puppies – Contact:699-6006 German Shepherd Pups. Tel: 220-2277; 220-8904; 626-0910 Turbo Bedford Dump 330 truck. Any Reasonable Offer Call: 657-4072
One Semi furnished apartment to rent at Industry ECD – Tel:222-6001
Honda CG & 125 Fan for sale $260,000 negotiable - Tel: 684-5402
American Slate pool table – Tel:616-8328
One Long base Canter. Contact Chubby on : 6290592 or 651-3092 4 Cylinder Perkins Engine bedded for Brazilian pump – Tel: 646-4501
1- 500 Ton Cargo ship - Tel: 676-6933 Yamaha R1 motorcycle. Excellent Condition - Tel: 685-1231
1- 40 foot Cabin Cruiser BoatCall:665-2314
House and land situated at Lot 95 La Penitence Street, Albouystown. Land -7,933 Sq./Ft. – Call:592-687-5851; 604-589-1852 Two plot of land ¼ Acre or 3X25 Rod each @ Lot 15 & 16 Doctor Dam, La-Grange WBD - Tel: 697-5009; 665-7022 Zmodo Surveillance System – Tel:609-2815 Pure bred Rottweiler & German Sheperd- Tel:6108627/686-3072/618-2903 Clearance Sale, Slightly Damage Zinc Sheets, steel rods ½”&]!. Reasonable Price - Call: 657-4072 1 - CAT D5 Bulldozer Contact Number: 650-0402 PSP with 3 games and 8gb memory card - $40,000 – 675-2239
Dog meat @ $50 per pound & pig food - Tel:266-5382; 602-5656 Lovely Poodle Pups male and female vaccinated – Call:649-4247 Original Games - Call:672-2566 One enclosed Canter in immaculate condition. $2.5M Tel: 660-8260 One brand new double door fridge (23 cubic feet) in seal selling at cost price. Call:2332770 Large Plucked Chickens $280lb retail, Pork $380lb retail @ George & Hadfield Streets. 2 Trucks - Tel:618-1967; 6984321
Toyota Verossa (White) Excellent Condition - $2.7M Negotiable – Contact: 6668492.
Fully Furnished 2 bedrooms apartment with hot & cold shower,etc. Only short term overseas guest. Contact:223-2812; 661-1717
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Beautopia Cosmetology Training: Day & Evening classes, nails, hair,facial / make-up - Tel: 604-3002; 629-3497
Eccles Residential (Transported) 2 flat building 4 bedrooms, large patio, garage (3 vehicles), & large shed. Flood Free Area! - Tel: 652-5601 Concrete 3 bedrooms transported property @ New Scheme Tuschen E.C.E $8.5M – Tel:692-3454 Charlestown Corner Property - $35M - Tel: 6735882 Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact:639-3619, 619-7299
Rice Factory @ Wakenaam & Poultry Farm @ Yarrowkabra – Tel:686-4994; 225-3070 CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www. dolly sautorental.com Premio, Vitz call:347-9339790, 639-4452.
Lumber Factory Manager, Labourers, Lorry Drivers, woodmizer, brandsaw and moulder operators @ Eccles, Industrial Site – Call Richard 609-7675; 233-2614
Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869 Ultravoilet Driving School – Contact:231-2372;6022583;658-4015 Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 689-5997, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
VEHICLE FOR SALE
ALYEA AUTO SALE: CARINA 212 NEGOTIABLE @ 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK – TEL:2317284; 622-3823
One Toyota Noah New model, mag rims crystal lights, flare, PSS Series $2.3M – Call:611-6632; 6643488
1 Madza Truck, short base with hydraulic lift GPP Series Call: 638-8036; 223-2814
AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull buses, 7 seater super customs. Cash / termsCall:680-3154
One 800 Ford Tractor and one 450 Ford Towing Truck Contact Floyd:694-5599 or Gurro: 689-1864 One Toyota Prado and Tundra for sale: - Priced to sell – Tel:600-5759 or 225-0683-5 1 Toyota R4 2004 model – $2.6M cash – Tel:686-5083 Nissan Caravan – Driving Condition, all papers enforced - $250,000 – Tel:2662381 One 2005 Toyota Avensis. Owner leaving country! $3.4M – Tel:628-6160 Toyota Raum PMM Series $1.4M negotiable , Excellent Condition – Call:671-6051
New 3 bedroom property @ 14 Dryshore, Essequibo, access to River. Bargain Price – Tel: 695-8381
2008 Fielder: Bodykit, spoiler, rims. Unregistered $2.95MCall:617-2891 Manual Mitsubishi Convertible eclipse. Excellent Condition! - $2M negotiable Call:625-9000 2 Ton open back canter with power gate, unregisteredCall:617-2891
Untouchable, low rates, low deposits - Call:226-9668; 677-4613. Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Situated in Leonora opposite the market – Tel:674-0645
Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131
LEARN TO DRIVE Learn To Drive on your time, experienced teacher $10,000 For two weeks, 3 times a week - Tel: 687-7017 SALON
One three storey business property @ Middle Street Georgetown - Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481
Satya Cinema Good Faith Mahaicony – Call:641-8472
TO LET Aracari Hotel. West Bank Demerara Rates from $30 – Tel:264-2946-8
2 – M132 Laverda Combine, 3- Pressure Pump 4x3 for gold field – call:627-0447
Puppies; breed: Pekingese & Tibetan terrier. Contact: 6441972 / 661-2837
GT TOOLS RENTAL: TEL:675-0767; 627-2535
CG125 Honda Motorcycle, excellent condition - Tel:6729530
1 Stall @ Stabroek Market Tel: 658-0115; 718-757-8031
1 Honda 250 customs motorcycle. Good condition. $380,000Call:627-0688
One bedroom apartment to rent @ First Field Cummings Lodge to Student – Tel:2223435
2005 Yamaha R6 motorcycle Tel: 609-2815
Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566
1-5 head 12" Robinson Moulder needs motor price for quick sale - $1M – Tel: 652-5601
CAMP STREET, Prime Business Space Call: 6394499
2 Business Property on Whim Public Road Berbice Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481
TO LET Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 347933-9790, 639-4452. Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 2271218
Unregistered Toyota Premio $2.550M - Tel: 678-8534; 6939246 One Toyota Tacoma 2006, 12ft Aluminum Boat, Tacoma : rims & tyres – Call:685-8282; 220-1981; 222-5671 Unregistered Toyota Fielder , fully loaded – Tel:689-0999; 663-2700
Furnished apartment in Bent Street, Wortmanville – US$30 per day. Contact:2263309;218-1033; 678-4267
One Bedford truck TM in Solid Condition with winch Call: 674-4649
Alberttown - $50,000, Bel-Air - $100,000, Campbellville $90,000, Section K – $US1200 – Call Diana: 2272256; 626-9382
1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.7M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:6280310 ; 672-5429
Furnished Apartments for Overseas Visitors – Contact: 231-0706
1-55 Leyland Daf Excellent working condition. Price $2.8M Negotiable – Tel:6568346 1 Toyota NZE corolla, AT192, AT212, AT170, IST, Funcargo, Rav-4, Hilux pickup 4x4 – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 Mitsubishi Lancer, excellent condition, HID lights, 17" mags, music - $1,250,000. Negotiable – Tel:275-0297; Cell:676-3000; 653-6490 One Super Custom Bus, unregistered 1 Toyota L Touring wagon, EP71 Starlet, Spacio - Tel:6445096; 697-1453 Unregistered Toyota Sienta (2004) 1500cc & 7 seater - Tel: 617-5536 Isuzu Journey Bus, 47 seater BSS115 series – Price: $5.2M negotiable – Contact Brother Keith – Tel:614-5036 2007 Axio $2.85M, Spacio $2.250M, fully loaded unregistered- Call:617-2891 2008 Honda CRV imported from England 17" Rim, fog lamps Surround Sound System, unregistered $6.8M neg. Tel: 642-7295; 220-2345 One RX-8 Mazda fully air conditioned, stick gear, wheel lights, fog lamps, power windows - Tel:653-2477 2002 Premio PNN Series reverse camera 17inch rims $2.1M negotiable - Tel:6877017 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154
Eccles Furnished apartment, self contained with: Cable, phone, internet servicesCall:233-2770 Secured Concrete bond 87’X32’, lots of yard space suitable for CarMart Public Road McDoom: Tel: 233-0570
First Class Auto: Premio, Spacio, Passo, IST, 212, Raum Cold & New Modles Tel: 609-8188; 602-6307
FOR HIRE Dump Trucks for hire to transport sand, aggregate, etc and bobcat for rental – Tel:694-1657; 261-6664
1 AT212 new model for sale: AC, CD Deck, alarm , 15inch mags in excellent condition - $1.4M negotiable – Tel:669-7215 (Continued on page 31)
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
Guyana’s foreign policy is in a mess... From page 25 biodiversity…Nothing has been done…We have the tendency of putting our eggs in one basket - the LCDS - and that’s it,” he said. Norton is of the view that there is a multiplicity of areas emerging that should be addressed, and pointed to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He recalled that there was “a lot of noise” about the EPA. He questioned whether Government is seeking to put the modalities in place to benefit from what the EPA has to offer, regardless of how little it is. He said that foreign policy has an element called concentricism or a concentric circle, and a country like Guyana needs to look at its immediate borders Venezuela, Suriname, and Brazil - and articulate foreign policy to protect its interest in that context and to ensure that it benefits. “One time we are with UNASUR, next time it is with CARICOM, and we are all over…One time the former president said no road to Brazil, it is not economical… now you are hearing about a road to Brazil,” Norton reflected. “You gain the impression that it is a disorganized set of people, whose only interest is what they can benefit
personally, but not what the society can benefit. And so it is evident that in the area of foreign policy, this Government is lacking.” Another area that Norton touched on was the operations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. He said Guyana cannot produce diplomats by keeping Foreign Service Officers at home. Norton suggested that the Ministry has to have a structured approach by which young Foreign Service Officers are exposed to the diplomatic corps, allowing them to develop skills and relationships to create the linkages beneficial to Guyana. Emphasizing his belief that Government does not understand foreign policy, he explained that technical officers are required to the work, so when the Minister and President arrive whatever documents emerge are technically sound and would just be getting the endorsement. “What we have here appears to be a Minister running around as if competent in the area, and there is no evidence that there is the institutional support to give to the foreign policy. So, in my opinion, we are in a foreign policy mess; that is the simple language you can put it in,” Norton concluded.
A “certain degree of progress” achieved... From page 6 to a more serious review process by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next week. However, in response to this contention, the APNU MP asserted, “We are not too sure about this mid-February review, but we are willing to do the work and ensure that the Chairperson of the
Committee, Gail Teixeira, does the work in a manner which serves the people.” Williams then stressed that it is important that the Bill be amended in such a manner that it surpasses the expectations and requirements of FATF. In other words, he explained that Guyana must aim for “supercompliance”.
Page 31
(From page 30)
EDUCATIONAL Online shopping just got easier. Now Open! Cybertron , Vreed-En-Hoop – Call 2643057/ Email for quotes @ micro.gteck@yahoo.com
WANTED One Office Clerk must be computer literate. Apply @ Survival Lot 10 Bond Vlissingen Road.
Princeton College Forms 1-5 CXC adults classes, Phonics, Sat, Lessons & Mathematics for slow learners - Tel: 223-7906; 6905008
1 Whole day domestic – Tel:667-5717; 650-4761
Learn to decorate with Balloons. Classes on March 1st – Call: 225-3133; 613-7513 for more information. Need help with reading, English, etc? Call Private Tutor - 696-7467 9 Courses Diploma in computer studies - $30,000. Individual teaching: limited space. Micrographics Technologhy –Vreed- enHoop – Tel:264-3057
Cashiers & Porters for Yog Yog’s Frozen Yogurt 79 Albert & Laluni Streets in Queenstown “Nimbus Building” Call:231-7002 Supervisors to work at 704 Bar – Contact:223-5273/4 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:626-8586 Watch man to work at Lamaha & Albert Street. Contact: 223-5273/4 Manager / Supervisor at Xenon Hotel Charity / Ebo. Accommodation provided, attractive salary is offered Contact: 771-4989; 7714180; 670-6559 Experienced taxi drivers – Tel:667-9013
VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Network Technician, must be able to work out of town email applications to jobs@awngy.com Receptionist. Apply to Hick’s Ville Hotel, Contact:227-7714 or info@hicksvillehotel guyana.com
Pump Attendant @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) Tel: 265-7305 Machine Operator to work at Garment Factory - Tel: 2222541
2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at Parika- Call: 226-7968 Lot 12 Mon-Repos E.C.D, Market Street – Tel:2207330 Section ‘A’ Block Y Golden Grove – E.B.D – Call:6939736/ 697-5742 Private Development 50X100 @ Greenwich Park, EBE Tel: 690-5061 Long Creek $1M, Queenstown 60x244 - $100M, 40x80 -$25M - Tel: 231-2199; 618-7483 50 Acres Estate land at Grant Lester, Lower Pomeroom. Tel:671-8100 Parafiate Harmonie - $2M (100FTX50FT), Tuschen $2M - Tel: 675-7292
Salesgirl with Secondary Education @ Christine’s Fashion – Tel:227-8529; 6091535
Gold and Diamond mining lands already Prospected – Tel:646-4501
Land to Buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Herstelling & Tuschen - Tel: 675-7292
100ftx50ft high income $2.2M @ Parfaite HarmonieCall:675-7292/218-5591
Able Bodies Labourers – Call:617-8369; 665-3550
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Responsible Hire Car Drivers Tel: 231-7200 Experienced Hire Car drivers & minibus drivers – Call: 6450025
Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305 Secretary! Send written application to Shakoor Seafood, 80 industrial Site, Eccles EBD
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Friday February 07, 2014
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
Disgraced Catholic order denounces founder, apologizes to victims ROME (Reuters) - A disgraced Catholic religious order whose late founder lived a double life as a paedophile, womanizer and drug addict officially denounced him yesterday and apologized to his “many victims”. The Legionaries of Christ, which former members said was run like a cult rooted in secrecy, accused Father Marcial Maciel of “reprehensible and objectively immoral behavior” as head of the order from 1941 until former Pope Benedict removed him in 2006. Once a darling of the Vatican because it attracted many Catholics to religious vocations and made sizeable financial donations to the Church, the order has been in Vatican receivership since 2010 and came close to being disbanded. The apology, issued by delegates from around the world meeting in Rome to set a new direction for the order, came a day after a United Nations committee singled it out in a scathing report accusing the Church of ignoring child abuse by priests. The statement denounced “the magnitude of the evil and scandal caused” by Maciel, who died in 2008, and said the conservative order was now ready to turn
Father Marcial Maciel a page. The meeting, which began on January 8 and is due to end in late February, elected Father Eduardo Robles Gil as the order’s new leader. Like Maciel, the 61-year-old hails from Mexico. “We want to express our deep sorrow for the abuse of minor seminarians, the immoral acts with men and women who were adults, the arbitrary use of his authority and of material goods ...” the order said. For decades the Vatican dismissed accusations by seminarians that Maciel had abused them sexually, some when they were as young as 12. The order’s rules forbade criticizing the founder or questioning his motives. Pope John Paul II, set to become a saint in April, strongly backed Maciel even
as criticism of him mounted and appreciated the order’s faster growth than other religious groups. The order also had many wealthy conservative benefactors who saw it as a bulwark against liberalism in the Church. In 2006, a year after John Paul’s death, a Vatican investigation concluded the previously denied accusations of molestation were true. Pope Benedict ordered Maciel to retire to a life of “prayer and penitence”. After his death, Vatican investigations found Maciel had also fathered several children with at least two different women, visited them regularly and sent them money. “We are grieved that many victims and other affected persons have waited so long in vain for an apology and an act of reconciliation on the part of Fr. Maciel. Today, we would like to issue that apology as we express our solidarity with these persons,” it said. The order runs private Catholic schools and charitable organizations in 22 countries through its network of some 950 priests and 1,000 seminarians. It operates a Catholic university in Rome and its lay movement, known as Regnum Christi, has around 30,000 members.
UK minister to Scotland: Vote for independence and lose the pound LONDON (Reuters) Scotland would not be able to use the pound as its currency if it voted to break from the United Kingdom later this year, the British minister for Scotland said yesterday, issuing the government’s strongest warning on the subject yet. As Scots prepare to vote on whether to stay in the UK on September 18, Scottish nationalists are basing their post-independence economic plans on a currency union with Britain. But the British government, which wants the Scottish public to vote against independence, has already said such a plan would be nearly unworkable. “Independence means leaving the United Kingdom’s monetary union,” Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael told Britain’s parliament. “The only way for Scotland to be sure of keeping the UK pound as it is now is to stay in the United Kingdom
... No one should vote for an independent Scotland on the basis that they will get to keep the UK pound sterling,” he added. Opinion polls show that around 42 percent of Scots plan to vote against independence and 29 percent in favor. The British government says Scotland and the rest of Britain are better off together, while Scottish nationalists wants to end what they say are decades of economic mismanagement by London. Much of the political debate over the referendum has so far focused on finance and currency-sharing arrangements. Scottish nationalists say they could keep using the pound by ceding control of monetary policy to the Bank of England and agreeing broad fiscal guidelines. They believe both sides would benefit from a currency union. “Scotland is the UK’s second largest trading market. It would be absurd for
Westminster (the British parliament) to stand in the way of protecting the benefits this brings to businesses and consumers in the rest of the UK,” said Stewart Hosie, the Scottish National Party’s treasury spokesman. But Carmichael was one of several lawmakers who spoke in a debate on the future of Scotland to say that any currency-sharing arrangement would be unworkable. Andrew Tyrie, head of an influential parliamentary committee that scrutinises financial policy, said any monetary union would need to be accompanied by a common fiscal policy to prevent a repeat of problems seen in the euro zone. The euro zone currency bloc has undergone four years of political and financial turmoil after doubts about the ability of weaker states to repay their debts led to big losses for banks and meant several countries needed to be bailed out.
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Putin aide warns U.S. on Ukraine, says Russia could act KIEV (Reuters) - A senior Kremlin aide accused the United States on Thursday of arming Ukrainian “rebels” and, urging the Kiev government to put down what he called an attempted coup, warned Russia could intervene to maintain the security of its ex-Soviet neighbor. Sergei Glazyev, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin with responsibility for relations with Ukraine, told a newspaper that U.S. “interference” breached the 1994 treaty under which Washington and Moscow jointly guaranteed Ukraine’s security and sovereignty after Kiev gave up its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal. His characteristically confrontational comments, on the eve of an expected meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich at the opening of the Sochi Winter Olympics, could add to tensions with Washington, and within Ukraine. Asked by KommersantUkraine daily whether Russia might “actively intervene” if the country’s crisis deepened, Glazyev recalled the Budapest Memorandum of 1994: “Under the document, Russia and the
Vladimir Putin
USA are guarantors of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and ... are obliged to intervene when conflict situations of this nature arise. “And what the Americans are getting up to now, unilaterally and crudely interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs, is a clear breach of that treaty. The agreement is for collective guarantees and collective action.” He did not specify what action Russia might take. Washington, which has urged Yanukovich to share power with a unity government to end a violent standoff in the streets, has accused Russia of pressuring
the leadership in Kiev to prevent Ukraine joining a trade pact with the European Union. Yanukovich sparked the protests in November when he turned down the EU accord and took financial aid instead from Moscow. “The United States is committed to working with both the Ukrainian government and the opposition to help de-escalate this crisis,” White House spokeswoman Laura Lucas Magnuson said when asked about Glazyev’s comments. “We condemn the use of violence by any party in Ukraine. Russian officials should be doing the same,” she said.
Pakistan, Taliban start peace talks in Islamabad (Reuters) - A long-awaited first round of peace talks between Pakistani Taliban insurgents and the government began in Islamabad yesterday after persistent delays and growing doubt over the chance of their success. The insurgents have been battling to topple Pakistan’s government and establish strict Islamic rule since 2007, but Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif believes both sides are now ready to find a negotiated settlement and stop fighting. In a statement after the meeting, which lasted over three hours, the two sides stressed their commitment to dialogue. “Both committees concluded that all sides should refrain from any act that could damage the talks,” it said. “Both condemn recent acts of violence in Pakistan, saying such efforts should not sabotage the talks.” Irfan Siddiqui, a government negotiator picked by Sharif, sent a text message from the meeting in an Islamabad government
building, describing the atmosphere as “cordial and friendly”. Several earlier efforts at striking peace deals with the militants failed to end the violence for long, only allowing them to regroup, recruit new fighters and strike back with renewed vengeance. Pakistan’s neighbours are watching closely, acutely aware that another failure to find a peaceful solution could further destabilise the region already nervous ahead of the expected pull-out of most foreign forces from neighbouring Afghanistan. Yesterday’s meeting in Islamabad was a preliminary round where the two sides were expected to agree on a broad roadmap for future contacts. But many in Pakistan doubt that talking to an insurgent group that stages almost daily attacks will succeed. As the sides prepared for talks this week, a suicide bomber killed eight people near a Shi’ite Muslim mosque in the city of Peshawar. The
Taliban have tried to distance themselves from the attack but the bombing reinforced doubts about the talks. Taliban bosses watched the progress of the talks in Islamabad from their mountainous hideouts on the Afghan border, with their interests represented by three Taliban-friendly public figures hand-picked by the insurgents. “The progress of the talks will be submitted to the prime minister,” said a government official, who declined to be identified, as he was not authorised to comment on the talks. The Pakistani Taliban, known as Pakistani Tehreeke-Taliban, are a deeply fragmented umbrella group consisting of do z e n s o f entities, so striking a deal with one of them would not necessarily stop the violence. On Tuesday, the first attempt at talking got off to a shambolic start after government negotiators failed to turn up at an agreed time, angering the insurgents’ representatives.
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
US signs agreement with Canada to halt offshore tax evasion in the Caribbean WASHINGTON D.C., United States - CMC – The United States Department of the Treasury says it has signed intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with Canada to halt offshore tax evasion in the Caribbean and other countries through implementation of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). O n We d n e s d a y, t h e Treasury Department said similar agreements were signed earlier this week with Hungary, Italy and Mauritius. The department noted that the US Congress enacted the FATCA in 2010 to “target non-compliance by US taxpayers using foreign accounts,” including those in the Caribbean. “The provision has since become the global standard for promoting tax t r a n s p a r e n c y, ” s a i d t h e statement, adding that the United States has signed 22 IGAs a n d “has 12 agreements in substance to date.” “FATCA implementation is critical to combating international tax evasion and promoting transparency,”
said Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Tax Affairs Robert B. Stack. “The agreements announced today clearly demonstrate the considerable international support behind FATCA, and we are proud to lead the global charge on this pressing issue,” he added. FATCA seeks to obtain information on accounts held by U.S. taxpayers in other countries. It requires US financial institutions to withhold a portion of certain payments made to foreign financial institutions (FFIs) that do not agree to identify and report information on US account holders. The Treasury Department said governments have two options for complying with FATCA: they can either permit their FFIs to enter into agreements with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or they can themselves enter into one of two alternative Model IGAs with the United States. Under a Model 1 agreement, the Treasury Department said FFIs report the relevant information to
their respective governments, which then relay that information to the IRS. By contrast, a Model 2 agreement “contemplates that FFIs will provide relevant information to the IRS themselves, with government-to-government cooperation serving to facilitate reporting when necessary to overcome specific legal impediments.” The Treasury Department said each of the countries in the announcement – Canada, Hungary, Italy, and Mauritius – signed reciprocal Model 1 agreements. “This means that the United States will also provide tax information to these governments regarding individuals and entities from their jurisdictions with accounts in the United States,” the statement said. It said the Treasury Department and the IRS will “continue to work diligently to finalize all related FATCA guidance so that FFIs and withholding agents have time to prepare and comply when withholding goes into effect on July 1, 2014.”
Human rights violation in Suriname WASHINGTON - CMC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) says it has filed an application with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights against Suriname over the violation of the rights of members of the Kaliña and Lokono indigenous peoples of that country. “Specifically, the violations have to do with an existing legal framework that prevents recognition of the indigenous peoples’ juridical personality, a situation that to this day continues to keep the Kaliña and Lokono peoples from being able to protect their right to collective property,” the IACHR said in a statement. It said that Suriname has failed to establish the regulatory foundations that would allow for recognition of
the right to collective ownership of the lands, territories, and natural resources of the Kaliña and Lokono indigenous peoples. “This lack of recognition has been accompanied by the issuance of individual land titles to non-indigenous persons; the granting of concessions and licenses to carry out mining operations in part of their ancestral territories; and the establishment and operation of three nature reserves in part of their ancestral territories. “ The IACHR said that the violations of the right to collective property as a result of this situation continue to this date and that “neither the granting and continued existence of mining concessions and licenses nor the establishment and ongoing operation of the
nature reserves have been submitted to any consultation process designed to obtain the prior, free, and informed consent of the Kaliña and Lokono peoples”.
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GBTI/RHTY&SC Female Inter-Secondary School Tape Ball
Winifred Gaskin, Port Mourant, Central Corentyne & Corentyne Comprehensive into semis One semi final match in the inaugural edition of the Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) / Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Inter Secondary School female tape-ball cricket tournament is set for today at the Area ‘H’ Ground. Central Corentyne takes on Corentyne Comprehensive with the Winifred Gaskin Secondary / Port Mourant showdown set for Monday at the same venue. In recent quarter final matches, Port Mourant Secondary School (PMSS) led by outstanding contributions
from National Under-19 players Erica Lashley and Shabika Gajnabi crushed Lower Corentyne Secondary School (LCSS) while Central Corentyne got past Manchester High School to advance to the semifinals Playing at the Kennard Memorial Ground in Bush lot Village, Central defeated Manchester High by four wickets. Manchester were bowled out for 56 in 10 overs; Cascia Munroe with 13 was the batter reaching double figures. Rushana Lynch 2 for 2, Shamena Ishmeal 2 for
10 and Shunetta Grimmond 2 for 15 were the best bowlers for Central Corentyne. In reply, the home team reached 57 for 6 with Rushana Lynch belting 15 not out, while C. Quintyn took 2 for 10 runs for Manchester. At the Area ‘H’ Ground, Port Mourant blasted 120 for 8 in their 10 overs; Erica Lashley hitting a brilliant 53 laced with six fours and a six. In reply LCSS were bowled out for 52; Shabika Gajnabi bowling medium pace claimed 4 for 11 from 4 overs while Kavita Ramsammy took 2 for 7 from 4 overs.
Friday Febraury 07, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Point your aggressiveness in the right direction today. That shouldn't be too hard since you know and understand the meaning of a job well done and what's required to get things accomplished. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today isn't a day to lounge around. There's a very important practical matter that must be dealt with before you can engage in any lighthearted activities. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try to keep your emotions in check today. It's possible that you could become extremely angry and do some damage to yourself and others around you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may feel like someone is trying to rain on your parade. It's important not to forget who you are now. Don't be surprised if you feel a negative pull from someone or something.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's aggressiveness to you today, but this feeling can be useful to you and what you have going on. There's a practical force helping you stay grounded and realistic about certain issues. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's increased emotional tension today. You may be at the forefront of the action as you take things higher and farther. Have a map handy or you could wind up alone in the middle of nowhere. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Don't hold back today. You're the right person for the job in about every situation you encounter. You'll have the instincts required to move on a project, see what needs to be done, gather the resources, and get the ball rolling. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Strong feelings may arise through relationship dynamics today and you’ll be better off if you can share what’s on your mind.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is a terrific day for you. You're able to accomplish a lot during the day, leaving the night open for excitement with others. Once you take care of the necessary things, feel free to grab a big helping of fun.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't be surprised if you feel like you're being poked with a stick today, as something urges you to get moving. There's an aggressive energy moving about and making demands on everyone.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Promote balance and harmony today by letting off a bit of steam before you try to engage with others and their dramas. Secure yourself in a stable environment where you can vent your concerns, punch pillows, or jog around the block.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Pull yourself together, and figure out what it is your heart desires. There's an aggressive force tugging at your heartstrings today. Unless you have it firmly in your mind what it is you want and feel, you'll be easily pulled off track. Stay grounded and you should be OK.
Friday February 07, 2014
World leaders attend first ever... From page 38 tonight.” Also at the gala were President of the Russian Olympic Committee and IOC member Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Kozak, Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko, and IOC members Vitaly Smirnov, Shamil Tarpishev and Alexander Popov. Gymnast Larisa Latynina, who won 14 individual Olympic medals, more than any other Olympian in history, and legendary ice hockey goalie Vladislav Tretiak were among the prominent Olympians at the event. Business representatives
at the dinner included CEO of Coca-Cola Muhtar Kent, CEO of Panasonic Kazuhiro Tsuga, CEO of McDonalds Donald Thompson, and CEO of Omega Stephen Urquhart and the heads of Comcast/NBC and Russian broadcasters Channel One, VGTRK and NTV. The first woman in space, cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, soprano Anna Netrebko and violinistturned-Alpine skier Vanessa Mae were also warmly welcomed. IOC doyen Vitaly Smirnov shared Master of Ceremony duties with Danka Bartekova, the youngest IOC member, aged 29. The Russian called the evening a night of firsts,
both for his country and the Olympic Movement. “As the longest-serving member of the IOC, I am delighted that I still have the opportunity to witness ‘firsts’ at the Olympic Games”, Smirnov said. “As well as this being the first ever Olympic Winter Games in Russia, this is the first ever IOC President’s Dinner, and it is a very welcome new initiative.” Bartekova, a bronze medallist in skeet shooting at the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games, told the guests that the President’s Dinner was set to become a regular event at future editions of the Games.
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters to the Sports Editor BCB suffering from amnesia Sankar rebuts Roger Harper and his agent DEAR EDITOR, It appears as though the Berbice Cricket Board has lost its identity. Recently, I have been finding it difficult to differentiate between the RHTY & SC and the BCB. It is evident that the BCB is being managed by a Charity in Rose Hall Town. I salute this gentleman in Rose Hall Town because not many of us have been able to professionalise the art of begging, especially since most of us have to account for our revenues and face the Auditors. I read in the Kaieteur News of 4th February, a letter purposely written by the executives of the BCB asking the Government of Guyana, through the Minister of Sports, if it recognizes the GCB. I am quite aware that the GOG is capable of responding but I would like to point out a few things to the executives of the Berbice Cricket Board. 1. The Berbice Cricket Board apparently recognizes the Guyana Cricket Board since it sends teams to participate in competitions of the GCB. How can the BCB now seek guidance from the Minister of Sports? 2. The WICB
recognizes the GCB and, on numerous occasions stated that fact. This is the most important thing for the Guyana Cricket Board. 3. Mr. Neil Kumar has attended functions of the GCB over the years and can do so in whatever capacity he chooses. It is evident that Mr. Kumar supports cricket, the cricketers and the GCB. 4. No decent citizen can support the Cricket Bill in its present form. 5. The Cricket Bill resulted from a misguided court action by Angela Haniff, secretary of the BCB and if passed will enable the incumbent BCB to allow phantom clubs, such as Mental Hospital, to vote at their AGM. 6. A recent ruling by the chancellor of the Guyana Court of Appeal has removed the Basis of any cricket legislation not accepted by the Cricket Board and its membership. The ruling further dismissed the notion that the GCB is a non- entity. 7. The BCB Executives again recently filed a court action against the GCB. That action has the following as plaintiffs: Keith Foster, Hubern Evans, Angela Haniff, Anil Beharry, Julian
Cambridge, Raymond Haniff, Romesh Munna and Shabir Baksh. It appears that the Berbice Cricket Board is intent on disrupting any smooth operation of the GCB and wants the Government of Guyana to join in their vendetta. The current impasse at the GCB is only benefiting the Charity in Rose Hall, while the Clubs like Albion, who produce cricketers, are suffering. 8. The BCB has forfeited its membership by failing to pay its subscription for the past four years. In fact, the GCB Executives have refrained from enforcing sanctions against BCB. In parting I would like to add that the Guyana Nagico Super 50 team, selected by the GCB, has just advanced to the semi-finals. This team consists of seven Berbicians who recognize the Guyana Cricket Board. Congratulations to Guyana Cricket Board, Mr. Neil Kumar and the Government of Guyana. Wake up Berbice Cricket Board or should I say whoever is running Berbice Cricket? Yours in Sports, Robin Singh.
Formula 1 teams opposed... From page 43 may well struggle to be up to speed for the start of the season, so their rivals are not keen to weight the championship towards the final races. · Early season unreliability is a chance for the lower-budget teams at the back of the field to score good results, so they would be opposed to increasing the importance of later races when the rich teams will benefit. · Trying to improve the show by what some have termed a gimmick is papering over the cracks and tantamount to admitting that there is a fundamental problem with the current state of F1, some say. In theory, only one team needs to object for Ecclestone’s three-race plan to be scuppered. However, one insider pointed out that Ecclestone’s position within F1 is so powerful, and that he has significant influence with the teams. He added: “If Bernie wants it, he’ll get it.” Ecclestone says his motivation for introducing double points at some races was falling television audiences last year after the championship was won by Red Bull’s
Sebastian Vettel three races before the end of the season. He initially proposed double points for the last three races, but when teams objected to that plan, he and FIA president Jean Todt pushed through the one-race idea in De c e m b e r. Ecclestone wrote to the teams last month saying he now wanted to go back to his original idea and extend the plan to the preceding races in the USA and Brazil as well as Abu Dhabi. Sources say the promoter of the Brazilian Grand Prix - a close ally of Ecclestone - has asked for double points to be awarded at that race. Ferrari had already made clear their unease about the single-race scheme before
Ecclestone’s latest proposal. Their president Luca Di Montezemolo said in December he felt it was “artificial”, although he has since accepted that it should be employed at the final race this season on a trial basis. And Mercedes co-team boss Toto Wolff said last week that he also had concerns about it. “Ninety-nine per cent of the fans say it is the wrong move so perhaps it is something we have to revisit,” Wolff said. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said last week that he felt extending the scheme to the final three races would “take away an element of lottery over that last race”. (BBCSport)
DEAR EDITOR, My letter to the Editor on Sunday specifically addressed some salient points regarding the governance of cricket in Georgetown which is headed by former Test cricketer, Roger Harper. One writer who replied to my letter has, once again, proven the adage that if you do not have a message or a valid response to the substance of someone’s argument, just ignore the substantive issues and proceed to personally attack the messenger. He opened by singing some praises of Mr. Harper’s leadership, then dedicated the remainder his letter to, firstly, associating me with Mr. Sanasie then launching into some completely baseless and unwarranted attacks on Mr. Sanasie. He totally ignored the real issues in my letter that dealt with Harper’s ineptitude for the second time in four years of leading his Association into a constitutional crisis. Is this exemplary leadership? I think
not. I am very proud to say that I do know Mr. Sanasie very well and have the utmost of respect for him as a person and as a competent and efficient cricket administrator who has served at various levels in cricket administration up to the WICB level. Mr. Sanasie performs his functions as a volunteer and for those who know this gentleman, even cursorily, can attest to the fact that he is a very blunt and straightforward individual who has always stood up for his principles and what he believes in. He has no relatives playing the game nor does he look forward for handouts from the game and makes a lot of personal sacrifices to ensure that cricket is being developed in this country against all of the challenges made by a few disgruntled former administrators. We need more committed and dedicated administrators like Mr. Sanasie. I would urge Mr. Harper and his cohorts to respond to
the substance of my article. My advice to him would be for him to seek legal advice to determine the legality of the Georgetown Cricket Association ever since he did not hold the AGM of that Association when it was constitutionally due in January 2014. It is my considered view that since January 31, 2014 passed; the existence of the Executive Committee Georgetown Cricket Association headed by Mr. Roger Harper ceased to exist. That is the crux of my argument in my letter last Sunday and I would urge all future responses stick to the facts and not to be sidetracked by irrelevant matters. My other point related to the hypocrisy of Mr. Harper in suing other entities to stop them from holding their AGMs in a constitutional manner whilst he cannot do the same for his own Association. This smacks of gross incompetence and hypocrisy. I dare Mr. Harper to respond to me! Intikhab Sankar
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Friday February 07, 2014
Winter Games begin, Putin British Virgin Island halfpipe skier’s keen to prove doubters wrong Olympic dream comes through Having founded the British Virgin Island Ski Association, halfpipe skier Peter Adam Crook is only the second person to represent the Caribbean territory at the Winter Games. “Competing in Sochi has become such a big goal of mine over the last few years,” says the 21-year-old Caribbean skier. Although he started skiing in 2001, the absence of a National ski federation in the British Virgin Islands meant that Crook could not compete on the international scene. With the help of his father, Crook persuaded the British Virgin Islands to sanction the creation of a ski federation to allow him pursue his dream of a Olympic Winter Games participation. “We had to explain exactly what ski halfpipe was,” said Crook, who now spends most of his time training on the snowy slopes in Utah rather than on the sandy beaches of the British Virgin Islands. Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that athletes with talent have an equal chance of reaching the Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena. It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ (NOCs’) share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games. Working in particular with disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental
Peter Adam Crook
Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes. The current quadrennial plan, which runs from 2013 to 2016, has a development and assistance budget of USD 438 million – an increase of nearly 40% on the 2009-2012 budget. This is the second time that Winter Games athletes
have received Individual Olympic Scholarships following the successful debut of the programme in the build-up to Vancouver in 2010, when 325 athletes (193 men and 132 women) from 60 NOCs benefited from Solidarity funding. Of these, 227 athletes qualified for the Games, winning 13 medals between them.
Reuters - Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics today determined to prove his doubters wrong after militant attacks, a row over gay rights and ballooning costs overshadowed preparations. Putin has staked his reputation on hosting a safe and successful Games in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where a three-hour spectacle before 40,000 spectators at the new Fisht Stadium will signal the start of the full sporting program. Some 37,000 security personnel are on high alert over threats by Islamist militant groups based in the nearby north Caucasus region to a t t a c k t h e February 7-23 Games. Separatist guerrillas seeking an independent Islamic state in Chechnya and neighboring regions of southern Russia have vowed to disrupt the Olympics, which they say are taking place on land seized from Caucasus tribes in the 19th century. Despite a “ring of steel” around venues, Russian forces fear a woman suspected of plan n i n g a suicide bombing may have slipped through. Security analysts believe that an attack is in fact more likely to occur elsewhere in Russia to humiliate Putin, who launched a war to crush a Chechen rebellion in 1999.
Twin suicide bombings killed at least 34 people in December in Volgograd, 400 miles northeast of Sochi. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak told reporters in Sochi that Russian security services were working with colleagues from Europe and North America to minimize the risk of attack. “There is no reason to believe that the level of danger in Sochi is greater than at any other point on the planet, be it Boston, London, New York or Washington,” he said. TOOTHPASTE THREAT A senior U.S. security official said earlier this week t h a t Wa s h i n g t o n h a d issued a warning to airports and some airlines flying to Russia for the Olympics to watch for toothpaste tubes that could hold ingredients to make a bomb on a plane. The official did not say why such a specific warning was issued now. Airlines have long been aware of the dangers of bombs being made on aircraft from liquids smuggled aboard, and have limited the carriage of liquids and pastes by passengers. In addition to fears over security, Russia, hosting the Winter Games for the first time, has been under fire since the government passed legislation last year which critics say curtails rights of
World leaders attend first ever IOC President’s Dinner International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach last evening welcomed international leaders from the world of politics, business, media, science, culture and sport to the inaugural IOC President’s Dinner on the eve of the Opening Ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Heads of states, governments and international organisations in attendance included President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and President of Greece Karolos Papoulias. Also attending were President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Latvia Andris Bçrziòð, President of Mongolia
Elbegdorj Tsakhiagiin, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanoviã, President of Serbia Tomislav Nikoliæ, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rhamon. Heads of State who are also IOC members included HSH Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco and HRH Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg. Prime Ministers included
Plamen Oresharski of Bulgaria, Najib Mikati of Lebanon, Algirdas Butkevièius of Lithuania and Abdelilah Benkirane of Morocco. Former Prime Minister of Japan and Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori joined, as did the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gerhard Schröder.
“The purpose of this dinner is to show that the IOC is reaching out to society at large and is looking forward to an open dialogue with the worlds of politics, business, the media, science and culture. We want to share with you the Olympic spirit and the Olympic values”, President Bach said in his welcome speech.
“We have gathered here tonight just as the athletes are doing at this very moment in the Olympic Village next door”, President Bach continued. “Even though they are competitors, they are sharing a meal and enjoying being together in the Olympic community. So let us share this Olympic spirit here (Continued on page 32)
homosexuals and discriminates against them. Putin has defended the law as protecting minors and said homosexuals would not face discrimination at the Sochi Olympics. Organizers and many competitors have said they hoped that the thrills and spills on ice and snow in Sochi, and at the mountain base 40 km (25 miles) to the northeast, would take center stage once the Games were in full flow at the weekend. “I don’t really feel like the Olympics is a place for that kind of politics ... I think it’s a place for sports and a place for cultures to put aside their differences and compete,” said veteran U.S. Alpine skier Bode Miller. The 36-year-old, winner o f t h e m e n ’s S u p e r Combined gold medal in Vancouver four years ago, also said the issues surrounding Sochi were “no more political than the ones in China (in 2008) or Olympics as far back as you can remember.” Canada was already talking up its medal prospects. “Canada is here to compete and win,” said Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) head Marcel Aubut. “Our aim is to contend for the number one spot in overall medals won. “We are not here to participate, we are here to win.” Traditional winter sports powerhouse Russia won just three gold medals four years ago, compared with Canada’s 14, and is hoping for a marked improvement on home turf. ROBUST DEFENCE Russian organizers launched a robust defense of Sochi, whic h c o s t a n estimated $50 billion to stage, making it the most expensive Games - summer o r w i n t e r - i n h i s t o r y. “Russia has created a wonderful example to follow for future organizers of Olympic Games,” Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the local organizing committee, told reporters yesterday. He was addressing alarm among members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the costs associated with Sochi could deter others from bidding to host the event. Officials said much of the infrastructure built for 2014 was designed to be used long after the Games had finished, and the plan was to turn Sochi into a year-round resort, international sports center and amusement park.
Friday February 07, 2014
Kaieteur News
Shamsur, Kayes’ maiden tons take Bangladesh past follow-on Reuters - Maiden centuries by Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes took Bangladesh past the followon mark but late strikes from the spinners put Sri Lanka in the driving seat in the second and final test in Chittagong yesterday. Bangladesh, needing victory to level the series, reached 409 for eight wickets in their first innings at stumps on the third day, still trailing the visitors by 178 runs. Mahmudullah (30) and AlAmin Hossain (three) remain at the crease for the hosts. Resuming at 86 for one wicket, opener Shamsur (106) and number three Kayes (115) batted through the first session to launch a gritty reply from Bangladesh, who had been battered by a triplecentury by Kumar Sangakkara in Sri Lanka’s first innings. The 25-year-old Shamsur, in his second test, got to his hundred first with a boundary through cover off Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews. Kayes, 27, playing his first test for over two years, survived some nervous moments in the nineties before cutting paceman Suranga Lakmal to the point boundary to complete his century. Kithuruwan Vithanage, at point, first dropped an easy catch off Ajantha Mendis with the left-hander on 95 and then gleefully accepted another later in the over, only to find out that the bowler had overstepped for a no-ball. Both Shamsur and Kayes played casual shots to gift their wickets to Mendis after a 232-run partnership. Offspinner Dilruwan Perera then dismissed Mominul Haque (13) for the first of his three wickets as Bangladesh wobbled at 259 for four.
Scotia Bank Kiddy Cricket - Lower East Bank District
Agricola, St. Ann’s and Providence register wins Agricola, St. Ann’s and Providence Primary schools recorded victories when the Scotia Bank Kiddy Cricket Festival continued yesterday with action in the Lower East Bank District. Playing at the Bank DIH Thirst Park ground, Peter’s Hall Primary went down to Agricola by 7 runs. Peter’s Hall batted first and posted 137-6 off their allocation of 10 overs. Seon Wright and Shemar Yearwood were their leading batters with 13 and 10 respectively; Extras assisted with 18. Devon Clarke and
Thaiesha Bishop claimed two wickets each. Agricola replied with 144-4 in 10 overs with extras contributing 24. Anthony Andrews made 07 while Wright returned to take 2 wickets. St. Ann’s defeated Mocha Primary by 28 runs. Mocha took first strike and managed 103-6 in 10 overs. Extras led with 24. Isaacs Jackson and Orande De Souza snared two wickets each for St. Ann’s who responded with 131-6 in 10 overs. Extras made a sterling contribution with 26; John Lakhan and Trevon Narine
made six apiece while Ryan Skinner and Alan Empthee captured two wickets each. Providence got the better of Eccles Primary by 21 runs. Eccles scored 1107 in 10 overs, batting first with Sophia Kamakoon scoring 12, Elijah Seymour and Randy Raouf 08 each. Ziphorea Reid and Indira Amardeo grabbed two wickets apiece. Providence posted 1315 in 10 overs in reply. Asif Khan scored 12 while extras supported with 26. There were two wickets each for Raul Gittens and Kamakoon.
Essequibo Coast Fisher overcome Suddie by 6 runs to book place in finals
Imrul Kayes and Shamsur Rahman added 232 for the second wicket The innings was stabilised by a 60-run stand for the fifth wicket between all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (50) and captain Mushfiqur Rahim (20), before both were dismissed by Perera with Bangladesh still shy of the follow-on mark at 350 for six. Nasir Hossain (42) added a vital 46 runs with Mahmudullah to take
Bangladesh past the followon figure of 387 but edged Mendis to Dinesh Chandimal behind the stumps with just over three overs left in the day. Mendis then claimed his fourth scalp the next ball, trapping Sohag Gazi leg before, but was denied the hat-trick when the umpire turned down another lbw appeal against A-Amin.
Squash players to earn equal prize money at National C/ships Men and women will earn equal prize money at next week’s 2014 National Squash Championships in Manchester. The total prize money for the championships, which will be held from February 10-16, is £22,800. Jim Lord, England Squash & Racketball’s operations director, said: “We’re determined to play our part in raising the profile of the women’s tour.” World number one Nick Matthew and British Open champion Laura Massaro will be competing in Manchester.
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Female players in action
Fisher Primary School have booked their place in the Essequibo Coast finals after defeating Suddie Primary by six runs when the Scotia Bank nationwide Kiddy Cricket Festival continued recently at Imam Bacchus ground, Affiance on the Essequibo Coast. Fisher batted first and managed 113 with a top score of 11 coming from Sylvan Williams. Hemant Singh took 4 - 2 for Suddie
who responded with 107. Extras contributed 24 and Chaitram Seurattan took 3 wickets. In the semi finals, Fisher overcame Taymouth Manor by 81 runs. Fisher took first strike and rattled up 164. Extras led with 44, while Saeed Hack and Sylvan Williams made 12 and 11 respectively. In their turn at the crease, Taymouth Manor could only muster 83 with extras
contributing a healthy 42 and Azaria Browne took 31. Queenstown Primary went down to Suddie Primary by 62 runs. Batting first Suddie posted 131 with Ashton John scoring 15. Queenstown responded with 79. Azizi Christiani stroked 14 while Natasha Peters took 3-3. The Essequibo coast finals will be played on the February 13 at the same venue.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 07, 2014
Bartica Football Association files writ GBTI/RHTY&SC Female Interagainst GFF for outstanding payments Secondary School Tape Ball
Trouble seems to be besetting the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) following close on the heels of a missive dispatched to President of that entity, Christopher Matthias, by one of his Vice Presidents, Ivan Persaud, to resign following “serious discrepancies in his stewardship of the organization.” The ink is still wet on that document when deposed Secretary of the Bartica Football Association (BFA), Carlton Beckles, disclosed that he has instructed his attorney to file a writ on behalf of the disposed group seeking outstanding balances amounting to more than $800,000, for rental of the Bartica office, stipend for its staff and outstanding sums for transportation. Mr. Beckles said that the monies have been outstanding even before the
Matthias administration took office and his executives had written to the Franklin Wilson led executive to have the matter ventilated. Back then he was told that the GFF was cash strapped and would have honoured the debt when it was able. He said that his Assistant Secretary, Alden Marslow also made similar requests and in July last year, travelled from Bartica to seek an audience with the GFF principals. Mr. Beckles related that the outstanding sum was then $702,000. He said that Mr. Adonis acknowledged the debt and further promised to settle by mid August last year. “When that time came and there was no affirmative word from the GFF, I called Mr. Adonis and this time he told me that they were busy making arrangements to facilitate the arrival of the
(FIFA) World Cup to these shores and the matter would receive attention just afterwards,” explained Beckles. He said that he subsequently instructed his attorney to address the matter and after his lawyer had written to the GFF hierarchy in November, he (Beckles) received a letter from the GFF General Secretary acknowledging the debt while promising to have it liquidated ‘in the shortest possible time.’ After the GFF failed to honour the debt in the promised ‘reasonable time’ the Bartica officials went ahead and filed the writ. When contacted, General Secretary of the GFF, Noel Adonis, confirmed receipt of the document and said that in keeping with protocol, he has forwarded it to the legal council (GFF) for attention.
Winifred Gaskin, Port Mourant, Central Corentyne & Corentyne Comprehensive into semis One semi final match in the inaugural edition of the Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) / Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Inter Secondary School female tape-ball cricket tournament is set for today at the Area ‘H’ Ground. Central Corentyne takes on Corentyne Comprehensive with the Winifred Gaskin Secondary / Port Mourant showdown set for Monday at the same venue. In recent quarter final
matches, Port Mourant Secondary School (PMSS) led by outstanding contributions from National Under-19 players Erica Lashley and Shabika Gajnabi crushed Lower Corentyne Secondary School (LCSS) while Central Corentyne got past Manchester High School to advance to the semifinals Playing at the Kennard Memorial Ground in Bush lot Village, Central defeated Manchester High by four wickets. Manchester were bowled out for 56 in 10 overs; Cascia Munroe with 13 was the batter reaching double figures. Rushana Lynch 2 for 2,
Shamena Ishmeal 2 for 10 and Shunetta Grimmond 2 for 15 were the best bowlers for Central Corentyne. In reply, the home team reached 57 for 6 with Rushana Lynch belting 15 not out, while C. Quintyn took 2 for 10 runs for Manchester. At the Area ‘H’ Ground, Port Mourant blasted 120 for 8 in their 10 overs; Erica Lashley hitting a brilliant 53 laced with six fours and a six. In reply LCSS were bowled out for 52; Shabika Gajnabi bowling medium pace claimed 4 for 11 from 4 o v e r s w h ile Kavita Ramsammy took 2 for 7 from 4 overs.
NZ eye big total after McCullum, Williamson tons Reuters - Captain Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson scored centuries to resurrect New Zealand’s innings after they lost three early wickets to put them in a strong position on 329 for four at the end of the first day of the first test at Eden Park yesterday. McCullum was 143 not out at the close of play, his eighth test century, while Williamson was dismissed after tea for 113, his fifth test hundred. Williamson’s century was his sixth score over 50 in succession against the tourists, having scored a half century in each of the five one day internationals that preceded the two-match test series. The pair combined for a 221-run partnership after the hosts had been reduced to 30 for three early in the first session when India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had won his sixth successive toss on tour and put New Zealand into bat. All-rounder Corey Anderson (42) was with McCullum at the close of play with Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan taking two wickets each. Dhoni’s three-pronged pace attack of Mohammed Shami, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma exploited the green drop-in pitch and cool, overcast conditions to knock the top off New Zealand’s batting and expose their middle order before the break. Sharma had Hamish Rutherford well caught by a diving Ajinkya Rahane in the gully for six then Zaheer trapped Peter Fulton in front for 13 before Sharma had Ross Taylor caught by Ravindra Jadeja for three.
Brendon McCullum
Taylor’s dismissal put the hosts in a spot of bother before Williamson and McCullum consolidated, adding another 24 runs before lunch. India’s bowlers were unable to sustain their disciplined line and length after lunch and were punished for bowling too short or too full, while their fielding, especially catching, was sub-standard. The New Zealand pair seized on the inconsistency and while the 23-year-old Williamson was dropped on 32 by Murali Vijay at first slip off Shami shortly after lunch, their counter-attacking style wore down the threadbare Indian attack. The pair scored 125 runs in 27 overs in the middle session as Dhoni became more defensive in his field placings, pushing fielders deeper and wider, which allowed New Zealand to keep the scoreboard ticking over with easy singles. They appeared to be in a personal race after tea to reach their century first with virtually identical strike rates before McCullum pulled away in the 90s and belted the first six of his innings to bring up
Kane Williamson the milestone off 135 balls. Williamson accumulated through the 90s before he punched Ravindra Jadeja through extra cover for two runs to bring up his century and continue a golden run of form. The right-hander has scored 817 runs at an average of 54.46 in the 10 test matches in the past 12 months with two centuries and seven half centuries. He was eventually dismissed when he glanced an innocuous Zaheer delivery to Dhoni down the leg side before McCullum and Anderson put on an unbroken 78-run partnership with the hosts looking well set to push on to a first innings total in excess of 400 today.
Kaieteur News
Friday February 07, 2014
Page 41
FFP and RHTY&SC cricket Top action promised as Mayor’s teams assist Berbice Amateur C u p f o o t b a l l t a k e s s h a p e Basketball Association Nineteen years ago, the Mayor ’s Cup Football Championships joined an illustrious group of tournaments on the local sports calendar and since then, has earned its place as one of the eagerly awaited yearly events. Organisers are now putting the modalities in place for the 20th edition of the tournament, one month of solid action, from Saturday March 29-Sunday April 27 next, when 29 of the nation’s best teams from several regions battle for supremacy. Power team, Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United is the defending champions and will start the tournament as the firm favourites. However, Fruta Conquerors FC has carted off the goods on four occasions, the most by any team and would be keen to repeat those performances. Several other teams
Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster (right) hands over the equipment to BABA President Keith Myers (left) and Secretary Petra Forde. With support from Food For the Poor Guyana Ltd., in association with the eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Tuesday last made a timely donation to the recently resuscitated Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA). The teams - Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division donated twelve (12) basketballs along with knee wraps, office material, refreshment utilities and educational packages that would be used as prizes for a Junior tournament. Hilbert Foster, Secretary/CEO of the Club stated that the teams decided to assist the BABA after being informed of its formation via the media. He noted that while the RHTY&SC does not have a basketball team, it has over the years assisted numerous clubs and schools with uniforms and basketball gear in an effort to develop the
game. Basketball, Foster posited is the fourth most popular game in the Ancient County after cricket, football and volleyball. HE has issued a challenge to the new BABA executive to work hard to promote the game in every village and township in Berbice. Of importance to the RHTY&SC is utalising the game to promote sports as a safe alternative to a life on the road for youths and Foster urged the BABA to always promote the Say No t o D r u g s a n d Ye s t o Education message to every Basketball player under their watch. In handing over the items to BABA President Keith Myers and Secretary Petra Forde, Foster committed his club to sponsoring a youth competition in May/June 2014. The selfless administrator also used his office to obtain a donation of trophies for the association from Mr. Ramesh Sunich for the hosting of a competition to launch the 2014 season. He also pledged future assistance from the RHTY&SC and its cricket teams for basketball once the
club was satisfied with the direction the sport was going. President Myers showered praise on the RHTY&SC and the cricket teams for coming on board to assist the association despite not being approached. Myers stated that the presentation took place less than two hours after he received a surprise phone call from Foster. The new BABA executive Myers informed was only recently elected and is now trying to get its plans on the road with a view to full functioning. The contribution from the club was most welcome and he pledged that his administration would take basketball to another level in Berbice. Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC cricket teams and its founder the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Group also fulfilled a special request by the 21-year-old Differently Able Ms. Diana Prass. Members visited the Betsy Ground home of Ms. Prass and handed over a large supply of food and personal items.
Lennox Author would have won earlier editions of the tournament and would be staking a claim including Pele, Sunburst Camptown, Victoria Kings a n d We s t e r n T i g e r s . Otherwise, nine other Georgetown teams will be battling for glory. Teams will also be drawn
f r o m t h e We s t C o a s t Demerara (7), East Coast Demerara (4), East Bank Demerara (2) and Berbice (4). The organiser is former national coach, Lennox Arthur, and he has intimated that, unlike previous editions, matches will be played at rural venues including Berbice, West Coast Demerara and the East Coast Demerara. Meanwhile, Mr. Arthur has assured that the winner will receive a healthy cheque, the same as the second to fourth place finishers. However, he said that he is appealing to members of the corporate community to render the usual support in order to retain the rich vein of rivalry synonymous with the championships. He has already met with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) which has agreed in principal on the tournament dates.
CONCACAF Development: Busy week in the Caribbean C O N C A C A F ’s Development division produced an intensive program of activities last week with grassroots courses and festivals in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago and a D-License coaching course in Puerto Rico. For the first time, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, held a development course with 22 coacheducators taking part in the two-day course and then 65 local children enjoying the festival where the attendees put into practice the techniques learnt in the classroom. In Trinidad and Tobago, the focus was on instructing coaches from outside of the capital. Six different regions were represented in the sessions which were held in the rural area of Paramin, including two veterans of grassroots football. At 76 and 82-years old respectively Kenneth Attong and Leslie Hoyte showed throughout the three days that they were still enthusiastic about formalizing their grassroots football education. Both men have been involved in the game well past five decades. Attong describing himself as
Young players enjoy themselves at CONCACAF Grassroots Football Festival in St. Thomas. a ‘Caribbean man’ has coached wherever his work took him, in Trinidad, Antigua, St. Vincent and Tortola. Nine-year-old Ezekiel Santella was delighted that the event was being held in his locality. “Football really came to Paramin, they really brought such a festival here, I can’t believe it’s happened” he said. “I had lots of fun, learnt a lot, especially about passing”. The local school
principal and several parents were there to support the kids ranging in age from five years old to fourteen years old. The D-License course in Puerto Rico was the first time that CONCACAF’s new, internationally recognized license for development coaching, was brought to the Caribbean. The Development team will continue their work with a grassroots course in St. Vincent later this week.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 07, 2014
Match 8 abandoned due to rain Moeen Ali and Stephen Parry
named in England squads for World T20 and WI tour Scarborough, Tobago Rain forced an abandonment of Match 8 in the NAGICO Super50 between Barbados and the Combined Campuses and Colleges, yesterday. It would have been the second match at Shaw Park in Tobago, a day after Trinidad & Tobago defeated the Leeward Islands by five wickets. Rain greeted both teams at the venue early on Thursday (yesterday) morning. There were periods where it looked like a short game would be possible but that was curtailed by further heavy rainfall in the afternoon. Just after 1:30pm Local
Curtley Ambrose and Tino Best Time (1230pm Jamaica Time), the umpires decided that the field would not be ready and called off the match. The abandonment means both teams share two points each.
Barbados move further at the top of Zone B on seven points while the Combined Campuses & Colleges move into second place on six points.
Osborne to lead Wakenaam in ECB Busta Festival Wicketkeeper batsman Wayne Osborne will lead Wakenaam in the upcoming Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Busta 50 overs Cricket Festival. Osborne will have Navishaul Pooran as his deputy while allrounder Ricardo Adams and the talented Kemo Paul are also included. The full squad reads: Wayne Osborne (Capt.), Navishaul Pooran (V.Capt.), Nazeer Mohamed, Chandrika Ragnauth, Imran Khan, Oyono Samson, Vickram Ramnarine, Seon Daniels, Neil Ramalho, Gurnauth Khemraj, Kemo Paul, Ricardo Adams and Bernard Lewis. The coach is Nandkishore Andrews and the manager is Teniram
Kemo Paul
Wayne Osborne
Ramnarine. The tournament was set to commence today but has
been postponed due to the inclement weather.
Wartsila to host most lucrative Road Race - Official launch set for Monday
Renowned energy company, Wartsila will host the most lucrative Road Race in Guyana’s history to commemorate their 20th year of operations in Guyana. Kaieteur Sport confirmed that in excess of $3M will be up for grabs in six individual categories in March.
This newspaper learnt yesterday that the individual cash prizes, which will be made public at the official launch of the 20km Road Race, represent the largest bounty for any road race. Wartsila is celebrating its anniversary between February 23 and March 2 with the race concluding a week of activities for the company. The hefty sums being doled out are certainly bound to attract the crème de le crème. International
invitations were also sent out for athletes from the region and further afield since Wartsila has an extensive operation in over 70 countries across the world. The race will start in Paradise, East Coast and proceed to finish in front of Wartsila’s Head Office, Water Street, Kingston. All seasoned distancerunning athletes are expected to compete in a race that will certainly set new standards for athletics in Guyana.
Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e a l l rounder Moeen Ali and Lancashire spinner Stephen Parry have been named in England’s squad for the limited-overs series in West I n d i e s a n d t h e Wo r l d Twenty20 in Bangladesh. Nottinghamshire leftarm paceman Harry Gurney has been selected only for the tour of the Caribbean. Moeen, Parry and Gurney are all uncapped in all international formats. “ I t ’s a n e x c i t i n g opportunity for Moeen and Stephen,” said national selector James Whitaker. In addition to playing three one-day internationals, England will also face West Indies in three Twenty20 matches in early March. They will then travel to Bangladesh for the World Twenty20, which takes place between 16 March and 6 April. This is England’s first squad announcement since batsman Kevin Pietersen was told he is no longer part of the national team’s plans. It had previously been confirmed that Test and oneday captain Alastair Cook, who has not played in the Twenty20 side since 2009, would be rested for the ODI series in the Caribbean. In Cook’s absence, Stuart Broad will captain the squad in the West Indies and Bangladesh, with Eoin Morgan vice-captain for both tours. Aside from Cook, seven other players in the squads for the recent limited-overs series in Australia - batsmen Ian Bell, Gary Ballance and Michael Carberry, allrounder Chris Woakes, pacemen Boyd Rankin and Steven Finn, and spinner Danny Briggs - are not included. Whitaker revealed that Andy Flower, who stood down as England team director last month following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia, was involved in selecting the tour parties.
Moeen Ali
Stephen Parry
“By the time we select again at the start of the summer, I don’t know what the situation will be,” Whitaker added. “We are interviewing for another selector next week.” On the uncapped players, he added: “We would like to congratulate Moeen and Stephen on their selection for the tour to the Caribbean and then to represent England in the ICC World Twenty20. “Harry Gurney, under the guidance of the excellent coaches at Trent Bridge, has performed well for Nottinghamshire in limitedovers cricket - showing good control with the white ball and, as a left-arm quick, brings some variety to the tour party.” Moeen, 26, was named player of the year by the Professional Cricketers’ Association in October. He scored more than 2,000 runs in all formats in 2013, taking 55 wickets with his off-spin, and also appeared for the England Lions on their tour of Australia. Slow left-armer Parry, 28, has played only six firstclass matches, but has appeared in 56 Twenty20 games. He told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I’ve managed to produce it consistently over a period of time and the selectors now feel that I’m ready. I’ve got a lot of Twenty20 experience and they’ve decided to go with me, which is fantastic. “Every county cricketer
wants to play for their country. Whether you’re 19 or 33, you’re always trying. It’s happened for me, I’m very grateful and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.” Gurney, 27, was leading wicket-taker in Leicestershire’s 2011 T20 campaign, with 23 scalps, b e f o r e j o i n i n g Nottinghamshire. Notts coach Mick Newell told BBC Radio 5 live: “He’ll hopefully be in the style of Mitchell Johnson in years to come. He’s got some good pace, up towards 90mph. “England are looking for a left-armer that will give them something different and, at the minute, Harry is the fittest and strongest of those in contention.” England squad for World Twenty20 and West Indies tour: Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire, captain), Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, vice captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Ravi B o p a r a ( E s s e x ) , Ti m Bresnan (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire, wk), Jade Dernbach (Surrey), A l e x H a l e s (Nottinghamshire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Michael Lumb (Nottinghamshire), Stephen Parry (Lancashire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), James Tredwell (Kent), Luke Wright (Sussex). West Indies tour only: H a r r y G u r n e y (Nottinghamshire). (BBCSport)
Kaieteur News
Friday February 07, 2014
Vieira thanks Sunburst Orange Juice Despite being crowned the champion of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) Superbike segment, local speedster Stephen Vieira is mindful of the fact that if he wants to continue to reign supreme he will have to raise his game. This reality became evident during the staging of the last local Race Meet and the final leg of the CMRC when emerging star Nikhil Seereeram upstaged him in some fascinating duels that signaled he either had to improve the performance of his machine or play second fiddle to the young daredevil, who though coming up in the shadows of the champion has suddenly placed himself in contention to be ‘the new kid on the block’ following some blistering displays last year. Vieira, speaking with Kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday acknowledged that Seereeram has improved and has now become a legitimate threat to his throne, but reminded that this year will see him settle the issue as to who is really the best in the country. According to Vieira, who rides a 2008 Suzuki GSX R600, the machine clearly
- expects a tough, but successful season Stephen Vieira
needs to be modified to compete against the one that Seereeram usually straddles and his bike’s inferiority was glaringly noticeable in terms of speed so with the support of Sunburst Orange Juice and Rakesh Puri, they’ve renewed their partnership to meet the anticipated challenges of both local and regional opponents this year. “I would like to extend my gratitude to Sunburst Orange Juice and Mr. Puri for their continued sponsorship and faith that
they’ve placed in me and for these reasons I will always strive to do my best to make them proud so once again let me express how appreciative I am for their support,” Vieira stated. He said he is looking forward to a highly competitive season both home and abroad, adding that preparations will definitely start earlier since it is an important year for him. The local season opens on March 16, at the South Dakota Circuit.
Formula 1 teams opposed to double-points races
There have been plenty of rule changes for the 2014 F1 season
The majority of Formula 1 teams are against Bernie Ecclestone’s proposal to award double points for the final three grands prix of this season. The sport has introduced double points for the last race in Abu Dhabi but F1’s organiser wants to extend it, for which he needs the teams’ unanimous approval. BBC Sport has learned there is widespread disquiet at the latest plan. Only Lotus would comment, a
spokesman saying: “The best thing would be to make all the races double points.” Discussions with Ecclestone are ongoing but teams have a range of concerns about the idea: · More than one top team believe it would be wrong to change the rules a month before the start of the season · Some point out F1 fans have given an overwhelmingly negative response to the one-race-
double-points plan, so it would not be wise to antagonise the sport’s public further · Changing the rules at a time when pre-season testing has already started, and at least some sense of the competitive order is emerging, would not be sportingly equitable, some argue · Red Bull and their engine supplier Renault had a nightmare first test, and (Continued on page 37)
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GVF President’s 75th Birthday Tournament on Sunday Involved with the sport since the tender age of 13 years, Guyana Volleyball Federation President Lenox Shuffler, who celebrated his 75th birth anniversary on February 5, is expected to be present when a tournament which is held in his honour annually is staged on Sunday, at the National Gymnasium. Shuffler, whose involvement in the sport has spanned 62 years and who is enjoying his third and final term in office has been instrumental in maintaining the vibrancy in the sport in the country’s capital and b ey o n d an d is h ig h ly respected by his peers. The affable businessman, Sports Administrator and peace and unity advocate was born on February 5, 1939, to Gary and Kathleen Shuffler, in the county of Berbice, before the family moved to Georgetown where he has since spent most of his life. Shuffler in many conversations has always regarded himself as someone who is always thinking about the positive sides of life, and constantly looking for ways to help develop less fortunate people, whether through corporate connections or personal interventions and has clearly lived by those beliefs. It is this thirst for effecting change in the lives of those who require such help that has been recognised by many local and international organisations that have bestowed upon him numerous awards for his selfless commitment and dedication towards the development of sports and the general enrichment of people’s lives. The accolades include two Paul Harris awards from the Rotary Club for the promotion of ‘Peace and Unity’; the Guyana Olympic Association award as the ‘Male Sports Personality’; International Olympic Committee award for the promotion of ‘Sport and Promotion of Olympism’ through his Sports Education and Culture Train Concept for the advancement of Peace and Unity, among others. In 1958, Shuffler became the youngest member of the first ever British Guiana squad that toured Trinidad and Tobago. He went on to become Captain of the national team that participated in the Caribbean
Lenox Shuffler
Tournament, which they won. Shuffler remained the national Captain for the next sixteen years, making him the longest serving Captain, having won the Caribbean title both at home and abroad. His record of being the most successful leader that this country has ever produced is still intact. His career spanned almost twenty years at the national level, playing in the Caribbean and South American zones, including competing against teams from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Aruba, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Bahamas and China. He even earned the nickname ‘Mr. Cool’ on the international circuit for his ability to remain calm in tense situations, a sobriquet, he has retained unto today. As an Administrator, the GVF Head has represented Guyana at many international volleyball fora in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Portugal and Spain and has presented a paper on the creation of ‘Fun Volleyball’ which was well received by the World Federation. He also argued at the
international level for the formation of the ‘Bloc Development Plan’ which was essentially created to assist lesser ranked countries such as Guyana and Suriname develop the sport by playing against top nations, the likes of Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela. It was subsequently adopted by the International Body. Asked what he feels is his biggest contribution to sports, Shuffler said proudly that having seven of his grandchildren playing on the same national team together and winning the Caribbean championships must stand out above all. Asked to comment on the impact of sports within the society he said, “I see sports as the vehicle for integration in Guyana, and because of this view, I have been able to create a concept to develop ‘Peace and Unity’ through the sports and culture train another of his brainchild concepts. Shuffler added that the train is about positive change and is powered by love, faith and forgiveness. “I’ve always felt that we’ve been given two eyes to see the good and the bad sides of life.” Kaieteur Sport extends best wishes to him.
t r o Sp
Winter Games begin, Putin keen to prove doubters wrong P.38
IOC President Thomas Bach, right, hands over the Olympic torch to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the torch relay arrives in Sochi, ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Feb. 6, 2014, in Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Scotia Bank Kiddy Cricket - Lower East Bank District and Essequibo Coast
Agricola, St. Ann’s and Providence register wins P.39
Asif Khan plays through the leg side during his top score
Providence’s Ziphorea Reid bowled impressively yesterday
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