Kaieteur News

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

REQUIEM OF A UNIVERSITY DEAR EDITOR, It is with great sadness that I write this open letter to inform the general public today about the death throes of the University of Guyana to which we all but more specifically the Support staff have contributed their blood, sweat and tears. It was expected that those reposed with authority would be sympathetic and work in our favour but alas this was just a figment of our imagination; the reality has proven to be worse than what we have imagined. In the dire times of the floods of 2005, the support staff of the University of Guyana were forced to clean up a definitely hazardous environment with minimum equipment and safety wear; forced by the University administration then to work with no word of compensation but only threats. However, when the time came for the discussion on compensation for a task not ever envisaged and an event unprecedented in the history of Guyana, the University administration then, and the University administration today vacillated over compensation to the support staff; it was six months after the event then, and this time around three years after the staff of the University returned to work from strike action. Same reaction; the situation is the same - ridiculous. In 1994 the staff of the University of Guyana was split, resulting in the birth of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association, which the University administration then recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for the University academic and senior non-academic staff; with the University of Guyana Workers Union emerging as the exclusive bargaining agent for the support staff. Due recognision must be given to the support staff and salutations for sticking with the University during those

times and even now when the demise of our beloved University is very imminent. In these times of neglect, frustration, marginalisation and downright contempt for the valuable time that the support staff have put in and the constant toiling with constrained financial resources; keeping the flag of the University of Guyana flying high is very commendable and it must be celebrated. Our wages and salaries negotiations have been controlled with the collusion of the University administration and the University of Guyana Council over the years with greater interference today resulting in the non-recognition of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association, which sadly has continued and contributed further to the deterioration of the morale of the support staff. The deterioration of the physical surroundings is alarming as the constrained financial resources cannot upkeep and maintain the physical wellbeing of the support staff. There is no regard for the support staff welfare with the gains of yesterday eroded under the current administration and yet the demands for excellence are enforced. The support staff – all of them are the first ones to enter the University environment every working day to prepare the work environment for the remainder of staff who rely on them to man the ship – the sinking ship which they continue to shore up; invariably, the support staff are the last to leave after the hordes of students have left. In the normal scheme of things, the support staff are regarded as the distant cousin in the University family and least respected. Most of all, the ones who are policed the most and the least paid. The support staff have been let down by the

university administration and the University Council time and time again by empty promises, and they are fed up and thoroughly disgusted. Clearly, the interest is not in us but only to save the University from falling apart. The events over the last few days have clearly demonstrated that the University administration lacks the caliber of persons to govern it effectively. The fact that no fight was shown by the University administration in advancing the cause of the support staff at the level of the University Council spoke volumes; this has left the support staff with a feeling of despair and general disgust. It was a shameful sight to see vacillation at its best; representatives of the University’s administration are reluctant to show militancy and stand in solidarity with the support staff; this reluctance has effectively made the efforts of the Unions that represent the interests of the support staff difficult to sustain. The last rites were said over a decayed University administration which over the years presided over the gradual decline and demise of the University and allowed themselves to be pressured and cowed by the University Council. This lack of resistance persisted and the University Council continued to rule and ride roughshod over the affairs of the University. Yes, the fight is ours; we cannot give up; they can cut our pay but they cannot daunt our spirits as we will stick resolutely to our demands for justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. One for all and all for one! Bruce Haynes Chairman UGWU

Pythagorean Logic for a Coalition

DEAR EDITOR, In preempting a coalition between APNU and AFC, many pundits are engaged in what seems to be casting lots for the Savior’s garment. But literally speaking, casting lots for the Presidency is in the Constitution, as it states, the Chairman of the Election Commission, “shall by lot choose the President” (in the event of tied votes). So, since casting lots for the Presidency is enshrined in the worthy document, one might be tempted to propose the same thing in the current impasse between Granger and Nagamootoo. But this, under the present Constitution, is like playing Russian roulette. It presupposes that there is no other workable formula or solution, no available precedence, and no existing guidelines under which such

an important decision can be made. Hence, the easy way out of this impasse might be to throw up our hands and say, forget the coalition; let’s go slug it out in a triangular battle. But this triangle is not equilateral; it is more rightangled, its hypotenuse being shorter than the sum of the other two sides. Therefore, using Pythagorean logic, a coalition is the better option. A coalition is imperative, and, in the apparent absence of any guidelines, why not simply fall back on whatever empirical, mathematical or statistical evidence that currently exists – that of the last election results? Is our voting population that dense that they will not comprehend this logic? Especially when it is reinforced by the assurance

that there will be rotational presidency and constitutional reform? Those who cannot comprehend are the ones who subjectively choose not to, and hence it is futile to try to persuade them as current pundits are doing. Isn’t it a reasonable and rational way of thinking, and isn’t more concomitant with the present constitution under which elections must be held, that the presidential candidate (let us add, in a coalition) is the one who commands the greater or greatest support (among members of the coalition)? I think we should rise above the subterfuge, political expediency, confusing rhetoric and ethnic baiting and come down simple to the people. If Barack Obama could do it with the US population, so can we. Gokarran Sukhdeo

I would like to expand Martin Luther King’s dream into Guyanese reality DEAR EDITOR, I make a pledge to my fellow Guyanese that I will be Fighting for Equal Rights and Justice for all, and for the creation of real DEMOCRACY in our nation where everyone, regardless of the umbrella coverings of ethnicity, religion, class or sexual orientation, can be assured that they will be treated with the respect and dignity they are entitled to as citizens of Guyana. Martin Luther King Jr. had

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.

a dream of a united nation where people of all races could sit down together at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood. I would like to expand that dream into Guyanese reality where we do not simply sit down together at the table, but where we share equally of the fare laid out thereupon. This is the representation that the ‘Independent Party’ and I will be taking to Parliament when elected on May 11, 2015. Take into

consideration that I already have a proven track record of being willing to stand up and be counted when the well being of my fellow citizens is at stake. Not many can make such declaration with a straight face. So, please give the ‘Independent Party’ that chance to be your voice in Parliament, and we will ensure that all citizens are treated equally. Mark A. Benschop Independent Party

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Kaieteur News

Elderly Corentyne driver dies in truck smash-up A 65 year old man, Mohid Wahab, a resident of No. 72 Village, Corentyne is the latest road fatality in Berbice. Wahab was killed around 08:10 hrs Saturday when the truck he was driving slammed into the back of a parked lorry on the No. 56 Public Road, Corentyne. According to information, Wahab is a greens vendor who would purchase a lot of produce and take them to the Port Mourant market in his lorry to sell. KNews understands that Wahab and his assistant Turaj Hemchand, 17, of No.76

Village were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Wahab allegedly began to pack pumpkins on his truck around 20:00 hrs on Friday and left his No. 72 Village home along with Hemchand around 21:30 hours and proceeded to Port Mourant and spent the entire evening selling his produce. The following morning, Wahab was heading home when he apparently fell asleep and slammed into the back of another lorry GMM 3455, belonging to Jagdesh Dewant of No. 56 Village which was parked on the

opposite side of the road. As a result of the accident, Wahab was pinned in the vehicle and residents took a while to free him. He and Hemchand were subsequently rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where Wahab was pronounced dead on arrival. At the moment, the road fatality figure for Berbice stands at three in comparison to four for the corresponding period last year. One of this year’s fatal accidents involved a 15 year old who was driving a vehicle around 03:00 hrs in the morning.

Link Show returns February 20 Marking 31 years of entertaining Guyana’s audiences, Link Show 31 will commence on February 20 at the National Cultural Centre. The Link Show made its debut showcase to the Guyanese people in November 1981, moving to the February time slot in 1985. The show has since been a national tradition, synonymous with the Mashramani season, which is in keeping with Link Show’s dramatic satire. Over the years, it has attracted large audiences being the country’s longest running and most popular

stage production. It has also done several overseas tours to the heavy presence of the Guyanese diaspora. As elections approach, the public can expect what is touted as “an election link” with a lot of predictions on the outcome. Patrons can expect to see performances from notable Guyanese actors like Henry Rodney, Rajan Tiwari, Mark Luke-Edwards, Randolph Critchlow, Mark Kazim, Paul Budnah, Sean Budnah, Michael Ignatius and Simone Dowding among others. This year’s production is directed by Ron Robinson

and produced by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento and is presented by The Theatre Company and GEMS Theatre Productions. The yearly satirical production will be held on February 20, 21, 27, 28 and March 1. Repeated shows are not guaranteed, so interested patrons are advised by organsiers to get their tickets and secure their seats as soon as possible. The public will be able to purchase tickets at The National Cultural Centre, Nigels Supermarket, Giftland Officemax and Ashmins Trading at a price of $2500, $2000 and $1500.

Monday February 09, 2015

Jagdeo destroyed Guyana so much that he refuses to work here - Harmon By Abena Rockcliffe Former President Bharrat Jagdeo used his presidency to enrich himself so much that he does not have to work another day in his life. Also, he is very much aware of the fact that he has destroyed the social, economic and moral fabric of Guyana and it will take hard work to bring Guyana back to a state citizens can be proud of. Those were the words of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, as he commented on Jagdeo’s statements to the effect that he is not interested in any elected position in Guyana. In an invited comment, Harmon said that everything Jagdeo says must be taken with a proverbial pinch of salt as the former president always has “something else coming.” Harmon pointed out that Jagdeo chose to say he is not interested in any “elected office” which gives him room to return as a technocrat. This aside, Harmon stressed that Jagdeo does not have to work another day in his life whether in Guyana or any part of the world. Harmon said that the post-Cheddi Jagan People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government developed calculated strategies to ensure that those who are in Office become and remain richer than the majority of the Guyanese society. “During Jagdeo’s time, he and his cabal accumulated vast wealth on the back of the Guyanese people.” “We now have the wealthy Guyana, populated with the people who can afford the works. They can afford to send their children to the best schools and give them the best of everything else including gifts and

- he is comfortable being the backseat driver with no responsibilities

APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

vacation. Then there is the Guyana which is populated by the majority who cannot afford any of these things.” “They feed off the energy of the ordinary people. All the people who were in office during the Jagdeo time of rule, accumulated wealth for them, their children and their children’s children,” said Harmon. Another point Harmon made is that Jagdeo does not need to be seated officially in the President’s chair to make presidential or prime ministerial decisions. The APNU General Secretary said, “He (Jagdeo) has always been a backseat driver during the Ramotar administration. He will be more comfortable with that because, in that way, he has no obligations. No one can really hold him accountable anymore because he is not officially responsible. He is living a free life but still running the government.” Harmon told Kaieteur News that APNU finds the doings of Jagdeo “obnoxious. “He can still advise but should not be ruling. He had his time and should now give someone the opportunity to flourish, but he loves power so he cannot give up.” Harmon said that Guyana now needs a government to “stop this, as this sort of behavior is robbing the younger generation of resources needed to create a better life for them.” Last week, Jagdeo was reported in sections of the media saying that he is not interested in taking up any local job anytime soon.

He said this as he sought to dispel rumors that he was trying to return as president. These speculations came after a court case was filed to remove the two term limit. Jagdeo ended his two consecutive terms in office in 2011, handing the reins of a minority Government to President Donald Ramotar, following General and Regional Elections. Since then, there were attempts to explore the possibilities of him returning. His supporters used flyers and even billboards. Jagdeo had denied he was interested. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, made it clear at his last post cabinet briefing that Jagdeo remains committed to not pursuing any further appointment to elected constitutional office or posts in Guyana. According to Luncheon, Jagdeo’s position is in direct response to the deliberate attempts to create uncertainty at this particular point in time by the filing of the constitutional motion that essentially seeks to void the constitutional amendment that limits the term of office of Guyanese Presidents. Jagdeo, in a statement read by Dr. Luncheon, disclosed “his disinterest in the matter, and his firm resolution not to entertain further constitutional posts”. The chief government spokesman said that for the former President, it is a matter of principle, which is consistent with his earlier declarations to “all and sundry concerning this matter”.

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Iran’s Khamenei says could accept fair nuclear compromise (Reuters) - Iran’s supreme leader said yesterday he could accept a compromise in nuclear talks and gave his strongest defense yet of President Hassan Rouhani’s decision to negotiate with the West, a policy opposed by powerful hardliners at home. As his foreign minister met counterparties in the talks at a conference in M u n i c h , Ay a t o l l a h A l i Khamenei said he “firmly” backed a fair nuclear deal. “I would go along with any agreement that could be made. Of course, if it is not a bad deal. No agreement is better than an agreement which runs contrary to our nation’s interests,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Iranian air force personnel, according to official news agencies. In a speech that still underlined his suspicions about Western nations that he characterized as “bullies”, Khamenei backed Rouhani’s negotiations with them and said any workable deal would mean bo t h s i d e s e a s i n g their demands. “As the president said, negotiations mean reaching a common point. Therefore, the other party

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ... should not expect its illogical expectations to be materialized. This means that one side would not end up getting all it wants.” “I am for reaching a good settlement and the Iranian nation too will certainly not oppose any deal to uphold its dignity and integrity,” Khamenei said, an apparent warning to hardliners that they might have to accept a deal with powers including the United States, commonly known in Iran as “the

Great Satan”. Negotiators have set a June 30 final deadline for an accord, and Western officials have said they aim to agree on the substance of such a deal by March. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will address the U.S. Congress on Iran on March 3 — to the annoyance of the Obama administration — said: “We will do everything and will take any action to foil this bad and dangerous agreement.” “World powers and Iran are charging ahead to an agreement that would allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear w e a p o n r y, something that would imperil the existence of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu told his weekly cabinet meeting. The nuclear talks with the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and France are aimed at clinching an accord that w o u l d e a s e We s t e r n concerns that Tehran could pursue a convert nuclear weapons program, in return for the lifting of sanctions that have ravaged the Iranian economy.

Nigerian opposition candidate urges calm after election postponement (Reuters) - Nigerian opposition presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari called for calm in the country and cautioned against any violence following the election postponement, which he said was engineered by the ruling People’s Democratic Party. Foreign powers are closely following events in Africa’s biggest economy and have voiced concerns there could be a repetition of violence that followed 2011 elections when 800 people died and that a delay would stoke unrest in opposition strongholds. The poll will pit incumbent Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP against former military ruler Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what is likely to be the most hotly contested election since the end of military rule in 1999. “Any act of violence can only complicate the security challenges in the country and provide further justification to those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate the democratic process,” Buhari said. The decision to postpone was widely viewed as the Independent Electoral National Commission (INEC)

Muhammadu Buhari yielding to pressure by the PDP, which the opposition said feared it could lose. Nigeria’s electoral commission said it postponed the Feb. 14 elections to March 28, after security chiefs told INEC that it could not guarantee security owing to operations to combat the Sunni jihadist group Boko Haram. “It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure,” Buhari said. “What they (security

forces) cannot do in 6 years, they cannot do in 6 weeks.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington was deeply disappointed by the postponement and criticized “political interference” in the election process. Britain also voiced concern. The insurgents have taken over swathes of territory in the northeast an attempt to establish an Islamic state. Nigeria’s army has been lagging in the fight, with Chad now sending in troops to assist while Cameroon has been pushing back incursions into its territory. Buhari said the presidential and state level elections on March 28 and April 11 must now be sacrosanct and that the party would not tolerate any further interference in the vote. Yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan said he was committed to May 29 as the terminal date of his first term in office and also called for calm. “President Jonathan believes that this is not a time to trade blames or make statements that may overheat the polity,” Reuben Abati, presidency spokesman, said in a statement.

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 09, 2015

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Time to close the University of Guyana The University of Guyana is not a case study about the dangers of politicization of academic institutions. It is rather an example of two different problem sets: firstly of political neglect; and secondly of the need for institutional revamping rather than the problems of reforming institutions in postauthoritarian societies. It is not the politicization of the University of Guyana that has led to its present problems. Rather it is the failure of the PPP to recognize two important truisms: firstly that certain institutions cannot in the post authoritarian era be simply reformed. They have to be completely dismantled

and rebuilt. Secondly, the present impasse at the University of Guyana is as a result of the PPP neglect by allowing the University to become a den of opposition activism. The government can put their lackeys on the Council. They can appoint distinguished and independent administrators at the University. They can ensure that professionals are in charge of the University. It does not matter. Power is on the ground at the University and it is the PNCR that controls the ground at the University of Guyana. The University of Guyana at one time had the most

independent of all trade unions in Guyana. They were fiercely militant and they were fiercely independent. They represented both the academic and the nonacademic staff. The PNC, however, in order to break a crippling strike at the University, split that union and created a union for academics and from that day onwards it is the PNCR that controls the ground at the University of Guyana because no one union can shut the University down. When the PPP came to power in 1992 it neglected its duty to depoliticize the University of Guyana. In fact, it seemed comfortable in allowing the University to

Dem boys seh...

Poor people still getting rob Sometimes things don’t always go right because wha right fuh one might not be right fuh de other. Dem boys seh that when de government decide fuh expand de Cheddi Jagan International Airport it didn’t have money but up comes a Chinee man waving money and dem tek. Well a woman deh in court fuh passing a counterfeit $5,000 bill. She tell de magistrate that she didn’t have money but up comes a Chinee man waving money and she tek. Now she get charge. She spend de money in de wrong place. Is de same thing when de government come waving money hollering “We care”. Nuff people tek but dem should charge dem same people because de money was to buy things fuh de school children but most of dem people buy food. De

only thing is that nobody didn’t get charge when dem go in de shop fuh buy de food. De same thing happening wid light bill and water bill. Dem boys seh that dem government minister don’t pay no bill but when poor people don’t pay dem does get cut off and then dem does get charge. Things never fair when people poor. But as dem boys seh, is de government set up things like that. De aim is to fill up de jail suh that when de time come dem wouldn’t have room fuh de big ones. Is de same thing wid de taxes but that is another story. Wha dem boys really thinking about is de Marriott. After de government put in de first US$20 million, Brassington seh that dem waiting fuh money from Republic Bank and from de foreign investors. Now all of a sudden de

hotel done and de money still ain’t come from de foreign investors or from de special investor. Whey de money come from? Is not that dem boys ain’t know but when dem talk people does seh that dem lie and dem wicked. De money come from dem big ones who get help from dem boss when he was president. Dem tek so much that dem got to find things to do wid it suh dem build a hotel. De profit is dem own and dem ain’t got to pay back. Dem do de same thing wid de Berbice Bridge. Dem tek money from de NIS and when is time to share dividend dem refuse to give NIS any. That is how people does thief and all de poor people can do is to sit and dem can’t seh nutten. Talk half and watch how advantage can’t done pun poor people.

become a major foothold of the PNC so much so that the PNCR has achieved an unprecedented stranglehold on the university and the government is now unable to do anything about that. The attitude of the PPP to the University was almost as if they were saying that the university was not a priority and that it was okay for it to become a bastion of opposition control and support. And this is exactly what happened. The present state of the University of Guyana is a result of political neglect on the part of the PPP. The PPP is now reaping the rewards of its neglect. It is also learning an important lesson in terms of reform or rather the lack of reform of institutions in post authoritarian societies. Certain institutions simply cannot be reformed. They have to be revamped. The PPP did not understand this and therefore found themselves in a mess in terms of both the Guyana Police Force and the University of Guyana. The reform process within the Guyana Police Force will fail because you

cannot reform such a deformed organization. Worse yet, that reform cannot be achieved from without because there will be stern resistance, as there no doubt is, from within. When the PPP came to power in 1992, it should have begun the process of creating a brand new police force and should have begun to dismantle the existing structures of the authoritarian police that it inherited from the PNC. It should have recognized the problems faced in other countries transitioning to democratic rule. A change of government from an authoritarian to a democratic one was a necessary but not a sufficient condition for professionalizing the Guyana Police Force. The Guyana Police Force could not have been reformed. It needed to be deconstructed. It is the same with the University of Guyana. Reform is not going to come with new policies, new councils, new administration or an injection of significant resources. What is needed is a new university, one that

is free of the vice of the PNC. The present industrial problem at the University of Guyana may be a blessing in disguise. It presents the government with the opportunity to close down the University of Guyana and to recreate a new institution, one that is university of schools. These schools should be self-governing, offer courses based on local demand and be full cost recovery. In this way, the New University of Guyana would be created into a commercially viable institution, free from dependence on government and with no need for its campuses to be turned into the political battlefields that they are today. To bring about this objective, it is necessary to recreate a new university, not reform it. And for this to happen the present University of Guyana should be shut down for two years so that a new creature can be created.

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Cevons Waste Management refuses to take blame for poor waste management The head of Cevons Waste Management is not prepared to take any blame or verbal attack from City Hall as it relates to waste management within the city. The business’s Chief Executive Officer Morse Archer in a public statement yesterday expressed concern over remarks made by Town Clerk (ag) Carol Sooba, which purport to shed a negative light on the service provided by the waste management company. City Hall is currently facing a dilemma where there is no garbage collector for Central and South Georgetown (Groups Seven and Eight respectively). The previous garbage collector, Puran Brothers Disposal Service recently pulled its services for nonpayment. Puran Brothers was initially approved by Sooba to service Groups Seven and Eight (Central and South GT respectively). However, the Mayor and Councillors were not supportive since they had asked for the areas to be advertised. Due to Puran’s recent pull out, Sooba was asked during a press conference last week whether she would consider hiring Cevons to aid in waste management. She answered that Cevons was unreliable and listed other issues why the company was not chosen. Cevons said that the attempt by Sooba to desecrate the integrity of the company in addressing the garbage build up in Central, South Georgetown because Puran Brothers withdrew services is a disservice to businesses, residents and visitors of Georgetown. The CEO did not take kindly to Sooba’s statement about Cevons being unreliable, with leaking trucks that carry a foul smell. He said, to resort to such an explanation as justification for denying the company the opportunity to serve the people of Georgetown, deserves attention. The CEO reassured residents and businesses of Georgetown that all Cevons Waste Management equipment, including trucks are in good working order. “Our trucks are cleaned daily and our employees are ready and able to play their role in ensuring the sanitation of the environment and the health of the people.” “At no time has the Georgetown Mayor & City Council (M&CC) drawn to our attention any compliant about poor service, as the Town Clerk

(ag) now alleges.” Archer continued that Cevons Waste Management and Puran Brothers submitted quotations for garbage collection in the two affected areas in Central and South Georgetown. This was after the Council’s trucks that serviced the areas broke down and external parties had to be hired. “In one area (which includes West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, North East La Pennitence, Jeeboo Lands, West La Pennitence and Castello Housing Scheme), Puran’s bid was lower than CWM’s and in the other (which include North Cumminsburg, South Cummigsburg, Alberttown, Kingston) Cevons Waste Management was lower than Puran’s.” Archer said that the To w n Clerk (ag) nonetheless awarded both areas to Puran Brothers, on the claim that she preferred to have one contractor, “despite the obvious financial savings”. In the quotation process, it is an established policy for favourable consideration to be given to the lower bidder. This policy was not respected for Cevons Waste Management, Archer highlighted. He said that the environmental wellbeing and public health of residents are too important to be ensnared in another unpleasantness and “Cevons therefore views with concern the energies public officials enlist for unbecoming service.” The CEO reiterated, “what the M&CC and Town Clerk (ag) know, is that this organisation has the competitive advantage in garbage management/ removal in this country.” Further, the CEO charged, it must be noted that M&CC has been renting skip/bins Cevons Waste Management has the most skips/bins, each with higher payload, holding over 25 percent more waste than its competitor. On several occasions Cevons Waste Management offered to make its skips/bins available to the M&CC and these offers have all been rejected by the Town Clerk (ag), Archer claimed. He restated however, the company’s notable customer service reputation and a satisfied clientele that knows the company for getting the job done. In the meantime, Groups Seven and Eight remain without a garbage collector and Puran’s has warned City Hall that legal action will follow if they are not paid for their service.

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Monday February 09, 2015

Fully loaded fishing boat vanishes from wharf A D’Edward West Coast Berbice fisherman, Latchman Ramnarine, 63, is pleading for assistance to find his fishing boat and equipment, which were stolen from the Rosignol Fisherman Coop wharf two weekends ago. The 50 foot vessel, which was acquired less than a year ago was fully packed with all the necessary including a 300 pound seine, which cost over $3.5M, and was ready to sail when it was stolen. Ramnarine, who owns five fishing boats told Kaieteur News that he has been in the fishing business for over 15 years. He bemoans his losses and spoke of the lack of assistance he has been getting since his vessel disappeared “right under the eyes of the authorities.” The vessel, which is painted blue at the top and red at the bottom, was fitted with a 48 horse power engine. According to Ramnarine, after the boat came in, his five man crew took a few days off and decided that they would sail again last week Saturday. By Thursday, the boat was packed with everything and was left on the wharf to sail early Saturday morning. Ramnarine stated that he went to the wharf early last week Saturday morning to ready the boat for his men to sail. But he got the shock of his life when he discovered that his boat was not there.

He immediately called his workmen to inquire if they had moved the vessel, but got a negative response. They however have a suspect in mind. The man they suspect goes by the alias ‘Terry’, and ‘Lambada Monkey’. He lived at Rosignol and is also a fisherman and a part time captain. According to reports the man has disappeared with his wife and two children. Ramnarine stated that the suspect, who is originally from Albouystown in the city, has been living in Rosignol for over four years. Ramnarine said that the man even assisted them in packing his boat for sailing. The distraught fisherman who operates the business with his wife Anita, stated that the man told him that he is fed up with living in the area and that he is moving out. Ramnarine said that during Friday the man was observed carrying his clothing and few household belongings which he deposited on an old pontoon which is tied a short distance away from the Wharf in the Berbice River. Ramnarine suspects that during Friday evening, the man skillfully released his boat and sailed it to the pontoon, placed his family and belongings on the boat and drove away. The blue painting from his boat is still visible alongside

the pontoon’s side, giving credence to Ramnarine’s suspicions. Ramnarine said that at the moment he feels like giving up, but the fishing venture is his livelihood. He and his wife have been searching ever since and their toils over the few days have taken them to Suriname, Corentyne, Parika, Charity, East Coast and even Bartica. Ramnarine is pleading with the Government and the relevant ministries to assist him in finding his boat and belongings. “The Ministry Of Home Affairs or Agriculture aint offer any help and the Rosignol Fisherman Coop is totally unhelpful,” Ramnarine stated. “There is no security in place and the Coop is in a rundown state and a shadow of what it used to be.” He said that during a short space of time he has suffered a lot. During December the same boat was hijacked twice and his fish and fish glue were stolen. His workers were badly beaten and some of them have refused to go back out to sea. The boat was also badly damaged and his engine was lost. A reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the recovery of the boat. Ramnarine can be contacted on telephone number 644-5755.

Father of missing man lashes out at police As the saga continues to swirl surrounding the mysterious disappearance of a 28-year-old construction worker, his relatives are not satisfied with how the police are dealing with the matter. It’s as if the police don’t see the disappearance as a serious occurrence they said. James Nicholas Monroe Jr. of lot 108 Carmichael Street, Georgetown disappeared on December 06, last, after he was involved in an argument with family members. He has not been seen or heard from since. In an interview yesterday, the missing man’s father, James Nicholas Monroe said that he suspects that something happened to his son since he has never disappeared from home before. The older Monroe claimed that although he informed the police about the problem his son was having with his relatives, the police refuse to do anything to

Missing: James Nicholas Monroe Junior assist the situation. “The house we are living in is children property. It was passed down from our parents. My sister died and left her children in the house and they don’t want us there. To get to me, they does pick on my son and beat him,” Monroe explained. He added that when this happens, he would usually send his son for a walk on Carmichael Street to relax a little.

“He would take a walk and come home back a couple of minutes later but the last time they beat him, he disappeared. I don’t know what they did to him,” the father said. He explained that he made numerous police reports but failed to get any justice. He added too that he is convinced that a lot is not right and that a massive cover-up is taking place. “We don’t do these people anything. We have a room and we cook and do everything else in there. We don’t trouble anyone and the house belongs to all of us,” the older Monroe related. He added that, “I searched everywhere for my son and can’t find him. He has one sister here and he is not by her and there is nowhere else he would be. He never disappeared from home.” The father is pleading with the police to assist him in locating his son. “When my son and the (Continued on page 18)

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Shelling out the big bucks I saw a cartoon many years ago that was extremely funny especially as it put a completely different spin on the age-old question, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” In the drawing, a chicken and an egg are lying in bed. The chicken is stretched back smoking a cigarette with a very satisfied smile across his face. The egg is frowning and looking extremely frustrated. The egg says, “Guess we answered that question.” The question that remains unanswered and, in fact, will never ever be solved, even in as unsatisfactory a manner as the chicken and egg parable, is who is the ancient cave dweller who made the decision to eat an egg despite what part of the dinosaur it emerged from. To me, that unknown, unsung hero had to be either the most adventurous and bravest man alive or blind as an Icaronycterus. While I do eat eggs, I sometimes wonder why, and also give the shell an extra wash just to make sure that no trace of its origin or passage remains. I am extremely squeamish about bits of eggshell remaining in my fried eggs or omelet. I eat eggs at most once a

fortnight. This is because I like my eggs hard-fried with lots of black pepper and no salt, mainly because of my tendency to high-blood pressure. The problem is hard-fried egg with crispy whites is not a state arrived at by stinting on the oil. I acquired the taste when young – my mother would put my egg into a smoking frying pan and brown both sides, put it in my “hops” or “salt bread” and I took it to school for lunch. Sometimes it was embellished by fried ripe plantain, and at other times, either the plantain or the egg was elevated by the addition of salt-fish, also fried to a crisp. It is not something I would or can eat every day. Now, I eat my plantain grilled, my salt-fish without salt and my egg rarely, not rare. I look at my seventy-five year old friends eating egg fried in butter and bacon microwaved to a crisp and envy them. Especially when I ask for a well-toasted bagel with a tad of jelly spread thinly over the burnt offerings and crunch my way to absolute boredom. How totally ungrateful I am and yet how lucky for avoiding eggs. Here I am blaming my youth and my genes for not being able

to eat my hard-frieds and totally unaware that it is not just my health I am protecting but what passes for wealth. Given how soft-hearted I am already, if I ate eggs every day I would be totally bankrupt and not able to afford even one egg, especially at today’s prices where you have to shell out a lot of money for eggs that in my youth cost a penny a dozen. Now, psychologists from Leiden University in the Netherlands say that a compound found in eggs can increase generosity. In their study the compound tryptophan made volunteers donate more money. Tryptophan, which eggs are rich in, is an amino acid that is converted in the body into the feel-good chemical serotonin. The substance is also marketed as a food supplement called TRP. As the Daily Mail put it, “If you are looking for a loan, serving your bank manager breakfast might just do the trick.” In experiments the researchers found that consuming a small portion of tryptophan - the equivalent of that found in three eggs doubled the sum volunteers gave to charity. The authors carried out an experiment on 32 men and

women, in which half were given a powder containing 0.8 grams of TRP, and the others were given a harmless placebo powder. Each participant was given £7.50 ($11.25) for taking part in the research and asked whether they were willing to donate part of their financial reward to charity. Four boxes for Unicef, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and World Wildlife Fund were left on a table. When the psychologists counted the takings, they found that those given the TRP powder donated an average of 75p ($1.15), while those who received the placebo donated half as much. The scientists believe that Oxytocin, known as the “cuddle” or “feel good” hormone, might be responsible and point to the closeness of the areas of the

brain associated with serotonin and oxytocin. They wrote: ‘It may be likely that the willingness to donate money to a charity is modulated by the effect that serotonin exerts on oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is released in response to physical touch and is associated with maternal nurturing, social attachments, childbirth and sex. It is essential for healthy muscle maintenance and repair. The hormone is injected to induce labour and a new study claims it could one day be used to slow down muscle wasting in the elderly. Psychology Today says, “Oxytocin is a powerful hormone. When we hug or

kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels drive up. It also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in pair bonding. Prairie voles, one of nature’s most monogamous species, produce oxytocin in spades. This hormone is also greatly stimulated during sex, birth, breast feeding—the list goes on.” The research also helps to prove we are what we eat and with lots of oxytocin in their system, egg eaters will take generous helpings of almost anything that is in front of them. *Tony Deyal was last seen saying if any egg causes him to give away his money he will beat the heck out of it.

Buxton Pride steals the show at Republic Bank Pan-o-rama

Govt. of Guyana provided financial support to Iwokrama over past three years Contrary to misrepresentation, the Government of Guyana has approved a third loan to the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development as part of continued financial support to the Centre over the years. The most recent being a loan of US$100,000.00 from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. This is a result of the Government’s commitment to the work being undertaken and pursued by Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, which is a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest. The Centre was established in 1995 with the aim of providing a dedicated site to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest – where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing. Its mandate to “promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and

social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general” is aligned with the Low Carbon and Green Economy pathway that the Government has embarked on and remains committed to. Iwokrama continues to be a vital research Centre and focal point for Climate Change, Sustainable Forestry and EcoTourism. The recent approval by the Government for the transfer of the sum of US$100,000.00 from the GGMC to Iwokrama, is as a result of the Centre’s inability to raise finances on the international arena and the unforeseen hurdles encountered with partnerships such as the Iwokrama/Tigerwood Guyana Inc. partnership. This partnership was expected to provide much needed revenue from the sustainable harvesting of forests and be a model for sustainable forestry development. In light of the ongoing work of Iwokrama and the need to maintain and promote the respective activities in both the Sustainable Use Area (SUA) and the Wilderness Preserve (WP), the Government has again committed funds to ensuring that the critical work continues and progresses. The financial injection of

US$100,000.00 represents Government’s continued support to Iwokrama, which it has demonstrated over the years by approving the financial support of US$450,000.00 by GGMC in 2013 and US$600,000.00 by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The financial support by GGMC to Iwokrama is similar to other such support provided over the last three years by the Commission to entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Protected Areas Trust Fund (NPATF), and the Ministry of Public Works, which would have been recipients of such financial assistance. Notwithstanding the support provided by the Government through its agencies, it is expected that the importance and relevance of Iwokrama would not be lost on the international community and as such financial support can be committed to the Centre given that the benefits to be derived from forest services are not limited to Guyana. In addition, the need for the Centre to be financially sustainable and to have projects undertaken in this regard is of paramount importance. (GINA)

The Pan Wave Steel Orchestra doing their thing The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was the place of rhythm, harmonies and cheers, yesterday, as the Mashramani Pan-o-rama Steel Band competition completed its final day of activities. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport in collaboration with Republic Bank Guyana, with the latter investing up to $2.8M. The final stretch of the contest saw a total of 13 bands competing in three categories: the Small School Bands, Large School Bands

and Large Bands. Emerging as victors in the Small School Band category was Dolphin Secondary, with Lodge Secondary placing second and West Demerara’s rendition of “On Mash Day” coming third. In the Large School Band category, Buxton Pride, a clear audience favourite, was awarded first place. The judges then awarded North Ruimveldt Secondary second position while Bishop’s High School placed third. After much deliberation the results of the Large Band

category was met with a controversial reaction from the audience as the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Steel Orchestra copped first place. The category was rounded out with a tie for second place between the Parkside Steel Orchestra and the Guyana Defence Force steel band. Pan-o-rama was part of Mashramani 2015 festivities, with this year’s theme for the Republic Day celebration being “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

VACANCY

WANTED

Admin Assistant, within the vicinity of E.B.D & W.B.D. Must be well spoken & have 5 CXC subjects including: Maths & English. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com

Young attractive & experienced counter girl for restaurant – Call:223-7385 or e m a i l : cuetip_22@yahoo.com

Exist for one experienced driver apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd, 38 Ketley & Sussex Street Charlestown – Tel:225-7864; 227-8607 Vacancy for drivers/ salesman for office clerk/ porter @ Vegetarian Gardens – Contact: 227-7714 One Skillful joiner to work in workshop – Contact: 2191342 or 610-7005 Factory staff, GTI / GITC Male/ Female graduates preferred. Canter drivers, marketing assistant, Drivers Licence required. Tel. 676 -6700 Exist for one live in fitter machinist with experienced in resurfacing head, reboring engine block & welding - Call: 603-4637 Plant shop sales clerk: literate, hardworking, team player 18-28yrs, work and sales experienced, Georgetown - Call: 648-1821 Landscape Maintenance Vacancy, hardworking, pleasant, team player 17-28yrs - Call: 648-1821/621-2453 One watchman to work @ Coverden, E.B.D, apply to Alabama Trading with recent testimonial & picture. Experienced counter Staff, Kitchen assistants, pastry makers & cooks, apply with written application @ Bettencourt’s Dinner: 22ZZ Durban Street. 1- Live in maid; must be from country area & know to cook Indian dishes – Tel:662-1124; 611-0200

Bus Driver for route 40, must be over 40yrs old- Call: 6932237 Experienced sale girls Call: 264-3355,668-3985, 683-7936 Live in home aid/domestic, needed in Republic Park $13,000 weekly, must be over 45yrs old – Call: 675-0767; 667-2535 1 Live in maid to work in Georgetown - Tel:691-6260 1 Cook to work in the interior Tel: 691-6260 Salesgirls and boys to work in shop on E.C.D, Text info to: 617-7823 Taxi drivers – Tel:667-9013; 225-5075 Experienced dispatcher @ West Side Taxi - Call: 6000688; 600-0699 Auto Electrician to work in Georgetown – Tel: 218-5105 Live in care taker for premises at Vreed-En-Hoop, West Coast Demerara – Contact: 254-1801 Live in waitress must have secondary education; salary - $60,000 monthly - Tel:6103974 1 Handy boy to work in the interior - Tel: 691-6260 FORK LIFT OPERATOR WITH EXPERIENCED FOR AFOODCOMPANY. PROPER DOCUMENTATION AND POLICE CLEARANCECALL: 603-0758 Gardener/Handyman; suitable accommodation for live in couple, peaceful environment, apply Sally, 51 Main Street Georgetown.

Clerical Staff for copy centre, no experienced necessary, Office clerk; CXC English/ must be computer literate, Mathematics, Live in/live out Jarrods 51 Main Street. babysitter/domestic, labourHairdresser & nail technician Tel: 219-5354 to work in Alberttown – Call: MASSAGE 684-9409

Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach – Call: 684-9409; 699-4211

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, AC Units- Call Lindon on 641-1086; 694-2202 Repairs to plasma, LED, LCD television etc – Call: Abdul Electronics: 225-0391 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maria Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045

Valentine Cakes for sale 223-9497

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lincoln 500 AMP diesel welders with Perkins 4 cylinder 3engine - Tel#650-0402

Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go – Contact Azim: 660-3235 Boutique closeout sale: Clothing, shoes, handbags, fragrance jewelry and more. Whole Sale & Retail! – Tel: 626-0757 Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer – Tel: 220-1981, 698-7047 Brand New, Power fist, 6,500 watts gasoline generator (on wheels) 110/240 volts AC/DC – Contact: 617-2205; 681-1032 Bedford M 4X4, Tohatshu 18HP, long foot, outboard engine, 1 Perkins engine 4 Cylinder – Call: 693-2237 New Arrivals: New Shipment of Magnet wires (copper) & installation fish paper for sale – Contact: 603-5649 New shipment of pit bull parts: Wind Screen, bumpers, fog lights, back/front bearings - Tel: 628-0909 One Bedford 7 Ton HAIB Lorry Long Bed, & One DAEWOO Excavator (Bobcat) - Contact: 603-4637 One Toyota Vigo, manual transmission, ideal for the interior – Call: 600-5759

Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966

One ten pieces music set – Contact Rajin : 617-0022; 6188488; 615-0282; 276-1672

For all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, swimming pools, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376

One male & female European champion adult Rottweiler for sale - Call: 665-9140 or 639-1431

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822

Lights: Premio, Allion, Fielder & Carina and One Toyota IST never registered - $1.9M - Tel: 628-0909 1 Refrigeration unit, 1 slush machine, 1 Madza Engine, complete gearbox, computer complete – Contact Hanif: 641-2597

Khemraj & Son Landscaping & Plant nursery: landscaping, cutting big trees & removing, grafted oranges & limes plants for sale – Call: 627-5969 FOR SALE/FOR RENT

EDUCATIONAL CAKES & PASTRIES

FOR SALE

Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579

American Pool Table - Tel: 277-0578

TOURS Suriname Tour return 20-23 February, Shopping, Siteseeing, dolphins, book early Tel: 644-0185; 639-2663; 6555171

SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February – Call: 666-5241/ 619-760

Monday February 09, 2015

CXC Day & Evening classes/lessons Forms 1-5, Phonics Classes – Tel:2233086; 619-7911; 690-5008

Dachshund Puppies for sale - $12,000 – Tel:216-0521; 6943567 Croxley copy paper -$850.00 per ream, ($840 - 50 reams or more) - Tel: 226-5509; 2263477; 617-6001 One complete Cabin cruise boat – Tel: 684-3786 5 Gal Water Bottle (New)$1400 – Call:684-8231 One new aluminum 12ft Boat- Call: 603-9599

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 639-8101 Prime business place to rent on Sheriff Street, only for offices – Contact: 627-6740 Executive Residence – centrally and beautifully located in Bel-Air Springs, Georgetown for immediate occupancy. Ph 226-6229, 2265903 Commercial space on the East Bank, Public Road – Call: 2336987/233-5517 Sharon’s Building, limited mall space from $65,000 $275,000- Call: 225-4413/6140949 Salon Station to rent – Tel: 667-7889 Bottom flat; prime business location, Hadfield Street, Store/boutique/etc – Contact Simone – 626-5317; 227-0501 Fully furnished & unfurnished apartment with TV, AirCondition, hot & cold, cable in South. Call: 689-5877 Business Space 52FtX25Ft with Air Condition, fully grilled @ East Street, North Cummingsburg – Tel: 2266592/643-8833 Business place for rent in Cornelia Ida, Public Road, West Coast Demerara – Call:602-5332

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807; 690-6494

PEN PAL Indian Male from England is seeking female age 27yrs & older, with good personalityCall: 686-5994 (No Texting)

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Pitbull minibus, stick gear, BPP series, mag rims- $2.2M neg. Call: 673-7652 Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price negotiable – Call: 6201026 1 Toyota Landcruiser Prado PMM Series Call: 219-5354 Monday- Friday 8:154:15Pm & Saturday 8:151:15PM Toyota Hilux 4X4, 2 doors, manual, long base, solid DEF, excellent condition – Tel:603-3384 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Prado, Price$5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Toyota SV 40 Camary, AC, Alarm Etc - $700,000 negotiable – Tel: 621-6503 New arrivals – unregistered Bluebird Sylphy, 2007 Fielder, Premio (mags,tv), lowest prices around, showroom specs Call: 6926159,626-7478 One 1992 Toyota Camry, gold colour, in good condition – Contact: 6581328 One Toyota Premio Reg#PPP & 212 Carina Reg#PSS, owner leaving country. Tel:618-2576 or 678-0109 Unregister vehicle: Toyota Sienta- $1,895,000, Honda Civic-$1,895,000, 318i BMW -$3,000,000- Contact : 6500402 One Toyota 212 PTT 2107 $1.275 – Contact: 662-9078 Mazda Axela, PTT Series, TV, CD, Viper 2 way paging alarm – Tel:669-7298 One Toyota Corolla Fielder, one year old, remote start alarm - $1.6M negotiable – Tel: 664-3488

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 LAND FOR SALE Riverside land @ Upper Demerara River, Reasonable price –Call: 678-1575; 2238590 (Continued on page 23)

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

Rejecting NIS life certificate calls for more than elevated levels of testosterone DEAR EDITOR, My NIS life certificate was determined to be invalid because my signature on it, did not match what NIS has on record. This has caused NIS to cease payment of my old age pension until the situation is corrected. The life certificate was signed by a bank manager (guarantor). I have a real problem with this questionable pronouncement by the claims department. A guarantor is a de factor representative of NIS and by affixing his/her signature on the document, is saying unequivocally that all the information that appears on the form is true and correct. The guarantor is implying

that he knows the old age pensioner; that the old age pensioner appeared in front him/her; that he signed his name on the document in his/ her presence; that he/she voluntarily agreed to sign as a guarantor? So to invalidate a life certificate only on the basis of a marginal difference in the old age pensioner ’s signature, with what NIS has on file, becomes a subject for debate. I shared this scenario with a practicing Barrister & Solicitor at his office, and he said that such decision by any person is reckless, irresponsible and reversible in a court of law. He went on to say that

in his 30 years or more practice in criminal and family law, he has never heard about such incident and suggested that a more holistic approach must be taken, when any document is being validated. As persons age, they lose some control over the finer muscles of their fingers and have problems manipulating small objects such as a pen/ stylus. Also, this incapacity affects their ability to reproduce several signatures with an equal level of precision in repeated trials; and this also applies, to individuals who have challenges using their hands. In other words, there will

always be marginal variations in the configuration of aged persons’ signatures. Is this an acceptable way to reward the author, who has contributed to NIS for approximately 32 years of his working life in the public sector? It is my hope that the NIS board of directors, Dr. Roger Luncheon; the General Manager and supervisor of the claims department will look into this type of matters and ensure that there is a fair and just validation process. Isthis another ploy by NIS to withhold legitimate old age pensioners their hard earned pensions? Aggrieved pensioner

Democracy is only possible with... From page 4 GUYSUCO, is too big to fail. Too many lives are at stake. Guyana’s economic transformation, competitiveness and sustainability are also at risk, given UG is the main source of tertiary education for the masses of Guyanese of all races. Intervention is needed by the State and more specifically by President Donald Ramotar, a graduate of UG. With National and Regional election scheduled for May 11, and with the expectation that Parliament will be dissolved by February 11, the UG situation can become a pussed sore. If this were to happen, the entire nation would lose as well as UG’s management, staff and lecturers. The biggest losers would of course be the students. The biggest winner, the Vice Chancellor. Too much is at stake. The University of Guyana must become a modern progressive nation building institution. A professionally done environmental scan of the University of Guyana would today reveal several truths. At the Human landscape level: Guyana needs a large skilled, appropriate, workforce if it is to develop in a sustainable manner. This implies UG needs visionary leadership, strategic operational management, a significant one time increase in employee remuneration, better infrastructure and a new technology platform as an enabling environment for student and lecturer productivity. At the Educational level, deteriorating functional literacy and Illiteracy threatens Guyana’s

sustainable development, socially, culturally and economically. UG needs to be the place where “thought leaders” are created to redefine and reform our educational system. UG must also provide the new architects of Guyana’s sustainable development. The end result of an UG education must be individuals of exemplary character committed to a creating a plural democracy and committed to serving the nation. At the Economic level:UG must be the crucible where students and future leaders are tooled to help to develop our country.Guyana is blessed with a tremendous amount of natural resources which can underpin our economic ascendency. UG therefore must provide a workforce with a wide variety of skills for national development. Guyana’s GDP growth will be widely influenced by UG’s capacity to provide graduates with the relevant skills and aptitude. For this to happen, UG needs to be closely aligned with the needs of the Private Sector and other key stakeholders. Only with better governance, better salaries and benefits and better quality assurance will this happen. In short, UG’s economic viability will determine the nation’s viability and global competitiveness Finally, new teaching approaches embracing new ICT technologies areessential for productivity and effectiveness. The big question is what should we do for UG in its current crisis. Dr. Melissa Ifill, the President of one of the two

Unions on strike has publicly stated. “ An individual entering the University of Guyana with a PhD at the Lecturer II level would be paid a starting salary of G$165,058- which is equivalent to US$797. The corresponding starting salary in 2011 for UWI Cave Hill, UWI St. Augustine and UWI Mona are US$4,775, US$3,506 - and US$2, 066 respectively”. The current Vice Chancellor of UG, Dr,Jacob Opdeyi has stated in the Sunday Guyana Times that “ the University cannot be in negotiations while the unions are still engaged in active demonstrations and strike action.”. He insisted that any attempt to meet the 60 per cent increase at this time in the University’s history would have a debilitating and crippling impact on its financial health. While he remains unwilling to buckle under the pressure from the unions, Dr Opadeyi said that the UG Council and Administration will have to make the final decision on the way forward if the situation persists. “It’s not for me to buckle, the Council and Administration will have to decide. The University has no money to pay the 60 per cent increase. This could bankrupt the University. I will not be part of any plan to bankrupt the University,” he told Guyana Times. The VC has been asked to make the University financially sound and operationally efficient. These are noble goals that should

be supported. But to apply a cost cutting approach to a meatless bone such as an undernourished national institution is the wrong approach. Any offer from the Vice Chancellor of the UG Council (the Board) is an offer from the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of education through the Ministry of Finance (the Budget) , through the Cabinet, through the President. The buck stops with the President and with Parliament being dissolved this week (and hence the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet being legally dissolved), only the President can save this sad situation. Perhaps some of the funds from GGMC can be used as a short term loan. Hopefully, the students of UG can soon return to classes. One of the recommendations I had made during UIG’s 50th anniversary was for UG to hire an International Merchant Bank to source US$50 M from the many Foundations and Trusts available globally. This is still a possibility. But today, the only possibility of classes resuming without a bitter taste of all the engaged and aggrieved Parties, is the president’s love of ‘Cheddi Jagan’s Night School’. A one year 30% increase and the promise to have the situation revisited in the next budget made move everyone back from the brink. Eric Phillips

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.

(From page 22)

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Road, Vreed-En-Hoop, Land 7080 SqFt, Building 762SqFt. $40M negotiable, owner migrating – Tel:2269788 Corner Property, Grove Public Road - $29M Neg. Call: 613-5645 Houses & house lots for sale in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities, located @ Eccles E.B.D Tel: 227-2913; 683-3033 Property with concrete bungalow, modern amenities and features in gated community at Hutsonville E.B.D -G$16M negotiable – Call: 697-4131 One 6 bedroom house & land in Mon Repos E.C.D (Martyrsville) with two inside toilets & bath - $13M Negotiable – Tel: 629-5300 Lot 6 Adventure, Essequibo, land 352ftX70ft with wooden building $14M negotiableContact Anwar Essequibo 771-4395, 694-4457, Georgetown Trudy: 225-4712 House for sale @ 15th Street Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara 56X26-Call: 265-7238; 683-8668 Albouystown: Corner Spot Business and residence, 3 bedrooms upstairs, parking $9.5M negotiable – Contact: 227-0583

TO LET Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours – Call: 227-1218 One and two bedroom furnished apartments in Nandy Park, Parking facilities available – Call: 233-5560 for further details One semi furnished one bedroom apartment @ C/Ville – Call: 650-0716; 619-5357 One apartment for rent at Mon Repos E.C.D, First Street – Tel: 220-7330 1 Spacious 3 bedrooms upstairs including inside toilet and bath at Mon Repos E.C.D, Price $50,000 Monthly Tel: 629-5300 New business place @ Durban Street between Creen & Bishop for shop nail artistry office - $40,000 – Call: 2260673; 685-4694

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

LAND FOR SALE House Lots in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities @ Eccles, 60X100 - $7.5M. (Special prices) - Call: 2272913; 683-3033 Eccles: Commercial lots for sale at Eccles – Tel:227-2913. Cell: 683-3033 1. Parika, Peter Street; 2. Blankenburg, behind gas station lot size: 75’X76' (3 parcels)= Contact 650-0402 Located in Republic Gardens, Peters Hall, E.B.D. Interest person – Contact: 231-5359 or 672-7189 Grove E.B.D Caneville 4th Field, 1St Street, Concrete $3M 20X40 land 40X100, Parfaite W.B.D Land 45X80 $1.1M-Call:231-2199;618-7483 36 Acres Land off linden highway, water - 2 sources, time to acres 15 Min from highway, partially cleared – price negotiable – Call: 6276363 Measuring 90’X165’ facing Atlantic Ocean, approximately half mile from Sheriff Street on High Way – Contact Shiv: 600-6681 Guyana first 5 Star gated community, now opens, reserve your lot(s) & house – Call: 609-0783 or seroj_26@yahoo.com

TO LET House for rent @ Grove Housing Scheme with 3 bedrooms -$70,000 – Tel:6424429; 639-8056 Spacious 2 bedroom apartment @ Diamond, Section A fully grilled, separate gate, drive way & parking $55,000 negotiable- Call: 616-1598

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Haitian protesters march to demand lower gasoline prices

Demonstrators demanded fuel prices be lowered further to reflect the global market (AP) PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — At least 6,000 protesters marched through Haiti’s capital Saturday to demand lower gas prices and the ouster of President Michel Martelly. The protest in Port-auPrince remained peaceful overall although police briefly threw tear gas and dispersed a crowd that had thrown trash and tires in the street to block traffic.

The protest, which diminished in strength as the afternoon wore on, was the latest in a series of demonstrations over recent weeks fueled by anger over gas prices. The government recently lowered the price by about 25 cents to $4.50 a gallon and diesel prices dropped by about 20 cents to $3.55, but protesters say the reductions don’t fully

reflect the global drop in oil prices. Bus drivers struck for two days last week, stranding hundreds of thousands of workers and students. Protesters also remain angry that President Michel Martelly began ruling by decree last month after parliament was dissolved. Long-delayed elections have not been held.

Guatemala volcano: Fuego eruption showers towns in ash BBC News - Scores of residents have been evacuated from their homes in southern Guatemala after the Fuego volcano erupted, the country’s president says. Clouds of black ash belched into the sky, while showers of rock and dust fell on to surrounding towns. The international airport in the capital Guatemala City was closed as result of the explosion, President Otto Perez said. It was expected to reopen yesterday,

reports suggested. The Fuego volcano is about 40km (25 miles) south-west of the capital and stands 3,763 metres (12,346 feet) above sea level. In September 2012 the authorities evacuated thousands of people from the area after Fuego started spewing large volumes of lava and ash. Experts said at the time it was the biggest eruption from the mountain since 1999.

Venezuela supermarket chain rejects ‘hoarding’ charge Caracas (AFP) - A private supermarket chain taken over by the Venezuelan government denied on Saturday accusations of food hoarding, amid huge lines and shortages in the crisis-hit country. President Nicolas Maduro on Friday ordered the government takeover of the Dia a Dia chain, accusing it of “waging war against the population.” The company, which has 35 stores across Venezuela, rejected the allegations. “Dia a Dia has not engaged in hoarding,” it

insisted in a statement, adding that it has not engaged in any actions to undermine the economy, contrary to the government’s allegations. The takeover was Maduro’s latest attempt to control what he has called an “economic war” waged by the private sector and the opposition to destabilize the recession-hit country. He has accused the company of hoarding goods to keep “the population irritated, suffering” in order to fuel discontent against the government.

Maduro last week deployed soldiers and state workers to supervise the sale of products at the supermarket’s stores. A similar intervention was made at the Farmatodo drugstore chain, whose understocked shelves and unstaffed cash registers led to long lines, which the government alleged was designed to foment speculation and instability. Two Farmatodo executives were detained last week, while Dia a Dia’s director, Manuel Morales, was jailed on Friday.

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Former Trinidad nat’l security minister blames cabinet colleague for firing PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Former Trinidad and Tobago national security minister Gary Griffith has blamed Communications Minister Vasant Bharath as the minister who tried to influence him not to speak out in the alleged witness tampering matter involving fired attorney general Anand Ramlogan and Police Complaints Authority (PCA) director David West. In his statement to police, Griffith said the move to silence him took place at a meeting on January 29 at the conference room of the Office of the Prime Minister. Griffith has also submitted to police text messages that were exchanged between him and Bharath on January 30 to support his claim. Griffith and Ramlogan were both fired by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar on February 2. The allegation against Ramlogan is that, six days before West was appointed director of the PCA, he (Ramlogan) telephoned him

Gary Griffith and asked that he withdraw his witness statement in a defamation lawsuit relating to the failed extradition involving Section 34 applicants Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh in exchange for him being selected for the job. Ramlogan has denied the allegation, which is now the subject of a police probe. The text messages were exchanged on the same day

(January 30) West reported Ramlogan to the police. Te l e p h o n e records show that the text messages were from the same mobile numbers the Sunday Express has used to contact Bharath and Griffith from the time they were both given ministerial portfolios. At the time the text messages were sent, Griffith was still a member of Cabinet before being fired on February 2 by PersadBissessar, who said he had an obligation to tell her that he was asked to telephone West and find out if he had pulled back a “document”. Griffith, who is a key witness in the matter, has dismissed the reason for him being axed from the Cabinet, insisting that he was removed because he did not agree with several Cabinet colleagues that he should deny the December 19, 2014, telephone conversation he had with West. Griffith handed over the text messages along with two statements to police last week.

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Kaieteur News

UWI/Ansa McAL Poll:

PNM OUT FRONT

Trinidad Guardian - In the midst of a raging controversy last week between Police Complaints Authority Director David West and then attorney general Anand Ramlogan over witness tampering, a fourth Cabinet reshuffle mere months before the next general election, and the firing of two People’s Partnership (PP) ministers, a recent poll has shown that if a general election were called now, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar would be the top choice for this country’s next PM over People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley. However, the poll also revealed that voters would support the PNM over the UNC or PP Government because the PNM was seen as the most experienced party in existence. While PersadBissessar was credited with doing a good job and trying to improve the lives of citizens in the last 57 months, she was given a thumbs down for lack of leadership skills, not following up on election promises, and failing to be more assertive with her Cabinet. Those polled felt Rowley could achieve first world status and has true courage and leadership. These were some of the findings in a Trinidad Guardian poll

…But Kamal Top Pick For PM

Kamla Persad-Bissessar conducted and supervised by Prof Derek Chadee, director of the ANSA McAL Psychological Research Centre, University of the West Indies, St Augustine. The poll, a nationwide survey held from January 29 to February 3, interviewed 507 respondents over the age of 18 selected by a random digit dialling method. The intention of this survey was to assess popular opinion on a number of major issues. Overall, the sample comprised 35 per cent AfroTrinidadians, 39 per cent Indo-Trinidadians, 25 per cent Mixed persons and one per cent other groups. More than

LONG SHOT Government’s plan to form a new company to replace the failed CLICO International Life Insurance Limited (CIL) could find it difficult to succeed, warns CIL’s judicial manager Patrick Toppin. He argues that the new entity, named New Life Investment Company Inc (NLICO), needs in excess of $300 million to be properly capitalised to give it any chance of success. Yet, to date, the indication is that Government is initially putting $30 million into it, while taking on the assets and liabilities of CIL. Toppin charged that if Government went with this plan, the new company would likely end up with similar financial difficulties like CIL.

Dr. Keith Rowley half of the sample was female at 53 per cent. The margin of error is plus or minus four per cent. A total of 34 per cent of the respondents voted in favour of Persad-Bissessar, while Rowley trailed closely behind with 24 per cent. The poll showed that females were more likely to support Persad-Bissessar than Rowley. The poll also showed that of those who supported Persad-Bissessar, 21 per cent were aged 18 to 35, 16 per cent aged 36 to 50, 38 per cent aged 51 to 65 and 25 per cent aged 66 years and older validated PersadBissessar. The age distribution of support for Rowley was 25 per cent for those aged 18 to 35, 19 per cent aged 36 to 50, 33 per cent aged 51 to 65 and 24 per cent aged 66 years and older. It was observed that the young were more likely to be undecided. When respondents were asked: “If a general election were held today, which political party would you vote for?” The PNM came out on top with 21 per cent. Following closely behind was the PP with 18 per cent, while the UNC acquired 13 per cent.

Monday February 09, 2015

Barbados economy on upward trend – Stuart BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbados government says it is hopeful that the island’s economy will rebound by 2016. A government statement reporting on a meeting between Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and the former President of the Republic of Chile, SebastiÜn Piñera, here, said that Stuart said economic growth will allow Barbadians who made the necessary sacrifices to reap the benefits. “During the discussions on the global economic crisis and its impact on Barbados, Mr. Piñera said Chile was following what was happening here, and the country “seemed to be doing well”, the statement said. Prime Minister Stuart said his administration is working on getting its fiscal deficit down to manageable levels, pointing to a 19-month stabilisation programme put in place. But he said that it has now been extended by one year so as to ensure that the gains the country had been making were not reversed. But Stuart is quoted by the statement as saying that

Freundel Stuart the island was beginning to feel the effects of the falling oil prices. “In addition, Barbados has been having a very good tourism season, with the hotels holding their own, and we expect this trend to continue,” he said, adding that government was also working in the area of renewable energy and Parliament had recently passed the new Electric Light and Power Act. The Barbados economy is expected to grow by two per cent per cent this year with the Central Bank

reporting that fiscal adjustment measures have reduced the deficit by nearly one per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) so far this fiscal year. In an analysis of the island’s current economic performance, the Central Bank of Barbados is also predicting that the island’s economic growth will increase to 2.3 per cent in 2016. Last December, Finance Minister Chris Sinckler said that the local economy was on a growth path once more and that the fiscal deficit is now on a “downward trajectory”. Sinckler said the island’s fiscal consolidation programme had been effective in restoring balance to the foreign exchange market and securing the value of the Barbados dollar. The government statement quoted Piñera as saying that people across the world were growing impatient because of the economic recession. He noted that Chile has the highest per capita income in Latin America, and he attributed this to good management of the economy over time.

Embattled former T&T AG says PCA director cannot be fired

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj

Trinidad’s former Attorney General, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, says the appointment of the director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) cannot not be revoked by the president. In an address to the nation last Monday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar urged the president to revoke the appointment of PCA director, David West, because he failed to disclose that he was a witness in the defamation lawsuit involving former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. That allegation is currently the subject of a police investigation. However, Maharaj in an open letter to President Anthony Carmona on Friday, said it would be an error in law if he heeded a call from the prime minister to revoke West’s appointment. The former AG, who was fired by the prime minister, pointed out to the president that he did not have the power or jurisdiction to do so. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

British offshore centres turn on Labour over tax attack

Ed Miliband (Reuters) - British offshore financial centres yesterday criticised the leader of the opposition Labour Party after he threatened to put them on an international blacklist for tax avoidance if he wins a national election in May. Ed Miliband’s call for territories such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Jersey, and Guernsey to produce a register disclosing the owners of firms, was illinformed and could damage Britain’s commercial interests and cost jobs, they said. “We would ... remind Mr. Miliband of Bermuda’s strategic economic contribution to the UK, which includes direct and indirect employment in the UK of 100,000 people,” the government of Bermuda said in a statement. Miliband, who has rejected accusations from Prime Minister David Cameron’s ruling Conservatives that he is pursuing an anti-business agenda, said on Saturday British self-governing overseas territories would have six months after any Labour victory to clamp down on tax avoidance or face action. With his party narrowly ahead of, or neck and neck with the Conservatives in polls before a May 7 vote, his comments went down well with core supporters. But they caused consternation in British territories, some of which have become major international financial centres thanks to low taxation and light-touch regulation. In a letter to Miliband, Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar’s chief minister, said the British overseas territory was “clearly not a tax haven” and planned to implement a central register of companies and trusts. Miliband’s comments had been picked up by a gleeful Spanish press, he complained, and were being used as “a rod with which to beat us.”

“I should therefore be grateful for a public clarification,” Picardo told Miliband. The government of Bermuda said it was “surprised and disappointed” by Miliband’s intervention, adding that it remained open to continuing dialogue about “sharing best practice across borders in areas of corporate transparency.” Jersey and Guernsey also criticised Miliband. Cameron’s government has made progress in getting offshore centres to agree to exchange tax information in future, but has not succeeded in getting them to introduce public registries of firms’ ultimate owners despite efforts to do so. Speaking yesterday, British finance minister George Osborne said Miliband’s plan would alienate allies like the United States, France and Germany because the Labour leader was saying he’d blacklist any country that didn’t have a central register. “I think he makes it up as he goes along and if you actually look at what he’s saying, he’s saying he wants to blacklist almost every country in the OECD because they don’t have these central registers,” Osborne told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. Miliband’s office dismissed Osborne’s comments as ridiculous.

Page 27

Leaders scramble to avert ‘dramatic spiral’ in Ukraine

Ukrainian servicemen carry a wounded comrade into a hospital in Artemivsk yesterday. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (Reuters) - The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France agreed to meet in Belarus on Wednesday to try to broker a peace deal for Ukraine amid escalating violence there and signs of cracks in the transatlantic consensus on confronting Vladimir Putin. The four leaders held a call yesterday, two days after Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande traveled to Moscow for talks with Putin that produced no breakthrough in the nearly year-long conflict that has claimed over 5,000 lives. After the call, Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said progress

had been made and that he was hopeful the meeting in Minsk would lead to a “swift and unconditional ceasefire” in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have stepped up a military offensive in recent weeks, seizing new territory. A Ukraine military spokesman said yesterday that intense fighting was continuing around the rail junction town of Debaltseve, with rebel fighters making repeated attempts to storm lines defended by government troops. At a high-level security conference in Munich over the weekend, Merkel said it was uncertain whether further negotiations would

lead to a deal with Putin but argued that all opportunities for a diplomatic solution should be pursued. She came under sharp criticism from U.S. senators Lyndsey Graham and John McCain, both Republican hawks, for opposing the sending of defensive weapons to the Ukraine army to help it fight the separatists. “The Ukrainians are being slaughtered and we’re sending them blankets and meals,” McCain said in Munich. “Blankets don’t do well against Russian tanks.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sought to play down the differences with Europe. “Will we remain united? The answer is absolutely, positively, unequivocally we are united, we will remain united,” Kerry told the conference yesterday, describing any differences as tactical rather than strategic. Members of the Obama administration are also believed to be skeptical about arming Ukraine but the president faces intense pressure from a Republicanled Congress to act. The Germans believe sending weapons to a depleted Ukraine army would not improve its chances against separatists armed with “unlimited” supplies of Russian military equipment. They also fear that delivering arms would

internationalize the conflict, playing into the hands of Putin, who has painted the crisis as a western plot to weaken Russia. Merkel, 60, flew to Washington yesterday for talks with Obama. A Russian speaker who grew up behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, she has taken the lead in pursuing a diplomatic solution to the conflict, speaking with Putin by phone dozens of times over the past year and meeting with him in M o s c o w, S y d n e y a n d Milan in recent months. But German officials say Putin has shown little appetite for compromise and they acknowledge in private that he has repeatedly broken promises in the past.

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 09, 2015

Bruised Australian PM Abbott survives leadership challenge

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (Centre) walks to a government party room meeting surrounded by supporters in Canberra’s Parliament House. REUTERS/Sean Davey

(Reuters) - Conservative Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott survived a challenge to his leadership today (Guyana yesterday) after his ruling Liberal Party voted down an attempt to unseat him after weeks of infighting that had threatened to derail his government. In a secret party room ballot, the vote to declare the positions of party leader and deputy leader vacant was defeated by 61 votes to 39, chief party whip Philip Ruddock told reporters. Despite having survived the vote, a consensus was forming across Australian media that the large number of votes against Abbott indicated a lack of support so damaging as to potentially render him a lame duck. Following the vote, online gambling site Sportingbet.com.au had Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull as the A$1.60 favourite to be prime minister at the next election. Abbott was at odds of A$2.75, while Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was A$6.50, an indication of the damage done. The motion was brought on Friday by an MP from Western Australia after mounting criticism of Abbott’s leadership, culminating in his awarding of an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip. No member of the government had indicated a direct challenge to Abbott, although most attention had focused on Turnbull, a former

party leader toppled by Abbott. Abbott has faced a torrent of criticism in recent weeks over policy decisions ranging from his handling of the economy to the knighthood. Abbott, who had described the call for a leadership vote as a “very chastening experience”, vowed ahead of the poll to be more consultative in his approach after several of his so-called “captain’s calls” backfired on his administration. If Abbott had been ousted, Australia would have had its sixth prime minister in eight years. Opinion polls have consistently shown voters prefer Turnbull to lead the party but his views on a carbon trading scheme, marriage equality and support for an Australian republic have made him unpopular with the right wing of his party. Bishop, also deputy leader of Abbott’s party, had been touted as either a potential successor to Abbott or party deputy under Turnbull. Seen as one of the bestperforming ministers in Abbott’s cabinet, Bishop had said she would vote against the motion but had not ruled out standing if the positions had been declared vacant. Removing Abbott would have required more than 51 of the 101 members of the federal Liberal Party at the party-room vote.

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

WICB Four-Day First-Class Cricket Franchise

Chanderpaul (77) and bowlers impress as Jaguars scent blood against Jamaica By Sean Devers in Jamaica In Association with Western Union John Fernandes Ltd & Payless Varity Store Guyana Jaguars, led by 77 from their most experienced player Shiv Chanderpaul and disciplined bowling, were scenting blood at the end of the third day of their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional fifth round FourDay First-Class Franchise match against Jamaica as Sabina Park yesterday. Set 340 for an unlikely win, Jamaica, whose highest total for the season is 222, ended the penultimate day on 105-6, still 235 runs short of the victory target. David Bernard (16) and Damion Jacobs (24) were together when stumps were drawn. John Campbell (8) hit Ronsford Beaton to point at 9-1 before Nkrumah Bonner, who survived a very confident caught behind appeal off the first ball of the innings off Beaton, was LBW to Keon Joseph for one, two runs later. Jermaine Blackwood (7) was brilliantly taken at cover by Raymond Reifer to give Joseph his second scalp and the 12 times former Champions, were wobbling on the ropes on 17-3. Horace Miller and Lambert steadied the ship with a fighting fourth wicket stand to take the score 50 and hold up the Jaguars’ march to victory but Miller (7) was taken at second slip off Reifer and the Jaguars were on the prowl. Things got progressively worse for the host when

Shiv Chanderpaul drives back past the bowler for four. Skipper Tamar Lambert seemed to edge Devendra Bishoo to wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble and the ball rebounded to Shemron Heytmer at short-leg at 71-5. Lambert hit five fours in 29 from 77 minutes and angrily left the middle gesticulating. Veerasammy Permaul sent back Carlton Baugh (1) one run later as Jamaica dug themselves into a deep hole. Earlier, Chanderpaul faced 184 balls, batted for 258 minutes and stroked 11 fours and a six a solid 77 before he was last out when 23 runs short of his 71st First-Class ton and 17th for Guyana. The 40-year-old Chanderpaul got support from Leon Johnson (33) and Chris Barnwell (28) to rally Guyana to 202 all out in their second innings. Marquino Mindley (3-57), Dave Bernard (2-24), Damion Jacobs (2-35) and Odean Browne (2-29) were the main wicket takers for the home side who were required to bat 41 overs on the third day.

Chris Barnwell plays a text book cover drive yesterday.

Scores: Jaguars (314 & 202), Jamaica (177 & 1056) The Jaguars began the day on 54-4 with a lead of 191 and Chanderpaul and Barnwell batted positively and dispatched almost every bad ball served up on the easy paced track. While Barnwell favored the front foot cover drives, most of Chanderpaul’s runs came in the vicinity between third man and mid-off although a commanding straight drive off pacer Mindley was memorable for another disappointing crowd. Barnwell was severe on fast bowler Jason Dawes hammering him for a couple of spanking boundaries through cover before stroking him gloriously to the extra cover boundary. The former West Indies pacer was to be replaced by Dave Bernard from the George Headley stand end, named in honor of the Panama born Jamaican who in 1948, became the first Black man to Captain the West Indies in a Test match. The partnership flourished in sultry conditions on a lightning fast outfield as the 50 partnership was posted in 62 minutes from just 49 balls before Barnwell was trapped LBW to leg-spinner Jacobs for 28 after batting for 50 minutes and reaching the boundary four times and his demise left the Jaguars on 105-5. While Chanderpaul, in his 65th First-Class game for Guyana continued to bat without any major worries, Bramble never suggested permanence and was soon taken at point for four at 1246 as Odean Browne struck on his 33rd birthday. Permaul and Bishoo who both looked accomplished with the bat in the first innings

were removed inside the opening session with Permaul (5) driving Browne to cover and Bishoo (5) edging Jacobs to slip as the two leg-spinners operated in tandem to leave the Jaguars on 150-8. Chanderpaul, who has been playing at this level since 1991, soon reached his

129th First-Class fifty and 23rd for Guyana from 85 balls, 125 minutes with eight fours and a six off Jacobs and by Lunch the visitors were 158-8 and the lead 295. From his Lunch time score of 63 Chanderpaul, the most capped West Indies player, took his time and refused singles to the deep field as he protected Beaton although the prolific left-hander from Unity Village made no apparent effort to put his foot on the gas. Beaton raced to nine thanks to contrasting boundaries off Browne with a gorgeous cover drive before edging a quicker ball to third man next ball. Chanderpaul frustrated Dawes with regular ‘leaves’ and back defensive strokes as Dawes operated with immaculate control. But the young pacer became impatient and tried something different by pounding one in short. All of sudden, the previously

sedate Chanderpaul swiveled onto the back foot and pugnaciously hooked the ball for four. Beaton (10) survived for 80 minutes before he fended at a nasty short ball from Mindley to be taken at short leg after sharing a 40-run partnership with Chanderpaul. Last man Joseph then stuck around for 19 minutes for his unbeaten eight before Chanderpaul’s long vigil ended when he touched Bernard to Baugh for the experienced Keeper to hold his fifth catch of the innings. Today is the final day and play is scheduled to commence at 10:00hrs (11:00hrs Guyana time). Meanwhile, the Windwards were in charge against Trinidad and Tobago. Summarized Scores at end of Day3 - Windwards 400-8 dec (94 ovs); T&T 177 (67.4 ovs) and following on, 6 without loss (3.0 overs).

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Monday February 09, 2015

Bravo backing Holder MAXWELL, WARNER and team Windies SET UP CRUSHING WIN Trinidad Express - Port of Spain, Trinidad - Dwayne Bravo has re-affirmed his support for new West Indies One-Day International skipper Jason Holder and is urging the West Indies players to give the young captain their full support. Holder replaced Bravo as captain of the ODI team for the recent South African tour and for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup and last week Bravo said he will give his full support no matter who is captain of the team. “I am still fully 100 per cent committed to represent the West Indies team and that is the most important thing,” said Bravo. “I have already given Jason Holder my full support and endorsement and I encourage the guys to give him their full support. “He is a young captain and he will need it. It is a tough job and as long as the senior players like Darren

Sammy, Samuels, Denesh Ramdin and Gayle all step in and play their part definitely they can do well,” Bravo added. He also revealed that he considers the young Bajan to be like family saying: “Jason Holder of all the players in the team is like my little brother. Darren Bravo is my brother by blood but I call Jason Holder my son. He is 25 and I am 31 but I singlehandedly look after that kid like my own brother or someone I have a lot of respect for.” Bravo, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year, also revealed that he encouraged the medium pacer to accept the ODI captaincy when it was offered to him late last year following the West Indies abandoned tour of India. “When the captaincy was offered to Jason he messaged me first and I was the first person that said to take it,

accept it. I am a big fan of Jason, so regardless of what people might think, that I don’t want to play under Jason, that is speculation and rumours,” said Bravo. “I play under anyone. Captaincy to me is not something that bothers me, as long as I am able to play cricket because that is what I love and that is what I want to be remembered as— someone who played the game honest and fair and gave 100 per cent regardless of which team I play for, he added. He also wished the West Indies all the best in the World Cup and urged “to rally around the team.” “Yes they had a bad tour of South African but the World Cup is a different tournament and we playing each team once, so we not going to play South Africa or Australia four or five times,” Bravo added.

Dwayne Bravo has backed Jason Holder and the Windies to do well. (Windies cricket)

‘No Bravo and Pollard a huge... From page 35 had looked comfortable if a little nervous. Admitting he had taken some time to decide whether to accept the captaincy, he conceded that his side’s form had been “inconsistent” but expressed confidence in the raw ability of his squad. “Being captain is a huge thing for me. At 22-years-old I was the youngest captain of all time. Yes, I had to think about it. It was a delicate time. So I gave it some thought and spoke to a few players around the dressing room and made my decision “I’ve seen myself to be a leader in most teams I’ve put

myself into. I’ve led teams before. I led West Indies Under-19 and I was vicecaptain on the West Indies A team. It’s not something that I’m fresh to. We’ve been inconsistent and not played to the best of our abilities but we have some world beaters in our team. It’s all about putting it all together.” One of those “world beaters” is Gayle. But despite Holder’s relative youth and inexperience - he is 12 years younger and has played 237 fewer ODIs than Gayle Holder insisted that captaining him would provide no significant challenges. “Chris is big player for

any team he plays for,” Holder said. “He’s a world beater. He’s been a top batsman for us for a number of years. We just want him to be his normal self and get the best out of him. “I have built a relationship with some of the senior players. Being captain has not been that difficult thus far. We didn’t do too well in South Africa but we didn’t have our full-strength team out there. I have a good relationship with all the guys.” West Indies’s final preparations for the World Cup begin with a warm-up match against England, in Sydney on Monday.

Glenn Maxwell unleashes a reverse sweep, Australia v India, World Cup warm-ups, Adelaide, February 8, 2015. (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - Explosive centuries by David Warner and Glenn Maxwell helped Australia gallop to their latest comfortable win over a lacklustre India, this time in a World Cup warm-up match at Adelaide Oval. Warner’s innings provided the platform for Maxwell to launch from at the back end of the innings in a fixture that was not an official ODI. Less fluent was the acting captain George Bailey, who played in fits and starts during his 44. He grows more likely to be the man to make way when Michael Clarke is passed fit after hamstring surgery. India’s reply was notable only for a return to runs from Shikhar Dhawan, who showed improved balance and intent while making 59, and another useful innings from Ajinkya Rahane. Otherwise MS Dhoni’s men showed little sign of escaping the torpor that has seen them fail to win a single match on the tour so far the flight home presently appears more tempting than the prospect of a successful Cup defence. Rohit Sharma’s return from a hamstring injury was brief, ending when he snicked a well-pitched ball from Josh Hazlewood to Aaron Finch at slip. Virat Kohli started fluently on a pitch that showed many of the characteristics of a block of concrete, but dragged Mitchell Starc onto the stumps before he could threaten further. Dhawan and Rahane looked at ease during a stand of 104 that momentarily had India looking like they could make a tilt at the distant target, but both delivered catches to mid-on while trying to clear Bailey’s field and the rest of the middle order melted away - Starc’s long arms pulling in a super catch to dismiss Dhoni. A pesky union between Ravindra Jadeja and the impressive Ambati Rayudu served mainly to give a crowd of 13,909 something to cheer about. The noise generated by a large Indian contingent lent the occasion an atmosphere more Ahmedabad than Adelaide, even if the attendance was considerably less than expected given that all “free” tickets had been snapped up sometime before game day. Warner and Finch had made a sound start after Bailey had won the toss, rattling to 62 inside nine overs before Finch shovelled Stuart Binny to mid-on. Shane Watson also made a start before miscuing an attempted pull off Mohit Sharma, who has replaced Ishant Sharma in India’s Cup squad. India’s bowlers struggled to contain throughout, apart from a phase in which R Ashwin and Axar Patel put some clamp on the scoring by tying down Bailey. Warner’s hundred arrived in 80 balls, though he never appeared to be rushing or straining for effect.

A well-flighted delivery from Axar eventually did for him, but not before Australia had been given the ideal base for later acceleration. Maxwell duly provided it with an innings of power and poise, even if his infatuation with the reverse-sweep saw him try it no fewer than three times in a single over from Axar - two fours followed by a top-edge, and then an orthodox version of the sweep for six over midwicket. Upon passing 50, Maxwell moved into full destruction mode, clattering the bowlers with something like impunity and rendering MS Dhoni powerless to protect the boundaries. By the time he retired on 122 from 57 deliveries, Maxwell’s last 29 balls had reaped 88 runs. India’s fielding and bowling gave the impression that they were not fresh for a new tournament but jaded by more than 70 days without a win of any kind in Australia. The day after he reckoned India would be among the best fielding sides at the tournament, Suresh Raina turfed a skier from Pat Cummins. A late fade of the Australian innings meant they did not bat out 50 overs, the only real blemish to an effort that showed the team is building up a fair head of stem for the Cup proper. Nothing of the sort can be said about India. Scores: Innings Australia 371 (Maxwell 122, Warner 104, Shami 3-83) beat India 265 (Rahane 66, Dhawan 59, Rayudu 53) by 106 runs.

David Warner goes on the attack, Australia v India, World Cup warm-ups, Adelaide, February 8, 2015. (Getty Images)

Monday February 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Guinness ‘Greatest of De Streets’ Tournament

I don’t know what Underdogs West Side Ballers pressure means Malinga crowned inaugural champs Witnessed by a capacity crowd that would have left the Organisers Banks DIH with no other choice but to confirm next year’s hosting, West Demerara fans of the Guinness ‘Greatest of De Streets’ Tournament were duly rewarded after being treated to a fantastic conclusion to the tournament on Saturday night, at the Pouderoyen tarmac. In the end, underdogs West Side Ballers pulled off a huge upset when they defeated host Pouderoyen Showstoppers 2-0 to take away the first prize of $300,000 and the winning trophy. The Ballers who many felt would have capitulated to a team that had massive home support and whose confidence was high following an impressive showing in their semi-final matchup never looked fazed by the opposition and even displayed more composure in the opening moments, dominating the early possession. To add to that they had already fallen to their opponents in the Group Stage so all the odds were stacked against them until Anthony Harding gave them the lead in the 19th minute of play. It occurred when Morgan Denny soon after receiving a pass from the left side rifled a pile-driver at goal, but the

- Street Ballers finish third crossbar came partially to the rescue of Showstoppers until the rebound fell into the path of a lurking Harding, who finished calmly. What was surprising was the magnitude of the celebrations which almost indicated that they had more supporters in the house than the host. They took an important 10 lead to the break as fans anticipated a rivetting final period. They were not disappointed as the two teams came out in full attack mode treating the fans to some lovely attacking football. However, the Ballers defended with tenacity and repelled several attacks, before Denny entered the scoresheet to give them a 2-0 cushion in the dying moments of the game. It came following a relentless press forward by Showstoppers for the equaliser which left them exposed at the back and Denny was in the right place at the right time to pounce on a counter attacking move to put the final nail in the coffin one minute from full time. Showstoppers, however, did not come away empty handed they won $150,000 and a trophy for their efforts.

In the third place playoff, Patentia Street Ballers carted off the $100,000 prize and trophy after squeezing past Raiders 3-2 on sudden death kicks following a 1-1 deadlock at the end of regulation and extra time. The spirited Kelvin Roberts had given Patentia the lead after just three minutes with an accurate strike down the centre of the goal. However, Raiders responded five minutes later through Dexter Marshall, who glided past two tackles to rip a powerful shot into the empty goal. No team managed to score any more goals and the game went into sudden death penalty shootout which enabled Patentia to take home $100,000 and a trophy. Raiders waltzed away with $75,000 and the fourth place trophy. Earlier, in the exhibition games, Queen Street of Tiger Bay and Jetty played to a 1-1 draw, while West Coast Masters and West Bank Masters matchup ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The final two matches saw Guyana Power and Light (GPL) edge Samaroo Dam 21, while Admiral United eased to a comfortable 3-1 triumph over Samaroo Dam.

Williams sisters see U.S. through in Fed Cup promotion bid BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - A persistent, nagging cough bothering world number one Serena Williams since her Australian Open victory gave Argentina a chink of light in their onesided Fed Cup tie against the United States on Sunday. However, Argentine number one Paula Ormaechea’s 6-4 6-4 win over Coco Vanderweghe, standing in for Williams, was a minor setback on the Americans’ way to a 4-1 victory in the World Group II tie at Pilara outside Buenos Aires. “Since last night, we’d seen that (Serena) wasn’t going to play much... I knew I would have revenge,” Ormaechea, beaten in two sets by Venus Williams on Saturday, told reporters. Venus Williams dispatched Maria Irigoyen 61 6-4 as the record 17 times champions U.S. cruised towards a promotion playoff

Serena Williams of the U.S. returns a shot to Maria Irigoyen of Argentina during their Fed Cup World Group II first round tennis match. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian in April in their bid to regain World Group I status. “It was a great atmosphere, we played well and I’m proud of the win,” said Venus Williams. The Williams sisters had put their team 2-0 up on

Saturday with wins over world number 121 Ormaechea and number 197 Irigoyen whose country were seeded and had a choice of court, opting for clay, despite the huge gap in world rankings favoring the Americans.

Lasith Malinga - “I’m always used to pressure situations, so I wouldn’t even know what pressure is to talk about it. I want to have a free mindset and do what I can do”. (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - Lasith Malinga had arrived in New Zealand with a strapped-up ankle and a bum knee. He has not bowled a delivery in competitive cricket since September. Even before the hiatus, he had been some way from his best; low on pace and wayward, with a stomach bulging out ahead of him. All this would make for a low-key return, you would think, but Malinga has earned a reputation as Sri Lanka’s major tournament performer. The gold tinge in his hair rejuvenates ahead of each big event. The yorkers begin to fly fast and free, stumps wrecked, hat-tricks collected, toes bruised, and that aeroplane celebration dusted off with unusual intensity. On Saturday, Gary Balance labeled Malinga “probably the best death bowler there has ever been”, and the man himself is meeting the attention with his usual bluster. Saddled now with transforming the Sri Lankan attack’s fortunes in New Zealand, Malinga said the expectations on him are nothing new. “I don’t know what pressure means,” he said. “I’m always used to pressure situations, so I wouldn’t even know what pressure is to talk about it. I want to have a free mindset and do what I can do. Throughout my career I haven’t been looking out where I’m playing or what are the conditions. We know it will be bouncy here, but I always trust my skill.” Malinga’s absence from

international cricket had been forced by a long-term ankle complaint that had deteriorated to the point of requiring surgery. He had suffered a setback in his rehabilitation in December, but has gradually been increasing his bowling workload through January. Every step is still painful, Malinga said, but he is expected to be fully fit for the warm-up matches, against South Africa and Zimbabwe, and for the curtain-raiser against New Zealand on February 14. “In the last few days, I’ve been bowling with my full run up, and I feel like I have good rhythm. I don’t know about the pace, so we’ll find that out in the matches. Before the World Cup, I have to use these two warm-up matches to the maximum. “I haven’t had much skills preparation in the last few months, but I always do my mental preparation. I watched all my footage in the last two months and figured out what I needed to do.” Sri Lanka’s majortournament fortunes have fluctuated with Malinga’s, to some extent, but on this occasion, his team-mates are quick to suggest they have other match winners in their attack too. Kumar Sangakkara said Rangana Herath was the best current spinner, while captain Angelo Mathews believed Sri Lanka were not totally reliant on Malinga. “You can’t write off the rest of the bowlers that we

have,” Mathews said. “We’ve got fairly experienced bowlers, but Lasith is the Xfactor. It’s just that in a oneoff game, the others can also come into the party. We all expect Lasith to do well but I’m pretty sure with the amount of talent that we’ve got in the side, anyone can do the job for us.” Mahela Jayawardene took a similar view, emphasising the threat of the collective, but added that Malinga’s return boosted the know-how within the attack. Malinga had been the architect of the wideyorker plan that brought Sri Lanka success in the World T20 final last year. “The others will feed off him,” Jayawardene said. “You saw in the World T20 how his ideas, and his management of the bowling unit in that situation was fantastic. Because of his experience, his presence will give us that extra 10 per cent to win the matches we had been losing. We’re a small nation, so it’s important we get everyone on the park.” Sri Lanka’s approach to the World Cup has been marred somewhat by a 2-4 loss to New Zealand. Mathews said his team had “found ways to lose matches rather than win them” in that series, and called for more consistency in all departments, but was unperturbed by the lowered expectations of his side. “We’re happy to walk into the World Cup as underdogs. No one really expects us to win.”

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Joshua Bacchus 6-wicket haul in vain as Kevlon Anderson XI win BCB U-15 trial match

Off spinner Joshua Bacchus who took a six wicket haul. Despite the fact that the dates for the Inter County Under-15 Tournament has not made public as yet, the Berbice Cricket Board is taking all steps to make sure that their team is well prepared for the competition. After several intense sessions around the county, the junior panel of selectors led by the experienced Leslie Solomon, shortlisted thirty eight players to participate in two trial matches. The first was played on Saturday February 7th 2015 at the Cumberland Cricket Ground in Canje. Ritesh Umroa eleven won the toss and took first strike and was bowled out for 148 in their allotted 44 overs. Berbice under-15 wicketkeeper batsman Junior Sinclair top scored with 23. He was supported by Brandon

Mangal with 15. Off spinner Joshua Bacchus spun webs around the batsmen taking 6 for 9 in 6 overs. He was supported by another off spinner Aaron Beharry with 3 for 13 in 9 overs. Nikeem Noble and Brandon Pydanna supported with two wickets each. In reply, Kevlon Anderson eleven replied with 130 for 8 in 44 overs. Berbice under-15 player Haife Walters top scored with 29. Cheddi Budhoo and Berbice under15 opener Alex Algoo supported with 17 and 16 respectively. Jevon Schultz took 3 for 9 in 5 overs. He was supported by Nivendra Persaud and skipper Ritesh Umroa with two wickets a piece. The second match was set for yesterday at the same venue.

Hearts of Oak Masters FC to begin 2015 football season tomorrow with School tourney After having a very successful year of activities in 2014, especially at the youth and the school level, the Hearts of Oak Master Football Club (HOMFC) is set to commence their 2015 football season in earnest tomorrow by staging an Inter Primary School tournament for schools in the New Amsterdam/Canje areas for both boys and girls. The tournament, which will be played for four days, is expected to culminate on Friday with the finals being played at the All Saint Scot Church Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, which incidentally is the venue for all of the matches.

Kick off time is 14:30 hrs on each day with each game lasting for 30 minutes. Seven schools have been invited to participate in the competition namely - St Aloysius Primary, All Saints, New Amsterdam and St Therese, Fort Ordnance Overwinning and Lochaber Primaries. Trophies and other incentives will be presented to the top two schools. There will also be incentives for most valuable Player, best Goalkeeper, best defender and most promising player among others. The day’s activity will be coordinated by Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey and members of the HOMFC. (Samuel Whyte)

Monday February 09, 2015

Ann’s Grove upset GDF in Mayor’s Cup Football Championship Slingerz FC, led by a 28th minute goal from Vurlon Mills with support from Julian Wade in the 59th minute, sent Mahaica Determinators packing 2-0 when the action continued in the Mayor’s Cup Football Championship at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground last Saturday evening. The trend of upsets also continued when powerhouse, Guyana Defence Force went down 43 to Ann’s Grove. Tonight’s action will pit the skills of the Guyana Police Force against Pouderoyen, while the GFC would be at home to Den Amstel and the lawmen will want to continue their good showing continued from their decisive 7-0 humiliation of Haslington Sparta United FC just over a week ago. Striker, Rawle

Last two round of 16 games set for tonight Haynes had led that onslaught with a hat-trick and he will be expected to replicate this feat. Nevertheless, he is not alone in the fight and will also bank on his team mates who have risen to the call in earlier games. Allistair Wilson, Anthio Wallace, James Bowman, and Rawle Thornhill had all contributed in their team’s last victory and much will be expected from them. Further, the lawmen can call on defender, Deon Rodney and striker, Rondell Arthur if the need arises. Pouderoyen has earned the bye to tonight’s game and though this is their inaugural match, their coach,

Adrian Gittens, who also patrols the midfield cordon, is assured that his team will be triumphant. He said that he has a strong force that comprises of fellow midfielder, strikers, Clement Brown and Quessie Allen. He is also placing his confidence in his defender, Dellion Josiah. “We will win this one by at least 3 clear goals,” he prophesied. GFC has been successful in their previous game against Uitvlugt and is hardly likely to change their line-up. Dwayne Lawrence had been the man to lead them to victory with a valuable brace and he received support from the dependable Calvin Shephard.

Their adversaries Den Amstel has a formidable team that will be led by captain, Maurice Charles, a central defence player, and midfielders, Travis Hilliman and Mervin Henry while Deleon Lanferman and Andre Hector will lead the strike force. Coach, O’Neil Heywood, said that his men are primed up and rearing to go. Asked to predict a winner the coach said, “We are considered one of the big teams and the pattern where those teams are being booted out of the tournament has made me very cautious about predictions.” However, he did say that his team would bring their best game to the field tonight.

Ivory Coast lift trophy after penalty drama

Ivory Coast players celebrate a goal during the penalty shootout. (Reuters) BBC Sport - Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout victory over Ghana. Keeper Boubacar Barry saved a penalty then scored the winning spot-kick, the game having finished goalless after extra-time in Bata, Equatorial Guinea. Barry seemed to be suffering from cramp during a shootout in which five penalties were missed. But the 35-year-old’s heroics gave the Ivorians their second title, in a repeat of the 1992 final. Twenty-three years ago, Ivory Coast lifted their first trophy when they beat Ghana 11-10 on penalties after a goalless draw. Ivory Coast missed their first two kicks - Manchester City’s new signing Wilfried Bony hit the crossbar and substitute Junior Tallo dragged wide with his first

touch of the game - but Afriyie Acquah and Frank Acheampong failed with their efforts for Ghana. After every outfield player had taken his turn, Barry brilliantly saved Ghana keeper Braimah Razak’s effort. Having annoyed some of the Ghana players when he delayed their kicks because of cramp, Barry slotted home straight before being mobbed by his team-mates. It was perhaps harsh on Ghana, who had the better of the chances in the match and twice hit the woodwork. Christian Atsu was unlucky to see a superb 25yard shot come back off the keeper’s left-hand post, while Andre Ayew struck the outside of the other upright from a tight angle. But there there was a sense of inevitability throughout the match that it

would go the distance as neither team appeared to be prepared to take the risks that might bring a victory. The big names - Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure and Bony, and Ghana’s Ayew and Asamoah Gyan - failed to have a decisive influence on the game, which never really flowed. This was the sixth time in the last 12 tournaments that the final had gone to

penalties. Ivory Coast had lost two of them, in 2006 to Egypt and 2012 to Zambia, when current Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard was in charge of the winning team. Frenchman Renard has become the first coach to win two Africa Cup of Nations with different countries. For Ghana, their wait for a fifth title - which now stands at 33 years - goes on.

UDCA secures sponsorship for Male and Female T20 competition The Upper Demerara Cricket Association has secured sponsorship for their first competition for 2015. According to President of the UDCA Bradley Fredricks the competition would be a knockout. “Sixteen clubs would be vying for the Cup and it is a T20 knockout competition for both Male and female teams. The males would be playing hardball and the females would be playing softball, even though we are trying to introduce the females to tapeball.” The competition commences on March 07th, 2015 and will be played on weekends at Maria Elizabeth, Christianburg and Dora grounds. (Jacquey Bourne)