Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Background check Why is Sharma still heading GEA? needed on PM’s Special Assistant DEAR EDITOR, As an Independent voter who has been a vocal critic of the previous government, I feel compelled to write about the present government’s missteps in Corentyne. The new position of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister that has been given to Mr. Gobin Harbhajan smacks of AFC patronage and I am wondering what message this sends to the Guyanese people. He has been given an office, salary, car and other benefits to primarily weed out corruption but isn’t this the job of career civil servants who are already being paid by taxpayers ? Mr. Harbhajan has not got the qualifications for such a position and yet pronounces
on highly technical subjects as irrigation and electrical power. I am not saying education is paramount but you should have a lot of experience in these areas rather than just posing for the cameras. Please don t get me wrong corruption at all levels should be exposed and eliminated but Mr. Harbhajan’s background disqualifies him from offering service to help Guyanese Mr. Nagamootoo needs to pick his assistants carefully and do background checks and not reward them for winning elections. With all the rumours of his responsibilities being diminished he should not give APNU more ammunition for this. Corentyne Resident (name supplied)
Shrunken-headed babies on a road too far DEAR EDITOR, I totally endorse the recent letter about the possibility of the Zika disease spreading to Guyana, moreso when I heard on a recent UK news report that the Zika mosquito may be a relative of the one which causes dengue fever. I have been wondering ever since, and concerned, about what steps the Guyana Government may be taking to protect itself, in view of Guyana’s proximity to Venezuela. I agree that “Government ie, the Ministry of Health, should take steps and measures as a national public health emergency of the threat of the virus, surfacing here”, and protect its people as much as it can. In addition to her considerable problems, poor Guyana has a restricted medical service, and coping with shrunkenheaded babies, with perhaps other ailments, (perhaps a situation similar to the ‘thalidomide children’ of the early-1960s), might be a road too far for our nation. I have also wondered about the effect an outbreak of Zikarelated diseases would have on America’s oil-drilling intended operations in the region, with attendant hefty medical bills for their nationals, should they become ill from Zika mosquito bites! “Man proposes, God disposes”. Our neighbours now have “other fish to fry”. Strange are the ways of Fate. In the meantime, let us protect ourselves. Geralda Dennison
DEAR EDITOR, As corruption by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) continues to exposed, both by the media and the Government of the day, the people of this country are expecting to see charges being laid and justice handed out expeditiously. But equally important is the fact that the people are expecting that this Government is going to be cautious in ensuring that it does not make the same mistakes of its predecessor, least we draw the logical conclusion that we voted for a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is in this vein I wish to ask Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Minister with responsibility for the energy sector
, David Patterson, why is Mahendra Sharma still in charge of the Guyana Energy Authority (GEA)? It was the APNU+AFC administration which spoke against the same person, noting countless times that he was incompetent and that there were a number of discrepancies taking place under his watch. Even if you want to ignore the foregoing, could you explain to this nation why Mr. Sharma, who was on the PPP’s list of candidates, was allowed to continue in his position as GEA head? Something certainly smells fishy here but I await the scholarly responses of our “Honourable’ leaders. T.K Demas
New York-based PPP group wants Wales Estate to remain open DEAR EDITOR, APNU+AFC/ Guysuco c l o s u r e o f Wa l e s s u g a r factory contaminates not only the sugar belt but the entire country. It’s bad for the industry, worse for the We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a communities, and worst for the workers. It’s a sucker punch to the working-class community of small businesses, cane farmers and workers, and is the first step in the closure of the Estate that would have long-lasting socioeconomic impact. The Guyanese Solidarity Movement-NY(GSM-NY) is convinced that such a retrogressive measure can only emanate from an uncaring leadership The Granger/ Nagamootoo administration has failed the people of the West Bank of Demerara and Guyanese as a whole by adopting the worst available option - the factory closure and r e j e c t i n g t h e m a n y offers of assistance. A far better option is a
partnership with workers and cane farmers. Another alternative is to accept the offer of the Opposition to assist in this situation and/or the offer of the Indian government, negotiated by former President Donald Ramotar. It should be noted that the recommendation of its own appointed Commission of Inquiry was ignored. We insist that workers must have a say in decisions about their future. The arbitrary, illconceived decision on the Estate closure must be rejected outright. Agriculture is Guyana’s engine of growth and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Manufacturing, service, and the other sectors have yet to achieve significant importance. In the national interest, agriculture must be protected and promoted. Rice and sugar are the most competitive agricultural enterprises in the sector, and prudent management will ensure their expansion and
diversification. The Granger/ Nagamootoo administration has strangled the entire rice industry. It should not be allowed to strip away the sugar industry. Farmers and workers must unite and struggle to protect their interests. We urge all Guyanese to insist that the government rescind the closure decision and create one that would take the interest of all the stakeholders into consideration. We challenge government to create a stimulus plan to transform and diversify the industry and restore it to its former importance for the workers and the economy. Sugar is national patrimony, and the appropriate forum for discussion of major policy matters is the National
Assembly. We therefore strongly believe that a decision as important as the closure of the Wales factory should be debated there. We fully support the call for a debate in Parliament on the issue. The silence of the “guardians of democracy,” is revealing. We commend the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union for its leadership in this battle to save the livelihood of the workers and extend solidarity and support to the workers and Unions in the Industry. We u rg e G u y a n e s e everywhere to standup for Guyana, for workers at Wa l e s E s t a t e a n d f o r democracy. The stakeholders must have a say. Reuben Khusial Guyanese Solidarity Movement-NY
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Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Syrian army threatens to encircle Aleppo as talks falter Reuters - A Syrian military offensive backed by heavy Russian air strikes threatened to cut critical rebel supply lines into the northern city of Aleppo yesterday, while the warring sides said peace talks had not started despite a U.N. statement they had. U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura announced the formal start on Monday of the first attempt in two years to negotiate an end to a war that has killed 250,000 people, caused a refugee crisis in the region and Europe and empowered Islamic State militants. But both opposition and government representatives have since said the talks had not in fact begun and fighting on the ground raged on without constraint. De Mistura acknowledged that a collapse of the Geneva talks was always possible. “If there is a failure this time after we tried twice at conferences in Geneva, for Syria there will be no more hope. We must absolutely try to ensure that there is no failure,” he told Swiss television RTS. The opposition cancelled a meeting with him yesterday afternoon, and issued a statement condemning “a massive acceleration of Russian and
Staffan de Mistura regime military aggression on Aleppo and Homs”, calling it a threat to the political process. Rebels described the assault north of Aleppo as the most intense yet. One commander said opposition-held areas of the divided city were at risk of being encircled entirely by the government and allied militia, appealing to foreign states that back the rebels to send more weapons. The main Syrian opposition council said after meeting de Mistura on Monday it had not, and would not negotiate un-
l e s s t h e g o v e rnment stopped bombarding civilian areas, lifted blockades on besieged towns and released detainees. Conditions are dire in a number of areas under siege by both sides, with many close to starvation. However, the Syrian Red Crescent delivered 14 truckloads of aid to the town of al-Tal north of Damascus yesterday, in an area surrounded by forces allied to the government. The head of the Syrian government delegation also denied talks had started after discussions with de Mistura yesterday.
Zimbabwe top prosecutor charged with obstruction of justice in Mugabe bomb plot Reuters - Zimbabwe’s Prosecutor General was yesterday charged with abuse of office and obstructing justice after he dropped a case against two men accused of plotting to bomb President Robert Mugabe’s dairy farm, only for the two to turn state witness. Johannes Tomana, an avowed supporter of Mugabe and his ruling ZANU-PF party, is unpopular with the opposition for his zealous prosecution of anti-Mugabe activists when he was Attorney General from 2008 to 2013. Tomana, who was not asked to plead, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He was freed on $1,000 (£694) bail and ordered to surrender his passport. State prosecutor Timothy Makoni told a magistrates court that two army corporals, a retired soldier and a fourth man were arrested on Jan. 22 outside Mugabe’s dairy farm north of the capital Harare and
were found carrying ammonia and petrol bombs. The men were initially charged with possession of weaponry for sabotage and with money laundering for terrorism purposes. But Tomana freed two of them, who then turned state witnesses, in a decision the state said amounted to criminal
abuse of office. Yesterday, new treason charges were leve l l e d a g a i n s t t h e f o u r. Makoni said the accused, who face the death penalty or life in prison, hatched a plan to set up a militia base to the west of Harare from where they planned to u n s eat Mugabe’s government.
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Wednesday February 03, 2016
Robbery/home invasion on land court judge…
Police witnesses to complete testimony next week Special Prosecutor, Nigel Hughes informed the court that the remaining police witnesses in the matter are expected to complete giving evidence next Monday (February 8). Hughes indicated this after Police Sergeant Eon Jackson took to the stand to identify ballistic reports and spent shells, as the trial of the five men accused of robbing and terrorizing land court judge, Nicola Pierre, and her husband Mohamed Chand continued yesterday,at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Sergeant Jackson is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ballistic Section, Eve Leary, Georgetown. He is an expert in firearm and ammunition examination. To date, Jackson has examined over 2000 firearms and 10,000
ammunition of various calibres. Premnauth Samaroo; Damien Millington, 22, of Lot 118 Caesar Street, Agricola; Nicholas Narine, 18, also of Caesar Street Agricola; Anthony David, 28 of 63 Hadfield Street, Stabroek and Warren Mc Kenzie, 22 of Lot 18 Brutus Street, Agricola are jointly facing three charges, two for the offence of robbery
under-arms committed on Pierre and her husband and another for the offence of discharging a loaded firearm at security guard, Ron Peters. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently on remand. The remaining police witnesses, including Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar, were scheduled to take the
stand yesterday. However, the court was informed by Prosecutor Hughes that the witnesses were performing other duties and would not be available until February 8. Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul sitting in that court excused the lawmen and granted the adjournment. According to Hughes, at the conclusion of their testimonies the court will
To make Guyana more business-friendly, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that Government has a number of plans in the mainstream, one of which includes support for private businesses by cutting bureaucratic red tape and making official procedures easier to navigate. Jordan said that Government intends to seek financing to implement the Single Window Automated Processing System (SWAPS). When established, he said that the SWAPS will link licencing bodies to the Customs and Trade Administration to facilitate the sharing of information and to enhance the efficiency with which trade transactions are carried out. The Finance Minister said that these improved procedures will not only reduce the amount of time that private businesses spend mired in paperwork, but also increase government accountability, reduce corruption, and make
data and information more accessible. He noted that the Ministry of Business is also establishing a Help Desk for businesses, which will act as a single point of contact for information and advice for businesses, traders, and the Government. While consumers and large businesses can access loans, Jordan said that small businesses commonly face a financing gap. However, this will not continue for much longer, as Jordan said that for 2016, Government intends to further reduce bottlenecks in accessing finance through the implementation of the Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) initiative. He said that to build generic- and sector-specific skills, training opportunities for entrepreneurs will be expanded to cover all ten administrative regions, with special emphasis on business operators in the mining and
forestry sectors. This year, Jordan said that 400 entrepreneurs will be targeted to benefit from training. As a small economy, the Finance Minister said that everyone must work to enhance the country’s brand and visibility as an investment destination. The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) is also working feverishly in this regard, said Jordan. He said that the entity is working to improve agency websites and develop partnerships with other investment promotion agencies worldwide. In 2016, the Finance Minister said that GOInvest will increase its engagements with the Diaspora to re-invest at home. Jordan said that publicizing Guyana’s unique advantages will attract new and diverse industries. He noted that in 2015, GOInvest facilitated 148 projects across seven economic sectors - agriculture, light manu-
facturing, tourism, services, forestry, information and communication technology and energy. He said that the potential value of investment facilitated amounted to $89.3 billion, while the total potential jobs numbered about 8,400. Jordan said that GO-Invest also facilitated 44 Foreign Direct Investments. In 2016, the agency hopes to facilitate 160 new investments worth a total of $11 billion. The Finance Minister said that another challenge that investors in Guyana face is finding adequate facilities with full utility services. He noted however that the Granger administration intends to address this problem by upgrading and building industrial estates at Belvedere and Lethem which will facilitate business ventures in such areas as light manufacturing, woodworking and fabrication, creating over 3,000 new jobs.
Numerous plans in place to improve systems for business and investment - Finance Minister
Nicola Pierre and her husband Mohamed Chand commence a Voir Dire (trial within a trial) to ascertain the admissibility of caution statements and oral confessions given by the number three and four defendants (Millington and David). Pierre, Chand and Peters have completed given their testimonies. They have so far, positively identified four of the defendants (Samaroo, Millington, Narine and McKenzie) as the ones who were part of the robbery/ invasion that occurred on July 9, last, in the gated community of Felicity, East Coast Demerara. According to reports, heavily-armed bandits inflicted a brutal beating on the Land Court Judge and her
husband after overpowering on-duty Special Constable, Ron Peters before storming the couple’s home. The couple was attacked while they were asleep. They were gun-butted into unconsciousness after the men, gained entry to their home via a window. The robbers carted off a small safe containing US$7,000, jewellery, and a suitcase containing other valuables. But they were forced to drop their loot after coming under fire from a security guard who was stationed at a businessman’s home nearby. Pierre sustained a broken jaw and other injuries, while her husband received severe injuries to his right eye. He has since lost the eye.
Misick Attorneys To Seek Retrial In Turks And Caicos The Gleaner - Lawyers for former Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Michael Misick formally filed for a mistrial in his ongoing corruption trial yesterday. When the case resumed Monday, presiding judge, Justice Paul Harrison, granted Misick’s lawyer, Ralph Thorne, Queen’s Counsel (QC), an overnight adjournment so that his legal submissions could be made in writing and shared with lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, and other defence lawyers who are expected to join in the application for mistrial. The mistrial application stems from a widely publicised press release issued on behalf of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the owner and chairman of the Sandals and Beaches hotel chains, on the weekend. The press statement made specific reference to Mitchell’s opening statement in which he suggested that a US$1.6-million payment from Sandals Resorts International to the former premier was an alleged act of bribery. Thorne, who is from Barbados, said his immediate concern is that the Sandals press statement is “so highly prejudicial to his client’s rights and to his presumption
of innocence that it defeats his opportunity for a fair trial”. He added: “It is my view that the prosecution’s daily publication of its highly charged opening statement and this statement have had the cumulative effect of scandalising my client, portraying him contemptuously and ultimately depriving him of the right to a fair trial that is guaranteed by the constitution and by the humanrights conventions.” Since the trial started on January 18, some defence lawyers have expressed concern about the daily publication of segments of Mitchell’s opening statement on a dedicated website operated by the Helen Garlick-led Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT). It has been suggested by lawyers that the daily postings do not reflect the many objections that have been made by defence lawyers and that what are only prosecution allegations at this stage run the risk of influencing the minds of potential witnesses. Monday morning, all the defence lawyers met behind closed doors for just over 30 minutes before returning to the court when Thorne addressed the judge.
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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KEEP THE BAN The ban on used tyres is long overdue. The government must be commended at least for doing something that should have been done a long time ago. Government policies do not always have to be popular. Highly unpopular policies, such as enforcing the closing times for bars, pubs and nightclubs, are often necessary. Consumers should have choices. They should have a choice of “Dunlop”, “Michelin” or “Goodyear”. They should have a choice of whichever brand to buy. But they should not have a choice between new or used tyres. The ban on tyres is necessary. A great many vehicles are unsafe for use on our roads because they have used tyres. These tyres are known for blowouts resulting in accidents. In rainy weather they cannot grip the road and therefore can cause skidding and poor braking. But the used tyres remain popular because the ordinary man cannot afford new tyres. The cheapest new tyres of quality sell for around $28,000 each, VAT inclusive. This means that four tyres can
cost at least $112,000. The average car owner cannot afford this outlay at any one time. New tyres obviously last longer than old tyres one new tyre will give you the life of about four used tyres. Thus, in the long run, it costs just as much to use old tyres as it does to use new tyres. But new tyres are safer. The only reason why the average driver does not use new tyres is that he cannot find over $112,000 at any one time for new tyres. But he can regularly find $3,500 to buy a decent used tyre. There is no environmental benefit from switching from new tyres to old tyres. Whether the tyre is old or new, when it has reached its life use it has to be dumped. It does not matter whether it is new or used, there will be an accumulation of disposed tyres for which some form of recycling has to be found. Therefore the ban on used tyres announced by the Minister of Finance is not an environmental
matter. The ban obviously means that drivers have to find more money to buy tyres. Unless there is an offset, they will be tempted to claim that the cost of travel has increased. The offset against this claim would have been the slashing of fuel prices. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e r e has only been a negligible decrease in the price of petrol by a mere $20. This is disgraceful. The price of oil on the world market has fallen below US$30 per barrel and yet petrol users in Guyana are enjoying only a measly benefit. The government should not be setting the price of fuel. This is not the role of government. The government should be regulating the market by ensuring that taxes are adjusted to ensure that consumers are not ripped off. The government should not be setting prices for petrol, but they should also keep prices high. If motor vehicle owners benefited from a lower price for petrol, they would have been more inclined to absorb the increased costs
Dem boys seh...
Amazing Facts - smile or grin If Jagdeo yelled for 12 years, 7 months and 6 days he would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee. (Hardly seems worth it.) If Brazzington farted consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb. (Now that’s more like it!) And that explains why the NICIL building needed so much repairs. If Donald Dumb banged his head against a wall, he uses 150 calories in an hour. (hope Soulja Bai don’t try this at home; maybe at work.) And this explains why Donald Dumb not in de
parliament or even in he own party. A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to death. Does this sound like Kwame Mc Coy. (Creepy) The flea can jump 350 times its body length. It’s like a human jumping the length of a football field. Who like to jump ship? Kantractas??? Gerry, Boyahs, Brian, Bess, McLean and some of Jagdeo other friends?? The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds. Jagdeo friend Bobbie got more than that. He taste everything in this world expect them four walls in Lot 12. Some lions mate over 50
times a day. Did Jagdeo ever? Butterflies taste with their feet. Clinty de Willie like taste jumbo prawns and big basha. Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump. Brazzy too. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. (Dem got nuff people in de new govt like that.) Starfish have no brains. (Dem got nuff people in de old govt like that, too.) A cat’s urine glows under a black light. (Wonder how much the PPP government paid to figure that out.) Talk half and don’t accuse dem boys of writing this column.
associated with switching to new tyres. However, the relief from fuel prices is negligible. In fact, it is disgraceful. If oil prices fall, then the price at the pumps will fall. If prices fall it does not necessarily mean that government revenues will fall, because with lower prices people will
drive more and therefore consume more petrol. The Minister of Finance should keep the ban on used tyres, but he should consider leaving the price of petrol to competition by also removing taxes as a means to hold prices high. Guyanese motorists are
reasonable people. They will be prepared to borrow to buy new tyres if they are sure that they can recover their outlay from low petrol prices.
Four containers of dairy products denied entry
The Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) said yesterday that during the month of January, four containers with Evaporated Milk, Condensed Milk and/or Sweetened Condensed Milk were refused entry into Guyana. The brands were Best Liat Sweetened Condensed Milk, Global Sweetened Condensed Milk and Tastu Evaporated Creamer. The refusal was due to non-compliance with the prescribed standards for Evaporated Milk, Condensed Milk and/or Sweetened Condensed Milk as found in regulations 13 & 14 Division # (5) of the Food and Drug Regulations 1977, and the International Food Standard
– Food and Drug Department Codex STD for milk fat products (CODEX STAN 2801973) Codex Alimentarius. In all cases, milk fat was substituted with various forms of vegetable fat. The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations relating to foods, food production, and food safety. The GA-FDD said that this action was made possible because of “unprecedented support and cooperation received from the Customs Department of the Guyana Revenue Authority.
According to the prescribed standard, Evaporated Milk should contain no less than 25.0 percent milk solids and 7.5 percent milk fat, while Condensed Milk or Sweetened Condensed Milk should contain no less than 28.0 percent milk solids and 8.0 percent milk fat. The Department is advising food importers to ensure that when importing milk for release for sale on the local market, they must be in compliance with the prescribed standards of Food and Drug Regulation or that of the International Food Standard Codex Alimentarius.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2016
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The Long Goodbye: Sister Mary Noel Menezes
Mary Noel Menezes
People have to go. That is what life is made of. We all have to leave this life. Very old age brings heartbreaking problems. My parents died at sixty; they did not suffer for any prolonged period. My dad took ill and died a few days later. My mom was heavily-built. She slipped down the steps of a neighbour’s home and her insteps were torn from her feet and left dangling. Her heart gave way about half an hour after and she died in her sleep. My mother-in-law lived until 88 and was in bad health. She had to go to the bath
literally every five minutes because her bladder was gone. Her lungs were gone too. Amnesia was creeping in. When people reach that stage in life, you know it is the beginning of the end. We all get old and our end beckons. One has to accept that inevitability. It is important that when we reach that state of our nearness to death, we can look back and say life was worth it. I took my dog to the vet on Tuesday morning. One of my favourite persons, Catholic nun and university professor (retired) Sister
Mary Noel Menezes lives right next door in Prashad Nagar, in an orphanage she single-handedly built. While talking to the vet, he mentioned that Sister suffered multiple strokes and is confined to bed. I went over. The news was not good. I would like to leave it at that. Sister Mary Noel will always remain one of my favourite persons in this life. I met some good people in Guyana and other countries that had a profound effect on me; Sister Marty Noel Menezes is one of them. I first met her in 1974 as a history freshman. Her class was the “philosophy of history.” I was already madly hooked on philosophy before I went into UG and Sister’s class increased my immersion. She took a liking to me and despite my loudness, left-wing radicalism and philosophical existentialist mind, as a Catholic nun, she never let my opposing philosophy deter her in her quest to help me. From 1974 until the time of writing, I had a very strong bond with this lady. Her teachings and character traits effectively molded me into who I subsequently became. It was under her strong influence, I accepted that people must be treated fairly without regards to their views or philosophy. Sister taught
me that people were entitled to justice, irrespective of how you feel about them. She knew that I was not even distantly religious; she knew my views of God and she knew I was essentially left-wing. But none of that mattered to her. She told me that she saw in me the potential of a fine historian and she wanted me to realize that potential. At the end of my first degree at UG, I was denied the President’s Medal in favour of Norman McLean. She knew it was wrong because my grade point average was higher than McLean’s, and she defied the Academic Board. If there was anybody else that had addressed that body and argued on my behalf, I would have lost the medal as the best graduating student. She simply got up and said whether the people at the table hate or despise Freddie Kissoon, a person must be given their due. Not one person defied her. That was the beginning of my flight from poverty. As the best graduating student, I competed for a McMaster University scholarship, won it and never looked back. I owe that flight to a decent life to Sister Mary Noel Menezes. When my daughter was born in 1989, my baby girl was the recipient of over-flowing
Frederick Kissoon generosity from Sister. My daughter is fully conscious that this Catholic nun is one of the persons I admire most in Guyana, and in life. I have profoundly strong memories of the time I spent with this wonderful human being for whom I have ethereal respect. When I was about to leave for Canada for postgraduate studies, she gave me a parting gift. It is a tiny volume titled, “Great Thoughts of Freedom.” The selection was compiled by Hilda Noel Schroetter. On the first page of that book, she wrote the following words, “To Freddie, may the spirit of freedom continue to motivate you in all you do; with every best wish for all success.” I would like to leave readers with one of my favourite choices from that book taken from one of my revered philosophers. It is reproduced from “Thus Spake Zarathustra” by Friedrich Nietzsche. “Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.”
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
AG office to help M&CC to audit Treasurer’s department — process to help improve financial accountability In order to help improve its system of financial accountability, the Georgetown Municipality is preparing to undertake an audit of its City Treasurer’s Department. The City Treasurer’s Department is responsible for managing the financial resources of the Georgetown Municipality and general rates and market rentals are its main sources of income. According to Acting Public Relations Officer, Ms. Debra Lewis, the audit will be undertaken by the Municipality’s Internal Auditor who will be supported by the Office of the Auditor General (AG). “The Georgetown Municipality has sought the assistance of the Office of the Auditor General to help in this special exercise,” said Lewis as she pointed out that “The Municipal and District Council Act 28:01 stipulates that all books of the Council shall be audited yearly.” The audit is slated to commence within the next two weeks. Based on information disseminated by the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown yesterday the move is intended to help improve the Municipality’s system of financial accountability. According to Lewis, the Council is currently seeking to upgrade its financial accounting system so that there is greater accountability and transparency in its financial transitions. As such she noted that “the aim of the audit is to have a comprehensive analysis of the current financial systems employed by the Council. This would allow for an examination of the design and effectiveness of the Council’s internal control system,”
Public Relations Officer (ag), Ms. Debra Lewis Lewis added. According to Lewis, Town Clerk, Mr. Royston King, has made it clear that it is important that the Council be transparent and accountable to the citizens of Georgetown. King has said too that it is imperative that Council be involved in prudent financial management at all levels thus; the Council must examine its operations and seek to improve the level of financial accountability. Additionally, Lewis revealed that the Council has commenced a human resource audit. She informed that the main focus of this audit is to examine the human resource policies, procedure and systems, with a view of improving and enhancing the human resource function of the organization. And the main areas that are under review are the structure of departments, recruitment policy, training, appraisal and welfare. King, Lewis said, has already recommended structural changes for the City Engineers Department and the Personnel Section. The structural changes would enable the Department to operate more efficiently, she added.
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Govt. moves to recover US$26M tied up in bankrupt CLICO The long-term viability of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is deeply worrying the administration. A number of measures, including the recovery of over US$26M invested in the now bankrupt CLICO, are being targeted, to ensure thousands of Guyanese that depend on the scheme are protected, Government says. The scheme is facing tough times with its annual payouts on level with the contributions from workers. With a falling number of contributors, especially from self-employed persons, and benefits likely to increase in the coming years, NIS is facing a major challenge - how to raise its revenues. While it has billions in cash, the growing deficit is what is worrying. It is already in a big hole, with $5.2B invested in the Trinidad-owned CLICO in limbo after the company’s Bahamas sister company collapsed in 2009, pulling down the others with it. NIS, with a large chunk of its monies invested, was left on shaky ground. A court case has gone nowhere. On Friday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his 2016 budget presentation acknowledged that the scheme has been facing several challenges over the years, including a lack of compliance by both employers and employees, combined with unprofitable investments. “In 2016, the Government intends to examine options for repayment of $5.24 billion owed by CLICO. To this end, the Government will start discussions on the modality of an arrangement that will see NIS recovering this money over the long term,” he announced. Additionally, it is the
intention for the management of NIS to “work diligently” to ensure greater compliance through the enforcement of the laws. “This year, management will be targeting delinquent businesses and employers, in order to recover the $1.3 billion in arrears owed to the scheme. The NIS will also be examining an appropriate investment policy to guide its investments to ensure that future investments are profitable.” The minister noted that NIS plays an important role in enhancing the capacity of the poor and vulnerable to manage risks such as unemployment, disability, sickness and old age. “Given this, as well as Government’s commitment to reduce poverty and inequality within our society, we will ensure that profitability is restored at NIS, over the longer term,” he
Former CLICO (Guyana) Chief, Geeta Singh-Knight promised. But getting NIS back on track, especially with regards to that US$25M investment in CLICO, may take some doing. In October 2013, Guyana learnt from the then government under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that CLICO
(Guyana) had already been liquated and the money secured from the sale of its assets had been paid out to more than 4,000 policyholders. One of the properties that NIS received was the one on Camp Street where the current headquarters of the Guyana Revenue Authority sits. How NIS decided to invest US$30M in CLICO, which later transferred out the country under questionable circumstances, has never been answered. What is known is that soon after CLICO (Guyana) went belly-up in 2009, its local chief, Geeta Singh-Knight, was appointed a key official in the US$40M Berbice Bridge. She was also placed as a marketing official in the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation. Several big policy holders were allowed to cash in and Continued on page 21
Government says it is moving to recover $5.2B of NIS investments it has in limbo with now bankrupt CLICO.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Low oil prices augur well for Guyana’s oil drilling potential - US Ambassador By Abena Rockcliffe United States Ambassador, Perry Holloway has indicated that falling oil prices on the world market stand to benefit Guyana immensely. Oil is currently being sold for a little above US$30 per barrel. The price for oil has been falling for quite some time and continues to do so rapidly. In November 2015 oil was being sold at U$50 per barrel. While reports on the international stage are that the maintained reduction in oil is putting a strain on the economy of many countries and is essentially causing international turmoil, Holloway is saying that Guyana can actually be grateful. He offered this opinion during a recent interview with Kaieteur News at the American Embassy. The Ambassador said that falling oil prices mean that the companies currently exploring in Guyana can cut back on exploration investments and will most likely get on with the work faster. Holloway explained that the prices for the equipment as well as the cost attached to experts needed to explore have become “dirt cheap.” The envoy told Kaieteur News that a rig that is being brought to Guyana “very soon” to drill assessment wells is being procured at a price less than half of what it was being sold for a year or two ago. “All these unemployed petroleum engineers, the geologists, and all these other experts are going to come here for a better price. The downturn in prices is actually beneficial to Guyana. You are not going to be pumping oil for a number of years, so right now the lowered prices are very beneficial and the find is so far very significant.”
As for how it will be when Guyana actually starts pumping oil, the Ambassador said that the country should still have no fears. “If you live as long as I have, you would know that oil prices come down, but they always go back up. Guyana depends on over 99 per cent of its electricity from diesel power generators. So imagine a Guyana that is producing petroleum. It will be really good for Guyana.” Holloway said that the country will, in the beginning, have to send its petroleum to be refined elsewhere, but eventually it will be able to afford its own refinery. The Ambassador said that the discovery of “high quality petroleum is likely to be much more significant than most people realize”. He added, “I think people don’t want to have their hopes dashed, so they are reluctant to believe… they are reluctant to think about it or accept it, but the find is by no means insignificant.” The envoy opined that Guyana’s oil is capable of transforming the country. “In 10 years Guyana will be a different place, hopefully for the better.” Holloway pointed out that rapid economic growth and extreme dependency on one commodity often bring its own set of challenges. Luckily for Guyana, Holloway said, the country is benefitting from international guidance. He indicated that quite a few international bodies are working with Guyana on the development of measures that will help to eliminate or control the risk factors. As regards those measures, Holloway pointed to the Sovereign Wealth
US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway Fund as well as some other transparency and anticorruption initiatives. A Sovereign Wealth Fund is a government-owned investment fund. It has been set up by many countries with oil wealth and there are models to choose from. Holloway said that Guyana will choose its own model after it benefits from expert advice about the pros and cons of each model. He indicated that Canada has taken the lead in helping Guyana with the setting up of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. However, he emphasised that the US continues to do its part. He said that in its dealing with the Ministry of National Resources and the subject Minister, Raphael Trotman, the US has brought in quite a few experts that are looking into transparency, management of petroleum and management of environment. “These guys know lots about the Sovereign Wealth Fund and they share expertise and knowledge.” The Ambassador said that Guyana needs to set up the requisite policies as “there is going to be a gigantic change once petroleum starts coming out of the ground.”
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Taxi-driver jailed for 5 years, fined $61M for B’ce ganja bust A man who was nabbed with a large quantity of drugs and subsequently implicated his boss and wife has been jailed. The two other persons, who were subsequently nabbed in a police sting operation, were subsequently freed due to technicalities. The man, 33-year-old Pooran Persaud called ‘Andy’, a taxi driver of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, was yesterday sentenced to five years in jail and fined a total of $61M after he was found guilty on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Pooran was initially charged with 32-year-old Pooran Ramoo called Anand, a fisherman, of Cotton Tree and 24-year-old Liano Ramsundar of Bath, West Coast Berbice. They were
charged with being in possession of 41kg 945 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. The man was granted a full trial and the state’s case was presented by Inspector Grace Bristol, Sergeant Althea Solomon and Corporal Racquel Mars. According to information, about 19:25h on Monday 26th January 2015 the police were on patrol on the West Coast Berbice Public Road when in the vicinity of the No. 9 village they received information that a white Toyota AT192 motor car was transporting drugs. The police were on the lookout when in the vicinity of Bath Village they noticed the vehicle. Upon seeing the cops the vehicle turned through a street and a chase
began. The vehicle was eventually cornered. The driver was alone and upon checking the cops noticed three multi-coloured plastic bags in the vehicle. The contents were further wrapped in transparent plastic bags. Further checks revealed what appeared to be leaves, seeds and stem of the marijuana plant inside. The driver, Pooran Persaud, was questioned and informed the cops that he was given the drugs by Ramoo. Arrangements were made for Pooran to call Ramoo. Pooran informed Ramoo that he had been held by the Police with the drugs. Ramoo then called the police and found out what could happen. Arrangements were made for a sum of money to be paid over for the release of
Fire scare at Craig Primary
A fire truck inside the school’s compound yesterday. Students of Craig Primary School, on the East Bank of Demerara, were given a scare yesterday morning after many turned up to school only to find a fire truck in their school’s compound. It was revealed that sometime around 07:00hrs, there was a spark from electrical wires leading to the western side of the building. This caused panic among the canteen operators, several
students and persons within proximity of the building. The Fire Service was quickly alerted and a tender was sent from the Diamond Housing Scheme branch. When Kaieteur News arrived at the school, teachers were seen talking with fire officials, students were seen examining the truck while some were being escorted out of the compound by their parents with concerned looks
on their faces. Teachers refused to comment on the issue saying that they do not have the authority to speak with the media. One of the firefighters however, related that the incident was a minor issue; an electric spark. He emphasised that there was no fire and assured that the situation was under control and school could resume as usual.
his “soldier” Persaud. The sum of $800,000 was agreed upon as the deal to release Persaud. Ramoo agreed to meet with a Constable and a Sergeant at a Drying Floor at Fort Wellington at a certain time to do the transaction. The fisherman and a female arrived and attempted to bribe the cops with the money. They were immediately arrested and taken into custody. The woman had in her possession $700,000 in local currency while the fisherman had US$900. The police questioned the duo and learnt that they lived together. The police visited
JAILED: Pooran Persaud their home where they found a further 255 grams of marijuana wrapped in a
transparent plastic bag under a chair cushion. A scale used to weigh marijuana was also found. They were subsequently freed. The total seizure had amounted to 41 kilograms 945 grams of cannabis sativa. The trio was represented by attorney at law Mursalene Bacchus who had submitted no case submission on their behalf. Persaud had given a no case submission from the docks in which he denied having any knowledge of the drugs. He was subsequently found guilty by the magistrate and sentenced to five years in jail and fined $61M.
Govt. moves to recover... From page 21 recover their monies, including close associates of the former PPP/C government. Despite complaints, both the Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar administrations had refused to carry out an inquiry similar to investigations being done in Trinidad, where angry politicians had called for heads to roll. In 2010, the CLICO Bahamas Liquidator reported that his “preliminary view of the documentation suggests that policies were never issued by CLICO Bahamas. Moreover, the premiums received from Guyana and Suriname were never paid to CLICO Bahamas. “It appears that the funds were remitted directly to a bank account held in the name of CLICO Bahamas at Ocean Bank, Miami,
Florida, and to another account held by the company in Trinidad.” In his third report to the Bahamian Supreme Court on the life and health insurer’s liquidation, Craig A. ‘Tony’ Gomez, the Baker Tilly Gomez accountant and partner, said the US$34M and US$15.5M claims submitted by CLICO Guyana and CLICO Suriname had not been approved. “After further consultation, I have rejected the above claims received from Guyana and Suriname,” Gomez said. Guyana had appealed the matter which is still pending, but to date Guyana is yet to receive any of the money invested by CLICO (Guyana) including more than US$34M belonging to NIS.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
VACANCY Cook/baker and truck driver for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
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. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Guytec Speacialised in air condition unit, washing machine, dryer, pizza oven, convection oven, pressure pump- Call: 684-2119; 6802377 Guytec Specialised in stove range, water heater, dish washer, deep fryer, treadmills refrigerator etc. Call: 6842119; 680-2377
WANTED 2 Male cleaners- Apply at Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. E.B.D Merchandiser. Call: 231-6256 for more details. Live in waitress to work in a bar and hotel. Call: 604-6606 Wanted land to buy at Parfaite, Tuschen, Providence, Diamond, Eccles, Uitvlugt, best price pay-call: 604-6724 One live in maid-Call: 6683985; 264-2563 Urgently! Garbage company needs experienced drivers must have police clearances, two reference one picture. Call: 223-7012/670-7920 EXPERIENCE SECURITY GUARD, MUST BE FIT & ALERT. SOME MILITARY BACKGROUND & POLICE C L E A R A N C E @ RUIMVELDT. CALL: 2318529 / 231-8344 One experienced dispatcher. Call: 231-4000 Experienced cake decorator, roti/puri cooks, counter servers. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St.
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106 Popular East Coast Gas Station: day/night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6694755; 695-9880, Non-Pareil Female clerk. Call: 265-3586 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. Experienced: female bar/shop worker & handyman for Ekereku Bottom (Interior), ages 17-30yrs. Call: 231-0363
Live in home aid needed in Peters Hall: 1 week on, 1week off, must be 45plus- $13,000Call: 667-2535
CARPENTERS AND LABOURERS. 676 6700
Salesgirls, porters and security guard. Apply with written application at Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. 1 Bond clerk to work in factory from age 25 & older; must have working experience & a valid police clearance. Call: 223-0090 Live in waitress must have secondary education, courteousness & honesty is a must. Call: 610-5043 Experienced washbay attendants, living in Georgetown. Call: 646-8748
LEARN TO DRIVE
Security Officers; apply in person. Massey Security (Guyana) Inc, Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Call: 225-5773-6
1 Mechanic welder to work in the interior, interested persons can call 625-5136 on Mon-Fri between 8am-4pm.
5 Years and older, experienced truck driver (sand pit). Contact: 626-8003
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: come & experienced heavens touch with new attendants: Kala & Lisa. Visit us today! – Call: 690-6079 The Gent’s Spa: deep tissue & 4 (four) hands massage: Angel, Tiffany and Alicia. Call: 689-5056
1 Driver- apply at Technical Services; 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. 1 Professional nail technician to work at new spa- Call: 6967337 for details. One 1 driver/purchaser; must have experience in the said area, must be between ages 35-48yrs. Call: 226-9768; 625-1413 Experienced bartender, waitresses, cooks and bouncers needed. Call for appointment @ Eden’s Bar & Lounge, Tel: 652-0074
1 Able body male- porter/ clerk- Call: 225-2313; 226-1497 We want land in Eccles. We are paying cash, we pay between $2M-$4M. Call: 6117223; 604-2207
M A R K E T I N G ASSISTANTS, DRIVERS and WELDER/FABRICATOR. 676 6700
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Wednesday February 03, 2016
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Earn a Certificate in cosmetology, nails, wig designs & hair cutting etc. Classes commencing February! Register Now! Call: 666-5241; 619-7603
Modernized 2 bedrooms apartment at Waller’s Delight W.C.D. Call: 698-6496 3 Bedrooms apartment in gated community @ Versailles W.B.D. Call: 618-5070
AT212 HIRE car, HC 1042, good condition- Call: 6999381 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 1-Volvo Crane & dump truck -$3M- Call: 619-0898
LAND FOR SALE ONE 50FTX80FT HOUSELOT WITH FENCE @ MON REPOS (MARTYRSVILLE) E.C.D, PRICE -$3.9M NEGOTIABLE. CALL: 2200538/645-2395 (JOEL)/ 629-5300 Double lot 9950 Sq. Ft @ Republic Gardens, price $25M (negotiable). Call: 6247686 Gold & Diamond blocks for sale or rent in the Ekereku, Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: 615-8810 Parfaite Harmonie -$ 1.6M, 1.8M, $1.5M, 1.3M, Tuschen 11 street -$3M with foundation, Phase 2 – $1.4M, Providence -$3.5M, terms available – Call: 604-6724 $1.2M Parfaite Harmonie (80ftX50ft), $1.6M Zeelugt (100ftX50ft), and $2.6 M Parfaite Harmonie (with foundation) - Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 Wanted-land to buy on the East Cost Demerara and Belle West on the West Bank Demerara. Call: 639-8474; 6044945 Land @ La Grange Public Road to sea dam, 4 acre, could use for housing development-USD$1M. Call: 625-1514 House lots for sale, also house & land. Call: 639-8474 or 604-4945
TO LET One- two bedroom upper back apartment @ C/Ville $55,000 –Call: 223-1051; 6195357; 650-0716
VEHICLE FOR SALE STAR CARS AUTO SALE: 30-06 PREMIO, 03-07 FIELDER, NEW RAUM, IST, BLUEBIRD, AXELA, PITBULL. CALL: 679-3140; 268-3509 Noah & Voxy: unregistered & fully loaded -$1.7M (black, white & silver). Call: 603-9700
PEN PAL Overseas male is seeking female 29yrs up – professionally employed. Call: 671-6591(No texting!) Businessman seeking single female, for Companion/ friendship; Contact: Deo- 27 Experiment West Coast Berbice: Text/call 611-9970
Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 Isuzu Truck 2.5 ton GNN 6385, New Model 1-212 Toyota Motor Car, PLL 739. Call: 639-6839 Sliver Nissan Murano, late PNN series- $6M –Call: 6815548 or 695-5701 RAV4 2001, 91000km, crash bar & roof rack -$3M negotiable- Call: 216-1893
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 6629335; 612-3244 House to rent at La Parfaite Harmonie- Call: 625-2406; 651-5924 One two room house at Grove, E.B.D. Call: 266-0892; 681-1047 Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: lessons places, storage bond or church -$25,000 per month. Call: 603-6400/2642123 Building for rent on Croal Street near to Stabroek Market. Call: 647-6075 Executive 2 bedrooms apartment in exclusive Residential Area close to the Ogle Airport. Call for appointment: 653-2920
2 HB Allion for sale, “as is, where is”, best offer. Call: 6902250 Black Toyota Celica 2002; 2 door sports car, immaculate condition- Call: 614-8870; 222-2431 AT192 for sale -$900,000 negotiable- Call: 625-6842 1-TM 4-wheel drive truck with crane -$3M, 1-TL 500 truck crane -$2M- Call: 619-0898 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms - Call:680-3154 To y o t a R a u m , S p a c i o , AT192, Allion, L-Touring Wagon, EP71-starlet, IST, Nissan March & Pickup 4X4 (4door). Call: 6445096; 697-1453 1- Toyota Surf with 3RZ engine -$2.9, 1-double cab pick-up -$1M. Call: 619-0898 One new shape Allion, very clean condition, for sale at bargain price. Call: 678-8035
PROPERTY FOR SALE One 2 family back house in Lamaha Street drive with own way parking for vehicles, price:$30,000,000 negotiable. Call: 226-1935 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Transported Property at Parika/Hydronie, Public Road, prime spot for business, size 0.47 acres. Call: 647-7878; 669-2800 Diamond 4 Bedrooms house, marble tiles, granite countertop, telephone, electricity & water - $15M negotiable –Call: 601-0889/ 680-0920
Honda CRV (RD5), PNN series, stick gear -$2,350,000 negotiable, Toyota IST, PSS series, candy pink $1,650,000. Call: 691-1198
One family house at Kuru Kururu. Call: 664-2576
Unregistered Spacio, Allion: dark interior, TV, fog, rear spoiler, 2004-Call: 617-5536
Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Two house & land for sale, excellent condition, one located at Tuschen & one at Goed-Fortuin. Call: 668-3985; 660-3235
Transported property @ Tuschen Housing Scheme $7M negotiable. Call: 2641050; 683-7045/669-3553 Continued on page 23
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Cool Square murder trial...
Prosecution witnesses cannot be located - Police State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings yesterday made an application for deposition of two witnesses to be admitted into the trial of Leon Duncan, called ‘Whistle’, for the murder of businessman Intaz Roopnaine. The witnesses, Tiana Cumberbatch and Linden Shirley, cannot be located. Police witnesses were called to the stand to verify the information. As such, Prosecutor Goodings made an application to have court admit the depositions of the missing witnesses into evidence in trial. Goodings is presenting the case in association with Prosecutors Orinthia Schmidt and Tuanna Hardy. Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry is expected to make a ruling on whether the depositions will be presented, when the trial resumes today. Roopnarine called ‘Bobby’ of 169 Mandela Avenue is said to have collapsed and died near to a septic tank aback of the Cool Square Hotel in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt on
ACCUSED: Leon Duncan
MURDERED: Intaz Roopnarine
January 24, 2013. The businessman was reportedly wearing several pieces of expensive jewellery when he was shot and robbed as he was preparing to leave the hotel. His assailant escaped with a gold and diamond chain worth $500,000, one gold band worth $700,000 and other jewellery, all priced at a total of $2,200,000. Duncan was arrested and charged for the murder in the course or furtherance of a
robbery. He has since pleaded not guilty to the charge and is being represented by Attorney- atlaw Mark Waldron. His trial is ongoing before Justice Sewnarine-Beharry and a mixed jury at the Georgetown High Court. On Monday, Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh has testified that based on his finding following a Port Mortem Examination Roopnarine died as a result of gunshot injuries to the
spine. Dr. Singh‘s testimony followed the evidence of Police witnesses Suraj Singh and Rodwell Sarabo. Detective Singh told the court that the ex-girlfriend of the accused had been with him for some time during the night before the businessman was shot and killed. The court heard that the accused and his former girlfriend Tiana Cumberbatch, went to the Cool Square Hotel on January 23, 2013; they spent some time there but later Cumberbatch left in a taxi with her friend Tiffany Glasgow. According to the witness, Cumberbatch later learnt that someone was shot and killed at Cool Square. The policeman also told the court that Duncan’s ex girlfriend had recalled that he contacted her and told her that he wanted to turn himself into the police because his name was being called in a murder. The court learnt further that Duncan had asked his girlfriend to tell the police that he left Cool Square with her that night.
Man claims he was asked to torch building in which girls, dad perished - cops to seek legal advice with an individual who claimed that a city resident had asked him to set fire to a three-storey property at Robb and King Streets, back in November 2014. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that police held
a confrontation with the informant and the alleged mastermind, who was detained late last week but released on Monday. Blanhum said that police will be seeking legal advice to ascertain whether charges
FOR SALE Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740; 686-3500 XBOX one with games, kinect and controller, XBOX 360E. Call/whatsapp: 683-8386 1-6" Dredge complete with Lavador -$6M- Call: 6190898 Toyota Hilux 2.5LTD 2010 carry boy tray, Goodrich, immaculate condition, silver, UK import, price -$5.2M- Call: 629-2200
could be laid. The alleged ‘mastermind’, who is from North Road, Bourda, has been repeatedly questioned about the case, but it is only now that police have been able to garner what appears to be substantial evidence against him. Theresa Rozario and her Continued on page 24
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Letters... Where your views make the news
Is Portia Simpson gambling? DEAR EDITOR, Jamaica Prime Minister Portio Simpson shocked Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals last Sunday night when she announced that general elections in her country will he held on February 25 -ten months before the constitutional date. The question being asked is this a wise move? Dean Barrow called snap elections last November and it bore fruits; his party won handsomely. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves waited to the end to ring the bell and he narrowly retained the government for the fourth term. S i m p s o n ’s PNP snatched power from the JLP two short months after
Andrew Holness took over leadership of the party and political pundits believe that Holness might not be fully prepared to defeat the well organized PNP under the leadership of the first female Prime Minister. Over in Trinidad and To b a g o K a m l a P e r s a d Bissessar, the first female Head of Government in that country was defeated at the polls by the PNM under the leadership of Keith Rowley. Denzil Douglas also lost power in St Kitts/Nevis in February after more than 15 years at the helm, but the B r i t i s h Vi rg i n I s l a n d s Premier, Orlando Smith, retained the government after whipping the Virgin Islands party. Antigua and Barbuda
has a relatively new Prime Minister in Gaston Brown who showed maturity soon after he took office at the age of 47 when he served as Chairman of CARICOM. It seems however despite there are a few new leaders in the Caribbean Community there are no signs of any significant change. Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to join the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). A public education programme is scheduled for March 10 when several distinguished luminaries will participate. However, top priority is given to climate change because it enables the Caribbean to demonstrate an approach that owes more to the future than to the past. Oscar Ramjeet
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts Call: 670-2343 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from -$49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 TM 6X6 parts for sale: engines, gearbox, power box, def, drive shaft, etc. Call: 601-7001
CAR RENTAL
Deadly 2014 arson…
After two years of diligent investigation, police may be able to solve a heinous act of arson that a little more than a year ago claimed the lives of 15-year-old Theresa Rozario, her 12-year-old sister Feresa Rozario, and their father, Hilrod Randolph Thomas. This development came last week after police spoke
From page 22
Are those fogging chemicals safe?
DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space to ask a question to the Ministry of Health or the responsible authority with regards to the on-going fogging exercises to rid areas of mosquitoes. I see time and time again during these exercises the personnel involved in dispensing the chemical are heavily protected, however, the general public are not asked to do the same, only to protect drinking water and babies (which are oftentimes impossible as you do not know when these folks are in the area, until you encounter the repugnant smell of the chemical). Are the person exposed to this chemical (through the fogging exercise) required to take further precautions? Or the much more important question; are the chemicals being used for this exercise safe, i.e. persons are not directly or indirectly exposed to any health hazards? I know some of the chemicals used in the past for mosquito fogging have now been banned, however, I am just wondering if our vector control department/operation has made the transition. Can the responsible authority please advise the public on what are the chemical(s) they are required to content with? Darren Shako
Lots @ Blankenburg behind the gas station- $3.9M- Call Us Today: 650-0402 Minibus, SUV, Pickup 39.8 rear deferential & 14.5ft fiberglass boat with trailer and 35HP motor- Call: 6789536 290 MF Tractor- $1.4M, 330TK Bedford dump truck$1.2M; in working orderCall: 614-9262; 604-2540 One slate pool table, price $300,000- Call: 228-2098; 6285796 Pure bred Akita pups, fully vaccinated, parents imported, one Cummings generator 350KVA. Call: 6941418; 260-4157 Stalls 64-72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Market Albouystown. Call: 663-1597; 218-4837 50X85 house lot in Grove/ Diamond Scheme, property @ Yarrowkabra, land size100X200- Call: 676-0931 Gang Nail Plates, in stock: 3X4, 4X6, 5X7- Call 2664166; 666-2361 Mon-Sat between 8-6pm One wedding dress, size 6, off-white, brand: Maggie Sottero. Call: 647-6075 5 Bedrooms; 2 bath, fully furnished, transported property located @ Rosignol W.B.Berbice. Motivated seller- call: 602-6333; 6793496; 699-4689; 666-2528 Pure bred pit bull pups, 8 weeks, fully vaccinated and de-wormed. Call: 661-1715; 669-2434 German shepherd pups- Call: 220-8904; 220-2277; 6291471; 629-1419
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Jagdeo calls on Govt. to China provides Military aid package to Guyana review budgetary measures
GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin sign the relevant protocols for the Military aid package. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be receiving a $40 million RMB yuan (Guy $1.2B) military aid package, following the signing of relevant protocols between GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier General Mark Phillips and Chinese ambassador, Zhang Limin. The signing was done in the Conference Room at Defence Headquarters at Base Camp Ayanganna. The package will encompass the supply of heavy duty road building equipment and two patrol boats. According to Phillips, the aid is to be utilised
particularly in the recapitalisation of the GDF’s fourth Engineer Battalion, which is to be engaged in several infrastructure development works in the hinterland. Thanking the government and people of China and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Phillips added that some of the material will enhance the capacity of the Coast Guard and boost its law enforcement capabilities in the Coastland and Riverain areas. Brigadier Phillips also lauded the ongoing cooperation between the PLA
and the GDF, saying that it exemplifies what true cooperation for development is all about. Ambassador Zhang Limin indicated that China and the PLA were interested in continuing the friendly relations with Guyana and the GDF. He also expressed the hope that the relationship between the two countries and their militaries would continue to strengthen. Also briefly discussed at the signing ceremony, was the possibility of the GDF and PLA collaborating on future infrastructural p r o j e c t s i n G u y a n a ’s hinterland. Back in 2010, the GDF had also received a sizeable donation from China, including thousands of boots, helmets and bulletproof vests. At the time, this was handed over by then Chinese ambassador to Guyana, Yu Wenzhe to then Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best.
By Abena Rockcliffe Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday focused extensively on the policies outlined in Budget 2016. He criticized every single policy measure that he pointed to, saying that many of them do not make sense and will just put further strain on the backs of the ordinary Guyanese. As such the former President called on the government to discard or make changes to several of the policies outlined in the Budget speech presented last Friday by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan. Jagdeo made this call at a press conference held at Freedom House where he dealt only with budgetary issues. At that forum, the former president called for the reduction of fuel and electricity prices to the extent where they will truly reflect the lowered oil prices on the world market. Jagdeo said that “a five per cent rebate in electricity charges is a joke,” and questioned why Guyanese should have to wait until April 1 to experience even the little change. The former president told the media that the announcement has absolutely nothing to do with budget. In this regard, he questioned, “Will we wait until 2017 if the prices go back up? What we are doing is taking money from ordinary Guyanese people and putting it into the coffers of Government.” Jagdeo also called on the Government to change the restriction of the importation of vehicles over eight years old. He called instead for it to change to 12 years and under. Jagdeo said that this will create an opportunity for the citizens from the lower middle
class and the poor, many of whom purchase vehicles on terms, to still be able to get vehicles. The Opposition leader also said that government should remove totally or change the restriction of the importation of used and/or reconditioned heavy duty motorized vehicles, including trucks, canters, etc., to between 15 and 20 years old instead of eight years. He said that if it remains at the proposed eight years, hardship will be brought on many in the construction, mining, rice, forestry and transportation sectors will benefit from such a change, he argued. Further, Jagdeo said that the government should withdraw the ban on the importation of used tyres. Instead, Jagdeo suggested strengthening the regulatory capacity of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards to ensure the quality of the used tyres. Jagdeo said that there is nothing to suggest that a significant amount of roadway accidents are as a result of faulty tyres. He said therefore that government erred in trying to sell the ban as a measure to boost road safety. He said that most road accidents are as a result of drunk driving and speeding. Jagdeo claimed that he spoke to the owner of a canter who told him, that the current cost for a tyre is $16,000. “The proposed ban will now see him paying $70,000. Imagine the prices for bigger tyres. The prices will be astronomical. A new tyre will now cost about 50 per cent of the minimum wage, which is $50,000.” Jagdeo also advocated that farmers and Amerindians be exempted from the
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo proposed increase in gun licence fees, since their livelihoods depend on their possession of firearms. Further, Jagdeo said that “rather than focus on the productive sectors – we saw no help for rice, sugar, mining, bauxite, fishing and forestry – given that these are the sectors that create wealth, we saw a focus on filling the coffers on Government, on the backs of ordinary Guyanese”. “Guyanese will be undeniably hard hit by these measures. What Government is doing is essentially taking wealth from people and putting it into the treasury for Government spending,” The former President continued, “If you follow the trail of the measures announced you will find who they favour. The measures are favourable to a few special interests. The trail leads to both individuals and companies, some with real connections to the APNU+AFC government. In this manner, the Guyanese people are not the ones who are being helped. The Government is definitely not helping the poor. This is not how you expand wealth. It is not how you make a country better.”
Man claims he was.... From page 23 sister Feresa Rozario were trapped in the early morning inferno. Their father, Hilrod Randolph Thomas, who jumped through a window but suffered second and third degree burns, succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. An alleged eyewitness had claimed that he was standing at the corner of King Street and North Road when he noticed a car continuously traversing the area. The eyewitness said two individuals exited the vehicle and headed to the Robb Street building. One of the men kicked a door open, entered the property and made an
unsuccessful attempt to set it alight. The eyewitness said the men, who had entered the car, exited the vehicle and one of them returned to the building with a bottle-lamp and again attempted to set the building alight. The men both ran back to vehicle and made good their escape. Rosemary Rozario, the mother of the two girls, has claimed that a businessman had threatened to torch the building. She said that someone had also made previous attempts to burn the building. City Hall records show that a number of persons are laying claim to the property.
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Quest for Zika vaccine widens; Africa, Asia deemed vulnerable Reuters - The Zika virus could spread to Africa, Asia and southern Europe, the World Health Organisation said yesterday, as major French drugmaker Sanofi SA and others joined the race to create a vaccine. A day after Geneva-based WHO declared an international public health emergency due to Zika’s association with the birth defect microcephaly in Brazil, the United Nations agency said it had launched a global response unit to fight the mosquito-borne virus that is spreading rapidly in Latin America. Babies born with microcephaly have abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains. “Most important, we need to set up surveillance sites in low- and middle-income countries so that we can detect any change in the reporting patterns of microcephaly at an early stage,” Dr. Anthony Costello said in Geneva. Costello is WHO’s director for maternal, child and adolescent health. Twenty to 30 sites could be established worldwide,
mainly in poor countries without robust health care systems. The Pan American Health Organization said Zika was now spreading in 26 countries and territories in the Americas. The virus was first identified in 1947 in rhesus monkeys in Uganda while scientists were studying yellow fever, according to the World Health Organisation. It was identified in humans in 1952. Zika is spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. There is no vaccine or treatment for it. Sanofi’s announcement marked the most decisive commitment yet by a major vaccine producer to fight Zika. The company said its Sanofi Pasteur vaccines division would use its expertise in developing vaccines for similar viruses such as yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue. “Sanofi Pasteur is responding to the global call to action to develop a Zika vaccine given the disease’s rapid spread and possible medical complications,” said Nicholas Jackson, research head of
Head of the Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at the World Health Organisation(WHO) Dr Anthony Costello attends a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland, February 2, 2016. Sanofi Pasteur, who is leading the Zika vaccine project. The WHO called for urgent development of better tests to detect the virus in pregnant women and newborn babies. The new global response unit will build on lessons learned from West Africa’s Ebola crisis, Costello said.
…First U.S. Zika virus transmission reported, attributed to sex Reuters - The first known case of Zika virus transmission in the United States was reported in Texas yesterday by local health officials, who said it likely was contracted through sex and not a mosquito bite, a day after the World Health Organisation declared an international public health emergency. The virus, linked to severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, is spreading rapidly in the Americas, and WHO officials yesterday expressed concern that it could
hit Africa and Asia as well. Zika had been thought to be spread by the bite of mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, so sexual contact as a mode of transmission would be a potentially alarming development. Dallas County Health and Human Services said it received confirmation of the case in Dallas from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The county department said on Twitter that the person was infected through
sexual contact with someone who had travelled to Venezuela. The person infected did not travel to the South American country, county health officials said. The Texas Department of State Health Services was slightly more cautious in its assessment, saying in a statement, “Case details are being evaluated, but t h e possibility of sexual transmission from an infected person to a non-infected person is likely in this case.”
The WHO was criticised for a slow reaction to the Ebola epidemic, which killed more than 10,000 people. “The reason it’s a global concern,” Costello said of Zika, “is that we are worried that this could also spread back to other areas of the world where the population may not be immune.” Costello said Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus “are present ... through Africa, parts of southern Europe and many parts of Asia, particularly South Asia.” Africa and Asia have the world’s highest birth rates. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said on Monday it was “strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven” that Zika causes microcephaly. Costello, a pediatrician,
said WHO was drafting guidelines for pregnant women and mustering experts to work on a definition of microcephaly that would include a standardized measurement of baby heads. “We believe the association is ‘guilty until proven innocent,’” he said, referring to whether Zika causes microcephaly. The WHO office for Southeast Asia, issued a statement urging countries in the region to “strengthen surveillance and take preventive measures against the Zika virus disease which is strongly suspected to have a causal relation with clusters of microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities.”
Small biotech companies and academic institutions have plans to develop a Zika vaccine, and GlaxoSmithKline PLC has said it is concluding feasibility studies to see if its vaccine technology was suitable. And yesterday other companies joined the effort. U.S. drug developer NewLink Genetics Corp, which is also developing an Ebola vaccine with Merck, said it has started a project to develop Zika treatment options. The University of South Australia said it was working on a Zika vaccine with Australian biotech Sementis Ltd. Experts have said a Zika vaccine for widespread use is months if not years away.
Virtual tie raises doubts: Can Hillary Clinton close the deal? Reuters - Hillary Clinton’s struggle in Iowa to fend off underdog Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, reignited questions about her ability to close the deal with Democratic voters and turned up the pressure on her highprofile White House campaign. The Democratic presidential front-runner, whose campaign ran off the rails in Iowa in 2008 against Barack Obama, was dealt another setback on Monday in the Midwestern state that begins the 2016 race for the presidency. The former secretary of state, Clinton, 68, was pushed to a virtual tie with Sanders, a 74-year-old U.S. senator from Vermont. Next up is New Hampshire,
which holds its primary on Feb. 9. Sanders has been leading in opinion polls there and has an advantage because it neighbours his home state. A Clinton loss would start to set off alarm bells with her supporters. “She has had every possible structural and organisational advantage and Sanders fought her to a draw,” said Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California. “This is almost a moment by moment rerun of 2008,” Schnur said. “The difference is her competition is not as tough this time.”
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Wednesday February 03, 2016
PM Wasn’t Forced To Call Election
Portia Simpson Miller The Gleaner - The verbal duel under way between the two major political parties over Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s decision to call the general election ahead of the upcoming Budget Debate intensified Monday, with People’s National Party (PNP) campaign spokesman Delano Franklyn in counterattack mode. In response to a range of initial strikes from Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Andrew Holness, who went on the warpath last week as talk of the election announcement loomed large, Franklyn rushed to the defence of his party president. “The prime minister was not forced, pushed or cajoled,” Franklyn said. “The prime minister exercised her rights under the Constitution, based on her assessment of the situation, to call an election, and as such she has called the election.” But as he did last week, Holness said after the election date was announced Sunday night, that Simpson Miller was employing underhanded tricks in her “mad rush” to summon Jamaicans to the polls, ahead of a Budget presentation likely to unleash tough times on Jamai-
Andrew Holness
cans. But even as he fired salvos at Holness, Franklyn declined to elaborate on what entailed the “situation” that influenced Simpson Miller, when he was quizzed by journalists during press briefing at the PNP’s Old Hope Road, St Andrew, headquarters Monday. “The prime minister would have considered many factors to have called the election at this time, and I want to leave it at that,” he said. Franklyn also charged that “what the leader of the Opposition is trying to do is to say that the prime minister was forced” and urged the nation to “try and recall” that it was Holness who had been calling for the election. “This is the same leader of the Opposition who, up until the end of last year, stated quite anxiously that he would wish to have elections as early as possible,” he said. Added Franklyn: “I recall one of the leaders of the JLP saying, ‘Bring it on.’ I can recall another saying that he had discovered some polling results somewhere which showed that the PNP had reduced its number from 42 to 37, then to 32, then to 27.”
Continued Franklyn: “I don’t understand now, the reason being advanced by them through the leader of the Opposition as to this thing of being forced to call an election when the prime minister can do so as she sees fit at any point in time.” Holness has charged that the Simpson Miller-led PNP was rushing into an election ahead of the next Budget. Franklyn claimed that the leadership of the PNP was eyeing all 63 seats. “No candidate will be left behind,” he stressed. “All candidates will be treated equally and given the support which will be required to carry out their work on the ground,” Franklyn added. Reiterating that the PNP will be running on the record of its achievements, Franklyn emphasised that the priority will be for all candidates to be in the trenches, among the people, in every household as possible and in very nook and cranny of their constituencies. “From the standpoint of the campaign committee and leadership of the party, every candidate will be given a fair opportunity to come home with their respective constituencies,” said Franklyn.
Chinese officials deny knowledge of CIP citizen’s problem Daily Observer - An official from the Chinese Embassy in Antigua said neither the government of Antigua & Barbuda nor officials from the People’s Republic of China have informed them of the matter involving Chinese national Lihua Tian who recently obtained citizenship here. The secretary of the Embassy, Song, said he was not told, and also learned from his
colleagues they are also unaware of the reason the woman had been held by Immigration officials and under police watch. “I have asked my colleagues and we all don’t know anything about it. We only know information from your newspaper,” he said, adding, “We know no more news than your newspaper. I think this is not our business.”
Meanwhile, an official from the Ministry of Foreign affairs, Department of External Security Affairs in China referred OBSERVER media to the Chinese Embassy for comment. The official, who said he would be happy to assist, said any information on the matter would have to come from his colleagues at the embassy here.
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CPL announces record applications for player draft 2016 A record number of local and international stars have been officially registered for the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft which takes place on 11 February in Barbados. Commenting on this year’s record list of applicants both in the West Indies and across the world, Director of International Cricket for CPL, Tom Moody said: “Some of the leading names in world cricket have signalled their intentions to join the biggest party in sport at the CPL, so this year’s competition is sure to be our most exciting to date. ”Outside of our ‘marquee’ players, there are international players of the highest standard including a host of World champions, and a myriad of players who continue to entertain and enrich the global game. ”It is without doubt our most competitive roster and
it is exciting to see such a high standard across the established and emerging nations around the world. That players from 14 nations have entered the Draft illustrates the global reach of the CPL, and with a sizable increase in the West Indies contingent which is up by over one-fifth this year, it is clear that the T20 game is growing from strength to strength.” Amongst the list of West Indies talent who are in the frame for the six franchises this year are stars of the calibre of Chris Gayle (a winner of the inaugural competition with Jamaica Tallawahs back in 2013), West Indies World T20 captain Darren Sammy and Lendl Simmons. Darren and Dwayne Bravo are set to join the number one ranked T20 international bowler Samuel Badree, as well as Sunil Narine and Kieron
Pollard, who was such a driving force in Barbados reaching last year’s final before being edged by eventual winners Trinidad & Tobago. To supplement the outstanding pool of local talent on display, some of the biggest names in international cricket will bid to join the five marquee players - Faf du Plessis, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kumar Sangakkara and Shane Watson - who were confirmed last week. Amongst the assembled
Wednesday February 03, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You'll meet new friends if you try new activities. Partnerships could prove to be lucrative. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Extend an invitation to clients you enjoy spending time with. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Your passionate mood will be well received by your mate. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be sure that the person you're drawn to is not already involved. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Read between the lines when signing contracts. Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your mate may not have been honest with you. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people. Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. Try to take care of the needs of those you love.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't let situations get out of control. Overindulgence may cause conflicts. Expect problems with settlements that you are trying to resolve. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Secret intrigues could get you into trouble. You may want to look into warm vacation spots. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You should be putting your cash into long-term investments like real estate. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Do not blow situations out of proportion. You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension. Opportunities for romance will develop through group endeavors; however, the association isn't likely to last. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Anger could lead to problems. Opportunities to learn important information will surface through discussions with peers or seminars you attend.
overseas stars is a 34-strong South African contingent headed by prolific top order batsman Hashim Amla, legspinner Imran Tahir and fast bowler Morne Morkel. There is sure to be a strong Pakistan presence in the tournament, which takes place from the end of June until the beginning of August, with one of the stars of last year’s CPL for Barbados Shoaib Malik included amongst a plethora of big names including Shahid Afridi, Misbah-UlHaq (who has played in both St Lucia and Barbados to date) and left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz. Across the continents, there will be seven Bangladesh (including Shakib
WICB - No player was forced... (From page 29) indicate by the deadline we will be forced to revoke any NOC issued for the tournament.” The Operations Department’s reason for sending that note was to ensure that the players were aware. The tournament has since started and will end on Saturday, February 13. Chanderpaul last played for the West Indies in May 2015 in a series against England in the Caribbean. · In the first test in Antigua where the game was drawn – Chanderpaul has 46 and 13 runs in the home team’s two innings · In the second test in Grenada where England won by nine wickets, he scored 1 and 7 runs in the two innings · In the third test in Barbados where West Indies won by 5 wickets, he scored 25 and 0 runs in the two innings He was not selected for the Australia series in the Caribbean; the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka or the recently concluded tour of Australia. Chanderpaul now plays with the Guyana Jaguars in the 4Day PCL and the NAGICO Super50. (WICB)
Al Hasan who is one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket), while there will also be seven Afghanistan players which is indicative of their recent rise in the shortest format of the game. Sri Lanka, currently ranked third in the T20 team rankings, will have 20 representatives in the frame including legends Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lasith Malinga will be looking to join their compatriot Sangakkara. There will be 23 players from Australia in the Draft, including a blend of experience in Brad Haddin, Brad Hodge and Michael Hussey allied to a crop of upand-coming talent, and a further 11 New Zealanders, including the likes of Nathan McCullum. Of the current ICC World T20 player rankings, nine of the top 20 batsmen could be set to feature in this summer’s CPL: du Plessis (fourth place), Guptill (fifth), Gayle (seventh), Zimbabwe’s Hamilton Masakadza (eighth), Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad (ninth), Dilshan (13th), Brendon McCullum (15th), Watson (17th) and Umar Akmal (18th). Four of the top five bowlers in the T20 rankings are also in the frame with the list
headed by West Indian legspinner Badree, Afridi (third), Sachithra Senanayake (fourth) and Graeme Cremer (fifth), with Malinga (seventh) and Tahir (ninth) also amongst the leading lights in contention. With coveted spots up for grabs from the ICC Americas region, there is sure to be a lot of interest across North America as players from Canada (seven) and the USA (10), who recently competed in the Nagico Super 50 competition, all aim to book one of the six coveted places. England (two), Ireland (two), Scotland (two) and Netherlands (one) will be the European representatives hoping to secure a place in the CPL. Sixteen of the 157 West Indies players to register have already been retained ahead of the draft, leaving 141 eligible for selection on draft day. This is 25 more than the 116 who vied for spots at last year’s Draft and represents a 22% increase. Coupled with an 18% increase in international player registration, this is further illustration of the CPL’s growing stature as one of the foremost tournaments in T20 cricket. (CPL)
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BCB/J Z Mohamed of City Bias, NY Inter Zone Under-15 tournament
New Amsterdam/East Canje and West Berbice record massive victories Traditional power house, Lower Corentyne, which includes players from Albion Cricket Club, Rose Hall Town and Port Mourant, were humbled by New Amsterdam/ Canje/East Bank by 9 wickets, while West Berbice scored a massive 275 runs victory over Upper Corentyne in the first round of the JZ Mohamed of City Bias, New York, USA Inter Zone Under-15 tournament organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and played last Saturday. Playing at Cumberland cricket ground in East Canje, Berbice, Lower Corentyne won the toss on a perfect batting track and took first strike but were shot out for a disappointing 30. Opening pacers Leon Swammy and skipper Jevan Schultz combined to take 8 wickets with Swammy 5 for 20 and Schultz 3 for 8.
Leon Swamy
Nigel Deodat
NA/Canje/East Bank raced to 31 for 1 wicket. Opener Jeron France finished on 20 not out. Over at No 72 Cut and Load ground, West Berbice won the toss and elected to bat, amassing 354 for 5 off their allotted 50 overs. 2015
President’s Eleven all-rounder Marvan Prashad top scored with a classy 86 not out. He got support from Berbice under-15 cricketers Seon Glasgow (jnr) and Nigel Deodat with 69 and 68 runs respectively. Fawaz Gafoor also
chipped in with 38. In reply, Upper Corentyne made a disappointing 79 all out in 20 overs. Deodat came back to take 6 for 10 off 5 overs including a hat-trick in his first over, the first of the tournament. Hemraj Heeralall supported with 3 for 12 off 5 overs. In a release, the Berbice Cricket Board said it would like to thank The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and the Young Warriors Cricket Club for hosting the first two games. This will go a far way in making sure that the tournament is successful. Special thanks also to the major sponsor Jameel Mohamed of City Bias, New York, USA. Albion Cricket Club and Shabeer Baksh of Blairmont Cricket Club have also pledged to host a match each.
RHT Gizmos and Gadgets crowned BCB Tenelec Inc. 1st Div. champs In perfect conditions for cricket, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets defeated neighbours and arch rival Albion Cricket Club in the final of the 2015 Tenelec Inc. First Division 50-Over Cricket Competition played last Sunday at Albion Sports Complex. The competition was sponsored by Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruntzel of Tenelec Inc. Washington, USA. Taking first strike after winning the toss, Rose Hall Town opening pair of former national youth player Khemraj Mahadeo and former Berbice youth player Michael Hicks failed to roll back the years with both going early to Josiah Dhanai for 5 and 4 runs respectively. Berbice senior wicketkeeper/batsman Jason Sinclair also went cheaply for 8, bowled by national youth all rounder Balchand Baldeo. Former senior national wicket keeper/batsman Delbert Hicks started to look good but fell to national T20 star Jonathan Foo for 18 with his team reeling at 39 for 4. West Indies middle order batsman Assad Fudadin and former West Indies senior one day player Royston Crandon attempted “operation recovery”. However, Albion had other ideas with Baldeo accounting for Fudadin caught at slips for 24. National all rounder Rajiv Ivan joined
Winning team Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets with the sponsor’s banner. Crandon and together steadied the ship for Rose Hall Town, putting on 48 for the 6th wicket before losing the latter caught behind off West Indies left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul for 24. Ivan rallied with the tail and was eventually run out off the last ball of the innings for a magnificent 71. Senior inter county player Collis Butts chipped in with 18 as Rose Hall Town finished on 180 for 9 off their allotted 50 overs. Dhanai, Baldeo and Foo finished with 2 wickets each for 17, 20 and 48 respectively. Albion CC started well with former Guyana youth players Kandasammy Surujnarine and Balchand Baldeo batting superbly to put on 53 for the first wicket. Baldeo was then caught and bowled by Ivan for an ominous looking 33. Surujnarine followed, caught behind off former national youth all rounder Shawn Perreira for 15.
Albion CC then lost quick wickets reaching 95 for 6 in the 31st over when the prolific Foo went caught on the long on boundary off Butts for 11. However, Albion CC were determined with national senior player Gudakesh Motie and Permaul joining forces and put pressure on the opposition until Motie was needlessly run out for 22 at 136 for 7. With Motie going, so was the hope of his team as they lost their last 3 wickets for 6 runs to finish 39 runs short of their target. Butts, the son of former West Indies off spinner Clyde Butts, spun webs around the Albion CC batsmen, finishing with 5 for 35 to share the Man of the Match incentives with Ivan. He supported by with 2 for 24 off 9 overs. At the presentation which followed, Angela Haniff spoke on behalf of the sponsor as well as the board. She said that Tenelec Inc. is
pleased to be associated with the Berbice Cricket Board and was impressed with the media coverage the competition got. When speaking on behalf of the board, she said that the board is always grateful to Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruntzel of Tenelec Inc., USA. She added that Tenelec Inc. is the board’s biggest sponsor and coupled with sponsorship of the under-15 tournament, they have contributed significantly to the overall success of Berbice cricket. She also thanked Albion Estate for hosting the game and the print and electronic media for excellent coverage off all BCB cricket. Rose Hall Town skipper Perreira collected a beautiful trophy and $100,000 for their efforts. Runner up Albion CC also collected a trophy and cash incentives with Men of the Match, Butts and Ivan sharing cash and a trophy as well.
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Narine gets all clear from Match Referee
Sunil Narine ©Getty Images
Sunil Narine’s bowling action has received clearance from the man who was responsible for monitoring him over the weekend. In fact, Michael Ragoonath who was match referee for both matches in which Queen’s Park were involved over the weekend, said he received no negative reports from any of the umpires who officiated when Narine bowled on the weekend. ”I stood as match referee for both games and the only way I can act is if a bowler is reported by the onfield umpires. “Sunil played in both games and the umpires did not report anything to me. What I did was to video tape his bowling to have a look at it and when we sat down and viewed the footage, we found him to be well within the limits allowed for bending of the arm.” Narine was reported for illegal bowling action against Sri Lanka in November when he represented the West Indies in the limited overs series in that country. He was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) from bowling but has been allowed to work on his action by the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) in their domestic league. Despite this, Narine was selected on the West Indies squad for the World T20 which starts in India in March. However, he must undergo a number of tests at Loughborough in England before he is cleared to play in the tournament. At the moment he is working with bowling Coach Carl Crowe who has extended his stint with Narine until Friday. Manager of Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) Jeffrey Guillen revealed on Monday that the club extended the Crowe’s stay until Friday. “We thought that the more attention Sunil gets at this time was crucial before he flies off for his test, so he will continue his work with Crowe.” Guillen was also at the grounds to watch Narine in action. “On the weekend he looked good and is bowling quite well. The issue I think would not be passing the test but getting ready for the World T20, which is major. We are confident that he would be ready but at the moment his ambition is to get past the test, which he should take in about two or three week’s time.” On Saturday, national coaches Gus Logie and Kelvin Williams made the trek to Wilson Road in Penal, to see Narine in action against Clarke Road in the domestic 50 overs tournament. His coach at QPCC, David Furlonge said that the coaches were all happy with what they saw of him and was particularly pleased with his progress as his spell went on. The West Indies get their campaign on the way on March 16, when they face England in Mumbai. (Trinidad Guardian)
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Port Mourant TC, Force XI females of Orealla ECB U15 trials start today The Essequibo Cricket Saturday after which the take top honours in outreach Volleyball Board (ECB) will com- c o u n t y ’s t e a m w i l l b e Be it on the coast or in the interior, the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) volleyball club continues to show that they are one of the best in the country. The team showed their prowess as they overpowered their opponents to win the history making Orealla Outreach Volleyball Competition which was played over the weekend in the riverain community of Orealla on the Corentyne River. To compete in the competition, the team undertook the arduous journey with some five other teams, four males and one female from the coastland that took them more that 100 miles with over 60 miles being on the Corentyne River. The PMTC contingent made sure that their laborious undertaking was not in vain as they took top spot by steamrolling fellow coastlanders De Edward 3 Door Strikers in the final 2013, 20-7. The PMTC’s only blemish was a loss to Albion United in a preliminary game, while for their part, 3 Door Strikers’ only loss was to PMTC in the finals. The other coastland team was No.53 Survivors.
From the onset of the final the PMTC boys were in control, led by some power hitting and set plays by Captain Davendra Latchman, Adrel Moore, Joshua Jagmohan, Ian Bagot, Trevon McRae, Luen David and Tevon Khan as they completely blew open the Strikers’ door before they could have shut it for the easy win. Earlier, PMTC smashed past Falcon of Orealla 20-10 in their semi final game, whilst Three Door Strikers had to pull out all the stops to edge past Siparuta 20-19 in a thriller. PMTC had defeated Reggae Boys A, Force X1 B, Force X1 A and Siparuta, losing to Albion at 13-15, with Siparuta ending runner up in that group, while 3 Door had played unbeaten with victories over No.53 Survivors, Force X1C, Reggae Boys B and Falcons, with Falcons being the runner up. Some 11 male teams participated with seven from the Orealla Siparuta area. The female segment saw two Orealla teams forcing their way into the final with Force X1 A defeating Force X1 B 15-10, 15-4 to win with ease. Five other female teams
namely Siparuta, Reggae Girls A and B, Falcons and the lone coastland team, Black Birds, participated and were earlier blown away in the round robin segment. At the end of the competition the winning PMTC team and runner up 3 Door Strikers were presented with their trophies by Toshao David Henry and President of The BVA Levi Nedd. The winning female Force X1 ‘A’ team and runner up Force X1 B teams were presented with their accolades by Toshao Henry, Nedd and assistant organiser Kishan Persaud. There was also an U19 male competition which was won by PMTC as they defeated both Orealla and No.53 Survivors. Earlier, PMTC defeated a combined Orealla/ Siparuta male team in an exhibition game, while the combined Orealla/ Siparuta female team won against Black Birds in a female exhibition match to get the activity started. There were also exhibition games for the females U19 and U15 males with Orealla/ Siparuta taking on their counterparts from the coast. The occasion was
The winning PMTC 1 team poses with their silverware along with Toshao David Henry (stooping left), President Nevi Nedd (standing left) and Assistant Organiser Kishan Persaud (standing right).
Two-day women’s football... (From page 30) organised the tournament to highlight the local talent, especially in light of the fact that the current composition of the Lady Jags is littered with foreign-based players representing Guyana with little participation from those resident here. At this tournament twelve (12) teams will compete for prizes amounting up to two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00). The teams shortlisted to participate in the competition are: Eagles United FC (G/town), Foxy Ladies FC (West Dem), Little Diva Flames FC (G/town), GDF FC, NA Warriors FC (New Amsterdam, Berbice), West Side Conquerors FC (West Berbice), Kuru Kuru FC (East Bank), Demerara Queens
(Linden), McKenzie High School (Linden), Striking Dolls (Bartica), Essequibo Warriors (Essequibo), KwaKwani Strikers (Kwakwani). Teams will be placed into two (2) groups of six (6) for a round robin stage. The top two (2) teams in each group will advance to the semi finals with the winners progressing to the final.
dubbed as history making by Toshao Henry, President Nedd and the hundreds that gathered. Toshao Henry served the first ball and also represented one of the teams in the competition. (Samuel Whyte)
mence preparations for the upcoming InterCounty Under-15 competition with a trial match today at the Imam Bacchus ground, Affiance. The trials will run until
named. The board will also host the Busta 40-over final on Sunday at New Opportunity Corps ground. East Bank Essequibo will face South Essequibo from 09:30hrs.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2016
West Indies mankad Zimbabwe to enter quarterfinal West Indies Under-19 entered the quarter-final of the World Cup in controversial and tense circumstances, as Keemo Paul effected a mankad to claim the last Zimbabwe Under-19 wicket - that of Richard Ngarava - with three runs needed off the final over. Paul ran through the bowling crease without entering his delivery stride and broke the stumps, catching the nonstriker Ngarava with his bat on the line while he was standing a couple of steps out of his crease. The two on-field umpires conferred before asking West Indies if they wanted to uphold the appeal, and once it was confirmed that they did, the third umpire was called in and found the batsman just on the line, ending Zimbabwe’s campaign in a game they had to win to make the quarter-final. The dismissal was within the rules of the game. A visibly upset Zimbabwe captain Brandon Mavuta refused to comment on the mankad after the game “We got so close, no comment about it. I don’t have anything to say right now,” Mavuta said. “No comment.” The West Indies captain Shimron Hetmyer said he was comfortable with the decision to appeal for the wicket. “I would say yes, cricket is a game of uncertainties, we’ve
seen it happen in cricket before, it’s not a big deal for us.” ”Probably not,” said Hetmyer, when he was asked if he thought if it was in the spirit of the game. The Zimbabwe manager Admire Marodza said the team was unhappy but there was little they could do but console the players because the dismissal was within the rules. ”It is too early to comment but we are trying to get emotions under control in the dressing-room. Everyone is disappointed at the loss,” Marodza said. “Rules are rules. We can’t change them and we can’t change what happened. A run-out is a runout. I don’t think it is anything to protest about. We are not happy about losing the game from such a good position. The way our boys competed, it is an achievement. We are happy how we played in this tournament.” The Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo said he was “disappointed with the way the game ended.” ”I have debriefed the boys in the dressing room and they were all crying,” Mangongo said. “We have explained that technically the run-out is legal. We left it to the last man and we should not have done that. It was a hard lesson and they have learnt it the hard way. ”I am proud of my boys.
Restricting the West Indies for 226 on a batting-friendly wicket was a good performance and we were up for the chase. And like any other games, we lost quick wickets under pressure. West Indies coach Graeme West said he felt sorry for Zimbabwe after the game. “I can imagine what they must be going through now. I feel sorry for them because they got themselves into winning positions and then we pulled it back. I share their disappointment.” Huge win for Bangladesh Bangladesh Under-19' spin trio of Saleh Ahmed Shawon (2 for 10), Mehedi Hasan Miraz (2 for 12) and Ariful Islam (2 for 9) helped dismiss Namibia U-19 for a paltry 65, after which Joyraz Sheik (34*) took the hosts home to seal an easy eight-wicket win in Cox’s Bazar. Put in to bat, Namibia’s innings never gained momentum as they lost half their side for 51 by the 21st over. Niko Davin (19) and Lohan Louwrens (17) were the only Namibia batsmen to make double-digit scores, as none of the other batsmen managed more than five runs. After dismissing Namibia in 32.5 overs, Bangladesh faltered early in their chase, losing both openers by the fifth over for 13 runs. Joyraz then came in and took charge of the innings with a patient knock.
Joyraz and Nazmul Hossain Shanto, ensured no other Bangladesh wickets fell, finishing the chase in 16 overs. The victory put Bangladesh on top of Group A, having won all three games, while Namibia also qualified for the quarter-finals after beating South Africa and Scotland. Scotland Under-19 were handed a ten-wicket drubbing by South Africa Under19 in an inconsequential bottom-of-the-table Group A clash at Cox’s Bazar. Choosing to field, South Africa started well by not allowing any of Scotland’s top five to score more than 15. Finlay McCreath then played out 61 balls for 24 runs, but fell in the 27th over as Scotland slumped to 67 for 6. Harris Carnegie lifted Scotland to 127 before they were dismissed with an unbeaten 48-ball 29 that included four fours. For South Africa, Dayyaan Galiem, Wiaan Mulder and Sean Whitehead ended with returns of 2 for 16. Tony de Zorzi claimed 2 for 20. South Africa eased to the total in 29 overs, as both openers Liam Smith and Kyle Verrynne smacked 64 off 87. Both batsmen hit the same number of fours as well - seven. Smith though, hit two sixes while Verrynne managed none. (ESPNcricinfo)
PCL 3-day practice match
Fudadin (145), Chandrika (86) shine on day one By Sean Devers A 192-run second wicket partnership between Test batsmen Assad Fudadin and Rajendra Chandrika led Vishaul Singh’s X1 to 280-6 against Robin Bacchus’ X1 on the opening day of a threeday practice match in preparation for the second half of the PCL First-Class competition, yesterday at Bourda. The 30-year-old Fudadin who has scored a fifty in his three Tests, faced 218 balls, batted for 310 minutes; reaching the boundary 17 times and clearing it thrice in a solid 145. The 26-year-old Chandrika, who played three Tests against Australia, batted for 278 minutes and faced 192 balls. His attractive 86 was decorated with eight fours and a six. The pair joined forces in sweltering heat on a flat track after Taignarine Chanderpaul (10) was caught behind by Kemol Savory off seamer
Rajendra Chandrika punches through the covers off Raun Johnson
Assad Fudadin gathers leg side runs during his century at Bourda yesterday
Paul Wintz at 27-1. The left-handed Fudadin batted brilliantly and along with the right-handed Chandrika who notched up his maiden First-Class hundred in the first half of this
season’s PCL, was his usual elegant self as they took their team 65-1 by Lunch. When play resumed after the interval the partnership continued to flourish under blue skies as Fudadin dumped
off-spinner Gajanand Singh for consecutive sixes, the second landing on the roof of the Guyana Cricket Board’s office and bouncing onto Regent Street. Fudadin continued to bat
freely and dumped Devendra Bishoo on top of the Lance Gibbs stand. Chandrika looked the more classy of the two and a couple of sublime cover drives raced to the boundary
off successive deliveries off fast bowler Ronsford Beaton and by Tea Singh’s X1 were comfortably placed on 200-1. After the break, Chandrika was removed by Wintz to leave the score 2192 before Vishaul Singh (17) and Fudadin added a further 40 for the third wicket. When Singh was dismissed by Foo’s uncomplicated offspin, Singh’s X1 had slipped to 259-3. Raymond Reifer (1) was caught and bowled by Foo and Kevin Boodie was removed by leg-spinner Steven Sankar for a duck as three wickets tumbled in the space of seven runs to waste the solid foundation laid by Fudadin and Chandrika. Anthony Bramble (12*) and Veerasammy Permaul (2) saw their team to the close without further loss. Foo has so far taken 3-31 while Wintz has bagged 2-33. Today’s play is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs.
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Chanderpaul forced to retire - but commitment to Guyana still strong Shivnarine Chanderpaul has insisted he has not retired from domestic cricket and intends to resume playing for Guyana within a couple of weeks. In an episode that sheds light on the sometimes toxic relationship between the West Indies Cricket Board and Caribbean players, Chanderpaul has expressed resentment at being obliged to announce his international retirement in order to gain a No Objection Certificate to play in the Masters Champions League currently taking place in the UAE. Chanderpaul, 41, has not played international cricket since May 2015 and was omitted from the list of contracted WICB players in December. ”I was given a No Objection Certificate by WICB with a clause in it that I retire on the 23rd,” Chanderpaul told ESPNcricinfo. “If I didn’t announce my retirement they would have taken it back. “I have spoken to Guyana already. I know the chairman wants me to go back and play. ”They have a game against Trinidad starting on February 12. Then Barbados, then Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and Jamaica. Those are games that I’ve talked to them already about going back to play. I’ve not retired from first-class matches. I’ve retired from international games.
”I wasn’t being picked to p l a y f o r We s t I n d i e s anymore and there was nothing else for me to do. So I decided I would come out here to the UAE and play some cricket.” While Chanderpaul earns a modest fee per match for representing Guyana, it is dwarfed by the rewards on offer - around $30,000 for just over two weeks involvement - with the MCL. ”I don’t have a contract with anybody. No local boards; no West Indies board. I’ve been playing for Guyana because the coach and chairman saw the value of having me around as a player. They pay me a match fee and I play and try and help the young fellas as m u c h a s I c a n . ”Anything is possible in life. You can go into retirement; you can come out of retirement. It is my choice. I’m definitely still hungry to play. It’s something I’ve done most of my life. There is still passion and hunger to play.” Criticising the “brute force and ignorance” of unspecified former players, Chanderpaul is currently enjoying the stress free - and lucrative - environment provided by the MCL. Irritation lingers, however, at the manner in which his international ‘retirement’ was handled, with no recognition given to his illustrious record for the West Indies or the fact that he is contracted neither to the board or Guyana.
WICB - No player was forced to retire St. John’s, Antigua – Last Tuesday (January 26), the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) issued a statement regarding issuing of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for four players from the region regarding their participation in the new Masters Champion League. The NOCs were granted on the basis that the players were well aware of their decisions to retire from international and therefore allowing them to be eligible for participation in the inaugural tournament. The MCL is an approved tournament of the International Cricket Council and the rules clearly states that the participants, to be eligible, must have retired from international cricket. The players who were granted the NOCs are Tino Best, Krishmar Santokie, Fidel Edwards and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, all of whom were sent the rules prior after which they all issued official letters of resignation. The following is an excerpt of a note from the Operations Department of the WICB. ”We wish to advise that the MCL is for players who have announced their retirement from International cricket. Kindly advise by 4:30pm Eastern Caribbean Time on Saturday 23 January, 2016 in writing if you have retired from International cricket. Should you not (Continued on page 25)
”You can’t [chose the way you go]; not with those guys,” he said. “It’s the way we’re being treated. It’s still going on and it’s not changing. We’re being treated like that and worse sometimes. That’s how it goes. ”Some of the past players had better times in their career. They don’t want to
change. They want to stay the same way; have the same attitude. “But you can’t bring the same thing to the table every time because you’re not going to go anywhere. We’re not going forward. We’re just going down. They’re creating some problems. ”As much as you’re saying we have past players,
they are the ones who are creating the problem because they have their ways - their old ways - and there’s brute force and ignorance and they’re still carrying it around and still expecting things to go the same way. ”You feel much better just coming out here to play [in the MCL]; without all the
Shivnarine Chanderpaul stress, without all the other stuff that’s going on.” (ESPNcricinfo)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2016
GCB/BANKS DIH LTD/DIGICEL NSSCL
Annandale crowned East Coast Champs; Lower Corentyne and Parika victorious Annandale Secondary defeated Cummings Lodge Secondary to win the East Coast Demerara Zone while Lower Corentyne Secondary and Parika Secondary also recorded victories when the Coco Cola/Rain Forest Wa t e r / D i g i c e l / G u y a n a Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) continued. At Enterprise ground Annandale who were invited to bat managed to reach 151-9 in 30 overs. Damuka Ngquindo top scored with 30. Bowling for Cummings Lodge, Hemraj Mohabir took 3-21 while there were two wickets each for Andrew McCurdy, Naranjan Ori and Prakash Debidyal. In reply, Cummings Lodge Secondary lost
wickets at regular intervals and eventually folded for 115 in 19.2 overs. Reaz Mohamed top scored with 27 while Prakash Debidyal and Hemraj Mohabir each made 21. Tameshwar Motiram took 5-26 off 6 tidy overs and Tyrese Assanah claimed 424. At Port Mourant ground - Lower Corentyne got the better of Manchester Secondary by seven wickets. Batting first after winning the toss Manchester were shot out for a meagre 88 in 19.1 overs. Junior Sinclair returned excellent figures of 5-27 while Keith Simpson supported with 3-17 bowling for Low e r C o r e n t y n e which made light work of the total in response as they reached 89-3 in 17 overs. Junior Sinclair showed
his all-round ability by returning with the bat to make 36. Ramesh Kasinauth contributed 19 not out. Bowling for Manchester S e c o n d a r y, G o d w y n McDonald had tidy figures of 3-5. Over at Parika - The home team crushed Vergenoegen High by 108 runs. Batting first, Parika posted 188-6 in 25 overs. Azim Mohomed struck 44, Wazim Mohamed 28 and Devendra Drahaled 21. B o w l i n g f o r Vergenoegen, Kennard Paul had 2-26. In reply Vergenoegen was sent packing for 80 in the 14th over. Doing the damage with the ball for P a r i k a w e r e Wa z i m Mohamed with 3-9, Junior Albert 3-10 and Azim Mohamed 2-22. Matches continue today -
NSSCL East Coast Champions, Annandale Secondary School.
East Coast Zone Champion, Annandale faces Mah a i c a / M a h a i c o n y w i n n e r H o p e S e c o n d a r y a t Enterpris e ground in an Inter-Zone matchup.
In the East Bank Essequibo Zone, Parika play Wakeenam at Parika Salem ground. In the Corentyne Zone, Port Mourant battle Lower Corentyne in the first semi-
final at the Port Mourant ground and Skeldon Line Path Secondary challenge C o r e n t y n e Comprehensive in the other semi-final at the Albion ground.
LABA mulling Endurance Inter-School Tournament The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) is mulling a oneday knockout ‘Endurance Inter-School Tournament’ at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hardcourt as a response to what has been deemed an upsurge in the national suicide rate. “Our Organisation proposes to have a ‘Golden Jubilee Inter-School Endurance Basketball Tournament’ as we attempt to take a stand against the suicide plague and at the same time pledge our support in whichever way it’s needed,” a release stated yesterday. The sub-association plans to host the event on either February 22nd or 23rd
Lawrence Simon between 1-6pm. The tournament will take the form of a knockout, thus each game will have a fifteen-minute duration
(7:30 per half running time, except for the finals where stop time will be executed). Each team will comprise seven players and two team officials. Because the participants are schools, the association will be handing out Trophies as opposed to cash to the top three finishers in competition. “The LABA will be conducting several exciting activities and other fabulous promotions as we aim to improve basketball, the g a m e w e l o v e . One of our goals is to work along diligently with your organisation to achieve our aim,” LABA President, Lawrence Simon said in the press release.
Two-day women’s football tournament set for later this month The National Association for Women’s Football (NAFWF) as part of its mandate has organised a Seven-a-Side Tournament themed ‘REVIVAL OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL’ which is scheduled to be played on February 27-28 at the Tucville ground, starting at 08:00hrs on both days.
The NAFWF which is responsible for the development of Women and Girls football locally is aiming to provide women and girls locally, the opportunity to showcase their ability and to have a chance to be seeded into the National Women’s Team (Lady Jags) in the future,
especially with the latest results of the Lady Jags in the CFU Olympic Qualifier and the upcoming CONCACAF Leg of the 2016 Women’s Olympic Qualifiers. In an effort to achieve some of the above mentioned the NAFWF (Continued on page 27)
Wednesday February 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Guyana Boxing Board of Control ‘Hostile Territory’
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Corona Beer Beach Soccer League
Cool Runnings, Sparta Boss, Silver Bullets, Dharry tackles Panamanian, Israel Hidrogo; Marques opposes Royal Youth and Hi Stars notch opening wins The inaugural Corona Beer sponsored from Quacy Tafawa for Royal Youth. Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) Randolph Wagner scored for West Front Venezuelan, Freddy Baleno league got off to an exciting start on Sunday Road. By Michael Benjamin
International Boxing Federation (IBF) InterContinental Bantamweight champion, Elton ‘The Bully’ Dharry, will have his hands full when he matches gloves with top Panamanian boxer, Israel Hidrogo, in a 10 rounds bantamweight duel when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) stages a card dubbed ‘Hostile Territory’ at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Liliendaal ECD February 20. Dharry has already opened camp in Brooklyn, New York, and oozes confidence of clinching the bout. He has compiled a decent 19-5-1 record with 5 of his opponents failing to reach the final round. Dharry’s last loss seems a distant memory when on September 11, 2009 he squared off with Isander Beauchamp at the Memorial Hall, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA and lost on all three judges’ scorecard (36-40, 37-39, 37-39). This was the 5th loss suffered by Dharry but he remained undaunted and went on to win his next fight, against his c o u n t r y m a n , Wi l m u t Hutson, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall 6 months later. Since then, the slimly built bantamweight has chalked up 15 victories on the trot. His most recent bout was against Miguel Robles in June last year at the Amazura Concert Hall, Queens, New Yo r k w h e r e D h a r r y continued his winning ways with a 3rd round stoppage of the scheduled 8 rounds duel. Now, eight months later, Dharry is set to continue his winning ways when he squares off with Panamanian, Hidrogo. Dharry sports a sound resume and in what could be considered his best performance of his pro career, he scored an upset victory over the favored Jose Rivera by decision at in New York City in 2010. His other accomplishments include I B F I n t e r- C o n t i n e n t a l Bantamweight champion (2014), while he registered sixteen consecutive wins in 2015. Dharry is by no means a strong puncher yet he has managed to chalk up a 48% knockout ratio. He won the I B F I n t e r- C o n t i n e n t a l
Dexter Marques
Elton Dharry
bantamweight title in December 2014 after defeating Jose Rios, a title he still holds. Hidrogo stripped off his shirt in July 2010 with a win over his countryman, Johnatan Espinoza but seven months later, he suffered his first loss to Anastacio Zurdo after the referee stopped the bout in the 3rd round. Like Dharry, Hidrogo bounced back with three victories before his second demise, a 4th round stoppage to another of his countrymen, Leroy Estrada. His attempt at the WBA Fedebol super flyweight title was thwarted when he was stopped in the 5th round against Jonathan Arias in August last year. To date, the Panamanian has 19 bouts and won 10 of them, two by the knockout route, while losing 7 times and drawing once. He has an unflattering 11% knockout ratio and is on the redemption trail after surrendering his last bout to Arias. Meanwhile, the organizers said that Dharry’s bout will serve as a warm up for a fight against a British fighter for the British Commonwealth title scheduled for Guyana on May 21. L o c a l junior/welterweight champion, Dexter Gonsalves, who was to have fought Brazilian, Jonivan Barreto, in a 10 rounds junior/welterweight fight, has recently pulled out of his bout. Notwithstanding, the organizers have finalized the card and former local bantamweight champion, Dexter Marques will now tackle Venezuelan, Freddy Baleno in a 10 rounds flyweight fight. The Venezuelan sports a 26-10-0 record with a 42% knockout
ratio. He last fought in November last year and lost to his countryman, Alexis Diaz. Marques won the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) flyweight title after defeating Jamaican, Rudolph Hedge, in April 2014. He has not fought since after several planned fights were aborted for varying reasons. Obviously, he will have to shake off some ring rust if he is to defeat the Venezuelan. With a 14-2-0 record Marques has a decent 31% knockout ratio, but is a highly skilled fighter. His last defeat was to Dharry in May 2011 but he has rebounded with six victories. In other preliminary bouts, Barbados based Guyanese pugilist, Revlon Lake, will also get an opportunity to avenge an earlier loss to Barbadian, Miguel Antoine when they clash over 10 rounds in the w elter w eig h t d iv is io n . Antoine has defeated most of his Guyanese opponents with only Jermaine King putting up some opposition t o s e c u r e a d r a w. Notwithstanding, the pundits felt that King was ‘done in.’ Mandessa Moses will return after a lengthy hiatus to square off with Ansilla Norville in a 4 rounds bantamweight fight moments before Imran Khan squares off with Quincy Gomes in a 6 rounds lightweight duel. The boxers will convene at Abdools and Abdools Insurance Brokers, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, for the signing of contracts tomorrow afternoon at 14:00hrs. Admission is $5,000 for a ringside seat, while general seating costs $3,000.
last at the Bayrock Beach Soccer facility where a total of 33 goals were scored in five matches. Contesting the feature match of the day, Cool Runnings were as cool as can be when they hammered Attention Family 10-3. Deon Charter was in fine form as he blasted a helmet-trick with Marma;aque Davision netting hat-trick. There was one each for Jermaine Grandison, Keon Sears 1 and Kennard Simon. Attention Family got their goals from Jamal Haynes, Hosea Waddell and Antawaine Gill. Sparta Boss got the better of Kuru Kururu Warriors 3-1 with a double coming off the boot of Roberto Osborne and the other from Dennis Edwards for the winners. The Warriors got their consolation goal from Ryan Scott. Silver Bullets were triumphant by a 4-1 margin against Alexander Village thanks to goals from Colwin Drakes who had a brace, Romell Matthews and Michael Wilson netted one each. The lone Alexander Village goal was scored by Jermain Junor. Royal Youth also won by a 4-1 margin against West Front Road. Allan Halley found the back of the nets three times with the other
The league’s opening match saw a double off the boot of Sherwin Davidson and one from Thaddeud DeFrietas as Hi Stars and Buxton Youth Developers battled to a 3-3 draw. For Buxton Youth Developers, Jermaine Clarke, Keishawn Mc Pherson and Joshua Douglas were on target. GBFA President Rollin Tappin in an invited comment said that the day’s activities which included the march pass were satisfying also with crowd support. ”We are very optimistic that with a consistent diet of beach soccer, Guyanese fans will gravitate towards this sport.” Tappin noted that it is the aim of the association to see Guyana qualify for a major international tournament pointing out that the nation needs to take its rightful place at the world level. ”We expect that at the end of this league players would have attained the necessary skill sets in this format of football and b y e x t e n s i o n i m p r o v e G u y a n a ’s capacity and ability to really command a place at the highest level in world soccer.” Matches would be played at two venues and will continue this Sunday at the Kuru Kururu ground, Linden Soesdyke Highway with five more matches.
t r o Sp
West Indies mankad Zimbabwe to enter quarterfinal
West Indies Keemo Paul claims the last wicket of Richard Ngarava who needed three more runs
Girdon Pope celebrates a wicket with captain Shimron Hetmyer, West Indies v Zimbabwe. ŠInternational Cricket Council
Port Mourant TC, Force XI females of Orealla take top honours in outreach Volleyball
The Force X1 A and B teams pose with the silverware with Toshao Henry (centre back row), BVA President Nedd (right) and Assistant Organiser Kishan Persaud (left) enjoying the moment.
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