Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
Uncertainty at Syria talks as Russia backs government advance
U.S. Foreign Secretary John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) gesture before their bilateral talks in Munich, Germany, yesterday, ahead of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting. REUTERS/ Michael Dalder Reuters - Major powers began a new round of Syria talks yesterday focusing on calls for a ceasefire and access for aid, but the mood was dour with Moscow showing no sign of calling off its bombing in support of a massive new government advance. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev raised the spectre of an interminable conflict or even a world war if powers failed to negotiate an end to the fighting in Syria, which has killed 250,000 people, caused a refugee crisis and empowered Islamic State militants. With the Syrian opposition saying it cannot accept a truce because it does not trust the Russians, diplomats saw little chance of progress
at the meeting in the German city of Munich. The first peace talks in two years between belligerents in Syria collapsed last week before they began in the face of the offensive by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, one of the biggest and most consequential of the five-year war. Yesterday’s meeting was meant to allow powers to coordinate support for ongoing negotiations, but instead has turned into a desperate bid to resurrect them. Ministers wrangled over three core issues: a gradual cessation of hostilities with a firm end date, humanitarian access to cities being besieged by both sides and a commitment that Syrian parties return to Geneva for po-
litical negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has repeatedly urged Moscow since peace talks broke down in Geneva to halt its bombardments in Syria in support of Assad. Moscow, however, had proposed a truce that would begin only from the start of next month, giving its Damascus allies 18 more days to recapture Aleppo, once Syria’s largest city. “Here we need something of a breakthrough,” said German Foreign Minister FrankWalter Steinmeier. “Today, we will try what has not been achieved so far especially, to get better supplies to people locked in Syria and link this to first steps in a significant reduction of violence.”
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Iran’s windfall from nuclear deal cut in half by debts - U.S. official Reuters - Iran gained access to about $100 billion (£69.1 billion) in frozen assets when an international nuclear agreement was implemented last month, but $50 billion of it already was tied up because of debts and other commitments, a U.S. official said yesterday. Stephen Mull, the State Department’s coordinator for implementing the agreement, also told the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee there was no evidence Iran had cheated in the first few weeks since the deal was implemented. Mull and John Smith, acting director of the Treasury Department office that oversees sanctions, faced heated questioning from some members of the committee, where some Democrats joined Republican lawmakers in opposing the nuclear pact reached in July. Republican Representative Chris Smith asked whether Tehran ally Russia, which has taken Iran’s enriched uranium, could be trusted with it. He asked where the material was, and Mull said he did not know. “That’s a Russian government responsibility to decide where it goes,” Mull said. Smith said that was a
Stephen Mull “flaw” in the agreement. “We don’t even know where it is,” he said. Many lawmakers worry that Iran would cheat on the deal and use unfrozen funds for action against Israel or to support Islamist militants elsewhere in the region. “Of that amount, a significant portion of it, more than $50 billion, is already tied up,” Mull said. It was the first such congressional hearing on the nuclear pact since Jan. 16, when world powers lifted crippling sanctions against Iran in return for its compliance with the agreement to curb its nuclear ambitions. “We seem to be in many instances talking tough about Iran,” said U.S. Representative Eliot Engel, the
panel’s top Democrat, a deal opponent. “In reality, our actions are far away from our rhetoric and that’s a worrisome thing. We want to make sure that Iran’s feet are held to the fire.” Many members of Congress, where every Republican and a few dozen Democrats opposed the agreement, have been calling for legislation to impose new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile programme and human rights record. House Republicans have been pushing legislation to restrict Democratic President Barack Obama’s ability to lift sanctions under the nuclear pact. One measure passed the House on Feb. 2, but the Senate has not taken it up and Obama has promised a veto.
Friday February 12, 2016
Russia boosts ties with Iraq in challenge to U.S. influence Reuters - Russia is ready to sell civil airliners to Iraq and keep providing it with military aid to fight Islamic State, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said yesterday, accompanied on a trip to Baghdad by the biggest Russian delegation in years. The mission by nearly 100 government and business officials was part of a drive by Moscow to strengthen commercial and security ties with Iraq, potentially eroding U.S. influence in one of the world’s most critical regions. Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said discussions had revolved around providing military assistance to defeat Islamic State militants, also known as Daesh, who seized a third of Iraq in 2014 and want to redraw the map of the Middle East. “We need international support from multiple sources, be it from within the international coalition or outside of it,” he said, referring to the U.S.-led coalition which has launched thousands of airstrikes and provided training and advice to Iraq’s military. “We need support, training and intelligence-sharing,” he told reporters. “Intelligence plays an important role
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari (R) and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin (L) sign documents in Baghdad, Iraq yesterday. REUTERS/Khalid al Mousily in the war on Daesh, and we’ve been coordinating for a while now with the Russian side to place this information in the hands of Iraqis.” Russia has invested millions of dollars in Iraq’s energy sector and last year opened a command centre in Baghdad under an intelligence-sharing agreement with Iraq, Iran and Syria aimed at combating Islamic State. Rogozin said he had met with his country’s envoy to the command centre, thought to be a one-star general. He said through a translator that Moscow would continue providing Iraq with military equipment which had helped “raise the combat readiness of the Iraqi armed forces”, but provided few details. He told Russian news agency TASS he hoped military aid would help Iraq retake the northern city of Mosul and other areas held
by Islamic State. Frustrated with the pace and depth of the U.S.-led military campaign against the militants, Iraqi officials have said they would lean heavily on Russia in the struggle to defeat the Sunni Muslim jihadists. The command centre has shared intelligence for air strikes in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Four months of Russian air strikes in Syria have tipped momentum towards President Bashar al-Assad in that country’s five-year-old civil war, undermining U.S.-backed efforts to revive peace talks. The officials signed a wide-ranging memorandum of understanding that included measures to more than double bilateral trade and boost Iraq’s electricity production, which only meets around 60 percent of its peak demand during the hot summer months.
Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Chicken chowmein and fried rice gone up! The price of chicken chowmein and chicken fried rice at the Chinese restaurants in the country increased since last December. For those who are wondering about the relevance of these increases, they need to understand that the best measure of an increase in the cost of living is to look at the price of food at Chinese restaurants. If the prices increase, it means that the cost of living is increasing. One thing about Chinese eating houses: they give their customers a fair deal. They do not increase prices unless the prices in the economy are increasing.
The price of either the inputs or the price levels in the economy had to have increased for the restaurants to have increased their prices. Yet we are being told that there is deflation in the economy driven by a reduction in food prices. What food prices? The Budget debate has so far avoided the issue of inflation. The opposition has not touched this issue. Even the government, which was expected to be jumping over the moon in joy over the fact that for the first time in modern Guyanese history there has been deflation, has not highlighted this issue
in the debates. The Guyana Public Service Union has not said anything about the deflation, even though it has implications for their wage negotiations. If there is no inflation, then the government does not, in its negotiations, have to make any offer that compensates for inflation. Yet the average worker will tell you that the cost of the same basket of goods that they used to purchase each week or month has increased. It has not decreased. Ask the average housewife and she will tell you that the price level in the economy
has not declined. Are these people wrong? Well, they can be wrong, because there is a particular basket of goods by which the Statistical Bureau tabulates the consumer price index. The only thing is that they are not publishing this basket so that the average consumer that determine for himself or herself whether indeed there has been a decline in overall prices in the market. There is a Commission of Inquiry looking into wage increases for public servants. By the way, just what is happening with that COI? It seems to have dropped off
Three killed in Annai accident The police are investigating an accident which occurred early yesterday at Annai, Region Nine, and claimed the lives of three persons. The accident occurred around 08:15 hrs. Dead are David Williams and his wife Belinda of Annai and Henry George of North Rupununi. David Williams was the rider of the motorcycle, towing his wife, while George was reportedly walking along the
roadway when the accident occurred. It is still not clear what caused the accident, but this newspaper was informed that the husband and wife were heading to a wholesale outlet when they crashed head-on with a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. The crash took place near an area called Rock View Junction and the couple were reportedly hurled from their motorcycle and died instantly.
No one could say for sure how George was killed, but is it widely believed that he was proceeding to his farm on foot and was walking in the corner of the public road when the vehicle also hit him. The sound of the crash sent residents scurrying to the area only to find the Williams’ bodies sprawled on the roadway. A further check revealed George, who was still alive, lying at the side of the road. Efforts by a medivac team
were made to save his life by having him transported by air to the nearest health facility, but his (George’s) injuries were so severe that he succumbed before he could leave the area.
the radar. Are public hearings over? When will the report be submitted? The COI has nothing to do with negotiations with the unions. This COI will influence the government’s position on wages policy. It should, however, not stall negotiations with the unions. The GPSU still has to put a figure on the table. About eight years ago they asked the PPPC government for a minimum wage of $80,000 per month. Given inflation over the years that figure should probably be about $120,000 per month. It is left to be seen whether they will be asking for anything near what they had asked the PPPC government for. It is left to be seen what amounts they will ask for. Perhaps if they wait for
another ten years to press for their demands, they need not ask for any increase at all. If deflation continues for the next ten years, then the purchasing power of the present wages in ten years will be higher than it was when Burnham asked a May Day rally whether they wanted hydro or $14 per day as a minimum wage. The pro-PNC workers shouted “hydro!” They thought Burnham meant hydroelectricity. They did not know he meant hydrocele.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 12, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
LGE: Questions for the contestants In the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), I have to vote in Georgetown. The positive thing about these elections is that the electorate has a choice among constituency competitors. In my columns over the past three decades, I have never shied away from disclosing how I have voted since I came 18 years old. Georgetowners have two votes-a constituency choice (commonly referred to as firstpast-the-post) and a Georgetown choice (proportional representation). I am unsure as yet how I will vote on the proportional representation list. How my questions are answered here will determine that particular ballot. I know who I will vote for in my constituency. I will put my X for Bryan Mackintosh (he is not on the PR list). It is not because he lives in my compound at Turkeyen only. I know Bryan well. I know his philosophy, and that knowledge is the reason I will give him the nod. But, also, he is part of my constituency. I see him and his wife almost daily when I drive past their home. When there are issues in
our compound, he is always there offering his ideas. I can think of no reason why I should not vote for him. Of course, there may be another candidate that may be wiser than Mackintosh, but I will have to be shown him/her. If the contesting parties are going to bring the world’s most brilliant engineer and put him in my constituency, I will not vote for him/her. I am giving my ballot to someone I know, who has a track record in the neighbourhood where I live. A brilliant surgeon may not serve my area in a dedicated way as the milkman, therefore, the milkman will get my ballot. Constituency politics has a philosophical advantage that no scholar in any textbook I know of has denied. The simple fact is that the contestant serves your community and you can have him or her dumped by the community if he/she does not perform. I have been hearing some crazy things about placements in the communities by political parties. I understand a man born, grew up, still lives in Lodge in South Georgetown (a ward adjacent to my birth-
place, Wortmanville) was overlooked for someone who is from the upper East Coast, but will represent Lodge. That is strange, and the only logic to it is that a constituency politician may not be good material, but is using his birth and existence in the neighbourhood to get elected. But at the end of the day, people will vote for those they know, grew up with, and will be suspicious of strangers. As stated above, I don’t know how I will vote on the PR list. I have a few questions and how they are answered will determine against whose name I put my X. Of course, I could and will never give my ballot to the PPP. First, is the office of the Town Clerk under the jurisdiction of the Council? Secondly, will the Council dismiss or discipline the Town Clerk (not Royston King or any specific name, but the Town Clerk) if that officeholder acts illegally in terms of political or racial or financial favours? This is an immense concern to me, because despite the largeness of Guyana, the Town Clerk of Georgetown
has enormous power in Guyana, and such power has been used in an ugly manner over the past three decades. The PPP Government has weakened and discriminated against the City Council, but this should not delude us into giving sympathy to the administration of the City Council. The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has no record of service with transparency and accountability. This depravity and travesty should be exorcized from local power after the LGE next month Thirdly, will the Council rein in the City Constabulary?
This is a group that goes about brutalizing poor vendors, stall-owners and roadside vendors. They are ignorant people that have become a law unto themselves. I know of not one stallholder or vendor that will say even one word of praise for the city police or display even a fleeting moment of respect for these people. They are bullies that enjoy the protection of the administrators of the City Council. Finally, will the Council demand that the City Engineer stop keeping citizens’ building plans for years, thus frustrating these people?
Frederick Kissoon And how do I know this? I once had a plan in there. My relatives had plans in there. My friends had plans in there. The rich get through quickly through bribes. I need unambiguous answers to these questions before I vote.
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo mek Courts look like plaything Everybody know that Courts does give away a lot. You can even go to dem wid no down payment and you getting de whole item100 per cent. Everybody think that was de best dem ever see or hear about. Jagdeo beat that. He mek Courts look like plaything. When dem boys use to tell de nation that Jagdeo give away three-quarter of Guyana people use to meet dem boys pun de road and cuss dem. Dem same people use to admit after de cussing that wholesale thiefing use to go on, but dem use to seh that dem boys use to exaggerate. Even some of dem in de old opposition use to tell dem boys it ain’t suh bad how dem use to put it over. But last night Trotty mek nuff people cry. He announce that de Pee Pee Pee government give away every inch—100 per cent of Guyana’s productive forest land. When dem boys did show de photos of de mining camps and de logging sites showing de magnitude of what was going on in Guyana, people still didn’t tek notice. It tek a change of gov’t fuh another set of politricksters to find out. And dem boys seh
de only way dem find out so quick was when dey go to see wha lef fuh dem. But joke is joke and poke is poke. Dem boys seh all of we pickney and grandpickney don’t even have a blade of grass fuh get. People now demanding that Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan tek back wha Jagdeo and Rob de earth give away. Rob de Earth dun get away and play that he looking fuh wuk in America. But dem boys know otherwise, and is Uncle Sam whisper that to dem boys. Dem boys learn later that Jagdeo always love 100 per cent of everything. He best friends use to get 100 per cent of everything. Babbie get 100 per cent of Sanata complex; he get 100 per cent fuh import and supply spoil milk and expired drugs; Brian use to get 100 per cent of all certain contracts; Tulsie de pump man use to get 100 per cent of all dem pumping job; and dem Chiney use to get 100 per cent of all de Marriott, all de airport and even down to Amaila hydro seed. Jagdeo last 100 per cent give away was when he give de presidency to Donald Dumb. Talk half and wait fuh hear more of Jagdeo’s 100 per cent giveaways.
Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Cool Square Hotel Main prosecution witness locked up, delays murder trial murder accused freed There was some anxiety in the Berbice High Court before the start of the murder trial of popular New Amsterdam businessman and remigrant, Charles Henry, called “Charles Bristol” or “Charlie”. Bristol, 53, of Main Street and Lad Lane, New Amsterdam, is accused of killing Errol Lindo, 51, on Wednesday April 16, 2014 at High Dam, Caracas, West Canje, Berbice. The matter is being heard in the Berbice High Court by Justice Franklyn Holder and a mixed jury. The matter was set to continue at 13:00 hrs yesterday. However when the matter was called the Prosecution’s main witness, Travis Crandon, who was on the witness stand when the matter was adjourned the previous day, was nowhere around. Crandon turned up some time after and it was subsequently learnt that he was arrested and locked up by the police overnight on a matter of domestic violence. Under further cross examination by attorney at law Nigel Hughes, Crandon told the court that after Lindo was shot he fell into a hole. He then admitted that he never made that statement before. He stated that when Lindo arrived, Bristol was under a guava tree. However in the Magistrate’s court, he said that Bristol was under the house. He told the court that he helped to mop up the blood from Lindo’s body, but he could not remember if he had mentioned that before. He told the court that as he assisted Lindo, the mortally wounded man told his sister that he was feeling cold. Prodded by Hughes, the man stated that he could not remember if he had mentioned that before.
Hughes then put it to Crandon that he was never at the scene; that he came long after with his wife and a police officer and only heard what people were saying. That is why he could give one story and continue to change his story all the time. Crandon however insisted that he was there and that his wife met him on the dam. Under re-examination by Prosecutor, attorney at law Natasha Backer, as to why he gave different statements to the police, in the magistrate’s court and in the High Court, the man stated that on a number of occasions he could not remember what he said before. He admitted that he told the magistrate court that there was bad blood between himself and Henry. On another occasion he said that he was confused. On the issue of telling the High Court that four shots were fired and telling the magistrate’s court that three shots were fired, he stated again that he was confused. Earlier, Police Corporal Phillip Walters gave his evidence and detailed the part he played in the investigation. On the day in question he and
Intended to help with efforts at suicide prevention, the Nirvana Humanitarian Society (NHS) has organised a National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Programme. The venture slated for tomorrow, (February 13, 2016) will kick off with a road march starting at the Leonora Park Race Track at 9am and will culminate at Kastev East, Meten Meer Zorg Nirvana Centre. At the latter venue, a series of programmes will be launched to help create sui-
cide prevention awareness and foster healthy living in the society. This is expected to kick off at 11am. At that forum, a number of speeches will be done by health care professionals, community representatives, religious leaders and the Health Minister. NHS is partnering with all stakeholders on this awareness programme including the Ministry of Public Health, Caribbean Voice, as well as the Christian, Muslim and Hindu Communities.
MURDER ACCUSED Charles Bristol
NHS to spearhead suicide prevention march
DEAD: Errol Lindo a party of policemen went to the scene. A large crowd, numbering between 250 and 300 persons, had gathered. The crowd was very hostile. The police had to secure the location. Henry was arrested and taken into custody. His firearm a Taurus .32 pistol and with two magazines and 24 rounds were seized. The firearm and rounds were taken for examination and lodged in court as exhibits. Under cross examination, Corporal Walters stated that the crowd was very hostile. Henry’s motor vehicle which was on the dam was upturned and set on fire. Missiles were being thrown and the police had to fire shots in the air to restrain the crowd. He agreed with Hughes that the scene was chaotic. The murder trial began on Tuesday and so far the prosecution has called eight witnesses. Henry is being represented by attorneys at law Nigel Hughes and Kim Kyte, in association with Tamya Warren Clements and Shabana Barnwell. The state has so far called Rookmin Dindyal, Indranie Nandalall called “Meena” at whose place Henry sought refuge, Agnes Joseph, Cassandra Arthur and Police Corporals Curtis Cort and Brian Caesar. The trial continues today.
After a lengthy trial, Leon Duncan was yesterday acquitted of murder by a mixed twelve-member jury, who found him not guilty of the offence. Duncan, also known as ‘Whistle’, was visibly relieved as the jury foreman announced the decision, and hurriedly departed after being freed. Some of his relatives who were present in the courtroom of Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry shed tears of joy before hastily following their relative from the compound. Duncan, who had been arrested in 2013 for the murder/ robbery of businessman Intaz Roopnarine, walked of the Georgetown High Court at around noon and embraced his relatives. He was represented by Attorney Mark Waldron. Roopnarine, called ‘Bobby’ of 169 Mandela Avenue, was shot and robbed at the Cool Square Hotel in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt on January 24, 2013. The businessman was wearing several pieces of expensive jewellery when he was attacked as he was preparing to leave the hotel. His assailant escaped with a gold and diamond chain worth $500,000, a gold band worth $700,000 and other jewellery, all priced at a total of $2,200,000. Roopnarine collapsed and died near to a septic tank aback of the hotel. Sometime after the shooting, Duncan was arrested for the murder. During his trial in the High Court, the accused denied having knowledge of the incident. He claimed that he
FREED: Leon Duncan
Intaz Roopnarine
had checked out of Cool Square Hotel on the night before the incident occurred. Duncan had recalled that he met an ex-girlfriend at the Edge Night Club on Main Street on January 23, 2013. He said that after enjoying a good night at the club, he and his ex-girlfriend decided to spend some time at a hotel. Duncan told the court that they left the club in a taxi, which dropped them off at Cool Square Hotel in West Ruimveldt. The accused said that after spending some time with his ex-girlfriend at the hotel, they decided to go their separate ways; his girlfriend left in a taxi with a female friend and he left the location on foot, minutes later. He said he did not ride in the cab with his ex-girlfriend because he was going to the home of the woman he was living with at the time. Duncan, who resided at Williamstad Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, said that he travelled to Cayenne, French Guiana, a few weeks later. He said that it was upon his return to Guyana, in April
that year, that he was arrested by police for the robbery/ murder, which he insisted he knew nothing about. Earlier in the trial, police witnesses Suraj Singh and Rodwell Sarabo told the court that the ex-girlfriend of the accused had been with Duncan for some time on the night before the businessman was shot and killed. According to the witnesses, the ex-girlfriend later learnt that someone was shot and killed at Cool Square Hotel. The policemen also told the court that Duncan’s ex-girlfriend had recalled that he contacted her and told her that he wanted to turn himself in to the police because his name was being called in a murder. The Court later learnt that two witnesses, including Duncan’s ex-girlfriend, could not be located. Their depositions were however read into evidence following an application by State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings. Goodings presented the case in association with Prosecutors Orinthia Schmidt and Tuanna Hardy.
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Kaieteur News
Essequibo man admits to stealing employer’s belongings A 21-year-old Essequibo Coast resident was ordered to pay a fine of $50,000 or spend four months in jail, after pleading guilty to a charge of simple larceny when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was Jermaine John a/k ‘Dougla’. He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on February 7, at Pamela
Backdam, Potaro River, he stole one Blu cell phone, one Sim card and $55,000 in cash from Joseph Maloo. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Maloo owns a dredge in the area and that John is employed by him as a pitman. He said that on the date in question, John left the backdam and went to the camp where he stole the items mentioned in the charge.
Jones said that two days later, Maloo, after receiving certain information, went to Nine Miles Backdam and made contact with John in relation to his property. According to the prosecutor, the man told his employer that he had spent the cash and lost the other items. Jones said that John was later taken into police custody and admitted to stealing the items.
Mason jailed for ganja in milk tin A Charlestown resident was yesterday jailed for 36 months, after he was found guilty in a city court of having marijuana in a milk tin for the purpose of trafficking. Paul Anthony Punch, 40,
of Adelaide Street, Charlestown, had 120 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on October 10, last, at Sussex Street. He was found guilty by City Magistrate Judy Latchman at
the conclusion of a trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Punch was also ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 with an alternative of a further six months in jail. Police Corporal Kerry Bostwick presented the case for the prosecution. According to Bostwick, a quantity of the illicit substance was found in a Fernleaf milk tin hidden in the defendant’s apartment. Bostwick had told the court that on the day in question, the police visited Punch’s home and had inquired if he had drugs. The Prosecutor added that Punch replied, “Is a li’l hustle I doing. See wuh yuh could do fuh me.” He said that Punch was taken to the police station, where the drug was weighed in his presence. Punch made his first court appearance on October 14, 2015, and had denied the allegation.
Friday February 12, 2016
Trafficking In Persons…
We must rid our nation of this despicable man-made cancer - Social Protection Minister Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence told members of the National Assembly on Wednesday of some distressing findings as well as some laudable strides in the fight against Trafficking In Persons (TIP). During the 2016 budget debates, Lawrence said that she is happy to report that for the first time ever, Guyana had a conviction in a TIP case, where restitution was ordered for the victim. However, Lawrence said that what is distressing in Guyana is the preponderance of women who are TIP perpetrators. The Minister said that last year, women accounted for the majority of the 31 suspects. She said, too, that children comprised more than 30 percent of the 59 victims for last year. In addition, the Social Protection Minister said that sex is the major driver of human trafficking in Guyana, and that more than 80 percent of TIP victims are forced into ‘carnal economics’ otherwise known as the ‘flesh industry’. Lawrence told the House that the labour sector absorbs just 16 percent of TIP victims, but efforts to rescue victims will continue. The Parliamentarian noted that the Ministry currently has four ongoing TIP matters in the Courts and is hopeful about securing four convictions for this year. “We must rid our nation of this despicable man-made
cancer,” she expressed. As part of the overall plan to do so, the Minister said that the Counter Trafficking In Persons (C-TIP) Unit will be restructured in 2016 and transformed into a Department with these additional features. She said that there will be an increase in staff, with private investigators (PIs) coming on board as well as legal officers; Senior and Junior Case Managers; and an Administrative Officer. “We are serious about TIP in Guyana and will spare no effort to put the critical infrastructure in place to ensure the eventual eradication of the man-made threat, and in the meantime, the severest punishment for all convicted perpetrators – female or male.” The Minister said that the government will approach international agencies to help provide both technical and financial assistance in its drive to stamp out human trafficking from the society. She said, “In our quest, we will seek funding to build a home for male TIP victims 18 years and above. This is part of a menu of measures we will pursue this year to focus the spotlight on human trafficking. Trafficking also ensnares many Guyanese males and we can’t afford, as a responsible society, to play the proverbial ostrich.” Lawrence also gave an account of the $9.908B which was allocated to her Ministry
Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence in 2015 for the execution of Administration, Social Services, Labour and Child Care Protection. The Social Protection Minister said that the Ministry fulfilled the objectives of its six-point action plan. These include Training of Staff, Specialized Training for Indigenous Peoples, Improved Benefits for Pensioners, Programmes Specific to Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Groups, and Provision of Safe and Clean Environment for those Persons in Need of Shelter. Lawrence said that for 2015, the Ministry resuscitated the Women of Worth (WOW) Programme with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, which provided loans for more than 90 female single parents. “Regrettably, we inherited a bankrupt programme. From the $29.4 million in loans, approximately $22 million was non-performing at the end of December 2014, which represents 77 percent of WOW’s portfolio. It cannot be business as usual; we cannot continue on the same broken, ruined track,” the Minister said. She also stated that last year, efforts were made to upgrade the skills and competencies of staff from the Probation, Welfare, CounterTrafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit, Child Protection, and Industrial Relation Departments.
Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Inaugural sitting of UG Transformational Task Force convened - endorsed by Gov’t, Judicial system From left: Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Mr. Vincent Alexander, Dr. Nigel Gravesande and Professor Nigel Harris (at podium).
A section of the gathering at the launch of the Transformational Task Force yesterday By Sharmain Grainger The speakers are perhaps the ones to be credited with transforming the atmosphere at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre yesterday morning into one that exuded a sense that a much needed change is not only necessary, but underway, for the University of Guyana. The occasion was the highly anticipated launch of a recently established Transformational Task Force for the University which was not without its fair share of notable attendees. This is in spite of the absence of Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who was slated to present the main address. He was, however, aptly represented by his Technical Adviser on Tertiary Education, Mr. Vincent Alexander, who before his current portfolio, worked for more than three decades at the University. The forum saw the attendance of officials including Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. But maybe one of the most recognised attendees was Finance Minister, Mr. Winston Jordan, whose presence was
well received by University of Guyana (UG) Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris. “Minister of Finance let me say that you’re a most welcomed guest, and in fact, a most welcomed presence,” said Professor Harris amid a chuckle as he delivered his remarks. He continued by disclosing that there is an understanding by the current Government that there is a need for a change at the University. In fact he claimed to have knowledge that President David Granger is very committed to change. “I want to say that the first gesture has been made by the Minister of Finance, and I am so glad that you are here so that we can thank you. There has been an increase in the subvention that has been made to the University of Guyana.” In his presentation of the 2016 national budget, the Finance Minister announced that $3.2 billion has been allocated to the University,
which represents a 52 percent increase. This move he described as a first step to making the university a true institution of higher learning As he turned his attention to the reason for yesterday’s forum, the Guyana-born Professor Harris, who held the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of the West Indies as well as other portfolios at other prestigious institutions before assuming role of Chancellor, said that he had long recognised the need for a conversation about UG. He disclosed that while the University has played a vital role over the years to churn out a number of skilled persons over the past 50 years, there still exists a sense of discontent. “There is a sense that if this University is to truly serve the social and economic development needs of Guyana in a modern world that is driven by technology, communication and all the wonderful things that
happen; if we are going to be competitive in that unforgiving world, then we need to be doing much more than we are presently,” Professor Harris emphasised. Moreover, it is expected that the Task Force will help to identify challenges at the local University and chart a plausible way forward that will aid needful improvement measures. But according to him, one of the issues that have to be addressed is the financing of the transformational venture. “I think it is going to be a critical question, and I think in no country in the world today attempting to create really competitive universities that Government financing,
just in subventions alone, are going to be sufficient to carry the enterprise to where it has to go. It has got to be a broad effort. Government, not only from subvention, but creating an environment...policy changes that will enable the access to funding,” the Chancellor stressed. Following its ceremonial launch, the Task Force commenced its first sitting of a three-day session. Among the speakers yesterday were Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh, Special Assistant to the President, who was tasked with focusing on the National Development needs and the University; Dr Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer, National Agriculture
Research Extension Institute, who focused on the priorities and requirements for the development of the Agriculture Sector, and Dr. Hector Butts, Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, who examined Financing of Tertiary Education and the University of Guyana. The sessions will culminate on Saturday. The Task Force includes representation from the University Council – which comprises representatives including academic, nonacademic and student unions; other persons selected from the wider society and persons drawn (Continued on page 14)
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Reporter declines to hand over “Top Secret Document” to police A local Television Reporter could find himself in hot water, depending on the advice the police receive from their Legal Advisor on a “Top Secret Document” he purportedly has knowledge of. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud disclosed yesterday that the police had contacted the Reporter to obtain information on the “document” which purportedly links a Senior Police Officer from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to criminal activities. However, that information was not forthcoming, and according to the Top Cop, an investigation is presently underway. The Reporter had claimed in a new item earlier this week that the relevant authorities have obtained a document which details the alleged corrupt practices of a highranking Police Officer. He had claimed that the document details the officer’s “link to the drug underworld; the
planting of guns, cocaine and other bits and pieces of evidence on persons, some of whom are still before the court and others who may have already been wrongfully prosecuted”. Kaieteur News was informed that the Reporter is refusing to cooperate with investigators. When asked about this revelation yesterday, Commissioner Persaud told this newspaper that he only heard about it on Wednesday, and he immediately ordered that an investigation be done. He said that he ordered that since the matter involved an officer at the CID Headquarters, who the Force is still to identify, the investigation should be conducted by Detectives from the police’s East Coast Demerara Division. To facilitate this, the police needed the testimony of the Reporter, since according to reliable sources, the Force has no knowledge of any top secret document, implicating the Officer in question.
“The Reporter was called in yesterday (Wednesday); he was contacted and asked to come in regarding the report. He came in this morning (Thursday) with his lawyer and told the police that he did his own investigation, has his own evidence, and he’s not handing anything over to the police,” the Commissioner stated. According to Persaud, investigators are in contact with the police’s Legal Advisor on how to proceed with the matter. “I don’t intend to leave it alone, however, I will be guided by the police legal advisor,” the Top Cop said. When contacted last evening, the reporter explained that he was contacted by the police at his place of work on Wednesday and was invited to meet with the Divisional Commander at Cove and John “to discuss the matter.” He said that he did turn up for the discussion and the police requested the document or that he reveals its source. “I said that I cannot do that at this point,” the Reporter told Kaieteur News. He said that the police investigator then enquired from him if he would reveal the document in the future to facilitate the investigation. “I did say to the officer that I’m not prepared to release it at this time,” the Reporter stressed. He also did not provide investigators with a statement. Since it would appear that the police are unaware of the “Top Secret Document” in question, the reporter claimed that it was seen by a senior government functionary. East Coast Demerara Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman told this newspaper last night that the matter is a serious one, but without the cooperation of the reporter, the investigation would not turn up much. In addition to the document, he said “we have to have statements to start an investigation.”
Friday February 12, 2016
Training for People’s Militia set to begin next month Under the motto, ‘Every citizen a soldier’ the Guyana Defence Force is encouraging all able-bodied Guyanese to get ready, come onboard and be prepared to support in nation-building while being trained to defend the nation as a member of the People’s Militia. Training to rebuild that entity is set for commencement next month end, says Colonel Patrick West, Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia. This follows an earlier announcement by army chief of staff Brigadier General Mark Phillips. President David Granger had signaled the resuscitation of the unit which was renamed Second Infantry Battalion under the previous administration. The Commandant said that the process for rebuilding the Guyana People’s Militia through the recruitment of 1500 still stands. Recruitment is set to begin from next week. Colonel West added that the Guyana Defence Force is currently in the process of completing all other
Colonel Patrick West administrative preparations so as to begin the public awareness campaign this weekend. “The recruitment, specifically for the regions, will be done on the weekend. During the third and fourth week, persons in Georgetown and its environs desirous of joining, are invited to report to Camp Ayanganna to fill up the application forms.” Colonel West said that once recruited and trained, ranks will be paid a stipend. All persons are eligible to become members of the militia.
“Once you are able-bodied you are eligible to become a member of the Guyana People’s Militia,” he added. The primary function of the Guyana People’s Militia is augmentation of the Guyana Defence Force and to assist the Civil Defence Commission. The unit also gets into action when there are natural disasters and any other duty that is required by the Guyana Defence Force. “Our organization has offices in most of the regions, because the organization fits us to be able to assist the regional authorities through the regional units that are established across the country,” West noted. In addition to the ordinary rank in the Guyana People’s Militia, there is also the officer rank that can be applied for, once the applicant has the requisite qualifications. Additionally there is also a specialist unit that will employ engineers, doctors and other qualified specialists who may want to serve in their particular specialty area. (Mondale Smith)
Inaugural sitting of UG... (From page 13) from the Diaspora. According to Professor Harris, as long as UG is seen as merely a “fall back” tertiary institution and not as alluring as those abroad, a challenge will continue to exist. Such a situation, he warned, must be addressed. But the issues ranging from remuneration to infrastructure are already well known. However, many recommendations made in the past were not implemented. “With all that has gone before, why bother to try again? Well, my point is that if not now, when?” Professor Harris questioned, as he stressed the need for a “dramatic leap” if Guyana is to reposition itself. “Our University must be a central player in making that
dramatic leap, because ultimately they’re turning out the people, they are doing the research that will drive and engineer where we go as a society,” Professor Harris asserted. In order to get to the required place, the Chancellor underscored the need to “undertake a moment of understanding where we are. We need to revisit what it is that Guyana needs out of the University.” The transformational course of action was on the cards since the coalesced APNU+AFC Government assumed power in May of last year. In fact, Minister Roopnaraine had told this publication that he intended to ensure that the University would have realised a much needed transformation within five years. This goal was put to the Chancellor by the Education Minister. However, Mr. Alexander in speaking on behalf of the Minister yesterday, disclosed that the Minister was instead advised by the Chancellor to allow the University to initiate and own the transformation process. This is in keeping with the Chancellor’s view that the University should not be politicised. “A University has got to be operated by its community and overseen by a broad Council that has members of the Government there and
members of the p r i v a t e sector, but the academic community needs also to be present in terms of those discussions,” asserted Professor Harris. Quoting a document by Justice Singh, Professor Harris said, “University autonomy has been defined as the freedom of the University to govern, appoint the officers, determine the conditions of the service of its staff, control staff admission and academic curricula, control its finances, and generally, to regulate itself as a legal entity functioning in accordance with its statutes, freedom of expression, freedom of action, freedom to dissemination information and freedom to conduct research and distribute knowledge without hindrance or restriction.” Based on the Chancellor’s document, these concepts are the bedrock of flourishing and meaningful academia. Yesterday’s event was chaired by Registrar of the University, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, and opening remarks were also presented by Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Barbara Reynolds. The event was also attended by outgoing UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, and Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Ms. Delma Nedd.
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Wales cane farmers worry over lower price, long haul to Uitvlugt There is deep worry by private cane farmers on the West Bank of Demerara over the announced closure of Wales estate later this year. With scores of farmers supplying cane to the estate for decades now, farmers this week complained that the decision to move the cane to Uitvlugt, located over 15 miles away on the West Coast, will drive costs up and cause logistical delays. Already, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has asked farmers to take a lower price for their canes – from an average of $100,000 per ton of sugar to now about $60,000. “We are facing a serious problem with this proposal. We are being asked to take the canes using our trailers over internal dams behind Canals Numbers One and Two. We have to stand the cost. We have already been told that because of lower world prices for sugar we will be paid less. How will we survive?” asked one Belle Vue farmer. He has seven workers and a driver when the crop is being harvested. Two of the workers are full-time. Cane farmers in the area have been planting for years now and are part of coops operating between the two Canal Polders. Wales Estate has been a lifeline for many
Private cane farmers from West Bank are deeply worried over the impending closure of Wales estate.
- factory was producing three times what it was selling for of the families, about 300 of them that depend on it for a livelihood. There have been meetings between GuySuCo and farmers, starting late last year, on new prices. The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday said that discussions are ongoing over the logistical movement of cane to facilitate the proposed integration with Uitvlugt estate. A joint task force is being established to examine and resolve the logistical issues. According to farmers, they have not been benefitting from concessions like fuel, a major input, and fertilizers, making it hard for them to exist. “We need to get at least $100,000 to stay above water,” a farmer from Canal Number One said. He has 40 acres and recently rented out half, after it became clear that there would be losses. Another major problem facing the farmers is the current El Niño dry spell which has wreaked havoc for farmers and GuySuCo. Already the corporation said that about half of the crop for next year will not be there and if no rains come
with the next two months, this year’s target will be badly affected. Several cane farmers on the West Bank have to hold off on planting because of water. In addition to farmers, scores of workers from Wales estate have been picketing and asking through their union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union, for a rethink of the decision. Government had been at pains to defend the closure, saying that the decision was taken to halt the hemorrhaging of Wales and by extension, GuySuCo. According to the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday, the new management that took over Guyana Sugar Corporation last year, shortly after the David Granger-led government was sworn in, discovered an industry that was suffering from chronic financial indebtedness – one reduced to almost a state of penury. “For example, at the time of the management change in mid-2015, even the workers’ deducted contributions to their credit union had not
been paid up - in the order of $165M.” Additionally, between the National Insurance Scheme and Guyana Revenue Authority, a total sum of $6.3B was owed. Embarrassingly, even the pension fund contributions were not handed over to the fund.” Wales and Patentia, two villages, have literally built themselves around the factory, with many of the small
businesses dependent on the canecutters and their family. Wales was the most inefficient of its seven factories in Berbice and Demerara, producing at almost three times (US$0.38 per pound) what it was selling sugar for ($US$0.13 per pound). The Ministry yesterday said that the most recent meetings with the workers, directly, also proved a
positive engagement, in that the management was able to respond in detail to every query that concerned each category of employee’s future. “As it turned out, productive work can be found for all, but 13 mechanical tillage operators could be severed, but only if the equipment they operated was not available. This situation (Continued on page 28)
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Friday February 12, 2016
Frequency Management Unit transferred $700M to Consolidated Fund - Telecoms Minister While informing about the investments being made into ICT sector, Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Minister, Cathy Hughes, also informed the National Assembly on Wednesday about plans for various departments which fall under her purview. She noted that the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), of which she has control over, transferred some $700M to the Consolidated Fund in 2015. Hughes also noted that for last year, the NFMU carried out a range of its mandated functions such as Radio Inspection, Monitoring, Licencing and Number Administration. The Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Minister said that the agency reviewed the proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the Governments of Guyana and India on the Centre of Excellence for Information Technology and made recommendations for its enhancement. Hughes said that the NFMU also spearheaded the procurement of emergency
telecommunications equipment for the Civil Defence Commission, through a grant from the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunications Union (ITU). The Parliamentarian said, too, that the unit also made a direct impact in fostering and promoting gender balance in the industry through its “Girls in ICT Day Activities” which is a programme that seeks to encourage more female participation in the ICT sector, and which is a staple in the NFMU’s calendar of activities. In 2016, the Minister said that the National Frequency Management Unit will continue preparation for the liberalization of the Telecommunications Sector, and upgrade spectrum monitoring and management capabilities. She said that the agency will support further development and deployment of Broadband networks/ services; continue participation in the Harmonized Caribbean Spectrum Planning and Management Project; continue promoting and
supporting the use of ICTs for Disaster preparedness/ mitigation; and promote the use of ICTs to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in Guyana. Minister Hughes said that the Unit will intensify the process to transition from Analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting. She promised that public consultations will be held to discuss the roadmap for the transition and choice of digital standard will be carried out. Hughes told the National Assembly that 2016 will see commencement of the implementation of the Roadmap. Further, the politician said that the NFMU will plan, organize and execute activities to raise the awareness regarding opportunities and encourage more females to consider careers in the ICT field. She said that the Unit will continue working with organizations such as the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre to promote the use of ICTs for differently-able persons.
The Minister also stated that the NFMU will also ReTender for and commence the building of its Head Office. NDMA The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) is another agency within the Public Telecommunications Ministry. Under the supervision of its newly-appointed board, Hughes said that the NDMA will develop work programmes to satisfy its mandate. She said that the NDMA, which is the government agency responsible for data processing and information systems in the Public Sector, will focus on improving the Public Sector’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) preparedness. Towards this end, the Minister said that the Authority will be revamped to
better support the eGovernment Unit and the ministry in its ICT capacity development. She said, “NDMA’s contribution will be directed towards developing knowledge, through training, of workers who are capable of optimizing the use of office productivity suites and collaborative tools, through the soon-to-be established Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT).” The Minister added, “NDMA will conduct a training needs assessment to identify skills requirements in the Public Sector, and design suitable training programmes and deliver appropriate training courses to satisfy these needs.” In addition, Hughes said that the NDMA will continue to provide data processing
Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes services and will monitor and review plans of the various ministries with the aim of determining its data processing requirements, and based on these findings, provide guidance, advice and direction where necessary.
Businessman not guilty of falsely declaring British currency Rajesh Seegobin, of 19 Public Road, Prospect, East Bank Demerara walked out of court a free man yesterday, after he was found not guilty of falsely declaring Great Britain Pounds (GBP) at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, last year. Police had alleged that on March 17, 2015, at CJIA, he had £32,300, in his possession, but only declared £30,300 to an immigration officer. At the conclusion of the trial yesterday, Chief Magistrate
Ann McLennan informed the court that she had found Seegobin not guilty of the offence charged. Magistrate McLennan said that the man was honest with the court and she believed his story. She added that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Four witnesses were called to testify on behalf of the prosecution. Seegobin, who was represented by Attorney Glenn Hanoman had initially pleaded not guilty to the
charge and was released on $100,000 bail. The lawyer had contended that his client had no reason to make a false declaration, since he declared £30,300 at the airport. Hanoman had told the court £2,000 belonged to his client’s wife. When the matter concluded yesterday, the court ordered that the £2,000 be returned to Seegobin. According to reports, the defendant was taking his money overseas to purchase tyres for his business.
Govt. to issue more cambio... From page 20 regulators to control how much capital banks need to set aside to guard against the types of financial and operational risks banks face. Basel II has three pillars: ensuring that bank capital is more risksensitive, ensuring that banks have adequate capital to support all the risks in their business, and enhancing disclosure requirements to make the risks banks take more transparent.” Meanwhile, the Minister, in the budget speech, disclosed that the Financial Sector Reform and Strengthening Initiative (FIRST), a project managed by the World Bank, is providing technical assistance to the Bank of Guyana to strengthen supervision of the non-bank financial institutions and insurance companies. “The initiative aims to close gaps in the supervisory perimeter, regarding prudential and non-prudential stan-
dards, and to build supervisory capacity. FIRST will assist with the development of a legal and institutional framework for market conduct and financial consumer protection,” Jordan promised. As part of the financial consumer protection initiative, the Bank of
Guyana will be enhancing its National Financial Literacy Programme. “It is hoped that the average citizen will be empowered with the ability to make informed financial judgments and take effective decisions regarding the use and management of his/her money.”
Wales cane farmers... (From page 27) is about to be resolved.” GuySuCo has also promised to report on its diversification plans for the industry no later than October 1, 2016. GuySuCo has been thorn in the side of consecutive governments, racking up billions of dollars in losses annually, and consecutive failure to reach targets. It did achieve the original annual target last year under the new Government, for the first time in more than a decade. However, with over 16,000 workers, no Government has been willing to take a decision to shut the industry down, saying that the socio-economic fallout would be too much. In addition, sugar exports have been hauling in a huge chunk of foreign excrhange annually, a fact that will not be easily in any other industry anytime soon. (Leonard Gildarie)
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Kaieteur News
SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665
Building Contractor: drawing of house plan, general home maintenance, free estimatesCall: 216-0671; 622-0267; 6928464 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. 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 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 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 Cleaners’ R’ us: janitorial cleaning including: window cleaning, office cleaning, pressure washing, etc. Call: 6609478; 672-0865 or 223-6544 Tax Services: custom brokerages, individual income tax, property tax, value added tax, compliances certificates, etc. Call: 660-9478 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Urgently! Garbage company needs experienced drivers must have police clearances, two reference one picture. Call: 223-7012/670-7920 Drivers- paid salary; dispatcher for taxi service and contract cars- Call: 231-0316 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. Live in general domestic 2535yrs salary - $60,000$70,000 monthly – Call: 6103974
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Two bedrooms house “A” Field Sophia, $40,000 monthly with 2 months security, must provide job letter & earnings & ID- Call: 693-2237; 219-0211 Apartment for rent @ Kitty Dowding Street: 2 bedrooms apartment, newly printed $55,000 –Call: 652-8970 or 674-3735 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/downstairs, all modern conveniences $1600US monthly-Call: 2317839 during working hours
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Girls to sell ice cream on canter. Call: 693-2897 One seamstress to work in Barbados- must to cut & clip. Call: 613-7177 1 General live in domestic, age 30-45yrs - $60,000 monthlyCall: 659-2708; 688-5409 Maid to work at Contienental Park between 8am-4pm, attractive salary. Call: 6851403
3 Bedrooms house (furnished) @ Windsor Estates E.B.D with 24hr security- $USD2, 000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031
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MASSAGE TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
LAND FOR SALE
3 Bedrooms apartment (furnished) @ Bougainvillea Park, Farm, E.B.D -$120,000 negotiable- Call: 600-2031
TO LET Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call: 227-5194 Prime business place in Lethem, storage bond & living quarters included. Call: 692-3573 Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market- Call: 6237731; 629-0636 Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival City, parking etc, asking $80,000 monthly. Call: 616-7366 or 619-2141
Office Assistant: apply at GPTWU, 310 East Street, S/ CBurg. Must have a bicycle.
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
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Double lot 9950 Sq. Ft @ Republic Gardens, price -$25M (negotiable). Call: 624-7686
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Gold & Diamond blocks for sale or rent in the Ekereku, Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: 615-8810
4X4 PFF 6163 (Green) 4 door LHD,3 liter 3VZ engine, good condition – G$1.6M- Call 6576063
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Going Cheap: One house lot at Mon Repos (Martyrsville) - $3.7M negotiable. Call: 220-0538, Joel: 645-2395; 629-5300 Corner lot for sale 80X45 @ Meadow Brook Gardens, close to Mandela Avenue. Call: 699-9381; 231-4560
Toyota Rav4 J (2001),PNN 6964, in excellent conditionCall: 625-2323; 254-0530 1-TM 4-wheel drive truck with crane -$3M, 1-TL 500 truck crane -$2M- Call: 619-0898 1-Volvo Crane & dump truck -$3M- Call: 619-0898 2008 TOYOTA FIELDER (UNREGISTERED), FULLY LOADED, RIM, BODY KIT, REVERSE CAMERA, TV, DVD -$ 2.5M-CALL: 6427295 1- Toyota Surf with 3RZ engine -$2.9, 1-double cab pick-up -$1M. Call: 619-0898
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Live in female, experienced care giver for elderly maleCall: 664-8150; 233-0547
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FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
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Friday February 12, 2016
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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 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. Waiters to work at 704 contact 223-5273 M A R K E T I N G ASSISTANTS, DRIVERS and WELDER/FABRICATOR. 676 6700 Skilled welder & machinist (limited supervision), apprentice, male & female cleaner. Apply @ Technical Services; 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. Sales person/Accounts clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. Porters. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling. One male or female office assistant -$20,000 weeklyCall: 231-8053 Porter - $25,000 weekly, Driver -$50,000 weekly, Mechanic -$60,000. Call: 2318053
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 Continued on page 31
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Kaieteur News
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Budget debate…
Public Health Minister promises boost for Regional, clinical services By Suraj Narine “This ministry has seven programmes and over $22.1B or 9.5% of the budget was expended in this sector in 2015, however, the government will spend about $28B, nearly six billion more than last year or 10.9 percent of the budget.” Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, highlighted these facts during the Budget Debate on Wednesday evening at Parliament Building, Georgetown, as he explained that the Regional & Clinical Services of Programme four, will ensure that consistent and adequate quality health care is provided to all citizens across the ten administrative regions based on the ‘sound values of equity, solidarity and quality health services as a human right”. Norton stated that a total of approximately $13.3B was allotted to this programme, of which $11.9B will be going to current expenditure. “We will empower the regions, through training and increased human resources, so that this ministry can be successful in its plan to decentralize the regional system. A standard complement of staff for each region is being put in place to avoid the multi-tasking of the few existing staff,” the minister stated. Norton also stated that his ministry will continue to deploy medical doctors and other personnel to hinterland regions, while pointing out that there already is in place a national plan to permanently position a physician in every health centre in Guyana. “In this programme, $1.5B was also appropriated as capital expenditure, for we plan to complete all unfinished structures such as the health centre at Experiment, Bath (Region 5)…We will also make functional the brand new x-ray unit at Parika Health Centre which has never been used for three years and the other at the Leguan Hospital which has been there for 10 years and is not only unused, but unwrapped as well.” Norton informed the House that last week the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the West Demerara Regional Hospital was reopened. The unit, with six brand-new incubators, is the fifth of its kind currently functioning in the country. “Also, the spacious, air conditioned post-natal ward, which can accommodate as much as 15 beds surrounding this unit has now been made to function. Construction has started to put into use the maternity section of the
Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton Leonora Diagnostic Centre which once again, was not being utilized, with wholesome beds and other facilities standing idly by, for which $40M have been allotted. These will serve to avoid the bed-sharing in the GPHC maternity section.” $30M has also been allotted for renovation work at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Norton stated, and $15M is earmarked for the construction of a solid waste furnace for the Linden Hospital Complex. SHORTAGE OF MEDICATION “Contrary to reports that are being peddled by Regional politicians in the media and also in this House, about the shortages of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the regions, our on-the-ground reports from our regional health officers and from information gathered from the various health facilities - huts and centres - that we have personally visited, indicate there are pharmaceutical and medical supplies in the regions, albeit a few shortages here and there,” Norton said. He explained that the process for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies remains substantially “centralised with the exception of minor purchases that include small emergency supplies, medical gases and snake bite kits” “The allocations have been distributed across the regions as a first step in improving the programme budgeting of health costs at a regional level, even as work is advancing on a costing exercise to determine the total costs of drugs expended in each region to address the disease profiles of the particular region”. Norton continued that “procedurally”, the monies will be warranted back to the Ministry from the regions – as was the case last year – to facilitate centralised
procurement and the benefits of economies of scale and requisite quality controls. “This means that the REOs will send the agreed sums to the ministry and the ministry will pool all these monies and purchase drugs and medical supplies for the facilities across the regions.” “Importantly, let me add Mr. Speaker that the drug supply system is far from perfect and to date, there has been no administration, especially during the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C)’s reign, that has had a situation free from shortages of drugs and medical supplies in some parts of the country. Norton continued that the government is taking steps to strengthen the management of the drug supply chain and a detailed review of all aspects, from procurement to distribution to consumption, is being undertaken. He also pointed out that the Government will ensure “adequate” drugs and medical supplies are provided in all facilities across the country. “We are not there yet, but we intend to get there soon and fully resolve these issues well within our first term in office.” Making reference to a presentation made by an opposition Member of Parliament who might have implied that there is a shortage of HIV testing kits across the country, Norton said that the statement was misleading, since there are “enough kits in this country at this moment to last for the rest of the year”. DISABILITY & REHABILITATION SERVICES The House was told that Disability and Rehabilitation Services has attracted an appropriation of $347M. Out of the capital expenditure of $26.6M, $9M will be used for the purchase of a 30-seater minibus and $11.5M for medical equipment including an ultrasound machine and a short wave diathermy. Another $5.7 M
was earmarked for equipment which includes $4M for a generator set for the Cheshire Home. “We have started up a sports medicine facility in the Castellani House compound. The audiology service has been transitioned from the analog to the digital hearing aids. The audiology and speech language therapy degree programme has commenced with support from the American Speech and Hearing Association to the University of Guyana and the Ministry of Public Health. We had capacity building and technical support of the local staff through visits by two speech language pathologists from the USA”. Norton stated that the government will begin the process to develop new rehabilitation units in regions four, one (Port Kaituma) and 9 (Sand Creek). “We shall continue to implement and review a national vocational training centre for persons with disabilities”. The minister continued that “every effort” will be made to utilize PAHO/WHO’s support to implement the WHO global disability action plan 2014-2021, which involves training for teachers and healthcare providers on eye and ear care screening techniques. “We will support the strengthening of a comprehensive registry on disability in accordance with the Guyana Persons with Disability Act. We are in the process of moving apace with the establishment of a training school for children, adolescents and young adults with special educational needs associated with disabilities.” This, the Minister said, is with the cooperation and technical assistance agreement among CARICOM, Cuba and the Government of Guyana. The agreement will pave the way for the establishment of the training centre at a cost of $30M.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
From page 30
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 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
FOR SALE BY OWNER: FLORIDA DESIGN, WATER FRONT PROPERTY Yamaha 40 HP, good working LOCATED AT MADEWINI condition @ Meten-MeerRESORT COMMUNITY. Zorg. Tel: 672-2578, Boy Blue CALL: 624-5048; 624-5042 1 Leyland (55) 210) Cab/ One two bedroom storey 6 Chassis/Ford Cargo Chassis bedroom house for sale at and Diff with springs & other Guyhoc Park. Call: 618-8498; truck parts- Call: 275-0014; 660-0604 626-0709 One D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, Lot 15 Good Hope, West in e x c e l l e n t c o n d i t i o n , Coast Demerara – Call: 690- ready to work, price $14M. 6840 Call: 611-4775; 220-5192 Fridge, water bottle, carpets, Lot 1884, 20 Ave, First corner, fan, kettle, plastic barrel, Diamond H/Scheme, 3 blender, wares, baby cradle, bedrooms, flat house- Call: cap hair dryer. Call: 618-2116 662-4676, 602-9403 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 1 Concrete 2 storey property @ Lot 20 Area H Ogle- Call: Household Items: curtains, dinette set, wall divider, 254-1663; 622-1610 wares, Sony music system, FOR SALE/FOR RENT cupboard, fridge & more, American pool table – Call: owner migrating. Call Allison: 688-5446 277-0578 Electric Motor, Marathon, 7 FOR SALE Wooden building structure ½ HP, single phase & with solid greenheart beams transformer- Call: 233-2439 & columns ideal for house LED light Bars: 3", 20", 32" building. Reasonable offer and 45", $20,000, $30,000 & accepted! Call: 227-4285; $43,000- Call: 666-9107. Like 609-7381 us on Facebook- LED light 1-6" Dredge complete with Barss Lavador -$6M- Call: 619-0898 Tibetan pups. Call: 225-4780
Please help me expose... From page 5 community to believe and expose his dodgy dealings. There were signatures on this document. Who signed this document? They too should have shared in police questioning. I cannot replace this money as I have only recovered 100,000 of it back from Mr
Philips. I am so hurt; left wondering how and where can I get this money. Contrary to the myth foreigners do not have lots of money. I am living proof we are not rich. This man has children, daughters my age how would he like it if someone robbed his daughter? Veronica Morina.
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Friday February 12, 2016
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Nothing left as PPP gov’t distributed 100% of Guyana’s productive forest - Trotman tells National Assembly By Abena Rockcliffe The new government was horrified to learn that its predecessor had distributed all of Guyana’s productive forest. There is literally nothing left. While previous revelations about the operations of certain logging companies that are also into gold mining - had raised suspicions that this was the case, the disquieting suspicion was only confirmed last evening when Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman took the floor of the National Assembly to make his contribution to the ongoing Budget debate. Trotman told the House that there has to be a revision of National Forest Policy. He said that in 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to update and rationalize policies and laws relating to the conservation, management, protection and sustainable development of the nation’s
patrimony, its forest resources. He said that there have been many changes since the existing policy was crafted. The Minister said that those changes include a transformation in Guyana’s economic, social and political landscape over the last five years. He said that there has also been increased attention given to environmental aspects, and to the importance of forest managemen,t both nationally and internationally. Trotman asserted that an updated forest policy will mark a significant shift in emphasis from the development of the timber potential of Guyana’s forests to management of the forests’ multiple goods and services for the national benefit. To give reason as to the importance of the change, Trotman told the National Assembly that much to the “horror” of the new administration upon the assumption of office, “we were met with an alarming situation where
we discovered that 100% or all of our productive forest was allocated by the past Government.” Trotman added, “This is what a former head of state would have referred to as ‘confounded nonsense”. The Minister questioned, “How could a responsible government preside over the allocation of all, not some, but all of its productive forest?” He said that this must have been done without any regard for future generations. Trotman said that in the context of the national patrimony, this can only be seen as a threat to the nation’s long term viability and security as a people. He said, “Understandably, in the national interest we will have to do something about it.” Trotman also highlighted a Mission statement that the new Ministry of Natural Resources has set for itself: “To develop, implement and oversee policies for the sustainable development and
House Speaker chides Nandlall for violating parliamentary regulation Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland yesterday chided Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, for going against the Standing Order that prevents MPs from referencing ongoing High Court matters. Nandlall made reference to an ongoing case in relation to Tax Practice Certificates, in which the Minster of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan “went into the witness box”. This was repeated several times during Nandlall’s presentation. A standing order which allowed Ramjattan to interject, informed the speaker that the matter on which Nandlall was referencing, was still ongoing in the Courts. The Speaker then reminded Nandlall that standing orders do not allow the mentioning of matters which are before the courts and suggested that he “do what you know you should do” Nandlall replied, “Sir may I….” “No, you may not, you listen to me now, standing orders do not allow us to make mention of matters which are before the Court,” the Speaker interjected. Nandlall in his response stated, “Sir, the standing orders do not say that you cannot mention a matter that is in
Opposition MP Anil Nandlall the court, the standing order says that you cannot mention that matter in such a way as to prejudice the proceedings”. This response by Nandlall resulted in a resounding hand tapping from the side of the opposition. Dr. Scotland, with the Standing Orders in front of him, informed the house, “reference should not be made to any matter which is sub judice in such a way as might, in the opinion of the chair, prejudice the interest of par-
ties thereto,” The Speaker then recommended that Nandlall withdraw his statement. However, Nandlall stated that he will maintain that there is a challenge in the court. The Speaker again interjected, “Honourable member…I recommended that you withdraw it and start again”. “I want to make reference to a case that is pending in the court and I wish to assure you, your honour that I will not say anything to prejudice the outcome of the proceedings,” Nandlall replied. “I give you that, but give the chair what is provided, that is, to determine whether in his opinion, it is likely to do that,” the Speaker responded. “I await your response before you proceed” “I withdraw the statement,” Nandlall said as he continued his presentation.
“How could a responsible government preside over the allocation of, not some, but all of its productive forest?” Understandably, in the national interest we will have to do something about it.” – Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman utilisation of the natural resources whilst promoting the protection and conservation of the environment”. He said, “We carry this mission out in collaboration with all other Ministries and agencies.”
Loyalty to that statement will very well demand of the Ministry that it ensure that something is done about the distribution of the productive forest. Trotman also informed the House that in the area of forestry, production was 550,000m3 to the export value of US$54M. He said that this is lower than previous years, but this happened as a result of too much exportation of raw logs and less value added. He said however, that the Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work along with the international community “to enhance our capabilities in this regard.” Trotman said that work is underway to support sustain-
able forest management and trade, and ensure access to the international forest products market. He added that the Government will continue to work along with the international community to develop a comprehensive, equitable and sustainable international regime of compensation for the provision of climate amelioration services by countries such as Guyana. “Government remains fully committed to continuing its partnership with Norway, because it is a model that will allow Guyana to develop renewable energy technologies, while sustainably exploiting Guyana’s natural resources – particularly, our forest resources,” said Trotman.
SOCU ready to assist with info on Dr. Blackman if asked by US Should the United States require any information on the appointed chairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation board, Dr. Noel Blackman, in relation to the matter about prescription drugs, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) stands ready to assist, says Sydney James head of the Unit. In an invited comment James said, “As far as I’m aware that investigation is being handled by US authorities, however we have some amount of cooperation with the US authorities, so if they require assistance, the normal channel is through the Ministry of Public Health, and once we are so directed we will assist.” Sixty-eight year-old Blackman served as Health Minister under the PNC government. He was taken off of a Guyana-bound plane lastSunday in New York and has since been arraigned in a Long Island Court. He was also alleged to have in his possession about US$30,000
Dr Noel Blackman in his suitcase. Reports out of the US indicate that Blackman wrote 114 prescriptions in 2014 for about 3,800 Oxycodone pills and nearly 2, 500 prescriptions
for about 365,000 pills last year. Dr Noel Blackman is the founder and co-owner of HBTV Ch9. Reports are that Federal authorities on Sunday took the doctor into custody after they ordered a Guyanabound jet, taxiing for takeoff, to return to an airport terminal. The Miami Herald Courier reported that federal agents were tipped off that the Guyana native planned to leave the country permanently. Dr. Blackman was returning to Guyana to Chair the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Board of Directors. He was officially designated to perform the related duties for the period of one year, from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016.
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South Korea cuts off power, water into Kaesong zone in North Korea
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea has cut off the supply of power and water into the Kaesong industrial zone run jointly with North Korea, it said today, hours after the North kicked out the South’s workers and froze the assets of companies operating there. The suspension of the factory park, operated for more than a decade as a symbol of cooperation, deepened the confrontation between the rivals by all but shutting down the last remaining window of regular interaction for the divided Koreas. South Korea said on Wednesday that it was suspending the operation of the industrial zone as punishment for the North’s rocket launch on Sunday and last month’s nuclear test. The North called the move “a declaration of war.” The 280 South Koreans who had remained in
Kaesong rushed to vacate the industrial park on Thursday evening, completing the pullout at 11:05 p.m. (1405 GMT), said the South’s Unification Ministry, which handles ties with the North. A few minutes before midnight, the South shut off the supply of electricity into Kaesong that powered the factory zone, the ministry said early on Friday. The action also cuts off water supply, it said. The United States, Japan and South Korea said Sunday’s launch was a ballistic missile test, and like last month’s nuclear test, a violation of United Nations resolutions. They are seeking tougher sanctions against the North. Isolated North Korea regularly dismisses the South as a puppet of the United States and just as regularly accuses both of acts of war
against it. The Kaesong project employed about 55,000 North Koreans, who were given a taste of life in the South, working for the 124 mostly small and medium sized manufacturers that operated there, about 54 km (34 miles) northwest of Seoul. The average wage for North Korean workers at Kaesong was roughly $160 a month, paid to a state management company. Except for Kaesong, both countries forbid their citizens from communicating with each other across their heavily armed border. Despite volatile NorthSouth relations over the years, Kaesong had been shut only once before, for five months in 2013, amid heightened tensions following its third nuclear test. Its future had often seemed uncertain over the past decade.
EU refines UK offer, up to Cameron now to clinch deal Reuters - British and EU negotiators agreed much of a reform package yesterday to help keep Britain in the European Union, leaving Prime Minister David Cameron to settle tricky final issues, notably on migration, at a summit next week, diplomats said. After talks in Brussels among officials from all 28 member states to review mostly minor amendments to proposals made by European Council President Donald Tusk last week, an EU source reported “good progress” in clarifying technical, legal issues. “But main political issues are still outstanding and they will have to be dealt with by leaders next week,” the source added, referring to a summit on Feb. 18-19 where Cameron hopes to clinch a final deal with his European peers on which he can campaign at home to keep Britain in the bloc at a referendum. Diplomats said the main outstanding issues were over how long Britain would be able to stretch EU rules by denying equal social benefits to workers from other EU states - an “emergency brake” intended to help Cameron cut immigration - and the wording of pledges to enshrine reforms on euro zone rules and national sovereignty in future
David Cameron treaty amendments. A British spokeswoman said “we are in a good place” with an amended draft, seen by Reuters. It made concessions to French concerns about British banks gaining advantage in the euro zone and to broader grumbles that doing favours for London will water down other nations’
commitments to deeper European integration. East Europeans felt less satisfied after the talks, saying their demands for tighter limits on plans to curb benefits paid to their citizens working on low wages in Britain were not met, lining up a showdown with Cameron next week on EU migration.
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Some concerns in relation to the... (From page 37) the results and not everyone is mentioned in the follow up. Mr. Mohammed ought to know that proper results must be reported and when mistakes are made by the publisher it is one of his duties as President to see that it is corrected and not repeated. Suffice to say that the dictatorial and offhanded way that chess is administered in Guyana does not bode well for the development of the game. It seems also, that the Chess Federation only seeks to promote tournaments in the year that the Olympiads are held. Chess is a game of discipline and if the members of the executive do not comply with their own announce-
ments, what do they expect the lesser members to do? Tournaments are ad hoc in nature and starting times are dependent on the tournament director’s discretion and not as advertised. There has been no proper programme for the development of chess for the last few years and although chess is being played at different venues by die hard chess players, the GCF remains the silent partner throughout the length and breadth of Guyana wherever chess is being played. With all the brouhaha about chess not being a spectator sport and persons serving without remuneration, it is imperative that the executives look at the development
and strides of other sports that do not have huge gate receipts but are in the forefront of sports development. Maybe, just maybe, they will learn something on how to operate in a meaningful way so that chess will benefit and our youngsters will be encouraged to take up the sport of chess. Sincerely, Raj Sharma
Friday February 12, 2016
The 2016 Dalchand Rambharose InterSecondary School U-15 Cricket starts today The inaugural 2016 Dalchand Rambharose InterSecondary School Under-15 Cricket Competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board for secondary schools in the Berbice and Mahaicony area commences
today. For the purpose of this competition, Regions 5 and 6 have been divided up into seven geographical zones stretching from Mahaicony to Skeldon Line Path. The winners from each zone plus the
runner-up from Zone B will advance to the quarter-finals. This competition will be played on the One-day Twoinnings basis as part of the Board’s programme to expose and unearth young talent for the future.
Editor ’s note: The (chess) Tournament Director has no jurisdiction over the reports in Kaieteur News. Admittedly, the reporter had inadvertently omitted Ms. Callender’s performance on the penultimate day but had made amends in a subsequent report.
Jaguars aiming to extend 12-match... (From page 36) give Guyana batting points. Anthony Bramble, Raymon Reifer and even Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo are capable of scoring quick runs on what should be a fast outfield. Twenty-year-old left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is enjoying a dream season and is the leading wicket-taker with 34, one more than Jamai-
can Nikita Miller, while Bishoo and Permaul could cause nightmares for the T&T batsmen. Pacer Ronsford Beaton and Keon Joseph are expected to get the early breakthrough with the new ball. Steven Katwaroo is the Red Force’s leading scorer with 257 runs including two fifties while Guyanese Narsingh Deonarine, Bajan
Kyle Hope and Yannic Cariah have all passed 200 but they have rarely all scored together which has been a reason T&T have not managed to post big totals consistently. Former West Indies U-19 left-hander Jeremy Solozano is a classy player but has never made runs in Guyana. Evin Lewis, Akeal Hosein, Reyad Emrit and Skipper Jason Mohamed are all competent with the bat and will hope to fill the huge hole left by Simmons, Ramdin, the Bravos and Pollard. The top five bowlers with 20 or more wickets are all spinners which tell the story of the quality of pitches and the incompetence of most West Indian batsmen to play spin. Imran Khan is fourth on that list with 26 wickets including a seven-wicket haul and he and 29-year-old debutant off-spinner Jon Russ Jagessar could be the biggest threat for the Guyanese batsmen. Emrit and Guyanese born Marlon Richards should share the new ball. Today’s match starts at 10:00hrs and will be carried live on NCN’s Voice of Guyana. Guyana Jaguars: Rajendra Chandrika, Taignarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson (Capt), Vishaul Singh (V/Capt), Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus, Esaun Crandon (Head Coach), Rayon Griffith (Asst Coach/Manager) T&T Red Force: Jason Mohammed (captain), Yannic Cariah, Narsingh Deonarine, Rayad Emrit, Kyle Hope, Akeal Hosein, Jon-Russ Jagessar, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Yannick Ottley, Marlon Richards, Jeremy Solozano
Friday February 12, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your social activity should be conducive to finding love. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Take a look at investment opportunities. Your compassion will be appreciated more than you can imagine. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try to find another time to present work or ideas today. The locks, stove, gas, or electric wires may not be secure. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can make adjustments in your domestic scene today. You may have the day off but your thoughts will be on your work and your cash situation. Investments are best left alone today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will have difficulties spreading yourself between your work and your home. Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover. You are likely to be left alone if you aren't willing to bend just a little. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be sure to pay attention to your financial status. Unique forms of entertainment could
capture your attention and bring about a romantic interest. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. Social events will be rewarding. You are likely to reveal information unintentionally. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Let them know what your intentions are. Take care of your own responsibilities before you help others. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You should expect to have changes in your home. Ease the anguish by offering assistance. Social events will be rewarding. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment. Your ability to be practical in business will help. You need an outlet. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your charm will attract members of the opposite sex. You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven't been taking proper care of yourself. Someone may be trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
Navin and Sons Construction supports WBCA T20 Bash
Navin and Sons - Marshall Karamchand (left) presents the cheque to Lakeram Dindyal of WBCA. Navin and Sons Construction has thrown their support behind the West Berbice Cricket Association for the staging of its Goodwill T20 tournament which is slated for Albion on February 21. Marshall Karamchand a representative of the company which is located at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara presented a cheque of an undisclosed sum to Abel Seeteram of WBCA on
Wednesday. In an invited comment Karamchand of said they are happy to contribute towards the competition and is looking forward to a successful one. Seetaram thanked the entity for their assistance adding that there will also be a cultural presentation and lots of attraction for the children. West Berbice Titans, Essequibo XI, East Berbice Superkings and Demerara XI
are the teams that will battle for supremacy when action gets underway at 09:00 hrs. The Essequibo XI reads; Anthony Adams (Capt.), Ricardo Adams, Ricardo Peters, Kevon Boodie, Kemol Savory, Kevin Jordon, Neilan Cadogan, Eknauth Persaud, Keemo Paul, Narendra Madholall, Herry Green, Parmesh Parsotam, Edwin Burnette and Royan Fredericks.
Jacobs five-wicket haul restrict Hurricanes Damion Jacobs took a five-wicket haul to help bowl out Leeward Islands Hurricanes for 155 when their sixth round game of the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day tournament against Jamaica Scorpions commenced yesterday.
Jacobs grabbed 5-50 off 31.1 overs as Hurricanes were bowled out after 87.1 overs, batting first at Vivian Richards Cricket ground, Antigua. Daron Cruickshank top scored with 51 while Montcin Hodge got 41.
Nikita Miller supported Jacobs with 4-63. At stumps Scorpions were 54-4 off 18 overs, trailing by 101 with Andre Mc Carthy on 19 and Devon Thomas yet to score. Jermaine Blackwood made 26 as Rahkeem Cornwall took 2-31.
Lady Jags go down to Canada... (From page 39) player of the match. Squads: Guyana - 1 Chante Sandiford, 2 Alison Heydorn (71' - Bria Williams), 3. Briana DeSouza, 4. Kayla De Souza (61' - Leah Ramalho), 7. Justine Rodrigues, 8. Ashlee
Savona, 9. Ashley Rodrigues (Capt.), 12. Otesha Charles, 13. Kailey Leila, 15 Mariam ElMasri (72' - Calaigh Copland), 17 Olivia Gonsalves. Canada - 1 GK Erin Mc Leod, 2 Allysha Chapman (58' - Jessie Fleming), 3 Kadeisha
Buchanan, 4 Shelina Zadorsky, 6 Deanne Rose (62' - Nichelle Prince), 8 Diana Matheson, 9 JosĂŠe Belanger, 10 Ashley Lawrence, 11 Desiree, Scott, 12 Christine Sinclair, 13 Sophie Schmidit (59' - Gabrielle Carle).
Warriors buy Tanvir for... (From page 35) Tanvir, Martin Guptill ($130,000), Dwayne Smith ($11,000), Chris Lynn ($90,000), Reyad Emrit ($70,000), Adam Zampa ($80,000), Jason Mohamed ($40,000), Chris Barnwell ($30,000), Veerasammy
Permaul ($15,000), Orlando Peters ($10,000), Assad Fudadin ($7,000 ), Anthony
Bramble ($7,000 ), Steven Katwaroo ($4,000), Steven Jacobs ($5,000), Paul Wintz ($5,000) Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan ($3,000).
Adam Zampa, the 23-yearold Australian whose only two ODIs were played this month against New Zealand and 25-year-old Pakistan born ICC Americas pacer Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan are also in the Warriors squad. (Sean Devers)
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Friday February 12, 2016
Bangladesh v West Indies, Under-19 World Cup, semi-final, Mirpur
Springer carries West Indies Under-19s into final ESPNcricinfo - West Indies Under-19s ended up stunning over 10,000 fans at the Shere Bangla Stadium by chasing down 227, with three wickets in hand, in an anxious fashion against Bangladesh Under-19s in the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup. West Indies were cruising at 147 for 3 and seemed to be buckle under pressure after captain Shimron Hetmyer fell for 60. They lost two more wickets for 34 runs but were salvaged by Shamar Springer’s unbeaten 62 after his incisive spell of 10-0-36-2. West Indies will make their second appearance in an Under-19 World Cup final when they take on India Under-19s in Mirpur on Sunday. The West Indies chase started in the usual aggressive mode when Gidron Pope clobbered 14 runs in the first over. He continued to attack and was dropped on 23 in the fourth over before he took his team to an intimidating 56 for 2 in seven overs. After Pope fell for 38, Hetmyer led the charge just like his counterpart Mehedi Hasan Miraz had
done earlier in the day, with a measured knock in the company of Keacy Carty. The required run rate was just under four when they got together and they carried out their partnership of 62 in composed fashion. They had no difficulty playing the spinners and Hetmyer brought up his second straight fifty but his dismissal in the 28th over threatened to tilt the game the other way . Springer was joined by Jyd Goolie and with no scoreboard pressure to face, they took the score past 175 until left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed Shawon struck twice in four balls and West Indies were still 46 adrift with four wickets in hand. Springer was still there, and he and Michael Frew ran well to steal ones and twos in a patient stand of 36 in 8.2 overs. Bangladesh struck again when Mohammad Saifuddin removed Frew for 12 but Springer’s presence saw them through as he hit the winning runs with eight balls to spare.
Bangladesh showed signs of nervousness too. They dropped Springer when he was on 15, fumbled when they shouldn’t have and conceded overthrows when the match was in the balance, possibly feeling the pressure of playing in front of a massive crowd that had gathered in Mirpur. Earlier, Mehedi had to rescue his team again from a precarious position, just like he had done in the quarter-final against Nepal Under-19s. He forged an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mohammed Saifuddin, lifting the side from 113 for 5 to close to 200. West Indies’ opening bowlers, Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder, started poorly after the hosts opted to bat. They conceded nine extras out of the total of 10 in the first two overs but later succeeded in removing the openers by the seventh over. They continued their barrage of short deliveries with varying lines, while Bangladesh found the odd boundary. Just when Bangladesh
were looking to lift the run rate after the first Powerplay, they lost Nazmul Hossain Shanto, their best batsman in the tournament so far, for 11 and medium-pacers Ryan John and Springer then choked the flow of runs. Joyraz Sheik, who was dropped off a tough chance on 6, led them on even as Zakir Hasan struggled to rotate the strike. Sheik, however, dragged one onto his off stump and Zakir was bowled once Holder was brought back for his second spell.
Mehedi eased the flow of runs and pulled his team out of trouble once the spinners Jyd Goolie, Pope and Frew came on, relying on plenty of back-foot strokes. Once the hosts looked comfortable, the spinners sent down more loose deliveries and the fielders started to misfield, too. Saifuddin played a more patient role in the partnership with Mehedi and was content giving strike to the captain, who brought up his fifty off 63 balls.
Their comfort ended in the 45th over. Pacer Keemo Paul, who had injured himself while fielding earlier, came on in the 46th over and struck off consecutive deliveries to remove both set batsmen and hurt Bangladesh’s chances of a total close to 240. Springer was economical in the slog overs, too, and a couple of fours and a six from the tail pushed Bangl a d e s h p a s t 220. They were dismissed for 226 off the last ball of the innings.
Hearts of Oak Master Football Club inter primary school football tournament underway The Hearts of Oaks Master Football club (HOMFC) 2016 football programme began on Monday with five matches in the Inter Primary school football competition. Considered one of Guyana’s leading football organisations, the HOMFC organised tournament is catering for schools in the New Amsterdam/ Canje areas with matches for both boys and girls. The matches are being played at the All Saints Scot
Church Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam. When the tournament kicked off on Monday five matches were played - Results showed All Saints primary humbling Fort Ordnance 3-0 with Airon Arokium, John Reid and Naquan Samuels scoring. In another game, St A l o y s i u s P r i m a r y squeezed past New Amsterdam Primary 1-0 with Amar Crawford being the lone goal scorer. The
other matches between All Saints and ST Aloysius ended in a 0-0 draws, the same result as the encounter between New Amsterdam Primary and Fort Ordnance primary. In a lone female encounter, All Saints Primary and Fort Ordnance Primary played to a 0-0 draw. The tournament is continuing at the All Saints Scot Church Ground which is the venue for all of the matches. Kick off time is 15:30 hrs on each day with each game scheduled to last for 30 minutes. The final is slated for today. The schools invited to participate have been divided into two groups with group ‘A’ comprising of St Aloysius, All Saints and Overwinning Primaries, while New Amsterdam, St Therese, Fort Ordnance and Lochaber Primaries are in group B. Trophies and other incentives will be presented to the top two schools. There will also be incentives for most valuable Player, best Goalkeeper, best defender, and most promising player among others. The tournament is being sponsored by the Humphrey family. The activity is being coordinated by Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey and members of the HOMFC. (Samuel Whyte)
Port Mourant Training Centre 1 continue winning ways Port Mourant Centre1 (PMTC) continued its winning ways when they defeated all and sundry to take the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) one day volleyball tournament played last Sunday at the Fyrish Volleyball court, Corentyne, Berbice. Despite their dominance, the PMTC had a tough fight in the finals from the much improved Port Mourant Jaguars before coming out winners 2-1. In the final, the PMTC1 lads used their youth and height to take the first set 2518, however the Jaguars regrouped and roared back to take the second set in a ding dong battle at 23-25. With the scores now leveled at 1-1 it was the PMTC1 lads that showed that they wanted it most by outlasting the Jaguars 15-10. The teams were divided into two groups with PMTC1, Three Door Strikers, Fyrish and PMTC 3 being in group
one. Group two consisted of Port Mourant Jaguars, Corriverton Jets, PMTC2 and Albion United. Earlier, PMTC1 the winner of group one, defeated PMTC2 the runner up of group two (25-18, 25-14) and Port Mourant Jaguars winner of group two defeated Three Door Strikers 25-22, 25-14 to book their way into the final. There was another category for females and junior males which consisted of three teams –Orealla/ Siparuta females, Black Birds and Tain Humanitarian Junior males. In the finals the combined Orealla/ Siparuta team made sure that their more than 100miles travel was not in vain as they defeated the junior male team by a 2-0 score ( 25-23, 25-6). In the presentation ceremony that followed, PMTC1 were presented with the Troy Sinclair trophy for placing
first. PM Jaguars copped the Alim trophy for their second place showing, while PMTC2 were also presented with a trophy, compliments of Troy Sinclair. PMTC1 dominated the individual category with Akeem Bowling being adjudged the best Libero, Jason Seelochan the best Better. Adriel Moore copped the awards for being the best spiker and MVP on show. In the female and junior category – Orealla/Siparuta were presented with a trophy for winning that category with the Tain Humanitarian collecting a trophy for being runner up. The most outstanding female award went to Alicia Welcome with the most outstanding male prize going to Adesh Basdeo. The BVA activities will continue this week end with U19 trials and training for both males and females. (Samuel Whyte)
Friday February 12, 2016
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CONCACAF Women Olympic Qualifying Championships
Trinidad and Tobago claw back to beat Guatemala 2-1 Trinidad and Tobago, appearing at their third CWOQ tourney, faced off with second timers Guatemala in the Group B o p e n e r a t t h e B B VA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas and despite trailing by a goal after the first half, stormed back to defeat the second placed Central American side 2-1. The Soca Princesses who won the Caribbean Zone of qualifying opened with purpose while creating numerous chances in the opening 10 minutes of play. Guatemala’s Goalie Yoselin Franco brought off some excellent saves within this period to deny the Caribbean side the lead. Kenya Cordner hit straight to Franco and also missed a header after receiving a perfect serve from Ahkeela Mollon in the 9th minute. T&T controlled play with compact midfield work and fluent raids up front but unfortunately found
themselves trailing when Guatemala were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute which Ana Lucia Martinez hit past Kimika Forbes to take the lead. T&T again went over the bar from the six yard, Janine Francois messing up another good cross from Mollon in the 21st minute. Guatemala’s Jennifer Munoz went over the bar in the 45th minute while a desperate final 15 seconds saw T&T almost equalizing but the stubborn defence of Guatemala and goalkeeper Franco again denied the Twin Island Republic which had a total of 10 shots on goal to Guatemala’s 3 in the first half. Half time Guatemala 1 T&T 0. Second half action saw T&T’s #3 Mariah Shade going directly to Franco in the 47th minute. T&T finally made it right as Guatemala began to tire, #19 Cordner heading into an open goal in the 74th minute to tie the
Warriors buy Tanvir for US$160,000 Sarwan, Beaton bought by Knight Riders, Tallawahs buys Foo Yesterday in Barbados several players were bought by the six Franchises at the 2016 CPL Draft and nine Guyanese were among those snapped up. The Warriors, one of the weaker Franchises this year, surprisingly spent the maximum US$160,000 for Pakistan International Sohail Tanvir. The 31 year-old has played two Tests, 62 ODIs and 50 t20 Internationals. The left-handed all rounder who has been picked more for his bowling is yet to score a century in International cricket and his 5-48 at the ODI level is his only International five-wicket haul. Apart from Tanvir, Chris Gayle, Keiron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Bravo and David Miller were the highest paid for each team fetching $160,000 each. Six of the Guyanese were bought by Warriors which will be coached by former Guyana and West Indies offspinning all-rounder Roger Harper who replaces another former Guyana and West Indies player Carl Hooper. All-rounder Chris Barnwell is the highest paid Guyanese earning $30,000 while Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs and
Paul Wintz were the other Guyanese going to the Warriors. Former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan makes a return to cricket at 35 for the Trinidad & Tobago Franchise Knight Riders who has also bought pacer Ronsford Beaton. Jonathon Foo, who could be considered unfortunate not to be picked by the Guyana Jaguars for the Super50 tournament, was snapped by the Jamaica Tallawahs for $7,000. Foo had a successful CGI’s 50 overs Local Franchise League scoring the most runs including a century. Warriors’ picks: Sohail (Continued on page 33)
score. It was just reward for the dominance of the Soca Princesses. Then the go ahead goal came in the 75th minute a ripping right foot missile off the boot of Tasha St-Louis (CONCACAF Player of the Match) underscoring the dominance of the T&T girls. Guatemala could have tied the score almost immediately after but were denied by Forbes.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, in Group A matches which were contested on Wednesday at the Toyota Stadium, Mexico hammered Puerto Rico 6-0, while the USA defeated Costa Rica 5-0. Group A matches will continue tomorrow when Costa Rica face Puerto Rico and USA clash with Mexico.
T&T’s Kennya Cordner in control against Guatemala’s Coralia Monterroso . (CONCACAF photo)
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Friday February 12, 2016
Jaguars aiming to extend 12-match unbeaten run By Sean Devers The Guyana Jaguars are on a roll and at halfway stage of the PCL seem well placed to register their eighth FirstClass title and second in successive seasons. The Jaguars are to Guyana what the West Indies were to the Caribbean in the 1980s; seemingly invincible. They have played five four-day games this season and won all. They sit on 85 points, 22 more than
their nearest rival, Barbados Pride. Since the Bajans beat them by two runs at Providence in 2014 tournament when they were bowled out for 66, the Jaguars have not lost any of their 12 games and have chalked up 11 wins during that period. Today they face Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force, who are on 37 points from one win, two defeats and two draws. The Jaguars are on
home soil and highly favoured to extend their unbeaten streak. But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and it is folly to underestimate an opponent even though the Jaguars spinner should revel in the spin-friendly conditions at Providence where the track is low and makes shot making a hazardous excursion. The Trinidadians might still be in fete mode since this is Carnival week in the
Face T&T Red Force today at Providence twin-Island Republic although their Coach insists that the festivities which climaxed with celebrations on Carnival Tuesday, did not distract his charges from focusing on the task at hand and being fully prepared for today’s encounter. Guyana’s one draw in that 12-match unbeaten streak was against T&T last year but without most of
their top players it will be hard to imagine that the Jaguars, easily the best prepared team in this tournament, will suffer an upset loss in this match. Guyana’s highest total in Guyana against Trinidad and Tobago is 537 at Bourda in 1971 and with overcast conditions and showers over the last few days the Guyanese might want to reproduce that type of score and bat once. Vice-Captain Vishaul Singh, despite being run out thrice, is only 15 runs away from tournament’s leading run scorer, Bajan Roston Chase, who has 436 runs. Both of his hundreds were scored at Providence where his tendency to pick the gaps and rotate the strike is more suited the surface here as opposed to beating the leather off the ball. Singh has a liking for the Trinis bowling since his only other ton at this level was made at the Queens Park Oval on his Captaincy debut in 2014. Te s t p l a y e r A s s a d Fudadin is another batsman
whose style of compiling runs without too many ‘big hits’ is well suited for Providence. He should bat at number three today. Guyana latest Test player Rajendra Chandrika has as his opening partner 19-yearo l d Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, who made 81 in Jamaica in the last match Guyana played in 2015. Without the pressure of his illustrious father’s presence the talented left-hander should bat with a lot more freedom. Skipper Leon Johnson has been very consistent and is the only other Guyanese with 275 runs. But twice he has reached close to centuries without being able to convert solid knocks into a three-figure score. Johnson has contributed to Guyana getting 300 & 400 totals this season but from a personal perspective he must be a bit worried about his conversion rate. Even without Chris Barnwell and Steven Jacobs out due to injury, the lower order has the fire power to (Continued on page 32)
Paul guides Georgetown to comfortable victory EBD
From left Dwayne Dick and Daniel Paul A fine all-round performance by Daniel Paul guided Georgetown to a comfortable 168-run victory over East Bank Demerara when the Demerara Cricket Board Inter-Association U15 50-over tournament continued yesterday at Farm. Paul top scored with 43 to propel Georgetown to 224 all out in 47.3 overs before returning with the ball to capture four wickets for five runs as East Bank were skittled for 56 in 19.5 overs in reply. Paul shared in a sevenwicket stand of 46 with Dwayne Dick after Georgetown were placed at 120-6. He struck three fours and one six while Dick who also hit three fours and a six
made 35. Opener Navindra Persaud scored 17 while Campta Persaud and Yeudistir Persaud made 13 each. Phillip Mc Tuck claimed 4-40, Mark Tularam 3-59 and Alex Avinda 2-55. Steady bowling by Paul and Akash Shivraj restricted East Bank to 16-6 before Mc Tuck and Amari Rhobe added 21 for the sevenwicket. Mc Tuck who cracked two fours and one six was smartly caught by Dwayne Dick off Shivraj for a top score of 19 while Rhobe made 10. No other batsman reached double figures as Shivraj supported Paul with 3-14. The competition continues on Saturday. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Colts to stampede Mecca III -Ifill’s return likely By Edison Jefford Colts United promises to stampede the upcoming National Basketball Championships: The Road to Mecca III, The Jubilee Edition with the belief that this is their time to go down in the annals of history with the ultimate, but yet elusive domestic basketball title. To accomplish its goal of winning the National Championships, Colts committed to trampling on any opposition. As such, Colts Trinidad and Tobagobased forwards, Steve McSeen and Andrew Ifill are likely to appear on the team’s roster ahead of jump ball. McSeen, a 6’7" forward, originally from Kwakwani, has been a difference-maker for Colts in the past. Ifill needs no introduction; a long standing member of Guyana’s national team, Ifill is being touted for his foundation club, Colts ahead of the major assignment. Ifill has played basketball around the world and according to Club President, Michael Singh, has indicated his willingness to play for “the club that brought him up”. Singh said that Ifill noted the immense role Colts’ late Coach, Phillip George, played in moulding him and is eager to return to help the Club
win a National Championship. “I think we are the team to beat with our roster, which will shock many; more than likely our two Trinidadbased forwards and our guards will get the job done; once we shoot the high percentage and play defence, we will be the team to beat,” Singh said. Colts national guards include, Shelroy Thomas, Dave Causway and Kurt English. The Colts President and Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) VicePresident, made it clear that some seasoned players will have to sit down as is the case every time the team acquires players. “We want to play semi-professional basketball in Suriname and Barbados so we have to consistently improve our roster,” he told Kaieteur Sport. He believes nothing is standing in their way of the national title this year after narrowly missing out in 2014 and finishing as runner-up last year. “It is our time, this year; three, two, one, three is a charm,” Singh jokingly retorted yesterday. Colts has been close to the title, finishing in the top three of the last two Championships. Colts is one of the favourite teams in the tournament based on their performances last year. They
Letter to the Sports Editor
Some concerns in relation to the Chess programme in Guyana Dear Editor, I am kindly asking you to print his letter so as to rectify an omission that was made by your reporter in relation to the results of the just concluded Trophy Stall Chess Tournament. Jessica Callender was not even mentioned as a participant even though she played in all 7 rounds. She was one of two females that played in the tournament and she finished on 3 points. This is Ms. Callender’s first tournament and it is a credit to her resilience that she continued to play to the end. Young players need to be
encouraged to play chess and they should be given the necessary help to do so. The sport has been taking a battering over the last two years and the Guyana Chess Federation needs to up its ante if it is going to be the watchdog over chess in Guyana. Complaining to the President of the GCF is like throwing water on a duck’s back. It is ironic that Ms. Callender contacted the President to correct what was a mistake on the reporter’s part but was given the royal run around that the Chess Federation does not publish (Continued on page 32)
won the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League qualifier, GABF Forbes Burnham Memorial and GABA Division I League last month.
Andrew Ifill
Dave Causway
Shelroy Thomas
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Friday February 12, 2016
DCB Inter-Association U-15 Cricket
East Coast slaughter West Dem by 230 runs Himnauth Dindyal off-drives during his fifty for East Coast at Enterprise yesterday.
Andrew Samaroo fell six short of ton at Enterprise yesterday. By Sean Devers Half centuries from Andrew Samaroo and Himnauth Dindyal and a five-wicket haul by Micheal Pooran powered East Coast to their second consecutive win in the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) U-15 InterAssociation 50-over cricket competition at the Enterprise ground where they slaughtered West Demerara
by 230 runs. The 13 year-old Samaroo stroked nine fours and a six off Keshart Thakur in an entertaining 82-ball 94 while 14-year-old Dindyal’s 52ball 63 decorated with five boundaries led the home team to 264 all out in 45-3 overs. Manoj Dhasrat, Thakur and Andre Seepersaud each had two wickets for West Demerara who collapsed
from 27-3 to 34 all out in 15.2 overs. Seven wickets tumbled for seven runs and six batsman made ducks as leftarm spinner Pooran, who operated with a suspect action, spun webs around the batsmen to capture 5-3. He was backed up by Ricardo Niranjan who took 2-12. When West Demerara began their reply on the large and parched ground in a very strong wind, both of the openers fell for ducks and when Thakur (10) was brilliantly stumped by Tyron Bygue standing up to seamer Niranjan at 20-3, it was the beginning of the end.
Shaquille Weeks, who took the first wicket, looked lively but a bit wayward, while left-arm spinner Daniel Motoo followed up his three wickets in the opening round at Farm on the East Bank with a controlled five-over spell which cost just eight runs. He has a beautiful action and reminds many off Gudakesh Motie at his age. The 12 year-old who is not much taller than the stumps and a sound technique with the bat, looks one for the future. Another excellent stumping by the burly Bygue at 27-4, accounted for Jason Payne (3) off Pooran who
struck one run later. Motoo got into the act; having Paul Jetheo (2) LBW before Pooran polished off the tail which included nine-year old Rezekiel Renee, the younger brother of national U-17 opener Renaldo Renee. Earlier, East Coast lost their first wicket when Shivanandan Gosain (1) was run out at 22-1. Seepersaud removed Shoaib Shaw (18) and Nyrat Bisso was bowled by Dhasrat in the space of six runs to leave the score on 643. But Samaroo, who reached his 50 from 58 balls with four fours, added 60 for
the fourth wicket with Pooran (12) before Thakur trapped Pooran LBW at 1244. Dhasrat had Samaroo taken at mid-off to leave East Coast on 168-5 but Dindyal who hails from Enterprise, reached his 50 from 45 balls with four fours and played several enterprising drives through the covers. He added 37 from with Motoo for the eighth wicket and found a useful ally in last man Weeks (2*) who ensured Dindyal reached his fifty and the last pair put on 24 runs.
Friday February 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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GSA / Digicel Bounty Farm Ltd H/cap Tournament
Khalil opens up title defence on positive note -Joseph, Rahaman, Pollard also among winners Alex Cheeks is on hands and knees against Raphael De Groot. (Sean Devers photo)
Regan Pollard (left) in battle with Anthony Islam on Wednesday night. (Sean Devers photo) Defending champion Jason Ray Khalil (-25) opened the defence of his title with a comfortable win against a vastly improved Daniel Islam (+7) as play in the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) / Digicel Bounty Farm Ltd- sponsored H a n d i c a p To u r n a m e n t continued, at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts. Playing in the Open
category, Khalil coasted to a comfortable 15-11, 15-14 over Islam, while Nyron Joseph (-20) had to work extremely hard, before securing victory against Stephan Jeffrey (+6) 4-15, 15-12, 15-6. Regan Pollard (-14) cruised to victory against Anthony Islam (+8) 15-10, 15-11 and Raphael De Groot (-12) held his nerve to win in two close games against Alex
CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying C/ship By Franklin Wilson in H o u s t o n Te x a s compliments of Fazia’s Collection, Crown Mining Supply, Anglin Enterprises USA, Stag Beer, Germans Restaurant, Queensway Security Service On debut at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, Guyana’s G olden J aguars faced Regional powerhouse Canada in the feature game last evening at the BBVA compass Stadium, Houston, Texas as Group B play in the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship got under way. Canada as expected came out in an offensive mood to test the Guyanese in the opening minutes; Captain Christine Sinclair went wide of the left upright in the second minute as Guyana sat deep in the final third allowing the Canadians to come at them but was also vigilant to run at them on the
Nicholas Narine (left) provided Jonathon Hohenkirk with stiff competition on Wednesday night. (Sean Devers photo) Cheeks (+7)15-14, 15-13. The first major upset of the night occurred when Jonathan Hohenkirk (+7) defeated national player Nicholas Narain (-16) 12-15, 15-11, 15-12 and this was followed by another upset when Ryan Rahaman (+7) defeated former junior national player Stephan Xavier (-4) 15-10, 15-13. In category A, Gianni Carpenter (-6) easily
disposed of Wade Beckles (+12) 15-12, 15-13, while Lucas Jonas (-1) had to overcome a valiant effort by Michael Alphonso (0), before prevailing 13-15, 1714, 15-10. Ethan Jonas (-3) dropped a game, before defeating Louis Da Silva (+12) 15-13, 14-15, 15-13 and Demetrius De Abreu (0) dominated Te i j a E d w a r d s ( + 1 2 ) winning 15-12, 15-13.
Results of the other matches played on the evening were as follows: Open category Ashley De Groot (+3) beat Jonathan Antczak (+9) 15-11, 11-15, 15-12 Henry Jeffrey +10) defeated Connor Allen (+12) 15-11, 15-12 Dennis Dias (+10) beat Johan Da Silva (+10) 15-13, 14-15, 15-9 Alec Melville (-2) defeated Jan Verwey (+10) 5-15, 17-15, 15-13 Brian Yong (+8) beat John Maikoo (+7) 15-7, 15-9 Theron Mohabeer (+7) beat Robert Hiscock (+10) 15-10, 15-12 Taylor Fernandes (+5) defeated Medhi Ramdhani (+7) 15-12, 15-6 Satesh Singh (+7) beat Adam Alves (+8) 15-14, 15-11 Category A Dominic Collins (0) beat Chad De Abreu (+11) 15-11, 15-12 Mikhail Persaud (+11) beat Kamir Khan (+9) 15-14, 15-8 Damian Braam (+11) defeated Noah Rahaman (+13) 15-12, 15-7 Action was set to continue last evening, at the same venue commencing from 18:00 hrs.
Lady Jags go down to Canada 5-0 in robust performance despite losing
counter w henever the chance presented itself. Lady Jags Goalkeeper Chante Sandiford looked composed in goal, calmly taking down a good shot from Ashley Lawrence in the 10th minute as the Guyanese defence also looked very coordinated and composed in keeping the experienced Canadians who opted to play the ball wide, at bay early on. Sinclair, the all-time leading goal scorer in CONCACAF WOQC with 15 was kept quiet by the Lady Jags as they showed a high level of maturity from the last time the two sides met in 2010 when the Canadians prevailed 8-0 in Cancun, Mexico. Canada took the lead in the 25th minute from a corner taken by Sinclair, Deanne Rose scoring on an assist from Sophie Schmidt on the second attempt. In the 27th minute Josee Belanger’s cross was parried away one handed for a corner by Sandiford and again Sinclair took the
Lady Jag Mariam El Masri controls against Canada’s Sophie Schmidt. (COCACAF photo) corner which was again converted by midfielder Ashley Lawrence to double the advantage for Canada; their collective experience being evident. Captain Sinclair playing very calm and reserved whilst marshalling her colleagues. Sandiford came up big again in the 38th minute to deny Sinclair on the end of another promising build up from Canada but two minutes later, 16 year-old Deanne Rose made it 3-0
from another assist from midfielder Schmidt, Rose’ shot beating Sandiford to the far post all along the turf. Rose went wide of the upright in the 42nd from just inside the six and over the bar one minute later. Sinclair was thwarted again in the 45th minute from a back heel as the half ended 3-0 to the C a n a d i a n s Canada upped the ante from the start of the second half and one minute into the half increased the lead to 4-0
when Ashley Lawrence headed home. It was as the flood gate was now opened with another goal off the boot of Lawrence in the 48th minute to make it 5-0. Sinclair’s drought continued as she went over the cross bar one minute later. The wide crosses into the area continued to be challenging for the Lady Jags who nonetheless kept on fighting in the proverbial David vs Goliath clash. Canada made strategic subs as they introduced fresh legs enjoying an unbeatable advantage. They made changes in the 58' - Jessie Fleming in for Allysha Chapman; 59' Gabrielle Carle in for Sophie Schmidt and the 62' when Nichelle Prince replaced Deanne Rose. Traffic was in the Guyana half of play for almost the entire half as the Canadians asserted themselves. Even in this scenario, the Lady Jags kept their energy levels high as
they supported each other vociferously. Guyana’s changes were done in the 61' when Leah Ramalho came on for Kayla DeSouza; in the 71st Bria Williams replaced Alison Heydorn, while the final sub was one minute later when Calaigh Copland came on for Mariam El-Masri. Sandiford brought off another excellent save in the 87th minute to the applause of all the fans present which included the President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde, VP Rawlston Adams and President of the Wo m e n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n , Charmaine Wade. The Guyanese did their utmost to keep the Canadians at bay as the match ended 5-0, just two goals coming in the final 45 minutes. Such was the dominance of the Canadians that they had 30 shots on goals; 15 on target with a similar amount on goal. Canada’s Ashley Lawrence was named CONCACAF (Continued on page 33)
t r o Sp Springer carries West Indies Under-19s into final Shimron Hetmyer pulls on his way to a half-century, Bangladesh Under-19s v West Indies Under-19s, Under-19 World Cup, semi-final, Dhaka, February 11, 2016 ©Getty Images
Shamar Springer celebrates a wicket with his signature dance moves, Bangladesh Under-19s v West Indies Under-19s, Under-19 World Cup, semi-final, Dhaka, February 11, 2016 ©Getty Images
CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying C/ship
Lady Jags go down to Canada 5-0 in robust performance despite losing
Guyana’s Ashlee Savona (#8) keeps Canada’s Sophie Schmidt at bay last night at teh BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. (COCACAF photo)
Canada’s Sophie Schmidt (#13) battling in the air with Guyana’s #3 Briana De Souza and teammate in the first half last evening at the BBVA Compass Stadium. (COCACAF photo)
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