Issuu

Page 04

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

MONEY AND POWER CORRUPT THE MIND If a random poll is to be conducted in Guyana to determine whether politicians are honest, the answer would be a resounding “NO”? Such a finding would not be surprising, given the fact that the desire of most politicians is to have power and get rich quickly. The current forensic audit reports which revealed that billions of dollars were either embezzled or cannot be accounted for, is proof of this. Many have portrayed politicians as a self-serving bunch who seeks public office, driven not by any strong motivation to contribute first and foremost to bettering the lives of their fellow citizens, but more by a desire to use their privileged position as a passport to wealth and power for themselves. This perception is widespread today. It was entrenched in the last administration but it also exists in the new administration. Today, when the average citizen thinks of the present crop of politicians; “good” is not an adjective that would ever come to their mind. Instead, incompetent, arrogant, aloof, selfish and untruthful are among the most commonly used adjectives to describe them. Most politicians are enticed by an overly generous parliamentary and ministerial pension and perks after serving for about two terms. This remains a vexing problem for the people who have to work for over 30 years to qualify for a full Government pension. Beginning in the 1960s, the public perception of politicians in the country has gradually changed from generally positive to overwhelmingly negative due largely to their obsession for power and wealth. Up to the early 1990s, most politicians were generally respected, and were seen as making a personal sacrifice for the national good of the people. This, however, has changed in the last 20 years when those in power became greedy, selfish and corrupt and began to use the state resources to acquire wealth for themselves. The public has lamented that politicians are more concerned about holding on to political power rather than tackling the task of improving education, housing, health care and the well-being of the masses. There are political leaders who undermine their relationship with the general public, especially their supporters and party workers whose interests they are supposed to serve. Indeed, they are viewed as people who used their supporters to get elected and then abandoned them. Some of these politicians became so corrupt with power and wealth that they failed to appreciate the sacrifices made by their supporters. This explains why the PPP was defeated and is now quietly working to win back its supporters whom it had abandoned while in office. However, many in the government are oblivious to the fact that nothing ever comes for free; there is an obvious expectation of rewards of one kind or another from their supporters; a case of you scratch my back and I will scratch yours in return. The rewards are often in the form of government jobs or contracts that are awarded in some cases through the subtle exercise of political patriotism. Failing to reward supporters have resulted in the growing number of persons, especially youths not voting because they believe it will not make a difference in their lives. The public is cynical about politicians. This is why their New Year resolution should be the demand of competent politicians with integrity and a moral compass who would put the public interest before self-interest, people who would work hard to improve the lives of the masses. However, attracting those types of politicians is difficult because they are afraid that they could end up being perceived as the same typical, reviled politician. If those in power are serious they must make a conscious effort to change the current dog-eat-dog culture of politics.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Letters... Where your views make the news

Desperate plea for action against crime DEAR EDITOR, There has been a significant increase in crime in Guyana and the numbers keep mounting almost everyday. This alarming upsurge is very scary. The latest editions of the newspapers reported murders on the East Coast, West Coast, Corentyne and East Bank of Demerara. We in the diaspora are very disturbed at the headlines in the newspapers; “ Mon Repos man stabs to death”, “Corentyne man killed”, “Gang knocksdown Cane Grove man then beats him to death, and “Tuschen resident stabbed to death” . Opposition supporters are blaming the government for the crime increasing stating that the escalation started since the change of government. This is far from being true since there were signs of increase months before elections. Instead of criticizing I think that

all Guyanese should be involved in trying to stamp out not only the violent crimes, but also the corruption and other wrong doing which are fast becoming the way of life in the co-operative republic. I think that it is high time that the political parties, religious organizations, sports and cultural organizations, trade unions, Lions Clubs, Rotary clubs, scouts, girl guides and other organizations should band themselves together and try to stamp out crime in the interest of the country. The situation has a serious impact on Guyanese in the diaspora and other nationals who wish to spend vacation in that English speaking South American country. A concerted effort should be made to rid our country from this unfortunate and worrying situation. And while Guyana is branded as a hotbed for crime, the Trinidad Express

newspaper reported today that there is a significant decrease in crime in the oil rich country. Like me, several Guyanese in diaspora are willing to offer voluntary services to assist in curbing the problem which is a bugbear to our society. I feel that some of the Guyanese in the diaspora have the ability to contact international organizations to assist in this worthwhile cause. There are several sources which can be tapped for financial, professional, and technical assistance. I am urging the government and the opposition to set aside their political and other differences and work assiduously together to rescue our country which is slipping downwards everyday. Time is of the essence - urgent action has to be taken before we are doomed. Oscar Ramjeet

Christopher Ram is concerned about treatment of Kurshid Sattaur DEAR EDITOR, Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority Mr. Khurshid Sattaur erred gravely when he shared taxpayers’ information with the Administration. However irresistible the demand, he ought to have made it clear that he would not comply. Instead, he compromised himself, his office and his profession. A complaint of professional misconduct was made to the local and international professional accounting bodies but was later withdrawn. There was therefore no adverse finding against him. Seven months into a new government, the public learns that Mr. Sattaur has been sent on leave to facilitate a forensic audit of the

Authority. I accept that, even with the apparent inconsistency. What I do not find acceptable is the humiliating treatment he is reported to have received from persons from the Revenue Authority. If the report of leave is correct - and there is no reason to doubt this - Mr. Sattaur remains Commissioner General and a member of the Governing Board of the GRA. He does not cease to be either because he is on leave. It is rare and improper for persons on leave to have their homes visited by their subordinates and computers and firearm taken away from them. In the case of a taxman for whom threats to life are an occupational hazard, the danger is obvious and is

recognized in his being provided with a guard and a firearm licence. I am concerned about the treatment of Mr. Sattaur and about the integrity and reputation of the Guyana Revenue Authority. The first goes beyond the professional relationship Ram & McRae has had with Mr. Sattaur over two decades as he tried to maximize government revenues while the firm sought to ensure that its clients were properly represented. Like every citizen, Mr. Sattaur enjoys certain basic rights which no government and no employer should violate. The episode surrounding his leave and the visit to his home not onlyborders on violating those rights but amounts to (Continued on page 23)

The instigator of this nice woman’s murder must face justice DEAR EDITOR, It has been four years since Clementine Fiedtkou-Paris was murdered in her home. Due to the circumstances of her death, she is now known to many only as “Robb St. Granny”, but she was more than that. She was our Sis. Clemie,” a simple but genuine, good woman. We adored her! Despite the recent convictions for her murder, one question remains. Who really killed the Robb St. Granny? From the news report, we know that her murder was paid for. The caution statement of one of her killers revealed a conspiracy to murder the Robb St. Granny. Four young men were allegedly paid to kill a harmless old lady over a land dispute with a local auto dealership involving her home. It is unfortunate that these young men chose to waste their potential so senselessly. Still, their criminal convictions comfort me. We do pay more for our ignorance than we do for education. I pray they make peace with God. These young men may have carried out the physical act of killing her, but the true mastermind, the real killer of the

Robb St. Granny, escaped justice. I find it scornful that the instigator of this crime, the man who paid these young men to murder an old lady for him, walks free while they languish in jail. I remember my own grandmother’s caution, “The instigator is worse than the thief.” This instigator is the real killer of the Robb St. Granny. He is a dangerous man and he must face justice. He has capacity, and until justice finds

him, opportunity to murder again, if motivated. Like the four young men who are his accomplices, the true killer of the Robb Street Granny should be locked away in prison. The police must diligently pursue this criminal mastermind. Until he is convicted, Clementine Fiedtkou-Paris, the Robb St. Granny, will have been denied true justice. Rachel Bakker.

Is this an airport conspiracy to rob? DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to a letter by Shadeo Bates titled ‘ Airport and internet blues’ The behavior of the “poorly dressed young men” at the Timehri airport is a well designed strategy to rob returning Guyanese and visitors. The unsolicited help to put suitcases in the vehicle, presents an opportunity for them to count the number of cases, estimate

their weight and speculate on the contents. The constant pleas for more money are aimed at getting you to open your wallet or purse repeatedly, so the contents can be scrutinized. “The in your face aggression” is a test of your temperament. Are you “easy prey’? Someone who should be followed and robbed as you stop at your destination. Is your driver part of the conspiracy? George Daniels

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

Winston Brassington and Clement Rohee rejects Vincent this point in Guyana’s history Alexander’s statement DEAR EDITOR, If incompetence was a valued, traded commodity, the APNU+AFC coalition administration would have been well endowed since it appears to be bountiful with that particular commodity. In this connection, Mr. Vincent Alexander wrote about; 1. a “baseless allegation” in one newspaper; 2. being “stunned” in another and yet in another, accusing the PPP of “not responding to an invitation to request to participate in jubilee celebrations! Let me make it clear from the outset, as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) I never received any such correspondence referred to by Mr. Alexander and I stand by what I said. The explanation is quite simple. 1. A letter addressed to the

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in care of Freedom House will not land in the hands of the General Secretary of the PPP; it will obviously be given to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament should he visit Freedom House. 2. The Leader of the Opposition office is located at 304, Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. 3. A letter addressed to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament should not be confused with a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the PPP nor vice versa. 4. Invitations of the nature Mr. Vincent Alexander spoke about should have been addressed to the General Secretary, People’s Progressive Party, 41 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, had the intention been for a representative of the PPP not

necessarily a Member of Parliament. As General Secretary of the PPP I have absolutely no reason to lie about correspondence. That is too petty an issue. As far as I can recall Gail Teixeira was identified as the Party’s representative to sit on the University of Guyana Council. If that decision was not communicated to the relevant authority well, that’s another matter. Finally, the PPP General Secretary has not received any correspondence inviting the PPP to name a representative to sit on the Commission of Inquiry into the Education System. Mr. Alexander should take note of these clarifications and comments and make the necessary corrections. Clement Rohee General Secretary The People’s Progressive Party

Guyanese don’t show nationalist feelings like other nations DEAR EDITOR, I pen this letter from the confines of the quiet walls of a tiny, breezy, apartment in a foreign country, away from the political and racial negativities that obtain in Guyana, my home land. I highlight my location because whenever I travel, I feel a sense of inclusiveness and nationalistic pride in the behaviour of the citizens of the countries to which I travel. Conversely, Guyana seems backwards and blighted. Even nationally beneficial acts and activities seem to be collateral sacrifices on the altar of political, racial and ideological differences. For instance, Georgetown now looks like Guyana has an owner. You could now take your visiting friends and family for a walk through town and not have to explain why the town is stink and oozing with stench from debris and garbage. Yet there has not been a note of praise or congratulation from the opposition. It is as if all this clean up and beautification is happening behind closed doors and they are oblivious to it. Even a nationalistic and public

health initiative of this magnitude fails to get a formal acclamation from the opposition, because of political, racial or ideological differences. A few days ago this newspaper published a letter I wrote on the political and bureaucratic hassles folks from the diaspora are subjected to when they try to offer their services in Guyana. It was an objective article, based on facts and actual, personal, experiences. Even that came in for biased and ideological massacring. I was reminded that the spoils of Guyana belong to those who remained through the tough times of Burnham and the PPP/C. I was told that Guyana was doing fine without the assistance of us “foreigners”, and that it will continue to do well without the input from those of the Guyanese diaspora. Imagine, political, racial and ideological differences are causing Guyanese to behave in ways that will further stymie the growth and development of the country. Our ‘blightedness’ is so ingrained that we are willing to behave in ways that perpetuate and accelerate our own demise.

Local Government Elections are around the corner and again we see signs that we are prepared to shoot ourselves in our own foot. Every simpleton in Guyana knows that at the political level racism abounds. It would make nationalistic common-sense therefore for the political parties to abstain from direct involvement in the LGE. If the political parties get involve, race and ethnicity will be brought back to the forefront. Whatever little gains were made in the last 7 months will be erased, as race-baiting will raise its ugly head. Can’t the politicians not realize this? Guyana needs a chance to breath. Every day we hear and read about sadness and cruelty- from acts of criminality to political naivety. It is as if the leaders - our politicians from both sides of the divide - are inoculated from our frustrations and tiredness. It seems as if every act on their part has to be tainted with one-upmanship and grand-standing. I often wonder who advises politicians in Guyana. There seems to be no parallel (Continued on page 23)

DEAR EDITOR, We in Guyana are on the verge of celebrating our 50th independence anniversary on May 26, 2016. The current political and economic environment holds great promise for us all. We need to set our sights on strengthening our economy for the benefit of all stakeholders and sidestep the mistakes made by our political leaders over the last sixty plus years. So much time has passed since April 27, 1953 and we as a country, with our abundant resources, have not kept pace with the economic development in other lesser endowed CARICOM territories. Our history in politics has primarily been one of division. We continue to vote on the premise of race, disregarding merit and what is best for a country with the motto of one people, one nation and one destiny. In the past, the nature of our politics dictated that half of the country were stymied while the other half prospered, regardless of who controlled the executive. For decades we have attempted to walk forward as a country with one leg amputated. Let us cease hopping, but commence walking and running as a whole, in this manner we will achieve so much more. We are at an opportune time to begin our long-awaited recovery. Let us take the gift of the present to bandage our wounds and heal. Politics could be the most vicious and demanding of professions; each political party has to come up with promises to motivate their supporters and expand its base in its quest for power. However, after that authority is achieved, we must remember the vital original intention is not to simply have power, and to demonize members or supporters of other political parties, but to utilize power in an inclusive manner and to provide opportunities for as many Guyanese as possible. Of course we must pinpoint the errors of the past that bled corruption into the heart of our country, of course we must take corrective action to remedy these faults, not in a persecuting manner;

but with the goal to harness and wield the talents of all our people for the greater good of Guyana, regardless of party affiliation. There comes a time when we have to consider what is best for the country, rather than the party. The time is now. Nearly fifty years have passed since we gained independence, now we must push forward towards completing new projects and completing projects we have already started. With the APNU+AFC coalition holding the reins of power, it is time build on the good things that have taken us to where we are now; under the leadership of the Jagans, Burnham, Hoyte, Jagdeo, Ramotar, and now President Granger. I am not recommending some utopian system, I am all for the cut and thrust of politics, which requires a strong and vibrant opposition. T here are many persons and entities, including CN Sharma, Tony Vieira, Christopher Ram, Tacuma Ogunseye , Freddie Kissoon David Hinds and Anand Goolsarran, Kaieteur News and Stabroek News that have done exceptional work in forging opinions, while providing us with an awareness of our shortcomings and reminding us of how we can and must improve. The third transformative elections in British Guiana/ Guyana history by my count, took place in 2015 with the forming of a coalition government; following on transformative elections in 1964 and 1992 elections. The 2011 elections in many ways exposed the need for APNU+AFC coalition; as without executive power, the Constitution of Guyana in its present form does not sufficiently diminish the power of a minority government over the majority that voted for the opposition parties. In our beautiful Guyana we are at a point in our his-

tory where our political leaders can truly lead in the interest and for the benefit of all Guyanese. Once we start going downhill, especially in our racebased culture, changing course is difficult and reversing course is almost impossible. However, we are still within striking distance of moving in the right direction to achieve many of the goals that have eluded us for over fifty years. It is with these thoughts in mind that I now ask for the ongoing ill-treatment of Winston Brassington to cease. The power to do so rests squarely on the shoulders of the President of Guyana, also, it will be very helpful if leaders of the current opposition focus their ideas and criticisms on issues that will reverberate in a manner beneficial to all Guyanese. I will highlight why Winston should not be pilloried and condemned; his pivotal work in multiple areas, that on balance has resulted in significant value for Guyana. Many of the projects and privatization of state assets that NICIL was involved in: saved jobs, created employment, improved services to the public, increased returns to the Treasury with a positive multiplying factor leading to significant upside in real estate value, among other benefits. Whether it was in the bauxite industry, where we now have Bosai and Rusal or the major improvement in electrical services from GPL or the completion of the Berbice Bridge or the establishment of a Marriott in Guyana or the high market value received for the sale of government shares in GT&T, GNCB and NBIC; Winston Brassington played a central and positive role. On the broad margins, we can scrutinize projects and privatizations that together number over two hundred and find imperfections; (Continued on page 23)

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Proposed ganja legislation causes …Ramjattan says increasing the raised eyebrows amount of cannabis considered to

The new Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015, which proposes lighter sentencing for possession of ganja could have its debut reading in the National Assembly on Thursday; however, the Bill is raising eyebrows in the National Security Ministry. National Security Minister, KhemrajRamjattan, is calling for the proposed amendments Bill to be further fine-tuned at the Cabinet level. It is difficult to know whether the drug is for personal use or for trafficking, he said. He stated that while he supports non-custodial sentences for first-time marijuana offenders, the issue should be pursued cautiously. Therefore, he said, it was applicable for the proposed Bill to be further evaluated in Cabinet before there is universal approval. APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington, will be moving a motion in the National Assembly on Thursday for the introduction and reading of the Bill. The Bill is listed under the private members’ business on the Order Paper. The legislation was drafted after much public protests over the sentencing and imprisonment of national football coach, Vibert Butts, for possession of marijuana. Butts was sentenced to three years imprisonment for possession of 46 grammes of ganja, which he claimed was for private use. He was later placed on bail and his sentence is being appealed. The proposed legislation is expected to remove provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act 1988, which requires Magistrates t o imprison anyone who pleads guilty to or has been found guilty of possession of marijuana. At present, the law indicates that anyone found

in possession of marijuana is liable to a fine of $10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug. If in excess of 15 grams of cannabis it is mandated that the offender should be sentenced to a minimum of three years’ imprisonment. Almost daily, many persons are tried and sentenced for possession of small amounts of marijuana; most of them are first-time offenders and youths. Several Rastafarian organisations and social activists have cried out against the severe penalty and have called for it to be relaxed. “I support the amendment but I do not support the increase from 15 grams…The amount is not too strict but the penalty is. Fifteen grams could be used for trafficking so how would we know when it is being trafficked or when it is being used for personal use? These small amounts of marijuana are trafficked to school children and people who are vulnerable…so why should we sanction that?” The absence of a comprehensive sentencing policy, he said, is an issue that needs to be addressed by the judicial system. He stated that clear guidelines ought to be worked out for the sentencing of first offenders. Additionally, he stated that the religious community has raised its voice against the decriminalization of marijuana, saying that they were of the opinion that the proposed amendment would “open the flood-gates” for marijuana to be legalized. Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, had stated the Bill was not presented to the House under the hand of the government and that it s h o u l d undergo national consultation. An advocate for non-custodial sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana, Williams said: “...Cer-

tainly possession of certain amounts should not attract custodial sentences…I thought in marginal cases considerations could be given for non-custodial sentences.” The Rastafarians are asking that the government remove the mandatory imprisonment for persons convicted of possessing two ounces or 56 grams of marijuana for personal use while lobbying for it to be legalized. Activist Mark Benschop stated that the Bill being placed on the Order Paper is a good sign that the political parties in Parliament are prepared to address the issue. He said that he hopes good sense will prevail and the House would vote in favor for the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of ganja. “It is a step in the right direction,” he said, adding that it was about time Guyana move forward in amendment laws and penalties that are too severe. Nigel Hughes, one of the

be a trafficking offence is foolish attorneys who drafted the legislation, stated, “As a service provider in the legal profession since the current legislation was enacted in 1988, the social carnage which has been generated as result of this act is simply horrendous”. He argued that the national situation at that time led to the adoption of this “foreign prescriptive legislation”. The legislation is divided into three sections: Amendment of Section 4 of the Principal Act; the Amendment of Section 5 of the Principal Act; and the Amendment of Section 12 of the Principle Act. According to the draft: 1) Section 4 (1) (a) (i) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the words “together with imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than five years; 2) Section 4 (1) (a) (i) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the words “to-

gether with imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than five years; Section 4 (1) (b) (ii) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the words “together with imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than ten years”; 3) Section 5 (2) (e) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the words “fifteen grams of cannabis or cannabis resin”. 4) Section 5(2) (e) of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the words one thousand grams of cannabis or cannabis resin. 5) Section 12 (1) (a) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the word cannabis. 6) Section 12 (1) (b) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the word cannabis. 7) Section 12 (1) (c) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the word cannabis. 8) Section 12 (1) (d) of the Principal Act is amended by

deleting the word cannabis. This Bill is founded on the experience of several citizens - primarily youths who have been incarcerated for small quantities of cannabis or cannabis resin and who as a result of their incarceration have been unnecessarily economically and socially disadvantaged. Moreover, it stated that many of these young people who were remanded and incarcerated have been exposed to persons who have been accused of and have been involved in much more serious violent offences. “We have witnessed too many daughters and sons’ lives ruined as a result of their incarceration whether on remand or pursuant to a sentence. Perhaps the time has come for us to take responsibility for having unjust, cruel and unusual penalties for possession of cannabis,” Hughes lamented.

Labour Ministry settles over 1,000 cases, recovers over $79M A spike in labour related complaints was recorded last year by the Labour Department of the Ministry of Social Protection. This is according to Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle, who said that as at December 23, 2015 there were 1,833 complaints. By December 10, a total of 1,122 complaints were closed and the Department was able to recover a total of $79, 665,268 on employees’ behalf. “This is almost double what we would have collected in the previous year,” said Ogle as he delivered a presentation during the Social Protection Ministry’s end of year press conference last week. The previous years, 2014 and 2013, saw the Labour Department dealing with 1,244 and 1,055 cases respectively. Ogle pointed out that while it usually isn’t the de-

sire of the Labour Department to take employers to court, this, at times, is the only way to effectively address some cases. “If we cannot come to an amicable settlement; if we cannot negotiate a solution to the various complaints that employees or former employees would bring to the Ministry, we have to prosecute them. We took 46 different employers to court on 267 charges (in 2015),” related Ogle. This year will see the Department seeking to delink the Industrial Relations Department from the Occupational, Safety and Health Department. Workers, according to Ogle, were saddled with the work of two departments during the past year, “so we want to place more emphasis on specialisation.” With this way forward, he disclosed that this year will see even more cases being

Mr. Charles Ogle, Chief Labour Officer addressed. He, during his presentation, informed that his Department is gearing to address more complaints, disputes and grievances in a timely manner during the course of the year. This ambitious goal of the Labour Department to deal with more cases is being envisioned, despite a shortage of staffers which was in fact the challenge faced during the past year, Ogle admitted. Dealing with industrial action was one of the many tasks of the Labour Department last year. And according to the Chief Labour Officer for 2015 there were a total of 191 strike actions of

which 88 were in the sugar industry, one at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, one at the University of Guyana and yet another at the Bosai Minerals Group. “We were able to resolve all of these strikes,” boasted Ogle who went on to note that the Labour Department was also engrossed in the conducting of a number of seminars during the past year. These seminars, which were aimed at reaching out to employers and employees alike to bring awareness about the various labour legislations, amounted to 51 in 2015. In addition to its awareness campaign, the Department also conducted inspections of work places throughout the country and countersigned collective labour agreement of which six were conditions of employments including wages and salaries, hours of works and general benefits. The Department also countersigned one recognition agreement, according to Ogle. But the work of the Labour Department did not stop there. Ogle disclosed that his Department collaborated with the Ministry of Education to tackle truancy. This saw the Labour Department participating in six related exercises during the past year.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Britain denounces Islamic State video showing ‘spies’ shot

A masked man points a weapon as he speaks in this still image from a handout video obtained yesterday from a social media website which has not been independently verified. (Reuters/Social Media via Reuters) An Islamic State video showing a young boy in military fatigues and an older masked militant who both spoke with British accents is “desperate” propaganda from an organisation that is losing ground, Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday. The video, which could not be independently verified, also shows the killing of five men accused of spying for Britain. The masked man threatens Cameron and vows that Islamic State will one day occupy Britain before shooting one of the alleged spies in the head. The footage revived memories of “Jihadi John”, a British Islamic State member who appeared in several videos in which hostages were killed before his own death was reported in an air strike late last year. “It’s desperate stuff from an organisation that really does do the most utterly despicable and ghastly acts, and people can see that again today,” Cameron told reporters. “This is an organisation that’s losing territory, it’s losing ground ... Britain will never be cowed by this sort of terrorism, our values are so much stronger than theirs. It may take a very long time but they will be defeated.” In the latest fighting in Iraq, Islamic State has largely been pushed out of the city of Ramadi, its biggest prize of

last year. The United States said in November it had killed Mohammed Emwazi, who as “Jihadi John” had become a symbol of Islamic State. The voice and appearance of the masked militant shown in the new video was different from Emwazi, but he spoke in a clear English accent, waving a gun at the camera while criticising Cameron. “This is a message to David Cameron, O slave of the White House, O mule of the Jews,” the man said in the 10-minute video released on Sunday. “How strange it is that a leader of a small island threatens us with a handful of planes. One would have thought you’d have learned the lessons of your pathetic master in Washington and his failed campaign against the Islamic State,” the man said. “ P R O PA G A N D A TOOL” Some British media speculated that the militant might be Siddhartha Dhar, who is also known as Abu Rumaysah, a convert from Hinduism and a high-profile Islamist, although security experts were divided on whether it was him. Dhar left Britain with his family to travel to Syria despite being on police bail after being arrested in late 2014 on suspicion of being a member of a banned organisation. Cameron’s spokeswoman

said Britain was examining the video and the prime minister was being kept updated. She was not aware whether Cameron himself had watched it. “It serves as a reminder of the barbarity of Daesh and what the world faces with these terrorists. It is also clearly a propaganda tool and should be treated as such,” the spokeswoman said, referring to Islamic State by one of its Arabic acronyms. When asked whether the executed men shown had been spies, the spokeswoman declined to comment on intelligence matters but said the group’s past propaganda had not all been true. After the killings of the five men, a young Englishspeaking boy, who is wearing a black bandana and appears to be about four or five years old, is shown saying: “So go kill the kuffar [unbelievers] right over there.” The father of Grace Dare, a woman from London who left Britain to join Islamic State and marry a militant, said he believed the boy was her son. “It’s my grandson. I can’t disown him,” Sunday Dare told Channel 4 News. “He doesn’t like it over there. It’s propaganda. They are just using a small boy. He doesn’t know anything. They are just using him as a shield.” In November, British officials said that up to 800 Britons had travelled to Iraq and Syria, some to join Islamic State. About 50 percent had returned home while about 70 were believed to have been killed.

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Berbice mother beaten and burnt to death...

Daughter's ex-lover detained - “Dem beat she till she lose she sense” - son says

Moshim Khan

Anita Baichan

head while her sister was shot to her abdomen. The matter against the two suspects was discharged in December 2014. Kaieteur News has confirmed that the daughter who is said to have been the 28year-old former policeman’s ex-girlfriend lives overseas. The daughter, who is a teacher, returned to Guyana some hours after her mother was slain. Moshim Khan, the son who escaped from the burning home after being bound, has alleged that the two masked intruders had inquired about “the teacher girl.” CHOPPED IN HIS SLEEP As he sat quietly on a chair surrounded by relatives, Moshim Khan, yesterday recalled that he and his mother went to bed around 21:00 hrs on Saturday after watching a movie. Khan, his mother and sister, Natasha resided at the Lot 23-362 Plantation Hope, West Berbice property. At the time of the robbery,

The house in which the woman died his sister- a teacher was scheduled to return to Guyana from the United States of America at 08:00 hrs the following day, Sunday. “I deh sleeping and I feel a sharp lash around my eye and before meh could open meh eye, meh feel another one and then me see a man standing in front of me with a cutlass to my neck and he said to me, ‘Don’t make noise,’. Then I realized someone chopping meh in me sleep,” Khan recalled. He said that the intruder, who had a jersey tied around his mouth, tied him up with strips of cloth. “He hold me and pull me down the bed and he jump on meh and keep on asking fa money.” According to Khan, he had no idea there was a second intruder in the house until his cutlass-wielding attacker dragged him to his mother’s room. “He throw meh down on the floor and dragged me to the front room. As me go there

now me mom deh on the ground and them stamping on she chest and asking for money. Them tie she up.” He saw that his mother was bleeding from under her arm and her face was swollen and she was crying out for pain. “Me mommy crying and telling them that we na got a lot of money and one of them jumped on she chest and she tell them to check in the wardrobe. Dem search and dem find some money and then dem seh that them want more,” Khan said. “Dem demand money and gold; dem start beat me and broadside meh and lashing me and me mother wid de cutlass. Dem search and find some more money and start beating us up more bad. Dem beat me and me black out. When me wake up, them still beating meh,” Khan said. In total, the men escaped with close to $150,000. As the bandits terrorized

said that the call was part of an attempt to bring the swine flu issue under control among the school population. However, Khan said Sunday that he believes more focus should be placed on school children and added that the H1N1 vaccination should be made available to students. “This is where it is needed, because school children get the flu very easily and it can spread very quickly because children cough and sneeze on each other and then touch others and play with each other and once the virus is contracted it will spread,” Khan said. “With this swine flu more action needs to be taken by Minister Deyalsingh. It is

something that goes beyond telling the population not to panic. It is something that we should be very concerned about.” Khan said he has been flooded with calls from people who have been complaining that they have gone to various health offices for the vaccination and were told there is none in the country. He added that many of them are instead administered the normal flu shots, which he said only give partial coverage. “I am hearing that 20,000 vaccinations have been ordered. Where are they?” Khan said. He also raised the issue of a shortage of district health visitors, who visit schools to administer vacci-

nations to school children, adding this needs to be addressed soon. “When I was in office I was encountered with this same problem and tried to address it. However, because the health training of such people were taken from the Ministry of Health and put under the Ministry of Tertiary Education it became more problematic, because training really supposed to be under the Health Ministry and I don’t think that the current Minister is aware of this,” Khan said. Contacted on the issue Sunday, Deyalsingh said he will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss more on the H1N1 and the ministry’s formulation plan.

both mother and son, Khan said that one of the men told him that they heard a teacher resided at the home but he lied and told them that his sister, who is a teacher, was married and that she was living with her husband. “Them tell me that dem gun kill me if me don’t tell them where all the money and gold deh…Dem search and find duct tape and dem tape we up. Them find a laptop and ask me if it working. Me say me don’t know and them take it and lash meh in me head and break it and then dem find some old phones and them pelt me with dem.” According to Khan, when he looked at his mother, she was bleeding from her face and she was crying out in pain continuously. He said that she was losing consciousness too. “Meh asked dem to give me some Limacol to rub it on her and he (bandit) went and get it so meh stretch meh hand to collect it but he started making fun of us and he open it and throw it all over we and he take cream and spray it on us and then one of them take a drink from the fridge and throw it on we. Them went mocking we when we begging for we life,” the son said. The traumatized young man said that the two men ‘smoked weed’ and blew the smoke on their faces. He said that just before leaving, the bandits stated that they would burn the house with the victims inside. “We didn’t think them would burn the house but them walk with their own gasoline. Them

throw it on a bed downstairs and set it on fire. After a while, meh feel the heat and meh tell mommy and she tell meh to go downstairs and throw water.” With his hands still bound at the front, Khan said he removed the duct tape from his mother’s mouth. They then began to scream for help, but no one heard them since the houses in the area are far apart. “Me tell meh mommy that we have to go downstairs now and she tell meh to go first but meh tell she that meh na leave she alone,” Khan said. He added that because his mother was tortured so much, she could hardly move. “Meh dragged a little and then meh turn and pull she and then ah drag and pull she,” Khan said. “When we reach the step, meh roll down and meh tell she meh coming back. Me went to the back door and meh try to cut the duct tape (on his hands and feet) on the concrete but it na really loose out so meh roll and dragged out the gas bottle from the house before it explode.” But before he could return for his mother, the fire had already engulfed her. By then, he said their nearest neighbour had heard them and came to the rescue. “The man cut the duct tape and we try to go save mommy but it was too late. She was already burn up.” Police are awaiting a postmortem to ascertain whether the woman was slain before her home was torched.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 9

All Jagdeo-issued radio licences to be revoked By Abena Rockcliffe The Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has found that the conditions under which former President Bharrat Jagdeo granted 11 radio licences in 2011 contradicts the law as well as political agreements that were in place at the time. Arriving at such a conclusion, the GNBA has decided that it will soon move to revoke all the licences issued in such a manner. GNBA had set up a special committee to review all issues relating to broadcasting licences as well as examine the validity of some licences. That committee is chaired by veteran broadcaster, Anthony Vieira. The committee looked at all radio licences distributed by Jagdeo before he left office, with an eye to determine whether they were lawfully granted. Vieira spoke to Kaieteur News yesterday about the findings of the sub-committee after a series of meetings. He said that the committee found that it would be wrong to allow those licences to stand. Vieira told Kaieteur News that the committee considered that fact that in 2001, as a re-

sult of the dialogue between Jagdeo and then opposition leader, the late, Desmond Hoyte, it was agreed that no new licenses for either radio or television would be issued until an impartial and autonomous Broadcast Authority was formed. Further, he said that the communique between Corbin and Jagdeo ratified this arrangement that no licenses will be issued until the Broadcast Authority is formed. Vieira said that between 2001 and 2011, this provision was used by the government to deny anyone a TV or radio licence. He said that even existing stations were denied expansion since it would mean granting them additions to their licences. Channel seven’s Rex Mc Kay and Mr. Enrico Woolford and numerous others had also applied for radio license but were not given. Contrary to the understandings of both the dialogue and the communique every one of the licenses issued by Jagdeo was to his personal friends and supporters and to the People’s Progressive Party. Vieira said that this was not among the recommendations of the 2001 bipartisan board, which was convened as a result of the dialogue, that

Dem boys seh...

- GNBA board recommended that ownership should be balanced and should reflect the ethnic composition of the areas which they will serve. Additionally, Jagdeo broke the law by not consulting with the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB) or the Broadcasting Authority, both of which were not operational at the time he granted the contentious 11 licences. The ACB was established on November15, 2001 as a semi-autonomous body, pursuant to regulations made under the Guyana Postal and Telegraph Act, Chapter 47:01. It comprises a chairman and two members, nominated by the President, the Leader of the Opposition, and Private Sector. Its tenure should have extended until the establishment of a Broadcasting Authority. The ACB by law is supposed to advise on the issuance, suspension and/or termination of television broadcasting station licences (including termination of unlicensed broadcasts); monitor the adherence to or breach of broadcast standards relating

Chairman of GNBA sub-committee, Anthony Vieira to content by licences, and to receive and investigate public opinion or complaints on broadcast standards The ACB was also supposed to maintain a working relationship with such bodies as are established by the industry to enforce broadcast standards; advise on appropriate action in cases of violations of the conditions of the licence after due process of investigation and perform any other duties the responsible Minister may ask it to assume within the confines of these regulations and the Act. Vieira said that the general understanding was that the

the radio licences were issued in violation of the law, the dialogue and the communiqué and cannot be allowed to stand. Jagdeo, before ending his two terms in office in 2011, approved several radio and cable television licences for mainly friends and his party members. In so doing, he sidelined applications from several prominent media houses including Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Capitol News, HBTV Channel Nine and CNS Channel Six. This was despite a standing agreement for no new licences until new broadcasting regulations and the GNBA were in place. Jagdeo’s best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, received one with multiple frequencies. Also receiving a similar number of frequencies was The Mirror, a newspaper which belongs to the ruling party, and Telcor, a company owned by Robert Persaud’s wife, Kamini Persaud and his sister. The disclosures of the licences, which also included approval for two cable TV operations, sparked court cases and several days of protests, as well as local and international condemnation.

Man charged with Hell Hill murder that around 01:30hrs on December 30, James was drinking in a shop at Hell Hill, when another man, believed to be Fredricks stabbed him to the chest and abdomen with two knives. The suspect reportedly told police that he killed James because the latter had struck him with a piece of wood two months ago. Fredricks was represented by Attorney, Dexter Todd. The Attorney told the court that his client has no pending or previous matters.

Another idiot gone to Lot 12 fuh coke De world don’t have room fuh stupid people. Dem boys learn that since dem small. A man get three years, yesterday, fuh strapping cocaine pun he ribs and use de ferry to carry it to Suriname. Dem boys seh that idiot should a get 33 years instead of three fuh being suh damn stupid. He had a million small boat he coulda hire to run cross de river wid a ton of coke. This jackass go an use de ferry and strap de coke pun one side of he ribs. See-all tell dem boys last night that he see when de man walk pun de ferry and de ferry cant pun one side. That is how de man get ketch wid de couple ounce coke. Frank Anthony is another dotish one. He got de nerve to ask de new Health Minister wha system dem got in place at de ports of entries to deal wid swine flu. Dem boys seh that Anthony nah stupid; he got to be backward. He shoulda been de one to answer such a question. After all, he is a doctor and he was a Minister fuh 25 years, although de party only been in power fuh 23 years. He shoulda been de one to tell de nation wha he and he party put in place not only to deal wid swine flu but also bird flu, and cow flu. De opposite to stupidity is sense and dem got some people who think dem got de world of sense. Jagdeo, that scamp, believe he is de only one in Guyana who got all de sense. He wake up one morning just before he lef office and give away all de radio licences to he friends, he family, heself and he party. When people seh it was illegal he seh that he got all de power and he can do wha he want and nobody can’t tell he nutten. De way he give way dem licence you would think that he mooma and daady own dem. He behave like if was he transported property. Well some li’l boys, including a Putagee, gun show he and all of dem who grab dem licence that de Guyanese people not stupid. Dem gun tek back what is rightfully theirs. Talk half and look how Craig Shadick gun tek way dem radio licence.

Committee would advise on appropriate action in cases of violations of the conditions of the licence which is in fact the role usually performed by a Broadcasting Authority. However, the ACB was dissolved by Justice James Bovell-Drakes in June of 2011 on a motion by the then leader of the opposition Robert Corbin. Jagdeo issued the licences in November long after the dissolution of the ACB and before a broadcast authority was formed. As a result of the judge’s decision dissolving the ACB, there was no ACB in place to advise Jagdeo to grant the radio licences in October 2011, and the Broadcast Authority was not formed until 2012. Vieira said that the committee concluded that since Jagdeo was required by law to be advised by that body as such, it can easily be construed that he broke the law again. “They were illegally granted by a Minister, Jagdeo, responsible for Broadcasting, in contravention of our laws in the absence of an ACB which was the only entity that could have legally advised him to issue those licences and there was no Broadcast Authority.” The Committee found that

Murder accused: Leonard Fredricks

A resident of Heaven Hill, Matthews Ridge, was yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of Peter James, when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. James was stabbed to death last Saturday, at Hell Hill, Matthews Ridge, North West District (NWD).

Leonard Fredricks, 23, was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. The Magistrate instructed the accused to return to court on Thursday, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It was reported

Police Corporal, Simone Payne, presented the case for the prosecution. The Prosecutor informed the court that the accused and the victim were involved in an argument prior to the incident. She said that on the day in question, Fredricks saw James drinking at a shop and dealt him several stabs about the body with a knife. Payne told the court that the suspect admitted to the crime under caution.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Guyana stories in 2015: Drama and Comedy Guyana in 2015 was a mixture of circus and tragedy. At times events combined both the comic and the tragic. At times, you couldn’t tell the difference from the comic and the tragic. It was both pathetic and silly that last year a group of anti-narcotics ranks from the police force got a tip and went

to a home at Lot 72, Sandy Babb Street in Kitty. In full battle dress, with big guns and an SUV fitted out with a full tank of gas, they swooped down on the house and arrested Anthony Taite for possession of one gram of marijuana. In case you think this is a typographical mistake, it is

not; one gram of ganja. More than one gram of weed can be found at most socialite parties and sybaritic escapades at pricey nightclubs in this country. But Taite’s house was raided for one gram of ganja. The street value of one gram of weed is almost nonexistent when you think of the

cost to feed Taite while he was on remand, cost of gas to transport him to the court house, cost of the police operation, paperwork at the police station and paperwork at the Magistrate’s court to process Taite for a gram of ganja. This was what life was like in Guyana in 2015. It tells the story of a weird country.

Before the big raid on Taite’s home on Sandy Babb Street in Kitty last year, another Georgetown Street made the headlines in dramatic style. This was the famous Robb Street. It came out at a High Court trial that a wealthy car dealer ordered a hit on a woman who earned her income as a nanny. The car dealer wanted the granny’s tiny, dwelling space for business purposes. In court, a confession statement was read out implicating the businessman. But the part of the drama that was anti-climactic was that the car tycoon wasn’t in court; he wasn’t even charged. That was Guyana in 2015. The justice system in 2015 made the headlines in Guyana like tsunami waves. A car wash employee who defended himself in court was given 45 consecutive years for insertion of his fingers into an underage girl. Weeks later in the same High Court, a murder accused got 15 years for a violent robbery in which he attacked a businessman who left a bank with lots of cash. The businessman’s handyman, a poor soul in his mid-sixties, was gunned down. A “youth maan” who preyed on women and violently robbed them was finally caught in Queenstown, Georgetown. A Magistrate that I am inclined to put under the microscope jailed him for three years on four counts of robbery under arms. The runaway train of crime in 2015 didn’t stop a powerful cop from visiting the casino at Princess Hotel every night in 2015. Two questions arose – how did he get in all the time when Guyanese are not allowed into the casino and secondly, how can he gamble each night with a salary of a senior policeman? I did say above that in Guyana the tragic and the comic are sometimes intertwined. Bharrat Jagdeo shared out goodies to one of

Frederick Kissoon his constituencies in the remaining days of 2015 and told the old folks that Guyana needs racial unity. Here is a politician who chalked up the sordid record of publicly sprouting the most depraved racist vocabulary than any other politician in living memory and for which he found himself in the courts, hoping for racial unity. But that wasn’t all. Before he shared out his Christmas goodies, his party’s General Secretary wrote the Election Commission for information on the ethnic composition of its employees. Why is the ethnic makeup of Guyanese employees who are entitled to work at any place of their choice was (is) important to Mr. Jagdeo’s party? That question should have been asked by one of those souls that received his Christmas gift. It could be seriously argued that the second most tragic-comic event in 2015 after Jagdeo’s racial unity call was Winston Brassington’s exclamation that while at NICIL, he didn’t do anything illegal. Most people had to laugh on reading that. Almost a hundred percent of the people in jail all over would tell you they didn’t commit the crime for which they were arrested. I cannot do a description of 2015 without the mention of Khurshid Sattaur. An entire column is forthcoming on this man. It was good news for the country that he had gone. But I believe the nation will be traumatized and become inconsolable when they hear what the audit of the GRA reveals.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Georgetown M&CC moves to Belize court rejects Guyana rice importation seize vacant, unattended lots The Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) will be moving to take control of a number of vacant lots across the city, especially if these have become environmental hazards. The first exercise has been conducted on Main Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Kaieteur News understands that the decision to seize empty lots was taken after the Council observed that there are a number of unattended spaces in different wards of Georgetown. According to information disseminated by M&CC’s Public Relations Department, the unattended areas have become eye sores. They are often covered with overgrowth and weeds. The overgrown lands provide an ideal setting for reptiles and mosquitoes to live. In some cases, residents have converted these lots to communal dump sites. Additionally, the Council noted that the environment is said to be a haven for the criminal minded to pounce on unsuspecting citizens. As such, residents who live nearby are forced to clear the lots themselves due to the environmen-

The three containers of Guyana rice stranded in wharf facilities, Belize.

Businessman Jack Charles and legal officials in a Belize court yesterday. Belize - Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Young, has declined to grant leave to Jack Charles to file for judicial review of a decision by BAHA to decline to allow him to import the three containers full of Guyanese rice sitting at the Big Creek Port. Presiding in chambers, Justice Young ruled that Charles had proceeded without obtaining an import permit in violation of the law. She found that the Court was being asked to intervene on the side of a lawbreaker which it would not do. Charles has also been ordered by Customs Department to send the rice back or risk it being destroyed. Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay, representing the rice producers, dismissed Charles’s gambit as a “sob story” and an insult to those working in the rice industry and to consumers, whom he says would have no protection should Charles have been successful and imported his rice, then changed prices or attempted to command a larger share of the market. Whether Charles tries again remains to be seen as

he said nothing to reporters leaving court. The rice from Guyana was held up last December after Charles failed to receive a permit. He is arguing that he is allowed to bring rice in to Belize under the Treaty of Chaguaramas which governs

free trade between CARICOM states. However, local producers and retailers are fighting Charles, insisting he will damage the local market. The three containers were not allowed to enter and were left in limbo on the wharf in Belize. (www.breakingbelizenews.com)

Miner remanded on wounding charge A 25-year-old miner was yesterday remanded after he appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on an Attempted Murder charge. Devon Smith, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on December 30, last, at Eteringbang, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leon Richardson with intent to murder. The Magistrate remanded the accused and ordered him to return to court on Thursday. According to Police Pros-

ecutor, Corporal Simone Payne, the victim and the suspect are known to each other. She said that on the day in question, the men were involved in an argument. Payne said that the victim pushed the suspect on to a table. Smith retaliated and reportedly broke a glass bottle and stabbed Richardson to the right side of his neck.

tal and safety threats. “A yard that is unkept is a contravention of the Public Heath Ordinance,” the statement outlined. According to the Public Health Ordinance Chapter 145; the owner of all lots shall keep them free from overgrowth of bush, weeds and long grasses. Further, the Public Health Ordinance Chapter 145 section 66 (-1) states that “The owner and occupier of any premises shall at all times keep his premises free from refuse tins, bottles coconut shells, calabashes, bush, weeds and long grass. Keep trimmed, within reasonable number to the satisfaction of the local sanitary authority and free from the breeding or harbouring of mosquitoes, all fruit or other trees, shrubs, hedges and plants of the like nature”. The Council has commenced cleaning those lands. This would add to the cost

incurred to the rate of such property owners. If the owner cannot be located the Municipality would be approaching the Courts to seek legal intervention in the matter. Also in cases when the landlords for the lots cannot be found, the Council will take necessary action to safe guard the integrity of the environment. Meanwhile, the Georgetown M&CC will be continuing efforts to repossess lands belonging to the Municipality. The committee has since reclaimed the Lamaha Street Railway Embankment. This area is earmarked for a special Municipal project; which would be of benefit to all citizens. Town Clerk, Royston King has noted that the Council has an environmental health responsibility to all citizens of Georgetown to ensure that environment is conducive to live and work.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Police Force accuses Population in the dark PSC Chairman of about the H1N1 virus misleading the public - says Dr Frank Anthony

As the row over the contentious police promotions continues, the Guyana Police Force is accusing the Chairman of the Police Service Commission of misleading the public. In a statement issued yesterday, the Force said that the PSC Chairman was incorrect when he made the statements that a rank recommended for promotion is on retirement leave, and that a few ranks recommended were interdicted from official duty. The Force stated that a perusal of the list of recommendations for promotion that has been submitted to the Service Commission was conducted yesterday. The perusal has found that all Officers, Inspectors and Sergeants recommended for promotions are performing duties currently, “which means that the Chairman of the Police Service Commission misled the public when he made the statements that a rank recommended is on retirement leave, and that a few ranks recommended were interdicted from official duty.” The PSC had explained that a Special Meeting was convened on December 21, last, after Members of the Commission observed a number of inconsistencies on the list provided by the Commissioner of Police. The commission had that it also found several ranks recommended for promotion

PSC Chairman Omesh Satyanand

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud

did not pass the Appropriate Qualifying Examinations (AQE) in keeping with Chapter 16.01 of the Police Act; and ranks that recommended for promotion are not on the Seniority List. The PSC stated that it was also observed that there were over 250 supersessions on the provided List. But the Guyana Police Force countered by stating that the Police Seniority List is just a list of all the ranks in an order that shows who is senior to whom. “Should promotions be based on seniority alone then there would be no need for recommendations, since all that would be required is to promote the most senior rank to fill the vacancy,” the police said.

It also reiterated that the Police Act Chapter 16:01 makes no mention of Police Appropriate Qualifying Examinations. Meanwhile, the Force has gone ahead and announced a preliminary junior rank promotion list. The list is made up of persons between the ranks of lance corporals and sergeants. The remainder of the list of junior ranks promotions will be announced when the vacancies are created with the promotion of senior ranks. The PSC Chairman had written to the Commissioner of Police informing him that the promotions will be announced on or before February 23rd and not in January as is customary.

Shadow Public Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has cried out against the Public Health Ministry’s means in conveying information on the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu), stating that there is no detailed strategy outlined to tackle the virus should an outbreak occur. Last month, Chief Medical Officer, Shamdeo Persaud, disclosed that the first imported case of the virus has been detected in Guyana after a Guyanese travelling from China returned home. He had stated that the man travelled from China, to the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago before returning home to Guyana. Fortunately, he said the man displayed no symptoms of the virus on the flight and therefore placed no one at risk. “This is a very serious issue because it is affecting some countries in the Caribbean. People are dying from it,” Anthony said, noting that the virus was very contagious. So far, the patient in Guyana has been sent overseas for treatment after his results returned positive from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry is currently monitoring some of the man’s close relatives and health care workers who had attended to him at a private hospital. They are ensuring that the full 21 days of observation is observed. It is transmitted whenever an infected person coughs or sneezes and releases tiny drops of the virus into the air. Persons who have it can spread it one day before they

have any symptoms and as many as seven days after they become ill. Despite its name, the virus is not transmitted by eating bacon, ham or any pork product. Symptoms include coughing, fever, sore throat, body aches and headaches. It was first known as swine flu in the past because persons who contracted it had to have had direct contact with pigs. But, this changed several years ago when a new strain of the virus emerged and spread among people who had no contact with pigs. Anthony stated that while the population is conscious that there are measures in place to tackle the issue if it increases, there is no transparency about the measures. “We hear that there are strategies but we don’t know what it is,” he charged. Unless there are adequate measures in place, he said Guyana would continue to see more cases of swine flu. He said that the Ministry needs to educate the public more on what the virus is and how it is transmitted. Also, he stated that the Ministry ought to inform the public on the preventative measures on how they would contain the virus if an epidemic occurs. “We don’t even know if they have any medications to treat the flu,” he stated. Persaud, however, had indicated that the Ministry has tightened its surveillance security system at the main Ports of Entry in Guyana, es-

pecially at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle International Airport. The Ministry, he said, is implementing precautionary measures from the “Keep Ebola and other Infectious Disease out of Guyana Strategy”. The strategy is divided into six crucial areas of coordination and control; rapid detection, isolation and risk reduction; points of entry; clinical management; laboratory diagnosis; and information, education and communication. Recently, Trinidad and Tobago reported four H1N1 related deaths. Last Wednesday, researchers revealed that there was a new strain of the virus with the potential to “transmit efficiently in humans” and cause a pandemic. One hundred and thirty-nine swine flu viruses in pigs in China were isolated by scientists and it was discovered that they formed two groups distinct from the current human H1N1 virus. “Our study shows the potential of EAH1N1 SIVs to transmit efficiently in humans and suggests that immediate action is needed to prevent the efficient transmission of EAH1N1 SIVs to humans,” the scientists said. “We found that the EAH1N1 swine flus got the highest risk score among six different subtypes of viruses, suggesting that the EAH1N1 SIVs may pose the highest pandemic threat among the influenza viruses currently circulating in animals”.

East Canje man, granddaughter left homeless after fire An East Canje man and his granddaughter are now homeless following a fire of unknown origin, which destroyed their twostorey home at Lot 1103 New Area, East Canefield, East Canje, Berbice. Chunilall Basdeo, called “Ears”, 61, a former employee of the Rose Hall Estate and a former taxi driver lived at the residence with his 10-year-old granddaughter. The inferno, which began around 11:00 hours on Sunday, reportedly started in the upper flat of the building. According to Basdeo, he was alerted to the blaze by his granddaughter, who told him that she smelt something burning. Upon checking, they noticed smoke coming from a bedroom in the upper flat of the house. But by the time they raised an alarm and summoned help, the fire was already

spreading rapidly. When the fire service arrived the fire had already consumed most of the upper flat of the house. Basdeo, who is reportedly unwell, stated that he is at a loss to explain how the fire started. He said that due to his illness, the upper flat of the house was unoccupied, since he can hardly climb the stairs. Basdeo, who is temporarily staying at his brother’s residence at Palmyra East Canje, estimated his loss to be in the millions of dollars because his house was well furnished with almost everything inside. According to Basdeo, he usually sustains himself by planting a small kitchen garden and selling some of the produce. The Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force are conducting investigations.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Farmers’ Association aids Gold miner remanded in food self-sufficiency for Boxing Day murder City Magistrate Fabayo Azore remanded a 28-yearold gold miner to prison yesterday for the Boxing Day murder of Ryan Simon. Appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday was Elvis Felix. The killing allegedly occurred in the Pakaraimas. Felix, a father of two, will make his next court appearance on Thursday before the Chief Magistrate. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne, told the court that the accused and the victim were known to each other. She said that on December 26, the two had a misunderstanding which led to a scuffle. Payne said that the accused left the scene and later returned with a cutlass and dealt Simon several chops to

A part of Dartmouth village

The “Dartmouth Farmers’Association” came into existence almost 27 years ago to allow small farmers within the community to become self-sufficient. The group currently has a membership of 56 The primary plan was to plant and to sell red beans on a larger scale. The task ahead was however hard but with diligence and the desire to create a better life for themselves, members continued to confront those hurdles. They are living a better life today. “It’s really hard work but I continue to see the many rewards”. Etta Stephens, Secretary of the “friendly group” said that while the group consists of mainly women and young people, there is still room for even more young people to

become members. The organization was designed to accommodate particularly unemployed youths and women in fostering an interest in agriculture. Stephens said that in the past, Dartmouth was self-sufficient, and was known as a community that produced ground provisions, fruits and vegetables for the Region. Stephens said that unlike today where vendors come into Dartmouth and sell their produce, the situation was in reverse back then. Acres of lands aback of the community of Dartmouth are being cultivated with red peas by small farmers who are owners of those lands. Over the years, due to the success of the Farmers’ Association, the group was able to garner assistance from a Canadian nongovernmental organiza-

tion and the government in the form of the modification of a drying floor and a peas thrasher. Stephens said the group plants twice annually and usually sells their produce to the “middle man” who in turn resells that product to customers outside of the Region. The local NGO also has markets at the local supermarkets in Region Two. The farmers’ organization is however seeking the clearing of additional farm lands to produce more and a tractor to assist in ploughing the land. Chairman of the organization, Simon, sees the organization producing over 5,000 pounds of peas in the next decade, provided that the group is successful in acquiring their own tractor. (Yannason Duncan)

Lindener charged with murder of Brazilian miner O’Neil Griffith, a 26-year-old labourer who reportedly confessed to fatally shooting a Brazilian miner was yesterday remanded to prison on a murder charge by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. O’Neil Griffith of Linden, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that he killed Razz DeSantos on December 30, at Puruni. According to reports, on the day in question, the miner was working at a mining camp when the suspect held him and another Brazilian at gunpoint. It was reported that a scuffle ensued during which DeSantos was shot to the neck. After reportedly killing the miner, Griffith allegedly escaped with a quantity of raw gold, a boat and an engine. However, he was captured at Itaballi. The stolen vessel and some of the gold were recovered. It was reported that the accused disposed of the firearm and was positively identified by one of the victims. Police Corporal, Simone Payne, stated that on the date in question, Griffith robbed several Brazilians at a mining camp. She said that

Elvis Felix being handcuffed the head. The Prosecutor stated that the accused was arrested in Mahdia and he handed over the murder weapon to the police. According to reports,

Felix had accused the now dead man of “talking his name”. It was reported that the suspect became angry, armed himself with a cutlass and fatally chopped Simon.

Sailor drowns at sea

The boat (right) which ‘Sunil’ and others were in.

The lifeless body of a sailor was pulled out of the Demerara River yesterday at the Guyana Fisheries wharf. The man whose only name was given has ‘Sunil’ along with other men reportedly went out sailing on Esperanza 110. However, Sunil, who is said to be in his 40s, vanished. The trawler was docked

yesterday at the wharf. The captain for the boat and several of the dead man’s co-workers refused to speak with the media. Kaieteur News understands that a Post Mortem examination will be performed on the man’s body to ascertain the cause of death.

Albouystown resident remanded for armed robbery

O’Neil Griffith he took out a gun and shot DeSantos. According to Payne, the accused admitted to killing the Brazilian. Griffith will make his next court appearance on Thursday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

City Magistrate Fabayo Azore remanded Mark Prince, an Albouystown resident, to prison yesterday, after he pleaded not guilty to a charge of Robbery under Arms when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Prince, 36, a taxi driver, who hails from 169 James and Curtis Streets, Albouystown, is accused of robbing Nicola Coates at gunpoint, of a cellular phone. The robbery al-

legedly occurred on November 23, 2015 at Bel Air Park. The defendant has to make another court appearance on January 28, before the Chief Magistrate. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne, presented the prosecution’s facts to the Court. Payne objected to pretrial liberty for Prince on the ground that he was charged before for an offence of a similar nature. The Prosecutor also cited the seriousness of

the offence. She further related to the court that additional charges are expected to be laid against the father of four. Prince, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded with the Magistrate for bail. He told the Court that his wife is pregnant with their fifth child and that he is the ‘breadwinner’ for the home. However, his pleas went unheard and he was ordered remanded.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

VEHICLE FOR SALE Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, 212, IST, Fielder, Spacio- Call: 6523820/ 665-4529

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival CityAsking $80,000- Call: 619-2141 Two bedrooms house “A” Field Sophia, fully grilled off Road Parking, CCTV, $50,000 monthly with 2 months security-Call:693-2237;219-0211

WANTED Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111 EXPERIENCED WRITER FOR A SHORT E-BOOK 50 TO 60 PAGES- GOOD PAY. TEXT ME ONLY: 603-0758

One Axela Mazda -$1.550 negotiable, one Nissan Titan, one Audi A4; all vehicles in excellent condition-Call: 665-3038; 226-4356 Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 Toyota Fortuner 2012 yearCall: 624-6702

One live in domestic maid – Call: 675-5256/ 666-4153/ 6563241

New model RAV 4 4X4 $2.5M, Mazda Axela -$1.5M, good for bank purchase (both excellent condition) –Call: 220-6380; 639-2490

1 Female 18-25yrs living in / around G/Town to work in Snackette 3pm-9pm @ 193 Charlotte St. G/Town-Call: 226-2320

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154

One domestic to work at Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a week –Call: 220-0302

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

Two experienced waitressesCall: 627-5607 One Carburetor for Toyota Crown, 6 cylinders 2200 cc 2M engine- Call: 218-1806; 619-0757 One live in maid-Call: 6683985; 264-2563 One live in Domestic- Must know to cook, $55,000 monthly-Call: 661-8673; 6615992 One nail technician: apply in person with written application to Zytech Building Regent Street. Call: 225-0563 1 Experienced diesel/ gasoline mechanic to work in the Interior- must also know to drive & weld –Call:6802702/661-4265 Female housekeeper/cook, must be between 40-55, valid police clearance/ reference –Call: 656-3429 Live in domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes & also baking. Salary $80,000 monthly-Call: 610-3974

2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glasstop, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 Tractor Massey Ferguson from Canada : MF165 -$1.7M, MF -$135M -$1.1M, MF265$2.2M, Tundra -$1.9M, Tacoma 2005-$2.3M- Call: 682-5230, 628-9596 1 New model Raum, PPP series, 1 Toyota Spacio, PPP Series –Call: 649-2354 Selling Cheap: 2003 white Fielder, fully loaded, pioneer deck, AC, alarm, VVTI engine, PRR -$1.3M –Call: 672-0470 2-Unregistered new model Toyota Tacoma: step, alarm, crash bar, bed covering, dark & light blue colour. Call: 6956461; 639-7758 1 Jailing Motorcycle 70HP $40,000 –Call: 648-2356

Maid and receptionist at Hilton Crest, Lot 12 Henry Street. Call: 225-9211 Bar attendant at Cotton Club, Lot 44 Public Road Kitty. Call: 231-1908; 231-1912 One housekeeper, one babysitter, age 30-45 years. Call: 621-4999

D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031

1 Female cleaner apply Technical Services, Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D

1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 662-9335; 6123244

EXPERIENCED WRITERS, FREELANCERS OR GHOST WRITERS FOR SHORT FICTION EBOOK- GOOD PAY! TEXT ONLY: 603-0758

WANTED OFFICE CLERK WITH EXPERIENCED, CXC, C O M P U T E R S KNOWLEDGE AND GENERAL OFFICE WORK, POLICE CLEARANCE. RUIMVELDT. TEL: 2318529 BOND WORKERS FOR WAREHOUSE, STRONG, FASTANDALERT. POLICE CLEARANCE A MUST. RUIMVELDT. TEL: 2318529

Tuesday January 05, 2016

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 3 Storey business property on South Road, near the High Court. Call: 691-8420serious buyers One 400 Cubic Ft. 10Ft. long freezer- Call: 218-1806; 6190757 Stalls 64-72: 47 feet long & 7 feet wide, section 1 LaPenitence Market, Albouystown-Call: 663-1597; 218-4837 Diving Suits-Call: 265-3449/ 613-5158 2 Mining Claims, Omai Ouratz Hill, 1 Aurora Along the 6KM Road, 1 IBM bottomside. Contact A. Thompson, telephone: 600-6057 Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 670-2343 Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from -$49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 CAT 930- Front End Loader, CAT D4H bulldozer, 9wheeled Pneumatic, Roller – Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Dachshund puppies mix with Pekingese for sale-Call: 592677-2476 Leyland DAF 55 Dump Truck, CAT 320 BL excavator. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 One used ATV 4 wheel motor bike, colour: yellow, 450 model, at Parfaite Harmonie, asking price -$1.5M. Call:662-3350 1290 MF tractor in good work order. Call: 614-9262 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212

VACANCY Night Security- send application to: P.O. Box 10109, Georgetown, by 8th January, 2016. Immediate vacancies exist for at least 12 workers to work @ Ice Factory, MeadowbankCall: 231-1408/ 642-9191 Salesman with his own transportation-Call: 610-1111 Driver and porter for water truck-Call: 680-3863. One Cook/cleaner and one Cashier –Call: 624-0033. Accounts /Bond Clerk, apply at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Two house & land for sale, excellent condition, one located at Tuschen & one at Goed-Fortuin. Call: 668-3985; 660-3235 1 Concrete house with 3 apartments @ Friendship $9M negotiable- Call: 6618700

Carpenters to work in Coverden, E.B.D apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. Caterpillar and Perkins mechanic, Excavator Operators. Contact 2235273 Gardener / handyman contact 223-5273-4 Welder/Fabricator, senior machinist, mechanic & cleaners- apply in person: Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. 1 Experienced barman & chief cook –Contact Sheik on: 6219759 or Donald: 673-4628 Experienced cook, waitress, bartenders & bouncers needed @ Eden’s Bar, East Bank-Call for appointment: 652-0074

EDUCATIONAL RISING STAR DAYCARE, KINDERGARTEN & AFTERSCHOOL CARE. Lessons for Grades 1-11: Phonics, reading, Nursery – Call: 690-9378 Private customs brokerage, training certificate course from 2nd Feb 2016, register now & save –Call: 6948322; 223-1506 Lessons Classes: Phonics, Reading, Composition & Mathematics- ages 4-12 years old @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens –Call: 2182076; 619-4355

Experienced Bar/Shop worker for Ekeruku Bottom (Interior), ages 17-30yrs. Call: 231-0363 Able bodied male to work in a Hardware store-Call: 2194533; 231-2029; 616-5954 Male security, male desk staff, 25-45 years- Lot 233 South Road LacytownCall: 225-0198

SALON -Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Live In farm worker- Call:6395577

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

LAND FOR SALE

TO LET Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apartment in a healthy and safe environment –Call: 6986496; 677-6638 Two bedroom apartment $47,000 monthly @ Middle Road, La- Penitence-Call: 6669534; 226-6374

Transported land with fruit trees, fenced, fill high -$4.3M @ Richmond Essequibo Coast, next to School–Call: 682-5230; 628-9696 Land for sale with structure at 407 Great Diamond, 8th Street front half. Call: 6533381; 609-3692 DRESSMAKING

Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Eccles furnished apartments Classes starting January – includes cable, internet, A/C, Call: 626-2629; 676-6312 etc, short term. Call: 233-2770 Continued on page 31

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 23

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

Dr. Hinds is asked an The police force under the microscope important question DEAR EDITOR Dr. Hinds commented, “President David Granger’s recent plea for patience and suggestion that they have not yet accumulated the evidence needed for prosecution makes some sense. But, politically it puts a damper on the expectations of Government supporters.” The above is an excerpt from a news item published in Sunday’s edition of your newspaper. Dr. Hinds is also reported in that news article to have said that the lack of prosecution of alleged wrongdoers under the previous government could negatively impact APNU/AFC’s success in upcoming local government elections. Is Dr. Hinds suggesting that thorough investigations, fairness, honesty and due process must be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency? Is he suggesting that persons should be charged even without sufficient evidence so as to satisfy the expectations of supporters and to influence the results of local government elections? Let me make it clear. I am of the view that persons against whom there is a preponderance of evidence of corruption should be charged and have their day in Court. David Granger, prior to becoming president, had said that a government led by him would not embark on a witch hunt and he is apparently

keeping his promise. He obviously wants to avoid any criticisms about witch hunting by ensuring that when someone is charged there is enough evidence to win a conviction, rather than have cases thrown out for lack of evidence which would then serve as testimony to witch hunting. APNU/AFC is not merely a coalition it is the Government of Guyana and must act with the sense of responsibility, fairness and commitment to due process that is required of a government. While pursuing investigations and commissions of enquiry the government should also set up a truth and reconciliation commission that would bring to light many of the wrong doings of the previous administration while at the same time providing amnesty and giving some of the wrong doers an opportunity to atone. Ours is a small society rife with factionalism and fractionalism based largely on race and political affiliation and with the flawed thinking of many of our politicians that “s/he who is not for me is against me.” The APNU/AFC government has a great opportunity to work towards engendering social cohesion and racial harmony, if not unity. It must not squander this opportunity. Wesley Kirton

Guyanese don’t show nationalist feelings... From page 5 anywhere I have lived or travelled. They say they care but often act antithetical to the needs and desires of the populace. Editor, Guyana sits on the crest of some very pivotal times ahead. This is make or break time for us. We are embarrassed and weary of being the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the rest of the world. The internet and social media constantly remind us that we deserve better. We are hardworking, intelligent, and God-fearing, just as much as our friends and family living in other countries and doing better than us. As a people we are both tired and optimistic. Since 2011 the country has shown that we are desirous of inclusivity and unity. This current administration has a golden opportunity to do for this country what has never been done in 50 years; the uniting of the nation. I applaud the former Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran, and join with him in his call for some national solution to the racial and ethnic divisions in this country.

We are not interested in the selfish and personal legacy of our politicians. This is a new era. We need to see plans and behaviours exhibited by our trusted leaders that are patriotic and nationally beneficial. Guyana needs the kind of leadership that will pilot us away from our learnt political, racial and ideological differences. Under God this will be achieved. The hand writing is on the wall. Pastor Wendell. P. Jeffrey

DEAR EDITOR, To us laymen, it may seem as if the brouhaha about police promotions is all about nothing but if we were to take the time to speak to a few insiders we would understand the machinations that at\re ongoing in the administrations of the police force. First of all it defies logic that a former treason accused would reach the rank of second in command of the GPF. Treason is a crime against the State regardless of which party is in government. A letter writer equated the injustice meted out against Simon McBean with the travails of David Ramnarine. We come to the balls that the Police Service Commission seems to have recently felt for itself when only at the

quite adequately. The number of supersessions which alarmed the PSC seems a little too late when a similar issue occurred without comment during 2014. Incidentally the rank in charge of station when a suspect was burned at an East Coast location and who is related to a very senior officer and was promoted is again tipped for promotion. What does this say about the fairness of the system? For the GPF to ask the PSC to establish criteria for promotion is an exercise in futility since it is the GPF which must say what areas should be looked at. The number of courses participated in should not be a factor. The current Commis-

sioner is reputed to have the most overseas courses under his belt but that is certainly no guarantee that he was the best pick for the position. It is not too late for a poll to be conducted among the senior officers. I think a thorough look needs to be taken into the strategic placement of officers of a certain type which has taken place since the current Commissioner took office. Again it is my belief that the PSC is taking the correct approach in this entire matter and it is only left to time to see how things play out. There needs to be a more in-depth look at how the GPF is managed and how optimally all departments are functioning. Julius Laundry

Winston Brassington and this point in... From page 5 including preferential treatment and measures that go against the grain of good governance; however, the development of a country does not occur in a pristine vacuum. We must enjoin ourselves to the present, and focus on what we can do now that will strengthen the platform forour future goals and objectives. Across the globe, we have had amnesties for illegal immigrants, delinquent tax payers and prisoners, I appealto our leaders to use this year of our fiftieth independence anniversary to have truce and thereby avoid continuing down a path of retributive politics. Not to say there is no basis for punitive action, just not now, not when we have this grand opportunity to enrich our political culture. With the PPP/C in opposition as a vibrant and wellresourced political party and APNU+AFC holding the reins of power, we are at that fork in the road where we can make the right turn to accelerate the development of our country; with confidence in the stableness of our politi-

Christopher Ram is concerned about... From page 4 constructive dismissal. The tax collection agency of any country must enjoy the confidence of citizens, be free from political direction and control, and be allowed to operate independently and professionally. If confidence in any one of these goes, everything else goes, with irreparable consequences. As a public body, the Governing Board of the

last promotions it did not recognize that a lot of senior officers were superseded by those with less service and experience although they had no disciplinary or integrity strikes recorded against them. Maybe Editor you might wish to ask yourself why Leslie James did not receive the level of support as Crime Chief that Blanhum is getting as a far junior officer in the rank than many others. I believe that the PSC has awoken albeit a bit late from its slumber. For the Commissioner to ask the PSC to show where in the Police Act speaks about qualifying examinations is an exercise in disingenuousness. The police standing orders system that is conveniently used, addressed that issue

GRA has a duty to justify its actions to the citizens of the country. Neither silence nor aloofness is acceptable. Finance Minister Mr. Winston Jordan, who has ministerial responsibility for the GRA and the terms and conditions of the appointment of the Commissioner General, must ensure that that the reputation and integrity of the GRA are maintained. Christopher Ram

cal and democratic culture. Of all the leaders we have had under British Guiana/ Guyana, I believe the current President is best suited to lead the healing of the wounds we have inflicted upon each other, both within political parties and against opponents of political parties. The patience President Granger showed when in opposition, his penchant for listening and his sense of fairness and justice was evident to not only his supporters, who were at times critical, but also was evident to supporters of the then ruling party and other opposition parties. It is a given, that senior personnel changes across the political and state apparatus should occur when a new government takes office, this

is necessary, however it does not have to be adjoined with unjust tactics. There will never be a time when a change of government occurs and the new government cannot identify cronyism and corruption by the previous political administration. What we have to build are functioning institutions and systems, within the state machinery to mitigate such misdeeds. It is important to be better than our former self with each passing day. While identifying and correcting previous mistakes is an imperative, we must avoid confrontational politics. The current opposition also has an important role to play in this process; grand-

standing should be shunned. It will only lead to toe to toe and blow for blow politics that will result in a vicious and destructive climate that will undermine our political, social and economic progress. Competitive politics is necessary for the development of our democracy and country, however, there are certain ethical codes that need to be embraced, requiring all political parties to avoid tribalism politics whenever and wherever possible. Nigel Hinds

From page 22 LEGAL NOTICE Application for Music and Dancing Licence (Pursuant to Section 4 of the Music and Dancing Licensing Act23:23). I, Leeuwen Adaker of Lot 1 Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown Magisterial District for a new Licence under the Music and Dancing Act authorizing the granting to me a Music and Dancing Licence to Carry on the , Business of Eden Bar and Lounge at Lot 1 Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. Notice of any objections to this application should be sent forthwith to the Clerk of Court of the Georgetown Magisterial District and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the subscriber Leeuwen Adaker. Dated at Georgetown, Demerara this 30th December,2015.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Marian Academy twins with the Jinshan High Man shot during School of the People’s Republic of China row with neighbour The Marian Academy has formally entered into a twinning agreement with the Fuzhou Jinshan High School from the City of Fuzhou in the Fujian Province of the People’s Republic of China. This was according to the Global Friendships Foundation (GFF) which is a nongovernmental, non-profit organization that works to create and strengthen partnerships between Guyana and international communities around the world. In a release, the GFF stated that the Principals of both schools have committed to making this new relationship not merely an ostensible one, but rather an affiliation that is tangible and mutually beneficial to the students of both educational institutions. The affiliation, according to the GFF, has been designed to create, establish and encourage linkages between the two schools with plans for them to learn from each other’s best practices, to promote educational, sporting, and cultural exchanges through the attachment of the students and teachers at each

Tyler Orderson a Grade 7 Student of the Marian Academy exchanges with a student of the Fuzhou Jinshan High School copies of yearbooks of the two schools during a visit to School in Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China (Photo provided by the Global Friendships Foundation) other’s schools. The Fuzhou Jinshan High School which is a junior middle school and senior high school with 53 classes and 2544 students, it has achieved remarkable accomplishments such as the provincial school with the best physical and

subject characteristics. “The entire campus is well-equipped with first-class facilities, covering an area of 127 mu, with over 50 thousand square meters for buildings, housing a 400 meter long track and field sports ground, an Olympic sized swimming

pool, a well-equipped library and state of the art information technology resources” The GFF stated. The initiative to twin these two schools was undertaken as part of a raft of projects and programmes being undertaken by the GFF.

Destination Guyana to be promoted to Chinese Eco and Adventure Tourists from China

An East Bank Demerara man was shot multiple times yesterday afternoon after an alleged altercation with his neighbour. Alvin Mursalin, 39, of 887 Diamond Housing Scheme, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from the Diamond Diagnostics Centre, sometime around 20:15hrs. He was reportedly shot in his head and his foot. Whether the bullet is lodged in Mursalin’s head, remains unknown since his wife, Shanaz (only name given) informed that a CT scan is yet to be conducted. Although the circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear, Shanaz told this publication that she learnt about the incident from a resident. However, she revealed that their opposite

neighbour (name provided), and her husband had an “old beef” and would from time to time cause the two men to have heated exchanges. Shanaz and other relatives, who were present at the GPHC, are convinced that Mursalin was shot by the neighbour. Shanaz also recalled an instance some time ago when Mursalin was chopped by the same neighbour, whose brother, is a Regional Chairman hence, all reports to the police she said, would usually fall on “deaf ears”. Present at the hospital also was Mursalin’s brother, who stated that some time ago, the neighbour had received a restraining order after the chopping ordeal. He said that this attempt on his brother’s life was a violation of the Court order.

GPL paying $10M monthly to truck fuel... From page 15 the Demerara Harbour Bridge daily. There were fears that any unfortunate incident with the bridge forcing its closure would have crippled the new plant, in the absence of the wharf being in operation. The plant has been key to boosting and stabilizing GPL supply with the power being distributed as far as Berbice through an inter-linked sys-

tem. The wharf contract was reportedly awarded to BK International back in June 2013. The entire power plant project itself was delayed by almost two years, sending costs up to US$36M. GPL had signed a US$26M contract with Wartsila, a Finnish company that has several engines across the country, since entering the Guyana market in the 1990s.

Sonoram, Nurse to....

The Guyana Delegation with some of the Travel Agents and Tour Operators of Fuzhou Guyana’s efforts to attract more tourists to promote its adventure and eco-tourism product, has been given a “shot in the arm”. A special marketing presentation was recently undertaken in the City of Fuzhou, in the Fujian Province of the People’s Republic of China. This was according to a press release from the Global Friendships Foundation (GFF). According to the release, the special advertising campaign was held at a special forum with travel agents and tour consultants from Fuzhou City and other parts of the Fujian Province, to publicize the exceptional tourism products Guyana has to offer to travelers from around the

world, but more specifically, to tourists from the People’s Republic of China who are into culture, adventure, sports and eco-tourism. “Those in attendance were told of Guyana’s unspoiled beauty, unique cultural heritage and natural attractions which makes it an ideal destination for Chinese tourists. As opposed to the sun and sand tourism product offered by many of its Caribbean neighbours, the agents and operators were advised that Guyana offers a distinct product-vast open spaces, savannahs, virgin rainforests, mountains, huge rivers and waterfalls, the most famous of which

is the majestic Kaieteur Falls, known to be the highest single drop waterfall in the world and five times taller than Niagara Falls.” Attendees were also shown a number of audiovisual (A/V) and PowerPoint presentations of Guyana’s abundant wildlife, numerous species of flora, a variety of fauna and spectacular birdlife. Specifically as it relates to Georgetown, the GFF indicated that the attendees were shown its picturesque, treelined avenues, bustling markets, and wooden buildings, including the renowned St. George’s Cathedral, reportedly the world’s tallest wooden building. Also during the forum, a

special presentation was done on the Aruwai White H20 Resort facility, the $15 billion resort, situated on an island in the mighty Essequibo River, which opened its doors last month, and which houses 50 rooms, a spa, gym and all the modern amenities for tourists and locals to enjoy a vacation surrounded by attractive foliage scenery just off the left bank of the Essequibo River. “The travel agents and tour consultants were particularly captivated by the possibilities this new facility offered Chinese tourists such as cruises to nearby Amerindian villages and tours to nearby waterfalls and mining areas.”

From page 20 small band full costume designer for the Ministry of Education for the past three consecutive years is also sounding fair warning. Nurse, 28, who also holds the title of Best Designer for the King of the road 2015 as well as Best Designer male individual 2015 for the Region Four Democratic Council has been designing costumes since age 13. He said, “I have some great concepts to reflect our journey as an independent nation and while I'm awaiting for a show of interest from companies, I must note that I haven't started designing for any one company as yet since

most of them wait till crunch time. But I have started putting proposals and samples of what the finished piece would look like.” Over the last few years, being young in the game, he said he has brought a new level to the costume arena with what he calls transformers, as was done in 2013. “I created a king costume as a book with a page that turns and creates a popup book of the popular ghost of Clout Denuien Kirk and his white horse. “That is still my favorite to date, and then my winning king for 2015 won the male individual prize last year also,” he said. (By Mondale Smith)

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Son recalls chilling ordeal as mother tied, beaten -Daughter’s ex-boyfriend detained and burnt to death

Moshim Khan

Anita Baichan

Detectives are hoping that an ex-cop that they had charged two years ago with the execution-style murder of one woman can lead them to the men who killed another woman in equally savage fashion last Sunday. That second victim is 49year-old Anita Baichan, who was bound, gagged and left to die in her burning house at Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice. Her son, who was also bound and left in the same house, escaped to talk about the ordeal. Police confirmed last night that they have detained the ex-cop and that he is a former boyfriend of one of Mrs. Baichan’s daughters. Several other individuals have also been detained, police said, while stressing that they are examining a number of motives other than robbery. The ex-policeman and another man were charged in 2014 in connection with the execution-style murder of a woman and the wounding of her sister. The victim, a mother of four, was shot in her head while her sister was shot to her abdomen. The matter against the two suspects was discharged in December 2014. Kaieteur News has confirmed that the daughter who is said to have been the 28year-old former policeman’s ex-girlfriend lives overseas. The daughter, who is a teacher, returned to Guyana some hours after her mother was slain. Moshim Khan, the son who escaped from the burning home after being bound, has alleged that the two masked intruders had inquired about “the teacher girl.” CHOPPED IN HIS SLEEP As he sat quietly on a chair surrounded by relatives, Moshim Khan, yesterday recalled that he and his mother went to bed around 21:00 hrs on Saturday after watching a movie. Khan, his mother and sister, Natasha resided at the Lot

23-362 Plantation Hope, West Berbice property. At the time of the robbery, his sister- a teacher was scheduled to return to Guyana from the United States of America at 08:00 hrs the following day, Sunday. “I deh sleeping and I feel a sharp lash around my eye and before meh could open meh eye, meh feel another one and then me see a man standing in front of me with a cutlass to my neck and he said to me, ‘Don’t make noise,’. Then I realized someone chopping meh in me sleep,” Khan recalled. He said that the intruder, who had a jersey tied around his mouth, tied him up with strips of cloth. “He hold me and pull me down the bed and he jump on meh and keep on asking fa money.” According to Khan, he had no idea there was a second intruder in the house until his cutlass-wielding attacker dragged him to his mother’s room. “He throw meh down on the floor and dragged me to the front room. As me go there now me mom deh on the ground and them stamping on she chest and asking for money. Them tie she up.” He saw that his mother was bleeding from under her arm and her face was swollen and she was crying out for pain. “Me mommy crying and telling them that we na got a lot of money and one of them jumped on she chest and she tell them to check in the wardrobe. Dem search and dem find some money and then dem seh that them want more,” Khan said. “Dem demand money and gold; dem start beat me and broadside meh and lashing me and me mother wid de cutlass. Dem search and find some more money and start beating us up more bad. Dem beat me and me black out. When me wake up, them still beating meh,” Khan said. In total, the men escaped with close to $150,000.

The house in which the woman died As the bandits terrorized both mother and son, Khan said that one of the men told him that they heard a teacher resided at the home but he lied and told them that his sister, who is a teacher, was married and that she was living with her husband. “Them tell me that dem gun kill me if me don’t tell them where all the money and gold deh…Dem search and find duct tape and dem tape we up. Them find a laptop and ask me if it working. Me say me don’t know and them take it and lash meh in me head and break it and then dem find some old phones and them pelt me with dem.” According to Khan, when he looked at his mother, she was bleeding from her face and she was crying out in pain continuously. He said that she was losing consciousness too. “Meh asked dem to give me some Limacol to rub it on her and he (bandit) went and get it so meh stretch meh hand to collect it but he started making fun of us and he open it and throw it all over we and he take cream and spray it on us and then one of them take a drink from the fridge and throw it on we. Them went mocking we when we begging for we life,” the son said. The traumatized young man said that the two men ‘smoked weed’ and blew the smoke on their faces. He said that just before leaving, the bandits stated that they would burn the house with the victims inside. “We didn’t think them would burn the house but them walk with their own gasoline. Them throw it on a bed downstairs and set it on fire. After a while, meh feel the heat and meh tell mommy and she tell meh to go downstairs and throw water.” With his hands still bound at the front, Khan said he re-

moved the duct tape from his mother’s mouth. They then began to scream for help, but no one heard them since the houses in the area are far apart. “Me tell meh mommy that we have to go downstairs now and she tell meh to go first but meh tell she that meh na leave she alone,” Khan said. He added that because his mother was tortured so much, she could hardly move.

“Meh dragged a little and then meh turn and pull she and then ah drag and pull she,” Khan said. “When we reach the step, meh roll down and meh tell she meh coming back. Me went to the back door and meh try to cut the duct tape (on his hands and feet) on the concrete but it na really loose out so meh roll and dragged out the gas bottle from the house before it explode.”

But before he could return for his mother, the fire had already engulfed her. By then, he said their nearest neighbour had heard them and came to the rescue. “The man cut the duct tape and we try to go save mommy but it was too late. She was already burn up.” Police are awaiting a postmortem to ascertain whether the woman was slain before her home was torched.

Authorities need serious approach to swine flu: Vaccinate all students (Trinidad Guardian) The H1N1 virus (swine flu) ought to be taken seriously because people can die from it, former health minister Dr Fuad Khan said Sunday. Speaking with the T&T Guardian via telephone, Khan said all students should also be vaccinated against the virus with the new term beginning yesterday. He said once people can die from any virus the relevant authorities must take decisive action. On Thursday, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh urged parents to keep their children away from schools today (Monday) once they display cough and cold-like flu symptoms or any other sort of related discomfort. Deyalsingh had reportedly said that the call was part of an attempt to bring the swine flu issue under control among the school population. However, Khan said Sunday that he believes more focus should be placed on school children and added that the H1N1 vaccination should be made available to students. “This is where it is needed, because school children get the flu very easily and it can spread very quickly because children cough and sneeze on each other and then touch

others and play with each other and once the virus is contracted it will spread,” Khan said. “With this swine flu more action needs to be taken by Minister Deyalsingh. It is something that goes beyond telling the population not to panic. It is something that we should be very concerned about.” Khan said he has been flooded with calls from people who have been complaining that they have gone to various health offices for the vaccination and were told there is none in the country. He added that many of them are instead administered the normal flu shots, which he said only give partial coverage. “I am hearing that 20,000 vaccinations have been ordered. Where are they?” Khan said. He also raised the

issue of a shortage of district health visitors, who visit schools to administer vaccinations to school children, adding this needs to be addressed soon. “When I was in office I was encountered with this same problem and tried to address it. However, because the health training of such people were taken from the Ministry of Health and put under the Ministry of Tertiary Education it became more problematic, because training really supposed to be under the Health Ministry and I don’t think that the current Minister is aware of this,” Khan said. Contacted on the issue Sunday, Deyalsingh said he will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss more on the H1N1 and the ministry’s formulation plan.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Wall Street falls sharply after China selloff U.S. stocks tumbled yesterday, putting the Dow on track for its worst start to a year since 1932 after weak Chinese economic data fanned fears of a global slowdown. Surveys showed factory activity in the world’s second-largest economy shrank sharply in December, sparking a 7-percent slide in Chinese shares that triggered a trading halt. Adding to investors’ worries, China’s central bank fixed the yuan at a 4-1/2 year low, further weakening it against the dollar. U.S. data sparked further concern as factory activity weakened unexpectedly in December, according to the Institute for Supply Management. Amazon weighed the most on the S&P and Nasdaq, falling 6.9 percent to $629.56, while the Nasdaq Biotech Index was down 4 percent.

There was the turmoil overnight overseas that kind of set the tone ... (but) all of the negatives out there have been out there for a while,” said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading in Greenwich, Connecticut. “The fact that we closed down on the year, the Fed tightened, it crystallized in investors’ minds that we’re not in the environment we were in throughout most of the recovery.” The Dow Jones industrial average was down 417.03 points, or 2.39 percent, to 17,008, the S&P 500 had lost 47.96 points, or 2.35 percent, to 1,995.98 and the Nasdaq Composite had dropped 142.39 points, or 2.84 percent, to 4,865.02. The S&P 500 was on track for its worst start to a year since 2001. The selloff was widespread but not as deep as the

slide caused by worries of a China-led global slowdown in August, when the Dow tumbled more than 1,000 points at one point. Crude oil prices reversed course, losing earlier gains from a breakdown in diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran raised concerns of supply restrictions. Tesla was down 7.9 percent at $221.03. The electric car maker said it delivered 17,400 vehicles in the fourth quarter, just above the low end of its guidance. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by 2,269 to 819, for a 2.77-to-1 ratio on the downside; on the Nasdaq, 2,251 issues fell and 598 advanced for a 3.76-to-1 ratio favoring decliners. The S&P 500 posted 1 new 52-week high and 14 new lows; the Nasdaq recorded 8 new highs and 109 new lows.

Page 27

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Syria chemical arms probe found signs of sarin gas exposure: U.N. A fact-finding mission of the global anti-chemical weapons watchdog has found indications that some people in Syria were exposed to deadly sarin gas, or a compound like it, according to a report the United Nations released yesterday. The findings come in the latest monthly report on Syria from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) chief Ahmet Uzumcu. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attached it in a Dec. 29 letter to the 15-nation Security Council. Uzumcu’s report said his agency’s fact-finding mission in Syria was looking into charges by the Syrian government that chemical weapons were used in 11 instances. The report did not specify when the alleged toxic gas attacks occurred. “In one instance, analysis of some blood samples indicates that individuals were at some point exposed to sarin or a sarin-like substance,” Uzumcu said. “Further investigation would be necessary to determine when or under what circumstances such ex-

Civilians react as they wear gas masks after what activists said was a chlorine gas attack on Kansafra village at Idlib countryside, Syria May 7, 2015. (Reuters/Abed Kontar) posure might have occurred.” The Syrian government has long accused opposition fighters, who have been seeking for nearly five years to oust the country’s president, of using chemical weapons. Western-backed rebels in Syria have repeatedly denied using chemical weapons. Western officials say it is unlikely rebels would have the capability to deploy sarin gas. Uzumcu said the source of the sarin or sarin-like com-

pound was unclear, adding that the OPCW fact-finding mission “did not come across evidence that would shed more light on the specific nature or source of the exposure.” Syria agreed in September 2013 to destroy its entire chemical weapons program under a deal negotiated with the United States and Russia after hundreds of people were killed in a sarin gas attack in the outskirts of the capital, Damascus.

Bar Association wants Judges’ pensions pegged to salaries of serving ones (Jamaica Gleaner) The Jamaican Bar Association (JBA) is suggesting that the government peg the pension of retired judges to the salaries of their serving colleagues, similar to the arrangements for prime ministers and governors general. JBA head Donovan Walker, argues that currently, retired judges abide by the convention of not returning to legal practice after their retirement. He adds that as a result, judges end up facing hard

socio-economic times, which turns-off some future judges and force serving ones to leave Jamaica. Walker says the government needs to find a way to improve the system and extending the privilege given to prime ministers and governors general would be a good step. The bar association head says the only lucrative opportunity after retirement for judges is being called upon by government to serve on tribunals or commissions of

enquiry. However, he says those events are rare and few judges get selected. Last November, retired Justice Panton lashed the government over the situation, saying the pensions of some retired judges can only pay their light bills. He also noted that more than 20 years ago, there was a proposal for the conditions of service and emoluments for retired judges to be linked to the salaries of serving judges.

New sustainable development agenda to guide development for the next 15 years NEW YORK, USA — The new year ushered in the official launch of the bold and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders last September at the United Nations. The new agenda calls on countries to begin efforts to achieve 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) over the next 15 years. “The seventeen sustainable development goals are our shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and

the people,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “They are a to-do list for people and planet, and a blueprint for success.” The SDGs, unanimously adopted by the UN’s 193 member states at an historic summit in September 2015, address the needs of people in both developed and developing countries, emphasising that no one should be left behind. Broad and ambitious in scope, the agenda addresses the three dimensions of sustainable development:

social, economic and environmental, as well as important aspects related to peace, justice and effective institutions. The mobilization of means of implementation, including financial resources, technology development and transfer and capacity-building, as well as the role of partnerships, are also acknowledged as critical. The Paris Conference on climate change is seen by many as the first test of political will to implement the agenda.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Zinedine Zidane replaces Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid coach BBC Sport - Rafael Benitez has been sacked as manager of Real Madrid after just seven months in charge, with club legend Zinedine Zidane replacing him. Spaniard Benitez, 55, was relieved of his duties following a meeting of the club’s board on Monday. Real’s B team coach Zidane, 43, has been promoted to first-team boss. The Frenchman, a former Real player and World Cup winner, said: “I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well.” Benitez’s final game was Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Valencia, which left them third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid. Zidane is the 11th coach to be appointed in Florentino Perez’s 12 years as club president across two spells. The length of his contract has not

been made public. His first match in charge will be Saturday’s home La Liga game against Deportivo la Coruna. Why sack Benitez? Perez is yet to explain why the board of directors took the “difficult” decision to dismiss Benitez, who once coached the club’s youth teams. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said: “Let me make clear that this is a great professional and a great person. “I want to acknowledge the dedication of Benitez during his time as coach of Real Madrid.” Benitez lost only three of his 25 games in charge of Los Blancos, but it would seem a combination of factors both on and off the pitch led to his downfall. One was the 4-0 home defeat by Barcelona in the first

El Clasico of the season in November. His defensive tactics were also criticised, while there were reports of a rift with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The right replacement? For a man with no experience of managing at the top level, Zidane’s appointment could be considered a risk but he has long been seen as a future Real boss. Zidane has been coach of the club’s B team - who are second in the Spanish third tier - since 2014. Prior to that he was an integral member of the backroom staff under then Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, who led the team to ‘La Decima’ - the club’s 10th European Cup. During his playing career, the Frenchman was one of Real’s key ‘Galacticos’ - a label given to the expensive players signed by Perez during his first spell as president

Tuesday Jan 05, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles. Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with, but try to do things by the book. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will be in the mood to socialize. You should catch up on correspondence. Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't be too quick to react. Your mind may not be on the job. Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Opportunities will come through behind the scenes activities. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Mingle with those who can further your goals. Romance is likely if you can bring yourself to go out with friends. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do today. Opportunities to get ahead are evident. You should be able to make major career gains if you plan your intentions carefully.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal. New relationships will surface through work related events. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Balance is required if you want stability. You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven't been taking proper care of yourself. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with. Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for. Try to make your lover understand that you need to do things with your friends. CAPRI (Dec.22–Jan.19) Entertain in your home and make aesthetic enhancements that will please those who reside with you. Rethink your motives and make the necessary changes to yourself. Elders may get you going today. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Make plans to do something special with the one you love. Job changes are in order. Go for interviews or send out resumes. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't be too hard on yourself. You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. Your words will be taken out of context if you're evasive with coworkers or employers.

Rafael Benitez (Getty Images) in the early to mid-2000s. In 2001, Real paid Juventus a then world record fee of £45.8m for the midfielder, who had already won the World Cup and European Championship. At the Bernabeu, he played alongside players such as Luis Figo, Raul and Ronaldo, and also featured in the same midfield as England captain David Beckham. In the five years before his retirement, he helped Real win the league in 2003 and was named Fifa world player of the year for a third time. But perhaps his defining moment came during the 2002 Champions League final, when he scored a stunning volley against Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park. What next for Benitez? Benitez may be loved in Liverpool and Valencia, but his reputation as a manager has diminished in his past two jobs - at Napoli and Real. Having won the Champions League at Anfield and the Uefa Cup with Valencia, the Spaniard replaced Walter Mazzarri as Napoli boss in May 2013. He won the Coppa Italia in his first season, but things soured in his second and final campaign. Napoli failed to qualify for the Champions League despite the big-money signings of Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Maria Callejon, Raul Albiol and Dries Mertens, with Benitez criticised for his rotation policy and stubborn adherence to a 4-2-3-1 formation. West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan said last month

Zinedine Zidane (left) and club president Florentino Perez. (Reuters) that Benitez was “two hours away” from being appointed Hammers boss before he took the Real job. His trophyladen CV may tempt other Premier League clubs to turn to a man whose family home is still in Liverpool. And what next for Mourinho? In turning to Zidane, Real overlooked one of their notable former managers. Jose Mourinho guided the club to the league title in 2012 and - following his sacking by Chelsea last month - is available again.

He has unfinished business at the Bernabeu having failed to win the Champions League - a prize coveted perhaps more than any other by Los Blancos. But there were reports his relationship with Ronaldo broke down during his last spell in charge, while he also had high-profile clashes with fan favourites Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. Following Mourinho’s departure from Chelsea, Perez said there would be no imminent return to the Bernabeu for the ‘Special One’.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

2015 was a success story for... his first century at this level and veteran Shiv Chanderpaul (119) being the main scorers. Permaul (4-64) and Bishoo (6-74) did the damage in the first innings while Bishoo (4-38) bowled well in the second innings. Permaul ended as the tournament’s leading wicket taker with 67, while Bishoo had 61 and the inaugural PCL Champions finished with 148 points. In the second edition of the PCL which started on November 6, the Jaguars won all five of their games in the first half to finish the year with 85 points, 22 more by than second placed Barbados who ended with 63 and Jamaica, who finished third on 53 points. Guyana started with three back-to-back wins at Providence beating the Windwards, Leewards and Barbados before defeating T&T in Trinidad ending a highly successful year for Guyana’s cricket on the field with a 117run win against Jamaica in their own backyard. Debutant 20-year-old leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie enjoyed a dream start to his First-Class career with four five-wicket hauls in 34 wickets from five games, the most in the tournament. Off-Spinner Steven Jacobs (19) and Veerasammy Permaul (17) were also successful with the ball for Guyana. Vishaul Singh (421) has the most runs for Guyana and second to Barbadian Roston Chase who has 436 but from one more innings than the 26year-old Singh who has an average of 60.14 despite being run out twice. Skipper Leon Johnson (275) is the second highest run-scorer among his team, while Shiv Chanderpaul (226) and Assad Fudadin (218) are the other Guyanese with 200 runs. Rajendra Chandrika, Singh (2) and Fudadin are the Guyanese centurions. Regional Women’s Cricket: From August 6-16 in T&T, the Guyana women lost three matches and only won once, to finish fourth in the Regional 50 overs competition. West Indies batter Shemaine Campbell scored the most runs for Guyana (160) with a highest score of 59 not out and an Average of 56.14. Akaze Thomson’s four wickets were the most by a Guyanese. CPL T20 The Guyana Amazon Warriors lost in controversial fashion to Barbados Tridents in the final of the 2015 CPL t20 tournament in St Kitts after Trinidadian Lendl Simmons

The GCB honours those who made a significant contribution to Guyana’s Cricket in 2015. had scored the most runs (446) in the tournament. New Zealand’s Martin Guptill was the other Warriors’ batsman to score 300 runs. Left-arm pacer Krishmar Santokie took 17 wickets for the Guyana Franchise, only one behind the tournament leader Ravi Rampaul, while Narine, who also played for the Warriors, bagged nine. Guyana dominated Regional Youth cricket From July 7-14, in the WICB U-17 tournament in Tobago the South Americans finished fourth after winning three and losing two of their games. Renaldo Ali Mohamed scored 70 and Bashkar Yadram made 69 as left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd took 4-23 as Guyana beat Barbados. Their two other wins were against the Leewards and T&T. The Regional U-19 Tournament was held in Jamaica from July 22 and the Guyanese started with a fivewicket loss to Barbados before beating T&T by three wickets and the Leewards by six runs with Shemron Hetymer getting 135. Hetmyer missed consecutive centuries by two runs as Guyana got past Barbados by seven wickets. Guyana then beat Canada by four wickets with Kemo Paul getting 51 before getting past Jamaica by a similar margin as Hetmyer continued his good run with 55. Before last year, Guyana had not won a one-day title since that format was first played in 1998 when it was organised as a replacement for the washed out Three-day competition, but in two successive years they won two

50-over titles. Hetmyer and Paul were named Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the West Indies U-19 World Cup team which leaves on January 6 for Bangladesh. This is the first time that these two positions were given to players from the same country. In July Guyana won the WICB Regional U-15 tournament on home soil after needing to beat the Windwards in the final round at Providence to take the title. Sachin Singh scored the most runs for Guyana while Kevin Omroa took the most wickets. Domestic cricket At the local level, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam, Canje defeated Upper Corentyne at Albion on December 19 in the inaugural Final of the eight-team GCB’s Local Franchise 50-over League which replaced the annual Inter-County tournament. Seon Hetmyer, Jonathon Foo, Kemo Paul, Kandasammy Surujnarine and Danny Narayan scored centuries in the competition. In the Final, Seon Hetmyer’s 100 not out and Man-of-the-Match Royston Crandon (75 & 6-26) shared in 132-run stand after joining forces with their team on 31-5 in five overs. Berbice won both the under-19 Male and female Inter-County tournaments. Local First Division club cricket In Demerara, GCC won the GCA’s Hadi’s two day first division by winning the final at Bourda while they lost to home side DCC in the final of the Carib Beer GCA’s t20 tournament. This game was carried live by NCN’s Radio.

Walton Hall won the North Essequibo title in Region Two, while the Final of the Essequibo Busta Festival for teams from all eight area Committees will be played this month between South Essequibo and East Bank Essequibo. Bartica was the only area which did not participate. Bravados took the East Coast Cricket Board’s Elizabeth Styles 40-over first division title by beating Better Hope, while Lusignan defeated Golden Grove in the Busta t20 final at Lusignan. In Berbice, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC) won the Berbice River Bridge 50-over first division competition when they got a walk over from Albion in the final. Albion and RHTYSC will clash in the final of the Tenelec Inc first-division 50over this month, while Tucber Park and RHTYSC will battle in the Final of the Busta 40over final which will also be played early this year. GCB, Banks DIH, Digicel National Secondary Schools Cricket League Chase Academy 14 yearold left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd dominated with both bat and ball as his school emerged inaugural champions of the North Georgetown Zone. The East Georgetown Zone was won by St Joseph’s High, while Lodge High & Charlestown Secondary will contest the South Georgetown Final early this year. East Bank Demerara zone was won by Camille’s Institute, the Highway zone went to Dora Secondary, while Lin-

den Foundation took the Upper Demerara zone and the West Bank Demerara zone was won Patentia Secondary. Uitvlugt Secondary captured the West Coast Demerara, the Wakenaam zone was won by Essequibo Islands Secondary, Leguan Secondary took the Leguan title and the Essequibo Coast zone was won by Anna Regina Multilateral. East Bank Essequibo zone Finals will be played early this year between Parika Salem Vergenoegen. Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne and the East Coast Demerara zone are yet to be completed. New Amsterdam/ Canje have emerged as district champions from the New Amsterdam/Canjie district, while Rosignol Secondary won the West Berbice district. The progressive stage of the League shall be Inter Schools within zones, Inter schools for the better schools of Zones, intermediate Districts for better schools within specified districts and Inter Country district finals for the two main Country districts, that is, winner of Corentyne to Georgetown Country District and the winner of Upper Demerara to Essequibo Coast Country District. The overall winning school will earn a trip to the 2016 Sir Garfield Sobers schools tournament in Barbados. A Nationwide Kiddies cricket tournament, sponsored by Scotia Bank, was also held in 2015. West Indies struggled at Test level in 2015 While the females kept the

West Indies flying proudly at the International level with Jamaican Stefanie Taylor copping the ICC’s female cricketer of the year, the West Indies men’s team sunk to an all time low, winning just a single Test match in the entire year. Their fans ushered in the New Year of 2015 to the depressing news that West Indies had lost the final Test of the three-Test series in South Africa by eight wickets to lose the series 2-0. They were then knocked out of the ICC World Cup at the Quarter Final stage in March before drawing the three-series home series against England 1-1 in May, while the Caribbean side lost both Tests to Australia the next month when the Aussies toured the West Indies for a two-test series. In October, the woeful West Indies who, for the first time ever, failed to qualify for an ICC event, traveled to Sri Lanka where they lost both Tests before ending the year with back-back defeats in the first two Tests in Australia. Chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd’s contradictory uttering and actions was baffling since he said he was selecting young players who performed at Regional level yet he ignored Permaul who had the most wickets (69) in a season and did not select Leon Johnson for the England home series, although he had scored a half-century in his last Test in South Africa. Rajendra Chandrika became the 49th Guyanese to play Test cricket when he made his debut against Australia and became only the second West Indian to score a double duck on debut.

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Vikings raid Lambeau Field to defeat Packers, win division Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Green Bay’s fouryear reign atop the NFC North is over after the Minnesota Vikings used a strong defensive effort to beat the struggling Packers 20-13 at Lambeau Field on Sunday to capture the division title. The Vikings (11-5) won a third consecutive game to earn the third seed in the NFC playoffs and they will host the sixth-seeded Seattle Seahawks (10-6) next weekend. Meanwhile, Green Bay (10-6) lost its second game in a row, fell to fifth seed and will play next weekend at Washington. The Redskins (9-7) won the NFC East. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers helped Green Bay rally from a 20-3 deficit to pull within seven points with 5:35 remaining in regulation. Vikings returner Cordarrelle Patterson then broke into the clear on the ensuing kickoff but kicker

Mason Crosby stripped the ball around the Green Bay 30 and Packers safety Micah Hyde recovered at the 23. The Packers appeared poised to complete the comeback when a 17-yard catchand-run by wide receiver Randall Cobb, a 37-yard long ball to wide receiver James Jones and a 13-yard screen to fullback John Kuhn made it first-and-goal at the 10. The rally was to stall there, however, when a completion for no yards, a three-yard sack by defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and an incompletion made it fourth down from the 13. After the Packers burned their second timeout, Rodgers’ end-zone pass to Jones was intercepted by Xavier Rhodes. The Vikings almost gave the Packers another chance on the next play from scrimmage, with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson botch-

Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) cannot catch a Hail Mary pass in the last second of the game against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports) ing the exchange, but the latter pounced on the loose ball. HAIL MARY Minnesota punted and Green Bay took the ball at its 42 with 58 seconds to play and no timeouts. The Green Bay quarter-

Manning returns to help Broncos earn AFC top seed

back converted a fourth-and10 with a 12-yard completion to tight end Richard Rodgers. A subsequent one-yard completion to the same player made it fourth-and-two. The Packers managed to snap the ball before time expired, but Rodgers’ Hail Mary was deflected in the end zone as the Vikings clinched the victory. Leading 6-3, the Viking scored the game’s first touchdown with 10:32 left in the third quarter. Taking possession at their 42 after the defense forced a

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports) three-and-out on Green Bay’s opening possession of the half, Bridgewater hit receiver Jarius Wright for 11, Peterson ran for 10 and receiver Adam Thielen gained 26 on a fly sweep. On third-and-two from the three, Peterson appeared to be jammed up at the line of scrimmage but kept churning to get to the goal line for a 13-3 lead. Later in the quarter, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn scooped up the loose ball and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown that gave Minnesota a 20-3 lead.

It was the third defensive touchdown against the Packers in the past two games. Green Bay finally put together a scoring drive after going empty on six consecutive possessions, with Aaron Rodgers hitting namesake Richard for a 16yard touchdown, making it 2010 with 13:27 to play in the fourth quarter. Crosby’s 43-yard field goal then brought the Packers within 20-13 with 5:35 remaining but that was the closest they would get.

Azarenka sets up Halep clash in Brisbane

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to pass the football in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters - Quarterback Peyton Manning came off the bench to help the Denver Broncos grab the top playoff seed in the AFC with a victory over San Diego Chargers on the final day of the National Football League regular season on Sunday. Manning, returning from injury after being out for seven weeks with a foot injury, rallied Denver for 20 second-half points on the way to a 27-20 home win over the Chargers. The result was huge for the 12-4 Broncos, who would have missed out on a firstround bye had they lost. Instead, they will have a week off along with the New England Patriots (12-4), who were relegated to second

seeds after losing 20-10 to the Miami Dolphins. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 28-12 to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card when the New York Jets lost to the Buffalo Bills. The Jets controlled their own fate, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the playoffs, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed his third interception of the game in the final minute to gift the Bills a 22-17 victory. The result, coupled with Pittsburgh’s win over Cleveland, left both teams with 106 records but the Steelers advanced on the tiebreaker. The Houston Texans (9-7) claimed their third AFC South title in five years with a 30-6

win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans will host wild card Kansas City Chiefs (115) in the first round, while the Steelers will visit the Cincinnati Bengals (12-4). In the NFC, the Carolina Panthers (15-1) locked up the top seed and home field advantage, while the Arizona Cardinals (13-3) have the other first-round bye. The Minnesota Vikings wrestled the NFC North title from the Green Bay Packers with a 20-13 victory in the season finale. As a result, the Vikings (11-5) will host the Seattle Seahawks (10-6) and the Packers (10-6) will visit the Washington Redskins (9-7) in the first round.

Reuters - Twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka breezed past Russian Elena Vesnina 6-2 6-0 in the Brisbane International on Monday to set up a secondround showdown against top seed Simona Halep. The former world number one has been plagued by injuries in the last two years which have sent her down to 22nd in the world rankings but showed little signs of rust against qualifier Vesnina. Playing for the first time since retiring from the WTA event in Wuhan, China in September, Azarenka broke Vesnina six times to wrap up victory. She will have a much sterner test against former French Open finalist Halep, who had a first-round bye. Australian Sam Stosur had a much difficult match and narrowly avoided disappointment on home turf by battling through a wrist injury to claim an opening victory. The former U.S. Open champion recovered from 0-3 down in the final set to beat Slovakian qualifier Jana Cepelova 6-4 3-6 6-4 to start her year. The 31-year-old has frequently failed to hit the heights on home turf having

Victoria Azarenka returns a shot to Lauren Davis of the U.S. during their women’s singles match at the Wuhan Open tennis tournament, Hubei province, China, September 27, 2015. (Reuters/China Daily) never won a tournament or progressed past the fourth round at the Australian Open. The world number 27 looked set for another disappointment before a spirited effort saw off the world number 147 and set up a secondround clash with Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro. “I am really pleased to walk away with a win, especially being down in that third set and then find that ability to come back and play well and win it when you are down, to turn things around,” Stosur said. Italy’s Roberto Vinci, who ended Serena Williams’s bid

for a calendar grand slam in the U.S. Open semi-finals last year, beat former world number one Jelena Jankovic 3-6 6-2 6-4. Russian Maria Sharapova is the tournament draw card and she will kick off her campaign on Tuesday against compatriot Ekaterina Makarova. On the men’s side, 17-times grand slam champion Roger Federer will play Germany’s Tobias Kamke. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who has slumped from eighth to 28th in the rankings, started the year with a 6-3 7-6(10) win over fifth seed Gilles Simon of France.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Russian sports minister to meet international athletics commission on Jan 11 - RIA MOSCOW (Reuters) Russian sports minister Vi t a l y M u t k o p l a n s t o meet an inspection commission of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in Moscow on Jan. 11, RIA news agency reported citing Mutko. Russia was provisionally banned from international athletics competitions in November after a report commissioned by

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko (Reuters/Tatyana Makeyeva) t h e Wo rld Anti-Doping Agency accused Russia of

extensive doping and a cover-up.

Benjamin continues benevolence Overseas based Guyanese and a former national cycling champion, Wilbert Benjamin, continues to lead the way in showing benevolence to his home county. Benjamin who has over the years been giving back in various ways recently donated a new set of uniforms to his former club, the Flying Aces Cycling Club (FACC) of Berbice. The 30 sets of Mauve and White uniforms were handed over to Patron of the Club, former Mayor and popular Businessman Errol Alphonso at a simple ceremony at the Benjamin Cycle and Sports Store at Fyrish Corentyne, Berbice.

This is the second change of colour for the club which has been in existence for thirty years. The mauve and white three-piece replaces the club’s yellow and white tops which it has been using for the past three years. Benjamin a native of Berbice and back home on holiday was a former national cyclist who represented Guyana at both the junior and senior levels including the Pan Am and the Texaco games. In the junior division he was on the bike at Inter Guiana games among other sojourns. He was also a former school and junior champion who

won the national school championship on three consecutive occasions. He still rides in his adopted home land of Canada where he also operates sports stores. Benjamin returns home on a regular basis and would assist his club and teams in whatever way possible including sponsorship of races. Benjamin in brief remarks stated that it is one of his ways in saying thank you and giving back to his home country. He stated that it is always his desire assist and do something tangible for his home country and people who helped and nurtured him in his development.

RHTY&SC describes Medal of Service announcement as best moment of its history The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Guyana’s leading youth and sports club has hailed its reward of a ‘Medal of Service’ from the Government of Guyana as the best moment in its 25 year history. The Government of Guyana on January1, 2016 announced that President David Granger has recognized the outstanding service of the club in the fields of sports, education and community development over the past 23 years. The announcement was made during the launching ceremony for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The RHTY&SC along with twelve other organisations/ groups would receive the Medal of Service award as part of the nation’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The others include ACDA, ER Burrowes School of Art, Roadside Baptist Church and CIOG. Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster described the announcement of the award as a special moment in the short history of an organization that was founded in 1990 by threetime Guyana and Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, St. Francis Commu-

Hilbert Foster nity Developers. Foster who has served as Secretary/CEO of the club since 2000 stated that every member of the club especially the executive have been inspired by the award and have recommitted themselves to continue their efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. RHTY&SC since its formation has successfully completed over 5000 programmes/ activities and for its Silver Jubilee anniversary in 2015 completed a total of 302. The club is expressing gratitude to all

of its official sponsors, donors and numerous supporters over the years who have supported its work. These includes GT&T, Courts, Bakewell, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Windies Sports Bar, Gizmos and Gadgets, Metro Office Supplies, DDL Pepsi, John Fernandes Ltd, Guyana Beverage Company, Ansa McAl, Mings Service Products, Sterling Products Ltd, Republic Bank, GBTI, Sentinel Security, Western Union, Modern Optical Service, Trinidad Cements Ltd, Namilco, New GPC Inc, H.A. Snacks Co, Ltd, DeSinco Trading, Food for the Poor(Guy) Ltd, GTM, Hand in Hand, Len’s Craft, P+P Insurance, Goodwood Racing Service among others. We would also like to thank our friends in the media for their support - NCN, DTV-8, TVG, LRTVS CH10, Guyana Chronicle, Guyana Times, Kaieteur News and Stabroek News. ”We share the Medal of Service Award with each one of them as without their support, it would not have been possible. The RHTYSC recommits to maintain the high standards it has set itself over the years and to always remain Pursuit of Excellence.”

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Final leg of MLS sponsored CFU Combine under way Fort-de-France, Martinique – Players from Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Maarten are vying for selection to the MLS Combine in South Florida from January 8-13 at the third and final leg of the MLS-sponsored Caribbean Football Union Combine under way in Martinique. At the opening meeting on Saturday last, CFU President Gordon Derrick delivered a charge to the hopefuls, tell-

ing them, “Don’t be afraid; play like you’ve never played before, as this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.” One player, Jamaican midfielder Jorginho James, has so far been invited to the South Florida Combine after the first two legs held in St. Kitts and Curacao. CFU General Secretary Neil Cochrane reminded the players still in the hunt that the MLS scout assigned to the CFU Combine, Ezra Hendrickson, and those at

the Stateside combine are looking for excellence. ”The MLS is looking for playmakers. They want people who make something happen when they touch the ball,” Cochrane said. He was optimistic, telling the players to work hard so that at least three more players would earn selection, representing a doubling of the number that has advanced since the CFU Combine began. One player moved on in year one and two in the second year.

Brathwaite cameo a bright spot in Sydney washout

Fans dressed as late cricket player and commentator Richie Benaud wear suits, grey wigs and prop microphones, as they pay tribute to him during the third cricket test between Australia and the West Indies at the SCG in Sydney, January 4, 2016. (Reuters/Jason Reed) SYDNEY (Reuters) Carlos Brathwaite shone briefly for West Indies but the rain was the only real winner on Monday as wet weather washed away all but 11.2 overs of play on the second day of the third test against Australia. West Indies were 248 for seven in their first innings when the rain interrupted play for the third and final time half an hour after lunch in the wake of Brathwaite’s dismissal for 69. Play was officially abandoned at 4:35 p.m. (0535 GMT) as the rain continued to cascade down on Sydney Cricket Ground with the 14,266 optimistic souls who came through the gates despite the gloomy forecast offered a full refund. That meant that the flurry of boundaries with which Brathwaite lit up the few overs of action was ultimately a free show and the 27-year-old was warmly applauded for it by an appreciative crowd. Resuming on 35 with his team on 207 for six, the tall, muscular Bajan showed why

he has been one of the few bright spots for West Indies on what has otherwise been a miserable tour. Playing his second test after scoring 59 on debut in Melbourne last week, Brathwaite smashed four sixes and seven fours in his 71-ball innings. One of the two sixes he hit in one over off Australia paceman James Pattinson was a spectacular heave over the covers and deep into the crowd. A fuming Pattinson had his revenge, however, when he found his range and took out Brathwaite’s off stump with what the batsman described as a “good nut”. “I was upset that once again I got a start and couldn’t carry on. One of the main mantras in cricket is that when things are going good you maximize,” Brathwaite said. “Then reaching halfway off and hearing the applause — I even saw some people standing — I just took a step back and said ‘you know

what, just enjoy the feeling’. I raised my bat and looked around and it was a very, very good feeling ...” Denesh Ramdin will resume on 30 not out for West Indies alongside Kemar Roach, who has yet to score, on day three. Only three balls were bowled in the first two hours of scheduled play and another 21 before lunch after the action resumed briefly at noon. Nearly three hours of play were lost to rain on day one of the match, a dead rubber after Australia racked up convincing victories in the first two tests. Australian spinner Stephen O’Keefe said he thought there was still time for the hosts to force a result. “There’s still a hell of a lot of cricket to go,” he said. “If you can get three days in then that’s close to 300 overs. “Hopefully if the skipper sees that spin will play a big role then we might get more overs in towards the back end of the match.”

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Softball Cricket enjoyed a commendable year

The outstanding players in the Parsun Inter-County softball tourney with representatives of the sponsors.

REGAL- One of the most decorated team in 2015. By Zaheer Mohamed Players in the softball arena enjoyed a commendable 2015 - a number of tournaments were successfully held including the Guyana Softball Cup 5 which saw Regal dominating both the Open and Masters categories. Wolf’s Warriors and Floodlight Masters were also competitive. Guyana Softball Cup 5 This tournament once again attracted a number of overseas participants in both the Open and Masters divisions. Georgetown side Regal completed the double by winning both categories at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown. Controversy put an end to the open final after Regal were 65-2 in just 9.3 overs in reply to the visitors 119. New York All Stars refused to continue the game after one of the umpires turned down an appeal for a stumping off Fazal Rafiek, and although the batsman decided to walk the New York side continued their protest, the organisers then awarded the game to Regal. Regal’s Richard Latif, who enjoyed a productive season, was given the manof-the-series award. Meanwhile, in the Masters Division, Regal defeated their local counterparts Floodlight by six wickets. Regal successfully chased 160 with Eon Abel hitting 80 not out and Rudolph Baker 42. David Harper was Regal’s most successful bowler with four scalps, while Yunnis Yusuf made 31 for Floodlight. Essequibian Ramesh Narine of Floodlights took the MVP in this segment. Winston Murray Memorial 10/10 Wolf’s Warriors won this competition which was

organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc by trouncing Speed Boat by eight wickets at Everest Cricket Club. Speed Boat were limited to 72-9. Wazir Hussain scored 28 as man of the match Steve Mohamed snared 3-8, Kelvin Olford 29, Azad Zaman 2-12 and Khemraj Samsundar 2-18. Wolf’s Warriors responded with 75-2 in 6.1 overs. Safraz Karim led with 32 not out, while Azad Azeez made 23 and Amrit Rai 14. DJ Stress softball This competition was organised by promoter Paul Bonar (DJ Stress) and the teams gave the fans much to cheer about; Regal defeated Wolf’s Warriors by 18 runs in the Open final which was played under lights at Z e e b u r g , We s t C o a s t Demerara. Regal posted a challenging 185-9 off their allocation of 20 overs. Fazal Rafiek got 47 and Richard Latif 36. Wazim Hussain, Narine Bailey and Travis Drakes had two wickets each. Wolf’s Warriors of West Coast Demerara threatened but were limited to 167-7 in 20 overs in reply. Mohamed Karim got 29, while Safraz Karim and Hussain made 26 each; Rohit Dutchin picked up two wickets for Regal. Parika Defenders won the Masters trophy after registering a four-wicket win over Savage. Batting first, Parika Defenders scored 183-7 in 20 overs. Asif Ahmad stroked 67; Nadir Baksh took 3-41. Savage were restricted for 179-6 in 15 overs in reply. Parsun Outboard Inter-County softball Inter-County softball cricket made a return after an absence of 14 years. This competition provided fans with an opportunity of

witnessing some of the top players from each county in action. Although bad light halted play in the final at Everest between Demerara A and B teams, the competition was deemed a success. In the final, Demerara A mustered 195-8 off their allotted 20 overs. Navin Singh got 59 Chien Gittens 56. Vishnu Tammechandra and Azaad Azeez had two wickets each. Demerara B ended on 183-8 in 18.1 overs. Azaad Azeez claimed the Man-ofthe-match award. Greg Singh with 252 runs including two centuries and eight wickets was given the tournament’s most valuable player and best batsman awards, Sewchand Budhu, who picked up 10 wickets, took the best bowler prize. The competition which was organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc was sponsored by Crown Mining Supplies the distributor of Parsun Outboard, Ansa Mc Al under their Stag Beer brand and Digicel. Independence Cup Regal defeated Shuttle Max by 104 runs to win the open final at Everest Cricket Club. Regal posted 184-9 before bowling out Shuttle Max for 80. Navin Singh led Regal batting with 34, while Kawson Joseph got 26. Delroy Pereira who was given the man-of-the-match snared four wickets for Regal. Floodlight overcame Industry Super Kings by 40 runs to claim the Over-40 title. Ramesh Narine made a fluent half century as Floodlight scored 159-8 in 20 overs. Robert Mohan and Pooran Singh picked up three wickets each for Industry Super Kings who were sent packing for 119 in

19.2 overs. Robin Singh cracked 40; Nandram Samlall and man-of-thematch Narine claimed two wickets each. Emancipation Cup Mahendra Hardyal and Khalid Haslim were instrumental in Regal securing a nine-wicket victory over Success Masters in the final at

Everest Cricket Club - the duo shared 10 wickets between them as Success were skittled for 78. Hardyal then hit an unbeaten 38 to guide Regal home. Mahendr a A r j u n e w a s also among the runs with 26. Richard Latif, Chien Gittens, Fazal Rafiek and Navin Singh of Regal, Amrit Rai, Azaad Azeez, Vishun

Ta m m e c h a n d r a , M a r k Harold and Safraz Karim of Wolf’s Warriors, Greg Singh of Speed Boat were among the top performers for the year. Softball cricket created much excitement among players and fans alike and the organisers, The GSCL Inc and GFSCA must be commended.

Fudaddin and Crandon congratulated by RHTY&SC Club condemn non-selection of Foo in national 50-overs team The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has extended congratulations to club members Assad Fudadin and Royston Crandon on their selection to the Guyana Regional 50-overs team. In a press release, the club expressed delight at their selection while wishing them and the Guyana team the best in their quest for championship honours. It noted that Crandon’s selection has a special feeling for all the entity as he continues to dedicate himself to the game despite severe c h a l l e n g e s a n d disappointments. “We are confident that like in the 2015 tournament, he would be an asset to the team.” Fudadin’s selection is just reward for a discipline as he is an extremely hardworking player and completes a full circle of selection to the fourdays, 50-overs and Guyana Amazon Warriors T20 teams. We would like to remind the players of the club’s formula of success – ‘Sheer hard work, discipline, faith in the God we serve, honesty and a steel determination to succeed against all odds’.

Jonathan Foo ”As we collectively ce l e b r a t e o f b e i n g granted a Medal of Service Award by the Government of Guyana, the RHTY&SC is confident that they would fulfill their responsibilities as Ambassadors of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organization.” The RHTY&SC has also voiced its disappointment at the non-selection of Jonathan Foo of the Albion Cricket Club to the said

team. The club notes: “Foo was without doubt, one of the leading performers in the recent GCB 50-overs tournament and his performance is the watchword for selection. The young Albion player has every right to be disappointed. Our club and the Albion club have a long standing rivalry but a s e v e r y cricket fan would be aware, the RHTY&SC has always put the game of cricket first and Jonathan Foo deserves to be selected – full stop. We would also like to condemn the treatment of our own Clinton Pestano and Eon Hooper who both performed well throughout the tournament. Both of them were belatedly called for the second trial match after the club was informed less than 24hrs before the game by an individual who has no proper record as a cricket administrator. Hooper and Pestano deserves to have been in the training squad and both trial matches on their performances and not on the whims of a few.”

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Determined Amla returns to form as England toil CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) Captain Hashim Amla emerged from a year of poor form with a dogged century to lead a South Africa fightback in the second test against England on Monday. Amla scored an unbeaten 157 as the hosts closed the third day on 353-3, still 276 runs behind but with a foothold in the match after England had piled up a massive 629 for six declared. Amla, whose captaincy has been criticised after a year of poor results for the top-ranked test nation, scored his first hundred in 13 months and batted through a day on which England took only one wicket, AB de Villiers for 88. Faf du Plessis was 51 not out at the close, his first half-century in 12 innings. Monday’s play had none of the fireworks of the

previous day when Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow shared a stroke-laden record-breaking partnership of 399 for England, who lead the series 1-0. South Africa forced the touring side to toil in hot conditions and will seek to keep them in the field again for much longer to try to save the match. De Villiers reached 8,000 test runs before he pulled a short ball from Steven Finn to James Anderson at mid-wicket just before tea. The South Africans batted with much circumspection and were grindingly pedestrian at times but did offer chances. Amla was twice dropped — by Joe Root on 76 and Nick Compton on 120 — and De Villiers survived an

lbw appeal after asking for a review, which showed he got a slight nick to a Ben Stokes delivery. De Villiers became the third South African batsman to pass 8,000 runs when he reached his half-century while Amla, who last made a significant contribution with 208 runs against the West Indies in December 2014, moved past 7,000 runs when he went to 100 in the first over after lunch. The 31year-old De Villiers trails only Jacques Kallis (13,206) and Graeme Smith (9,253) on the list of South Africa’s all-time highest run-scorers. England bowled good lines and with spells of aggression on a pitch that offered little assistance and in searing temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius with more energy-sapping heat forecast for Tuesday.

South Africa’s Hashim Amla (R) celebrates scoring a century with AB de Villiers during the second cricket test match against England in Cape Town, South Africa, January 4, 2016. (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)

2015 was a success story for Guyana’s cricket By Sean Devers The dominance of Guyana teams from 2014 spilled over into 2015 making the year the most successful one for Guyana’s cricket. Guyana’s under-19 team won the ‘double’ in 2014 and successfully defended their one-day title in Jamaica, while their First-Class side, won the PCL and seem well on course for a repeat crown with a massive lead after half of the matches in the PCL were completed at the end of 2015. Guyana’s under-15s won the Regional tournament on home soil while a destructive spell by Sunil Narine, who was allowed to bowl with a questionable action, denied Guyana the Regional Super50 final which they lost to Trinidad & Tobago in the Final in Port-of-Spain. Narine grabbed 6-9 as Guyanese were bowled out for 65. The Guyanese Franchise also lost in the CPL Final under questionable circumstances to Barbados in St Kitts. The Regional U-19 three-day competition was scrapped for the first time since it was first played in 1976, while there was no female under-19 tournament as the baffling decisions by the WICB continued at a time when West Indies seem incapable of batting long enough to at least save Test matches and the Regional

National teams won three Regional tournaments

PCL Champions Guyana Jaguars! Skipper Leon Johnson flanked by GCB President Drubahadur (right) and Secretary Anand Sansei shortly after the team returned. Board is coming under increasing fire. The ignoring of successful Guyanese players for the West Indies team by the Clive Lloyd led selection panel gave many the impression that his panel was indeed being influenced by ‘outside’ forces as claimed by Head Coach Phill Simmons. Veerasammy Permaul, Leon Johnson and Assad Fudadin could feel hard done by 71 year-old Lloyd and his selectors. The embattled Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) embarked on intense training sessions from

August and success at the senior level was mainly due to them being the best prepared side in the PCL tournament. The GCB also provided 12 young players with Academy contracts which meant that they could focus more on their cricket development and be paid to play cricket. The staging of the National Secondary School’s cricket League and the introduction of a Local Franchise League which replaced the Inter County tournament are very commendable moves to expose more players to Guyana’s premier level. This

eight team 50-over tournament, which climaxed with the final under lights at Albion, was also used to select Guyana’s team for the 2016 NAGICO Super50 which begins on January 7. T h e C r i c k e t Administration Bill was passed through the assent of former President Donald Ramotar, thus becoming a law. But this piece of legislation was never used to help Guyana’s cricket. The 41 year-old Shiv Chanderpaul was dropped from the Test team without being afforded the opportunity to be given a proper send off by his fans

after severing West Indies Cricket for 21 years. He refused to retire, stating that he was going to bat his way back into the West Indies side. Even some of his most loyal fans questioned his decision saying that he was now keeping out a younger player from the team since it was evident that he was not the batsman he was five years ago. Guyana continued their success in Regional Senior Cricket: On the field Guyana began the year by reaching the NAGICO Super50 Final before continuing their 12 match unbeaten streak in

PCL cricket which started in the fourth round of the 2014 PCL. The Jaguars beat Jamaica by 105 runs in Jamaica with Permaul (86* & 4-22) and 77 from Shiv Chanderpaul helping in the emphatic win. They then hammered the Leewards by eight wickets in Antigua with Ronsford Beaton (4-40), Devendra Bishoo (6-82) and Rajendra Chandrika (83) leading the way. The Jaguars beat Barbados by four wickets as Bishoo (6-94), Vishaul Singh (60) Barnwell (56), Chandrika (60) and Reifer (41*) powered the South Americans to another win. The hosts then beat Jamaica by five wickets at Providence with Permaul (577) and (4-62) in the first innings, while Chandrika (69) and Johnson (78), Permaul (5-33) & Bishoo (422) did the damage in the second innings, while Johnson (58) and Singh (57) batted well to see Guyana home. Guyana & T&T Red Force played to a draw at Providence with Chandrika (51), Singh (52) and Bramble (63) doing the scoring while Bishoo had 679. In Dominica in March, Guyana’s last match, the Windwards suffered a defeat by an innings and 10 runs with Barnwell (148) getting (Continued on page 26)

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Butler eclipses Jordan record as Bulls edge Raptors Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Jimmy Butler on Sunday went where no other Chicago Bulls player had been before, not even the legendary Michael Jordan. The shooting guard scored 40 of his 42 points in the second half — including the go-ahead jumper with 30.6 seconds remaining — and the Bulls came back to defeat the Toronto Raptors 115-113 in a game they had trailed by 15. The 40 points were a Bulls’ club record for a half. Jordan set the record with 39 points in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 16, 1989. “I’m just happy we won, to tell the truth,” Butler said. “I don’t want to be compared to (Jordan) because you see what he’s done for this game. “I had no idea (about the record) until somebody told me after the game. I guess somebody will beat it one of these days coming soon.” If Butler tried to downplay his feat, Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg was

having none of it. “I’ll say this, it’s the best performance I’ve seen coaching,” Hoiberg said. Raptors coach Dwane Casey wasn’t as overjoyed. “We tried everything and couldn’t get him stopped,” Casey said. “It still felt like he had control of the game.” Not even an elbow in the face late in the first half from Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll could stop him. “I was mad, but I just came out and was aggressive after that,” Butler said. Center Pau Gasol added 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls (20-12) with forward Nikola Mirotic scoring 17 points. “Dominant,” Gasol said of Butler’s performance. “Outstanding. It was an incredible second half that he had. I guess that elbow in the mouth really ticked him off. “He carried the load offensively, he made a lot of big shots, big plays. Obviously, scoring 40 in the

half, it’s something you don’t see every day, so I’m just proud of him.” Guard DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with 24 points but missed his threepoint shot for the win at the final buzzer. Butler also did a good job guarding DeRozan, who scored only seven points in the second half, including two in the fourth quarter. “(Butler) did it at both ends,” Gasol said. “To me that’s even more impressive that you’re not guarding a non-threat offensively.” Said DeRozan: “It was amazing, you have to give him credit. He got hot and we tried to contain him. Once you’re scoring and get hot, it doesn’t matter what you do from there.” Forward Luis Scola and point guard Kyle Lowry each scored 22 points for Toronto (21-14). Lowry added 10 assists. Guard Cory Joseph added 13 points and forward Carroll had 10 for the Raptors.

Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) moves around Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) at the Air Canada Centre. (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports) With the game tied at 109, Lowry hit a turn-around jumper with 40.9 seconds left to give Toronto the lead. Butler came back with

his three-pointer and the Bulls led 112-111. “He hit a tough shot,” Lowry said. “He’s not known just to make threes. I

thought he was going to drive baseline but he ended up pulling. He’s a good player and he hit a bit shot.”

Outgoing RHTY&SC Patron Gayle criticized following interview with female reporter Ms. Beverly Harper hailed as perfect Role Model

Chris Gayle talks with Network TEN journalist, Mel McLaughlin. HOBART, Australia (AP) — Chris Gayle’s comments to a female reporter during an interview broadcast live on Australian television have been criticized by the head of the Big Bash League. After scoring 41 from 15 deliveries in the Melbourne Renegades win over the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL on Monday night (Australia time), the former West Indies captain suggested to television reporter Mel McLaughlin that the pair go out for a drink. He added, “Don’t blush,” during an awkward pause in the interview. The comments drew heavy criticism on social media and were described by Anthony Everard, head of the

BBL, as “disrespectful and simply inappropriate.” “We’ll certainly be talking to him (Gayle) and the Renegades about it,” Everard said in a statement posted on Twitter. “There’s just no place in the BBL, or for that matter cricket anywhere, for that sort of behaviour.” Channel 10 head of sport David Barham was quoted by the Herald Sun newspaper as saying the network was deeply offended and was seeking an apology. The BBL, one of a growing number of domestic Tw e n t y 2 0 c r i c k e t tournaments, is a TV ratings winner in Australia and drew a crowd of 80,000 for a game at the Melbourne Cricket

Ground over the weekend. As part of the broadcasts, some players wear cameras on their caps or batting helmets and are involved in live interviews during the action. Barham told the Sun Herald that Gayle would no longer be fitted with a microphone for on-field comments. Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry said he agreed that Gayle’s comments were out of line. “We’ll certainly be talking to him in association with Cricket Australia about it,” Coventry said. “The Melbourne Renegades is all about its appeal to kids, families and females. “There’s just no place for that sort of behaviour.”

The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) is extending heartfelt gratitude to its fourth Honorary Patron Ms. Beverly Harper whose term of office expired on December 31, last after five years. Ms. Harper who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ansa McAl Trading (Guy) Ltd., took office as the Patron of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organization in late 2010 replacing the third Honorary Patron Peter Ramsaroop who served for only three years. The club has hailed Ms. Harper as a perfect role model to its membership and for her timely advice to the management over the years especially during some very difficult situations. In a press release, the club informed that under Ms. Harper’s tenure, they were able to successfully complete over 1500 programmes/activities with special emphasis on education, sports, antidrugs, anti-suicide, youth

Beverly Harper development, community development and making a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Special emphasis was also placed on making sure that members were given opportunities to develop themselves and that every Berbician who deserves to be honoured was recognized accordingly. The release further elaborated that Ms. Harper and Ansa McAl has over the years been one of their major sponsors and they are

confident that this rewarding relationship would continue in the future as both organisations are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of youths. The company is the sole sponsor of the Ansa McAl Award of Excellence, Ansa McAl 5/5 Cricket tournament, Ansa McAl Tribute to Head Teachers and also supports the RHTY&SC Annual Awards Ceremony, Annual Youth Review Magazine, Monthly Television Programmes, Annual Cricket Academy, Educational Summer Camp and Christmas Charity Programme among others. ”The RHTY&SC would like to wish Ms. Harper continued success in her professional career at Ansa McAl, a company she has transformed in Guyana by her visionary and dynamic leadership and we look forward to still have her valued support, counsel and guidance as we strive to remain as Guyana’s leading youth and sports organization.”

t r o Sp

Brathwaite cameo a bright spot in Sydney washout

West Indies batsmen Carlos Braithwaite (2nd L) and Denesh Ramdin walk off the pitch amongst Australian players as rain stopped play after three balls in their third cricket test at the SCG in Sydney, January 4, 2016. (Reuters/Jason Reed)

Benjamin continues benevolence

Owner of Benjaminâ€™s Sports, former national cyclist and overseas based, Wilbet Benjamin handing the new uniforms to Patron of the FACC, Errol Alphonso. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210