Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

INEFFICIENT MONEY LENDERS When Forbes Burnham fashioned the Guyana National Insurance Scheme back in 1969 there were many critics. The then political opposition saw it as a means of further oppressing the working masses because every cent that was deducted from the wages and salaries of workers represented a smaller take home pay. To its credit, the government withstood the storm. It made those deductions mandatory. There was also the stipulation that a contributor must have at least 750 contributions before that contributor could qualify for a pension. This meant the first contributors had to work for at least fifteen years before they could lay claim to their contributions. Those who would not have worked for the fifteen years would have been able to collect a lump sum. In time there were no complaints although there were those attempted to access the scheme through fraudulent means. There were the sugar workers who dismembered themselves just to get accident benefits. Sometime later, medical officers noticed a striking similarity in the nature of the injuries sustained by cane farmers. Somebody was paying a colleague to remove a joint from a finger. Today, the scheme has come a long way from those early days when contributions were marked by stamps in books. The contributions are counted in billions of dollars. The time did come when the scheme had to find ways of investing its money. And invest it did, even going so far as to make a billion-dollar investment with Colonial Life Insurance Company that it can never recoup. Private individuals sought loans from the NIS and secured these loans with the stroke of the Finance Minister’s pen. When Guyana pursued certain infrastructural development, one of the first entities to which the government turned was the National Insurance Scheme. It was the scheme that helped fund the construction of the Caricom Secretariat and more recently, the Berbice River Bridge. We watched the once much maligned scheme provide financial support to local businesses, offering them sums that no commercial bank would at comparable interest rates. We watched certain people trying to use it as a slush fund and now we see some borrowers taking the NIS for granted. How else can one explain the refusal of the Berbice Bridge Company to pay dividends due to the NIS when these became payable? These dividends are the rates of return on investments that make the NIS pay its pensioners. To refuse to pay monies due to the NIS is to deny the pensioners their just deserts and to attempt to defraud the government. The Berbice Bridge Company is just one of those who owe the government and is reluctant to pay when due. There are others who would have taken advantage of the interest rate and who are now in default. Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme, Dr Roger Luncheon, admitted that the scheme could do much better with its outstanding debts. Surely, it is most unfair for people who were once critics of the scheme to now borrow from the same scheme that was considered a burden. Yet the failure of the National Insurance Scheme to manage monies owed to it is common to Government’s action. Governments are poor managers and are therefore the most exploited of the employers. This shortcoming is what makes the capitalist world beseech governments to get out of business. In Guyana, when the government was the largest employer productivity was not what it should be. People knew that supervision was lax. It was the same with the Socialist countries that did not really explode economically until they began to expand the private sector which is strictly profit driven and therefore pursues every penny due and owed to it. The International Monetary Fund, cognizant of Governments penchant to employ its people and so record relatively low unemployment rates, always insisted that governments retrench. The National Insurance Scheme fits perfectly into this mould and the result is that people are reluctant to honour monies borrowed from the scheme.

Saturday February 14, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

May 11th has become more important than safeguarding our nation’s vault DEAR EDITOR, As conversations continue on elections and minority or majority government/executive, one has to be mindful that in the desire to govern, such discussions do not lose focus of what makes any government a government of the people. Energies dedicated to averting a minority government or thinking the majority has the right to govern, in absence of holding every government accountable to systems that will ensure good governance, continue to do this nation a disservice. It is ill-advised to think if a political party does not secure the majority votes in the Executive or the Legislature, that party is incapable of good governance

or the society should not hold it to such standards. It is equally ill-advised to think that an opposition parliamentary majority, without executive control, prevents the society from making strides to secure good governance and hold the elected accountable. If one were to examine other societies, such as our Caribbean counterparts that practice first-past-thepost or the USA model, we’ll find that they have had instances where the Executive/government has been formed with minority votes. Where we find ourselves with the 2011 elections - that the executive/ presidency is secured by minority votes and a divided Executive and Legislature - is a common feature in USA

government. What is being lost sight of is the refusal to learn from other societies and the lack of will or commitment to make the most with what we have. Persons have found it easier and politically attractive to debate/discuss why nothing can be achieved, rather than strive to achieve. Tyranny of the majority and minority as seen practiced in this society is enough evidence for us to recognise and acknowledge that the problem is not in the numbers, laws/systems, but the failure to adhere/respect the systems, strengthen and deepen them where necessary, and hold elected officials accountable. Perfect laws in a society where (Continued on page 31)

Saturday February 14, 2015

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

The writing will be on the wall for the AFC and APNU if they do not coalesce DEAR EDITOR, Many have come and gone, and many will follow the many corrupt officials who rape the treasury and plunder the resources of the country. Until jail hits the filthy criminals, corruption, nepotism and scandal involving the people’s money will continue to make history in Guyana, the Caribbean and elsewhere. Those in power are shameless and will suck the country dry. With the election comes the power for the people to decide whether Mr. David Granger or Mr. Moses Nagamootoo will lead the coalition, govern Guyana; their families and their livelihood. The future of the country depends on the choice the people will make on May 11. They must choose carefully, because another five years of PPP rule will lead to chaos. The people must demand and instruct the leadership of the coalition to take the high road to new horizons, not to rule, but govern; not to hide, but reveal; not to be dishonest, but to be honest; not to be immoral but moral, and not to rape the country. For the last 15 years the Jagdeo/Ramotar regime has instituted a degrading culture of immorality—cuss down

behaviour, corruption, nepotism and crime. Nagamootoo/Granger vs. Ramotar/??? are the choices on May 11. The people must decide who best personifies good and decent leadership, honesty, integrity, the care for the citizenry, the progress of services and the best way forward for the country. These are the questions the voters must answer before casting their ballot. No one in the PPP leadership fits the criteria listed above. So whoever in the coalition governs, Nagamootoo or Granger, the people must be firm in their resolve to change the constitution and course of history in Guyana. The time has come for the people to defend their rights to be free and demand good and transparent governance. The anti-coalition movement led by the PPP is seeking to divide its members but will not succeed. Much is being made about the future of the coalition by the leadership of the PPP, but the AFC and APNU are doing the right thing as the people had contemplated. Their goal is to optimize the chances of success by presenting the best qualified candidates to the people. The onus of the opposition is to encourage the electorate to view them as

highly moral, qualified, multitalented and anti-corrupt compared to the corrupt, immoral and uncaring current PPP government. A rising number of people are looking negatively at a PPP government that is weighed down by a variety of allegations. The poison of character assassination, a well-known political strategy used during elections in Guyana, is being distributed by the PPP in the hope of decimating the ranks of the coalition. It will not work and neither will race-based politics, for the youths of today are much wiser and can see through the PPP. They know that the PPP intends to spend billions to bribe them, but they will take the money and gifts and vote for the coalition. Because of poor political strategy, the PPP regime has gifted the coalition with a free advertisement that says “Look at how we are incapable of creating jobs, developing the economy, solving and controlling corruption and crime.” The real and present danger to the regime in this election is what we described as the “shame vote.” Today, even persons who have benefitted from government largesse over the years are now too ashamed to identify

with the damaging evidence of fiscal mismanagement, scandals and corruption on all strata. President Ramotar needs to take a page out of David Granger ’s book when it comes to keeping the party together. Recent polls have indicated that an AFC/APNU coalition will defeat the PPP by a reasonably wide margin, both in terms of governance and leadership. In this case, Moses Nagamootoo is viewed as the better choice to lead the coalition, which would suggest to the wider electorate that the nation is ready for a change of government. Interestingly, this view is also held by several influential men and women from civic and religious organizations, trade unions and the diplomatic staff, who strongly feel that Nagamootoo is the answer for a coalition victory at the polls. We know that this will not go down well with some members of APNU but it is the reality and they should put the people and country first. If the AFC and APNU do not coalesce, the writing will be on the wall in terms of their respective fortunes at the polls. Asquith Rose, Chandra Deolall, Dr. Merle SpenserMarks

I defy any reasonable Guyanese to establish PPP/C policies and practices that diminish the status of the GDF DEAR EDITOR, I currently hold the PPP/ C sole appointment since 1992 of Secretary to the Defence Board of Guyana. I have served under five (5) Executive Presidents/ Commanders-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and five (5) Chiefs-of-Staff of the GDF since October 1992. I disclose those credentials to support my unique perspective into Guyana’s Civilian-Military relationships and its development. Your writer Mr. Branch, like so many others, is selective as a historian and sadly lacking in his appreciation of sociological norms. To merely describe the years of the PNC’s party paramountcy as a “horrible wound” panders to impressions of denial. Sociologically, to expect the history of that era to be easily vitiated by current interventions is without foundation and precedence. What the goodly writer has missed is the PPP/C’s

careful cultivation of civilianmilitary relationships over the past twenty-three (23) years, promoting the very healing to which he apparently subscribes. I contend that a regime that was committed to divisiveness and entrenching ethnic insecurity would have kept the military bogey man alive, quite the opposite to what the PPP/C Administration had done and

is doing. I defy any reasonable Guyanese knowledgeable in matters concerning the military and the PPP/C civilian-military relationship to establish PPP/C policies and practices that diminish the status of the GDF. As an amateur sociologist, I lament and repeat the disappointment I personally felt by my friend, Brigadier ret’d David

Granger’s design to lead a political party that is attracting openly managerial support from other retired military servicemen and women and assumedly from active ones too. He too disregarded sound sociological principles that, I fear has the potential of negatively impacting on citizens’ confidence in their military. Roger Luncheon

The incumbent PPP/C alliance has a built-in political advantage DEAR EDITOR, There is a tendency on the part of some people to devalue our democracy because in their opinion it is more the result of ‘ethnic arithmetic’ rather than the ‘true’ expression of the will of the people. This is an erroneous view and needs to be debunked since any democracy, in whatever form, shape or configuration, is always superior to any other governance mechanism known to man. One can never have too much democracy, in the same way that we can never have too much of fresh air. I do recognise that there are challenges to democracy, especially when it comes to a multi-racial society like ours where there are two dominant ethnic groups. We live in what sociologists refer to as a plural society. Voting preferences and behaviour are often conditioned by ethnic loyalty, which may not correspond to otherwise rational choices. In other words, voting preferences tend to be at times less issue-oriented and more group-oriented. But this is the reality of our political life and it cannot be wished away. Instead, we have to continue to find ways in which our democracy can become much more enriched, not by tampering with our democratic essence, but by putting in place the necessary mechanisms to make governance more participatory and inclusive, regardless which of the two major political constituents are elected to govern. Our democracy has been evolving over the decades from one of privileged voting,

as during the pre-1953 period, to one of representative democracy, as is currently the case. There were periods in our post-independence history when our democracy was subverted, but the democratic spirit to have a government elected through the expressed will of the electorate was always paramount in the minds of the Guyanese people. Democracy is premised on the belief that people are sovereign. It is the expressed will of the majority that forms the basis for governance, and this has always been the hallmark of democracies throughout the free world. And this is how it must be, since any attempt to depart from this time-honoured principle is fraught with danger, as our own experience in Guyana under the PNC regime has demonstrated. Today, as we yet again approach general and regional elections, the opposition parties are in secret talks on how to come up with an electoral alliance which could address the race question. The fact that the talks seem to be going nowhere is indicative of the deep-seated and entrenched nature of race-based politics. This is why the need to establish trust in our political culture is so important. In this regard, the incumbent PPP/C alliance has a built-in political advantage in this regard. It is the largest and most representative political party in terms of multi-racial support. This is attributable to the fact that the Party has always embraced values that are universalistic and which (Continued on page 31)

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Six homeless following South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza blaze Pandemonium broke out yesterday morning after a fire started in an apartment at the South Ruimveldt Gardens shopping plaza. Persons were worried the blaze would have spread to other apartments that are only separated by a wall. Fortunately, the members of the Guyana Fire Service were able to contain the fire and prevented further losses. On the less fortunate side, the blaze left six persons homeless. The family was only able to save a refrigerator, a stove and a chair set. “We lost everything else, we computers, music set, beds, documents, everything,” said Ingrid Wilkinson as she fought desperately to control her emotions. Wilkinson lived at the Plaza for over 20 years with her reputed husband, Compton Williams, aka “Ras Como,” her daughter and her grand children. Como lived there for over 30 years. Wilkinson told Kaieteur News that she had just exited the bathroom and was in her bedroom getting dressed when she was alerted that a fire had started. She said that it was her daughter who alerted her of the mishap. “She come telling me, Fire! Fire in the bedroom…I just run out, run

Fire fighters trying to contain the blaze

put on the pump, get water out the bathroom and throw but it just would not stop it just keep blazing. “ Wilkinson said that she has not the slightest clue about how the fire started but said that a high possibility exists that it could have been electrical in origin. The distraught woman lamented the fact that the fire, which she said started around 10:00hrs could have been contained earlier if the

fire tender had arrived prepared to fight the fire. She said that aside from the fact that the truck took some time to arrive; and then turned up without water. Wilkinson expressed that she was absolutely thankful for the assistance she had from drivers attached to Green Ice Taxi Service, located in the vicinity. She said that they tried to put out the fire in its initial stages and helped her get

items out of the burning apartment. Kaieteur News asked Wilkinson about the whereabouts of her two young grandchildren-ages three and one—when the fire started. Before she could have responded, her neighbour said “they went downstairs playing.” But this is contrary to the information given by one of the taxi drivers who assisted during the fire. The driver,

who identified himself as Brandis, said that he was alerted about the fire when he heard a commotion and then saw “the li’l children running downstairs” and that is when he and two other drivers ran to assist the best they could. In listening to the whispering crowd, Kaieteur News heard that the fire started when one of the toddlers set a mattress alight. However, this is still to be confirmed after the Guyana

Fire Service carry out its investigations. Wilkinson’s immediate neighbor, Monica Deterin, told Kaieteur News that she saw the smoke “and I holler out for her (Wilkinson) but like she de done see it and she started panicking…next thing I say was that de fire would a come over because de fire truck tek a li’l time to come and de fire burn from the roof.” The woman who has lived there since 1984 said that most of her stuff would have been damaged even though the fire was prevented from spreading to her apartment “I aint go back and see yet but de water mussy destroy nuff thing.” After most people started crowding Wilkinson, an unidentified man who resides at the Plaza decided to take control of the situation. In a loud tone of voice, the man said, “Yall humble nah, move from around she, give she space to breathe… After a storm is a calm, where is yall faith; humble. You (Wilkinson) husband alive, ya children and ya grandchildren alive humble nah…aya stop crowding she these thing is happen it will happen.” As Wilkinson tried to stop her tears from flowing, another resident went to her and said, “remember today is Friday de 13th…just keep the faith.”

US$242M fuel wharf delays…

BK Int’l accuses GPL of numerous design changes The contractor of the $242M fuel wharf and lines at Vreed-en-Hoop has blamed the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) for the delays. Yesterday, BK International insisted that design changes and other modifications by GPL have all contributed to the delays. The fuel lines and new wharf were critical to the operations of GPL’s new 26 megawatts power plant at West Bank Demerara. It was the plan for fuel boats to pull alongside and using pipelines, oil would be pumped to tanks there. The power plant was commissioned on Monday by President Donald Ramotar with the wharf and fuel lines not yet in operation. GPL is forced to truck up to 20 tankers across the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The tankers are only able to fetch about quarter of their capacity because of weight restrictions on the bridge. GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Dindyal, disclosed that it will take up to six weeks before the wharf and fuel lines are put into use. On Tuesday, GPL officials said that they had not ruled

Work is still ongoing on the $242M fuel wharf at GPL’s new power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop, WDB.

BK’s Chairman, Brian Tiwarie

GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington

out seeking liquidated damages against BK International, the contractor for the wharf. GPL Chairman, Winston Brassington, said that the entity was not happy with the situation but rather than have the new plant waiting for the wharf, the decision was taken to truck the fuel in the meantime. It is costing GPL. Yesterday, BK International said that it is surprised by statements by Brassington. “We are surprised that Mr.

Brassington failed to acknowledge that there are delays on all sides, including the employer, GPL. It must be noted that current delays in completion of the fuel lines are primarily related to design changes on the project, including changes in the diameter from 10 inches to 12 inches and changes in the elevation.” BK claimed that the design changes often result in procurement delays that add substantial time increases to the project. As

of yesterday, there were 11 documented changes sent from GPL. This is in addition to changes not documented. The latest documented change was as recent as January 28, 2015. BK International said that it wrote to GPL on January 23, and on January 26 requesting instructions on how to proceed given the critical challenges to the pipeline elevation resulting from the elevations shown in the design drawing. “On January 24, GPL replied instructing BK to make the necessary changes. On January 26, BK wrote again to GPL to remind the Project

Manager that the responsibility of the contractor was to build according to the approved design and not to make design changes. GPL is yet to reply.” BK said that the changes have contributed to overruns in both time and cost and in some cases the cost overruns have been born by the contractor. “The last major activity to be conducted is the pickling of the pipeline to ensure that it is free of contaminants before fuel is allowed to enter the tanks that serve the power station. This process is also being affected by design issues and changes. “BK is currently awaiting

responses from GPL on modifications to pipe supports along the access road.” BK’s Group Chairman, Brian Tiwarie, yesterday was highly critical. He said that “the time has come for ministries, agencies and Government-owned corporations to improve their capacity to properly supervise and manage projects and stop blaming the contractors every time there is a problem.” He added that where there is shared responsibility, officials should be honest enough to say so and when they have failed they should not be above admitting the failure.

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

US court delays ruling in case involving Dino Bouterse NEW YORK - CMC – The US District Court here has delayed a ruling in the case against Dino Bouterse, the son of Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse, on drugs and arms charges, so as to allow his lawyers extra time to complete their defense of their client. Attorney Irwin Kanhai, who is part of the defence team, said the lawyers had made a request to judge Shira Scheindlin for an extension a few months ago to collect additional evidence in Suriname. “The information from Suriname had to be compiled and written down, and then sent to New York. We were able to do that,” Kanhai said, adding that the material is important for Bouterse’s

Dino Bouterse d e f e n s e . The judge has since extended the request to March 10. Bouterse, 42, was arrested in Panama in August 2013 at the request o f U S authorities, for

attempted drugs and arms trafficking, and intent to aid the terrorist organization Hezbollah to set up base in Suriname. US law enforcement authorities also allege that Bouterse had conspired to ship 10 kilogramme of cocaine and DEA agents taped him agreeing to assist Hezbollah. But his lawyers argued entrapment and called for the case to declared null, but to no avail. The President’s son faces a life sentence if found guilty. His fellow suspect, Quincy Muntslag, who was arrested in August 2013 in Trinidad on the same indictment, was extradited last month, after a drawn out court battle in Port of Spain.

Carmona weighs queries against PCA head…

LEGAL EYES GO WEST Trinidad Guardian President Anthony Carmona is awaiting advice from a Queen’s Counsel (QC) on the issue concerning the tenure of Police Complaints Authority director David West. Carmona’s communications officer Theron Boodan confirmed that Thursday, after the T&T Guardian queried whether Carmona had yet acted after Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar wrote to him last week seeking West’s removal as PCA head, and subsequent advice against that offered publicly by former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. Boodan could not say when the QC’s advice would be received or who was the QC but said Carmona had acknowledged PersadBissessar’s letter. He said the President also acknowledged Maharaj’s recent open letter to him. In his letter, Maharaj told the President he did not have the power and jurisdiction under the PCA Act to revoke West’s appointment and would be making an error in law if he was to heed PersadBissessar’s call to remove West on the grounds she cited in her statement to the nation on the issue. It is uncertain if Carmona, who was a judge with the International Court, is recruiting foreign input on the issue. West has been the centre of contention after alleging former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan attempted to pervert the course of justice. The allegation

David West is that Ramlogan sought to get West to withdraw his witness statement on behalf of Rowley in a defamation case between Rowley and Ramlogan on the Section 34 matter, in exchange for the PCA post. Ramlogan denied the allegations but West subsequently filed a police complaint and the matter is being probed under DCP Harold Phillip. The PM had called for Carmona to remove West after she sought and received the resignation of Ramlogan from the Cabinet. She also removed Gary Griffith from the National Security Ministry. Griffith is reported to have given a statement to police in West’s favour in the matter. He also lodged a police statement alleging certain ministers tried to influence him on the issue.PersadBissessar has said West’s appointment as PCA director has been compromised and he should immediately resign or his appointment should be revoked by Carmona.

She later called on Carmona to commission an independent enquiry into the matter. In his letter to Carmona, Maharaj praised West as upholding high standards, noting this would appear as vindication of his (Carmona’s) appointment of the director. Maharaj said the Prime Minister did not cite any law or code of ethics which required West to disclose the matter to the President or the Prime Minister and it would be an error if Carmona was to revoke his appointment. Maharaj said Section 12 of the PCA Act sets out the specific grounds by which the appointment of the PCA director could be revoked. He said the matters stated by the PM did not fall within the scope of Section 12. He told the President that the PM was asking him to act without jurisdiction and to act ultra vires to the act and “this would be contrary to the rule of law.” Section 12 (PCA Act): According to the act the President, acting in his discretion, may revoke the appointment of the director or deputy director where he is satisfied that the person (a) has, without reasonable excuse, failed to carry out his prescribed duties for a continuous period of three months; (b) is unable to discharge the functions of his office, whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause, or for misbehaviour; or (c) has become a person who would be disqualified for appointment pursuant to Section 8.

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WHEN WILL MORE PRICES FALL? I cannot think of any time in the history of Guyana that electricity tariffs have come down. They always move in the opposite direction, never steeply but progressively enough to represent a real burden on citizens. In this context, the recent decision of the Guyana Power and Light Company to reduce tariffs is both historical and welcome. It is the first time that I can recall there has been a decline across the board in electricity rates and a 10% decline is sufficient to be appreciated by consumers who, unless you are living in Linden, are paying prohibitively high tariffs. There was pressure on the power company, including calls from the opposition parties, for a decline in tariffs. This call has been answered. Many people believe that this decline in part of the government’s piñata for the forthcoming elections. The fact however that the opposition called for the reduction in electricity rates, in the face of declining

acquisition costs for fuel, means that the opposition parties are muzzled from criticizing the reduction as an election gimmick. Late last month the government slashed fuel prices by the largest amount ever, again after pleas were made for consumers to benefit from reduced oil prices. The price came down and the government has gained considerable political traction for its responsiveness to the demands for reduced prices at the pump. But one has to question why it took action by the government-owned petrol distributor, GUYOIL, for the prices to dip. In a market economy, one expects that it would have been the private companies that would have led the way in reducing prices. Consumers will welcome both the reduction in prices at the pump and in their electricity invoice. But they will be gravely disappointed that private transportation operators have not reduced their prices. These operators

Dem boys seh...

Granger and Ramjattan fall in love fuh Valentine A big wedding in de planning stage and is not any big one or he son or daughter. In fact, it look like people who married already mekking up bed fuh lie down together. Hap New and Hay Heff See get together and dem hustle one another. People hear bout de union and now dem waiting fuh see if was a case of somebody trying fuh get a live home. Is de sex. Something good had to happen now dem want to stay together. Dem boys watch how Granger watch Ramjattan in he eye and smile. Ramjattan smile back. Then dem whisper. Now it look like if dem gun hug up. And while de two of dem looking at one another wid love in dem eyes Donald and Rohee complaining. Dem seh that if dem got to have any wedding, it got to be between Donald and Granger. Dem is de two who been here de longest. Dem use to hold hands since Burnham and Cheddi time and it ain’t fair that because Jagdeo mek people get vex wid he that dem gun now tun dem back pun everybody. Donald seh that from de time he tun president he use to invite Granger fuh dem talk. He now know that he shoulda invite Granger and Ramjattan. By now he woulda deh in gool because when he prorogue parliament he woulda got de two of dem talking so much that dem wouldn’t find time fuh do de mischief dem now doing. Jagdeo done seh that if he was in charge he woulda never get into such a situation because he woulda stand down and leh Sam tek de cuss and when de cussing he woulda step back up, cuss Sam and life woulda go on. But fuh now Happy Valentine.

were only too eager to increase their fares when fuel prices increased. Now that there has been a 30% reduction at the pump, it is unconscionable that the private transportation operators are not reducing their fares. They should be made to. When at a slight increase in petrol price, these operators threatened to increase fares, the government put some big buses on the road, offering free transportation during peak hours. The private transportation operators buckled under the pressure and decided to shelve a proposed increase. They did

however, in the end, manage to secure an increase for some routes through negotiations. Now that the cost principal operating input of public transportation has been slashed by 30%, the government should again pressure these private operators to decrease their prices. The government should bring back the big buses during peak hours in the mornings and in the afternoons. This will bring the private transportation operators to their senses. We have lived in a country where oil prices have fluctuated. In the 1970’s they rose appreciably and caught

everyone off guard. Prices increased and never went down. Decades later, oil prices slumped to their lowest ever but still prices did not go down. A few years ago, there was a steep surge in oil prices and prices went up again. Now that it has come down, it is a credit to the PPPC administration that they have brought down the prices of two major inputs, fuel and electricity. A 10% increase decline in prices is significant in any economy. And the manufacturers have welcomed it. But they are likely to refuse to decrease their prices while claiming that

they are not sourcing electricity from the national grid, they are self- generating. They too should be pressured to reduce prices. Last weekend, I went to the cinema and found that the weekend prices for tickets were thirty per cent higher than the week a day prices. The private sector is not following in the footsteps of the government by reducing prices. They should.

APNU-AFC coalition talks…

Will Granger surrender Presidential Candidacy for the greater good of the nation? … Says his fate is in the hands of the APNU negotiating team There is a strong possibility, that “good news” regarding the possible alliance between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will be disclosed sometime today, by either party. Opposition Leader, David Granger who is very optimistic about the private talks, said at his party’s press conference which was held yesterday that the discussions are intense and both parties are convinced that combined action in the form of a “pre-election coalition” is the best way to remove the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C). However, the AFC has made it clear, on several occasions to the media, that it is most certainly leading any alliance it pursues with the APNU. On this premise, Granger was asked if he would surrender his post as the presidential candidate, given his commitment to the greater good of the nation. “What I can say at this stage is that David Granger’s fate is in the hands of the APNU negotiating team and they are aware of my commitment to establishing a pre-election coalition in the national interest,” the Opposition Leader said.

Opposition Leader, David Granger

He reminded though, that both sides have agreed that the details of the negotiations would be released by the general secretaries of the two political parties. But as it relates to his personal interest, Granger told the media that more important than that is the interest of the nation. The politician said that Guyana must have good governance and a government that enjoys the confidence of the majority of the people. He disclosed as well that the two teams have been meeting very frequently and the APNU Shadow Cabinet

has been briefed on the current stage. He said that the APNU is confident that by the time Valentine Day dawns in the Republic of Guyana, there will be “good news”. He stressed that the opposition is aiming at the removal of the PPP. The APNU Parliamentarian is also confident that his team will be working assiduously towards this end and that the national interest will be treated as a priority. “We are prepared; we are working towards a preelection coalition in this country,” he added.

Faced with the question of whether he believes that the idea of a pre-election coalition can be effectively sold to the APNU constituency if he decides to give up his presidential candidate position, the Opposition Leader said that such a matter has not surfaced in the negotiations. Further pressed on the matter and being told that such a possibility can very well be political realism, the APNU leader quickly retorted that it is political speculation and said nothing more on that matter. He emphasized that both sides are aiming for a government of national unity and at this point, the framework for a pre-election coalition is being worked out. He disclosed that both parties and their teams have been meeting frequently even as recent as yesterday morning. Granger said that the AFC has also indicated that it has a conference today. He has noted also, that in keeping with the Valentine Day theme, the party is desirous of a “loving deal.” (Kiana Wilburg)

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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Have you heard the name Thomas Piketty? Do you know Harvard University Press has published countless scholarly works since it was founded in 1913? Some of the world’s earth shattering academic texts have been published by Harvard University Press. My favourite Harvard University Press publication is “The Idea of Justice” by Nobel Laureate, Amartya Sen. This philosophical work exceeds the arguments contained in what is regarded as the best philosophical

work of the 20th century John Rawls’ “The Theory of Justice.” I think every judge, politician, public service employee, army and police chief and those who want to see justice prevail in the world and how justice should be distributed should read Sen’s breathtaking work. This is a fantastic book. Do you know which scholarly book has sold the most for Harvard University Press since the printery started churning out books in 1913? It is “Capital in the 21st Century” by French academic, Thomas Pikkety. Not very often a scholarly text makes it on the New York Times but Piketty made it in a big way. Piketty’s book is a

crusading critique of the flaws of modern capitalism. An extremely hard book to read because of the profusion of technical details, Piketty shows where capitalism went wrong and how bestially unequal as an economic system it has become. Piketty warns that unless European and American and other world leaders take an honest look at capitalism and see the disastrous cul-desac it is in, the world will be in turmoil. One of Piketty’s recommendations (and here is where there is a connection to the overall themes of Rawls and Sen) is that the role of taxes can help to lessen the cruel inequalities of capitalism. Piketty’s book is still making stirs around the world and it being meticulously read by Prime Ministers and Presidents. In the middle of the Piketty phenomenon comes the HSBC scandal. HSBC is the world’s second largest bank. Before we come to the HSBC infamy that is engaging the attention, particularly of President Obama let us look at a particular incident in Greece. The Finance Minister of

France, Christine Lagarde sent a list of 1991 names to the Greek Government of tax evaders whose money was in Swiss accounts. Do you know Harvard University Press has published countless scholarly works since it was founded in 1913? Some of the world’s earth shattering academic texts have been published by Harvard University Press. This was at a time when the bitterest medicine the IMF could have dished out to any country since the IMF was born was given to Greece. The Greek people had their savings in the banks washed out, their pensions washed out, their very livelihood threatened but two thousand rich Greeks were robbing the Treasury. When a journalist published the Lagarde list, he was charged. No one from the Lagarde list was even visited by the police. The Lagarde list is in the news once more. A whistle blower from HSBC in Switzerland, Herve Falciani, has given the world’s top newspapers a plethora of data on how the Swiss branch of HSBC has advised thousands

of business people, arms dealers, dictators, drug barons, sports and entertainment stars how to hide their money and evade hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes. Falciane is referred to in the press as the financial version of Edward Snowden. The HSBC scandal has made Thomas Piketty into an instant global hero. Soldiers from the US and Europe are going over to Asia to fight wars with military resources that are scarce, risking their lives for their country only to find out that the wealthy classes are not paying their nationalist dues. Will these tax evaders be arrested? It is doubtful. One of the claims many alienated supporters of Obama have made against him is that he was too lenient on corporate America that violated American financial laws. Many of these corporate investors have violated US laws in criminal ways that should have carried jail time. From the UK across the sea to mainland Europe right into the heart of the US, there are governmental cutbacks on state services because of shrinking finance but billions of dollars are neatly stacked

Frederick Kissoon away in Switzerland, billions that belong to the treasury of both the US and Europe. In international relations today, there isn’t a textbook that would classify Switzerland as a rogue country but that is what Switzerland has always been. Its banks hide dirty money. What is the difference between a country where a government benefits from the cocaine trade and a government that prospers from hiding dirty money? Maybe Switzerland is too European and white to be classified as a rogue nation. That term is reserved only for the non-white Third World. The HSBC renegade behaviour is under study by the American and British governments. Are white collar criminals too rich to go to jail?

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

GECOM warns against expecting 24 hr results of upcoming polls The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has warned against expectations that results of the May 11 polls would be announced the next day. According to GECOM yesterday in a statement, it has the greatest desire to provide accurate results at the earliest possible time, but it remains exceedingly cognizant of the existing logistical and other challenges it faces in doing so. “Please be advised that there exists a number of logistical challenges directly related to the geographic peculiarities that exist, not lastly in the hinterland areas. Similarly, there are a number of unforeseen circumstances which can or may occur and which could have an adverse effect on the timely delivery of the elections results. Therefore, while GECOM will do its utmost to produce prompt and early results, it cannot and will not do so at the expense of accuracy.” The body said that the delivery of accurate results remain one of the priorities of the Commission. GECOM, in explaining the logistical challenges, said that the electoral system being used for the conduct of elections in Guyana is Proportional Representation, which includes some elements of geographical and gender representation. “The entire mass of 212,000 square kilometers of Guyana represents one single constituency consisting of hundreds of thousands of electors responsible for the election of the President and the 65 members of the National Assembly. This means that in order for GECOM to arrive at accurate results, all votes from all the polling stations across

the length and breadth of Guyana, must be correctly counted and forwarded to the Chief Elections Officer.” This is quite unlike the First-Past-The-Post system where there are several small constituencies, less than 20,000, which can quickly be recounted, if there is a challenge. GECOM pointed out that political parties have the right by 12 noon on the day after elections, May 12, to request a recount. This means that any such activity would delay the announcement of the poll results. “So, notwithstanding GECOM’s desire to declare early and accurate results of the May 11, 2015 elections as a priority, deleterious circumstances can impact upon this ambition. It should also be remembered that the elections of May 11, 2015 are being held at the commencement of the rainy season. This could result in the sudden disappearance of airstrips in the far flung areas of the country, thus precluding a speedy delivery of results from the hinterland. And it should be noted that the implementing of our alternative plans for those eventualities are concomitant with delays.” But GECOM remained positive yesterday of results coming the next day. “Of course, if everything moves smoothly (no flippant or frivolous legal challenges; no weather-related setbacks; no eruption of violence, etc.) then we may deliver the results by the following day after the closure of polls.” Early elections were called after the governing party, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), faced a noconfidence vote in Parliament, back in December. President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament at the last minute,

GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally

President Donald Ramotar

GECOM is warning that there are challenges regarding the delivery of elections results the day after polls are held.

saying that his Government wants to use the period, which could last up to six months, to have talks with the

Opposition on a number of outstanding legislations, among other things. However, in the face of

growing pressure from local and international bodies, including the diplomatic community, President

Ramotar named May 11 for the holding of General and Regional Elections to choose a new Government.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 14, 2015

Uncertified abortions - an aberration that must be “crushed” - Health Minister Unlawful termination of pregnancies commonly referred to as abortions, should have long been a thing of the past in Guyana. At least this was the deduction of Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, who firmly insisted, “There is no need for any Guyanese woman to subject herself to the ministrations or malpractices of any ‘quack’.” The Minister was at the time responding to a question about the measures in place by his Ministry. The query is whether they are effective enough to help guard against unauthorized termination of pregnancies. The termination of pregnancy is something that is catered for in the Constitution and only a certified doctor is authorized to undertake such a procedure. “We have laws for that. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and many other hospitals have the capacity to offer this,” said the Health Minister. “There were training sessions and the legislation even determines what an abortion is and how it can be

done; the consultation with the family and the support of relatives which needs to be done.” Measures were put in place to offer legitimate termination of pregnancy services, the Minister said, in light of the fact that such procedures were being offered by many persons, some of whom weren’t necessarily medical professionals. “In the past it didn’t have to be a doctor; the quacks included all manner of people; even old ladies were trying to do it, but anybody doing abortions even if it is a doctor, that person must be specially certified for this activity now,” asserted the Minister. And the Health Minister is adamant that there could be no plausible excuse for any practitioner, unless for simple greed, to be at the centre of a botched abortion, since such a procedure is usually not an emergency. “But even if the need for an abortion was seen as an emergency, the Minister noted that there are many centres of excellence that can be easily accessed. These try to maintain international standards and maintain the law. “So we will frown on and be very caustic and aggressive in our support for any measures taken against anybody, be it a doctor, nurse, midwife or any Guyanese

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran citizen who practices on our women,” threatened the Minister. He nevertheless emphasized the fact that botched abortions are still occurring today, suggests the need for the Ministry to further embrace an enlightening approach with sex education being paramount together with the easy, informed access to reproductive health products. Already such efforts have started, the Minister said, evident by the availability of reproductive products in the health centres across the country and the delivery of sex education in the school system. “I think we would

have conquered that long ago, so any such issue that is now arising is an aberration that needs to be crushed fully because long ago we had stopped this foolishness,” asserted the Health Minister. He said that through continued education, including the dissemination of fliers and other forms of information, the population, particularly women and young people, will continue to be enlightened and therefore empowered to make wise decisions. “The more educated a woman is the stronger her family is; the healthier that family will be and the less vulnerable they will be to unplanned pregnancies,” said the Minister. He noted that even if there is an unplanned pregnancy, education will allow persons to deal with such “in the correct, legal and healthy fashion.” Although a Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was brought into being since 1995, under the tenure of then Minister of Health, Gail Teixeira, the related issue has been one fraught with controversy, with some persons advocating for the provision of the service while others have been opposing it. Despite this state of affairs, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud said, “Minister Ramsaran has been bold enough to take on that challenge and we are happy to say that we have started…” “We didn’t make an announcement, deliberately,

because we didn’t want to stigmatise any institution or health professionals, because in some countries there are designated abortion clinics. We don’t want to go there,” said Dr. Persaud. Although recently implemented, the termination of pregnancy service has been running smoothly at several public health facilities, according to the CMO. He pointed out that this has seen the Ministry being able to “institute the full law, which means that women seeking a termination of pregnancy, not related to medical conditions, incest or rape, can by choice come to one of the clinics to access the service.” Ahead of being afforded the service, Dr. Persaud explained that women are provided with pre-termination counselling. This, he noted, is in keeping with the Act which requires that a 48-hour period be given to patients to consider whether they still desire to proceed with the procedure or not. And according to Dr. Persaud too, “if they wish or wish not to discuss with their partner, that’s fine; the law does not mandate them to do that. It is fully the woman’s right; she has the time to consider based on the counselling session, whether she would like to go ahead and there are also options that will be given to her.” “The law says that options should be described to the pregnant woman, one of which would be to go through with the pregnancy and maybe adoption options

and so on, and then of course detailing the termination process itself which can have consequences,” outlined Dr. Persaud. He noted however, that there may be instances when some women may not opt to voluntarily have an abortion, but are instead forced to do so for various reasons which could range from migration to marital issues. As such, the importance of counselling cannot be understated as part of the process, said Dr. Persaud, as he stressed, “Counselling gives enough room for people to consider all the factors and make informed decisions in the end.” Once a woman has carefully considered the possible options, she can then return to an approved health centre that is certified by the Chief Medical Officer to have the procedure done. On completion of the procedure, patients are then subjected to post-termination counselling which, according to Dr. Persaud, “includes the provision of contraceptives so that they do not use termination as a form of contraceptive…this is to ensure that the next time around they would use an approved non-termination technique.” The CMO said that the Health Ministry has been working to ensure that all those tasked with conducting the procedure are properly trained and licensed and that “we are using recommended safe measures for termination.”

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Local Government Minister supports TC’s takeover of Mash spot sales Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker has expressed support for Town Clerk (Ag) Carol Sooba and her Administrative staff to take over the sale and distribution of vending spots for the upcoming Mashramani celebrations. While the Mayor and Councillors say that the Social Development Committee currently, headed by Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has, since 1994, under the leadership of Philomena Sahoye-Shury been responsible for the sale of those spots, the Minister, who has joined in the dispute between the Executive and Administrative arms of the Council, say it is “highly irregular” for the revenue earning activity to be “executed/managed from the Mayor’s Office.” The Minister in a public missive said that “the activity must be viewed as an economic project that ought to be administered and supervised from the Office of the Town Clerk (Ag) or the City Treasurer’s Office; under the direction and supervision of the Town Clerk (Ag).” He said it is a revenue garnering opportunity for the Council; not for individuals of the Council. “The Town Clerk is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council, responsible to the Council to ensure, inter alia, that all financial activities/ events, are strictly monitored to ensure they are approved by the authorized authority, recorded, transparent and not done in an ad hoc fashion, devoid of transparency and/ or in breach of financial or other regulations. There is no executive function or authority reposed in the Mayor or his Office or the Council itself. They cannot usurp the duties and responsibilities of the Town Clerk or City Treasurer,” the Minister charged. According to him, the issue of sales have to do with the issuing of valid Council receipts for monies collected from the public; recording of these sums collected in the financial records of the Council; providing financial statements summarizing the revenue, authorized expenditure and surplus from these activities. “There are Officers authorized by the Municipal and District Councils Act to deal with these financial matters and they are certainly not the Mayor or Councillors randomly selected.” The Minister reminded of a letter to the Mayor and Town Clerk in 2013 and again in 2014 expressing concern

about reports pointing to several anomalies with respect to the implementation of Council’s decision by the Social Development Committee of the Council. These included claims of “free spots or discounts on spots for family, friends and specific Organisations.” “There were also issues of Persons/ Organisations who were tardy in paying and those who had to wait for lengthy periods to be paid”. It was noted also that financial records reveal that since the event is being managed by the Town Clerk’s Office, the net revenue to the Council has increased significantly. He said while the Council may wish to have a Committee, by whatever name it is called, to oversee the sale of spots and other related activities; it is the City Treasurer, acting under the direction and supervision of the Town Clerk who must manage these activities for transparency and accountability, which require the separation of the roles of policy formulation and policy implementation. The Deputy Mayor, who said that she is in the process of writing the Minister, believes that he is totally misguided in the handling of this activity. Green said that the Minister should know that the sale of Mashramani

Town Clerk (Ag) Carol Sooba Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green spots was never an economic event, but a social one since the revenue garnered has always been used to support social development activities since its inception dating as far back as 1994. Under the leadership of Sahoye-Shury, the Deputy Mayor said a special account was opened for the funds which were used to support various social activities, such as, City Hall’s light up, contributing to the Mash parade of the Council’s daycares and aid to elderly persons among others. The Deputy Mayor said that the Minister should also realize that the Council is managed by a number of committees which take the advice of its officers. “It’s

only since the Town Clerk’s tenure that in 2013 she attempted to change what is a tradition for the Social Development Committee.” In relation to increased Mash sale revenue under Sooba, Chase-Green said this is so because the size of vending spots has been reduced, while the prices charged have increased drastically. She said small vendors were being charged between $5000-$20,000 for spots while major companies paid $200,000 to $400,000. Under Sooba, small vendors are charged $15,000 and larger entities as much as $800,000. The Council has decided however, that this year there will be no sale of vending

spots. This decision was supposed to be decided at Council’s Statutory meeting on Monday, but the Town Clerk allegedly failed to print agendas and was absent to open the chambers. The Social Development Committee’s office is located in the Mayoral section of the Council and citizens are advised to go there for

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker information. However, Sooba has reportedly said that citizens have to come to her office and speak to her officers for the purchase of spots.

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Kaieteur News

Man in custody for allegedly sodomizing teenage boy for over two months A man was taken into custody early yesterday by police ranks following a report that he repeatedly sodomized a teenage boy in his house at Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD). A senior police source yesterday confirmed that the teenager will be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to have a medical examination done. According to information received, a Timehri resident went to the police station in the area and made a report of a male teen was being sexually and physically molested on a daily basis. A senior official said, that the

resident informed the ranks that a villager had locked up the teenager in his house since December last and has been molesting him. The resident reportedly told police that the suspect would also beat the teen and starve him for days. Following the report, ranks went to the location and removed the teen. The man has been arrested and is assisting with the investigation. The young man, according to the official, is traumatized and can hardly speak. Investigations are ongoing.

Decomposing body at Linden…

Victim identified as armed robbery accused He was a suspect in the chopping of a woman at Mahdia and a brutal attack on a Kara Kara family, and police are trying to find out how 43year-old Richard Remington ended up dead in a clump of bushes at Wismar. Remington’s bloated and decomposing body was found on Thursday in a clump of bushes along a track in the vicinity of Matthews Lane in the Christianburg/ Cholmondeley Hill area. He was clad in a brown three-quarter pants and white tee-shirt. This newspaper understands that the victim appeared to have been shot in the forehead and lower jaw. A postmortem is still to be

done on the remains. Police sources said that Remington, of Christianburg, Wismar, was a suspect in several armed robberies and burglaries. Kaieteur News understands that he was remanded some months ago for allegedly chopping a woman at Mahdia during a robbery. He was also questioned about a robbery last month in Lower Kara Kara, Linden, in which Godfrey Marks, 43, was shot in the left shoulder by a gang of men who barged into his home. Marks’ wife and nineyear-old son were assaulted by the perpetrators who escaped empty-handed.

Relatives reportedly last saw Remington alive on Monday. It was also on Monday night that some residents of Matthews Lane, Wismar, heard a series of explosions and assumed that they were the sound of firecrackers. They also reportedly heard the sound of persons running. The body was eventually discovered on Thursday by a resident who was attracted by the stench emanating from the area. Other residents claimed that they had become aware of the smell over the past few days, but thought that the stench came from a dead animal.

Saturday February 14, 2015

NIP leader vows to reverse “discriminatory” prescriptive title law As the May 11 polls to choose a new Government looms, political parties contesting the elections have started to unveil some of their plans if they win. According to the National Independent Party (NIP), it intends to reverse a 2011 law which abolished the possibilities of persons applying for prescriptive title of state lands. “The Leader of the National Independent Party states that the amendment is discriminatory and unconstitutional since it allows prescriptive title for private land and not for state land,” says Saphier Husain Subedar in unveiling his plans. According to the lawyer, in his Land Reform Policy, all leases and licences of occupancy issued under the Government of British Guiana for 99 years, and which are now expired – shall be converted to freehold land and a transport shall be immediately issued to the occupiers. He said that this includes all the lease lands in Region Five now controlled by the Government and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary (MMA). “The National Independent Party demands the President of Guyana and Chairman of M/M/A to stop issuing leases to the residents of Region Five as a campaign strategy. The elections date has been set and further to that, after the elections the National Independent Party intends to issue transports to the occupiers of those lands.” Husain Subedar said that his party is proposing that all persons residing and occupying state lands for over 12 years continuously, exclusively and undisturbed in adverse possession, shall be entitled to prescriptive title of that land. “Persons who have been residing on state

Leader of National Independent Party, Saphier Husain Subedar land or in occupation for 12 years shall be granted a transport through a proper procedure.” With regard to the lands that were historically under sugar cane cultivation, the NIP leader noted that slaves and the indentured servants were brought to Guyana to work on the estates, living under very deplorable conditions. The estates were later nationalized with a view that the sugar workers should enjoy the profits of the estate. “However, the state established dictatorial controls of the sugar estate with a policy to keep the workers relatively in the same historical slavery conditions. The National Independent Party says that GuySuCo’s lands belong to the workers and a company would be set up to transfer the ownership to the sugar workers. The value of the assets including thousands of acreage of land shall be given equivalent shares which would be held in a company and issued to the sugar workers; descendants of persons brought to Guyana under the

slave and indentured system.” In other words, he said, the ownership of the land shall be transferred through shareholding to the sugar workers of the estates. NIP also called for an immediate cease on all sales of GuySuCo lands during the election period, failing which legal action shall be commenced, including an injunction to stop same. It is also the plan that all Guyanese nationals abroad be entitled to own or lease of land in Guyana irrespective of race, nationality or creed. In regard to ancestral lands, NIP said that it will change laws that will see transfers of these from the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to the rightful owners. Targeted areas will include Buxton, Plaisance, Beterverwagting, Nabaclis, Agricola as well as villages in Essequibo. The lawyer said that he is very much aware that the failure to hold Local Government Elections for 20 years was because the ruling party wanted NDCs to continue the control of GuySuCo’s land in the respective villages. “The People’s Progressive Party Civic Government’s policy of land ownership is one of State control and dictatorship,” Husain Subedar explained. “The National Independent Party calls upon all Guyana to support our land policy that this situation be changed to land control by private persons, citizens, residents and nationals of Guyana.” NIP is also targeting lands on the Railway Embankment area which it says are not state lands. “…those lands were ceded from the transported owners to the railway company. When the railway company became dissolved, the lands were reverted to the transported owners. The residents along the railway embankment who have occupied the said land in excess of 12 years continuously, exclusively and undisturbed are entitled to transport by prescriptive title.” In cases where residents were in occupation of state lands and there was damage caused by Government, Husain Subedar plans to establish a tribunal to examine the law changes.” Elections are scheduled for May 11 after a noconfidence motion against Government late last year saw Parliament being prorogued by President Donald Ramotar.

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

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JSC sets inquiry for suspended Smoke onboard aircraft forces pilot to abort interior run Magistrate for next week After spending nearly 70 days off the bench, embattled senior city Magistrate Chandra Sohan will finally be afforded a hearing before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) next Wednesday. The five members of the JSC are slated to convene an official inquiry into allegations against the senior Magistrate on a number of infractions. Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that, as a standard requirement, statements of complainants will be dispatched to Sohan and on February 18, he will be afforded a chance to defend himself. This newspaper has confirmed that the Magistrate’s lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin received a letter from the Commission to this effect. The move by the JSC follows Magistrate Sohan’s threats of legal action against the Commission if he is not reinstated. This is after the body failed to establish an inquiry into his suspension within the lawful timeframe, (60 days), which he described as a breach of his constitutional right to defend himself. Datadin had penned a letter to the JSC on Friday, February 6 concerning the matter. The attorney complained that while his client was suspended on December 3, last, there had been no disciplinary proceedings held in relation to his suspension. The source of conflict is that according to the rules set out by the JSC, if no enquiry is held within the stipulated timeframe, then the Magistrate can return to work. The JSC’s Rule 80, sub rule six, specifies that in such an event the suspension is deemed to have been set aside; the effect being as if the suspension had never taken place. Some legal minds familiar with the case have opined that the rule is being disregarded in Sohan’s case and stated that the JSC can be subjected to a writ of mandamus, compelling it to reinstate the Magistrate. When questioned, Datadin had said that those steps were being considered by him. Kaieteur News was informed that Sohan had initially moved to the High Court to have the decision to suspend him quashed but Justice Naresh Harnanan refused, leaving Sohan to file an appeal and subsequently a motion to have the matter expedited. That matter, however, has not yet been dealt with by the courts. The senior Magistrate was suspended following a

Magistrate Chandra Sohan very brief hearing into complaints brought against him, relating to his work. It was reported that Sohan, who was presiding in the Georgetown Traffic Court, was suspended for a number of alleged infractions, one of which had to do with conduct that borders on criminality. The move by the JSC could weigh significantly against Sohan’s upward mobility in the magistracy since he was tipped to replace Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who is expected to be elevated to the position of judge soon. Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that this is not the first time that Sohan, one of the most senior Magistrates, is being treated this way when promotions are in sight. According to reports, the Commission is looking into a complaint made by a woman, in relation to a court matter

involving domestic violence. The matter was heard sometime last year at the Vreed- en- Hoop Magistrate’s Court, when Sohan was presiding there, albeit briefly. There are allegations that Sohan appeared to be biased towards the woman’s husband during the time he was dealing with the matter. However, according to a source, Sohan is known to the couple and merely gave advice for an amicable settlement of the matter before it was dragged through the court. In fact, the matter was assigned to another Magistrate and the woman had been insisting on several occasions that she did not wish to pursue the matter in the court. Surprisingly, a report was made to the JSC about the magistrate’s conduct in the matter. His suspension was grounded on three other incidents including his unauthorized absence from work on December 28, 2013, and leaving the country during the month of December 2013 without permission. It was also reported that Sohan was being disciplined for discrepancies unearthed relating to fines recorded by him on Court case jackets and those recorded on corresponding police case jackets in Court 7, where he presided. At present, the traffic court is being manned by recently-sworn in Magistrate Renita Singh, while the suspended Magistrate is off on full pay.

GCAA agents were investigating the incident involving the plane at Ogle yesterday

A pilot on his way to an interior location mid morning yesterday was forced to return to the Ogle International Airport after believing that the single engine aircraft he was flying was on fire. The pilot, who is attached to Fenix Airways was on his way to Eteringbang Region Seven and had just taken off in the company’s Cessna 206 (8RGHB) when his cockpit is said to have filled up with smoke. The pilot was the only occupant. He was able to turn around and safely land the plane back at the company hangar where checks were made to locate and rectify the problem. Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation

Authority (GCAA) Zulphicar Mohamed told Kaieteur News that the Authority received a report about smoke seen aboard the plane. He said investigators from the agency were dispatched to the location to carry out a probe. The aircraft suffered no damage, and the incident is being described as a minor one. Checks were made to the engine area of the craft from where the smoke is suspected to have emanated. The last time Fenix Airways was in the spotlight was last January when another of the company’s Cessnas had toppled during takeoff at Ogle. A pregnant woman and the pilot onboard that craft were among the

people hospitalized for minor injuries. It was reported by a passenger who was said to be sitting next to the pilot that he was texting during takeoff. The pilot had refuted those claims and GCAA took the initiative to solicit the pilot’s telephone records. The findings were undetermined since GCAA said that the phone record was unable to show whether the pilot was indeed texting. The company had indicated its intention based on the findings of GCAA’s report to file legal action against the pilot. Passengers were also said to have received compensation for their troubles. (Zena Henry)

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Neesa Gopaul murder trial… Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mitchell Caesar, maintained that he is telling the truth regarding the statements made by murder accused Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, and Bibi Shareema Gopaul, during the preliminary investigations into the death of Neesa Gopaul. Caesar was quizzed by defence counsels, Lyndon Amsterdam and George Thomas, about the accuracy and sequence of his statements after he returned to the stand yesterday. He was subjected to the continued cross examination in the murder trial of the former lovers, Gopaul and Small. The duo stands indicted for the murder of 16-year-old Queen’s College student, Neesa Gopaul, whose headless remains were recovered from a creek along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, days after she disappeared. The girl’s mother, Bibi, and her lover, Small, were subsequently arrested and charged for the murder. They are before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury. They are being

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 14, 2015

Witness maintains that Small implicated mother after arrest represented by a team of lawyers; Small by Glenn Hanoman, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, Lyndon Amsterdam and Zanna Frank, while Gopaul is being represented by Attorney-atLaw, George Thomas. State Prosecutors are Diana Kaulesar, Mercedes Thompson and Stacy Goodings. In his evidence in chief, ASP Caesar had stated he was present when police investigators obtained information from the accused persons, relative to the murder of Neesa Gopaul. Caesar had said that Small promised to reveal what he knew about the murder and Gopaul had communicated details about her relationship with Small prior to her daughter’s death. According to the detective, Small said that he knew who killed the teenager but that he would only relay what he knew in the presence of his lawyer. The policeman said that Gopaul recounted that she was involved with Small, but one night prior to the incident she caught him and her daughter (Neesa Gopaul) in a compromising position in her car; she asked if they were in love, they said yes and left the home and went to a hotel at Parika. Yesterday, defence counsel, Lyndon Amsterdam

asked Caesar whether he had put an allegation of murder to Small before he said he wanted tell the police something regarding the investigation. In response, the policeman said that he put no such allegation to the accused, but that he had cautioned him before he made the statements. The witness subsequently revealed that he made an entry in relation to what Small told police in the station Diary at Criminal Investigations Department, (CID) at Brickdam Police Station. Caesar was asked about the date and time that he made the entry in the station diary. He said that he couldn’t recall. As such, the lawyer requested the records of the Brickdam Police Station diary but these were not available. At this point, Amsterdam asked the witness whether he had told the truth about the sequence of the statements and whether he related to the court the exact words that the accused uttered at the time of the interview with the policemen. The lawyer suggested to the witness that he told the court a different story than that which is written in the station diary and which he relayed in the Magistrates’ Court, but Caesar maintained

Murdered Accused: Jarvis Barry Small

MURDERED: Neesa Gopaul

MURDER ACCUSED: Bibi Shareema Gopaul

that his records are accurate in regards to what the number one accused, (Small) told him. Caesar had earlier stated that Small told investigators that he knew who killed Neesa Gopaul and when he was finished saying what he had to say, Bibi Shareema Gopaul would be an accessory to murder.” Amsterdam then suggested to the witness that the word “accessory “ was not contained in his records and his deposition which were tendered in the Magistrates’ Court. Caesar replied that he might have related the exact words or “words to that effect.” Amsterdam then suggested to him that the

accused had given the statement about Gopaul being an accessory to murder before he could have administered the caution to him. Based on the suggestion by the lawyer, Caesar said that he would accept that he might have done so if it is recorded in his deposition. The witness then explained that he had taken notes in his personal diary before recording them in the station diary. He said that he might have missed a word while transcribing the notes but his statements are more or less accurate. Further quizzed about what he would not have told the court, Caesar admitted

there were details which he did not mention about the interview with Bibi Gopaul. The policeman said that in addition to what he told the court regarding what Gopaul told investigators about her relationship with Small, “she also said that he (Small) was the only man that made her feel like a woman.” The policeman further stated that he might have forgotten to mention it while giving his evidence in chief. Asked whether he had records of the statements Gopaul made to investigating ranks, Caesar said that he is not sure whether he made an entry in the station diary. Caesar was asked whether he had inquired from the accused how is it that she allowed her minor daughter to go off to Parika with her lover after they were found in a compromising position. “No sir,” the detective replied, noting that it was none of his business. “I am suggesting to you that you are making yourself an imposter in the matter…” Amsterdam continued but the witness replied, “Everything I said in this court is what the accused told me, sir.” “Before 2010 (did) you consider yourself a Christian?” Amsterdam asked. “I always considered myself to be a Christian,” the witness replied. “Then I am suggesting to you that during the interview you were telling the accused that you are a Christian, a family man and about your children and all these things before she came to tell you anything,” Amsterdam said. “I had no children in 2010 sir,” the witness responded with a perplexed look on his face. This caused an outburst of laughter in the courtroom. Amsterdam then suggested to Caesar that members of the investigating team had coerced the accused into making the statements. “You were trying to play them against each other…The core of your story is a tissue of lies and made up stories.” However, the witness maintained that he had told the court “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. “

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

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‘Torture cops’ promotion will blemish Guyana Opposition Leader, David Granger, says that torture, which is a crime against humanity, is being treated as though it is some minor traffic incident by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C). That conviction was highlighted at a press conference held at his Hadfield Street Office yesterday. The recent promotions of two subordinate officers of the Guyana Police Force who were involved in the torture of a 14 year old boy in October 2009 are now being criticised. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Granger said is opposed to the collective efforts of the PPP/C Administration, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) in those promotions. He said that the Guyana Police Force published an order on January 2, indicating that Sergeant Narine Lall had been promoted to the rank of Inspector and Constable Mohanram Dolai had been promoted to the rank of Corporal. These two subordinate officers had been charged in court with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the victim, Twyon Thomas. Granger said that Thomas was arrested by the police following the murder of Ramenauth Bisram at his home in Canal No 2 Polder on the West Bank Demerara on October 26, 2009. He said that Bisram was the PPP/C’s former Vice-Chairman of the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region. The Opposition Leader said that Heralall Makanlall, Head of the Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility,

Meten-Meer-Zorg fisherman's widow begs for justice ... From page 3 mortem report, that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Police Force was expected to wrap up its probe and forward its file to the Police Complaints Authority for recommendations and advice. Once that was completed, the file was sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who was expected to offer advice whether charges should or should not be laid in the matter. When contacted Thursday, Public Relations Officer of the DPP's Chambers, Elizabeth Rahaman said that the Chambers was not in the habit of keeping police files “so long.” She told this publication that “the file would have gone back.” The Crime Chief confirmed that the DPP has already offered her advice in the matter and the file will be forwarded to the OPR next week.

- Granger

Opposition Leader, David Granger

APNU’s Shadow Minister of Home Affairs

investigated the crime and determined that the two policemen ‘tortured’ the victim by pouring methylated spirits on his genital area and setting it alight. Pictures of this incident had been highlighted in the media. Granger added that Omesh Satyanand, Chairman of the PSC, had said, “We should not hold something against someone because they would have committed something wrong… even though you have served the time for it. I think the public should understand that. From our record, he (Lall) has been an outstanding policeman for over two decades and we have taken that into consideration.” Also troubling, Granger said, was that Minister of

Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, had acknowledged in 2009, that the teenage boy was tortured and he expressed regret. The Opposition Leader said that Rohee is reported to have said, “It appears that the investigating ranks went to the outer limits permissible… From all indications, they crossed the line to physical coercion and instead of applying psychological pressure to the suspect, thirddegree methods were used which in today’s context constitutes an inexcusable wrong doing.” But apart from those comments by government officials, the APNU leader said that what is also significant to note, is what happened

Safety on the waterways, seminar held A seminar organized by Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD), has benefitted boat operators from Region Five (5) Mahaicony. The venue was the Mahaicony Health Centre. Twenty boat operators from the Mahaicony Creek attended the seminar during which they were engaged in practical exercises.

when the matter was before the courts. He reminded that Justice Roxanne George, in a 36-page ruling handed down on June 17, 2011, found that Thomas’ fundamental rights had been violated and, after describing the case as constituting “torture,” awarded the victim $6.5 million. Granger said that the civil matter was filed against the Attorney General of Guyana, the Commissioner of Police, Sergeant Narine Lall and Constable Mohanram Dulai. The Attorney General, was also ordered to pay $100,000 in costs while Lall and Dulai, were ordered to pay $75,000, each, in costs. However, the APNU Leader said that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, issued a ‘Letter of Discontinuance’ which effectively terminated criminal proceedings against the persons suspected of murdering Ramenauth Bisram. He reminded too, that the DPP also ordered that a charge of ‘felonious wounding’ (not torture) be brought against the policemen Narine Lall, Mohanram Dolai and Deryck Foo, to be disposed of summarily. The case was later

dismissed. Granger said that he would not accept the promotion of the two subordinate officers. He emphasized that the Government is a signatory to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and as such, is taken aback by the move to promote the officers. Torture, he said, is a ‘crime against humanity’ and torturers are “the common enemies of all mankind.” APNU’s Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Winston Felix also expressed his displeasure over the matter. He is of the belief that the officers should have faced some form of departmental disciplining for their misconduct. The former Top Cop said that he feels the “government is complicit with torture.” Felix said that he finds it very strange that the two policemen were promoted. He deduced that such a move could not have been coincidental, but rather purely inspired by the political powers that be. The APNU Parliamentarian also told the media that he noted comments that Cabinet had approved the promotions of the officers. Cabinet should not be interfering in such matters, Felix said. “This should never have happened because the

MARAD official reinforcing the importance of life jackets

Safety practices such as, the importance of both the passengers and boat operators wearing life jackets were some of the topics presented in the seminar. MARAD in its efforts to promote safety on the waterways of Guyana especially for small boat operators will be facilitating the training seminar as an ongoing countrywide campaign.

Attendees at the boat seminar.

establishment of the Police Service Commission (PSC) was to remove senior promotions from the hands of Commissioners and politicians. The police in the 60s complained of unfair treatment and as such, the commission was put in place to avoid just what is happening now,” he added. Though he admitted that the APNU has some of its appointees on the PSC, he said that it did not endeavour to garner any information regarding what was considered to promote the “torture cops.” Felix said that the members of the Commission belong to an independent body and the partnership has to be careful how it intervenes or seeks information from them while they fulfill their constitutional functions. The government does not understand what it means to have independent commissions, he said, and it has “tightened its grip on the police force, and the force is complying.” Granger then added that after the upcoming election, the coalition will be in a better position to correct this matter. The matter, he opined, needs to be pursued to finality. He concluded that the case is one which has left an ugly scar on the reputation of Guyana.

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Saturday February 14, 2015

GWI commissions $90.4M Corentyne well station Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) yesterday commissioned a $90.4M well station at Manchester Village, Corentyne. The well, dug to a depth of 310 meters, and capable of producing 2.6 cubic meters of water per minute will serve the more than 2,000 residents of Manchester, Lancaster, and Liverpool. Minister of Housing and Water, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during the feature address, noted that over $6B has been spent in the water sector during the last three years in Region Six, totaling $50,000 per capita for every resident. He alluded to the Rose Hall Town Water Improvement Project; the Queenstown and Number 72 Village, Corriverton Water Treatment Plants as well as new well stations across Berbice. He noted that a new loan is being implemented to construct new water treatment plants at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, and Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Water treatment plants in Georgetown would be expanded to cater for increase in population. He said that the priority of GWI in Region Six is “treated water.” “Knowing the priorities of this region, we have signed new loans for more water treatment plants across the country,” Ali said. Additionally, Mr. Ali said that a contract was signed for the construction of the new East Canje Water Treatment Plant, which will serve over 15,000 residents in Sheet Anchor, Cumberland, Number Two, Palmyra, Number 19 Village, Canefield, Betsy

Ground, Adelphi, Reliance, Goed Bananen Land and Gangaram Settlements. Upon completion, that plant will take treated water coverage in Region Six to 65 per cent, while the government, he added, is desirous of taking the national average (of residents receiving treated water) to 75 per cent, “so we are also designing more efficient treatment plants to the relevant technology, that are cheaper to operate and has a low capital investment cost, so we can also bring the water treatment level to higher figures.” Ali added that water is the most unified commodity because it is priced. “Some countries—the slogans are ‘water is priceless’…it costs to be extracted!” Representative of the community, Mrs. Janette Waldron, called on the government to visit the community more regularly. “You have to come to see the district! Come and see,” she added. Mrs. Waldron noted, too, that the water quality in the area is not too good, “and we need maybe to have, for those who don’t have reservoirs, extended hours for water when we have blackouts.” “This morning, at the peak time when people needed water, there was a shortage of power, so there was a shortage of water. Many people only have their little buckets and pails because our district is a poor district.” Waldron also called on the Minister to develop the roads and community grounds in the area for the young people. She also called for an end to squatting in the

Composite picture showing the unveiling of the plaque and switching on of the well area. “Something needs to be done to make our community more respected and acceptable—our young people need work!” Giving an overview of the project was Ramchand Jailal, who added that the well has

carbon steel well casings and a stainless steel screen. Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, also addressed the commissioning ceremony. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB and the government were the

funding agencies for the project, while Water & Oil Wells Service Company Ltd of Trinidad & Tobago was contracted to drill the well. Mahadeo Persaud was the Consultant. The project was supervised by BNFT and

GWI. The ceremony ended with the unveiling of the plaque by Minister Ali and GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh. They were assisted by GWI Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Timothy Austin.

E’bo farmers protest late rice payments Late payment to rice farmers among several other critical issues continues to be a common feature that the rice farming community, especially in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) continues to decry. On Friday a number of rice farmers who had not received monies owed to them by millers since the previous crop, staged another peaceful protest. They converged at the Cotton Field New Market and processed to the Anna Regina “High Bridge”. They were led by Naith Ram, who heads the Essequibo Paddy Association, an NGO body. Frustrated farmers were armed with placards that read, “Farmers need urgent meeting with GRDB officials”, “Millers are taking advantage of rice farmers”, “Farmers demand REP on GRDB board.” Chairman of the

Essequibo rice farmers protest late payments. Essequibo Rice Producers Association, Naith Ram, said that rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast continue to agitate for better prices for paddy and to seek a thorough revision of the Rice Factory’s Act. Ram is contending, too,

that the grading systems that are currently being executed by Millers, especially in Region Two, need to be upgraded. Yesterday, Ram said that farmers who had engaged in the protest did not receive payments for paddy sold

since the previous crop, while some would have only received part payment almost six months after selling paddy. “What is going to happen in the following crop?” Ram asked. He is claiming that rice is at the crossroads. Ram reminded that senior officials while on a visit to the Essequibo Coast assured farmers that they have markets. However Ram said those statements are contrasting.”This is just the beginning of this exercise; we, the farmers, are requesting an urgent meeting with officials from GRDB.” An official attached to the Guyana Rice Development Board however noted that on Tuesday, 95 percent of the rice farmers received payments from several millers. The official added that there is however some considerable amount of

monies still owed to farmers. He said that farmers should be paid within the stipulated 42 days after they would have sold their paddies to millers. “The rice farmers and millers have their own private arrangement; GRDB continues to lend support to farmers.” Chaitlall, a/k”Blacks” of

Reliance, Essequibo Coast, said that he is still owed some $7M by the millers. He said earlier this week, that only $500,000 was paid to him. Farmers are preparing to harvest some 37,600 acres of paddy by month end. Rice farming is the economic driving force on the Essequibo Coast.

Former rural constable fingered in housing scam The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has issued a public warning against fraudsters who are in the practice of selling house lots while pretending to be employed with the CHPA. In a notice published recently the CHPA said that it has unearthed a scam involving hundreds of

thousands of dollars. A former rural Constable, Leon Wayne is alleged to have swindled numerous persons in this scam. The CHPA has asked persons who may have been scammed by Mr. Wayne to check with the CHPA to assist with the ongoing investigations.

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Fifteen new cancer victims recorded this year To date, 25 persons are accessing treatment for various types of cancer at the Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG), located in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound. Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control- cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected. This deadly disease harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissues called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where the cell prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Every year, dozens of persons are diagnosed with different types of cancer across the country; some of them eventually die. In Guyana, the most common types of cancer are cervical, breast, leukemia,

prostate and colorectal according to Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Narendra Bhalla. According to records from the Guyana Cancer Registry from 2000 to 2012, a total of 5,445 persons were diagnosed with different stages of breast cancer. The total amount of persons diagnosed with other types of cancer could not be confirmed. There are currently 15 persons, who joined the CIG this year, seeking treatment for

various types and stages of cancer. The country’s lone Cancer Institute is treating seven persons who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer; six persons with breast cancer; one person with larynx and another with naxiear. According to Dr. Bhalla, cancer is a growing medical problem in Guyana and the number of persons who seek treatment continues to grow each month.

The Radiation Oncologist had told this newspaper that brain tumors and lung cancer are the most serious types of cancer while breast and prostate cancer are actually the “good type if they are caught at an early stage.” He said that patients visit the institute when the cancer is at various stages. “Some come at stage four. When it is at that stage, the survival level is less and the treatment is also less.” Dr. Bhalla said that once a

The Cancer Institute of Guyana

patient has been diagnosed with cancer and undergoes surgery, he or she is supposed to have regular check-ups up for up to five years. “Cancer can come back so we have to keep regular check-ups. After five years we can say it is cured,” Dr. Bhalla noted. It is advised that women who are sexually active or are 18 years and older should have annual pap smears and pelvic examinations.

Dr. Bhalla

Digicel spreads joy to special needs organizations …as part of 8th anniversary celebration As part of Digicel Guyana’s eight anniversary celebration , it brought joy to two special needs organizations on Thursday by making timely donations of hampers, furniture and kitchen appliances. The Cheshire Home at Mahaica and the St. Barnabas Special Needs School on Regent Street, were the

recipients. The atmosphere was one of great anticipation at the Cheshire Home as the residents and staff welcomed representatives from the telecommunications company who brought many household articles for the home. According to Digicel’s Communication Manager,

‘Dj Casual’- centre, back row, Head Mistress of St. Barnabas Rebecca Persaud - 2nd from right and Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara- 3rd from right along with students from the school. Photo courtesy of Adrian Narine Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara, as part of its 8th anniversary celebrations, the company will

be going to places which support children who have special disabilities and

‘DJ Casual’ - back row, 3rd left, with Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara-2nd right, along with Digicel officials and residents of Cheshire home. Photo courtesy of Adrian Narine

spending time with them. She gave credit to the caregivers at the Cheshire Home, lauding the work they do every day in providing the best care possible to their charges. Also present was popular DJ Curtis ‘Casual’ Armstrong, who played a part in planning the event. Receiving the donation was the Administrator of Cheshire Home, Patricia Bailey. She thanked Digicel for its timely donation and affirmed that all items would be put to the best use for residents. Cheshire Home was fully established in 2000 by the Ministry of Health under a management committee, headed by current chairperson Joan Rodrigues. It has a population of 28 staff members, including 16 caregivers providing care for

25 residents. Digicel also paid a visit to St. Barnabas Special Needs School. The school received several sofas and appliances for their Home Economics Department. Sanichara explained that Digicel had visited the school only last week to conduct a needs assessment. The items provided, she said, would go a far way in developing the practical skills of the students in home economics. Receiving the articles on behalf of the school was Head Teacher Rebecca Persaud. St. Barnabas, a school which caters for children who face challenges when it comes to learning, was established in September of 1985. It has a population of 37 students and five staff members. (Jarryl Bryan)

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Saturday February 14, 2015

PPP hires US media expert Village councillor killed, several injured in Rupununi crash for election campaign The driver of a pick-up truck yesterday lost control and killed a senior village councillor of Kroudar Village, North Rupununi. Dead is Roy Sam, 45, a Community Support Officer, of Kroudar Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine. Ralph Smith, 50, of Aishalton, North Rupununi and the current Secretary of the Village Council, remains in a critical condition. He is suspected to have suffered spinal injuries and had to be air dashed to the city. The two were with others

Joshua Morrow, (dark hair/glasses, standing second left) is PPP’s new media whizz. (Photo sourced from PoliticsPA.com) The People’s Progressive Party has retained the services of a highly respected and ethical American political media strategist, Pennsylvanian political guru Mr. Joshua Morrow. According to Freedom House insiders, Morrow will bring the modern media messaging expertise necessary for a successful 2015 electoral campaign. Morrow is fresh off an almost successful stint as campaign manager for Shaugnessy Naughton in the Democratic primaries against Kevin Strouse. In the poorly funded Naughton campaign, Morrow showed his creativity in organizing a campaign using social media primarily. His brilliant strategy according to an article on one website: “The Naughton campaign had up until that point, relied on e-mail blasts and mailers to reach potential voters daily. They had also released a video ad on YouTube.com. Morrow sent the link of the campaign video to LevittownNow.com early Monday morning and said the ad was “embargoed” and

would let the publication know it could be released for public viewing “later” in the day. Asked on Monday how many spots were purchased and on what stations, Morrow said, “we don’t discuss internal campaign decisions.” However, he did say the “ad will run later in the week,” as part of the ad buy in the Philadelphia market.” With the PPP’s tremendous war chest and an exceedingly favourable media environment, Morrow’s options for creativity are therefore virtually unlimited. For the PPP campaign, Morrow joins an elite team of roughly ten media managers spanning the Guyana Chronicle, NCN, GINA and the Office of the President. Insiders say that one of his strongest qualities is that he has a zero tolerance attitude towards dirty campaigning. For example, in his successful 2012 campaign which saw Kathleen Kane become the first female Attorney-General of Pennsylvania, Morrow frontally took on opponent

David Freed’s unethical campaign strategy: “News reports repeatedly say that his campaign is refusing to respond to questions about his supporter’s reprehensible tactics and baseless claims. Freed needs to tell his people to take their ad down immediately and take their special interest money and their dirty tricks and get out of Pennsylvania. The people of Pennsylvania deserve better.” While the PPP has been accused of mudslinging in the past, and the use of secret bloggers, and anonymous slanderous articles in the state and associated media, Morrow’s presence is expected to clean up this act. If not, the Pennsylvania Democrat will most likely undertake the sort of principled resignation he did as a carpetbagging campaign manager for Democratic senatorial contender Jeff Greene in Florida in 2010, although in this instance, like Dorothy, he finds himself a long way from home and amidst an interesting cast of characters.

Miss Renaissance contestants ... From page 23 and eager to mingle. She suggested that a little more physical activity is needed and would be beneficial to the seniors. She said that as a table tennis coach, she plans to engage the Guyana Table Tennis Asso-

ciation to donate a table tennis board. She said the sport is not too demanding and could be great for recreational purposes at the Palms. Pageant Director and Coordinator, Ms. Negla Brandis explained that the idea behind the pageant is to promote mature, intellectual and well-rounded Guyanese women, who are over the age of 30. She explained that this year's pageant comprises well educated women from Georgetown, Berbice, Lethem and the East Coast of Demerara. The seventh Miss Renaissance Pageant, which is scheduled for April 4, at the

National Cultural Centre, will see the 11 contestants competing in four major categories; Talent (which must incorporate some aspect of Guyanese culture), Corporate Attire, Evening Gown and Questions and Answers. The queen will receive $100,000, a trip overseas, compliments of Fly Jamaica, a trip to Kaieteur Falls, a variety of food baskets and designer outfits, amongst other things. The first, second and third runners-up will receive trips to Baganara Island Resort, floral arrangements, food hampers from Ricks and Sari, Nigel's and Survival Supermarkets and NAMILCO.

in the tray of the vehicle at the time of the accident. Smith has since been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). According to eyewitnesses, Sam was pinned by the vehicle for several minutes before he was released. Also Injured are Valair Anderson, 50, the Toshao of Kroudar Village; Mr. Bernard Conrad, 59, Toshao of Aishalton; Cosmo Sam, 45, of Kroudar, and a Village Support Officer identified as Norbert, 53, a village councillor of Kroudar Village.

Eustace Martin, 45, a Village Support Officer attached to Aishalton, and Fernando, 20, a Community Support Officer also of Aishalton, were treated at Lethem hospital and sent away. The driver of the pickup was Imran Khan, 28, of Kitty, Georgetown. According to the Toshao, Khan is the owner of the vehicle PKK 5600. The Toshao said that the passengers were on their way to attend a two-day workshop in Lethem organized by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

UG proposes fulltime status to cleaners to end industrial action “It could very well be a ploy,” said President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr. Mellissa Ifill as she commented on a move by Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, to offer a package to a section of the striking University workers. Dr. Ifill yesterday confirmed that cleaners attached to the University, who were among the striking workers over the past few weeks, were called in by the Administration to discuss plans to have them become fulltime workers. The majority of the workers are employed on a parttime basis which translates to them working five hours daily. Moreover, their meagre takehome salary amounts to just over $20,000. The offer on the table for the workers is for them to become fulltime workers, a move which will see them automatically qualifying for improved remuneration. The University unions – The University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the UGSSA, according to Dr. Ifill, have not dissuaded the workers from accepting the offer, since their livelihood could be significantly improved. “We understand the economic situation of these workers but we have been asking them to be very careful in accepting,” added Dr. Ifill. But according to the UGSSA President, “it is sad that it took this (strike) action for the Administration to recognise these workers.” In fact, she is suspicious that the move could in fact be a tactical one whereby once the workers resume work, they will find that things have in actuality not changed. In the meantime though, she noted that the other workers will continue to strike until there is a resolution to their concerns. And a resolution, Dr. Ifill said, could be an interim offer that could see workers returning to work and being willing to resume negotiations with the

University’s Negotiating team. “We are open to a proposal,” said Dr. Ifill without specifying what offer would be acceptable for the workers to return to work. The University’s Negotiating team had last week proposed to the Unions a threeyear salary increase package for the workers which would have seen them being afforded a five per increase for this year, 10 per cent for next year and another five per cent for 2017. The Unions, after consulting with the workers, rejected the proposal and instead offered an alternative proposal. Although the Unions had initially demanded a 60 per cent increase for the workers, it instead reduced its original proposal to 25 per cent for each of the three years (2015, 2016 and 2017). Both the University Administration and the Ministry of Labour have called on the workers to bring an end to the strike action and allow for the negotiations to continue. A memo from the University Personnel Officer said that all striking workers would see their salaries being deducted for each

day they strike. But a letter from Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, had asked that workers resume work on Wednesday. Ogle in the letter said too that once the workers resume work “We will ensure that there is no victimization of workers.” Ogle in his letter said too, that the call to resume work is one that is supported by time honoured and established industrial relations customs, practices and behaviour. Had the workers resumed work as requested, Ogle said that there would have been “no break in service and the status quo ante will prevail.” He noted too, that the Ministry was prepared to invite the parties concerned to have conciliatory talks following further negotiations with the University if there is no resolution between the parties. Moreover, the Ministry is calling for an immediate end to the strike action so as to allow the process of negotiation to commence in a situation of normalcy at the University without redress.

Three beverages earn thief a jail sentence A very thirsty man who admitted to stealing a Smalta, one Vita Malt and a Cream Soda all valued at $680, property of the Shell Service Station supermarket, was given a two-year suspended sentence Wednesday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine – Beharry. John Hercules, who was unrepresented, committed the unlawful act on February 11, at the Shell Service Station supermarket on Regent and King Streets. Police corporal Bharrat Mangru told the court that on the day in question the defendant entered the supermarket, picked up the

items and then consumed them. He then left the supermarket without paying. When asked by the Magistrate if he has money to reimburse the company, the vendor told the court that he has money to do so and that he was charged once before for loitering. The Prosecutor intervened and informed the Magistrate that the man was brought before the court two years back for simple larceny but was never convicted of the offence. Hercules was given a two-year suspended sentence and warned that if he commits any crime within that period he would be jailed.

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Kaieteur News

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Cook: must know how to bake, bar attendant, waitress, cleaner and house keeper needed. Tel: 669-1900 One half day domestic, apply 53 Grosenor Ave near Raj Yoga Centre.

Shade of Essence beauty salon, Valentine Special on: Braids, Shampoo, Facials, Pedicure, relaxing, steams etc. Call: 664-4438; 639-8551

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs to plasma, LED, LCD television etc – Call: Abdul Electronics: 225-0391 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 For all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, swimming pools, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 Khemraj & Son landscaping & plant nursery, cutting big trees & removing, 18 Months Coconut trees & lime plant for sale – Call: 627-5969

Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parik: Bar-B-Cue & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc Phone: 260-4504. Harmony Inn Apartments: comfortable & clean apartments & rooms - $5000, $6,000 & $7,000 – Tel:6680306; 218-1400; 694-7817. Your luxury hideaway……

Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February – Call: 666-5241/ 619-7603

Cell phone unlocking and computer games, BBM 53246B41 – Tel:675-2239 DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration. Lot 153 Barr St Kitty – Call: 670-2653, 618-1706

Advertising production services: Video, TV commercials, Photography, graphics & voice overs. Call: 646-0589 or visit www.markchand.com

Saturday February 14, 2015

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579 Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go - Contact Azim: 660-3235 Restaurant Equipment: DVD Movies & 7 Disc Burner, fixtures & fittings- Contact Farouk for more details: 6835234 One ten pieces music set – Contact Rajin – Call: 6170022; 618-8488; 615-0282; 276-1672 Brand New, Power fist, 6,500 watts gasoline generator (on wheels) 110/240 volts AC/DC - Contact: 617-2205; 681-1032 New Arrivals: New Shipment of Magnet wires (copper) & installation fish paper for sale – Contact: 603-5649 New shipment of pit bull parts: Wind Screen, bumpers, fog lights, back/ front bearings - Tel: 628-0909 One Toyota Vigo, manual transmission, ideal for the interior - Call: 600-5759 1 Shop at Marriam Mall for sale - Call: 642-6381; 223-6862 Lights: Premio, Allion, Fielder & Carina and One Toyota IST never registered - $1.9M - Tel: 628-0909 Double bunk with mattress, 4 burner stove, sewing machines, quality cake tools, nail & hair stuff & other – Tel: 667-3454 Labrottie Puppies for Sale, fully vaccinated & Dewormed; 7 weeks old - Call: 654-7683 Stalls at Robb Street & Bourda - Contact: 695-1359 between 9am -11am Blow Out Sale! Laptops & Desktops computers from $45,000 free games & educational software @ Futuretech – Tel: 231-2206 One 2011 Toyota Fortuner in excellent condition, serious enquiries call: 680-9197 One Whirlpool Fridge/ one Whirlpool Freezer/ One total Gym 1500 – Call: 696-4832; 222-4622 Nail Plate! In stock 3X4, 4X6 & 5X7, Special Orders available also – Contact: 2664166; 666-2361; 656-5616 Prime land located on Duke Street (120X39) and D’Aguair’s Park (8000SQ), ready to be built on. 223-8479/ 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy Prime double lot located on corner property of Regent & Albert Streets 113X81 – Tel:223-8479; 647-3768

FOR RENT

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590

1 Pitbull minibus, stick gear, BPP series, mag rims- $2.2M neg. Call: 673-7652

GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 639-8101 Office Space for meetings, workshops, seminars, classes, conferences & offices, Strategic Location, 135 Sheriff Street, C/Ville Tel: 227-1028; 697-5158 2 Bedroom furnished house @ Crane Housing Scheme W.C.D - $40,000 – Tel:6716855 1 Executive apartment in an exclusive residential area with all modern amenities including parking. Call for appointment: - 653-2920 Business Space 52FtX25Ft with Air Condition, fully grilled @ East Street, North Cummingsburg - Tel:2266592/643-8833 Furnished apartment at 70 Bent Street, Wortmanville $3500, $3,000 per day – Contact: 226-3309; 648-7154 Furnished house for rent in residential area. US$1200. Phone: 621-6888 1-3 bedrooms house located in Prashad Nagar - US$1000 per month – Tel: 652-6565 1-2 bedrooms bottom flat, located @ Lyng St. Charlestown -$35,000 per month – Contact: 652-6565 1-1 Bedroom bottom flat located @ Lyng Street Charlestown - $35,000 per month – Contact: 652-6565 Sharon’s Building, limited mall space from $65,000 $275,000- Call: 225-4413/6140949 Furnished two bedroom apartment for short term/ overseas visitors – Contact: 678-6690 Commercial property located on Regent Street (22X100) $25,000 USD monthly negotiable – Tel: 223-8479; 6473768; www.spaceseek.gy Executive houses and apartments await you! Contact us today or visit our website – Tel:223-8479; 6473768; www.spaceseek.gy FOR SALE One complete Cabin cruise boat - Tel: 684-3786 One new aluminum boat & engine- Call: 603-9599

Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price negotiable - Call: 6201026 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Prado, Price$5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 One Toyota Verossa, lady driven, TV, Music etc – Call: 623-1815; 216-0365 Unregistered vehicle: Toyota Sienta- $1,895,000, Honda Civic-$1,895,000, 318i BMW -$3,000,000- Contact : 650-0402 1 Nissan B13 Manual, 1 Honda Rebel 250cc motorcycle, 620 Leyland Daf Dump truck – Tel: 639-0866 1 Black Titan, fully loaded, 4 wheel drive - $2.7M, Must go urgently – Tel:678-2814; 699-2322 1 Unregistered Tundra, 1206 Tundra – Tel: 650-5229/ 652-5762 One Ford Explorer Sports Truck, 4 Door, fully grilled, DVD head rest amplified music system – Call: 6048597; 627-7718 Toyota Hilux 4X4, 2 doors, manual, long base, solid DEF, excellent condition – Tel: 603-3384 1 Blue Corolla, selling cheap - $450,000, 16" rim, spare wheel & jack, PCC series in excellent condition – Tel: 672-0470 One 580C Hymac @ Mahaicony Creek – Call: 611-8283; 638-6125 One 2004 NZE $1.750M, One 2001 Stick Shift, Carina 212 - $1.9M – Call:616-5974 or 618-8703 One Toyota Alteeza excellent condition, Spider, mag rims, flair kit, AC –Price $2.75M neg. Tel:648-0494, 642-0786 Two Model M Trucks with & without winch – Contact: 666-7734; 611-2706 Canter: Short Based - $2.2M, Voxy $1.7M, Spacio $2.1M, (all never registered) – Call: 617-2891 Toyota AT212, AT192, Raum, Premio, BB, AE100 Sprinter, Vitz, RZ Bus, EP71 & 825 Starlet, Yamaha R1 – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 (Continued on page 31)

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Letters... Where your views make the news

Racism in Guyana...Implications and Prescriptions for our youth DEAR EDITOR, I pen this few lines with the utmost disgust, sardonic and disappointed in our political system and its use of the tool of racism as a fuel or driver of political gain. Personally, as a Guyanese youth growing up in Linden I would have known and seen racism and the use of race by the two major political parties, the PPP and the PNC. But in today’s era of politics my question is still yet to be answered. Why is it still important in this modern era for us to fuel race-based politics to our constituents? What is there to gain from looking back at the ills of the PPP or the PNC and directing the young people to vote for ideas embedded in the past? What are they telling us young people, that the future of our country depends perpetually on the history of social ills? I beg to differ. As someone very fortunate to have a decent upbringing in a multi-ethnic family, my point of view for Guyana might have been different. Make no mistake, I have heard it all about the PNC’s social ills and witnessed the PPP at work, destroying our nation’s reserves and impoverishing my fellow Guyanese. Somewhere along the lines of my higher education I had embraced a new vision and sense of what it means to be a Guyanese. I remember living in Washington DC, a vast metropolis with a plethora of races, cultures and lifestyles. Interacting with my school mates from Africa, Asia, Europe, Caribbean, Central and South America, I realized that we are not different at all. There is actually more that binds us in grit, determination and prosperity than anything else. As a student of history, I spent expansive time learning that the country of my residence, the United States of America, has come a long way in terms of creating equal opportunities for all of us minority residents, of which our Guyanese people have benefited greatly. It still behooves us to wonder how we

tackle the racial issues of Guyana, and what the pathway is for youth engagement and participation without racial prejudice or “jumbies” of the past reoccurring. I have had a tremendous opportunity to meet people from most of the regions in Guyana. And from our discussions - from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, Linden to Lethem and Supenaam to Charity - men, women, both young and old, want to see a change in Guyana but they don’t want race to be the fuel or driver of such. My proposed recommendations to curb these issues are simple and not farfetched. From the leadership of our parties right down, we need to move to more inclusive ideas of the future and not reverting to the past. This will help keep us, the youths, focused on improving the way of life and creating better outcomes among the people. The era for race-based politics is over. If our politicians are cognizant of the fact that most of the voting population will be under the age of 38, they would realize that this group of people do not care about the social ills of history of the PPP and PNC. We youths care about GUYANA. We want to hear what’s in it for us in all 83,000 square miles, stretching across 10 Regions and 3 major rivers. We youths want to hear about a National Youth Strategy/Policy that will address higher education, advancement of healthcare, economic development and social responsibility among us. Maybe we will progress if our politicians and other civil like-minded individuals shift the conversation to address youth policies on development rather than educating us on the social ills and racist ways of the major parties. I call for all our young people to join me in this conversation. It’s not always about politics or scoring over the opponent. It’s about how we can further address the national agenda and interests of our country. Collin Haynes MPH

May 11th has become more... From page 4 leaders have no regard for them and the people are not prepared to hold them to account, will not ensure good governance. The political culture of finding reasons to not achieve, succeed or do right by the people is suffocating. The ones that are hurt the most are the rank and file, the venerable, the poor and dispossessed. Observing the stampede raises legitimate questions as to whether this is about the people or about who can best cash in to further abuse the people’s trust.

As I write, our Parliament remains prorogued. Our opposition elected leaders have signed off on this travesty inflicted on the nation’s highest decision-making forum, as the PPP government runs amok with our tax dollars under cover of the president abusing his authority by putting on hiatus the nation’s constitutional oversight body. The president is still to lift the suspension of parliament, dissolve the parliament, and issue proclamations dissolving it and the Regional Democratic Councils. The opposi-

The incumbent PPP/C... From page 5 transcend the narrow confines of race. The development philosophy pursued by the PPP has lifted all boats, and people today are enjoying a much higher standard of living than at any period in our history. President Donald Ramotar has continued this tradition of development with a human face, which in essence is one of putting people at the centre of his development paradigm. This is also why the President wasted no time in ensuring

that the benefits of a reduction in the price of fuel trickles down to people by way of lower electricity costs to consumers. This coming election is essentially one of securing a new mandate for President Ramotar and his PPP/C administration to continue with his development paradigm. As the President said, he remains confident that he and his party will win a resounding victory, having regard to his administration’s solid record of progress and development. Hydar Ally

tion seems not to consider these travesties important enough to pay attention and demand respect for our institutions. Elections, we are told, will be held on 11th May. In the meantime laws, timehonoured principles and practices are being violated with impunity. There is this frenzy about political alliance/partnership and political campaigning as the nation’s vault is left wide open with no security/oversight, and the people witness an absence of clamouring to ensure this oversight, because 11th May for our elected officials has become more important than now. This date has become more important than safeguarding what we have now; that should there be an election on 11th May, regardless of which party secures the executive or who has control of the legislature, good governance is seen as a possibility. What is being pointed out here is the abrogation of prudent management of the people’s business by their elected representatives, but who is listening or cares, be it the government or opposition? Lincoln Lewis

LAND FOR SALE

(From page 30)

House Lots in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities @ Eccles, 60X100 - $7.5M. (Special prices) - Call: 2272913; 683-3033 Eccles: Commercial lots for sale at Eccles – Tel:227-2913. Cell: 683-3033 Measuring 90’X165’ facing Atlantic Ocean, approximately half mile from Sheriff Street on High Way. Contact Shiv: 600-6681 Parfaite Harmonie - $1.5M, Eccles - $4.5M & $5M, Herstelling - $4.5M, Tuschen - $2M – Call:6757292; 652-2018 Guyana first 5 Star gated community, now opens, reserve your lot(s) & house – Call: 609-0783 or seroj_26@yahoo.com 1 Transported land for sale@ 2nd Avenue Diamond N/S, price -$6.5M neg – Tel: 6295300 2369.664 Sq/ft of land @ Victoria village, E.C.DCall:255-3437; 698-3678

EDUCATIONAL CXC Day & Evening classes/lessons Forms 1-5, Phonics Classes – Tel:2233086; 619-7911; 690-5008 9 Courses Diploma In computers: offices 2013, IT - $30,000 @ Micrographics , Vreed-En-Hoop: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting Quick Books; Peach Tree; Excel 2013 @ Micrographics , Vreed-En-Hoop: 264-3057 Software and tutorial sale, Microsoft office 2014, CorelDraw X17, Adobe CC, QuickBooks- Call: 646-0589

MASSAGE Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach – Call: 684-9409; 699-4211

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Road, Vreed-En-Hoop, Land 7080 SqFt, Building 762SqFt. $40M negotiable, owner migrating - Tel:226-9788 Houses & house lots for sale in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities, located @ Eccles E.B.D - Tel: 2272913; 683-3033 Property with concrete bungalow, modern amenities and features in gated community at Hutsonville E.B.D -G$16M negotiable – Call: 697-4131 2 STORIED HOUSE ON MASSIVE LAND 40FTX300FT, NEAR CANJE BRIDGE BERBICE, IMMEDIATE POSSESSION ONLY - $11.5M- CALL MAX: 609-8132; 672-8569 Lot 6 Adventure, Essequibo, land 352ftX70ft with wooden building $14M negotiableContact Anwar Essequibo 771-4395, 694-4457, Georgetown Trudy: 225-4712 Two storey concrete house, 3 bedrooms @ 8th Street Foulis – Call: 685-8485; 2563360 Transported property at Bath Settlement New Scheme, West Coast Berbice Call: 612-4070, 673-4104 Front Section, Diamond, East Bank Demerara – Tel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 Transported two storied concrete property $22M, Block “8” Mon Repos E.C.D – Tel: 602-4418 20 Acres of land Business/ farming with 2 storey building owner is moving – Tel:592-220-0255; 416-9513995 1-6 Bedroom house and land in Mon Repos (Martyrs’ Ville) E.C.D, price $13M neg. Tel: 629-5300 Paradise, E.C.D: Concrete modern 2 storeys, 4 bedrooms- 2 masters. Concrete fenced large lotCall:255-3437; 698-3678 Haslington, E.C.D: Building ‘A’, concrete/ timber modern 2 storeys, 7 bedrooms, grilled & fenced. Building ‘B’, 3 apartments, fenced- Call:2553437; 698-3678

TO LET Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours - Call: 227-1218 Fully furnished air conditioned apartments weekly - $20,000, monthly $65,000/$100,000 Call: 6680306 Fully furnished 1 & 2 bedroom apartments @ Duncan & Sheriff Streets, 1 bedroom - $80,000, 2 bedroom -$120,000 & 24hrs - $6,000- Contact Dev: 6733427, 656-3542 3 Storey building available for business/living quarter, parking available @ 26 Garnett Street Delph Ave Tel:684-3998; 653-9570; 6870431 Two bedroom detached house – Call Joy: 218-1285 or 627-8562 3 bedrooms fully furnished 2 storied house with A/C, DSL, Cable, Fully grilled and parking - US1500.00 negotiable. Contact: 6264487, 660-7672 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suites in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call 609 2466. One 3 bedroom bottom flat at 53 Grosenor Ave Nandy Park near Raj Yoga Centre – phone: 233-6739 1 Spacious 3 bedrooms upstairs including inside toilet and bath at Mon Repos E.C.D, Price $50,000 Monthly Tel: 629-5300 Rooms & Apartment in Alberttown & Eccles – Call: 225-3234

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL - CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807; 690-6494 FOR SALE/RENTAL American pool table – Tel: 277-0578

PEN PAL

LEARN TO DRIVE

Indian Male from England is seeking female age 27yrs & older, with good personalityCall: 686-5994 (No Texting)

Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

4 Stories concrete building, prime location for hotel, call Centre & Restaurant @ 168 Charlotte St Bourda – Call: 644-3312, 667-3701

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 14, 2015

Friday February 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Regional 4 Day Results In other results from the West Indies Regional 4-day competition: #ýWIvJA, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, JA winning toss and batting

made 204 off 87.1overs: Blackwood 96, Baugh 33; Bobb 5/38, Charles 2/14. WI 41/0 Smith 17, Theophle 23. Barbados vs T&T - Bar-

bados 246/4 (stumps); Chase 85*, Dowrich 83*, Brathwaite 40, Corbin 22, Hope 13, Edwards 0; Wkts - Imran Khan 2, Hosein 1, Gabriel 1.

Scotiabank kiddy... (From page 38)Guyana Teachers Union and the Child Care Protection Agency. Marketing Manager of Scotiabank Jennifer Cipriani said it’s a special occasion for Kiddy cricket in Guyana as they prepare to celebrate the sixteenth year since the programme was launched through a fruitful partnership between Scotiabank and the West Indies Cricket Board. She stated that they have improved the ante on the quality of the camp by including some elements that will make it more meaningful to the beneficiaries. “Cricketers will be exposed to among other things, the history of the game, use and care of equipment and nutrition,” she said. Scotiabank’s involvement

with West Indies cricket began in 1998 as the official bank of West Indies cricket and in 1999 as the exclusive sponsor of Kiddy cricket. “Our Kiddy cricket programme has been educating and positively shaping young minds while at the same time laying the foundation for the game in Guyana and the Region,” she stated. Cipriani expressed gratitude to other stakeholders and said Scotiabank will continue to support Kiddy cricket. Director of Sport Neil Kumar stated that Kiddy cricket is important since it is the reservoir of West Indies cricket. He reminded those present of Guyana’s success at the 2014 Regional U-15 and U-19 tournaments and urged all to

work towards the development of the game which is the pride of the Caribbean people. Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Field Secretary Lancelot Baptiste said they are always happy to be involved in cricket adding that GTU was the only entity that organised youth cricket locally in the 50’s. ”Most players that represented that West Indies played GTU cricket which was the cradle of cricket in Guyana. We need to target more schools because many children cannot afford to join clubs,” he said. President of the GCB Drubahadur thanked Scotiabank and said their efforts have not gone in vain. This year’s programme targets 2400 males and 1600 females.

Saturday February 14, 2015 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): A change in career could be in the works for you, Aries. It might be within the scope of your current job or an entirely new one. It’s definitely a change for the better. **************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): An unexpected opportunity to go on a long journey, perhaps businessrelated, could come to you soon, Taurus. **************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Too much hard work and stress could be taking a physical toll on you today, Gemini. **************************** CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22): If you’re single, Cancer, today you could fall in love at first sight. A friend could introduce you to someone new and exciting who shares your interests and with whom you’ll talk for hours. **************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Have you been considering working at home, Leo? If so, today you might decide to do just that. **************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): A visit to a sibling or neighbor could see you make a new friend today, Virgo, probably someone who works in a creative profession.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Changes taking place at home could lead to more income, Libra. Perhaps a new housemate moves in, reducing your housing costs. **************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): A walk through your neighborhood, perhaps with friends, could put you in the middle of an unexpected, interesting event, Scorpio. **************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 DEC 21): Some books you’ve been reading lately might excite your desire to study astrology, numerology, alchemy, or some other occult science, Sagittarius. **************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Boredom might stimulate your rebellious streak today, Capricorn. You could decide to forego your usual tasks and do something unusual or unexpected, such as skydiving or horseback riding. **************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): A class or lecture of some kind could bring you exciting new information today, Aquarius. **************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): A journey may be in the works right now, Pisces. Many changes have been occurring in your life for a long time, and they continue today.

Page 33

England women beaten 1-0 by USA BBC Sport - England’s preparations for the 2015 World Cup suffered a setback as Alex Morgan’s header earned the USA victory in a friendly at Stadium MK. Morgan beat keeper Karen Bardsley after connecting with Lauren Holiday’s cross, her 50th international goal. England were flat before Jodie Taylor had a goal controversially disallowed for offside after Fran Kirby had a shot tipped on to the bar. The Lionesses launch their World Cup campaign against France on 9 June. But head coach Mark Sampson knows he has work to do to fine tune his side ahead of the tournament in Canada. England were lacklustre for long periods before a late rally failed to produce an equaliser in front of a 14,369 crowd. Sampson takes his players to the Cyprus Cup next month on the back of two

straight defeats following the 3-0 setback to Germany, Fifa’s top-ranked team, at Wembley in November. The USA, two-time World Cup winners, arrived in Milton Keynes on the back of a 2-0 defeat by France. Yet they were rarely troubled and went ahead when Morgan met Holiday’s 25th minute cross to nod the visitors into the lead. England survived a penalty scare when Christen Press goes down under a Jill Scott challenge but the referee awarded a corner instead of a spot kick. The game’s most controversial moment arrived in the 56th minute, Taylor wheeling away in celebration after poking home when Kirby’s shot was tipped on to the bar before rebounding back into play. But the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag, television replays showing the goal should have stood. Bardsley denied Morgan

what would have been a stunning second goal - the USA striker beating Alex Scott inside the box in the 75th minute before being thwarted by a strong save. England pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could find no way through a well-drilled United States defence on a frustrating night for the hosts. England head coach Mark Sampson said: “We scored a goal which is a good goal, so it is always disappointing when the officials let you down. “It’s just a wrong decision. These girls are in preseason still, so we knew we needed to be resolute. Physically we weren’t in a position to compete and we knew we had to be a bit clever. “ To n i g h t w e h a v e learned we can be a threat on the counter attack, which is a huge positive for us because normally we dominate possession.”

Hurricane blown away for... (From page 32) minutes, 50 balls and hitting four boundaries and his demise left the Islanders on 84-8 before Tonge threw his bat around and lashed Beaton for consecutive fours before the Montserrat born Essequibo pacer scattered his stumps at 102-9 after he had made 15. Boatswain, who was also born on the Volcano ravaged Island of Montserrat, offered excellent support to the 18year-old Jeremiah Louis and together they frustrated the Jaguars with the highest partnership of the innings, bring back memories of the Jamaican record last wicket stand of 84 between Mindley and Dawes in their last match. While Louis looked accomplished, Boatswain looked ungainly at times but was more aggressive and clipped Permaul for consecutive boundaries when he strayed on the pads as the last wicket stand prospered as the sun retuned. Boatswain (12) was brilliantly caught at slip by Barnwell off Reifer leaving Louis unbeaten on 27 from 77 balls, 89 minutes with two fours. Today is the second day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30am.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 14, 2015

Venezuela officials say ex-general, 13 others in coup plot CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan officials yesterday cheered the thwarting of what they said was a planned coup that involved a plot to blow up the presidential palace. President Nicolas Maduro announced Thursday night that a retired air force general had been arrested and 13 other people are implicated in a plot to overthrow the South American country’s 15 yearold socialist revolution. “We have foiled a coup attempt against democracy and the stability of our homeland,” Maduro said, speaking on the anniversary of the massive street protests which wracked the nation last year. Congress president Diosdado Cabello said in a television broadcast later that 11 soldiers were among those implicated, including a retired general, and said several have been arrested. He also named two opposition politicians and a businessman as plotters. Cabello showed photos of weaponry and other items he said had been seized from those implicated. In addition to the palace, officials said the plotters planned to bomb the Defense Ministry and the headquarters of the

Nicolas Maduro government-sponsored news channel Telesur. Venezuela’s government has frequently alleged coup plots, often without providing much evidence or follow up. A study by the Caracasbased newspaper Ultimas Noticias counted 63 alleged assassination plots between when late President Hugo Chavez took office in 1999 and his death in 2013. President Nicolas Maduro’s government has denounced more than a dozen purported plots since coming to power 15 months ago. Last spring, Maduro announced that three air force generals had been arrested after they were discovered plotting with opposition

politicians to overthrow the government. Officials have said nothing about the case since. The most serious recent allegations came in late May, as authorities tried to mop up dissent that led to a threemonth wave of deadly antigovernment protests. Top officials delivered an hourslong presentation in which they accused a handful of opposition leaders of working with the U.S. ambassador in neighboring Colombia to “annihilate” Maduro. Those who believe the government are a quick to recall Washington’s endorsement of a coup that toppled Chavez for two days in 2002.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines reduces fuel prices, fifth time since October KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government has announced a reduction in fuel prices and petroleum products including “cooking gas” that is being reduced for the time since 2011. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, speaking on his weekly radio programme on Thursday night, said the price of gasoline has been reduced to EC$11.47 (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) from EC$12.72. This represents the fifth reduction since October 2014, when the price was EC$15.28 per gallon. Diesel will now retail for EC$11.05 per gallon, down from the current price of EC$12.92. There is now a new classification of “low-sulphur diesel”, which will sell for EC$11.80 per gallon, down from EC$12.92. The lowsulphur diesel is more expensive because it is imported from outside the region and, therefore, attracts a higher tariff. But the biggest saving is on liquefied

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves petroleum gas (LPG), commonly called “cooking gas”. A 20-pound cylinder of cooking gas will now sell for EC$29, down from EC$41.81 while a 100-pound cylinder of LPG will now sell for EC$138, down from EC$197.05. The reduction in the prices comes amidst complaints from consumers about the seemingly low reaction of the government to adjust the prices locally even as the price of oil

internationally has fallen by more than half since last June to US$50 per barrel. The government uses a three-month rolling average and the bonus-malus system to determine the price of fuel locally. During a Chamber of Industry of Commerce event earlier on Thursday, accountant Brian Glasgow, who gave an overview of the 2015 National Budget, spoke on the implications of the falling oil prices on the local economy. “Any thing that represents a reduction in the cost of living is certainly welcomed,” Glasgow said. “Energy, as far as I remember from looking at the financial statements of a number of manufacturing industries…does represent a reasonably significant component of the cost of production. “To the extent that energy can be reduced and the cost of production falls, that benefits the consumer and it facilitates expansion of the manufacturing sector,” he said.

Saturday February 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Gov’t spending of disapproved $4.5B illegal Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang, has found that Government’s expenditure of the $ 4.5 billion unapproved by the National Assembly last year, to be illegal. However, he declined to grant the conservatory order sought by the plaintiff, Opposition Leader David Granger, seeking to prevent the government from spending any further sums disapproved by the House. In his ruling, Chang went on to note that even though the expenditure of most of the disapproved programmes in 2014, not being for public service or for the services of the government would still not be authorized by Article 219 (3) or provisions of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 2013, the application for the conservatory order in the form applied for is “misconceived and must be dismissed.” The Chief Justice noted that the court cannot nullify or limit in any way whether directly or indirectly, the effect of the application of the constitution which it is sworn to uphold. “It is absolute that there can be no judicial subversion of the constitution directly indirectly or consequentially.” Chang clarified that another reason existed for his declining the conservatory order. He said the remedies hoped for through this action are “declaratory in nature and substance.” Last year, some $36.75B was disapproved by the Opposition-controlled National Assembly. The disapproved monies included some $1.3B from the Office of

the President (OP) under its Administrative Services programme; $3.8B also from Office of the President for capital estimates also under Administrative Services; some $22B from Ministry of Finance; $1.1B from Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Development Fund; $6.78B from Ministry of Public Works capital works and $1.3B from the Ministry of Health’s Regional and Clinic. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh subsequently admitted that some $4.5B had been spent for the period ended June 16, 2014. Opposition Leader, David Granger had filed an application asking the court to declare that the National Assembly, in keeping with Article 218 (2) of the Constitution, lawfully disapproved in the annual estimates of Revenue and Expenditure of 2014. In a ruling which was handed down yesterday, Justice Chang said that “the power of the Minister of Finance to authorize expenditure from the Consolidated Fund or the contingency fund is restricted not by the programmed disapproved by the Assembly in 2014, which there is no authorization in the spent Appropriation Act 2014 but rather by the limitations contained in the Article 219 (3) of the Constitution and in the provision of the Financial Management and Accountability Act.” Article 219 (3) states, “Where at any time

Parliament has been dissolved before any provision or any sufficient provision is made under the title For Carrying on the Government of Guyana, the Minister responsible for finance may authorize the withdrawal of such funds from the Consolidated Fund as he considers necessary for the purpose of meeting expenditure on public service….” The CJ said that it would be irrational for a conservatory order to be granted “until the hearing and determination of the substantive action” when no final enforceable order has been sought. Chang added that the court must consider that all the final orders sought are declaratory in nature and relate to past financial year 2014. He advised that a conservatory order must now (in 2015) relate strictly to future constitutional or statutory spending excess and not past excesses. The Chief Justice said if the order was granted it would in effect be an injunction against Government spending permitted by the Constitution and the Financial Management and Accountability Act rather than a conservatory order against non-approved spending for the past financial year, one he noted as “a classic case of the grant of an injunction as a conservatory order.” Chang explained that for

(Reuters) - Oil hit its highest level for the year yesterday with Brent crude rising above $60 a barrel, as euro zone economic growth exceeded expectations and market bulls priced in another drop in the U.S. oil rig count. The rise in prices was also fueled by bets that cuts in energy firms’ exploration budgets will help mop up some of the excess oil in the world market. Many analysts and traders believe there is a global oversupply of nearly two million barrels per day in crude oil. They say little has changed fundamentally to explain the rally of the past two weeks. Brent rose about 3 percent in Friday’s session and was on track to a 6 percent on the week and 15 percent on the month. Gains

heightened after its frontmonth contract switched on Thursday at a premium. Brent had collapsed from a high above $115 a barrel in June to a near six-year low under $46 in late January, as fears of a global oil glut rattled the market. “Naturally, when prices fall that much within that short a time, you’re likely to have a severe rebound as well, though speculators are possibly adding more fuel on the way up now,” said Phil Flynn, analyst at the Price Futures Group in Chicago. Brent was up $1.85 at $61.11 a barrel at 1:30 p.m. ET (1830 GMT), having reached $61.77 earlier. U.S. crude rose $1.52 to $52.73, after a session high at $53.32. Some traders attributed Friday’s strength in oil to an

unexpected acceleration in euro zone economic growth in the final quarter of 2014. The bloc’s largest member, Germany, particularly grew at more than twice the expected rate. Separately, the number of rigs drilling for oil in the United States fell by 84 this week to 1,056, the lowest since August 2011, a survey by oil services firm Baker Hughes showed on Friday. Still, the recent rally in oil prices has come amid record-high U.S. crude inventories. Walter Zimmerman, chief technical analyst at UnitedICAP in Jersey City, New Jersey, said unless U.S. crude rose above $58.72, its rebound from a low in January of $43.58 “is doomed to be a minor bear market correction in a continuing long-term down trend.”

- Court rules

Opposition Leader, David Granger

Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

those reasons the application for an interlocutory conservatory order cannot be granted. Commenting on the outcome of the case, Attorney-at-Law Basil Williams who is part of the legal team representing Granger explained, that the Conservatory Order was not granted since it would be an injunction against Government spending and the constitution allows for spending for the first four months of the year (2015). “But that expenditure is limited to 1/12 of last year‘s budgetary estimates. They cannot spend from the $ 37 billion which was not approved.” A Partnership and National Unity (APNU), Carl Greenidge, said that the decision is a good one since it tells that the Minister of Finance cannot override the decision of the parliament when it does not approve expenditures.” The decision

is confirmation that the expenditure by funds not approved by the house is illegal. He noted that the minister is not authorized to ask the house to approve spending retroactively. “As it regards to the process by which the government sought to remedy this; that is to lay before the house a statement of excess and that statement has to be approved for the spending to be illegal… but it was never approved by the house before it prorogued.” A section of the fiscal management and accountability Act specifically refers to deliberate waste misuse misappropriation of state resources attracts jail time and financial sanction, he said. “Those persons responsible for these illegal financial expenditures include the Minister and a number of officials in the Ministry of Finance and in Ministries which undertook the

expenditures.” He held that someone should be prosecuted for unapproved spending. He further stated that if monies were spent illegally in 2014 the act cannot be made legal by way of the 1/12 arrangement. Legal affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, was not enamoured with the ruling. He held that the court has no power to pronounce whether the statement of excesses as prescribed by constitutional, whether there is any other remedy that can be used. “The court found that Article 217 which prohibits spending without parliamentary approval has been violated and that 218 allows for a curative mechanism to be employed to cure the violation of Article 217.” He explained that the statement of excess to remedy the situation was employed by the Minister of Finance.

Oil tops $60 for first time in MINER GRANTED BAIL 2015; oversupply persists ON ASSAULT CHARGE A Lethem man on Thursday was placed on $100,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to an assault charge. Mark Anthony Marks, 31, of 401 Tabatinga, Lethem, denied that on January 20, at Rupununi, he unlawfully wounded Dexter Mentore with the intent to main, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm. When he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Jerome Khan, Marks’ Attorney, told the court that his client is a miner and father of three children. He said that Marks was nowhere at the crime scene when the incident occurred and that he has been in police custody for five days fully co-operating with the law officials. Counsel added that his

client will strongly continue to defend himself against the charges. Prosecutor, Police Inspector Michael Grant, did not object to bail. However, the Magistrate ordered that

the accused report to the Lethem Police Station every fortnight commencing from February 27. The matter will be called again on March 9, at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

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WICB Four-Day Franchise Cricket

Friday February 13, 2015

GUMDAC ANNUAL OPEN BADMINTON TOURNAMENT 2015

Hurricane blown away for 139 as Narayan Ramdhani, Nicholas Jaguars in charge on rain hit day Ali claim Men’s Doubles title The GUMDAC Annual Open Doubles Badminton Tournament which started Monday at the Queen’s College Badminton Courts concluded on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the Men Doubles Quarters, Semi-Finals and Finals. As expected the top National Players all reached the Semi-Finals in fine form and Guyana’s two top Men’s players Narayan Ramdhani & Nicholas Ali came out the winners once again. Narayan Ramdhani & Nicholas Ali defeated Jonathan Mangra & Avinash Odit: 2111, 21-23, 21-15 to claim the Men’s Doubles title. In results from the action played. Men Doubles Quarter Finals: Deodat Etwaroo & Raymond Khalil defeated Darell Carpenay & Ernesto Choo-

Austin Richards drives Beaton for four but wasted a good start and fell for 20.

By Sean Devers in Antigua In Association with Western Union, John Fernandes Ltd & Meet Your Match Dating Service On an Island still mourning the loss of Grathel Richards, the mother of National Hero Sir Vivian Richards, who died last week Thursday at age 91, Leeward Islands Hurricanes and leaders Guyana Jaguars locked horns at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium yesterday in the sixth round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Four-Day First-Class cricket Franchise. The people of the Leeward Islands have been morning the terminal decline of the Leewards team, who are in cellar position with just five points and by the end of the opening day of this contest, it was a different day, but same script, as the game was contested in front of virtually empty stands and the Jaguars dominated the truncated day from start to finish on 14-0 when bad light stopped play, replying to the paltry 139 made by the hosts. Quinton Boatswain (12) and Jeremiah Louis (27*) put together 37 for the last wicket, the best partnership of the innings, while Akeem Saunders (21) and Austin Richards (20) wasted starts for the Leewards. Needing to bat 10 overs in the day, Rajendra Chandrika (4) and Vishaul Singh (9) survived a testing

period from Gavin Tonge to leave the Jaguars 125 runs away from first innings points. Interest in the Leewards team is almost non-existent here and after day one of a game which was poorly promoted after the last minute switch from St Kitts, Ronsford Beaton (4-40), Chris Barnwell (2-17) and Veerasammy Permaul, who took his wicket tally to 42 with 2-32, had all bowled impressively for the Jaguars. Guyana left out 18-yearold West Indies under-19 lefthander Shemron Hetymer and pacer Keon Joseph and Richards began with boundaries in the first two overs as the Hurricane’s began in positive fashion. The 24-year-old Sherwin Peters from St Maarten, playing in only his second match, played the supporting role and got going with a boundary to the left of gully off Raymond Reifer, who opened the bowling with Beaton. The skies became increasingly overcast and Richards reached the boundary for the third time with a neat glide between third slip and gully when the lefthanded Reifer give him room outside off-stump. Beaton struck in the next over when Peters (5) hung his bat at one that left and offered a catch to gully at 19-1 to bring Montcin Hodge to the wicket as Barnwell was introduced and soon removed Hodge (3) at 27-2. Thomas got going with a

boundary off Barnwell, who got the last laugh when Thomas (10) edged a beauty which left him off the seam and was taken by Wicketkeeper Bramble as the home team slipped to 41-4. Jahmar Hamilton, who made 73 against Guyana in the first round at Providence, cut Permaul elegantly past point for four but, like is now almost expected by young West Indian batsmen, he aided in his own demise when he was caught behind off Permaul for 10 as the Berbician continued to torment the batsmen throughout this tournament to capture his 40th wicket and leave the score on 62-5. Beaton was brought back just before Lunch and did the job for his Skipper Leon Johnson when he induced the burly Rakeem Cornwall (5) to edge a catch to Barnwell at 67-6 as the Hurricanes were being blown away in quick time. By Lunch the Leewards had dug themselves into the deep and were 71-6 with Saunders on 11 and Haden Walsh yet to score, hanging on for dear life. When play began in hazy sunshine after the entire post Lunch session was lost due to rain, Saunders swiveled and pulled Permaul for four, but Walsh (3) was soon taken at silly mid-off as he pushed forward to Permaul as the Leewards catapulted to 80-7. Saunders (21) edged Beaton to Johnson at second slip after batting for 64 (Continued on page 29)

A-Fat: 21-23, 18-21, 21-8 Jonathan Mangra & Avinash Odit defeated William Holder & Haymant Ramdhani: 21-15, 20-22, 21-15 Men Doubles Semi-Finals: Narayan Ramdhani & Nicholas Ali defeated Deodat Etwaroo & Raymond Khalil: 21-13, 21-6 Jonathan Mangra & Avinash Odit defeated Gokarn Ramdhani & George Melville: 21-12, 21-14 Men Doubles Finals: Narayan Ramdhani & Nicholas Ali defeated Jonathan Mangra & Avinash Odit: 21-11, 21-23, 21-15 The Presentation will be held on Monday 16th of February 2015 at 6:30pm.

NACRA doping tests prove negative The Guyana Rugby Football Union yesterday dispatched a release via e-mail which stated that one of its players who were subjected to a random doping test during the NACRA Championship which was held last year in Mexico has passed the test according to results received by the entity. The full text of the statement is seen below: Guyana’s rugby had passed a doping test is pleased to announce and proud of the fact that its players are in compliance with and

meet the standards of World Rugby’s Anti-Doping Programme. G u y a n a ’s M e n ’s N a tional Sevens Team is subject to international testing for prohibitive substances and prohibitive methods listed in the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) prohibitive list whenever the team competes internationally and may be subject to ad hoc testing of its athletes at anytime in between competition. The Union is pleased to announce that it has received confirmation of the random

testing report of a player from its team who was required to provide samples for testing for doping cont r o l u n d e r t h e WA D A Programme at the recent North American and Caribbean Rugby Association Sevens Championships in Mexico in December last year and that the results of the tests proved to be negative. World Rugby thanked the Union and players for their cooperation and support in keeping the game of rugby doping free.

ECB names committees The Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) has named its respective committees at an executive meeting held on Sunday at their hostel in Anna Regina. The cricket development committee is being led by Alvin Johnson and includes Andy Ramnarine, Loaknauth Persaud and a representative from each area committee and the umpire association. Virendra Chintamani is the chairman of the finance committee which is made of Totaram Ramnarine, Aotto Christiani, Fizul Bacchus and Anthony Murray. The Marketing and fund raising committee is being headed by Murray, while the other members are Andy Ramnarine, Nazeer Mohamed, Chintamani, Rohan Budhan and Mc Donald (only name given). Verna D’Augiar is the chairman of the competition committee which is made up of Vickram Ramnarine and a representative from each area

Alvin Johnson

Nazeer Mohamed

committee. Bacchus leads the disciplinary committee with Totaram Ramnarine, Christiani, D’Augiar and Chintamani are the other mem-

bers. Christiani is the chairman of the selection committee which includes Chintamani, Andy Ramnarine and Mohamed.

Friday February 13, 2015

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Several corporate entities add ‘oxygen’ to impending boxing extravaganza

Ms Sugrim and Mr. Mangal present Howard Cox with the sponsorship check on behalf of Castrol.

GTM reps Ms Van Dormen and Ms Singh hands over the donation to President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool.

By Michael Benjamin Sponsorship has always been regarded as the oxygen of sporting events and organizers have often beseeched the input of corporate Guyana towards the success of planned programmes. Consequently, the executive of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) have sought and successfully garnered the assistance of several corporate entities towards the success of the boxing card that pits the skills of local multiple champion and world rated fighter, Clive Atwell against Jamaican, Sakima Mullings among other fights. The card is scheduled for Saturday February 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) and the organizers are convinced, after noting the intensity of Atwell in camp, coupled with Mullings’ application to training, that fans will get their monies’ worth. They have managed to sell the card to the corporate community and yesterday morning the Avenue of the Republic office of Abdool and Abdools Insurance Brokers was teeming with activity as representatives of several corporate entities doled out sponsorship packages to facilitate the success of the card. Those organizations that rendered support are GTM, Castrol and Fly Jamaica. Each entity contributed handsomely and the first to make a commitment was GTM. Assistant Manager (Broker Management), Oceda Van Dormen was joined by Marketing Officer, Anuradha Singh and handed over the

gift to the (GBBC) organizers. She said that her organization was happy to have been able to offer support from the card. “We serve the society and conversely receive support from that very group so naturally (GTM) is pleased to render support to the card and by extension, the development of young people,” she said. Brand Manager of Castrol, Nadia Sugrim, handed over a similar monetary package, in the presence of Customer Sales Representative, Devanand Mangal. She also expressed delight at rendering support even as she wished the organizers and other principals well. “Guyoil has always been pleased to render support to the boxing community and this is but a fraction of our involvement,” said Ms Sugrim. Senior Marketing Officer of Fly Jamaica Airlines, Wesley Tucker, was also at the function and handed over two airline tickets to President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool. This gift will be put up as a door prize and a lucky patron attending the card could win this prize following a draw of ticket stubs. Initially, Kaieteur Sport was informed that the sponsors would be donating just one ticket but Mr. Tucker said that his executives decided that the winner might have a companion with whom he/she may wish to travel and this has prompted the additional ticket. Fly Jamaica Airlines services several routes including Jamaica, New York and Canada and the lucky patrons will have the opportu-

nity to choose which of these destinations he/she prefers. Further, the airline has donated another ticket, this time to facilitate a judge, Jamaican, Keith Brown, who will be arriving in Guyana to officiate in the Mullings/Atwell bout. The Airline is celebrating its second anniversary on Valentine’s Day (today) and Mr. Tucker noted that this in apt in keeping with their gift of love to the GBBC. “This is also in keeping with our motto of ‘One Team, One Dream,” concluded the Fly Jamaica executive. Mr. Abdool was overwhelmed and thanked his many benefactors for their input. “We owe a debt of gratitude to these organizations and I am truly overwhelmed by their generosity,” said Mr. Abdool. He said that Castrol has been on board and have offered (corporate) support ever since the inauguration of Guyana Fight Night. Fly Jamaica was also singled out for their support over the years while GTM’s input was highly also lauded by the GBBC boss. The other fights on the card are Keeve Allicock/ Quincy Gomes in a 6 rounds catchweight affair, Mark Austin against Dexter Gonsalves over 8 rounds, CABOFE middleweight champion, Lindener, Edmond DeClou, faces Dereck Richmond, Sharon Ward against Lorissa Rivas, an American of Trinidadian parentage, in a 6 rounds super/middleweight bout and debutant, Travis Fraser, up against his Barbados based countryman, Charwyn Eswick over 4 rounds.

GBBC official, Michael Fung gratefully accepts the gift from Jamaican Airlines representative, Wesley Tucker.

BCB/Republic Bank Inter Zone Under-17 final bowls off tomorrow at Albion The long awaited final of the 2014 Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd sponsored Inter Zone Under-17 cricket competition for teams in Berbice is set for tomorrow at the famous Albion Sports Complex. After several postponements due to the unpredictable weather and other unforeseen reasons, the match will commence at 9:00hrs and will feature the best young cricketers in the county with Lower Corentyne set to clash with New Amsterdam/Canje. Lower Corentyne will start as slight favourites, but a stiff

challenge is expected from the lads from NA/Canje. Lower Corentyne, who defeated Upper Corentyne in the semi-final, has a strong batting line up led by National Under-17 player and captain, Brandon Persaud. He will receive support from Adrian Sukwah and Matthew Hardial. Pacer Sylus Tyndall will spearhead the bowling with support from all rounder Joshua Harrichand and Suraj Dookhna. NA/Canje on the other hand will have in their line up several all rounders in the names of the inform Kevon Sinclair, Steve Deonarine, Joel

Kevon Sinclair Seetaram, Junior Williams and Sasenarine Sukhu.

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Friday February 13, 2015

Extensive preparations underway for Jumbo Jet Sprint Classic horserace meet

Work to spruce up the Rising Sun Turf Club is currently ongoing and fans can expect a new look venue and comfort for the Pre Mash Meet. By Samuel Whyte Extensive Renovation works are ongoing at the Rising Sun Turf Club as sponsors pour in for the much anticipated Jumbo Jet Sprint Classic, one day PreMashramani horserace meet. The event, which is being held in collaboration with the Rising Sun Turf Club, is set for Sunday 22nd February at the Club’s Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice race track. The entire sward and pavilion including the paddock, commentator’s booth and official viewing areas are being renovated with owner Fazal Habibulla promising patrons

a new look Rising Sun Turf Club come race day. He is promising racing fans that they will get the opportunity to watch racing in comfort. Nine races are carded for the day, with over $7M in cash and trophies on offer in the sprint classic event which will see all the races being run over 1100M. At the moment, all the big stables including the Jumbo Jet, Shariff, Elcock, Bacchus, Sooklall, Habibulla, Dookie, Jagdeo, Crawford, Singh, Velloza and Jagroop stables are busy whipping their animals in shape and an exciting day of racing is anticipated.

A bevy of sponsors are already on board led by beverage giants Banks DIH Limited and includes, Jumbo Jet Business entity, Kanhai Electrical, Survival Supermarket, Imperial Connections, Sankar Auto works, Customs family, Sheriff Business Enterprise and racing s t a b l e s , B u d d y ’s N i g h t Club, Chris Jagdeo construction, Rommel Jagroop Construction, Balwant Singh and family, I and R Trucking Service and Fazal Habibulla among others. The feature event for animals classified D1 and lower will see the winners taking

home a sumptuous $1M and trophy. The three-year-old event for Guyana and West Indian bred horses has $500,000 and trophy for the winner. The E2 event also has a winning purse of $500,000 and trophy. There is $400,000 and trophy up for grabs for the winner in the G1 and lower contest. A first prize of $400,000 and trophy is also available for the winner of the race for four year old animals. The three year-old Guyana bred animals will gallop for a winner’s pocket of $250,000 and trophy. The winner of the H and lower race

will also get $250,000 and trophy. The event for I3 and lower animals will see the winner taking home $200,000 and trophy. The final event is for animals classified J3 and lower for a winner ’s money of $150,000 and trophy. A number of top horses have also taken entry with most of the top sprinters in the game are set to register including Curfew Tower, Spit Fire, Red and Lovely, Princess She Not, Passion for Song, Plum Plum, Appealing Harvest, Strom Bird, Unsettled, Just call Me Boss, the event

will also see the return of Country Armage among others. Entries close today Saturday February 14th. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority Interested persons still have time to contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 2320633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 322-0369), Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Ramnauth 3375311, Romel Jagroop (6241798) and Sancho 690-0569. Race time is 12:30 hrs. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed.

GVF to focus on development of female and schools this year

Udhister Seelochan of Albion VC receiving the equipment from GVF Treasurer Leota Langford. The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) held its first Executive Committee meeting last Saturday at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, Corentyne, Berbice. At the meeting several decisions were taken to move the sport forward in Guyana. At the meeting reports were delivered by the affiliates, while a special report was delivered by National Coach Levi Nedd with regards to the National U-19 Male Team’s visit to Trinidad & Tobago where they participated in a three match series against the twin island Republic’s Under-21 side. The Guyana contingent won that

engagement 2-1. President of the GVF Captain John Flores updated all present on recent developments within the CSV with regards to Beach Volleyball, Female Volleyball, Schools Volleyball and training of referees and coaches. The President stated that the GVF’s primary focus in 2015 would be on female and schools development. The Executive took the opportunity to resuscitate working committees to facilitate the smooth organizing of the Federation to achieve its aims. The Committees formed are - Selection - Levi Nedd (Chairman), Trevor Smith,

Gregory Rambarran of the BVA receiving volleyball gear from GVF President John Flores. Godwyn Allicock of the BVA receiving equipment from GVF Secretary Nicholas Fraser. Godwyn Allicock, John Flores and Leota Langford. Competitions – Mark Bradford (Chairman), Godwyn Allicock and Raymond Archer. Finance-Leota Langford (Chairman), Nicholas Fraser, John Flores and Rashaad Razak. Fund Raising-Mark Bradford (Chairman), Alana

Bose,Andrea Flores, Mahesh Motiepersaud and Shauntel Maloney. Medical/ Legal- Arianne Mangar, Jason Johnny with others to be named. Technical/DevelopmentNicholas Fraser (Chairman),Levi Nedd,Rashaad Razak,Odile Broomes, Marlon Pearson &Niketa Samaroo.

Disciplinary Committee The President, Vice President and the presidents of the three associations (BVA, DVA & EVA) MediaGregory Rambarran, Mark Bradford & Alana Bose. After the conclusion of the meeting, three presentations were held. Mikasa Balls and a net were presented to the Albion Volleyball Club, nets and Mikasa Kids balls were presented to the BVA for its Primary Schools “Cool Vol-

ley” Programme and Mikasa MVA 330 balls and nets to the BVA. Prior to the commencement of the meeting the members inspected ongoing works being carried out on the construction of an outdoor court at the Port Mourant facility that was donated by the South American Volleyball Confederation (CSV) to the GVF. Several recommendations were made, with the facility being scheduled to be ready before the end of the month.

Friday February 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Letter to the Sports Editor

Dr Anthony reveals AG’s role in DCB Executives legal matter

CONTRACTS FOR PLAYERS IS COMMENDABLE

Dear Editor, It is with utter amazement and astonishment that I read an article in another section of the Media relating to the holding of elections for the GCB quoting several statements from the Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony. I will reserve my comments on his interpretation of his signature legislation, the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, as we are all aware of the numerous flaws and deficiencies within the Act. However, my major concern is with a particular comment that he made regarding the state of affairs concerning the

Dear Editor, The commercial arm of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) known as Cricket Guyana Incorporated (CGI) has announced the awarding of 12 tier 4 contracts to the local players. I am indeed impressed with the thought process since I believe that they deserve even much more than a monetary incentive to train, practice and remain fit. In fact I hope that the Cricket Development Committee which was once headed by Mr. Alfred Mentore is functional and that there is a blue print of recommendations which will facilitate the success of this plausible initiative. If not, this will be an exercise that will only exemplify short term results. The GCB had also announced that other players were considered but they were already obligated to contracts abroad. I would assume that such players included Anthony Adams, BrianSattaur and Sharaz Ramcharran among others. Sattaur and Ramcharran fea-

Demerara Cricket Board. In response to a direct question about the DCB, Dr Anthony stated and I quote, “…there is an injunction against those persons holding themselves out as executives of the Board and that is being dealt with by the Attorney General’s Office.” This is quite a revealing statement by the Minister and we certainly hope that he would elaborate on this statement as surely we are not aware that the AG’s office or the AG is representing any of the parties in any of the DCB legal matters. Is the Minister insinuating that the AG’s of-

fice is making representations or exerting any level of influence or control over the judiciary so much so that Dr Anthony can make such bold statements regarding when elections for the DCB and the GCB will or can be held? I implore the Minister of Sport to explain this statement in its entirety as there has been much speculation and suspicions regarding the timing of several legal hearings, adjournments, decisions and now this bold statement. Was it a slip or was it intentional? Yours sincerely, Raj Singh

ECB names U-15 squad The Essequibo Cricket Board selectors have shortlisted their squad for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board U-15 inter-county 50over competition. The squad will be led by Orlando Jailall and includes Mahendra Dindyal, Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon, Arnold Adams and Amos

Sarwan. The full squad reads; Orlando Jailall (Capt.), Mahendra Dindyal, Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon, Mahendra Ramkissoon, Romario Stephen Amos Sarwan, Arnold Adams, Febon Bess, Bumeshwar Ramdahin, Renesh Persaud, Sheldon Charles, Azim

Fredericks, Esho Persaud, Kevin Sanford and Parvesh Parsram. The coach is Vibert Johnson and the manager is Vickram Ramnarine. The stand bys are Sachin Persaud, Lance Roberts, Permesh Narine and Dequain Clarke. The competition gets underway on Sunday.

tured significantly in Guyana’s Under-19 successes in 2014 and they have a bright future, while Adams has endured sustained success at the inter-county level, yet it appears that he has failed to impress the national selectors. I am also pleased that the services of Coach Michael Franco Hyles has been acquired for the academy since his expertise, experience and tough stance will bring the best out of the emerging talents. There has been no mention of Orin Bailey who has given pivotal and incisive services to the GCB over the years; an addition I believe that will further strengthen the capacity building of the team of Coaches. While the players have all expressed their satisfaction and appreciation of the GCB’s modelled conception, they will challenge the GCB to match their expectations with timely and responsive actions. Such actions from the GCB shall include transparent and clearly out-lined selec-

tion policies, timely payment of their remunerations, insurance and other securities in case of injuries and providing an environment that is conducive towards building a harmonious relationship between the Board and themselves. It is indeed quite encouraging to note the conscientious intention of the GCB to provide an opportunity for players to master their skill in every department. However, it should be done through consu l t a t i o n w i t h k e y stakeholders including county boards, recognition of target areas of planning and ultimately to execute such a plan with a firm path of direction. I hope that this was the case and therefore I am anticipating a positive outcome for the players and the GCB for this novel project. In the meanwhile it is a workable and a commendable exercise, with the main beneficiaries being the players. Yours Faithfully, Elroy Stephney

Blairmont Cricket Club elects office FAPC, Construction record victories bears at Annual General Meeting GPF HQ inter department dominoes

Felix Austin Police College (FAPC) and Construction recorded victories when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Head Quarters Inter-Department dominoes competition continued recently at Eve Leary. FAPC registered 83 games to beat Consumers 78 and OPR 75. Keithon King 16, Ro c k y H u t s o n 1 6 a n d

Michael Profitt 16 were the leading players for the winners, while Neville Cadogan made the maximum 18 for Consumers. He was supported by Jenell Smith 16 and Paola Da Silva 15. Wayne Caleb scored 17 while Michael Adolphus and Keon Boston made 15 each for OPR. Construction chalked up

76 to overcome Finance 71 and Transport 65. James Langevine marked 17 and Kevin Mendonca 15 for Construction. June Pollard made 16 for Finance while Michael Sutton and Marlon Kellman chipped in with 15 and 14 in that order. Transport leading players were Orin Norville 17 and Nicolette Wilson 15.

WICB announces Joma as official WI Kit St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board Thursday announced leading Spanish sports brand Joma as the Official West Indies Team kit supplier for the West Indies Men’s and Women’s teams. The West Indies Men’s Team will debut the kit in their opening match of Cricket World Cup on Monday against Ireland. ”What is particularly significant about this partnership with Joma is that they are not a traditional cricket kit supplier, yet they recognize the value of West Indies cricket on the world stage and have chosen to partner with the WICB as their launch pad

into the cricket world,” WICB Commercial Manager Nelecia Yeates said. ”We warmly welcome Joma onboard. It is a best case scenario that the debut of the Joma kit will be during cricket’s marquee global event – the Cricket World Cup and we look forward to this partnership being a mutually successful one both for West Indies Cricket and Joma,” Yeates added. Joma representative, Luigui Mantovani of Joma Latin America commented: “WICB sponsorship is a significant development for Joma for different reasons most espe-

cially because it involves commercial entry into the cricket market. Joma has great confidence in WICB as a partner and is pleased to come onboard as the Official West Indies Kit Supplier with a team which has such great visibility in cricket.” The debut Joma West Indies kit design stays true to the globally recognized maroon which is accented with gold indicative of the sunshine, the energy and the effervescence of life that is indicative of the Caribbean and West Indies cricket. Joma’s contract as official kit supplier will run until 2017. (WICB)

The recently elected executive of the Blairmont Cricket Club take a photo op after the AGM. The Blairmont Cricket Club which is part of the Blairmont Community Centre had its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week Wednesday at the Blairmont Community Centre, West Bank Berbice at which officers were elected to serve for the year 2015. Those elected to serve are: President- Shabeer Baksh, first vice president Rudolph Doodnauth, second vice president Omesh Prashad, third vice president, Nigel Trotz, secretary Chunilall Sansasi, treasurer

Shizad Ali, assistant secretary /treasurer Mohamed Samad, while the Blairmont Estate will be represented by Richardo Bachan. Baksh, who is serving his fifth year as president in an address to the gathering stated, that the Blairmont Cricket Club has moved from strength to strength over the last four years. He said that it is his intention to continue building and maintaining proper cricket structures and systems for 2015. He stated that this year things will be intense and a

calendar of activities will be planned as soon as possible. He urged that plenty emphasis be placed on the youths so that they could be better cricketers and individuals of the community, since they are the foundation of the club. He, urged the other executive members to pull their weight and to work together in the interest of the club. An executive committee meet is to be convened shortly to formalize other committees and streamline a programme to chart the way forward. (Samuel Whyte)

Page 40

Kaieteur News

Friday February 13, 2015

Windies matches bring buzz to Nelson By CMC - NELSON, Australia – For a city best known for year-round sunshine, pristine beaches and spectacular scenery, the ICC Cricket World Cup has brought a bigger than normal buzz to Nelson ahead of Monday’s opening game between West Indies and Ireland. Located on the north end of South Island and overlooking the picturesque Tasman Bay, Nelson has come to represent an idyllic mixture of tranquillity and adventure for visitors. Its array of music and art festivals provide the perfect setting for the easy-going while the three iconic national parks serve up the thrills of hiking and kayaking for the more daring. The arrival of the World Cup will introduce a new dynamic to the fun-loving city, however. Following on from the West Indies fixture, the United Arab Emirates play Zimbabwe next Thursday while Bangladesh face Scotland on March 5th. Invariably, police have stepped up security, in keeping with International Cricket

Council requirements for hosting World Cup games. The numbers of security personnel have been increased substantially, with reinforcements being added from Marlborough in the south-east and West Coast, to cope with the anticipated high influx of visitors throughout the World Cup period. Saxton Oval will have 20 officers for each match, with additional resources deployed on the major highways in and out of the city. Officers will also man traffic checkpoints, monitor for drunk driving. Crime prevention units have been established in the city, with an investigative unit on call to deal with major incidents. Inspector Tim Crawford, the operation commander for the Cricket World Cup in Nelson, said planning for the event had been ongoing for months. “We’ve got a full operation for the three Cricket World Cup games,” Crawford said. “Based on the previous games, people have gone to

the cricket because they enjoy watching the cricket for a day out. We see it no different for Cricket World Cup.” “Add the flavour of having some international teams in town and some overseas visitors, and it should be really good for the region.” The city council, which has shelled out nearly US$776 000 to host the three World Cup games, will usher in Monday’s first game with a street party and a market day on Saturday. And while the city is hoping to see the economic spinoffs from the influx of visitors, they are also keen on ensuring the local population get a taste of the festivities. “One of the key benefits of this (hosting World Cup matches) is that we are able to offer the opportunity for our residents to attend an international event,” communications manager Paul Shattock said. “It will also allow us to showcase the city to the world, due to the massive audience that watches the matches played at Saxton Oval.” The ground is one of the

Kemar Roach Leads Windies Around During Training Ahead Of World Cup. newest on the ICC grid. It hosted its first ever one-day international when West Indies toured New Zealand last year and also played host to the fourth ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka last month. With the pending slate of World Cup matches, hoteliers have reported increased bookings and have also

warned that late comers face the risk of being without accommodation. “February is always full and always busy; this year it is exceedingly full largely due to the number of events that are happening,” said John Gilbertson, administration officer for the Motel Association of New Zealand Nelson branch.

“If you are coming to the Nelson from outside the area, be sure to book. There is room, but you have to book.” The Cricket World Cup is being jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia. It bowled off today with New Zealand playing Sri Lanka in Christchurch and Australia clashing with England in Melbourne.

NBA Roundup: Celtics top Hawks, 89-88 BOSTON (AP) — Evan Turner made a running scoop shot with 0.2 seconds left to give Boston its only lead of the game, and the Celtics sent the Atlanta Hawks to just their third loss of the calendar year, 89-88 on Wednesday night. Jared Sullinger had 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Celtics, who have won four of five but still remain out of playoff position. Turner had 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Al Horford scored 22 points and added 12 rebounds for the Hawks, who followed a 19-game winning streak by losing four of their last seven. WARRIORS 94, TIMBERWOLVES 91 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andre Iguodala and Leandro Barbosa led a dominant effort from the Golden State Warriors’ reserves and Klay Thompson hit a big 3-pointer down the stretch to close out a long road trip with a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Iguodala scored just eight points on 4-for-4 shooting and Barbosa had 10 points, but they spearheaded an energized second unit that picked up the slack for their sluggish starters. Stephen Curry had 25 points on 9-for23 shooting for Golden State

Boston Celtics’ Evan Turner (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (42-9), which goes into the All-Star break with the best record in the NBA. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Kevin Martin scored 21 points and Ricky Rubio had 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Timberwolves (11-42), who rallied from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game. MAGIC 89, KNICKS 83 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —

Nik Vucevic had 28 points and 18 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic held off the New York Knicks. Victor Oladipo added 19 points and Willie Green 13 off the bench. It helped offset a third-quarter injury to starting forward Channing Frye, who left with a dislocated left index finger. The victory stopped a two-game skid by the Magic. It also improved interim coach James Borrego’s record to 22 since taking over for Jacque

Vaughn, who was fired last week. Jason Smith led the Knicks with 25 points. The Knicks played without forward Carmelo Anthony, who sat out their final game before the All-Star break with of a sore left knee. RAPTORS 95, WIZARDS 93 TORONTO (AP) — DeMar DeRozan hit a tiebreaking jump shot with 12 seconds left and the Toronto Raptors headed into the All-

Star break on a winning note, beating the Washington Wizards. Lou Williams scored 27 points, DeRozan had 23 and Kyle Lowry 13 for the Raptors, who have won seven of the past eight meetings with the Wizards, including all three this season. John Wall scored 21 points, Drew Gooden had 10 points and 12 rebounds and Paul Pierce scored 17 for the Wizards, whose two-game winning streak was snapped. The loss was Washington’s sixth in the past eight games. SPURS 104, PISTONS 87 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Danny Green scored 19 points and Tony Parker added 17, and the San Antonio Spurs easily brushed aside the Detroit Pistons. Manu Ginobili added 13 points for Sa n A n t o n i o , which won this game amid little fanfare after coach Gregg Popovich reached 1,000 victories two days earlier. The Spurs held Detroit to 12 points in the first quarter and led comfortably through just about the entire second half. D.J. Augustin scored 22 points for the Pistons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20. PACERS 106,

PELICANS 93 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — David West and George Hill each scored 17 points and the Indiana Pacers went into the All-Star break with their fourth victory in their last five games, pounding the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans played without All-Star Anthony Davis, who missed his second straight game with sprained right shoulder, and without sharp-shooting forward Ryan Anderson, who missed his second game in a row with a sore right elbow. Luke Babbitt scored 15 for New Orleans, which has lost three straight. THUNDER 105, GRIZZLIES 89 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 26 points and Russell Westbrook added 24 to help the Thunder defeat the Memphis Grizzlies. Nick Collison had season highs of 15 points and nine rebounds and Dion Waiters added 11 points for Oklahoma City, which has won five of six heading into the All-Star break. Zach Randolph scored 16 points and Jeff Green and Beno Udrih each added 11 for Memphis, which had won 10 of 11.