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

Granger’s prison pardons President David Granger’s prison release programme has come in for some criticism from various sections of the society. There is the view that once a person is sentenced by the courts then that person must spend every day of that sentence in prison. No one can fault that argument-there is an adage, “If you do the crime, you must do the time.” And many have come to realize this. However, there are some who are victims of circumstances and who, upon release, are most unlikely to return to prison. When asked about his programme, President Granger said that for one, he could only recommend the release of a certain number of prisoners. The identity of the prisoner is the responsibility of the Parole Board and the Minister of Public Security. These entities all take the human element into consideration. There was Shireen Khan, a convicted murderer who died in jail. She had conspired with two men to rob a home and in the process, kill a young girl who was in the house at the time. Khan spent almost 30 years in jail, all the while begging to be released so that she could make up for lost time to be with her grandchildren whom she had never seen. On every occasion her petition was denied; her crime was too gruesome for her release to be considered. Two men sentenced with her and should have faced the gallows are still in jail fighting to be released. These men have not been considered a part of President Granger’s package because they committed violent crimes. It is the same with drug dealers. By no stretch of imagination would these be granted an amnesty or a Presidential pardon. They have committed a crime that should beg no pardon, although one must add that some of the most violent criminals have been pardoned. In the first instance, many of them convicted killers who had their death warrants read to them have been taken off death row. These men are now petitioning to be released from prison, citing the length of time they have spent behind bars. It is here that society seems to be divided. There are some who feel that the men have been incarcerated for an inordinately long time and since the death penalty was not carried out, should now be released. That is only one argument. The corollary is that these men should not be allowed to walk the streets again. Women are judged less harshly for obvious reasons. Their release on pardon passes almost unnoticed because the society does not see women as hardened criminals. Yet we hasten to point to the case of convicted killer Evelyn Dick, called Evelyn Taylor. She killed one of her paramours and buried him in a shallow grave in the yard in which she lived. She was sentenced to death but she used her wiles to escape the gallows. While behind prison walls she contrived to become pregnant. She was spared the gallows and subsequently released during the last administration. She is now dead. Former President Donald Ramotar released a convicted child killer who was also sentenced to death. There was a hue and cry from a small section of the society. Many of those who protested are consistent. They are also protesting President Granger’s prison release programme. Should they protest the release? Two schools of thought prevail. The humanitarian side argues that the released prisoner did not pose any threat to society, that they were languishing in an over-crowded prison system and in the case of some women, they still had a chance to rear their children along the proverbial straight and narrow. The other school of thought is the harsh ‘do your time’ policy. In fact, such has been the proponents of the non-release programme that they actually spread the word that some of those released had returned to a life of crime. There was no truth in this but the rumour found favour in the political circles. President Granger promises the release of those marginal criminals. However, the opponents are not backing down.

Thursday February 18, 2016

Letters... Where your views make the news

Praise for policemen at Kitty station DEAR EDITOR, Recently, I was driving along Sheriff Street proceeding north, while approaching the intersection at Garnett street I observed the green light on at the junction+n, I glanced to the right then left of Garnett street which was clear. My eyes quickly flashed at the traffic light again but there was no light on, I wondered wasn’t this light green and working, during the split second thought process the red light came on so I hit the brakes not wanting to cross on red thus causing my vehicle to cause obstruction in the path of a minibus proceeding in the opposite direction that was turning right into Garnett street. The driver of the minibus drove up to my vehicle and started honking his horn clearing drawing attention to everyone around whiles preventing me from correcting the already seemingly bad maneuver on my part. Besides the bus were two traffic policemen on a motorcycle, they saw what transpired and made no hesitation

in coming across to me and in the exercising of their duties they asked me to go into the corner. I was politely asked if I know the reason for being pulled over, I answered in the affirmative and was asked to produce my driver’s license. I told the police something happened at the traffic light but even I was unable to explain at the time so I said I was deeply sorry for causing the obstruction and if I could be given a chance. The lance corporal riding the motorcycle told me it wasn’t a ticket offence and invited me to Kitty Police Station. I drove in front the police rode behind. The constable that was the second rank on the motorcycle escorted me into the station, once inside there was a female officer at the deck, besides her was a male whom I assumed was another officer because of the pants and shoes he wore with a civilian top and a female sergeant. The constable informed the ranks of the incident saying that my action nearly caused an

accident etc. The station was quiet so everyone heard the constable clearly. Then the officer asked me what was my version, I replied by saying “ALL THAT THIS POLICE SAID IS THE TRUTH” I believe it was my tone, honesty and remorse that caught their ears and eyes. I went on to say that something went wrong for a moment with the traffic light and not wanting to cross while the light was red, I stopped causing the obstruction for a short moment and I was deeply sorry. It was the truth, they believed me. All this time the constable was making/writing his entry. I asked for leniency and the sergeant said in clear words; “you are one out of five thousand to come into the police station and say the police is telling the truth”. I quietly asked the constable for a chance. He said if it was up to him he would have given me but I have to ask the inspector or the lance corporal on the motor cycle that brought me in. The constable then (Continued on page 23)

Do lives matter in this country? DEAR EDITOR, On May 16th 2015, Guyana inhaled several breaths of fresh air with the dawning of a new era. To date, we are witnessing the unfolding of the progressive and nationalistic vision of His Excellency, President David Granger. One project that is reflective of our President’s visionary approach to leadership is the enhancement of the Durban Park landscape. Many can remember that in the not too distant past, our children often question whether Tarzan resided at Durban Part. Nevertheless, many citizens are extremely grateful for effort being made to host various activities at this venue during the year of our jubilee. However, a photo that accompanied

an article on the front page of the Guyana Chronicle captioned, “Race on to ‘Prep’ Durban Park For Feb 23", painted a very troubling picture. The photo captured workmen manually lifting what appears to be a 10’’x10’’ greenheart plank, up the steps of the temporary seating accommodation for the Republic Flag Raising ceremony. This photo is troubling because it appears that the safety of workers and visitors to the site is being ignored. Not only were the men not attired with the requisite safety gears, but one of the said workers was barefooted. It is frightening to imagine what would be the result if an accident was to occur. Some visitors who appeared to be integrally involved with the execution

of the project were also observed without safety gears. While our President provides the vision for our country, we as citizens, especially those who are tasked with the management and general overview of national projects, must ensure safety of workers is made a priority, since we are moving to a more progressive and professional country post May 2015. If we are to look for a model as it pertains to enforcement of safety laws and practices, we can revisit the work done by the Ministry of Social Protection early in its existence. All Guyana looks forward to a memorable year of our Jubilee, as the plans for the Durban Park continue to unfold. Jeumayne Dummett

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

Education in Region 10 facing disaster

DEAR EDITOR, I would be grateful, if the relevant authorities can intervene to save the education system in Region No. 10. I was very appalled to learn last week that the top performer for CSEC is a student of Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) and not the Sixth Form school. Head teachers complained that there is hardly any forum whereby they meet as a body to discuss issues affecting them. They claim to have had one meeting per year (Professional Development) over the last three years under the present Regional Education Officer’s stewardship. Children are beaten with rulers and in some cases their ears pinched at prominent nursery schools. Parents are afraid to complain in person since they are usually victimized. Schools are seldom graced by officers for the purpose of supervision; however head teachers are still sanctioned for petty offences. Many school age children are at home unattended, particularly those on the Wismar shore since they are denied placement at schools close to their parents workplace or at schools where their other sib-

lings attend. Many head teachers bemoaned that their schools are always in dire need of supplies and it is always an embarrassing situation when requisitions are made because the signing authority at the Department of Education refuses to sign their ISR books and they are sent back to their school empty handed. Head teachers complain that there is never any money available for the purchase of supplies and to conduct other educational sessions. Since the removal of an appointed Officer last year, the schools in Sub - District No. 2 are supervised by a rehired teacher who in her past tenure meted out unfair treatment to her subordinates. The presence of this retired teacher has forced a number of teachers in the Berbice River to leave the job. One particular Officer has been assigned to work at the same level since her appointment over six or seven years ago. It is common knowledge that an individual who does not have the necessary experience has been placed at the Department to act as an Education Officer, a position for which the individual is not eligible. Head teachers complained that this person is a

not a good communicator. During the latter part of 2015, most events were graced by lengthy speeches from persons seconded to the Department while appointed Officers languished in their offices. Little or no training for teachers (workshops, seminar) is being conducted. None funded by CPCE was done in the Berbice River during the latter part of 2015.Teachers complained that those close to the Regional Head is given preferential treatment while others not so fortunate face the wrath. If you visit the Department on any given Friday, you will be greeted by persons attired in clothing that is suited for the dancehall and you are denied entry if you are deemed to be improperly attired. Mr. Editor, I would wish that this letter be published since all these complaints are well known by the two (2) key Officers at Central Ministry, who continue to reward their favourites in Region No. 10 for non-performance. In some cases, we are told to return to Region No. 10 with our complaints. This is synonymous to trying the Devil’s case in Hell. Concerned Teacher (name supplied)

The newness of gov’t must not exempt it from criticism MR. EDITOR, Perhaps, it is not too soon to pay closer attention to the new coalition government’s actions so far, even if only ten months in office. Many bloggers seem inclined to overlook what may be somewhat questionable actions by them as either teething pains or not as bad as the previous government or that they must be given time to get things right. Unfortunately, reports on the rational for a 50% raise in pay, reshuffling, renaming and number of Ministries, the surveillance fiasco, absence on details on the new renegotiated financial terms for the airport expansion and new Durban Park project, conflicting statements and blurred areas of Ministerial responsibilities seems less understandable than one would have expected from the new government. Added to this, only one person was charged with wrong doing, with one

other individual being sought thru INTERPOL, who by the way, claims his lawyer and government already know his address from papers filed in response to the charges made against him. These two are the only ones charged so far, although there are multiple charges of wrong doing by previous PPP officials. Another area of interest is exactly how much money was found in the Treasury on assuming office, since we were told it was more or less bare by the new government, although monies are being used with little problems. The voters should want competency, transparency and honesty from their government regardless of party affiliation. The success of the new government may eventually depend on how involved Mr. Granger is in both policies and how it is implemented if Guyana is to get better governance than the Ramotar led old. Too much unfettered del-

egation to old ideological minded Ministers may become a problem. The PPP must learn from their mistakes and become a better and more responsible opposition than was seen in the past. Their supporters must become more critical and demand better or change their leaders. Just saying - all parties’ supporters must insist on better representation and governance if their best interest is to be served. It may not be too soon to pay closer attention to the new government’s actions. N. Augustus

Suicide is tragic; the media must be careful

DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Equality Forum and collaborating partners, Global Shapers Community – Georgetown Hub, Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) - Guyana and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), charge the local media to be careful and responsible when reporting in Guyana. The alarming rise in suicide and attempted suicide has propelled the issue of the state of mental health in Guyana to the forefront of public discourse. The media has been steadfast in its coverage of this issue, and must be commended for keeping the issue prominent in an effort to find solutions. While we recognize that suicide affects us all, and will continue to be a subject of news, media coverage should be done in a manner that is responsible and supports the national effort to curb suicide in Guyana. The groups have observed that in the reporting of suicide stories, the age, means, identity, suspected reasons and other factors are expressed in detail in reports published by the local media. Added to this, the use of sensational headlines and the fanfare of media broadcast on suicide as “breaking news” provide unintended glorifications of these acts to persons who are already contemplating suicide. Not only is such reporting irresponsible, but it can contribute to the phenomenon known as “Copycat Suicides.” Anecdotal evidence suggests that this may also be happening in Guyana. The Guyana Foundation, the leading Civil Society Organisation working on mental health locally, cites overwhelming evidence from over fifty international studies which indicate that media reports about suicide have been associated with an increased rate of suicide and suicide attempts where the reporting: 1) explicitly details the suicide method and loca-

tion; 2) is prominent, repeated, and uses dramatic/ graphic headlines or images, and; 3) sensationalizes or glamorizes the death. According to Ministry of Public Health’s Caitlin Vieira, Psychologist and Addiction Specialist at the Georgetown Public Hospital, people sometimes do not even know how to complete suicide. However, through media reports showing pictures or clips of the methods used and unnecessary details of the means, or substances and amounts used, persons contemplating suicide are exposed to information which does not help them. Persons struggling with suicidal ideation are oftentimes suffering from depression, which carries a high risk of suicide. This was supported by CUSO’s Mental Health Researcher, Abdel Fudadin, who posited that the media broadcasts the identities and reasons showing little consideration for the affected families and communities. This places those suffering in the national spotlight during the grieving process and they are often stigmatised and blamed by the public for not doing enough or being the cause. These are people, he said, that are victims of the aftermath of loved ones taking their life and when they suffer terribly the media does more harm than good through insensitive reporting. It is imperative, in light of the spike in suicide rates, that the media be a partner in combating this ill in our society. The Ministry of Public

Health has begun hosting workshops for the media on how to report on suicide in Guyana; we strongly encourage all media houses to participate in these sessions. The Guyana Equality Forum, Global Shapers Community-Georgetown Hub, POTS - Guyana and SASOD endorse the following guidelines by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for suicide reporting: Take the opportunity to educate the public about suicide;· Avoid language which sensationalizes or normalizes suicide, or presents it as a solution to problems;· Avoid prominent placement and undue repetition of stories about suicide;· Avoid explicit description of the method used in a completed or attempted suicide;· Avoid providing detailed information about the site of a completed or attempted suicide;· Word headlines carefully;· Exercise caution in using photographs or video footage;· Take particular care in reporting celebrity suicides;· Show due consideration for people bereaved by suicide;· Provide information about where to seek help; and Recognize that media professionals themselves may be affected by stories about suicide.· The groups believe that the local media can be a strong partner in the fight to prevent suicide and combat mental illness in Guyana by implementing the WHO guidelines on suicide reporting. Jairo Rodrigues

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Task Force proposes bold recommendations to help improve UG A five-year minimum initial tenure for the incoming Vice Chancellor and the immediate establishment of a broad-based Committee have been listed among the recommendations by the University of Guyana (UG’)s Transformational Task Force, which recently convened its inaugural sitting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The 30-member Task Force, which was officially appointed last week, comprises representatives from constituent groups of the University, stakeholders representing the Government of Guyana, the private sector, civil society, and regional and international academics and professionals. Following deliberations, the Task Force was mandated to complete a report for the attention of UG Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris. Professor Harris had spearheaded the formation of the Task Force to help restructure and reposition the tertiary institution. Issues discussed by the Task Force were placed into three broad headings: Governance, Resource Mobilisation and Options for Funding UG, and Quality Assurance - Academic

- proposes five-year term for Vice Chancellor Issues/Student Services. The three areas were used by the Task Force to make concrete recommendations on the way forward for the University. It was from discussions in this regard that the Task Force was able to issue a set of bold recommendations to reposition and restructure the institution and provide the basis for the University Community and the Council to prepare a Strategic Plan that would lift the University to greater heights. During its deliberation, the Task Force recognised the need for a Committee to assess and make recommendations for adjustments and/or amendments to the University’s Act and Statutes including the composition of the Council and the core competencies required for effective Governance. In this regard, it was agreed that the University should immediately seek the formal support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to facilitate this process as part of the Bank’s Institutional Development for UG. It was also noted that a

critical imperative in the transformation process must be the recognition by all stakeholders that UG is an autonomous institution. The Task Force members also conceded that “there must be strict adherence to the principles of effective governance being dependent on inter alia, vision, dedication, time commitment, leadership, transparency, openness and objectivity and trust.” It was also agreed upon that UG, through its Council, must be accountable to the Government, students, staff, donors, alumni and the wider Guyanese community. “In keeping with the principle of effective governance, there should be a clear distinction between the Council’s role in approving and overseeing policy in accordance with the provisions of the Act, Statutes and Regulations and that of the Administration whose role is to execute policy and be responsible for the day to day administration of the University.” Further, it was recommended that consideration be given

urgently to the inclusion of a Legal Officer of the University as part of the Institution’s Administrative and Organizational Structure, and that a Corporate Communications and Integrated Marketing Strategy be accorded a high priority so as to ensure a greater level of visibility for the University. Additionally, the Task Force has concurred that the new Vice Chancellor, whose tenure should be for a minimum of five years in the first instance, be given the opportunity to assess and take the lead in executing the

approved recommendations of the Task Force. It has also been recommended that the incoming Vice Chancellor be allowed to provide a vision, lead development of a Plan to achieve that vision and make recommendations for Administrative re-structuring as necessary. With resource mobilization and options for funding UG in mind, the Task Force recommended that the Office of Planning and Development be reorganised, expanded and empowered to take the lead in the Resource Mobilisation initiatives and measures identified by the Task Force and the agencies and individuals to be engaged to give effect to the recommendations. “Those options should be considered to enable and expect Academic Faculties/ Schools to undertake initiatives to assist in supporting their academic activities (e.g. research grants, travel to meetings, etc.). Such initiatives should include consultancies in specific areas of Faculty/ School specialisation with a cost sharing mechanism for allocating resources obtained therefrom,” outlined the Task Force in its report. In focusing on quality assurance-academic issues/ student services, the Task Force noted that quality assurance, academic issues and the provision of adequate student services at UG are complex and involve matters requiring a refocusing of the culture of the University to treat with these critical matters. It was also concluded that creating a profile of the University and defining and creating it as an ideal institution would require that students must be accorded a

high priority. It was also decided that urgent consideration be given to the rationalisation of the University’s Time Table to enable adequate planning for participants managing and overseeing University activities. Recommendations by the Task Force also included that efforts be made at every level of the University to enable greater efficiency and the elimination of waste, and that there is the immediate updating of all University policies and the creation of manuals for specific areas of the University operations where these do not exist. The Task Force has also recognised that the University be refashioned to give the Faculties a greater role in the management of the University, and that the incoming Vice-Chancellor be empowered and mandated to take the lead in mobilizing the entire University community to embrace a culture of “best practice” in every sphere of the University’s operations. The need for a Quality Assurance Unit and ongoing efforts to improve the teaching skills of the academic community to be established as a matter of priority has been recommended by the Task Force. It was also seen as necessary that “curriculum and curriculum reform be given priority and that the assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank be sought in facilitating this as part of the institutional support to the University, and capacity building as well as forging structured and formal linkages with other Universities and Colleges.” The Task Force has also noted that there is greater accountability from Academic and Administrative staff to (continued on page 24)

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

Portia ‘Maths’ It Wrong...

Blunders On Age Of Independent Jamaica The Gleaner - People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller made a major faux pas while speaking at the launch of her party’s manifesto in Kingston on Tuesday. Simpson Miller, while trumpeting the achievements of her Government, said that Jamaica gained independence 44 years ago - that’s 10 years fewer than the actual age.

“After 44 years of independence, the economic plan of the PNP is designed to lift our nation and people from third world to first world status,” she said. Unmindful of her mistake, Simpson Miller in her presentation in the function, held at the Jamaica Pegasus, said it is not an impossible dream to move Jamaica to first world status. Jamaica gained inde-

pendence on August 6, 1962, nearly 54 years ago. Simpson Miller continued: “The 21 main planks of our manifesto, 2016, represent the next phase of our national project of infrastructure and economic expansion and social renewal.” She said Jamaica’s economic turn-around is a result of deliberate policy action by her Government.

Assembly in Venezuela approves pardon for political prisoners

Lilian Tintori (R), wife of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and Eveling Trejo De Rosales (2nd-R), wife of jailed former mayor of Maracaibo Manuel Rosales, demonstrate before a session of the National Assembly, in Caracas (AFP Photo/Juan Barreto) Caracas (AFP) - Lawmakers in Venezuela’s oppositioncontrolled legislature approved an amnesty for jailed foes of President Nicolas Maduro, who has pledged to veto the bill. The elected socialist president maintains that there are no political prisoners in Venezuela; The opposition disagrees. “This law is aimed at ending the era of prison and persecution for those who simply think differently. We cannot talk about justice when there are political prisoners, and political exiles,” lawmaker Delsa Solorzano said on presenting the bill. Elias Jaua, a pro-government lawmaker, slammed the bill as “criminal amnesia.” “From this moment forward, we are disregarding this legislation. We urge all government, civilian and military authorities to do the same,”

he said. The amnesty bill seeks the release of 75 jailed dissidents. “There is not going to be a coup here, or social unrest. Just a transition from authoritarianism to democracy,” said opposition MUD coalition leader Jesus Torrealba. Maduro has introduced emergency economic mea-

sures that give him heightened powers to intervene in the stricken, state-led economy. Venezuela has the world’s biggest known oil reserves but has suffered as crude prices have fallen sharply. Citizens are suffering shortages of basics such as toilet paper and cooking oil.

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Millions to be invested in THE BUDGET AND developing family system THE FUTURE OF THE - Govt. to revise Domestic Violence,

Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence is keen to place the spotlight this year on developing the family structure within the Guyanese society. She also wants to revise some key laws. Lawrence said that this is all part of the Ministry of Social Protection’s objectives for 2016. These are framed within the parameters of equitable distribution for the benefits for all Guyanese as extracted from the Sustainable Development Goals. Lawrence said that to help fulfill this vision, there has been a 42 percent hike in the Ministry’s budget for 2016, taking it to $13 billion. The Minister said that this will help to not only improve the services offered, but also to expand its reach to vulnerable and far flung communities. THEFAMILY Lawrence said that the family is the fulcrum upon which the Ministry of Social Protection and, by extension, the government, has envisioned this and future budgets. She said, “We acknowledge that the Guyanese family is in dire straits, and so this year we will intensify our efforts to target the restoration of the family as a foundation institution. Broken, dysfunctional families produce broken youths, who often cannot find employment and sometimes engage in delinquent behaviour.” She added, “Through the Probation Department, the

Sexual Offences Acts - Lawrence

Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence Ministry is working with several partners on the option of alternative sentencing for firsttime offenders so that we can rehabilitate, instead of condemn youths to penal institutions. With the positive economic outlook and increased investment in education, I am sure we will provide gainful employment for our youths.” Lawrence said that her Ministry will provide training schemes to help fathers, mothers and caregivers improve their parenting skills. The Parliamentarian said that much of the Ministry’s focus in 2016 will be on the welfare and protection of children. She said, “Our commitment to children is also

Dem boys seh ...

Singing lustily in the cages Is very uncomfortable when people accustom to one thing and then dem got to do without it. Is like when a man accustom to sugar in he tea; if people tek way de sugar he got problems drinking that tea. Is de same thing when a man accustom to sleeping pun a soft bed. If he got to sleep pun cold concrete he gun punish. He might even get sick. Kwame was a big one; de way he behave it look like after de president was he. This was a man who brick up Benschop vehicle and beat up Benschop. And although de police had all de evidence no one of dem coulda touch Kwame. Instead, dem lock up Benschop. But dem boys seh, happy living nah long life. De same Kwame who use to pull gun pun people and get away wid it now sleeping pun cold concrete. Dem boys seh that de police hold he fuh Crum-Ewing murder. If he been deh when Crum-Ewing get shoot that he carry he gun pulling one step too far. But from de time de police pick up he friend he shooda jump pun a plane and go to Trinidad. If he did do that he wouldn’t be sleeping in a cage like a bird. And if he think that he woulda get company fuh sleep de police got more sense than that. Dem buss up de cuckoo party—all of dem deh sleeping in a different cage in a different station. But dem boys seh that if de government didn’t change all of dem woulda been walking pun de road threatening and even killing people. Tomorrow, some people walking wid an organ to back up de singers. Dem boys seh that a lot of people singing; some singing bass and some singing tenor. Talk half and wait fuh hear de whole tune when de singing done.

shown in the increase in budgetary allocation from $253 million in 2015 to $471 million this year. This is money intended to help us target child abuse, especially sexual abuse, introduce a Teen Prevention Pregnancy (TPP) programme; launch a campaign for child protection and implement the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme that will include licensing of Day Care facilities.” Lawrence explained that it will also include infrastructure works at the various buildings which house operations of the key agency. She said that emphasis will be placed on deinstitutionalizing the 700plus children in formal care. The Minister said that every child in Guyana belongs to a family, whether biological, foster or adoptive, and so her Ministry will work to find families for these children. She said, too, that the Ministry will also introduce greater financial support for families, including micro credit for both male and female single parents. While cash transfers are helpful to persons in dire circumstances, Lawrence said that there is a need to move holistically to help families seeking public assistance by offering skills training available through other Government agencies. Lawrence said that the Women of Worth (WOW) programme will now be known as the POWER programme. She said that the acronym POWER means: People of Worth Entrepreneurial Resources. The Social Protection Minister said that while in the past, WOW focused on women, POWER will provide loans to both males and females. “But it would be remiss of me, to avoid raising a matter of concern. It relates to the specter of child abuse which is now stalking our society. One of the major programmes targeting this scourge in 2016 is the launching of a campaign using all the media outlets to raise the level of awareness of the Guyanese population to the plight of children who suffer abuse.” The politician said that this is in an effort to propel them into action to root out the scourge of child abuse in the society. She said that she wants her Ministry to cut a covenant with all communities in Guyana to be more protective of our children. Through this covenant, Lawrence said that the public will be educated on the destruction to the health (continued on page 24)

COALITION GOVT.

The Budget debates are over. By this time this is published, the Committee of Supply should be wrapping up its work. This is therefore a good time to assess how the debates went. The government side allowed itself to be drawn almost entirely into responding to the PPP criticisms of the Budget by the PPP. There has to be some room for this but the government side allowed the opposition to set the tone of the debate. The government side should have used the debates not just to counter the criticisms made by the opposition but they should have spent more time explaining more their policies in the respective sector for the next year. Insufficient attention was paid to this area within the result that the debates were reduced to a tit-for-tat between the two sides of the House. If anything, the PPP got the better of them. They used powerful slogans to brand the Budget. The government side could not do the same because they were concentrating too much on defense and too little in creating their own brands. The content of the Budget played right into the PPP’s hands. Many of the projects, including the infrastructural projects, were projects which the PPP had either in stream of lined up. The PPP capitalized on the fact that the new administration came up with little new ideas and was essentially engaged in a

policy of continuity of PPP policies and projects. The few areas of deviation did not seem to be well thought out or were based on a misunderstanding of what went before. When the government came into power it dumped a major project which provided income for Amerindians. But what has it replaced it with? The Marriott Hotel should have been up for sale by now. The Marriott Hotel is still around contradicting all that the government said it would have done. It was said that there will be no sole sourcing in the health sector but the MOU signed in relation to the hospitality sector was described by the opposition as being a case of sole sourcing. It is left to be seen if and when a contract is consummated whether this will indeed be the case. APNU said before it came to office that the economy needed to grow at faster rate. It is projecting a growth rate for 2016 of over 4%. This is based almost entirely on the increases anticipated in gold production from investments which were made under the

PPP. The issue of course is not when the investments made, it is lack of details on what major investments the new government hopes to achieve. It cannot afford to sit on its laurels and hope that the PPP investments in the petroleum will deliver a windfall. There has to be growth strategy and one had anticipated that this growth strategy would have been outlined in the new Budget. All of this served as fodder for the opposition. They went to work against a politically inexperienced opposition which was forced to defend itself against a wellplanned and orchestrated attack. The opposition came out looking and smelling good. The government side showed its inexperience. These are early days yet but the government must convince the people of Guyana that this growth rate that they have projected and which is far below what they said was needed for the country, is achievable. If the economy underperforms then the PPP will win and win big the next time.

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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Team Legacy, Team Benschop, Independents and breeze I was having lunch at Excellence Restaurant on Charlotte Street, last Monday, with Leonard Craig and Marlon Williams, of the Alliance for Change, and Ronald Shepherd, Deputy REO of Region Three, when two young men I knew came up to the table and joined us. During the conversation something happened that startled me – the two young men were in the leadership of Team Legacy, one of the many groups outside of the traditional party structure contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections. This was news to me. I didn’t know they were interested in politics. I really didn’t follow the news on Team Legacy. Naturally I know of Team Benschop. This revelation has put me in a really ticklish situation. How am I going to

vote at the proportional representation (PR) level? I know in my constituency, Turkeyen, I will give my X to Brian Mackintosh. I am still uncertain about my PR vote though I am certain it will not go to APNU+AFC. I have a deep philosophical problem with the same party controlling central power and local power. And we are not dealing with a long standing democratic society. We are living in Guyana, a traditional authoritarian state. A caveat is important at this stage. If you accept the man, David Granger, the President of this country as being a well-intentioned democrat, that doesn’t mean that the state in Guyana is not authoritarian. The state in 2016 in Guyana is a reversion to the overdeveloped colonial state

and it is deeply authoritarian. Not because David Granger is democratic it means that Guyana is. Barack Obama is democratic but the US is a troubled country with serious forms of racism. I cannot look into my philosophical mind and accept the structure of power being in the hands of the same organization at both the local and central level. That is not the way I understand the concept of the distribution of power. But even if I wanted to, it would be the abandonment of my intellectual training and long praxis, to vote for the APNU-AFC coalition in the Local Government poll for the honest reason that I do not see revolutionary vision and transformative culture in the Government of Guyana.

I believe both Nagamootoo and Granger are not leaders who are prepared to embrace a maverick, radical pathway. Such a direction is vital for the moral and cultural reconstruction of Guyana. This is a socially, morally damaged nation of which the depth of recovery compels Guyana to seek visionary, transformational leadership. Guyana may have some clean, non-corruptible, nationalistic men and women in office but these are not the factors that a destroyed nation like Guyana needs to take into the future. It needs transformational leaders with strong will and determination to go into unchartered waters. This has been a long detour from the subject of Local Government Elections. One doesn’t know what life holds and humans are particularly a disappointing species, but it will be best for this country if fresh faces with fresh ideas make the journey into the political kingdom of

this country. And we are seeing this with Local Government Elections. I know the two young men that I had lunch with on Monday have a good intellectual grasp of the theory and practice of Guyanese politics. We spent about three hours at the Oasis Café four months ago discussing Guyanese history and Guyanese politics. The ideas were impressive. Such young men are good prospects for the political future. Mark Benschop invited me and KN journalist, Rawle Welch, into his campaign office at Quamina and Thomas Streets last week. There we saw very young Guyanese with a passion to change the way city politics is practised. When you look at these newcomers you are stunned that people who have been in the Council for over twentyfive years and have destroyed localized democracy will be running against these fresh faces. Then there are the

Frederick Kissoon Independents. There is Pastor Wendell Jeffrey. From his voluminous letters in the local newspapers, it would appear that Guyana has found another democratic voice outside of the traditional three-party hegemons – PNC, PPP and AFC. He is contesting the ward that I was born into – Wortmanville. Unfortunately I will be voting in Turkeyen. But I wish the Pastor well. As we come down to the elections, some nasty things are being revealed about the dinosaurs that controlled the City purse for so long. But strangely, I do not hear about any castigation from the APNU-AFC leadership. What about the controversies of contracts given out by City Hall for the clean-up campaign? Sounds like PPP style to me.

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

GTU continues protest against TSC...

Threatens nationwide strike if favourable response not forthcoming “We shall overcome some day,” sang those protesting outside the Brickdam, Georgetown Teaching Service Commission (TSC) yesterday. The occasion represented the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) continued call for a replacement of the TSC. This is the fourth week of the GTU-spearheaded action which followed on the heels of the TSC’s move to appoint a teacher thereby disregarding an injunction filed by the GTU in the High Court to prevent the TSC from appointing teachers until a review of the teachers’ promotion process is done. The injunction filed by the GTU had also called on the Ministry of Education’s Schools Board Secretariat to also halt its promotion process. Although the School Boards Secretariat had adhered to the request of the GTU, the TSC was not prepared to do so, at least not for the 2015 promotions. TSC Chairman, Ms. Leila Ramson, had indicated that it was not feasible for a review of the thousands of applications already processed. She related that

the ongoing court matter is one that has also stalled senior promotions for 2016. The move by the TSC to undermine the injunction and appoint a teacher, forced the GTU to challenge the TSC which resulted in a move by the TSC to rescind the appointment and issue an apology to the GTU. However, this was not enough to appease the GTU which has since been calling on Government to replace the Commission which is headed by Ms. Ramson. Protesting yesterday were GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte and General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald, representatives from the Union’s branches and teachers from the West Demerara, Berbice and Georgetown areas. But despite the many calls for Government to adhere to its call, Lyte yesterday said, “So far we have had limited response from the administration who we know has the authority to replace this Commission that is not working in the interest of our teachers.” The GTU President noted

The protest action in session yesterday

that although the Union has written to President David Granger, no response has been forthcoming. “I believe that Government is acting too slow...if you have the nation’s teachers at heart, if you have the children at heart, if our teachers are not happy in the classroom then they can’t deliver in the classroom and this is having a rippling (continued on page 19)

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 18, 2016

I never requested vehicle in 2014 budget proposal - Nandlall refutes AG’s claims

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall is contending that his 2014 budgetary proposal did not contain any entry for the purchase of a vehicle and he has called on his successor, Basil Williams, to account for the $16M luxury SUV. He issued this call during a press conference at Freedom House yesterday, before the examination of the budget estimates were scheduled to begin. As then Minister of Legal Affairs, Nandlall explained he had submitted to the Minister of Finance the budgetary proposals in November 2014. He made it clear that his proposal did not include the purchase of a vehicle for his use. “The Ministry had

- says Attorney General clumsily trying to blame him purchased a vehicle for the use of the Attorney General in the year 2013 so obviously I did not request another vehicle in the year 2014,” he said. “However, we had a change of government and they presented their budget for 2015 in the month of August.” He noted that when he examined the budgetary proposals for Ministry of Legal Affairs at that time, he observed that they had put in for a vehicle. He recounted that he had enquired about the use for the vehicle in the Committee of Supply; the

response was that it was for Williams’ use. “In fact he went on to say that it was for his use and the price quoted was for $16.5M. He went on to say that the vehicle which he is currently using, that is the vehicle that I was using, causes him some discomfort on his shoulder.” He noted that the budget was passed and the sums appropriated for purchasing the vehicle. According to Nandlall, however, a different tune was sung this year in the Committee of Supply. “This year during the Committee of Supply, I

From left: Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall with PPP Chief Whip Gail Texieira enquired from the Minister of Legal Affairs what the status of the vehicle approved in last year’s budget was, because I am not seeing him driving any new vehicle. And then he launched into a tirade about a fraud being perpetuated. He attempted in a very clumsy fashion to ascribe fault elsewhere.” “Now, if that is so he is the Minister!” Nandlall stressed. “It was his budget and (a) vehicle (was) ordered under his watch. If the wrong vehicle came, that is the

matter for him and his staff. So I am completely flummoxed at the outpourings of the Attorney General in Parliament on this issue.” “When one examines his budget for this year, it indicates in the capital accounts that he has actually purchased the vehicle for $16.5M. That is what his budget says. The vehicle was paid for and it forms the asset base of the Ministry of Legal Affairs. That is what he presented as part of the 2016 budget.”

The former Attorney General acknowledged the explanations offered by Williams- that he did not have the vehicle, that he paid half the money as an advance and that it was not delivered but the advance was returned to the Ministry of Finance. “I do not know whether that is so,” Nandlall reiterated. “I am going with what was presented as the 2016 budget. The 2016 budget shows that the Attorney General’s Chambers (continued on page 24)

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

Death of four-year-old…

Traffic ranks to take statement from father Traffic ranks are awaiting a statement from the father of a four-year-old child, who died two days after she was involved in an accident on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown on January 11, last. The child, Paula Waterman, was the pillion rider on her father, Paul’s motorcycle when the bike allegedly suffered a ‘blowout.’ This caused the older Waterman to lose control of his motorcycle and slam into a utility pole. The Lodge Nursery School student was flung about 10 feet away from the point of impact, while her father collapsed nearby. They were taken to the hospital where little Waterman died in the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and her father remains at patient at the hospital. The father and his daughter were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the older

Dead: Paula Waterman Waterman was speeding when the accident occurred. Residents in the area said that Paul, a coconut vendor, would usually speed on the roadways. The senior police source said that ranks are still

investigating the accident. He said that at this point traffic ranks are awaiting a statement from the father, who is hospitalized at the GPHC. “If the investigation shows that the father was responsible for the accident, then he will be charged for causing the death of the child by dangerous driving,” the source said. Meanwhile, Traffic Chief Dion Moore continuously urged motorcyclists not to ride unless they have proper helmets. In the event of an accident, he said, the helmet will offer some protection. “Do not ride unless you have proper safety helmets. They (helmets) will protect you in the event of an accident.” With respect to towing, the Traffic Chief said that motorcyclists should only carry one person. “A lot of parents are towing very small children. They should desist from this practice; it is not safe for you, the children and the general public.” Investigations are ongoing.

Caribbean countries hide billions in Swiss bank accounts News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., A report from the D.C.-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has revealed billions of dollars held by many around the world including from the Caribbean or with ties to the region – in nearly 60,000 internal Swiss bank documents from 2006 to 2007. Among the top account names in the files the late former Haitian President Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, who was accused of having looted up to $900 million before fleeing his country. The top 10 are as follows: 1: The Bahamas: The Bahamas was number one with over 200 accounts totaling over US$7 billion. Fifty-five Bahamian citizens or passport holders were associated with accounts at HSBC. 2: The Cayman Islands: The Cayman Islands with 212 accounts totaling US$4.3 billion made it to number two on the list but none of the account holders were citizens or passport holders. 3: British Virgin Islands: Coming in a number three was the British Virgin Islands with over 677 accounts worth some US$4 billion. However, none of the account holders were citizens or passport holders.

4: Barbados: Taking the number 4 spot was Barbados with US$1 billion among 14 accounts. None had Barbadian nationality or a passport. 5: Suriname: Nine accounts listing Suriname as their account location had over US$722 million in the Swiss accounts. These include one Suriname national. 6: Bermuda: There were 65 accounts associated with Bermuda that totaled over US$609 million putting it surprisingly in the 6h spot. 7: Aruba: At number 7 on the list is Aruba with five clients holding over US$480 million but none were born there. 8: Antigua & Barbuda: With over US$288 million between 7 accounts, Antigua & Barbuda took the number eight spot on the list. However, none of its own nationals had accounts there. 9: U.S. Virgin Islands: At number 9 on the top 10 list was the U.S. Virgin Islands with holding over US$83 million. Among them were five born in the USVI. 10: Cuba: Rounding out the top ten list was Cuba with 29 clients holding over US$83 million in Swiss accounts. A team of journalists from 45 countries unearthed the secret bank accounts maintained for

criminals, traffickers, tax dodgers, politicians and celebrities. Hervé Falciani, a former HSBC Switzerland employee, leaked the accounts. The documents were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists via the French newspaper Le Monde. ICIJ enlisted more than 140 journalists from 45 countries, including reporters from Le Monde, the BBC, The Guardian, 60 Minutes, Süddeutsche Zeitung and more than 45 other media organizations. The reporters found the names of current and former politicians from Britain, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kenya, Romania, India, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Paraguay, Djibouti, Senegal, the Philippines and Algeria, among others. They found several people on the current U.S. sanctions list, such as SelimAlguadis, a Turkish businessman alleged to have supplied sophisticated electrical goods to Libya’s secret nuclear weapons project, and Gennady Timchenko, a billionaire associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin and one of the main targets of sanctions imposed on Russian individuals and businesses in response to the annexation of Crimea and the crisis in eastern Ukraine.

Page 21

Man who received Presidential pardon jailed again A 20-year-old man who received a Presidential pardon last year, was yesterday jailed for 18 months, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping from lawful custody when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Joshua Joseph, 20, admitted that on February 13, while in custody at the Brickdam Police Station pending investigation into a robbery, he escaped. He was sentenced to jail even though he tried to justify his actions before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, told the court that on the day in question, Joseph was being escorted to court by a Police Constable when he escaped. He said that

Joshua Joseph Kester McPhoy Joseph began to behave disorderly and assaulted the cop. According to the Prosecutor, the man managed to remove his handcuffs. The

Prosecutor explained that the officer was unable to pursue Joseph because he was guarding other prisoners at the time. The court was told that on February 15, the police (continued on page 24)

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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Thursday February 18, 2016

SALON

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VACANCY 1 Massage therapist, 1 pedicurist for new spa-Call: 696-7337 for details Continued on page 23

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 23

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

Gov’t representatives should have attended DEAR EDITOR, My attention was drawn to the subject captioned “Agri Ministry challenges severance projection for Wales workers” that was carried in another section of the media on February 16. Had the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) attended the Morau House symposium symposium they could have been edified on the context that the severance was articulated. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to appreciate that when the lives of 1,800 workers are at stake, it’s an occasion of solemnity. My assumption was based on 1,500 out 1,800 workers opting for severance, taking into consideration the provision in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, which at Clause 21 (4) (b)states inter alia “severance or redundancy shall not apply where the employee unreasonably refuses in case of redundancy to accept an offer of re-employment by the same employer at the same place of employment or WITHIN A RADIUS

OF 10 MILES THEREFROM under no less favourable conditions than those such employee enjoyed immediately prior to the termination”. Uitvlugt is 21 miles from the host estate, Wales; as such employees have a clear option to deny redeployment to Uitvlugt and opt for severance. It was under this assumption, given the long distance of commuting between the 2 estates, corroborated by previous instances of redundancies where workers opt for severance as a first choice and the current labour establishment at Uitvlugt that informed my estimate. At the symposium I estimated that the cost of severance to 1,500 workers based on an average 15 years of service and an average weekly income of $15,000 will be approximately $675M. Provision was made for a section of the workforce that worked for less than 15 years. Had I used the wage levels from the report of the Commission of Inquiry, the cost would have been estimated to be a lot higher.

I wish to advise the MOA that taking workers from Wales to Uitvlugt comes with a significant add-on cost – the payment of a hefty daily disturbance allowance to all harvesters and some categories of field workers who will be required to commute between the 2 estates. Uitvlugt has been aggressively pursuing the conversion of its lands towards mechanized layouts with the intention of reducing its dependency on manual labour, whilst the factory’s manpower establishment is at a saturation point of 220 workers. The question is – would Uitvlugt factory be able to absorb an additional 180 workers from Wales factory and 1,200 agriculture workers when it has 1,250 of its own, bearing in mind the land conversion that is taking place? I need not mention the approximate 300 security personnel and junior management staff from Wales. What will be their fate? The closure of Wales cannot be associated with that of LBI factory, since the dis-

tance between LBI and Enmore, where the factory workers were deployed, is 9 miles. In this instance, the company did not entertain any option for severance, because the distance was within a 10 mile radius, and the opportunity of staffing the Packaging Plant prevailed at the time. The engagements with the workers that the MOA said had involved the “leadership” of the Unions have been met with denial by GAWU. The MOA further stated that the second meeting with the farmers “was most cordial and constructive”. Unfortunately, the article captioned “Belle Vue cane farmers not optimistic about the future” does not vindicate the MOA’s sentiments. The farmers of this cooperative, who constitutes 10% of the entire cane farming block at Wales, said they “don’t believe that taking canes across the coast to the Uitvlugt estate is feasible”. Further, “skepticism has already been expressed by farmers as to whether this is feasible or affordable”.

I wish to assure the MOA that my participation at the symposium was never inFrom page 22 tended to denounce the intention to close Wales estate, but was simply to open an opportunity to intelligently debate the socio/economic implications of the closure, the funding and viability of any agricultural diversification activity, and the develVACANCY opment of a sound communications strategy to deal with 1 Cleaner: apply in person, lot 19, Middleton Street, the imminent closure. Having served the com- Campbellville, Georgetown pany for over 35 years, I was or call: 219-4684. Closing date really taken aback by the ap- 19th February 2016 parent sarcastic statement Hairdressers, nail technician, “Sadly, this coming from a barbers, also hair & nail former Human Resources Di- stations available for rental rector of GuySuCo!” Had the location: New Market StreetMOA and/or GuySuCo at- Call: 638-1106 tended the symposium, they would have seen the wisdom Local & International for inclusivity in dealing with e m p l o y m e n t : the most contentious issue www.jobfairworldwide.com. the sugar industry is cur- Call: 233-6517/622-1957/6380595 between the hours of rently facing in modern his- 9am-5pm Mon –Sat. tory. Sadly, they did not attend. Waiters to work at 704 Jai Petam contact 223-5273 Former Human Skilled welder & machinist Resources Director (limited supervision), GuySuCo apprentice, male & female cleaner. Apply @ Technical Services; 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site.

Serious problems at Berbice Nursing School DEAR EDITOR, With concern I pose the question “Do we really care about professional ethics and professionalism?” Our society is riddled with those who are consumed with exploiting others at the detriment of putting community and country at risk, and even into the abyss. This corrupt practice of exploitation has allowed those who make decisions to: a) place friends, families and cronies into jobs and positions that they are not equipped for b) deliberately fail persons by victimization c) destroy careers, through envy, because they do not like persons for whatever reasons d) not want individuals to realise a passion or a talent, which was not evident at the exploiters’ age or time. This type of behaviour is destroying our society and

country and must be immediately addressed. However, the approach to correct such behaviour must be a conscientious and concerted effort to ensure fairness, and the evidence of professionalism in action, whether there are political differences, ethnic inequality, social inequality, or even colour or beauty insecurities, and must not be deemed as witch hunting. As such, I feel that it is important for critical vocations and institutions ( especially Berbice Nursing School in New Amsterdam) be evaluated to judge the effectiveness of the delivery and total appraisal process. It must be noted that evaluation is a value judgment on an observation “performance test” or indeed any “data” whether directly measured or inferred. It is also, the process of determining to

what extent the educational objectives are being realized. I do feel there is enough that exists at the Berbice Nursing School in New Amsterdam to warrant not only an evaluation, but an interrogation and investigation of: a) the quality of delivery b) the level of unfairness and injustice meted out by a very senior person to many passionate stakeholders, who will not give into favours, but want to be recognized for their worth. As such, a call is made for: a) reassessment of the evaluation system b) provision of an effective appeal process for persons who feel disenfranchised by the system. Hence, being able to see script and be convinced of weaknesses, even if a cost is attached to this) c) establishment of an

Praise for policemen at Kitty... From page 4 asked for the charge book and upon hearing that, I heard a voice said “you’ll gone still charge this man” another lance corporal came out of a room, along with the sergeant and the assumed officer at the desk and they all made a successful plea for my release. I signed in the ledger besides “warning and sent away” and left the Kitty police station relieved and happy thinking differently about police in general. No

bribes nor favor were asked of me. Strangely that evening I was passing the very traffic light in the same direction and around the same time the light changed from green and I observed that the amber light was not working, that is what caused the delay in my action earlier that day resulting in the obstruction. I hereby publically thank the police at the Kitty police station especially those related to my incident for listening keenly, not seeking to just drag me before the court,

pleading on my behalf and at the same time I wish to bring to the attention of the relevant authority the malfunctioning amber light at that intersection. Orvil Browne

independent assessment body with competent staff to assess those requiring retesting (the independent body can do sampling of persons who have passed and deemed competent by previous system) d) relook at the policy of terminating persons from higher programmes, when they can be used as nursing aides or assistants (a programme which would have already been completed and persons deemed competent in), unless it is an attitude issue. Let us persevere to rid, and expose, those who prey on the willing weak, lazy and self-doubting strong to create

a group of responsive incompetent servants, and time bombs, by destroying the passionate, progressive and committed learners and doers. Let us strive to improve our system and country by being professional, and liquidate prejudice by being fair and not farcical. Do not assess success, abilities or competence through the influence of fun, funds, finances, fancy and face. Let’s realise our worth and not place the country at risk, especially people’s lives through the nursing profession. Staff member (name supplied)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 18, 2016

Govt. seeking to build Millions to be invested in... career public service The administration is currently working on creating a professional career public service because it recognises the value of its human capital. This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. Minister Harmon was at the time responding to questions from the opposition Members of Parliament in the National Assembly, during the ongoing examination of the 2016 budget estimates. Minister Harmon who has responsibilities for the Public Service department explained that his administration

- Minister Harmon inherited a large number of contract employees. However, there are plans to bring those workers into the traditional public service. “The bulk of the public service is contracted employees. What we have said is that we will gradually merge all of these persons who are on contracts into the traditional public service. We have already begun conversations with the Public Service Commission and we said is the GS1 and GS2 level

we will start with that process,” the House was told. Persons below age 45 who are on contracts will be given an opportunity to join the traditional public service. “What we hope is that over the next five years we would have a public service that is made of career public servants,” Minister Harmon explained. The Public Service Training College will be operationalised this year and will facilitate training of persons entering the public service. The Minister reported also that an agreement was recently entered into with the Caribbean Leadership Programme to train high-level public servants and that training has begun.

From page 9 and wellbeing of a child who is a victim of abuse and neglect. The Minister said that information will also be given on how to spot child abuse and neglect and actions that the public could take to help a child, such as reporting to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) or by calling the hotline. She said that the idea behind this movement is to spur the nation into action. She emphasized that child abuse must be prevented at all costs. The Social Protection Minister said that the 2016 budget charts a course to increase the country’s wealth so that the Government can give people a good life, a life where they are able to fight poverty and not be dependent on charitable handouts. Lawrence said that this will only become possible when the administration is able to provide jobs and train people to qualify for these jobs so that the citizenry can escape the vicious cycle of poverty. She said that beating the pinch of poverty was what

influenced the rise in the threshold giving families an additional $55,000 in annual income. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ANDSEXUALOFFENCES The Minister said that plans are also in the pipeline to have revisions to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offence Acts. She said that in the 2016 budget, her Ministry has allocated $40 million to construct a domestic violence centre for victims. “We also have financial allocations to improve our response to human trafficking; finalize the national Gender Policy; delink the Probation and Social Services aspect from Social Security; create a Suicide Prevention Manual; and partner with several NGOs and the University of Guyana to train persons in vocational skills and business management; and conduct job placement for single mothers.” CAPACITYBUILDING Lawrence said that the Ministry and the University of Guyana will partner to offer social workers the opportunity to do a

From page 21 acting on information went to the Stabroek Market area where they apprehended the escapee. However, Joseph claimed that he was assaulted by the officer after he refused to wear old clothing to attend a court hearing. He claimed that he and the officer got into a scuffle and his handcuffs opened and he ran away. As if this charge was not enough, Joseph was slapped with two other charges - one for the offence of armed robbery and another on a charge of break and enter and larceny. He and Kester McPhoy are accused of using a knife to rob Felicia Walton of a gold chain valued at $60,000 on February 3 at Stabroek, Georgetown. It was further alleged that on January 19, at High Street, Joseph broke into the home of Osa Omarao and stole one Sharp television, a laptop, a gold chain and a pair of gold earrings - all valuing $123,000. They had no legal representation and both denied the allegations.

They were remanded to prison after the Magistrate upheld bail objections by Prosecutor Jones. Jones highlighted the nature and gravity of the charge and also the penalty attached to the offences. These matters will be called again on March 1.

Man who received ...

Masters Degree in this field to lift the standards of the profession. The Parliamentarian said that the programme will be designed to reflect the Guyanese context and needs, since the Ministry, a major employer of social workers, is concerned about the absence of licensing, and mechanisms to safeguard ethical standards and monitor and evaluate professional competencies. The Minister said that it is for this reason her Ministry intends to start an annual conference on Professional Practice for Ethical Standards in July. She explained that this will set the tone for what is required in local social work practice. Lawrence said that the Ministry eagerly anticipates the establishment of a Regulatory Board that will hold all social work practitioners accountable. She said, “While some of our efforts are hamstrung by staff shortage, we will this year, keep our commitment to Guyanese and intensify our focus on the good life we have promised.” Lawrence said that numerous initiatives to be undertaken will lend to a development agenda that addresses current and emerging challenges; restore the dignity of vulnerable groups; offer protection to every Guyanese, and significantly reduce major social ills.

I never requested vehicle ... From page 12 purchased a vehicle for $16.5M for 2015 and the vehicle has not yet reached the Attorney General. He has to answer, not the other way around.” On Tuesday Nandlall questioned the whereabouts of the sum allocated for the purchase of a vehicle for the Ministry of Legal Affairs. In response, Williams had claimed that he and his staff discovered that the imported luxury SUV vehicle was a used one and not as specified. He stated that this discovery prompted the Ministry to take action to

recover the monies that had already been paid the importer, some $8M and in the process saved Guyana millions. Nandlall however had maintained his innocence. Minister Williams had told the National Assembly that his actions “averted a major fraud” as the transaction was aimed at robbing the country. However, the Opposition had requested that the details of the transaction be provided to the Assembly. Williams responded that the matter would be addressed by the Auditor General, but steps are being taken to recover the sum.

Task Force proposes bold ... From page 6 deliver student focused and student friendly services at the University. It has also been outlined that there should be integrated (cross-disciplinary) approaches to programmes at all levels of the University to better enable students to be prepared for the complex work environment in the 21 st century, including the creation of sustainable societies. Also, it was stressed that there be greater investment in Science and Technology in the context of forging new

knowledge to meet Guyana’s developmental needs and that UG be part of a larger network and consequently, priority must be given to engaging Regional partners, universities and institutions. Over the course of three days the Task force reviewed selected studies undertaken in the last decade that would have assessed the status of the University and made recommendations for change, assessed presentations on the perceived state of the University by past and present administrators, academic and non-academic staff, students,

alumni, government, opposition, private sector, civil society and other persons and groups. It also analysed and discussed the information received so that defined areas of concern such as governance, administration, operational systems, facilities and other infrastructural features, staff and student matters, registration, quality assurance compensation, curriculum issues, resources and financing, alumni and stakeholder support and other areas deemed important.

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Kwame McCoy arrested for Crum-Ewing murder Investigators probing the murder of social activist Courtney Crum-Ewing have arrested former Press Officer at the Office of the President under the PPP government, Kwame McCoy. McCoy was arrested yesterday after he turned himself in to police at the Criminal Investigations Headquarters, Eve Leary. This was after police had visited his Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara residence to arrest him. McCoy is now the fourth person to be arrested for the week after investigators reopened their probe into the March 10, 2015 murder of Crum-Ewing. Earlier this week police had arrested former Office of

Courtney Crum-Ewing the President staffer Jason Abdulla, self confessed hit man, Sean Hinds and Okenny Fraser. A reliable source close to the investigations said that

detectives are obtaining vital information from the persons in custody. This newspaper understands that McCoy has been fingered by one of those

persons. The source could not say if anyone else is on the police radar for the CrumEwing shooting. Kaieteur News was told that the suspects are being held at different police locations and that the authorities may be approaching the court to have them in extended custody since their stipulated time of detention is fast running out. Police have already charged Reagan Rodrigues called ‘Grey Boy’ for the murder. But investigators were always convinced that others were involved in the hit. One of the men in custody, Sean Hinds, had in some explosive television interviews, fingered McCoy and Abdulla as being involved in the mur-

Kwame McCoy

der. However, under subsequent questioning by police, Hinds remained mum until he was released after being in custody for 72 hours. Crum-Ewing was gunned down on March 10, 2015 while using a loud hailer in the Diamond community, urging per-

sons to vote out the People’s Progressive Party. His murder which was always seen as politically motivated, outraged many Guyanese, who put pressure on the police to leave no stone unturned to find and prosecute his killers.

Region One budget approved Headmaster fined for - emphasis on health, education and roads

Residents of Barima/ Waini, Region One, will benefit from upgrades and improved living conditions. Yesterday, the National Assembly approved $2.345B for the region’s development. Developments in the education, infrastructure and health sectors will be emphasised. The sum was approved after great scrutiny from the Political Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). Questions on specific allocations were well defended by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. INFRASTRUCTURE For infrastructure development, $342.8M was allo-

cated for several upgrades. Of this sum $35.446M was set aside for bridges. This sum will facilitate the payment for retention and the completion of the Hosororo Bridge and the rehabilitation of bridges at Papaya and Arocuro. An amount of $31M was allocated for the construction of roads in Mabaruma and Moruca. Further, $20M will spent on upgrading the Hosororo, Wauna and Sugar Hill electricity distribution networks.

pended on payment of retention, completion of living quarters at Port Kaituma and Santa Rosa, along with the sanitary block at Baramita Primary school. Under this project, there will also be the construction of a secondary school at Waramuri and extension works to the nursery schools at Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge. An amount of $16.535M will be used to purchase school furniture and equipment.

EDUCATION The sum of $1.132B will be spent on improving the Region’s education sector. Of this sum, $65.29M will be ex-

HEALTH Better health care will also be provided through a provision of $694.5M. Of this sum, $52.045M will be spent on retention, completion of an xray room at the Kumaka Hospital, along with the completion of a sanitary block at Falls Top. In also caters for the construction of a mortuary at Pakera, health posts at Powaikuru and Warapoka, along with an administrative building at Mabaruma, and the construction of health posts and living quarters at Katchikamo. Under infrastructural development in the area of health, $26M is allocated for the provision of incinerators and oxygen supply tanks. Provision of sanitary blocks at Koko, Cabrora, Santa Cruz, Sebai, Wauna, Yarakita, Kamwatta and Chinese Landing is also catered for under this allocation. Regional Administration and Finance, received $175,988. In 2015, Region One received a total of $1.868B.

Chopped 10-month baby recovering …father still unaware of incident Ten-month old Omar Jones, and his 18-year-old mother Maria Jones, are both on the road to recovery after they were allegedly chopped last Saturday by the man in whose care they were left. When contacted yesterday, the sister of the woman, Camille Jones, stated that the baby and mother were both out of the danger zone and that she was expecting that the duo will soon be discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The alleged assailant, Jeewan Sanichar, a 60-year

old labourer and grandfather of the child, was slapped with two charges for unlawful and malicious wounding of baby Omar with intent to murder and the unlawful and malicious wounding of Maria Jones. Sanichar was remanded to prison. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance at the Wales Court on February 26. Meanwhile, the father of the baby, Vinod Sanichar, who works in the interior, is still unaware of the incident since all efforts by his wife and relatives to locate him have so far, been futile.

fondling 7-year-old boy

Arthur Chandra, Headmaster of ABC Academy was yesterday fined $25,000 for touching the penis of one of his students, when he appeared yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was found guilty by City Magistrate Faith McGusty of assaulting the seven-year-old student at the conclusion of a trial yesterday. The incident occurred on January 12, 2015 at the school situated on New Market Street, Georgetown. According to facts presented to the court, the victim and another student were fighting in the classroom. This caused the Headteacher to intervene. The court was told that as a means of punishment, Chandra who resides at Lot 23 Abary Street, Bel Air Park held on to the child’s penis and grabbed it in front of the classroom. Chandra was also ordered to undergo six months of counselling. Failure to pay the fine or to attend counselling will see him being jailed

Arthur Chandra for two months. A few years ago, the prominent Headmaster was placed before the court for allegedly threatening to kill

his wife. It was reported that he tossed a plate of rice on his wife’s head after they had an argument and he threatened to end her life.

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Thursday February 18, 2016

China sends missiles to contested South China Sea island - Taiwan, U.S. officials (Reuters) - China has deployed an advanced surfaceto-air missile system to one of the disputed islands it controls in the South China Sea, Taiwan and U.S. officials said, ratcheting up tensions even as U.S. President Barack Obama urged restraint in the region. Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Major General David Lo told Reuters on Wednesday the missile batteries had been set up on Woody Island. The island is part of the Paracels chain, under Chinese control for more than 40 years but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. A U.S. defence official also confirmed the “apparent deployment” of the missiles, first reported by Fox News. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States expected to have “very serious” talks with China about militarization of the South China Sea. “There is every evidence, every day that there has been an increase of militarization of one kind or another. It’s of serious concern,” Kerry told reporters when asked about the reported deployment. “We have had these conversations with the Chinese and I am confident that over the next days we will have further very serious conversation on this.” China’s foreign minister said reports by “certain Western media” should focus more on China’s building of lighthouses to improve shipping safety in the region. “As for the limited and necessary self-defence facilities that China has built on islands and reefs we have people stationed on, this is consistent with the right to self-protection that China is entitled to under international law so there should be no question about it,” Wang Yi told reporters in Beijing. The Chinese defence ministry told Reuters in a statement that defence facilities on “relevant islands and reefs” had been in place for many years, adding that the latest reports about missile deployment were nothing but “hype”. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year, and has been building runways and other infrastructure on artificial islands to bolster its title. The United States has said

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a joint news conference with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, China, yesterday. (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon) it will continue conducting “freedom of navigation patrols” by ships and aircraft to assure unimpeded passage through the region, where Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, said the deployment of missiles to the Paracels would not be a surprise but would be a concern, and be contrary to China’s pledge not to militarize the region. “We will conduct more, and more complex, freedom of navigation operations as time goes on in the South China Sea,” Harris told a briefing in Tokyo. “We have no intention of stopping.” RISING TENSIONS News of the missile deployment came as Obama and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations concluded a summit in California, where they discussed the need to ease tensions in the South China Sea but did not include in a joint statement specific mention of China’s assertive pursuit of its claims there. China’s increasing military presence in the disputed sea could effectively lead to a Beijing-controlled air defence zone, analysts said. “(The missile deployment) reinforces the view that China intends to exert growing control in these international waters, including potentially by declaring an Air Defence Identification Zone,” said Rory Medcalf, Head of

the National Security College at the Australian National University. Mira RappHooper, a South China Sea expert from the Center for a New American Security, said it was not the first time China had sent such weapons to the Paracels. “I do think surfaceto-air missiles are a considerable development,” she said. “If they have been deployed they are probably China’s effort to signal a response to freedom-of navigation operations, but I don’t think it is a totally unprecedented deployment.” A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the Paracels last month, a move China condemned as provocative. China said last month it would not seek militarization of its South China Sea islands and reefs, but that did not mean it would not set up defences. “Woody Island belongs to China,” said Ni Lexiong, a naval expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. “Deploying surface-to-air missiles on our territory is completely within the scope of our sovereign rights. We have sovereignty there, so we can choose whether to militarize it.” Taiwan President-elect Tsai Ing-wen said tensions were now higher in the region. “We urge all parties to work on the situation based on principles of peaceful solution and self-control,” Tsai told reporters.

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

Trinidad to host high-level Caribbean technology forum PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Senior Caribbean government officials will meet here today to explore new mechanisms for facilitating comprehensive regional approaches for the planning and execution of information and communications technology (ICT) projects to foster development in the region. The two-day first Caribbean ICT Collaboration Forum is being convened by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), whose Secretary General Bernadette Lewis noted that “countries have been working in silos in their pursuit of development, seeking assistance from funding agencies without reference to similar activities being undertaken in other countries. “This uncoordinated approach results in fragmentation and wasteful duplication of effort, which does not adequately advance progress as evidenced in a 2013 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which states that Caribbean small states are facing low growth, high debt, significant vulnerabilities,

Bernadette Lewis

and limited resilience to shocks”. She said many Caribbean countries registered significant declines in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) global ICT Development Index (IDI) rankings for the period 2010 to 2015. “These archaic approaches are ineffective and it is time for us to adopt new, collaborative methodologies that are appropriate for the 21st century. Given the dire economic prospects for the Caribbean, we have to work

differently in order to secure our future.” Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Darcy Boyce, and Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will address the forum. The CTU said that this Caribbean ICT Collaboration Forum will develop collaborative mechanisms to promote comprehensive planning and execution of ICT projects with the potential for regional impact.

Page 27

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 18, 2016

Granger at Caricom... Venezuela‘s threats to Guyana’s

economic development still grave - Pres. Granger Noting that the threats to Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic development by Venezuela, its western neighbour is still grave President David Granger told Regional Leaders at the recently convened CARICOM Heads of Government meeting that the need for their solidarity has become greater. “I had the honour to address the Thirty-sixth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Barbados in July 2015. Much has happened since then.” Granger told CARICOM Heads during a meeting in Placencia, Belize, on Tuesday. At that time, the President noted that Caricom was aston-

ished at the outrageous Decree – No. 1787 – that had been issued by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela extending its maritime zone into the maritime space of many CARICOM states. Granger noted, “So grotesque was the Decree that it was soon after rescinded. It was replaced by another decree – No. 1859 – equally objectionable to Guyana.” Following the Caricom Summit, President Granger attended the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. “I had the opportunity there to present Venezuela’s aggression against Guyana and to call on UN SecretaryGeneral to exercise his powers to bring this Venezuelan aggression towards Guyana

to an end by process of law. He is empowered to do by the Geneva Agreement of 1966 the Agreement among British Guiana, Britain and Venezuela which allowed Independence to go forward –Independence which Venezuela had tried to block,” President Granger informed the CARICOM Heads. In the 19th century, Venezuela disputed a claim by Britain – Guyana was a British colony at the time – as to exactly where the division between the two nations lay. The line, known as the Schomburgk Line, is named after German explorer Robert Schomburgk, commissioned by Britain in 1835 to conduct a geological survey of the territory. It was during the diplomatic spat between Venezu-

Speeding bus crashes into Mocha man, killing him on the spot A 34-year-old man was killed on the spot early yesterday when a speeding minibus crashed into him onto the Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) main road. The dead man has been identified as Sheldon Lennox Waithe, of Lot 23 Second Street, Mocha, EBD. He was pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre a little after 11:30 hrs. Waithe was on his way home from work when he was killed. The driver of the minibus is in police custody assisting with the investigation. According to information, the father of two was heading to the Mocha farm lands when he was struck from behind and flung into a nearby trench. His brother, Sherwin Waithe, said that he received a telephone call that his brother was killed in an accident around 11:00 hrs. “They said that they were taking him to the hospital. When we went there he was lying on the stretcher and he

DEAD: Sheldon Lennox Waithe was already dead,” the sibling said. He further revealed that when he saw his sibling at the hospital, he had blood at the back of his head. Waithe said that he was informed that the minibus that struck his brother dead was racing with another bus. “Both of them were racing coming into Mocha to pick up passengers when Sheldon

was killed,” the sibling said. Kaieteur News was told that the father of two worked in the interior and whenever he was in Mocha, he did construction and farming. At the dead man’s home yesterday, his relatives said that they were informed that he was heading home from the farm with two other persons when he met his demise. They were all riding bicycles. Sheldon Lennox Waithe was riding on the outside while the others were on the inner side. When the bus struck Waithe, the man cannoned into one of his friends before ending up in the trench. That friend had to be treated at the Diamond Diagnostic centre. This newspaper was told that the driver of the mini bus took Waithe and his friend to the hospital where the father of two was pronounced dead. For last month, there were eight accidents in which eight people lost their lives as compared to the same period last year where there were nine accidents with 10 deaths.

ela and the UK that the US Government, which backed Venezuela, threatened war on London if it refused to retract its claims to the territory. War was averted by an agreement to have the dispute settled by international arbitration. The 1899 tribunal decision appeared to settle the dispute between Venezuela and Guyana and a commission of officials from both countries thrashed out the details of the boundary in 1905. However Venezuela’s contention is that the international Arbitral Award of 1899 that fixed Guyana’s boundaries with Venezuela is a ‘nullity’. The 50th anniversary of the signing of the Agreement was observed on February 17, 2016. The Agreement was aimed at bringing Venezuela’s territorial claims to an end. However, the President noted that throughout the past 50 years, Venezuela made no effort to prove its contention. Venezeula, he said, chose, instead, a strategy of harassment; a course of obstruction of Guyana’s economic development; a diplomatic posture of preventing Guyana from membership of the Organization of American States for 25

years; attempted subversion of our indigenous people and resorted to a strategy of naked naval threat by sending a corvette into our Exclusive Economic Zone in 2013. “Fifty years of this constant threat to our sovereignty and territorial integrity are too long for any state to sustain. It occupied our entire existence as an independent State. “ “Guyana seeks an end to living under constant threat. We seek to allow the rule of international law to prevail. Venezuela, however, reasserted its claim to more than half of Guyana by asserting – as its Foreign Minister did last week – that by the Geneva Agreement, Venezuela’s claim of nullity of the Arbitral Award had been acknowledged, if not accepted.” While Venezuela might have surmised that, what remained was for its so-called “historical controversy’ to be resolved by diplomacy, President said that Guyana is convinced that, based on its experience, “this would mean only another 50 years of harassment. The Guyanese Head of State told CARICOM

that Venezuela seems prepared to pursue a programme of aggression under the cloak of peace to avoid a judicial settlement and submission to international law. The UN Secretary General, in the wake of all that happened last year, has formulated Proposals for The Way Forward under the Geneva Agreement, ending, if necessary, in the International Court of Justice. Guyana has been cooperating with him Venezuela is not. According to Granger Venezuela is instead, using its monthly Presidency of the Security Council to portray itself as an advocate of peace and respect for the Charter. “Venezuela has issued, through its Foreign Ministry, two weeks ago, a document referred to as Ratification of Venezuelan rights over the Essequibo.” He told the gathering that Guyana has since taken note of these warnings. The President said that the nation’s Foreign Minister, Carl Greenidge, has since made a statement in our National Assembly on February 12, last repudiating these assertions.

A one-day workshop to sensitize senior managers of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) to the system of Local Government is slated for today at City Hall. According to a statement issued by the Georgetown Municipality, the planned forum will be facilitated by officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) who were invited to conduct the workshop that is scheduled to commence at 09:30 hours. The main purpose of the workshop, it was noted, is to

provide a clear understanding of the new Local Government System. “The workshop is geared at enhancing the competencies of the City Managers so that they can perform at a higher level,” said Town Clerk, Royston King. King said that Local Government is the sphere of government closest to the people and the managers of the city. It is therefore one of the key stakeholders that would be working directly with the new system of governance. As such, he noted, the importance of those within the municipality to be knowledgeable in this regard. King described the forum

set for today as necessary for key employees to be informed of the powers and function of the Council, elections and the electoral process, structure of the Council and decision making in the Council. This is the first time such a workshop will be hosted by the Georgetown Municipality for senior officers. Also, the Georgetown City Council would be hosting a similar programme for new Councillors of the City of Georgetown to familiarize them with information pertaining to the roles and functions of the city administrators, the city bylaws and other issues relating to local governance.

M&CC, GECOM to conduct Local Govt. workshop today

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Black Sharks sink Canje Knights... Raj Singh Insurance Brokers renews DCB 20/20 Over-40 sponsorship

From page 31 the way with support from Desi Douglas 10 and Keenan Williams 08. For the Canje Knights Glewin Cort dunked 9 as Jason Gladstone with 8 and Steve Roopnarine 7 sup-

ported. At stake in the competition are cash and other incentives for the winning and runner-up teams and outstanding players. The tournament is organised by sports enthusiast Vibert Garnett. Jammers are the defending

champions, The competition is expected to continue on Sunday when Ithaca Hardliners and New Amsterdam Warriors clash at the Ithaca basketball court, West Bank Berbice from 16:00hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

West Berbice through to finals... From page 31 Standbys: Ricardo Ramdial, Tejram Diabram, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Reyad Karim, Brandon Pydanna, Abdul Ramsammy, Gaurav Ramesh and Romel Retimah. The coach and manager are the same as last year: former West Indies youth

player Andre Percival and Kwesi Maltay a former national youth player. Berbice is the defending champion. The Berbice Cricket Board would like to thank Shabeer Baksh of Blairmont Cricket Club for hosting the game at the D’Edward ground. Special thanks to Upper

Corentyne Cricket Association and Young Warriors Cricket Club for hosting a match each. This did go a far way in making sure that the tournament is successful. Gratitude is in order for the major sponsor Jameel Mohamed of City Bias, New York, USA.

Thursday February 18, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You will enjoy interacting with those who come from different backgrounds. Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Try not to take everything so seriously. You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people's money or possessions today. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) You mustn't make promises that you won't be able to keep. Be careful not to come on too strongly. Try to channel your energy into physical work. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship. You must not make unnecessary changes today. You could experience unusual circumstances and meet eccentric individuals. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. You should try to elaborate on an idea you have regarding a product or service for the home. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Patience will be of utmost importance. Travel will be to your advantage; however, it might be expensive. Go out with friends and avoid the situation on the home front.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move. Be careful if a friend asks you for advice. Lovers will be less than accommodating, and decisions regarding personal direction a necessity. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You haven't been totally honest with yourself and it's time to review your motives. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment. Don't let your emotions interfere with moneymaking deals. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Your personal situation is fluctuating. Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Children will be of major concern if you haven't kept the lines of communication open. Make amends if you can. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) This will not be the best day to initiate change. You can make a difference if you offer your help at functions that involve children. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Overindulgence may cause conflicts. You are best to stick to basics. Work on getting ahead by picking up added skills.

CEO of Raj Singh Insurance Brokers, Raj Singh, pose with some of the team captains. Following the tremendous success in its inaugural year in 2013, Raj Singh Insurance Brokers has decided to renew its sponsorship through the Demerara Cricket Board once again in 2016. This competition will be played between eight teams drawn from East Coast Demerara, West Coast Demerara, Georgetown and East Bank Demerara. Each area will field two teams similar to the 2013 version of the competition and is intended to get more of our retired players active and involved in the development of our youths and the game of cricket. Once again, each team will play each other in the preliminary rounds for a total of 28 matches to be played every Friday afternoon commencing from February 26, 2016. The top four teams will qualify for the semis with the winners of the semis contesting the finals. Teams can earn bonus points for winning their games by large margins of runs or for very few wickets. Other exciting rules mandate that each team must bowl a minimum of seven bowlers with no bowler delivering more than three overs per game. These games will not have the usual T20 fielding restrictions but standard cricket rules and conditions will apply. The teams are East Coast Tigers, East Coast Bulls, Georgetown Bears, Georgetown Buffaloes, West Demerara Mavericks, West Demerara Seals, East Bank Lions, and East Bank Colts.

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GCB/BANKS DIH LTD/DIGICEL NSSCL...

Thursday February 18, 2016

West Side Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition...

Anna Regina Quarter-finalists decided Multilateral book semi-final spot Anna Regina Multilateral booked a semi-final spot after defeating Essequibo Islands Secondary in a last-ball thriller, while Lower Corentyne won their match against New Amsterdam to advance to the next round as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel continued recently. Playing at Wakenaam community centre ground, Essequibo Islands won the toss and took first strike. They rattled up a respectable 183 all out off 30 overs. Mark Lewis made 30 while Beesham Moses supported with 28. Bowling for Anna Regina Multilateral, Randy Rooplall took 3-34. Anna Regina Multilateral in their reply, managed to keep up with the run rate for most of the innings. However, the chase went right down ‘to the wire’; Anna Regina required five to win off the final delivery. Poonam Persaud conceded two, but then the fielders failed to back up the throw-in which resulted in a boundary. At Cumberland, Lower Corentyne Secondary won the toss and decided to bowl. New Amsterdam Secondary was dismissed off the final delivery of the innings for 117. Garfield Benjamin struck 65 with four fours and three huge sixes; Simon Naidoo had 4-19 which included a helmettrick. Ezikiel Kempadoo supported with 2/19. In reply, Lower Corentyne Secondary raced to 120/3 in 18. Kevlon Anderson continued his impressive form with the bat hitting 69 not out including seven well timed fours. Keith Simpson got 23. The competition continues today with Anna Regina Mutlilateral facing Uitvlugt Secondary at Zeeburg ground, Upper Demerara will clash with East Bank Demerara at DCC and East

Simon Naidoo

The quarterfinal matchups have been decided following the conclusion of the final round of the preliminary phase of the West Side Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition which continued on Tuesday night, at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac, West Demerara. The fixtures for the quarter-finals are seeen below: Harmony Ballers-B vs Showstoppers Bagotstown Warriors vs Shattaville Gunners Brothers’ United vs West Side Ballers Agricola Upsetters vs Harmony Ballers Meanwhile, in results of the final round of matches in the preliminary phase are seen below: Game-1 Water Street Agricola-0 vs Harmony Ballers-1 Verman Mentore-23rd Game-2 Bagotstown Warriors 5 vs Champion Boys-0 Troy Bascom-12th and 13th Rufeo Wright-9th Rickford Henry-14th Eon Alfred-24th Game-3 Showstoppers-1 vs Brothers

United-1 Brothers United won 3-2 on penalty kicks Brothers United Scorer Travis Martin-14th Showstoppers Scorer Anthony Harding-17th Game-4 Best Road Ballers vs Patentia Street Ballers Best Road won via walkover N.B-the Organisers have suspeneded Patentia Street Ballers and its entire roster

Group-A Team Harmony Ballers-B (Q) West Side Ballers (q) DeKinderen United Crane Raiders Group-B Team Bagotstown Warriors (Q) Harmony Ballers (q) Champion Boys Water Street Agricola Group-C Team Brothers United (Q) Showstoppers (q) Best Road Ballers Patentia Street Group-D Team Agricola Upsetters (Q) Shattaville Gunners (q) Comfort Ballers Samaroo Dam

for one year for their failure to showup. Game-5 Samaroo Dams-1 vs Agricola Upsetters-1 Agricola Upsetters won 5-4 on sudden death kicks Agricola Upsetter Scorer Michael Younge-14th Samaroo Dam Scorer Kevin Humphrey-16th Game-6 Shattaville Gunners-0 vs Comfort Ballers-0

Shattaville won 2-1 on penalty kicks Game-7 Harmony Ballers-B-3 vs Crane Raiders-0 Nkosi Holder-3rd and 12th Kiefer Adams-5th Game-8 DeKinderen United-2 vs West Side Ballers-0 Michael Bennett-9th Linden Bourne-21st The final points standing are seen below:

GP 3 3 3 3

W 2 2 1 1

L 1 1 2 2

D 0 0 0 0

GF 4 4 2 1

GA 1 3 1 5

GD +3 +1 +1 -4

Pts. 6 6 3 3

GP 3 3 3 3

W 2 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 3

D 0 0 0 0

GF 6 5 1 0

GA 0 1 9 2

GD +6 +4 -8 -2

Pts. 9 6 3 0

GP 3 3 3 3

W 3 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 3

D 0 0 0 0

GF 2 4 2 0

GA 1 1 2 4

GD +1 +3 0 -4

Pts. 9 6 3 0

GP 3 3 3 3

W 3 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 3

D 0 0 0 0

GF 3 1 1 1

GA 1 1 1 3

GD +2 0 0 -2

Pts. 9 6 3 0

Upper Corentyne 5/5 Mashramani Cup... Kevlon Anderson

Garfield Benjamin Coast Demerara will face Mahaica-Mahaicony at Enterprise.

Vishnu’s Super Store and Republic Bank (Guy) Limited give financial support Vishnu’s Super Store of Springlands and Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, Corriverton Branch have provided financial support for the Upper Corentyne 5/5 Mashramani Cup. Proprietor of the popular vehicle spare parts & general store, Chand Hardyal A.K.A Vishnu and Deon Esau, staff of the bank said that they were delighted to be part of this charitable event. Both organisations indicated how pleased they are with the work of the UCCA, keeping the game alive in the area despite the challenges they face. The much anticipated 5/5 Mashramani Cup 2016 organized by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association is a one day cricket extravaganza 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,

Mr. Deon Esau employee of Republic Bank Corriverton Branch hands over the donation cheque to UCCA President Mr. Dennis De Andrade. Scottsburg United, Yakusari Caribs, No. 69 Vikings, Corriverton Cricket Club, No. 73 Young Warriors and No. 48 Challengers. The 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 drink will be on sale. Admission $200, children under 12 years 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 Chand Hardyal of Vishnu’s Super Store of Springlands, Corriverton and Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. Corriverton Branch for making contributions towards cricket development. Proceeds from this event will go towards cricket development at the youth level in the Upper Corentyne area. Sponsors who have joined with the UCCA already to make this event a success are: N.P.G Packaging & Plastic Inc, Sarfraz Photo Studio of Corriverton and Office Express with branches in Corriverton and Rose Hall.

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Black Sharks sink Canje Knights in Anamayah Inter club Basketball Competition After a lull of about three weeks due to a number of walkovers the third edition of the Annual Anamayah Memorial Basketball competition continued on Sunday with one game at the Fyrish basketball court. In the enthralling encounter the in-form Fyrish Black Sharks continued their unbeaten run as they devoured the Canje Knights 46-40. The hard fought game saw the Black Sharks looking ominous from the start as they swarmed their opponents early to take a 12-10 lead at the end of the first segment. The Knights, who took some time to settle, were able to sharpen their play in the second segment as they rebounded to hold the Sharks at bay to lead 22-17 at the end of the half. Rejuvenated during the half time both teams came out ready for battle. The Black Sharks hunting in familiar territory came back hard at the Knights who were making a game of it, putting up a strong

West Berbice through to finals, beat Lower C’tyne - to clash with New Amsterdam/ East Canje/East Bank

Action in the game between Fyrish Black Sharks and East Canje Knights.

defence. The see saw third segment ended with the Black Sharks retaking the lead to end in the ascendency 35-32. The final segment saw the

Black Sharks finding their range, making more frequents raids. However, the Knights were prepared for the battle and put up a stern resistance.

However, the Sharks prevailed for the 46-40 win. For the Black Sharks Tafawa Dey with 11 points led (Continued on page 29)

NBS provides corporate sponsorship for the Young Warriors fundraiser - Mash Cup 2016

Former national youth player Linden Austin (left) collects sponsorship cheque from NBS Berbice Manager Rana Persaud in the presence of other staff members. Mortgage giants, The New Building Society Ltd has provided sponsorship for the annual fund raiser of the Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice - Mash Cup 2016. At a simple ceremony held recently, Rana Persaud, Manager, Berbice Branch handed over the cheque to the club’s senior cricketer Linden Austin. Persaud said that his Company continues to support the game of cricket across Guyana and is pleased with the significant opportunities the cricket club provides for

BCB/J Z Mohamed of City Bias, NY, USA Inter Zone U-15 tournament...

the young people in the East Canje area. He even stated that without the YWCC, there would have been no Shimron Hetmyer, referring to the winning captain of the West Indies under-19 team. Speaking on behalf of the club, the former national youth all rounder Austin thanked the NBS for their support of the club and cricket in general. He assured the gathering that all funds will be accounted for as usual with detailed financial statements to be sent to all contributors af-

ter the tournament. Other sponsors on board so far are beverage giants ANSA McAL, Ashiek and Sons Motor Supplies and Auto Sales, Massy Distribution, Roshan Satar Supermarket, A. Ally and Sons Showroom, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and Office Express. This event will form part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration with proceeds going towards further improvements to the club’s facilities and day to day running. In addition, funds will be allocated to

three schools in the No.19 to Gangaram area. The tournament will be played on Tuesday February 23, 2016, a national holiday and will involve twelve second division teams from the area. It will be five overs a side with no first division cricketer allowed. Top clubs such as Canje Pathfinders, Betsy Ground Triple Stars, Kendall’s Union A, Rose Hall Community Center and the host are expected to take part. Incentives with the value of over $100,000 will be up for grabs with lots of gate prizes.

Lower Corentyne continued their poor showing this year as they lost to West Berbice in The JZ Mohamed of City Bias, New York, USA inter zone under-15 cricket tournament organised by the Berbice Cricket Board. In the final preliminary match of the round robin segment played at Albion Sports Complex last Saturday, they lost by eight wickets to the visitors. Batting first after winning the toss, the Lower Corentyne team were shot out for a meager 71 with only M. Gopilall with 15 reaching double figures. Berbice under-15 player Seon Glasgow (Jnr) was impressive with bowling figures of 4 for 15. Another Berbice under-15 player Nigel Deodat supported with 3 for 12. In reply, West Berbice stuttered a bit to be 15 for 2 before Glasgow(Jnr) and Fawaz Gafoor commandingly took their team to victory at 72 for 2 with both batsmen unbeaten on 33 (6x4) and 22 respectively. West Berbice will now play New Amsterdam/Canje/ East Bank in the final which is expected to be a closely fought contest. The match is fixed for Saturday February 20 at the famous Albion Sports Complex. The West Berbice team will be spearheaded by allrounders Seon Glasgow (Jnr), Nigel Deodat and Marvan Prasad with support from batsman Fawaz Gafoor. Their opposition also has a very rounded team with skipper Jevan Schultz, Leon Swamy and Aaron Beharry, all being all-rounders. Opener Jerron France and wicketkeeper/batsman Carl Gilgeous will add depth to the batting, while Nikeem Noble will prove to be a key bowler. New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank got the better of West Berbice by a slim margin in their preliminary clash. Meanwhile, the junior selectors of the BCB have announced a strong team for the upcoming under-15 Inter County tournament. The team will be captained by Jevan Schultz and will have Seon Glasgow (Jnr) as his vice. Players are listed below: Jevan Schultz,

Seon Glasgow (Jnr),

Leon Swamy

Nigel Deodat Seon Glasgow (Jnr), Jerron France, Hemchand Sukhai, Fawaz Gafoor, Carl Gilgeous, Marvan Prasad, Aaron Beharry, Chanderpaul Govindan, Nigel Deodat, Nikeem Noble, Antonio Kempadoo, Nicklus Haywood and Leon Swamy. (Continued on page 29)

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Thursday February 18, 2016

RHTYSC /GBTI Inter Secondary School Tapeball Tournament...

PMSS and CCHS retain female and male titles

GBTI Supervisor Ameer Azeez (centre) poses with the CCHS Male winning teams. GBTI Supervisor Ameer Azeez (centre) poses with the PMSS female winning team. Port Mourant Secondary School and Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary School

both retained their championship titles when the curtain came down on the highly

successful 3rd edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club organised Inter Secondary School Tapeball Competition. The event was sponsored for the third successive year by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and was contested by the Lower Corentyne Secondary, J.C Chandisingh Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary and the Port Mourant Secondary Schools. Playing in front of a large gathering at the Area ‘H’ Ground, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary easily defeated J.C Chandisingh by four wickets to clinch the 3rd in the female category. Port Mourant Secondary played a fine all round game to clinch the male 3rd place with a three runs victory over a disappointed J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School. In the female finals, PMSS won the toss and elected to bat first, after the match was reduced to six overs per side due to early morning rain

which delayed the day’s event by over 3 hours. Openers Kumarie Goberdhan 18 not out and Kavita Ramsammy 16 not out batted well to allow PMSS to reach 40 runs without loss after their allotted overs. Both batswomen each hit two boundaries in an impressive display. Needing to score 41 runs from 6 overs, LCSS never threatened the defending champions and were restricted to 26 for 5 off their allotted overs as only Seeta Samaroo 10 offered any resistance to the bowling of Lynese McKenzie who took 2 for 6, while Dennesser Fraser and Shenika Burnett each claimed a wicket. The male finals was reduced to seven overs a side and LCSS were invited to take first strike by CCHS. They lost their three main batsmen – Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Keith Simpson via run outs and were restricted to 46 for 7 with Armesh Kasinauth 18 and Devindra Somara 10 being the main batters. Bowling for

CCHS, Brandon Mangal took 2 wickets for 6 runs. CCHS then raced to 49 for 4 in 5.2 overs to successfully defend their title, which they won in 2015. National youth player Kevin Umrao topscored with 18, while Jermine Pollard contributed 11. Keith Simpson and Joshua Wilson each took 2 wickets for a disappointed LCSS team. A special five overs exhibition Match was played between the RHTYSC Metro Female Cricket team and the GBTI female Champions, the RHT Metro Female team reached 70 for 3 with Sheneta Grimmond scoring 25 and Sheican Campelle 30. In reply, GBTI were bundled out for 18 in 4.4 overs as Grimmond 4 for 2 and Campbelle 2 for 6 bowled well for RHT Metro. Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC Hilbert Foster hailed the tournament as highly successful and stated that it had achieved its objective of promoting the Club’s Say No to Suicide, Drugs and Crime Message to students in the Lower Corentyne area. Fos-

ter challenged the attentive students to always cherish life as it was God’s most precious gift to humanity and to remember at all times that Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The long standing RHTYSC Secretary/CEO expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors and Management of GBTI for the support of the anti-suicide Tape ball tournament. The RHTYSC, Foster stated would be hosting at least 20 Cricket tournaments at all levels in 2016 as part of a comprehensive cricket programme. The cricket top three winners of each category received trophies, while Kevin Umrao and Kumarie Goberdhan also received trophies for being named Players of the Finals. Goberdhan received the best female batter and Kevin Umrao best Male Better, while Brandon Mangal and Lyness McKenzie won the award for best bowlers in the finals. They each received a cricket Medal as a prize.

Regal Sports/Trophy Stall T20-Wakenaam...

Adams century gives Zeelandia huge win, SS Jaguars, Cavaliers, Good Success victorious An unbeaten century from Ricardo Adams propelled Zeelandia to a 92-run win over Sans Souci when the Regal Sports/Trophy Stall T20 tournament commenced on Sunday in Wakenaam. Adams slammed 104 and got support from Ajay Ghansam with 59 and Navishaul Pooran 30 as Zeelandia posted 217-3, batting first at G Square Cavaliers SC ground in Belle Plaine. Sans Souci were bowled out for 125 in 18 overs in reply. S.

Persaud got 40, Seon Venture 19 and Kumar Singh 18. Adams got 2-21 and Pooran 2-24. Host G Square Cavaliers overcame Maria’s Pleasure by 90 runs. Batting first, the home team amassed 180-6. Satnarine Sahadeo scored 48, Jaggernauth Manbodh 42 and Chandrika Ragnauth 33. Marsh Singh claimed 2-17 and Kennard Lewis 2-33. Maria’s Pleasure responded with 90-9. Sahadeo snared 417 and Kamal Khan 2-24.

At the Wakenaam Community Center ground, Good Success defeated Noitgedacht SC (NSC) by seven wickets. NSC were routed for 98 in 18.3 overs, taking first turn at the crease. Matthew Chung made 40 and Shazaam Mohamed 13; Wazir Khan grabbed 4-10, Vickram Ramnarine 2-15 and Gurnauth Khemraj 2-19. Good Success got to 100-3 in 11.3 overs in response. Imran Khan slammed 62 not out and Khemraj 29. Deonarine

Persaud had 2-19. Sans Souci Jaguars beat NSC by five wickets at the said venue. NSC managed 124 all out in 18 overs, taking first knock. Chung cracked 24, Neil Ramalho 18 and Mohamed 12. Sanjay Jairam had 2-6, Derwin Daniels 2-20 and Zameer Zaman 2-24. Jaguars replied with 125-5 in 15 overs. Beesham Moses struck 46 and Nokta Moses 36; Chung and Omal Bacon picked up two wickets each.

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Raiders could ransack opponents at Mecca III exhausted in the last half which questions their condition. But according to roster, Raiders can present serious threats in The Road to Mecca III if they can overcome the fitness hurdle. They have enough time to get in perfect shape for the

By Edison Jefford Retrieve Raiders is the one team from Linden that could upset the applecart more than any other in the upcoming National Basketball Championships: The Road to Mecca III given their depth at the first division level and performance against credible oppositions. Raiders are the highest seeded Linden team on the fixture, but are ranked second to Bulls in Linden owed to them losing the Malta Finals. However, Raiders challenged Bulls to a rematch, and eked out a narrow win that gave some form of consolation. Raiders are proving their worth in Linden again in a Mashramani tournament currently underway at the MSC Hard Court. Raiders are among the Final Four. The point is despite an absence of youth Raiders have to be counted as a serious contender for the national title. This is largely because national forward, Dwayne Roberts has returned to the fold after Guyana’s Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) lifted an imposed ban. He was among some players who refused to return national uniforms after the Caribbean Championships in 2014 in the BVI. There was a penalty attached to disobeying an edict from management. Notwithstanding his issues off the court, one thing is certain, Roberts is a fierce competitor who will be looking for national redemption. It means that Roberts and the Raiders could ransack any opposition on their way to perhaps the national championships. Roberts, given his character, will be aiming to be in the national conversation again this year and will know that the only way to do so is to perform. More so, he knows that winning elevates their chances of getting players named to the national team. Raiders have a formidable team on paper; their one disadvantage as was so evident when they lost to Bulls in the Malta final; is the fitness of the senior players. Raiders were in the contest up until Bulls raced away from them midway through the third period.

Dwayne Roberts

Marvin Hartman

Neil Marks Raiders simply did not have the legs to keep up with the up-tempo Bulls; they were

March 4 start of the tournament. Roberts has the national former forward, Neil Marks to offer sufficient support. Both Marks and Roberts have the height to establish presence inside the perimeter and since Kings

were dissolved, Raiders acquired forwards Marvin Hartman and Abdulla Hamid. All four players have height and all four represented Guyana. The problem is how well they will react to transition uptempo basketball, which

seems to be the offensive trend these days. Guard, Keon Cameron will have his work cut out for the team at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when an expected intense National Championships bounces off in less than three weeks.

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Heineken launches UEFA Champions League Promotion

Ansa McAl Trading Ltd. Managing Director, Beverly Harper (fourth, right), Marketing Director, Troy Cadogan (second, right) and Heineken Brand Manager, Robert Hiscock (second, left) take a photo opportunity with models Tuesday at the Pegasus Hotel.

I

n the midst of glitz, glamour and the translucent aura of a VIP sports experience at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday, Heineken officially launched its 2016 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) Promotion. Heineken is a long-standing sponsor of the Champions League, and as such, the brand has kicked off its annual local promotion with the corporate community, patrons, enthusiasts, and media in a transformed Savannah Suite, which featured a mega screen that broadcasted the Paris St. German game against Chelsea at the Parc des Princes in the first leg. Heineken Brand Manager at Ansa

McAl Limited, which is the sole distributor for Heineken Beer in Guyana, Robert Hiscock told Kaieteur Sport that the company strives to be different with their UCL promotion every year. He confessed that this year’s launch at Pegasus was the biggest since they started the promotion some years ago. “We made contact with some of the big corporations in Guyana, invited their staff, unknowing to the staff, down to a seminar about corporate wellness, meditation, financial wellness and all sorts of random stuff, except telling them about football” Hiscock informed. He said that the participants sat in the facade for about an hour and half getting bored before they were

suddenly led out of the room only to return to the transformed Savannah Suite that featured a Heineken party with confetti, club lights and other impressive props. “I hope this is going to help us achieve our goals. This year we will have so much happening for Champions League; we have a massive Champions League party on May 28, in the midst of the 50th Anniversary celebrations,” Hiscock highlighted. The final of the tournament will be broadcasted live at a venue to be named. Last year the home of the final in Guyana was Gravity Lounge. Hiscock is to reveal what will be the 2016 Promotion and venue for the final viewing party. (Edison Jefford)

Thursday February 18, 2016

World Cup heroes arrive

West Indies captain Shimron Hetmyer and Barbados’ Minister of Sports, Stephen Lashley hold the trophy.

CEO of WICB Michael Muirhead greets captain Shimron Hetmyer. Members of the victorious West Indies U19 team arrived in Barbados on Tuesday from Bangladesh after being crowned champions of the ICC U19 World Cup on Sunday, when they beat India in the final by five wickets with three balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. They were hosted to two special welcome ceremonies in Barbados on Tuesday. In attendance were Richard Sealy, Acting Prime Minister of Barbados; Stephen Lashley, Minister of Sports in Barbados; Michael Muirhed, CEO of West Indies Cricket Board; Joel Garner, West Indies legend

and President of the Barbados Cricket Association; Desmond Haynes, West Indies legend and Chairman of Cricket Legends of Barbados; David Deane, CEO of Barbados Cricket Association; and Connor Looney, CEO of Digicel Barbados – Digicel is the the official team sponsor. The young Windies road to the title: First Round Fri, Jan 29: West Indies lost to England by 61 runs – Chittagong Sun, Jan 31: West Indies beat Fiji by 262 runs – Chittagong Tue, Feb 2: West Indies beat Zimbabwe by 2 runs – Chittagong Quarter-final: Mon, Jan 8: West Indies beat Pakistan by 5 wickets – Fatullah Semi-final: Thu, Feb 11: West Indies beat Bangladesh Under-19s by 3 wickets – Dhaka Final: Sun, Feb 14: West Indies beat India by 5 wickets – Dhaka

Thursday February 18, 2016

Kaieteur News

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CONCACAF WOQC was opportunity to - Coach advance Lady Jags Programme Rodrigues By Franklin Wilson in Houston Texas compliments of Fazia’s Collection, Crown Mining Supply, Anglin Enterprises USA, Stag Beer, Germans Restaurant, Queensway Security Service Head Coach of the Lady Jags Mark Rodrigues in summing up the performance of Guyana’s #1 female team said that the C O N C A C A F Wo m e n ’s Olympic Qualifying Championship presented an opportunity for the players to advance themselves and the programme. Rodrigues was speaking at the post match press conference of Tuesday night at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas following Guyana’s 1-5 defeat to Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago in the sides final Group B match. The win for the Soca Princesses earned them a place in the semifinals against the USA tomorrow, it is the first time that any Caribbean nation has reached this far at this level, the highest in CONCACAF. The Lady Jags also created history on Sunday last, February 14th, when they defeated Guatemala 2-1 becoming only the third Caribbean nation to record a win at this level. So while the dedicated and history making Lady Jags did not advance further, they have warmed the hearts of all and sundry with their ‘heart of a jaguar’ performances in all three matches, conceding the least amount of goals against one of CONCACAF’s powerhouses, Canada in the group. Canada won against Guyana 5-0, thumped T&T 6-0, while hammering Guatemala 10-0 in the group’s final match on Tuesday night. Rodrigues who has been the chief architect behind the

formation and rise of the Lady Jags expressed happiness and the growth of the players when compared to 2010 when they had qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Cancun Mexico where they lost all three matches. Defender Justine Rodrigues who shared the post-match press conference with her coach said that the players are all very passionate about the game and relish such opportunities to prove that they belong. ”I think that it is just an amazing thing to make it thus far for a small country like Guyana. We are always underestimated so if we come out and be proud of ourselves and play hard and win in these advanced tournaments I think that’s just an accomplishment in itself. Unlucky tonight but I know that we will be back sometime and hopefully we’ll do better next time.” Looking ahead, the Head Coach said that he has initiated some talks with Argentina with a view to playing them in an international friendly in May as part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. ”We’re actually looking for a quality opponent, I’ve initiated some talks today (Tuesday) with Argentina so along with that, I know the federation under the new administration are working hard to make sure that the proper funding and so go t o w a r d s t h e w o m e n ’s programme to continue and not let this die like it did in the past, after 2010.” ”I know they are working feverishly to ensure that we have some funding that we can continue to play a few internationals each year and possibly have some camps on a more regular basis so that we are a lot more prepared.” The speed of the Trinidad and Tobago players was just

were only able to score juncture of the match. good at coming back and I Possible Int. Friendly against Argentina in May

unmatchable the

Guyana’s Lady Jags starting X1 that took on Trinidad’s Soca Princesses.

coach conceded. ”We just couldn’t match the speed of their wingers, as a result of that, it created a few gaping holes that they exploited. Kudos to them, they came with a good game plan to utilise their strength in that department.” He explained that Guyana went into the match with a game plan to control the middle but it didn’t work out. “It’s always a match of wits but the break down was speed kills.” Justine Rodrigues noted that her team is very good at re-grouping and coming back as she recounted what was said by the players in a huddle after they conceded four goals in the first 21 minutes including an own goal. Thereafter, Trinidad

once. Wo r d s o f encouragement to give it their all; play with pride and give it your best were uttered among the Lady Jags at that

”I think it’s easy to forget what you have when you are down, you get a little defeated at moments but I think our team is very, very

think it’s because we have those little talks to kind of just refresh our mind and get back to focusing on the goal at hand.”

t r o Sp

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WE ARE THE WORLD CHAMPS! Members of the victorious West Indies U-19 team shortly after their arrival in Barbados.

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CONCACAF WOQC was opportunity to advance Lady Jags Programme - Coach Rodrigues

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