Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

Tit for tat politics

IS HARMFUL When one listens to former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford one is left to wonder at the nature of the government that ruled this country for the past twenty-three years. During the now ending budget debate she said that the present administration should eschew tit for tat politics. Indeed, one sees the wisdom in her call because tit for tat politics could only spell doom for a country that is struggling to shake off the shackles of underdevelopment. It is now no secret that at least one country that was at the same stage of development as Guyana when this country became independent fifty years ago, is now some two hundred years ahead of Guyana in terms of its development. Singapore in the 1960s was a poor country with little or no resources. Guyana was a sugar producing country; it was one of the world’s largest suppliers of bauxite and it had the potential to feed itself. When it became independent it was one of the leading countries in the Caribbean. Its underdevelopment is rooted in its political underdevelopment. Like Singapore it had its ethnic problems. Singapore solved its ethnic predicament; Guyana is still holding to its own, using it as a political tool and as a means to maintain one or other of the political parties in power. In fact, this was so entrenched that former President Bharrat Jagdeo once said that his party, the People’s Progressive Party, would never lose another election in Guyana. The tit for tat politics of which Dr. Westford spoke involves political witch-hunting and promoting people based on their political loyalty rather than on the level of their skills. Then there is the issue of spite. The previous administration denied many people benefits due to them because of the perceived political loyalty. Many people, among them the current Minister of Agriculture, had resigned themselves to the fact that they would go to their graves knowing that they served but would be denied their benefits by a vengeful government. Former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon had uttered the same sentiments that Dr. Westford uttered in the National Assembly. In response to a reporter, he said that if one were to seek to emulate the bad actions of the previous government so many years later, then heaven help Guyana. Political loyalty is one thing but national development supersedes all such considerations. Employment should always be according to merit and any government should be so minded. Prior to the October 5, 1992 elections there was talk about people voting with their feet. They were leaving the country in droves because of political insecurity. After 1992 these people returned and many expected to be rewarded for their loyalty to the party. And many were. It mattered not that they were unqualified for a certain job; they were hired for being a party faithful. Today, the situation has not changed. The difference is that the government recognizes the efforts of those who remained and who are capable of undertaking the job. People in the Diaspora did support the government and there were those who contended that they should be given top jobs merely because they were supporters and sometimes financiers. To their credit many in the present government quietly let some of the people know that they might be unqualified for whatever job they are demanding. Back home there is still talk of witch-hunting because the new government sought to remove people from positions they were not suited to hold. Many had been placed there because of their political loyalty. Ms. Westford’s admonition could be extended to this area. She could be saying that one should not place people in positions because of their political loyalty. Tit for tat politics has no place in Guyana.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Letters... Where your views make the news

Sale of used tyres is a normal thing in Europe and USA DEAR EDITOR, I have followed the debates and conversations surrounding the government’s ban on used vehicle tyres and having listened, I came to the conclusion that the decision was not well thought through. In other words, the decision to ban the use of second-hand or part-worn tyres was taken without wider research and as such can be considered irrational. It would be a good idea for an explanation as to why such a decision was taken. One doesn’t have to be a scientist or brain surgeon to conclude that these tyres can contribute to the cause of death at the extreme end and at the same time provide for jobs, a healthy livelihood and a good life for many. The only question in my mind that should be first and foremost in the thoughts of our policy makers is - Are used tyres safe? No other question should be considered. Research (Which.co.uk) shows that fitting second-hand, part-worn tyres to your car can be dangerous and although it might be tempting to save money by buying used or part-worn tyres, there is always an element of risk to consider. On the contrary, it is perfectly legal for

garages in the UK, USA and Europe to engage in business to sell part-worn or second-hand car tyres, but only if they are safe and properly marked. Under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994, a part-worn tyre must not have cuts longer than 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre, which are deep enough to reach the ply or cord. Tyres must not have: lumps, bulges or tears caused by separation or failure of the tyre’s structure; any penetration damage that has not been repaired; or any of the internal or external cord or ply exposed. These are just some of the checks we should and must undertake before implementing sweeping changes. In addition, garages selling partworn tyres all have a responsibility to ensure that these must also be properly marked. Part-worn tyres must show all the original markings for their type and design, including speed ratings and load indexes. They must clearly display or feature the words ‘part worn’ at the point of sale and have systems in place for internal inspection if they are to be sold on the rim. Some outlets or garages sell part-worn tyres that do not meet these standards, which means they

might have suffered internal damage and could be dangerous. Many drivers who need better tread on a car or truck might be looking at the viability of going with used tyres, or they may be choosing between the options of getting a new or used set. Each choice has its own pros and cons: here are some of the advantages. Best pricing - Used tyres come with much lower prices than a new set, even if the used set is in great condition. This leaves the driver free to pursue paying for extras like alignment and balancing that will make tyres last even longer on the road. Waste not, want not - Buying used tyres is part of a greater plan for some drivers. Economical and thrifty drivers are often experts at inspecting used tyres to make sure they get great deals that won’t compromise their safety on the road. Buying used tyres also helps cut down on waste; if everybody simply bought new, there would be a glut of perfectly good tyres laying around. There are disadvantages as well. For example, uneven wear - if the previous owner of the vehicle was not conscientious about maintaining their (Continued on page 31)

CONDUCT UNBECOMING DEAR EDITOR, There is a reason why the public sector was called the, civil SERVICE or is called, the public SERVICE, and the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison SERVICE and the Guyana Fire SERVICE are called the disciplined services. It is for the simple reason, that these institutions and organizations were established to provide public services. Just to remind workers in the public sector what is the meaning of public service, ‘it is a service which is provided by government to people living within its jurisdiction, either directly or by financing the provision of services’. The meaning of service, it might be important for them to note, is something that is done to HELP people rather than to make a profit, it is the action of helping or doing work for someone. I am writing this letter with almost tears in my eyes that as a people we are so uncaring and disrespectful to each other. Recently, I have had two experiences at two separate Police Stations, there were not things done to me directly but I was a witness nevertheless to the performances. The first experience was at the Kitty Police Station last December. Someone came to make a report of an incident or rather to follow up on a report; however, apparently, the officers needed transportation to go for the person against whom the complaint was made. The person who had made the complaint, refused to take the officers in their vehicle for reasons which were perfectly logical. What happened thereafter was unbelievable. The officers, to use Guyanese Creole language, ‘they tear off on the person’, it was as if the person had

committed an offence by refusing to take them in their vehicle. I felt badly for the citizen, who felt that the right thing to do, was to go to the police for help because that is what the police are there for but instead, it was as if that innocent citizen had committed an offence. The second experience was at the East La Penitence Police Station. I went to the station on some business, however, at the same time someone had called, I was enquiring about the transfer or whereabouts of a prisoner, or something to that effect. Anyway, what I heard and saw was unbelievable. About two other officers spoke to the person and then another senior officer was called to speak to the person; the performance of that officer was horrifying. He started to shout, ‘why are they calling him…’ and he went on and on and then slammed the phone

down on one of our citizens who was on the other end of the line. His senior, who was sitting outside, casually said to him, ‘don’t let them send up yo pressure’. Now Editor, I was embarrassed, ashamed, but more moved with empathy for the person on the other end of the line. I tried to put myself in that person’s position, being anxious because someone who I cared about was incarcerated, and I am trying to get some information to develop a plan as to what to do, where to go, what to take with me, who to call. Possibly, doing all of this with my limited resources. Maybe borrowing someone’s phone to make the call, maybe not feeling well and some information over the phone would be of great help. Or trying to arrange with someone to pick up the children from school or to (Continued on page 31)

Desperate plea of First Street residents in Mocha

DEAR EDITOR, We wish to seek of your newspaper to publish this letter on the above mentioned subject matter. This will help in attracting the attention of the concerned authorities towards this matter. For the last year or more on First Street, Arcadia/Mocha the road has been almost impassable. It has created a serious situation. It also caused severe damage to vehicles. We have made several complaints and still the road remains neglected for a long time. The surface of the road is broken by

heavy vehicles. They are gigantic potholes on the road. This road serves a large number of houses in this area. It is a well-expressed fact that the people of Arcadia/Mocha pay a huge amount of tax. Hence it is the fundamental right of the citizens to have better roads for vehicles. We believe that the concerned authorities must look into this matter seriously and must take the prompt and necessary action to overcome this problem by repairing the road. Residents of First Street Arcadia, Mocha Village East Bank Demerara

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Kaieteur News

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

Women lawyer group The school has seen destructive students at play quarrels about plagiarism DEAR EDITOR, We write in response to a letter captioned ‘Guyana School of Agriculture must account for this money’ by Mr. Ato Vaughn which was published in the Thursday, January 28, 2016 edition of your newspaper. The School wishes to thank Kaieteur News for affording it the opportunity to proffer a response to Mr. Vaughn’s letter. A mandatory cautionary deposit of $ 25,000 is required to be paid by each student on gaining admission to the School. This deposit is used to offset damage done by students to any of the School’s facilities, equipment, machinery and any property during the course of their study. It therefore follows that if a

student doesn’t do any damage to the school’s property that this deposit would be refunded. Developments over the past two (2) academic years have shown that the School, due to the errant behaviour of students, has been required to expend large sums of money to replace furniture, to repaint walls and ceilings in dormitories and classrooms, and to replace crockery and cutlery and glassware for use by the said students in the cafeteria. Given the above, a decision was taken to use a percentage of the Cautionary Deposit to offset the cost of repairing the School’s facilities damaged by students, as well as the cost incurred in the frequent replacement of cutlery,

crockery and glassware. As a consequence, students will be receiving a partial refund of their cautionary deposit. Students would be informed of the proposed dates when they should present themselves at the School to uplift this refund. The Board and the Management of the School regret having to resort to this action but students must realise that they have a role to play in preserving the School’s facilities so that future students can benefit from its use. The delay in making this reduced refund available to students is sincerely regretted. Brian Greenidge Chief Executive Officer Guyana School of Agriculture

DEAR EDITOR, Your publication of this letter as prominently as possible, would be greatly appreciated. An observation has been made by the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) that various persons have been writing and having published, articles which purport to quote the legal position on a particular subject — for example rape. For one such article, the primary source, it was determined, is the pamphlet(s) as published in the early 1990s by the GAWL. GAWL wishes to remind that while it is commendable for persons to seek to edify others on basic legal principles from our published material, it is important that the most updated source of our material is used, and credit is given to that source. In the instances observed, neither occurred, and we therefore record our disappointment at the editorial lapses. We wish to point out, also, that the law is ever — changing, ever evolving. Thus, as an example, the legal position in relation to rape has been materially expanded. Reference to the Sexual Offences Act is therefore required. As members of the public should be aware, and moreso editors and journalists, use of the material published by another without

acknowledgement is unlawful and unethical. Consequently, for the information of all persons, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers requests that the most up to date volume of our publications in booklet form entitled “The Law & You IV” provides the most recent status of various areas of the law. Additionally, we remind that it is our right to insist that express credit be given to the GAWL when its material is used — be it at a seminar or in quoting for letter — writing purposes or articles. We also remind that, as is expressly stated in each successive volume of our booklets, the booklet’s contents are not a substitute for competent legal advice. Therefore, we caution persons, (in particular in the outlying areas), to not utilize the contents of the booklets as a “catch — all” for all situations, but rather have it serve as a useful guide. We therefore look forward to responsible use of our publications. GAWL is at any time disposed to attending seminars and meeting with groups to provide support and share. We can be contacted on 692-8466 by email at: gawl.inc@gmail.com. Kean Trotman (Ms.) Secretary GUYANA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS

The deliberate grey areas of Ronson Gray Lapses in Timehri airport security DEAR EDITOR, It is of utter importance that the record is set straight about utterances made by Team Benschop’s Campaign Manager, Ronson Gray February 7, in the Kaieteur Newspaper, slamming the Mayor and City Council in what appears to be a record of poor performance. I regret to make it my personal responsibility to have to respond to this writer especially when his attack is grounded in cheap campaigning tactics, and at a time when the Council is working on its already tainted image. It is no secret that the Council has had grave challenges in fulfilling its obligations to the public. However time must not be wasted on reminiscing on the atrocities committed by the past Administration against this City through the strangulation of the Municipality. Mr. Gray must not pretend like he took a trip to Mars and say things like

restoration of public structures are now being done just in time for the Local Government Elections. He must have noticed that massive cleaning, rehabilitation and revitalization works commenced immediately after the change in central governance. It is now that the Council can say firmly that it is able to provide its services and fully manage the city. As funny as it may sound, I know that the Mayor and Councillors must feel proud being able to clean more than a drain or two; to build lovely social parks, restore historic structures and other public features. The former government promised on several occasions to assist the Council with the restoration of not only the Kitty Market, but the Stabroek Market also. The Council waited for this assistance that never came since the financial and developmental decapitation of the Municipality was

unfortunately an orchestrated political deed. Yet, Mr. Gray omits this. The M&CC should not have to stick its head in the sand about it. They must be cognizant that Local Government Election will see the agency being used as a campaign punching bag and a tool of ridicule. The Council has been resilient against the worst. Despite the failure to hold LGE over the years and blatant political interference, the Georgetown Municipality has survived. All that is asked of Mr. Gray “in this new dispensation,” is to desist from further destroying the Council’s image, especially when he refuses to put the deterioration of this Municipality and the City in context George Marks.

DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to give my views on the security at our largest international airport, Cheddi Jagan International Airport. As a former employee I still have friends that work with the airport that keep me up to date with what is taking place. The security department is managed by someone who has inadequate security experience. They are three ex-military personnel’s employed with the security department and two of them are Senior Non-Commission Officers while the other is a Junior Non Commission Officer and these three persons are wasting their talents as they are only performing basic guard duties. Employment; The airport has a habit of employing teenagers that are just out of

school to perform security duties. They are of the opinion that they will be able to groom them, while promising them overseas training and time off to continue their studies. After employment you’re given the royal run around to get the time that is promised to you to further your study and even to worship your God. Yet they are persons who are granted time off and given special days to go to cricket and things not work related. The persons who are mature and have military /security experience are denied the job because management knows for a fact that they can’t push them around. Training: A few privilege staff are selected to go on some local sponsor seminars.

Investigations: A few weeks ago a man jump the perimeter fence and went under Dynamic Airline that was about to board for JFK. The monitoring room which is operated by the security department and was manned by two staff that day did not observe what took place. No interrogation was done to the man to find out his true purpose or identity. That is a clear breach of international aviation security standards and the person should have been charged by the police and place before the court. C. B. Sandy

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Kaieteur News

Russia keeps bombing despite Syria truce; Assad vows to fight on (Reuters) - Major powers agreed yesterday to a pause in combat in Syria, but Russia pressed on with bombing in support of its ally President Bashar al-Assad, who vowed to fight until he regained full control of the country. Although billed as a potential breakthrough, the “cessation of hostilities” agreement does not take effect for a week, at a time when Assad’s government is poised to win its biggest victory of the war with the backing of Russian air power. If implemented, the deal hammered out during five hours of late night talks in Munich would allow humanitarian aid to reach besieged towns. It was described by the countries that took part as a rare diplomatic success in a conflict that has fractured the Middle East, killed at least 250,000 people, made 11 million homeless and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing into Europe. But several Western countries said there was no hope for progress without a halt to the Russian bombing, which has decisively turned the balance of power in favour of Assad. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that if the peace plan fails, more foreign troops could enter the conflict. “If the Assad regime does not live up to its responsibilities and if the Iranians and the Russians do not hold Assad to the promises that they have made ... then the international community obviously is not going to sit there like fools and watch this. There will be an increase of activity to put greater pressure on them,” Kerry, who was in Munich, told Dubai-based Orient TV. “There is a possibility there will be additional ground troops.” U.S. President Barack Obama has ruled out sending U.S. ground troops to Syria, but Saudi Arabia this month offered ground forces to fight Islamic State. A White House spokesman, Eric Schultz, called the agreement “an important step,” but added, “In the coming days, we will be looking for actions, not words, to demonstrate that all parties are prepared to honour their commitments.” The complex, multi-sided civil war in Syria, raging since 2011, has drawn in most regional and global powers, producing the world’s worst humanitarian emergency and attracting jihadist recruits from around the world. Rebels said the town of

Tal Rifaat in northern Aleppo province was the target of intensive bombing by Russian planes yesterday morning. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring body, said warplanes believed to be Russian also attacked towns in northern Homs. The news agency AFP quoted Assad as saying he would continue to fight terrorism while talks took place. He said he would retake the entire country, although this could take a long time. Another week of fighting would give Syria’s government and its Russian, Lebanese and Iranian allies time to press on with the encirclement of Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city before the war, which they are now on the verge of capturing. They are also close to sealing the Turkish border, a lifeline of rebel territory for years. Those two victories would reverse years of insurgent gains, effectively ending the rebels’ hopes of dislodging Assad through force, the cause they have fought for since 2011 with the encouragement of Arab states, Turkey and the West. The cessation of hostilities agreement falls short of a formal ceasefire, since it was not signed by the main warring parties, the opposition and government forces. REBEL MISSILES Two Syrian rebel commanders told Reuters they had been sent “excellent quantities” of ground-toground Grad missiles with a range of 20 km (12 miles) by foreign backers in recent days to help confront the Russianbacked offensive. Foreign opponents of Assad including Saudi Arabia and Turkey have been supplying vetted rebel groups with weapons via a Turkeybased operations centre. Some of the vetted groups have received military training overseen by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Russia suggested it might not stop its air strikes, even when the cessation of hostilities takes effect in a week. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia would not stop bombing fighters from Islamic State and a rebel group called the Nusra Front, which is affiliated with al Qaeda, neither of which were covered by the cessation deal. “Our airspace forces will continue working against these organisations,” he said. Moscow has always said that those two jihadist groups are the principal targets of its air campaign. Western coun-

tries say Russia, in fact, has been attacking mostly other insurgent groups. Turkey’s foreign minister said on Friday Russia was targeting schools and hospitals in Syria. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Moscow must halt strikes on insurgents other than Islamic State for any peace deal to work. “Russia has mainly targeted opposition groups and not ISIL (Islamic State). Air strikes of Russian planes against different opposition groups in Syria have actually undermined the efforts to reach a negotiated, peaceful solution,” Stoltenberg said. Britain and France said a peace deal could be reached only if Russia stops bombing insurgents other than Islamic State. The United States has been leading its own air campaign against Islamic State fighters since 2014. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Friday he expected Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to send commandos to help recapture Islamic State’s eastern Syrian stronghold, Raqqa. Assad said he believed Saudi Arabia and Turkey were planning to invade his country. Russia has said Saudi ground troops would make the war last forever. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, said in an interview published on Saturday that Russia’s military interventions will not help Assad stay in power. “There will be no Bashar alAssad in the future,” alJubeir told a German newspaper. Kerry had entered the Munich talks pushing for a rapid halt to fighting, with Western officials saying Moscow was holding out for a delay. The tactic of agreeing to a break in hostilities while battling for gains on the ground is one Moscow’s allies used in eastern Ukraine only a year ago. A ceasefire there eventually took hold, but only after Russianbacked separatists overran a besieged town after the deal was reached. Diplomats from countries backing the plan met on Friday to discuss sending urgent humanitarian aid. “Convoys can go very soon if and when we have the permission and the green light from the parties,” said Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, who chaired the meeting in Geneva.

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Jamaica’s ruling party threatens to Outraged Kamla: Kick out mayor back out of pre-election debates for ‘barbarism’ against women

Portia Simpson-Miller KINGSTON, Jamaica – Days after leader of the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Andrew Holness accused Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller of trying to get out of debates before the February 25 elections, her People’s National Party (PNP) has announced that it will have no part of the debates if Holness does not apologize for defamatory comments he made about their leader. General Secretary Paul Burke has written to the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) outlining the party’s position, saying that Holness’ remarks about Simpson Miller, in a media interview on Nomination Day, were “disgraceful and disrespectful”. Attorney-at-law Bert Samuels wrote to Holness on behalf of Simpson Miller earlier this week, demanding an apology, by today, for the comments which his client believes have lowered her in the estimation of right-think-

ing members of society. The prime minister has threatened to sue if no apology is forthcoming. But in his response to the action, the JLP leader suggested that the apology demand was part of a plan to avoid participating in the political debates. Three debates have been scheduled, all of which the JDC said the JLP has agreed to. The first two on next Tuesday and Thursday would see both sides fielding questions about the economy and social issues; and a 90-minute leadership debate was scheduled for next Saturday. In his letter to the JDC, the PNP general secretary also requested that the final debate be executed in a townhall format, similar to that used for the Democratic Party presidential candidates in the United States. But the JDC’s deputy chairman Brian Schmidt told a press conference Thursday that the commission did not

have the time or resources to facilitate that type of debate, saying “this sort of approach and rigour is just not practical in the Jamaican context”. In any case, he said, the JDC has no intention of getting in the dispute between the two parties. Holness, meantime, said his party was willing to “debate alone with the podium empty beside us, because we have a message and a plan, because, as they always say, you can run but you can’t hide”. But Schmidt said it was possible that the debates would be called off if the PNP maintained its position. “By nature, a debate requires two different parties, so I don’t think we are prepared to go ahead and have an empty chair debate or anything like that,” he said. Meanwhile, executive director of the National Integrity Action (NIA), Professor Trevor Munroe, has criticized the PNP for its decision, saying that it runs against best practice and good democracy. “The concerns raised by the People’s National Party regarding statements and utterances by the leader of the opposition are real and must be dealt with in the appropriate forum,” Munroe said in a statement yesterday, adding that says the concerns raised by the PNP should be directed to the Office of the Political Ombudsman and the courts. (Caribbean360)

…Holness Prepared To Debate Alone

Andrew Holness The Gleaner - The Opposition Leader Andrew Holness says he is prepared to face the press alone in the political leadership debates

after Peo p l e ’s N a t i o n a l Party (PNP) yesterday indicated that it will not participate unless certain demands are met.

The PNP wants the format of the debate to be changed to a town hall setting instead of the current format in which journalists pose questions to political leaders. It also wants Holness to apologise for what it calls defamatory comments he made against Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. The PNP is also demanding that Holness answer certain questions about his Beverly Hills mansion. However, Holness says the JLP is determined to present its prosperity programme. He has challenged the PNP to present a similar plan. Holness was speaking yesterday afternoon at a press conference called to discuss the party’s 10-point plan for Jamaica’s development.

Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley would be accepting and condoning Port of Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee’s barbarism against women should be refuse to fire him, says Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar. The former prime minister called for Tim Kee to be fired if the comments attributed to him are accurate. “On reading his statements I was outraged and disgusted to learn that a person in high public office who should know and think better as an example would demonstrate such behaviour. The Prime Minister should fire him now...should the Prime Minister keep him in office, he would be condoning and accepting barbarism against women,” PersadBissessar told the Express by text. Persad-Bissessar said the death of Japanese Asami Nagakiya and the continuous murder rate were a sad reflection of the state of affairs of the country. “I weep not only for this innocent woman, but for all of Trinidad and Tobago which has now reached this state of affairs where a public official has uttered such disgusting comments,’ she added. In a release issued later, Persad-Bissessar stated it was unbelievable the mayor can utter such “outrageous and misogynistic statements” about the death of a talented young woman, given that the facts are not yet known.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar She said Tim Kee was unfit to hold office. “Such retrograde thinking contributes to gender inequity and the proliferation of misogyny in Trinidad and Tobago and is especially disturbing when it is exhibited in persons in public life and is irresponsible, reckless and completely unacceptable.” she stated. Persad-Bissessar added Tim Kee’s “blanket indictment” on women as the enablers of their abuse has no place in a modern society. She stated he must apologise to Nagakiya’s family and all women for his atrocious comments. “No one deserves to be abused,” she stated. Persad-Bissessar stated this country’s international relations will suffer because of Tim Kee’s comments a further indictment of his unsuitability to serve. Noting that Tim Kee was also a member of the PNM General Council, Persad-

Bissessar called on the party’s Lady Vice chair Camille Robinson-Regis, the general secretary Ashton Ford, the Women’s League and Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Franklin Khan to immediately distance themselves from Tim Kee’s comments. “A mere apology would not suffice. Such a transgression requires action in order establish a high standard of integrity for PNM representatives who hold public office,” she stated adding that Rowley must display progressive leadership by immediately dismissing Tim Kee. “Failure to do so would suggest complicity with Mr Tim Kee’s sentiments and serve as a damning indictment on the PNM’s position on women’s rights and gender relations,” she stated as she called on citizens to speak out against this kind of backward mentality and support the call for Tim Kee’s dismissal.

World Bank provides millions to Jamaica The World Bank Board says it has approved a US$30 million loan to help enhance Jamaica’s resilience to disaster and climate risk through the promotion of climate and disaster risk management. The Washington-based financial institution notes that Jamaica is one of the most at risk countries in the world, with high percentages of gross domestic product (GDP) and population at risk to two or more natural hazards. It said damages and losses from hydro-meteorological disasters and earthquakes were estimated at over three billion US dollars between 1988 and 2013. In addition according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the im-

pact of sea level rise and intensified storm surges in Latin America and the Caribbean will be highest in Jamaica. “The government is actively working to reduce the country’s vulnerability to disaster and climate risk through a number of initiatives. “This project aims to improve the capacity of government agencies to generate and use hazard and risk information to shape local and national development; and make infrastructure more resilient,” said World Bank Country Manager for Jamaica, Galina Sotirova. The World Bank said among concrete results to be achieved by the Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduc-

tion Project are the establishment of a National Risk Informati o n P l a t f o r m a n d Coastal Risk Atlas and strengthened seismic monitoring network established; several multi-hazard risk assessments for coastal areas and about 450 government officials and constructors trained on the National Building Code and constructions practices. “The Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project is financed under a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in the sum of US$30 million will mature in 30 years after a grace period of seven y e a r s , ” the World Bank said. (Daily Observer)

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THE RIGHT TO NOT RENEW AND THE OBLIGATION TO BE FAIR The government has a right to not renew contracts. But why would any government want to simply claim such a right as the basis of justifying why large numbers of persons have been relieved of their jobs. In other words, simply because one has a right to not renew a contract does not mean that the contract should not be renewed. There has to be some basis, and it should be a rational basis for not renewing a contract. It is never politically correct or prudent for someone to simply claim a right of non-renewal without there being some basis for the nonrenewal. Guyana is a badly divided

country and when soon after a change in administration, large numbers of persons are going to be removed from their jobs and replaced by others; it does raise certain troubling issues. Therefore it is not advisable for any administration to simply defend contractual non-renewal on the basis if there is not no legal obstacle to doing do. The issue is not legality. The issue is propriety. There have been allegations by the opposition that a great many of the non-renewal of contracts were politically motivated. This is why there should be just grounds for the non-renewal of a contract. Civilization has passed

the stage where someone can claim that because he has a right to fire that he does not have to give a reason or even have basis for letting someone go. If this is the state of affairs which exists, then it will have an impact on the morale of all workers because they simply will not know whether their future will be the subject of a lottery or someone’s whim and fancy. When people take a job they would like to have some assurance that they will be treated fairly. They will like to feel that if they work hard there will be some rewards either in the form of promotion of retention. The fact that someone is a contract employee and therefore can be

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, is disputing statements made by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who had told the National Assembly on Thursday that when the new government took office, it was to learn that its predecessor had distributed all of Guyana’s productive forest.

Jagdeo, who served as President from 1999 to 2011, told the National Assembly yesterday that it was approximately 55 percent of state productive land that was in fact allocated in the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) history. “It is said in the newspapers that the PPP gave out all of the productive land in the

forestry sector,” Jagdeo said. “The fact is that about fifty five per cent of the state forest has been given out so far in our history. It’s about seven million hectacres out of 12.5 million hectacres.” “So it is not true that all of our state forests are given out,” Jagdeo protested to the house. “And out of that 55 per cent, just about 40 percent is under extraction. Of the (millions of) hectacres that were given out, almost half was given out in the pre 1992 era. Barama alone had 1.7 million hectacres.” Jagdeo also informed the House that the PPP administration gave out 568 concessions in the state forest permits, totaling about two million hectacres. Maps however reveal that the forest allocation to the mining sector is much larger than what Jagdeo says and closer to Trotman’s allegation. Jagdeo said, “But if the argument was that we are raping the forest, the Norwegians every year based on payments, sent international assessors and these are people who come in here and examine the deforestation rate for the year.” This is a reference to the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) concept, in conjunction with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which involved Guyana managing its forests and reducing deforestation in order to reduce carbon emissions, but get paid for it. A REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), which financed activities and projects under

terminated with notice does not mean that workers should not be provided with the reasonable grounds for the nonrenewal of their contracts. In a fair system everyone, except political appointees, should have an expectation that once they are performing satisfactorily and once there is no redundancy of the position they hold, then their contract should be renewed. If the person is not performing satisfactorily, then the person should be shown where he or she has fallen short of expectations and should be given reasons for any explanations. A contract employee has no legal basis to challenge those reasons other than for

breach of contract. This however should not mean that a person’s contract should not be renewed without just cause. There have been large numbers of public employees who have been sent home by the present administration. In a country as politically and racially divided like Guyana it is always going to be a problem if these things happen without just cause and more so if the persons let go are replaced by others. The opposition, however, has to do its homework. They have to establish that persons were unfairly removed from positions within the government so that they could be replaced by more politically

favored candidates. The opposition simply cannot shout discrimination from the rooftops without the evidence. They have to prove that this has been the case. The opposition should compile a dossier of persons who were either dismissed or not had their contract renewed since May 11. They should then prepare a separate list of those employed. These lists should be made public so that the government can defend the dismissals or the non-renewal of contracts.

Jagdeo denies PPP distributed 100% of Guyana’s productive forest

Dem boys seh...

Courts upset wid dem boys

Is one thing to get vex, is another to smile and go to bed. Dem boys learn that from one of dem gyals wukking at Courts. She in love wid one of dem boys from de Waterfalls paper. She send a text to him, last night, and seh “Before I go to sleep guess what I do. I go to de pictures and kiss you on you lip and say good night, Bo Bo. I miss you always. Then go to sleep. “ I know you will say that I am crazy but you know dem seh ‘Crazy is better than being stupid.’” That same woman who wukking at Courts, carry de Waterfalls paper to she boss man yesterday. In that paper dem boys talk how Jagdeo mek Courts look like plaything where giveaway is concerned. Right away dem boys hear when de boss man read it he get upset. He call a meeting of all de senior people because he know that nobody or no company can give away more than Courts. De first question in de meeting is how dem feel that de Waterfalls paper mix Courts business wid Jagdeo, that scamp. One of de seniors seh that bad publicity better than none at all. Another one seh, “Chief, you don’t have to worry. Wha Courts give away is Courts own. Jagdeo, that scamp, give away what is not he own, not ee mudda own and not he fadda own. When dem start laugh de whole of Courts start laughing without even knowing wha de seniors laughing about. That is how dem call de Waterfalls paper to straighten up that issue. When Mr Gafoor read dem boys, yesterday, ee chip in too. He seh he does give away, and a lot too, but he does give away wha belong to he and ee family. Talk half and keep you eye open to see wha this new set gun give away and who dem gun give away to.

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo the LCDS, was established in 2010 with the World Bank as the trustee. The establishment of the fund was owed to an agreement signed between Guyana and the Kingdom of Norway in 2009, in which Norway agreed to provide Guyana up to US$250M by 2015 as long as REDD was adhered to. While Jagdeo is strongly disputing the government’s report on the amount of land granted, previous revelations about the operations of certain logging companies including Chinese giant BaiShanLin—-which has even reached into gold mining and housing development-—had long raised suspicions that this was the case, Trotman had told the National Assembly that much to the “horror” of the new ad-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

ministration 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.” “This is what a former Head of State would have referred to as ‘confounded nonsense,” the Minister said. “How could a responsible government preside over the allocation of all, not some, of its productive forest? Understandably, in the national interest we will have to do something about it.” 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. Trotman had also noted that there have been many changes since the existing National Forestry Policy was crafted. In light of this, the Minister told the House that there has to be a revision of the policy. He said that for 2016, his Ministry 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. Trotman asserted that an updated forest policy will mark a significant shift in emphasis from the development of Guyana’s timber to management of the forests’ multiple goods and services for the national benefit.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 13, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

GAWU: The world’s most hypocritical trade union When I think of GAWU, I think of the inherent flaws of the human mind. Here is a union that since the PPP lost the 2015 General Elections, daily information coming to light reveals that it was a virtual company union. Yet we see the macabre flow of deceptive emotions on the streets. These same union leaders are holding placards and shouting down the government for endangering the future of sugar, a future they themselves decapitated a long time ago. I It is simply unbelievable that workers could continue with a union leader who has been a shameless supporter of the government that is responsible for the collapse of the sugar industry. I cannot agree with the closure of Wales Estate without satisfactory alternatives for the workers in which their future livelihood is completely assured. They deserve better from a country they toiled for. I will hold a placard for Wales workers but I will not join a picket line with Komal Chand in it. A very long time ago, Mr. Chand should have been uprooted by GAWU’s membership. Here is the latest in the

exposure coming from the daily revelations of GAWU’s relation with Guysuco. The Ministry of Agriculture revealed that Guysuco paid GAWU $18M for sugar workers to attend seminars run by GAWU’s Labour College. And if you think this was depraved it simply devastates one’s imagination when one sees what type of indoctrination these workers were subjected to. The seminars included a course on Marxism-Leninism. Such deception by GAWU was morbid. Which member of the first, second and third tier leadership of the PPP is Marxist-Leninist? The PPP under Jagdeo and Ramotar ran a procapitalist economy that made the world’s leading capitalist countries look like socialist ones. Under Jagdeo’s Government, Guyana’s working classes were more deprived than in open capitalist states like Canada, UK, France and the US. Workers in European and North American capitalist states had far more access to goods and services than the Guyanese proletariat under the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal. Who taught the sugar workers these courses? Which lecturer told them that

the PPP ideology was Marxist-Leninist? Whoever they were, they were nothing but blatant, semi-educated frauds. Are sugar workers comfortable with a union that fools them, that hides the policies of a government that gave the country away to the wealthy classes? Who are these sugar workers? Where were they living the past fifteen years? Are they so ignorant that they do not know about Pradovile 2? About the buying up of Guyana by Asian giants? Of the giveaway of prime real estate to Jagdeo’s friends? Have they read about what Eddie Boyer got from Jagdeo near to where I live, that is behind the Caricom Secretariat and the Arthur Chung Convention Centre? I hate to use the word, “igno-

rant” but surely no one in this country, especially sugar workers, can claim they didn’t know about Jagdeo’s bias towards the wealthy classes in Guyana - the evidence is abundant. Another course was on capitalism and imperialism. Who in the PPP leadership and GAWU has the moral authority to lecture sugar workers on capitalism and imperialism? Which countries are capitalist and imperialist and what is the relationship of the PPP to these countries? Here is the evidence. Every, not most, every PPP leader when sick, went to capitalist USA for treatment. Every PPP leader has close relatives in capitalist Canada, Europe and USA. Every offspring of the leaders went to universities in capitalist countries.

Donald Ramotar’s daughter told the media that her brother was qualified to head the E-cable project because he went to one of the best universities in the world – Waterloo University in Canada. The daughter herself outlined her possession of two Masters, both from western universities. Robert Persaud, who insulted Khemraj Ramjattan when Ramjattan tabled a motion to the PPP congress years back to remove the MarxistLeninist name from the PPP’s constitution, has two children that were born in the US and Persaud now resides with his family in New York. One of the courses the GAWU’s Labour College taught the sugar workers who attended the seminars was class struggle. How ironic? In

Frederick Kissoon the end the sugar workers learned something priceless from the course on class struggle. They knew that Jagdeo’s Government was a shameless pro-capitalist regime so they voted to end its reign in 2011. If sugar workers had submitted to GAWU’s Labour College indoctrination, there would have been no minority government in 2011. It was from that moment that the death bell rang out for the PPP. Yes, it was ironic. The sugar workers brought down the PPP in 2011 to mark the beginning of the end.

Govt. still dealing with financial burdens inherited from PPP A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government is still trying to cope with the financial burdens it inherited from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams addressing the National Assembly, pointed to the financial load as he spoke about the things his administration has been able to accomplish during the short time it has been in Office. Williams said that his government strove manfully to execute its mandates even with the constraints it worked under, adding that the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs (AGMLA) were able to deliver on a number of “promises.” One “promise” fulfilled

- Williams was the payment of the Judgment sum, US$6 million, to the Suriname beverage company, Rudisa, a payment that was left unpaid by the last Government. Williams said that the final payment will be made after the passage of the 2016 National Budget. Williams said that while this will be a great relief, there is much more hanging over the head of the government. The Attorney General also indicated that there is another $5B that is to be paid to a Trinidadian company. This is the first time that this outstanding sum was mentioned. However, the Minister did not elaborate. Williams jabbed the

former Attorney General Anil Nandlall suggesting that if he was better at his job, Guyana would not have been saddled with such debt in the form of Judgments. Williams then told the House that the government is unable to pay the “fantastic judgments in one walk”. Nevertheless, Williams said that his government will try its best to service the debts. Other promises delivered include the Housing of the Commercial and Land Registries in new premises; the appointments of Registrar and Deputy Registrar; Reducing the backlog in the Land Registry and Widening the class of persons who can be Coroners by passage of the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2015 into law to facilitate inquests and inquiries into hundreds of unsolved and unnatural deaths. Williams also boasted that the government has passed the law to create a permanent Law Reform Commission and

Attorney General Basil Williams has honoured the financial independent status of the constitutional bodies by passing in the House, Budgets initiated by the recently independent bodies. Further, Williams pointed out that the APNU+AFC Government created a draft Bill on Cyber crime which has been sent to stakeholders for consideration and feedback before passage through the National Assembly. (Abena Rockcliffe)

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Professional negligence Teenage mothers to be will be dealt with condignly re-integrated into schools

Negligence within the public health care system will be dealt with condignly when and wherever it occurs. This assertion was made by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, when she made her contribution to the budget debate earlier this week. She admitted, then, that although deliberate efforts have been embraced to tackle maternal and infant mortality, some very preventable challenges are still facing the public health sector. And according to her, there is a definite link between maternal health and newborn survival. She pointed out that while great strides have been made to reduce global child mortality, it is clear that Guyana still has some avoidable issues which it must address. “Each year, newborns and sometimes pregnant mothers, needlessly die as a result of a variety of reasons. We are aware of the main causes of maternal mortality and we have placed a menu of measures in place to treat with these causes,” added Dr. Cummings. But according to her, while the Government has devoted $89M in additional resources towards the expansion and rehabilitation of the maternal health facility at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, efforts will also have to be made to encourage maintenance and equipping of the maternal and child health facilities countrywide. In order to help safeguard mothers and infants, Dr. Cummings said that the Ministry of Public Health has embarked on training and retraining of maternal staff, inclusive of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA). Added to this, she said that doctors are part of a series of training exercises geared to deal effectively with complications due to prematurity, complications during delivery, and complications stemming from infection. But there are more measures that the Ministry has engaged. These, according to Dr. Cummings, include training of the relevant staff throughout the regions in Emergency Obstetric Care: Advancement in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM). Thus far, more than 100 health care personnel, including doctors and nurses from all 10 regions have participated in this training in 2015. And according to Dr. Cummings, her Ministry will ensure that this training is continuous in a determined effort to better equip medical personnel to deal with obstetric emergencies and prevent maternal mortality.

- Minister Cummings warns

Minister Karen Cummings Even as efforts are directed to helping to bring down the instances of maternal and infant mortality, Dr. Cummings noted that the Ministry is still focused on eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS. As such she told the House that the Public Health Ministry is consolidating its efforts to accelerate its programme to prevent the needless transmission of HIV to infants. “Globally we recognize the success in prevention programmes, with the global focus moving from prevention to the elimination of the transmission of HIV/ AIDS,” said Dr. Cummings. And according to her too, the Ministry will provide funds for test kits for the general population in order to test all mother and children exposed to HIV. In addition to the donor agencies providing funds for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, the Ministry will be responsible for the procurement of 48.9 percent of the drugs needed to treat HIV, and other opportunistic infections,” the Minister asserted. She added too that the Public Health Ministry will also increase its activities that focus on behavioural change

of persons living with HIV/ AIDS, through training and retraining of religious leaders, teachers, social workers, and other key influential members of society so that they can become advocates of HIV prevention. “Mr. Speaker, we at the Public Health Ministry will be intensifying family planning education programmes which are intended to have the much desired involvement of male partners. The programmes also ensure that women have the tools and information they need to make informed decisions respecting their own bodies. This information will be shared primarily to prevent unwanted pregnancies among women living with HIV/AIDS,” informed the Minister. According to her, preventing HIV transmission from women living with HIV/AIDS to their infants using ARV prophylaxis is also a measure that will be intensified. Efforts in this regard will see pregnant women living with HIV/ AIDS being placed on ARV prophylaxis or Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) depending on their individual level of immunity.

School-aged mothers would now have a better chance of completing their education. This is a result of the Ministry of Education recognising the need for an approach to the re-integration of teenage mothers into the school system. This is among a number of areas of concerns that were identified to be confronted this year as the Ministry seeks to overcome the challenges and launch new initiatives for the enhancement of the education system. The sum of $40.3 B has been allocated to the sector in the 2016 budget. This improvement would eventually impact the system’s ultimate goal, resulting in the production of ‘better all-round citizens’ and the creation of ‘a better society’, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine explained. The Minister was at the time, making his contribution to the 2016 National Budget debate. He was addressing the House on the focus of the Education Ministry’s agenda. Other areas of concerns identified to be addressed by the Ministry include the need for psycho-social support programmes for schools and residential facilities, provision of more opportunities for continuous professional development and the widening of the scope of the Learning Channel and the Ministry’s radio broadcasts. There is also the expansion of the Skills for Life Training programme generally, with emphasis on the hinterland areas, and the need for accommodation for teachers in the hinterland. The sum of $ 80M has been budgeted for the latter. Minister Roopnaraine said that a number of initiatives are envisaged and provided for in the 2016 Budget in response to these challenges, and in pursuit of the educational objective, which the APNU + AFC Coalition Government has set for

realisation by 2020. He explained that some of the initiatives will unfold at the level of policy formulation while others have advanced to the level of programmatic engagement. From a programmatic perspective, he explained that the Breakfast Initiative will be rolled out in four coastal schools, including Buxton and Enmore schools, even as its implementation continues in the hinterland and will be expanded to cater for 81% of the hinterland schools. For this programme a total of $1.9B has been budgeted. As a consequence jobs would also be created for approximately 200 persons. Additional boats to transport children to and from schools will also be acquired. According to the Education Minister, Canje, Region Six, has already been earmarked as the next recipient. Continuing along the path of enhancing welfare, the Minister explained that $30M has been allocated for the acquisition of footwear to be distributed, primarily, in the hinterland schools. A total of 31,500 students are slated to benefit from this programme. The introduction of more schools counsellors is also to be undertaken and rotation of social workers introduced at schools that have dormitories. The Education Ministry has also already embarked on the establishment of a Public Relations Unit which will better inform the public about the ongoing efforts and new initiatives of the Ministry in its quest to improve the education system and ultimately to assure Guyanese of a good life. The Ministry is also actively pursuing World Bank funding for a successor project for the University of Guyana (UG). Minister Roopnaraine explained that the Bank has also indicated its preparedness to consider a new project to facilitate a complete schools’ curriculum review.

In addition, a facilities audit would also be undertaken in 2016. This assessment should provide information on the deficits of each and every public education institution with regard to the stipulated standards, Minister Roopnaraine explained. He told the House that in 2016, some audits were already conducted from the manpower and facilities’ perspective. Meanwhile, from the standpoint of policy, the Ministry will also be embarking on quite a few new initiatives. Amongst those will be a policy in relation to the reintegration of teenage mothers into the school system, Minister Roopnaraine said. He added that policy initiatives will also be undertaken in relation to how teachers can be recruited and retained in the hinterland, and in this regard data collection is already being done, so that evidence-based policy could be formulated. On the agenda for policy formulation, as well is the issue of utilisation of school facilities for extra-curricular activities, with a literacy programme and a technical and vocational programme being highest amongst them. The development of a new appraisal instrument for assessing teachers should also be completed in 2016, the Minister said. Of the sector’s total allocation, the sum of $4.3B has been earmarked for infrastructural development. Included in this aspect is the completion of the Kato Secondary School complex and construction of a new building for the Peter’s Hall Primary, South Road Nursery, and the Aurora and Golden Grove Secondary schools. The sum of $2.2B has been allocated for post-secondary education, for equipping and upgrading technical institutes and training centres. UG has been allocated the sum of $3.2B for its upgrade.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 13, 2016

More than 650 households to receive power for the first time The Coalition Government intends to spend $7.97M for renewable energy projects in schools and hinterland hydropower system. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said that this sum has been allocated to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Minister Patterson said that just over five million barrels of petroleum-based products were imported in 2015, representing an average of 13,703 barrels per day. He explained that this represents a 1.27% increase when compared to 2014. “Petroleum imports for the year were acquired at a CIF value of US$355.201M, representing a decrease of 36.76% from that of the previous year. Twenty-six percent or 834,056 barrels (2,285 bpd) of total imports were obtained under the Petro Caribe Agreement during 2015”. For solar energy, the Minister stated that the GEA has built its capacity for installing PV grid tide system. 1,164 Kw of solar photovoltaic capacity has been installed, producing 2,125 Mwh of energy annually. “The agency would embark on installing additional capacity at its head office and the proposed new towns of Bartica and Mabaruma,” Patterson said. According to Patterson, the government remains keen in its pursuit of hydropower and in this regard, meetings have already been held with the Brazilian company, Construtora Queiroz Galvão.

This company is interested in continuing its hydropower project here in Guyana in Mazaruni, Region Seven. With regards to wind energy, Minister Patterson said that GEA continued to monitor and record wind data (speed and direction) at four sites. These, he added, are at Port Mourant, Kumu, Mahdia, and the University of Guyana. “GEA also assisted HECI in selection and evaluation of 15 potential wind sites along Guyana’s coast where the best four will be chosen to carry out wind measurements. Negotiations are continuing with the Guyana Wind Farm Inc,” he said. The Minister reiterated that the Coalition Government via the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is committed to energy efficiency. He explained that among the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry thus far, are “replacement of 37 high pressure sodium vapour street lamps at a cost of $1.173M; 65 LED street lamps at a cost of $1.468M; and the replacement of 300 defective photo sensors on street lights at $18.2M.” Under the Fuel Marking Programme, of the 12,227 total site visits conducted during the year, 1,446 sites were sampled at least once. Thirtyseven or three per cent of the sites sampled at least once were found with significant dilution (defined as more than 50%) in at least one tank. These sites visits are part of on-going efforts to curb and prosecute those who en-

gage in fuel smuggling. The Minister added that there were 25 joint operations with members of the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband. “The Fuel Marking Programme recorded nine convictions in 2015. Five new charges were filed. Two matters were dismissed of which one was appealed,” Patterson informed the House. He also informed the National Assembly that the Guyana Power and Light Company Inc. has had many challenges. A number of complaints in relation to its service delivery, thus initiatives will be undertaken this year, to address these. He said these include the installation of a new Board, which has already been done. “It is expected that there should be an improvement in the management of the Corporation, as well as, the quality of service to its users,” Patterson said. “From 2012 to 2015, GPL’s actual expenditure was US$2.2 million. Additionally, $550M has been budgeted for a number of activities this year. Among the activities are the rehabilitation of the low voltage distribution network (phase) 2 in Regions Four, Five and Six. With the increase in the rebate by GPL Inc. from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, residential, commercial, and industrial consumers will benefit from April 1. For residential consumers, totalling 166,000, the benefit is expected to be $7,000 each. Meanwhile, for commercial consumers, which number at 10,000, and industrial consumers, which number at 7,000, the benefits are expected to be $36,000 each and $1.5M each, respectively. The average saving is $17,000 each. Minister Patterson said that these savings are anticipated to boost productivity. The Electrification Programme is being supported with a loan of US$5M

from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB). The agreement has three components, he explained, “strengthening GPL’s management capabilities; operational efficiency; and infrastructure investments for loss reduction. This programme will entail a number of activities including, the hiring of a consultancy firm to support GPL to improve performance in key business areas; the development of oversight and accountability mechanism; consultancy to change corporate culture and modernize management; and the acquisition of meters, accessories, and tools for baseline infor-

mation and monitoring”. An agreement with the Ministry of Finance, Guyana Power and Light Inc. will now be required to fund some of the expansion works in unserved areas. To this end, Minister Patterson said that during this year, more than 650 house lots will be provided with electricity for the first time at a cost of approximately $70M. Other areas will be examined and implemented during the year. An update was also provided to the assembly on the activities of the Government Electrical Inspectorate. The GEI is the electrical safety body within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure set up to protect users of electricity against the hazard of unsafe and unsound electrical installation. For 2015, the

Minister said that GEI’s revenue was recorded at $6.683M and nearly 13,000 jobs out of 13,043 inspected jobs were certified. “Additionally, GEI issued 491 contractor licences. Of these, 65 were new issuances; 17 were replacements; and 409 were renewed licences. Additionally, electrical maintenance was carried out on the Ministry’s Buildings in 2015 and totalled $8.250M”. Minister Patterson said the Government Electrical Inspectorate is requested by the Guyana Fire Service to carry out investigations into the cause of fires that occurred throughout the country, and to produce a report on the cause of such fires, “Nine cases of fires were investigated by the GEI for last year.” (GINA)

GWI brings in experts for downed Diamond well Residents of the Diamond and Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara will have to wait a little bit longer as Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) scrambles to fix a downed well in the area. The well went down on Monday because of a rupture. According to the stateowned company yesterday, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, met with local contractors and experts on well maintenance Thursday to discuss the current technical difficulties being experienced at the Diamond Well Station. Present were representatives from S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, Nabi Construction Inc, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Ltd, R.N. Williams Construction Inc, and Webb Construction. Also present were experts from GWI including Executive Director, Infrastructure, Planning and Implementation, Ramchand Jailal; Water Resources Manager, Orin Browne and Technical Services Manager, Dwayne Shako. According to GWI, the purpose of the meeting was to determine a course of action leading to a resolution to the current challenges at the Diamond Well Station. The Chief Executive Officer said that it was important to utilize the best minds in the field of well drilling and maintenance in order to restore the well station in the swiftest time possible. Dr. Van West-Charles said that GWI is in the process of repairing the ruptured well casing. This work entails removing the accumulation of clay from the well and placing an internal sleeve to seal the rup-

Ongoing works at the well site on Sixth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme ture. Following this, the well will be cleaned and disinfected. GWI, yesterday, did not indicate how soon the well will be put back in operation. The Chief Executive Officer charged the experts present with formulating a long-term solution for the current challenges at the well station and urged that every possible solution be explored. Additional meetings are scheduled throughout the week as GWI attempts to resolve the challenges at the

well station. During this period, water is being delivered via tankers to the Diamond Housing Scheme and Kaneville according to the following schedule: Diamond Housing Scheme: 9:00hours – 20:00hours from 21st Avenue to 1st Avenue and Kaneville from 17:00hours – 20:00hours – ‘Middle Road’ Kaneville. Diamond and Golden Grove are said to be among the top two largest new housing schemes in the country.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Venezuela further delays recognition of - Granger to lobby border case with Guyana’s Ambassador CARICOM Heads, meet UN boss

President David Granger and Sir Shridath Ramphal share a light moment, during Thursday’s meeting.

As the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement nears, President David Granger has said that he will once again raise the issue of Venezuela’s claim on Guyana’s territory regionally and internationally. The Head of State will advocate for Guyana at the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Belize on Tuesday and Wednesday. Later in the week, he will engage the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, at a meeting in New York to continue to push for a juridical settlement of the issue. “February 17 is the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement and the Secretary General has specific responsibilities under the Geneva Agreement. Guyana has already signalled to him, in no uncertain terms, that we are prepared to go forward to have a juridical settlement and we are calling on him to exercise his mandate in accordance with the Geneva Agreement… We emphasised the role that he has to play,” the President noted. President Granger noted that even as Venezuela continues to claim Guyana’s territory, it has also launched a “propaganda offensive” purporting that the Geneva Agreement invalidated the 1899 Tribunal Agreement. “There is nothing in the Geneva Agreement which suggests an invalidation of an international agreement, by which borders have been drawn 116 years ago… Nothing in this agreement deprives Guyana of any territory and this is the message we are sending, but in addition to that we are looking to the United Nations Secretary-

General to perform the functions, which have been given to him under the Geneva Agreement and bring this matter to a swift and successful conclusion. We are quite fed up of the Venezuelan aggression and harassment,” President Granger said. The Geneva Agreement allows for the UN Ambassador to choose, as one of his options, a juridical settlement to the dispute. Guyana has indicated that it prefers such a settlement. “Venezuela has not agreed to the line that Guyana has taken, that is, to proceed to juridical settlement and is attempting to use the observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Geneva Agreement to falsely convey the notion that the Geneva Agreement somehow or the other invalidates the 1899 Accord,” President Granger said. The Head of State noted that the despite the Secretary General’s intervention at a

Not accredited yet: Cheryl Miles

meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Council last October, Venezuela is still to accredit Guyana’s Ambassador to that country. Cheryl Miles, a veteran diplomat, took up residence in that neighbouring country last year but has not been officially recognised as Guyana’s Ambassador as yet. Granger added that Venezuela’s continued claims to Guyana’s territory have limited national development. “A lot of the actions that the Venezuelans have taken over the past years have driven investors out. This must be the last year that Guyana has to suffer the indignities and aggressions of Venezuela. We look forward to having a juridical settlement so that we can pursue the development of our natural resources.” On February 11, Guyanese diplomat, Sir Shridath Ramphal, visited President Granger at the Ministry of the

Presidency and discussed the significance of the 50th Anniversary of the Geneva Agreement. Sir Shridath, who was then Minister of State in the Forbes Burnham Administration, was a member of the British Guiana team, which partnered with the British delegation to present Guyana’s case at the Geneva Conference in February 1966. Sir Shridath said that a great deal of vigilance and diplomatic actions are now needed as February 17, 2016 – the date of the signing of the Agreement – approaches. “This is the day when the Foreign Affairs Minister would have to defend Guyana against a new Venezuela thrust,” Sir Shridath said. “We would be hard at work because Venezuela is now the Chairman of the United Nations Security Council and we can expect no favours… this is not just the 50th Anniversary of the Geneva Agreement, but the 50th Anniversary of Guyana.”

According to the Geneva Agreement, which was made between Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on February 17, 1966, just months before Guyana gained Independence, a Mixed Commission “of Guyanese and Venezuelan representatives would be established to seek “satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom, which has arisen as the result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899

about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void”. According to the Agreement, if following the report of the Commission, Guyana and Venezuela do not reach an agreement then the countries must choose “one of the means of peaceful settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations.” A juridical settlement is one such option available to the Secretary-General. Nowhere in the Agreement does it even suggest that the 1899 Arbitral Award had been nullified.

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Kaieteur News

New UG Vice Chancellor likely to be named in a few months A suitable candidate to fill the capacity of Vice Chancellor at the University of Guyana (UG) is likely to be named within the next two or three months. This is according to Chancellor of the University, Professor Nigel Harris. The three-year tenure of outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, will come to an end on Monday. Substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Barbara Reynolds is currently acting in the capacity of Vice Chancellor. The University had invited applications for the position of Vice Chancellor and according to Professor Harris, “They have been coming in.” The period for applications closed on Wednesday February 10, 2016. Professor Harris said, “We are going to go through a process of reviewing the candidates and this will be led by Council.” He disclosed that it is expected that the review process will entail interactions with interest groups within and without the University as

Stop griping By Jarryl Bryan

- Chancellor should be the normal process for recruiting a suitable candidate. According to Professor Harris, the candidates will also have to speak to issues that will be gaining the attention of the recently established University Transformational Task Force. This process would allow those shortlisted to inform the Council of how they would best help to implement the things that the Task Force is able to find consensus on as it relates to improving the University. Professor Harris noted that while it is not likely that the selected candidate will be on board within a matter of months, “I hope we could have made the selection by then.” The Nigeria-born Professor Opadeyi commenced his tenure as Vice Chancellor in 2013. However, his tenure has been a tumultuous one when

Neal and Massy contractor shot during attempted robbery A contractor attached to the Neal and Massy group of companies was yesterday shot during an attempted robbery shortly after he left his place of work. This occurred a little after 16:00 hrs at Eccles Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in

Saturday February 13, 2016

the vicinity of Kenrick Auto sales. The victim has been identified as Nehru Williams. He was shot to the abdomen and is said to be in a stable condition at a private hospital. According to information received, Williams had just left work in his motor vehicle when two men on a CG motorcycle rode up to him and opened fire. The wounded man managed to drive a short distance away and the gunmen escaped. His colleagues who witnessed the shooting rushed him to the hospital where he remains in a stable condition. A police source yesterday told this newspaper that no one has been arrested as yet.

Outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi his relationship with the University Unions – the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association and the University of Guyana Workers Union – is taken into consideration. The Unions had on multiple occasions accused Professor Opadeyi of not having the University’s best interest at heart. There have been speculations that Guyana-born, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, a Political Scientist, who currently serves as the Ninth President of the Fort Valley State University in middle Georgia, is one of the most suitable candidates for the position. However, reports reaching this publication suggest that quite a number of intellectuals have expressed their interest to serve in the capacity of Vice Chancellor. Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education, Mr. Vincent Alexander, had told this publication that Government will be embracing the decision made by the University Council. He said that it is expected that a process-driven approach will be embraced.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has called on the opposition to put aside politicking, to stop griping and to come to the table with any recommendations they may have, in the interest of the National Assembly. During yesterday’s session in the National Assembly, Harmon stated that rather than provide recommendations from their years in office, they have simply been pandering to certain sections of the population. “Where are the recommendations emanating from your 23 years experience in office,” Harmon queried. “We ask, as a responsible Opposition, (that) you don’t just gripe…Come to the table and let’s talk.” “Having the honour and privilege of speaking on the last day of this debate gives one a perspective of the debate from both sides of the House.” “(And) so while on the Government side my colleagues have set a clear vision of how the budget will impact and how they will execute programmes in their respective sectors I hear save and except a few pure and simple criticisms.” He noted that “much meal” is made out of the situation at Wales Estate. He stated that the Leader of the Opposition went on TV outlining a plan which he had. “The Government’s re-

- Harmon tells PPP

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon sponse to the Honourable Leader of the Opposition was and is, let’s meet and talk. (But I’m) still waiting.” “While some gripe, we have a nation to build and in a global environment where there is serious competition for investment funds for development. We have to be clear in this National Assembly of the messages which we send to the world.” However, Harmon’s statements did not go down well with the opposition, who catcalled that the Government should have actually extended an invitation. One parliamentarian even referenced

a particular plan that had been recommended by them to the Minister of Agriculture. For budget 2016, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had said that consultations were held with various stakeholders on the budget. However, when it comes to consultations with the political opposition, the Finance Minister had said that this did not go according to what was planned. Jordan had said that he did as instructed and that was to invite the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to discussions. Jordan said that the PPP, instead of accepting the invite, laid out a number of conditions which should be met before the meeting. “The opposition replied to my invitation saying that before they meet with us for discussions on the budget, they want a number of documents. These are documents which we don’t even have,” Jordan said. “Plus, they said that they want to speak on a number of matters, particularly as these relate to the restoration of a number of PPP projects and initiatives.” “That is not how it is done,” Jordan had said. “They want certain conditions before real talk on the 2016 budget can begin but we intend to push forward. My door is always open to them.”

Cops capture man wanted for executing fugitive gunman Police have finally captured Trevor Anthony Amsterdam, who was wanted for the execution-style killing of murder suspect Jermaine Simon, called ‘Lapsy’ some three months ago. A police official said that Amsterdam, called ‘Solgee,’ was arrested yesterday at a house at Providence, East Bank Demerara. Police had issued a bulletin for Amsterdam in connection with the gunning down of Simon on November 10, 2015 in Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Simon was reportedly shot in the head while riding a bicycle. A sister said she witnessed his execution, and also claimed that the gunman, subsequently identified as Amsterdam, had an injured leg and was using crutches. She also alleged that after shooting her brother, the gunman spoke to someone on his phone, announcing that he had killed Simon. Amsterdam was said to be a member of a gang dubbed

Jermaine Simon, called ‘Lapsy’

Trevor Anthony Amsterdam

“A Menace to Society.” Someone torched his family’s Lot 34, Norton Street, Bagotstown home shortly after the killing. Amsterdam’s victim, Jermaine Simon, was himself wanted for the murder of 19year-old Ryan Sooklall, who was riddled with bullets on March 1, in a Providence, East

Bank Demerara shop. Sooklall’s killing was said to have been linked to an ongoing feud between rival gangs. Although police had issued a wanted bulletin for Simon, he was said to have been roaming Bagotstown freely, and was even operating a shop in that community.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 27

PPP blew up the “twin towers” of transparency and accountability

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, was intent on showing how the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had no respect for the principles of transparency and accountability during its reign. Describing the said principles as “twin towers”, the Prime Minister said that during its 23-year rule, the PPP blew it up, leaving the Government with the job of not only restoring law and order but also the people’s confidence in the administration of the day. Nagamootoo said that a lot of misconceptions were being spewed. The Prime Minister said that the impression laid by the Opposition was that the government is not sincerely interested in helping to ease the burden facing the rice farmers. Nagamootoo said that the thought alone is preposterous. He reminded that the PPP knew that the PetroCaribe deal was not going to be honoured anymore but it never told the citizenry. He said, too, that if the PPP was so interested in assisting the rice farmers, then the $100M loan which was taken from the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) under suspicious circumstances should have been returned to the people to help them. Nagamootoo said that the rice farmers and their issues are being used as a whipping horse on the eve of Local Government Elections. The First Vice President said that he took offence to the Opposition’s derogatory use of the word “geriatrics” throughout the debate. Nagamootoo said, “We may be considered to be old but we are not useless.” He then noted the sterling contributions made to the development of the country by elderly persons. Nagamootoo stated that he finds it absolutely distasteful that Opposition members were now dragging age into the arena of the budget debates as though it is a sin or a crime to be old. He said, too, that it shows nothing but disrespect for elected leaders of the House and should not be tolerated. Turning his attention to the sugar industry, Nagamootoo said that based on the points raised by the opposition, it was clear that they somehow managed not to lose their ignorance during the 2015 elections. The Parliamentarian said that he heard lots of calls during the debates to halt the closure of the Wales Estate. He said, “The former regime left this sector in a state

of bankruptcy… And today they shed crocodile tears for the people in the sugar industry. But if left unattended, Wales would pull the entire sugar industry down and so we are doing the right thing…” The politician also addressed comments by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, that Government has thrown the report on the Commission of Inquiry into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) into the garbage bin. Jagdeo said that Government is yet to bring the report to the House for a debate since its release last year. In this regard, Nagamootoo said that Government is “not bound by everything in the COI report and asked the Commissioners to rationalize their findings.” “For Jagdeo to say that we threw the report into the bin is disrespectful because it was tabled in the House and this House is by no means garbage. The report is also going to be sent to a Special Select Committee. “Further, the $9B bailout which has been allocated to the sector this year was done so by Finance Minister, Win-

- Prime Minister ston Jordan without any agitation or industrial unrest.” “Long ago we were supposed to get 500,000 tonnes of cane through the magic of Skeldon. Now it fumbles and stutters even though millions of dollars has been spent to modernize it. “Jagdeo must know that the freedom to speak in this House without a time limit during the debates does not give him the right to mislead the House that we are mismanaging the sector.” The Prime Minister said that given the fact that Guyana is at a stage where it is in a fight for its territorial integrity against Venezuela, “We have to stand together and be unyielding in our love for social cohesion.” “We have to show our greedy neighbour that we are not divided and that we are one. Our love for country should not be sacrificed even for the quest for power.” Nagamootoo also addressed the Opposition’s argument that the Coalition Government inherited 23 years of consecutive growth. The Parliamentarian said, “If

this were true then Guyana would be a China or a Singapore but we are not. Under the financial wizard, Dr. Ashni Singh, and the Mighty

Might Jagdeo we are not there…” He noted that Guyana has only experienced 23 years of jobless growth. The Prime Minister said that the Opposition’s theme that “We must not complain about the problems they inherited but rather, fix it now”,

is laughable. He said that in the same way a healthy baby cannot be delivered in four months, all the country’s brokenness cannot be healed and restored in five months. He said that this will take time and with the coalition’s plan, it will be achieved.

Witness in murder trial charged with beating wife The main prosecution witness in a murder trial has found himself before the court for allegedly assaulting his wife. Travis Anthony Crandon, 39, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was on Friday placed on three charges of assaulting his wife, Donelle Amsterdam Crandon, a secretary employed by a security service. Crandon appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus and was placed on $20,000 bail. He is accused of assaulting his spouse on Sunday, December 13, Monday, December 14, and again on Sunday, January 4. The case for the prosecution as presented by Prosecutor Ser-

geant Phillip Sheriff was that the couple has been married for 17 years and has three children. He is accused of slapping his wife at their home on the first occasion following a misunderstanding. He subsequently beat her on another occasion while accusing her

of infidelity and not taking care of the children. The woman stated that she had been a victim of domestic violence for a number of years, but chose not to make a report. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on March 18.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 13, 2016

Opposition refuses to hear anything after Jagdeo’s budget debate

Budget 2016 debate…

Opposition seats were empty after Jagdeo’s presentation

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

By: Kiana Wilburg Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, had hoped that this time around during the budget debates, he would have been able to extend an olive branch to the political opposition to work in the in-

terest of national unity. He was disappointed. Yesterday, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, led another walkout after he had made his presentation during the budget 2016 debates. Jagdeo, who spoke ahead of Nagamootoo, said that he

and his members would not stick around to hear the end of the debate as long as the Prime Minister was the penultimate speaker. House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland attempted to ask the members to reconsider their decision. He even asked the Opposition Leader to explain to the nation why he would want to make such a decision. The Opposition said that the reason was already given and still insisted on walking out. Before rebutting the argu-

ments made by various members of the opposition during the last five days of debate, Nagamootoo noted that Jagdeo’s actions show total disregard for House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland and for the National Assembly by extension. He earned a resounding applause by his colleagues who were in agreement with the statement made. The First Vice President said, “I did not expect that this House would have been

treated with such disrespect from a recalcitrant Opposition. I cannot believe that the Opposition believes that it can show disregard for the chair presiding over a democratic Assembly in which there are certain procedures.” The Prime Minister said that Jagdeo’s behaviour is nothing but cowardice and that it will not be tolerated. The matter of the penultimate speaker was one that dates back to the first budget debate of the Eleventh Parliament. As was traditionally done in the National Assembly, the Finance Minister was the last speaker with the Opposition Leader being the penultimate presenter. Preceding him would be the Prime Minister. But the Government apparently did not agree with this and sought for the first time last year to have Nagamootoo be the penultimate speaker. The change angered the political opposition and caused the Opposition’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, to approach House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland to rectify the matter. But this was to no avail. It has forced members

of the Opposition to deduce that the government simply has an “Anti-Jagdeo” agenda which it has “brought to the honourable House.” Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, had said that even though discussions were held on this matter, the parliamentary convention was still flouted. She emphasized that since 1992, the PPP has never shown disrespect to those who served as opposition leaders, whether it was the late former President Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin or current President David Granger. She said, too, that there were instances when Hoyte and Corbin spoke for two hours and Granger spoke for 45 minutes. Teixeira said that those persons were never constrained by a time limit. “This is a slap in the face and an attempt to muzzle the opposition and show disrespect to Jagdeo.” Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, said that the matter represents the rapid dismantling of laws and traditions. PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee also added his voice to the issue stating that it is clear that an “anti-Jagdeo agenda has been taken to Parliament.” He added, “There is certainly an anti-Jagdeo agenda that is playing out in Parliament. I don’t think we are strangers to this agenda, and it is rather unfortunate that it is taken to a place like the Parliament …This anti-Jagdeo agenda is playing out in the court, in the Parliament, the public domain and even in the media. When will this end?” Rohee said that he hopes that the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. is paying attention to this matter.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Woman, 67, killed on Pregnant woman may pedestrian crossing lose foot after accident Kosilla Mohamed being taken into the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit

An elderly woman was killed yesterday after she was struck down by a truck while using a pedestrian crossing at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), in the vicinity of the market. Kosilla Mohamed, 67, of Lot 21 Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) around 13:30 hrs, 45 minutes after she was struck down. Mohamed sustained injuries to her head and legs. The driver of the truck that struck her is in police custody. According to information received, Mohamed was crossing the road via the pedestrian crossing when she was struck and flung some distance away from the point of impact. Kaieteur News was told that the driver of the truck was on his cell phone and by the time he looked up, the woman was already in the middle of the road and he couldn’t stop. Eyewitnesses at the scene said that the truck was speeding. They claimed that after the mother of five was struck down, she was still breathing but a lot of drivers refused to render assistance. Luckily, a police vehicle passed and picked

her up but by then it was too late. Zaheer Mohamed, the dead woman’s son, said that he had just left the mosque when he received a call from his friend, informing him that his mother had met with an accident and was being taken to the GPHC. When he reached the hospital, he was informed that his mother was already dead. According to Mohamed, before he left home to go to mosque around midday yesterday, his mother was at home. She informed him that she had to go to the Money Gram outlet at Golden Grove to collect money. “I left home and she left to go collect money and then when I was leaving mosque, I heard about the accident,” a devastated Mohamed said. He further related that he was informed that his mother had already collected her money and was making her way over the road to take a minibus when she was killed. The woman leaves to mourn her five children. Meanwhile, market vendors are pleading with the police to erect a sign to show the speed limit around that area. They claimed that drivers usually speed even though a lot of persons would usually be around the area purchasing items.

Ballistics expert testifies in remigrant murder trial Police ballistics expert, Floyd Hosannah, yesterday took the stand as the murder trial of former national volleyball stalwart and popular New Amsterdam businessman, Charles Bristol, continued in the New Amsterdam High Court. Hosannah was led in his evidence by Prosecutor and Attorney-at-Law Natasha Backer. Hosannah told the court that he has been a firearm and ballistics expert for 16 years. He stated that he received a parcel from Corporal Walters containing a .32 pistol and 24 rounds of ammunition. The items were subsequently tested and it was found that the rounds were live and that the firearm was in working order. He said that he fired eight rounds from the gun. Under cross-examination by Attorney-at-Law, Kim Kyte, the police officer stated that he could not have determined how recently the gun was fired. Bristol, 53, of Main Street and Lad Lane, New

MURDER ACCUSED Charles Bristol

DEAD: Errol Lindo

Amsterdam, and owner of the Bristol Mall, is accused of killing Errol Lindo, 51, on Wednesday April 16, 2014 at High Dam, Caracas, East Canje, Berbice. The matter is being heard in the Berbice High Court by Justice Franklyn Holder and a mixed jury. Henry is being represented by Attorneys-atLaw Nigel Hughes and Kim Kyte, in association with

Tamya Warren Clements and Shabana Barnwell. Testifying so far have been Travis Crandon, Rookmin Dindyal, Indranie Nandalall called “Meena” at whose place Henry sought refuge, Agnes Joseph, Cassandra Arthur, Police Sergeant Curtis Cort and Corporals Brian Caesar and Phillip Walters. The trial is expected to be continued on Monday.

A pregnant woman, who was involved in an accident at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) around 21:45 hrs on Thursday, may lose one of her feet as a result of the tragedy. The woman, 34-year-old Natasha Williams of First Street, Kaneville, EBD, is hospitalized in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Juliet Williams, the injured woman’s sister said that her sibling is 32 weeks pregnant. While her baby is said to be in good health, the woman’s arms and legs are broken. One of her feet is crushed. Two other persons, Kawal Garbaran, a carpenter of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and Valinie Sugrim of Kaneville were also involved in the accident but are in stable condition. Kaieteur News understands that the three victims and the driver of the minibus are related. At the time of the accident the minibus was heading to Kaneville, which is located at the back of Grove. According to information received, the driver of the

minibus BNN 9360 was reportedly racing with a car on the roadway when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a utility pole. No one from the other vehicle was injured. The minibus driver is in police custody. At the hospital yesterday, Juliet Williams said that her sister is in a lot of pain but conscious. “She is talking and crying a lot because she is in pain. When I went in the ward, she recognized me and she recognized mommy,” the woman stressed. This newspaper was told that the woman is being treated in the ICU so that medical practitioners can monitor her baby while treating her. Meanwhile, Garbaran’s son, Rajin, said that his father called him around 21:00 hrs and told him that he was on his way home. “He tell me that he coming home now and he asked if I could go out the street in

half hour with my bicycle and pick him up because the street we living through is very long,” the younger Garbaran said. He explained that after an hour passed and he did not see his father, he called his phone but someone else answered and informed him of the accident. An investigation is ongoing. Around 08:15 on Thursday, three persons were killed in an accident at Annai, Region Nine. They have been identified as David Williams and his wife Belinda of Annai and Henry George of North Rupununi. While it is unclear what caused the accident, this newspaper was informed that the persons who were killed, were heading to a wholesale outlet on a motorcycle when they crashed head-on with a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction. The accident took place near an area called Rock View junction.

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Kaieteur News

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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

One seamstress to work in Barbados- must to cut & clip. Call: 613-7177

Experienced pastry maker, cake decorator, counter servers, waiters, handy boy, pleasant personality, apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St.

Saturday February 13, 2016

1 L-Touring Wagon, Toyota Corolla, HB 9912- Call: 690-6840 2008 TOYOTA IST (UNREGISTERED), FULLY LOADED, RIMS, BODYKIT, REVERSECAMERA,TVDVD -$2.5M -CALL: 642-7295

DRESSMAKING

Toyota verossa year 2004, mileage 69,000 km- $2.2M negotiable. First Owner driven, excellent condition. Call 626-1372; 656-9100

Learn to cut & sew from elementary to advance @ Enid’s Dress Making Classes - 68 Sixth Street Alberttown. Call: 223-9106; 643-7966

Toyota Hilux Surf 2783 cc, mileage 74,000 km, year 2006$8.5M negotiable. First owner driven, excellent condition. Call 626-1372; 656-9100

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154

Security Officers; apply in person. Massey Security (Guyana) Inc, Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Call: 225-5773-6 Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental -location: New Market Street- Call: 638-1106 Popular East Coast Gas Station: day/night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 669-4755; 695-9880, NonPareil 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 MARKETINGASSISTANTS, 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: 231-8053 Pump attendants & cashiers. Call: 680-3863; 624-0033 Cashier to work in super bet - Call: 625-5322

Noah, Voxy: unregistered, fully loaded, ‘G’ Series$1.7M. Call: 603-9700 Unregistered Allion: 2004, fog, dark interior, TV DVD, CD. Call: 617-5536 Toyota Hilux 4X4 Diesel 2L Turbo Pickup, in excellent condition. Call: 648-0111; 645-0240 Toyota Fun Cargo 2007, PPP series, lady driven, excellent condition -$1.3M negotiable- Call: 601-3268 1-620-240 DAF Engine, foreign used, 1 Canter GNN 722, 1 Twin Steer CF DAF, GSS 5964. Call: 228-5655; 628-1756

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@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Continued on page 31

Saturday February 13, 2016

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Letters... Where your views make the news

Sugar has a future in this country DEAR EDITOR, I wish to disagree with a letter by George Daniels titled “Sugar future is long gone” on the ground that the main thrust of his submission rests upon the premise of low and declining global sugar consumption. I wish to point out that the data does not lend credence to the assertion made. The facts are, according to Czarnikow, that global sugar consumption was 179.1 million tonnes in 2013/14 and 183.1 million tonnes in 2014/ 15, and it is expected to rise to 186.1 million tonnes in 2015/16. The APNU/AFC Parliamentarian, Mr Charrandas Persaud in defending recently the Government in the Na-

tional Assembly in bringing about the soon-to-be demise of Wales Estate also pointed to the lower sugar consumption. Mr. Daniels also contended that many sugar industries benefitted from state subsidies and this depresses the World Market Price (WMP). Indeed, all of the more than 100 sugar producing countries in the world offer different forms of support or subsidy to their sugar industry. In Guyana, there is moral and social justification for a sugar subsidy because of the people and the economy’s dependence on the industry. There is simply no alternative/s at this point in time to adsorb this large workforce

Sale of used...

From page 4 tyre sets, you may find some bad wearing conditions on used tyres. Some of these can be evident, but others can be pretty hard to spot. Look for “scalloping” or wear in the inside or outside grooves of a tyre to be sure it is in good condition. Previous Patches is something to look for, some used tyres for sale at the less honourable used tyre shops can be practically worn out with prior patching, bubbles or thin spots. Some of these tyres are almost like sieves. Therefore it in wise that we check out used tyres thoroughly and use visual practice to get good at spotting second-hand damage. My advice to our policy maker would be to re-examine

the facts on the advantages and disadvantages of used tyres; they are not all that bad. One note to those buying used tyres would be to keep the above in mind when looking for used tyres. Remember that used tyres can be a great bargain, but they are only as valuable as the safety that they provide on the road. Used tyres that are free of wear problems and have lots of tread can be real money savers, but always educate yourself on how to spot wear, and take a look at any relevant recall information. Finally, before we consider banning anything, it is worth engaging in wider consultation, especially when the decision to ban affects only those at the grassroot. Brendon Mounter

should the sugar industry be callously abandoned by the Government. In the Caribbean, Barbados, Jamaica and Belize have all kept their industries intact. The industry in St Kitts was closed prior to the 36 per cent European Union (EU) price-slash which had been implemented between 2006 and 2006 while Trinidad and Tobago ceased sugar cultivation since its petroleum-based economy has no need for sugar support. An interesting piece of information regarding Guyana’s industry was pointed by the Caribbean Development Bank in 2014 when it assessed GuySuCo’s request for funding towards the Sugar Mechanisation Project. The bank in its assessment found that “it is

economically viable for GOGY [Government of Guyana] to continue subsidising and protecting the cultivation and harvesting of sugar cane and processing of sugar for export and local consumption”. Certainly, an institution as the CDB would have recognized our sugar industry not just from a financial perspective but from the broader economic and social aspects as well. In Guyana, sugar holds many possibilities for a bright future. Diversification around sugar into areas like co-generation, refining, distilling and other forms of value added sugar holds the key for once again a viable industry. Solidarity to the industry is very much critical to our country future and development. Fredrick Yuvraj

Conduct...

From page 4 keep them, or need to ask the boss for some time off and this information from the police will help me in planning my next move… A point to note here is that the fact that these officers were behaving in this ridiculous way in the open station with members of the public present, means that they felt comfortable behaving in that manner and that it was accepted behavior. I wish to state that it is NOT accepted behavior! Mr. Minister of Public Security, all of the training for the discipline services, all of the millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money and donor funding, must be and I repeat MUST be translated in actual improved services. It must be translated into a response when someone at 02:00 hours in the morning, calls 911. Firstly, there is an expectation that someone will

answer, secondly, that someone who is competent will answer and thirdly, that they will see a response to the call. In some developed countries service is at such a high level, that a call to 911 would see the fire service tuning up to remove a cat safely from the roof. Now that is service. On another point, we desperately need the public service college. The main thrust of which should be to promote and instill in public servants shared values, a spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding, so that we can position Guyana to be competitive for the next 50 years and to be a strong leader regionally and globally. The efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector is critical for the efficiency and effectiveness of the private sector and ultimately for economic growth in this country. Audreyanna Thomas

From page 30

PROPERTY FOR SALE 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 BY OWNER: FLORIDA DESIGN, WATER FRONT PROPERTY LOCATED AT MADEWINI RESORT COMMUNITY. CALL: 624-5048; 624-5042 1 Acre land (37X1200) with flat house, chicken pen & fruit trees -$11M negotiableCall: 642-7898 Lot 15 Good Hope, West Coast Demerara - Call: 690-6840 Lot 1884, 20 Ave, First corner, Diamond H/Scheme, 3 bedrooms, flat house- Call: 662-4676, 602-9403 1 Concrete 2 storey property @ Lot 20 Area H Ogle- Call: 254-1663; 622-1610 Are you planning on buying a building from $5M to $20M? Call Ron for deals: 611-7223; 604-2207 Is the bank about to seize your property? Property already seized? Call Ron: 611-7223; 604-2207 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American pool table – Call: 277-0578

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Yamaha 40 HP, good working condition @ Meten-Meer-Zorg. Tel: 6722578, Boy Blue 1 Leyland (55) 210) Cab/ Chassis/Ford Cargo Chassis and Diff with springs & other truck partsCall: 275-0014; 660-0604 One D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, in excellent condition, ready to work, price $14M. Call: 611-4775; 220-5192 1-6" Dredge complete with Lavador -$6M- Call: 619-0898 Fridge, water bottle, carpets, fan, kettle, plastic barrel, blender, wares, baby cradle, cap hair dryer. Call: 618-2116 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 Household Items: curtains, dinette set, wall divider, wares, Sony music system, cupboard, fridge & more, owner migrating. Call Allison: 688-5446 Electric Motor, Marathon, 7 ½ HP, single phase & transformer- Call: 233-2439 LED light Bars: 3", 20", 32" and 45", $20,000, $30,000 & $43,000- Call: 666-9107. Like us on Facebook- LED light Barss Wooden building structure with solid greenheart beams & columns ideal for house building. Reasonable offer accepted! Call: 227-4285; 609-7381 Tibetan pups. Call: 225-4780 1-40ft Keel Boat, 700lbs 5" seine, 3000lb ice box, 15 Yamaha Engine – ($1.6M)Call:660-1825 Play station 4 system $90,000, XBOX one $85,000, XBOX 360 -$40,000, PS 3- $35,000. Call: 621-7497; 603-8643; 649-3277 AT 212 Toyota Carina (white)- Call: 663-1597; 2184837 Computer games for sale, wholesale and retail, largest selection-Call: 675-2239 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

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Saturday February 13, 2016

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Zika link to birth defects could China foreign minister urges be proven within weeks: WHO U.S. caution on missile system

World Health Organization (WHO) Assistant Director-General Marie-Paule Kieny addresses a news conference on Zika virus in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. (REUTERS/PIERRE ALBOUY) (Reuters) - The suspected link between the Zika virus and two neurological disorders, the birth defect microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome, could be confirmed within weeks, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday. A sharp increase in microcephaly cases in Brazil has triggered a global health emergency over the mosquitoborne virus, which had previously been viewed as causing only a relatively mild illness, and spurred a race to develop a vaccine, medicines and better diagnostic tests. The WHO said U.S. government scientists and an Indian biotechnology firm were the front-runners in the vaccine effort but said it would take at least 18 months to start large-scale clinical trials of potential preventative shots. The U.N. health agency also for the first time advised pregnant women to consider delaying travel to Zika-affected areas. Brazil is at the center of the Zika outbreak that has spread to more than 30 countries. Researchers there are working to determine whether Zika has caused a big rise in cases of microcephaly, a birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and may have developmental problems. Brazil’s health ministry issued fresh figures on Friday, reporting 4,314 suspected and confirmed cases of microcephaly, up from 4,074 cases on Feb. 2. The ministry said it had confirmed 462 of those cases as microcephaly or other alterations to the central nervous system. Researchers have identified evidence of Zika infection in 41 of these cases, either in the baby or in the mother. But scientists have not confirmed that Zika can cause micro-

cephaly. “It seems indeed that the link with Zika (and microcephaly) is becoming more and more probable, so I think that we need a few more weeks and a few more studies to have this straight,” MariePaule Kieny, WHO assistant director-general for health systems and innovation, told a news briefing in Geneva. Studies of Zika-infected pregnant Latin American women who were due to deliver their babies soon should yield evidence, Kieny said, adding that data also was coming from studies in French Polynesia and Cape Verde. Kieny said Zika-hit areas also have experienced increased cases of the neurological disease Guillain-Barre, adding: “The direct causality has still to be demonstrated but the association in time and in location seems to be clear.” Guillain-Barre syndrome, in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system, causes gradual weakness in the legs, arms and upper body and sometimes total paralysis. In a statement, the WHO reiterated it was not recommending any general travel or trade restrictions related to the virus. But it added, “Women who are pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider and consider delaying travel to any area where locally acquired Zika infection is occurring.” Brazil is set to host the Olympics in August in Rio de Janeiro, an event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of athletes, officials and spectators. Many scientists are convinced the link between Zika and birth defects is real. New evidence of Zika in the brain

of an aborted foetus, reported on Wednesday, added to the case. Speaking at an American Association for the Advancement of Science news conference in Washington, another WHO official, Christopher Dye, reiterated the agency’s strong suspicion. “If we take all the information we have at the moment, the case for a causal link is quite strong,” Dye said. “We should now say that Zika is guilty until proven innocent.” VACCINE RACE The WHO’s Kieny said two vaccine candidates seem to be more advanced: one from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and one from the Indian company Bharat Biotech. The NIH is working on a DNA-based vaccine that uses the same approach as one being developed for West Nile virus. India’s Bharatsaidlastweekitsexperimental vaccine would start pre-clinical trialsimminentlyinanimals. Overall, about 15 groups are working on Zika vaccines. Kieny said new diagnostic test kits also were being rapidly developed and could be available within weeks. Zika is predominantly spread by mosquito bites, but scientists are studying transmission by blood transfusions and sexual contact. British health officials reported Zika was found in a British man’s semen two months after being infected, suggesting the virus may linger in semen long after infection symptoms fade. They said the 68-year-old man, infected in 2014 in French Polynesia, had low levels of the virus in initial blood tests. Subsequent tests of semen showed positive results at 27 days and 62 days after the start of Zika symptoms, with higher levels of the virus in the semen than the initial blood tests. “Our data may indicate prolonged presence of virus in semen, which in turn could indicate a prolonged potential for sexual transmission” of this virus, the researchers from Public Health England and the National Institute for Health Research in Liverpool wrote in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The WHO has advised women, particularly pregnant women, to protect themselves from mosquito bites in Zikaaffected areas and to practice safe sex through the use of condoms.

(Reuters) - The United States needs to proceed with caution on possible deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defence system following N o r t h K o r e a ’s r e c e n t rocket launch and not use this as an excuse to affect China’s security, the Chinese foreign minister said. Speaking to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing’s opposition to the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, China’s Foreign Ministry said late on Friday. Wang “demanded the U.S. side must act cautiously, not use the opportunity to harm China’s security interests and not add a new complicating factor to regional peace and stability”, the ministry said. South Korea and the United States are expected to begin talks next week on possible deployment of the system. North Korea launched a

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi chat before a bilateral meeting in Munich, Germany, yesterday. (REUTERS/MICHAEL DALDER) long-range rocket on Feb. 6 carrying what it called a satellite, drawing renewed international condemnation just weeks after it carried out a nuclear test. It said the launch was for peaceful purposes, but Seoul and Washington have said it violated U.N. Security Council resolutions because it used ballistic missile technology. Wang also repeated China’s stance that sanctions “are not the aim” and that

everyone should think of ways to restart talks on the North Korean nuclear issue. “This completely accords with the interests of all sides, including China and the United States, ” Wa n g added, according to the statement. In Seoul, the U.S. military stationed in South Korea said it had deployed an additional Patriot missile defence unit to the country in response to recent North Korean provocations.

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UK judge rejects St Lucia envoy’s ‘spurious’ diplomatic immunity LONDON, England — A judge in London has ruled that Saudi billionaire Walid Juffali, Saint Lucia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had sought to defeat an action by his former wife by asserting a “spurious” diplomatic immunity. According to London’s Daily Telegraph, Juffali’s name first appeared on the Diplomatic List in September 2014 as Saint Lucia’s permanent representative to the IMO. However, there is no public record of Juffali attending any meetings of the IMO, nor does he possess any known qualifications in maritime law. The Saint Lucia government declined to say how many hours per week he spent at the country’s High Commission in London. Last month, the government of Saint Lucia said it intended to uphold the principle of diplomatic immunity in relation to Juffali. However, Justice Anthony Hayden found that Juffali had “not undertaken any duties of any kind” since taking up this post in 2014. The judge noted there was “no evidence” that Juffali had “any knowledge or experience of maritime matters, seaborne trade, shipping or indeed any of the specialised areas with which the IMO is concerned”. Hayden ruled that Juffali’s “sole intention” for securing this position was to defeat his former wife’s “claims consequent on the breakdown of their marriage”. The judge

Walid Juffali concluded that Juffali had not “in any real sense, taken up his appointment” and the Saudi’s diplomatic status amounted to an “entirely artificial construct”. He said that avoiding the “jurisdiction of this court” was the “driving force” behind Juffali becoming Saint Lucia’s representative at the IMO. As a result, the judge declined to strike out his former wife’s bid to proceed with a financial claim, ruling that Juffali had made a “spurious assertion of diplomatic immunity”. Juffali, the chairman of one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest conglomerates, announced an appeal against what he called a “deeply offensive” ruling. A spokesman said that Juffali believed that no “English judge” possessed the “capacity or right to intrude on matters relating to the diplomatic arrangements and/or appointments of another state”. The spokesman added: “If this decision is upheld, it will set a dangerous precedent for

diplomats everywhere.” On Thursday, the opposition United Workers’ Party said it “is deeply concerned that the good name of Saint Lucia continues to be dragged through the mud as a result of the actions of a stubborn and uncaring prime minister and government”. “There is no apparent benefit to Saint Lucia so the question continues to be asked – Who benefited and how?” the UWP asked. In turn, the government re-affirmed its view that the court proceedings is a private family matter between Juffali and his former wife, and has no bearing on his duties as permanent representative to the IMO. The Government said it was “extremely surprised” by Monday’s judgment and specifically by Justice Hayden’s comments about Juffali’s status as Saint Lucia’s representative to the IMO. “As a sovereign state, it is Saint Lucia’s responsibility and sole right to decide who our diplomatic representatives are or should be,” it said. (Caribbean News)

Venezuela Says 3 Dead From Zika Complications CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has announced the first Zika-related deaths in the South American country. President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday that at least three people have died in Venezuela due to complications related to the mosquito-borne Zika virus. He added that 68 people have been hospitalized with complications confirmed to be related to the virus. Maduro did not say what the complications were or how the deaths had been confirmed to be Zika-related. Venezuela is reporting more than 5,000 suspected cases of Zika since November of last year. Local health

organisations say the real number of Zika is likely much higher. Investigators are studying a possible link to Guillain-

Barre syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis and is sometimes fatal, and to birth defects. (Associated Press)

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Asad Rauf: Former Test umpire handed five-year ban BBC Sport – Former Test umpire Asad Rauf has been banned for five years after being found guilty of corruption charges. The Pakistani was sanctioned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after allegations of spot-fixing in the 2013 Indian Premier League. Rauf, a former member of the ICC elite panel, did not appear at the hearing. Last month, spinner Ajit Chandila was banned for life and batsman Hiken Shah for five years after being found guilty of corruption.

Umpire Asad Rauf (Getty Images) Who is Asad Rauf? · He made his first-

class debut as an umpire in 1998, standing in his first oneday international in 2000 · Officiated in his first Test match in 2005 Bangladesh against Zimbabwe in Chittagong - before being appointed to the ICC elite panel a year later · Was • withdrawn from the Champions Trophy in May 2013 after media reports that he was being investigated by police in India. A month later, he was dropped from the elite panel of umpires In all, he stood in a total of 49 Test matches, 98 ODIs and 23 Twenty20 internationals

Linden’s number one ranked... (From page 39) performance, beating a more veteran, Retrieve Raiders in the Malta Supreme Christmas Open in January. According to Easton, Bulls will be playing tonight in a tournament in Linden. He indicated that a lot of training and practice will be done ahead of Mecca III. “We will find ways and means to get our training done because we want to win Mecca,” he said. To accomplish its goal, the team will be relying heavily on national forward,

Terron Welch and powerful swingman, Travin ‘Babylon’ Dryden. Easton will also play a role, but his belief is that team effort will matter more at the national level than individual performances. In his view, the team needs to play more team defence. He informed that that is the reason their motto says “Together we achieve more”. He noted that the team is emphasising team basketball and that is why they have a chance to win the national title.

“We are going to get more young players involved because if you notice everyone is playing lots of up-tempo basketball. Against any offense or defence we know what we got to do,” Easton said trying to deliberately conceal the team’s game plan. He, however, stated that the team’s problem is maintaining their “composure” in crunch situation and players sticking to their roles. Easton said that once his team put all the pieces together, they can go deep in the national tournament and avoid another first round exit. The Road to Mecca III: Guyana’s National Basketball Championships begin on March 4 at Cliff Anderson’s Sports Hall. The competition will feature Guyana’s top sixteen basketball clubs over three weekends of exciting basketball.

Legend Richards bats... (From page 38) process in May of 2015 that also involved representatives from the International Cricket Council and the global players’ representative organisation, FICA. “It is disappointing that you would choose to question the terms now on the eve of the WT20 in India.” Meanwhile, Richards, who is in the UAE as a mentor for the Quetta team in the Pakistan Super League, told AFP that he hopes the problem does not get out of hand. “What I can see so far, and if it’s true, the West Indies players are getting pay cuts. I believe that at some point they may have to do some negotiations,” said Richards.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Terminex Pest Control boost WBCA T20

Manager of Terminex Pest Control Naraindat Bhikam (right) hands over the cheque to Abel Seetaram in the presence of Anthony Allen. The West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA) received a boost from Terminex Pest Control for the hosting of their T20 tournament slated for Albion on February 21. Naraindat Bhikam, Manager of the Company which is located at Better Hope, East

Coast Demerara presented an undisclosed sum to Abel Seetaram of the WBCA at a simple ceremony yesterday. Bhikam stated that he is looking forward to an exciting competition since a number of leading Guyana players are expected to be in action.He further stated that they are

happy to be part of the competition. Seetaram thanked them for the support. West Berbice Titans, East Berbice Superkings, Essequibo XI and Demerara XI are set to battle for supremacy. The final is expected to be played under lights.

Saturday February 13, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the arts. Only bite off what you can chew. Accept the inevitable and continue to do your job. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You should get out and meet some of those clients that you only speak to on the phone. Your communication skills are at an all-time high. You may find your mate somewhat perturbed. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can make excellent purchases today. All your energy should be directed into moneymaking opportunities. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your mind is on moneymaking ventures. Do not react too harshly when dealing with partners. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. Be aware of deception when it comes to your position, and be sure not to jump to conclusions. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your attitude could be up and down like a yo-yo. The only thing you'll accomplish is a bad reputation. Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This will be a very hectic day if you've made promises to too many people. Take the initiative and go after your goals. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. You should get involved with activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike. You can purchase items that will enhance your appearance. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Take a look at yourself and prepare to make those changes you've been contemplating. Don't consume more than necessary. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Try not to make waves. Visit friends or relatives you don't get to see very often. Opportunities for romance will develop through group endeavors; however, the association isn't likely to last. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Extend an invitation to clients you enjoy spending time with. You must refrain from overspending on entertainment. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You will enjoy interacting with those who come from different backgrounds. You can't help everyone.

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WBCA U19 tourney Rising Sun Turf Club Karim, Glasgow, Pre-Mashramani Horserace meet set for Sunday February 21st Webster, Somwaru shine The horseracing bandwagon is set to make its next stop at the famous Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice. The date is Sunday 21 February. That is when the entity in collaboration with the Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service stages their Mash One Day Horserace Meeting. The event, which will be held in memory of the late VP of RSTC, Zaleena Habibulla Lawrie, is dubbed the “Hellie’s Day of Racing at Rising Sun”. Eight races are listed for the day with over GY$4M in cash and trophies up for the taking. The featured race will be the C & lower event, which will be called the “Hellie Mile”, will be over a distance of

1600M for a winning purse of $800,000 and trophy. There is an event for horses classified E and lower for a pocket of $500,000 and trophy. The distance is 1400M. A top prize of $320,000 and trophy is up for grabs for the winner in the G and lower contest over 1000M. The winner of the H and lower race will take home $300,000 and trophy in the 1100M event. The event for I and lower animals will see the winner collecting $260,000 and trophy over 1100M. The event for animals classified J and lower for a winner’s money of $220,000 and trophy is also over 1100. A first prize of $160,000 and trophy is available for the winner of the race for K and lower animals also

over 1100M. The animals classified L and lower will race over 1100M for a winner’s pocket of $100,000 and trophy. Entries closed tomorrow. Outstanding individual performers including top jockey, runner up, trainer and stable will be presented with trophies and other accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich, Proprietor of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. The Race will be held under the rules of the Rising Sun Turf Club and Bugle time is 12:30 hrs. Interested person can contact Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast Berbice on Tel No 2320232 or 657-7010 for details. (Samuel Whyte)

Upper Corentyne 5/5 Mashramani Cup

N.P.G Packaging & Plastic Inc on board

Javid Karim

Seon Glasgow

In preparation of the Guyana Cricket Board intercounty under-19 competition slated for April, the West Berbice Cricket Association has bowled off its inter club competition last Saturday. At D’Edward, Blairmont beat D’Edward by a massive 221 runs. After winning toss and choose to bat, Blairmont posted 300-7 off their reduced 47 overs. Javid Karim scored 93 runs (12x4, 2x6), Seon Glasgow jr hit 63 not out

(2x4,4x6)) and Zameer Inshan 44 )3x4,4x6). Hemraj Heeralall picked up 3 for 47 and D. Phillip 3 for 82. D’ Edward were bowled out for 75 with Saheed Bushgit scoring 18; Rameshwar Sowaru snared 4 for 15 and Nigel Deodat 3 for 13. At Bush Lot, Achievers beat the host by 69 runs. Achievers managed 189 all out, taking first strike. Titus Webster scored 57 (3x4,3x6) and Kris Ramnarine 45 (4x4).

Zakeer Khan and Imran Khan picked up 3 for 15 and 3 for 40 respectively. Bush Lot were sent packing for 120 in reply. Yugendra Budhoo got 42 (5x4) and Dinesh Persaud 18; Ramnarine claimed 3 for 21, Christopher Henry 2 for 10 and Randy Wade 2 for 25. The competition continues today with Blairmont taking on Paradise at Blairmont, Cotton Tree traveling to D’Edward.

Golyn 10/10 Softball Cricket resumes tomorrow Matches schedule for West Coast Zone, entries from other zones close February 21

Ms. Padmini Ramsammy of N.P.G Packaging & Plastic Inc hands over the sponsorship cheque to Mr. Vicky Bharosay, Treasurer of the UCCA. Also in photo are staff members of N.P.G Packing & Plastic Inc. The much anticipated Upper Corentyne Cricket Association 5/5 Mashramani Cup 2016 has received financial support from N.P.G Packing & Plastic Inc. of We l l i n g t o n Park, Corentyne, Berbice. The one day cricket extravaganza is set for February 21, 2016 at the No. 69 Vikings ground featuring 10 top teams from the Upper Corentyne area. The 10 selected teams are: No. 70 A, Crabwood Creek Sports Club, No. 72 All Star, No. 72 Cut and Load, Scottsburg United, Yakusari Caribs, No. 69 Vi-

kings, Corriverton Cricket Club, No. 73 Young Warriors and No. 48 Challengers. At a simple drawing done recently the first round matches are as follows: Game 1. Yakusari Caribs vs. No. 69 Vikings, game 2. No. 73 Young Warriors vs. No. 72 All Star, game 3. No. 72 Cut and Load vs. No. 70A, game 4. Corriverton CC vs. No. 48 Challengers and game 5. Crabwood Creek Sports Club vs. Scottsburg United. The day’s action will start at 9:30hrs. Lots to eat and drinks will be on sale. Admission $200, children un-

der 12 years are free. There will also be gate prizes to be won. Added entertainment will be provided by Spanish Eyes sound system. The President and executives of the UCCA takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Surendra Ganesh proprietor of N.P.G Packaging & Plastic Inc. for their contribution towards cricket development and more so the Upper Corentyne 5/5 Mashramani Cup 2016. Proceeds from this event will go towards cricket development at the youth level in the Upper Corentyne area.

The Golyn 10/10 Softball Cricket Tournament organized by The Guyana Softball League continues this weekend on the West Coast. The tournament which carries a top prize of $200,000 and the runners up of $100,000 as well as other individual prizes, will see a new era in softball as the teams who had dominated other tournaments have fallen behind and others have steped up in their quest to be in the driving seat. The winner of this tournament will be known as the National Champion of Guyana and will take the number one rankings in softball cricket in Guyana. The one ball manto which has been a great hit among the fans will also see a champion being crowned from throughout the zones. The fixtures for this weekend are as follows: Mighty Lions come up against Maracs XI in a battle of the unknown teams. Super bet XI face Prem XI. Super bet XI are a team made up of talented youngsters

from the Cornelia Ida village. The Prem XI have a number of experienced players who will be out to teach the youngsters there is no substitute for experience. Good Fortuin Youths tangle with Unstoppable Youths. Both teams possess great talent but are young in the game as most of the players are under 17, mostly playing hardball cricket on the West Demerara. This game is expected to be close and a winner is hard to pick. Vipers XI face Speedboat SC in a game the Vipers will hope to dispose of seasoned campaigners Speedboat SC. And Crossbreed Warriors tangle with Power XI. Meanwhile, the one ball manto will continue and the winner of the day will be the recipient of a $1,000 credit, compliments of Miss Love (West Coast) trading. The big prize on giveaway will be one touch screen cell phone for the overall winner and king of the manto. Teams wishing to register can contact the following area

boards and reps: BERBICE SOFTBALL LEAGUEOmeshwar Sirikishun – 627-5788; Pinky Arthur – 615-9423;Alston Barrington – 628-8291;James Hart – 628-2391/335-3111; ESSEQUIBO SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Travis Simon – 603-0106/619-2022; Anil Durga – 644-5276; Elroy Stephney – 621-8484; Eckie Persaud – 649-1382; Shermon Austin – 663-8278; LINDEN SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Mortimer Denny – 639-0057/ 442-1562/653-2589; EAST COAST SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Nadir Baskh – 6967285/222-3605; EAST BANK DEMERARA – SHAFEEK MOHAMED – 657-2300/2654729/216-1861;WEST DEMERARA – Ravendra Ramgobin – 276-1381; ESSQ ISLANDS – VEREN CHINTAMAN I E – 6 9 2 9611;BONASIKA – Ashraf Mohamed -665-6138/6649245; AFTER 6PM G U YA N A S O F T B A L L LEAGUE DIRECT Leonard Harprashad – 646-0568/2682458.

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Saturday February 13, 2016

FIFA ethics committee bans Valcke for 12 years ZURICH (Reuters) Former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke became the latest high-profile football official to be kicked out of the sport when he was banned for 12 years on Friday after causing “considerable financial damage” to its scandal-plagued governing body. Valcke was found guilty by FIFA ethics judge HansJoachim Eckert of misconduct over the sale of World Cup tickets, abuse of travel expenses, attempting to sell TV rights below their market value and destruction of evidence. “Valcke acted against FIFA’s best interests and caused considerable financial damage to FIFA, while his private and personal interests detracted him from his ability to properly perform his duties as the Secretary General of FIFA,” said FIFA’s ethics committee in a statement. The Frenchman, whose

job was to ensure the smooth running of FIFA and, in particular, its flagship World Cup tournament, had been right-hand man to now b a n n e d F I FA p r e s i d e n t Sepp Blatter for nearly eight years. FIFA is mired in the worst crisis in its 111-year history, with corruption investigations under way in Switzerland and the United States. Several dozen people, including senior football officials, have been indicted. The ethics committee has already banned Blatter and European football boss Michel Platini for eight years apiece, and more than a dozen other officials have been suspended over the last four years. Valcke was initially investigated over potential misconduct linked to the sale of tickets for FIFA World Cups and other cases were uncovered by Cornel Borbely, FIFA’s chief ethics investigator, dur-

Jerome Valcke speaks as he attends a news conference during his visit to the southern city of Samara, one of the 2018 World Cup host cities, Russia, June 10, 2015. (Reuters/Maxim Zmeyev/Files) ing the course of the inquiry, the statement said. It was found that Valcke had travelled at FIFA’s expense for “purely sightseeing reasons” and had repeatedly chosen private flights over

commercial ones “without any business rationale for doing so.” “Mr Valcke gained an advantage for himself and relatives,” said the statement. The investigation also

Bryant’s swan song to light up All-Star Weekend (Reuters) Kobe Bryant has spent a career tormenting the Toronto fan base and now he is set to entertain it as the NBA’s All-Star Weekend descends on Canada for the first time and welcomes Bryant for his swan song. Set to play in his 18th and final All-Star Game tomorrow, a kinder and gentler Bryant will continue a farewell tour that will conclude his legendary 20-season tenure in the league. The Toronto faithful harbor memories of Bryant registering 81 points against the Raptors in Los Angeles 10 years ago, but in this exhibition of stars they will cheer him on to rediscover old magic and perhaps claim a record fifth All-Star MVP award. In what will be the first AllStar Game played outside the United States, the 37-year-old Bryant - a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers - will have many challengers for the spotlight. Golden State shooting artist Stephen Curry has emerged as the game’s new leading man, and he arrives with team mates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green from a Warriors squad currently setting a record winning pace in the league. Curry and Thompson will also renew their rivalry in the Three-Point Shooting contest on Saturday night after Curry prevailed in last year’s final.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports) The Slam Dunk Contest, Skills Challenge and Rising Stars Challenge, featuring top rookies and second-year players, will also set the table for Sunday’s main event. Oklahoma City Thunder standouts Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two

headliners and former MVPs of the game who will bolster a Western Conference side that has won four of the last five matchups. LeBron James will be looking to reverse the fortunes for the Eastern Conference alongside Carmelo Anthony

and his former Miami Heat team mates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Bosh spent his first seven seasons in Toronto, while current Raptors guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry will be hometown favorites. As much as this weekend will provide a stage for the NBA’s most exciting players, it will also be a showcase of Toronto which has evolved into a respected NBA market since the Raptors were introduced in the 1995-96 campaign. Former high-flyer Vince Carter helped give the Raptors franchise credibility when he mesmerized the All-Star Weekend dunk contest in 2000. But the days of Carter being the lone flag bearer in Toronto are long gone. The Raptors now have emerging talent, a raucous home crowd and back-to-back playoff appearances, and are currently second in the Eastern Conference and poised for a second-half run. But first they will play host to a weekend of entertainment. “It will mean a lot to be able to go out there and represent the home team,” said DeRozan. “That’s what it’s all about: being on the highest level, being able to have people recognize Toronto for its sport ... it’s something the city deserves.”

found that Valcke attempted to grant the 2018 and 2022 Wo r l d C u p t e l e v i s i o n and marketing rights for the Caribbean region to a third party for a fee which was “far below their actual market value”, said the statement. In another incident, Valcke “deliberately tried to obstruct the ongoing proceedings against him by attempting to delete or deleting several files and folders relevant to the investigation,” the statement said. In all he was found to have violated seven articles of the FIFA code of ethics including ones o f g e n e r a l rules of conduct, loyalty, confidentiality, duty of disclosure, conflicts of interest, offering and accepting gifts and obligation to collaborate. Valcke joined FIFA in 2003 as marketing director but was fired in December 2006 for his part in botched sponsorship

negotiations with credit card firms MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc. Yet within months of that settlement, Valcke was not only back at FIFA but was at the helm of the administration as general secretary, answering directly to Blatter. Valcke was largely credited for getting the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments, held in South Africa and Brazil respectively, up and running in time after delays in the preparations. During the run-up to the 2014l tournament, he caused a row by saying that Brazil needed a “kick up the backside” to get the tournament ready on time. Valcke was put on leave by FIFA in September and dismissed in January by FIFA’s emergency committee. He had already implied that he would stand down following the Feb. 26 election for Blatter’s replacement.

Morris magic helps South Africa level series JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) A swashbuckling half-century by Chris Morris hauled South Africa back from the brink of defeat as they scraped past England by one wicket on Friday to level the one-day series at 2-2 with one match left. The all-rounder, batting at number eight, bludgeoned his way to 62 off 38 balls to help South Africa reach their target of 263 with 16 deliveries to spare after Joe Root had made his second successive century for the tourists. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid clean-bowled Morris with a googly with the scores level but number 11 Imran Tahir struck the next ball for four to the relief of a capacity crowd of 22,000. However, it could have been a different story for South Africa had Morris not been dropped by Rashid when he was on 14. “We have put in a lot of work on my batting so I’m really happy I can contribute,” Morris told the presentation ceremony. “I’m very grateful to all the coaches that have thrown balls for me. “When (number seven) Dave Wiese got out I thought we were in strife. It was tense and luckily they dropped me.” Earlier, Root made 109 as England were bowled out for 262 in 47.5 overs. The Yorkshireman, who struck an ODI-best 125 in a losing cause in Pretoria on

Tuesday, saved Eoin Morgan’s side after they had slumped to 108 for six. Opener Alex Hales contributed 50 but it was a 95-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Root and Chris Woakes (33) that helped England, who won the test series 2-1, post a defendable tally. Rashid also chipped in with a quickfire 39 off 26 balls while paceman Kagiso Rabada took the last three wickets to finish with four for 45. Hashim Amla was clean bowled for a duck by the recalled Stuart Broad in South Africa’s first over and the home team looked in trouble when captain AB de Villiers was run out for 36 by the quick-thinking Woakes. South Africa were then left teetering on the brink on 210 for eight before Morris came to their rescue. “We were 30 or 40 runs short even though Joe Root was magnificent,” said England captain Morgan. “It was our game to win at the end. The bowlers bowled out of their skin and the most disappointing thing is we had chances.” The last game of the series is in Cape Town on Sunday. Scores: South Africa 266 for 9 (Morris 62, Rashid 238) beat England 262 (Root 109, Hales 50, Rabada 4-45) by one wicket.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

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PCL First-class cricket

Singh (88*) & Permaul (47) add 113 as wounded Jaguars recover By Sean Devers Rain dictated the flow of play on the opening day of the sixth round PCL First-Class encounter at the Providence stadium yesterday as the Guyana Jaguars reached 2047 against the Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force when bad light stopped play 40 minutes before the re-scheduled 18:00 hrs close. On a truncated day in which 75 minutes were lost due to the adverse weather a fantastic 113-run seventh wicket stand between Vishaul Singh and Veerasammy Permaul rescued the Jaguars from 85-6 to their eventual total. Singh batted brilliantly and demonstrated tremendous temperament and hit 12 fours from 159 balls and 196 minutes in an unbeaten 88. He needs 12 more for his fourth First-Class ton. Permaul played an excellent supporting role before he fell three short of his fourth fifty at this level. His 47 was decorated five fours and lasted 123 minutes and 94

balls. Guyanese Marlon Richards has so far taken 3-31 while Reyad Emrit (2-41). After play began 20 minutes late in overcast conditions due to a drizzle, Guyana opted to bat and Emrit and Richards got prodigious ‘both ways’ lateral movement with the new ball. Chandrika’s outside edged off Richards got him going before Guyana’s newest Test player played two gorgeous boundaries off Emrit in contrasting fashion. The first was an expansive back cut while the second was an effortless push past mid-on. An edged four took Chandrika to 15 before he was bowled by a beauty from Emrit at 15-1. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made 81 in his last innings and took 24 balls to get off the mark yesterday, was bowled by the impressive Emrit for three to leave Guyana on 18-2. The 29-year Jagessar turned the ball a long way on a spin-friendly track and

troubled the left-handers. Assad Fudadin, who lofted Jagessar over his head for two sixes, fell for 18 on the stroke of Lunch when he was bowled by Richards at 47-3. Leon Johnson was on 11. After the interval the left-handed Vishaul Singh stroked Jagessar for consecutive off-side boundaries, while his Skipper was beginning to settle in nicely before another shower, 16 minutes after Lunch, sent the players off the field at 66-3. When play restarted after 55 minutes the Jaguars lost Johnson when he looked set for a big score. He was run out for 23 at 734 when Singh was caught ball watching. Singh danced into Jagessar and whipped him through mid-wicket for four as he and Raymon Reifer tried to repair the early damage. But that was not to be since Reifer (1) was undone by an arm ball from Jagessar to put the visitors in the

ascendency with the Jaguars on the ropes on 85-6. By Tea the Jaguars had progressed to 126-6 with a good partnership developing between Singh, who played some nice shots and picked the gaps well and Veerasammy Permaul, who looked better the longer he batted. Permaul was on 22 and Singh eight away from his sixth fifty. After Tea the sun made its appearance for the first time for the day. Singh reached his fifty with a delicate late cut when Imran Khan bowled one quicker. His half-century came from 109 balls, 121 minutes and included six fours. Singh pressed his foot on the gas, raced into the seventies in a hurry with a flurry of boundaries none better than a glorious drive to the extra cover boundary off Deonarine to post the 150. Permaul swept Khan for four and smashed him through the covers to contribute 27 in the 100 partnership, while Singh scored 57. At that stage, with the moisture gone from the track

Top of table clash in GTT/ GRFU 15 this weekend

and the batsmen looking untroubled, T&T’s Coach Gus Logie must have been very perturbed with the manner his team had let the hosts off the hook. When looking set for a

fifty Permaul played a loose cut off Richards and was caught behind at 198-7. Devendra Bishoo (2) and Singh (88) survived to the close of a day in which 71.4 overs where bowled.

GCUC BGM set for today The Bi -Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) will be held today at the Union Building, Woolford Avenue at 10:00 hrs. Among the items on the

agenda are reports from the various counties’ associations and election of office bearers. Members are asked to make a special effort to be on time so as to facilitate a prompt.

GSL MINOR LEAGUE 10/10 SEMIS ON FOR TODAY Unbeaten Leonora Primary take on Windsor Forest; Uitvlugt battle Tuschen

The competition promises to be keenly contested today and tomorrow.

Sensational Rugby action is anticipated this weekend as teams clash for front runners spots of the GTT/GRFU 15 first Division League this weekend. Pepsi Hornets, with two wins to-date in the league,

would be looking to extend their lead when they clash with UG Wolves in the GRFU 15 league today. Meanwhile, UG would be looking to rebound from their loss to Yamaha Caribs, for their second win in the league.

Pepsi Hornet defeated Police Falcons and Yamaha Caribs while UG Wolves beat Police Falcons. Tomorrow Yamaha Caribs would be looking to pick up from where they left off when they scrum off against the little giants

of the Police Falcons. Games would be played at the National park rugby field starting at four in the afternoon each day (16:00hrs). The tournament is sponsored by Telephone giant, GTT.

The Minor League 10/10 organized by the Guyana Softball League will be played today at The Leonora Primary School Ground and the favorites, who will have home advantage, will be hoping to get past a spirited Windsor Forest Team which have been playing with increasing confidence and unity. The tournament, which consists of trophies and medals for all the semifinalists and other incentives, has been successful as it has seen a growth in softball activities at all the schools and is spreading to other areas. The fixtures are as

follows: Leonora Primary School face Windsor Forest Primary School and Tuschen Primary school versus Uitvlugt primary school. Meanwhile, the one ball manto will also be a feature at these games as prizes can be won for the spectators in credit worth a th o u s a n d dollars as well as other prizes donated by the sponsors.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 13, 2016

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

Defending champs among winners on opening night Defending champ West Side Ballers, Agricola Upsetters, Shattaville Gunners, Pouderoyen Showstoppers and Harmony Ballers were among the teams recording victories on opening night of the 2nd Edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition which was played on Thursday evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Demerara. Played in intermittent rain, West Side Ballers cruised past Crane Raiders by a 3-0 margin with Denny Morgan, Dwayne St. Kitts and Quessey Alleyne netting in the sixth, 14th and 15th minutes respectively. Last year’s losing finalist Pouderoyen Showstoppers squeezed past Best Road Ballers 1-0 with Marvin Josiah’s solitary strike after eighteen minutes separating the two teams. Harmony Ballers sent a strong warning to all pretenders when they hammered Champion Boys 4-0 thanks to a Shaquille McBean brace in the seventh and 13th minute along with single goals from Kevin Richards and Hermon Munroe in the ninth and 12th minutes. Agricola Upsetters beat newcomer Comfort Ballers 1-

0 with Jermin Jefford’s ninth minute goal, the barricade between the two teams. Shattaville Gunners then edged Samaroo Dam 1-0 through a 11th minute Stephon Griffith goal, while Harmony Ballers ‘B’ outlasted DeKinderen United 1-0 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 0-0, while Bagotstown Warriors outlasted Water Street Agricola 3-2 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended scoreless. Brothers United defeated Patentia Street Ballers 2-0 on penalty kicks after normal time ended 0-0. Action in the event is slated to continue on Tuesday with another round of group matches at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac. Following the completion of the group stage quarter-final stage action will kickoff on Thursday, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. Meanwhile, the Launch of the tournament was conducted shortly before the start of play with the winning trophy presented by Banks DIH representative Tony Ramcharran, handing it over to Co-ordinatror Errol Baird in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste

Brigadier Mark Phillips

ACP Paul Slowe

Guyana Defence Force head, Brigadier Mark Phillips was returned unopposed as President of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) on Thursday evening at the Police Officers Mess at Eve Leary when the association held its Annual General Meeting. The event was well attended with a large turnout of members being welcomed by Honorary Secretary Ryan

Sampson and Chairman of the proceedings, Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud. Following reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, Full and Smallbore captains, Persaud and Dale Hing, it was time for elections. As a result of the various nominations the executive to run the affairs of the association, which had a good year despite some challenges, was elected by the members. At-

Part of the action in the West Side Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition being played at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. and other officials. Acconding to Baptiste, the overwhelming response to the event by the fans on the West Demerara has been noticed and from all indications this year’s tournament is anticipated to g e n erate a much bigger turnout. He added that Banks DIH has responded by merging the East Bank Demerara to the tournament for the first time

and according to him the move has stimulated much interest and rivalry among the teams and fans. Additionally, Baptiste stated that the new development can only attest to Banks DIH’s commitment to the communities by creating and promoting constructive social activities. The tournament is expected to last six playing days with 16 teams participating in

the competition. Over $750,000 in total prize monies are up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $300,000, runner-up $200,000, 3rd place - $100,000 and 4th place - $50,000. Baptiste extended thanks to Trophy Stall and Colours Boutique for their continued commitment to community development. The two entities have sponsored the trophies and

uniforms respectively. At the end of the tournament, the top two teams will advance to the national championships. Fans will have a chance on all playing days to win cool Guinness prizes. On the final night two lucky fans will have a chance to win One Guinness Branded desk top cooler. Kick off time is 19:00 hrs each night.

The new executive of the GNRA following the AGM Missing from photo are Brigadier Mark Phillips and ACP Paul Slowe. torney-at-law, Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Sobers served as the Returning Officer for these elections. The full executive chosen by the members are: President Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice Presidents, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul

Slowe and Senior Council Richard Fields, Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson, Treasurer Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Stuart, Assistant Secretary Treasurer Hemant Narine, Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud, Vice Captain Dylan Fields, Smallbore

Captain Dale Hing, Vice Captain Gordon Richards, while the Committee Members are Dr. Yohan Da Silva, Lennox Braithwaite and Sherwin Felicien. The Auditors are Leo Ramalho and Murtland Smith.

Brigadier Phillips was absent following a pressing engagement with Head of State President David Granger. Als o a b s e n t w a s A C P Paul Slowe who is on duties with the West Indies Under-19 team in Bangladesh.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

GABBFF President pays tribute to late George Marshall President of the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Keavon Bess has paid tribute to late and former President and G u y a n a ’s f i r s t I F B B accredited Judge, George Albert Somercille Marshall. Bess in an invited comment said that Marshall can be described as a stalwart of the sport that he has served first as an athlete then administrator. ”The late George Marshall epitomizes the passion for the sport and

George Marshall always showed eminence and dedication. As one of two CAC bodybuilding

judges in Guyana, George was an asset and will be m i s s e d . ” Bess informed that the federation still has a few judges around and will shortly be training more to ensure that quality judging as was the hallmark of Marshall, remains intact at c o m p e t i t i o n s . The GABBFF head further said that the high degree of professionalism that Marshall displayed at all times should be emulated by all as it can only assist in making the sport even better.

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Regal Sports backs WCC T20

GCB congratulates WI U19 Team on reaching World Cup Final The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has extended congratulations to West Indies U19 team on reaching the ICC U19 World Cup Final, by virtue of defeating Bangladesh. The GCB is delighted with the performances of the Guyanese, Shimron Hetmyer, Tevin Imlach and Keemo Paul who have all contributed significantly in the team’s success. The Board gives credit to its Professional Cricket Development Structure, which encompasses collaborated training between established

senior contracted players and emerging national players under the academy programme. This collaborated component of cricket development has advanced valuable support to all players involved, providing a great blend of youth and experience, and promoting the treasured purpose of technical soundness, physical fitness, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and mental toughness. The GCB is of the view, that these youths maturity, grit and determination are semblances of the product of future great cricketers who

have been nurtured under a purposeful and meaningful professional cricket Development structure. We encourage the West Indies U-19 team to continue to demonstrate attributes of professionalism – to be goal oriented and tolerant by exhibiting an unwavering commitment towards attaining set individual and group goals. With such talented youth players, we are confident that they will lift the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016. The West Indies will play India on Sunday in the final.

Zaheer Mohamed (left) accepts the cheque from Regal Sports Sales Representative Richard Latif. The Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) yesterday has received the backing of Regal Sports for the staging of its T20 tournament slated to start tomorrow. Sales representative of the entity Richard Latif presented a cheque of an undisclosed sum to Zaheer Mohamed who accepted on behalf of the WCC at a simple ceremony held at its location 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville.

Latif told Kaieteur Sport that they are happy to be associated with the game on the island and are looking forward to a successful tournament while Mohamed expressed gratitude to the company for their input. Latif indicated that Regal Sports is a department of Regal Stationery and Computer Center which sells cricket bats, gloves, pads, helmets, gears bags and clothing as well as gym, table tennis, basketball,

volleyball, badminton and chess equipment. In the opening fixtures Good Success will face Noitgedacht SC (09:00hrs) and Niotgedacht SC will play Sans Souci Jaguars (13:00 hrs) and the Wakenaam Community Center ground. At G Square SC ground in Belle Plaine, the host will entertain Maria’s Pleasure (09:00hrs) and Sans Souci will take on Zeelandia (13:00hrs).

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 13, 2016

Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap squash Tournament 2016 continues

Taylor Fernandes at full stretch against Alex Melville at the GT Club on Thursday night. (Sean Devers photo) Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel 2016 season is underway with its customary Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts and day 3 continued with several exciting and closely fought matches. In the Open category, defending champion Jason Ray Khalil (-25) easily overcame his handicap in the first game against Brian Yong (+9) only conceding one point, however he was made to fight harder in game two losing just five. Final

scores were 15 - 9, 15 - 13. National champion Nyron Joseph (-20) defeated veteran player Dennis Dias (+10) in two close games, scores were 15 - 13, 15 – 14, while former national champion Regan Pollard (14) disposed of Ryan Rahaman, only conceding a total of ten points winning 15 - 10, 15 - 13. Raphael De Groot (-12) had two nail bitters against Satesh Singh (+7) winning both games at sudden death 15 - 14, 15 - 14. Leading the fight for the plus players who are still left in the tournament are Theron Mohabeer, Joe Mekdeci,

Raphael DeGroot (left) on the attack against Satesh Singh on Thursday night. (Sean Devers photo) Jonathan Hohenkirk and Taylor Fernandes. Joe Mekdeci (+4) easily defeated Lucozade handicap tournament winner Peter Michael De Groot (-10) 15 13, 15 - (-3), while Taylor Fernandes (+5) had to come from one game down before being victorious against fellow junior national player Alec Melville (-2) 12 - 15, 15 - 12, 15 - 9. Theron Mohabeer (+7) had an epic battle with national player Ashley De Groot (+3). After losing the first game 10 - 15, he was down match ball at 11 - 14, then staged a remarkable comeback to win

the second game 15 - 14 and then the third game 15 - 8. Jonathan Hohenkirk (+7) defeated veteran player Henry Jeffrey (+10) 15 - 13, 15 - 10. In category A, Samuel Ince-Carvahal (-8) dropped the first game before storming back to dispose of Jason Gomes (+5) 14 - 15, 15 - 11, 15 - 9. Kirsten Gomes (+5) easily defeated Georgiana Fernandes (+8) 15 - 9, 15 - 5 while Madison Fernandes (+5) brushed aside Nathan Rahaman (+10) with the loss of only five points 15 - 7, 15 - 8. Results of the other

Steven Xavier (left) battles Medhi Ramdhani on Thursday night. (Sean Devers photo) matches played on the evening were as follows: Category A Shiloh Asregado (+12) defeated Beau Fernandes (+12) 15 - 6, 10 - 15, 15 - 10 Nechemiyah Levans (+9) defeated Aliyah Persaud (+7) 15 - 14, 14 - 15, 15 - 13 Mashal Allicock (+11) beat Grant Fernandes (+13) 15 - 5, 15 - 5 Christiana Fernandes (+13) beat Malia Maikoo (+13) 15 - 13, 15 - 13 Open Category Plate Nicholas Narain (-16) beat Connor Allen (+12) 15 14, 15 - 12

Steven Xavier (-4) beat Medhi Ramdhani (+7) 15 13, 9 - 15, 15 - 13 David Fernandes (+10) beat Maya Collins (+11) 15 14, 15 - 9 Daniel Islam (+7) defeated Dominique Dias (+10) 15 - 6, 15 - 13 Timothy Jonas (+10) defeated Andrea King (+10) 15 - 9, 8 - 15, 15 - 6 Jonathan Antczak (+9) beat Robert Hiscock (+10) 15 - 13, 15 - 13 Stephan Jeffrey (+6) beat Johan Da Silva (+10) 15 - 12, 15 - 14 Matches are continuing in all of the categories.

Legend Richards bats for Windies stars in T20 dispute DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Viv Richards Thursday threw his considerable support behind the West Indies squad who are locked in a bitter pay dispute which is threatening their participation in the World Twenty20. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) could be forced to send a second string to the prestigious

tournament in India next month if the 15-man squad refuse to sign contracts before Sunday’s deadline. “In these modern times individuals know exactly what is their worth, and when you have a tournament with Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy, all these are great Twenty20 players,” Richards told AFP.

Sammy, the captain of the team and the man who led the West Indies to the 2012 World Twenty20 title, earlier this week wrote to the WICB asking them to reconsider what he described as an 80 per cent pay cut in players’ fees for the tournament. It is the latest in a series of disputes between the players and the WICB. In

October 2014, the team abandoned their tour of India in another row over money. Richards said that players should be given contracts much more in advance. “What I believe is that sometimes the problem is that the board gives contracts too late and maybe that doesn’t give the players time to digest what is good and what is not good, and they ask them to sign that immediately,” he claimed. We s t I n d i e s g r e a t Richards said it will be a significant loss if a secondstring team is sent to the World Twenty20, to be staged from March 8-April 3. “I am hoping common sense prevails; if everyone comes to a mutual understanding then I think it will be okay. The World Twenty20 would miss all these guys.” Sammy claims that players have been offered

Viv Richards... I am hoping common sense prevails. just $6,900 per match in India with around $27,600 to be made if a player features throughout the tournament. In their 2012 titlewinning campaign, however, the captain said payments ranged from almost $60,000 to more than $135,000. But WICB Chief Executive Michael Muirhead has refuted claims

that the contracts offered represent a fee reduction of as much as 80 per cent from that obtained prior to the latest agreement. “Players were given an opportunity to discuss the new structure and no concerns were raised at that time,” he noted in responding to Sammy and referring to a negotiating (Continued on page 32)

Saturday February 13, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 43

Lady Jags applauded by Coach Rodrigues for Canada performance

Guatemala’s Women National Team will go against Guyana tonight. Guyana’s Women Team, Lady Jags Starting X1 vs Canada. 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 Lady Jags Head Coach Mark Rodrigues has complimented his charges for a fine performance against CONCACAF powerhouse Canada when the two sides met in the feature game of Group B action in the CONCACAF Wo m e n ’s O l y m p i c Qualifying Championship on Thursday evening at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas. Despite losing the match 5-0 to the Canadians Rodrigues believes that the players stuck to the game plan for the most part and that Canada was not able to impose their will on his side. ”I am really proud of the girls; they stuck to the game plan, understanding that we are managing a tournament game by game. They did what they had to do for the most part in the game, granted I would have liked the score to have been a bit lower, that was the aim but the girls did extremely well.” Rodrigues believes that the result sets them up perfectly for the remaining two matches against

Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow and Tuesday. Rodrigues did say that they have devised specific plans for each opponent and that that would be rolled o u t after e a c h m a t c h i s completed. The other group match on Thursday saw Trinidad and Tobago coming back from a goal down to defeat Guatemala 2-1. Against Guatemala and the Twin Island Republic the Coach says he is confident they’ll be successful while noting that Canada should not be too proud of their performance against Guyana. ”Our best players were matched up against their best players who are professional players and they were for a very large portion of the game matched pretty evenly.” The team held a light recovery session yesterday ahead of plans for tomorrow’s match against Guatemala which will be the first of another double header. Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ the nation’s male team played against Guatemala and lost 0-2 in February 2012, the Lady Jags will be seeking to avenge that loss. Rodrigues did take some time to recognize the outstanding players in the

Canada match: “Ashlee Savona, Ashley Rodrigues, Justine Rodrigues and Briana De Souza were definitely the outstanding players in the game. You know, 19 year-old Kailey Leila steeped in on the big stage and did an amazing job at left back and we are all proud of her.”

Goalkeeper Chante Sandiford also had an outstanding game bring off some blinding saves to keep C a n a d a ’s t o p s t r i k e r, Captain Christine Sinclair at bay. Given what was displayed by the Guatemala team, the Lady Jags are well equipped to handle their

challenge that the Central American side will bring to the BBVA Park tomorrow. M e a n w h i l e , H a i t i ’s Women’s National Coach, Shek Borkowski a friend of Rodrigues sent these words of encouragement after viewing the match against Canada. ”Good performance, you

had your tactics right. You will do well against T&T and Guatemala, you only conceded three from open play and you can’t compare their human and financial resources to yours, very well done. I hope that GFF and the Guyana media recognize how well you did.”

Linden’s number one ranked Bulls aiming for national redemption

By Edison Jefford Linden’s number one ranked club, Half Mile Bulls believes it can go all the way in the upcoming National Basketball Championships: The Road to Mecca III, The Jubilee Edition, after its sudden ascendency in the sport locally over the last year. The team’s captain, Kevin Easton elevated its work ethic yesterday in an

Kevin Easton

Travin Dryden

Terron Welch

interview with Kaieteur Sport. “We are going to bring our best game. The first two Mecca we got knocked out in the first round, but this time we are hoping to reach the finals,” he said.

Despite those early exits at the national level, Bulls burst on the scene as a serious contender last August when they stunned current National Champs, Pacesetters in the semis of Forbes Burnham Memorial

Championships before losing to Colts in the Finals. Bulls continued its way to the top of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) ratings with an outstanding (Continued on page 32)

t r o Sp PCL First-class cricket

Singh (88*) & Permaul (47) add 113 as wounded Jaguars recover Vishaul Singh is tight in defence against T&T Red Force during his unbeaten 88.

Veerasammy Permaul drives fellow Guyanese Narsingh Deonarine in his 113 run stand with Vishaul Singh.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

Defending champs among winners on opening night

Banks DIH Representative Tony Ramcharran (2nd left) handing over to Co-ordinatror Errol Baird in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste and other officials.

FIFA ethics committee bans Valcke for 12 years Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210