Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Army denies allowing Late night emergency works on ranks to freely access guns Demerara Bridge successful - GM The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has slammed allegations made by a Defence Attorney who represented one of its serving ranks who is charged and before the courts for being in unlawful possession of one of the Force’s weapons. On Tuesday last, Lance Corporal 19553 Devon Harris had made his way into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to be indicted before the Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for allegedly swiping one of the army’s guns from the Armstore at Camp Stephenson, Timehri. During the court hearing, Harris was represented by Attorney at Law Patrice Henry who claimed that the manner in which the gun was kept by the accused is the culture of the Guyana Defence Force. However, in response, the army yesterday issued a press release in which it denied the claims of the lawyer. In its defence, it was explained that “Guyana Defence Force Security Standing Orders, set out very
Devon Harris clearly, the procedures to be followed by its Armstores personnel with regard to the issuance of the Force’s weapons. These Orders expressly permit GDF Officers and Ranks to be in possession of its weapons only in the execution of their military duty.” The release continued that as an armstore personnel, Lance Corporal Devon Harris could not have issued to himself any weapon from the Force’s Armstore, since this would be in direct contravention of the Security
Two youths arraigned for taxi driver’s murder
Dead: Raphael Campbell Two 17-year-olds have been charged for the murder of taxi driver Raphael Campbell, whose body was found at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara last week Friday. Sean Collins, of Ketley and Drysdale Streets, Charlestown, and Michael Bishop, of Lot 21 Hill Street, Albousytown, were remanded yesterday when they appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. They are to return to court on January 14. Three other teens who were arrested with Bishop and Campbell have been released. Police allege that the two accused murdered 30year-old Campbell, of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, between January 2 and January3. Campbell was shot in the head and his body dumped at Lilendaal. His body was positively
Michael Bishop
Sean Collins identified last Monday. It is alleged that Bishop and Collins, along with another individual, who is still at large, stopped Campbell on Thursday, January 2, in Camp Street. Campbell reportedly took the passengers to the East Coast of Demerara, where he was slain. According to police, on (Continued on page 9)
Standing Orders. Furthermore, it was stated that he was not permitted to have a weapon in his possession when off military duty. “It is instructive to note that an authority to issue document has to be signed by the Commanding Officer, for a weapon to be issued to any rank,” the Force clarified. The Force maintained that there has never been nor currently is a “culture” within its administration and operations that facilitates, encourages or allows for, any of its members to be in unlawful possession of the Force’s weapons or ammunition. Appearing before the Chief Magistrate, the rank stood accused of two offences. It was alleged that he stole the weapon sometime between December 27, 2013 and January 4, 2014 at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, and further had it in his possession at his residence at Friendship, East Bank Demerara whilst he was not the owner of a firearm licence. During the court hearing, the Attorney had related that his client has been a serving rank for over 12 years and at the time of the alleged crime, he was one of the Armstore employees. He explained that from the time he had been working at the Armstore, the weapon has always been in his possession and added that there are records which could validate his claim. In response, the Chief Magistrate indicated that the court would not heed to the bail application and remanded the accused until January 13. The matter was transferred and is set to be called before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.
The accident left the bridge’s retractor and acceptor spans out of alignment Works to repair sections of the Demerara Harbour Bridge which were damaged last Sunday morning, after a vessel collided with it, have been completed. According to Rawlston Adams, General Manager of the bridge, the retractor span which opens up to allow vessels to transit was tested and it is working. A fuel tanker, Lucy PG, whose local agent is the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), was set to pass through heading south to a gas terminal at Providence. However, according to reports, the pilot of the tanker failed to heed warnings and the vessel collided with the bridge. On Monday, Adams announced that the bridge, a critical link between West Demerara and Essequibo and Georgetown, would be closed Wednesday night starting at 22:00 hrs for six hours to facilitate repairs. The accident left the bridge’s retractor and acceptor spans out of alignment. An emergency crew was assembled and equipment mobilized for
emergency repairs to be carried out. According to the General Manager, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic for approximately four hours on Sunday. In addition to four special connecting posts being broken, there was also severe damage to piles, with a pontoon punctured. Anchorages at a certain section were also shifted. A decision was taken not to retract the bridge for river traffic until the emergency repairs were conducted. On Wednesday evening, inspecting the repairs with Adams was Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn. The aging structure, commissioned in 1978, is the main link between the city and
West Demerara as well as Essequibo. Government is currently considering proposals for a new bridge across the river. An accident like that which occurred Sunday morning has been among the worst fears for the authorities, because of the structure’s importance to trade and traffic. The bridge has “long outlived its lifespan” but has been kept operational at huge costs because of limited options at this time until a new structure becomes a reality. Kaieteur News was told that there is an active investigation ongoing with talks ongoing with the tanker’s UK owner for compensation.
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 10, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the 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
Human life has no value, or so it seems It is as if human life has no value these days. Over the past few months, dozens of people have been killed and unfortunately the New Year seems as if it will be no different. We cannot help but conclude that more people are being killed because we have held our hand on executions. It may also be that we are rather slow to bring killers to justice. Of course, we have more guns in the society than we have ever had. Just about every young man with a penchant for a life of crime could put his hands on a gun. Then, with gun in hand, he would launch into the world, prepared to kill anyone who crosses him. It is amazing how this peaceful country has suddenly become one of the crime capitals of the western hemisphere. There was a time when people would sleep with their doors open, when people walked the streets at nights without fear of attacks, when the common thief was at risk once he got caught in a community. People looked out for each other. The slightest sound brought out an entire community. In times of grief, people came together to support each other. They cooked food to help out with wakes and they even helped in any other way with funerals. Those days have long gone and the killers now rule the roost. Some feel that this state of affairs came about when cocaine and other hard drugs entered the society. The government was not harsh enough to clamp down on those who dealt the angels of death. With the drugs came the guns as the dealers set about protesting their interests and pretty soon these guns spilled over into the wider society. But there is more than the guns. People seem to have lost tolerance with each other and they resort to violence at the drop of a hat. What we find most disturbing is the fact that the killers do not seem content with ending one’s life. They go to the extremes. In many countries, the people would have mounted a protest against the government for failing to protect them but not so in Guyana. We seem to be too apathetic to the point where we even ignore murders in our midst. What has our society become? We acknowledged in a recent editorial that the courts have become sterner with men who kill women out of jealous rage, but another area that cries out for legal and police action is verbal violence against women at the street corners throughout the length and breadth of the country. Go out on any afternoon or at nights in any ward in Georgetown and you will see hordes of unemployed youths on the street corners. They use the foulest of language to females passing, be they school girls, working women or women in general. This repulsive disrespect invariably develops into perverse mindsets and, oftentimes later on in life, fatal consequences. And, of course, we do nothing as the drug trade increases to the point where some people employed to provide service and protection leave us to our own designs, because these men simply enter the employ of the dealers of death. The solution to our plight rests with our determination to see that the young people in our society do not go astray. In cases where we seek the help of the police we must be prepared to cooperate fully with them. All too often we have people who contend that they are afraid to say anything because they fear reprisals. Once we persist in our current habits, we could see even more killings. And, who knows, we could be added to the statistics.
Dr. Roger Luncheon’s role is to lend legitimacy to these money-raking schemes DEAR EDITOR, I write to, among other things, register my objection to the use of the word ‘government’ in the local press to describe the source of the dense, intellectually stultifying utterances of Dr. Roger Luncheon whenever he finds occasion to present himself before the public. Dr. Roger Luncheon’s remarks represent those of himself and the PPP. The PPP, for its part, is not a government. It has shown that it not a government at all, but in fact, has transformed itself into puppets to the now publicly acknowledged cabal of politicians and businessmen intent on enriching themselves through the corrupt and deceitful practices with which we are now so familiar. Dr. Luncheon’s role in the PPP is to lend an air of legitimacy to these moneyraking schemes while projecting the appearance that there is a government in place with the peoples’ interests and welfare at heart. The PPP has shown that it has little real interest in our general welfare. It has trampled underfoot public servants’ rights by callously disregarding their opinions for better welfare by unilaterally issuing the wholly inadequate 5% increase in public sector wages. It has issued house lots to poor people, in many cases, sending them to locations so far away from their places of employment that these people are now poorer with their new homes, because higher
transportation costs and reduce family time. And it is not a case where these people can find jobs any closer to their homes, since there are no businesses any closer to their homes. Recently, the party declared that Guyana has enjoyed 5% growth and, I imagine, patted itself on the back. I would like to give the PPP the opportunity to respond to the following questions: How many employable bright Guyanese continue to leave our shores every year in search for a life that PPP have been unable to provide for them? How many jobs has it created during the two decades or so since it has been in power? After this enormous lapse in time, how many large new companies do we see through the length and breadth of our country? How many sugar workers have been displaced through woeful mismanagement and misdirection at GUYSUCO? Why has the unemployment issue not been addressed more clinically by first producing statistics on employment in all of our ten regions? The answer to the last question is that it would tell the plain, painful truth, that a large percentage of our employable Guyanese men and women are either unemployed or underemployed. The PPP have done absolutely nothing to radically address these sore, latent issues, which are a
major cause of crime, from robbery and murder, to the nasty spates of domestic violence that permeates our society. Make no mistake about it, large sections of Guyanese society live under intense stress caused by an inability to provide enough for their homes. The Opposition, which constitutes the majority representation of the people, recently informed the public that the PPP has blatantly ignored it in the preparation of the 2014 budget. This apparently with the obvious intent of pushing through those fat, soupdistributing projects which give kickbacks years down the line to its servants, friends and associates. Of course, this budget will probably be cast as another recordbreaking (back-breaking for the man in the street) budget, designed to bring prosperity to all and sundry. The majority Opposition is therefore encouraged to be prepared to pare the budget of those familiar moneygrabbing projects intent on siphoning off our resources to fatten the PPP’s friends and associates. To our brothers and sisters who vote for the PPP, or who consider themselves PPP, I urge that they see for themselves what they and their children have suffered as a result of the PPP’s dalliances and its busted projects. All of which, as I have said before, enrich only the few closely aligned and working for the so-called pet companies and businesses.
The party is a most antidemocratic organization, a political machinery whose object is not to govern for the benefit of all, but to maintain power by brainwashing their supporters and whoever else would listen to their propaganda while fattening themselves. The PPP’s supporters must understand one thing: all of us, regardless of which party we support, want the same things. These are the ability to provide for ourselves and our families comfortably, and also that our neighbors and friends can provide for themselves. We all want a government that is not intent on enriching itself through wasteful, corrupt projects with kickbacks; a government that recognizes our needs and mobilizes resources to address those needs. We want a government that is democratic, one that recognizes that there is strength in diversity, one which allows freedom of the press, one that is not intent on brainwashing us with foolishness. These are what we want. These are what make us all Guyanese. I sincerely urge that we can free our minds of the cacophony of nonsense the PPP preaches to detract us from the real day-to-day issues and problems we face, which they haven’t, and most likely will, never address. Because they are too busy enriching themselves. The sooner we get these buffoons out of our lives the better. Craig Sylvester
I call for a full investigation into the spending of these funds DEAR EDITOR, Recently I wrote a letter in your letter column highlighting some problems we are encountering with our Statutory RDC Meetings in Region Eight. I mentioned that we did not have our last RDC Meeting of the year due in December because we were told by the Clerk of the Council that they were insufficient monies allocated under line item 6211 to conduct a full sitting of the RDC. I also mention that I cannot buy that and I believe that they were some misappropriation with the funds. Recently, I receive a copy of a list of payments made from line item 6211 from our Regional Chairman that he requested from the Clerk of the Council, which only
confirms my suspicion. What I found is that they were unauthorized spending and many of the prices were inflated, they were also some items that was not catered for under line item 6211 was paid from 6211. Here are a couple of examples: 1. Janitorials for the Regional Chairman office $218,400. This amount of items was never supplied to that office. This can be easy verified since all of the items supplied to this office are in a requisition book. 2. Items for the Regional Chairman Office $ 152,737. All that was supplied were two desk trays and two pen sets. I collected a quotation for these four items from the same store they claim they procure them from and found that the price for a desk
tray like those that was supply to the Regional Chairman office was $3,016 each and the price for the pen set $1,218 each. 3. Dietary supply to Mahdia Secondary School Dorms $20,850. Not only that this was unauthorized, it should have been purchased from under education budget. 4. A visit from an official: $18,000. This was unauthorized. 5. Reimbursement of cash to a businessman: $100,000. This was unauthorized. 6. Treatment of the RDC building for termites: $248, 000. I believe this was overpriced. 7. Servicing of the Regional Chairman ATV on two occasions: $40,000 and 198,000. It must be noted that this ATV was serviced on two
occasions, and no repairs were done on this ATV; all the mechanic did was to change the lubricated oil and change the filter and at one time it cost $40,000 and the other time it cost $198,000. Funds for servicing and repairs of the Regional Chairman and Regional Vice Chairman ATVs should be taken out from the Public Works budget since it is catered for in that budget and it is not catered for from line item 6211. 8. T r a n s p o r t a t i o n provided for RDC meeting: $1,175,200. This is for two flights from Mahdia to Kato return and one diversion from Monkey Mountain to Kato return to transport Councillors. Two return flights from Mahdia to Kato is about $560,000 and one return diversion from (Continued on page 5)
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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APNU never received any cash We are far away from winning the from USAID Project - Granger Letters... Where your views
war on poverty
DEAR EDITOR, The debate is ongoing in the United States as to whether or not there has been any significant reduction in poverty levels since the 1950s. What is however not in debate is the fact that the income gap between the rich and the poor has widened and there is continuing problems of high unemployment rates especially among college graduates and out of school youths not to mention the large immigrant population. The main cause of this undesirable situation is the fact that the system as is currently configured is highly skewed in favour of the rich who pay a disproportional share of their income in taxes as opposed to the lower income groups who pay over a third of their incomes in taxes. The taxation system in the United States is highly regressive, an issue that has to a significant degree influenced the voting behaviour of Americans in the last presidential elections. Democrats tend to favour lower levels of taxation on the incomes of the poor and increased spending on social welfare programmes as opposed to the Republicans who are generally in support of tax breaks for the rich and cuts in social spending. Today in the United States there is no longer
mention of the “ working class” and every one on the lower income scales are euphemistically referred to as the “ middle class” which is not only a misnomer but an attempt to disguise the true condition of the plight of the working class. It is clear that we are far away from winning the war on poverty not only in the United States but the world at large. The only country that has been successful in a major way in terms of bridging the income gap and lifting millions out of the poverty threshold is China. Some other emerging economies such as Brazil, India and Russia have been largely successful in terms of economic growth but the benefits of such growth have not filtered down to the bottom in any significant way as in the case of China. Poverty is not the natural order of things. People are not poor because they chose to be poor but because of an unjust world order where the fruits of human labour are unjustly expropiated by a small group of people who own and control the means of production. The struggle for a more just and humane society must continue. As Karl Marx once said, the working class has nothing to loose but their chains. Hydar Ally
I call for a full... From page 4 Monkey Mountain to Kato is about $160,000. I believe that this was a carefully orchestrated plan by central government, to misuse the resources to make the Region ungovernable by not having duly constituted RDC meetings. I am calling for a full investigation into the spending of these funds from 6211 and the monies replaced; also that the perpetrator/s be brought to justice.
In closing I am calling on the Hon. Minister of Local Government to tell us if the Clerk of the Council has the authority to spend monies from line item 6211 without it being authorized by the Regional Chairman. I believe that the time has come for the Learned Minister to put relative aside and work in the best interest of our country. Oswald Junor Regional Democratic Councillor
“Govt. lamentations nothing but “Cold War rhetoric”
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has not received any cash from the USAID/Guyana – Elections and Political Processes (EPP) Fund, Leadership And Democracy (Lead) Project that Government has been lamenting over, given the US Government insistence on its implementation. This was confirmed yesterday by Leader of the opposition coalition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger who, in an invited comment, said the only assistance it has received thus far is the facilitation of a public meeting meant to provide voter education on the holding of local government elections. Granger told this publication that in October last year, he met with Glen Bradbury, who is the Chief of Parties for the International Republican Institute, the body USAID procured to implement the project. At that meeting, Bradbury sought to elicit from the coalition’s Leader, the scope of assistance they would require. According to Granger, the only assistance required was with voter education, given that APNU did not have the resources to roll out any widescale programme. The Opposition Leader
stressed that the education programme is targeting only the Local Government Elections. According to Granger, Local Government Elections is a complex arrangement involving 71 organs, namely the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and six Municipalities. He stressed that there is an entire generation of voters who would not be au fait with the system which is mixed first past the post as well as proportional representation. As it relates to assistance from the project, Granger stressed that the only assistance received was the facilitation of the public meeting held at Anna Regina. “The Government’s lamentation over the project is nothing but Cold War rhetoric,” Granger said. Government’s Chief Spokesperson, Dr Roger Luncheon, at a recent press engagement had described some of the objections made by Cabinet as it relates to the project. He said that the four components of the project were analyzed by Cabinet and
one contained major activities that captured a relationship between USAID and individual political parties in Guyana. This, he stressed, was a source of concern, given that Guyana does not have a public policy by government for the support for political parties. He said that there is nothing like that in the law or in practice and the Americans through the project “invited a profoundly sensitive issue.” Dr. Luncheon said that this is something that has not been dealt with by any postindependent Guyana Government and further “for us represented a usurpation of our authority.” He said that this was drawn to the attention of
Opposition Leader, David Granger USAID which was asked to make the overtures and activities to be a relationship between institutions such as Parliament or the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and not parties.
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Kaieteur News
Minibus driver gets 12 months for dangerous driving A 42-year-old minibus driver of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara was yesterday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment when he made his final appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Magistrate Judy Latchman, who presided over the matter, before delivering her decision, affirmed that in light of the alarming number of road fatalities in the year 2013 there is a dire need for the preservation of human resources. Paran Persaud first appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty, who sits at the said court, facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, whereby the Prosecution had claimed that on May 24, 2013, he drove
in a manner dangerous to the public on Houston Public Road, while piloting minibus BKK1948, thereby causing the death of Ellen Margaret Jones. He was at that hearing not allowed to plead to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of $200,000. However, he later pleaded not guilty before the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry when she read the charge to him on September 5, 2013. The matter was later transferred to Magistrate Latchman before whom the trial was conducted. During the said trial, the court ruled that it was not satisfied that the woman who was hit and placed in the bus was indeed the person for whom the Post Mortem (PM) was issued.
The charge instituted against Paran Persaud was then one of Dangerous Driving. It is the said indictment to which Magistrate Latchman found him guilty and sentenced him to prison. In dishing out his sentence, the Magistrate proclaimed that “over 130 persons died in road fatalities last year and there is a dire need to preserve our precious human resources. You are hereby sentenced to twelve months imprisonment”. She continued in a stern tone of voice stating that she, as a result, will also be endorsing his driver’s licence for dangerous driving. Paran was represented by Attorney at Law George Thomas who, after hearing of his client’s conviction, gave the court an oral notice of his intent to appeal the sentence.
Man remanded for stealing chainsaw A 42-year-old resident of Princes and Lombard Streets, Squatting Area, was yesterday arraigned before Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly stealing a quantity of items. Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was Glenroy Brown who the police claimed had stolen a chainsaw valued at $272,676, one $6000 cellular phone and a torchlight between January 3 and 4 on Lombard Street, Georgetown. He was however
not required to plead to the charge since it was deemed indictable. The facts of the matter were not read in open court and the man was remanded to prison where he will await his next court hearing. The matter is set to be called on January 20 before Magistrate Chandra Sohan. Brown was escorted out of court as he was directing a series of verbal threats and insults at the virtual complainant.
Friday January 10, 2014
ECD four-lane expansion…
Ministry admits five percent concrete failure Of 439 metres of concrete tested in Lot Six of the East Coast Demerara Public Road four-lane expansion project, only 25 metres failed the assessment. This is according to the Ministry of Public Works, which in a press statement yesterday, sought to dismiss reports that the contractor, Colin Talbot Contracting Service, is executing poor public works between Mon Repos to De Endragt. O n We d n e s d a y, t h i s newspaper published that the concrete strength for this project had failed and even though the contractor may not meet the project deadline of March 2014, he was awarded another contract. But the Ministry in response stated that “an overzealous individual without proper authority approached the media in an unsavory way to try and tarnish the reputation of a contracting company”. “The Kaieteur News article titled “ECD four-lane
- Tries to discredit related report expansion…Contractor executing poor works, awarded another contract” on January 8, 2014 gave readers the impression that during a 28-day period, the concrete used by Colin Talbot Contracting Service was below standard,” the statement read. The Ministry is adamant that only five percent of the concrete strength was slightly below the criteria for a short section of the drainage works that were carried out by the contracting company. “In fact, out of the 439 metres concrete tested only 25 metres failed the assessment,” the release indicated. The Ministry said that with any laboratory testing whether concrete or soil conducted by the Ministry, it allows for the contractor to correct any defects. “The company has been one of the most dependable
and reliable contractors the Ministry has worked with and it is unfortunate that the preliminary findings have been made public before quality control or corrections can be done,” the Ministry said. However, it did not clarify if indeed sections of the newly-built drains and roadway are failing due to its “five percent” weakness. The source that the Ministry is attempting to discredit had told this publication that the structures are now failing due to heavy-duty machinery transporting building materials for residents. According to the source, previously the contractor only wanted to carry out works during the nights, which made it difficult for personnel from the Ministry to inspect works. “The poor quality work being executed was possibly the reason why the contractor wanted to work at nights,” the source opined. The Ministry also did not comment on that matter. In addition, it did not mention the award of an additional contract to the contractor.
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Garbage control to Teenager charged with murder take precedence in City of Haslington two-year-old Hall’s 2014 budget By Zena Henry City Hall is seeking to make garbage control dumping and collection - its number one priority this year. As the city continues to be plagued with rubbish pile-ups resulting from indiscriminate dumping, the Council is thus moving towards a 2014 budget that focuses earnestly on the management of garbage and its collection. Public Relations Officer Royston King told Kaieteur News yesterday that a consensus has been reached among Councilors, that the city’s current garbage situation is the first matter that should be addressed in this year’s budget. At an important meeting held on Wednesday to address the budget sums, King said that, “All Councilors present expressed, in particular, their view that the garbage situation must be Council’s first priority for 2014". “Indeed numerous accumulations of garbage in almost every section of the city continue to impact on the health of the environment and the public health of Georgetown.” Councilor Oscar Clarke, Vi c e C h a i r m a n o f t h e Finance Committee, advocated for a re-look of the Council’s budget which was shot down by the Mayor and majority of Councilors for its lack of depth and “unrealistic make-up.” The Vice Chairman, it is understood, was very
expressive in his remarks about the crisis the garbage situation is posing. It was therefore the collective expression by Councilors that more property cash should be spent in this area. “Also, Councilors expressed concern about adequate resources to the Constabulary department and instructed the administration to contemplate ways in which more resources could be given to the Constabulary, as they are responsible for public security.” King said that by the end of Wednesday’s meeting, “the administration was instructed to retool that budget to strengthen the major departments such as Solid Waste, Engineer’s, Public Health, the Constabulary and to increase the capacity of service.” Another meeting will be held today, while hopes are that come next Monday, the new budget could be presented and passed at Council’s Statutory Meeting. Hostile clashes resulted over budget allocations at the last budget reading towards the end of last year. The previously presented budget failed to get the support of the Mayor and City Councilors and was also rejected by the Local Government Ministry. The Finance Committee Chairman, Junior Garrett, had told Councilors that whether they approved the budget or not, he would be presenting
the figures to the Local Government Ministry. The Finance Committee has been ordered, however, to rework the budget and equip it to suit major problems that continue to plague the city. Garrett and his team budgeted $2,055,467,116 for the year 2014, taking into consideration funds allocated to the various Municipal departments, and funds allocated for the execution of city jobs. Councilors said that he failed to address the real issues posing difficulty to the Council. Several of them asked about the pursuit of delinquent tax payers and their prosecution. They questioned how funds would be used to improve the debt recovery unit and noted the low tone on the issue of property valuation as a means of revenue generation. Mayor Hamilton Green at the time hammered the budget proposal by saying it lacked depth and does not cater for the duties and responsibilities of the Municipality. He spoke about the building and maintenance of roads and communities, while highlighting a need for generating revenue. The Mayor charged that the budget was set “wittingly or unwittingly to embarrass the Council.” “The budget does not say anything about the Council’s constraints and confrontations, thus making it a nonsensical budget,” he told Garrett.
The saga surrounding the tragic death of two-year-old Kimanie Watson took its most interesting twist yesterday when her 15-yearold uncle appeared before Magistrate Zamela Ali at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, charged with murder. The young accused, who was escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs by detectives, appeared bewildered, and his disposition betrayed his obvious fear of the surroundings he was in. With his mother and stepfather in the courtroom, the teen, who was unrepresented by counsel, had the charge read to him by the Magistrate. The charge comes almost three months after investigations commenced. It is alleged that on October 21 last, the accused teen murdered Kimanie Watson at her home at Lot 46 South Haslington, East Coast Demerara. The two-year-old child died under suspicious circumstances, a few hours after she was seen playing in her yard with her cousins. A post mortem examination had confirmed that the child had been sodomised. Speaking with this newspaper after yesterday’s court hearing, the teenager’s mother Dianne Graham said that her son urged her not to
A Police Detective escorts the teenager into the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. cry because he “is strong.” Magistrate Ali set January 27 for the accused to return to court when the Preliminary Inquiry into the murder is expected to commence. The entire incident had divided the family, with the
mother of the dead child accusing her mother of covering up for her teenaged brother. The dead child’s mother even attacked her mother and they were both charged with assaulting each other.
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Friday Januray 10, 2014
Press body, Opposition pay tribute to Terry Holder The Guyana Press Association (GPA) and the two Parliamentary Opposition parties have joined the many persons expressing condolences on the death of veteran broadcaster and administrator, Terence ‘Terry’ Holder. GPA yesterday said that as a General Manager and as a Programme Manager of the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS), Terry was instrumental in the development of radio broadcasting in Guyana. “He nurtured a cadre of commentators, announcers, producers and reporters to pay particular attention to getting the right story out. To many, Terry was a guide and a mentor and broadcasting in Guyana and the Caribbean is better because he played his part. However, he was a stickler for standards and lamented to various members of the GPA his concern about falling standards in the
Terence ‘Terry’ Holder’ media.” According to GPA, Holder believed that people needed to know what was occurring in their societies so that they could make informed choices and decisions. “He believed that the reporters must “live the story to tell the story”. He insisted that broadcasters understood
that they were speaking to that one person out there who needed to know. He encouraged broadcasters to get out in the field, wherever the story took them. He wanted announcers and producers to connect with their radio audiences all the time.” GPA said that Holder’s tenure as Secretary General of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) resulted in a similar vision and management style. “He took pride in the production of the Caribbean Song Festival, CaribVision and CaribScope. Terry had helped to establish the CBU and laboured indefatigably to make it work.” Although Holder had a larger broadcasting vision for the Caribbean he never forgot his native land, Guyana. He returned to serve as Deputy General Manager of GT&T and continued to promote and push the media to higher standards. “He also immersed himself
in sport, particularly cricket and table tennis and was well respected for his loyalty, diligence and vigilance in those arenas. He was ever so polite, unflappable, suave and an inspiration to so many in the media and sporting fraternities. The Guyana Press Association shall miss his counsel and Guyana has lost a good and gentle soul.” Meanwhile, the sevenseat Parliamentary Opposition, Alliance For Change, joined in the tributes. “The AFC, like the Guyanese people recognize Mr. Holder as a stalwart and a son of the soil who led an exemplary and remarkable life. His service, to broadcasting in Guyana an d t h e Caribbean, media, sport and society and as General Manager for Public Relations with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), has been outstanding in every regard.” AFC noted that Holder
pioneered GBC’s Action Line and Man in the Street programmes along with the CBU’s CaribScope and CaribVision programmes. “He also led the negotiations which led to the first live television broadcast of international cricket in the Caribbean in 1990.” AFC also said that it regrets that Holder was not recognized formally with a national award for his service to Guyana and the Caribbean and looks forward to such an appropriate honour being bestowed posthumously. Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in its statement said that in addition to Terry Holder, Guyana also lost Grenville Felix and Carlotta Dodson. The faction noted the key positions Holder held in broadcasting and the communications sector of the country. Regarding Felix, age 96, of Canefield, Settlement, Canje, East Berbice who
passed away at the Anamaya Memorial Hosp i t a l , Corentyne, APNU pointed out that he had a long and distinguished career in the sugar industry where he started working as an apprentice at age 16 and retired in 1977 as Assistant Factory ManagerEngineer. “The Partnership also expresses condolences at the passing of Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Ms. Carlotta Dodson D.S.M. Ms. Dodson was 66 years old. She served in the Executive Leadership of the Assemblies of God in Guyana. She was also Administrator of its educational institution “Generation Next” and a Deaconess of the church. In recognition of her long and distinguished service in the Guyana Police Force, Ms. Dodson was awarded the Disciplined Service Medal (D.S.M.).”
Terry Holder: A Remembrance By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is a former General Manager of GBS, President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union and Caribbean diplomat, now Senior Fellow at London University) It was news that I was expecting any day, yet when it came it moved me profoundly. Terrence Ormond Holder with whom I started a relationship in broadcasting and communication 37 years ago has died. As I write this remembrance in a hotel room in the ancient University City of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, I recall well the first time I met Terry Holder. It was 1966. I was an 18-year old, freshly returned from school in Britain, and Terry was an Information Officer in what was then the Government Information Services (GIS). Housed in a sprawling wooden building on Brickdam, the GIS boasted several great names in the information business in a newly-independent Guyana Lloyd Searwar and Victor Forsythe among them. Two of the younger men in an array of first class writers and radio programme producers were Terry Holder and Wordsworth McAndrew. I became a free-lance interviewer and broadcaster with the GIS and the person with whom I worked most closely was Terry Holder. I narrated documentary
programmes that he wrote and produced, and I came to admire his artistry as a writer for radio – it is a skill very different from writing for the print media. It requires writing for the ear not the eye. Once the words are said, they cannot be re-read and the writer has only one chance to grip the listener’s attention and to hold it. Terry was a master at it. He had a natural talent for radio writing with a fine command of English as a language, and he was a gifted producer of documentaries for radio. That was our early bond. Subsequently, I went back to Britain in 1968 along with others to train for the launch of the first television station in Guyana. It did not come to pass in the end. But, the failure to realise a television station placed a greater importance and a greater focus on radio. It was a focus for which Terry was ably suited. By October 1968, the new Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS) was launched in competition with what used to be its sister station, Radio Demerara. Terry was very much a part of the pioneering team at GBS that pushed the horizons of radio broadcasting far beyond the limits that, up to then, had constrained it. His was not a voice that audiences heard, but behindthe-scenes his opinions mattered and his writing skills were employed to good effect. When I became General
Manager of GBS in 1973, I appointed Terry as my new Deputy. In our brainstorming sessions on live outside broadcast coverage of major events; the themes with which “Action Line” (the first pubic call-in programme in Guyana) would deal; the sports meetings we would cover; the personalities we would enlist to give daily “viewpoints” on the issues of the day; the documentaries we would produce to give listeners indepth information on matters that affected their lives; Terry was an integral part and influencer. He had a wide range of interests but none more intense than cricket. It was little surprise to me that shortly after I visited him in hospital during a serious period of his illness, I found him at a cricket match at the New Providence ground. Once Terry could walk, I knew that nothing would keep him away from the pavilion of test cricket. When I left GBS as General Manager in 1976, Terry succeeded me. I know little of his time as General Manager – my own life had taken me out of Guyana and into diplomacy and communications in a wider area than broadcasting alone. My encounters with Terry were in his new role as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) – a region-wide entity that we had helped to establish and to develop under the earlier leadership of
Hugh Cholmondeley. Terry served the CBU with distinction. During his term in office, the CBU broadened its scope, particularly in the area of training and – inevitably and to the delight of cricket fans – securing rights to Television broadcasts of international cricket in which the West Indies featured. When I was instrumental in the privatization of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation by the Atlantic Tele-Network group and the new Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) was created, I strongly recommended Terry for the post of its first Public Relations Manager. Terry wanted to return to his native Guyana for which I believe he yearned every day of his time abroad as CBU chief. He did not need much persuading to go back home. But while his latter days were spent at GTT, which he served with the commitment and dedication that he brought to every task he took on, broadcasting was Terry’s first love. In those early days, in almost every field of endeavour in Guyana, there was an excitement and a keenness to aim for the stars not only for one’s individual accomplishment but for the advancement of the country as a whole. In his period as an active broadcaster and broadcast manager, Terry contributed high standards. And that is how he should be remembered.
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Inequality is a tinder box If you do not agree that Guyana’s economy today is at its best ever, do not read any further. If you cannot accept this fact then today’s column is not for you, because you will be blinkered to the view that there is increasing wealth being created in the society. The fundamental thesis of this particular column follows from this line. It argues that despite the economy being in its best shape ever, there is an emerging endogenous threat that could undermine the future stability of the country, and not just the economy. The former Chief Economist of the World Bank, Joseph Stiglitz, has just written a new book. It is called the Price of Inequality. It is worth every dime that it costs. It is a fantastic study/ commentary of inequality in the world’s greatest economy and a forewarning that economic growth does not always cause all ships to rise. It confirms what this column has always been arguing: markets are grossly inefficient in distributing the economic benefits that flow from growth. This is a lesson that Guyana should take heed, because while it is undeniable that all ships have risen since Guyana set sail behind the neo-liberal winds twenty-five years ago, the inescapable reality is that some large ships have risen faster than others, and to the extent that they are
dwarfing the smaller ships and threatening to drown them out. The evidence of growing inequality in Guyana is overwhelming. Just take a look at land. The price of land has skyrocketed in recent times. This is mainly due to land being used for financial speculation by those who benefit from massive tax avoidance and tax evasion, the proceeds of which are ploughed into the acquiring of real estate. The high cost of land keeps this vital resource out of the reach of the poor. The poor can no longer compete in the open market and unless the government allocates to them subsidized land, they will never be able to own anything in their lifetime. Vested interests within the government are however opposed to subsidized housing for the poor, because to do so would cause the price of real estate to collapse. This is not what the propertied classes want. They want to maintain their stranglehold on economic wealth, even as they appropriate more and more of the wealth produced in Guyana. The propertied classes have now moved into the land market. Private developers are making an obscene fortune on land transactions, while the poor see their dreams of owning their own home and having a car in every garage slip away. The ongoing census in Guyana, if done accurately,
Two youths arraigned... (From page 3) Friday, January 3, Bishop, Collins and four other youths were stopped at a roadblock on the Soeydyke/Linden highway while they were in a black Toyota Premio that was stolen from the murdered driver. Bishop, Collins and three others were apprehended, while a sixth individual, who was allegedly driving the stolen car, escaped.
will confirm that inequality is growing in Guyana at an alarmingly rate. Something needs to be done to reverse this situation, because unless this is done, Guyana is going to explode. There are workers who travel long distances to get to work each day. They take the bus. During their travels they observe what is taking place along the coast. They notice how a small group of individuals are mopping up private lands. On the East Coast, one individual has gobbled up prime lands alongside the public road to add to the large tracts he already owns. They notice the expensive homes that cost a stinking fortune. They ask themselves questions as to how these
persons got so rich and whether they pay their fair share of taxes. They see wealth increasingly being concentrated in the hands of a small fraction of the population. Even in the award of public contracts, monopolies have developed. Did you know that the bulk of the major contracts, those in excess of five hundred million dollars, are usually awarded to just a handful of companies? Did you know that most of the major road contracts are done by only a few companies? Did you know that in the health sector one company enjoys eighty per cent of the total purchases of pharmaceuticals? What more evidence is
needed of failure of market forces, especially open competition in public procurement, to distribute wealth more evenly? Should there not be a cap on the value and share of contracts any individual or firm should enjoy in Guyana? Should there not be a limit to how much land any one person can own? Should there not be a limit to how much wealth one person can have in such a small society? Inequality is a tinder box. If a small 1% of the population continues to appropriate a greater share of the wealth of the country while the poor remain struggling, then an explosive situation will threaten and this is not desirable for the country. All ships have risen in
Guyana, but when you have vessels the size of aircraft carriers alongside canoes, it is inevitable that the canoes will be sunk. What is needed is a more interventionist government. The government needs to intervene to correct this growing inequality and to promote greater egalitarianism. To do this runs the risk of being accused of being socialist, but that should be the least of the worries of the present administration. After all, are they not the ones who are calling for a Broad Left Front?
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 10, 2014
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The US attitude to Guyana has been too mysterious The announcement by the US Ambassador that the American-funded democracy project will proceed, despite the objection of the Government of Guyana, is news that should be welcomed by every citizen, in and out of Guyana, who want to see democracy and good governance in, according to the World Bank, the second poorest country in the CARICOM region. For over ten years now, the American Government has tolerated drug trafficking, money-laundering and
pathological corruption in the corridors of power. It appeared extremely confusing to political observers. It simply defied logic. Why the US did not move against some major politicians from 2002 onwards, when evidence came tumbling down like rain from the skies that connected them to nasty political immoralities, remained and continues to be seen as mysterious. If what has taken place in Guyana had occurred elsewhere, the US would have intervened. Quite a large number of urban middle class Georgetowners have told me over the years that there has to be an explanation as to why the US behaved so nonchalantly to major
abominations by the PPP leaders. What happened to the visa revocation policy that Ambassador Bullen implemented? When two prominent citizens were before the courts for sexual offences, the US cancelled their visas before the cases were concluded. Yet in the area of corruption, we have seen no reaction from the American Embassy. Gerhard Ramsaroop of the AFC told me that a businessman went to buy a house and the cost was one million American dollars. Ramsaroop told me that his information was foolproof. The seller is a ruling politician that simply does not have such type of financial resources Last week, the editor of this newspaper, Adam Harris,
was on Spotlight, the interview programme on channel 9 hosted by Dr. Grantley Walrond. Harris made the point that in relation to proof of corruption, all you have to do is look at massive expenditures by someone not known to be wealthy and then do the accountancy investigation and huge holes will be found. This is how you can expose corruption. How can a newcomer to the PPP bandwagon, without a background of wealth accumulation, sell a house for 205 million Guyanese dollars? By any stretch of the imagination that is worth investigation. To date, the Bullen visa cancellation policy has not been resuscitated by the US Embassy since Mr. Bullen retired. If the US could have withdrawn the visas of two persons not convicted of any crime at the time, why can’t the same be done to corrupt persons in the PPP leadership? Are we seeing a change
in the Americans with the democracy project? One hopes so. What needs to be established immediately is the point that sovereignty of a country does not lie with the government only, and in Guyana we have a minority administration. The PPP leadership is contending that if the Government of a sovereign state rejects an arrangement with a foreign government then that foreign power should respect the country’s sovereignty. But who speaks for an independent state? The government only? If that is so, then things become complicated when the government is a minority regime. What happens if the Parliament accepts a project from a foreign power? Does this mean that the Parliament has no legal basis for accepting an arrangement with the American Government? This columnist would suggest Parliament proposes a motion to approve of the democracy project and if passed, then a parliamentary committee should seek dialogue with the US Embassy on the modalities of implementing the arrangement. The announcement by the US Ambassador is one of the freshest winds that have blown through the windows of this land since the PPP became a nasty, oligarchic regime, especially under Mr.
Frederick Kissoon Jagdeo. One could just imagine what has gone through the minds of those in Washington, D.C who are in charge of American policy towards the Caribbean. It is clear to any impartial observer that the PPP has been taken over by power madness. Not even under Forbes Burnham has this country seen a government that is so obsessed with control of every corner of this land. Perhaps for the Americans, the local government stalemate was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Perhaps, also, the stubbornness over the Procurement Commission. The ABC ambassadors in Georgetown years ago came to the conclusion that the PPP does not want to devolve power to local organs but wants centralized control. They knew years ago, that the PPP is simply not interested in good governance. Let us hope the democracy project is the beginning of the end of elected dictatorship in Guyana.
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Chinese, Indian companies vying to build new Demerara Bridge A number of Chinese and Indian Companies are vying to build the New Demerara Bridge river crossing being handled by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) headed by Winston Brassington. This was confirmed by a source close to the project who told this publication that 22 Expressions of Interest were submitted to build the new bridge across the Demerara River meant to replace the aging Demerara Harbour Bridge. All 22 proposals were opened privately at NICIL and not at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board publicly, given that it is the Government’s holding
Winston Brassington company that is handling the project. According to information reaching this newspaper, the proposals will be evaluated and ranked, at which point in
time those shortlisted will be invited to submit their financial and technical proposals. This latest mega project to be undertaken by the Guyana Government will see the use of the same debt and equity financial structure utilizing a public-private partnership, as was the case with the Berbice Bridge, the Georgetown Marriott and the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project. In the call for partners, Government said that the project will be implemented using a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, “in a manner similar to the Berbice Bridge.” According to the Guyana Government, the responses received from the call for expressions of interest will be
Trio charged for murder of Mahaicony cash crop farmer Tears flowed freely both inside and outside the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court as murder charges were read to three Mahaicony men for the death of cash crop farmer Dearoop Siewchand. Premnauth Seepersaud, 39, a minibus operator; Doodnauth Siewchand, 42, and 23-year-old Karran Ramhit, appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell yesterday and were not required to plead to the capital offence charge. In an almost packed courtroom made up of mostly family members, the men stared unbelievingly at Magistrate Lovell as she read the charge. It is alleged that on Saturday January 4 at Zeeland, Mahaicony, they murdered 72-year old Dearoop Siewchand. Police Prosecutor Corporal Cheryl Graham told the court that on the day in question, the three accused entered Siewchand’s home and demanded cash and jewellery. She said that Premnauth Seepersaud and Doodnauth Siewchand, who happens to be a nephew of the deceased, proceeded to beat the elderly man, and were later assisted by Ramhit. The badly wounded man succumbed to his injuries. Prosecutor Graham also informed the court that the investigations are not complete and detectives will be seeking further advice on the matter, especially since Siewchand’s wife was also badly injured during the attack. Attorney at law Satyesh
Premnauth Seepersaud Kissoon represented Premnauth Seepersaud and Doodnauth Siewchand, the number one and three accused respectively. He said that Seepersaud is a father of two minor children while Siewchand is the father of one. Denise Hodge, in association with Haymant Ramdhani, represented Ramhit, a rice farmer, who cried openly while standing beside his co-accused in the dock. The matter will proceed by way of a preliminary inquiry and the accused were ordered to return to court on February 5 for report and fixtures. As the men left the courtroom, their relatives who
Karran Ramhit
Doodnauth Siewchand were also crying bitterly, labeled their plight a travesty of justice. They openly declared that the men were being framed.
used to guide the selection of a partner or partners who will work with government to design and implement the project. The project will see NICIL creating a special purpose company,”financed by debt and equity contributions following a public/private partnership model.” The call for expressions of interest had stated clearly that “The GoG is not bound to accept any Expression of Interest.” A pre-feasibility study was done for the construction of a new river bridge by the Public Works Ministry and has identified the best location for the bridge to be between Houston on the East Bank of Demerara and Versailles on the West Bank of the river. As it relates to the tolls to be charged the pre-feasibility study predicts that user tolls were considered to increase at a rate of two per cent per year above the existing regime. The study did point out that “a detailed feasibility study should be done to incorporate exogenous costs
and benefits not considered in this study, as well as a financial analysis that addresses the concerns of project-financing and environmental impacts.” The existing two-lane floating bridge was constructed in 1978 by the UK firm Thomas Storey Engineers Limited and had a life of 10 years. From 1995 to 1998 the bridge underwent major rehabilitation by the Damien Ship Yards of the Netherlands at a cost of US$9M and an extended life of 15 years (from 1995). According to the prefeasibility report, at present the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) carries out intensive annual maintenance and element replacement activities on the bridge structure to provide a continuous level of service, and this can be coupled with increasing traffic volumes and level of Government subventions to warrant consideration of bridge replacement. At present, The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation
is responsible for the management and collection of tolls, and the average annual revenue collection is approximately US$1.9M. Between 2002 and 2011 the Guyana Government provided in excess of US$12M in subventions to support the operations of the existing Bridge. During that same period the revenues collected from tolls was about 75 per cent of the subvention. The report concedes that while there were no national consultations during the prefeasibility phase, these are planned for the detailed feasibility phase. It says too that major Private Sector stakeholders and agencies such as the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSC), Guyana Shipping Association, Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) and the Ministry of Finance were closely engaged.
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 10, 2014
Still no date for Local Govt. Elections By Zena Henry Government highlighted that it would be early in the new year, but there is yet to be an announcement on the date when the country will after 19 years, experience Local Government Elections. Checks on a date for local polls have proven that no official word has been given on the likelihood of elections being held in the first quarter of the year. Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr. Steve Surjubally told Kaieteur News yesterday that the entity has received no date for the holding of local polls. He said that more than likely the Commission would be made aware as to the set date for local polls and discussions would be held pertaining to the holding of elections; the Commission has not been alerted and those discussions are yet to be held, he disclosed. Nonetheless, the Chairman stated that Commission continues to forge ahead with preparations in the demarcation of the various boundaries and constituencies. GECOM had noted during last year, that the Commission could be ready for local polls within six months, despite some expressing skepticism. Surjubally stated however
…despite all parties being ready that his team is ready for local polls so by the time elections take off, “we will hit the ground running.” A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Local Government Minister Ronald Bulkan told Kaieteur News yesterday that his party is also forging ahead with preparations for local polls, although there has been no official word as to when the long-overdue process will materialize. He said that APNU is still awaiting word from the Local Government Minister to set the date, while the coalition understands that hints have been made for elections to be held mid-year. He explained that GECOM should be informed of a date at least three months in advance while election participants will within such time make themselves ready. Bulkan has however accused the government of willfully delaying local polls, suggesting fear on the government’s side. “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has recognized that they do not have the support of the people and they are terrified that they will be removed, because the people see through their constant interference in the operations of local organs to the
detriment of citizens.” In the meantime, concerns remain over the non-assent to the Local Government Amendment Bill which has the power to relieve the Local Government Ministers of their imperial powers, barring them from dissolving Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and micromanaging the council. APNU leader David Granger, in November last year, had expressed optimism that the President would change his mind and assent to the last Bill. The President during that same month, stated categorically that to assent to the Local Government Amendment Bill would be a breach of the Constitution since, “they have tried to take the authority of the minister and invest it into a commission; that goes against the Constitution,” the President said. He added that the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNC/R), PNC then, went back on previous agreements and arrangements made with the government to make changes, “which in my view is unprincipled,” and thus made “unconstitutional.” President Donald Ramotar did assent to the other three bills which, along with the Local Government Amendment Bill, were passed
by the National Assembly since August last; the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2012, the Local Government Commission Bill. Cabinet Secretary Roger Luncheon during a Cabinet weekly press briefing also stated that the President’s non-intent to sign the Bill stating that it would be
unconstitutional since the Opposition wants to give the Local Government Commission powers that were, initially, never theirs. PPP’s General Secretary Clement Rohee stated on Monday that the party is ready for the local government elections, as well as regional and national elections. He said, “The Central Committee examined
various aspects of the implementation of its political strategy and concluded that it was sufficiently in a state of readiness for either local government and national and regional elections.” Rohee explained that the PPP/C from an “organizational perspective” is always ready for the eventuality of elections, with “well oiled” machinery. He did not state, however, any possible election date. Efforts to reach Local Government Minister Ganga Persuad via cell phone went unsuccessful throughout the day. His secretary told this newspaper that the Minister was out of office and would not be returning. There were also failed attempts to reach Minister within the Ministry, Norman Whittaker, to ascertain new information on the holding of local polls.
After two weeks…
Still no sign of missing 76-yr-old man Fourteen days have passed and there is no sign of 76-year-old Banalo Motilall who disappeared from his Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home on Boxing Day last. Motilall is deaf and dumb. He is about five feet eight inches tall, dark in complexion and has a damaged left eye. The elderly man was last seen walking on the Herstelling Public Road
around 14:00hrs on December 26, last. Relatives of the missing man are at their wits’ end as even after two weeks they still cannot locate him and fear the worst. It is the first time Motilall disappeared from his home without a trace. Anyone who may have information is asked to call Mohamed Shameer on 2654933, 265-5603 or the nearest police station.
Missing: Banalo Motilall
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Man alleges police brutality, - mother seeks justice sodomy A mother of four is seeking justice for the abuse of her son as police promise to investigate allegations of brutality and sodomy. Her son, 23-year-old Colwyn Harding has been a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the past two weeks. He is presently defecating through multiple bags from the side of his abdomen as a result of his ruptured intestine, which was sustained after a policeman allegedly pushed a baton up his anus. According to his mother, Sharon Harding, it all began November last with police stationed at the Timehri Police Station visiting her son who was spending time with his girlfriend in Timehri. “One specific policeman, my son told me, was very violent. They were reluctant to listen to anything that my son told them when they questioned him about someone they were searching for. That person was subsequently found and arrested and they still brutalized my son and lock him up.” In a recorded interview at his bedside at GPHC, Colwyn Harding claimed he was brutalized in front of his girlfriend who was placed outside the house when she began to object. “They keep beating me, beating me and asking me to answer questions that I don’t know anything about. Then in front of an inspector and Corporal, he started to tell me he got to bugger me tonight! When I start behave bad and tell he that he can’t do that, he beat me and I get blackout, and they throw water on me and wake me up.”
Colwyn Harding The injured man then recounted “When I wake up the police still telling me he got to bugger me and he start throwing water on my skin and telling me when he like people dem got to be clean. Then he tell me go on the bed, and when I go he tell me bend over and wine and how I got to suck he and he got to bugger me!” He further related that policeman then pulled out a condom from his rear pocket and placed it on his baton and began jabbing him on his rear. “He then tell me lie down and he began pushing the baton up in my rear and I began to scream and then he start to beat me, then he take me outside and then down to the station.” Adding that he then requested from another policeman to borrow his cell phone to contact his mother, he said that his mother was alarmed after learning of the incident. He was eventually placed in the lock ups. “The same policeman beat me up more and buss up my head and he place me in a nasty lock up where he threatened to deal with me.
After I spend 72 hours in the lock ups another police said I have to get loose… the same police officer say I can’t get loose because I will go to the media and I will tell them what happen, so he have to charge me with something in order to keep me quiet.” The man’s mother explained that her son eventually had surgery after it was discovered that his intestine was damaged, which she insists was a result of the police brutality and misuse of the baton. She also noted Wednesday that the GPHC would be discharging him yesterday (Thursday) since the institution does not have any waste bags to facilitate his continued hospitalization. Sharon Harding said after she visited the Police Complaints Authority and “nothing was being done”, she decided to visit Commander of the Police ‘A’ Division, George Vyphuis and a promise was made to intensify the investigations. This promise, the woman claimed, was also related to the Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell.
Worm-infested water... GWI fixes “fractured connections” The worm-invested water emanating from taps in Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara was as a result of fractured service connections. This is according to Timothy Austin, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) who explained yesterday that following Kaieteur News’ article highlighting the concerns of residents, a team was dispatched to investigate the claims. Due to the ruptures, contaminants were leaked into the water distribution system, causing the worms and other insanitary particles to come out from residents’ water taps. Austin told Kaieteur
News yesterday that the connections were repaired and the flow of water is returned to its normal, clean state. On Tuesday evening, residents of the aforementioned community were greeted with the sight of worm-infested water coming out of their taps. One female resident had said that she was about to prepare dinner for her family, but was stopped in her tracks after noticing that the water had too many “crumbs”. The mother of three said that she then realized that the particles were actually moving, and upon closer inspection, realized that they were worms. Another resident said that he had already put the water to his mouth when he
saw the worms. Meanwhile, another resident who identified herself as Cecilia Anderson told this newspaper that she has been living in the Bagotstown/ Eccles area for over 30 years, and that a similar incident had occurred once before when an underground pipe was punctured. “…but that was years ago, and they didn’t take too long to fix it,” she recalled. “Customers are asked to take swift action and report all instances of poor water quality which usually results from porous or damaged service connections and distribution lines which are sometimes difficult for GWI teams to detect,” the PRO urged.
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Community support being solicited to help reduce rate of maternal deaths - CMO Although the Ministry of Health is looking to reduce the rate of maternal deaths that was recorded last year, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, is adamant that the support of communities is also a crucial factor in realising this goal. This is necessary in light of the fact that at least three of the 18 maternal deaths recorded by the Ministry last year, were of women who died within the community – either at home or while being transferred to hospital. According to Dr Persaud, this state of affairs is in fact “worrying and we would like to see some improvements.” Moreover, he disclosed that the Ministry has started discussions with a number of stakeholders, including Village Captains, even as moves are being made to solicit support from churches and other groups within the society. “There are sometimes some very simple reasons why women don’t even go to deliver at hospitals,” Dr Persaud said, while relating that the last two deaths recorded last year were of
women who stayed at home and had persons in the community deliver them. “They were both elderly, multiparous women and they bled; they were high risk cases and we needed to see them at the hospital,” he insisted. Dr Persaud divulged that based on reports reaching the Health Ministry, some pregnant women opt to not go to the hospital to be delivered for reasons ranging from the lack of proper nightgowns to wear to their inability to buy baby clothes. “Those are barriers that still exist; there is so much competition in our society with fashion and so on that if a patient doesn’t have towel, she may not want to go to hospital,” Dr Persaud speculated. As such he noted that the Ministry is appealing to social groups to, wherever possible, render support to these women with a view of boosting their diminished confidence to access the services of the public health care system. “It might mean us putting our hands together to help
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud her get her bag ready, so that she feels confident enough to go to the hospital. There can be so much pressure on them like no pampers and so on; it might be a small cost to most of us but it does cost,” Dr Persaud asserted. He noted that while some women who would have given birth before do opt to re-use clothing from their previous children, it may not always be an acceptable practice to encourage. The 18 maternal deaths (Continued on page 19)
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 10, 2014
Tearful customers seek vanished car dealer A Hadfield Street, Georgetown car dealer has disappeared without a trace, leaving a number of his customers who would have paid him for vehicles yet to be delivered, in tears. Advertisements running in the daily newspapers for several months last year identified the business as an auto sales and services company. Business transactions were being conducted at a section of a popular business place on Hadfield Street. In one of the many advertisements, it was mentioned that customers would get free fuel for one year with every purchase or pre-order. Photographs of a number of vehicles with their prices attached were printed in the newspaper under a “cheap and sweet deal” and persons without thinking twice, approached the auto sales dealer and made payments for vehicles that, reportedly, were never delivered to them. Apart from the advertisement, there were a number of vehicles on display opposite the Hadfield Street business entity where the car dealer was operating from. Yesterday, a woman, who identified herself as one Avril
Johnson, and claimed to be a customer who was duped by the advertised auto sales company, contacted this newspaper with her story. The woman, who hails from Timehri, said that she operates a small shop at her home and had plans to purchase a Toyota Premio. “I had $700,000 in my bank account and I went into the bank and secured a loan…so when I find a car, officials from the bank would come and do their own investigations, and then I would make a deposit to the bank and the bank would buy the car for me,” the small-time businesswoman explained. She added that once she received her vehicle, she would be obligated to pay the bank monthly installments for four years. “In April last, I was checking around for a black Toyota Premio and I happened to see the advertisement in the newspaper, so I went to the place and I met the boss. He told me that if I buy the car directly from him I would get a better deal,” the woman recounted. She added that the car dealer explained to her that she could make the downpayment of $700,000 to him and pay him a monthly
installment for three years, instead of paying the bank for four years. “I agreed and I went into the bank and cancelled the loan process and I transferred the $700,000 I had in my account into his (car dealer’s) account and after that, he made a sales agreement where both of us signed and he said that they would call me,” Johnson noted. The woman explained that since she made the deposit in April last, no one from the car company contacted her. “Three months passed and I keep calling and I was forced to go to their office. The owner said that they waiting on a shipment to come in.” The woman explained that she continued to visit his office frequently but was given the “royal runaround.” “The last time I went to his office was in November, he showed me a white Premio, but my daughter wanted a black, so he said he will spray it over.” According to the woman, when she visited his office last month (December) to collect the car, he told her that the rain fell and he was unable to spray the vehicle. “Because of the holiday confusion, I didn’t go back until today (yesterday).
The “closed” sign on the door yesterday Johnson said when she turned up at the auto sales’ office, she noticed a signed at the door which stated that the company was closed. Apart from the sign, she met two other persons who told her that the business closed last month. “A man said that in December last, a lot of people were here, and they were crying and so.” Proprietor of the business
entity from where the car dealer was operating said that the rent was never paid to him. He could not immediately say how long the space was rented to the car dealer. “He never paid the rent or light bill, but we were waiting on the business to pick up, because we put money into it.” The businessman also explained that it was never the
car dealer’s intention to fleece people, but he mismanaged the business. According to the proprietor of the Hadfield Street business entity, the car dealer was forced to leave the country after persons threatened to kill him. The police are now investigating the matter.
Education Ministry mulls review of primary level subjects A possible review of the subject areas of Social Studies and Science at the primary level is currently under consideration by the Ministry of Education. According to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, this development is premised on the comments that were forthcoming during consultations the Ministry held countrywide with
stakeholders during the past year. Manickchand, who was at the time speaking at her final press conference for 2013, said that the Education Ministry has adopted a strategy to continually meet stakeholders in the field. “I’m out at least three times a week, but not at the same time with the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), so I would give us a nine out of 10 for
being with the people, for going out and assessing what happens. It is a feature of the Ministry that I am very pleased with,” boasted Manickchand. She disclosed that from the discussions that were held across the country “what we found out is that people – teachers, parents and students too – believe that we should have a second look at our curriculum for
Social Studies and Science because they might be going too deep”. “Do children at Grade Four really need to know exactly how Parliament is made up and which seats go to where? Do they really need to know the great details of the eyes and the heart at Grade Four and Five?” questioned the Minister as she disclosed that the Ministry is closely examining such concerns. Although a likely review of the Social Studies and Science curriculum could become a reality, the Minister insisted that the intent is to ensure that “we do not take away from our curriculum what other children in the Caribbean are learning in theirs, while at the same time meeting the needs of ageappropriate learning in the classroom”. Nevertheless, Manickchand noted that the past year presented the Ministry with great opportunities to measure its progress by looking at the academic performances of children at the levels of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination
(CAPE). And according to her, “the results are very encouraging; we are doing, at every single level, better than we have ever done as a country. We might have one or two exceptions, but even where there was an exception, that might have been a percentage lower than last year (2012)”. “We are without a doubt at the best place we have ever been regarding pass rates academically at Maths, English, Social Studies, Science and the other academic courses.” Manickchand was keen on announcing, too, that the Education Ministry is also incredibly pleased that, having stabilised some results during the past year, it managed to introduce extracurricular activities as well. This strategic move, which entailed the introduction of steel pan at some schools, has in fact proven to be instrumental in fostering change in the lives of those so exposed. Those involved in this venture, the Minister said, were those “we thought needed some more stability”. Moreover, students, under the supervision of teachers, and armed with their steel pan playing skills, were
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand during the Christmas holidays tasked with entertaining shoppers and other citizens at various points in the city who were willing to lend them an ear. Added to this, Manickchand said that the Ministry was able to introduce plans to strengthen the debating capacity of students. “We have a duty not only to teach children how to write an exam and the contents that would be in those, but also how to think critically and present those views sensibly in public...and so we have embarked on doing much more strengthening of our access in the schools to extracurricular activities that are not necessarily needed in our academic curriculum.”
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Guyanese trawler nabbed with £1M in marijuana
Follow: A raft from the RFA Wave Knight, bottom, circled the suspect boat and guided it to US authorities
A Royal Navy support ship recently helped seize marijuana worth around £1 million from a boat in the Caribbean in the latest drugs bust involving British personnel. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) naval support ship Wave Knight chased the suspect vessel - Miss Kameney - on Boxing Day, allowing US Coast Guard law enforcement officers to board it and find quarter of a tonne of marijuana hidden in sacks. Five crew members from the boat were detained and delivered to US authorities in the Dominican Republic while a joint crew of US Coast Guard and RFA personnel took control of the vessel to transport her illegal cargo to shore. The seizure was the second large-scale drugs bust for RFA Wave Knight during her year deployed in the region, where she has been working alongside Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster
and international authorities to disrupt illegal activities in the Caribbean. Praising the crew, defence secretary Philip Hammond said: ‘The operation, successfully conducted when most of us were enjoying a Christmas break, is testament to the hard work of our service personnel and the demanding tasks we ask them to carry out. Efforts to disrupt illegal activities in the Caribbean are part of the UK’s commitment to the region in support of the overseas territories, disaster relief and counter-narcotics operations. RFA Wave Knight was involved in several drug bust operations during 2013, with three tonnes of drug disruptions previously attributed to her name, while HMS Lancaster, which has since returned to Portsmouth, seized more than 1.2 tonnes of marijuana and 400 kilograms of cocaine.
Captain Duncan Lamb, commanding officer of RFA Wave Knight, said: ‘The entire ship’s company - Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Navy and US Law Enforcement Team - as well as HQ and prosecuting staff ashore in mainland USA are delighted with this result. This latest success was in support of Operation Martillo - a 15-nation joint effort focusing on putting a stop to the illegal movement of drugs from South America into the Caribbean and onwards to the UK. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a civilian-manned fleet, owned by the MOD, which supports Royal Navy ships around the world, supplying warships with fuel, ammunition and supplies. A fast fleet tanker, RFA Wave Knight has 77 RFA personnel and two Royal Navy sailors on board, as well as an 11-strong US Law Enforcement Team engaged in counter-narcotics work in the Caribbean.
12-year-old charged for allegedly snatching over $1.2M A 12-year-old Sophia resident was ordered held in custody after he made his first court appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged for snatching a hefty sum of cash from a Chinese national. The lad was accused of stealing a total of $1,235,000 in cash and property from Lee Sang Tack on Main Street, Georgetown on January 5. The items included US$3,000 cash, one iPhone 4S valued $120,000, one Samsung Galaxy valued at $140,000, two other cellular phones valued at $20,000 and GUY$245,000 cash. He pleaded not guilty to
the charge. The prosecution was headed by Corporal Deniro Jones in the matter. Reports are that on the night in question the victim was parked in the vicinity of the New Thriving Restaurant on Main Street when the accused approached his car and begged him for some money. However, the man reportedly refused the boy, and later wanted to smoke a cigarette, so he wound the windows of his car down and that was purportedly the opportunity that the youngster used to snatch Lee’s bag which had been placed on the front seat of the car. In an attempt to flee, the lad reportedly dashed into the
Tiger Bay area. Despite being chased by the victim in his car, the young boy managed to escape. However, the court heard that some of his friends relieved him of some of the loot. Investigations were then launched and the victim identified the youngster to some police ranks on duty and he was arrested. It is also reported that whilst under caution and in the presence of his grandmother, the 12year-old orally admitted to committing the crime. At the hearing yesterday, the Magistrate ordered him held. He is expected to make his next court appearance on January 13 for Report.
Page 19
Canje Creek murder…
Police issue wanted bulletin for Leon De Yonge Some two months after a man allegedly shot a former colleague and his boss the police have issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest. In the release it was stated that Leon De Yonge is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Titus Sutton which occurred at Baracara, Canje Creek, Berbice on November 08, 2013. It continued that anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of De Yonge is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 226-6978, 333-2151to 2154, 333-2191, 911 or the nearest police station. The release stated that all information will be treated with strict confidence. De Yonge called ‘Malik’ is alleged to have shot Sutton called ‘Franky’ or ‘Preso’, 53, a re-migrant, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara following a dispute on Friday November 8 at Baracara, some 60 miles up the Canje River. Sutton and his colleague Sherwin Mc Almont, 34, called ‘Shut’, also of Melanie Damishana, who was shot in the leg, do
Leon De Yonge
farming in the area. They were shot at the home of De Yonge after they had gone there following a dispute which had developed between them.
Community support being... (From page 13) recorded in eight regions of the country, were described as “way too high.” At least 11 of those deaths were categorised as direct pregnancy complications while the others had other underlying causes, according to Dr Persaud. And there were several health professionals who were held accountable for some of the recorded deaths, the Chief Medical
Officer intimated. Disciplinary action, included doctors being sent on leave and orders being passed for them to undergo rotations through Obstetrics Departments to improve their skills. A few nurses on the other hand had their licences suspended and their protocols were reviewed as were their training, Dr Persaud disclosed.
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES O F H IGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICKSILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. L- Touring Wagon in excellent condition – 15’ Rims, DVD, Tv, Remote Start Alarm & HID lights $1,300,000 Negotiable – Tel: 667-9013
3 Female (8 weeks old) German Shepherd pups - Tel: 638-5778
New Red RX8, Lambo doors & Rotary 7sp engine Contact: 680-2095 Salon. Turnkey Business @ 6 Goed Fortuin Public Road. Phone:600-3927 ATTENTION LOGGERS! ¾ METAL STRAPS, NAIL PLATES, ANCHORSEAL WAX – TEL:265-3541; 695-4785
Bicycle Frames, wheels, accessories, parts, etc - Tel: 642-1141 Live and pluck chicken - Tel: 220-9203; 650-4421 Diving Suites - Tel: 265-3449; 613-5158 Promising Diamond and Gold one Block in the Ekeruku area, serious enquiries only - Tel:673-8217 1 Fishing boat: Length: 38ft, width 7ft & Depth 4½ft with 400lb Nylon 5" Seine &1- 40 HP Yamaha Engine Tel:220-9891; 679-3457 Large plucked chickens, wholesale only $300 per lb Contact: 266-2711, 609-4594
Two plot of land ¼ Acre or 3X25 Rod each @ Lot 15 & 16 Doctor Dam, La-Grange WBD - Tel:697-5009; 665-7022
Dell computers complete with 20" LCD $69,000, 6 months warranty @ Futuretech- Call:231-2206
One Kindle Fire HD Tablet 16GB - $80,000, two Nintendo DSI - $35,000 each, PSP games, PSZ Games - Call Reyaz:652-3652
New arrival: 1 Toyota Tacoma, aluminum boats (12ft & 14ft)- Call:2201981,685-8282,690-1945
Ridgid Pressure Washer, Honda Engine, Honda Pressure Washer - Tel: 627-7835
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943
House and Land in Pigeon Island East Coast Demerara contact within –Telephone # 220-4776
1- 320 C.L Caterpillar Excavator. Excellent Condition with 2 complete 6" & 8" Dredge - Tel: 648-5371
3 White water tanks that can be used for water business Call: 622-5986
WANTED 1 Cook with atleast 2 years experience. Must have a valid food handlers certificate – Tel:604-0392; 616-2902 between 10am-4pm Experienced roti/puri cooks, curry cooks, pastry makers, counter servers, handyboys & cleaners - Apply @ Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce St. Live-in waitress, bartender and going and coming cooks - Tel:643-9007; 664-1804 1 Female Cleaner for office, twice weekly @ Eccles Industrial Site – Tel:614-4358 1 Domestic for East Bank Area- Tel:614-4358 Girls to work as waitress in bar. Age 18-25yrs – Tel:2564096 One male & one female live in domestic – Tel:613-6613 One dragline operator – Tel:613-6613 Experienced female bartender & waitresses. Apply in person @ Sheriff Night Club on Sheriff St Between 2-4Pm Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Experienced general domestic, must know to prepare Indian dishes – Tel:656-6388
Page 23
WANTED Cashiers, waitresses & Handyman – Tel:223-4778; 601-5802 General Domestic. Good Salary, must be able to cook and clean house - Tel:6247436
VACANCY
One live in Domestic age 1835yrs, must know to cook & live in waitress age18-25yrs Tel: 610-5043
Writer needed. Web and article copywriting. US$1,000/month. www.capitaltyping.com/ gypro for details.
[1] General worker for shift system - Tel:225-6337 Live in waitress to work in a bar - Tel: 650-4309
24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant - Call: 6910894/684-2838
1 Labourer / handyman ½ day in Georgetown - Tel: 2263736
1 Lorry driver apply @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
Experienced Drivers. Apply in person with written application @ Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. Contract Cars to work in recognized base. Base fee @ $6,000 per week – Tel:6279424; 227-0638 One evening worker to work as a housekeeper/ nanny from 3:30pm between the ages of 40-55 years – Call:676-2812 Need one live in maid, must know to cook – Tel:689-0330 Scrap Metal – Tel:658-9045; 687-6072; 615-5315
Greenheart Piles - Tel: 6393450
Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:612-1607
Porters & Salesgirls. Apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1 Middleton & Dennis St, Campbellville.
2 Female German Shepherd mix with Pit-bull – Tel:6941900; 687-6072
1 Toyota Chaser, 2000 CC GX100, PHH series - $2.5M, 1- Toyota Celica 3 SGTE, PGG Series - $1M – Tel:616-2902
Empty 20" & 40" shipping container to buy. Must be in good working condition – Tel:623-1615
Experienced pastry maker. Apply @ Shanta’s, 225 Camp & New Market Sts.
Gold and Diamond land @ Potaro Mining District # 2 Tel: 689-4119; 217-0049
1 smoothie machine,2 ice machine- Contact: 231-0655 ,683-8734
Attractive live in waitress Call: 604-8277; 228-5129
Concrete Bourda Green Stall Tel: 692-7888; 610-022
1 Stall @ Stabroek Market Tel: 658-0115; 718-757-8031
TCL A/C 12BTU, small LG Freezer with glass top and two door wardrobe - Tel: 6639305
Original Games- Call:6722566
1- Rome plough 20 dish, 11630 Bedford truck articulated with 2 trailerCall: 693-4596 2- M132 Lavarda Combine, 1- 22RB Dragline, 3- Pressure pump 4x3 for gold field, 12640MF tractor 4WD- Call: 627-0447
Tibitean Terrier- Pups for sale: (Fluffy) - Tel:655-0054; 226-4166 1 Toyota Surf 3Y Engines 4x4 Pick-up -Tel: 680-4631; 639-3948 One fishing boat 350lb Catguts seine (5 Inch) 40 Yamaha Engine – Tel:2207655; 220-0410; 667-8921 Pluck chicken - Call:676-0931
1 CAT standby 3306, 194 KVA 3 phase 60 cycleCall:641-8472 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566 One Nissan 2005 Bus unregistered & one Toyota Prado – Tel:642-1141 1-500 Ton Cargo Ship - Tel: 676-6933
One experienced excavator operator to work in interiorContact:681-6044 One experienced female shop attendant to work in interior - Contact: 681-6044
FOR SALE / FOR RENT American pool table - Tel: 277-0578
One experienced male shop attendant to work in interior, contact:6816044 One cook for family in interior – Contact:681-6044 Experienced Taxi and bus driver and dispatcher at Princess Hotel – Tel:2657076; 616-8419 Hairdresser must be able to work with nails & handyman. Apply @ West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road Ruimzeigt W.C.D - Tel: 269-1524 One live-in maid between age 30-45 - Contact:681-6044
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
Cashiers/ salesperson/ Delivery Clerks to work in supermarket/general store on East Coast Demerara – Call:220-2128,642-1141
Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292 1 Plaine operator, 1 portable miller operator, labourers – Tel: 619-9143
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 One experienced hair dresser contact Magic Touch Beauty Salon. Now accepting Students for cosmetologist classes – Tel:225-6492 Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, beginning February 3rd Limited Spaces Tel: 666-5241/ 619-7603
1 Live in maid must be from the country & Know to cook, age 35-50 - Tel:6110200; 662-1124 Sales person to work in store. Police Clearance and 2 references – Tel:226-5473 Two joiners to work in workshop - Tel:610-7005; 219-1342 1 Computer Legal Clerk - Tel: 226-4283; 624-7087 Cosmetologist: Certified in facials, manicures, pedicures & waxing - Tel: 231-0321
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One steel building 5000 square ft, 3000 PSI floor. Just outside of Georgetown, East Bank Demerara - Contact: 619-2475 Fully furnished 2 bedroom apartments – Tel:222-7891; 609-9202 2 Bedrooms house in New Hope EBD – Call:618-2517 1/2/3 Bedrooms @ Lot 2 Anna Catherina, WCD - Tel: 276-0818 DRESSMAKING Designing and sewing classes in your district. Sharmela (Canadiantrained) - Contact: 626-2629, 676-6312
One Trainee Refrigeration & AC technician - Tel:231-0655; 683-8734 Experienced Cleaners Call:225-8572 (Between 7am9am) Primary Teacher needed from 3:30pm – Call:654-8650 Driver and Salesman for Gas Trucks on E.C.D, W.C.D and E.B.D, Security Guards, Part Time Gardener. 266 4427 Ice Loaders & General Workers @ B.M. Enterprise Inc. GFL Wharf Houston Tel:592-227-8176/7 Welders & fabricators (Must Have (3) Years’ Experience) - Apply Technical Services @ Eccles Industrial Site. General Machinists (Must know about Line &Engine Block Boring).- Apply Technical Services @ Eccles Industrial Site. Skilled Machinists(Knowledge to re-grind Crankshaft, Engine Head & Block ) Apply Technical Services @ Eccles Industrial Site. Cleaners, (1) Industrial Electrician- (Must have Experience) Apply Technical Services @ Eccles Industrial Site. General worker (maid) for hotel at 12 Henry St. Must be 25yrs/over - Tel: 225-9211
VACANCY One maid - Tel:227-0557 Workers for land clearing – Tel:627-4754 Existing Vacancies For: Western Union CSR, Office Assistants & Cleaners. Apply @ Survival Shopping Complex 173 Sheriff St Georgetown - Telephone # 227-5286-9 One Female Clerk – Tel:2315171 Female Accountant and Accounts Clerk. Apply at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek Mechanical Engineer- 3 Years experience & hold a diploma/degree in this field Apply Technical Services @ Eccles Industrial Site Sales Attendant @ Phatz Style Boutique, 16 E½ Durban St. – Tel:227-0501 Security & I.T Technician. 5 CXC & Cabling Experience Tel: 627-8786 (Continued on page 24)
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Friday January 10, 2014
Siblings allegedly smuggled rare snake into US through Guyana (From page 23)
VEHICLE FOR SALE SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. U l t r a C o o l , call:225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Instant Blackberry unlocking - Call: 675-2239; BBM 25C58FEO
New ATVs: Introductory price $1,199,000 (Duty Free)Call:691-0234 New 2014 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabs - Call: 691-0234
EDUCATIONAL
TO LET
IAE @ 194 Camp St – CXC 2014. Full-time, morning, lessons & adults classes: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subjects Tel: 683-5742; 223-0604
Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 347933-9790, 639-4452.
Learn any Language Fast: Tel: 662-0001
Aracari Hotel. West Bank Demerara Rates from $30 – Tel:264-2946-8
Balloon Décor Training. Classes on 28th January 2014. Call 225-3133; 613-7513 to register and more info.
Fully furnished apartments $5,000 per night @ Harmony Inn – Tel:694-7817; 602-8769
Toyota Raum with TV, Rims & music - PRR series - Tel: 662-2569
Courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration – Tel:670-2653; 618-1706
1 Toyota NZE corolla, AT192, AT212, AT170, IST, Funcargo, Rav-4, Hilux pickup 4x4 – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453
Princeton College: From 1-5, CXC adults classes, lesson for school children: Business & Science subjects - Tel: 2315678, 690-5008, Albertown
Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered Premio, IST, Runx & Spacio - Tel:6523820; 665-4529
PEN PAL
1- LN 170 Hilux pick-up. Excellent condition! - Tel: 663-3537
Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131 Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www. dolly sautorental.com
Nissan Laurel Car – Price: $350, 000 - Tel: 223-9677 VEHICLE FOR SALE
HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766
Saturn Jeep American made Tel: 223-9677
Unregistered Toyota Raum (2004) - $2.150M – Tel:6917475; 657-1796
We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699
2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis - Tel: 698-0674
House plan, estimates & construction. Contact T. Boodhoo:625-9883
1995 Toyota Tacoma stick gear 4 wheel drive 3 RZ engine price negotiable - Tel: 625-2516
Technicians available for appliance repairs - washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, deep fryers, etc - Tel:6190793; 218-0050 Brains Construction & Rental Services: Excavator, Bobcat, Truck, Tools Tel:601-5024/ 227-4536 (Bobcat & Excavator Operator needed) Masons seeking daily or job work – Tel:678-9043 GT Tools Rental: Call this month, specials on ransom & steel rod cutter, etc - Tel: 675-0767; 627-5098 Repairs: TV, DVD, Microwave, amplifier, stereo, washing machine etc - Tel: 693-2683 Computer repairs in homes Tel: 675-7292 MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call:678-7499
Mercedes Benz CLK 200 Kompressor 2005; PRR Series. Flawless Condition! Price Negotiable! - Tel:6235492 2008 Toyota Premio for sale (unregistered) – Tel:665-4480 One Honda CRV fully equipped with running bars & other accessories, PNN Series. Excellent Condition! Price Negotiable – Tel:6606763 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull buses, 7 seater super custom. Cash / termsCall:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 1-55 Leyland Daf Excellent working condition. Price $2.8M Negotiable – Tel:6568346
Semi-furnished three bedroom apartment @ Pere Street Kitty - $400us - Tel: 642-0325
CAR RENTAL
Must See!!! – Unregistered 2002 Premio $2.5M & 2001 AT 212 - $2M – Tel:226-5473
One enclosed canter in immaculate condition, GPP series Call: 628-8777
Furnished apartments, long term & short term -Tel: 687-3017
Male Indo Guyanese from USA looking for a female for friendship – Please email to: sramesh68@yahoo.com
One used RZ mini-bus – Tel: 694-7906
Appliances Technician: Specialized in repairing and servicing of refrigerators, dryers, washers, stove ovens, etc – Tel:661-5099
Newly built apartment - Tel: 698-6496
Utah, US - A Utah brother and sister face criminal charges for allegedly smuggling a rare boa constrictor into the United States to breed and sell the offspring for tens of thousands of dollars. Jeremy Stone, 39, became aware of a white boa at the Niteroi Zoo near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that had been caught in the wild, according to a federal indictment. Stone, owner of Jeremy Stone Reptiles in London, sent thousands of dollars to the zoo administrator between 2007 and 2009 as payment for the snake, prosecutors allege. He sent or had others
One 800 Ford Tractor and one 450 Ford Towing Truck – Contact Floyd:694-5599 or Gurro: 689-1864 1- 5L Dielsel Toyota Hilux Extra Cab, ready for the interior - Price: $3.5M negotiable - Tel:667-2703 or 662-5570
Premio, Vitz call:347-9339790, 639-4452. Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup - Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Latest model vehicles @ unbeatable Prices – Tel:6855011; 692-1051 Joshua’s Car Rental Call:6656485; 679-8400
One RZ Mini-bus BHH series –Tel:615-5784 One Toyota 2RZ minibus, GPP 7051, Excellent Condition – Tel:614-5168 One Tacoma Pick up 4 wheel drive, fully loaded. Asking price: - $3,750,000 – Contact Sady:628-9524 Cactus Auto Sales: Instock - Spacio, Fielder, Raum, Premio, Allion, Etc – Tel:6814208; 220-6262 Mazda RX-8 Blue, 6 speed manual, Type S, Mint condition, PNN Series – Tel:681-4208; 220-6262 Cheapest: Manaul VVTI Buses, Spacio, CRV – Tel:616-7635
VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community - Call: 592-6248704/ 592-684-9203 Transported property : House + property for sale by owner @ Lot 153 Sparendaam Scheme - Call: 592-220-8573; 592-672-2348 Transported property for sale @ Eccles - $44M. For More Information call:6963214 / 668-1691 3 Storey 17 rooms hotel @ Broad St - Tel: 654-4939; 6984700
AT212, 1998 model, music system -$1.3M Negotiable Tel: 696-0333; 665-6050 1 2L Diesel Toyota Hilux Extra Cabs 4X4. Looks and runs good, never driven off road $2M – Tel:686-4020
PROPERTY FOR SALE
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send emails to the administrator discussing how he could get the boa out of Brazil without export permits. The emails included photos demonstrating how the administrator should pack the snake in his sister’s luggage, according to the indictment. In January 2009, Stone and Keri Ann Stone, 34, of Midvale, traveled to Brazil to meet with the zoo administrator. According to the indictment, a few days later the Stones attempted to leave Brazil on a cruise ship back to the United States, but were denied permission to board because Kari Ann Stone appeared to be in the late months of pregnancy. Airport security temporarily detained them after finding that she was wearing a hollow, false pregnancy belly and bra. The indictment alleges they were testing airport security. The Stones ultimately moved the white boa from Brazil to Guyana, where a veterinarian created a fake certificate of origin showing the snake was caught in Guyana, according to the indictment. Jeremy Stone sent the white boa and other snakes to the Unites States, declaring on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service form that they were caught in Guyana and valued at $220, the indictment says. The snakes were cleared for entry in Miami based on false information on the form on Jan. 29, 2009, and transported to Stone Reptiles in London, according to the indictment. The indictment alleges Jeremy Stone bred the white boa with other boa constrictors and sold the offspring for tens of thousands of dollars to buyers in the United States, Canada and Italy, among other places. Jeremy Stone and Keri Ann Stone are charged in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to unlawfully import the snake into the United States; unlawfully importing the snake into the country; transporting the snake knowing it was imported contrary to law; and making and submitting false records for wildlife imported into the United States. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy count is five years in prison. The potential penalty for importing merchandise contrary to law is 20 years, and submitting false information on a Fish and Wildlife form carries a penalty of five years in prison. (www.ksl.com)
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Obama ponders limiting NSA access to phone records WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is expected to rein in spying on foreign leaders and is considering restricting National Security Agency access to Americans’ phone records, according to people familiar with a White House review of the government’s surveillance programs. Obama could unveil his highly anticipated decisions as early as next week. Yesterday, the president met with congressional leaders at the White House to discuss the review, while White House staff planned to meet with privacy advocates. Representatives from tech companies are meeting with White House staff today. The White House says Obama is still collecting information before making final decisions. Among the changes Obama is expected to announce is more oversight of the National Intelligence Priorities Framework, a classified document that ranks U.S. intelligence-gathering priorities and is used to make decisions on scrutiny of foreign leaders. A presidential review board has recommended increasing the number of policy officials who help establish those priorities, and that could result in limits on surveillance of allies. Documents released by former National Security Agency systems analyst Edward Snowden revealed that the U.S. was monitoring the communications of several friendly foreign leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The revelations outraged Merkel as well as other leaders, and U.S. officials say the disclosures have damaged Obama’s relations around the world. The president also is said to be considering one of the review board’s most aggressive recommendations, a proposal to strip the NSA of its ability to store telephone records from millions of Americans and instead have phone companies or a third party hold the records. The NSA would be able to access the records only by obtaining
Barack Obama separate court approval for each search, though exceptions could be made in the case of a national security emergency. It’s unclear whether Obama will ultimately back the proposal or how quickly it could be carried out if he does. A House Intelligence Committee member, Rep. Peter King, R-NY, said he believes the surveillance changes under consideration go too far. But he said if Obama does decide to transfer U.S. phone metadata to a third party, he would work to salvage what he could of the program. “It would be a question of the lesser of two evils,” King said. “If by doing that, it protects the program or preserves it, I would do it, even though I don’t think these reforms are necessary.” That White House review followed disclosures from Snowden, who leaked details of several secret government programs. He faces espionage charges in the U.S. but has been granted temporary asylum in Russia. Yesterday, the senior lawmakers on the House Intelligence Committee said a classified Pentagon report showed that Snowden stole approximately 1.7 million intelligence files. Most of those documents concern current military operations and could potentially jeopardize U.S. troops overseas, according to Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and Rep. C.A. “Dutch”
Ruppersberger, D-Md. Meanwhile, Obama hosted senior lawmakers at the White House to discuss the review, including Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., and Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., who chair the intelligence committees in the Senate and House. Two prominent NSA critics and privacy advocates, Democratic Sens. Mark Udall of Colorado and Ron Wyden of Oregon, also joined, the White House said. Before making his final decisions, the president is supposed to receive a separate report from a semiindependent commission known as the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, which was created by Congress. However, that panel’s report has been delayed without explanation until at least late January, meaning it won’t reach the president until after he makes his decisions public. Members of that oversight board met with Obama Wednesday and have briefed other administration officials on some of their preliminary findings. In a statement, the five-member panel said its meeting with the president focused on the NSA phone collection program and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees the data sweeps. It’s unclear why Obama will announce his recommendations before receiving the report from the privacy and civil liberties board. One official familiar with the review process said some White House officials were puzzled by the board’s delay. The report would still be available to Congress, where lawmakers are grappling with several bills aimed at dismantling or preserving the NSA’s
authority. That official and those familiar with the White House review insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the process by name. Obama also met Wednesday with members of the U.S. intelligence community, which largely supports keeping the NSA surveillance programs intact. Shortly after receiving the review board recommendations last month, Obama signaled that he could be open to significant surveillance changes, including to the bulk collecting of phone records.
“There are ways we can do it, potentially, that gives people greater assurance that there are checks and balances — that there’s sufficient oversight and sufficient transparency,” Obama said at a Dec. 20 news conference. He added that programs like the bulk collection “could be redesigned in ways that give you the same information when you need it without creating these potentials for abuse.” The president also has backed the idea of adding a public advocate position to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which
rules on many of the domestic surveillance decisions. The court typically hears only from the government as it decides cases, and the advocate would represent privacy and civil liberties concerns. Last month, federal judges issued conflicting rulings on whether the NSA’s phone record collection program is legal. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon of Washington ruled that the program is likely unconstitutional, calling it “Orwellian” in scale, though he didn’t order NSA to stop collecting records because of expected appeals.
European Parliament committee approves Snowden hearing Brussels (AFP) - A European Parliament committee approved plans yesterday to hear US intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden, whose revelations about snooping on EU leaders has sparked uproar against Washington. Parliament’s Civil Liberties committee voted 36 in favour, two against, to hear Snowden in an inter-active video-link from Russia where he has found temporary asylum. Reports based on Snowden’s leaked files have shown Washington running a global system, backed up by allies such as Britain, to listen in on Internet and telephone systems. This included revelations that the US National Security Agency had even tapped the mobile phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Many MEPs have demanded Brussels take a hard line with Washington,
Edward Snowden threatening the suspension of talks on a massive EU-US free trade deal to drive the point home. Some on the right are suspicious of Snowden, saying he has harmed ties with a key ally, and insisted he be heard in an inter-active session facing questions,
rather than make a simple statement. Snowden “has endangered lives,” said MEP Timothy Kirkhope, spokesman for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group. “The committee was clear that if Snowden is not willing to appear in an inter-active session then the evidence must not go ahead,” Kirkhope said, adding that he doubted if the hearing would “ever happen.” Parliamentary sources said Snowden and his lawyers have already received an invitation but so far have not given a response. If Snowden agrees, the hearing could take place end February and would be open to all MEPs, said Veronique Matthieu Houillon, a French lawmaker with the European Peoples’ Party.
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Afghanistan to release 72 prisoners deemed dangerous by US
Kabul (AFP) Afghanistan yesterday said it would release scores of alleged Taliban fighters from jail as there was no evidence against them, despite US objections that the men could return to the battlefield as NATO troops withdraw. The releases are set to further strain US-Afghan relations as p r e s s u r e mounts for the two countries to sign a longdelayed security deal allowing some American soldiers to stay in the country after 2014. A meeting chaired by Afghan President Hamid Karzai “ordered the Bagram prisoners’ dossier review board to free those prisoners who are innocent and against whom there is no evidence”, a statement said. US General Joseph Dunford, commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, had earlier lodged an official objection to the releases,
saying it was against an agreement signed when Bagram jail was handed over by the US in March. Bagram jail was passed to Afghan control after a public stand-off with Karzai, who has depicted the jail as a symbol of Afghanistan’s efforts to regain its national sovereignty. The statement from Karzai’s office yesterday said that of the 88 prisoners at the centre of the dispute, there was no evidence against 45 of them and only circumstantial information against 27. The remaining 16 will be kept in jail and their cases reviewed. But US officials say the 88 men were responsible for over 60 NATO coalition and 57 Afghan deaths. “At least 59 of the 88 cases could be sent directly... for prosecution in an Afghan court,” a US official said ahead yesterday’s announcement.
“The remaining 29 cases have significant investigative leads necessitating immediate referral to NDS (intelligence services) for investigation.” Washington and Kabul are edging closer to signing the troubled Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA), which would see several thousand US troops remain in Afghanistan to provide training and assistance after the NATO combat mission ends in December. Presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi said the prison releases would not affect US ties, which hit another low in recent months when Karzai made a surprise decision not to sign the BSA promptly despite having vowed to do so. Signing the agreement is a precondition for the delivery of billions of dollars in Western aid for Afghanistan, which will hold an election to choose Karzai’s successor in April.
India asks US embassy to stop ‘commercial’ activities New Delhi (AFP) - India has asked the US embassy to close down commercial activities at its sports and leisure centre in New Delhi in the latest development in a diplomatic row, a source told AFP Wednesday. The foreign ministry has given the embassy a January 16 deadline to stop nondiplomatic staff using its sprawling American Community Support Association facilities. Commercial members pay thousands of dollars a year to use the swimming pool, gym and bowling alley, as
well as the bar and restaurant which serve imported alcohol and food at low rates. “These facilities only meant for the embassy’s diplomatic staff are being used commercially, offered to non-diplomatic individuals,” a foreign ministry official told AFP. The ministry official said recent curbs on the import of duty-free alcohol and the ban on non-diplomatic staff using ACSA could lead to it becoming economically unviable. The foreign ministry has also reportedly given directions to traffic and
transport authorities in the capital to remove the immunity of US diplomatic vehicles to traffic fines. Relations between the two countries were thrown into crisis after the December 12 arrest of Devyani Khobragade, a consular official in New York who said she was strip-searched in custody. She was arrested on suspicion of visa fraud and underpaying her domestic servant, but India claims she should have benefited from diplomatic immunity and is outraged at her treatment.
Friday Januray 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Former PM disagrees with opposition’s suggestion of Jamaica’s own appellate court KINGSTON, Jamaica – CMC - Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson is disagreeing with a proposal from the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) that Jamaica should establish its own final court of appeal. On Tuesday, the JLP’s spokesman on Justice, Senator Alexander Williams,suggested that instead of using the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate Court, Jamaica should establish a domestic court as its final court of appeal. He said this would be an additional court, superior to the existing Jamaican Court of Appeal, and of which the members would not necessarily be confined to Jamaican jurists. This development would take Jamaica out of the realm of the UK based Privy Council, while not acceding to the Appellate division of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as an alternative. This position was adopted by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding when the JLP was in power, but it was never widely accepted. In responding to the suggestion, Patterson says he is not persuaded by the arguments put forward by the opposition. “The former administration under then
Prime Minister Golding did a study and prepared a position which i have had the opportunity of seeing. The arguments advanced for a final court seemed to me to be weak, tenuous and unconvincing” said Patterson, who is a fervent advocate of the CCJ. Patterson also added that other factors such as the huge cost to set up such a court, are prohibitive. This position in favour of a local final court was initially raised by Golding, several years ago, but the idea evoked negative public responses and was never widely accepted. Since then, the JLP had consistently avowed a position in favour of the CCJ as the final appellate court, but with the caveat that it must first get the approval of the Jamaican people be done by way of a referendum. The party has adopted the position that Jamaica should establish its own final appellate court. “We, at this point in time, do not see the need to remove ourselves from the Privy Council before setting up that Jamaican final Court of Appeal”, Williams said. Two months ago Patterson recommended a two-step approach to achieving that end. In an address to the Jamaican Bar Association last
November, the former Prime Minister suggested that the answer to the dilemma of how to withdraw from the Privy Council and establish a final court for Jamaica might be to “separate the package.” He elaborated that the idea would be to first withdraw from the Privy Council, temporarily leaving the existing Jamaican Court of Appeal as the country’s final appellate body. Thereafter, steps would be taken, in short order, to restore another tier of appeals by acceding to the appellate division of the CCJ. Patterson based his recommendation on the judgment o f t h e P r i v y Council in 2005, in the appeal against the manner in which his government had gone about seeking to establish the CCJ as the country’s final appellate court. But Williams rejected Patterson’s recommendation, saying he did not agree with removing the third-tier court. The emerging JLP position would see Jamaica, not eventually advancing to the CCJ, as recommended by Patterson, but creating a new Jamaican court, superior to the existing Court of Appeal, which would serve as the country’s final appellate court, and would be deeply entrenched in the Constitution.
Trinidad Express - The fight against crime is a high priority and, if there is need for additional funding to national security, Finance Minister Larry Howai says he will consider it. He said Wednesday, “There has not been a request for an additional allocation for crime-fighting but if it were made it will be given consideration.” He made the comment during the first meeting of the Social Dialogue Task Force at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) Hotel in Port of Spain yesterday. Among those present were Trade Minister Vasant Bharath and Labour Minister Errol McLeod. Asked if additional funding would be channelled into national security, Howai said: “I did make a large allocation in the last budget. It depends on the Ministry (of National Security) and the National Security Council. If there is the need, we will
consider it. It is a high priority.” Howai allocated $6.497 billion of his $61.4 billion 2013/ 2014 budget to national security last September. Commenting on the oil spills across South Trinidad, Howai said Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine “has been working to put things in place and engaging in immediate clean-up”. To date, there have been 11 spills of varying degrees. The first occurred on December 17. Howai said: “The big cost is the clean-up cost for Petrotrin. It is a source of environmental concern.” In the aftermath of the oil spill, Petrotrin was fined a whopping $20 million by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). Asked about it, Howai said: “The EMA is an independent body. Their fines can have impact.” With regard to social dialogue, Howai said it was
important towards achieving a knowledge-intensive economy. He also spoke about the challenges of the global economy. “Global economic growth is forecast in two years. The current pace of economic growth is insufficient to address challenges. We need a coordinated strategy to adopt social dialogue in spite of unsafe economic conditions. There are several risks. The challenge is to build a competitive economy. Government is committed to an equitable sharing and the need for solutions. Government will not have all the public solutions. Social dialogue enables us to move the economy forward.” He cited Barbados as a leader in social dialogue. “The experience is something for which we should all be keen about and to learn new and different circumstances,” he said.
Howai ready to pump more $$ into crime fight
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FIFA Chief says 2022 tournament in... From page 35 think it’ll be played between November 15 and January 15 at the latest. ‘If you play between November 15 and the end of the year that’s when the weather is at its most favourable.’ Valcke suggested it will be ‘like a warm spring in Europe’ with ‘an average temperature of 25 degrees, therefore it’s perfect for football’. Valcke’s statement however is likely to need ratification by FIFA’s executive committee. However, FIFA said in a statement that it was Valcke’s own view but that no decision had been taken on
the timing. The statement said: ‘Secretary General Jerome Valcke explained in the Radio France interview - as he had already mentioned previously - that in his view the 2022 FIFA World Cup must take place in winter and the best possible time frame would be 15 November to 15 January. ‘However, the precise event date is still subject to an ongoing consultation process which involves all main event stakeholders, including both the international football community (FIFA, confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs, players) as
well as FIFA’s commercial partners (commercial affiliates and media rights licensees). ‘As the event will not be played until eight years’ time the consultation process will not be rushed and will be given the necessary time to consider all of the elements relevant for a decision. ‘Consequently, no decision will be taken before the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil as agreed by the FIFA executive committee.’ Meanwhile, Britain’s FIFA Vice President Jim Boyce said he was ‘totally surprised’ at the statement - and confirmed the decision had to be taken
Friday January 10, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Point your aggressiveness in the right direction today. That shouldn't be too hard since you know and understand the meaning of a job well done and what's required to get things accomplished. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today isn't a day to lounge around. There's a very important practical matter that must be dealt with before you can engage in any lighthearted activities. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try to keep your emotions in check today. It's possible that you could become extremely angry and do some damage to yourself and others around you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may feel like someone is trying to rain on your parade. It's important not to forget who you are now. Don't be surprised if you feel a negative pull from someone or something.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's aggressiveness to you today, but this feeling can be useful to you and what you have going on. There's a practical force helping you stay grounded and realistic about certain issues. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's increased emotional tension today. You may be at the forefront of the action as you take things higher and farther. Have a map handy or you could wind up alone in the middle of nowhere. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Don't hold back today. You're the right person for the job in about every situation you encounter. You'll have the instincts required to move on a project, see what needs to be done, gather the resources, and get the ball rolling. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Strong feelings may arise through relationship dynamics today and you’ll be better off if you can share what’s on your mind.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is a terrific day for you. You're able to accomplish a lot during the day, leaving the night open for excitement with others. Once you take care of the necessary things, feel free to grab a big helping of fun.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't be surprised if you feel like you're being poked with a stick today, as something urges you to get moving. There's an aggressive energy moving about and making demands on everyone.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Promote balance and harmony today by letting off a bit of steam before you try to engage with others and their dramas. Secure yourself in a stable environment where you can vent your concerns, punch pillows, or jog around the block.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Pull yourself together, and figure out what it is your heart desires. There's an aggressive force tugging at your heartstrings today. Unless you have it firmly in your mind what it is you want and feel, you'll be easily pulled off track. Stay grounded and you should be OK.
by the executive committee. ‘I was totally surprised this morning when I heard what Jerome has said,’ Boyce said. ‘As I understand it all the stakeholders will have discussions and report back to the executive committee of FIFA and no final decision will be made on when the 2022 World Cup would be played until December 2014 or March 2015. ‘As far as I am concerned that remains the situation and there has been nothing said to me to make that any different.’ Boyce, from Northern Ireland, said Valcke ‘may have been stating his personal opinion’. He also said there had been a general assumption that the 2022 World Cup could not be played in the summer due to the heat. That view has previously been expressed by UEFA’s 54 member countries and FIFA president Sepp Blatter but no decision on alternative dates has been taken. ‘There is an expectation but there has been no deci-
sion,’ said Boyce. UEFA President Michel Platini said last year that the tournament must be held during the winter to protect the players and fans from the searing desert heat. Temperatures can exceed 40 degrees in the summer in the middleeastern country, compared to a more comfortable 17 degrees in the winter. The finals were controversially awarded to Qatar in 2011 with Platini, the UEFA president, one of those who voted in their favour. ‘I am in favour of Qatar under two conditions,’ the former France star said. ‘Because of the heat the World Cup will need to be held in the winter. ‘With over 40 degrees, playing football is impossible and for fans it would also be
unbearable.’ FA chairman Greg Dyke also expressed concern about a summer tournament. ‘They (FIFA) were warned,’ he said in August. ‘There was a report that said there could be real health risks if you held it there. ‘Even if you can overcome the problem by playing games in airconditioned stadiums and find places for teams to train, the real concern is for fans. ‘Fans turn up in large numbers, often if they haven’t got tickets. If you remember the German World Cup, there were large numbers watching from outside the stadium on big screens and it was a great atmosphere. ‘How can you do that in 40 degrees? You can’t. It is actually dangerous for fans.’ (MailOnline)
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Nets stop Warriors’ streak at 10, win 102-98 New York (AP) - The Road Warriors’ run is over. The Brooklyn Nets are suddenly the NBA’s hottest team. Joe Johnson scored 27 points in the Nets’ seasonhigh fourth straight victory, a 102-98 win Wednesday night that snapped Golden State’s 10-game winning streak and prevented the first 7-0 road trip in NBA history. Kevin Garnett scored 11 of his 13 points, one of his best efforts in a Brooklyn uniform, in the final quarter and stole Stephen Curry’s pass with the Warriors down three with 12 seconds left as the Nets overcame an early 16-point hole. Shaun Livingston made the tiebreaking free throw with 1:12 left when he appeared to get away with hooking Curry, then Johnson made four in a row for just enough breathing room to allow the Nets to remain unbeaten in 2014 and climb into eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Curry scored 34 points for the Warriors, who were bidding for a franchise-record 11th consecutive victory overall and the first unbeaten road trip of seven or more games in NBA history. But they didn’t make a field goal after Klay Thompson’s 3-pointer with 4:07 remaining that gave them a 93-89 lead until Curry’s jumper with 5.8 seconds to go. Brooklyn scored nine straight points after Thompson’s basket as fans stood across the final minutes of one of the Nets’ most spirited efforts of the season - some taunting director and Knicks fan Spike Lee, who sat courtside wearing a hat in the Nets’ black-and-white colors but read ‘’KNICKS.’’| Livingston finished with 13 points for the Nets, playing without point guard Deron Williams after he underwent treatment for both ankles this week. They will try to wrap up a perfect home stand today against Miami. The Nets snapped a winning streak of 10 or more games for the third time in their NBA history, having ended Detroit’s 11-game run on January 31, 2006, and the SuperSonics’ 12-game streak
Friday Januray 10, 2014
Letter to the Editor
Congrats to Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club DEAR SIR/MADAM, Please allow me space in your newspaper to offer congrats to the President and Members of the Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club for hosting their first ever Christmas holiday Outreach Programme. The Stabroek News edition of Saturday January 4, 2014 was quite a pleasant surprise for me as for years in my capacity as Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club I have been urging other cricket clubs in Berbice to join the effort to make positive differences in the lives of the less fortunate and the elderly. Mr. Rabindranauth Saywack and his boys of the Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club must be congratulated for a job well done and for making positive differences in the lives of the elderly and less fortunate children. There is no better feeling in the world than watching the smiles that appear on faces when you touch their lives and there is no better
Brooklyn Nets' Joe Johnson drives past Golden State Warriors' Andre Iguodala bw on Nov. 21, 1982, in Seattle. David Lee scored 20 points for the Warriors, who ran out of gas just shy of the record books and had to settle for their second 6-1 road trip in the last two years. Their trip started on Dec. 29 in Cleveland, and included an impressive victory at Miami, but perhaps left the Warriors with too little left after a 10180 win at Milwaukee on Tuesday. Kyle Korver, Hawks beat Pacers, 97-87 The Atlanta Hawks picked up the victory due in large part to their efficiency handling the basketball, accumulating 27 assists and turning it over only 10 times, in a 97-87 win over the Indiana Pacers. Atlanta (19-17) entered the game on a three losing streak. Kyle Korver scored 17 points on 6-8 shooting, including 35 on 3-point attempts, in a strong performance. Jeff Teague contributed 15 points and 6 assists for Atlanta as well. Paul George had another strong performance for Indiana despite the loss, scoring 28 points on 11-25
shooting, including 3-10 from behind the arc. He also added 12 rebounds. The sharp-shooting offense of Atlanta played well despite facing the defense of Indiana that ranks best in the league at contesting shots (44.6% opponents’ eFG%), ending the contest with an eFG% of 52.0%. The Hawks posted a sterling assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.70. This year, they are 6-2 when they exceed 2.50 in this metric. Conversely, the Pacers are 0-1 when allowing their opponents to achieve such a stellar ratio. This loss snaps a three-game winning streak for Indiana, dropping them to 28-7 on the year. Coming up, the Hawks square off with the Houston Rockets, who are 22-13 on the season. The Pacers match up with the Washington Wizards, currently sitting at 15-17 this year. The Hawks have a 0-1 record against Houston this season. The Pacers are 1-0 versus Washington this season. (Yahoosports)
satisfaction than hearing them say “Thank you and May God bless you.” I strongly believe that no matter how poor you are, there is always someone poorer than you and those who are in a position to make a positive difference must accept the challenge to do so. Every cricket club in Guyana and sport organisations should follow the example of Mr. Saywack and the Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club and teach their young members to be ambassadors of hope and goodwill. We not only teach them to play cricket and the other sports but we must teach them also the importance of education and to avoid drugs at all cost. The most important mission of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is to teach our youths to feed the poor, clothe the naked, to bring love to the lonely and to offer hope where there is none. Any youth that develop these traits would be
an asset to society and would be proper role models and ambassadors for the sport they are in. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has been very successful because we strongly believe in the old saying “The more you give, the more you would be blessed,” and we are confident that the same would happen to Mr. Saywack and his club. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and me would be willing to work along with them to make their charity programmes more successful and at the same time would like to encourage others to develop the attitude o f assisting others. Too many people in Guyana are in position to assist but rather sit back, criticise the efforts of others and yet do nothing. Our country needs more like the Bust Lot Rising Star Cricket Club. Yours co-operatively, Hilbert Foster. Secretary/CEO, RHTY&SC
Dereck Richmond/ Howard Eastman bout... From page 35 attain the best level of fitness as he regards this fight as a very important turning point of his career. “I know that Eastman has had an extensive career on the international scene but I am confident that I could beat him,” said Richmond. He said that he is not planning a knockout but if the opportunity comes along, he will take it with both hands. At the moment, Richmond is engaged in shadow boxing and punching the heavy bag and the strike pads. He also runs for approximately five miles during early morning training sessions. Richmond commenced his career on a losing note with a fourth round stoppage at the hands
of Anson Green. He also fought the Syrian dentist, Loul Mahmood to a draw but rebounded with devastating knockout victories over Romeo Norville, Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou and quite recently, James ‘Sack’ Walcott. Richmond is currently training under the watchful eyes of Orlon ‘Pocket Rocker’ Rogers and he said that he will commence sparring sessions next week. He said that so far he has solicited the services of fellow Berbicians, Kelsie George and Gladwyn Dorway for sparring sessions. These two will also comprise the main supporting bout in a 6 rounds Middle-
Night of wake and Remembrance for Terry Holder The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be hosting a ‘Night of Wake and Remembrance’ for its former Executive, the late Terry Holder, on Sunday January 12, 2013 at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion from 19:00 hrs. This dynamic leader served the GCB diligently for over three decades as its Public Relations Officer (PRO) and also gave his service to the public at large and several organisations throughout Guyana and the Caribbean. The GCB is inviting the public to join them as they remember and appreciate the invaluable work and achievements of this great son of Guyana.
weight showdown. George has had a jerky start to his professional career but has shown great improvement in his last outing against Romeo Norville, whom he battled to a draw. He feels that he has the requisite tools to take care of Dorway who has had mixed results in his career. This might be so but the latter boxer is no slouch and will also be nurturing ambitions of reinstating himself on the local scene after his lopsided loss to Mark Austin last April. Junior/Lightweight boxer, Richard Williamson will also be in action and tackles David Thomas in a 4 rounds Jnr./ Lightweight affair while Cassius Matthews, fresh from his points win over Kishawn Simon, clashes with young and upcoming pugilist, Lared Stewart, in a 4 rounds Welterweight affair. As usual, four amateur bouts will comprise a part of the card but the organisers are still to be furnished with those names which are expected to be announced when administrators of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) convene sometime this week. Further, the professional boxers will be signing their respective contracts soon.
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Skill, Endurance and Chess Federation opens itinerary with Rapid Chess tournament reliability key for Sunday’s Following a hectic year where they had been able to run off dozens of tournaments including the National Junior and Senior Championships, officials of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will commence another year of activities with a oneday rapid tournament, sponsored by Trophy Stall, at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown Sunday January 12 next. The tournament will attract the nation’s best players and as always, fans will look forward to the keen contests between Haifen Su, Anthony Drayton, Wendell Meusa, Taffin Khan and Errol Tiwari among others. Managing Director of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, has once again acquiesced to a lucrative sponsorship deal and has promised to support at least two of the tournaments for the year and yesterday afternoon
presented the chess President with the requisite funds. “Chess has been enjoying remarkable successes and I am indeed delighted to render support to its sustenance,” exhorted the Trophy Stall boss. He further said that he is impressed with the strides made by officials of the GCF and called on support from the Government and business community. “Chess is not only a game but it sharpens one’s knowledge (of aspects) of life,” he concluded. Mr. Nandalall thanked the business proprietor for his commitment while noting that the arrangement spanned three years. He also called on other members of the corporate community to emulate the act. “Chess is a rising sport but our work couyld be reduced to naught devoid of support from the business community,” said
Mr. Nandalall. Meanwhile, the tournament will be contested over seven rounds and trophies, medals and cash prizes will be at stake. Special prizes would also be awarded to the best beginner (Under13 years old), best Under-16 and the best female players. Registration commences at 09:00hrs at the venue and the tournament starts half hour later. The fee for is $500 and $300 for senior and junior non-members respectively. Players are also reminded to renew their membership with the GCF for 2014 as early as possible and enjoy a reduced cost. Further, members will be eligible for participation in overseas tournaments as well as voting rights at election of office bearers scheduled for Sunday February 2, 2014. The annual membership fee is $2,000 and $1,000 for senior and juniors players respectively.
Serena Williams ‘can win all 2014 Slams’ Serena Williams can become the first woman since 1988 to win all four Grand Slam titles in the same year, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou believes. He says it would be an “exceptional” achievement, but told BBC Sport: “With Serena, everything is possible.” Speaking on the eve of the draw for the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne, he added: “Look at the level she plays at the moment. “She’s beaten all the top players many times, so you can aim that high.” Williams, 32, held all four Grand Slams simultaneously when she won the Australian Open of 2003, but Steffi Graf in 1988 was the last female player to lift all four titles in the same calendar year. “Of course it would be exceptional because it’s crazy to do that,” added the Frenchman. “It’s happened just a few times in the history of tennis - but she can do it and the goal is to do the best possible in all four Grand
Slams. So why not?” Last year, the world number one won the French Open and the US Open, but was hindered by an ankle injury when she lost to Sloane Stephens in Melbourne and, according to Mouratoglou, was feeling the effects of a 34-match winning run w h e n she lost to Sabine Lisicki in the fourth round of Wimbledon. He believes there is room for
From page 32 managing recruitment and retention processes for amateur umpires, talent identification of potential professional umpires and the coaching of New Zealand’s elite umpires. Hill said he would treasure his time as an umpire. “It has been so special officiating internationally among great players
alongside the finest umpires in the world,” Hill said. “What a privilege! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the ICC and feel privileged to have been part of the system at a time when umpiring transformed to what it is today. “I would like to offer my special thanks and appreciation to my family,
Serena Williams improvement, and describes 2013 - in which Williams lost only four matches - as a “transitional year” where she increased her schedule to develop greater consistency. The American expects to play the same number of tournaments in 2014, and has already won a title in Brisbane without dropping a set after beating both Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka. (BBCsport)
Hill steps down from elite panel colleagues in the playing control team and all those who I have worked with for supporting me throughout my time with the ICC. “This wonderful opportunity as NZC umpire coach enables me to continue to be part of this marvellous match-official community and work with the aspiring umpires throughout New Zealand.
Endurance showdown
Skill, Endurance and reliability are going to be the key components to give competitors that added advantage when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) stages its Endurance Race Meet, the first event on its 2014 calendar, on Sunday, at the South Dakota Circuit. Kaieteur Sport caught up with Afraz Allie, one of the competitors scheduled to participate in the Meet and he boldly promised fans a day of exciting rivalry, adding that he is hoping to be among those battling for supremacy when the green light flashes to signal the start of the event. Allie confirmed that he will be driving for Team Ramchand more familiarly known as ‘Team Wrecker’ and while he was unable to verify the model of the car he will be piloting, expressed optimism that it will be in excellent working order and very competitive.
He said Endurance racing is on the upswing and posited that even though it might not be able to rival circuit racing, it is growing increasingly popular within the racing community. “You can see more and more teams now confirming participation and this is a clear indication that this segment of the sport is catching on,” Allie said. Brian Ten-Pow and Shawn Seejattan have been among the dominant pairs in the event, but according to Allie drivers such as Syed Hassan, Shiraz and Shahab Roshandin, the Ali brothers of Team Fullworks, Mark Vieira, Aaron Bethune, Anand Ramchand and Adrian Fernandes, are all practiced and skilled drivers so predicting who will reign at the end of the day is proving to be very difficult. Among the drivers and teams anticipated to participate are: Syed Hassan,
Shiraz and Shahab Roshandin, Omar Dornellas and Christopher Young, Narindra and David Mangar, Sharima and Zafaar Khan, Amad Sammy and Team, Malcolm and Rohan Haripaul, Rameeze and Wazir Mohammed, Balram Ramdeo and Afo Harper, Motilall Deodass and Damon Singh, Arif and Reeaz Shaw, Mark Vieira and Roshan Ali, Anand Ramchand and Adrian Fernandes, Mohamed Ali and Anil Nala, Aaron Bethune and Anthony Boodhoo and Davin Panday. The various Classes are: ‘A’ Class- 0-1500 cc; ‘B’ Class: 1501-1600 cc; ‘C’ Class: 1601 - 2300 cc (Turbo Factor = 1.7) and ‘D’ Class: 2300 cc – Unlimited. Among the sponsors on board to dater are: Banks DIH, Ready Mix Cement, Medi Car, Secure Innovations & Concepts, B.M. Soat, Ray’s Auto Sales and A & R Giwanram Printery Inc. Starting time is 12:00 hrs.
Del Potro reaches Sydney semis, all over for Kvitova
Juan Martin del Potro continued his encouraging buildup to the Australian Open by reaching the semifinals of the Sydney International yesterday, but women’s contender Petra Kvitova was stunned by a Bulgarian qualifier in the last four. World number five Del Potro was dragged into a scrap by Radek Stepanek and needed to recover from a midmatch meltdown before fending off the Czech veteran 6-4 3-6 6-3 to set up a clash with 2008 champion Dmitry Tursunov. Mixing patchy phases with occasional flashes of brilliance, the 2009 U.S. Open champion appeared close to losing his cool at times and joked that only his shortage of racquets had prevented him from slamming one into the hardcourt in frustration. Del Potro has stuck to his older-generation Wilson racquets religiously but has only two left, and is reluctant to change to a new one before the year’s first grand slam. Fiery Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis famously destroyed four of his racquets during a loss against Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka at the 2012 Australian Open, and Del Potro said he had been similarly tempted when
Juan Martin Del Potro
struggling against Stepanek. “Yeah, I was close, but I can’t do that yet. When I get eight or ten racquets, I will smash all of them,” he quipped to reporters. Defending champion Bernard Tomic strolled past Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-4 6-3 and will meet another Ukrainian in Sergiy Stakhovsky in the other semifinal. Despite crashing out of the semi-finals to 107th ranked Tsvetana Pironkova, second seed and former Wimbledon champion Kvitova was relaxed about her 6-4 6-3 loss three days ahead of the start at Melbourne Park. “I think the matches I played were great, and I have three under my belt,” the Czech world number six said. “So I think it’s really good to have this record coming to Australian Open.” Pironkova, a one-time
Wimbledon semi-finalist, is the first qualifier to reach the Sydney final and will battle German Angelique Kerber, who swatted aside Madison Keys in straight sets, for the title. In Melbourne, world number seven Tomas Berdych advanced to Saturday’s final in the invitational Kooyong Classic with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Japan’s top-ranked Kei Nishikori. Berdych will play the winner of an all-French semi-final today between Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon. Thirteen proved an unlucky seeding in Melbourne for a second year in a row as Spaniard Nicolas Almagro was forced to pull out of the year’s first grand slam with a shoulder injury. Last year’s 13th seed John Isner also withdrew three days before the tournament due to a troublesome knee. (Reuters)
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Kaieteur News
Friday Januray 10, 2014
Barnwell to lead Guyana in Guyana Cricket Board NAGICO Super50 tourney salutes an Icon, Terry Holder Chanderpaul is deputy Allrounder Christopher Barnwell has been chosen to lead Guyana in the Regional NAGICO Super50 tournament which commences in Trinidad and Tobago on January 30, dependable middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul will serve as his deputy. The squad also includes
Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul and fast bowler Ronsford Beaton. Guyana’s first match is against Ireland and they will also play Jamaica and the Windward Islands in the group stages after which the top two teams will go through to the semi finals. The 14-man squad reads; Christopher Barnwell (Captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Vice-Captain),
Robin Bacchus, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Narsingh Deonarine, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble (wicketkeeper), Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz. Esan Crandon (Coach) and Alvin Johnson (Manager). The entire training squad of 26 including Andre Stoll and Jonathan Foo will remain encamped until January 25.
Cycling anti-doping commission: Brian Cookson names panel A war crimes investigator is among the three-man independent commission tasked with investigating doping in cycling. International Cycling Union [UCI] President Brian Cookson said there will also be a Swiss politician and German anti-doping expert on the panel. Cookson, 62, is hoping to rid the sport of its doping image and restore trust. He added the UCI are talking to the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] about “how best to incentivise people to cooperate” with the commission. It comes after Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from cycling for life in October 2012 when found guilty of doping. Armstrong, 42, had told the BBC he would reveal more about his past as a drugs cheat, but only if he was treated fairly by those investigating cycling’s doping culture. The American also said Hein Verbruggen, the former head of world cycling, knew he was doping and helped cover it up, although Verbruggen denies the claim. Cookson, 62, a former President of British Cycling, was elected president of the UCI in September. He said the independent commission “will soon” be given access to the UCI’s files
Brian Cookson
and all of the related electronic data, with the commission aiming to complete their work this year. “My vision is simple,” said Cookson. “I want us to be the best international federation in the world, a federation that merits its beautiful and enduring sport. “I want our sport to be one in which everyone - fans, participants, media, sponsors, governments - can have the utmost trust and confidence.” The panel will be headed by Dick Marty as chairman. He is a Swiss politician and former state prosecutor, a post which saw him focus on fighting
organised crime and drug abuse. Marty will be joined by German Ulrich Haas, who is a specialist in antidoping rules and procedures and a highly respected arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS]. Australian Peter Nicholson, a former military officer who specialises in criminal investigations in both national and international jurisdictions, completes the panel. He has worked with various governments and the United Nations where he has led several war crimes investigations. (BBCSport)
Hill steps down from elite panel Tony Hill has stepped down from the ICC elite panel of umpires to take up the role of New Zealand Cricket umpire coach. He will begin his new role in March this year. Hill, 62, ends a 15-year international umpiring career, having officiated in 40 Tests, 96 ODIs and 17 Twenty20 internationals. He was
promoted to the elite panel in 2009 after serving on the international panel for 11 years. Hill came into umpiring without any background in first-class cricket and made his international debut with an ODI between New Zealand and Zimbabwe in Napier in March 1998. He stood in the
World Cups in 2007 and 2011, the Champions Trophies in 2009 and 2013, and the World Twenty20s in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. His final appointment was as third umpire in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Hill’s new position will focus mainly around (Continued on page 31)
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) mourns the loss of one of the greatest sons of our soil and who should be deemed a national hero for his priceless work in service to the public at large and several organisations throughout Guyana and the Caribbean region. The cricket fraternity hails this champion in his own rights, Terry Holder, who left us all in bereavement at his sudden but somewhat expected departure. Terry was first and foremost a broadcaster having served at both the national and regional levels in this noble profession through which he had become a household name. He was also an active Rotarian. Terry served the GCB diligently for almost three decades as its Public
Relations Officer and will be remembered as having officiated at all of the previous awards and other numerous presentation ceremonies in the tireless execution of his duties. His voice still resonates in the Umana Yana where most of these ceremonies were held and will long be revered for the strength and lucidity of his vocals. The GCB is extremely pleased that they were able to bestow upon him a special award just last month at its 2013 Annual Awards Ceremony held at the GCC Members pavilion in recognition for his long, outstanding and dedicated service towards the development of cricket in Guyana. We will forever miss his wise counsel and very sober
judgments expunged during the many challenges experienced by the GCB over the past years as he had steadfastly remain committed to the development of cricket throughout his lengthy and valuable tenure with the GCB. Due to his prolonged illness, Terry decided not to seek re-election at the GCB 2013 AGM but still remained in contact with the administration since then continuing to offer his advices and counsel whenever called upon or not. The GCB sincerely offers its condolences to all of his family, friends and relatives during this period of bereavement and trust that his strength of character and integrity will continue to live on and guide the principles and traits that we all continue to uphold.
Hero Hockey World League Final “massive” for England men’s team England captain Barry Middleton says the World League Final, which starts today in Delhi, is of “massive” importance in the context of 2014. The tournament features eight of the world’s best sides and provides a stepping stone to the World Cup and Commonwealth Games later this year. “It will be nice to test where we are in world hockey,” he told BBC Sport. “We want to build ourselves up to the World Cup which is the big one for us this summer.” England’s men have not played in a competitive tournament since they lost the play-off match for bronze against the Netherlands at EuroHockey 2013 in August. They take on hosts India in their opening Pool A encounter today with the world’s top-ranked team and reigning Olympic and European champions Germany and New Zealand completing the group. Argentina, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands make up Pool B. England’s women won bronze at the equivalent tournament in December, as the Netherlands took gold. The men’s team, currently ranked fourth in the world, finished third in the World League semi-finals last year, and in doing so qualified for the World Cup, which starts in May in the Netherlands. Speaking about the World League Final, Middleton, 29, said: “It’s massive for us as a team. “We started with a new
group of players a year ago, but now we’re looking to build into being one of the top teams in the world. “Maybe this year is a bit soon to say we’ll definitely win medals, but that’s where we’re looking to progress to. “The girls are doing it, we want to do it as well and that’s how we’ll judge ourselves. “We’ll be disappointed if we’re not playing in big games at the end of tournaments.” England goalkeeper George Pinner, 26, added: “A year like
2014 is the reason you play hockey. “The Europeans were a big tournament last year, and World League qualifying was vital, but the thing you dream about as a player is winning big medals - the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics.” Meanwhile, in other matches of the opening day, Australia will play Belgium, Netherlands will face Argentina and Germany will take on New Zealand. (BBCSport)
Friday Januray 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
EBFA/MCYS KO Football
Activities set for exciting finals as competition enters final stages Grove Hi Tech will clash with Timerhi Panthers this Sunday, January 12, in the lone semi-final encounter when the action winds down on several weeks of pulsating football in the East Bank Football Association/ Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCY&S) football tournament at the Grove Playfield, East Bank Demerara. The winner of that encounter will then face off with Kuru Kururu Warriors, who benefitted from a bye, for championship honours on a date to be announced, while
Diamond United and Soesdyke Falcons will clash for the fourth place spot. When action continued last Sunday at the same venue, Kuru Kururu Warriors triumphed over Diamond United FC 4-3 on penalty kicks. The two teams battled to a 3-3 stalemate at the end of the first session and then to a 5-5 finish at the end of regulation time which necessitated a penalty shoot out to establish the winners. Contributing to the winners’ tally during regulation time were Ryan
Scott in the 25th, 38th and 75th minute, Nandy Johnson (65) and Cordel Johnson (85). Diamond United’s regulation time goals came from Nathaniel Paul in the 10th, 15th and 60th minute, Daniel Angoy (20) and Shawn Angoy (78). The first to fourth place finishers as well as the Most Valuable Player will all receive beautiful trophies donated by the Ministry of Sport. President of the East Bank Football Association Wayne Francois is coordinating activities.
Mahela hundred strengthens Sri Lanka Mahela Jayawardene and Kaushal Silva did not put on a show - there weren’t many people at the stadium to entertain anyway - but their exercise in restraint, selfpreservation and gradual accumulation was exactly what Sri Lanka needed to consolidate the advantage earned by their fast bowlers on the first day. Silva fell five short of a maiden century and Jayawardene left his sublime shots on the shelf until the final session, when he was his usual hard-to-contain self and reached his first hundred in ten Tests to give Sri Lanka a strong chance of a series lead. Pakistan’s fast bowlers did not err too much in their line and length, but the sizeable seam movement that had played a prominent role in undoing their batsmen was nowhere to be seen on the second day. Saeed Ajmal operated with parsimony, but Pakistan needed incisiveness to defend their total of 165, and his spell of 27-9-45-0 extended his wicket drought to 76 overs. Sri Lanka had lost two batsmen to injudicious shots early in the first session to slip to 88 for 3, but Silva and Mahela applied themselves to produce a 139run stand that spanned 51.2 overs and ended only after tea. Mahela’s pace was Sri
Mahela Jayawardene Lanka’s pace today. He scored 19 off 49 balls in the first session; Sri Lanka made 75. Between lunch and tea, Mahela added 31 off 85; Sri Lanka’s total grew by 83. And in the final session, against the second new ball, Mahela took 56 off 96 to help Sri Lanka score 103. The split webbing he had suffered while fielding at slip
did not seem to hinder him and Mahela got to his century late in the day by square cutting Bilawal Bhatti, who had dismissed him twice in the Abu Dhabi Test, to the boundary. Sri Lanka 318 for 4 (Mahela 106*, Silva 95) lead Pakistan 165 (Manzoor 73, Pradeep 3-62, Herath 3-26) by 153 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)
CWU20 kicks off in Cayman Islands Georgetown, Cayman Islands – The 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship (CWU20) kicked-off yesterday at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex with a Group A doubleheader. In the opener, Guatemala took on Jamaica which was
followed by an encounter between the two-time defending champion United States and Costa Rica. Guatemala needed a twolegged (6-2 on aggregate) playoff victory over Nicaragua to clinch its third straight CWU20 appearance, a Central American record. It faced a Jamaica squad that
defeated Trinidad & Tobago, 1-0, in the final of the 2013 Caribbean Football Women’s Under-20 Tournament. The United States looks to extend its record 10-game CWU20 winning streak against Costa Rica, which returned after missing out on the 2012 competition.
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Guyanese cricketers expected again in Scarborough League this year Toronto, Canada - The presence of foreign cricketers was very pleasing in 2013 for Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) and President Deo Samaroo stated they will definitely maintain the high standard as an organisation. Since the formation of the association in 1981, a big number of players coming from the Caribbean to feature in their limited-over competition and what took place in yesteryear is considered a tremendous success for them. Samaroo, who has been at the helm for the past four years after a two-year hiatus, was satisfied with the performances of his executives and was also delighted to see the admirable participation of local and visiting players. He had served four years before his break. “We were definitely happy with the progress we made in 2013 in terms of running off lots of competitions and once again to see the amount of players coming from the Caribbean and taking part,” the Guyanese commented. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to be held on Sunday at the Agin Court Community Centre and Samaroo will be seeking reelection. He also has vowed to make another impact in this important capacity, once elected, and to see the high standard that prevailed last year will once again materialise. “This year I can predict another successful one for us and once I can be given the
opportunity to run the affairs of cricket in Scarborough again; I will continue to work hard to see the continued development of the game; my executives have been very supportive in all aspects and that really is encouraging,” Samaroo, a fully-qualified umpire too, declared. Former West Indies oneday cricketer Royston Crandon played in the League while his fellow Guyanese compatriot and Guyana’s senior fast bowler Trevon Garraway also appeared last year and their involvement demonstrated the steady growth and well-organised, quality cricket. According to Samaroo, more Guyanese cricketers are expected to play again this year. Both players were part of the Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club, the team that emerged as the Premier Division Conference Regular Season for the fourth successive year. Several players have also either born in India and Pakistan or have those countries’ parentage backround that featured frequently in the annual SCA’s competition. “Well, you have players from different parts of the world playing cricket in Canada and that is very happy to see; so it is vitally essential that we maintain a high standard for the betterment of the game; we will continue to have good competitions as well,” Samaroo mentioned. Apart from the firstdivision category, which attracted lots of teams, the second-division was seen as another impressive
competition while they will have a regular T20 competition from this year. In 2013, the second-division trophy was lifted by Islanders United Cricket Club while the inaugural T20 championship title went to Bilal Cricket Club. Victoria Park Cricket Club copped the under-19 trophy beating SCA Clots. Meanwhile, Public Relation Officer Richard Ramlall gave a brief history of the association. He emphasised the significance of an early formation and felt the executives really worked with great dedication to reach to this much-deserved level. “Prior to the formation of the SCA, there were only 15 known clu b s a n d t h e members were all residents of the city of Scarborough but playing in a different league; the Scarborough R e c r e a t i o n and Park Department later decided to umbrella all known cricket clubs in Scarborough to form what is now known as the Scarborough Cricket Association,” Ramlall revealed. Samaroo reserved special mention to the loyal sponsors for their continued and unwavering support in 2013 and he had his deepest gratitude to them all. Some of those are as follows: Active Green Ross, Paradise Travel, Norman Sue, Action Honda, Shiv Persaud of PRIMERICA, Caribbean Wave, S&S Trophy, and L.R. General Contracting among others. (I. Khan)
Barcelona midfielder Messi wants to retire at the La Liga club Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi says he wants to spend the rest of his career at the Spanish club. The Argentina captain scored twice on his return from a twomonth injury lay-off on Wednesday as Barcelona beat Getafe 4-0 in the Copa del Rey. “I want to retire here. While people want me, I want to spend my whole career at FC Barcelona,” said Messi. There had been doubts over his future at Barca after a row with club director Javier Faus about a new contract. It had been reported that Faus insisted they had no obligation to review Messi’s contract, which was extended in February to June 2018. Messi, 26, then accused financial Vice-President Faus
in December of knowing nothing about football. The four-time world player of the year was troubled by injuries in 2013 and the latest of those came when he limped out of a 4-1 win at Real Betis two months ago with a hamstring strain. He was initially treated in Barcelona but was then allowed to return to Argentina before Christmas to continue his rehabilitation. He told the club television channel El Marcador: “My excitement to play is always there but it is true that these past two months have been difficult. “Mentally I’m rested. I’m happy, very excited and very eager to achieve things. “I’m here to add to the team, to help the team achieve its goals. Very difficult months are
Lionel Messi ahead but we will fight like we always have at this club.” Messi has 322 goals in 382 appearances for Barcelona, and 37 goals in his 83 caps for Argentina.
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Kaieteur News
Friday Januray 10, 2014
WICB congratulates Dr. Julian Hunte BCB Special Events Committee 2014 Programme would be unmatched in the C’bean
Kingston, Jamaica – President of the West Indies Cricket Board Mr. Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron has sent congratulations to former WICB President, Dr. Julian Hunte, following the announcement of his knighthood. The Government of St Lucia recently announced that Dr. Hunte is to be given the award of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG) for his outstanding contribution to the public and private sector in Saint Lucia and the Commonwealth Caribbean community. “Dr. Hunte’s service to St Lucia in the realms of politics, sports, diplomacy and government and his service to cricket in
Dr. Julian Hunte the Windward Islands and the West Indies make him unquestionably deserving of this illustrious honour,” President Cameron said. “The West Indies cricket family is
extremely proud to salute Dr. Hunte as he is set to receive such esteemed recognition for his contribution to sport and society,” Mr. Cameron said. Dr. Hunte was elected President of the WICB in 2007 and served until 2013. He was also President of the Saint Lucia Cricket Association and the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control for over two decades. Dr. Hunte also served as a Director of the International Cricket Council during his tenure as WICB President and chaired the global governing body’s Governance Review Committee. Hunte is the third former WICB president to be knighted after the late Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Wesley Hall.
Edwards dropped as Barbados skipper Bridgetown, Barbados - In a dramatic turn of events, the outspoken Kirk Edwards has had his stumps shattered as Barbados cricket Captain. He has been replaced by affable Kevin Stoute who will now captain Barbados in the upcoming NAGICO Super50 Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, while 21-year-old opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side in the regional four-day first-class championship. Stoute and Brathwaite were informed of their appointments during a training session at Kensington Oval yesterday but up to press time the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) had not made an official release. The news came only hours after Edwards, who led Barbados in both competitions last year, winning the four-day title, had fashioned a sparkling maiden One-Day International century in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton. Investigations by NATION SPORT revealed that Edwards was recommended by the selection panel, chaired by Hendy Wallace, but the BCA Board at a meeting on Monday night, rejected the recommendation, voting instead for Stoute and Brathwaite. When contacted yesterday, the 28-year-old Stoute, who has three centuries in 34 first-class matches with a batting average of 29.03 and has captured 61 wickets at an average of 22.09, said he was up to the task of leading Barbados. “It is a big surprise but it is always an honour to captain Barbados knowing its cricket’s legacy and all the
Kraigg Brathwaite
Kevin Stoute
greats who have captained Barbados before,” Stoute said. Stoute, a former West Indies “A” player, has had some leadership experience, skippering St Michael Merchants in the C.O. Williams/UWI Inter-Parish Tournament and his club in Trinidad and Tobago. He also led his local club, ICBL Empire in a few matches last season but this is the first time he is captaining a Barbados side at any level. “I want to say thanks to the BCA’s Board and the selectors for giving me the opportunity and having faith in me to go out there and lead Barbados. It will be a challenge and I am looking forward to it as we have a very experienced side, full of West Indies players and “A” team and others who have played for Barbados for a while,” he said. After failing to reach the semi-finals last year in the Super-50, Stoute is optimistic that they can be triumphant this time around when the One-Day tournament bowls off at month-end. “I think we have a very good chance. The Barbados side is a very experienced one
with players such as Tino Best, Dwayne Smith, Sulieman Benn and Kirk Edwards and others who have all represented the West Indies at some level. “That makes it a lot easier for me, knowing there is so much experience on the team. I have been around the side for the last six years or so and know all the players very well,” he said. “We also have a lot of allrounders so we should have a lot of different options and that is always a good thing,” added Stoute, who averages 29.13 with the bat and 23.83 with the ball in 22 List ‘A’ matches. Stoute said he has been heartened by the number of congratulatory calls he had received from senior players and past Barbados cricketers. “I want to say thanks to everyone for the calls. Kirk also messaged me from New Zealand and wished me all the best. We also had a practice session this morning (yesterday) and everyone seemed keen. “We laughed and had fun. The guys are ready to represent Barbados and play hard and tough cricket to win the title.” (Barbados Nation)
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Special Events Committee since its formation in March 2008 completed over 600 programmes/ activities up to June, 2013 when it became dormant after the resignation of its Chairman, Hilbert Foster due to illness. There was a lull in activity but after the Special Events Committee was resuscitated in December last, several programmes/activities have already commenced. Re-appointed Chairman, Hilbert Foster has disclosed that 2014 would be an exciting year for Berbice Cricket as the work of the Special Events Committee would be unmatched by any other in the entire Caribbean. The Special Events Committee has committed itself to raising funds for seventeen (17) cricket tournaments for the Ancient County at the Under15, 17, 19, Female, School, Second Division, Intermediate and First Division levels. These include Inter Zone tournaments at all the junior levels while special efforts would be made to obtain sponsorship for a three-day first division tournament in an effort to get the young players experiencing the longer version of the game. The Berbice Under-21 cricket team would also be playing several matches across the country. Special emphasis would be placed on coaching with the unveiling of a coaching programme to be sponsored by Elizabeth Styles. Various clinics would be organised for batsmen, fast bowlers, spinners and wicket keepers and these would be conducted by the most experienced coaches in Berbice. Clinics would also be arranged in each of the four Zones while educational posters and booklets would be printed and distributed. The Annual Bank of Nova Scotia Cricket Academy would be held in July/August while Junior and Elite Training Programmes would once again be held. Former West Indies vice captain and Coach Roger Harper would also be approached to work along with several Berbice players including Devendra Bishoo and Brendon Bess while a refresher course would also be organised for all cricket coaches in Berbice. The BCB would also be hosting a monthly Television Programme in an effort to
Hilbert Foster inform the general public of its activities. Clubs in Berbice would also receive donations of coaching kits to assist them in their development programme. Off the field of play, the BCB would be involved in numerous programmes/ projects in their continuing efforts to develop the game while making sure that every hero is recognised and honoured. Among the numerous programmes that would be organised are the BCB Educational Awards Scheme, First Aid Seminar, Annual Awards Ceremony on March 15, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Coaches, Tribute to Retired Cricketers, Tribute to Managers, Annual Review Magazine, Senior Players Charity Programme, Social Skills Seminars for young players, assistance to youth cricketers and a billboard featuring West Indies Female Players would also be unveiled. As part of its mandate as a Non Governmental Organisation, the BCB would also be involved in several charity and social programmes including donations to children orphanages, senior citizens homes and less fortunate families. Seven established clubs would also receive books to establish mini libraries for their members under the “Yes to Reading Programme”. Over 30 clubs would also receive items to the valued of $1M to assist their less fortunate members while 100 young cricketers drawn from clubs across the County would also receive school bags and educational kits to assist them to stay in school. Outstanding players who performed well at the Grade Six Assessment Examinations and CSEC would also be honoured. Seven clubs have also been earmarked to receive items like water pitchers, dustbins, water mugs and buckets to assist them to function effectively while fifteen clubs would receive score books and notice boards.
Foster would also head the BCB 75th Anniversary Committee in this their Diamond Jubilee year having been established in 1939 to administer the game in Berbice. The Special Events and 75th Anniversary Committee include Carl Moore, Anil Beharry, Angela Haniff, Leslie Solomon, Winston Smith, Moonish Singh, Gregory Rambarran and Rabindranauth Saywack. The Anniversary would be celebrated throughout the year but several major events would be organised during the month of September when the BCB hope to host several former Test Players and Administrators. The month of special events would be launched on September 7, 2014 with an Inter-Faith Service and an Anti-Drugs/HIV March and Rally involving all the junior cricket teams in Berbice. A Cocktail Reception and a live panel discussion on the History of Berbice cricket would be held on September 13, 2014 at the New Amsterdam Town Hall. Other events planned for the anniversary in September are a Music Festival, Open air Exhibition featuring achievements over the 75 years, Primary Schools Coaching sessions, Essay competition, donation of a TV set to an orphanage, launching of the Hall of Fame for Administrators, Publication of the Diamond Jubilee Official Magazine, a special T20 cricket match between Berbice and Georgetown and the distribution of seventy five food hampers to senior citizens. A Portrait of the greatest cricketer ever produced by Berbice would also be unveiled while souvenirs including caps, t/shirts and anniversary mugs would be available for special guests. Foster issued a challenge for every club and their officials to work along with the Special Events and 75th Anniversary Committees to make sure that all their plans are fulfilled. The Special Events Committee as it has done in the past would work hard to bring success to Berbice cricket but would need the cooperation of every stakeholder. Foster is also urging businesses based in the Ancient County to assist the BCB as cricket is the most popular pass time activity among Berbicians.
Friday January 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Guyana Boxing Board of Control Guyana Fight Night
Page 35
Mayor Green’s birth anniversary, Inter Ward/Village, 7-a-side KO
Dereck Richmond/Howard Eastman bout Potential action packed encounters as tournament hits homestretch now non title Super/Middleweight affair Officials of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) had suggested a defense of his newly a c q u i r e d l o c a l Super/Middleweight title but the champion, Dereck Richmond feels that a defense is premature and has opted instead for a non title fight. Consequently, he will engage in a ten rounds affair with former European and Guyana Middleweight boxing champion, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman when the GBBC stages ‘Berbice Showdown,’ the 31st edition of Guyana Fight Night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Sunday January 26 next. Richmond is currently preparing for the bout at the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym in Berbice and spoke with Kaieteur Sport shortly before commencing his daily workout yesterday
Andrew Murray Dereck Richmond afternoon. He said that while he is anxious to square off with Eastman, he is not yet ready to put his title on the line. Richmond said that he has followed Eastman’s international sojourn and while he was impressed, he feels that the former European champion is long past his prime and he (Richmond) cannot
Howard Eastman visualize losing the fight. The new champion said that he is working hard to (continued on page 30)
Four teams out of Georgetown will clash with a similar number from the West Coast Demerara to determine the semi-finalists and consequently the finalists when action in the Mayor Hamilton Green’s 79th birth a n n i v e r s a r y, I n t e r Ward/Village, 7-a side knockout football competition continues at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground this Sunday, January 12. Activities get underway at 14:00hrs with North Ruimveldt taking on Sand Lodge in the first quarter final match followed by North East
Ashley Harding against Pouderoyen half hour later. The other two quarter final encounters will see South Sophia against Uitvlugt and Kitty tackling Den Amstel. The respective winners will then go on to play in the semi finals and consequently, those winners will face off in the finals, scheduled to get underway at 17:00hrs. Several popular footballers will be on show and are expected to heighten the action. They include Jamal Harvey, Jeffery Pereira, Devon Millington, Joshua Kamal, Andre Hector, Ashley
Andre Hector Harding, Andrew Murray and Delon Lanferman among others. The eventual champions will take home $100,000 while the runnersup receive half that amount. Several corporate entities have combined towards the success of the tournament including Macorp, GT&T, Guyana Lotto Company, Chris Fernandes, Giftland Office Max, James Bovell of City College, Mark Bender Jermaine Langevine and Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall. The latter entity has donated the winner’s trophy.
FIFA Chief says 2022 tournament in Qatar will be played between November and January
The proposed Al-Rayyan football stadium in Doha, to be built for the 2022 World Cup FIFA’s Secretary General has stated that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar ‘will not be in June or July’. Jerome Valcke, who has been given
the task of looking at alternative dates due to the fierce heat of the summer in Qatar, says it is likely to be held sometime between
November 15 and January 15. Valcke told France Info (radio station): ‘It will not be in June or July. Frankly I (Continued on page 29)
t r o Sp Barnwell to lead Guyana P.32 Guyana Cricket Board salutes an in NAGICO Super50 tourney Icon, Terry Holder P.32
Chanderpaul is deputy
Christopher Barnwell
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Terry Holder
WICB congratulates Dr. Julian Hunte P.34 P.35 Guyana Boxing Board of Control Guyana Fight Night
Dereck Richmond/Howard Eastman bout now non title Super/Middleweight affair Chess Federation opens itinerary Skill, Endurance and reliability key with Rapid chess tournament P.31 for Sunday’s Endurance showdown Mr. Ramesh Sunich (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to a grateful Shiv Nandalall
P.31
This will be the scene come Sunday when the GMR&SC stages its first event of the year, an Endurance Meet, at the South Dakota Circuit.
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