Kaieteur News

Page 04

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The police can learn a lot from the army The simple fact that the Guyana Defence Force can muster 800 applicants is a telling point. Regardless of how you look at it the GDF is considered a far more professional body than the older Guyana Police Force. It makes absolutely no sense to highlight all the training opportunities provided to the GPF when there is no audit of value received in terms of knowledge shared and new practices introduced. Constantly we are told in response to criticism of the police that the force is understaffed by twenty percent. What is the GDF doing to attract so many qualified young persons that the GPF can learn from? Really! Is the top brass even looking? An ordinary person visiting a police station is shocked by the state of police building and the conditions under which policemen are expected to work. It is small wonder that the attitudes which ranks carry in their contact with members of the public reflect their work environment. This situation is all the more troubling when the amounts of financial and other support thrown at the force do not take into consideration the welfare and well-being of the ranks who for the most part come from clean and healthy surroundings. It is not unlikely that senior officers are unaware of the unsanitary dormitories and barrack rooms since all facilities should be inspected regularly. If it is argued that indeed inspections take place, then it must be asked to what end these are conducted. Take a look at the condition of any army base or other facility and one comes away with a feeling of pride at how well these places are kept. Some years ago ranks entering and leaving police and army compounds were required to dress and conduct themselves in a manner which demonstrated a certain personal pride and professional etiquette. Not so today, ranks can be seen dressed in an assortment of mufti which surely does not do their image any good. The GPF though can learn from the army in so many ways but whether they are favourably disposed in that direction is doubtful. An argument which is made is that the GDF is required to function differently from the GPF. We take the argument, but this does not mean that on issues such as basic environmental and health issues there must be radically dissimilar approaches to the way these important matters are treated. Another sore point is the laissez faire approach to remedial education in the force when compared to the proactive stance taken by the army in this regard. Let us for argument sake accept that educational standards have fallen in recent years when compared to the seventies and eighties, this is still no reason why a focused intervention has not been adopted by the administration to deal with the poor education level of recruits. If as has also been argued that those inducted into the police force are products of the wider society, then it is imperative that training and orientation should reflect cognizance of that reality. It is no secret that probably because of the nature of their particular role; policemen after attaining certain ranks seem to let themselves go physically; not so the soldier. Professional pride is evident in their military turnout and bearing while their cousin in the sister service has a large stomach covered by a uniform stretched to its limit. The stress that is an occupational hazard in policing is a health issue that should be confronted if we are to get some relief from the almost daily incidents of bad police-public relations. The administration needs to get out of the offices and speak to their ranks; they need to understand that their ranks need them just as much as they need the junior ranks. Ranks need to feel that their efforts are appreciated in

Saturday February 08, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

Mr. Aubrey Norton is turning his wrath and bitterness towards the wrong entity DEAR EDITOR, Permit me please to respond to an article in the Kaieteur News dated February 7th, 2014 c a p t i o n e d “ G u y a n a ’s Foreign Policy is in a mess – Aubrey Norton.’’ It is not very often that I respond to articles in the newspapers and indeed in the media in general, since I value very much freedom of the press and whenever it appears, constructive criticism. However, it will be a dereliction of duty on my part if the aforementioned one goes unanswered. Let me at the outset indicate that I reject completely this irresponsible and uninformed statement by Mr. Norton with respect to the status of Guyana’s foreign policy. Notwithstanding his association with the Foreign Ministry in the past, Mr. Norton is not the only one that understands Foreign Policy, even if he would want the public to believe so. To accuse the current PPP/C administration of not understanding foreign policy is just a demonstration of denial of the facts, but maybe moreso, a pitch to urge consideration by the powers that be to allow him to return to the hallowed halls where lawmakers meet. But lest it be forgotten, let me remind Mr. Norton, that it was during this PPP/C administration’s tenure that Guyana received kudos for many foreign policy initiatives. Perhaps leading these will be the successful settlement of the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname. He should know that this is the only border issue that was settled since Guyana’s independence, and it was a foreign policy decision of the PPP/C administration to take that matter to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea. It was under this administration, that the Norwegian Government, hitherto not having any strong bilateral ties with Guyana, signed an Agreement on forests from which we benefit today. This agreement was in recognition of Guyana’s groundbreaking Low Carbon Development Strategy

(LCDS). Guyana is also the beneficiary of a Tropical Forest Protection Project under an Agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany. It was under this administration that no other than the then President of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, was named ‘’Champion of the Earth.” It was under this same PPP administration that the Takutu Bridge was built, physically linking Guyana with Brazil. Notwithstanding his utterances about CARICOM, it was this PPP/C administration that finally honoured Guyana’s obligation under the Headquarters Agreement of 1976 to provide “a permanent headquarters premises” to “include a s u itab le an d ad eq u ate building for the Secretariat.’’ And yes, it was under this PPP/C administration that Guyana’s economy recorded positive growth for many years and brought Guyana back to a respectable place in the international community, where we can speak with our heads held high, because we live in a democratic society where elections are free and fair. These could not be achieved if, as Mr. Norton claims, the Government has “no understanding of foreign policy.” Mr. Norton must be suffering from a hitherto unknown condition which I must regard as selective amnesia. Concerning his comment about the New Global Human Order (NGHO), Mr. Norton might not be aware that the Secretary General of the United Nations convened a Meeting last year to discuss the issue of ‘’Equity”, where I was invited to speak. This Meeting was a direct result of the work done by Guyana at the United Nations and supported by other Member States of the International Community on the NGHO. Since he regards himself as Guyana’s foreign policy expert, he cannot be excused for not knowing that fact. Indeed the issue of equity, long spoken about by former President Cheddi Jagan and adumbrated in the NGHO, is now at the center

much the same way that they must be made to feel the brunt of sanctions when they err. And just as importantly, the measured releases put out by the army in response to any incident involving a member, should be emulated by the GPF public relations people by an abandonment of the sometimes senseless strident outpourings which do more to aggravate than placate.

o f man y in ter n atio n al debates, since it has been recognized that growth without equity is unsustainable. His comment on the LCDS and the NGHO is therefore unfortunate; the two are not mutually exclusive. Concerning his declarations on the Economic Partnership Agreement, yes, we made a lot of “noise” about the EPA and we have no regrets. We stand by the principled positions we took then and we have been vindicated. It was this “noise” that resulted in the Europeans agreeing to a five-year review of the EPA and Guyana finally signing the Agreement. Once signed, Guyana was one of the first countries to put in place the necessary legislative and administrative measures required under the EPA, including the ratification of the Agreement and the tariff liberalization measures.

This is contrary to Mr. Norton’s outburst about this Government not taking any action to benefit from the EPA. It will do Mr. Norton well to check where other CARIFORUM countries are at in this regard. We continue to put in place other measures to fully benefit from the Agreement where possible. I would have expected that whether in or out of Parliament, the former MP would be following these developments. I have noted his comment “One time we are with UNASUR, next time it is with CARICOM, and we are all over.” Such a statement is unexpected from someone who, as a former Member of Parliament, voted for the ratification of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) Constitutive Treaty when it was being considered in Parliament in 2009. At that time, I had said (Continued page 26)

Bridges within this township should possess rails DEAR EDITOR, I am aware of four main bridges within the Township on the Essequibo Coast that are currently without rails; quite an unsafe and precarious existence for the numerous drivers and pedestrians, including the elderly and children who would use the bridges daily. The threat becomes even more realistic during the evening, especially when the fluctuating water, which is often filled with breeding weeds, rises to the level of the bridges. In such cases it is often difficult to decipher the exact width of them, thus leading to vehicular accidents in the past. It was even suggested that the non-existence of such rails may have contributed to the recent death of a resident, who drowned in one of the connecting trenches. Two of the bridges are situated in Anna Regina; one of which is just next to the car park and the historical ‘high bridge’, while the other is located to the western end of the town leading into the Caricom Rice Mills Factory. The other two are situated in the neighbouring village of Cotton Field, with one of them connecting the

main road and the other to the old road, leading to the western end of the village. This bridge had rails, but they have now collapsed. It is perhaps the only bridge on the Essequibo Coast as well, that quickly transforms itself into a pool whenever the rain falls, because of its unevenness and its lack of maintenance. I am therefore appealing to the relevant authorities to remedy this seemingly unnoticed delusion and minimise the existing danger that these un-railed bridges pose to the general public. It is obvious based on the strategic location of these two villages that the route between Anna Regina and Cotton Field has been the busiest, and therefore every precaution should be taken to ensure that the safety and well- being of each citizen remains a priority. H i s t o r i c a l l y, t h e s e bridges were built over two decades ago, and the thought of having them railed then may have been minuscule. P r e s e n t l y, s u c h consideration should not be the case, since the steep increase in vehicular traffic makes these bridges prone to tragedies that instead can be averted. Elroy Stephney

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 5

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Crime is sucking the life out of the nation DEAR EDITOR, The recent headlines in the daily newspapers seem to epitomize the spate of youth crime and violence in Guyana. On January 29th, 2014, a KN headline read, “UG students charged for armed robbery.” In the said papers another caption read, “Boy, 16, allegedly sodomised at Police Outpost.” The news item stated that the boy informed the authorities that he is a ‘sex worker’. This revelation stunned me and I immediately asked myself the question; why is this child not in school, or in a place where he is protected? Why must this child be allowed to simply ply some sex trade in the streets? Is the Ministry of Human Services really functioning? Then on January 30th 2013 a KN news headline read, “15-year-old bandit shot dead after invading Paradise house.” I watched the photograph of the lifeless body of the child lay sprawled, and wondered what a sad day in the life of this nation. When children can freely access guns and are left to commit the unthinkable we have to be concerned. Without getting into the

debate as to whether or not the boy should have been shot dead, I simply want to point out that this case is one where the perpetrator is also a victim of the crime he pursues. Some may argue that he, like many others, is a victim of the system. The daunting headlines continued when, one day later, another KN report captivated my attention. The caption of this news item read, “Detained teen girls admit links to Paradise bandits.” This report would be shocking to those who are incapable of understanding the magnitude and depth of the situation which is before us. Crime and criminal behavior seems to be sucking the life out of the nation and the “power players” seem reluctant, unconcerned or clueless about how to address this issue. Over the last two weeks or so we were greeted with the sad news that a student ingested a poisonous substance, supposedly in the bathroom of her school, and later succumbed at the Georgetown Hospital. How can all of us be so oblivious to the struggles this child was experiencing? What about

school counseling? How successful is this program, if it is in place? I am not saying that we can stop every unfortunate act, but too many of our children are falling through the cracks. Too many of our children see violence and crime as the answer to their challenges. Something is not right! On January 31, 2014, another headline read “Suspect in cop killing surrenders”, this time another youth was identified as being involved in the slaying of a police officer. My question again, where did the perpetrator get the gun? Next day, February 1st, KN headline reads “Teenager gets 48 months for electronic store robbery” according to the report the teen is alleged to have carried out a twomillion-dollar armed robbery on a city electronic store after posing as a Western Union Security officer. In the same papers another caption read “Murder of taxi drivers…Teens give cops gruesome account of killing.” In this case, the teens are accused of killing a Pegasus Taxi driver before dumping his body. “Carjacking teenagers

remanded” was the headline that greeted me when I read KN dated February 2nd 2014. In this report, a 17-year-old and his 16-year-old friend are alleged to have used broken bottles to rob and relieve a citizen of his vehicle. A few weeks ago we read of three teenagers who were shot to death by the police because of some alleged crime they might have committed. If these reports are not sufficient to force us to a point where we are all compelled to act, then we all might just be contributing to the decline. These headlines and the horrific stories they tell, expose a number of shortcomings, and point to some of the real issues facing our youth. Firstly, the situation seems to be one where both the perpetrators and the prey are all victims. When so many children are left to run wild and revert to criminal activities as a way of life, a nation is in trouble. This situation must force us to ask ourselves some plain, simple and logical questions. So for starters let’s ask these very important questions; 1. Are these children, who

are alleged to be involved in these brazen criminal activities, going to school? Certainly not! 2. Since these children are not in school, what kind of effort is made by both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Services to address this frightening situation? 3. Is there a plan by these agencies to address the issue of school drop-outs and delinquency? I guess not! However, assuming there is a plan, clearly it is not working. So who is responsible for ensuring that this plan works, someone continues to drop the ball on our children’s future. 4. Can the Ministry of Education report on the rate of school drop-outs for the last ten years? What might these rates reveal? How do we know that the rates are accurate? 5. Is the school curriculum appealing to the students to the extent that it is meeting students where they are on the learning spectrum and interested? 6. Is there a robust school counseling program in our schools? If there is one, how effective is this program? How often is this program

reviewed in order to determine efficiency and success? 7. Is there any kind of strategic cooperation and collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security? If there is, how is this working in order to ensure that the best interest of our children is promoted? There are many other questions which must be answered and, yes, it is okay to point fingers at the parents, but that alone will not help to solve this huge problem. The issues of criminal behaviour and delinquency are major social problems which affect all of us. There is no doubt that parents have a very important role to play in the lives of their children, but as members of society, we also have a role to play in helping to channel our children in the right direction. The government also has a huge moral and legal responsibility to protect and promote the best interest of our children. It is, however, clear that the present regime does not understand, or (Continued on page 26)

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Father unfit to stand Brumell willing to serve extended term as Top Cop trial at this time Murder accused Charles Albert, called “Charles Greaves’, 52, of 56 Princetown, Corriverton, Corentyne, who allegedly murdered his daughter just over two years ago by beating her to death, cannot be tried at this time. Those were the findings of Psychiatrist Dr. Maida Creajah on Friday before Justice Diana Insanally and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court. Albert is indicted for the brutal killing of his daughter, Rowletta Onica Greaves, 32, on December 12, 2011 following a misunderstanding between the two at his aunt’s home at Princetown. After his trial was aborted on the first occasion because he could not find a third lawyer who would take his case after the first two pulled out following his indifferent behavior. A psychiatric evaluation was ordered to determine if he is fit to stand trial. Psychiatrist Dr. Maida

- reaches retirement age today

Charles Albert called Charles Greaves

Onica Greaves

Creajah stated that she has been evaluating the accused for the past three years and in her diagnosis he is unsuitable to stand trial at this time. He is not sure why he is in prison, she said; that he is there on a holiday. He exhibits behaviour of Grandeur (as if he is wealthy); he does not understand the concept of a trial, she said. The doctor stated that the

accused, at times, will be very quiet, but on other occasions he is very loud. She stated that he should be given his medication and should be evaluated again in three months. Justice Insanally then ordered that the accused be returned to the Prison and that he be given his treatment while incarcerated until he is evaluated again.

‘Pradoville’ driver remanded for death of hotel employee - Charged with drunk driving, being unlicenced The 25-year-old pickup driver who allegedly struck and killed Lovina Tull at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara last Wednesday night was remanded to prison after appearing in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Hafraz Mangru, of Lot 176 Sparendaam (‘Pradoville 2), East Coast Demerara, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence. He was also fined $75,000 after

pleading guilty to driving an unlicenced vehicle. He is scheduled to return to court on March 18. Kaieteur News understands that Mangru’s attorney plans to approach the High Court to have him placed on bail. According to reports, 37year-old Tull, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, had just left work at the City Holiday Inn, also located at Liliendaal, and was awaiting transportation to get home at around 21:30 hours, when the pick-up struck her. She was hurled into the Ocean View Hotel’s compound. It is alleged that the driver was found to be 200 percent over the allowable alcohol consumption limit for motorists.

Lovina Tull

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell reaches the age of retirement today, but the country’s 30th Commissioner says that he is willing to serve an extended term as Top Cop if called upon to do so. As Brumell prepared to celebrate his 55th birthday, reports circulated yesterday that he had been granted an extension of his term as Commissioner. But while he said that he was aware of the reports, Brumell stressed that he had received no official statement about his position. Nevertheless, he made it clear that he would accept an extension of his service as Commissioner.

“I will take it if that is the case; the ruling party seems to have confidence in me and the Opposition seems to have that same confidence,” Brumell told Kaieteur News. “If I am called upon to work (further) for my country (as Commissioner) I will.” Brumell was thrust into the position as Police Commissioner (ag.) in early 2012 when his predecessor, Henry Greene, resigned in the face of rape allegations. He was sworn in as Police Commissioner in October, 2013. Due to his seniority in the Force, Deputy Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud is Brumell’s most likely successor.

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

Chief Magistrate to decide fate of teenaged cell phone thief A teenager charged with a cellular phone theft will have his fate decided by the Chief Magistrate later this month, even though he confessed to the crime yesterday. Following stirring pleas of a prominent lawyer who appeared amicus on the teen’s behalf, Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry instructed that she will hand down her decision on February 27 after she receives a probation report for 19-yearold Godfrey Pereira. The teen was charged with larceny from the person; a crime which carries a threeyear jail term. The young man told the Chief Magistrate that he did steal Ronnie Hooper’s $120,000 Samsung Galaxy from his car two days ago but asked to explain his actions. Inspector Michael Grant, the prosecutor, said that “on the day in question, about 10:00 hours, the defendant’s father took the virtual complainant’s car to the car wash.” The Prosecution

specified that the Hooper’s cellular phone was left in the car but when the car was returned to him he noticed that it was gone. As such the man lodged a report at a police station. “Acting on information received, police ranks went to the defendant’s home, searched it and the cellular phone was found therein,” the Inspector explained. The court heard that the teenager was arrested and subsequently charged with the crime. Pereira indicated that the report was accurate but asked the Magistrate “I cyan guh pun bail or nothing?” Noting his confusion, the Chief Magistrate asked Attorney at Law Peter Hugh to appear amicus on his behalf. After a few minutes of consultation with the lawyer the teenager addressed the Chief Magistrate saying “Sorry ma worship. It won’t happen again. I made a mistake.”

Joining him, Hugh said “I suppose he is nineteen and I’m asking the court to be lenient. The reality is if he goes to Camp Street, he will come out a hardened criminal. Yes he has done something wrong but if he serves time he would surely graduate to something worse.” Hugh continued “Madam, it is a serious offence…I’m asking for a Probation report or for him to fall in the hands of some organisation which would help him reform.” The lawyer said, “In the meantime, let him go to Camp Street and get a taste of what it is like.” In response, the Chief Magistrate ordered that the cellular phone be photographed and returned to its owner who had asked for it during the proceeding. She said that it was just in case he decided to change his plea. She requested a Social Worker who was in the courtroom to prepare a probation report for Pereira’s next court date.

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

CG BANDITS SHOOT, ROB PAWNSHOP MANAGER “Dem really got to do something about these CG bandits,” blurted out one woman in apparent disgust as a crowd gathered outside the Bourda Pawn Shop at lot 132 Regent Road, Bourda. The time was just about 16:00hrs yesterday. Shot to his leg is Regent Street Pawnshop Manager, Puran Ramoutar, 30. He used his Jersey to tie the wounded area to stop the bleeding from his shot left leg. He was in the process of closing the business premises for the day when he heard “Give me the bag!” He turned amidst asking “what,” and saw a man no more than 30 with a handgun pointed at him. “Before I could do

anything else he fire a shot and take way the bag,” recounted Ramotar as he winced in pain while blood trickled from his leg. The single gunshot fired hit Puran Ramoutar’s left leg. The gunman clad in a brown jersey made off with a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery. “I hear a sound like a squib and then I see a man make a dash round de corner (from Regent Street into Cummings Street) and jump on the back of a CG and they ride away,” an eyewitness on the scene told this publication. Mere minutes later, a traffic rank who was in the vicinity arrived on the scene and radioed in the report of the robbery.

‘Mental’ man gets 9 months for burglary A self-proclaimed ‘mentally ill’ man was yesterday sentenced to nine months imprisonment after he admitted to burgling a Creen Street house earlier this week. At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Monty Adams, pleaded guilty to the break and enter and larceny charge which was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. On February 5, Adams burgled Debbie Griffith’s Cream Street, Georgetown house and stole a $15,000 kitchen sink, a $17,000 plastic barrel and a $25,000 toilet bowl. When asked to enter a plea, the man responded “I guilty because I tek the sink.

I been staying at the house all the time; I didn’t break and enter the house. I pleading guilty because they find me with the drum and sink and they take me to the East Coast and keep me for three days.” “I deh pun medication. I sick and deh heh. I very mental. me worship; I need medication,” Adams proclaimed. Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant told the court that Griffith had secured her home and went to bed that night but she was later awoken by a loud noise. He said she then checked her house and noticed those three items missing so she decided to report the matter to the police. Acting on a ‘tip’

the police arrested Adams. While in custody he reportedly assisted the police with the investigations and the barrel and sink were recovered. However, after the prosecution concluded its case, Adams said “I got the stuff from downstairs. I did not take them from her house. I pull them down the road from Brickdam.” At that point, the Chief Magistrate stood the matter down for a few minutes during which Adams fell asleep in the prisoners’ dock. When his matter was called again, the court learnt that he had no prior convictions or charges and he was subsequently jailed by the Chief Magistrate.

Indian research group helping to reduce energy cost in sugar, rice sectors Guyana has been collaborating closely with an Indian-based think-tank group in a number of areas including energy efficiency in the sugar sector. According to the Office of Climate Change, a unit of the Office of the President, a team of specialists from The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) is currently working in Guyana on priority areas. “They have provided technical support for improvement in energy efficiency in the sugar and rice sectors and work is

underway to pilot a programme for energy efficient street lighting.” The institute will soon be extending its support to Guyana’s private sector with focus on the manufacturing and services industry. TERI is headed by Dr. R.K Pachauri, Nobel Prize Laureate and Chairman of the Inter- Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Among the broad areas identified for continued assistance are; support for long term strategy development and

implementation in the energy sector with focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Dr. Pachauri, who has visited Guyana on several occasions, has been a supporter of Guyana’s climate initiatives and its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). “He has facilitated collaboration with TERI to support and share expertise with Guyana in the area of climate change, energy, environment and sustainable development,” the Climate Change Office said.

Current Money laundering... From page 3 not ignoring any advice, there is a committee considering all of the advice.” He was adamant that the most important thing for the Guyanese people now, 14 years after the first Money Laundering legislation would have been signed into law, is to have a clean and effective Bill and ensure that there is a mechanism in the form of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) capable of enforcing the

law. “Nobody is going to be fooled by legislation; they want to see enforcement,” said Granger and reminded that there has been no enforcement over the period 2000 to 2013. Meanwhile, by way of a joint statement yesterday, the American, British and Canadian embassies said that their governments are, and will continue to be, actively engaged to support effective implementation of the legislation and prosecution of

money launderers and financers of terrorism. “We encourage all stakeholders to work together to finalize Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation and ensure its effective implementation in order to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as to avoid the serious consequences that would arise from blacklisting by the CFATF.”

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Backer’s resignation a ‘serious blow’ The resignation of Deborah Backer, from Parliament and not the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) as was inadvertently reported yesterday by this publication; is being seen as a serious blow to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), of which the PNCR is the largest faction. This is according to Leader of both the PNCR and APNU, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, who yesterday confirmed the resignation and said too that a replacement has not yet been formally identified. The resignation took effect yesterday, according to Granger, who said that he received the letter on Thursday last and a copy was forwarded to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman. Backer was the Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister and also served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. Granger said that the coalition is yet to formally decide on who they would nominate to be elected as Deputy Speaker, only to say that it would be from the Opposition benches. Government has continuously lamented this position, arguing that it is a contravention for the governing party to be given the position of Speaker and the Opposition was only entitled to the position of Deputy Speaker. Prior to Backer’s resignation, both portfolios were held by ranks in the Opposition and according to Granger, this status quo will continue. Meanwhile, asked about who will assume the portfolio of Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Granger said he has some formal training in international relations along with Member of Parliament, Africo Selman, and as such in the meantime the two of them will shoulder the responsibility of the portfolio. As it relates to shifts in the seating arrangement in Parliament, given that Backer was a front bencher, Granger said that Ronald Bulkan, who is the Shadow Minister with responsibility for Local Government and Regional Development will be promoted and moved to the front line in the Parliamentary rank and file. Granger said that Backer did not indicate any role for herself as it relates to her future and the party. As it relates to her replacement, Granger reminded that Backer held a seat in Parliament on behalf

…new Deputy Speaker to again come from Opposition benches - Granger Deborah Backer

Opposition Leader, David Granger

of the PNCR and as such her replacement would have to come from that party. “Her seat is a PNCR seat, but she had not indicated a role (in the party)…she does not hold an executive position in the party hierarchy at this point in time,” said Granger. As it relates to the replacement, he said that one has not been identified as yet. “We have a caucus with the party leaders and a replacement would be nominated.” This publication understands that it is the former Chairman of the PNCR, ‘Cammie’ Ramsaroop, who ultimately makes the decision on her replacement, as he is the representative of the list of candidates. Granger did not disclose the shortlist of persons being assessed for the position saying that it would be prejudicial, “as only one can be selected.” Meanwhile, in giving his take on the resignation of Backer, the Opposition leader said that “it is a serious blow, she was respected.” Granger divulged to the media that Backer was his main advisor on Standing Orders, which are the rules and procedures of Parliament. He described her as an industrious and very careful researcher, a good lawyer and a good political worker. “She will be greatly missed and we hope she

recovers from her present illness and be able to rejoin us in another capacity.” Asked about the nature of her illness, Granger said that it was not for him to disclose and further, he was not informed of it. He said that in her resignation letter, Backer did not identify what her illness was. What he did say is, “I know she is receiving a regimen of treatment.” Backer fell ill in the latter part of last year and had to be hospitalized locally after which she was flown to a Florida Hospital. Backer, was the serving Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, is also a well known Attorney-at-Law. She obtained her Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad in 1983 and a Bachelor of Law from the University of the West Indies in 1981. Backer is a member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and Vice-Chairman of the Peoples National Congress Reform. She has been a Parliamentarian since 1997 and had also served on the Georgetown City Council in 1994. Backer is also a serving member of a number of important organisations such as the Lions Club International and is currently an organising member of the Women’s Millennium Caucus.

Saturday February 08, 2014

There seems to be a great deal of anticipation as to who will fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by the resignation of Deborah Backer. A number of names have been bandied as possible replacements to take over the Shadow Minister’s portfolio. APNU will have a new parliamentarian. The position has to and will be filled. But the Shadow Finance Minister to replace Backer need not be this new person. If the existing Shadow Cabinet in APNU is reshuffled, then one of the existing Shadow ministers can assume the responsibility of being APNU’s point person on foreign affairs and whomever is appointed to replace Backer can be shunted to the backbenches. Cabinet reshuffles were a regular feature during the 28th year rule of the PNC. Most

Kaieteur News

of these reshuffles took place at the start of the New Year and was announced whenever President Burnham addressed the nation for that occasion. These reshuffles saw a number of ministers being reassigned to new portfolios. This is very normal in governments that have been in power for many years. Unlike what many people feel, you do not need to be a technical expert in a particular portfolio to take over that position. Desmond Hoyte was once made Minister of Finance and he was a lawyer with no financial background. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the PPP has not followed that tradition of sweeping reshuffles. Whatever reshuffles they have had has involved only a few Ministers. The most significant changes usually take place whenever a new

Dem boys seh...

De Chronicle is Brazzy, de fat crook, bible There is a old saying—tek de boo boo out of you eye before you tek dust out you mattie eye. Gerry Gouveia got de nerve to call on the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority that he want a full public disclosure of all airport accident reports. Dis got to be de biggest laugh. He must tell people how when he plane did get thief how he coulda go to Colombia and bring it back. He must also mek a full public disclosure of how he get Duke Lodge building, how much he pay, and also how he get de building next door when his bid was far lower that de second bid. Dem boys seh that if he can’t do that he must put scotch tape pun he mouth. Brazzy, de fat crook who does seh that he ain’t bound to accept de highest, sell de same Duke Lodge to Gerry and when people ask he lie and seh that it was de best bid. When Jagdeo was confronted as President he claim how Gerry get de Duke Lodge based on an economic decision. Customs advertise fuh sale in de Chronicle that nobody reads. As far as dem boys concern, is a secret advertisement. When people want hide money dem does hide it in a Bible because thief man don’t read Bible. That is why Brazzy put de Customs House only in de Chronicle. Nobody reads it. When dem want de whole nation to see and to know something, dem does place de advertisement big and bold in de Waterfalls paper and de Big Market paper. But when dem want to do dem scampishness, dem does put de ad small in de Chronicle. Dem does tell de man who must get it to put in a bid. And Brazzy, de fat crook, and Ash Knee, de Shaat crook, suh bareface that dem announce big and bold at de bottom of de ad that de government and Brazzy are not bound to accept de highest or any bid. Why invite people to bid when you ain’t gun accept de highest or no bid at all? Is best you give who you want and tell de nation shut up. And dem only start wid this new line in de advertisements after Jagdeo give Bobby Ramroop Sanata Textiles fuh little or nutten. Well dem boys want ask Ramotar if he gun allow that nonsense to continue, allowing dem fuh thief Guyana and give away de country to who dem feel like giving. Dem boys want to know wha Ramotar gun do wid Brazzy. This is de man who blocking a wind farm project because de man is not he friend and de man is not within dem circle. This man is a competitor to Bobby Ramroop. Brazzy can’t get no kickback from this man. He would want de project fuh heself suh he stalling wid de signing of a certain agreement. Dem boys gun watch keenly if Donald push de pacifier anywhere other than he mouth. Talk half and wait fuh Gerry Gouveia disclosure

government is elected. But once that government is in place, changes have been few and far between. There is one view that because the same old faces have appeared again and again within the PPP government this contributed to the syndrome of incumbency fatigue that was said to have contributed to voter apathy amongst PPP supporters at the last elections. A Minister of the Government resigned and it is now clear that no new Minister is going to be appointed. The PPP operates like a closed circle and in so doing it may be immunizing itself from fresh new ideas and the positive change that can come with new blood within the Government. APNU has two options in terms of filling the position left vacant by Backer’s resignation. It can find someone to undertake the

Page 9

foreign policy responsibility and name that person to replace Deborah Backer as the party’s shadow Minister on Foreign Affairs. A number of names have been suggested. Whether those persons are good enough to assume responsibility for the Shadow portfolio is for APNU to decide. All the persons whose names are being bandied about were part of APNU’s national top- up list and are therefore eligible to be selected. However, there is a second option. That option is to reshuffle the Shadow Minister Cabinet. This has some benefits. There may be some persons who may be better suited to other portfolios. Also, it is always good to bring fresh ideas to any new portfolio and a reshuffle of the portfolios can achieve this. In addition, it is good to expose members to a broad range of portfolios. In fact, the leader of

APNU himself is extremely well-suited to assume the responsibility of Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is a historian and is qualified in international relations. Academically therefore he fits the Bill. But he may also wish to consider having another frontbencher take up that responsibility and have that person’s Shadow portfolio filled by another. This will allow for a completely new person to be appointed to the backbenches. The decision would have been easier if Backer was on the geographical constituency list. That would have limited the choices and the options open to the party. But the fact that she is on the national top- up list means that there is a wider range of persons from which APNU is to choose, including one by the name of Hamilton Green who many feel has done enough to earn a recall to

Parliament even at the ripe old age of 79. In the end, this is a decision for the leadership of APNU. Whatever their decision, one thing is certain. Deborah Backer will be missed. She was quite a handful in the National Assembly. Her presentations were always solid and she was an extremely nice person who may have traded barbs across the floor but who harbored no personal bitterness towards the Government side. Indeed her resignation represents a great loss to the party because she was seen as having the potential to eventually one day become the leader of the PNCR.

Woman kills reputed husband days before daughter’s wedding Rehannah Trotz, 39, of Kwakwani Water Front Upper Berbice River is now in custody for killing her reputed husband Quinn Ferrier, 44. After her arrest, yesterday, she told detectives that she and Ferrier, a chain saw operator, were living together for the past six years. They had no children together but they shared the home with three of Ferrier’s

…I didn’t mean to kill him children and her five. She reportedly stabbed him on the air strip road. Trotz said that she left the children with her husband and went to Georgetown to purchase clothing for her one of her daughters’ wedding, on Monday. She said that she returned home on Thursday

Woman busted with cocaine at Ogle Shontol Mansfield was an outgoing passenger on a LIAT flight to Barbados when anti-narcotics agents at the Ogle airport spotted something suspicious in her luggage. The suspicious object turned out to be 500 grams (just over a pound) of cocaine.

The 32-year-old West Ruimveldt resident was being interrogated up to late last night, but people close to the investigation said that from the time of her arrest she was very co-operative. The cocaine, had it landed in Barbados, would have fetched some US$6,000.

around 17:00 hrs and Quinn was not at home. Around 20:00 hrs Trotz claimed that Quinn called her via cellular phone to inform her that he was drinking by his friend Mark McLean. It was late and the family retired to bed. Around 03:00 hrs yesterday, Quinn called again asking her to meet him at the airstrip road a short distance away from their home. She said while she was on the air strip road she saw Quinn pushing his bicycle in company of McLean; they both appeared drunk. An argument ensued between herself and Quinn and he dealt her a slap and chucked her to the ground. She said that she then heard Quinn telling McLean that persons have been telling her (Trotz) that he (Quinn)

was enjoying the services of Mc Lean’s female neighbour. Trotz said that Quinn was advancing to attack her again when she noticed a knife on the ground and she stabbed him once to the chest. He fell to the ground and was assisted by McLean to the Kwakwani Hospital where he succumbed a while after. McLean reported the matter to Kwakwani Police Station and Trotz was arrested. She remains in custody.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Taxes should be imposed on TCL Guyana pork importation - Agri. Minister honours local customers

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy believes that the only way to increase local pork production is by imposing Value Added Tax on importation of the meat. The Minister explained that the unfortunate situation is that that imported pork is being sold cheaper than that which is produced and sold locally. “On one hand we’re trying to boost local production and then we have a situation like this. The competition is not fair and we will have to revisit our policy,” Dr. Ramsammy posited. He said that chicken can remain tax free since that industry has been thriving. The Agriculture Minister told Kaieteur News during a recent interview that the

production of pork has been one of the major disappointments during the last year, especially since there has been a decrease in the number of persons rearing pigs. Unlike cattle and poultry, swine farmers would rear on a small scale, since the cost to maintain the animals, would exceed their profits.

Over the years, there have been several incidents of a significant shortage in pork, and the lovers of this meat would usually make repeated complaints about the exorbitant prices at which it would be sold. At one point, it was believed that the shortage was fueled by Brazilians who

utilize pork in making many of the items on their restaurant menu. At one point, in 2012, there was a continuous slide in the supply of pork. It was to this end that Guyana Government granted a licence to import approximately 500, 000 pounds pork. The licence was valid for only three months. The name of the importer was never disclosed. At that time, pork was being sold by retailers at a whopping $700 per pound. For quite some time now, there has been a growing demand for pork. The local consumption would usually exceed three million kilograms (6.7 million pounds). This shortage was one of the factors considered as the Agriculture Ministry embarked on a programme to create a better breed of animals. However, according to Dr. Ramsammy, often times, the animals used in the Artificial Insemination (AI) process to create the improved breeds are being slaughtered before they are reproduced. Meanwhile, on the contrary, Dr. Ramsammy announced that artificial insemination trials have recorded a 60% success, despite the global record being at merely 40 per cent. He noted that in 2013, approximately 2,500 artificial insemination trials were done. This is in addition to 63 successful embryo transplants. The Artificial Insemination programme entails local animals being used as surrogate mothers for high standard genetics. The procedures are currently being done at the Artificial Insemination Laboratory at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. The $28.2M facility was commissioned in October 2012, with the aim of producing animals with higher quality genetics, which would ultimately result in better quality and exportready meat, while ensuring food security. This initiative, the Minister had said, would also seek to protect Guyana’s status as the food basket of the Caribbean. Dr. Ramsammy explained that if Guyana wants to enhance its economy and ensure food safety, producing meat of better size and quality is vital. Thus, allowing Guyana to be equipped and qualified to export its meat, as opposed to importing it. “We need to start buying more local,” Dr. Ramsammy emphasized, noting that Guyana has one of the largest Import Food Bill in the Caribbean.

- to reintroduce concrete roads

Christopher Persaud (right) of David Persaud Investments receive a ‘Customer Appreciation Award’ from TCL’s General Manager, Satnarine Bachew Trinidad Cement Company Limited (TCL) Guyana Incorporated yesterday honoured some of its customers, during a cocktail-style appreciation ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. During the ceremony, executives of TCL, General Manager, Satnarine Bachew, Plant Manager, Mark Bender, and Marketing Representative, Eric Whaul, all paid glowing tributes to those invited, as they expressed gratitude for the loyalty of the local clientele over the past couple of years. The entity’s customerbase primarily includes hardware owners and construction material suppliers. The brief speeches were then followed by an award segment, during which trophies were given to TGI’s customers including those from Toolsie Persaud Limited, BK International, David Persaud Investments, Ramdial Ramoutar, Bukhan General Store, and Suresh General Store. Present also at this ceremony were TCL’s staff members along with representatives from the TCL Group of subsidiary companies who are here conducting training on construction technology. A TCL group recently arrived in Guyana with the aim of reintroducing concrete roads. According to Avaleen Mooloo, TCL Group’s Civil Engineer, apart from lasting longer, roads built using the ‘soil cement’ stabilisation technology would cost less, especially here in Guyana, since all the materials needed are available locally. “Guyana

would no longer have to worry about importing asphalt,” she stressed. Mooloo explained that concrete roads were being done here; however, like Jamaica, the country has moved away from this technology and had started to use asphalt. The Engineer told Kaieteur News that upon realizing the benefits of the ‘soil cement’ technology and how economically viable it is, TCL is looking to simultaneously re-launch it in the two countries. Mooloo explained that currently, both the East Bank Highway and the Parfaite Harmonie Access Road are being constructed using the concrete foundation. “This is also being used by private contractors on smaller projects,” Mooloo said. The TCL official guaranteed that roads made from this technology can be sustained with little or no maintenance. It was to this end that smaller islands across the Caribbean have fully implemented the use of concrete roads. “It’s because these French, West Indian Islands do not have enough resources to continue repairing their roads that they are sticking to the concrete foundation,” Mooloo told this newspaper. She explained that the durability of the concrete roads is not dependent on the state of the soil. Therefore, even if the soil condition is poor, the road will remain as is, without deteriorating, she asserted. Kaieteur News was told that in an effort to ensure that (Continued on page 11)

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Man’s body found floating at Cornelia Ida seawall The body of a West Coast Demerara man was yesterday morning found floating facedown at the Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, seawall. The man, 48-year-old Abdool Nazir Hack, also known as ‘Dara’, resided at 35 Gas Station Street, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, with his 82-yearold mother, Zabeeda. Hack, who was the last of seven children, was never married and had no children. According to his niece, Nafeeza, who lives behind Hack’s residence, she last saw her uncle around 14:00 hours Thursday at his home resting in a hammock. This, according to the young woman, was a regular practice of the now dead Hack. “I went out yesterday (Thursday) morning and when I come back I see he in the hammock outside...I left he deh go and do my (house) work and suh,”

Dead: Abdool Nazir Hack related Nafeeza. She said that while her uncle hadn’t a stable job he would do odd jobs for persons in the neighbourhood. In fact she recalled that it was a woman, who he would normally do work for, who first made the

family aware of a body at the seawall yesterday morning. “She called me this morning and she asked me if Hack come home last night...suh me tell she me ain’t know; me come out and ask me grandmother and she say how he nah come home last night,” Nafeeza told this publication. The woman said that she, in the company of her husband, decided to go to the seawall only to discover that the body was in fact that of her uncle’s. Although the man was face down, Nafeeza said that she immediately recognised him from an old scar at the back of his head. The scar, she disclosed, was caused when Hack was involved in an accident some years ago. Hack’s floating body was first seen by a female resident of the area who had gone out to pray at the seawall. She

TCL Guyana honours... From page 10 the ‘soil cement’ stabilisation process is properly used and fully implemented; the TCL Group has started executing a series of training sessions here. The seminars will be facilitated by staff of the recently established- TCL Learning Academy such as Mooloo who is also the Chief Facilitator, and Andira Kowlessar, Coordinator of the programme and TCL’s Customer Excellence Officer. The training target students enrolled in tertiary and vocational institutions as well as professionals within the industry; both government and private. Avaleen Mooloo explained that the trainings are divided into Level One, which is the introduction;

Advanced Level, and a separate Building Technology course; which is a more practical aspect of the training, and will be taught to the students of the technical institutions. Mooloo said that initially, Trinidad and Tobago had invested $2M towards developing a “greener” way

of constructing roads. “The aim was to enhance the quality of the roads using recycled materials.” She added that as a result of this, researchers agreed that cement would be use in the foundation of the base layer. “The cement is used to regenerate straight in the base layer,” Mooloo said.

raised an alarm which caused other residents to scurry to the location where the body was recovered. The body, this publication understands, bore no visible signs of injury but the face had some abrasions which some residents believe were caused by obstacles in the water and the abdomen appeared swollen. The police were summoned to the scene after which a male neighbour “fished” the body out of the water. Undertakers, shortly after, took the body away. It is the belief of some of Hack’s family members that he was drunk and fell into a canal and “washed” towards the waterway where he was found floating. They are convinced that he drowned. However, the man’s elderly mother is certain that someone killed her son. According to the dead man’s sister-in-law, ‘Sisto’ Chetram, although Hack was an alcoholic, he was always a very nice and helpful person. “He was not a bad person at all but he just like drink a lot...and when he drink he like cuss-up and so,” Chetram said.

The dead man’s 82-year-old mother, Zabeeda Hack, is convinced her son was killed. Hack’s sister, Bibi Reid, who resides at Grove, East Bank Demerara, admitted that her brother was a very heavy drinker but she too added that he was a rather pleasant person when he wasn’t drunk. “He never had no problem with nobody...once he ain’t drink he is such a nice person and he got a lot of friends; he was a very friendly person.” Hack, according to his sister, would have celebrated his 49th birthday in May. She disclosed that the man was once employed at a gas station before taking up another job as a handy-man. According to Reid she was shocked to hear that her brother was found dead at the seawall since he doesn’t

know how to swim and isn’t known to venture to the waterway even to catch fish. Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the man’s death and a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted on his remains in the new week. Earlier this week the bodies of two fishermen, who were missing since Saturday, were found floating at the De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, foreshore. Post Mortem examinations conducted on the men, 47year-old Sahadeo Bhagwandat known as ‘Jango’ and 46-year-old Ramdeo Sijogie known as ‘Bobby’, revealed that they both drowned. They were also said to be alcoholics.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Vendors angry over increased IMMIGRATION INFO: prices for spots along ‘Mash’ route Immigration News Individuals and organizations from the business community are raising concerns regarding an increase in the rental fee for vending spots along this year’s Mashramani parade route. Angry vendors have since registered their concerns with the Mayor and City Council (MCC). “Several persons have

- Signals intention to pull out since met with Officers of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council and signaled their intention to pull out of the venture” Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase -Greene stated yesterday. She explained that the decision to raise the fee was made by Town Clerk, Carol Sooba without the Council’s consultation or approval. “We weren’t even notified about this…It was after complaints started pouring into the Council

that’s how we found out. One major company even wrote us a letter to inform us that they will not be setting up booths along the route this year because of the new charge.” “The fee stood between $5000 to $20,000 for regular vendors, while commercial entities would pay at least $200,000-$400,000 per spot. However the new charge has doubled or in some cases tripled; regular vendors are asked to pay $15,000 per spot while commercial entities are required to pay as much as $800,000 per spot.” “The money initially was meant for cleaning the grounds after the Mashramani celebrations.” According to the Deputy Mayor, the allocation of spots for vending along the Mash Route, Merriman’s Mall, Church Street and Irving Streets, is the responsibility of the Social Development Committee within the Council. She said that earlier this year, officials from the Ministry of Culture had expressed an interest in assisting to facilitate the venture. “They met with the officers of the Council to discuss their plan… a proposal was brought to the attention of the Social Development Committee, and a letter was then forwarded to the Town Clerk, but we received no response, until we heard of this new development,” Chase Greene said. When contacted by this newspaper, Sooba refused to comment on the issue.

For Our Community Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com

Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com. Question #1: I am a U.S. permanent resident for three years, if my fiancé comes to the U.S. on a 10-year multiple visitor’s visa can she stay if I marry her? If yes, what do I have to prove to the Immigration Authorities for this to be get legal status in the U.S.? Answer #1: I would advise against your fiancé coming to the U.S. and over staying. Since you are only a permanent, a visa for your spouse would not be immediately available. According to the February 2014 visa bulletin, visas for the spouse of a permanent resident are available for petitions filed on or before September 8, 2013 – so there is a five-month backlog. Her stay will only be for about 6 months so the process may not complete within six months. Only the spouse of a U.S. citizen can overstay and obtain a green card in the U.S. without any penalties. Question #2: My sister who is a U.S. Citizen has made a petition for me and my

brother since 2005. At that time we were both single. However, a lot of time has elapsed and we both got married. My brother has a baby; I don’t have as yet. I would like to know how much longer we will have to wait? Would our family be able to go with us when our papers finally come through? Answer #2: According to the February 2014 visa bulletin, visas for the brother/ sister of a U.S. citizen are available for petitions filed on or before October 2001 – so you have about a fou-year wait. Your family such as your spouse and children (once under age 21) are included in the petition and can get visas under the petition. Make sure their names are added to the petition when the petition is processed at the National Visa Center and the U.S. Embassy. Question #3: My mother who is a U.S. citizen filed for me and my son six years now. My priority date is April 1, 2006 and I am a F1 category. I submitted all the documents they required since February 2011 and to date I haven’t heard back from the Visa Center. Now my question is I would like to know if all the documents I submitted is expired, what happen to our Police Clearance etc? My son has acquired the age of 21 this year on January 16, so my question is what will happen to him on my appointment? Will he be able to go with me? Answer #3: According

Gail S. Seeram to the February 2014 visa bulletin, visas for an unmarried child of a U.S. citizen (F1) are available for petitions filed on or before December 2006 – so your visa is available. You will probably have to resubmit updated medicals, police clearance and affidavits of support to the U.S. Embassy. As for your son, when the visa is available, you will have to recompute his age under the Child Status Protection Act to see if he is qualified for the visa. Question #4: M y parents have their green card since 2005. They are both in there 70’s and live in Guyana. In order to upkeep the green card, they have to enter the U.S. every six months. At their age traveling becomes difficult. Could they attempt to give up the green card and apply for a ten-year multiple visa through the embassy. Answer #4: Yes, this would probably be the best option for them. If they are not living in the U.S. (as required by law for permanent residents) then its just a matter of time before immigration takes away their green card. They can surrender the green card at the U.S. Embassy and ask for a visitor visa.

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Information Campaign for Disaster Risk Management launched The Civil Defence Commission of Guyana (CDC) in association with the International Development Bank (IDB) has launched a National Public Education and Information Campaign on Disaster Risk Management, (DRM) targeting school children as well as adults. Deputy Director General of the CDC Colonel Francis Abraham in his opening remarks said the DRM information campaign is intended to educate the Guyanese populace towards adopting a different attitude towards reducing countries’ vulnerabilities to risks, while allowing for faster responses to impacts. He said that it is a fact that disasters hurt poor and vulnerable persons the most and “unfortunately more than one third of the world’s poor live in multi hazard zones and obviously climate change will increase the danger of extreme weather…we have already began to experience that phenomenon in Guyana.” The 2005 flood was a wakeup call for Guyana that affected the lives and economic viability of Guyana significantly, said Abraham. Abraham said that since the floods, Guyana embraced a risk management structure and with “non reimbursable technical corporation” from the IDB was aided with a disaster plan for the country. He emphasized that the public information and educational programmes are an integral part of the DRM plan. Eunice Bent, Communications Consultant from Jamaica with expertise in environmental solutions whose company was contracted in designing DRM policy in Guyana said she was tasked with crafting a campaign to address education and information on climate and weather conditions with respect to DRM and develop base materials to get a better understanding on the risks of climate change and how to reduce and take active measures to keep the public safe. Bent expressed that global warming and climate change will affect how we build and look at our communities. She said that from the research that was conducted in Guyana, not many persons are aware of the problems associated with climate and weather changes and that a lot of persons felt that Government is solely responsible for Disaster Risk Management. Bent stressed that change will come only when everyone participates and said that partnerships with the private sector and government is important since leadership is necessary to share costs and

From Left Deputy Chief Education Officer Donna Chapman, CDC Director General retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, Communications Consultant Eunice Bent

responsibility for implementation so that the country can be prepared for disasters. The consultant expressed that young children are integral to making sure that the message is continued generationally. It is for that reason the organizers of the event had in their presence an audience of over 180 students, accompanied by 60 teachers from 67 schools across Region 3 and 4, at the launching yesterday. Deputy Chief Education Officer Donna Chapman said that DRM is of utmost importance within the context of natural disasters. She was vocal about the importance of responsibility being shared and not limited to government. She voiced her support to incorporating DRM in the school curriculum and pledged the support of her ministry in getting the message across, utilizing the arts such as debating, elocution, skits and drama.

Chapman also stressed the need for adults and children more so to be involved since she said they (children) would be more susceptible to influence from their teachers, who she noted are the role models for children. In his feature address Director General of the CDC Chabilall Ramsarup asserted that we “can’t stop the rain from falling but we can prevent or minimize flooding,” hence the need to focus on disaster risk reduction. Speaking on the 2005 floods, he said the loss of lives, as well as the economic loss to the country has been significant. He mentioned that that flooding incident affected 62 percent of Guyana’s population and 60 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He cited from an ECLAC report (United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) which stated that it would take Guyana ten years to recover

from the floods. The CDC Director General posited that because of the structural works undertaken by the NDIA (National Drainage and Irrigation

Authority), the River and Sea Defence, and the administrative regions themselves, Guyana has not seen floods as significant since. He said that CDC was non functional during the 2005/2006 floods but is now working on the non structural end of the spectrum to provide support and build resilience in citizens. He said a number of plans and polices have been drafted with the help of other organizations such as the IDB and the UNDP (United Nations Development Project). Apart from working at the national level, work is now ongoing at the regional and community levels and they “have drafted regional disaster plans for all the ten Regions in Guyana,” he said. Ramsarup outlined that the Alternative Emergency Center is being completed and is hopeful that it will be handed over to the CDC in less than two months. According to the CDC Director General, the objectives of the information

campaign is twofold “firstly by providing information to produce behavioral change in building resilience in ourselves, our community, our churches in Guyana and secondly, to understand the whole phenomenon of climate change and what effects it will have on our country.” According to the Director General the tools used to get the DRM message across would be done through short infomercials, audio advertisements for radio, a ten minute documentary for television as well as newsletters, drama and debates and educational and elocution competitions, He said that for the program to be successful there must be collaboration between the Government Ministries, NGO’s (Non Governmental Organizations) and the media. Ramsarup outlined that “disasters is everybody’s business [and] will not strike at your neighbours’ doors and leave yours,”

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

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.

Gifts from Jerusalem, we have various varieties of amazing and unique gift items – Tel:613-9589;678-0998

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 PVC Ceiling Panels, PVC Mouldings, Medallions. Royal Quality! – Tel:6148564; 629-0372 2005 Yamaha R6 motorcycle Tel: 609-2815 Honda CG & 125 Fan for sale $260,000 negotiable - Tel: 684-5402 All Types of Power tools, Hand Tools, Silicones, from spray, bicycle & spares, nails, etc -Tel:614-8564;6800862

1- 500 Ton Cargo ship - Tel: 676-6933

4 Cylinder Perkins Engine bedded for Brazilian pump – Tel: 646-4501

Yamaha R1 motorcycle. Excellent Condition - Tel: 685-1231

Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566

Large Plucked Chickens $280lb retail, Pork $380lb retail @ George & Hadfield Streets.

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 Dell computers complete with 20" LCD $65,000, 6 months warranty @ Futuretech- Call:231-2206 Zmodo Surveillance System – Tel:609-2815 Pure bred Rottweiler & German Sheperd- Tel:6108627/686-3072/618-2903

CG125 Honda Motorcycle, excellent condition - Tel:6729530 Dog meat @ $50 per pound & pig food - Tel:266-5382; 602-5656

1 Set 05 Tacoma lights, 1 pathfinder A/C Compressor, 110V energy bulbs- Tel:6411127

2 Trucks - Tel:618-1967; 6984321

PSP with 3 games and 8gb memory card - $40,000 – 675-2239

75KVA Generator, 1 Crash Mercedes Benzes/ C200/ 1998-2000, 3 used commercial air condition and AE91 sprinter – Call:223-1589; 2274406 Houses in Georgetown, ECD & EBD. Investment Properties in Georgetown Commercial land - Contact: 223-8479; 647-3768; 628-1408 www.spaceseek.gy

Puppies; breed: Pekingese & Tibetan terrier. Contact: 6441972 / 661-2837 Toyota Verossa (White) Excellent Condition - $2.7M Negotiable – Contact: 6668492.

American Slate pool table – Tel:616-8328 GT TOOLS RENTAL: TEL:675-0767; 627-2535 Fully Furnished 2 bedrooms apartment with hot & cold shower,etc. Only short term overseas guest. Contact:223-2812; 661-1717 Two bedrooms apartment at Better Hope, ECD – Call:6173001 between 8:00am-4:00pm Commercial Offices in Georgetown, commercial buildings, executive apartments & houses Contact: 223-8479; 647-3768; 628-1408, www.spaceseek.gy 3 Bedrooms @ $70,000, Lamaha house: $900US, Republic Park 2199; 618-7483

House lots on EBD, 1,500 acres @ Berbice, Executive Apartment Complex Contact: 223-8479; 647-3768; 628-1408, www.spaceseek.gy Pools. Table. Cloth. Balls. Pocket. Cuestick. Coinshute. Rubber. Chalk. – Tel:669-9927

One three storey business property @ Middle Street Georgetown - Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481 Must Go! 1 – 3 bedrooms house on 5.5 Acres of land @ No.2 Canal – Call:642-0231 Charlestown Corner Property - $35M - Tel: 6735882 Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact:639-3619, 619-7299 Satya Cinema Good Faith Mahaicony – Call:641-8472 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. Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131 Untouchable, low rates, low deposits - Call:226-9668; 677-4613. Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807

FOR HIRE Dump Trucks for hire to transport sand, aggregate, etc and bobcat for rental – Tel:694-1657; 261-6664 All Types of Trucks Tel:667-5717 or 650-4761

VEHICLE FOR SALE ALYEA AUTO SALE: CARINA 212 NEGOTIABLE @ 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK – TEL:2317284; 622-3823 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

Situated in Leonora opposite the market – Tel:674-0645

One 2005 Toyota Avensis. Owner leaving country! $3.4M – Tel:628-6160

New 3 bedroom property @ 14 Dryshore, Essequibo, access to River. Bargain Price – Tel: 695-8381

Toyota Raum PMM Series $1.4M negotiable , Excellent Condition – Call:671-6051 2008 Fielder: Bodykit, spoiler, rims. Unregistered $2.95MCall:617-2891

South Gardens Ogle & Tel:231-

One enclosed Canter in immaculate condition. $2.5M Tel: 660-8260

1 - CAT D5 Bulldozer Contact Number: 650-0402

1 Honda 250 customs motorcycle. Good condition. $380,000Call:627-0688

One Semi furnished apartment to rent at Industry ECD – Tel:222-6001

Original Games - Call:672-2566

Master craft Tools For Sale: Call:689-0486

2 – M132 Laverda Combine, 3- Pressure Pump 4x3 for gold field – call:627-0447

One bedroom apartment to rent @ First Field Cummings Lodge to Student – Tel:2223435

Lovely Poodle Pups male and female vaccinated – Call:649-4247

Boat: Length - $30ft, Width - 6½ft, Depth - 3½ft. Engine 15HP Tohatsu - Tel: 6970648; 667-9662

1 Stall @ Stabroek Market Tel: 658-0115; 718-757-8031

CAMP STREET, Prime Business Space Call: 6394499

2 Business Property on Whim Public Road Berbice Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481

Manual Mitsubishi Convertible eclipse. Excellent Condition! - $2M negotiable Call:625-9000 2 Ton open back canter with power gate, unregisteredCall:617-2891

TO LET Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 347933-9790, 639-4452.

Unregistered Toyota Premio $2.550M - Tel: 678-8534; 6939246

Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 2271218

One Toyota Tacoma 2006, 12ft Aluminum Boat, Tacoma : rims & tyres – Call:685-8282; 220-1981; 222-5671

Furnished apartment in Bent Street, Wortmanville – US$30 per day. Contact:2263309;218-1033; 678-4267

Unregistered Toyota Fielder , fully loaded – Tel:689-0999; 663-2700

Alberttown - $50,000, Bel-Air - $100,000, Campbellville $90,000, Section K – $US1200 – Call Diana: 2272256; 626-9382 Eccles Furnished apartment, self contained with: Cable, phone, internet servicesCall:233-2770

1 Black Titan 4 wheel drive, fully loaded - $3M negotiableTel:699-2322 or 678-2814 One Toyota Camry SV40: AC, mags, stereo. Price $950,000 negotiable – Tel:661-2391 AA60 Toyota Carina Automatic; Price to go $340,000– Call:660-8404 or 626-7823

Secured Concrete bond 87’X32’, lots of yard space suitable for CarMart Public Road McDoom: Tel: 233-0570

One Fuso Mitsubishi Crane Truck & 3 Ton Crane GPP Series - $5.5M - Call: 622-6746

Furnished Apartments for Overseas Visitors – Contact: 668-5198

One Ford Crane Truck & 10 Ton Crane (new) - $8M – Call:622-6746

Lodge Apartments (Vlissengen / Durban): Unfurnished - $40,000$60,000 P/M, furnished studio ( for Visitors) - $500US P/M - Tel: 698-9086

New ATVs: Introductory price $1,875,000 (Duty Paid)Call:691-0234 New 2014 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabsCall:691-0234

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Toyota Noah New model, mag rims crystal lights, flare, PSS Series $2.3M – Call:611-6632; 6643488 1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.7M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:628-0310 ; 672-5429 First Class Auto: Premio, Spacio, Passo, IST, 212, Raum Cold & New Modles Tel: 609-8188; 602-6307 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 Tractor Massey Ferguson (Canada) MF135 – 1.3M, MF165 -$1.9M, MF265 $2.2M, MF285 -$2.5M, Ranger Pickup - $1.7M – Tel:682-5230; 628-9596 Hilux Surf, PKK Series – Tel:617-3001 1 AT212 new model for sale: AC, CD Deck, alarm , 15inch mags in excellent condition - $1.4M negotiable – Tel:669-7215 (Continued on page 23)

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Tour guides hired for Kaieteur National Park From page 15 maintenance. “The PAC is now working to improve the Park's main guesthouse, and has already increased its capacity to accommodate more overnight guests. Work on the Tukeit Falls Guesthouse and Wardens Building at the base of the gorge is also in its final phase, and is expected to be completed by mid-year. The Guesthouse is funded by the German Government through KfW (German Development Bank), under the Guyana Protected Ares System Project.” The Ministry said that PAC has reactivated the Park's website (www.kaieteurpark.gov.gy), and is working to complete the first Kaieteur National Park Management Plan.

Kaieteur National Park is located in the southern Pakaraima Mountains and has been a Protected Area since 1929 and is 628.8 km2 in size. Kaieteur National Park covers a broad range of habitat types and is home to many species unique to the region. Since 2013, the Park has been managed by PAC, an arm within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. In 2011 construction was completed on a new Visitor Arrival Centre located adjacent to the airstrip. In addition, the Park has a guesthouse which can accommodate overnight visitors. The Park can be accessed either by overland trek or via air from a variety of providers on scheduled or chartered flights.

Link Show leaves National Cultural...

From page 20 of shows there… I think it's time to move.” In brief comments, Director of Parc Rayne, Ray Rahaman noted that the company is proud to contribute to Guyana's cultural and entertainment sectors. “As Directors we travel quite often and experience quality entertainment, we feel that it is our duty to bring this sort of amusement to Guyana. We see no reason why we can't assist in the development … While this show is something new to Parc Rayne; we have done a series of weddings here, promoting wedding tourism.” Rahaman added. Meanwhile, Director of Link Show, Ron Robison

promises that this year's show will feature “the same hilarity, satire and high level of acting as in previous years.” “Parc Rayne promises a more intimate setting, a comfortable open air and relaxed seating for 1,200 persons and secured parking accommodation.” “Patrons will be allowed to snack while they watch the show. Food and drinks will be on sale at the location.” Link Show 30 will commence on February, 20th with a gala cocktail event preceding the production. In celebration of the show's anniversary, members of the audience will receive fabulous give-a- ways. According to the production team , patrons will receive prizes such as jewelry, compliments of Kings Jewelry world, meal vouchers from Germans Restaurant , and shopping vouchers from Nigel's and Bounty supermarkets, as well as a trip to Arrowpoint Nature resort. The show will run for four nights. FOR SALE One GX110 (PJJ Series) Toyota Mark 2. Lady Driven. Excellent Condition, $1.9M negotiable. Call:609-2466

(From page 22)

EDUCATIONAL IAE @ 194 Camp St Register for CXC 2014 Classes: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science . Flexible Timing Tel: 683-5742; 223-0604 Princeton College Forms 1-5 CXC adults classes, Phonics, Sat, Lessons & Mathematics for slow learners - Tel: 223-7906; 6905008 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 Makeup Classes @ J’ adore Makeup by Natalie. Come register and be apart, its life changing! Call:676-3916; 615-5028

One Maid – Tel:614-4358 Hire Car drivers from ECD @ A-1 Taxi – Tel:220-1000 Two Joiners to work in Workshop – Tel:610-7005; 219-1342

WANTED One Office Clerk must be computer literate. Apply @ Survival Lot 10 Bond Vlissingen Road. 1 Whole day domestic – Tel:667-5717; 650-4761 Live in housekeeper / babysitter. Must be willing to work, reliable, responsible, mature & Trustworthy. Please Call:619-2388/ 2226001 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:626-8586

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 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305

LAND FOR SALE 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

Watch man to work at Lamaha & Albert Street. Contact: 223-5273/4

Private Development 50X100 @ Greenwich Park, EBE Tel: 690-5061

Manager / Supervisor at Xenon Hotel Charity / Ebo. Accommodation provided, attractive salary is offered Contact: 771-4989; 7714180; 670-6559

50 Acres Estate land at Grant Lester, Lower Pomeroom. Tel:671-8100 Parafiate Harmonie - $2M (100FTX50FT), Tuschen $2M - Tel: 675-7292

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar

Gold and Diamond mining lands already Prospected – Tel:646-4501

For all your prefab building works & welding fabricating etc. 5 Brickery EBD -Tel: 658-2567; 660-3466

100ftx50ft high income $2.2M @ Parfaite HarmonieCall:675-7292/218-5591

Chauffeur & Personal assistant for company or own use – Call:687-7017

82 Acers @ Hogg Island, 120 acre @ Mahaicony & 11 Lots @ Wakenaam – Tel:6864994; 225-3070

House plan drafting from$10,000 surveying and estimates services available Tel: 667-2189

Responsible Hire Car Drivers Tel: 231-7200

Herstelling (high income area 110ftX60ft) - $3.8M -Call:6757292/218-5591

Experienced Hire Car drivers & minibus drivers – Call: 6450025

Land at Parika 70ft by 102ft plus $4M. water, power & road- Call:697-9137

Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,662-6045, 223-8115

One welder for grill work – Call:625-5763

½ Acre Residential land at Yarrowkabra 5 Minutes of the Linden Highway. Price Negotiable – Call:611-1018 or 642-6564

Experienced taxi drivers – Tel:667-9013 Salesgirl with Secondary Education @ Christine’s Fashion – Tel:227-8529; 6091535 Land to Buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Herstelling & Tuschen - Tel: 675-7292 Able Bodies Labourers – Call:617-8369; 665-3550

Parafaite (Dairy) - $1.5M – Tel:675-7292

Secretary! Send written application to Shakoor Seafood, 80 industrial Site, Eccles EBD

MASSAGE

Pump Attendant @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) Tel: 265-7305

T h e G e n t ’s S p a : L e t beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse availableCall:657-5979

Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869

WE FILL PASSPORT & VISA FORMS: U.S.A, U.K & CANADA. ALSO ONLINE CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS TEL:2259030

Masons seeking job work – Tel:678-9043

Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

LEARN TO DRIVE

We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699

Transportation services available in and out of Georgetown – Tel:646-4501

SALON

Machine Operator to work at Garment Factory - Tel: 2222541 Lumber Factory Manager, Labourers, Lorry Drivers, woodmizer, brandsaw and moulder operators @ Eccles, Industrial Site – Call Richard 609-7675; 233-2614

VACANCY

Page 23

Beautopia Cosmetology Training: Day & Evening classes, nails, hair,facial / make-up - Tel: 604-3002; 629-3497

One male cleaner. Apply Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek.

Ultravoilet Driving School – Contact:231-2372;6022583;658-4015

TO LET Aracari Hotel. West Bank Demerara Rates from $30 – Tel:264-2946-8

Concierge/Security. Apply in person to B.M. Hotels Inc. 123 Kanuku Street, Section ‘M’ Campbellvill.

Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 689-5997, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964

Furnished executive one or two bedroom suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call:609-2466

Technicians available for appliance repairs – washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, deep fryers, etc – Tel:6190793; 218-0050 COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units – Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in Floral Arrangement, cake decoration, bridal accessories, cake & pastries – Contact Sharon: 223-3303; 612-4193; 672-8768

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Main Street centre to handle NICIL advertises sale British visa applications of Customs House

The British High Commission has outsourced its visa handling applications process. The United Kingdom has announced new measures for issuing visas overseas starting February 17th. On that day, the UK Visas and Immigration, part of the UK Home Office, will be launching its visa application centre in Guyana and which will be operated by commercial partner, VFS Global, at the Guyana/Canada Cooperation Centre, 56 Main and New Market Streets, Georgetown. “This visa centre will

operate once a week, including for the enrolment of biometrics and the management of courier services,” the British High Commission said yesterday. The move is part of the UK Visas and Immigration, part of the UK Home Office worldwide programme to outsource visa application services to a commercial partner. The British High Commission said that full details can be found at the

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ countries/guyana/ which also leads to the application pages. It will no longer be possible for applicants to process their visa applications for the UK and British Overseas Territories at the British High Commission in Georgetown. “Applicants for UK visas will be required to use the visa centre, and pay an additional service fee of the equivalent of £59. This charge will be payable online when you book your appointment.” The rest of the application process for UK visas will not change. Applicants will continue to submit their visa application and pay on line before making an appointment to enrol their biometric information at the visa centre. “You may also use the VFS Global website to track the progress of your visa application:http:// w w w. v f s g l o b a l . c o . u k / guyana/track_ application. html,” a release from the agency stated.

For Sale: Customs House

One of Main Street’s most prominent buildings, which up to last year was home to Customs House, has officially been placed on the market for sale. The property was left vacant after the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) moved into its new offices at Camp Street, bringing a

significant number of its departments under one roof. According to an advertisement in the stateowned Guyana Chronicle yesterday, titled “Property For Sale”, the former GRA Customs House sits on 0.382 acres of land at Sub-lot ‘A’ of Lot 34 Main and Hope Streets, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Persons interested in purchasing the property will have to register for tender documents which is being handled by National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), an arm of Government which manages state assets. A $3,000 fee will purchase documents which includes the procedures for tendering, a letter of authority to visit the properties, a copy of the survey plan and ownership documents, draft agreement of sale and general information and description of the property. Tenders to NICIL’s Kingston offices are to be submitted no later than March 7th with Government and NICIL making it clear that they are not bound to accept

the highest or for that matter, any bids at all. Main Street is fast becoming a hotspot, with a number of prominent night clubs and restaurants located there. Located next to Customs House is New Thriving, a popular Chinese restaurant, while Palm Court is on the other side. There had been speculations that the property had already been sold. In late November, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said that there was no intention of putting it to use for any government purpose. The impending sale of Customs House is likely to be closely watched. NICIL’s handling of state assets have been heavily criticised after the controversy over the Sanata Complex deal to Queens Atlantic, and a number of properties on Duke Street, Kingston. NICIL itself has been under scrutiny for a number of large-scale Government projects including the Marriott Hotel, the Berbice River Bridge and the Amaila Falls hydro project.

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

A system is only as good APNU needs to replace Mrs. Backer as people make it to be with someone of similar ability DEAR EDITOR, The current PPPC administration has been putting much emphasis on the development of its human resources. Most development practitioners agree that without a sound human resource base it is difficult to advance national development in an accelerated and sustained manner. The records will show that per capita spending on education has risen sharply since the assumption to office of the PPPC administration on October 5, 1992. Indeed, the spending gap between Guyana and her regional counterparts in the Caribbean has been consistently narrowing, even though in relative terms, Guyana still ranks lower than most counties in the Caribbean in terms of per capita income. A similar trend is discernible in other areas such as per capita spending on health care delivery, housing and water, which together could be regarded as key variables in terms of human development. Guyana is ahead of most countries in the hemisphere in terms of its housing programme, a fact that is being acknowledged by several regional leaders. Compare this with the much touted but hopelessly failed attempt by the PNC regime during the 1972-1976 period when it promised to ‘Feed, Clothe and House’ the nation. An ambitious 65,000 houses were promised the Guyanese people, but by the end of that period, a paltry 13,000 houses were built and distributed, mainly to the party’s supporters and friends. By the latter part of the PNC rule, housing was deleted as an expenditure item in the national budget estimates, a total disgrace for a party that once laid claims to being a party of the working class. One consequence of the failure to meet the housing needs of the Guyanese people was a proliferation of squatting areas in

Georgetown, the most conspicuous of which was Sophia, where poor, working class Guyanese were forced to live under sub-human conditions without any of the basic amenities of life such as water, electricity or roads. It took the assumption to office of the PPPC administration on October 1992 before any real attempt was made to regularize squatting areas and open up lands for housing and recreational purposes. Take Sophia for example. Today that community boasts its own primary and nursery schools, a health centre, electricity, water and a police station, all of which were established by the current administration. There are still issues of concern to residents there like in any other communities, but no one can deny that the area has been transformed beyond recognition from what it was during the days of PNC rule. Housing is certainly one of the success stories of the PPPC administration, but there are many others, some of which are not quite noticeable to the wider populace. During a recent visit to the Essequibo Coast, I decided to take a ride on one of the Chinese-built passenger vessels on my return journey, after a harrowing and scary trip by speedboat from Parika to Supenaam. The rough waves, made even worse by a heavy downpour, made the ride look not only treacherous but extremely uncomfortable. I always thought that it should be made mandatory by law for all speedboats to have adequate shelter from rain and be fully equipped with life jackets to cater for

any untoward situation that could arise from time to time. The return journey with the Chinese-built vessel was in contrast to what I experienced with the speedboat on my way to Supenaam. I was highly impressed by the comfort and huge size of the vessel which makes the journey such a pleasant experience. And the fare to travel is less than half of that of speedboats. One gets the feeling of traveling first class, even by first world standards. There are several other such success stories in every facet of national life, some of which are not quite obvious to Guyanese, unless they have reason to do business with such government entities. Those of us who routinely do business with the National Insurance Scheme can attest to the relative ease with which our transactions are processed with minimal waiting time. The same can be said for the passport office, where there is a marked reduction in waiting time for the processing of both new and renewed passports. The use of information and communication systems have contributed in no small measure to higher levels of efficiency in service delivery, but the human factor cannot be over-emphasized. A system is only as good as people make it to be. This is why some credit must be given to our public servants, especially at policymaking and implementation levels, for putting in place mechanisms to provide services and social goods to the Guyanese people with minimal red tape and undue bureaucracy. Hydar Ally

DEAR EDITOR, The replacement for Mrs. Deborah Backer, arguably one of APNU’s best Members of Parliament, will be another litmus test of Mr. David Granger’s management style and quality of leadership. This is Ms. Backer’s stats: - PNCR representative in APNU; - Held Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs shadow ministerial portfolios (at the time of resignation she held the latter) and distinguished herself in both; - Female; - Deputy Speaker; and - More than a decade of parliamentary experience and knowledge of its Standing Order, and cut and thrust techniques. Looking at these stats, names that come readily to mind are: a) Ms. Clarissa Riehl, who has the identical stats, with the exception of Home Affairs; b) Mr. Aubrey Norton, who was a senior Foreign Service Officer during the PNC administration, PNC representative on the APNU List, and has years of parliamentary experience, knowledge of its Standing Orders and cut and thrust techniques; and c) Mr. Cammie Ramsaroop, PNC representative on the APNU list, Leader of the List, decades of parliamentary experience, knowledge of its Standing Orders and cut and thrust techniques, and held many senior cabinet portfolios. With two years before constitutionally due national elections, and to hold the PPP administration accountable to ensuring good governance in the Legislature and Executive, APNU is expected to find a suitable replacement. Among the first things

Mr. Granger is expected to factor in, in determining a replacement, are: 1) PNC candidate and 2) ability to deliver from day one, or as they say ‘hit the ground running.’ There is no time to await a learning curve when key issues such as the AntiMoney Laundering Bill and National Budget are coming up shortly for debate and passage. With a slim opposition majority, there is no room for ignorance of parliamentary rudiments, debating skills and a repeat of the Volda Lawrence inexcusable fiasco vote or euphemistically non-vote on the Speciality Hospital. Some may say Mrs. Backer’s shadow ministerial portfolio can be re-assigned to another. This would be making a serious mistake. This portfolio requires commitment, understanding of diplomatic and global nuances; Guyana’s

geopolitical positioning, border controversy and dispute; and acquaintance with international conventions, laws, covenants and agreements, etc. It requires a singular focus and dedication. It is a tall order to fulfil, and even though there is much to be desired in the current Foreign Affairs Minister, she is likely to dwarf and make a nincompoop of any unsuitable replacement by the Opposition. Guyanese cannot afford to have such level of naïveté on both sides of the Bench. APNU needs to replace Mrs. Backer with someone of similar ability, and Guyana needs someone of similarly ability to halt the political excesses and bring about the much desired accountable government. Here’s wishing Mrs. Backer a speedy recovery. Minette Bacchus

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news Demonstrators clash ahead of Brazil fare hikes Mr. Aubrey Norton is turning... Rio de Janeiro (AFP) More than 1,000 demonstrators protesting hikes in public transport fares overran the main train, metro and bus station in Rio Thursday, in the latest flareup of simmering social tensions ahead of this year’s World Cup in Brazil. Police fired tear gas to try to disperse the protesters but in the end people rode trains for free and screamed “the station is free.” A cameraman for the Bandeirantes network was hit in the head with some kind of explosive device, and had to undergo surgery. He was listed in serious condition, the O Globo newspaper reported. Protesters, some wearing masks or clad in black, destroyed automatic bank teller machines and threw rocks at riot police.

Several streets near the station were blocked off with flaming barricades. “The only ones being violent are police. I saw one attack a guy just for carrying a banner,” said Natacha de Pina, who works at a bank in the station. “We threw things at the police because we suffer every day. Three reais is absurd,” she said referring to the new higher bus fare. Authorities said eight people were treated for injuries and newspaper O Globo said 20 were detained. The demonstrators fought running battles with police, who charged the crowd attempting to clear the area around the main bus station. The protest started peacefully but turned violent. An AFP reporter saw an injured policeman being

evacuated and also saw officers beating demonstrators. “We won’t pay three reais” and “we want FIFAstandard trains,” marchers shouted, referring to football’s world governing body. Three reais is $1.25. That refers to the 9 percent increase in bus fares imposed on Saturday. Brazil has witnessed widespread public anger at the billions of dollars being spent on the World Cup in a country lacking good public transport and struggling with sagging education and health infrastructure. Some protesters vandalised ticket machines and set ablaze a barricade. The protest, called by the Pasa Livre (free passage) movement, was far smaller, however, than those which marred last year’s Confederations Cup. Then, nationwide protests brought more than a million people into the streets. It was a proposed 0.20 reais increase in Sao Paulo last year which sparked the initial protests.

From page 4 that Guyana sees our membership in UNASUR as complementary to our membership in CARICOM. The Government of Guyana also ensured that Guyana’s commitments as these relate to CARICOM were preserved in the UNASUR Treaty. These are two integration mechanisms that are both beneficial to Guyana and do not collide. I don’t think there is any right-thinking person that would suggest we should not be a Member of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) while we are a member of CARICOM. Indeed, it was Mr. Norton who said in his Presentation in Parliament “Mr Speaker, the People’s National Congress Reform, has no problem with this in principle. We believe Latin American integration is critical …….” I can only imagine that something serious has happened which created a ‘mess’’ with his memory. On Mr. Norton’s assertion that “Guyana cannot produce diplomats by keeping Foreign Service Officers at home,” I agree that there must be a good balance in terms of the

time officers spend abroad and at home, while considering the resources of small States like Guyana. However, this comment appears to suggest that we only keep FSOs in Guyana. I therefore wish to repeat, as I have done in the National Assembly, that within the last 18 months we have posted officers to Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela, Washington, New York, London, Barbados and South Africa and reposted others to Georgetown. Being posted is just one aspect of a diplomat’s career grounding and development. Our diplomats are constantly exposed to local and overseas training as well. Finally, with respect to his

comment about my competence, I am not unaccustomed to him questioning my competence, but that I leave for others to judge. Suffice it to say I remain a member of the Cabinet and the National Assembly. Unfortunately, Mr. Aubrey Norton is turning his wrath and bitterness towards the wrong entity. Certainly we are not responsible for him remaining in the wilderness. Indeed, I was tempted to sympathise with him, but his utterances have confirmed how far removed he is from reality and vindicated the decision that was supposedly made. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett Minister of Foreign Affairs

Crime is sucking the life out of the nation From page 5 refuses to accept, this responsibility. A brief perusal of the PPP/ C government’s approach to the spate of youth violence and criminal behaviour will expose the regime’s uncaring attitude towards this issue. For example, in June 2011, the state-owned newspaper published a scathing article which basically labeled black youths as criminals. Then recently we’ve had the Minister of Home Affairs,

Clement Rohee, tell the nation that crime is a figment of the people’s imagination and that the criminals are just attracted to stealing cell phones. I am not sure how this man can hold such high office. The reality is that the government sees crime, like it sees other things, in a racial sense. It is also not prepared to acknowledge that the problem of crime exists in the country. Unfortunately, this government seems comfortable in labeling our children criminals. Only a PPP/C government would feel relaxed when children under its watch are alleged to be carrying out major criminal activities. Lurlene Nestor

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Cameron to Scotland: Don’t break away and erode UK’s global clout

David Cameron LONDON (Reuters) Prime Minister David Cameron made an emotional appeal yesterday for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom, warning Scots a vote for independence would undermine Britain’s global clout and imperil its financial and political stability. Speaking in London, Cameron, an Englishman whose Conservative party has only one of 59 UK-wide seats in Scotland, made his

most passionate defense yet of the UK, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. “We would be deeply diminished without Scotland,” Cameron told an audience in the cavernous London velodrome used for the 2012 Olympic Games, saying he would fight with all he had to hold the country he governs together. “Together, we get a seat at the U.N. Security Council, real clout in NATO and Europe, and the prestige to host events like the G8. Make no mistake: we matter more as a United Kingdom politically, militarily, diplomatically and culturally too. If we lost Scotland, if the UK changed, we would rip the rug from under our own reputation.” Scots will decide in a referendum on September 18 whether their nation, which has a population of just over 5 million and is a source of North Sea oil, should end its 307-year-old union with England and leave the UK. Cameron said a “yes”

UN defends Ukraine efforts, stays mum on leak of U.S. audio UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations yesterday defended its efforts to encourage a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Ukraine but declined to comment on a leaked audio recording in which a U.S. official referred to discussing plans for Kiev with the world body. “In the conversations we have had with Ukrainians inside and outside the government, as well as with various international actors, we have sought to help resolve the crisis,” U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said. “The U.N. has been clear in advocating that any solution should be arrived at by Ukrainians, peacefully and through dialogue,” he added. The United Nations has been drawn into the uproar sparked by a leaked audio recording in which senior State Department official Victoria Nuland is heard using an expletive to tell the U.S. ambassador it would be better if a new Ukrainian government is backed by the United Nations rather than the European Union. “So that would be great, I think, to help glue this thing (in Ukraine) and to have the U.N. help glue it and, you

know, fuck the EU,” Nuland is heard saying. U.S. officials blame Russia for the leak. In the recording, Nuland refers positively to a conversation she had with U.N. political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman - a former senior State Department official - about an upcoming visit by a U.N. envoy to Ukraine. Haq was asked about the way Nuland’s conversation suggested the United Nations was discussing plans for Ukraine with Washington. “We can’t comment on purported leaks of the private conversations of others,” Haq said. “As to the U.N.’s efforts in relation to the crisis in Ukraine, the secretarygeneral has been trying through his personal contacts and in other ways to encourage a peaceful resolution.” Haq reiterated that Secretary-General Ban Kimoon sent U.N. Middle East peace Robert Serry, Netherlands’ former ambassador to Ukraine, to Kiev January 28-30 “to convey the United Nations’ solidarity with Ukraine and to encourage dialogue.”

vote would imperil Britain’s stability and foreign direct investment. “We are quite simply stronger as a bigger entity,” he said. “That stability is hugely attractive for investors. Last year, we were the top destination for foreign direct investment in Europe. That is a stamp of approval on our stability - and I would not want to jeopardize that.” It would be extremely difficult to make a currency union with an independent

Scotland work, he added, casting further doubt on one of the pro-independence camp’s main policy ideas. Political analysts say a “yes” vote would place the future of Britain’s Scotlandbased nuclear submarine fleet in doubt and could weaken London’s claim to a permanent seat on the United Nations and its influence in the European Union. People close to Cameron say he does not want to go down in history as the prime

minister who lost Scotland. But he has conceded that his privileged background and center-right politics mean he isn’t the best person to win over Scots, usually more leftwing than the English. Polls show Scots would vote to reject independence if a vote were held today, with only around a third keen to break away from the UK. However, there are still many undecided voters and Cameron said the outcome was “up in the air”.

“Centuries of history hang in the balance. A question mark hangs over the future of our United Kingdom. There can be no complacency about the result,” said Cameron. Alex Salmond, the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), criticized Cameron for giving such a speech in England instead of Scotland and challenged him to debate him, something Cameron has so far refused to do.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Thousands flee to Cameroon Iran signals readiness for amid Central Africa violence more nuke concessions

People on a collective taxi pass a supply convoy from Cameroon being escorted to the Central African Repubic by French soldiers of the Sangaris operation and Rwandan soldiers of MISCA. (AFP Photo/Issouf Sanogo) Geneva (AFP) - Nearly 9,000 people, mainly Muslims, have fled to Cameroon in just over a week to escape communal bloodshed in the Central African Republic, the United Nation’s refugee agency said yesterday. In the past 10 days alone, 8,762 people have crossed into eastern Cameroon from strife-torn Central Africa, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokeswoman Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba told reporters in Geneva. “The majority of them are Muslims who say they feared for their safety,” she said, adding that the latest influx brought the number of Central African refugees in Cameroon to 20,000 since a coup last March. The violence spiralled out of control when the ex-rebels

from the Seleka group that seized power went rogue and carried out atrocities against the Christian majority. The campaign of killings, rape and looting sparked revenge attacks by Christian vigilantes known as “antibalaka” (anti-machete). Despite the presence of French and African peacekeeping troops, violence continues in the country, and has already forced about a quarter of the population of 4.6 million from their homes. Lejeune-Kaba said many of the new refugees in Cameroon had said they feared confrontations between the former Seleka and anti-Balaka militiamen in the capital and in other towns. Her comments came alongside news that a mob had lynched a Muslim man

yesterday, hacking him to pieces after he fell off a crowded lorry taking frightened civilians out of Bangui. It was the second lynching in three days, after uniformed troops of the Central African army on Wednesday stabbed and stoned a Muslim man to death in an attack that drew strong reactions from the UN and France. “Muslims are leaving the country at every opportunity they get, and many are using trucks or whatever available means of transport they can find,” Lejeune-Kaba told AFP. She said a number of trucks that had brought in food aid to Bangui this week for the UN’s World Food Programme had come back across the Cameroonian border filled with fleeing civilians.

Damascus confirms it will attend next round of peace talks Damascus (AFP) - Syria’s deputy foreign minister, Faisal Muqdad, said yesterday that Damascus will take part in a second round of peace talks in Geneva due to start Monday. “It has been decided that the delegation of the Syrian republic will take part in the second round of negotiations in Geneva,” state news agency SANA quoted Muqdad as saying. “The Syrian delegation wishes to pursue the efforts it deployed during the first round in Geneva, and insists that the discussions focus on all clauses in the Geneva I communiqué, beginning with the first clause,” he said. Ten days of talks in Switzerland last month

between government and opposition delegations yielded no tangible results, and Damascus had said it was unsure whether it would return to the negotiating table. Despite persistent pressure from UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, and co-sponsors Russia and the United States, the two sides failed to agree on a single point. On Tuesday, Syrian National Coalition chief Ahmad Jarba met Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia, a key Damascus ally, in Moscow. As they met, Russia’s deputy foreign minister indicated that Moscow expected President Bashar al-

Assad to state firmly his delegation’s intention to resume the peace talks. Damascus calls rebels “terrorists”, and insists that the priority in the Geneva talks must be to focus on “terrorism”. For the opposition, the central point of the negotiations is the transition foreseen in the Geneva I communiqué. It was adopted by world powers in 2012 but is ambiguous, in that it calls for an interim government but is unclear on Assad’s future. “A return to security and stability in Syria means that halting terrorism and violence must be discussed, as envisioned in the Geneva I communiqué,” Muqdad said.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran signaled an apparent readiness for more concessions over its nuclear program, this time over its heavy-water reactor at Arak, local media reported yesterday. The semi-official Mehr news agency quoted the country’s nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi as saying that Tehran could modify the reactor’s design so it would produce less plutonium to reduce concerns by the West. “We are able to apply changes in the design of the reactor to produce less plutonium, to reduce concerns in this regard,” Salehi said. He did not elaborate but the remarks came ahead of negotiations with world powers later in February about a long-term deal on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Under a landmark November deal, Tehran stopped enrichment of uranium to 20 percent — which is a possible pathway

li Akbar Salehi to nuclear arms — in exchange for the easing of some Western sanctions. It also started neutralizing its stockpile of enriched uranium on Jan. 20, and agreed not to make further advances at the Arak reactor as well as Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities. Negotiations over a final comprehensive deal are to start on Feb. 18. Iranian President Hassan

Rouhani has been criticized by hard-liners who say he made too many concessions in return for too little. Salehi said Iran never had any plans to develop Arak to such a level that it would make weapons-grade plutonium, adding that even if there were such plans, making them come true would take years. The West fears that if Arak goes online, it could produce plutonium, which could eventually be used for nuclear weapons. Iran over the past months allowed inspectors from the U.N. nuclear watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — to visit its nuclear facilities, including Arak. Salehi also said IAEA inspectors were expected to arrive in Tehran today for more discussions about Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran denies it wants to make an atomic bomb, saying its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes such as power generation and medical treatment.

Japan’s Abe backs Putin with visit, in contrast to China, Korea ties TOKYO (Reuters) Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe headed to Russia yesterday in a show of support for President Vladimir Putin at the Sochi Olympics, just hours after headlining a rally demanding that Moscow return islands seized from Japan. Abe’s trip to attend the Games and hold his fifth summit with Putin since taking office 13 months ago, despite the seven-decade territorial dispute, stands in marked contrast to Japan’s sharply deteriorating ties with China and South Korea, involving spats over tiny uninhabited islands. For Putin, the appearance of G7 leader Abe at Friday’s opening ceremony provides a high-profile seal of approval. The Russian leader faces global criticism over the country’s human rights record and a recent law against gay “propaganda,” which opponents say curtails the rights of homosexuals. U.S. President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and German President Joachim Gauck are not attending the Games. The U.S. delegation includes three openly gay representatives. Russia’s domestic policies

Shinzo Abe have not provoked controversy in Japan, but the territorial dispute forms the backdrop to Abe’s trip. He left after addressing an annual “Northern Territories Day” gathering, meant to pressure Russia to return the islands, which Russia says comprise the southern end of its Kurile chain. “While developing Japan-Russia ties as a whole, we have to finally solve the biggest so-far unresolved issue, that is the Northern Territories issue, and to sign the peace treaty with Russia,” said Abe addressing the gathering in Tokyo.

“This is why I will engage in tenacious negotiations with Russia,” Abe added, speaking from a stage with the slogan “Return the Four Northern Islands” and the Japanese flag at his back. Also attending were ministers, lawmakers and representatives of political parties, as well as former island residents. One woman who used to live on the islands broke down in tears as she recounted how she had been made to leave. Moscow took the islands east of Hokkaido days before Japan surrendered in World War Two, forcing 17,000 Japanese to leave. The often acrimonious dispute has kept the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Abe and Putin - said to be on a first-name basis - have not let the dispute block progress in diplomacy centering on natural gas and other resources. By contrast, the leaders of China and Korea have rebuffed Abe’s repeated calls to meet. Besides the isle spats, Abe angered Beijing and Seoul with a December pilgrimage to a shrine they see as a symbol of Tokyo’s past militarism. Russia, too, criticized the shrine visit, but did not let it derail ties with Japan.

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Govt. to spend $2.4 b in Venezuela says four more held sugar-dependent parishes over anti-Maduro protests ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — Government says it will be spending approximately $2.4 billion on social programmes to benefit sugar-dependent communities over the next three years. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller made the announcement last Thursday, as she addressed a ceremony for the handing over of 39 housing units at the Steelfield (Spicy Hill) housing development in Duncans, Trelawny. Simpson Miller said that the expenditure will go towards schools, health and sport facilities. “This funding is in addition to the approximately $900 million, which has already been disbursed to sugar workers and small cane farmers, to cushion the

Portia Simpson Miller effects of the fallout from divestment of the public sector sugar estates,” the Prime Minister said. She stated that the government is working to significantly transform the sugar-dependent

communities, adding that there is an “integrated programme” of development for these areas, as part of the process of rural development. “We believe passionately that we will never be able to deal with urban decay and under-development and to deal with poor communities in rural Jamaica … I want to ensure that we begin to pay special attention to our deep rural communities,” said Simpson Miller. The housing units, constructed at a cost of $155 million, were provided under the European Union-funded Sugar Barracks Relocation project. The beneficiaries received the keys to their new homes free of cost with only payments to be made for Land Titles, which will be distributed soon.

Barbados to host regional conference on energy Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation - Britain will host a two-day conference in Barbados next week to discuss the future of the energy sector in the Caribbean. The February 10-11 conference is being organized jointly with the governments of Barbados and St. Lucia and will bring together British energy experts and regional stakeholders in government, industry and investment. Britain’s Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mark Simmonds, London is keen to share the progress made in the use of sustainable energy even though it is aware “that one solution is not going to work for the entire region.” He said Caribbean

countries were already making advances in marine renewable energy sources that best suit them. “ In Jamaica the focus is on wind, hydro, and biofuels; in St Kitts and Nevis it is on wind; in Barbados - solar water heating and photovoltaics are being developed, to name but a few. But the UK has a wealth of expertise and experience to share, that may help other countries find their own energy mix,” he added. He said the conference would provide officials from 12 Caribbean countries with an opportunity to share experiences with the British experts “in developing and delivering commercial sources of renewable energy…and to see how – in

addition to providing tourism, fishing and shipping – the marine environment could literally power the Caribbean’s future.” He said the Caribbean is already feeling the impact of climate change such as higher electricity prices and food bills. “You don’t need me to tell you that energy prices in the Caribbean are some of the highest in the world- and have doubled in the last five years. “Temperatures are increasing, the ice caps are melting and rising sea levels are set to do irreparable damage to coastal areas - with economies across the Caribbean, where so many livelihoods are dependent on the marine environment, among the hardest hit.”

Mexico providing funds for disaster relief Dominica News Online Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has announced that the Government of Mexico will make an initial contribution of EC$1.35million to the Government of Dominica. The monies will go towards dealing with the effects a trough system which affected Dominica on December 24, 2013, according to a release from the office of the prime minister. The system caused major damage in the southern part of the island and was

concentrated in the Roseau South, Roseau Valley and Soufriere Constituencies. Following an emergency Cabinet meeting on Friday, December 27, 2013, the prime minister announced that the Governme n t o f Dominica would assist those affected in the following ways: 1. Provide one hundred per cent of the assessed value to repair dwelling houses 2. Provide sixty per cent of assessed value of personal household effects destroyed through flooding

3. Replace textbooks, stationary, uniforms and other school supplies 4. Provide limited assistance to businesses which suffered damage 5. Pay rental cost for a limited period for those who have to be relocated The total clean-up cost was estimated at $830,000 and included clearing of roads, drains and dredging of rivers. Rehabilitation of infrastructure and mitigation works were estimated at $45million.

(Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said yesterday four people had been held following another rowdy antigovernment protest, the latest in a spate of sporadic street demonstrations being fanned by hardline opposition parties. That brought to nearly a dozen the number of reported detentions since two opposition leaders, Maria Corina Machado and Leopoldo Lopez, last week urged Venezuelans to take to the streets in an effort to force a change of government. Seven people were arrested last weekend on charges of violence after scores of protesters converged on a hotel housing a Cuban baseball team on Margarita Island. Opposition activists say Maduro is a stooge of the Cuban government. Students in the western state of Tachira have been demonstrating this week and officials said one group of masked assailants attacked the residence of the pro-government governor, hurling objects and smashing security cameras. “We have made four arrests ... there will be no

Nicolas Maduro mercy,” Maduro said, denouncing them as “fascists.” The Venezuelan president, who narrowly won election last year to replace late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, said right-wing politicians were hoping to spark incidents to create outrage abroad. “I have information they are looking for injuries and deaths. They want to project images to the world in

order to disrupt our country,” he said. Frustrated by the moderate line of two-time presidential runner-up Henrique Capriles and other prominent opposition figures, Machado and Lopez have urged Venezuelans to hit the streets to protest against economic hardships and other societal ills. There have so far only been sporadic demonstrations, drawing relatively small numbers of protesters. Organizers, however, insist they have been entirely peaceful. “We can’t be spectators of this disaster we are living,” Lopez told reporters on Friday, in justifying his tactics. “The quicker we develop a solid movement with irreverence and rebelliousness, the quicker we will democratically replace this corrupt and inept government. We cannot wait until 2019,” he added. Maduro’s six-year presidential term ends in 2019, but opponents have a chance to oust him via a “recall referendum” in 2016 if they garner the nearly four million signatures required.

Opposition party may not support move to CCJ BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CMC – The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has hinted that it may not support moves by the Roosevelt Skerrit government to have the island join the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court. Last month, Roseau said it had received the go ahead from Britain to join the court established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as its final court. While Dominica is a signatory to the CCJ’s original jurisdiction, it, like all of the member states of the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), is not a member of the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ that also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revise Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional integration movement, CARICOM. In an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Dr Thomson Fontaine, a senior member of the UWP, who is

expected to contest the next general election, said joining the CCJ was a “very serious” matter for Dominica. “As a party we don’’t believe that Dominica is ready for this move. We don’t believe it should have been done. There are still a lot of questions about the judiciary and the ability of our own people to preside over themselves. “We believe that this move is a hasty one and that there should have been discussion about it and we would certainly initially not support this move because we don’t think it was done correctly,” he said. Fontaine said that the UWP if of the opinion that Prime Minister Skerrit held “absolutely no consultation with the Dominican people and with the opposition on something that is critical, something that is so crucial to the future of all Dominicans. “A lot more dialogue needs to have taken place. So we are very concerned about that. So we would certainly hope that the Prime Minister would slow

down and let it take its natural course. Let the discussion begin let us see what our neighbours are doing in the Caribbean before we move ahead because we have already seen some issues with the Caribbean Court.. “For example, the recent decision in Barbados concerning the Shanique Myrie case where we see some hesitation on even the part of the Barbados government to kind of agree as it were to the ruling of the Caribbean Court so there are serious issues that have not yet been addressed and as a party we’re saying let us slow it down, let us discuss this move thoroughly. “Let us be sure that this is what we want to do and from where we as party sit we are not certain that the majority of Dominicans support the move,” he added. Last week, Dominica’s Attorney General Levi Peters, speaking on the state-owned DBS radio, said that the Skerrit administration would be bringing the necessary legislation to Parliament as soon as possible.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Brendon McCullum Several activities planned as CS&TC celebrates Guyana’s 44th year as a Republic puts Kiwis in charge Race walkers are expected to turn out in their numbers tomorrow morning to pay homage to their fallen Public Relations Officer, Olga Harry, who departed this life one year ago after a brief period of illness . They will compete in the Olga Harry Memorial Race walk organized by the Cavalier’s Sports and Tour Club (CS&TC) commencing from the Barama Plywood Company, Land of Canaan, ECD, up to the Soesdyke Primary School for the finish. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the first three finishers in each of the several competing categories. The battle for supremacy continues next weekend when the CS&TC launches a series of events to commemorate Guyana’s 44th year as a Republic. The first will also serve to commemorate the death of founder leader,

Forbes Burnham and will get underway on Sunday February 16 next. This race will commence at the President’s College, Golden Grove ECD, proceed to the village’s market and back to the place of origin. Activities continue one week later, on February 23, when race walkers convene at the Banks DIH Thirst Park venue for a 10K journey to the National Cultural Centre, Mandela and Homestretch Avenue. The walkers then travel to Linden on Monday February 24 where they will congregate at the Wismar end of the Linden Bridge, proceed along the Winifred Gaskin Highway and finish at the Bayroc Recreational Centre, Wisroc. Prizes for all of the events have been donated by several corporate citizens and sports oriented individuals.

Saturday Febuary 08, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Think of yourself as a marathon runner. You have a very long distance to travel, but the sweetness is not just to be found in crossing the finish line, but rather in relishing all the sights along the way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Why does being patient have to take so long? quipped one frustrated soul. Could it have been you, Libra? Waiting has never been your strong suit, there's no question about it.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) It's time for you to tap in to that inner resource that you have always known existed. Your ability to heal is extraordinary, and there's no point in denying it any longer.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) We all know the adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But you can't help feeling that you have tried and tried and tried to no avail. All that is about to change, Scorpio, as you begin to reap the fruits of your labors.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't take anything at face value today, Gemini, especially if it involves money. It's likely that a friend or colleague will approach you with a deal that is too good to pass up.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Whatever you want, Sagittarius, you need only ask for it and there is a good chance you will get it. And it's about time, too. It seems you have been working exceptionally hard lately.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure, but there are times when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass up.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's time once and for all to tie up all those loose ends of projects left undone. Much as you may dread it, think of it this way, Capricorn: by completing these tasks you clear space for exciting new projects to come your way.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) One disadvantage of attics is that so much junk tends to get stored up there. Today is the day for you to clean house. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It seems your ship is about to come in, Virgo. At least, the planets seem to think so. Your years of cultivating business relationships will pay off in the form of increased sales or new business opportunities. Congratulations!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Junk mail and a few telephone solicitations would almost be a welcome relief from the intense communications you've been having with people lately. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It isn't nearly as bad as you think, Pisces. In fact, things are definitely looking up. Of course, you'll never know that if you refuse to drag yourself out of bed to see for yourself.

Brendon McCullum (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Brendon McCullum hit a superb 224 as New Zealand took control of the first Test against India with a first-innings total of 503 all out. The 32-year-old hit 29 fours and five sixes to overtake Nathan Astle and become his nation’s fourth-

highest Test run-scorer, with a total of 4,904. Ishant Sharma was the pick of India’s beleaguered attack, taking six wickets, i n c l u d i n g M c C u l l u m ’s scalp. The tourists initially wobbled at 10-3 in reply but revived to close on 130-4.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Basketball stakeholders launch ‘Road to Mecca’ - GABF to host nation’s biggest tournament By Edison Jefford The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) impressively launched yesterday what will be Guyana’s biggest basketball tournament to-date, ‘The Road to Mecca’, at The Duke Lodge as basketball stakeholders were introduced to the mega event. Stakeholders, including officials and players from Guyana’s three main subassociations, namely Georgetown, Linden and Berbice, were taken through a power-point presentation that also served as the launch, on the format and goals of the national tournament. “We are very appreciative of the turnout here. This is a building phase for the federation and we are thankful for your support,” GABF President, Nigel Hinds told the gathering. He said that the tournament was the brainchild of GABF VP, Michael Singh. “We are assured of sponsorship,” Hinds said,

urging clubs and players to bring out their families and friends so that they can rebuild the fan-base of the sport. He said if that is done there will be no reason why the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall cannot be refilled. The presentation and launch yesterday began with a minute of silence for the late Trevor Rose. “Trevor believed that he could have accomplished anything, and that is something we can all embrace,” Hinds noted, urging officials from the Georgetown, Linden and Berbice Basketball Associations to support what is being touted as a gala contest. According to Hinds, they will be targeting an extensive marketing plan to rebuild the hype and support for the game. The tournament will feature the top five seeded clubs from the three subassociations and a wildcard club in a round of sixteen knockout contest. The winning clubs will advance to the next round. March 1 is set

as the official jump-ball. At stake at the end of the road, is a top prize of $800,000 for the winning club, while second place take home $200,000 along with trophies. Singh told the gathering that initially they did not think about a third place prize, but may have to consider its inclusion. “I have a very good first division team and I look forward to putting my clubs in Georgetown up against the best from around the country. This is all to lay the foundation for superior basketball nationally,” Singh said, adding that the event should be competitive. The GABF discussed at length the need for clubs to be on time and to adhere to the rules of the game. President of the Guyana Basketball Officials Council, Lugard Mohan was present and said that his council will leave no stones unturned with enforcing the rules. The representative clubs from Georgetown in order of seeding include: Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters, Colts,

GABF President, Nigel Hinds (centre) with Vice-President, Michael Singh (left) and Technical Director, Cecil Chin, addresses basketball stakeholders yesterday at The Duke Lodge to launch officially ‘The Road to Mecca’ National Basketball Championships. Pepsi Sonics, Ravens and Nets. Meanwhile, Kings, Jets, Royals, Raiders and Bulls will represent Linden.

Canje Knights, Smyth Field Rockers, New Amsterdam Warriors, Fyrish Sharks and Rose Hall Town will represent

Berbice. The 16th spot will be up for grabs in a Wild Card Playoff among the three subassociations.

Berbice Amateur Basketball Association begins outreach

BABA President Keith Myers chats with the players and officials at the pavilion at the Fyrish Basketball court. Newly elected President of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA), Keith Myers, has begun a countywide outreach to clubs in the outlying areas in an effort to sensitise those in the outlying areas about the fundamentals of the game and new Basketball rules. The outreach is also to help streamline the game in the various areas and form more clubs and bring them under the wings of BABA.

Mr. Myers, who was a former Berbice player and a retired Veterinarian, on Sunday made a visit to Fyrish Village when he interacted with players and officials of the Fyrish Black Sharks Basketball club and the Rose Hall Town and the Rose Hall Jammers Basketball clubs in the pavilion of the Fyrish Basketball court. Myers, who was accompanied by other officials of the Association including Secretary Petra

Ford and Public Relations Officer Eli Hazel, outlined his plans for the game and proposed plans for the year. He also spoke about club structure, education, finances and benefits to be had from playing the game and being a part of a proper organised structure. They plan to visit the other areas in the coming w e e k i n c l u d i n g We s t Berbice and Upper Corentyne among others.

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 33

NAGICO Regional Super50 cricket

Guyana Malta Supreme battle Jamaica today for top spot in Zone ‘A’ By Sean Devers in Trinidad In Association with Digicel, Carib Beer, Giftland Office Max, Payless Varity Store & Leisure Inn & Car Rentals Guyana have beaten Jamaica nine times in Regional 50-over cricket in 18 matches, one of which was abandoned, but the last time they meet at this level Jamaica won by two wickets at Providence in last year’s tournament. Today the Guyana Malta Supreme face-off with the boys from the Reggae Country at the Queens Park Oval in the final preliminary round of Zone ‘A’ in a Day/ Night contest which will decide the winner of the zone. Both teams have victories in their two matches and with one bonus point each they jointly lead Zone ‘A’ with nine points. Today’s winner will oppose the runner-up in Zone ‘B’ and have the psychological advance if the teams are to meet in the final. Jamaica is the only Regional team without a 250 total against Guyana in 50 overs cricket, while Guyana’s highest total against Jamaica is 236-7 in 2005 when they last won the title. But things could change tonight since the outfield is lightening fast despite the rain here this week and the track looks like a 270 pitch. Jamaica held the record for ‘highest total at the Oval’ for one day with their 282-5

against the Windward Islands before Guyana scored 301-3 (only their 2nd 300 total at this level) against Ireland the next day in this year’s competition. In 1980 Timor Mohamed became the first Guyanese to score a ton in regional 50 overs cricket and his elegant 104 against Jamaica is the only time a Guyanese has reached three-figures against Jamaica and today the South Americans will hope that the top order can score a lot quicker than they did in their first two games. No Guyanese has scored a hundred since Narsingh Deonarine’s unbeaten 102 against Barbados in 2009 and it could prove difficult for any of the middle order batsmen to do so today if the openers persist with their ultra defensive mode. The top order faced too many ‘dot balls’ before being dismissed, leaving Skipper Christopher Barnwell and the bespectacled Leon Johnson, two of their most entertaining batsmen, to rescue Guyana from slow starts, in the last few overs. Guyana’s most capped player at this level, Shiv Chanderpaul (83) missed the last match due to injury but is expected back today. Either Assad Fudadin or Trevon Griffith (both with fifties in the competition) could make way for his return or the players who have not played could get a knock. Ramnaresh Sarwan has the most runs in this year’s tournament (151) and one more century puts him level

with Brian Lara’s record four. He has returned to form at the right time but will know if he will play today, since like Fudadin, he has the ‘flu’. Barnwell (strike rate of 141.7) and Johnson (151.1) have batted brilliantly in both matches when they arrived in the closing stages of the innings. The biggest disappointment so far must be the non production of Deonarine who is arguably one of the most attractive batsmen in the tournament. He has two runs from his two innings and it will not come as a shock if he loses his place to Royston Crandon. Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Sarwan are among the eight Guyanese with five-wicket hauls at this level but nobody has done so in this competition although the genuine pace of Montserratborn Essequibo fast bowler Ronsford Beaton has set tongues wagging. He is Guyana’s leading wicket-taker with five scalps. His new ball partner Paul Wintz (4) has also impressed with his ‘seam movement’, while Permaul (4) and Bishoo (3) have offered useful spin support although Bishoo has been guilty of bowling too short at times. At 20, former West Indies youth left-hander John Campbell minimized the loss of Chris Gayle to injury, with a stunning 71 in only his second match at this level for Jamaica and is one of the

players to watch in this tournament. The burly Tamar Lambert (88) and Andre McCarthy (93) missed out on maiden tons against the Windwards in the first match but only three Jamaicans have managed fifties with Lambert (115) the only one with over a hundred runs for his team. Nkrumah Bonner, who scored 110 against Barbados last year, is the only player in side with a century (Gayle has 3) but he has made just 23 runs this year and along with Horace Miller and Skipper Dave Bernard will hope for big scores. Andre Russell and Wicket-Keeper Carlton Baugh have made crucial runs at the ‘death’ for their team and are dangerous contenders with the bat, while come-back kid, pacer Jerome Taylor was good enough to score a Test century. Off-spinner Lambert (4) and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller (3) have bowled well for Jamaica but if the pitch is another ‘green top’ like the last one Guyana played on, then Taylor, who returned with an impressive 3-wicket spell against Ireland after not playing for the West Indies in almost four years, could provide a stern test for the Guyana Malta Supreme batsmen. Russell, Andrew Richardson, Bernard and Jamaica’s latest Test pacer Sheldon Cotterell are all fast bowling options at Jamaica’s disposal.

Sparta Bosses 5-A-Side Football tourney concludes today The Sparta Bosses 5-ASide knockout football competition will culminate today at the Sparta Turf, Go Slow Avenue with Broad Street, Leopold Street, Fruit Stand and North East La Penitence matching skills in the semifinals, which will be followed by the final. Having dispatched Sparta Bosses 2-0 in the preliminary

round, Broad Street will go into the final four as favourites, while underdogs Fruit Stand will be looking at the first prize which has been increased from $200,000 to $300,000. The runner up prize has also increased from $100,000 to $150,000, while the third place team will pocket $50,000. Exciting football is anticipated.

Mohamed returned as GSSC President

Mustak Mohamed

Nazeer Mohamed

Mustak Mohamed was returned unopposed as President of the Good Success Sports Club when the organisation held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday night last at his residence in Wakenaam. Anil Makeram was elected as the vice president, while Nazeer Mohamed replaced Jaidat Persaud, who did not seek re-election, as the secretary. Teniram Ramnarine retained his position as the

treasurer, while Persaud will perform the duties of the Assistant Secretary Treasurer and Abdool Salim the Public Relations Officer. The executive will meet shortly to name the respective committees. Speaking after the elections, Chairman Mohamed thanked the members for their confidence and urged his fellow executive members to work as a unit for the development of the club.

Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Tournament

Guyana Coaches Association conducts sessions for teachers of participating schools As activities in the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Tournament continue, several coaches will add their expertise to the success of the programme when the Guyana Sports and Development Foundation in collaboration with the Guyana Coaches Association commences the first of three coaching sessions, for teachers and coaches participating in this year’s edition of the tournament. Activities commence Monday February 10 next, at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue and continue Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 in New Amsterdam and Linden respectively. All

sessions commence from 9:00 hours daily and will be facilitated by veteran coach Stanley Harmon. The organizers said that the course is a comprehensive one that covers all aspects of coaching, team management, care and treatment of athletic injuries and sports psychology among other relevant topics and as in previous years will incorporate classroom and field activities. However, they have also indicated that field sessions will dominate this year’s activities since the course is scheduled for just one day. Participating teachers and coaches will be furnished with a handbook to

be used as a refresher after the course is completed. “The sessions will be used to provide broad based knowledge on the principles of the game and hopefully the participants will gain enough knowledge to properly instruct students, to ensure they perform creditably on the field,” the organizers said. They believe that teachers and coaches should be role models for their students and as such, ought to display respect for the programme and their school. “In the final analysis the aim is to produce well rounded individuals that can be an asset to their families and the society.”

Secretary of the Coaches Association, Sampson Gilbert, gratefully accepts a donation of T-shirts for the coaches’ use from Manager of SportsPlus, Romona Arthur.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Second Annual Milo Secondary Schools Football Tournament launched The 2nd Annual Milo Secondary Schools Football Competition was launched yesterday, during a simple ceremony that was conducted in the Boardroom of Beepat Ltd on Regent Street. In attendance were CoDirector of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca, Nestle representatives Brand Manager (Milo)- Renita Sital, Brand Manager (Nestle Beverages)Treion D’Angou, Ministry of Education through its Allied Arts Department- Inger Harry, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health- Trevor Thomas, Petra representative- Angeline Dyer-McCarthy and Referees representative Wayne Griffith. Mendonca, who opened the proceedings, spoke of the history of the tournament and its purpose which he stated was to resuscitate the standard of the game at the junior level within the Georgetown environs. He said that while there has been an upsurge in tournaments over the past four years, the standard of the game at the junior level among the schools in Georgetown left much to be desired and in

order to fill that void and improve the quality of play they (Petra Organisation) approached the corporate community for its support and the rest is history. “We’ve had the Digicel nationwide tournament and more recently the Kashif & Shanghai Competition and while they’ve been able to lift the standard in Georgetown, the top teams except for St. George’s our defending champions came from the other Regions,” Mendonca noted. Mendonca, however, implored on the students to stay in school, adding that academic achievements are equally important as their onfield exploits, adding that the two go hand in hand and represent the catalyst for success. He disclosed that the Organisation is currently in consultations with the Public Service Ministry to explore the possibility of five players coming out of the tournament being granted scholarships to attend the University of Guyana. Harry in her remarks said that the Ministry was exceedingly pleased to be asociated with the tournament, especially since

it merges sports with academia, adding that the combination usually produces success, particularly when it is supported by parents. Thomas, who had a lenghty presentation on a very important topic which dealt with Gender-based Violence, spoke of the eagerness of his Ministry to collaborate with the Petra Organisation and Beepat, especially on the issue of preserving the total well being of each other. He congratulated the Organisers for partnering with the Ministry of Health in helping to reach an audience that is very important to spread the message. Thomas said the tournament, while it only caters at this time for schools in the Georgetown environ, is quite a timely one with the audience being the participants and the spectators it is one that is percieved to be macho and therefore it is important that the message reaches them, while cautioning that they are not necessarily the only target group. “Football is a sport that could provide a good

opportunity to spread the message and while Genderbased Violence is sometimes glamourised and promoted through music as well, the sport because it is played by boys and men somehow has this tough guys label attached to it where many feel that things ought to be settled physically.” Sital acting on behalf of the sponsor said they were happy to be on board and they are looking forward to a good tournament. D’Anjou s a i d t h e Company was extremely happy to be afforded the opportunity to be back on board and was equally happy to be able to showcase the message b e i n g p r o m o t e d by the

Ministry as well as the talent that reside among the junior footballers. Meanwhile, the playoffs to select the four teams that will join the other twenty in the twenty-four team tournament will commence today, at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, starting at 11:00hrs. The eight teams vying for four spots are: Ascension, St. Joseph’s, Guyana Educational Trust College, St. Mary’s, Sophia Special School, Freeburg, St. John’s College and Kingston High. The twenty teams already in the tournament are: Bishop’s High, Carmel, Central High, Charlestown, Chase Academy, Christ

Church, Cummings Lodge, David Rose, Dolphin, Lodge, New Campbellville, North Georgetown, North Ruimveldt, Queen’s College, Richard Ishmael, South Ruimveldt, St. George’s, St. Winefride, Tucville and Tutorial. The winning team will receive $500,000, runner-up$300,000, 3rd place- $200,000 and 4th place- $100,000, while there will be prizes for outstanding individual performances. All the winning teams will have to choose a project of their choice to benefit the school since no monetary prizes will be awarded. The tournament starts from February 15 and runs until April 5.

Elizabeth Styles partners with BCB for Countywide Coaching Programme - fast bowlers, spinners, batters and wicketkeepers to benefit

Elizabeth Styles representative Bissoondial Singh (centre) hands over the cheque to BCB Third Vice President Julian Cambridge in the presence of other officials. Conscious of the fact that training and retraining are vital for the sustenance and development of any entity or sport, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has continued to invest in this regard to ensure it is always ahead of the game. The most vibrant board has yet again shown vision in investing at the grassroots level. Yesterday in the Board Room of Hand in Hand Group of Companies, Avenue of the Republic, the BCB and USA based cosmetic company, Elizabeth Styles shared details of their Countywide Coaching Programme that will see junior players benefitting from six clinics. In sharing details, Hilbert Foster, Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee informed that the clinics will target fast bowlers, spinners, batters and wicketkeepers. “The fast bowlers and batsmen will be involved in two clinics as we seek to make sure that every Berbice player

is not only properly prepared but fully understands their role as sports ambassadors.” The coaching pool in charge includes senior Coach Michael Hyles Franco, Albert Smith and Winston Smith. It was reported that each session will cost $40,000. The BCB stated that over the past seven years they have been proactive in the area of coaching and this year will be no different. The annual academy as well as the junior elite and senior elite training programmes along with coaching in every zone of the Ancient County will be conducted. Emphasis on developing rounded ambassadors will be paramount Foster disclosed. Representing Elizabeth Styles was Mr. Bissoondial Singh who complimented the BCB for the work they have been doing without rest. Singh noted that Elizabeth Styles, a USA based company that produces hair

care products and cosmetics was again pleased to be on board with the BCB for this coaching programme, pointing out that it is their intention to continue working towards the development of the game not only in Berbice but Demerara and Essequibo. This year, the BCB would be celebrating its 75th anniversary and a number of activities year round will be held to observe this milestone. Over 600 programmes and activities have been accomplished by the BCB over the past seven years, a record the BCB says it is proud of. Gratitude was extended to Singh and Elizabeth Styles by Foster, pointing out that it is his hope that the young players will appreciate the investment they are making in their careers and future, challenging the players to make full use of it. (Franklin Wilson)

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Elizabeth Styles and BCB Ashiek and Son Motor unveil U-19 Inter Zone Supplies and Auto Sales Tourney six zones to contest supports YWCC Mash Cup 2014

Ray Jahoor (left) of Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales hands over a cheque to Hubern Evans, coach of YWCC in the presence of Sahadeo Singh and Devin Sookraj. Elizabeth Styles representative Bissoondial Singh (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to former WI Test player Basil Butcher in the presence of BCB 3rd VP Julian Cambridge. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a plethora of activities, has unveiled yet another competition, this time in partnership with Elizabeth Styles. Details of this year’s Under-19 competition, which will be contested at the Inter Zone level, were unveiled in the Board Room of Hand in Hand Group of Companies yesterday. Chairman of the BCB Anniversary Committee, Hilbert Foster in remarks, informed the gathering that the Board intends to play the game at every level like never before as they strive to strengthen the sport from the junior to the senior level. The USA based Elizabeth Styles, a company that produces hair care products and cosmetics, has factories in China and India and headquartered in Port Washington and operates in over 37 countries worldwide and 19 in the Caribbean. The company has yet again committed to being indentified with the building of the game and the growth of the players in the Ancient

County. Head of Bisans Trading, the local distributor of the Elizabeth Styles line of products, Bissoondial Singh in his remarks stated that the company is committed to investing in Guyana’s cricket and had initially agreed to pump some four million dollars in the sport but has held back due to the current atmosphere that surrounds the sport. “If this continues to go on then we may have to put a system in place to have a committee set up to run this coaching programme throughout Demerara and we will sooner or later start conversation with Essequibo Cricket Board.” Singh said that his company is very proud and comfortable and sees the Berbice Board as one of the prime institutions for cricket development. “We are really proud and indeed Elizabeth Styles is proud to be on board with these programmes.” The Sub Zones that will be involved in this year’s competition are: West B e r b i c e , N e w Amsterdam/Canje, East Bank Berbice, Lower

Corentyne, Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. A top prize of $50,000 is set aside for the winner with $30,000 going to the losing finalist, while the man-ofthe-final will receive $10,000 and a trophy. Foster also disclosed that Elizabeth Styles will be presenting hampers of its products to the players of the teams involved the finals. Players with the caliber of Shimron Hetymer, Askay Homraj, Sharaz Ramcharran, H a k e e m H i n d s , Parmamand Ramdan, David Latchyna and Leon Andrews among others will be on show. Foster extended gratitude to Singh and Elizabeth Styles on behalf of BCB President Keith Foster and the executive committee for their investment in the sport, assuring that the competition would be well organised and administered and funds used for intended purpose. Previous winner of the tournament was Albion Cricket Club which had defeated Young Warriors in the final. (Franklin Wilson)

At a simple ceremony held recently, Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales threw their support behind the Young Warriors Cricket Club fundraising cricket tournament - Mash Cup 2014 - 2nd Edition. This tournament involves 2nd division teams along the #19 Road and East Canje, Berbice and is a 5 overs-aside competition and will be p l a y e d o n M a s h d a y, February 23rd, 2014. Ten teams will participate and the day is expected to be an action-packed one for the entire family. Incentives and

gate prizes to the value of over $300,000 will be up for grabs. In an invited comment during the presentation c e r e m o n y , Secretary/Treasurer of the Club and organizer of the tournament, Anil Beharry, expressed thanks to Ashiek and Son for their sponsorship. He further stated that the 1st Edition in 2013 was a tremendous success and proceeds raised from that event helped the club to acquire international quality covers for the pitch area at the cost of close to $600,000.

Ray Jahor, Managing Director of the company, said that he was pleased to be a part of this tournament for the 2nd time and he is also pleased with the way the club is conducting their business. Proceeds from this event will go towards further development of the Club’s host venue located in Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice. Admission is $200 and tickets are available in advance from the executives and members of the club. There will be a well stocked bar, music and entertainment for the kids.

Slingerz FC launches Stag Beer/ West Side Mash Champion Cup From page 36 Boardroom. “I must admit, the partnership between Slingerz FC and Stag Beer, is a very productive one, so this year, we were actually looking forward into making this tournament happen and now, we pledge our full support into making this event a huge success,” Maikoo said. Christine Smidth, Vice President of the West Demerara Football

Association (WDFA), said “The people of the West Side are addicted to football and I want to thank both Slingerz FC and Stag Beer for making this tournament happen again. Last year it was huge and the people all enjoyed it and the competitive spirit that it brought out in the teams and this year we know that people will enjoy it even more.” Newly appointed team c a p t a i n Vu r l o n M i l l s advocated for Fair Play to

prevail, while also pointing out that his club is fully aware that the other teams are not going to roll over and allow them to win the tournament for a second time. “I know that everyone wants to win, but my team is ready to defend the title. H o w e v e r, I w a n t t o encourage the other team and players to play in good spirit and let’s give the fans another great tournament,” Mills noted.

Page 36

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 08, 2014

Sarwan could be rested Slingerz FC launches Stag Beer/ today but Shiv expected to play West Side Mash Champion Cup - Tournament kicks off Feb. 16 at Uitvlugt

Alvin Johnson By Sean Devers in Trinidad The confidence of the Guyana Malta Supreme team is high despite a few slight cases of illness in their camp ahead of today’s game against Jamaica in their final preliminary round of the Regional Super50 cricket competition at the Queens Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. According to Manager of the team Alvin Johnson, Vi c e - C a p t a i n S h i v Chanderpaul has recovered well from an abscess at the back of his right thigh. He batted with little discomfort in the nets yesterday and should play today. He however informed that leading run-scorer in the tournament Ramnaresh Sarwan and opener Assad Fudadin have contracted influenza and are being monitored ahead of today’s game. But Johnson feels since Guyana is already in the semis this was a great opportunity for those who have not yet played to get their chance today. “The Coach, Captain and

Esaun Crandon

Ramnaresh Sarwan

chairman of selectors (Rayon Griffith) are the ones dealing with selection issues. So that’s my personal view. While it’s important that we win, I feel that since it’s not a must win game we could give the guys a little rest,” Johnson opined. Griffith said that every game is a big game and while it does not matter who Guyana plays in the semifinal, a win would be good for the players since as a team you need to cultivate the habit of winning. “If we want to win this tournament we will have to beat all the best teams at some point so we don’t have a preference at the moment.” “We want to win the zone but we will make a decision in the morning (today) if S arw an p lays o r not. Fudadin’s condition is not as serious. Apart from that, the team spirit is high and we are satisfied with the way things are going so far,” Griffith, a former First-Class fast bowler, explained. Griffith said the team has taken note of the slow strike rate of the top order and

revealed that the topic of scoring a bit faster has been discussed in the Guyana camp. “We have discussed the number of dot balls that we have faced and should see a difference in the other games. I think (Chris) Barnwell and (Leon) Johnson played really well in the last few overs to ensure we got challenging scores,” Griffith disclosed. The Guyanese had their last practice yesterday at the outdoor nets at the ‘Oval’ and Skipper Barnwell said his side was taking it step by step. “We’re just focusing on our goal and the process. We would love to be in the final. We’re in the semi-finals so I think it is just a matter of taking the next game that we’ve got in stride and trying to continue with this momentum. We don’t want to be looking too far ahead of ourselves,” the 27-year-old Barnwell said. Today’s Day/Night game is scheduled to commence at 14:00hrs.

Stag Beer brand Manager John Maikoo hands over the winner’s trophy to Slingerz FC General Manager Collin ‘BL’ Aaron, while team captain Vurlon Mills, (first from left), WDFA Vice-President Christine Smidth and Slingerz FC PRO Rawle Toney looks on. (Sonnel Nelson photograph). The first installation marked the birth of one of Guyana’s premier football club – Slingerz FC – and one year later, Ansa McAl is teaming up with the West Demerara based club to host the second Stag Beer Mashramani Champion Cup tournament which kicks off at the Uitvlugt Community

Centre Ground on February 16. Seven other clubs will be looking to wrestle the title away Slingerz FC, who had defeated Den Amstel 3 – 0 to win last year’s competition. Just like 2013, the winner will pocket $500,000, second $300,000, third $200,000 and fourth place

$100,000. “Last year’s tournament was a huge success for the brand,” said Stag Beer brand Manager John Maikoo, who was speaking at the event’s launch which took place at h i s c o m p a n y ’ s Beterverwagting Office (Continued on page 35)

10 teams battle for GT Beer, Citizens Bank Golf honours Ten teams are lined up to compete in the Citizen’s Bank Players Cup/GT Beer Golf championship tomorrow at the Lusignan Golf Club. Each team will comprise of four players and the winning team will be determined by the lowest total net score and there will be attractive prizes for the top three teams. The teams are P a s t u r e Wa r r i o r s , Thoroughbred, Gt Beer, Team Carib, Warlords, Pitbulls, Putting Pirates, Jaguars, Conquerors and Beacons Blasters. Pasture Warriors will feature Haresh Tewari, Avinash Persaud, Ravi Persaud and David Harry, Thoroughbreds are Chatterpaul Deo, Joaan Deo, Vi j a y D e o a n d E s a u Shamshudeen, and Warlords team will comprise Fazil Haniff, Munaff Arjune, Kishan Bacchus and Kalyan

Tiwari. Pitbulls will be spearheaded by Mike Mangal and will feature Alfred Mentore, Maurice Solomon and B. Deo, while Jaguars will feature Jerome Khan, Imran Khan, Matti Wesselin and Jacks Harry. The Putting Pirates are Brian Hackett, William Walker, Patrick Prashad and Ian Gouveia. GT Beer team will be Clifford Reis, Gavin Todd, Mark Lashley and Christine Sukhram, Team Carib will feature Troy Cadogan, Ronald Bulkan, George Bulkan and Kassim Khan. Conquerors’ players are Pur Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar, Allim Hussein and S. Deosarran, while Beacon Blasters will feature Dr. Philbert London, Shanella Webster, Carlos Adams and Mohanlall Dinnanauth. Apart from the team prize, the individual player with the best

net score will win the prestigious Citizens Bank Player’s Cup. The present holder is Patrick Prashad who won the title in 2012. Previous winners are Dinnanauth and Andre Cummings. There will also be a prize for the best gross. The players will compete in three flights – 0-9 handicap, 10-18 and 19-28. Being the first major tournament for 2014, players are anxiously looking forward to the return to competitive golf following the recent inclement weather. Club Captain Chatterpaul Deo said the greens and fairways are in excellent condition despite recent rainfall. Tee off is at 09:00 hours and officials of Citizens Bank and Banks DIH will be on hand to present the prizes to the outstanding players at the end of the tournament.

Saturday February 08, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Stag Beer/EBFA Division One Trophy Stall on board for League pushed back by one week inaugural GSCL Inc. Republic Cup

The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) has announced that the 2014 Stag Beer sponsored division-one, which was set to kick off tomorrow at the Grove Playfield, will now start next Sunday, February 16, at the same venue. The EBFA has said that the inclement weather was

responsible for the change of date since the ground would not be in top shape for the start of the new season. Kuru Kururu Warriors and Diamond United will set the tone for what is anticipated to be an exciting season for teams on the East Bank at all levels. That game will kick off at 13:00hrs. The feature game brings together Mocha Champs and home team, Grove Hi Tech. The other teams that will be competing for the top prize of $300,000 are Soesdyke Falcons, Timehri Panthers and Herstelling Football Club. The second place team

will pocket $150,000, third place $100,000 while the fourth place team will take home $50,000 dollars. A number of individual prizes including the Golden Boot for the player to score the most goals; Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper; Golden Ball for the player to score the most goals; Fair Play trophy and the Best Coach. Meanwhile, the EBFA will also hold their Annual General Meeting next Sunday at the Grove Community Centre from 11:00hrs. Topping the agenda will be the election of office bearers.

Irish trash pointless W/Wards for first win By Sean Devers in Trinidad In Association with Digicel, Carib Beer, Giftland Office Max, Payless Variety Store & Leisure Inn & Car Rentals The Windward Islands were defeated by Ireland by 64 runs in a bottom of the table match yesterday at the Queens Park Oval in the NAGICO Super50 Regional cricket contest as the Irish finally got off the mark in their final match of the eight team tournament. Windwards collapsed to 115 all out off 35 overs replying to the 179 all out in 48.3 made by the Irish as they finished pointless in the tournament playing in Zone ‘A’. Jamaica and Guyana have already qualified as zone ‘A’ semi-finalists. Niall O’Brian top scored with 44, but only Stuart Thompson, who made 32, of the other batsmen passed 15 in another disappointing display before Ireland head to Jamaica to take on the West Indies in two t20s and an ODI later this month. But if the Irish batting was poor, the display by the Windwards was atrocious as they narrowly avoided being bowled out for what would have been only the fourth double figure total at this l e v e l . O n l y Ty r o n e Theophile (27) passed 20 with Left-arm spinner George Dockrell bagging 314. Thompson and Max Sorensen (17) offered some hope with a fighting 38-run seventh wicket stand before they were dismissed in quick succession and the Irish,

already assured of a place in next year’s World Cup, never recovered. Left-arm pacer Delorn Johnson had an impressive 9.3 over spell, finishing with 3-25 for the dethroned defending Champions. The Windwards, with three titles at this level to their name after claiming their first in 1989 when they beat Guyana in Grenada, were off to a poor start with Johnson Charles (1) pulling Thompson to short midwicket at 2-1 as Thompson and especially 23-year-old debutant Craig Young bowled with some pace. Tyrone Theophile and Andre Fletcher, who has played 15 ODIs for the West Indies, put together 32 for the second wicket with Fletcher dominating the stand on the extremely quick outfield. Watched by a spattering of spectators who were admitted free of charge, Fletcher (19) hit the first six of the innings in the eighth over but he soon gave his wicket away in the same over to Dockrell to leave his team on 32-2. Dockrell struck again when he

trapped Theophile LBW for 27 as the Windwards slipped to 54-3. Romel Currency was struck painfully on his ‘box’ by Sorensen and was floored but got back to his feet and resumed the battle. It was soon 57-4 when Keddy Lesporis, who became the first non Trinidadian to score a ton on this ground against Jamaica, went for a duck and the Islanders were making a meal of the small total. At 86-5 Dalton Poulis (17) pushed forward to a ball which bounced and turned from Dockrell and was taken at short leg as the Irish attacked. Currency (12) again found himself flat on the ground but this time, diving full length to avoid being run out after he and Liam Sebastien (both with Masters degrees to their name) failed to judge the single, resulting in Currency being run out at 89-6. When Craig Emmanuel (6) was bowled by off-spinner Sterling, it was all over for the Windwards. The Windward Islands now reassemble to prepare for the four-day competition.

Trophy Stall has thrown their support behind the i n a u g u r a l G e o rg e t o w n Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) Republic Cup which is slated to start on February 14. Proprietor of the entity Ramesh Sunich recently handed over two trophies which will be given to the winning and runner up teams in the open category, to GSCL trustee Mahendra Hardyal. Sunich said that they are pleased to be associated with the tournament and wished the teams well. Hardyal thanked Sunich for his support adding that both categories are expected to be keenly contested since some of the top teams from across Guyana have already registered. The launching and draw will occur on Tuesday 11th February at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation Sports Club on Woolford Avenue, from 1700hrs. The winning team in the Open category will pocket G$1M, a trophy and medals, with the runners-up collecting $200,000, a trophy and medallions and in the Over-40 category, the winners will receive $600,000, a trophy and medallions, while the second-placed team will take home $200,000 a trophy and

Proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich (right) presents the trophies to Mahendra Hardyal. medals. Man-of-the-Series for both categories will receive a three-piece living room suite or cash equivalent and the Man-of-the-Match of the final $10,000 and a trophy. Preliminary matches are expected to be played at Everest Cricket Club, Police

Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, and the Ministry of Education ground, with the semifinals and final being contested at Everest Cricket Club. The Open final is expected to be played under lights, with live radio commentary.

GOA to host Annual Sports Administrators Course W i t h G u y a n a registering its first serious performance enhancing drug offence compliments of powerlifter Gumendra Shewdas, the task now is to get every stakeholder involved in sports acquainted with the implications for athletes, officials and the country at large. To this end, the Guyana Olympic Association will be holding its Annual Sports Administrators’ Course over the period February 13-16, 2014, at Olympic House, 76 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown. The Course is designed to improve the knowledge and competence of sports managers and leaders, and also caters for sports administrators from the outlying areas. Invitations have been extended to National

Sports Associations, The Guyana Teachers’ Union, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Prison and Fire Services and the National Sports Commission. A c c o r d i n g t o correspondence received from the GOA, some of the topics that will be discussed during the period are Value and Ethics in Sports; Performance Enhancing Drugs and its Prevalence in Sports; Challenges Facing Sports in Developing Countries; Volunteerism; Importance of Sports Nutrition; Marketing and Public Relations and its Importance to Sports Associations; Women in Sport; Drugs and Doping in Sports; Combining Education and Sports; Sport and the Law; Budget and Money Management; Conducting Meetings; Sports for All; Preparing a

Budget for a Sports Delegation; Governance of a Sports Organisation and HIV / AIDS and Protecting Youths in Sport. Among the panelists expected to facilitate the discussions are Garfield Wiltshire, Noel Adonis, Wa n d a R i c h m o n d , Mayfield Taylor-Trim; Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento, Tricia Fiedtkou, Hector Edwards, Attorney-at-Law Emily Dodson, Ms. Roxanne George Puisne Judge, Ivor O’Brien, Charles Corbin, Abigail Caleb, Claude Blackmore and Donald Sinclair, while Stabroek News’ Sports Editor Donald Duff and Kaieteur News’ Sports Reporter Rawle Welch will form part of a four-man panel that will o f f e r v i e w s o n ‘Performance Enhancing Drugs and its Prevalence in Sports’.

P. 33

Ronsford Beaton

Guyana Malta Supreme battle Jamaica today for top spot in Zone ‘A’

Jerome Taylor

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Leon Johnson

John Campbell

Second Annual Milo Secondary Schools Football Tourney launched P. 34

Nestle Brand Manager (Milo)- Renita Sital hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca in the presence of officals yesterday.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210