Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

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

Holding state security officials accountable

DEAR EDITOR, I have been following closely news reports surrounding the deaths of three persons in a vehicular accident, two of whom were in one vehicle giving chase to the neighbor of “on leave” chief executive of NICIL, Winston Brassington. Initially, I supported the reported view of President David Granger that this chain of events did not warrant any full scale probe. However, having read the statement of the young lady who is the wife of a sitting opposition parliamentarian, I am now in favor of a full scale probe and would recommend that one be carried out sooner rather than later. While this surveillance operation pales into insignificance in comparison to the operations of the phantom squad and its hundreds of alleged murders under the previous administration, about which there has been no independent probe, the reason d’être for my support for an independent probe of this recent operation, is that this new government has promised change. From reading Ms. Rambarran’s account of what took place that fateful night, there could be no other conclusion that this surveillance operation was clumsy, unprofessional and tactically if not legally flawed. It must be investigated so as to avoid any reoccurrence of such unprofessionalism. I have a few questions. First of all why would there be surveillance of Brassington’s home? If there is reasonable belief that documents are at his home then why not get

a search warrant and conduct a search? It is well known that Brassington and his family have left Guyana legally, reportedly on vacation and the authorities had to have known that. How could intelligence sleuths not be armed with accurate information about the exact location of Brassington’s home? If they suspect a link between Brassington and parliamentarian Ramson, who was himself abroad at the time of the operation, why was a search warrant not sought for Ramson’s home? Now this was supposed to be a surveillance operation. My understanding of surveillance operations is that the operatives observe and report without approaching their targets. Why were the two targets approached by these operatives while failing to show any identification that they were law enforcement officers? Why were they asked to wait until “the boss” turned up? Was the boss bringing an arrest warrant? Why were they chased? If on official duty why the GDF intelligence operative’s wife was in the car. He was not going to a cocktail party, was he? Many things aren’t right about this operation. My sympathy to the relatives of all those who lost their lives. These lives should never have been lost. This is recklessness of the highest order. Who gave the instructions for this surveillance operation? This person should be held accountable. Wesley Kirton

A building where time stands still DEAR EDITOR, Why is it that the Georgetown City Council cannot simply repair and maintain the famous Stabroek Market clock? All over the world there are prominent clock towers such as the ‘Big Ben’ in London, The Philadelphia City Hall tower clocks, The Saviour Tower clocks located in the famous Red Square, close to Saint Basil’s Cathedral and which is part of the Kremlin walls in Moscow Russia, The Peace Tower Clocks , in Ottawa, Canada and the list goes on and on with many, many more. But in Georgetown in the heart of downtown, in our capital, our Stabroek clock ground to a halt ages ago and was left like that, possibly to remind us that time stands still at City Hall with hardly any thing moving forward. Why is this so? Are we cultural barbarians? Do we have to learn history to

appreciate heritage? Repairing it and keeping it going would not require rocket science. It is a mechanical clock, and some of its component parts may be worn, or broken. With today’s technology, spare parts can be easily fabricated to replace the obsolete ones. Are we inviting thousands of persons to visit our country in this year of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of its Independence, many of whom will certainly tour the Stabroek Market area, to glance upwards at the clock, and then smugly retort to each other that time seems to be standing still in the city of Georgetown?. Digging a few drains and weeding a few parapets is fine but if one morning, I could pass by the market, and observe this iconic clock ticking away, for me it would be the first real step in the restoration of our capital to its former glory and I daresay for many others as well. Debra Gibson

THE VERBAL WAR ABOUT HOPE ESTATE CONTINUES

DEAR EDITOR, I am convinced, from Aseef Balmacoon’s ranting and raving, that he is becoming quite deranged over the issue of him not getting to shylock his pound of flesh, observing that he campaigned vigorously for the AFC in the 2015 elections and therefore thinks that he has the divine right to be Administrative Manager of Hope estate since he was so promised. In this regard, he is dreaming dreams and seeing visions of me being employed by Dr Iamei Aowmathi and must be taking his herbal remedies. This is a figment of his imagination which is keeping him in a vile and malicious mindset and like the proverbial ostrich buried his head in sand and exposing his bare bottom. Perhaps, he needs a herbal detoxification from Dr Aowmathi. His claim that ‘my family is fighting for land ....... records at Hope Estate show the lands are my grandfather’ is erroneous and barefaced. All lands at Hope Estate are the property of Hope Coconut Industries Limited which was registered as a private limited company in May 1982. His paternal grandfather was a rice farmer who had a year on year tenancy and was never an inhabitant of Hope while the other party in the dispute is a fourth generation descendant of the estate. Also, his reference to me being a PPP member is a concoction of his warped thinking as I have never been a member of any political party. His entire family were longtime supporters of the PPP having relocated to Clonbrook during the racial disturbances of the sixties. His paternal grandfather had exchanged his land at Ann’s Grove, then a PNC stronghold, for the property

they now occupy. Thus, he is championing the cause of longtime associates of Clonbrook who are diehard PPP supporters and who are farming large acreages of mangoes and other permanent crops on the estate’s land and he only supported the AFC so that he can get back at the other party and relatives, longtime PNC supporters, in the rice land dispute. By his own confession, his appointment is obviously a conflict of interest. He is right to mention that the majority of farmers are East Indians. They have had no connection to Hope, have breached their tenancy agreements by growing permanent and semipermanent crops, making millions in the process and by subletting some plots at exorbitant prices to smaller farmers who are residents of Hope. The small farmers who have ten mango trees are really the Hope residents to whom he may be referring. On the contrary, African families from Ann’s Grove, Victoria and other adjacent villages were never able to get lands for cash crop farming. Now that there is an African Chairman, Balmacoon and other East Indians are worried that the ‘blackman’ is about to take over the estate. However, the residents of the estate have longtime relationships with black

families whose foreparents worked at the estate and so he should be told thatAfricans have also made tremendous contributions to Hope since the days of slavery and have a right to access farmlands and share in the pie. Finally, Aseef Balmacoon has a perfunctory knowledge of management and good governance. To educate his impish perceptions, his appointment as Administrative Manager is jaundiced, illegal, managerially unprincipled and unethical. Once a Board of Directors is in place at Hope Coconut Industries Limited, all matters of employment, etc is subsumed by the Board. Therefore, if any appointment-political (as in this case) or otherwise- it must be sanctioned by the Board. If a Minister desires to make appointments or make decisions which fall within the purview of the Board, he can do the right thing by dissolving the Board of Directors and manage the entity. Alternatively, he can seek the cooperation of the Board and let them make the appointment. Unsavory practices like these by governments and politicians in the past are inimical to accountability, transparency, probity and the tenets of good governance. Guyana today is a fine example of this virulent malady. Ed Singh

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2016

Parliamentary democracy under threat - Opposition laments By: Kiana Wilburg There were high hopes for a better display of political finesse from Members of Parliament (MPs). But even in the Eleventh Parliament, complaints of parliamentary democracy being under threat continue to increase. In fact, the members of the Government side now find themselves facing the very accusations of unparliamentarily behavior which it once leveled against the PPP regime. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo expressed that the Government is in a habit of suspending the Standing Orders of the House to rush through critical bills, it has failed to properly consult with the Opposition on a number of matters and has undermined the role of the Opposition in ensuring that Government is held accountable to the people. Jagdeo said, “I think we have been on record several times as saying that this threat is not only in Parliament but even what happened around the elections time. This does not bode well for our fledgling democracy. And therefore, we need Parliament to return to its not perfect but previous state where time was given for public scrutiny for important Bills and where the Parliamentary procedures are

not truncated for expediency. This expedient condition is often created by Government.” “So a Minister has to travel and they have to rush the Bills through all the three stages, which is something that is unheard of. We have had about eight such situations where they have suspended the Standing Orders to move Bills through the three stages in the last six to seven months.” Jagdeo said that from 2006 to 2015, the PPP did this less than eight times as opposed to the ruling administration, which has exceeded this in a short space of time. He continued, “They have also changed the Standing Orders to put Ministers on Committees and we never had this before. When we debated the changes to the Constitution, we said that the Standing Committees would have an oversight responsibility for Ministers where those Ministers would have to go and account for their policies. That was obtained up to 2015 but now it has changed. You have Ministers on the Standing Committees. Imagine a Minister is also on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is again something we shouldn’t have.” He said that the combined mood in Parliament, given the

President, David Granger

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Opposition Member, Anil Nandlall

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

infrequent sittings, rush to pass Bills without scrutiny, constant suspension of the Standing Orders and so forth, brings democracy under threat. In support of his position, Opposition Member Anil Nandlall said, “The APNU+AFC in its manifesto promised the Guyanese people, an impartial, deliberative and independent Parliament. They have abysmally failed to deliver on that promise. I would like to cite a few cases to show this. Bills that are complex and voluminous and for which consultations should be held, using the mechanism of the Special Parliamentary Select Committee process, are not followed.” Nandlall said that when objections are raised by the Opposition and by Civil Society, only then does one see a charade of consultations being held outside of the parliamentary process to falsely convey the impression that the Government is indeed engaging in the consultation exercise. “However, when one examines what changes, if any, are made to the Bills as a result of these so called consultations, you get the clear impression that it is all a farce because nothing was changed. The views of those invited to the consultations do not find themselves in the Bills,” expressed Nandlall. The former Attorney

General said too, that the Standing Orders provide that every fourth sitting of the House shall be dedicated to dealing with the business of the Opposition. He emphasized that this is yet to occur even though there have been more than four sittings since the start of the Eleventh Parliament. He said that the Opposition is being denied its democratic right. Nandlall said that for these reasons, among others, the democracy of the Parliament is under threat. The former Attorney General is claiming that the Government is, by its very actions, making the House into a rubber stamp. But the Government is of course denying that the Parliamentary democracy being eroded is their fault. Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Moses Nagamootoo is pointing the finger right back at the Opposition. In an interview last Thursday, he said that the Opposition is deliberately trying to frustrate the work of the Government and is showing by its very actions that it is not interested in democracy but clearly out to make the Government seem, “incompetent.” Nagamootoo said, “It seems that all of our expectations for better relations have been dashed to dust because we have witnessed the worst

behaviour since the tenth Parliament by the PPP. But it’s a behaviourial pattern with the PPP because they can’t accept that they are in the Opposition. They put on a set of antics because they want to give some sort of false impression that they are fighting and they will not give up.” He added, “But it is all infantile politics. You see the cussing down of the government in Parliament and you see the biggest howls from Jagdeo and his following when I speak, and I would have to compose myself and not get tied up into the trap of unparliamentarily behaviour because that is what they want.” The Prime Minister also commented that the disrespect shown by the PPP knows no bounds. “They even extend their disrespectful behaviour to the Office of the Speaker. Every time Gail Teixeira has to address the Speaker she has to remind him that he is new, and fresh and learning and a new kid on the block. That is condescending and demeaning. It’s this very arrogance that cost them big time and it shows that they have learnt nothing from their mistakes. But I suppose we have to engage the Opposition perhaps in a different way, on a different platform and that’s the reason why I have been calling for more political dialogue with them but the Opposition is not necessarily looking for this. They are just out to embarrass us and make us look bad.” When the coalition Government assumed office, President David Granger had said that while politics may be a dirty game, in the ring—the National Assembly—he wants a clean fight. In the Tenth Parliament, the then Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman complained bitterly about the unsavoury remarks like “thief” and “prostitute” uttered by the country’s leaders. The President had told Kaieteur News during a

special sit-down- interview at the Ministry of the Presidency that he has had it with this disrespect that has characterized the exchanges between Parliamentarians. He had said that “decorum, a sense of pride, dignity and integrity must be returned.” To ensure that there is a change during his term in office; Granger plans to enforce his Code of Service for Members of the National Assembly. Should it not be adhered to, he will reserve the right to impose sanctions available to him. Granger had said that the need for ethical behaviour among the Members of Parliament (MPs) is absolutely necessary, as respect for the National Assembly should be displayed at all times. The President said that he is not going to put the Code into a form of an agreement to be signed on to by MPs. He believes that the current state it is in is enough for the time being. The President had said that in its current state, it is in essence, moral suasion but, “at the level of Ministers, if they do not confirm to the norms of Ministerial service and they commit crimes, they will be exposed to criminal prosecution.” “If it is a misdemeanor …then there are sanctions available to the Head of State.” He had also stated, “We feel that the present government is in the forefront of a new culture of political governance and in any parliament around the world there will always be some good natured banter but we must be careful not to allow that good natured banter to degenerate into insulting language. I have briefed the Chief Whip (Amna Ally) and I will discuss this with the Prime Minister, (Moses Nagamootoo) who is the Leader of the House, to ensure that the banter doesn’t degenerate into vulgarity.” To date, no sanctions have been imposed and the Code of Conduct is yet to be implemented.

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

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ARAB FOREIGN MINISTERS ACCUSE IRAN OF UNDERMINING REGIONAL SECURITY

Reuters - Arab foreign ministers condemned attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran and warned yesterday that the country would face wider opposition if it continued its “interference” in the internal affairs of Arab states. Tensions between the Sunni Muslim kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Shi’ite Muslim Iran have escalated since Saudi authorities executed Shi’ite cleric Nimr alNimr on Jan. 2, triggering outrage among Shi’ites across the Middle East. In response, Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad, prompting Riyadh to sever relations. Tehran then cut all commercial ties with Riyadh, and banned pilgrims from travelling to Mecca. Other Arab countries have recalled envoys to Iran and the United Arab Emirates downgraded relations in solidarity with Saudi Arabia. “Iran has to decide what kind of neighbour it wants to be: a good neighbour or a chaotic neighbour and so far it behaves like the latter,” UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir attends the Arab foreign minister’s meeting at the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih Abdullah bin Zayed alNahyan said following an emergency Arab League meeting in Cairo. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said cutting commercial and diplomatic ties was a first step, and that his country would discuss

potential further actions against Iran with its regional and international allies. He gave no further details. If Iran continues to support “terrorism, sectarianism and violence”, it would face opposition from all Arab countries, Jubeir told a

news conference following the meeting. In a closing statement distributed after the meeting, the Arab League also referred to the reported discovery by Bahrain of a militant group that it said was backed by Iran’s

Revolutionary Guards. All members of the Arab League voted in favour of the statement, with the exception of Lebanon, where Iranianbacked Hezbollah is a powerful political force. Conflicts or political crises from Lebanon and

Syria to Yemen, Iraq and Bahrain involve proxies of both Saudi Arabia and Iran. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been fighting the Shi’ite, Iran-allied Houthi movement in Yemen since March 2015. Iran also backs the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country’s civil war while Saudi Arabia insists he must go for any legitimate peace process to take place. In Bahrain, Saudi Arabia backs the Sunni monarchy while Iran has expressed support for antigovernment demonstrators in the Shi’ite majority Gulf kingdom. The Arab League statement did not agree on any specific joint measures against Iran but set up a smaller committee comprising the Arab League secretary general and representatives from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to follow up on the row. They are expected to meet again on Jan. 25 in the UAE, Arab League SecretaryGeneral Nabil al-Arabi said at the news conference.

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2016

President plans to tackle inequality Trinidad labelled as a ‘violent society’ in 2016 Even as he noted that the much anticipated celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary is deemed to be the single most unifying event for 2016, President David Granger has indicated that is not all on the cards for the promotion of National Unity in 2016. The President said that the anniversary celebration is important largely because Guyana was born in disunity “and I feel that the lack of unity has obstructed the development of our country.” However, Granger noted that unity goes way beyond celebration. In this regard, he has outlined a number of areas that his government will tackle to bridge gaps of inequality thus strengthening national unity. These areas are with ethnicity, education, health, infrastructure and access to public service. President Granger said, “When I speak of unity, I speak of unity at various levels; certainly at the ethnic level. We would like to see the ethnic groups come closer together; that is why I went into a partnership in 2011 and into a coalition in 2015.” Granger expressed his belief that political collaboration could be a contributing factor to national unity. He said that in this way, citizens will start dealing with issues rather than ethnicity. The Head of State pointed out that there is too much inequality in Education. “It is quite evident from the newspaper reports that children who go to private schools seem to, in general terms, have better results than children who go to public school. So there is some element of inequality there.” Granger said that educational inequality creates disunity “the better educated will get better jobs, be richer and more comfortable and the poorly educated get menial jobs.” With such reasoning, the President said that one of the interventions of his administration to promote national unity would be through better education at all levels as well as easier access to it. He indicated that small

by acting Police Commissioner

Head of State, David Granger steps have already been taken on this front. The President said that his administration is also looking to bridge gaps between the hinterland and the coastland, including unequal access that the hinterland has to the public services, education and health. “These are all measures that can bring about a greater degree of national unity,” said Granger. The President added, “I think also that at an abstract level there needs to be more respect. We know that women are not fully represented in business and maybe in government and in some other important national activities and events. If we respect women more, we will realize that women should be allowed to hold higher positions in government offices, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, Magistracy, and in every area of activity in the country. The President added, “There would be greater unity if there is less disunity. It sounds a bit corny but we (those in government) feel that giving people access, women and men, Hinterland and Coastland educated non-educated, Africans, Indians and Amerindians, those are factors that will contribute to national unity.” The President basically said that moving in equality at every level is the key to national unity.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has lamented on the crime rate in the twin island republic, stating that the society is a violent one. “Trinidad and Tobago has become a very violent society. We express violence for the simplest things. Imagine a man arguing with someone he knows over a gyro and it ends in murder,” said Williams in an interview with the Sunday Newsday newspaper. Since the start of the year, 17 people have been murdered. “Counting the murders is painful – we should feel pain when anyone dies.” The Acting Police

Commissioner revealed that despite the record high number of gun seizures – 685 guns for 2015 – the murders continued unabated and proposed what he calls “collective efficacy” where the entire society must come together to deal with crime. “We must ensure community life, so we don’t see each other as enemies but as friends,” he said. “We have to start caring for each other. If we look at the criminal element in TT, it’s a minority, so we have to work together to prevent crime from happening.” Williams made his comments as the Opposition plans ask the government about plans to tackle crime

Stephen Williams when Parliament sits today. On Saturday, opposition leader Kamla PersadBissessar revealed that she will be taking the issue to Parliament. “I intend to file a question on Monday (today) in Parliament for the

Government to tell us their plans, what they intend to do with this spike in crime especially in the murder rate,” Persad-Bissessar. “We have given them suggestions in the past. “They keep saying that the population rejected us and therefore they do not want to hear our suggestions.” Raising concerns once again about Government’s plans to tackle the issue of the spike in crime, in particular, murders, Persad-Bissessar emphasised that since the Dr Keith Rowleyled administration is “now in charge”, they must inform the public about what they intend to do about the issue.

T&T records fifth swine flu death...

Minister: More vaccines to arrive today

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh presents chairman of the North West Regional Health Authority Lisa Agard with her instrument of appointment during Saturday’s media conference at his office on Park Street, Port-of-Spain. Photo: ABRAHAM DIAZ Trinidad Guardian - The Health Ministry is currently

using 28,000 vaccines to combat the deadly H1N1 flu

virus and a further 7,500 doses are expected to arrive in the country today from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). But as the Government moves to put measures in place to reduce the deadly virus the country recorded its fifth H1N1 death Saturday when a 68-year-old man passed away around 9.30 am at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sangre Grande District Hospital. Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh, who held a media conference Saturday, said the man had fallen into one of the at-risk groups as he had a 20year history of smoking. The minister said to date there have been 46 confirmed cases of the virus and five deaths resulting from HINI, also known as Swine Flu. At the briefing held at the ministry’s office, Park Street, Port-of-Spain Saturday the minister said the vaccines would only last by the end of June this year. Giving a history of how vaccines were ordered, the

‘Dads have a right to see children’ Daily Nation - Fathers should be allowed to see their children even when maintenance is not paid up, says the country’s newest judge. Justice Pamela Beckles said the children had a right to bond with their fathers, who had a right to have access to their offspring. Justice Beckles, the former chief magistrate, presided over domestic cases, particularly in the last five years she spent at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. “I had to deal with the access to children and I had a serious problem at Oistins. Fathers have a right to have access to the children whether or not they can afford to pay maintenance or not,” she told the SUNDAY SUN in an interview.

Justice Pamela Beckles

minister said in 2009 this country ordered 140,000 influenza vaccines but 77.67 per cent had to be dumped due to expiration. “So in any given year we would have between 15,000 to 20,000 doses but we would had to dump about half of that. So based on the historical data the ministry of health in January 2015 would have made a decision, a sound decision, based on the usage and wastage of 50 per cent, to order for 2015 15,000 adult doses and 5,000 paediatric doses. “But over the years the utilisation went up by 50 per cent. So for this flu season the ministry would have used three times the amount of vaccines historically used in T&T,” Deyalsingh said. Assuring there was no vaccine shortage, Deyalsingh said, normally the lifespan of a vaccine was relatively short, not lasting more than 12 months, coupled with the fact that analyses of a new strain of the virus had to be regularly conducted. “The country may not have vaccines between the months of June to October of this year. The vaccine manufacturers manufacture vaccines retrospectively....they are always waiting for the new virus to appear on the scene, take into consideration what genetic changes have taken place in the virus from year to year. “The H1N1 variant that would be in circulation now is going to be different to the H1N1 variant in October 2016 to May 2017. So the vaccine that is working now will not work next year,” Deyalsingh said.

Monday January 11, 2016

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ALL IT TAKES IS A PHONE CALL If the government was serious about having the PPP participate in planning of the events to mark the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, greater efforts would have been made to get the PPP on board. The government is claiming that it sent out a letter inviting the PPP to participate in the planning of

the observances. The PPP says that it has not received any such letter and suggests that the letter to the Leader of the Opposition should have instead been sent to that person’s official office since the General Secretary of the party cannot open a letter addressed to the Leader of the Opposition. Sometimes you need to

Accident victim seeks compensation

A Middle Road, La Penitence man is now seeking compensation after he was struck down by a speeding motorcar, two Sundays ago on the West Bank Demerara Public Road. Keith Junior, 22, has been hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) since the incident. The injured man told Kaieteur News that on January 3, he ventured over the Demerara River to visit his older sister. He said that he cannot remember the exact village in which his sibling resides. He stated that as he was making his way to her home during a downpour, he was knocked from behind by a grey motorcar, which later toppled several times before coming to a halt. The young man said that he was taken to the hospital by a friend, whom he contacted via phone. Both of his legs are fractured and he received several lacerations about the body. He stated that he has never seen or heard from the driver of the vehicle since the

Keith Junior accident but has provided the police with a statement.

follow up on letters by making a phone call. Relations between the PPP and APNU+AFC government cannot be that strained that a simply phone call cannot be made to find out and encourage the PPP to come on board. If the government was really keen it would have done some follow up with a phone call. Many of us send out formal letters of invitation to people with clear RSVP indications but almost no one ever replies to indicate definitively whether they are coming. You have to make a call. There is no harm in doing so. The PPP must however now be glad that it was not on the committee that is planning the 50th anniversary celebrations. The start of Guyana’s 50th anniversary year was most inauspicious. The grand concert at the Square of the Revolution was major flop. The PPP must have been glad that it did not take part. They may however be interested in tabling a question as to how much that

No more free parking (From page 2) before they implemented the facility. She stated that people are now parking along the road, which is causing traffic congestion on the busy week days. “If you got to go to the hospital and the doctor take six to seven hours to look you after. This means you to pay a set of money just to leave you car in there”, the woman added. Another resident, who gave her name as Akeisha said that she feels cheated and disrespected by the Council’s move. She stressed that City Hall should not go in the area and do as they please without interacting with residents. The woman stated that there are lots of vacant lots around the city for the Council to set up their money making business.

damp squib cost so that they can decide whether the nation got its worth for money. It was far more entertaining watching on television the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square, New York than it was to look at that show that was put on at the Square of the Revolution. This is not intended to be harsh to the organizers but if this is how Guyana is going to celebrate its 50th birth anniversary, then they had better call off the entire affair. There were many promises made in the build-up to the show. The nation was promised the most spectacular fireworks display ever. Then on the morning of the show, it was announced on radio that the fireworks will not be held at the Square of the Revolution because it will

disturb the animals in the zoo. With all the firecrackers that went off at the stroke of midnight, the animals and birds in the zoo would have settled for the fireworks rather than the deafening explosions of squibs that greeted the New Year. The Guyana Defence Force put on its usual fireworks display at Camp Ayangana but it was nothing compared to previous years. This was certainly not the spectacular introduction that everyone expected to this Guyana’s 50th year. The New Year was supposed to be ushered in by the sounding of the sirens at all police stations. Did anyone check to see if these sirens are working because many people claim they did not hear any whistling of the sirens?

The bells in the Churches were supposed to peal to greet the New Year. Many people claim that the pealing of the bells was not heard. It was silent entrance to the New Year. And the ships must have sailed out of the harbour because they too were supposed to sound their horns to greet the new year but the Demerara Harbour was very silent. So much so for the grand entrance to the New Year! Let us hope that APNU+AFC does a better job with the economy than they did on Old Year’s Night because if they do not get their act together Guyana will be embarrassed.

Monday January 11, 2016

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SOCIAL PROTECTION MINISTRY WORKS TO SCALE DOWN NOC ADMISSIONS

“The institutionalisation of children oftentimes is not the better thing; it should be our last resort,” said Chief Probation and Social Services Officer within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Forbes Munroe. He made this assertion even as he mused over the fact that there is a situation where perhaps too many juveniles are placed at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC). The NOC, located at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast functions as a detention centre for youths 18 years old and younger whose detainment were sanctioned by the court system. But in order to ensure that too many youths are not simply entrusted into the care of the correctional facility, Munroe said that his

Department is working towards even reducing the number of youths who are placed at NOC. He said that even if they are required to be placed there, the Department will be channelling more support towards their aftercare. This therefore would mean that focus on their rehabilitation would be paramount, Munroe said. The aim is to ensure that “when they leave the institution they can leave as persons with some amount of skills who can be reintegrated into society and be productive.” The NOC is however an institution that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, said Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence. The NOC is tasked with

Sex workers on bail for robbery

Yvonna Watts

Jeane’ Trotman

On Friday two ‘night butterflies’ appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were placed on bail for robbing an American citizen. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, were Jeane’ Trotman, a 26-year-old single mother who resides at 128 Friendship, East Coast Demerara, and Yvonna Watts, 22, also a single mother from Pike Street Dam, Sophia. They denied the charge levelled against them. On January 5, last, at Hadfield Street, while in the company of others they allegedly robbed Harold Stiffle of one Samsung Galaxy S5 cell phone and one wrist watch all valuing $95,000. Both women were each placed on $15,000 bail and were ordered to return to court on January 22. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, made no objections to the women being granted pre-trail liberty. Jones told the court that on the same day in

question, Stiffle was on Hadfield Street, when the women approached him and asked if he wanted sexual favours. He refused their requests and was robbed. He then subsequently made a report at the Brickdam Police Station. Police the next day, went to the location mentioned in the charge and arrested the women. The Prosecutor further said that the complainant is an American citizen who currently resides in Guyana. Attorney Paul Fung-AFat represented the women and told the court that both of his clients are ‘night butterflies’ and the victim, a customer, was just making an allegation. He also asked the Magistrate for bail to be granted in a reasonable sum since his clients have children to support. Trotman and Watts were placed on a bond to keep the peace until the completion of the matter.

Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence the specific mandate to rehabilitate and train adolescent offenders and wanderers so that they could be re-integrated in the society. The maximum period of rehabilitation is three years. Depending on individual circumstances it could be reduced to a minimum of one year. Youths while there are subjected to full-time schooling in a number of skills training areas including

Chief Probation and Social Services Officer, Mr. Forbes Munroe

electrical installation, handicraft, joinery, Information Technology, tailoring and garment construction, welding and fabrication, carpentry and masonry which are complemented by English and Mathematics. While these courses are more tailored for the older youths, this publication was informed that the younger ones are offered remedial sessions in Mathematics and English too. However, all of them are subjected to daily

counselling sessions. They are also reportedly allowed to practice their preferred religion without any interference. Reports out of the overseeing Ministry are that NOC offers psycho-social support to youths in order to help them improve their selfesteem and self-worth. The academic programme offered allows them to be exposed to schools within the community. But according to Minister

Lawrence, despite this state of affairs, the perspective of the Social Protection Ministry is that “youths are one of our primary our concern.” She noted that the Probation and Social Services Department is tasked with putting in place programmes to help, as far as possible, to ensure that children do not find themselves at the NOC. In the case that they are already in the care of the NOC, Lawrence reiterated Munroe’s stance that “we will work alone with the Ministry (of Education) to ensure that while they are there that the programmes are those which will be able to have those juveniles come out, not the way they went in or worse, but focused more positively.” She related that the Social Protection Ministry will also have in place a programme to “take them under our wings to help them come back into society so that they will not find themselves back there again or moving on to the higher institutions like the Camp Street Prison.” Lawrence said that her Ministry is geared to help the youths make positive choices.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2016

GRA rubbishes PSC statements about actions taken against Sattaur, as falsehoods Rawle Lucas, MA, CPA Chairman of the Governing Board of the Guyana Revenue Authority has come out swinging at the Private Sector Commission for what he described as false claims. In a release issued yesterday Lucas noted that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday 7 January 2016 accused the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) of searching the home of the embattled Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur.

“It is important to emphasize that the GRA did not search or seize any property as maliciously claimed by the Private Sector Commission,” Lucas said. While Lucas agreed that the protection of human rights is important, he noted, “That concern did not apply to the case where GRA officials went to the home of Mr. Sattaur by mutual agreement on December 31, 2015 to retrieve the property of the Government of Guyana and to ensure that sensitive

taxpayers’ data was properly secured.” Further, Lucas, in offering clarification, declared that the most alarming feature of the press release by the PSC is the embellishment of erroneous information with the allegation that a search and seizure of Mr. Sattaur’s home occurred and these untrue acts took place without any regards for Mr. Sattaur’s rights. “The troubling feature of that erroneous claim is that the PSC seems to be seeking

to drive fear and mistrust of GRA into the minds of taxpayers; the very things that the new Governing Board is seeking to heal in its relationship with taxpayers,” Lucas stated. The Private Sector Commission on Friday joined a number of other institutions in criticizing the visit to Sattaur’s home. The Commission had stated that it is both perturbed and concerned at this treatment of a very senior official who has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing. “To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Sattaur is on leave from the entity pending the results of an inquiry. He has not been asked to resign and as such remains both the de jure and de facto Head of the GRA.” The PSC also noted that in the circumstances, if his electronic communication devices were required for purposes of the investigation, then the proper procedure would have entailed a request to Sattaur to hand these over to the Board. “We understand that the invasion of Mr. Sattaur’s home was not conducted by the National Police armed with a warrant for search and seizure of items from his home. This is a violation of his human rights. It was reported that the officers who

GRA Chairman, Rawle Lucas went to Mr. Sattaur’s home were officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority and we do not believe that they are or were legally authorized to do so.” PSC said that the searching of homes of officials of entities under investigation seems to have become common practice and, “We call upon President Granger to rein in what appears, from all accounts in the public domain, to be a show of excessive enthusiasm on the part of some persons.” But according to the GRA Board Chairman Lucas, that the PSC would take time to carefully construct unsubstantiated statements without seeking to find out the position of the GRA does not speak well for its own integrity and comes across as

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

PSC Chairman, Norman McLean

GRA Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur a deliberate attempt to malign and frustrate an organization that is trying to turn its tarnished image around. The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Guyana Revenue Authority posited, “PSC ought to be careful since continued distortion of facts would make it difficult for those who have to deal with it to rely on anything that it has to say.”

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 21

FOR WHOM THE BELT TOLLS Apart from some mundane meanderings in meaning, like screwing around with the identity of Twirly and Twisty, the possibility of a pig dancing a jig for a fig, the vertical wanderings of Goosey Goosey Gander and the gustatory delight of “monkey liver soup”, the West Indian Reader books that were mandatory in my primary school days formed the rock of my English Language education. Now, many years later, I am not sure whether it was the Reader or the curiosity it spawned in me, that led me to the shirt of the happy man. There are different prose and poetry versions of the story but it starts with the unhappiness of a king and its impact on the country he ruled. A Scottish version describes the remedy, “A prescription was given for royal despair: / To banish sadness the king had to wear/ The shirt, just the shirt, of a happy man./ The queen sent riders, the search began.” Given the acute state of neglect into which the kingdom had fallen, the searchers found a lot of angry, sad, despairing people but finally found someone who demonstrated and professed his state of happiness by

blowing a tin whistle and, because people were too depressed to play football, the guy was not even a referee. According to the poem, the King entered a glade where the sun gleamed gold and found that “The whistler was smiling, though his coat was old. / ‘Are you happy?’ the king asked wearily, / and the happy man asked, ‘Why wouldn’t I be?’/ The king asked the whistler if he would lend/ His shirt to a man in need. ‘My poor friend,’/ The old man laughed, ‘What I have, I share,/ But under this coat my chest is bare!” In other words, the happy man had no shirt. Now, every time I hear from our politicians and managers in the world, the Caribbean region and successive Trinidad and Tobago (TNT) Governments that we must tighten our belts the poem comes immediately to mind and I ask myself whether the happy or even unhappy man has a belt and, if so, can it be further tightened? There is a story from the bad old days of communism when the Soviet Union and Communist China were very close and supported each other in times of need. Chairman Mao of China reputedly sent a telegram to his Soviet ally, Nikita Khruschev, which read,

“China is starving. Send food.” The Soviet strongman replied, “Tighten your belts.” Mao promptly responded, “Send belts.” An article in the Australia Herald Sun last year made what is really the crucial comment when Governments impose or insist on cuts and reductions in spending and expectations. It stated, “But just when we’re all tightening our belts, little is being done to rein in the comfort and luxury of those making our laws.” In TNT where belttightening has become the most recent resort of political expediency, there is need for a lot more explanation, elaboration, discussion and communication. For example, over the years, apart from the many belts I received from my school headmasters and college principal, I have collected belts of different colours and materials. They all hang on a few nails on the door of an almost empty cupboard. Having been told to tighten my belt and wishing to join the Government in the process of bringing financial stability to a country which the Economist has recently placed in the last ten in terms of financial decline in 2016, I have sought advice on which of the belts to tighten and how I can do so when

Subsidies not the answer to... (From page 14) 2016 budget. The rice industry has meanwhile been in dire straits also, particularly following the termination of the Venezuela/Guyana oil-for-rice arrangement. The rice agreement saw Guyana exporting rice to Venezuela at concessionary prices in return for Venezuela’s oil. For 2015, Guyana’s rice industry recorded bumper crops and increased exports of rice, but there has been a significant decrease in money earned from the exports, compared to the corresponding period of 2014. Many are contending that unless government subsidies are given to rice farmers, aimed at helping with procur-

ing pesticides and fuels, the first rice crop will see a substantial drop in production due to lower prices and farmers leaving the industry. According to Doerga, this has already been manifested with less than half of the rice fields in West Coast of Demerara, sowed. “Planting is drastically reduced because no one is making the effort to market,” Doerga stated. He made it clear that, particularly in the rice industry, marketing has to drive production and not the other way around. He noted that if sub-

sidies are given, the core problems are still not fixed. “Foremost, you have to position rice,” he said. “Marketing has to be strong. With an industry of this magnitude, marketing has to drive production.” Doerga also expressed concern that the regulatory body of the rice industry- the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) - was not performing to its full potential because of a shortage of professionals with years of practical experience in rice. He described this as a major concern.

unemployed, not wearing any of them and, clad in short pants or underwear, seek to make a precarious living in these hard times by writing a newspaper column. In Trinidad there are many different kinds of belts. The sugar belt is now no more but given the overwhelming strength and politicization of the Trade Unions, can the oil or public services belts be tightened especially when the new Government, despite knowing the extent of the financial problem it inherited, gifted some of the Unions with fifteen million dollars of our money without any kind of accounting or accountability? Additionally, the Government also has to decide whether the (free) money belt, started by the ruling party’s first leader, Dr. Eric Williams, as the “CRASH” programme and subsequently reinforced by all successive governments and grandly i n s t i t u t ionalized as “Unemployment Relief” or “Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement” programmes will continue to operate as mechanisms for retaining and even expanding political support. It is as ironic as the time Dr. Williams fired most of the pilots of the State airline (BWIA) and decided on a “crash” course for the recruits. Unlike the shirt of the happy man, the other problem

with belts is that they buckle. This is a state of affairs which, in belt-tightening exercises in other countries, is inevitable. In Trinidad, since the Government is willing to sacrifice education and the future of the country to retain and maintain the free-money belt, the middle-class, squeezed by taxes on their income and purchases (VAT), is fast disappearing and all that might be left of them are their belts. Instead of buckling down to the sacrifices imposed by the Government, they are inevitably and quickly buckling under the tremendous strain of responsibility for a surplus of

workers who don’t work and who are the major reason for the belt tightening. In other words, we are all being hit below the belt. As one of my friends said, “This whole thing is like a belt made of watches. A waist of time.” He added, “I think instead of starting at the bottom with us, the process should start at the top. Every member of the Cabinet deserves a good belt.” *Tony Deyal was last seen asking, “Why did the belt get arrested for drunkenness and robbery?” It was tight and held up Prime Minister Rowley’s pants.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

WANTED Wanted land to buy at Parfaite, Tuschen, Providence, Diamond, Eccles, Uitvlugt, best price pay-call: 604-6724

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

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We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar

One live in maid-Call: 6683985; 264-2563

Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Building or renovating for quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592682-9935; 592-223-2695 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

1 Experienced cook for a family in the Interior. Call:6780565 One domestic to work at Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a week –Call: 220-0302

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TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

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

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1 Female cleaner apply Technical Services, Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D Urgently: 1 experienced cook for canteen, must know to cook dhal puri & poulourie for canteen & 1 cleaner-Call: 648-8079 Landscape maintenance team seeks hardworking, reliable workers, ages 17-35; on the job training. Call: 219-0468

Monday January 11, 2016

ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: accommodation, internet, hot & cold water, 24hrs tea/coffee, $5,000-$10,000 –Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Two house & land for sale, excellent condition, one located at Tuschen & one at Goed-Fortuin. Call: 668-3985; 660-3235 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341 House for sale with 3 bedrooms upper & bottom flat, @ Lot 153 Green Acres, Stadium Road- Call: 681-7366 3068 Amelia’s Ward Linden: 4 bedrooms, 1 selfcontained-Call: 640-4731; 624-6609 Albouystown: front spot, 3 bedroom upstairs, downstairs, parking and suitable for business, $8Million negotiable. Call: 227-0583 Hutson Ville E.B.D Bungalow- 3 bedrooms (1 self contained) A/C, hot & cold water, secured-$16M negotiable .Call: 622-3736; 697-4131

EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course beginning 26 th January. Register early! Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 LESSONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: afterschool care, phonics, Reading, Numeracy for Children 3-7 yrs old. Call: 690-9378 January Computer Deals: 9 Courses office 2016 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop-Call: 264-3057. Earn your diploma now! Computerize Accounting: 4 courses: QuickBooks, POS, Peachtree, Excel 2016- Call Micrographics Vreed-enHoop-Call: 264-3057

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

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1 Unit at Satro Building 17 Croal Street, for variety store, fast food. Call: 6427743 D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031

Diving Suits-Call: 265-3449/ 613-5158

1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 662-9335; 612-3244

AMERICAN BULLY DOGS, REMYLINE & GOTTILINECONTACT HARRY: 6100068/220-7933, WHATSAPP: 667-4845 Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 6702343 2 Complete 6" land dredge with 320 DL CAT excavator 2900hrs, everything needed for mining included. Call owner: 621-1404; 667-1967 One used ATV 4 wheel motor bike, colour: yellow, 450 model, at Parfaite Harmonie, asking price -$1.5M. Call:6623350 1290 MF tractor in good work order. Call: 614-9262 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 AE100 Corolla 7A Engine manual -$600,000 negotiable. Call: 602-6024 One 15 Cu.Ft Frigidaire Chest Freezer, like new, great for home or business –Call: 6222899 One Power mate 3000 watt portable generator, like new $80,000 negotiable- Call: 6222899, 666-6592 1 HP laser jet 100 colour printer, 1 laminating machine, 1 paper trimmer (cutter), 2 Dell Desktop computer, 1 glass showcase –Call: 6168570 Lots @ Blankenburg behind the gas station- $3.9M- Call Us Today: 650-0402 Riobie & AB dick printing machines, transformer & paper/cardboard. Call: 2332725 DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Clas s e s s t a r t i n g January –Call: 626-2629; 6766312 MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079 Massage therapy serviceCall: 674-8147

Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 Bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call:227-5194 3 Storey building for rent on Durban & Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust- Call: 697-9540 Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival City. Asking $80,000- Call: 6192141 1-3 Bedrooms top flat, front & back verandah & parking space at Austin Street. Call: 628-7953 Office Space at Camp Street –Call Naz: 639-4499 Top Flat in Diamond New Scheme, E.B.D-Call: 615-5833 House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences - $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7839 during working hours 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours Vehicles for rental, cars etc, long term only-Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales on: 231-7839

TO LET One bottom flat 3 bedrooms to rent at Eccles. Call: 6727756 or 694-3421 Unfurnished building to rent with 3 bedrooms @ D’Aguiar Park –Call: 660-4481 LAND FOR SALE Transported Corner Lot Garnett & Republic Streets Newtown Kitty 58.4X30.8, ideal for business – Call: 6450616 (no agents) Continued on page 23

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

Magistrate Moore in controversy again DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me from a humble, civic standpoint to request elucidation, even in its most germane form. In reference to the Kaieteur News, January 8, 2016 item under the title: Man tells court his penis can work like a stove. A seeming itinerant Balram “Dog Mouth” Singh was brought before the courts for exposing his sexual organ, and making lewd gestures to a female. In defense of his inappropriate exhibitionism, the accused told the Presiding Magistrate Alex Moore that the reason underlying this exposure, was that he wanted to heat up a tennis roll. While quite a novel idea for the utilization of the phallic symbol, saner minds prevailing would immediately reach the conclusion that the perpetrator was certainly not operating compos mentis. The very remark smacks of a blatantly disjoined form of thinking. It is stated that the Magistrate frowned and whispered to the clerk whether the man’s penis was

a microwave or a gas stove. There is not the slightest gesture or allusion here to the view that no one can be classified as insane, but equally that madness seems to be a part of each and every one. Should not the presiding magistrate be the one held to a higher level of thinking, and moral behavior? He may have frowned but I have looked down on him for subjecting the clerk to his denigratory inference. I am further left aghast at not only the question asked, and by whom, but instead perturbed at the caliber of individuals currently occupying the Bench in Guyana, Is such a behavior acceptable especially coming from a magistrate? To what ethical practicing standard(s) if any is he being held? Courts are very formal places with strict rules in place, are these rules applicable only to the overseen and not the overseer? The actions of this Magistrate should not go unpunished with Then on cue as if taking a page from the magistrate’s book or showing comedic superiority, as the accused

was being led away a policeman, ( another important arm of the law) was heard telling him that in prison there would be a lot of tennis rolls to heat up. Was such a remark necessary? A resounding No! It is no wonder why public feelings concerning policemen are nil or non-existent. Policemen are called upon to enforce the law. Plainly put the motto of the Police Force is “To serve and protect”. How ironical as here the policeman is serving his own purpose and likely breakers of the law may need protection from those who have sworn to protect. Prior to Elections in May2015, 113 new police ranks were sworn in to the Force. Balram Persaud, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration) during the graduation address stated that the ranks joined the organization as the basic “raw material” and the force undertook the work of ensuring that “the rough stone that came in was cut and polished, so that the product that we are sending out is a gem stone of unmatched

quality. Hopefully this loose lipped constable was not among the graduands, as effects of early tarnishing are certainly evident. On a note of reassurance, the Acting Commissioner of Police did state during the same graduation address that through the selection process the right people were being brought on board, and if thereafter people recognize that the right people are not on board, and there is evidence to substantiate that there is a departure from the organization, they will work with the evidence and do the necessary. I am now calling on the Commissioner to do the necessary, as the evidence is clear for all to read. As civic members we cannot sit by idly and treat this situation as “another one of those things”. Consequently, I am calling on the Chief of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud and also the Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl Singh to investigate and discipline as deemed necessary, in a manner that serves as a strong deterrent. Yvonne Sam

Harassed because of my letter in KN DEAR EDITOR, In my letter published in your newspaper on the 22nd. December 2015, I voiced my concern about the fact that the police were working closely with the PPP candidates in Leguan to criminalise and victimise the Coalition candidates for the upcoming local government election. Since then, I have been followed and harassed on a daily basis by one particular member of the Leguan Police

Force, (officer named). I have suffered verbal abuse, escalating to the point whereby on the 6th. January 2016, this officer took out his gun and pointed it at close range to me. On the 8th. January 2016, I travelled to Georgetown to make a complaint to the Police Complaint Authority concerning his threatening behaviour towards me. Upon my arrival back to Leguan, I was informed by local residents that the police

Grumpy old men, grumpy old women DEAR EDITOR, I welcome the submission by the Mayor of Georgetown that his successor should be a young and able citizen even if this advice comes from an octogenarian who held on to the position for the last two decades. Clearly he is saying to those grumpy old men and women presently serving as councilors that it is time for them to get into their rocking chairs and not harbor any thoughts about returning as a city father or mother as they are now all old, tired, worn out, mentally bankrupt and out of touch of the modern times. They had their time. They had seven consecutive terms without facing the electorate; it is time to make way for the younger generation. What is needed in Georgetown are Councilors and a Mayor who have fresh new ideas of how to transform the country’s capital into a modern, smart city. Today cities are changing faster than ever before—presenting local governments and municipalities with unprecedented challenges. The new Mayor and Councilors of Georgetown must be competent and equipped to bring innovative responses to the new public service management needs that the present Council does not have. I ask the political parties as they make up their lists not to make the mistake of recycling the present Councilors for yet another term, but rather to give young bright persons a chance. Mark Roopan

were looking for me, however, I have not been approached by them thus far. This made me somewhat nervous because of the experience I faced at the hands of this officer so I decided to contact Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan to inform him of the imminent threat facing me. Not surprisingly to me, his response was very questionable, being that he is responsible for public security. I am a member of the AFC party and took our promise to root out corruption very serious. In fact, this is why I decided to join AFC. I am very proud to say that I have fully informed all the relevant authorities when things have been going wrong in order to get rid of the corruption that we promised. Now, I am being persecuted for this, even by the AFC party. This, I find very irresponsible on the part of AFC because, we as a coalition government should be working together to root the legacy of corruption left

behind by the PPP, just like we promised the people of Guyana, but it seems to me like AFC are not complying with this partnership, as this is the second time I am being persecuted by them for speaking the truth about things that are going wrong and naming individuals that are corrupted including those within the AFC party. I urge our President, Mr. David Granger that it would be within the best interest of the citizens of Guyana that he finds a competent replacement for Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan. The role of the Minister responsible for public security is one of greatest importance and in the least it should be handed to an individual who can show that he or she is evidently able to fulfill such a task. President Granger, we owe it to the people of Guyana to deliver on our promise to root out corruption on all levels. Mr. Dale Shaka Kalamazad

From page 22

VACANCY Immediate vacancies exist for at least 12 workers to work @ Ice Factory, MeadowbankCall: 231-1408/ 642-9191 Driver and porter for water truck-Call: 680-3863. One Cook/cleaner and one Cashier –Call: 624-0033. Person to work at body work shop-Call: 649-2569 or 6701637 Admin Manager for furniture manufacture, minimum 5 years experience, send resume to vacancy at starcomm36@yahoo.com Receptionist needed for front desk @ Millenium Mannor Hotel, bring in application to 43 Hadfield Street, near Camp St.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Fortuner 2012 yearCall: 624-6702 New model RAV 4 4X4 $2.5M, Mazda Axela -$1.5M, good for bank purchase (both excellent condition) – Call: 220-6380; 639-2490 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154

Male security, male desk staff, 25-45 years- Lot 233 South Road LacytownCall: 225-0198

Fantasy Auto Sales: Xtrail 2008, Mitsubishi RVR 2010, Audi A4, pre-ordered vehicles & get $100,000 discount. Call: 611-1833

One manager to work at a Hotel/Club on the Essequibo Coast, must have experienced in said field – Call:225-6610; 615-6172

1 Toyota Hilux Pickup single cabs; GGG $1.3M negotiable, excellent condition, long base- Call: 675-2650

Farm workers between age 25 and older, farm house accommodation-Call: 6611585; 617-2032

One Toyota Mark 2 Grande for sale. PKK series, excellent condition, price $1.5M negotiable. Call: 601-4163

Maid, babysitter, salesgirls. Apply in person at R. Sookraj & Sons, Regent Street. 1 Experienced barman & chief cook –Call or text Sheik on: 6219759 or Donald: 673-462

New model Premio 2007 model $3.1M negotiable. Preorder Allion, Premio, Bluebird 2006 model- Call: 655-3400 1 RZ Mini bus, BJJ seriesCall: 678-5887; 677-3177 Unregistered fielder wagon 2003, roof rack, rear spoiler, dark interior, body kit, fog, TV-Call: 617-5536

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Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Sean Penn meeting, silver screen dreams help Mexican drug lord’s downfall

Actor Sean Penn (left) shakes hands with Mexican drug lord Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman in Mexico, in this undated Rolling Stone handout photo obtained by Reuters yesterday. REUTERS/Rolling Stone/ Handout via Reuters Reuters - A secretive meeting that Hollywood star Sean Penn orchestrated with Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman in a jungle hideout late last year helped Mexico’s government catch the world’s most wanted drug lord, sources said. Guzman, the infamous boss of the Sinaloa drug cartel, was arrested in northwest Mexico on Friday morning, and sent back to the prison he broke out of in July through a mile-long tunnel that led straight into his cell. Mexico aims to extradite Guzman to the United States as soon as possible. Penn’s rare access to the capo was assisted by Mexican actress Kate del Castillo. They were driven some of the way to the hideout by Guzman’s son, who the Hollywood star says was waved on by soldiers when they apparently recognised him. Another leg of the daylong trip through central Mexico to meet Guzman was on a light aircraft allegedly fitted with equipment to evade

radar detection, Penn said in a story published in Rolling Stone magazine on Saturday. Penn said in the article that he was sure the Mexican government and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was tracking him. Two senior Mexican government sources said they were indeed aware of the October meeting and monitored his movements. That helped lead them days later to a ranch where Guzman was staying, one of the sources said. Mexican forces used helicopter gunships to attack Guzman’s ranch during a siege that lasted days. The kingpin narrowly escaped, with what he told Del Castillo was a minor leg injury, but the raid in the northern state of Durango was a major

breakthrough in the manhunt. Guzman was finally recaptured on Friday in the northern city of Los Mochis after a bloody action movielike shootout. Mexican marines pursued the wily kingpin through storm drains before intercepting his getaway in a hijacked car. Penn’s seven-hour encounter with Guzman came about after Guzman became interested in making a movie of his life when he was inundated with requests from U.S. movie studios following his 2014 capture, the film star said. Guzman’s lawyer approached Del Castillo about the possibility of making a film but the project was dropped in favour of a magazine interview, Penn said. The encounter adds a new twist to the long and largerthan-life career of Guzman, whose nickname “Chapo” means “Shorty”. Penn unsuccessfully tried to set up a formal follow-up interview. Instead, as Mexican security forces closed in on Guzman, Penn and Del Castillo persuaded him to film a 17-minute tape answering pre-written questions, and ship them the footage. The video clips show the drug lord in a colourful shirt and black cap at a different hideout, musing about his contribution to the narcotics trade and U.S. consumption. Rolling Stone called it the drug lord’s first-ever interview outside an interrogation.A senior Obama administration official told television news shows yesterday morning that Guzman’s boasting about his heroin empire in the

interview was “maddening.” “One thing I will tell you is that this braggadocious action about how much heroin he sends around the world, including the United States, is maddening,” White House chief of staff Denis McDonough said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We see a heroin epidemic, an opioid addiction epidemic, in this country,” McDonough said. “We’re going to stay on top of this with our Mexican counterparts until we get that back in the box. But El Chapo’s behind bars - that’s where he should stay.” McDonough would not comment on any repercussions for Penn. The meeting was made possible because Guzman struck up an unlikely friendship with Del Castillo,

who herself played a Mexican drug queen in a well-known TV soap. Mexican Attorney General Arely Gomez on Friday said that the drug boss’ yearning for the silver screen had helped bring him down. “Another important aspect that helped locate him was discovering Guzman’s intention to have a biographical film made. He contacted actresses and producers, which was part of one line of investigation,” Gomez said. The meeting with Penn and Del Castillo yielded insight into how Chapo may have continued to conduct business while he was incarcerated. Penn said some of Guzman’s henchmen were certified as lawyers to allow them access to the boss while he was in prison.

Guzman, who has escaped prison twice, himself said he didn’t believe his business had been impacted by his last spell in prison. Penn said Guzman sent engineers to Germany for three months of training on how to avoid problems when excavating near a low-lying water table beneath the prison where he was being held in order to perfect the audacious escape plan. Guzman also revealed to Penn that he had once met Colombian Pablo Escobar, perhaps the world’s most notorious cocaine trafficker “at his house. Big house.” One Mexican government source said authorities were considering whether to investigate Penn and Del Castillo, possibly for money laundering. The source did not explain further.

U.S. flies B-52 over South Korea after North’s nuclear test Reuters - The United States deployed a B-52 bomber on a low-level flight over its ally South Korea yesterday, a show of force following North Korea’s nuclear test last week. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un maintained that Wednesday’s test was of a hydrogen bomb and said it was a self-defensive step against a U.S. threat of nuclear war. North Korea’s fourth nuclear test angered both China, its main ally, and the United States, although the U.S. government and weapons experts doubt the

North’s claim that the device was a hydrogen bomb. The massive B-52, based in Guam and capable of carrying nuclear weapons, could be seen in a low flight over Osan Air Base at around noon (0300 GMT). It was flanked by two fighter planes, a U.S. F-16 and a South Korean F-15, before returning to Guam, the U.S. military said in a statement. Osan is south of Seoul

and 77 km (48 miles) from the Demilitarised Zone that separates the two Koreas. The flight was “in response to recent provocative action by North Korea”, the U.S. military said. In Washington, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said on Sunday the flight underscored to South Korea “the deep and enduring alliance that we have with them.”

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2016

Greek conservatives elect new leader to challenge PM Alexis Tsipras

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, candidate for the leadership of the Greece’s conservative New Democracy party, casts his ballot for the nationwide voting for new party’s leader, inside a polling station at Kifissia suburb, north of Athens, Greece, yesterday. REUTERS/Michalis Karagiannis

Reuters - Greek conservatives elected Kyriakos Mitsotakis as their new leader yesterday, hoping he can revive their fortunes and challenge leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, still popular despite opting for austerity. The conservative New Democracy party seeks to recover from its heavy election defeat in September, when Greeks re-elected Tsipras’ Syriza party amid capital controls on bank deposits and a harsh third bailout with the country’s foreign lenders. Mitsotakis, a 47-year reformist lawmaker and scion of one of Greece’s most influential political families, is expected to pile pressure on 41-year-old Tsipras ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote on pension reform, as part of the first review of Greece’s bailout programme. Mitsotakis ran second to Vangelis Meimarakis in the first round of the party leadership election on Dec. 20, contested by four candidates, and was ahead in yesterday’s runoff with 51 percent of the vote with most of the vote counted. “United, we move ahead to the creative rejuvenation and expansion (of the party), so that New Democracy becomes the big centre-right party ... that will provide a reliable alternative for the country’s governance,” he said when victory was clear. The final result will be announced today.

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Monday January 11, 2016

Obama, in State of Union speech, to draw contrast with Republican ‘gloom’ Reuters - President Barack Obama will paint an optimistic picture in his final State of the Union televised address tomorrow, drawing a contrast with Republicans running to replace him in the November 2016 presidential election, his top aide said yesterday. White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said the address, which will air live at 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT) tomorrow, will be less of a laundry list of legislative plans and more of a bigpicture view of America’s future. “You’ll hear a big, optimistic, generous view of the future of America from the president on Tuesday,” McDonough said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” one of several he gave yesterday. The speech will be part nostalgic nod to Obama’s history-making 2008 “hope

and change” campaign which made him the first AfricanAmerican president and part victory lap. The 54-year-old president will focus on the turnaround in the economy during his time in office and try to avoid being cast as a “lame duck” unable to advance priorities as Congress prepares for his successor, who will take office in January 2017. The president, speaking in the Capitol, will address members of the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and other top officials in the government, including U.S. Supreme Court justices and the military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. O b a m a ’s o u t l o o k i s “different than some of the doom and gloom that we hear from the Republican candidates out there every day,” McDonough said on

President Barack Obama ABC News’ “This Week.” The State of the Union speech, which is required by the U.S. Constitution, is earlier than usual in the calendar, partly to avoid becoming overshadowed by the early primary campaign contests, which begin on Feb. 1 in Iowa.

Pakistan tells U.S. that India attack probe will ‘bring out the truth’ ISLAMABAD (Reuters) Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry his country is swiftly investigating who was behind last week’s attack on an Indian air force base, and that it would “bring out the truth”. The assault on the base near the Pakistan border has thrown into doubt diplomatic talks planned for later this month between the nucleararmed rivals. Kerry, speaking to Sharif by telephone, said he hoped the attack would not derail the talks that he said were in the interests of regional security, according to a statement from the Pakistani prime minister’s

Nawaz Sharif office late on Saturday. “The Prime Minister told

Secretary Kerry that we are swiftly carrying out investigations in a transparent manner and will bring out the truth,” it said. “The world will see our effectiveness and sincerity in this regard.” A meeting between the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan had been scheduled for Jan. 15, but it is unclear if it will still happen, after six militants launched an assault on Jan. 2 against the base and killed seven security personnel. India has called on Islamabad to take “prompt and decisive” action against militants it blames for the assault, which only ended after a four-day operation to secure the base. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of supporting militant groups and helping them to launch attacks inside India, an accusation Pakistan rejects. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the base, at Pathankot in the northern state of Punjab, where he was briefed on how security forces had responded to end the attack. It remains unclear how the attackers infiltrated the fortified base, which has a 24km (15-mile) perimeter surrounded by a 3-metre (10foot) wall topped with concertina wire.

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAHO working with Caribbean governments to “prevent, detect and respond” to Zika Virus WASHINGTON - CMC – The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), says it is working with ACaribbean governments to “to prevent, detect and respond” to the Zika virus. On Friday, PAHO said starting in March 2014 and through the first week of 2016, 14 countries and territories of the Americas, including the Caribbean, have reported cases of Zika infection. The virus, which is transmitted to humans by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos, causes symptoms including light fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. The health organisation says a current concern is the effect of Zika virus on pregnant women and newborn babies. PAHO said there is little information on transmission of the Zika virus from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth, stating that perinatal transmission has been reported with other vector-borne viruses, such as dengue and chikungunya. The studies are now being conducted on possible mother-to-child transmission of the virus and its possible effects on the baby. In November 2015, PAHO said the Ministry of Health of Brazil noted a marked increase in microcephaly, in which the head circumference of newborns is smaller than expected.

PAHO said that discovery coincided with Zika virus circulation in the country. With support from PAHO and other agencies, “health authorities are carrying out studies to clarify the causes, risk factors, and consequences of this increase in microcephaly,” the statement said. PAHO said the Zika fever occurs about three to 12 days after the mosquito bites, the clinical manifestation of t he virus is often similar to dengue, also a mosquitoborne illness. The virus was isolated for the first time in 1947 in the Zika forest in Uganda. Since then, it has remained mainly in Africa, with small and sporadic outbreaks in Asia. However, in 2007, a major epidemic was reported on the island of Yap (Micronesia), where nearly 75 percent of the population was infected. On March 3, 2014, Chile

notified PAHO that it had confirmed a case of indigenous transmission of Zika virus on Easter Island, where the virus continued to be detected until June 2014. In May 2015, the public health authorities of Brazil confirmed the transmission of Zika virus in the northeast of the country. Since October 2015, PAHO said other countries and territories of the Americas, including Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-member state Suriname, have reported the presence of the virus. Treatment consists of relieving pain, fever, and any other symptom that inconveniences the patient. According to PAHO, since the Aedes mosquito is found throughout the region, except in continental Chile and Canada, it is likely that outbreaks will occur in other countries that have not yet reported any cases.

Brazil bribery scheme may have extended to pension funds: paper SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil’s top prosecutor has found evidence that a bribery scheme involving local engineering firms and the state oil company extended to pension funds and a workers’ fund, benefiting the ruling Workers’ Party and allies, newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported last week. The paper said the potential new front in Brazil’s largest-ever corruption investigation was based on a slew of text messages leaked to the local press on Thursday from Leo Pinheiro, the convicted former head of engineering firm OAS. “According to what can be inferred from the messages, there were debentures issued by the companies acquired by banks ... or by pension funds where there is political interference,” top Brazilian prosecutor Rodrigo Janot wrote in documents seen by Folha. Janot said the messages indicated OAS might have paid bribes to politicians, including House Speaker Eduardo Cunha, or made official campaign donations to political parties in exchange for the financial transactions that raised funds, according to Folha. The leaked texts, sharply criticized by Brazil’s justice minister on Thursday, could

lead prosecutors to formally investigate several members of President Dilma Rousseff’s cabinet, creating more headaches for the unpopular leader as she fights unrelated impeachment charges and a recession. Dozens of engineering firms are being investigated for price-fixing contracts and overcharging state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA to gain funds used to bribe politicians. Pinheiro has been sentenced to 16 years in jail for money laundering and corruption. Newspaper Valor Economico also reported on Friday that plea bargain testimony from former Petrobras executive Nestor Cervero showed Rousseff’s chief of staff, Jaques Wagner, received large sums of money diverted from Petrobras to run his 2006 campaign for governor of Bahia state. OAS said in a statement that it would not comment on the case. Wagner said in a statement that he would cooperate with authorities but would not comment on Cervero’s testimony because he did not know its full content or real context. A spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor’s office did not have an immediate comment on the reports.

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Brazil’s Rousseff focuses on economy in face of impeachment RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — With her job on the line, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is spending January developing an economic plan she hopes will restore faith in her leadership and weaken looming impeachment proceedings against her. The once-popular successor of former President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva has fallen so far that it’s unclear whether she can recover. And she’ll have little room to maneuver once Congress reconvenes in Brasilia in February: Her approval ratings hover in the single digits, both friendly and hostile lawmakers are restive and Latin America’s largest economy is expected to continue contracting in 2016. “Dilma will have one month with no major problems blowing up in Brasilia to come up with a plan to revive a faltering economy,” said Claudio Couto from Brazilian think tank Fundacao Getulio Vargas. “The key is to bring some confidence back.” That confidence has been shaken by a series of ballooning crises over the past year. Major scandals, some of which touch Rousseff, have combined with tanking commodity prices to slam the economy, which has suffered creditrating downgrades, a sharp currency devaluation and 10percent annual inflation. “I can’t wait to stop hearing bad news from Brasilia,” said Gabriela Malvezzi, a 28-year-old psychologist in Rio. “I don’t even turn on the TV anymore.

Dilma Rousseff All that I wanted was for 2015 to end.” Nelson Barbosa, who took over as finance minister in December, is expected to propose a stimulus package and fiscal reforms over the next several weeks. Ideas being floated include infrastructure projects, tax breaks for home purchases and a car-swap program to encourage buying new vehicles. Some are proposing a tax on banking transactions and a reform of the country’s pension system to keep workers in the job market an additional five years. Depending on the sector, women now can retire between 50 and 55 years old, while men can do the same between 55 and 60. Pension reform is sure to draw the ire of Rousseff’s base. But analysts say she must show she is serious about tackling spending, and that she has little to lose.

Recession hits fetes hard Trinidad Guardian - The downturn in the economy seems already to have had a negative impact on Carnival 2016 fetes and events as two promoters say sponsorship has been either hard to come by or unavailable since some sponsors have pulled out. Chief executive officer of SouthEx, George Singh, who promotes the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) competition, said the cuts have been deep. It costs close to $10 million to host the CSM, inclusive of prize money. Singh said it was difficult to say the number of sponsors but that there was a drop by 50 per cent. He told the Sunday Guardian, “In years gone by, sponsors would jump on board even if it was with smaller amounts but this year they have pulled back completely.” He added that certain corporate sponsors had “gone off” the Carnival party scene. Singh said it was understandable that the sponsorship pie was smaller for 2016 since almost all promoters send requests to the same companies. “The thing about it is that it’s a small pool of people that support Carnival. The corporate market is very few and so you have all these promoters going to the same people so they are burdened with all these requests and there is only so much they can accommodate.” Telecommincations giant TSTT said it would be cutting back on sponsorship of events as Carnival was

Call for Lowe to step down Daily Nation - A call is being made for Minister of the Environment and Drainage Dr Denis Lowe to quit over his “inability” to deal with garbage control or illegal dumping in Barbados. And if he isn’t willing to resign, then Prime Minister Freundel Stuart should fire him. That’s the view of advocacy director of the Future Centre Trust, Kammie Holder. “The minister of environment, Denis Lowe, has been silent on this issue for far too long. It is time for him to speak up or step down,” Holder said. “The Prime Minister has to be held accountable if the minister does not communicate with the country on issues such as these. Denis Lowe needs to be fired for nonperformance in his portfolio.”

Dr. Denis Lowe

Monday January 11, 2016

coming right on the heels of the public celebrating Christmas, amidst a slowing economy and low energy prices. Digicel and Carib Brewery said they were ensuring they received value for what they put out. This year there are over 150 all-inclusives, cooler fetes and breakfast parties spread over January 1 to Ash Wednesday—a total of 41 days, with as many as 60 in the five weekends of January and 90 in the first ten days of February. On Carnival Saturday, there are expected to be 19 events, while 18 are carded for Carnival Sunday. Already ten days into the 2016 Carnival season, one highly anticipated fete—Soka in Moka—which was held last weekend, saw a lower turnout than in previous years. And there is also word that some events have “fallen off the calendar.” The December announcement that T&T was in a recession seems to have resonated with several partygoers who have expressed mixed views about the fetes they intend to patronise. Some have said they will be cautiously watching their spending habits while looking for value for their money in a wave of fetes ranging from $250 to as high as $3,200.

Party goers enjoy themselves during IllusionsMas’ Black2Blue Breakfast Cooler Party at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Saturday morning. Photo: DAVID WEARS

Gamers Wary Of New AntiMoney Laundering Regulations The Gleaner - Jamaicans who use the services of gaming lounges across the island are describing the newest set of anti-money laundering regulations, expected to take effect in April, as inconvenient and a breach of privacy. New regulations that are to be implemented by the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) will require each gambler to go through steps similar to that of opening a new bank account, including providing proper identification and reference letters. Source of funds must also be declared. The BGLC is the designated, competent authority charged with the task of monitoring the compliance of local gaminglounge operators pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act and its regulations. Last week, the BGLC said that since 2013, guidance notes have been issued which

set out the specific requirements, and two rounds of sensitisation workshops and training seminars were held with gaming operators. The BGLC said it expected operators to implement appropriate customer due diligence, identification and verification procedures. When The Sunday Gleaner contacted gaming lounges for comment, some managers, while stating that they were co-operating fully with the programme, were a bit tight-lipped on how they expected the regulations to affect their customers. However, a few gamers and employees at lounges voiced their views on the matter, with most persons expressing concerns. One female employee from a popular gaming lounge in Ocho Rios, St Ann, who requested anonymity, said she was not fully aware of the plans and, though the idea was fully supported by her,

she outlined a downside losing customers. “I think it’s going to affect us,” she said, referring to the fact that customers might not want to give too many personal details. “Some of them don’t even want their families to know where they are spending time. There are a lot of reasons,” she said. “You know Jamaicans are afraid of changes. Everything is going to be a problem, once it has rules and regulations. They will say, ‘a gamble we a come gamble. Why we need fi do this?’” At the Macau Gaming Lounge in St Andrew, a regular gamer said the changes were not welcome. “I think they’re going overboard. This is entertainment, even though it’s gambling. I think the Government is taking it a bit too far, if that’s what they’re trying to say,” said the gamer, who gave her name as Jackie.

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

Letters to the Sports Editor

Caricom bobbing and weaving on WI cricket First published in the Trinidad Express (Sunday Express) Much is being written about the gradual decline of West Indies cricket by commentators who refuse to do their homework. The latest public enemy is the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its poor governance, suggesting the cricket world is leaving them behind as they twiddle their thumbs in a mindless vacuum. The construct of the board’s 18-person directorship is a mix of a presi-dent, vice-president, four independent professionals and two representatives each from six territories (12), not to be confused with 12 territorial representatives. Their agenda is Caribbean cricket. However, they are mindful at all times that they represent shareholders and must express the views of territorial boards and their stakeholders. The president and vicepresident may be elected from the public at large, and the four specialist directors vary with the specific skills required at any given period. At this time, these four directors are Caricom, represented by Mr Ricky Skerrit (St Kitts/Nevis); business, represented by Mr Don Wehby (Jamaica) and Mr Clifford Reis (Guyana); and banking, represented by Ms Jennifer Nero (St Kitts). One can Google their credentials and stop the old talk about enhancing board skills. In addition, each of the other directors brings specific academic and experiential skills honed in cricket

administration. There is no ideal governing structure, and copying even modified, highprofile company models may not be necessarily applicable to our 16 Caribbean cricketplaying nation’s environment (six territorial boards composed of 15 islands and Guyana). If we accept that clubsin-com-munities are the bedrock on which West Indies international cricket success has been shaped, and that this remains relevant, then the challenge is to have a strong WICB which acknowled-ges the centrality of vibrant territorial boards, acting in unison on a common development agenda. The current board structure seeks to represent precisely this reality. There is talk of a more business approach to organising and opera-ting our cricket. In business, the output is a definable product and the bottom line is profits. In cricket, the product is skilled players and the bottom line is winning. It is the territories which produce the cricketers, and not the WICB. The challenges then are with the 16 sovereign territories to put out or shut up. Historically, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has bobbed and weaved in their responsibilities in this regard. They still cite the construction of stadia all over the Caribbean in 2007, but where has been the collective Caricom commitment to cricket over

the past eight years? At the annual general shareholders’ meeting (AGM), seven Caribbean organisations are represented as special members, in addition to the 12 shareholders from six territorial boards. These are the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA), Caricom, Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions (ACTI), Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACMW), Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). At the AGM in March 2015, I recommended that these seven should meet together within 100 days and propose ways forward for West Indies cricket and the business of cricket. I am not aware that they have yet met. The point remains, however, that our cricket is in poor shape and things must change. But in proposing solutions, are we looking for the problems in the right place? Fire the board and then we would start to win seems to be the quantum leap the public expects, as Cameron’s head rolls. If indeed cricket is a reflection of the state of our society, then the problem is with our leaders, not the WICB. Let us shift the conversation to where we are as a Caribbean society, and let Caricom’s investigative team do some real homework. Dr Allen Sammy First vice-president, T&T Cricket Board (TTCB)

CRICKETERS MUST BE COMMITTED DEAR EDITOR, I read in various sections of the media that explosive batsman Jonathan Foo should have been included in the Guyana Jaguars NAGICO Super50 squad. I follow my cricket closely and must commend the selectors and the Guyana Cricket Board for their recent success at all levels but… Mr. Foo performed credible with the bat and if performance in the recent local Franchise League was used, he should have been

selected; at least in front of non-performers. H o w e v e r, I r e c e n t l y learnt that Mr. Foo was an Academy player contracted by the Guyana Cricket Board and he abandoned his contract last year without giving a reason. He simply did not turn up for practice. I also learnt that the last time Mr. Foo was selected in the NAGICO Super50 squad, he was ill for the entire tournament, “home sick” it was described to be.

Editor, I fully support the notion that players should be selected on performance but commitment, fitness, discipline and working as a team must also be components to complete a player’s right to selection. I am sure the selectors of our national squad have an unenviable task but on this one, I do support their final 14. Mr. Jonathan Foo needs to show commitment. Yours sincerely, Anand Dyal

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West Indies climb to No. 1 in T20 rankings ESPNcricinfo - West Indies have claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20 rankings after Sri Lanka, who had largely occupied the top rung since they won the World T20 in 2014, were caned by New Zealand in Auckland on Sunday. West Indies have 118.36 rating points, and are now marginally ahead of both Sri Lanka and Australia who have exactly 118 rating points each. West Indies have played eight matches since the end of the World T20 in April 2014 and won four of them, including a world record chase against South Africa in January 2015. They gunned down 232 in 19.2 overs. Coincident to that has been Sri Lanka’s fall they have lost five of their last six matches, the latest a nine-wicket drubbing as New Zealand raced to their target of 143 in a mere 10 overs.

Sri Lanka had begun the two-match series with a seven-point lead. Losing it 0-2 meant they were yet to win a T20 series since becoming World T20 champions (although they beat England in a one-off match in May) and were pushed off their No. 1 slot. West Indies fare far worse in the other formats. They are at No. 8 in Tests, after losing the Frank Worrell Trophy 2-0, and No. 9 in ODIs. The top ten teams in T20Is 1. West Indies (118 rating points) 2 Sri Lanka (118 rating points) 3. Australia (118 rating points) 4 England (117 rating points) 5 South Africa (115 rating points) 6 New Zealand (114 rating points) 7 Pakistan (114 rating points) 8 India (110 rating points) 9 Afghanistan (80 rating points) 10 Bangladesh (69 rating points)

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Monday January 11, 2016

Swansea shocked, Chelsea win, Kane saves Spurs LONDON (Reuters) Premier League Swansea City fell victims to the first major giant-killing of the FA Cup third round on Sunday when they lost 3-2 away to League Two (fourth tier) side Oxford United. Chelsea, fielding a near full-strength team, came through their home tie with League One Scunthorpe by two goals to nil and Tottenham Hotspur needed a controversial late penalty by Harry Kane to draw 2-2 at home to Leicester City. There were more than 50 league positions between the clubs at the Kassam Stadium, where Oxford came from behind to lead 3-1 after Ecuador international Jefferson Montero had put Swansea ahead. Liam Sercombe equalised from a penalty just before halftime and two goals in 10 minutes soon after the interval from Kemar Roofe put the home side in sight of victory. Bafetimbi Gomis pulled one back for the Welsh club, who had made 10 changes from their last Premier League game, but Oxford held on. “I thought the performance was outstanding, it was always going to be a difficult game

against a Premier League side,” their manager Michael Appleton told BBC Sport. Oxford, a top-flight team 30 years ago before dropping back into non-League football from 2006-10, are third in League Two, with the top three in May due to go up. Roofe, who signed for them from West Bromwich Albion in the close season after a successful loan period, felt the triumph was down to his team’s efforts rather than any lack of application by Swansea. “I don’t think they underestimated us, we were just on our game,” he said. Alan Curtis, recently appointed Swansea manager until the end of the season, said his much-changed team had been “poor” for the first hour of the game. “It’s a huge setback for the club,” he told reporters. “We’re going to have to lift everyone for our next game.” That match is a crucial Premier League fixture against fellow strugglers Sunderland on Wednesday. Sunderland are bottom but one with 15 points and Swansea are two places ahead of them on 19 points. PENALTYDENIED Chelsea avoided a similar embarrassment to last

Ruben Loftus Cheek celebrates scoring the second goal for Chelsea with Diego Costa. (Action Images via Reuters / John SibleyLivepic) season’s stunning 4-2 FA Cup defeat at home to Bradford City, although at times they made hard work of their tie against another third-tier side in Scunthorpe. Spanish international Diego Costa put them ahead in the 13th minute from a cross by Branislav Ivanovic but the visitors rallied well in the second half and were

furious to be denied a penalty when Ramires appeared to trip Kevin van Veen. A few minutes later 19year-old Londoner Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a half-time replacement for Oscar, scored his first goal for the club from Cesar Azpilicueta’s low centre. Scunthorpe were denied a consolation goal when

fullback Jordan Clarke’s fierce shot struck the post. “It was not an easy game,” said Guus Hiddink, who is hoping to repeat his feat of 2009 by winning the FA Cup as Chelsea’s interim manager. The experienced Dutchman has been unbeaten in four games since taking charge again after Jose

Mourinho was sacked. He told reporters that Costa was “doubtful” for Wednesday’s game at home to West Bromwich Albion as the Premier League champions seek to improve on their poor defence of the title. Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester were denied a repeat of last season’s 2-1 FA Cup win at Tottenham in an exciting tie at White Hart Lane, after the teams, who meet in the Premier League on Wednesday, made 15 changes between them. Spurs held the lead for only nine minutes after Christian Eriksen scored early on, Polish defender Marcin Wasilewski equalising with a header. Japan’s Shinji Okazaki then scored only two minutes after coming on as a substitute at the interval. The home side threw on England internationals Harry Kane and Dele Alli and Kane’s penalty for handball by Nathan Dyer, his 50th goal for the club, earned them a replay. “I’m very pleased with our performance,” said Ranieri, who declined to complain about the penalty award.

Better Hope ‘B’ upset... From page 37 However, Mana found useful partners in Sachin Singh (23) and Skipper Clive Rampersaud, who stroked three fours and two sixes in a valuable 40 to revive the ‘B’ team’s fortunes. When Mana was ninth out it was 147-9 before Rampersaud, who many felt batted too late, was last out as Ravi Singh (2-30) and Khan (2-34) supported Mohamed. At the presentation Ceremony ECCB President Bissoon Singh said this was the fourth year of sponsorship from Elizabeth Styles, a USA based Cosmetic Company that will renew their sponsorship in what should be a bigger and better tournament. “Elizabeth Styles is doing a wonderful job in supporting cricket not only on the East Coast but also in Berbice and today’s winner gets $350,000, while the Runner-up collected $50,000,” Singh informed. Better Hope Sports Club President Jainarine Singh and ECCB executive Ray Barton also spoke after the match.

Swansea’s Matt Grimes takes a free kick during the match. (Reuters / Dylan MartinezLivepic)

Monday January 11, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Vonn wins super-G to close on Stenmark record Lindsey Vonn of the U.S. skis in the women’s Super G race of the Alpine Skiing World Cup in Zauchensee, Austria January 10, 2016. (Reuters/Dominic Ebenbichler)

Lindsey Vonn of the US kisses the winner’s trophy following the women’s Super G race of the Alpine Skiing World Cup in Zauchensee, Austria, January 10, 2016. (Reuters/Leonhard Foeger) LONDON (Reuters) American Lindsey Vonn took another step towards Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 World Cup wins with her 73rd career victory in a super-G race in the Austrian resort of Zauchensee on Sunday. Vonn, who equaled the 36-year-old downhill record of Annemarie Moser-Proell when she won her 36th World Cup race in the discipline on S a t u r d a y, c l o c k e d o n e minute 12.75 seconds to beat Switzerland’s Lara Gut

by 0.7 seconds. Austria’s Cornelia Huetter was third, 1.25 seconds behind. The 31-year-old Vonn, who won the season’s only other super-G in Lake L o u i s e i n D e c e m b e r, extended her record for any s k i e r t o 2 6 Wo r l d C u p super-G victories and took her winning streak to four, stretching back to March 2015. She leads the World Cup super-G standings by 80 points over Huetter and climbed to within 38 points of

overall leader Gut after her double-winning weekend, which she attributes to time off at home in Colorado over Christmas. “I had a lot of confidence after Lake Louise and then in Val d’Isere I felt like I lost my

confidence a little bit after going out in the downhill,” Vonn, who won Olympic downhill gold in 2010, told reporters. “I went home, I had a good break and I feel energized again. I feel really

good mentally and physically, and I think that showed in this weekend’s racing. “It’s a perfect start to the New Year. Hopefully I can just continue on in this direction and hopefully just keep winning.”

S w e d e n ’s St e n m a r k d o m i n a t e d t h e m e n ’s technical races in the late 1970s and the 1980s and won Olympic gold medals in slalom and giant slalom at the 1980 Games in Lake Placid.

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Monday January 11, 2016

Record breakers Guptill, Munro lead NZ sweep

Martin Guptill gave New Zealand a blazing start, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I, Auckland, January 10, 2016. (AFP) (Reuters) Colin Munro blasted New Zealand’s fastest Twenty20 half century to surpass a mark set by Martin Guptill earlier in the innings as the hosts swept t h e i r t w o - m a t c h series against Sri Lanka with a ninewicket win in Auckland on Sunday. Guptill first rewrote the record books when he took just 19 deliveries to bring up his eighth half century in the shortest form of the game before he was eventually dismissed for 63 after

smashing six boundaries and five sixes. His mark was then eclipsed by Munro some 20 minutes later when the left hander hit his seventh six to take New Zealand to 147 for one, the hosts chasing down Sri Lanka’s 142-8 total at Eden Park in just 10 overs. Munro’s half century came off 14 balls, the second fastest in international cricket behind India’s Yuvraj Singh (12 balls). He hit one four along with his seven maximums to finish unbeaten

The New Zealand side pose with the series trophy after sealing the T20I series 2-0, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I, Auckland, January 10, 2016. (Getty Images) on exactly 50. “It went really fast. I didn’t really know how many balls I faced until I got off the field,” Munro said in a televised interview. “Guppy (Guptill) has had a really good summer so far and to beat that record is very pleasing.” Captain Kane Williamson was 32 not out from 21 balls as the visitors completed victory with 60 deliveries to spare. “It was great viewing,” Williamson said of batting

with Guptill and Munro. “The way the two local boys batted... was pretty special. “It has been a hard fought series but today it was a great effort (and)... it’s exciting to see for the team and hopefully we can build on this as we move on to the World Cup.” The 2-0 series defeat also ensured Sri Lanka, the 2014 World Twenty20 champions, were replaced by West Indies at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20

rankings.Sri Lanka’s innings had been held together by test and one-day captain Angelo Mathews’ 81 not out, his highest score in the format, while opener Tillakaratne Dilshan scored a streaky 28. No other batsmen got into double figures. As in most of the limited overs matches on the tour, Sri Lanka’s top order failed to get their innings going, slumping to 39-3 in the seventh over. Their normally reliable,

and deep, middle order also failed to capitalise on Eden Park’s small boundaries as New Zealand’s bowlers varied their pace, line, length and flight, with part-time medium pacer Grant Elliott taking 4-22. The sixth Twenty20 World Cup takes place in India from March 8 to April 3. Scores: New Zealand 147 for 1 (Guptill 63, Munro 50) beat Sri Lanka 142 for 8 (Mathews 81*, Elliott 4-22) by nine wickets.

Packers pound Washington to close Wild Card round (Reuters) The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers overcame a sluggish start and rolled to a 35-18 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday to close out Wild Card weekend in the National Football League. The victory set up a date for Green Bay on the road next weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, completing the match-ups for the Divisional round of the playoffs as all four road teams were opening-round winners for the first time. The Seattle Seahawks, 109 winners on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, play NFC top-seeded Carolina Panthers, while AFC top seeds the Denver Broncos

host the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots entertain the Kansas City Chiefs. Green Bay fell behind 110 early in the second quarter before Rodgers, who completed only one-of-eight passes for 11 yards in the opening quarter, got the Packers’ attack in gear on an unseasonably warm, windy day in the U.S. capital. Rodgers, who had struggled down the stretch of the regular season, found his touch and confidence as the Packers ran off 17 points to head into intermission leading 17-11. Washington responded at the start of the second half, with quarterback Kirk Cousins scoring on a three-

yard quarterback draw that put the Redskins back on top 18-17. But Rodgers, mixing in an effective running game with James Starks and Eddie Lacey carrying the ball, directed Green Bay on a pair of touchdown drives, capping the second on with two-point pass conversion to put the Packers on top 32-18. Green Bay added a field goal and the spirited defense stopped Washington on fourth-down conversion attempts three times to clinch victory. Rodgers finished with a pair of touchdown passes, completed 21 of 36 passes for 210 yards, and led the Packers to points on five successive drives for the first time this season.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)