Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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

Team Benschop takes on Sherod Duncan

DEAREDITOR, We respond to Sherod Duncan by saying that one can describe the upcoming local government elections as involving Mark Benschop, a man of the people versus Sherod Duncan, a man of pictures. Mr. Sherod Duncan has finally stepped out of the shadows and pronounced on an issue outside of cleaning up. It is sad that he chose one that has no merit. Team Benschop stands by the integrity of Mark Benschop and the works carried out by the Benschop Foundation which has been operational for over 8 years. These works include, but are certainly not limited to, organizing cleanup campaigns way before May 2015. The Benschop foundation has offered services to hundreds such as foundation computer courses, cosmetology courses and CXC classes. Persons benefitting from these courses come from areas such as Georgetown, Linden, Buxton, Bare Ruth, New Amsterdam, Albion and other parts of the Corentyne. It has also provided wheelchairs and other equipment to many in need. If Mr. Duncan has evidence to the contrary, he should produce it forthwith. However, we believe some pertinent questions must be asked. Does Mr. Duncan support our call for a comprehensive audit of the city administration? Does Mr. Duncan believe that persons should play

a direct role in managing and developing their communities with the help of central government or should central government run the local authorities as well? On February 9th, Mr. Duncan posted to his Facebook, “why would I vote for anyone else in the Local Government Election process than the people who facilitated the very process.” Mr. Duncan needs to clarify this urgently. It’s either he has no knowledge of how local government is supposed to work or he is simply jumping on a bandwagon and misleading the residents he seeks to represent. We believe the answers to these questions will demonstrate the competency of Mr. Duncan to represent the residents of Georgetown at City Hall. Team Benschop continues to look forward to a healthy debate on issues affecting the city, and encourages Mr. Duncan to use these mediums wisely and explain his plan for the city. To finish, let me quote Mr. Freddie Kissoon from Kaieteur News letter dated May 25, 2014 directed at Mr. Duncan, “When cowardly law students become lawyers can they really have a good grasp on the difference between right and wrong? I don’t think so. Sheep cannot tell the difference. They never will.” Ronson Gray Campaign Manager, Team Benschop for Mayor

Another angle on the used tyre debate DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese will be better off with used tyres. The new tyre price will be far too high. If the new tyre price was reasonable, it would be okay for the poor man. We have to look at the poor man first. The rich will always better off because they can afford anything. If the new tyre price is reasonable people will have a choice. The used tyre from North America and Europe might be better because when the new ones come to Guyana, they will be of the low quality type. Businessmen will compete and bring the sun-standard tyres. A poor man will buy four tyres for his vehicle rather than park his vehicle, but then he will work that tyre to the bottom, so at the end

of the day we will have vehicle with bad tyres. When a poor man put four new tyres, the next thing he will have to do is to build a strong garage. Next thing you know tyre stealing will be rampant. People will be afraid to park their cars. If am going to spend a hundred thousand on tyres then I have to really protect my car. In America and Canada there are vehicle more than ten years old. We are a Third World country; why we must only bring

in eight year old vehicle? People really think that the year of the car really matters. If one brings a 2005 vehicle with 50 000 miles usage and one brings a 2009 vehicle with 50 000 mile usage; both vehicle have the same engine. What is the big deal of the year? The poor will not able to own a vehicle. I think used tyre is okay and vehicle that is 12 year old is okay for our econmy. I do hope the relevant authorities see with the poor Zakir Ally

Some Parliamentarians sleep during sessions

DEAR EDITOR, I wish to thank the Parliament of Guyana and its sponsors for carrying live coverage of the sessions in the National Assembly. Many of us in the diaspora can now follow what is taking place live and it’s both informative and of concern. Apart from witnessing those who are prepared for parliamentary debate and those not so prepared, we can also see live those who sleep through the most spirited debates and of course, like true Guyanese, we have choice names for them. Although there are many who argue that the governing administration is not doing enough to change the culture of corruption, what is evident from the Bills presented is that there is a framework being put in place, and a restructuring of the administrative regulations that will make it more difficult for the corrupt to feel comfortable and for those susceptible to corruption to be enticed. This is a slow process and one that requires patience. There is some concern with the broadness of the language is some Bills, language that gives law enforcement wide powers to arrest and detain citizens without due process. It must be remembered that former

President Bharat Jagdeo used the 1980 Constitution as if he was a monarch. It is imperative therefore for Bills to be so written that the rights of the people cannot be abused whether the present Government is in office or out of office. Many Parliamentarians on both sides of the House have stood out in their presentations and nimbleness of rebuttals, Mr. Basil Williams, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and Mr. Carl Greenidge for the Government benches. There was greater expectation from the Opposition, after Mr. Jagdeo was selected by the Peoples Progressive Party as its opposition leader, Miss Gail Teixeira told the press that the Government was afraid of Mr. Jagdeo “cause when he get up to talk economics and finance, some people will get diarrhea”. This prediction is yet to occur. Mr. Jagdeo has been nothing but a damp squib. Instead of debating the issues he is competent on, Jagdeo raves like a know- itall, explaining how international ratings work or how Transparency International reach their rankings, rather than the content of the Bills. He also appears to be content with frequent heckling of Prime Minister Moses

Nagamootoo. His under performance has been overshadowed by Mr. Anil Nandall, Bishop Juan Edgill and General Secretary Clement Rohee. Indeed, Mr. Rohee should have been leader of the opposition. He seems to always be prepared, speaks to the issue, and can inject humor into his presentations. He also appears to have the respect of other members on both sides. Gail Teixeira has demonstrated her excellent knowledge of the Standing Orders and has used it to good effect, sometimes too exuberantly, in reminding the Speaker of his newness or lack of experience. This may have served the Opposition adversely as fair debate becomes a challenge. There are many instances where a Government member called a point of order during an opposition member’s rebuttal claiming that they are being misquoted, the Speaker without hesitation asked for a withdrawal from the opposition member, and no argument would suffice. On one occasion Mr. Williams Continued on page 29

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Wednesday February 10, 2016

14 GDF Officers receive instruments of commission from Commander in Chief The officer strength of the Guyana Defence Force has been further boosted by 14 new Second Lieutenants. The other three commissioned officers are from overseas—two males from Belize and one female from St Kitts. The 14 GDF officers comprising two females, received their instruments of commission by Commander in Chief of the armed forces, President David Granger. The ceremony took place in the Credentials Room of the Ministry of the Presidency. Their oath included them pledging before the President, Chief-of-staff and other senior Officers that they will bear true faith and allegiance to Guyana. They also pledged to support the Defence of the state against all enemies while honouring and upholding the constitution of Guyana without, fear or favor, affection or ill will. The Head of State himself took this oath 50 years ago in 1966 when he became an officer. “These are heavy words; to operate without fear or favour. Even when you come against a ferocious enemy, you should be fearless or even if you are to deal with relatives in the community where you grew up, you cannot show them special favour. At times you will be tested to act without fear or favour or without ill-will in the performance of your duties,” the President said. President Granger in encouraging them to

From L-R (sitting) Colonel Cargill Kyte, Chief of Staff, Brigadier General, Mark Phillips, President David Granger, Colonel George Lewis and Major Eon Murray. The newly commissioned officers are standing. understand and to remain committed to their oath advised them to never give up educating themselves and ensure that respect is maintained at all times. He also cautioned them to remember that they are now vested with the lawful authority to function as officials of the Guyana Defence Force. The Head of State told the officers, too, that “your duties entail that you have an obligation to obey the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; you have an obligation to comply with the Defence Act and you have an obligation to practice the values and standards of the

Guyana Defence Force.” He also urged them to embody and uphold the high personal and professional

standards of their new rank and challenged them to continue to develop themselves academically.

“Your conduct will be subject to scrutiny. I, therefore, command you to be exemplary leaders of the

Defence Force. I encourage you to continue to study, to be disciplined, to be dignified and to be loyal to our country,” President Granger said. The Best Graduating Student, Second Lt. Cleveroy Patrick, who spoke on behalf of the new officers said that the knowledge and skills gained from Standard Officers Course (SOC) No. 48 has served to strengthen the officer’s commitment to serve Guyana. SOC No.48 was declared open last May by President Granger at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri. Receiving their instruments of commission yesterday were Cleveroy Patrick, Jermaine Nedd, Mark Bagot, Jermis Batson, Dwight Bonus, Corenna Van Lewin, Daniel Phillips, Jeremy Basdeo, Althea Rodney, Quason Mc Andrew, Rawl Lord, Joel Amsterdam, Garvon Douglas and Stephion Gordon.

Berbice supervisor accused of stealing electricity rehired, GPL staffers upset Staffers of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) are up in arms over a decision by upper management to rehire a Berbice supervisor who was accused of stealing electricity at his home. According to staffers, the New Amsterdam-based official was interdicted from

duty in 2014 and when his contract expired, GPL exercised its option not to renew. The issue hit the news Monday when a letter to the editor in Kaieteur News called on President David Granger and new GPL’s Chairman of the Board of Director, Robert Badal, to intervene.

The letter claimed that staffers were demoralized and shocked at the decision to rehire the staffer. Yesterday, GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (ag), Colin Welch, who reportedly took the decision to rehire the supervisor was not available, with the company saying that he was overseas.

Kaieteur News was told that in 2014, based on complaints, an investigative team from GPL’s Loss Reduction Department travelled to Berbice. Homes of several GPL officials were visited, including the supervisor’s. He was the Supervisor of the (Continued on page 17)

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Obama proposes $4.1 trillion spending plan in final White House budget Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama proposed a $4.1 trillion spending plan for fiscal year 2017 yesterday in a final White House budget that met immediate Republican resistance for its cost and reliance on tax hikes to fund domestic priorities. Obama, a Democrat who leaves office next January, sought to outline his fiscal and political vision for the country with proposed investments in infrastructure, cyber security, education, and job growth. It also includes more than $11 billion for the Departments of Defense and State to fight Islamic State militants and stabilize Syria - one measure that could draw bipartisan support. But the plan is primarily a political document and is unlikely to be embraced by the Republican-controlled Congress. Paul Ryan, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, called it a “manual for growing the federal government at the expense of hardworking Americans.” The budget envisions a deficit of $503 billion in fiscal 2017 after a $616 billion bud-

Barack Obama get gap in the current fiscal year ending on Sept. 30. It seeks to cut deficits by $2.9 trillion over 10 years largely through smaller tax breaks for wealthy earners, new savings in Medicare healthcare, and assumptions that adoption of its policies on immigration reform and other areas would boost economic growth. “The budget that we’re releasing today reflects my priorities and the priorities

that I believe will help advance security and prosperity in America for many years to come,” Obama told reporters at the White House after a meeting with national security advisers on cyber security. “It drives down the deficit. It includes smart savings on healthcare, immigration, tax reform,” he said. The budget seeks $19 billion for cyber security investments across the U.S. government.

Kuwait backs alliances against Islamic State, but no troops DUBAI (Reuters) - Kuwait backs international efforts against hardline Islamist groups in Iraq and Syria although the Gulf Arab state’s constitution prevents it from fighting in anything but defensive wars, a senior Kuwaiti official said. Kuwait, a U.S. ally and neighbour of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, is part of a 34-nation alliance announced by Riyadh in December aimed at countering Islamic State and al Qaeda in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan. Several Gulf Arab states including Kuwait also provide varying kinds of support to a U.S.-led coalition that has been fighting Islamic State in Syria since 2014. The issue of Gulf Arab participation in Iraq and Syria has come to the fore because Saudi Arabia said on Monday it was open to sending special forces to Syria, and the United Arab Emirates has said it would be willing to send troops to train and support a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State.

“Kuwait stands shoulderto-shoulder with our brothers in Saudi on all fronts. We are always ready and able to provide what is needed to our Gulf partners within the confines of our constitution,” said Sheikh Mohammad alMubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s minister for cabinet affairs, in an interview in Dubai. Speaking late on Monday, he said this could be “intelligence-sharing, the provision of establishments required by the coalition to facilitate their

activities”. Diplomats in the region have said Kuwait has permitted some foreign air forces participating in the U.S.-led coalition to use airfields in its territory. Major OPEC oil producer Kuwait, which was invaded by Iraq in 1990, can declare defensive war if under direct threat, according to the constitution which states: “The emir declares defensive war by decree. Offensive war is prohibited.”

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U.N. fears for hundreds of thousands if Syria troops encircle Aleppo Reuters - Hundreds of thousands of civilians could be cut off from food if Syrian government forces encircle rebel-held parts of Aleppo, the United Nations said yesterday, warning of a new exodus of refugees fleeing a Russian-backed assault. The army aims to secure the border with Turkey and recover control of Aleppo, a senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters, adding that she did not expect diplomacy to succeed while foreign states maintain support for insurgents. Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air strikes and Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters, have launched a major offensive in the countryside around Aleppo, which has been divided between government and rebel control for years. It marks one of the most important shifts of momentum in the five-year civil war that has killed 250,000 people and already driven 11 million from their homes. Since last week, fighting has already wrecked the first attempt at peace talks for two years and led rebel fighters to speak about losing their northern power base altogether. The U.N. is worried the

Five-year old Sheima, REUTERS/Osman Orsal government advance could cut off the last link for civilians in rebel-held parts of Aleppo with the main Turkish border crossing, which has long served as the lifeline for insurgent-controlled territory. “It would leave up to 300,000 people, still residing in the city, cut off from humanitarian aid unless crossline access could be negotiated,” the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. If government advances around the city continue, it said, “local councils in the city estimate that some 100,000 – 150,000 civilians may flee”. Aleppo was once Syria’s biggest city, home to 2 million people. Air strikes continued on Tal Rifaat, Anadan and other towns in the Aleppo country-

side, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war, and activists said, adding that they were almost certainly from Russian planes. International Doctors Association official Mahmoud Mustafa said at least two people had been killed and 30 wounded in air strikes near Tal Rifaat and villages near Azaz. The death toll could be higher since his figures referred only to victims brought to the organisation’s hospital on the Syrian side of the Oncupinar border crossing with Turkey. In a residential area of Damascus, a suicide bomber drove his car into a police officers’ club on Tuesday, blowing himself up, a Syrian interior ministry statement said. The state news agency SANA reported three dead and 14 wounded. The Observatory said eight police officers had been killed and 20 wounded in the blast. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Jamaica holding talks with oil and gas company KINGSTON, Jamaica The Jamaica government says it is in the final stage of negotiations with a major oil and gas company to explore the potential for commercial oil and gas. Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Phillip Paulwell, said that negotiations with that the unnamed company are scheduled to end in March, at which point a licence will be granted for exploration of the South East section of the island. Tullow Jamaica Limited is now conducting exploratory work on the south coast of the island, which has been identified in the past as having good frontiers for exploration. Meanwhile, Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, addressing the “Future of Energy in the Caribbean Conference” which

Dr. Peter Phillips ended here yesterday, said that Jamaica would continue the practice of hedging against oil price increases. He told delegates that this is necessary, “so that we do not suffer irreparable damage to our balance of payments

account or stymie or reverse our economic growth…because of any sharp upward movement in the price of oil.” On March 12 last year, the government announced the imposition of an additional specific Special Consumption Tax (SCT) of seven dollars (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) per litre of petrol, in order to pay for the hedge. “The hedge is an insurance policy for the country and for the consumer against the prospect of a possible sharp upward movement in the price of oil,” Phillips told the conference that is hosted by Future Energy Corporation. The organisers said the conference aims at charting a pathway to energy independence within the Caribbean. (Daily Observer)

Pregnant women test positive for Zika in Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Ministry of Health has revealed that three pregnant women in Barbados have contracted the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness which has been linked to birth defects. The latest results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) bring the number of confirmed cases in the island to seven. The ministry said in a statement that the three women have been notified of the results and have been counselled. “Specialized obstetrics care will also be provided to monitor the progress of their pregnancies,” it added. There have been thousands of cases in Brazil of microcephaly – a rare con-

dition in which the heads and brains of infants are unusually small – and other abnormalities, in babies born to women who were infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. According to Brazilian health authorities, more than 3,500 microcephaly cases were reported in Brazil between October 2015 and last month. But the Barbados health officials have echoed the sentiments of the World Health Org a n i s a t i o n (WHO) that the suspected link is still under investigation and the relationship between the virus and microcephaly has not been established. “The situation is still evolving and information is being updated regularly. The

Ministry of Health will continue to r o l l o u t i t s r e sponse based on the local, regional and international experience,” the statement said. “As a proactive response, the Ministry has developed and disseminated guidelines to guide general practitioners, obstetricians and other health care providers in the clinical management of women who have the Zika virus during pregnancy.” The Ministry of Health said the guidelines were developed with the full cooperation and input from the Obstetrics and Paediatrics Departments at the c o u n t r y ’s o n l y p u b l i c hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (Caribbean360)

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Kaieteur News

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IT ALL STARTED… It started with some of the colours of the national flag, except it was not the national flag, but rather, the flag of the then ruling PNC party, that was being flown over the Court of the Appeal. This all seemed fairly innocuous at the time, but it turned out to be far from that. It turned out to be the case whereby the entire country came under the doctrine of the

paramountcy of the party. When you fly the party flag over the Court of Appeal you are in effect saying that the court is subservient to the party. When the highest court in the land is forced to fly the flag of the ruling party its means that the party trumps justice and human rights, and this is exactly what happened, and which led Guyana down the road to

destruction. It started with the simple colours and it ended with the Disciplined Services having to swear loyalty to the party, and their heads having to turn up at congresses of the ruling PNC. It started out all fairly innocuously and ended with workers being forced to march in parades intended to demonstrate support for the

Dem boys seh...

Soulja Bai Bee get trap in Uncle Sam yard All over de street nuff people telling dem boys that if nobody from de past administration don’t get jail it means that Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan, de two leaders in de coalition is setting de stage fuh dem and dem party people to do de same thing wha Scampish Jagdeo and Donald Dumb do to Guyana. Some of de local Bees who had dem nose too close to Jagdeo tail, already start pushing that same nose behind Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan. Boyah done give Soulja Bai free bricks fuh State House. He mek de yard look nice. And dem boys hear in de grapevine that he mek a big promise fuh plenty brick fuh de new Durban Park behind Cuffy. One of de original Bee, who always hanging he lip like if he Kay, was de fuss one fuh sprinkle li’l water in Georgetown fuh clean up. Just like how dem had Bees in Guyana sucking up to de big Bee and grab all de honey fuh demself dem had some Bees overseas looking in, and licking dem lips. Dem realize that Guyanese

politicians love anybody who is a Bee. Bar Rat is a Bee; Soulja Bai is also a Bee. Bar Rat got he Babby; and Soulja Bai attracting a Babby. Dem boys hear he want to land in Babby seat. He too like sweetness. Is Soulja Bai Babby who invite another Bee, a Black Bee from New York to be de hospital boss man. Uncle Sam put a stop to de plan dem had. Now this Bee sitting in de Yard, waiting

fuh Bar Rat and Brazzy to join ee. Dem boys want tell Uncle Sam, ‘Thank you, Buddy.’ De Hambassador in Guyana tell dem boys that this Bee wouldn’t be lonely in dem Yard. He stop short telling dem boys some names. But before he tun he face, he seh something that sound like “Ah Mad”. Talk half and hope that is not Ed going and join this new Bee.

Alleged horse thief granted bail Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ordered a rancher to post bail in the sum of $25,000 after he was brought before her for allegedly stealing a horse. Martin Scipio, a father of one, of Central Rupununi, Region Nine, pleaded not guilty to the charge of simple larceny. Particulars of the allegation stated that between November 1 and November 30, 2015, Hillman stole the animal belonging to Bernard Simon. The horse is valued at $120,000. Scipio, who was represented by Attorney Jed Vasconcellos, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones had no objections to the defendant being granted pre-trial liberty. He informed the court that the horse was recovered. This matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for February 29.

government. It started out with a party flag and led to the party card being the chief means of obtaining jobs in the public sector. It started out with the colours of the party and ended up with people being pressured to go and work on Hope Estate just so that they could obtain basic rations which were then in short supply. Beware of those colours because the decline of the economy started with those colours flying over the Court of Appeal. A Partnership for National Unity used the colour green during its 2011 campaign. The AFC used yellow. When they combined for the 2015 elections, the party paraphernalia were in the colours of yellow and green.

Today it is all yellow and green or green. The National Sports Hall has been painted in green, an ugly-looking green. A certain Ministry has bedecked its staff in the colours of green. The boats and buses donated by private businessmen to the government to transport children to school are all painted in yellow and green, the colours of the ruling coalition. These assets are now the property of the State and should not bear partisan colours. Guyana is now in an election season. Local government elections are due within the next five weeks. The government when it was in opposition had complained about the opposition using the State and state assets to advance the fortunes of the

ruling party. The same argument can be made about what is happening today. To have public property bearing party colours is to be using the State for partisan purposes. It is unfair. We can make light of the fact that the country is going through a process of yellowing and greening. We can try dumbly to ridicule those who have raised the issue. But let us remember how the decline in Guyana started, how paramountcy took root and destroyed this country. It all started with the colours of a party flag.

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Wednesday February 10, 2016

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Yes, APNU-AFC making the same mistakes as the PPP did My January 20th column was captioned, “Is APNUAFC learning from the mistakes of the PPP?” In that reflection, I wrote the following, “The PPP returned to power in 1992 and showed that it didn’t learn a damn thing from its years in power, between 1957 and 1964. From 1992 to the time it fell from power in May 2015, successive post-Jagan PPP presidents showed they knew nothing about the sociological dangers that inhere in Guyanese society. The PPP Government was afraid to bat once Muralitharan or Warne was

at the wicket ready to bowl. It gave the bowlers a large psychological advantage. As the years wore on, this lack of self-confidence led from one disaster to another. “Three immense faults led to rut in the leadership of each PPP decision-maker – lack of public relations activism, evasion of the press and obdurate unwillingness to apologize. “In politics, once a policy has congenital defects and you still need to implement it, then you have to use extraordinary vocabulary to market it. Silence on the policy in the

face of questions from the society will weaken your credibility if you do not at least attempt to explain and polish; some will call it spin.” What we are witnessing in this country is the same hide and seek in political deportment as we saw for fifteen years with Jagdeo and Ramotar. Guyana will never change if it does not produce transformative leadership. If anyone out there thinks that the PPP will change its way of acting and thinking now that it is in the opposition, he/ she is naïve. Here is an example of the leopard and its spots. The media invited five candidates contesting the Kingston, Georgetown Ward to express their intentions. The only candidate that did not turn up was the PPP’s; one can say refused to be present, since contacts for two successive days failed to persuade him. Yet this is a man that wants us to make him a policy-maker for the capital city. Someone in the APNUAFC Government decided

that there were financial and economic reasons for closing Wales Estate. Obviously that person had to provide the statistics and details to the hierarchy of power before the decision was made; that hierarchy made the decision. But the Government behaved the way the PPP did when it was in power – it refused to defend itself in front of the media and in debates. The occasion was a panel discussion last Friday on the estate closure sponsored by Moray House. People who failed GuySuCo, helped to destroyed the sugar industry, encourage d p o l i t i c s t o override strategic decisions on sugar and whose lives were/are driven by the race divide in Guyana, went to that panel event and offered their viewpoints and tabled their solutions for saving Wales. Not one of the persons from the top of the pyramid of power that made the closure decision showed up to defend what they decided

for this nation. Times like these you see the character in President Forbes Burnham. He removed the train in Guyana. He had an alternative. If there was a panel discussion on rejecting the dissolution of the train service and if any of his experts had refused to attend, Burnham would have mandated their presence with the words, “go and defend government’s policies.” I am becoming tired of people telling me - “give the government a chance, they are a few months in power.” I keep getting that refrain all the time but as time passes on, I am not seeing the transformational leadership that Guyana so desperately needs. The people who say give the new APNU-AFC administration a chance mean well, but they must attempt rational explanations. Yes, give them a chance, but weeks before local government polls, the City Council brutalized poor vendors and like the Moray

Frederick Kissoon House invisibility, the leaders in the Coalition said not one word in support of those poor people. Yes, give them a chance, but they are yet to explain what became of the 2015 election campaign promise about the reform of laws relating to sentence structure for marijuana convictions. Yes, give them a chance, but they took that chance Guyanese gave them in May 2015 and extended by almost a mile, the barriers around Parliament, the very barriers APNU-AFC leadership voted to remove in 2012. In other words, the present parties in government are ignoring a Parliamentary decision that they passed. I hope if the APNU-AFC loses the 2016 local government elections they do not do a Jagdeo on this nation and claim that the elections were rigged.

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Kaieteur News

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Millions in NDIA contracts related to mobile and fixed pumps During yesterday’s session at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), bids were opened for contractors to operate and ensure the security of mobile and fixed pumps belonging to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in Regions number 2, 3 and 4. The engineer’s estimate was $31.6M. Farmers throughout the country have been feeling the effects of the weather phenomenon known as ‘El Niño’, which has produced drought-like conditions. In response to the lack of water, water rationing has been employed in certain locations, while private farmers and NDIA have had to deploy pumps in some instances.

Region No 2 was not left out of the contracts either. There were six bidders vying for operating, servicing and monitoring of hydraulic excavators.

And finally, bids were opened for the procurement of chemical supplies under the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). There were three bidders.

There were also bids for the operation and security of NDIA mobile pumps at Enmore and Huntley, Region No. 4. The engineer’s estimate was $6.6M.

There were bids to operate, service and monitor NDIA excavators on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). The price proposals were submitted in ‘per day per excavator’ (PDPE) format and the engineer’s estimate was $20,000 PDPE.

There were also bids for operating, servicing and monitoring the NDIA hydraulic excavators in Region No 5. The engineer’s estimate was $20,000 PDPE.

Under NDIA, there were bids for operating, servicing and monitoring NDIA hydraulic excavators and works on the pontoon to dredge outfalls within Regions No. 2,3,4,5,6 and 10. The engineer’s estimate was $29,000 PDPE.

Hydraulic excavators in Region 3 are also slated to benefit from these operations. The engineer’s estimate was put at $20,000 PDPE.

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Murder of Berbice businesswoman…

Cops seek driver who took killers to scene Police are seeking an individual who appears to be the mastermind behind last

Sunday night’s murder of restaurant owner, Xiu Di Yang at No. 57 Village, Corentyne.

Detectives have received information that the individual, who appears to be

the eldest gang member, took his accomplices by vehicle to the scene of the robbery. Indications are that investigators are making significant progress, even as they continue to question a suspect who was taken into custody on Monday. The detained man is said to fit the description that the victim’s husband gave police of one of the intruders. Police believe that the intruders’ sole intention was to rob the family, but that the robber with the gun panicked and shot Xiu Di Yang when she screamed. From the way they operated, it is believed that the intruders are either in their late teens or early twenties. The 49-year-old owner of the Gin LI Lai Restaurant was shot around 19.50 hrs, allegedly by one of two unmasked men who had gained entry to the restaurant via an open back door. The attack reportedly occurred shortly after the woman, her husband Xu Hue Su, 51, and sons Zhuo Xing Su, 24, and a 14-year-old sibling, Zhuo Su, had finished dinner. Police said that Xiu Di Yang, her husband and two sons were in their restaurant, which was closed for

Xiu Di Yang business at the time, when two men, one of whom had a firearm, entered through an open door in an apparent robbery attempt. The husband and the two children fled and raised an alarm. At this stage the armed man discharged a round that struck Xiu Di Yang to her head. The intruders then escaped. Xiu Di Yang was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Zhuo Su, one of the victim’s sons, said that the family had closed the business around 19:50 hrs, since it was the eve of the

Chinese New Year. He said that the family had just finished dinner when they heard a noise in the kitchen. He was sitting facing the kitchen when he saw someone standing by the doorway that separates the restaurant from the kitchen. According to the son, the intruder signaled to him to be quiet. But the young man said he made a gesture and his family members turned and saw the stranger and another accomplice. The bandits were unmasked; one carried a small handgun and the other a cutlass. He said that his mother began screaming. He said that his father was holding a chair trying to protect his mother, but as she continued to scream, the gunman shot her in the centre of her forehead. The son said that his father was able to open the front door and flee with his sons from the restaurant. They then scaled the fence, before reaching the roadway, where they began to scream for help. The bandits reportedly made good their escape through the back door. They took a box which contained cigarettes, pens, books and other items of little value.

GWI to provide water to residents after Diamond well goes down The Diamond well is continuing to experience technical problems, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) disclosed yesterday. The problems started Monday, with GWI saying yesterday that it is attempting to supply water to the affected communities from areas between Covent Garden and Grove, East Bank Demerara. Customers residing between Covent Garden and Grove may experience reduced levels of service. According to the water company, it is transporting water via tanker to customers of Diamond, which is at the extreme end of the distribution network.

The full schedule and streets in which water will be delivered will be posted on the company’s social media pages available a t : w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / everydropcountsgy and on Twitter: @guyanawaterinc “ Te c h n i c a l t e a m s f r o m G W I a r e currently working to rectify the challenges at the Diamond Well Station. A camera inspection will be conducted by GWI’s Technical Services Department in order to ascertain the reason for the current difficulties at the well station. GWI will inform the community of the results of the camera inspection.”

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Slush fund days are over; ad hoc approach behind us – Minister Henry By Kiana Wilburg Guyanese can expect to see drastic but meaningful changes to systems governing culture, youth and sport. This was the message delivered by Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, as she made her contributions to the budget 2016 debates yesterday in the National Assembly. The presentation effectively responded to Opposition Member Neil Kumar’s assertions that the budget contained nothing for the poor and the nation’s youths. CULTURE The Parliamentarian said that throughout this year, the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport will engage in the promotion, protection and preservation of Guyana’s culture. She said that moves would also be made to promote national cohesion and pride using Guyana’s cultural traditions. In this respect, Henry said that her Ministry is committed to developing a cultural policy. This policy, she stated, will employ culture as a catalyst for mutual understanding and social cohesion. Henry said that as stated in the APNU+AFC

…Culture, Youth and Sport to see far-reaching improvements

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry Manifesto, the cultural policy will aim at an ongoing public campaign that seeks to equitably promote the various threads which together form the Guyanese tapestry. Towards this end, the Minister said that budget 2016 is skillfully crafted to finance programmes in cultural and anthropological studies at the University of Guyana. The Parliamentarian said that the budget provides funding to enhance delivery in all educational and training programmes, particularly strengthening cultural education at the secondary level and the launching of a new creative writing

programme. The politician said that this National Cultural Policy and accompanying Action Plan will be formed after meaningful consultation with experts and other stakeholders, which she stressed, is in keeping with Government’s commitment towards policy formulation. The Minister said, “A national cultural policy has become an imperative both in terms of our national priorities on heritage conservation and creative industry development, and also from the prospective of our need to mainstream culture into development in keeping with various international commitments.” “For instance, under the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Declaration of Havana (2014) Guyana committed to a regional action plan that includes the commitments to ‘Undertake actions to recognize the merit of cultural policies’ and ‘to formulate public policies and implement UNESCO’s Conventions as tools for development.’” Henry said, too, that the Department of Culture’s Action Plan (2014 -2018) which predates May 2015, lists its first key activity as a

commitment To “Review, Enact and implement policy and legal framework for Culture and national heritage.” With this in mind, the Minister said that 2016 is slated for, the Development of cultural policy and public consultations. The Cultural policy she said, will speak to three areas of Culture. The first will be mainstreaming Culture in Development. Here, Henry said that the principal focus will be the role of culture in human and social development as distinct from economic development with the focus on the three subareas of Education, Environment and Citizenship.” The second area is Cultural Heritage which will be focused on tangible and intangible heritage, with recommendations for research, preservation and discovery going forward. The third area is development of the Creative Industries. In this case, the focus will be on a blueprint

for green housing the creative industries in Guyana in keeping with practices that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. YOUTH Regardless of the criticisms by the Opposition to the effect that Government has made no provision for the development for the youth, Henry charged that the evidence in the budget speaks for itself. She emphasized that Government has a clear vision for the youth and recalled that the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, even spoke of his consultations with the youth on the 2016 budget, and moves to make this a permanent feature of the budget-planning process. Henry said that the budget is aimed at empowering young people and providing many measures that will create employment and other opportunities for their growth. “The Finance Minister noted that having consulted

with the youth of Guyana ‘I want to let them know that I listened attentively to them. I considered their requests, and in addition to the millions allocated within various sectors to support youth development, we will work to establish a more permanent structure for entrepreneurship and microlending for persons under age 30, as a special Youth Investment Fund’. This no doubt will benefit the youth of Guyana and therefore should be both commended and supported,” the Parliamentarian articulated. She expressed dismay at the fact that for the last two decades, young people have not realized their potential. The politician blamed this on the previous government which she said took a piecemeal approach to youth development, lacked vision, had no youth policy, and no useful plan for youth development. “We in the APNU+AFC government are rectifying this Continued on page 13

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Opposition begs “Govt. of Geriatrics” to stop ignoring youth By Abena Rockcliffe The government was in for abundant ridicule on Monday last when Opposition Members of Parliament took the floor of the National Assembly to speak about budgetary measures. The criticisms were many. But perhaps most scathing were criticisms about the government’s neglect of the youth of Guyana, coming mostly from speakers like Charles Ramson Jr. and Joseph Hamilton. Ramson told the House that he could not support a National Budget that seeks to do nothing for youths. The Member of Parliament (MP) said that it is rather unfortunate that the government plans to “increase and promote youth unemployment”. Ramson quoted Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who told the House last week that “apart from youth unemployment, this budget seeks to promote youth health and safety, sport and culture.”

Ramson pointed out that this is recorded on page 60 of the printed Budget Speech. The MP did not dismiss the possibility that the wording was a mistake; he said however that that is the lack of professionalism and lack of attention paid to detail that the man in the street is speaking about. Ramson said that on the same page 60, the Finance Minister inferred that young people are not ready for leadership. “We are not worthy enough to get appointed to cabinet.” The young lawyer also questioned why a reportedly completed National Youth Policy is yet to be taken to the National Assembly. He questioned too, “Why haven’t we (the opposition) been consulted about it? We are still the representatives of everybody in this nation just like you (the government) are. It should have been placed here.” Ramson said that A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change only used young people to

Opposition MP, Joseph Hamilton get elected to Office. The MP charged the government, “Stop using young people to get elected. Stop using young people for our ideas and then when it comes to make the appointments you leave us out in the cold and this nation is left with a real GOG—a Government of Geriatrics.” He said that young people

Opposition MP, Charles Ramson Jr.

were allowed to shine under the PPP. In this regard, Ramson pointed to the fact that his comrades, Priya Manickchand, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo were all given the trust of a PPP government while they were in their late 20s early 30s. Joseph Hamilton opened his presentation saying that he spent extensive time examining the Budget in an effort to find what is in store for the average ordinary Guyanese, but found nothing. Hamilton said he saw nothing for women, nothing

for people with disabilities, nothing for the poor, and nothing for the youth. “The Budget was elusive for the ordinary people…it will make the low middle class poor and the poor, poorer. Addressing youth and the Budget, Hamilton said that Minister Jordan only spoke about broad outlines for youth development. The MP said that a simple comparison between the Budget 2015 speech and the Budget 2016 speech will show that the government is not serious about youth development. “Look at Budget 2015 and

Budget 2016 you will see that the same language, actually the same words are used.” The MP said that there is “no meat on the bone of the Budget for young people”. “It does not say how much money will be invested to train youth, how many (young people) will be facilitated with startup grants and low interest loans to venture into businesses; it speaks nothing about that,” said Hamilton. Hamilton told the government, “The young people don’t want to hear about some broad policy statement in 2016, they heard that from the government in 2015, and since then the financial circumstance has remained and, for a large majority, it has become worst since the APNU+AFC came into govt.” Hamilton urged government Ministers to stop burying their heads in the sand and try to do something to help the youth of Guyana. ANYTHING FOR THE POOR, THE WOMEN OR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES? Hamilton told the House that youths are the only ones who have been ignored in Budget 2016. According to him, the Continued on page 29

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PPP objects to Speaker’s continuous Street dweller crushed to intrusion in Budget debate death in freak accident The political opposition yesterday registered its objection to House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland’s continuous intervention into the arena of the budget 2016 debates in the National Assembly. Speaking to members of the media, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira said that the latest intrusion from the Speaker came when one of its members, Allister Charlie, in his speech, objected to the painting of State, Government and public properties in the colours of green and/or yellow. Teixeira recalled that when Charlie made these remarks, the Speaker intervened to point out that yellow and green are “the colours of our National Flag” and cannot be lampooned in the House. The politician had risen to Charlie’s defence when the Speaker made this point, but her points were not acknowledged. During the press briefing, Teixeira said that “it is extremely difficult to accept that the Honourable Speaker did not grasp the gravamen of the objection of the PPP Member”. She said, “The PPP/C

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira

House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland

wishes to remind all that Members of Parliament speak on behalf of the people of Guyana who are themselves not in Parliament. People of Guyana have expressed their concern about what appears to be creeping party paramountcy.” The Opposition Chief Whip continued, “Their suspicions may well lie in the ugly history of our country, and they may be attempting to prevent a return to what is recorded

i n F a t h e r M o r r i s o n’s “Justice: The Struggle for Democracy in Guyana 19521992. “ “…. The party became inseparably identified with the Government, over which it exercised control and direction of its every institution. Symbolic of this paramountcy of the party was the flying of the Party flag over the Guyana Court of Appeal, in spite of vigorous protests of the opposition parties.”

An early morning freak accident has resulted in the death of a well known High Street labourer. The dead man, who was identified as “Jermaine,” or ‘Runnings Man’ is said to be a street dweller. According to reports, the accident occurred at around 08:25hrs yesterday on High Street, Georgetown, between Hadfield Street and Brickdam. Eyewitnesses say that the man was about to cross the intersection at High and Hadfield Streets when his shirt became entangled with the edge of a passing container truck. The man was dragged for a short distance beneath the container truck which crushed part of his head. When this newspaper visited the scene, not much could be said about the man’s personal life or identity. Some persons referred to him as a drug addict or “junkie.” Ingrid Weekes, a vendor located on the High Street pavement, recalled that ‘Runnings Man,’ would usually assist her with her push cart. She said that she is unable to say whether the man has any relatives. The man’s remains were taken to a morgue in the city shortly after the accident.

Onlookers at the scene at High Street, Georgetown yesterday.

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Forensic audit of cooperatives underway - findings to help Govt. craft needed policies A forensic audit of the function of cooperatives throughout the country has been mandated by Government. The audit will be facilitated by a small team of individuals with an aggregate of over 100 years of experience in cooperatives and the management of cooperatives. The operation of the team became effective February 1, 2016. This disclosure was made by Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott, as he made his contribution to the 2016 national budget debate Monday evening. He told the House that the audit will, among other things, advise Government on the crafting of policies designed to repair the numerous breaches and create an entity capable of advancing national development. And according to Scott, a key and critical aspect of the audit is a determination of the number of active and functioning cooperatives in existence. “We believe that there are certain organizations out there, masquerading as cooperatives when in fact, their main purpose, is the given efficacy to illicit activities within the realms of money laundering,” Scott revealed. As such he disclosed that “we have recently commenced and intend to continue training and conducting awareness sessions in Anti –Money Laundering and Countering Financing in Terrorism for personnel in the co-operative sector.” During the latter half of 2015, a total of 65 such sessions were held not only centrally and in Region Four, but in other regions as well, Scott disclosed. It is for that reason, he added that the new focus that will be embraced is the decertification of nonfunctional co-operatives, astute monitoring of those functional, and arbitrates, in disputed cases, all in compliance with relevant legislation, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Scott noted that it was just two weeks ago officers in the Labour Department attended an in- house seminar. The facilitators at that seminar included a competent Attorney at Law and the Chief Executive Officer of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) who sensitized the participants on their roles in the protection of the State. But the efforts of the Ministry will not end there as

according to the Minister, “we will work along with BIT, TVET, Kuru Kuru College and Critchlow Labour College to position co-operatives on the front burner; where it will once again play a meaningful part in the grand scheme of development in our country.” According to Scott, the Ministry is working tediously to restructure and reorganize its dysfunctional cooperative unit. In so doing, he said that efforts are being made to address the philosophy and practice of cooperativism which have been disgracefully stifled during the immediate past decades. And Scott assured that “in this new dispensation we are determined to reverse that shameful situation of the past and position cooperatives where it rightfully belongs.” In fact he made it clear to the House that Government is committed to the realization of the co-operatives as one of the pillars to sustain the economic development of the nation. The importance of cooperatives, according to Scott, was emphasized on October 24, 1970 at the inauguration of the Guyana National Co-operative Bank by then Head of State, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, who said, “We have chosen the vehicle of the cooperative as the means whereby we, the friendless of the earth, the disinherited, those who for centuries have been kicked and spat upon, should be combining our resources, bring to our country economic independence. In this way our political significance and predominance, in this community, in this nation of Guyana should be reflected in economic terms…..Through the co-operative division of the office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministries of economic Development and Education, we shall undertake the necessary training, using from time to time, the agency of the Cooperative Union which is basically a federation of co-operatives.” Scott, in concluding his presentation, noted that “I need not emphasize the tremendous benefits which can be derived from a revitalized cooperatives department, but I wish to let it be known that the same interest and energies to be devoted to the cooperative would be likewise directed to the Friendly Societies, in so far as efficiency in their management are concerned.”

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“Used tyres are like a time bomb” During the presentation of this year’s $230B Budget two weeks ago, Government announced plans to ban the importation of used tyres. It also announced a tax reduction on new ones. This revelation has seemly brought dismay amongst importers of used tyres, vulcanizing establishments and some vehicle owners. The parliamentary opposition has also aired concerns on the issue, contending that the move by the newly elected government will put pressure on the low and middle income earners since new tyres are more expensive than used tyres. Several environmentalists and businessmen, however, have given thumbs up to the government’s initiative which is to create a green economy. While agreeing that the new tyres will cost more, those in support of the ban are calling on consumers to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, that is, the safety and the environmental threats that used tyres are contributing. According to one tyre

- Action Tyre boss

Action Tyre boss, Ron Persaud importer, Ron Persaud, owner of one of the leading tyre services in Guyana – Action Tyre, new tyres will not put a dent on the consumers’ pockets as being peddled in various sections of media.. Persaud has dedicated almost 40 years to his business and is considered one of the leading tyre specialists in Guyana. During an interview on Monday, Persaud explained that the reduction of the duty on new tyres will pave the way for importers to increase the number of tyres being imported. It will make importers eligible for

“quantity discount” meaning, the more you buy the less you pay. Persaud continued that this will allow importers to sell at a “lower” price and with the competition expected to take place in the local market, the prices of new tyres will to go lower. Currently, the price the most sought after tyre – that makes up 40 percent of the market – is $17,500 per unit. With the duty reduction and taking the quantity purchase into consideration, the price is expected to plummet to between $12,000 and $15,000 per tyre, Persaud said. DISADVANTAGES OF USED TYRES The major issue with used tyres being imported into Guyana, Persaud pointed out, is the lack of quality control.

He stated that given that the shelf life of a “properly stored” tyre is five years, the used tyres being imported are sometimes over five years old; some are 10, 15 and even 20 years old. While admitting that used tyres “will always be around”, Persaud said that with only new tyres coming to Guyana – which will be required to be changed every five to seven years – Guyanese who cannot afford to buy a new tyre, can buy a used one from the local market because they will be know the life of the tyre as opposed to the unknown life of the imported used ones. “Overseas, after these tyres are punctured, the steel inside (the tyre) becomes exposed (to moisture) and begins to rust; compromising the tyre itself.

Now after or before it is imported, it is repaired but the steel inside has already begun to rust…It is like steel (rod) in a post, after it is compromised, the post cracks. It is the same with the used tyre,” Persaud stated. “When you have proper tyres, it also saves on the wear and tear of the car’s suspension, steering and bearings…New tyres have less rolling resistance; it improves on gas mileage. “Why would you buy used tyres two, three (and) four times a year when you can buy brand new tyres and at the same time eliminate the health and safety concerns?” As a provider of various services, Persaud related that the operatives of public transportation usually go after the used tyres. These operators, he stated, are not conscious of the tyres their

buying. He made reference to some minibuses that have four different types of tyres; which have different traction effect, weight and size. This, he said, is very dangerous to the lives of people who rely on these services as a mode of transportation. “Used tyres are a time bomb; an accident waiting to happen” Persaud also aired his concern about the potential threats posed by the used tyres. “(Used tyres) increase our solid waste and health concerns. A new tyre importer brings in one container of assorted tyres a month while a used tyre importer brings in two to four a month. “Old tyres that are discarded are brought here for us to use.”

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Wednesday February 10, 2016

Significant gold leakages involve Brazilians As Government continues its reforms of the gold mining sector, one of the major issues it is dealing with is how to halt the leakages in relation to declarations. Gold declarations, from projections, are targeted at an unprecedented 550,000 ounces this year. More than 150,000 ounces is expected to come from two foreignowned companies - Guyana

Goldfield Inc. and Troy Resources - which started operations last year. The rest will come from the other smaller operators who are expected to contribute at least 430,000 ounces. The issue of leakages and smuggling reared its head last year with Government insisting that it was losing out significant revenues from the

seven percent in royalty and tax it loses every time an ounce of gold is not declared. In his recent budget presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan echoed what senior Government officials have been saying - that at least 15,000 ounces of gold is being smuggled out weekly. The smuggling reports had sparked a multi-agency

GGMC officials and police a few years ago in a controlled exercise in a Brazilian mining camp.

probe that later saw the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US. From indications, it appeared that much of that smuggled gold was making its way overland to Suriname and then onwards to the US, Europe and even Asia. But it also seemed as if a significant amount is making its way to Brazil, one of the three countries that border Guyana. Although there is little data released over the years, it is a known fact that hundreds of Brazilians live and work especially in the gold mining areas of Guyana. It is not known how many have been granted citizenship or work permits. According to officials, Brazilians have been making declarations, with even Brazilian dealers licensed to do business. The declarations are significant, but still nothing compared to what is not being declared. With Guyana’s gold mining areas located between Regions Seven and Eight, mines officers are stretched thin to patrol and monitor the numerous camps that dot the areas. This, coupled with corruption with mines officers and other officials, has been posing problems for authorities like the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), to

determine how much is lost. According to knowledgeable insiders, with the informal setting of the gold camps and water landings, Brazilians especially have been trading gold with third parties and others for fuel and ration. “So there may not necessarily be smuggling, but this gold being exchanged for services and fuel and food and spares and things like that, is not showing up in the system. So you will have many cases of people (Brazilians) collecting cash from selling gold and with poor record keeping, it is difficult to estimate what is slipping through.” Brazilians, too, may not be too interested in smuggling gold directly to Brazil. With exchange rates, it is better to sell the gold in Guyana than taking a chance and smuggling it overland, where robbers and police checkpoints may prove a deterrent. It is what happens to the gold that is traded for fuel and other goods that worry authorities. Most of this gold, it is strongly believed, makes it way to persons in the smuggling business. With Suriname’s taxes lower than Guyana, persons have been making significant profits taking the chance of getting it there. The David Granger-led administration has been

attempting to put a clamp on it, with the US keeping a close eye on the traders and others. A list of the persons believed to be involved has been handed to the Government with a special department established to address issues of compliance. Over the weekend, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, said that the finishing touches on a Compliance and Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources are being applied, with the body to become operational shortly. The division, he said, will monitor the work of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Gold Board, Guyana Forestry Commission, and miners and loggers, to ensure strict compliance with the laws and regulations. It will be headed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes. In recent weeks, the issue of non-declaration was again raised after it was disclosed that Chinese-owned logging company, BaiShanLin, was involved in gold mining, but has yet to declare an ounce despite getting hundreds of ounces each week from its operations in the Ekereku area, Region Seven. The situation has raised questions about GGMC’s capacity.

Man sprays ‘boss’ at cop, relieves him of cell phones A Construction worker was yesterday remanded to prison, after being accused of spraying mace - a type of chemical irritant popularly referred to as ‘boss’ - in the face of a police officer, before relieving him of two cell phones on Saturday. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was 27 year-old Carl Hillman of Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown. He was charged for the offence of robbery with aggravation. It is alleged that on February 6, at Durban Street, Werk-en-Rust, he robbed Police Lance Corporal Larry Joseph of two cell phones — carrying a total value of $53,000. Hillman, who stood restlessly in the prisoner’s dock pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him in the

— court hears Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He will make his next court appearance on February 22. Police Corporal Deniro Jones presented the prosecution’s case. He told the court that on the day in question, around 02:30hrs, the police officer visited his friend’s place of work. He added that the defendant approached Joseph and his friend and threatened to shoot them. Jones stated that Hillman sprayed “boss” in the face of the virtual complainant and relieved him of the items mentioned in the charge. According to Jones, the defendant made good his escape with the items and was Continued on page 27

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Shiny future ahead for Now dead fugitive called for gold miners - Broomes getaway car after robbery Robbery/home invasion on land court judge…

It was now dead fugitive Rolston ‘Saddam’ Morrison who called the getaway car after gunmen robbed and terrorised Land Court judge, Nicola Pierre and her husband Mohamed Chand on July 9, last. This is according to Detective Inspector Suraj Singh who took the stand yesterday, as the trial of the five men accused of carrying out the armed robbery continued in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Singh is stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, and is attached to the Major Crimes Investigation Unit. Premnauth Samaroo; Damien Millington, 22, of Lot 118 Caesar Street, Agricola; Nicholas Narine, 18, also of Caesar Street Agricola; Anthony David, 28, of 63 Hadfield Street, Stabroek and Warren Mc Kenzie, 22 of Lot 18 Brutus Street, Agricola, are jointly facing three charges, two for the offence of robbery under-arms committed on Pierre and her husband and another for the offence of discharging a loaded firearm at security guard, Ron Peters. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently on remand. Singh testified that David—the number four defendant—told him that the now dead Morrison had called him on the night of July 8, to pick him and others up after persons opened fire on them. He testified that David said that Morrison requested to be taken to Agricola. The police witness stated that Anthony told him, “On the night of July 8, 2015, Saddam (Rolston Morrison) called me and tell me that they deh pun a wuk up in Montrose. And how people shooting at them. And that he want me to come and collect them.” He went on to say that the defendant said to him, “So meh guh up and collect them and drop them to Agricola. Meh had to mek two trips and me aint get no money cause them tell me that they had to run away and leave the things.” The police witness recalled that as David was speaking Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar immediately cautioned him. Singh informed the court that he watched ASP Caesar recording the conversation in his personal diary. David refused to give a written statement to the police, the witness recounted. Earlier on during his testimony, Singh stated that around 13:00hrs on July 16, 2015, ASP Caesar made

— police witness testifies

Anthony David

DEAD FUGITIVE: Rolston ‘Saddam’ Morrison

contact with David who was being held in the holding area at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. He added that in his presence, Caesar told David that he was continuing with investigations as it relates to the robbery under-arms committed on the judge and her husband on July 9, 2015, at Lot 2 Montrose, East Coast Demerara. Singh added that Caesar also told the defendant that he acted in consort with others to commit the said robbery. According to the witness, the defendant exclaimed that he wanted to talk about what he knew about the robbery. At the conclusion of his testimony, Detective Singh was cross-examined by Adrian Thompson, Attorney for David, Narine and Samaroo. Thompson suggested to Singh that David never told ASP Caesar anything. In response, the witness refuted the suggestion and maintained that those were the words uttered by the defendant to Caesar in his presence. Special Prosecutor, Nigel Hughes declined to reexamine the witness. IDENTIFIED BY SECURITY GUARD Premnauth Samaroo, the number one defendant was positively identified by security guard Ron Peters during an identification (ID) parade held at the Beterverwagting Police Station. This was the testimony of Police Constable Marvin

Edwards who assisted with investigations pertaining to the armed robbery. Edwards said that at the time of the investigation he was stationed at the Sparendaam Police Station. He recalled that on July 11, 2015, he witnessed the ID parade. The witness related that a Police Inspector contacted Samaroo and told him that he, along with eight other men would be placed on an ID parade in relation to the robbery. However, Edwards related that Peters was informed by the inspector that the person(s) who robbed the judge and her husband may or may not be on display. After two minutes of viewing the ID parade, the witness testified that Peters pointed out Samaroo - who was standing in the eighth position - as one of the men w h o c a r r i e d o ut the robbery. Magistrate Zamilla Ally Seepaul thereafter, indicated that she would need some time to review evidence as it relates to oral confessions and caution statements given by the defendants before the court commences a Voir Dire (trial within a trial). A Voir Dire will be done to ascertain whether the oral confessions and written statements were willingly or involuntarily given. It will also determine if they can be admitted as evidence in the trial. This trial was adjourned until Friday.

Man sprays ‘boss’... From page 26 later positively identified by the officer. However, Hillman pleaded with the Magistrate to give an explanation. He claimed that he never robbed the officer and had not seen him before. The prosecutor objected to bail citing the gravity of the charge and the penalty attached to the offence. These objections were upheld by the Magistrate.

The mining sector is, of course, not without its challenges. Among the many challenges is the falling gold price which the government cannot do anything about. However, that which is in the government’s ability to change, will be changed. The National Assembly heard this on Monday last as Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes addressed the National Assembly. Pointing out the things that the government can change, Broomes said that will work towards an improved environmental profile in the sector. “We must also move, and urgently, to improve the safety record in the mining sector. More than that, we have to ensure that the men and women who are employed in the natural resources sector as a whole are rewarded with far better treatment at the hands of their employers.” Broomes said that the APNU+AFC will promote as much training as possible. “We will continually train the people who serve the natural resources sector, so

Junior Natural Resources Minister, Simona Broomes that the performance standards of the sector can be enhanced. In that regard, it is good to see that there are generous allocations in this year’s budget, for training.” The Minister admitted that training alone cannot bring about the transformation needed. Therefore, she said that the government will provide the incentives and the encouragement that contribute to the creation of committed professionals. Further, Broomes said that amounts have been

allocated in the budget for investment in Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Noise Meters, Radiation Monitoring Systems, Cameras, Environmental Monitor Systems, among others. The Minister also indicated that her administration also intends to invest in educating miners. “The priority, of course, is safety…we simply must find a way of putting an end to the tragedies that have been costing us lives and blighting the mining sector.” She said that most of the recent accidents in the mining sector have been a function of “managerial incompetence and indifference. This government intends to keep miners honest as far as the safety of workers is concerned. In that regard there will be training put in place to teach managers how to prepare their mining pits in accordance with the occupational health and safety practices. We will take the training sessions to the miners at the location where they work.” (Abena Rockcliffe)

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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: lessons places, st o r a g e bond or church -$25,000 per month.Call: 603-6400/264-2123 Two bedrooms house “A” Field Sophia, $40,000 monthly with 2 months security, must provide job letter & earnings & ID- Call: 693-2237; 219-0211

Original slate pools table $350,000 –Call: 694-7266

One bedroom bottom flat: fully grilled, self contained bedroom, A/C room, parking for one. Call: 650-2708 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours

Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181

WANTED Rider for 3 wheel motorcycle to deliver water- Call: 6869296; 655-1534

Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362

Urgently! Garbage company needs experienced drivers must have police clearances, two reference one picture. Call: 223-7012/670-7920

2-2 Bedrooms apartment for rent at Mon Repos, North E.C.D –price:$55,000. Call: 692-9295; 688-6005

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

Drivers- paid salary; dispatcher for taxi service and contract cars- Call: 231-0316

House for rent in Grove Housing Scheme. Call: 6801282

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar

House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/downstairs, all modern conveniences $1600US monthly-Call: 2317839 during working hours

Live in home aid needed in Peters Hall: 1 week on, 1week off, must be 45plus- $13,000Call: 667-2535 Salesgirls, porters and security guard. Apply with written application at Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville.

TO LET Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call: 227-5194

Tax Services: custom brokerages, individual income tax, property tax, value added tax, compliances certificates, etc. Call: 660-9478

Experienced dispatcher and hire car taxi drivers @ Princess Hotel-Call: 265-7076, 265-7075; 616-5419

One upper flat to rent at lot 580 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara- Call: 625-4195; 624-8120

Cleaners: persons living in the areas of Soedyke E.B.D to Timehri. Call: 2236544; between 9:00am5:00pm

Prime business place in Lethem, storage bond & living quarters included. Call: 692-3573

FOR SALE/FOR RENT American pool table – Call: 277-0578

Live in or live out, babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday, between 8:15-4:15pm 1 General live in domestic, age 30-45yrs - $60,000 monthly- Call: 659-2708; 6885409

MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: come & experienced heavens touch with new attendants: Kala & Lisa. Visit us today! –Call: 690-6079

Maid to work at Contienental Park between 8am-4pm, attractive salary. Call: 6851403 TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

Fridge, water bottle, carpets, fan, kettle, plastic barrel, blender, wares, baby cradle, cap hair dryer. Call: 618-2116 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135

STAR CARS AUTO SALE: 30-06 PREMIO, 03-07 FIELDER, NEW RAUM, IST, BLUEBIRD, AXELA, PITBULL. CALL: 679-3140; 268-3509 Toyota Ipsum, fully loaded, music system – 5,800 watt, 7 seater, excellent condition – Call: 653-1003 RAV4 2001, 91000km, crash bar & roof rack -$3M negotiable- Call: 216-1893 Black Toyota Celica 2002; 2 door sports car, immaculate condition- Call: 614-8870; 222-2431 To y o t a R a u m , S p a c i o , AT192, Allion, L-Touring Wagon, EP71-starlet, IST, Nissan March & Pickup 4X4 (4door). Call: 6445096; 697-1453

Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market- Call: 6237731; 629-0636

Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Transported property @ Tuschen Housing Scheme $7M negotiable. Call: 2641050; 683-7045/669-3553 1 Acre land (37X1200) with flat house, chicken pen & fruit trees -$11M negotiableCall: 642-7898 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 FOR SALE BY OWNER: FLORIDA DESIGN, WATER FRONT PROPERTY LOCATED AT MADEWINI RESORT COMMUNITY. CALL: 624-5048; 624-5042 One two bedroom storey 6 bedroom house for sale at Guyhoc Park. Call: 618-8498; 626-0709

LAND FOR SALE Land @ La Grange Public Road to sea dam, 4 acre, could use for housing development-Call: 625-1514 Going Cheap: One house lot at Mon Repos (Martyrsville) - $3.7M negotiable. Call: 220-0538, Joel: 645-2395; 629-5300

Property at lot 19 Good Hope Gardens. Call: 652-3525 or 234-0046 Lot 1884, 20 Ave, First corner, Diamond H/Scheme, 3 bedrooms, flat house- Call: 662-4676, 602-9403 1 Concrete 2 storey property @ Lot 20 Area H Ogle- Call: 254-1663; 622-1610

VACANCY Cook/baker and truck driver for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Office Assistant: apply at GPTWU, 310 East Street, S/ CBurg. Must have a bicycle. Security Officers; apply in person. Massey Security (Guyana) Inc, Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Call: 225-5773-6 Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106 Popular East Coast Gas Station: day/night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6694755; 695-9880, Non-Pareil

Honda CRV (RD5), PNN series, stick gear -$2,350,000 negotiable, Toyota IST, PSS series, candy pink $1,650,000. Call: 691-1198

Local & International e m p l o y m e n t : www.jobfairworldwide.com. Call: 233-6517/622-1957/6380595 between the hours of 9am-5pm Mon –Sat.

1AT 212 PRR, 1 Allion PRR Series, 1 Premio PPP, owner leaving country. Call: 6422645

CARPENTERS AND LABOURERS. 676 6700

1 Toyota Landcruiser Prado, PMM series. Call: 219-5354, Monday-Friday 8:15-4:15pm & Saturday 8:15-1:15pm.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Live in general domestic 2535yrs salary - $60,000$70,000 monthly – Call: 6103974

Dispatcher- Call: 661-2824; 223-1377

One slate pool table, price $300,000- Call: 228-2098; 6285796 One D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, in e x c e l l e n t c o n d i t i o n , ready to work, price $14M. Call: 611-4775; 220-5192 1-6" Dredge complete with Lavador -$6M- Call: 6190898

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Allion 2010, PTT series. Call: 626-7464

Cleaners’ R’ us: janitorial cleaning including: window cleaning, office cleaning, pressure washing, etc. Call: 6609478; 672-0865 or 223-6544

INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 1 Leyland (55) 210) Cab/ Chassis/Ford Cargo Chassis and Diff with springs & other truck parts- Call: 275-0014; 660-0604

Wednesday February 10, 2016

1 Super Custom RZ minibus (Diesel) very good condition, price $1M negotiable. Call: 613-7798 1-TM 4-wheel drive truck with crane -$3M, 1-TL 500 truck crane -$2M- Call: 619-0898 1-Volvo Crane & dump truck -$3M- Call: 619-0898

M A R K E T I N G ASSISTANTS, DRIVERS and WELDER/FABRICATOR. 676 6700 Western Union CSR, evening shift cashiers, computer literate, 5 CXC subjects. Apply: Survival, 173 Sheriff Street, C/Ville G/Town. Tel: 227-5286-90 Sales person/Accounts clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. Porters. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

Toyota AT212, in good condition -$1.2M negotiableCall: 690-3352; 267-1308; 6262841 1- Toyota Surf with 3RZ engine -$2.9, 1-double cab pick-up -$1M. Call: 619-0898 VEHICLE FOR SALE We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Reduced prices on unregistered cars, Allion, Mazda, Fielder, BlueBird. Call City Motors:626-7478; 6163413 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Noah, Voxy: unregistered, fully loaded, ‘G’ Series-$1.7M –Call: 603-9700 Unregistered Allion: 2004, fog, dark interior, TV DVD, CD. Call: 617-5536

One Suzuki Carry 660ccc/ small truck, excellent gas consumption – Call: 6802181; 223-1377 First Class Auto: Rush, IST, Runx, Sienta, Bluebird, 06 Premio, 06 Allion, Fielder, Spacio, Noah. Call: 627-8383; 638-3045 Toyota Hilux 4X4 Diesel 2L Turbo Pickup, in excellent condition. Call: 648-0111; 645-0240

FOR OUR ADVERTISING RATES - CALL US ON TEL: 2268210 Continued on page 29

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Linden residents call for removal of asphalt plant

The asphalt plant Residents of Wisroc, Linden, are calling on the relevant authorities to immediately remove an asphalt plant from their community. The plant which went into operation last December, is reportedly affecting the everyday lives of residents by releasing pollutants. The Asphalt plants mixes gravel and sand with crude oil derivatives to make the asphalt used to pave roads, highways, and parking lots. Several residents living in the area, especially those in close proximity to the plant, complain daily how it affects them. The residents have complained about experiencing breathing

problems due to the fine dust that is given off by the plant when it is in operation. One resident said, “When duh ting start up, is like yuh breathing sheer tar.” Another resident, who is a cosmetologist, said that she can’t even work when the plant is operational. She claims her 14-month-old is affected. “Me children throat burning all dey stomach. I got to send my baby to my mother all day and when they out duh thing then I going fuh me baby in de night.” The resident also claims that her husband, who suffers with allergies, cannot be home. “Me husband only come home when it out. That is not fair to me and me

children.” Residents would usually be stay indoors from the smoke and dust being emitted from the plant. The residents say they cannot open their windows. “Every time we open we windows or door we house messing up. It used to be dust and we could handle duh but this thing black and sticky wha flying. They didn’t even consult wid we before dey put it down. Dey coulda put it more at de backroad.” One resident, Gary King, said that his wife who is a nurse can’t hang out her uniforms outside because they get dirty and ‘smelly’. The residents are asking the relevant authorities to remove the plant immediately.

Opposition begs “Govt. of Geriatrics”... From page 14 poor have also been ignored, the working class has been ignored, people with disabilities have been ignored and so were women. Further, the MP said that the “sensible” Minister of Finance has also ignored the economic crisis. Hamilton said that it is unfortunate that government has been unable to respond to this. He said that the economy is in serious trouble and the problems can only be fixed by wealth-creating measures. According to Hamilton, instead of putting the needed measures in place, the government has moved to take more out of the pockets of the poor. Also, Hamilton said that the “The Minister (Jordan) thinks he can fix the economy with fancy rhetoric believing that the masses are asses.” The MP said that Minister Jordan’s reportage that no jobs were reported lost, reminded him of the old calypso song ‘King Liar’. Hamilton also condemned the absence of adequate developmental measures for women in the

Budget. He chided the Minister of Business for lacking measures in his Ministry to encourage women in business. Hamilton said, “The issue of women in business and economic development was just glossed over in the budget presentation.” The MP noted that there are no cash incentives for women in business, quite unlike what was given the previous Budgets presented by the PPP government. He said that PPP Budgets saw women being treated differently and there were often measures mentioned specifically to alleviate poverty among women. “This budget casts women aside…shame on the government and double

shame on all females in government.” Hamilton also pointed out that there are no plans to integrate the differently-able. He said that the government perhaps sees people with disabilities as charges on the state “only to receive state handouts.” Hamilton said that the last census shows that of the over 75,000 persons living in Guyana, 50,000 are people with disabilities. “They should not be seen as not important, they do not want to be seen as charges on the state.” Hamilton charged the government to put plans and projects in place to meaningfully engage person with disabilities.

Some Parliamentarians... From page 5 quoted from the President’s speech to the House, and he was reminded by the Speaker that he should not use the President’s name to score political points in keeping with the standing orders. During Mr. Nandlall’s rebuttal he referenced the President, quoting the language that was accepted as part of the Minister’s presentation, he was immediately reminded by the Speaker of the same standing order. Maybe the Parliamentary nights are too long. Keith Branch

Page 29

Letters... Where your views make the news

When a police rank cusses down others on the roadway DEAR EDITOR, Permit me space in your column to express my disgust with an incident which I witness involving a female Police rank, and a Neighbourhood police who are both stationed at the Mahaicony Police Station. It was on Tuesday,19th February,2016, I was standing at Central Mahaicony awaiting transportation when this police corporal identified by the uniform she wore was passing and started to abuse a neighbourhoood police that was standing in near proximity and appeared to be on duty since she was dressed in her uniform. The distasteful obscenities were so loud it eventually brought the neighbourhood police to tears and several persons. I thought this to be so disrespectful and

embarrassing to such a noble organization like the Guyana Police Force. To crown it off, I was fortunate to be standing on the road one week after this incident happened and overheard this same corporal telling another person how she abused this neighbourhood police(name mentioned) and she has no apology. She went on to say during the conversation that nothing will come out of it even if complaints are made because she is a neighbourhood police and they have no rights. The sergeant already said that they would push her around until she is frustrated and leave the work. I say to Honourable Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Social Protection, Ms.Volda Lawrence, Commissioner of

Disturbing stories in the police force DEAR EDITOR, The recent statement attributed to Mr. Clement Rohee at his party’s press conference about Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud’s vehicular accident raises several possibly unrelated issues. I am sure that the Guyana Police Force which appears in a combative letter writing mode will consider it appropriate to respond to a few simple questions. First is it a matter of written policy for an officer who is on leave to have in his actual possession a force vehicle twenty-four seven? The GPF is constantly carping about the shortage of vehicles when the public is critical about the time it takes for the police to respond to a scene. Secondly who will repair the extensive damage to that vehicle with less than one year service? I ask that because excessive speeding seems to be the cause considering that the vehicle is a total wreck. There should be a comprehensive investigation into this crash. Editor we would like to know what is the policy of the GPF with regard to civilians operating force vehicles? On any given day you can see civilians driving force vehicles. I know for a fact that a particular civilian head of a police department is in possession of a force vehicle on a twenty-four hour basis. This means that if he is not in office at any one time the operatives will be without a vehicle to carry out their functions. I am concerned with the apparent arbitrariness of police promotions being left in the hands of the Police Commissioner. The toing and froing of dirty laundry between that official and the Police Service Commission does not promote confidence that the process has been fair. The 2014 promotions left a decidedly bad taste in the officers’ mouth because the Commissioner was allowed to steal a march on them. That was not surprising since the controversial postings were characterized by nepotism and favoritism with several persons as living examples of the Peter Principle. Regrettably, the officers lacked the spine or foresight to mount a court challenge to the entire process. Editor I don’t know if this government is in the business of appeasing certain people but it has to be very careful that at the same time it is not alienating a significant segment of the population. Pettiness and vindictiveness is the order of the day in the police force with those the big ones do not favour being ostracized even from meetings to determine the way forward for the GPF. When I read the harrowing account of Major and Mrs. Bruce Munroe and their friend, Len Wharton, I have to ask myself how was it possible to violate the human and other rights of that trio, yet a treason accused in the form of a serving police officer was able to become second in command of this country’s premier law enforcement body. Treason as far as I know is still a crime against the State regardless of which party is in office. Senior Officer (name supplied)

Police Seelall Persaud, such matters should not be swept under the carpet. It warrants urgent attention and your intervention if not for the sake of that neighbourhood police then for the reputation of the honourable organization which that police corporal represented when she abused that rank. How long will you continue to allow ranks of such character and calibre to perform in the offices which are task with the responsibility of maintenance of law and order when they themselves have no selfrespect or respect for the laws of our land! Disappointed Citizen

From page 28

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Vehicles for rental: cars, SUV, pickups etc, long term only @ Ray’s Motor Spares and Auto Sales. Call: 231-7839 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

LAND FOR SALE Double lot 9950 Sq. Ft @ Republic Gardens, price -$25M (negotiable). Call: 624-7686 Gold & Diamond blocks for sale or rent in the Ekereku, Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: 615-8810 Land @ Providence -$5M, La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.8M, $1.6M, $1.3M, 11 St. Tuschen $3M, Phase2- $1.4M, Parika $65M, terms available. Call: 6046724

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Kaieteur News

Ituni, Kwakwani loggers to benefit from new Jamaican market, fee waiver Small loggers in the Ituni and Kwakwani, riverain bauxite mining and forestry communities in Region Ten will soon benefit from new markets to supply wallaba poles. According to a Government statement, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, informed residents and small loggers of Kwakwani that the chairman of the Jamaican Electricity Corporation is currently in Guyana and is looking to source wallaba poles. “I will notify him that there is a community here with wallaba poles,” Minister Patterson explained. At the time, Minister Patterson who was accompanied by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry, Joslyn Mc Kenzie and team, were on an outreach to the Ituni and Kwakwani communities. This new market has a demand for 30, 40, and 50-foot wallaba poles to be utilised by the Jamaican Electricity Corporation.

Additionally, Minister Trotman told small loggers that after an assessment is completed, they will be given at least 50% waiver of penalties on wood and fees owing on logging concessions which they have been unable to pay due to the unavailability of markets for their produce. “With every bit of responsibility comes an exchange so as we do the road we expect you to care it, if we waive fees this year, we do not expect illegal logging or to have to waive fees for the same persons next year,” Minister Trotman emphasised. ”In 2016 we are not looking backwards at who did what wrong, we are looking forward, so if we are going to say you get your release, you get your freedom, you get a new start, we expect you on the other hand to abide by the laws of Guyana,” Minister Trotman emphasised. That Upper Berbice area suffered from markets after a slowdown in Chinese logging activities amidst a Government investigation of wrongdoing.

Missing Leguan woman returns home - had accompanied friend to interior The 21-year-old Leguan woman who was declared missing by her relatives late last week, has returned home and is safe and sound. This is according to the woman’s mother, Ann Jonas. Jonas stated that her daughter, Monalisa Atala Moore, before returning home had sent her a picture of a woman informing her that she was in the individual’s company. Jonas revealed yesterday that her daughter had accompanied the said individual to a location in the interior where there were poor cellular services. Moore returned home during the weekend. Jonas said that she was happy and relieved that her daughter has returned home. However the family was given a scare last week when they received a call from the police informing them that a nude body had been found at the Whim Foreshore, Corentyne, Berbice. The body turned out to be that of a male.

Businesses being... (From page 18) at urban renewal in the history of Georgetown and will significantly transform the city in general with incalculable economic, social and health benefits for citizens, particularly in the city’s south,” according to the documents. The complex has been designed in three sections: - the promenade, stadium and Health and Recreational Park. The stadium is expected to host up to 30,000 persons. Section One - the promenade - will consist of nine ponds, each for a former president of Guyana. It is the initial plan to build tennis courts, tracks and play facilities for children. Last month, President David Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon had visited the area and it was announced that other national events will be held there. The President said that he looks forward to Durban Park, which will be equipped with an all-weather surface in some areas and flood lights, becoming a major public venue.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Lions Clubs take health care to Bartica The township of Bartica and its environs such as Four Miles Housing Scheme, Itaballi, Goshen, Karrau Creek, Agatash and Kartabu, last week benefited from a Vision Care Clinic. Hosting the clinic was the Lions Club of Bartica in collaboration with Canadian Vision Care and Lions Club of Kempitville, Canada. During the six days of clinic, free eye-testing and screening for other eye diseases such as Glaucoma and Cataract was also done on members of the public by the visiting Canadian team. Free spectacles were provided for those in need. Some 1200 people which included children from Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, members of the disciplined forces, the elderly, church members and the public benefited.

A man gets his eyes tested.

The team that provided the vision care services.

Slush fund days are over; ad hoc... From page 13 situation. We have a clear vision for youth development; we have completed the National Youth Policy (NYP) in consultation and collaboration with the Guyanese youth, international community and other relevant stakeholders. We are now working to complete the National Youth Empowerment Action Plan (NYEAP).” “This budget must be commended for providing the resources necessary to ensure the training and development of our youth. Significant focus will be placed on youth leadership training with the aim of professionalizing and recognizing youth work.” Henry also stated that many of the nation’s youth across the 10 Administrative regions are teeming with potential, but need assistance to elevate themselves to the required level. She told the House of the difficulties faced by those in need of skills training. To aid in improving this state of affairs, Henry revealed that the Ministry has allocated

$60M for the rehabilitation of Coldingen workshop, to transform it into a training centre with workshop and other facilities. In addition to this, she said that Government has also allocated $30M to improve the facilities at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre located on Soesdyke/Linden Highway. SPORT The Minister said that the sports department is ideally poised to be a key driver of community mobilization and engagement. This year, she said that Government will continue to refocus, reshape and reorganize this area. Henry said that for the last two decades the sports department had lost its way, to the extent that Guyana’s only training facility for track and field athletes is situated at Leonora. “However, we all know where most of our elite track and field athletes live and train,” remarked Henry. She was alluding to the fact that most Guyanese athletes have been found, in numerous cases, training in the National Park or at the Eve Leary Ground. “Because of this gross

anomaly, this Government now has to put a system in place to transport our athletes at a cost that could have been avoided had the initiative been well thought out. I have heard the idiom, ‘There is a method to every madness.’ I am still to see the method in this instance.” The Junior Minister then spoke to the Ground Enhancement Programme. “I had the opportunity to review this Programme which had no oversight, no measurable outcomes, no strategic direction and certainly no impact. I am happy to report that the slush funds days are over. No longer will $1M be given in a flippant manner without a clear understanding of what and how it will be used for community development,” expressed the Parliamentarian. She said that the programme has the potential to be a flagship venture and it is for this reason that this government will ensure that it is refocused for efficiency and efficacy. For this year, she noted that $154 M has been allocated for ground enhancement.

She said that Government will implement a strategic, phased approach to ensure all grounds funded under this initiative meet the minimum standard of a functional community ground “The days of ad hoc, fragmented and piecemeal approaches are behind us. The focus in 2016 will be on quality rather than quantity. The sports department will also for the first time develop a national database to adequately track and equip federations and associations to monitor athlete training and development,” Henry expressed. The Minister explained that this database will serve as the primary tool to assess athletes’ development and serves as a mechanism through which athletes are monitored to enhance their training and professional development. She asserted that this mechanism is not a standalone, but will be integrated with the establishment of a high performance centre and the creation of an elite core of athletes from which the national team will be selected.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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GTT injects $4M into Jubilee Children’s Costume Parade Event not a waste-of-time activity - Education Ministry By Mondale Smith The Education Ministry’s Allied Arts Department is encouraging parents to understand that the Children’s Mash event is not a “wasteof-time activity” but rather, it is to foster the development of socializing while boosting their self-confidence. This notion was expressed yesterday by Lorraine Barker-King, the Drama Director at the Allied Arts Department, as the ministry collected a $4 million sponsorship from communication giant, GTT. “We are advising parents to encourage their children to participate in the children’s mash activities as a means to boosting their social skills as well as their confidence and self-esteem,” Barker-King told this publication. Meanwhile, contrary to the belief that Mashramani activities will be void of a float parade this year, the education ministry is pulling out all the stops to make the nation’s children’s road parade the largest ever to date. To make this a reality, under its “DO MORE” brand, GTT yesterday unveiled for a sixth consecutive year, its partnership with the Ministry of Education, in hosting this year’s Children Costume Pa-

rade slated for February 20. Event Coordinator Desiree Wyles-Ogle said all is set for Guyana to experience the largest contingent of children’s costumes and floats and she is crediting GTT for again helping to make the event a reality. GTT’s Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett presented the sponsorship cheque. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Delma Nedd collected the symbolic cheque at GTT’s Brickdam Head Office even as the company also announced that Designer Derek Moore is already working feverishly to complete a 64-strong contingent that will be donning full costumes representing GTT’s progressive plans for the parade. Hackett said GTT is excited to be part of this year’s activity, especially since it forms part of the Jubilee celebrations. The 64-strong contingent will see students from St. Sidwell’s and Enterprise Primary Schools, decked out in bright, vibrant artistic costumes created by Derek Moore under the theme “Spectrum: Generation Next”. The theme according to Designer Moore is very topi-

GTT’s Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett presents a sponsorship cheque to the Education Ministry’s Children Mash convener Desiree Wyles-Ogle in the presence of Designer Derek Moore and two students. cal since the telephone company is looking forward to the granting of spectrum to offer 3G/4G network service to its customers and this will be displayed creatively by the lead Queen float as well as through the various head dress for the individual cos-

North Korea turns to ‘old workhorse’ rocket to repeat past success Reuters - North Korea’s weekend rocket launch repeat e d e a r l i e r s u c c e s s rather than breaking new ground, using a nearly identical design from a 2012 launch, experts said, adding the reclusive country probably remained years from building a long-range nuclear missile. The rocket was based on engines taken from its massive stockpile of mid-range missiles based on Sovietera technology and

electrical parts too rudim e n t a r y t o be targeted by a global missile control regime, the experts said. South Korea and the United States say Sunday’s launch was a long-range missile test that violated U.N. S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l resolutions barring the North from using ballistic missile technology.’; It followed North Korea’s Jan. 6 test of a nuclear device, also in breach of Security Council resolutions.

The three-stage launch vehicle, named Kwangmyongsong, separated its boosters successfully and put an object, which t h e N o r t h says is an earth observ a t i o n s a t e l l i t e , i n t o orbit, South Korea said yesterday. A signal from the satellite had yet to be detected, Seoul said. No signa l w a s d e tected from the object North Korea launched into space in 2012.

tumes. In expressing gratitude for the large cash donation which came as a surprise to the ministry officials present at the ceremony - the Convener, Mrs. Wyles-Ogle, said more than 3,000 students from the 11 education districts are expected to participate in this year’s parade. Nedd, while expressing gratitude, promised that event will be one that is fun, filled with excitement, and is also open to parents’ participation. OVERALL BUDGET IN EXCESS OF $9M The children’s Mashramani activities are institutionalized as part of the calendar of activities for schools Convener Desiree Wyles-Ogle told this publication. “This is not just for

Georgetown but for schools across all the regions of Guyana, and already those regions have had their activities from region 1-10, and for educational purposes also in the Georgetown district.” The regional programmes featured dance and masquerade, dramatic poetry, calypso and costume in addition to physical displays. She noted that the finals are carded for staging in Georgetown from February 17-19th at the National Cultural Centre, which will feature all the first place winners clashing from the various regions for national honours. “That event will feature a wide range of creativity that would reflect the regions that they are from, with an age range of 5-17 years old.”

Aside from competitions this year’s mash activities will feature the regional choir presentation in addition to performances from the Georgetown education district presenting what is being dubbed “salute to Guyana through the delivery of a national song and any other song of their choice”. While explaining the $9m budget for the national finals of the children’s costume competition, Drama Director Barker-King said the GTT $4m sponsorship will be spent entirely for the Jubilee costume parade on February 20. She told this publication that the additional monies that are coming from the Education Ministry’s coffers will be used to accommodate the children who are billed to participate who will be coming to Georgetown from regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. “Aside from accommodation we have to provide three square meals in addition to us providing meals for children from regions 5, 6 and 10 on the days of the competition and this is for four days.” The additional cost will be racked up in providing trophies and other prizes. As a prelude to 2017 for the mash activities this year, the nation’s youth will also be part of the introduction of choral speaking (the recitation of poetry or prose by a chorus or ensemble). “Everything will be culminated with the grand jubilee parade in collaboration with GTT,” WylesOgle said.

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Wednesday February 10, 2016

Parliamentary committee criticises surveillance bill over privacy concerns Reuters - A planned British law to give spies and the police wide-ranging new surveillance powers is rushed, does not do enough to protect people’s privacy and requires major change, a powerful committee of lawmakers said yesterday. The bill was unveiled in November after police and intelligence agencies warned they had fallen behind those they were trying to track, as advances in technology and the growth of services like Skype and Facebook increasingly put criminals beyond their reach. Critics say the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill would be the West’s furthest-reaching surveillance law, while tech companies have warned it would damage their own security systems. It would force communications firms to collect and store vast reams of data about almost every click of British online activity. The bill would also oblige service providers to help intercept data and hack suspects’ devices. “Overall, the privacy protections are inconsistent and in our view need strengthening,” parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said in a report. “The draft bill appears to have suffered from a lack of sufficient time and preparation,” it added, saying the bill adopted a “rather piecemeal approach” to privacy protection which it said should have formed the backbone to the

David Cameron measure. Debate about how to protect privacy while helping agencies operate in the digital age has raged since former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden leaked details of mass surveillance by British and U.S. spies in 2013. The British bill, which comes before parliament later this year, is being watched closely by governments and tech companies around the world. Another parliamentary committee, set up specifically to scrutinise all aspects of the proposed bill such as its impact on encryption, is due to give its conclusions tomorrow.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s spokeswoman told reporters: “We will look at these reports and study them before looking again at our draft legislation and then coming forward with our final proposals.” TechUK, a trade body representing more than 850 firms, said the intelligence committee had highlighted valid concerns. “Today’s report ... again makes it clear that the Investigatory Powers Bill lacks clarity on fundamental issues, such as core definitions of key terms, encryption and equipment interference,” said Antony Walker, techUK’s deputy chief executive.

Facebook’s India stumble could embolden other regulators Reuters - India’s decision to effectively ban Facebook’s pared-back free Internet service is a major blow to the social network’s plans, and may prompt other regulators to demand equal online access for their users. Facebook will have to reconsider its approach in the light of India’s new rules pre-

venting Internet service providers from having different pricing policies for accessing different parts of the Web, analysts said. “This is a major setback for Facebook,” said Naveen Menon, lead analyst at A.T. Kearney in Singapore. “Not only because India was expected to be such a critical

piece of the overall Internet.org success story, but more so because it has potential dangerous knockon effects for the universal access initiative in other markets.” Internet.org is Facebook’s umbrella initiative to bring Internet access to the unconnected. Part of that is the Free Basics program, which Facebook has launched in around three dozen emerging countries. The service has been criticized outside India, too, with Facebook accused of infringing the principle of net neutrality - the concept that all websites and data on the Internet be treated equally.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Hamid to head coaches RHTYSC Cricket Teams, Bank... and referees body LABA calls first meeting with coaches, captains and players at MSC Pavilion today The Linden Amateur Basketball Association has appointed former national player and coach Abdulla Hamid to spearhead its Coaches and Referees Committee and as such called for a technical meeting to discuss the various aspects of officiating with the clubs, table officials and referees at the Mackenzie Sports Club pavilion this afternoon at 5:00pm. Hamid will be introduced to the representative of the clubs affiliated to the association by president of the LABA Lawrence Simon as they prepare to participate in the first tournament for this year the

LABA/ 104.3 Power FM Mash Open Championship which starts on Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. Secretary of the LABA, Joseph Chapman explained that based on the negative reports of recent from some quarters regarding the standard of officiating, the decision was taken at the Annual General Meeting that there is need to address those reports. In addition Mr. Hamid had offered the association his services to assist in the refereeing and officiating aspects of the game and the association has now taken up that offer.

Hamid will have a team of coaches and referees which will give a report to the association and seek ways to increase and improve the standard of officiating. Hamid will be assisted by referee Ashton Angel (Jr.), coach Kevin Joseph, LABA Organising Secretary Christopher Pollydore and the resource person is FIBA referee Sherwin Henry. All the clubs have been asked to send their coaches, captains and senior players to this meeting so that issues can be discussed and looked at for the improvement of the game ahead of the start of this new tournament on Friday.

(From page 39) Division, Gismos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division and Metro Females. The Parade would also be used to inform youths of the Say No to Drugs and Crime message and to encourage them to stay in schools and complete their educational careers. Efforts would also be made to urge them to get involved in sports as an alternative to a life on the road. Foster recently held a planning session with representatives of the ten schools and disclosed that the organisers would make a small financial contribution to each school in an effort to get them properly prepared for the parade. Suicide, the long serving Secretary/CEO stated is a major problem in Berbice and the RHTYSC would continue to seek ways to get youths to understand the value of life. Marketing Executive of

Businessman donates... Wednesday February 10, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature. Your need to put great detail into everything you do may cause you to miss the overall picture. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. You will be in the mood for competition, and your ability to lead a group will bring you popularity. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Refrain from arguing with your mate. Female colleagues may be able to help you get the job done. Do not lend money or belongings to friends. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Travel or short trips will probably be your best outlet. Dealing with in-laws or relatives will not be in your best interest. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted. Uncertainty about your relationship is prevalent. You will have to control the way you feel. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Try not to be too aggressive or judgmental when talking to your mate. Go with the flow and don't be concerned about your own job.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don't be surprised if a job offer comes your way. Deep discussions may only lead to friction. If they're really interested, they'll wait. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. Strong willpower will come to your rescue. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. Be sure to take care of the needs of youngsters. Work quietly at your own goals and forget about situations that you can do little about. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Problems with colleagues are likely. You'll find it easy to upgrade your environment by redecorating or changing your residence. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Minor accidents are likely if you take risks. Get domestic chores out of the way early. Joint ventures might prove to be unfavorable.

(From page 39) Kururu Ground on the Linden Soesdyke Highway. Ten teams are vying for the top prize of $250,000 and a trophy. The teams are Hi Stars, Silver Bullets, Sparta Boss, West Ruimveldt Front Road, Alexander Village, Cool Runnings, Buxton FC, Attention Family and Royal Youth. The tournament continues this Sunday at Bayroc Ground at 4:00 p.m. (Jacquey Bourne)

Scotia Bank Jennifer Cipriani expressed her delight at been associated with the anti-suicide Children Mash Parade and expressed confidence that the RHTYSC organized event would be a major suc-

cess. Scotia Bank, she stated is quite aware of its corporate responsibilities to the Guyanese society and would continue to support activities that seek to make a positive difference in society.

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Meet the Lady Jaguars Position: Defender Current Club/University: Durham United FC/Canada

Name: Derienne Busby Position: Goalkeeper Current Club/University: University of Evansville/ USA

Name: Ruth George Position: Goalkeeper Current Club: Lil Diva’s FC/ Guyana

Name: Julia Gonsalves Position: Defender Current Club/University: University of Toronto/ Canada

Name: Kailey Leila Position: Defender Current Club: Unattached

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News presents the players along with the Coaching Staff that will represent Guyana in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament in the United States. Name: Sheron Abrams Position: Manager/Equipment Manager

Name: Brittany Persaud Position: Midfield Current Club: Unattached

Name: Dana Marie Bally Position: Midfielder Current Club/University: York University /Canada

Name: Mark Rodrigues Position: Head Coach Name: Ashley Rodrigues Position: Midfielder Current Club: Tampa Bay Hellenic/USA

Name: Mariam El-Masri Position: Midfielder Current Club: GS United/ Canada

Name: Clement Brown Position: Assistant Coach

Name: Claude Bolton Position: GFF Technical Director Name: Ashlee Savona Position: Midfielder Current Club: Unattached

Name: David Lawrence Position: Strength & Conditioning Coach/ Nutritionist & Physio

Name: Kelly Pelz-Butler Position: Defender Current Club: Unattached Name: Olivia Gonsalves Position: Midfielder Current Club/University: University of Toronto/ Canada

Name: Chante Sandiford Position: Goalkeeper Current Club/University: UMF Selfoss/ISL

Name: Otesha Charles Position: Forward Current Club: Unattached

Name: Leah-Marie Ramalho Position: Defender Current Club: Toronto Rangers SC/Canada

Name: Alison Heydorn Position: Midfielder Current Club: Ann Arbor United SC/USA Name: Briana DeSouza Position: Defender Current Club/University: Durham United FC/Canada

Name: Justine Rodrigues Position: Defender Current Club: Unattached

Name: Kayla DeSouza

Name: Bria Williams Position: Defender Current Club: Vaughan SC/ Canada

Name: Calaigh Copland Position: Forward Current Club: Woodbridge Strikers SC/Canada

Name: Richard Reynolds Position: Goalkeeper Coach

Coach Rodrigues... (From page 33) Association (GOA) came in for high praise for their timely contribution on Saturday last to the team while the team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach who is also doubling as the Nutritionist and Physio, David Lawrence also came in for high praise. Coach Rodrigues informed that Lawrence is one of the best in his trade in the USA and agreed when approached to offer his services to the team free of cost. Lawrence is also the President and Head Strength Coach for his Gym that was recently opened in Miami. Rodrigues said he was very pleased with the initiative shown by Ashley Rodrigues and the senior players in coordinating and purchasing a complete travel kit for the team as they maintain the professional look on and off the field of play. ”These girls have really

shown a high level of commitment in every department. They saw a need and collectively dealt with it without asking a question and that myself and the Technical team applaud.” They have and continue to set high standards and we are proud of them. Coach Rodrigues himself has stepped up and provided the team with backpacks, training gear, tee shirts and warm up jackets for the matches here in Texas. The Guyana Football Federation was complimented for their efforts in making it possible for the team to compete and Rodrigues said that he is looking forward to the matches which will commence tomorrow when Guyana match skills with Canada at the BBVA Campus Stadium in the feature match of a double header, Trinidad and Tobago face off with Guatemala in the opener.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Coach Rodrigues gratified with support 2015 A. Ally & Sons Inter-Secondary School U-17 final in Berbice postponed due to rain of all for CONCACAF WOQC Rosignol Secondary and Berbice High School to clash in the Final

The final of the inaugural 2015 A. Ally & Sons Inter-Secondary School Under-17 Two-innings Cricket Competition is now fixed for tomorrow, Thursday February 11, 2016 at the Cumberland Ground in Canje after being postponed from last Thursday due to heavy rainfall. A keen tussle is expected between Rosignol Secondary School and Berbice High School. Spearheading Rosignol will be former Berbice Under15 allrounder Javed Karim as well as Chandradat Veersammy and Keyon Gangoo, while Berbice High will have on their side former Berbice Under-15 batsman Alex Algoo, Berbice Under-17 legspinner Dion

Alex Algoo

Chandradat Veerasammy

Sinclair and Malcolm Mickle. The match is a two-innings affair with the first innings limited to 50-Overs for each side to ensure that the match will at least have a first innings decision. The Regional Education

Officer of Region 6 and representative of the sponsor A. Ally & Sons of New Amsterdam will be introduced to both school teams before the start of the match and will also be there for the presentation ceremony.

Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap squash Tournament 2016 underway

Mark Rodrigues (right) and David Lawrence By Franklin Wilson in Texas compliments of: Fazia’s Collection, Crown Mining Supply, Anglin Enterprises USA, Stag Beer, Germans Restaurant, Queensway Security Service Head Coach of the Lady Jags Mark Rodrigues has expressed sincere gratitude to all who have contributed towards the success of the team thus far in their journey to-

wards qualifying for the Olympic Games. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport from the team’s hotel, The Hilton in Post Oak, Houston, Texas yesterday afternoon, where the Guyanese are preparing for action in the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, Rodrigues expressed gratitude to a number of persons and especially the dedicated core of players who

have been with the programme from its inception, January, 2009. He extended thanks to AVIS Rental Services here in Texas for providing two 12seater vans at greatly reduced rental. Thanks were also extended to the Tampa Bay Guyanese Cultural Organisation for their continued support. The Guyana Olympic (Continued on page 32)

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel launched its 2016 season with its customary Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament which started yesterday February 9 at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts. As usual there will be two categories with the better skilled players participating in the Open Category and the lesser skilled and younger players participating in Category A. This year has seen a record number of entries with seventy three players signed up to participate, one of the biggest tournaments in years. Jason Ray Khalil the defending champion of the Open category starts with a handicap of -25, while National champion Nyron Joseph has a handicap of - 20. Winner of the Lucozade

handicap Peter Michael DeGroot starts with a handicap of -10. Some of the other players in this category and their handicaps are Nicholas Narain -16, Regan Pollard -14, Raphael De Groot -12, Ashley De Groot +3, Joseph Mekdeci +2, Taylor Fernandes +5, Dennis Dias +10, Henry Jeffrey +10, Brian Yong +8, Daniel Islam +7, Adam Alves +8, David Fernandes +10 and Michael Atherley +10.

In Category A top ranked players are Ethan Jonas, Lucas Jonas, Samuel InceCarvahal, Kirsten Gomes, Madison Fernandes, Aliyah Persaud, Michael Alphonso, Demetrius DeAbreu and Gianni Carpenter. All matches are best of three and action starts each evening at 6.00 pm. The finals of all the categories are set for February 14 starting at 11.00 am.

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Kaieteur News

Savory, Boodie guide East Bank to ECB Busta 40-over title

Members of the victorious East Bank Essequibo team with their prizes Kemol Savory and Kevon Boodie slammed half centuries as East Bank Essequibo defeated South Essequibo by seven wickets to claim the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Busta 40-over title on Sunday at New Opportunity Corps ground. Savory and Boodie shared in a second wicket stand of 153 to steady their team chase after South Essequibo who were inserted scored 189 all out in 37.3 overs. East Bank lost the Royden Hendricks, caught off Rovin Dusraj for one before Savory and Boodie came together and almost saw their team to victory in front of a large crowd. Savory struck eight fours and four maximums in a top score of 75, while Boodie slammed seven fours and three sixes in his 67 before they were both dismissed with victory almost certain. Rajiv Balgobin (11*) and Jason Heyliger (10*) saw their team home as they finished

on 192-3 in 22.1 overs. Anthony Adams claimed 2-53 and Dusraj 111. Earlier, Anthony Adams led South Essequibo batting after they were reduced to 966. Adams added 85 for the seven-wicket with Akieni Adams who made 25. Anthony thumped three fours and five sixes before he was dismissed for 56 while his brother Akieni got 25. Opener Royan Fredericks showed promise, hitting three fours and two sixes but succumbed for 39; Extras contributed 49 as Javed Shafeek bagged 423 from eight overs, Jimol Marks 3-29 off 6.3 and Jason Heyliger 2-15. Left arm spinner Hemchand Persaud bowled well, although he failed to take a wicket, the spinner only conceded 10 runs from eight overs. Savory was given the man-of-the-match and best batsman awards while Shafeek received the best

bowler prize. Both teams took home trophies and cash prizes. Managing Director of the Guyana Beverage Inc Robert Selman said he is happy to give back to the community and his company will continue to support the game in the area. Selman who stated that he will be returning to his native Trinidad and Tobago shortly, congratulated both teams and added that he is please to see his entity input bear fruits for Essequibo’s cricket where a number of players have gone on to play at higher levels. Captain of the victorious East Bank Essequibo Ryan Hercules lauded the sponsors and thanked the fans for their support. The South Essequibo Cricket Committee presented Coach Forbes Daniels and executive member Linden Daniels for their services rendered to the game over the years.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

RHTYSC/GBTI Inter Secondary School Tapeball

Port Mourant, Corentyne Comprehensive and Lower Corentyne to contest finals The finalists of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club/ Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Inter Secondary School Tapeball cricket Tournament were decided last Friday when the semi-finals were played at the Area ‘H’ Ground. Lower Corentyne Secondary and Port Mourant Secondary reached the female finals, while Lower Corentyne Secondary and Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary would clash in the male category. Lower Corentyne defeated J.C Chandisingh in the first female match. LCSS batting first, chalked up 77 for 5 off their allotted ten overs with Sunita Sanichara and Lisa Williams both scoring 17. Bowling for JCCSS, J. Paddy took 2 wickets for 13 runs. In reply JCCSS were bowled out for 52, Nicketa top scored with 14 and Latoya had 12. Seeta Samaroo took three wickets for 6 runs for the winners. In the second female match, PMSS defeated CCHS by seven wickets. Batting first, Corentyne Comprehensive were restricted to 49 for 5 off ten overs as S. Sherese top scored with 15. Bowling for PMSS, Lynese Mckenzie took 2 for 9 and Densessa Fraser 2 for 7. PMSS raced to 50 for 3 off just 4.2 overs as Kavita Ramsammy 20 and Densessa

Fraser 25 not out took the attack to the helpless CCHS female bowlers. In the Male Category, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary took sweet revenge for their female counterparts by defeating Port Mourant Secondary by 23 runs, Surendra Budhoo 28, D. Mangal 15 and E. Seecharran 14 all batted well to lead CCHS to 77 for 7 in their 10 overs, while S. Rampersaud 2 for 6 and N. Manu 2 for 17 bowled well for PMSS. Needing to score 78 off 10 overs to clinch another place in the finals, PMSS were restricted to 54 for 8 with only T. Joseph 16 and V. Bharat 17 reaching double figures. Emanuel Seepersaud

returned with ball to claim 3 for 3 for CCHS. Lower Corentyne clinched the other spot in the male finals when they easily defeated J.C. Chandisingh by 8 wickets. JCCSS were bowled out for 53 off 9.5 overs with only Virgnand Mangal offering resistance to Keith Sampson 3 for 10 and Junior Sinclair 3 for 8. National Under 15 player Kevlon Anderson then batted well for an unbeaten 30 to lead LCSS to an easy eight wickets victory. The finals are scheduled for Friday 12th of February at the RHTYSC and the GBTI Port Mourant Branch would hand over trophies and medals afterwards.

East Coast overcome East Bank East Coast defeated East Bank by ten wickets when the Demerara Cricket Board U15 Inter-Association U15 50over tournament commenced yesterday. East Bank never recovered from a bad start and were sent packing for 60 in 16.5 overs. Mark Fredericks struck three fours and one six in a top score of 26, while extras assisted with 24.

Off-spinner Danile Mootoo claimed 3-2 and Ricardo Niranjain 2-14. East Coast had little trouble in overhauling their target as they responded with 61 with out loss in 10.5 overs. Shivanand Gosain scored 24 with two fours while Shaid Shaw made 10; extras contributed 27. The competition continues tomorrow.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

De Kock, Amla centuries help South Africa sink England PRETORIA (Reuters) Centuries from openers Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla guided South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over England on Tuesday that kept alive their hopes of winning the five-match series of one-day internationals. Joe Root made a sparkling 125 as England, after winning the toss and electing to bat, piled up 318 for eight in 50 overs. De Kock (135) and Amla (127) then amassed 239 for the first wicket to lay the platform before South Africa reached the target with 22 balls to spare to cut their series deficit to 2-1. England, seeking to become the first touring team to win a test and ODI series in South Africa for 14 years, now bid to clinch overall victory in Johannesburg on Friday. De Kock, 23, was particularly brutal as he became the youngest player to record 10 ODI hundreds. He also made an unbeaten tonne in the first game in Bloemfontein. Amla cut and pulled his way to a 22nd ODI century, and third in a row at Centu-

Joe Root gets up on his toes to cut, South Africa v England, 3rd ODI, Centurion, February 9, 2016 ©Getty Images rion Park. Earlier, Root eased to his seventh ODI century with a masterful display of power and placement, hitting 10 fours and five sixes.

Root added 125 for the second wicket with opener Alex Hales (65) and 82 for the fifth with Ben Stokes (53) before being run out following a calamitous mix-up with the

Guyana is front runner to host CBC U-16 Championships Guyana is the frontrunner to host the 2016 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Male and Female Under-16 Championships in July. This is according to news emanating from the CBC Annual Assembly in The Bahamas last weekend. The CBC U-16 Championships will qualify three teams to the 2017 CentoBasket U-17 Men and Women’s Championships. According to news reaching Kaieteur Sport, the official host will be announced next month. The Caribbean Basketball Confederation is Sub-Zone of FIBA (The International Basketball Federation). The Annual Assembly was held under the auspices of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, with important steps taken to prepare national federations for the continent’s new competition system. President of CBC, Glyne Clarke presided over the Assembly and laid the foundation for this year’s activities to include the National Federations Development Programme,

Competitions, Clinics for Coaches and Referees. FIBA Americas President, Usie Richards updated the Assembly on the Development in the Americas. CBC’s Vice President of Finance and Marketing, Patrick Haynes updated the Assembly on the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) initiative of the Antilles 3x3 International Yo u t h Championships for territories in the Lesser Antilles. FIBA’s President, Mr. Horacio Muratore and FIBA Americas President, Usie Richards, along with

representatives from National Members Federations of Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Virgin Islands attended the Annual Assembly. Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President, Nigel Hinds and Haynes, who is also a FIBA Governance Commission Board Member and t h e GABF Honorary General S e c r e t a r y, r e p r e s e n t e d Guyana at the prestigious Assembly.

Ruimveldt beat Laluni by three wickets Ruimveldt overcame Laluni by three wickets when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) 50-over tournament commenced on Saturday. Host Laluni took first strike and scored 141 all out in 29.1 overs. David Francis got 41 (3x4,2x6), Rayon Shuman made 32 and Alex Dundas 28. J. Hassan snared 5-32. Ruimveldt replied with 144-7 in 21 overs. D. Nyron cracked 42 (5x4) and E. Ally got 32 (4x6). Romel Kadhu and Alvin Williams had three wickets each. The competition continues on Saturday.

latter. Paceman Kyle Abbott took two for 50 and was the only South African bowler to keep his economy rate under six an over.

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Wednesday February 10, 2016

DCB Inter-Association U-15 Cricket

GT Opener sets up 7-wkt win over West Dem

Brandon Jaikarran plays behind point in his 72-run opening stand with Sachin Singh at Wales yesterday.

National U-15 opener Sachin Singh hits one of his six boundaries at Wales yesterday. By Sean Devers A confident 72-run opening stand between National U-15 batsman Sachin Singh and fellow left-hander Brandon Jaikarran set the foundation for Georgetown’s sevenwicket win against West

Demerara at Wales yesterday in the first round of Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) InterAssociation U-15 fifty overs cricket competition. The 14-year-old Singh hammered three fours and three sixes in his 36-ball 42, while 13-year-old Jaikarran

played the supporting role with a responsible 15 from 38 as their contrasting styles complemented each other perfectly to help Georgetown to 101-3 from 18.5 overs. Dwayne Dick (3-16), Jermaine Benjamin (3-17), Ariel Tiku (2-21) and Daniel Paul (2-

20) conspired to rout West Demerara for 100 in 48.3 overs in their own backyard. A fighting 77-run third wicket partnership between opener Manoj Dhasrat who batted for 37 overs for 27 runs and Andre Seepersaud (19) failed to prevent the home team from joining East

Contract crisis threatens West Indies on eve of World Twenty20 ESPNcricinfo - West Indies cricket is facing the prospect of a player strike on the eve of the World Twenty20 after the 15-man squad appeared collectively to reject the contracts on offer from the WICB. Darren Sammy, captain of the West Indies T20 side, has written to the board stating the players “can’t accept” what they perceive as “huge financial reductions” in the terms compared to previous global tournaments which, he says, amounts to an 80 percent cut. Sammy also stated that 14 of the 15-man squad are “not part of WIPA” (the West Indies Players Association) and therefore had not given the organisation the authority to negotiate on their behalf. Though Sammy himself stopped short of threatening to withdraw from the tournament, ESPNcricinfo understands that other squad members have not ruled out the possibility. He made it clear that the players would not accept the current offer and called upon the board to “address this urgently”. “We want to represent the West Indies but the financials on offer we can’t accept,” Sammy wrote. “Obviously I am not privy to exact numbers paid to the WICB from the ICC, but I un-

derstand USD $8m will be paid to the Board. “Traditionally 25% has been paid to the squad. That would equate to USD $2m / 15 therefore approximately USD $133,000 per player. “Worse case scenario the squad would earn $414,000 collectively under the terms of the contract offered by WICB to participate in the T20 World Cup 2016. That is just over 5%. A staggering difference, a near 80% reduction. “We want to propose we participate in the T20 World Cup 2016 under the same terms we have represented the West Indies in previous tournaments. “Please can you address this urgently. The T20 World Cup is just a matter of weeks away.” But the premise of Sammy’s argument was quickly dismissed by Michael Muirhead, the CEO of the WICB. He insisted that the sums mentioned in Sammy’s statement were “totally incorrect” and reminded the team that WIPA remains the “recognised collective bargaining representative of West Indies Cricketers and therefore negotiates the remuneration between WICB and each West Indian player, whether such player is or is not a member of WIPA.” “We are not sure where you obtained this informa-

tion, but assure you it is totally incorrect,” Muirhead stated in connection with the $8m figure. “As a result of the ICC revamp which was agreed on 8 February 2014, the ICC has changed the manner in which distributions to Full Members in relation to ICC Events are paid - starting from the ICC WT20 2016. These payments are now spread out and distributed over an eight year cycle, rather than being paid out in a lump sum and attributed to any one event. “It is therefore not possible to identify a particular sum which will be paid to the WICB by the ICC in respect of the WT20 2016. “While it is true that WICB has previously calculated compensation to the ICC Event squad members as a percentage of the ICC distribution received in relation to the particular Event; because of the reason outlined above, it is not possible to calculate a percentage to be paid to the Squad, as the ICC distribution is no longer being made in the traditional manner. “The WICB, in recognition of this, and in an effort at fairness and transparency, allocates 25% of WICB revenues estimated over a four year period - including ICC distributions - to players, through a guaranteed minimum revenue pool, out of

which player payments are made. “Anything in excess of this minimum over the relevant 4 year cycle, will be divided solely among the international players, as agreed with WIPA. “The remuneration to the players for the WT20 comprises an agreed match fee of three times the usual fee, plus 50% of the net proceeds of any sponsorship for the event, and 80% of any prize money earned by the Team. Note that for this tournament, the prize money has increased substantially from the previous WT20, moving from a gross total of US$3million to US$5.6million, of which the winner will receive US$1.6million.” Muirhead signed off his reply by making it quite clear the WICB was not prepared to compromise. “We are unable to move the deadline of 2pm ECT on 14 February 2016 for receipt of the signed player contracts for the WT20 2016.” West Indies won the 2012 version of the tournament and recently returned to the top of the World T20 rankings. They are currently rated as the world’s second-best international T20 side. But as so often in recent years, it appears the toxic relationship between the board and the players threatens to undermine the team’s progress.

Bank as the first round losers. In mostly overcast conditions and on a very heavy outfield Tiku bowled the first two batsmen with just eight runs on the board before Dhasrat and Seepersaud buckled down to try and bat their team back into the game with resolute defence. Despite three fours from Seepersaud the partnership progressed at a snail’s pace but at that period of the game the pair played perfectly to suit the situation before Paul trapped Seepersaud at 79-3. Dhasrat’s 109-ball vigil ended without addition to the score when he was removed by Dick to spark a dramatic collapse which saw seven wickets tumble for 21 runs with Benjamin capturing the last three wickets. Extras contributed 39 with wides alone being 33. When the City side began their run chase Singh got going with an authoritative flick when pacer Aryan Batool strayed into his pads which set the tune for Singh’s entertaining knock. The DCC player, who at-

tends the Charlestown Secondary, dominated the stand with the more sedate Jaikarran. The powerful Singh slogged swept Rajesh Budram for consecutive sixes and galloped into the 40s with a thunderous straight drive in the same over. But when well set for his first Inter-Association or Inter-County fifty at the U-15 level, Singh got one that kept low from Raul Jethro and was trapped LBW on the back foot in the 13th over after the 50 was posted in the 9th over. The 13-year Jaikarran was bowled by Seepersaud seven runs later at 77-2 before Garrick Persaud stroked Dhasrat for four before he was taken at cover next ball for nine with the score on 94-3. Rodister Persaud, the younger brother of Guyana U15 player Darshan Persaud, was unbeaten on seven when victory was achieved. GT joined East Coast with wins after the first round and now play East Bank at Farm tomorrow, while West Demerara oppose East Coast at Enterprise.

Fairfield thump Ogle Fairfield got the better of Ogle by 107 runs when the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association 40-over tournament continued recently. Fairfield took first knock and posted 189-8 in 40 overs. Ramnarine Chatura clobbered two fours and one six to score with 51, while Leon Targoonchandra got 29. Ogle were bowled out for 82 in 27 overs in reply. Andrew Gomes got 21; Richard Chatura, Motilall Chatura and Karpov George had two wickets each.

Morgan unbeaten half century hands LSC five-wkt win An unbeaten half century from Leon Morgan handed host Lusignan Sports Club a five-wicket victory over Paradise Sports Club when the East Coast Cricket Committee 40-over tournament continued on Sunday. Batting first, Paradise scored 206 all out in 39 overs with F. Jones scoring 88 and A. Andrews 51. Kumar Bishundial had 323, Rajendra Naikbarran 2-19 and Rajpaul Gopaul 2-31. Lusignan SC responded with 207-5 in 32 overs with Morgan leading the chase while Devanand Samaroo scored 50; J. Persaud snared 2-47.

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Father to Daughter – The Guyana Golden Jaguars Family Goalkeeping Connection One of the more intriguing and potentially defining player transfers of the current 2015/16 English Premier League season was 2014/15 champions Chelsea selling legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech to London rivals Arsenal. Chelsea selling Cech is perfect example of how goal-keepers are a bit underrated in football. If Cech was a forward, mid-fielder or d e f e n d e r i t ’s h i g h l y debatable whether he would have been sold. Legendary British Manager Brian Clough speaking about his equally famed English goal-keeper Peter Shilton during his Nottingham Forest teams 1977-78 title winning season, aptly described the importance of the goalkeeper. “With Shilton in goal, it gave everyone more confidence. It spread through the side. The defenders felt safer, and the forwards thought if we could nick a goal, there was more than an even chance that the opposition wouldn’t score at the other end.” That confidence Clough speaks of has not been present for Golden Jaguars especially the senior men’s team goal-keepers ever since R o n s o n Wi l l i a m s a n d Richard Reynolds were the designated shot-stoppers during the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. However as the Lady Jaguars prepare for their massive CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers over the next week versus Canada, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago and hopefully beyond – the presence of Chante Sandiford means coach Mark Rodrigues will have little to worry about in that position. “Chante’s experience at the pro level in Iceland is very important to the team’s success”, said Rodrigues. “Having her play in the last round allowed the staff the opportunity to understand what we needed to address in her style regarding our system of play and her support of the players in front of her. “Her being at the peak of her game in Texas is or very important, and knowing that we have an equally solid keeper in Simone Busby gives us the depth that is not

afforded to too many other teams”, concluded Rodrigues. During the qualifying round last November in Trinidad & Tobago when the ladies played Puerto Rico, history was created when Chante made her debut. Her father Wendell Sandiford a former Pele FC player was G u y a n a ’s g o a l - k e e p e r during the national inaugural World Cup qualifying campaign for the 1978 tournament in Argentina. Thus the duo became the first parent and sibling combination to represent the Golden Jaguars at international level. Chante started playing football like most players at the young age of five (5) and has been a full-time goalkeeper for 14 years. Her curriculum vitae has seen her represent the United States at Under 15 to 20 level where she played with notable current American players such Sydney Le Roux, Crystal Dunn, Alex Kreiger, Lauren Holiday and Becky Saeraburn. Her sojourn into the European circuit began with a one-year stint with Russian Club WFC Zorky and the team won the Russian League, which propelled them to feature in the lucrative UEFA Champion’s L e a g u e f o r Wo m e n ’s . Currently she plies her trade with Iceland club UMF Selfoss and the 26-year old shot stopper reflected on her career journey, which has placed her and father Wendell in a unique position in the echelon of Guyana national team history. “ W h e n M a r k (Rodrigues) reached out to dad about playing for the team – I immediately wanted be a part of something I could help grow and it’s amazing to be able to share the feeling with him of playing international football”, stated Sandiford. She continued: “Playing for the team for the time in Trinidad I was kind of nervous, but I found the team to technically sound and compared to European and American girls. That technical level is where the girls (Lady Jags) certainly match up. “Overall I found the level of football on display during the CFU qualifiers very competitive and admittedly

better than I thought and I’m excited to be part of this”. With just two teams of the eight teams set to qualify for the Olympics, the players, coaching staff and supporters locally and the Diaspora are well aware of the task at hand. Sandiford is fully focused on playing her role between the uprights to help

the Lady Jaguars create history and get to Brazil. ”I’m expecting us to get to the Olympics. That is the focus I have taken as personal motivation going into these games given the opposition we will be facing”. (Submitted by Guyanese Journalist Colin Benjamin currently in Trinidad)

Chante Sandiford

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Wednesday February 10, 2016

Guyana Boxing Board of Control ‘Hostile Territory’

Amateur boxers enhance Olympics preparations among elite professionals By Michael Benjamin Guyana’s main hope at securing that elusive gold medal at the 2016 Brazil Olympics, Dennis ‘The Menace’ Thomas, will comprise a main part of the amateur segment when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) boxing extravaganza, dubbed

‘Hostile Territory,’ gets underway at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Liliendaal ECD February 27. The lanky policeman will face off with Guyana D e f e n c e F o r c e representative, Desmond Amsterdam, in a three rounds exhibition in the middleweight division in

what is anticipated to be a keen slugfest. Both boxers have earned a call up to the Olympics Qualifiers slated for Argentina next month and will relish this opportunity to hone their skills while garnering valuable ring work. Junior welterweight fighters, Jason Phillips and

Nankumar Singh will also add to the entertainment when they face off in what has been regarded as a grudge match. Singh is well known for his aggressive approach to fights, all action packed encounters, while Phillips has shown immense improvements since engaging in a short training

Nankumar Singh

stint in neighbouring Venezuela recently. These two pugilists are rated as the best in their division and this fight should establish the best of the best. Fans can anticipate the keen rivalry. Delon Charles and Clairmonte Gibson are also scheduled to clash over three rounds in the final amateur fight of the night. Charles has had several overseas sojourns in St Lucia and French Guiana recently where he enjoyed some successes. He dominated his St Lucian opponent but failed to replicate the performance in the French speaking country. Gibson, on the other hand, has shown great improvement over the past months and this bout promises to be highly entertaining with both pugilists anxious to lay claims of being the better. Otherwise, fans have been assured of competitive action when the professional boxers take to the ring half an hour after the final amateur bout. The main bout will pit the skills of International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental Bantamweight champion, Elton ‘The Bully’ Dharry, up against top Panamanian boxer, Israel Hidrogo, in a 10 rounds bantamweight duel. F o r m e r l o c a l bantamweight champion, Dexter Marques, is scheduled to do battle with Venezuelan, Freddy Baleno in a 10 rounds flyweight fight while Imran Khan and Quincy Gomes battle it out in a 6 rounds lightweight affair. Barbadian, Miguel Antoine is also expected in Guyana to oppose Barbados based Guyanese, Revlon Lake in a return welterweight fight over 8 rounds. Antoine had prevailed when the two last met in Trinidad and Tobago and Lake has since vowed to

avenge the loss. The card opener will see Mandessa Moses, back in the ring after a prolonged hiatus, matching gloves with Ansilla Norville over 4 rounds. Meanwhile, Dharry is honing his skills at the world renowned Gleasons Gym, Brooklyn NY, under the tutelage of former Commonwealth champion and world rated fighter, Lennox Blackmore. The overseas contingent is expected in the country on February 23 and fans will get an opportunity to access their worth. The locally based fighters are all engaged in intense training at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym and the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, all in the Albouystown area. The card is being promoted by Giftland Office Max and its representative, Karen Agtarap, assured that her executives are working assiduously to ensure that all systems are in place for a qualitative, action packed card. President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool, supported the Giftland Office Max official and said that his team is working assiduously to put together a qualitative card. The GBBC boss said that the Giftland Office Max venue has made a significant difference in the attendance at the cards and they are in the process of establishing the venue as a permanent one for future cards. Dharry and Marques have been given added incentives for winning as, once successful in the impending fights, they will fight for Commonwealth titles against English fighters, tentatively set for May 21. Admission is $5,000 for a ringside seat while general seating costs $2,000.

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Kaieteur News

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Businessman donates floodlights to Office Express on board the Guyana Beach Football Association with Young Warriors CC The Guyana Beach fundraiser - Mash Cup 2016 Football Association on Office Express with branches in Rose Hall Town and Corriverton, Region 6, Berbice is once again on board with the annual fund raiser of the Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice - Mash Cup 2016. The company has provided support for this event from the inception and at the presentation ceremony h e l d r e c e n t l y, Yu d e s h Armogan, Company Manager said that his business entity is once again happy to be part of this annual event. He said that they believe in giving back to charity that will make a difference in the lives of people. They are impressed with the progress of the club and congratulated Shimron Hetmyer for his elevation to the captain of the current West Indies Under-19 team which has already qualified for the semi finals of the y o u t h Wo r l d C u p i n Bangladesh. Receiving the hampers, which will be used as gate prizes, was Hubern Evans, Senior Coach who thanked the company for coming on board once again after providing support for every tournament since its inception. He said that despite the challenges faced, the club continues to grow. He called on other businesses

Hubern Evans (left) collects one of the two educational hampers from Yudesh Armogan, Company Manager. and private individuals to follow suit. Evans added that these times it is important to keep youths off the streets and sports is a major way of doing so. He reiterated the club’s motto of “Striving for excellence through cricket and education”. Evans also took the opportunity to congratulate Shimron Hetmyer and said that he follows in the footstep of Damodar Daesrath who was also once a senior national cricket captain. Other sponsors on board so far are beverage giants ANSA McAL, Ashiek and Sons Motor Supplies and Auto Sales and Massy Distribution. This event will form part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary

celebration with proceeds going towards further improvements to the club’s facilities and day to day running. In addition, funds will be allocated to three schools in the No19 to Gangaram area. The tournament will be played on Tuesday February 23, 2016, a national holiday and will involve ten second division teams from the area. It will be five overs a side with no first division cricketer allowed. Top clubs such as Canje Pathfinders, Betsy Ground Triple Stars, Kendall’s Union A, Rose Hall Community Center and the host are expected to take part. Incentives with the value of over $100,000 will be up for grabs along with lots of gate prizes.

RHTYSC Cricket Teams, Bank of Nova Scotia host Anti-Suicide Children Mash Parade The Cricket teams of the Rose Hall town Youth and Sports Club as part of a board based anti-suicide campaign has joined hands with the Bank of Nova Scotia to host a Massive School Children Mash Parade on Thursday18 of February 2016. The Parade would involve ten schools; Lower C o r e n t y n e S e c o n d a r y, C o r e n t y n e Comprehensive Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, J.C Chandisingh Secondary, Rose Hall Town Nursery, New Amsterdam Secondary, Rose Hall Town Primary, Belvedere Primary, Port Mourant Primary and Tain Primary.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the RHTYSC had hosted an annual Children Mash Parade in the past but did not host any for the last two years due to a very heavy work schedule. The Club had however decided to host one in 2016 as part of an effort to promote the Say No to Suicide message in response to the numerous suicide cases rocking the Berbice area. The Teams that would be organizing the Parade are the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, RHT Pepsi Under 19, RHT Bakewell Under 17 and Second (Continued on page 31)

Monday was presented with two floodlights from Businessman Bernard Hodge of Bernard’s Variety Store. According to the President of the GBFA, R o l l i n Ta p p i n , B e a c h Football is catching on and he is grateful for the timely donation. Tappin said the Association welcomes the lights and he hopes that other corporate companies and businessmen come on board. Hodge said he is always willing to assist in his community and will continue

Bernard Hodge (left) presents the lights to Rollin Tappin President of GBFA. to sponsor sports and anything to do with youths. The Guyana Beach Football Association first National To u r n a m e n t b e g a n o n

January 31st, 2016 and continues each Sunday. The games will be played at the Bayroc Ground and Kuru (Continued on page 31)

t r o Sp De Kock, Amla centuries help Contract crisis threatens West Indies on eve of South Africa sink England World Twenty20

Darren Sammy guided West Indies to the World Twenty20 in 2012, but a contract dispute is undermining the team’s preparations for next month’s event © ICC/Getty

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla launched South Africa’s run-chase with a century stand, South Africa v England, 3rd ODI, Centurion, February 9, 2016 ©AFP

Coach Rodrigues gratified with support of all for CONCACAF WOQC

Guyana is front runner to host CBC U-16 Championships

CBC VP, Finance and Marketing, FIBA Governance Commission Board Member and the GABF Honorary General Secretary, Patrick Haynes (third left, front row) and GABF President, Nigel Hinds (centre, back row) represented Guyana at the CBC Assembly in The Bahamas. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210