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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
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
What is it about the police regulations Should it be OK for a police officer to shoot at an unarmed suspect who is running away? How about at a moving car? Or at a suspect who poses a danger only to himself? Questions like these go to the heart of the debate over policing and the use of force. They are also at the core of a controversial 30-point plan for revising standards for police encounters with suspects and others. In the United States the January 29 report from an organization of law enforcement leaders called the Police Executive Research Forum has rattled a lot of cages in the police world because it calls for a standard of conduct higher than that purportedly set by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case of Graham vs. Connor. By this standard, an officer should not be disciplined or otherwise held to answer for acting the way any other reasonable officer would have acted in the same situation, faced with rapidly evolving circumstances, often with the lives of bystanders and the officer on the line, having to make split-second decisions. Many officers embrace that ruling: Don’t judge us, they argue, if you have never walked in our shoes, do the work that we do and face the same dangers we face daily. And it’s a fair point, to an extent. A police officer cannot always know that the fleeing suspect or that the driver of the moving car is unarmed, or that the unhinged suspect won’t hurt anyone else. When officers can be subjected to discipline for doing what any other reasonable officer would do in the same situation, they may well choose simply not to engage a suspect at all - the so-called Ferguson effect. And then, of course, they might subject themselves to criticism for allowing the suspect, who just might turn out to be armed and dangerous after all, to hurt bystanders. How can police protect and serve under those circumstances? And how can police departments, review panels and courts hold officers to a more restrictive standard than the one set forth by the Supreme Court? That argument is based on a misunderstanding of Graham, both by officers who criticize the proposed PERF principles and those who have recommended them. Nothing in the court’s decision creates a standard of police conduct forever and for all time, or prevents today’s standard for “reasonableness” to be higher tomorrow. To the contrary, the court’s decision contemplates standards that rise over time with innovations in police training and tactics. The PERF principles should be seen as a serious attempt to elevate what is deemed “reasonable” police conduct in any given situation. Few officers in 1989, the year of the Graham decision, would have seen it as a normal part of police duties to de-escalate tense encounters with suspects. Nor would all officers today, but many would, and over time de-escalation should be expected to become a standard part of a reasonable officer’s conduct. Of course, the final verdict on which de-escalation strategies are deemed sound and which should be considered reckless will come only after years of experimentation and identification of best practices. To brush aside any effort to change standards of reasonableness nationwide is to artificially depress standards everywhere. The court did not require reasonableness of an officer’s conduct to be judged by the lowest common denominator. And as training and tactics are upgraded in one department, they ought to become part of the reasonableness standard that is expected in other departments. The sanctity of human life should be at the heart of everything a police agency does; officers should intervene to prevent other officers from using excessive force; officers should promptly render first aid. Police officers do work that most of the rest of society would have difficulty understanding. Their perspective on the proper use of force is essential. Let’s hope they take part in the discussion.
THIS MAN WRITES ONLY ON INDIAN SUPREMACY DEAR EDITOR, I refer to letter published on February 11, titled “Diaspora complains about Golden Jubilee Committee composition,” written by Vishnu Bishram. The essence of this letter is that the Guyana 50th Golden Jubilee Independence committee in New York does not have enough “Indians.” Bisram also implied that Indians were not allowed to join the committee and that the AFC is underrepresented. Bisram does not speak for the Guyanese Diaspora. I’m a member of the AFC. Bisram does not speak for AFC members. I’m disgusted and embarrassed by all the racial banter from people like Vishnu Bishram who see everything from a racial point of view. Bisram claimed that “the diaspora” is unhappy with the committee; as if he and his few cohorts make up the entire diaspora. I would love to know who are these members of the diaspora that he consulted and claimed to have met with and who do they represent? The 50th Committee in New York has made all Guyanese proud. I too attended a meeting that included a
diverse group of Guyanese from different organizations. They all had loud praises for the 50th committee in New York and spoke of the celebration launch last month in Queens. All of them showered compliments on the committee for a wonderful program. All Guyanese know that Bishram is an Indian activist/extremists, some say racist, who supported the PPP government’s brutal discrimination against African Guyanese and defended death squad tortures and killings. He has a history of promoting Indian supremacy. Bisram’s letter forced me to check the committee’s website:www. celebrateguyana50thinnyc.com. I was shocked to find out that 12 members of the AFC are on the committee. I discovered that the AFC Chairman in the US appointed the AFC members on the committee. All of the major AFC leaders are on the committee. I also learnt that the AFC wrote the committee asking not to allow other AFC members on the committee. I understand that over 2000 Guyanese from all walks of life were invited to join the committee. No one
was denied membership. Bishram must be challenged to say which Indian person or organization was denied membership? And, why haven’t the people he claims are dissatisfied joined the committee? Bishram stated that the committee lacks political balance and that APNU members dominate the committee. Again, this is false. Most members represent organization or individuals who wish to do something for their country. I was shocked to discover that the Committee invited the political parties in Parliament to nominate representatives for the committee and that Bisram’s party, the PPP refused to participate. This notwithstanding, the committee includes some notable Queens individuals like, Cheddi Jagan, III, Dr. Taj Rajkumar, Lakshmee Sings, Jack Bharrat etc. Again, this exposes Bishram’s lies. I was also shocked to find out that even the WPA also has 4 representatives on the committee. Also on the committee are representatives of the Diwali Association in Queens. Again, (Continued on page 31)
A PUBLIC RELATIONS TRIP TO LETHEM BY FIVE MINISTERS DEAR EDITOR, The recent Government entourage of the Prime Minister and five important Ministers to Lethem seems more like a P.R. exercise to keep the people faithful. The Minister of Infrastructure would take his bragging rights for highway and bridge building. The other Ministers would make reassuring noises about plans and actions that are being hatched in the pipeline; time would see their imminent delivery. The Prime Minister delivered the coup d’état; the telling intention to solve all problems. (Chronicle 210216) He used the improved Highway to Brazil as the highway to heaven. This highway will bring investors and with them all the goodies anyone could possibly want. There was no reference to the expanded role of this location as a regional centre. Not just an administrative centre, a market centre, or a bauxite mining town but a centre with a radio station promised since 1995/6 when the Prime Minister was the Minister of Local
Government. Yes a radio station would be a great communication service for the community for sharing, for solidarity and cohesion. The coalition has cohesion on its agenda. But where is regional independence from all trips to Georgetown and the time and money to trek there on minibuses each and every day. All roads lead to Georgetown; all business must be done there and nowhere else. Internet and cell phone has replaced radio to a large extent so why not wifi, free wifi. Then a one stop shop to conduct all kinds of business, commercial and government business with forms to download for various applications, taxes to pay, bills to pay, income tax returns to be filed and a whole host of things to get done on the spot. Of course that presumes that the end that is receiving all this communication is equipped to handle timely processing and handing out of receipts, the public service end that will come up to speed. Now back to the highway to the
Brazilian heaven and a flow of salutary investors, another messianic hope by divine provision. Guyanese have had their fill of investors who do not come here for our sakes. Will they be any different from Bai Shan Lin? There is no mention of the President’s wish for micro-enterprise, micro-industry in industrial estates that will diversify the narrow economic base. That must be emplaced in all the regional centres supported by technical training centres and machine shops to make the simpler tools and machines to increase capability and productivity. Such regional centres will be surrounded by intensive gardening and other farms. Agro-processing will prevent rotting of perishable produce and remove the cap on how much can be produced, marketed before it rots. The supply of bottled and canned goods to shops and groceries of processed goods with more than adequate shelf life will contribute to life in many ways to consumer, producer (Continued on page 5)
Misbehavior by GPL crew DEAR EDITOR, On Saturday gone I got a call from a resident of Zeelugt informing me that since the day before a truck hook a power cable whilst passing and cause a section of the area to be without power. Many calls by various residents that are affected by the outage make repeated calls to the emergency section of GPL and they were told that the technicians would come. Because many people had perishable stuff in their
freezers and fridges that were under threats, I made a call with the emergency number available and after being told that my call is important please hold I did. A while later, a female who said her name is Sharon answered with loud noise in the background which caused me to keep repeating over and over the reason for the call. I was told that once a report is made the technicians would come. With that I decided to go home
and whilst passing a popular drinking place in Uitvlugt. I saw a new mini bus parked with the emergency writing at the back. The crew/staff was sitting on the grandstand/bench outside drinking. When I went back in Zeelugt the next day, Sunday upon inquiries, I was informed that later the same bus went and rectify the problem later that Saturday night, but before they did, those affected had to make a donation. Sahadeo Bates
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Carvil Duncan should resign Chief Justice Chang’s from these Commissions ruling is patently wrong DEAR EDITOR, In Guyana, four daily newspapers carry issues and stories also photographs on the front pages that the editors believe are the most important and for that very reason Mr. Carvil Duncan and Mr. Aeshwar Deonarine photographs, have been featuring on the front pages. On Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016 on the front page of Kaieteur newspaper, printed in block letters read the following ‘Following Criminal Charges Carvil Duncan status on Constitutional Bodies Questioned” I turned to page 14 and read the entire article, some of the paragraph more than once and reflected on the numerous public servants, the employees from the private sector and other employees, who were accused of the offences of fraud, larceny by clerk or servant and embezzlement, and who never admitted to the crime they were accused of, but yet these persons were arrested, locked up, taken before the courts, even before the police Investigations were completed. Once before the court, the prosecutor would ask for substantial bail and may even ask that your passport lodged with the police which to my mind maybe a reasonable request depends upon the circumstances. Well I have always had an interest in trade union related issues, and I feel that Mr. Duncan is right up there with the best we have ever had or have and that list
includes Joseph Pollydore, Leslie Melville, Selo Baichan, Richard Ishmael, Lincoln Lewis, George DePena, Komal Chand and many others, but it is beyond the comprehension of the average thinking people how he can justify his decision not to resign from the very important Commissions, he sits on. Chairman Public Service Commission, Member of the Judicial Service, Commission and Member of the Police Services, Commission the importance of these Commissions cannot be overstated because the deal with the dispensation of justice and the day today aspects of people’s life. In the justice system there are three popular phrases or slogans we hear (1) innocent until proven guilty, (2) justice delayed is justice denied, (3) the right to be heard, and while I fully subscribe to all these doctrine, it has to be applicable to all, not only to the rich, the privilege, those
who are led to believe that they are powerful, and those with political connections. But to each and every citizen of this country, we all must openly agree, that had a class one clerk accused of stealing by whatever means or way, $100,000 of worse, the cases would have been dealt with differently. Someone needs to tell me where is this equal rights and justice for all. Mr. Duncan by refusing to resign from these constitutional bodies has in no small way, eroded the confidence of the Guyanese people that these commissions needs to have. But, I rather suspect that he and other persons out there may be saying that if a Member of Parliament, who is before the court charged with stealing hundreds of millions of dollars, has not resigned then why should he. They are times I believe that you must jump before you are pushed. Archie W. Cordis Former A.F.C. Councillor Region 2
A PUBLIC RELATIONS TRIP TO LETHEM BY... From page 4 and middleman. Economies of scale will be achieved through and by small and micro enterprise improving the lot of small and middle income earners and give their young people jobs closer to home. A durable community will emerge. Why did Minister Harmon and Minister Patterson not speak to the abandoned hydro electricity power project nearby (Moko Moko?)? Such green energy will cut the cost of electricity by half. Amaila Falls is another generation away. This project hit by a landslide at the dam has the penstocks already in place. The dam has to be put in shape. Mahadeo Bissoon
DEAR EDITOR, I have read only the newspaper reports of acting CJ Chang’s ruling on the eligibility of Ministers Felix and Scott to sit as members of the National Assembly (when will we get a High Court website to access court filings and decisions?) His ruling apparently rests on an interpretation of article 160 (3)(a)(v), which states that Parliament may make provision for “the extraction from the lists and declaration of names of candidates who have been elected…” The acting CJ thus concluded, according to one newspaper account, that the status of a candidate as an elected member of the National Assembly precedes the act of extraction. In other words, all candidates on an elected list are automatically elected members. As background, the government side is contending that candidates become elected members only after extraction. Those candidates not extracted remain unelected and could therefore be appointed as technocrat ministers according to the constitution. T h e a c t i n g C J ’s interpretation ignores the rules of careful English, rendering the ruling erroneous. If we accept the ruling’s logic, then the words in article 160 (3)(a)(v) “who have been elected” are redundant and unnecessary, since candidates, by the CJ’s definition, already have been elected. Why would the article repeat itself? A constitution may contain redundancies, but
careful readers of the language would recognize, however, that the words “who have been elected” form a restrictive clause. A restrictive clause functions as an adjective to particularize or confine a noun and alerts readers that the noun is not meant to include all persons, only the identified subset. For example, the phrase “students who study”, with the restrictive clause “who study”, refers only to studying students, but also informs us of two things: one, there exist other students and, two, they do not study. Similarly, by confining the noun “candidates” with the restrictive clause “who have been elected”, the drafters of the constitution are indicating that there exist other candidates who cannot be so described; that is, they are not elected. Indeed, the Representation of the People Act confirms that the structure of the text in article 160 (3) points to the existence of both elected members and unelected candidates. Section 11C (4), as one instance, states that each party shall extract from its list “the candidates to become members of the National Assembly”. Likewise, section 98, as highlighted by the AG, states that names shall be extracted from a list and declared “to be the names of the candidates on such list who have been elected.” Contrary to the ruling, therefore, candidates are not automatically elected
members. Some (with the exclusion of others) acquire this status (“become members”) only after the act of extraction. I also note the contention that when we elect a list of candidates, the candidates on the list should logically be called elected members. But the constitution and the relevant statutes persist in the usage of the term “candidates” to refer to those on an elected list and switch to the term “elected members” only to refer to those candidates who have been extracted from the list. Messrs Felix and Scott were not extracted and therefore did not become elected members of the National Assembly. But because they are candidates, they are extractable and therefore qualified to become elected members, satisfying the requirement for technocrat ministers in accordance with article 103(2) of the constitution. Sherwood Lowe
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Bolivian President says result still not clear in referendum (Reuters) - President Evo Morales asked Bolivians yesterday to wait “calmly” for the official result of Sunday’s referendum on whether he should be allowed to run for re-election, emphasizing that the outcome could still go either way. Morales, 56, who became Bolivia’s first indigenous president in 2006 and is now on his third term, was trying to change the constitution so he could run in the 2019 election and potentially remain in power until 2025. Preliminary results of Sunday’s vote indicated that he was heading for defeat. By Monday morning, with about 30 percent of the vote counted, the “no” was leading the “yes” by some 63.5 percent to 36.5 percent, according to the electoral commission. Exit polls, however, had indicated a much closer result - though still an overall “no” - and Morales said it was too early to know the final outcome. “I am asking all the social movements, of both “yes” and “no”, to calmly and responsibly await the final result from the electoral commission,” he said in a national broadcast Monday. Rejection would be an-
Bolivia’s President Evo Morales holds a ballot paper during a national referendum Sunday. (Reuters/Danilo Balderrama) other blow to South America’s once dominant populist leftist bloc, which is losing steam as voters tire of reports of cronyism and tumbling commodities prices have provided less income to fuel government spending. Morales’ supporters say he has brought stability and social spending to one of the region’s poorest countries, and, with no clear successor, should be allowed to continue. The pro-Morales vote is likely to rise as ballots are
counted from rural areas and outside the country, and for now celebrations in the “no” camp remain muted. If he were to fail in the referendum, onetime coca grower Morales said he would retire to his farm after his term was up but not give up the “struggle”. “Life goes on. If the ‘no’ wins the struggle will continue, the administration will continue, I have a lot of responsibilities and it’s no good despairing whatever the result,” he said.
China signals no South China Sea backdown as foreign minister goes to U.S. (Reuters) - China’s South China Sea military deployments are no different from U.S. deployments on Hawaii, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said yesterday, striking a combative tone ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the United States this week. The United States last week accused China of raising tensions in the South China Sea by its apparent deployment of surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island, a move China has neither confirmed nor denied. Asked whether the South China Sea, and the missiles, would come up when Wang is in the United States to meet Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Washington should not use the issue of military facilities on the islands as a “pretext to make a fuss”. “The U.S. is not involved in the South China Sea dispute, and this is not and should not become a problem between China and the United States,” Hua told a daily news briefing.
China hopes the U.S. abides by its promises not to take sides in the dispute and stop “hyping up” the issue and tensions, especially over China’s “limited” military positions there, she said. “China’s deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own territory is not substantively different from the United States defending Hawaii,” Hua added. U.S. ships and aircraft carrying out frequent, close-in patrols and surveillance in recent years is what has increased regional tensions, she said. “It’s this that is the biggest cause of the militarization of the South China Sea. We hope that the United States does not confuse right and wrong on this issue or practice double standards.” AUSTRALIA OPERATIONS URGED Yesterday, a senior U.S. naval officer was reported as saying Australia and other countries should follow the U.S. lead and conduct “freedom-of-navigation” naval operations within 12 nautical miles (18 kilometres) of con-
tested islands in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. Beijing has rattled nerves with construction and reclamation activities on the islands it occupies, though it says these moves are mostly for civilian purposes. The state-owned China Southern Power Grid Company will set up a power grid management station in what China calls Sansha City, located on Woody Island in the Paracels, which will be able to access microgrids in 16 other islands, according to China’s top regulator of state-owned assets. In the long term, the station will be able to remotely manage power for many islands there, the statement added, without specifying which islands it was referring to. Wang is scheduled to be in the U.S. from today until Thursday.
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GPL’s board sacks Welch, search on for new CEO - Badal Chairman of the Board of Directors for Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Robert Badal, has confirmed the sacking of Colin Welch, the Chief Executive Officer (acting). Welch was appointed to act as the company’s head six months ago, but his tenure was rocky, with several clashes with Management. He was fingered, via a number of leaked texts and Skype messages, in an attempt to tamper with an $800M contract to buy prepaid meters from a Chinese contractor. There were questions also about his qualifications and whether he was a Harvard graduate. Following the appointment of a new Board of Directors for GPL last month, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who is charged with responsibilities for the electricity sector, made it clear that issues and questions of Welch would be dealt with. Responding to queries last evening, Badal, in con-
firming that GPL has decided to end its relations with Welch, said that applications for the CEO’s position will now be entertained, and the aim is to attract a competent and dynamic replacement to lead the GPL team. Welch reportedly left last week for Asia, with senior management saying they had little idea why he went there. Last week, senior management officials reportedly met Badal and a team regarding a number of complaints. With regard to the future of GPL, Badal, a businessman who owns Pegasus Hotel and Guyana Stockfeeds Limited, said that the executive management team has been directed to update its five-year strategic plan which would soon be posted on its website and shared with the nation. “This plan focuses on significantly reducing the company’s technical and non-technical losses with investments to improve the transmission and distribution infrastructure of GPL, in ad-
Dem boys seh...
Rohee blame de dead again There is an old saying that when you point one finger at somebody dem have three fingers pointing at you. But Rohee forget that. When Rohee get blame fuh buying de water cannon that never wuk fuh $39 million when de thing cost $5 million, he tun round and blame de PS and de Police Commissioner. He did think long and hard before he could come up wid that answer. He deliberately do that because he know that nobody coulda question de dead. When dem boys hear who Rohee seh fuh blame, de Waterfalls boss man tell dem reporter fuh get a comment from See-all and de PS. See-all ask dem ‘wha you asking me? You know me and Rohee coo-coo don’t boil’. And then he seh that he ain’t had nutten to do wid that scampishness. Is Henry, that other fat crook, wha dead,Rohee talking bout. When dem boys look fuh de PS, dem hear she dead too. Dead men tell no tales. Dem boys seh Rohee learn from Burnham. When you get ketch wid you pants down, blame dead people. Wha Rohee fail to realize was back in those days Burnham was talking to a not so smart nation. Today different. Not even a child believe wha he seh. He other confederate, Gail, get vex because de man wha does Trot seh de Pee Pee Pee give away 100 per cent of de productive forest. Gail, Rohee, and that scamp Jagdeo try to convince all Guyana that it wasn’t so. Don’t worry wid Gail. Everybody know she was always a pya pya that nobody tek serious. She never know right from wrong. In fact, Jagdeo seh only 56 per cent he give away but de map of Guyana wha dem boys show in a three-page spread prove otherwise. Dem boys hear dem talk among demself, how dem nah get satisfaction here in Guyana, suh dem write to Norway, which they did. Today Norway write back and ask dem to show wheh de 44 per cent deh, wha Jagdeo seh Guyana still have. Talk half and pray that Rohee and Jagdeo nah blame dem dead presidents fuh giving away all Guyana.
dition to expanding its generating capacity.” Badal made it clear last evening that the President’s vision of a clean, green economy would be central to the plan, with emphasis on a more diversified matrix of power supply, including solar, wind, hydro and other renewables. “GPL would seek to improve its customer service with shorter response times to customers’ queries, reduce blackouts, by replacing old, inefficient equipment and systems and investments in effective technology in the area of billing and managing customer accounts.” According to the new Chairman, electricity tariffs are currently being reviewed to lower current rates. “Progress never comes without hard work and the management and staff are fully dedicated and committed to delivering a highly improved electricity supply at a lower
Axed: Colin Welch
GPL’s Chairman, Robert Badal cost.” Corruption watchdog body, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc., had criticized the new administration over its handling of allegations of wrongdoing by Welch. Welch was appointed as CEO (Ag) of the company in August, following the sudden, stormy departure of longserving Bharat Dindyal. With regards to the text mes-
sages and the allegations of contract tampering, Welch had categorically denied the purported texts, saying they were falsely created and that he had been framed. He said that the people who created the chat site spelt his name incorrectly; they used a computer that was not connected to him in any way. The texts which
were denied by Welch had suggested that he had asked the supplier to lie to authorities in Guyana about the specifications. The leaked messages were sent to a number of top Government officials, including Minister Patterson and GPL management. Welch was brought in to GPL under the previous administration, as a Deputy CEO but his post was never advertised. GPL handles billions of dollars annually but has been struggling with electricity thefts, technical losses and aging equipment, despite being able to add new generators.
REPUBLIC DAY MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER
Deeper unity and stronger communities The independent nation of Guyana declared itself a Republic on this day 46 years ago. It assumed the name ‘The Cooperative Republic of Guyana.’ The establishment of the republic was by no means a perfunctory, post-colonial affirmation of statehood or the adoption of an ornamental title. It marked a transition from Guyana’s status as a ‘monarchy’ to a constitutional ‘democracy’. Our first Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, advised: “…in the context of Guyana, there is an indescribable incongruity about having the Queen of Great Britain [as] the Queen of Guyana. Moving to the status of a Republic represents, to my mind, a further step in the direction of self-reliance and self-confidence.” The declaration of republican status was an audacious and ambitious political decision. It consummated the covenant of Independence that had been earned four years earlier in 1966. It severed the residual vestiges of Guyana’s dependency on our former colonial rulers. Guyana joined the majority of states of the world which, today, are also republics. Guyana, by becoming a Republic: · Effaced the incongruous image of the Queen of Britain being the Head of State of our nation. It allowed us to
appoint a Guyanese, of humble origins, the descendant of indentured labourers, as our first President; · Emancipated our new nation from the ignominy of having our final court of appeal located in the country which, for one hundred and fifty years, had exercised colonial dominion over our citizens; and, · Elevated the status of our people and enhanced their self-esteem; expedited the ‘Guyanisation’ of society and promoted the mobility of Guyanese in public institutions and international organisations. Guyanese must seize the opportunity of this anniversary to work for greater national unity. We can be one nation only if all sections of our population feel that they are an integral part of and share in our country’s development. National Unity must be pursued at all levels. We must, in 2016, narrow the differences and divisions between our political parties through the promotion of dialogue and the intensification of political cooperation and consensus-based decisionmaking. Guyanese must, at the national level, eradicate the suspicions that promote tensions and strife. We must dispel prejudice and hatred amongst individuals and groups. We must move forward as a united
nation, constantly reaffirming our national motto: one people, one nation, one destiny. Democracy is about placing power in the hands of the people. The changes wrought by becoming a republic were part of a process of democratic renewal. They were intended to place power into the hands of the people by making “the small man the real man.” They enabled the common folk, through their communities, collectives and cooperatives, to promote their economic self-improvement. We will fulfill our promise to conduct local government elections in order to empower our citizens in their village communities and municipalities after two nightmarish decades of municipal despotism. Local government elections will empower residents and enrich communities. Guyanese must use this opportunity of the holding of local government elections on 18th March to continue the process of democratic renewal which has been denied to our people for twenty-two years. Local government elections will re-emphasise the importance of our communities. Local government elections will empower elected local representatives thereby allowing citizens to administer their own affairs more competently and to contribute more fully to the develop-
ment of their communities. We have emphasised the importance of communities by naming the Ministry of Communities; by enhancing the role of Community Policing; by strengthening our Community Development Councils by refurbishing our Community Centres and by revisiting the idea of Community High Schools. Guyanese must seize the opportunity of this anniversary to improve the communities in which they live in order to avert decline. The social problems – alcoholism and drug abuse; crime; homelessness; interpersonal violence; poverty and suicide – and the threat they present to the common good demand urgent attention and action, especially at the level of the community. Communities give primacy to the needs of individuals, families and households. They recognise that residents are social beings and they seek, therefore, to harmonise the interests of the individuals with those of society as a whole. These problems cannot be addressed by any single group – be it government or non-governmental organisations. These problems are national in scale. They require national responses. Let us cooperate for Guyana! God bless the Cooperative Republic of Guyana!
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Tuesday February 23, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Strange things on the anniversary of republicanism Just days before the country moved into overdrive to celebrate 46 years of republicanism, some intriguing things happened. After six years, there are police charges against the men who threw a miasmic substance in my face and on my head. This comes ten months after the PPP lost power and some of the men charged are in the employ of the PPP. Why the long delay? Because personnel in the political leadership of the state were involved. The question that the television crew asked when they came to my home about the intellectual author was met with an automatic response;
those people that were charged were just the foot soldiers. Politicians gave them the order. There is a colossal irony in these strange things that occurred just before the anniversary celebration began. I feel sorry that the younger generations of my country have to endure this politics of cruel masquerade. I did not accept the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry when it was announced. So did one of Walter’s best friends, Clive Thomas, a Guyanese icon. It is not that I wanted the matter to rest. It should not. We needed to know how the Rodney assassination oc-
curred, who planned it and the messengers that carried it out. My fear was that the timing was terrible and the implementation of it was for evil reasons. My greatest fear was that the PPP leadership, sensing its minority presidency would fall at any moment wanted to dirty the PNC by invoking Burnham’s authoritarian era. The compelling question was: why did the PPP Government wait for 21 years? My extreme discomfort centered on the obfuscation of the PPP’s dictatorial application of violence against its critics that the Rodney en-
quiry would create. One had to separate one’s historic pursuit for justice for one of the great sons of the Third World, Walter Rodney and the rejection of the commission whose purpose was to bolster the power base of a regime worse that Burnham’s. Was I supposed to jump into the skies on the announcement of the enquiry when I almost lost my life twice under the PPP cabals? When Benschop was remanded for five years on treason charge? When a mother was dragged, along with her husband and family friend from her home and charged for treason to spend two years on remand? The woman was confined to a year of solitary confinement. When Oliver Hinckson was remanded on sedition charges? When Ronald Waddell was shot dead at his gate? When Courtney Crum Ewing was gunned down while urging people to vote? When a drug trafficker, Roger Khan was given licence to kill hundreds of people?
No matter how we love Walter Rodney, the Courtney Crum Ewing and Waddell killings were just as vicious as Walter’s murder. Walter was lured into the night to test a device that turned out to be a planted bomb. Courtney’s death was more bitterly ironic. The PPP, which this columnist feels should be investigated in the Crum- Ewing tragedy, spent almost three decades crying to the world that Guyana did not have free and fair elections. But state sponsored killers assassinated a critic while he was in the act of urging Guyanese to go out and vote doing so with his small bullhorn in his hand. That has to be a deeply sad irony that will one day destroy the collective psyche of the PPP leadership. On the eve of the republican anniversary, men and women in the PPP leadership who committed untold atrocities and depravities against this helpless nation are rejoicing that the commission into Walter’s death found the
Frederick Kissoon PNC’s founding leader guilty of involvement. This joy of rejoice comes from people whose violent excesses were more widespread, dangerous and evil than the Burnham administration’s tyrannies. On this day of republicanism, the findings of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry leave a bitter taste in our mouths. Republicanism may have been culturally inspiring in 1970 as we broke with the Queen as the symbol of British presence in Guyana. From Walter Rodney to Ronald Waddell to Courtney Crum Ewing, Guyanese must ask themselves how liberating has been republicanism. Try as hard as you want to admire our first Republican Government under Forbes Burnham, he desecrated the value of post-independent Guyana. It is only a fanatic that would think Burnham didn’t use power in wild, wild ways. Jagan was not a moral and political alternative to Burnham. Jagan came to power in 1992 and set in motion a monster that created ethnic madness that almost destroyed Guyana. It would be no exaggeration to say that the 46 years of republicanism could be deemed the reign of Third World Jacobinism
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
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PPP denies inserting fake SOPs …to press ahead with elections petition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee has expressed satisfaction in the recent ruling by Chief Justice, Ian Chang to the effect that the High Court should proceed with the Elections Petition filed by the PPP to challenge the results of the May 11, 2015 Regional and General Elections. Calling it a triumph of justice, Rohee also dismissed recent suggestions by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally that the fake Statements of Poll were possibly inserted by those who emerged the losers and who had the most to lose. He had also stated that GECOM still had those fake SOPs, which told the sordid story. “We will not be bothered by Surujbally’s claim,” Rohee said, casting asperations on its soundness. “I don’t know how PPP people could get their hands on fake Statements of Poll. Where is the evidence? He has to attest to his claim.” “The PPP will press ahead,” Rohee continued. “Surujbally is not the Judge and the Jury in this matter. He is free to express his opinion, but we are also free to express ours. So the court will proceed with the hearing of the substantive petition.” The interlocutory applications (Summonses) had been issued to determine whether the Court should proceed with the substantive matters relative to the Elections Petition; in other words, to dismiss the Elections Petition. “The Party views the ruling as a triumph of justice for the Guyanese electorate and looks forward with great anticipation to the commencement of the proceedings on the substantive Elections Petition.” Rohee was also asked whether the majority of the claims in the elections petition did not represent hearsay
GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally
evidence, which was not applicable in court. Rohee made it clear that he did not agree with this view. However, he noted that the final Judge of the matter will be the court. “(The court) will determine whether it was hearsay,” he said. Mere weeks before he officially retires as Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang, returned to the bench and overruled the summons to strike out the Elections Petition filed
on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party, challenging the results of the General and Regional Elections last June. Chang expected to officially retire at the end of this month. The petition was filed on behalf of Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganga Persaud. In the petition, the applicant (Persaud), who was appointed Elections Agent on the List of Candidates for the PPP/C, claimed that the
Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang
elections were “unlawfully conducted” and that the results of the elections was affected or might have been affected by unlawful acts or omissions. According to the document, Persaud named the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and leaders of the eight political parties which contested the last elections, as respondents in the matter. Lowenfield, through his Attorney, Roysdale Forde, had subsequently filed a summons to strike out the petition. Forde had contended that sufficient material facts have not been provided in the petition challenging the recently concluded elections. The Attorney held that the petition is frivolous and vexatious. He requested that
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee the elections petition be struck out on the grounds that sections of the petition failed to disclose reasonable cause of action.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Cops probe British national’s claims of threats over land dispute - house torched, attempts allegedly made to recruit ‘hit man’ A British national with ties to Guyana says that he fears that he may become a casualty in a property dispute murder that has been keeping police here busy. Salahuddin Saleem, who is married to a Guyanese, is claiming that individuals are trying to get their hands on rice-land that is his wife’s property. He believes that some of the same individuals torched a Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice house that a relative asked his wife to oversee. He also claims that the individuals have been encroaching on the rice-land, also located at Bush Lot, to harvest his rice. Cutlass-
wielding men have also threatened him with physical harm, he said. Worst of all, Saleem alleged that the culprits have even hired someone to kill him. He said that he was spared because the man knew him and refused to do the job. Saleem, who has been in Guyana for the past two years, said that his troubles started at around 2012, when his Guyana-born wife acquired a property that a bank had re-possessed. He claimed that it was then that some individuals claimed that the property was theirs and began to harass him and his workers. “When we plough the
land we have to get armed guards. They came and threatened us with machetes, and they came with combines to harvest our rice,” added Mr. Saleem, who provided Kaieteur News with photographs of two of the alleged culprits brandishing pieces of wood. He claimed that in June 28, last, a Bush Lot property that a relative had placed his wife in charge of went up in flames. According to Mr. Saleem, investigators from the Guyana Fire Service determined that it was arson. According to him, an individual, who allegedly set the fire, is known to complain of not being paid for doing
the job, whenever he is intoxicated. Saleem also claimed that last November, the same individuals who were coveting his rice land had tried to hire a man to kill him and other relatives. But he said that the man knew him and refused to do the job. The British national claims to have a recording of the ‘hit man’ speaking to the individuals who had tried to recruit him. Armed with this information, Saleem said he made a report to police officials in Georgetown , he was then directed to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, Berbice, He said that police at Berbice questioned some of the individuals, but they claimed that they needed more information. He claimed that the man that the individuals had hired also gave a statement. “They were put on bail,” Saleem said. “They kept saying that they have sent a file to the DPP, but no file is with the DPP.” Expressing disappointment with the response of the police, Saleem was concerned
One of the individuals who allegedly threatened Mr. Saleem
that the alleged culprits could injure or even kill him if the authorities fail to act on his matter quickly. A senior police official
confirmed that he is aware of the allegations, but urged Mr. Saleem to have trust in the ranks to whom he has filed the complaints.
Two critical after speeding car cuts down lamp post The wrecked car
Two persons remain in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital following a horrendous accident around 13:30 hrs on Sunday on the Profit Public Road, West Coast Berbice. Injured and in an unconscious condition at the main medical institution are the driver Rafiel Laurie, 27, of Supply, Mahaica; and Reana Khan, 29, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. According to information, the silver grey Toyota 212 Motorcar, PKK 7466 was reportedly heading west towards Georgetown on the
southern side of the Profit Public Road when the driver lost control, sending the vehicle off the road. The vehicle broadsided a Guyana Power and Light Inc. pole on the Southern side breaking it in half. The car was badly damaged. The two victims had to be assisted out of the vehicle by public spirited citizens. They were first rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital in an unconscious condition before being transferred to the Georgetown Hospital for emergency treatment. Laurie remains in a critical
condition while Khan it is reported to be responding to treatment. Two other accidents reportedly occurred in Berbice yesterday. Another one took place on the West Coast Berbice involving a Rav 4 vehicle and a motorcycle. The driver of the Rav 4 reportedly fled the scene. However his vehicle was later found, locked and abandoned. The other accident reportedly occurred in East Canje involving a car and a bicycle. The cyclist reportedly was riding without light and brakes. He is hospitalized.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
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GJFA hosts symposium on women’s health Health Personnel at the convention center on Sunday
In an effort to tackle cervical cancer in sexually active women of child-bearing age, women are being urged to visit the VIA (Visual Inspection with Acid) clinic in their region and get screened as soon as possible. Ministry of Public Health’s Medex, Lorlene Ramsundar, made this disclosure at a symposium held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Sunday by the Guyana-Jamaica Friendship Association (GJFA) in col-
laboration with the Ministry. The focused of the seminar was on women’s health. Medical personnel who attended the event spoke on breast and cervical cancers, maternal mortality among other illnesses which affects women in Jamaica and Guyana. The conference was opened by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. She pledged government’s commitment to continue educa-
tion of health care workers and to work with all stakeholders in an effort to improve the health care delivery systems in the country. President of the GJFA, a New York-based organization, Dr. Frank Denbow, called for mutual respect and cooperation between Guyanese in the Diaspora and those working here to work together to improve the conditions in Guyana. The symposium featured Professor Horace Fletcher,
Expanding VIA screening getting keen attention - CMO The second leading cause of cancer deaths recorded by the Ministry of Public Health is cervical cancer. This is according to 2015 Cancer Surveillance Report which was unveiled by the Ministry last year. The report contains the state of cancers in Guyana over a 10-year period and reveals that cervical cancer accounted for 1, 014 deaths. But keen efforts are being made by the Ministry to tackle this form of cancer. And one of the strategic tactics being embraced by the Ministry is the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening. This screening method is one that is intended to help with the early detection of cancer with a view of introducing treatment that could help halt its evolution. And the Public Health Ministry is poised to expand access to the service. Dr Shamdeo Persaud has noted that while the service is offered free at a number of health facilities there are some that are yet to do so. Dr. Persaud added, “We have been looking at the possibility of bringing on more coordination at the level of the Regional Health Services so that they can work with all of the districts.” This is particularly important, Dr. Persaud explained, since although several of the larger regional and district hospitals are already offering the service there are some smaller ones health facilities and health centres that do not. “It is available in each Region now but not in every area within those Regions,” said. Dr Persaud. Although unable to give a precise number of women accessing VIA screening, the CMO pointed out that “uptake has been really good and the promotional work in the workplaces, even from person to person experiences shared has helped with an improvement of the uptake of this service. “None of the clinics are underutilised; they are well utilised I must say...Sometimes they even run out of supplies because the demand is so high, so that is something that we have to continue to work with.” Minister Persaud said that deliberate efforts are being made to expand its VIA testing capacity. “Our main goal this year is to improve access. We really want more people to
access the good things we are doing to ensure that not everybody has to travel to Georgetown or New Amsterdam or Suddie or Linden to get things like these (VIA screening) done.” Based on details of the Report, the Chronic Diseases Director, Dr. Morris Edwards, revealed that more than half of the cases of cervical cancer were found to be in women below the age of 55 with those 15-39 accounting for the majority. While reporting on the disease might not have been of the best in the early years, Dr Edwards did share his belief that the ongoing VIA programme that has been implemented by the Ministry of Public Health, has the potential of addressing a perceived reporting challenge. But this may not be possible until efforts are made to actually utilise the data garnered. Dr Edwards at the launch of the Report last year said that the state of affairs that obtains is that “that data is lying in the VIA Clinic at the Georgetown Hospital. Nobody looks at that data; that data doesn’t get translated to us at the Central Ministry of Public Health.” However, moves have since been made, with the collaboration of the Pan American Health Organisation, to have the accumulated data entered into a laptop. There are currently some 294 entries thus far, Dr Edwards disclosed. This means that all women who have been screened for cervical cancer, regardless of positive or negative results, their information will be entered into the system. Like the other cancers there has been limited staging of cancer of the cervix. Staging speaks to efforts made by medical personnel to determine the prognosis and treatment options. And according to Dr Edwards, in 66 per cents of the women diagnosed with cancer there was no staging. ”It pains me as a man to be making these statements…all it requires is to pass a speculum and take a sample and this can be easily staged. Two-thirds of the women don’t have any staging and the rest of the women are being diagnosed late with cervical cancer,” the Chronic Diseases Director had lamented.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Professor Fletcher called for Comprehensive and Confidential studies on the cases of Maternal Mortality in both Jamaica and Guyana, since both countries have high prevalence of this problem. Guyana recorded 17 maternal deaths in 2015. There was also a presentation on the treatment of cervical and ovarian cancers by Dr. Gilian Wharfe, Head of the Department of Pathology of the University Hospital of the
West Indies in Jamaica. Veteran Women’s Rights activist, Ms. Karen DeSouza, spoke on Domestic Violence in the country. She hailed the progress made so far but emphasized that much more work needs to be done. The activist said that the misconception that these services are restricted to the poor working class people has prevented this problem from being addressed appropriately. Dr. Galton Roberts, Consultant Gynecologist also
spoke about screening examination of post menopausal women. The symposium which was chaired by Dr. Kay Shako, Director of Regional and Clinical Services was attended by more than 200 Health Care workers and included prominent physicians Dr. Walter Ramsahoye and Dr. Rohan Sarjoo among others. Claudette Powell, Vice President of the GJFA thanked the speakers, attendees and the Ministry of Public Health along with the workers at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Rohee throws blame on dead Top Cop and PS for water cannon purchase The infamous water cannon
Former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, is defiant in the face of an audit which has sounded alarm bells over the purchase of the water cannon for the Guyana Police Force in 2010. He is adamant that consultations were held, only that they were held with the late Henry Greene, the Commissioner of Police. During a press conference at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) headquarters yesterday, Rohee also stated that former Permanent Secretary, the late Angela Johnson played an integral role in the eventual cost, as she collaborated with officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). He also stated that the process used to procure the water cannon was a fit and proper one. He noted that he had to contend with opposition from officers within the GPF who felt excluded and from the then political opposition. “The then opposition never appreciated the fact that a water cannon was needed,” Rohee said. “From day one, they rejected the whole idea of a water cannon being introduced in public order matters and they carried a campaign against the efficacy of a water cannon. (Now) they have taken it a step further. They have solicited an audit in respect to no other equipment but the water cannon.” Rohee said that as regards the absence of consultations, the naysayers are “dead wrong.” The PPP General Secretary sought to emphasize that not everything that is discussed between a sitting Minister of Home Affairs or Public Security and the leader of the police force is made public. “There are certain Officers in the Force,” Rohee
Former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee continued, “who never wanted the water cannon, because (they) did not have a say in the matter. For me, the major voices on such matters are the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police.” Stating that, to his knowledge the matter was fully discussed and ventilated, Rohee was strong in his belief that as the then Minister he was in his rights to consult solely with the Commissioner and not go below him to discuss such matters. “But as far as I am aware, the matter was fully discussed and ventilated and taken to the Cabinet,” Rohee said. “So it was a fit and proper purchase or procurement that was settled on the basis of discussions between myself and the then Commissioner of Police. If the other ranks were not brought into the discussion by the Commissioner that is an internal matter.” The General Secretary
also responded to one of the audit’s most contentious findings. The Audit report had revealed that the equipment was bought for $20.8M, instead of the previously reported price of $37M, from Shiyan Yunlihong Industrial and Trade Co. Ltd, a Chinese company. “Well I don’t have any idea about the difference in pricing because those matters are usually between the Permanent Secretary (late Angela Johnson) and the relevant officers at the Guyana Police Force,” Rohee said. “I have little or no say on the matter of pricing, because once it is in the budget and the price is in the (estimates), then it is a matter for the police and the permanent secretary to settle.” On that note, however, Rohee also took a swing at the Police Force. He alluded to millions of dollars of equipment he claimed the police force has in its possession but has not been making use
of. “I can tell you, because I have had access to the information,” he said. “There are other pieces of equipment costing millions, lying down at (Guyana Police) Force headquarters that have never even come out of the crate.” He noted that he has had cause to raise this issue with the police. He stated that some have reached a stage
where they can no longer be used, as they required special storage arrangements. In 2010, Cabinet, under the PPP administration, approved the purchase of “One used Armored Riot Water Cannon Truck”, at the behest of then Minister Rohee. Rohee had informed Cabinet that the equipment was needed by the Guyana Police
Force to be used for crowd control during the 2011 General and Regional Elections. But the cannon had been heavily criticized as a result of its ineffectiveness. Upon assuming office last year, the APNU+AFC Government engaged Nizam Ali and Company to carry out a Forensic Audit on the process of acquiring the water cannon.
Gov’t will respect rule of law - PM Nagamootoo Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Moses Nagamootoo, reacting to the recent High Court ruling that two technocrat ministers should not sit in the National Assembly, has said that the Coalition Government is committed to respecting the ruling and the judgment of the court. This, he said, will be obeyed when or until the ruling is reversed. “We do not believe there is any merit in the claim of the opposition that Minister Keith Scott or Minister Winston Felix should not sit in the National Assembly, as technocrats. They, in our view, are not elected members of the National Assembly. Their names were drawn from a list of coalition candidates but they were made Members of Parliament by virtue of being technocrat ministers. “Today, we reaffirm our faith in the rule of law and our respect for the judiciary as an independent arm of the state,” he said. “As champions of the separation of powers, as champions of the independence of the judiciary, and in respect for all constitutional bodies and institutions, we will, until these rulings are reversed, stick with the rulings of the court,” the Prime Minister reiterated. He also explained that a notice for a stay of execution and an appeal of the ruling are underway. Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott, in keeping with the ruling, absented themselves from today’s Budget Debates. The move came after retiring acting Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled that the two ministers were elected members hence they could not sit in the House as un-elected/technocratic members. House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland told the House that the ministers would not be occupying their seats. Dr. Scotland addressing the National Assembly, said that he and
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo others must “unequivocally, respect the decisions of a Court.” He added, “Whatever views may exist in relation to a decision of the Court at any time, the first obligation is to obey those decisions, and then proceed from there.” The Speaker said he was not served with a Court Order, but was aware of the decision of the High Court. Dr. Scotland said that whilst he had received a copy of the ruling from People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) front-bencher, Anil Nandlall, he decided to act based on reports in the media. Attorney General, Basil Williams said the Coalition Government would always abide by the rule of law, but at the same time he emphasised that the decision would be appealed, via a filing to have the recent ruling “discharged and set aside.” He added, “We will uphold the rule of law, but we shall ensure that we shall leave no stone un-turned to restore our brothers Scott and Felix to their rightful places in this honourable House.”
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Father of five NICIL sells hotel to Roraima stabbed to death Audit report…
Airways for $138M
…but demands $179M for nearby land alone
- Relative confessed to killing him
Dead: Joseph Jaundoo
NICIL’s former Director, Winston Brassington The forensic audit conducted on Government holding company has raised questions about the sale of Duke Lodge at a cost that is a little less than what the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) charged for a land alone in the same area. Further, it was noted that NICIL had no apparent reason for deciding the sell the Duke Street property. Roraima Airways is owned by Gerry Gouveia, a friend of the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. In his report, former Auditor General and chartered account, Anand Goolsarran, pointed out that
Owner of Rorima Airways, Gerry Gouveia
NICIL sold the property at 93 Duke Street, Kingston to Roraima Airways via Order No. 26/2010 dated June 17, 2010. He said that the records of NICIL indicate that the company was the third highest bidder. However, the highest bidder withdrew his bid after the tender was awarded to him. After that happened, NICIL decided to sell the property to Roraima Airways. NICIL said that this decision was made because of the expansion plans Roraima Airways had as well as the fact that the company is the owner the adjacent property which NICIL had earlier sold to it. Goolsarran said that the
two properties were sold for $49M and $138M, compared with valuations of $50 million and $140 million respectively. The Auditor said that it is still not clear how much was expended on renovation works before these two properties was sold. Further, Goolsarran said that the rationale for disposing of the two properties could also not be determined. He suggested that the sale was a bad move for Government considering the fact that “the property was strategically located in close proximity of the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission and other State agencies in need of office
Auditor, Anand Goolsarran space have been renting buildings over the years, e.g. the Guyana Revenue Authority in respect of its office in Camp Street.” With regard to the selling price, Goolsarran suggested that Gouveia got the property at a gift price considering the fact that a land alone situated in that vicinity has been sold for much more. Goolsarran noted, “It is relevant to note that in 2011, NICIL had sold the land only at Lot E ½ 126 & 127 Barrack and Parade Streets with an acreage of 0.6753for $179 million. This land is in close proximity of the Duke Street properties. That property was sold to Precious Metals.
A father of five was stabbed to death early yesterday at his Santa Mission, Region Three home by a relative, who later confessed to murdering him. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Joseph Jaundoo. He was stabbed multiple times around 00:45 hrs and it is believed that he died on the spot. According to information received, Jaundoo and a relative were consuming alcohol at a wake house when an argument started and a fight resulted. The two men were separated and Jaundoo left
for home. A little while later, Jaundoo was attacked by the man, while he was on the stairs of his home and stabbed about his body. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. The suspect, who confessed to the crime, has been arrested. Kaieteur news understands that the dead man worked with the Arrow Point Resort as a boat captain for the past two years. He would usually take tourists to the resort from the Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) stelling.
that he and respective government Ministers will continue to work diligently with the committee to ensure a successful celebration. The Head of State was accompanied by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador, George Talbot. The New York celebration
includes an Interfaith Prayer Service on June 4 in Queens; Unity Concert on the evening of June 4 in Brooklyn; Symposium at York College, Queens on June 5; Exhibition of Guyanese Art on June 6 at the UN, Manhattan, Business and Investment Conference in Manhattan on June 7; “Guyana Gives Back Day of Volunteerism on June 8 in Queens and Brooklyn; United Nations Reception on June 8; Flag Raising Ceremony in Newark, NJ on June 9; Cultural Extravaganza at Prospect High School Performing Arts Center, Brooklyn on June 10; President’s Cup Soccer Tournament and Youth Fun Day on June 10 in Brooklyn; State Dinner and Awards Ceremony (evening) on June 11 at 583 Park Ave, Manhattan, ‘Mashramani’ on June 12, in Brooklyn.
Committee briefs President on plans for independence celebration in New York
(NEW YORK) – A delegation from Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration Committee in New York met with President David Granger in New York last Thursday. During that meeting the President was briefed on Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of independence celebrations planned for New York City from June 4 to June 12, 2016. The meeting with the President and the Committee’s Chairman, Rickford Burke; Vice-Chairman Attorney Rhonda Binda and Co-chair for Public Relations and Diaspora Engagement, Janice Hall, took place at Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, following President Granger ’s meeting with United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon. The delegation informed
President Granger being briefed by the Independence Committee President Granger that the Committee is currently in the final stage of preparation for the June celebration. The Committee’s executives also shared with the President the Committee’s ongoing strategy on inclusiveness and harmony. They also detailed plans to fully mobilize the Diaspora for the Jubilee fes-
tivities, and to galvanize young people in particular. President Granger reiterated the significance of the celebration and briefly recalled the political history of Guyana and the circumstances under which the country gained independence. The President apprised Committee members of his
Government’s strategy to promote and achieve social cohesion and national unity, and urged the committee to keep striving for maximum inclusiveness and cohesion. President Granger also assured the delegation of his and his government’s, full support for the committee and the June celebration. He said
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FROM U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate you and the citizens of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana as you prepare to celebrate the 46th Republic Day on February 23. The bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries have never been stronger, grounded in our shared commitments to citizen security, improved governance, and inclusive democracy. These commitments are exemplified in
Guyana by the announcement that Local Government Elections will resume and be held in March for the first time since 1994. Local elections are essential to bolstering good governance, development, and respect for the rule of law. Your efforts to ensure broad participation and an informed electorate will contribute to successful elections and a bright future for Guyana. Let me offer sincere wishes to you, your family, and the Guyanese people for a most gratifying Mashramani and Republic Day.
FROM PNCR The People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all Guyanese as we celebrate the 46th Anniversary of our Republican status. This year, 2016, our nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee; 50 years as an independent nation. The national celebration of Mashramani, therefore, is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation, 46 years after Guyana was declared a Republic and 50 years since we achieved our independence. In this regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national
security and extend public services. Our Party has joined our partners in APNU+AFC to declare and dedicate our energies to making 2016 the Year of Renaissance. This year we must all stand as one. This is the year for national unity. In the words of our Party Leader and President, “It is a year for recalling and recommitting towards the dream of a free, united and prosperous Guyana, one in which the good life is attainable by all.” Accordingly, the PNCR wishes all of the Guyanese people a Happy Republic holiday, and a joyous celebration of Mashramani, as we pray that the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among us on the 46th anniversary of our Republic.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
FROM PPP The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese as the nation observes its 46th Anniversary as a Republic. Becoming a Republic in 1970 was not only a historic moment in our history when officially governance by our colonial master was severed, but an occasion that imbued a profound sense of pride to begin charting our own course. The PPP believes that while it is an occasion to demonstrate pride and patriotism for self-governance and achievements, it is also a time for reflection. Our nation’s observances as a Republic generally crescendos with the much anticipated Mashramani float parade. However, in this our 50thyear as an Independent nation, the government has shifted this mega event to May for the jubilee celebration. No doubt there would be some level of disappointment since all Guyanese look forward to Mash Day. However, expectancy is for May. Since the change of government in May last year, Guyanese have become despondent which has exacerbated by economic slowdown and a creeping dictatorship. This has caused many to ask; what is there to celebrate even if the annual Mash parade was held. Over the last forty-six years under self-rule, Guyanese would have experienced the extremities of being impoverished and hopeless to being prosperous and hopeful.
Those with authentic recollection would have seen demarcation of austerity, oppression and endemic poverty under the People’s National Congress’ government and unprecedented development, prosperity and freedoms under the PPP leadership. Unfortunately, given what has transpired under this new administration, our democracy is under threat and it appears that our country could be pushed once again into economic turmoil and authoritarian rule. As we observe the nation’s 46th anniversary as a Republic and prepare to celebrate its jubilee year of Independence, all must guard against any attempt to suppress freedom and derail progress. The pride demonstrated on these occasions is driven not only by a sense of freedom from our colonial masters, but with the security of knowing that our hard-fought democracy would be protected. As we demonstrate our patriotism on these national occasions, we must make our voices heard against all efforts to reintroduce any semblance of oppression. As the Golden Arrowhead flutters proudly for this anniversary, so must all of us in our hearts knowing that our freedoms which are once again under threat must remain paramount. It is our Party’s fervent hope that as our nation observe yet another milestone, the despondency that prevails would be dispelled. Happy Republic anniversary to all!
FROM GAWU In February of 1970 Guyana acquired Republican Status. This followed the attainment of our political and constitutional independence four years earlier in 1966. The colonial experience evolved, as it was, from the settlement of the territory by Europeans. Their administration saw the suppression of the native peoples; the savage treatment of Africans in a system of slavery; the cruel semi-slave conditions imposed on East Indians in a system called Indentureship. Such conditions fuelled our freedom struggles as they did in other countries also. May 26, 1966, then, is the day we celebrate our Independence and is also the beginning of the challenges but exciting effort to consolidate Guyana’s self-determination and our national identify. Our Republican status has been a stage along the way to ensure and fortify our nationhood. As in previous years, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to once again participate in the observance and celebration of this, our nation’s forty-sixth anniversary of Republicanism. As, we celebrate this landmark time of our history, we ought not to lose sight of the major tasks ahead. The foremost task before us is the forging of National Unity without which our people will not be able to enjoy fully the fruits of their economic efforts or progress in other sphere of our endeavours. Outside of such goals which we are confi-
dent are achievable, there are also more immediate issued invariably thrown up before us but which can detract from our main thrust and great achievements. One such issue being face by a significant sector of our population is that revolving around the Wales Estate where a real threat has appeared to the jobs of hundreds while hundreds more farmers face a future of uncertainty even ruin. This painful reality will surely dampen the festive spirit that should characterize our celebration of our status as a Republic. In spite of the new challenges before us, GAWU reiterates its commitment to national development and to all genuine efforts to being about a nation that is united, that zealously safeguard our political independence, strive for economic independence and embrace steps to strengthen a democratic culture. We also urge our leaders to seek to emphasize co-operation to confront those problems that exist in our midst the continuation of which can easily worsen to our collective detriment. Clearly, there are many tasks to contend with. Our leaders must show the will to address them for our people’s betterment generally and not for a mere handful. Let us keep such thoughts in focus as we celebrate this year’s Republicanism. The GAWU wishes our members and indeed all Guyana a Happy Republic Anniversary.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Police open computer GTU calls off protest training center at Leonora action following talks
with Minister Harmon
Assistant Commissioner Griffith (second from left ) and Commander Mansell and other officials examine the computers. The Guyana Police Force continues to provide avenues for its ranks to be properly trained in the technological era, with the Force’s Divisional Command hierarchy playing a lead role. Last week the Force, through Divisional Commander Stephen Mansell, provided a shot in the arm in the information technology area by opening a computer training centre at the Leonora Recreational Hall. The centre will go a long way in enabling
police ranks to improve their computer skills and in some cases learn the basics of computer literacy. Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith, who represented the Commissioner of Police at the official opening of the centre, congratulated the Commander and urge ranks to make full use of the center. On Monday last a six week computer training programme commenced. The programme is held between 16:00 hours to 18:00 hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Body in Diamond house…
Police Sgt. hired me to kill wife - killer tells investigators By Michael Jordan In a case with as many twists and turns as a mystery novel, police believe that they have finally found the individual who plotted and paid to have businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress clubbed to death in her home just over two years ago. The trail has led them back to an individual they had questioned but had apparently exonerated: ex-Sergeant Colin Bailey, the victim’s estranged reputed husband. A senior police official disclosed yesterday that a man who was implicated in the slaying has told investigators that Bailey had hired him to kill Ramnaress. After consulting with legal advisors, police were advised to institute murder charges against the former cop. At around 14.30 hrs yesterday, Bailey was arrested and taken to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Bailey, 51, of Lot 63, South Vryheid Lust, East Coast Demerara, was dismissed from the Force in June 2015, after being accused, along with his colleague, Detective Constable Paul Paddy, 29, of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, of taking bribes to settle a criminal matter. That
Sirmattie Ramnaress matter is still before the court. Police started to crack Sirmattie Ramnaress’ murder in November 2015, after arresting and charging the slain woman’s neighbour, 32-yearold Colin Grant, with the businesswoman’s murder. Paul Bascom, who was among two bandits slain by police in December 2013, in Grove, East Bank Demerara, was also said to have participated in the murder. Police had recovered a computer and a diamond ring, which were identified as items that the killers took from Ramnaress’ home. Investigators had always sus-
pected that someone had paid individuals to kill Ramnaress, and that the mastermind was still at large. But they had also suggested that ex-Sergeant Bailey was no longer a suspect. Back then, the former Sergeant had also expressed relief that he was no longer being viewed as a suspect. “I had a feeling all the time, because I knew that I was not part of it,” Bailey had told Kaieteur News after Grant’s arrest. “I knew some time it would all come to light.” Sirmattie Ramnaress, also known as ‘Pavita’, was found lying face down in the garage of her 21st Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme residence on Saturday, August 31, 2013. A postmortem revealed that the 46-year-old businesswoman was struck repeatedly to the head and body, and attempts had been made to strangle her. A bond at the back of her property was also torched. The killers reportedly gained entry to Ramnaress’ home after offering to kill a large serpent that they claimed was in her yard. Investigators had almost immediately considered Ramnaress’ partner, Sergeant Bailey to be a suspect in her murder. They had even taken DNA samples from him.
Protest action by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), which has been ongoing for the past four weeks outside of the Brickdam, Georgetown office of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), has been called off, at least temporarily. This is according to GTU President, Mark Lyte, who disclosed that following protest action last week the Union was invited to a meeting with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at the Ministry of the Presidency. “He invited us to a meeting last week Thursday in relation to what he saw. The fact is that we believed that no one in Government has been paying attention to our concerns,” said Lyte. During protest action last week, the Union had threatened a nationwide strike. But the nationwide strike, according to Lyte, would have been a last resort tactic. He insisted, “We should have got a response already but we have not, so we are thinking seriously about calling a strike that would put some more urgency to let them (Government) know that our issue is urgent.” In fact he’d intimated, “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 effect...teachers are affected, children are affected, parents are affected and the whole community is affected. This is a matter of urgency; I believe they should suspend debates in Parliament to treat with this matter because of how urgent it is.” And Lyte said that strike action, whereby teachers will stay away from school, could have started this week if there was no favourable response. But Lyte said of the meeting with Minister Harmon, “It was very fruitful.” He noted that the Union is willing to call off protest action and possible strike action to give the Minister a chance to intervene. “We are looking to see what happens...Calling off our action could be temporary or not but we are waiting to see what
happens.” The Union has been protesting against the Leila Ramson-led TSC after it discovered that the TSC had acted in contravention of a court ruling. The Union had last year secured an injunction to prevent the TSC from going ahead with its 2015 teachers’ promotion until a review of the process was done. The injunction also prevented the promotions by the Schools Board Secretariat. While the Schools Board Secretariat conceded to the review, the TSC didn’t. As such the matter has to be resolved in the high court. It is likely that a ruling on the matter could be handed down when the matter is heard later this month. Despite the injunction the TSC had gone ahead and promoted a teacher which enraged the GTU and prompted the protest action which has seen GTU members calling for the replacement of the Commission members. Ms. Ramson had however noted that the promotion that bothered the Union was in fact an error which was eventually corrected and an apology was issued to the Union. Lyte shared his conviction during the recent strike action, “There is a deliberate effort to frustrate our teachers who are due their promotions. Had this matter been treated with since last year it would have been resolved by December (2015)...the Commission continues to drag its feet stating that it is unable to treat with the concerns of the Guyana Teachers Union.” According to Lyte, for the past 20 years some teachers have been frustrated since they are convinced that promotions are not based on their eligibility and the criteria that should be used. But during the recent meeting Minister Harmon made a commitment to the GTU to look into their concerns relating to the TSC. “The Minister said that he will have a closer look at the standoff between the Union and the Teaching Service Commission to see how he can help to address it,” said Lyte in an invited comment yesterday. At the meeting, Minister Harmon also signed off on duty free concessions owed to eligible teachers, according to Lyte.
Former reporter faces trial for raping girl, 13
Former Guyana Times/ Television Guyana (TVG) reporter, Andre Hetsberger, was scheduled to face trial for rape at the Georgetown High Court. A 12-member mixed Jury was empanelled to oversee the trial yesterday. According to the indictment Hetsberger had sexual activity with a child on October 17, 2014. The victim was said to be a 13-yearold female. The accused has since pleaded not guilty to the allegation. The trial is set to start on Wednesday at 9:00 am. The hearings will be con-
ducted in camera before Justice Navindra Singh. The case will be presented by State Prosecutors Michael Shahoud, Narissa Leander and Siand Dhurjon. Hetsberger was initially charged with two counts of sexual activity with a minor. He was granted $300,000 bail following his initial appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The court heard that the incidents occurred on October 12, and again on October 15, 2014 at Lot 7 Camp Street, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown.
Andre Hetsberger
Page 30
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
Kaieteur News
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106
Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Miners- Do you need a ranger to locate mining blocks/claims- Call: 691-4339
1 Security Guard at Eccles Industrial Site, with a valid police clearance. Call: 2332473 Salesgirls, porters and security guard. Apply with written application at Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. Immediate cash for lands in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt & East Coast – Call: 604-2207; 611-7223
LEARN TO DRIVE
Experienced pastry maker, cake decorator, counter servers, waiters, handy boy, pleasant personality, apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St.
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Handy boys to work, live in accommodation and meals free. Call: 228-5655; 628-1756 One live in domestic maid – Call: 675-5256/ 666-4153 One welder for grill work- Call: 625-5763
PEN PAL Male seeking female (3552yrs) for relationship. Write: Mr. Other Heskey: Mount 92-96 Lord Street, Southport PR8 1JR England Man age 42, looking for female age 35-40yrs, preferably from country side. Call: 691-8074; 695-3818
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
PROPERTY FOR SALE
FOR RENT
Transported property @ Tuschen Housing Scheme $7M negotiable. Call: 2641050; 683-7045/669-3553
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Transport property located @ Rosignol W.B.B: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Call: 679-3496; 602-6333; 330-2576; 699-4689 (motivated settler) 4 Bedrooms with washroom & bath @ 138 Uitvlugt, Ocean View, W.C.D -$7.5M – Call: 664-9998; 609-0514 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Sisher Real Estate- Tel: 6526565; 670-7171; 231-4681: 1 Double lot for sale in Sophia$14M negotiable. Sisher Real Estate- Tel: 6526565; 670-7171; 231-4681: 1 House & land @ De Edwards Village Berbice -$7.5M negotiable.
WANTED
2 Live in waitresses to work in Bar – Call: 604-6606; 6924649 1 Female domestic/cook (3045yrs) preferably from E.C.D & male to assist in snackette. (Reference & Police Clearance)- Call: 692-7698, 687-3640 Sales assistant with Maths, English & Computer knowledge , multi- task worker, apply @ Key Food Trading Mc Doom Village. FAST GROWING FOOD IMPORTERS IS SEEKING E X P E R I E N C E D SALESPERSON WITH DRIVER’S LICENSE AND POLICE CLEARANCE. CALL: 231-8529
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Property at Lot 173 Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D- 5 bedrooms; 2 storey-Call: 6635560 Joint Venture- commercially developed City Park/ excellent facility with swimming pool, snackette. Call: 602-1473; 680-0405 Newly built 3 bedrooms flat concrete property 22ftX48ft, land 50X90ft @ Vision Garden Versailles, W.B.D -$11M. Call: 616-0111 Transported property @ 19 Good Hope Gardens, size: 24X61, concrete building- all convenience, price -$33M. Serious inquiries only- Call: 234-0046; 656-3525
Vreed-en-Hope Junction: Lessons place, office, storage bond, church -$20,000$25,000-Call: 603-6400 Business place: ideal for salon, printery or any other type of business. Call James: 609-3426 3 Bedrooms house (furnished) @ Windsor Estates E.B.D with 24hr security- $USD2, 000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031 3 Bedrooms apartment (furnished), Foreshaw Street, Queenstown-$200,000 negotiable-Call: 600-2031 3 Bedrooms apartment (furnished) @ Bougainvillea Park, Farm, E.B.D -$120,000 negotiable- Call: 600-2031 Renovated: PVC Ceiling & tile floor; one bedroom, semifurnished @ 25 Craig Street & Delph Ave, C/Ville- $50,000. Call: 223-1332 2 Bedrooms apartment, upper flat, located at D5 Waller’s Delight W.C.D. Call: 662-0187 One 2 bedrooms bottom flat, fully grilled, self contained, A/C, parking for 1 car. Call: 650-2708 House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/downstairs, all modern conveniences $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7839 during working hours
Fully furnished 1 bedroom, air-condition $90,000 monthly, $6,000 daily. Call: 668-0306; 694-7817; 218-1400 Modernized 2 bedroom apartments in safe and healthy environment- Call: 698-6496
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079
Skilled welder & machinist (limited supervision), apprentice, male & female cleaner. Apply @ Technical Services; 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Senior Experienced bond clerk around ages of 35- apply @ Alabama Trading with application, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Security to work at Coverden, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Male housekeeping Dept Supervisor, male security guard 30-45yrs, 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 2250198
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Vehicles for rental: cars, SUV, pickups etc, long term only @ Ray’s Motor Spares and Auto Sales. Call: 231-7839
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Yamaha 40 HP, good working condition @ Meten-MeerZorg. Tel: 672-2578, Boy Blue Three storey building upper flat with 12 offices near High Court (established business). Call: 691-8420; 227-1042 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740; 686-3500 Play station 4 system $90,000, XBOX one -$85,000, XBOX 360 -$40,000, PS 3$35,000. Call: 621-7497; 6038643; 649-3277 Snackette for sale – Call 6381119 Mon-Sat (6PM) & Sundays (anytime)
Salesgirl; apply @ D. Singh & Son’s- Call: 226-1316
2 Perkins 4 Cylinder 85-90HP -$2.5M negotiable with hose in new gravel pump, accessories included. Call: 676-8623
1 Driver- apply @ Technical Service, 18-23Industrial Site Eccles.
Two 10 months old pure bred pit-bull male and female for sale. Call Lisa: 697-8867
Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106
Single & Bunk Beds; freezers, commercial stove, deep fryer, microwave, excellent condition. To inspect Call: 602-1473; 680-0405
Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm
40HP Yamaha, tyre machine, 40KVA generator, 4 KVA generator, air compressor Call: 694-0535 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours
TO LET Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market- Call: 6237731; 629-0636
VACANCY Local & International e m p l o y m e n t : www.jobfairworldwide.com. Call: 233-6517/622-1957/6380595 between the hours of 9am-5pm Mon –Sat.
Must sell! One three bedrooms wooden building EDUCATIONAL structure, only with accessories including sliding Mash 2016 Offer: Register doors & grills. Call: 227-4285; now – 9 Courses, office 2016, 609-9381 windows 8/10 @ Micrograhics, Vreed-en- 2 0 0 6 N i s s a n B l u e b i r d , Hoop. Call: 264-3057 imported, newly registered, Mash 2016 Offer: in excellent condition Computerize Accounting, 4 $2.2M. Call: 613-1946 courses, QuickBooks, Peachtree, POS, Excel 2016 - Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 $35,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057
FOR SALE/FOR RENT American pool table – Call: 277-0578 Newly Built at Lenora 2 Storey 3 bedrooms, 2 toilet & Shower, double garage for sale or rent – Tel: 675-5998; 268-2277
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Ipsum, fully loaded, music system – 5,800 watt, 7 seater, excellent condition – Call: 653-1003 Continued on page 31
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 31
We call upon the President to release this report DEAR EDITOR, The Justice for Walter Rodney Committee calls on President Granger and the APNU+AFC Coalition government to release the report of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry without further delay. The President and the Coalition must recognize the historical significance of this inquiry, not only as a means of bringing closure to an aspect of Guyana’s sad history over the last 50 years; but as a measure that if dealt with properly, can aid the beginnings of the long awaited and lofty ideal of reconciliation, and the expectations of Guyanese at home and abroad for a new beginning. The time is now to begin to put an end to the turbulent politics of division, denial of rights, and state disrespect for the law and the constitution. Continuance of the State’s disrespect for rules and procedures cannot and should not be countenanced. In Guyana’s long history of Commissions of Inquiry into various issues, there have been no disputes about the printing of Commissions of Inquiry Reports. Likewise, there has been no dispute about the courtesy of the Commissioners handing over the report and no mystery about its custody. There is enough cause for concern that for the first time in Guyana’s history of Commissions of Inquiry the competence of the suppliers of ink has been called into question and the absence of the media from the handing over of the Report has been achieved. The question is reasonable whether these unusual features were within the control of the investigating Commissioners or in the hands of the Secretariat for which the subject Minister has responsibility. These issues are so troubling that they should give the President and his Cabinet pause, as they send unfavorable signals. The time
is not too late. The authorities in Guyana must without further delay follow established norms and practices and do the morally decent thing: that is, deliver copies of the Report to the Rodney family, the lawyers of the parties represented at the Inquiry, including the JUSTICE FOR WALTER RODNEY COMMITTEE Global Justice Committee established in 2014 Email: justiceforwalterrodney@gmail.com Facebook: JUSTICE FOR WALTER RODNEY representatives of the WPA and the PNC, and to Members of Parliament. Continual withholding of the report from aggrieved and interested parties is not comprehensible. The President must act. We ask him therefore to announce the date the Report will be released to the family of Walter Rodney, the lawyers who ably participated in the Inquiry, the political parties, and the media. Further, the public must be informed of the date and price at which the Report will be put on sale for the public to purchase and read. They are customary steps. The release of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry Report would complement the theme (where we came from, who we are, and where we are going as a nation) of the 50th Anniversary Independence Celebration. Can we really understand where we came from, who we are, and chart a course forward, if we turn our backs on some of darkest nights of our history? The unnatural death of Walter Rodney in June 1980 has left an indelible stain on Guyana’s history. There is no exigency or body of circumstances - whether arising from the obligations of government, or the stresses and strains of coalition politics, or the dominance of the PNC in the coalition, or any internal traumas - that can justify any attempt to stifle the unfolding of all the consequences
of the publication of the report of the Commission of Inquiry. As the Justice for Walter Rodney Committee said in a previous statement, if justice is denied to Walter Rodney, an eminent international figure, where and how could the same government that conspires to deny justice in this case find the moral strength to guarantee justice to less well known victims such as Ronald Waddell, Courtney Crum Ewing, Blackie London, George Bacchus and several others? We see no reason why this Report should not be laid before Parliament, especially since every major political party, including the AFC has supported the holding of an inquiry. It must be recalled that the resolution to mount an inquiry was passed by unanimous vote of the National Assembly in 2005 (the PPP abstained on their own motion, and the WPA together with the PNC voted in favour). The calls for National Unity being made in Guyana and supported by each component of the APNU+ AFC Coalition government must come with commitment and moral courage. In closing, the Justice for Walter Rodney Committee expresses our thanks, and the thanks and gratitude of Guyanese, Caribbean, and global citizens for the hard work and painstaking perseverance of the Commissioners who stuck to the task in the face of all the adversities. We would also like to thank the lawyers of all the parties involved whose active participation in the JUSTICE FOR WALTER RODNEY COMMITTEE Global Justice Committee established in 2014 Email: justiceforwalterrodney@gmail.com Facebook: JUSTICE FOR WALTER RODNEY process, through piercing and forceful cross examination of witnesses and deliberative arguments, contributed in a large way to the success of the In-
Ministry of Education announces... From page 25 sweet”. Other Children Organisations National School of Dance took first place in this category with their presentation “Welcoming the year of the Jaguar”. They were awarded a trophy and $100,000. Second place was secured by the Craft Production and Design Division who were awarded with a trophy and $80,000 for their presentation, “Celebrating craft and tourism through diversity, unity and sovereignty at
Mashramani.” Grabbing third, a trophy and $60,000, was the David Rose School for the Handicapped Children with their performance “Jubilee Splendour” while a trophy was awarded to the Guyana Police Youth Groups 'A' Division with their presentation entitled, “Fusing our culture heritage through independence.” REGIONAL PRESENTATION In the Regional category, the regions contesting all received trophies. Region Four
(Demerara/Mahaica) took first place with presentation, “Unification of our cultural heritages- Celebration of freedom”. Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) took second place with “3B's and a garden” followed by Region Ten's (Upper Demerara/Berbice) “Proud to be fifty”. Meanwhile, Region Five (Mahiaca/West Berbice) gained fourth place with their presentation, “Expressions of protection, togetherness and development.”
quiry. We thank all the witnesses who came forward and gave evidence either in person or in submitted statements. Without these the Inquiry could not have been completed. We cannot forget the hard-working Secretariat which did not falter until July 27, 2015 and thereafter when they were resource starved. Without their work this process could not have reached its conclusion. It goes without saying that we all owe a debt of gratitude to the family of Walter Rodney for their patience, endurance and fortitude for 36 years as they waited for this process to unfold and to give them much-needed answers on why and how their husband, father, brother, and relative met an unnatural death. Finally, based on the evidence and arguments put before the Commission of Inquiry, it became clear that Donald Rodney was unjustly charged and prosecuted, and as such we call for immediate remedy and relief to Donald Rodney. The developing world needs an example from within its diverse grouping of self-generated reconciliation, as a home for justice for all. The urging of this inquiry by all parties in the parliament, and the support for the call for an inquiry by parties then not in parliament was evidence of a heartening maturity and a credit to all elements of the society. The Justice Walter Committee hopes for a harvest from the seeds sown. It will seek to ensure that no state power can violate human beings with impunity. For Justice for Walter Rodney Committee Andaiye Rohit Kanhai David Hinds Wazir Mohamed
From page 30
VEHICLE FOR SALE One Toyota 2003 Fielder Wagon, AC, CD, 17" rims, PMM, never work heir, in excellent condition -$1.4M. Call: 619-1047
Oswin J’s Auto Imports; New arrivals: Allion 2006; Premio: 2004, 2006 & 2008, Fielder 2007 & Suzuki Escudo. Call: 592-609-2815 1AT 212 PRR, 1 Allion PRR Series, 1 Premio PPP, owner leaving country. Call: 642-2645 New model 4X4, RAV4, excellent condition- $2.2M – Call: 618-1395; 220-6380
LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie; deal land with foundation, light & water, sand filled, front part- $2.6M &1.6M- Call: 604-2207; 6117223 1 House lot in gated community -$4.5M negotiable. Call: 694-7817; 668-0306 One house lot at Mon Repos (Martyrsville) E.C.D, price $3.9M negotiable. Call: 2200538; 645-2395( Joel) or 629-5300 We are buying lands –Call: 639-8474; 604-4945 Affordable house lot for saleCall: 639-8474, 604-4945
2010 Toyota Hilux, Extra Cab, Carry boy tray, mud tyres, UK imports -$5.0M- ONO. Call: 629-2200 2008 TOYOTA FIELDER (UNREGISTERED), FULLY LOADED, RIM, BODY KIT, REVERSE CAMERA, TV, DVD -$ 2.5M-CALL: 6427295 Reduced prices on unregistered cars, Allion, Mazda, Fielder, BlueBird. Call City Motors:626-7478; 6163413 Noah, Voxy: unregistered, fully loaded, ‘G’ Series-$1.7M –Call: 603-9700
1 L-Touring Wagon, Toyota Providence Scheme Corolla, HB 9912- Call: 690(115ftX81ft) located on a Cul 6840 de Sac close to Bai Shan Lin $8.2M negotiable. Call: 601- 2008 TOYOTA IST 4163 or 223-0719 (UNREGISTERED), FULLY Residential lease lot 100X100 LOADED, RIMS, BODY @ Kuru Kururu – first Hill KIT, REVERSE CAMERA, from Soesdyke Junction – TV DVD -$2.5M -CALL: price $1.8M negotiable. Call: 642-7295 680-6136 Toyota Hilux Surf 2783 cc, mileage 74,000 km, year PROPERTY FOR SALE 2006- $8.5M negotiable. First Lot 15 Good Hope, West owner driven, excellent Coast Demerara – Call: 690- condition. Call 626-1372; 6840 656-9100
THIS MAN WRITES...
From page 4 this exposes Bisram’s lies. Bishram’s claim that the Committee approached Indian businessmen in Queens for sponsorship dollars is patently false. My niece informed me that sponsorship strategy is now being rolled out and that no person in Queens was approached for sponsorship, thus far. . A perusal of the Committee’s website will show that this effort is headed by two Indian women. Again, this exposes Bishram’s lies and fabrication. AFC leader Rachael Trotman likes to say there are lies, more lies and dam lies. Bishram and confederates are
VEHICLE FOR SALE
guilty of all three. The Guyanese people must assess the committee’s work and membership, and go to the committee’s website and judge for themselves. C R Peters, USA
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Islamic State attacks government supply line into Aleppo (Reuters) - Islamic State attacked the Syrian government’s main supply route from Damascus to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday, a day after the group targeted Damascus and Homs in some of the bloodiest car bomb attacks of the war. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fighting and air strikes continue unabated across the country, a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities that would not include Islamic State. Islamic State said it had taken control of a number of villages along an important road which connects government-held areas of Aleppo with the cities further south. A Syrian military source confirmed the attack but said it was repelled. “They tried to attack this road, they were repelled and suffered big losses,” the source said. “After their great losses, they are seeking any propaganda operation.” The Syrian government has been making steady gains against Islamic State to the east of Aleppo, while also mounting major offensives against insurgents to the north and south of the city. Islamic State is also under pressure from the Kurdish-
backed Syria Democratic Forces alliance in the northeast. The Observatory’s director, Rami Abdulrahman, said government forces had reclaimed one of four positions seized by Islamic State on the road, which it has cut in previous attacks. “The regime has recovered one of four positions that IS took on the road,” Abdulrahman said. Syrian and allied forces were also fighting further up the road against Islamist insurgents from the Jund alAqsa group and the Turkestan Islamic Party, the Observatory said. BOMB BLASTS Islamic State said it was responsible for multiple bomb blasts on Sunday in Sayeda Zeinab, a southern district of Damascus, which state media said killed 83 people and injured dozens. It also said it carried out twin car bomb blasts in Homs which state media said killed at least at least 39. The Observatory put the death toll from these attacks higher, with at least 120 killed in Damascus and 64 in Homs. Syria’s foreign ministry wrote to the United Nations Security Council on Monday asking it to condemn these “terrorist crimes” and to take action against countries which “support and sponsor terrorists”, according to state media.
PPP member held as a suspect in Crum-Ewing murder
The Syrian government regards everyone fighting against it as terrorists and objects to the support given to Syrian rebels by countries including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. United Nations-sponsored peace talks to tackle the five-year old conflict, which has killed more than 250,000, collapsed in January. One of the reasons for their failure was because the Syrian opposition wanted a halt to air strikes, for all sieges to be lifted and for unhindered access for humanitarian aid. Since then world powers have been trying to negotiate a ceasefire in the conflict which has displaced more than 11 million. Kerry said on Sunday that he and Lavrov had provisionally agreed the terms of a “cessation of hostilities”. This is to start on Feb. 27, according to a draft of a document drawn up by the United States and Russia seen by western diplomatic sources. The deal would also exclude Islamic State and the Nusra Front, the sources said. Assad said on Saturday he was ready for a ceasefire and the Syrian opposition has previously said it is ready for a temporary truce — provided its conditions were met. The Saudi-backed, opposition High Negotiation Committee (HNC) is meeting in Riyadh on Monday, opposition officials said. Opposition coordinator Riad Hijab said there was a provisional agreement on a temporary truce, which would be “according to international guarantees”.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
As pound plunges, UK’s Cameron defends EU deal to avert ‘Brexit’
Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street in London (Reuters/Toby Melville) The pound posted its biggest one-day loss in almost six years yesterday on concerns of a possible British exit from the EU, adding to the pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron as he mounted a defence of his deal to keep the country in the bloc. The fall in the currency, as well as in government bond prices, was triggered by London Mayor Boris Johnson - a senior figure in Cameron’s Conservative Party - throwing his support behind the exit campaign. Johnson, one of the country’s most popular politicians, gave the “Brexit” camp a much-needed figurehead when he announced his support on Sunday, just days after Cameron struck his deal in Brussels to hand Britain what he called a “special status”. Cameron, addressing parliament to champion the deal as a good basis for Britain to stay in the EU, faced criticism from lawmakers in his divided party and exchanged barbs with Johnson, whose announcement had bitterly disappointed him. The stakes are high in the June 23 referendum. A vote to leave would not only transform Britain’s future in world affairs but also shake the EU, which has struggled to maintain unity over migration and financial crises, by ripping away its second-largest economy and one of its main military powers. Cameron called on politicians to campaign on what is best for Britain - in a veiled jab at Johnson, whose stance may be designed to attract widespread eurosceptic support among Conservatives in a bid to succeed Cameron, who has said he will step down before the next election
London Mayor Boris Johnson arrives back at his home, in London, on Sunday. (Reuters/Peter Nicholls)
in 2020. “I am not standing for reelection, I have no other agenda than what is best for our country,” Cameron told a packed parliament. “I am standing here telling you what I think, my responsibility as prime minister is to speak plainly about what I believe is right for our country and that is why I will do every day for the next four months.” He added: “We are a great country and, whatever choice we make, we will still be great, but I believe the choice is between being an even greater Britain inside a reformed EU or a great leap into the unknown.” Both sides in the debate argue Britain would be financially better off if their cause succeeds. Johnson, London mayor since 2008, defended his stance by saying those who argued Britain would not thrive outside the 28-member bloc were the same people who wanted the country to make the “catastrophic mistake” of joining the euro single currency. “There are people who don’t think that Britain could stand on her very own two feet and all the rest of it. I have to say I think that is profoundly wrong,” the 51-yearold told the London Assembly, the elected body which holds the mayor to account. Showing how sensitive markets have become to the uncertainty over a possible Brexit, sterling fell as much as 2.3 percent on the day to hit a seven-year low of $1.4057 in early U.S. trading - following Johnson’s Sunday announcement - before recovering by about 1 cent to around $1.4165 by 1800 GMT. That still left it 1.7 percent
down on the day - its biggest drop since the May 2010 elections that left Britain with a hung parliament. HEAVYWEIGHT Most lawmakers sat quietly through a recap of what the EU deal entailed, but broke out in cheers when Cameron mentioned the date of the referendum - something many of his own lawmakers have spent most of the last decade pressing for. The prime minister received more support for his defense of staying in the European Union from opposition lawmakers in the Labour Party and Scottish National Party than from his own, which has been split over EU membership for decades. Johnson is a political showman whose lighthearted wit masks a fierce ambition. His decision to lobby against Cameron was welcomed by leaders of the ‘leave’ campaign, which has been dogged by splits between factions and lacked a uniting political figure to spread its message that Britain needs to regain its sovereignty. “He is a superb campaigner so he’s a great asset,” former finance minister and chairman of the Vote Leave campaign Nigel Lawson told BBC radio. Odds of a British exit rose to a 33 percent chance from about 29 percent after his announcement, according to bookmakers. A third of voters said Johnson would be important in helping them decide which way to vote, an Ipsos MORI poll showed. “Until now, the Brexit side has lacked the backing of one of the heavyweight figures in UK politics,” Citi’s chief UK economist Michael Saunders wrote.
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Bandit shot in gunfight with cops Three men are in police custody after they were captured following a robbery committed on the home of a Neighbourhood Policewoman. The men traded gunshots with a party of police who had responded to the robbery report. According to information, the police received a call about 23:07 hrs on Sunday informing about screams coming from the house of Nazmoon Higgins, a Neighbourhood Police officer, at Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice. Ranks from the Reliance Police Station responded promptly and upon arriving on the scene they cordoned off the house. A minute later a man was seen running towards the fence. He was promptly arrested. The police then saw some men in dark clothing in the vicinity of the house and they challenged them, resulting in several minutes of trading gunshots. During the shooting, however, the men managed to make good their escape with $350,000, two gold bands, one diamond ring, a gold band and two cell phones. The woman told investigators that she was tied up and badly beaten by the men and she was subsequently rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where
The injured David Williams called Dog Face she was treated. Higgins identified the bandit who was first captured as her neighbour, who lives a few houses away, and who was at the bank when the woman did a large withdrawal. She also identified one of the escaping bandits as a man who did some work on her house recently. That man was arrested at his home early the following morning. The police subsequently received a call around 07:00 hrs yesterday that a man was at the hospital with a gunshot wound seeking medical attention. Upon arrival the police recognized well known char-
acter David Williams called “Dog Face” or “Dew Fish” of Angoy’s Avenue. His leg was badly damaged. When questioned, he told investigators he was robbed whilst coming out of the Berbice River with marijuana. He claimed that he was shot when he put up a fight. The suspect stated that he jumped overboard and managed to swim to shore. But the police did not buy his story and placed him under guard at the hospital. Both men are expected to be placed before the court soon, while the police continue the hunt for their accomplices.
Severed love affair ends in murder/suicide
The little community of Kartabu in the Cuyuni River was plunged into shock yesterday following a murder suicide involving a young couple. Police say 22-year-old Terry Alexander shot his 19year-old girlfriend Glenda McCurdy and then turned the gun on himself. The incident occurred around 15:00 hours. Police in a statement said that the couple who shared a relationship was engaged in a heated argument during which Alexander pulled out a gun and shot McCurdy. The woman received a gunshot wound to her chest, while Alexander shot himself in the head. The two bodies were found on a lonely road about 20 feet from each other. There are reports that the woman’s mother was also injured when she tried to intervene. The police received reports of the shooting and deployed ranks to the area, but up to late last night they had not returned to Bartica with the bodies. While details of the incident are sketchy, Kaieteur News understands that the
Glenda McCurdy shooting stemmed from McCurdy severing ties with Alexander and starting a relationship with another man. There are reports that the two were to be married but the young woman abruptly ended the relationship. Police say that a .22 pistol was recovered and investigations are continuing. Meanwhile, police in the interior recovered another illegal weapon, this time at Arangoy also in the Cuyuni. Police said that on Sun-
day its ranks recovered an unlicenced .38 revolver with two rounds at Arangoy, Cuyuni. According to the police a man who was armed with the firearm was involved in an argument with another man during which he pulled it out to confront his rival. He was, however, disarmed and the firearm handed over to the police. The man is in police custody and charges will be laid shortly.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Barbados Police to get Security force members and Election state-of-the-art drone Day workers turn out to vote in J’ca Criminal elements in Barbados may soon have to run for cover when the Royal Barbados Police Force gets a drone as part of a $5 million upgrade. The announcement came from Acting Minister of Home Affairs Michael Lashley during a retirement function for 14 officers at Solidarity House
on Saturday night. He said the force had made representation to Government for a stateof-the-art drone to help in its surveillance exercises and funding would be included in next month’s Estimates. Lashley assured the lawmen that Government would provide the tools to assist them in their fight against
-Some soldiers to vote on Thursday
crime, adding that Cabinet recently approved a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the force’s telecommunications capabilities. He also said that a high-speed boat worth $850,000 had already been purchased to assist in policing of Barbados’ territorial waters. (SDB Media)
Cuba government welcomes US president’s historic visit HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) — The director general of the United States office of the Cuban ministry of foreign affairs, Josefina Vidal, said US President Barak Obama will be welcomed by the government and people of Cuba, with their characteristic hospitality, during his planned visit to Cuba on March 21 and 22. “It will be an opportunity for President Obama to appreciate Cuban reality and continue holding exchanges on the possibilities of expanding bilateral dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest to both countries,” she said, adding that this visit will be another step towards improving relations between Cuba and the United States. “Of course,” Vidal continued, “to achieve the normalization of bilateral relations, key outstanding issues, including the lifting of the embargo and the return to Cuba of the territory occupied by the naval base in Guantanamo, would need to be resolved.” The visit of the US head of state, she said, will also be an opportunity to ratify the willingness of the Cuban government to continue making progress in building a new relationship, based on the observance of the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and the principles of the Proclamation of
Director General of the United States office of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Josefina Vidal, speaks to the press Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and based on respect for differences and on the mutual benefits derived from the historic, cultural and family ties that have united the two countries and peoples. On Thursday, White House press secretary, Josh Earnest, confirmed that President Obama and the First Lady will travel to Cuba on March 21 and 22, the first visit to the Caribbean island by a sitting US president in nearly 90 years “In Cuba, the president will work to build on the progress we have made toward normalization of relations with Cuba – advancing
commercial and people-topeople ties that can improve the well-being of the Cuban people, and expressing our support for human rights,” he said. In addition to holding a bilateral meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro, Obama will engage with members of civil society, entrepreneurs and Cubans from different walks of life. “This historic visit … is another demonstration of the president’s commitment to chart a new course for USCuban relations and connect US and Cuban citizens through expanded travel, commerce, and access to information,” Earnest added.
A small number of police personnel lined up at one of several polling stations established at Harman Barracks in St Andrew as voting got underway for members of the security forces and election day workers. Voting went smoothly for the most part, except in the case of two policemen who complained that their names did not appear on the voters list. They were directed to check the Electoral Office of Jamaica’s website. With police personnel barred from taking their firearms inside the polling stations, one policeman complained that he was given the wrong firearm as he exited. The error was quickly corrected. There are a total of seven polling stations at Harman Barracks. A total of 39,108 special services electors are eligible to vote in 282 polling stations set up across the country. Polling stations opened at eight o’clock yesterday morning and closed at four o’clock in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Director of Elections Orett Fisher said the Electoral Office had discussions with the St James police to ensure that there was adequate security in the volatile Flanker community and its surroundings. One man was killed during nomination day activities on February 9, less than 24 hours after gangs from the area engaged in a deadly feud at a Jamaica Labour Party rally in Sam Sharpe Square. Some 26,498 election day workers make up the bulk of the special services voters. There are 10,041 members from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and 2,569 eligible voters from the Jamaica Defence Force. The list of polling locations include schools, churches, police stations, court houses and military bases. Meanwhile, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has directed its commanding officers at military bases across the island to make arrangements for some members of the army to vote on Thursday.
This was disclosed yesterday by JDF Electoral Officer Major Denston Smalling. The disclosure came after several members of the JDF were unable to vote at the army’s Up Park Camp headquarters, in St Andrew. Speaking to The Gleaner/ Power106 News Centre yesterday, Major Smalling explained that the names of some JDF personnel were not on the Voters’ List at Up Park Camp because they were transferred from the military bases where they were registered. However, he said they will be allowed to vote on Thursday and that their commanding officers will make arrangements to ensure this happens. Despite this, a steady stream of military personnel has been casting ballots at the 14 polling stations established at Up Park Camp. At the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve Division at Harman Barracks voting went smoothly all morning, with only a few of police personnel complaining about not seeing their names on the Voters’ List.
FATF takes Panama off grey list but rampant money laundering continues MIAMI, USA — The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has removed Panama from its so-called “grey list” of uncooperative jurisdictions. The FATF action, which took place at a Plenary Meeting in Paris, occurred after the organization concluded that needed reforms had been enacted. However, widespread money laundering, as well as terrorist financing, continues to exist in Panama City. There are neither money laundering
prosecutions, nor suppression of the banking centre’s constant movement of funds to sanctioned global terrorist organizations, including most of those operating the Middle East. Banks located in the United States have not responded to the FATF announcement. Currently, 21 major American financial institutions refuse to allow any Panamanian bank to open a correspondent relationship, and others will only allow
small wire transfers into Panamanian banks. The so-called Reform Movement in Panama, initiated by President Juan Carlos Varela, has succeeded in passing sufficient legislation to convince the FATF that Panama had changed but, in truth and in fact, the country’s powerful criminal syndicate remains in full operation, laundering drug profits for the cartels, and Middle Eastern terrorist organizations.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Page 36
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
AFFIANCE TO GET NEW West Berbice U19 cricketers... SPORTS FACILITY (From page 39) Association (SCA) Premiere League tournam e n t i n Canada for six consecutive years. Mohan felt that the same success could be achieved here. The teams expected to be in action are HACC under-19,
Blairmont Blazers, De Edward and Achievers of West Berbice. Several trophies and cash incentives will be up for grabs, including man-of-the-match in the final and other outstanding players. On Saturday last, propri-
etor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich handed over the trophies, which are to be contested for, to Mohan at the company’s South Road, Bourda Street, premises. Action starts at 10.00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Gizmos and Gadgets renews cricket... (From page 35) others should emulate. The cricketers, the Marketing Manage r s t a t e d , h a v e represented the Gizmos and Gadgets to the best of their abilities and has made the company proud. He also expressed congratulations to the first division team for its championship honours in the recently held Busta Champion of Champions 50overs, Berbice River Bridge 50overs and Tenelec Inc. 50Overs first division tournaments. He com m i t t e d t h e sponsor to fully support-
Members at the community meeting at Affiance with the police. Youths particularly will soon benefit from a sporting facility which will be constructed at Affiance on the Essequibo Coast. It is however not clear why the Village
Affiance was identified but it is noted that the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud is a product of that community. The initiative is a joint venture between the
police and residents to establish a relationship of partnership, in the interest of warding off or preventing criminal activities among young people. During a meeting at Affiance with members of that community, Persaud told residents that the construction of the facility would be a collaborative effort between residents and a business personnel who would donate the materials to construct the building which would cater for a gym and other indoor activities. Residents would, however , contribute their time voluntarily towards the construction of the building. Persaud said children need a strong foundation which incorporates, the opportunity to attend school, church and a comparable family relationship. Community participation is also critical for the development of a child. Persaud stressed that the police force continues to streamline and offset numerous social programmes nationwide. The residents have extended their gratitude for the sport facility. Present at the meeting were Commander of “ G” Division, Kevin Adonis, Deputy, Mr. Pilgrim and other ranks of the Anna Regina police station. (Yannason Duncan)
ing the teams in 2016 and urged them to uphold their high stand a r d s o f discipline, hard work and commitment. The RHTGG in 2016,
would be led by Captain Shawn Perriera, Vice Captain Clinton Pestano, while Hilbert Foster would serve as Manager. Collis Butts would be the coach.
Crandon, Johnson satisfied... (From page 35) good habits like we did in our first four games when we set up the game with big first innings totals,” Crandon concluded. The Jaguars now travel to St Lucia where they face the Windwards Volcanoes in their next match from Fri-
day. The Barbados game was the only time this season that the Jaguars have not won while their unbeaten run in PCL cricket has been extended to 14. The last game Guyana lost in this competition was against the Bajans at Providence in November 2014.
Tuesday Feb 23, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be prepared to deal with groups and organizations of greater magnitude. Calm down and take a step back. Have a heart-to-heart talk with family and find out what the problems are. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas. Concentrate on your job. Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Everything is moving quickly, just the way you like it. Do not push your opinions or try to reform your emotional partner today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. Try to do your job and then leave. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's hard to stay mad if the object of the anger refuses to react. You can make personal changes that will enhance your reputation and give you greater self confidence. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't forget family obligations. Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings. Try to deal with the problems of those less
fortunate; however, don't allow them to make unreasonable demands. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Unique forms of entertainment could capture your attention and bring about a romantic interest. Help others solve their dilemmas. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You'll find love and you'll get into tiptop shape at the same time. Your added discipline will enable you to complete some of those unfinished projects. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think. This will be a great night to invite friend over to visit. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else's work. Do not push your opinions or try to reform your emotional partner today. New hair, new outfit, new you. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't bang your head against a wall. Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. You need to look into new philosophies. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You won't impress anyone by being overly generous. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. The battle continues.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Junior Squash team return home with three golds, five silvers and three bronze medals A six-member team that represented Guyana at the St Vincent & The Grenadines Junior Squash Open 2016 which was held in St Vincent from February 19 – 21, returned home with three golds, five silvers and three bronze medals. According to a release from the Guyana Squash Association, the tournament was a World Squash Federation Junior Circuit Event and the players who represented Guyana were Taylor Fernandes, Larissa Wiltshire, Makeda Harding, Daniel Islam, Anthony Islam and
Shomari Wiltshire. Winning golds were Taylor Fernandes who defeated Larissa Wiltshire in the Girls under-19 final by three games to one, Makeda Harding who played unbeaten to win the girls under-15 round robin event and Shomari Wiltshire, who defeated Alex Stewart (Barbados) by three games to love to win the Boys Under13 event. Winning silver medals were Larissa Wiltshire in the Mixed Under-19 event losing to Jason Doyle (St Vincent) in the final three games to nil, Larissa Wiltshire in the Girls
Under-19 event, Makeda Harding in the Girls Under-17 final losing to Thandi Myers (St Vincent) by three games to one and Shomari Wiltshire in both the Boys Under-15 and 17 finals losing to Kai Bentick (St Vincent) by three games to one and three games to love respectively. Bronze medal winners were Taylor Fernades, mixed Under-19, and Daniel Islam, Boys Under-15 and Under 19. The team was accompanied by David Fernandes, manager, Garfield Wiltshire, coach and Juanita Fernandes, chaperone.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Page 37
Former GAWA GS vie for executive membership on Pan Am Weightlifting Federation Former General Secretary of the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA), Deion Nurse, will contest for a place on the executive committee of the Pan American Weightlifting Federation when that entity stages its electoral congress in the Dominican Republic from February 25-27. Mr. Nurse and his successor, Seon Erskine, leave Guyana tomorrow morning to participate in the forum and the former official, already a popular personality within the region and the first Guyanese to be contesting since the
Deion Nurse sport became a member of the World Federation in 1940, is optimistic of clinching the
coveted spot. Mr. Nurse’s participation is being made possible through financial support of several individuals and entities including the CEO of the P and P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd, Bish Panday, Chris Correia of Trans Guyana Airways, Morse Archer of Cevon’s Waste Management, Raj Singh of Raj Singh Insurance Brokers & Risk Management Consultants Inc and John Fernandes Ltd. Mr. Erskine received support from the National Sports Commission.
Rising Sun Judo club holds Raj Singh explains how sports can successful tournament for grade be used to combat social ills Dear Editor, It seems that more and more persons are becoming crazier, more paranoid and/or being driven to suicide and lunacy in Guyana. Guyana is now known as the suicide capital of the world. Sports have the ability and capacity to liberate us from this growing epidemic. Let us utilize it. I am a consummate insurance professional serving as the Chairman/CEO of RAJ SINGH INSURANCE BROKERS, which is the only insurance brokerage Company that has displayed confidence in our economy by continuing to expand its operations in Guyana through local franchises in other parts of the country, namely, Rosignol (November 2015) and Corriverton (January 2016), Berbice. RSIB has invested and has been making a tangible contribution towards the development of Guyana whilst creating more employment. I have served as an ardent and committed cricket administrator, amongst other administrative positions, ever since the 80s in various capacities. I have never been a politician, an attorney or a judge and will never endeavor to make wild and reckless statements and vile threats against the judiciary and valued sponsors nor sow the seeds of racial discord amongst our politicians and people with trumped up charges and demands. There is no place in our society for such dangerous racial hate and venom being perpetuated by casual tongues and pens to stir up chapters in our history which we all desire to erase from our collective memory. Such letters should never be pub-
lished in any media! The world at large knows the facts surrounding the genesis of the manufactured cricket administration crisis in Guyana. Cricket in Guyana is on the rise ever since the exodus of those few diehard detractors who continue to recycle propaganda and spread disharmony. A careful examination of the records would suffice. Please review our 2013, 2014 and 2015 (being launched in a few weeks) THE GUYANA CRICKETER magazines for extensive details of same. My Firm was approached to renew its sponsorship for an important aspect of cricket, namely, the Over 40 cricket in Demerara, to which we readily agreed after carefully considering the general benefits and purpose that such a competition would engender. We have been advised and thoroughly understand that this competition is intended to bring out our former star players to, firstly, have fun and make them active again and to also serve as an inspiration, role model and motivation for our youths and the game of cricket in the Demerara County. We were happy with the way this competition was administered by the DCB and had absolutely no hesitation in sponsoring this competition. In fact, our Firm is now thinking of expanding this competition to all counties and to then have a national playoff with the top teams. We are presently in discussion with the Board on this proposal. I am totally unaware that Mr. Boston holds a seat on the directorship of Raj Singh Insurance Brokers to be making such crazy demands from me as Chairman and CEO of
RSIB. I can assure him that I have consulted with the true directors of the RSIB and they are all in agreement with the Board’s decision. RSIB strongly condemns threats from non-entities on the road to true progress and remains steadfastly firm in its commitment to support what we believe is just and right. We are also of the firm belief that sports can play a major role in the development of our people from most of the social ills that plague our society and Mr. Boston, In this regard, we call on our Government to empower the people at the grassroots level and to invest in the development of our grounds, facilities and community centers across the country so as to develop our youths and have them more beneficially occupied which will obviously help to eradicate these social ills that plague us. We need to develop strong clubs and recreational facilities for all sporting disciplines and have all major sports entrenched within our schools curriculum whilst partnering with the respective sporting bodies to develop coaches and properly structured programmes to be implemented. The RSIB/ DCB Over 40 competition can serve as a catalyst to capture our seniors to play a more meaningful role in the strong and sustained development of our beloved country and its youths though the medium of sports. Yours faithfully, RAJ SINGH - FCII, CPCU, ARM Chartered Insurance Practitioner Chairman/CEO-RAJ SINGH INSURANCE BROKERS
Members at the Rising Sun Judo club grading competition. As part of their Republic Day and 50th anniversary celebrations, on Friday 19th February, the Rising Sun Judo Club held a special competition at Marian Academy. Watched by a small but vocal crowd of judo fans and practitioners, the Rising Sun Judo club first “competition for grades” for 2016 to coincide with Guyana’s 50th anniversary and Republic Day celebrations, saw a format used that had not been seen locally in decades being employed. That format saw the junior judokas being given a chance to challenge a senior counterpart of their choice to a six minute duel using all the traditional techniques that may not necessarily be available to them in the Olympic format of Judo, at the end of which they would be evalu-
ated by a panel based on their performances, knowledge, application and execution of techniques. The competition attracted big names such as 2014 interGuiana silver medalists Stephan “Guadaloupa” Barry and Khadija “yaz” Ba as well as ground work specialist Webster McRae snr, while among the juniors were, the always dangerous Randy Phillips and Corwin D’Anjou, Nick Boyer, Khaiso Lall, Alex Jarvis, Webster McRae jr and the always colorful Rayon Yaw. The result was ten scin-
tillating matches with displays of determination, heart and spectacular technique and the following promotions were awarded: Alex Jarvis-5th kyu, Randy Phillips-2nd kyu, Rayon Yaw-3rd kyu, Webster McRae jr- 5kyu and Nick Boyer- 4th kyu. Rising Sun instructor Bruce Fraser as well as the students of Rising Sun is expressing thanks to Senseis Ellery Fraser, Joe Edmondson and Charles Ambrose for taking time out from their schedules to be part of the evaluating panel.
Page 38
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
PCL Four-Day Cricket
Jaguars extend unbeaten streak to 14 with draw despite 10-wkt match haul from Chase By Sean Devers in Barbados In association with Trophy Stall & Tower Suites A 10-wicket match haul from Barbados Pride’s part time off spinner Roston Chase failed to prevent the Guyana Jaguars from extending their unbeaten streak to 14 when they held on for a draw in their seventh round PCL Four-Day cricket match which ended at the Kensington Oval yesterday. The 23-year-old Chase who has 496 runs in this tournament had never taken a fivewicket haul at this level before this game. Yesterday the Jaguars were set 405 for an improbable seventh victory from as many games this season, but in the end they finished on 252-7 despite a couple of five-wicket hauls from the tall, lanky Chase. Man-of-the Match Chase followed up his 5-27 in the first innings with 5-77 yesterday
but a 92-run opening stand between Test batsman Rajendra Chandrika (49) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (69) give them a solid foundation. Skipper Leon Johnson (50) added 67 important runs with Chanderpaul before a 61minute last wicket stand between Raymon Reifer (16) and Devendra Bishoo (7) ensured that the Jaguars remained without a defeat since Barbados beat them at Providence by two runs in November 2014. Scores: Pride (274 & 320-4 dec), Jaguars (190 & 252-7). The South American team began the day on 52 without loss, needing 353 on final day which was always going to be a difficult task even against a bowling attack missing all of its senior members since the target would have been the highest successful run chase for victory at this venue. The Jaguars holds the
record by chasing down 335 last year to win by four wickets. “We will see what happens in the first session but to get 120 in each session is not easy to do. But a draw will take us to 110 points which will be 17 more than Barbados,” Johnson said at the start of play yesterday. The day began in sultry conditions and Chandrika got going with an imperious front foot extra cover four off Cummins before the lefthanded Chanderpaul rocked and pulled medium pacer Jonathon Carter to the midwicket ropes and nonchalantly back over his head for six next ball. Kevin Stout pounded one short and Chandrika climbed on one leg and hooked him for four with ease, while Chanderpaul, employing a refreshingly positive mind set, danced into Jonathon Carter and smashed him for consecutive fours.
Lusignan Sports Club cricket pitch dug up by vandals For the 5th time the Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) cricket pitch has been dug up by vandals. The Lusignan Community Centre ground houses the Mon-Repos-La Reconnaissance NDC office and the LSC. These vandals have performed this act at least four times in 2015. The venue also host fairs and parties, which compete in an adverse way with the sporting activities. The youngsters in the community are now unable to play cricket, and LSC has to spend large sums of money to repair the damaged pitch. The police have been called in before, however to no avail. President Christopher Singh in an invited comment said: “I am calling once again on the authorities at the Mon-Repos-La Reconnaissance NDC, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 4, and the Ministry of Communities to properly deal once and for all with these (known) operatives! The residents of the Lusignan, Annandale, Goed Hope and Mon Repos communities and members of the LSC are fed up with the NDC’s failure to act”. With Local Government elections next month, all these communities are paying close attention to what happens next.
Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) cricket pitch has been dug up by vandals again.
Chandrika was well set for his eighth First-Class fifty when he clipped Chase to short midwicket after batting for 149 minutes, 110 balls with five fours and a six, while Assad Fudadin (2) was taken at gully as Chase struck again in the space of fours runs to leave the Jaguars on 96-2. Chanderpaul was joined by his Captain and together they continued to play their shots. Chanderpaul dumped Chase back over his head for four. His second fifty came from 177 minutes, 124 balls with six fours and a six while Johnson hit two sixes and by Lunch the Jaguars were 1302 with Chanderpaul on 53 and Johnson on 25. The first session produced 78 runs but after the interval Chanderpaul struggled to get the ball away and took over 70 minutes to score four runs as Cummins peppered the pair with short pitched bowling in a hostile spell on a last day track which was still good to bat on. Johnson reached his fifty from 91 balls, 109 minutes with three fours and three sixes to
move to 499 runs but once again failed to convert his 26th half-century into his fourth hundred when he was caught at short mid wicket off Walsh’s leg spin to end the 67-run stand. Braithwaite replaced Chase and released the pressure as Chanderpaul lofted him for four but Chase removed the 19-year-old when he was 31 short of his maiden hundred with the total on 178-4. The tournament’s most inform batsman Vishaul Singh, was joined by Anthony Bramble and the diminutive left-hander started confidently and used his feet nicely to the spinners. Singh one of only two batsmen with 500 runs, danced into Chase and magnificently cover drove him all along the ground with perfect placement for four before he was taken at slip for 15 to give Chase his ninth wicket in the match and leave the score on 190-5. At Tea the Jaguars were 197-5 and at that point Guyana’s hopes of batting out the final session rested on the shoulders of Bramble and
Raymon Reifer who were at the crease and the 208 more needed to win was irrelevant to both teams at that stage. After Tea, Guyana lost Bramble (19) after he had occupied the crease for almost an hour when he was taken at leg-slip 217-6 off Chase who got prodigious bounce operating with the second new ball. But Veerasammy Permaul delightfully cut Braithwaite, who surprisingly opted to bowl with the Bajans pressing for a win and once again the pressure was released on the batsmen. Walsh took a stupendous tumbling catch running back from cover as Permaul (16) played an irresponsible shot in the first over of a new spell from Stoute as the Jaguars slipped to 238-7. Bishoo was dropped on six at slip by Chase off Braithwaite with 245-7 but that was to be the Bajans last chance to break the frustrating stand for the rest of the day. Reifer clipped Carter for four and his undefeated 16 lasted 129 minutes. He found a useful partner in Bishoo to survive to the end.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 39
Gizmos and Gadgets renews cricket sponsorship of the RHTYSC Electronic giants, Gizmos and Gadgets of We l l i n g t o n S t r e e t , Georgetown, has renewed its cricket sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club teams for the year 2016. The company would be sponsoring the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets Under23 and first division teams at the cost of $375,000 an would also be providing coloured uniforms to the first division teams from an overseas based supplier at the cost of close to $160,000. The Georgetown based electronics store has been sponsoring the teams since 2010, when it replaced Windies Sports Bar as the official sponsor. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony hailed the partnership between the RHTYSC and Gizmos and Gadgets as highly successful
Niketa Jackson (Web express representative) and Bonita Bisessar (Company secretary) of Gizmos and Gadgets hands over the Sponsorship Cheque to RHTYSC Captain Shawn Perriera. as the RHTYSC under the sponsorship has won twelve major cricket tournaments and has produced numerous players for Berbice, Guyana
and the West Indies. Among the titles won by the RHTSC and the Under23 teams are Peter Lewis Under23 – 2010, Ranchiratar 40-overs – 2011,
Crandon, Johnson satisfied with result but disappointed with Jaguars’ batting By Sean Devers in Barbados In association with Tower Suites & Trophy Stall Both Guyana Jaguars Head Coach Esaun Crandon and Skipper Leon Johnson are satisfied with the result but thinks the Jaguars did not play their best cricket in Barbados. This was after the defending champs survived for a draw against the Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval in their seventh round PCL FirstClass game which ended on Monday. The South American unit however, maintained their lead on the points table with 107 points, 17 more than second placed Pride. Part time off-spinner Roston Chase captured 10-104 in the match in which Shai Hope (114*) and Jonathon Carter (100*) shared in an unfinished 162-run fifth wicket partnership for the Bajans. The Jaguars, set 405 to win, began the final day on 52-0 and reached 252-7 when the game ended. “I am pleased with the character the guys showed on the last two days but very disappointed to be bowled out for 190 on second day. We did extremely well to bat
out 120 overs batting last, to earn a draw,” said Johnson, whose second innings 50 took him to 499 runs in the six-team tournament. The 34-year-old Crandon said his charges showed fight on the last day which Guyana won, but he too was disappointed in the Jaguars’ batting. “I was very disappointed with the way we batted especially in the first innings, most of the guys got starts but did not carry on and bat deep and get big scores for us and that was disappointing,” said Crandon, a former Guyana pacer who played his last First-Class match in St Vincent in 2011. Crandon, who captured 90 wickets from 38 matches, feels that after struggling at 86-5, the lower order did well to reach 190. Assad Fudadin (0 &2) Rajendra Chandrika (7& 49) and Vishaul Singh, the tournament leading run scorer with 566 runs but only managed 3 & 15 here, all failed to get big scores in this game. Crandon was also disappointed with the work of his bowlers, especially pacer Ronsford Beaton who went wicketless in the match and conceded 99 runs. “We did not utilize the conditions on the first day
and allowed them (Pride) to score too quickly and freely. They scored about 20 or 30 runs too much but we did well to restrict them to less than 275,” Crandon stated. After trailing by 84 runs Barbados had the upper hand but Crandon thought his batsmen displayed great character in the second innings to hold on for the d r a w. “ I a m v e r y disappointed with the way most of our batsmen got out. They all worked hard early and then give their wickets away on a pitch that was good for batting. At least one of them should have gone on to make a hundred.” Johnson, like Tagenarine Chanderpaul who made 69, failed to convert their halfcenturies in three figure scores. Johnson has been among the most consistent batsmen in the tournament but he has only managed to turn 29 of his of his scores over fifty into centuries at the First-Class level. “We have highlighted the areas we need to improve on …Overall I thought Barbados played better than us. They won the first three days and we won the last, which was crucial for both teams. We have to get back to (Continued on page 32)
Universal DVD 20/20 – 2011, Tenelec 2012, 2013 and 2015, Berbice River Bridge 2015, Busta Champion of Champions
2010,2011,2012,2013 and 2015 along with Nalico/ Bakewell 20/20 – 2014. Over the years, players the calibre of Assad Fudadin, Esuan and Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Delbert Hicks, Jason Sinclair, Khemraj Mahadeo, Dominic Rikhi, Collis Butts, Rajiv Ivan, Erva Giddings, Keon Sinclair, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano and Troy Matheson have been produced. The RHTYSC in 2010 also copped its fourth Guyana Cricket Board Club of the Year under the Sponsorship. Foster expressed gratitude to MR. Ravi Mangar, CEO and Owner of the company for his continued confidence in the RHTYSC and noted with pride that the two teams played a major role in promoting the company and its products across the country. The teams since
2010 have also successfully completed over 600 community related programmes under the name of their sponsors with the main objectives of making a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. The RHTYSC CEO also committed the teams to uphold the high tradition, they have set themselves in the past, most importantly to be role models to their peers and be ambassadors of both Club and Sponsors. Marketing Manager of Gizmos and Gadgets, Earl Gomes stated that his company was delighted to be associated with the RHTYSC and expressed thanks to the Management of the Club for affording the company to be the team’s official sponsor. The Club, Gomes stated, was a role model organisation which (Continued on page 32)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
BCB shows appreciation Petra Organisation to Shimron Hetmyer for clears the air leading Windies to U-19 glory Taking advantage of the motorcade put together by the Young Warriors Cricket Club and the business sector, The Berbice Cricket Board honoured young Berbician Shimron Hetmyer for leading the West Indies under-19 team to their first ever victory in the ICC 2016 Yo u t h Wo r l d C u p i n Bangladesh. Below is the press release from cricket board: “The BCB is proud of you Shimron Hetmyer for your achievement of leading the West Indies under-19 team to their first ever youth World Cup which concluded recently in Bangladesh. As a board, we try our best despite the challenges faced to fulfill our mandate and we continue to produce outstanding players for Guyana and West Indies teams. Your former under-19 teammate Gudakesh Motie is excelling at regional senior cricket already. The board is confident that soon both of you will be wearing the maroon colors. We wish to encourage you to continue
West Indies under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer (left) receives token of appreciation from Angela Haniff. to be humble, work hard and stay focused.” The board also took the opportunity to congratulate the other two Guyanese Tevin Imlach and Kemo Paul. They will soon be presented with plaques by the BCB. The entire team was also praised.
In light of a controversy that erupted during the staging of this year’s Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition pertaining to a few institutions eligibility, Organisers Petra Organisation recently released a letter to clear up any misconceptions that would have arised following the withdrawal of two institutions that were involved at the commencement of the tournament. The two institutions are Morgan’s Learning Centre and Sir Leon Lessons who both agreed to withdraw from participation so as not to affect the smooth flow of the event. Here below is the release from the Petra Organisation: The Petra Organization
is mindful of the invaluable support received to date from our sponsors, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Health, School, teachers, players or staff and supporters at this stage of the 4th annual Milo U-20 Secondary School Football Tournament. We are very pleased also to have been using this tournament this year to h i g h l i g h t t h e s c o u rg e associated with suicide in our society and to highlight positive messages read by the captains of each participating teams before each match. The Petra Organization in the very best interest of the tournament’s integrity and the preservation of our philosophy, strive to foster the attendance of school by
youngsters who are preparing for exams. To this end, we were regrettably forced to insert an addendum to the tournament’s Rules, which ensured that participating players attend schools / lessons in Georgetown and are also serious about writing exams if they are eligible to do so by age. With the addendum (Rule # 22 & 23) two schools / lessons unfortunately opted to discontinue their participation. It is our hope that going forward with the tournament in the future, managers, coaches, and players would understand that our Organization is not only concerned with a well executed tournament, but our concern goes beyond the field of play.
Bankers Trust Falcons banking on Kwakwani recruits
Lawrence Simon By Edison Jefford Linden’s Bankers Trust Falcons is banking on its recruits from Kwakwani to help the team to the second round and ultimately the National Basketball Championship title, hoping to overcome an underdog label that will be obviously attached to the team. Falcons will face 2014 National Champions, Dyna’s Ravens in the first round of the tournament, but it is optimistic that it has the appropriate resources to overcome any opponent. The disparity is that Ravens is ranked number three in the country, while Falcons is seeded 14th of the 16 teams that will compete for the national basketball title.
Jamal Gilkes
Leonard Primo
Notwithstanding its clear underdog status; a David versus Goliath challenge, Falcons believe that with its imported talent from Kwakwani, which is a breeding ground for talented players, they can actually create some upsets in the upcoming Road to Mecca III. “Our team is well structured; we have some players from Kwakwani, and because of that, It does not matter who we play in this c o n t e s t , ” t h e t e a m ’s representative, Lawrence Simon told Kaieteur Sport yesterday, adding that they had gone through a rebuilding process to get to this stage where they are actually competitive. However, bouncing back from a recent blowout during the Mashramani competition
in Linden, Simon said that the “last game is not a true reflection of what the team is about. It was a learning experience for us, but we have overcome that”. Former Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) ‘Most Defensive Player’ and ‘Most Valuable Player’ in 2013, 6’ 4" forward, Leonard Primo is among those a part of Falcons unit, including Jamal Gilkes and several others. Dale Sauers is also a notable player on their roster. “We are a formidable team; we are good to go; we are in this for the long haul; it is a beat up for whoever we have to meet,” Simon asserted, adding that his players are fundamentally sound and that should be one major positive factor on their championship journey.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 41
West Side ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Exciting conclusion anticipated in tonight’s final The curtains are expected to come down this evening in the West Side ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Demerara. The final will pit homesters Pouderoyen Showstoppers against the upstarted Shattaville Gunners in what is anticipated to be a pulsating showdown for the coveted title. The two teams are already assured of places in the national final by virtue of being the top two teams in the competition. Showstoppers, last year’s beaten finalist will no doubt be aiming to go one step further this time around, but they are going up against a team that has looked the most impressive to date in the tournament and must be brimming with confidence despite the homecourt
advantge going to their opponents. However, the Gunners have shown that they are a resilient bunch that is laden with players of exceptional skills who exhibit tremendous speed suitable for the format. They will be depending on the in-f o r m J e u e l Stephens, Jalen Williams, Marvin Henry and Stephon Griffith to lead their charge for victory and the top prize of receive $300,000. On the other hand, Showstoppers have long relied on two of their marquee players to instigate their wins in Anthony Harding and Marvin Josiah, both of whom have been in terrific form throughout the tournament. These two players are among the most consistent scorers in the competition’s history on the West Side and halting their pursiut of more
Part of the action in this year’s competition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Tournament.
goals could prove to be a daunting task for the Gunners. The losing finalist will receive $200,000 and a trophy. The third place playoff is
between Brothers United and Harmony Ballers and this encounter should favour the latter after their outstanding semi-final performance against Showstoppers.
S h o u l d t h e y reproduce that display it means that Brothers United are in for a rough ride. Up for grabs is $100,000 for the winner, while the
loser receives $50,000. Another massive outpouring is expected, especially with the host Showstoppers bidding for the title and bragging rights.
Singh century spurs Demerara to victory, E’bo beat President’s XI
Fawaz Gafoor (left) and Jevon Shultz. By Zaheer Mohamed Opener Sachin Singh stroked a polished century to guide Demerara to a threewicket victory over Berbice, while Essequibo defeated the GCB President’s XI by 65 runs when the Guyana Cricket Board/Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY Inter-County U15 tournament continued yesterday. The left-handed Singh who was named man-of-thematch anchored Demerara
innings with fluent stroke play after they were set 263 to win at Demerara Cricket Club. Singh shared in a first wicket stand of 65 with Shoaib Shaw to give his team a bright start before Shaw was bowled by Nigel Deodat for 17. Yeudistir Persaud was then bowled by Antonio Kempadoo for seven before Singh and Andrew Samaroo stabilised the chase with a third wicket stand of 65. Singh played with maturity that belied his age, hitting
twelve fours and six sixes before he was dismissed for 120 off 108 balls. Samaroo who timed the ball well went for 33 with three fours and one six while Dwayne Dick scored a rapid 32 (4x4) as Demerara finished on 266-7 in 44 overs. Extras contributed 38; Antonio Kempadoo and Marvan Prashad took two wickets each. Earlier, opener Fawaz Gafoor struck a composed 73 not out to lead Berbice batting. Gafoor hit fourteen fours and shared in second wicket stand of 108 with Marvan Prashad who scored 40 inclusive of two fours and one six. Jevon Shultz beefed up the innings in the latter stages, smashing four fours and five sixes in a robust 66, while Seon Glasgow made 26. Daniel Mootoo claimed 3-29. At Wales, Essequibo posted a respectable 182-6, taking first strike. Azim Mohamed slammed 72 not out, while Lance Roberts scored 24 and Bumeshwar Ramkissoon 18 not out. Extras assisted with 37 as
Gaury Ramesh and Davendra Ramdahin picked up two wickets each. The President’s XI
were bowled out for 117 in 44 overs in reply. Brandon Jaikarran got 21 and Abdul Ramsammy
17; Extras resulted in 40. Amos Sarwan captured 3-16 and Roberts 2-19.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Calvin Ming victorious at Sebring International Raceway Sebring International Raceway, Florida, USA – Caribbean racer, Calvin Ming won the final preseason F1600 race at Sebring International Raceway this past weekend. Calvin Ming recorded back-to-back wins in F1600 pre-season action by driving his # 4 K-Hill Motorsports F1600 Mygale/Honda to a victory at West Palm Beach earlier this month. Ming followed up that victory with a closely contested race on February 21 at SIR in the 2nd and final pre-season race with a victory followed closely by teammate # 3, Neil Verhagen, Thus, making the K-Hill Motorsports Mygale/Honda team sweep the top 2 podium spots. If this is any indication of
Calvin Ming (left) and teammate Neil Verhagen pose with Ming’s car. (Calvin Ming FaceBook)
what to expect in F1600 action then, the season is guaranteed to be full of excitement. There were countless lead changes and position changes from the
drop of the green flag all the way to the checkered flag. The battle for supremacy was ultimately decided at the checkered flag with a late pass by # 4, Calvin Ming
who snatched victory. F1600 racing has a rich and diverse history dating back to the sixties with racing legends such as Michael Andretti and the late
Ayrton Senna having raced in this series. These are ultra-light, purpose built single seaters without a rear wing, with either a Ford Kent or Honda
Fit engine. The season will officially kick off at Road Atlanta on April 7 – 10.
Leonora primary and Tuschen march into finals of the Minor League 10/10
The Minor League 10/10 organized by the Guyana Softball league for primary schools and sponsored by Rohan Furniture establishment, Parbhu’s General Store and Nigel Bell promotions is at the final stage and Leonora Primary and Tuschen will battle each other for prizes and to be the top school on the West Coast
Demerara. The semifinals saw both teams portray their strength as they dominated their opponents at the Leonora Primary School Ground. The results are as follows: First semifinals: Tuschen Primary school defeated Uitvlugt Primary by 7 wkts. Uitvlugt Primary lost the
toss and were inserted but were soon in trouble losing 2 quick wickets in the second over with the score on 2 bowled by Skipper Rezekiel Renee. But a partnership of 29 between their most talented batsman Anthony Baker 13 and Dominique Grant 5 and with the help of extras took the score to 31 before Baker lost his middle
stump to Ganesh Rampersaud and grant being caught on the boundary trying to lift the scoring. The others were decimated by the accurate Rampersaud and Renee and only Anthony Albert 8 showed any awareness of the situation as the others were strangled by the two bowlers in accuracy. Rezekiel Renee 4-13 and Rampersaud 3-2 were the bowlers to keep them in check. In reply Tuschen Primary rushed to 42 for the loss of 3 wkts as they made the bowlers pay for wayward bowling and serving up half volleys. The powerful Renaldo Scott scored 14 laced with powerful shots that were deterred only by the boundary fielders as he gathered 14 not out (2x6) whereby Skipper as cool as he always is supported with 10 not out (1x4) as the jubilant Tuschen Team
rushed onto the field upon achieving victory. They will now face Leonora Primary in the finals on Sunday 28th February at Leonora Primary School ground. Leonora Primary hammered Windsor Forest Primary by 59 runs. Leonora Primary won the toss and elected to bat racking up a massive 122-3 in 10 overs with Left handed batsman Captain Aryan scoring a blistering 40 laced with 2 massive sixes in which the balls had to be replaced and 4 exquisite fours which showed his ability to pierce the field and his knowledge far outwitting his opponents. He got support from the highly talented Darren Persaud who showed glimpses of his wide array of strokes on both sides of the wicket in compiling 26 which included 1x6 and 2x4s. The bowling of
Windsor Forest was erratic and none of the bowlers showed any discipline as they paid for their lack of direction. In their turn at the crease they were bowled out for a score that does not reflect their talents and belies their abilities in 63 off their 10 overs with only Rajeev Arjune with 26(3x4) and Hemchand Bisnauth 13 (1x4) offering any resistance. Nicholas Persaud with 3-16 and Vicky Persaud with 2-21 were the pick of the bowlers even though all the others bowled accurately without taking wickets. Meanwhile, the Finals will be held on Sunday 28th February at The Leonora Primary School with two powerful teams in Tuschen and Leonora clashing with both teams having all the requirements to win and entertain the crowd.
Tuschen (left) and Uitvlugt primaries meet prior to the start of the first semifinal.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 43
‘New’ Gregory Richardson can be ultra valuable to Golden Jaguars Programme – Shabazz By Franklin Wilson
Captain Gregory Richardson (#11) watches as this shot from his teammate just misses the mark. Following a solid display against Suriname which saw t h e G u y a n a ’s G o l d e n Jaguars sealing a 2-0 win on Sunday evening last at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Head Coach of the Men’s programme, Jamaal Shabazz has voiced his satisfaction with the level of maturity shown by Captain of the game, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson. Richardson who did not show up when the team was first called to practice has been known to be ‘own way’ at times which has not always seen him in good stead with the Coaching staff. However, a reformed Richardson was handed the Captaincy of the Golden Jaguars for Sunday’s match and lead with a high level of maturity displaying qualities which have impressed Shabazz. The long standing Coach said that he felt Guyana did well and was happy for the win in front of the home fans, the Golden Jaguars avenging a 1-0 loss to the Surinamese when the two sides met on April 30th last at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium, Suriname. Guyana had played with 10 men form the 12th minute after Clive Nobrega was red
carded for a dangerous tackle. The goal came off the boot of Gregory Rigters in the 24th minute. In that loss, Eon Alleyne who played well on Sunday night also had a good match almost scoring for the visitors. Shabazz believes this is an exciting time for Richardson at this stage of his career where he was appointed Captain, provided leadership whilst also scoring both goals. ”Throughout the camp he has shown tremendous leadership, he’s helped to work with the younger players and this is a new Jackie Chan that we’ve seen that could be ultra valuable to the programme.” Zooming in on the young players and their
contributions to the game, Shabazz said the likes of Daniel Wilson, Trayon Bobb and debutants Dwayne Lindie, Alex Murray and Delon Lanferman did well and Guyana will be seeing and hearing a lot about these players in the future. ”I thought tonight we had some outstanding performance from Dwight Peters, Solomon Austin, Kester Jacobs and Quincy Adams as well.” Looking ahead to the CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup and Guyana’s game against Anguilla, Shabazz opined that the players have demonstrated that the base of the team can be built here unlike when no football was being played as late as early 2015. ”Now with the advent of
West Berbice U19 cricketers on show today in Trophy Stall Mohan Memorial Cup Under-19 cricketers on the West Coast of Berbice will be in action today as they compete for the Mohan Memorial Cup four-team Under-19 cricket tournament, slated for the C3 Park, Cricket ground Cotton Tree, West Bank, Berbice. The competition is being held as part of the efforts to resuscitate the Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) in Guyana which was formed in conjunction with the Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC), in Toro to, Canada by long-standing president, Narchand “Archie” Mohan. The (HACC) was formed more than 20 years ago in Canada, while the youth club was also simultaneously established here at Mohan’s home village, Cotton Tree, We s t C o a s t B e r b i c e . However, the club in Guyana
n Proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich (right) presents one of the trophies to be competed for to Narchand Mohan. was hardly functioning up to date for some time, thus the effort to have it resuscitated. The initiative to revive the youth club was spurred
b y t h e p a r e n t c l u b ’s consistent success in Canada where it won the Scarborough Cricket (Continued on page 32)
the Stag Elite League we have the team playing and competing and this is good for us. We have a good foundation at home and then we look to the overseas based players to provide that extra added attraction to the team.” The plan of the Technical Staff is to take the players one day per week for the national preparations with their respective clubs having them for the remainder as they will be competing in the Stag Elite League Finale which continues tomorrow at the Tucville ground. The national team will only have about five days in camp before the Anguilla clash but the fact that the players would play competitively twice per week is exactly what the
doctor would have ordered, Shabazz noted. Richardson in commenting after the match said the he was happy to have led from the front as he wants to prove to the contrary, that he is a good player and has the necessary leadership qualities to guide the next generation of Golden Jaguars. ”It was a good performance by the team and I wanted to show that I am a leader; people think about me wrong so I have proven them wrong. It’s a good team we have now especially local players and when we introduce the rest of players we have a good team coming up for the Caribbean Cup.” The plain spoken Richardson said that as a new person, he has his sights
set on becoming a Coach in a couple of years. ”So I have to improve on my behavior to coach and help the youngsters in the Jaguar team now to go forward.” He said he spoke with the players prior to the match explaining to them the purpose and importance to win in front of the home fans and to also show that the Elite League is very strong. Richardson also noted that the young players are listening and are showing a willingness to work. ”Tonight we played as a unit because we were training on one thing, just k e e p i n g g o o d organization and everything else would come into place. It’s just discipline on the field.”
t r o Sp Junior Squash team return home with three golds, five silvers and three bronze medals
Guyana’s team at St. Vincent Junior Open 2016.
PCL Four-Day Cricket
Jaguars extend unbeaten streak to 14 with draw despite 10-wkt match haul from Chase
Tagenarine Chanderpaul evades a bouncer from a hostile Miguel Cummins during his 69 yesterday.
West Side ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Exciting conclusion anticipated in tonight’s final Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210