Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

DIVISIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE

Most Guyanese can see that the Government is attempting to right the wrongs of the previous administration by focusing first on the role of political appointments of PPP activists on State boards, the recovery of stolen State assets and the forensic auditing of several government departments and agencies. This proactive stance by the government required some senior personnel and heads of departments be sent on administrative leave to avoid compromising the exercise. The response from the PPP Opposition has been claims of discrimination and witch hunting on ethno-political grounds. This was expected, but who else should have been sent on administrative leave, when many of the personnel who allegedly committed wrongdoings have been PPP appointees in the first place. The accusation of ethnic cleansing by the PPP is wicked and is meant to disparage the government because senior management of other ethnicities were also sent on administrative leave pending investigations of wrongdoings in their departments. Furthermore, it is standard practice for any government to place individuals irrespective of race or ethnicity on administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations that may or may not involve them. The Commissioner General of GRA, Khurshid Sattaur; Head of NICIL, Winston Brassington; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Leslie Cadogan; and the Deputy Commissioner of GRA, Clement Sealey; are of different ethnicities but are on the same continuum. The basis for their dismissal would be based on evidence of wrongdoing on their part. However, the most forward-looking initiative of the government seems to be in local government elections which were last held in 1994 but are now scheduled to be held on March 18, 2016. The government should devolve more power to the local communities as promised so that they could have direct input in their own development. The biggest problem the leaders of the Opposition faced since their electoral defeat in May 2015 is their credibility and moral authority to criticize the Government on economic and financial issues, at least in the eyes of the public. The claim by the PPP leaders that it would have been in the national interest for the administration to collaborate with the heads of the department rather than the obviously confrontational attitude to send them home is absurd. Lest the people forget, it was no different in 1992 when the PPP came to office. In less than one month, the PPP fired more than 200 perceived supporters of the government who were really senior civil servants. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, the leaders of the PPP are crying foul. For them to accuse the government for doing the same thing that they had done is like the pot telling the kettle that its bottom is black. As a political party, the PPP has lost the trust and confidence of the people and seems destined to stay in Opposition for a while because it has very little appeal outside of its base of support. Its leaders’ strategy of distracting the government from fulfilling its mandate by legally challenging it on many issues is obscene. It will only delay the inevitable until the whole country realizes that the PPP is callous, untrustworthy and dishonest. Its mismanagement of billions of dollars of the taxpayers’ money, its alleged culpability in corrupt practices and its refusal to promote national unity among the races have rendered the PPP a divisive and destructive party. But the story does not end there. There is now a focus on the operations of the States Assets Recovery Unit and the Special Organised Crime Unit which the very PPP Government established and staffed. Let it be known that none of the people appointed to SOCU by the PPP has been sent home. These are the people conducting the investigations.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Letters... Where your views make the news

The DPP does appear in court cases DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to your published letter, “The DPP should have appeared,” page 6 of Sunday January 10, 2016 edition. Please be made aware of the following facts in the Matter of The State vs. Kevin Jordan for the offence of Buggery: 1. Bail in the sum of the $lM was granted by the Court of Appeal onDecember2l’,201’5 based on the fact that Kevin Jordan is likely to succeed on Appeal; 2. The majority verdict of 11 guilty to 1 not guilty by the jury was not properly received by the trial judge since it was in contravention of section

158 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act Cap. 10:01 which speaks to a minimum requirement of two hours deliberation by the jury once the verdict is not unanimous, meaning all twelve members of the jury are not in agreement; the jury in this particular case deliberated for 70 minutes. 3. The above mention section 158 has been interpreted in several cases by the Appellate Court to be mandatory, meaning it must be strictly complied with; in similar cases which were ventilated in the Appellate Court, the convicted person was not completely

exonerated on appeal, but retrials were ordered in those cases; 4. lt is conceded that indeed the offence committed by Kevin Jordon on this child is horrific, but let it be known that regardless of which state attorney appeared in this matter, the decision of the Court of Appeal would have remained the same given the foregoing; 5. Your writer and readers at large must know that in keeping with her constitutional mandate and responsibility, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Madam Shalimar Ali-Hack does appear in Court matters. Liz Rahaman

CITIZEN WRITES THE PRESIDENT ON THREE CRUCIAL ISSUES DEAR EDITOR, I was extremely happy, President Granger when the coalition you lead was elected to govern our country. The euphoria continued for a while because I was seeing positive moves like the transformation of Georgetown through the ongoing clean up and the energy of Minister Broomes especially. I saw betterment for every one of us in Guyana. Then I started seeing things that are extremely worrying because they were not being addressed as they ought to be. Mr. President, perception is everything and you need to avoid us perceiving that the best is not being done by you. This will avoid unwanted criticisms which can distract you and your team from more serious matters. Kindly allow me to discuss some issues that from my point of view are of much concern. 1. The removal of Minister Broomes from The Ministry for Social Protection – I am quite sure that many others perceive the removal of this most energetic and conscientious Minister is intended to appease the business people, especially the big foreign businesses that are exploiting Guyanese workers. When the Minister visits these businesses, she exposes them for who

they are and it was embarrassing them. Now Mr. President in my perception that you removed her to avoid her ruffling more feathers, you have placed her in the Natural Resources Ministry which has oversight of the mining industry thereby creating another controversy. Regardless of how much it is spun, Minister Broomes is in a clear position of conflict of interest for her profession is mining and she has some mining interests. Mr. President, it would help your image if you correct this situation very early. My suggestion is that Minister Broomes should have her own ministry that would speak to her strengths. Put her solely in charge of Labor and trafficking in persons. I know that it can be political ammunition for the opposition if you back track on this issue but it will enhance your image to me and countless others if you give Minister Broomes her own ministry for it would be the right thing to do. Just forget the politics and maybe, personalities. I say for there is a rumor that Minister Broomes and Minister Lawrence don’t agree. If this is so, then once again the correct thing to do is to give Minister Broomes her own ministry.

2. The use of the intelligence corp to do surveillance on a civilian – Mr. President this matter stinks to high heaven and I am very disturbed that so much incompetence was revealed when this tragic affair that led to the unnecessary death of three persons was made public. Mr. President, you are on record saying that no investigation is necessary. I humbly beg to disagree and wish to suggest that an introspection be done for three lives were lost unnecessarily. I shall not recapitulate the incident for too much of it has been written. What I would say though is that the Intelligence Corp must not be used to do the work of the Police Special Branch. It can cause disaffection and demoralize the members of the Special Branch. 3. The recent matter about the CEO (Ag) of GPL not being disciplined or investigated when he inappropriately communicated with a bidder for the procurement of pre-paid meters – Mr. President, this matter deserves more stringent action which will support the pledge made by you to eradicate corruption. Mr. President, how can such a matter be just swept away as if nothing wrong was done? Perception is everything and I perceive that this (Continued on page 23)

ADVOCACY OF CASTRATION FOR GUYANESE OFFENDERS DEAR EDITOR, Perhaps I should begin with a caveat, that the medicine about to be administered may adversely affect the minds and bodies of testosterone carriers. Daily I become deeply saddened at the crime rate, traffic accidents, maternal and infant mortality deaths and under age sexual abuse victims, currently ravaging an already morally decayed land. I am as stymied as the next in ascertaining a rationale for the current deviant displayed behaviors, by the inhabitants who still lay claim to the nomenclature human being. Recent case in question was the 40 year imprisonment term imposed on Murphy Noahan for having carnal knowledge of a 10 year old relative. This may seem to the presiding magistrate as an appropriate sentence

given the nature of the crime. However, I beg to differ strongly. The perpetrator has been imprisoned with no measures aimed at curbing his deviancy. Is there a commonly held belief that time would abate his surges and urges? Ironically enough he is just another addition to the growing number of sexual predators abounding in present day Guyana. Strangely enough, there are adults who in what can only be termed “questioning of my level of awareness’’, or position within “the loop” keep familiarizing me with the fact that rape and sexual knowledge of minors is nothing new in Guyana. To their well-preserved recall and knowledge, it was existing from time immemorial. This revelation caused me to send instantaneous silent orisons of gratitude to my departed parents

especially my father, while at the selfsame time considering myself sexually fortunate or a female Houdini of sorts that I never encountered or fell victim to these miscreants. Nevertheless, for whatever reason(s) one may proffer that such practices were not brought to the forefront then, does not in any way detract from the fact that it was a wrong then, and continues to be a wrong now. The 2007 United States (US) Country Reports on Human Rights Practice indicated that in Guyana report of sexual abuse of children were common (US 11 Mar. 2008, Sec. 5). The minimum age of consent for sexual activity for girls is sixteen years (Guyana 13 Feb. 2008; Every child / Help and Shelter Apr. 2008).The future (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

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

Quoting Shakespeare in support of good parenting

I am contesting the local government poll

DEAR EDITOR, I read the earnest, wellmeaning letter about the “urgent need for parenting classes and the need for an agency to conduct such classes. Way back in the 1950s, a young man, the only son in a family of 4 children, and very close to his mother, told me that “a mother makes a home” and if a child has a “good” mother, that child is set for life. I have always remembered that assessment and, from personal observation throughout the years, I have concluded that this young man was right. Now I ask myself “How does one teach parenting skills”? Parenting, to me, is instinctive, and may be based on the age of the parent/s and their own experience as children. In some cases, they either continue the pattern, or go in the opposite direction. Parenting attitudes may be passed on from generation to generation. Summing up, it seems largely instinctive - a

parent is either nurturing and caring or not. It is not something that can be easily “taught”, in the manner of cooking, cleaning and garment- making. It sometimes takes strangers to come to the defence of youngsters being unfairly treated. Many years ago, when 20-year old Prince Harry was constantly sniped at, by the public in general, and sections of the media seemed to get a kick out of the chap’s discomfort, I became so angry about the unfairness of it all, that I took it upon myself to try to present his predicament as I saw it. The chap was being hounded - he visited a ‘watering hole’ one night and emerged to photographers’ flashlights and impertinent questions about his academic record. To me, the last straw. At one stage, I had pointed out that he may be a Prince, but he was also a human being - “if you prick him, would he not bleed”? (to quote Shakespeare). Moreover, his

mother had helped so many of our children, now it was time for us to help one of hers, I wrote to my ‘daily’, pointing out that the young man had lost his doting mother when on the brink of puberty, had held himself together well, and was now - at age 20 - without a job and doing the best he could. Drawing on what I had seen while working in Guyana’s probation service, I mentioned that the chap seemed bored and needed a “proper job”. His aptitudes and skills should be checked out, and he should be allowed to say how he would like to use those gifts. I was so happy when he settled in a branch of the forces, and became popular among his colleagues. He only needed a ‘break’. Today, that once ‘misplaced soul’ is perhaps the most popular member of the Royal Family. He moves easily among others. His mother should be very proud of him. Geralda Dennison

DEAR EDITOR, I perceive that the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) will be played out as organized chaos. It seems like after the 23 years void of LGE and the reformatting of the electoral districts, everybody is ignorant and confused as to the process of the upcoming elections. The ignorance is so glaring that there are some in the race stating emphatically that they are running for Mayor. As I understand it, the Mayors are elected from among the elected counselors. One does not and cannot run for Mayor. If among those who are engrossed in the process there remain such blatant ignorance as to the process, imagine what eludes the minds of the electorate. With only two months left to the elections, there is yet to be any significant campaigning or sensitizing among the voting public. Except a candidate has significant funds or a huge

DEAR EDITOR, A recent blog post trending on social media made me hurl with laughter. The article titled “The Best Minister in the Coalition Government” refers to Simona Broomes, and is written by a young woman who signs “without wax.” While we are all fully entitled to express our opinions freely within the confines of mutual respect, describing Broomes as being honest has to come from someone who is ill-informed, who has a sinister plot to mislead readers or who whether voluntarily or

in exchange of payment is promoting PR. The articles states that “It is because of her no-nonsense attitude and honesty that people are fast becoming supporters of Broomes”. The writer goes on to say “I only hope that Broomes’ image and refreshing honesty remain untouched by the more sinister characters around her”. I wouldn’t comment on the attitude of Broomes, for she must have portrayed to the author some level of dignity, self-respect and humility to be worthy of such a de-

DEAR EDITOR, Some sportsmen are known to be proud and are not approachable, some are friendly and a few are humourous. Chris Gayle., the hard hitting Jamaican/West Indian batsman is in my view a”down to earth” and a good mixer so much so he finds himself in trouble. He was accused of exposing himself to a female attendant in his dressing room during the world cup and was fined $10,000 for being impolite to a female reporter. I saw the interview and he merely said “just to see your eyes for the first time.... don’t blush baby” .. we can have a drink later....” In my view he

made the statement in jest.. he was merely joking. The reporter did not seem to be offended by his statement. However he was fined $10,000 which in my view was severe. Now for the former Australian captain Ian Chappel to call for a world wide ban is in my view is ridiculous. The 72 year old former batsman would have never called for a ban against an Australian or an English player for inappropriate comments. Some players go overboard at times with their comments, but in most cases the statements are made in jest and not to insult or annoy anyone. Oscar Ramjeet

scription in the article. What the public gathers from her behaviour will speak for itself. However, in terms of honesty, Broomes is the Minister (Junior) of the coalition who has blatantly misled the Guyanese people in July, and who was forced to shed light on her mining status when she was shifted to the newly renamed Natural Resources Ministry. The world would remember that in July, when a media house published an article informing the public that Broomes was among those miners possessing at least 3 mining blocks in Tasserene, a proposed Amerindian title land, the Minister viciously attacked the said news source and threatened to file a lawsuit. The statements which Broomes described as being “scandalous” and libellous were not retracted and the lawsuit was launched. Now, the Junior Minister has had to force the truth out of her mouth when she de-

clared last week that she does possess 3 blocks at Issano, which is in Tasserene, but that she sees no conflict of interest in this. I will abstain from commenting on the violation of Amerindian rights as the renamed Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry will have to take responsibility for its own complacency in this matter. I will also abstain from commenting on the conflict of interest as the Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated has already taken up this charge. However, to say that Broomes is exemplary is to be ill informed at best and myopic at worst. To say that she is blessed with “refreshing honesty” is to take Guyanese people for fools, and condone the brevity in her explanation of this boisterous Minister who cannot tell the difference between prostitution and rafficking in Persons. Anna Correia.

How good, candid and forthcoming is Simona Broomes?

Chris Gayle was merely joking

volunteer squad, it will be virtually impossible to satisfactorily articulate and communicate one’s manifesto to his constituents. I have decided to ask the voters in the 8th constituency (Stabroek - Wortmanville Werk-en-Rust) to consider me as their representative. My challenge is, how do I in two months, cover this constituency which extends from the drainage canal between South Road and Croal street thence along Chalmers place thence into Hadfield street at its northern extremity to Princess street at its southern extremity to Vlissengen road at its eastern extremity to the Demerara river at its western extremity? I am wondering if there should not have been a longer time allotted to the campaigning process for such a significant election. The persons who will be putting themselves forward to represent their communities and spend taxpayers’ monies need to be vetted and their proposals need to be clarified and expanded upon. Anybody could promise anything. What will be needed are debates and interviews, with tough questions being asked. The voters in any and every constituency should be afforded the privilege of town hall meetings and question and answer segments involving their proposed representatives. The intent of the LGE should not just be to fill positions. Guyana needs help and the best and brightest minds, with the most practical and comprehensive solutions should be the ones elected to serve. And the constituents should get a good chance to make their objective evaluations of the candidates. After all, it is from among the elected counselors that Mayors will be chosen. President Granger has begun to extend the townships

across Guyana. This will mean that persons with insight and political fortitude will have to lead in the establishment of new policies and regulations, in their respective Townships. Their roles cannot be taken lightly. Georgetown will be the Town to watch. Recently it has begun to look alive again. One would argue that it was dead due to narrow political vindictiveness and administrative malice. Both sides of the political spectrum will argue that the other side was to blame. It will be wise therefore, for the people of Georgetown to stay clear of electing anyone who can pivot the Town back to the former ‘dead’ days. Georgetown must elect Councilors and then a Mayor, who can attract support from whichever political party is governing the country. It would be a travesty of anything decent or unconscionable to allow Georgetown to become a political football ever again. So as you go to the polls, think hard and long about what you want Guyana to become. This will depend largely upon whom you vote for. Of course this too will depend on what they say and don’t say. I just wish we had more time for vetting. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey

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Tuesday January 12, 2016

Police covering up sexual abuse in Mahdia - Ministers told - deadly Mowasie mining pit remains closed Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has assured Region Eight miners that the coalition Government is committed to ensuring that they can ply their trade to maintain their livelihood and secure their fair share of Guyana’s national patrimony. The assurance was given at a town hall-styled meeting held in Mahdia on Sunday morning. Trotman was accompanied by a team comprising Minister within the Ministry, Simona Broomes, officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the regional administration and Commander of ‘F’ Division, Ravindradat Budhram. This was the two Ministers’ first community outreach since their appointment as head of the re-aligned Natural Resources Ministry, a Ministry of the Presidency release said yesterday. ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE The state of the roads in the region is a major bugbear for residents, with many of the miners who turned up complaining of an adverse impact on their livelihoods. Trotman disclosed that the paving of roads in Mahdia has been catered for in the 2016 National Budget-- which is expected to be presented to the National Assembly, shortly. The project will be overlooked by the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, and Communities. Additionally, the region’s water woes should soon come to an end, as engineers from the Guyana Water Incorpo-

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, makes a point during the meeting with residents and small miners in Mahdia, Region Eight, on Sunday. Miners listen as Mahdia resident, Pastor Michael Matterson, voices his concerns to the Ministers. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, interacts with residents after the meeting on Sunday at Mahdia, Region 8.

rated (GWI) have already moved into the area and are set to start working. MINING PITACCIDENTS The administration is also concerned about the incidence of mining pit cave-ins. Last year, mining pit accidents

resulted in a number of fatalities, the worst occurring at Mowasie, Region Eight, and claimed the lives of 11 miners. Since then, mining operations there have been closed down. Trotman said that this mine will not be re-opened until its safety standards are properly verified. He said that his Ministry will not condone haphazard mining practices that put

people’s lives at risk. He did reveal, however, that the operations at Jumbie Creek, where a miner died after one of its walls caved-in last year, has been reopened. “Many modifications have been made and it’s supposed to be a model [of] how things should be done and how to make sure that walls don’t collapse,” he said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister Broomes who reminded that mining fatalities should not be taken lightly. “One life is one too many…negligence is like suicide,” she said. UNDERAGE DRINKING, DRUG USE Meanwhile, the

Coalition’s Region Eight Member of Parliament, Gloria Bancroft, spoke of instances where reports of sexual abuse were allegedly being swept under the rug by police officers who are believed to be taking bribes. “When people make a report to the Mahdia Police Station, they get no satisfaction,” she said. Minister Broomes, who is well-known for her untiring advocacy of fighting all forms of human trafficking and abuse, called on Commander Budhram to ensure that the law is upheld, particularly as it relates to the sale of alcohol and drugs to minors. “Commander, it is one of the areas I am asking of you, personally, to have the police take a different line of action to protect these young girls, we have to protect them… charge the owners of these businesses,” she said. The Commander, who was recently moved from Rabbit Walk, Eve Leary to Bartica in order to better serve ‘F’ Division, gave assurances of his full support to ensuring that law and order is maintained in Region Eight. With regards to complaints made by residents of instances of police misconduct, Commander Budhram said that the Force has a zerotolerance for police roguery and emphasised that any officer that is found to be in collision with the law will be dismissed. He also gave residents his personal phone number to contact him directly if they are being pushed around by law enforcement

officers, or if they have reason to believe that matters are being covered up. LAND ISSUES The overlapping of a land boundary that is the source of much contention, even engaging the attention of the court, was the subject of an extensive discussion at the meeting. At the close, Minister Trotman urged the parties involved to work to find an amicable solution. Meanwhile, Toshao of Micobie, John Andrews, lamented that most of his community’s titled lands have been issued to miners. The Minister made it clear that the law states that no mining could take place on their land without the Toshao and the Village Council’s permission. Further, he added, President David Granger has ordered a Land Commission to be established by March to review all lands, both ancestral and leased. “We will ensure that there is lands for pork knockers, land for everybody just to reassure you. This is the national patrimony of Guyana and everybody has a right to it,” Minister Trotman said. On Friday, discussions are expected to continue in Georgetown when the Natural Resources Ministry hosts a symposium for small-miners at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on the East Coast Demerara. At this forum, miners will be able to discuss their problems openly with Government officials as well as make recommendations on the way forward.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Woolford part of Commonwealth team observing Vanuatu elections A former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert Ingraham, will lead a Commonwealth Observer Group to Vanuatu for its General Election on January 22. Included in that team too is Guyanese, Enrico Woolford, Editor-in-Chief of Capitol News. The snap election is being held nine months ahead of schedule, following a period of political instability in which 14 Members of Parliament were convicted of bribery. The convictions led to a political deadlock between the Government and the Opposition which prompted President Baldwin Lonsdale to dissolve Parliament. The Commonwealth’s Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, mobilised the Observer Group at the invitation of the Vanuatu Government. He said its work would complement the Commonwealth’s ongoing effort to support democracy in the country. ”The Commonwealth has a long history of assistance

Enrico Woolford to Vanuatu. We have been working with the Government and with all political leaders to strengthen democratic processes and institutions in the country,” he stated. Last year the Commonwealth facilitated a dialogue among political leaders that could lead to a road map for reform. The Observer Group will contribute to this process by offering practical recommen-

dations to strengthen Vanuatu’s electoral process based on their observations. The five-member team will examine pre-election preparations, voting and counting procedures and the announcement of results. They will assess any factor affecting the credibility of the elections and determine whether they were conducted according to international standards and the laws of Vanuatu. The Observer Group will submit its report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will in turn send it to the Government of Vanuatu, the Electoral Commission and the principal political parties. It will subsequently be released online. The observers will be supported by a four-member staff team, led by Albert Mariner of the Political Division of the Secretariat. The staff team will arrive in Vanuatu on 13 January and depart five days after the elections.

Greenheart Tree Energy responds to Granger’s call to the Diaspora …looking to provide “more economical” electricity to Guyana Greenheart Tree Energy, a company born out of a desire to serve Guyana, is looking to provide energy at a cheaper rate. Currently, the company is working with the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) to understand the issues with the water supply and how it can lend assistance with problem on the electrical grid. Representatives of the company said yesterday that it is looking to provide solutions that can help to benefit Guyanese through the adequate supply of water. This will be done through the use of solar energy. Solar energy is, simply, energy provided by the sun. This energy is in the form of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar electricity possible. Energy produced from that source is generally cheaper. Greenheart Tree Energy officials said yesterday that the plan is not to replace the entire existing generation facility as that will still be needed. It was said that the solar panels will just be a supplement, a back up for generators already in place. Officials explained that in this way if a generator goes down or is problematic, there would not be need for the shutting down of the entire grid down “because we will be supporting from the other end. So we are not trying to take anyone’s business away. It’s a benefit for the entire population.” The team said that the long term vision of the company will

be of great benefit to Guyana. The company is looking to secure the construction of a number of energy facilities and maintain and operate them under the BOOT (Buy Own Operate Transfer) system. The company said that this model was proposed by the government. “What we will like to do is bring components to Guyana and build an assembling facility so we can produce panels in Guyana for Guyana and export them to the rest of the Caribbean.” Company representatives said that President David Granger had appealed to the Guyanese Diaspora in Canada for them to return and invest in their country. It was pointed out that the President also spoke about the vision for

green energy and a green economy. “As a result this company was formed. Its Chief Executive Officer is Edmund Klass, a former Queen’s College student and now a successful entrepreneur in Canada. This is a response to that call and we think that we represent two aspects of his vision for Guyana, which is having Diaspora Guyanese return and helping to achieve a green economy, this (company) was put together to specifically do that,” said Lindsay Davidson, a former reporter with the Guyana Chronicle and now a public relations consultant in Canada Officials said that if they are given the go ahead, systems can be up and ready within six months.

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Oil falls 7 percent to new lows; could hit $20 on China woes (Reuters) - A brutal new year selloff in oil markets deepened yesterday, with prices plunging as much as 7 percent to new 12year lows as further ructions in the Chinese stock market threatened to knock crude as low as $20 a barrel. Yesterday, China’s bluechip stocks fell by another 5 percent and overnight interest rates for the yuan outside of China soared to nearly 40 percent, their highest since the launch of the offshore market. Morgan Stanley warned that a further devaluation of the yuan could send oil prices

spiraling into the $20-$25 per barrel range, extending the year’s nearly 15 percent slide. While China’s volatility is spooking traders over the outlook for demand from the world’s No. 2 consumer, drillers in the United States say they are focused on keeping their wells running as long as possible, despite the slump, executives told a Goldman Sachs conference last week. “The focus is still on China and the demand concerns in China moving forward into 2016,” said Tony Headrick, an energy market analyst at CHS Hedging LLC.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attack the chancellor while members of her own conservative party warned that integrating the hundreds of thousands of migrants who arrived last year would fail if the influx were not stopped immediately. “If the influx continues as it has, then integration can’t work,” said Carsten Linnemann, a lawmaker in Merkel’s Christian

Democrats (CDU). “If we get another 800,000 or a million people arriving this year, then we won’t be able to do this,” he added, playing on Merkel’s optimistic “we can do this” mantra. A report from the Interior Ministry in the state of North RhineWesphalia (NRW), where Cologne lies, said a total of 516 criminal complaints had been registered, 237 of which were of a sexual nature. A separate report from the Cologne police gave graphic descriptions of the crimes, listing case after case of women surrounded by gangs of men who put their hands in the victims’ pants and skirts, grabbed them between the legs, on the buttocks and the breasts, often while stealing their wallets and cell phones. A total of 19 suspects have been identified, all of them foreigners.

President will not interfere in... From page 2 that his simple contention was to establish that no member of the Executive, inclusive of the President, has any authority to determine which matters should or should not be investigated by the Guyana Police Force. “The incident under review resulted in the death of three citizens, including a member of the Guyana Defence Force. A police investigation in these circumstances is mandatory. “I made those comments in response to statements attributed to His Excellency, the President in the press,” Nandlall explained. “It seems to have escaped the attention of the Ministry of Presidency that apart from an army officer, two civilians

also lost their lives and the operation from which the loss of lives resulted was a civilian operation and not a military one. “Therefore whatever course of action the Chief of Staff has planned, it has nothing to do with the Police duty to carry out its mandatory obligations under the Police Act to launch an investigation,” he added. According to the former Attorney General, when the Commander in Chief sends out a particular signal, the Police Force appears to collapse into a paralysis and no investigation seems to be forthcoming. He said that the overwhelming public perception is that the President has shut

Aid convoy reaches besieged, starving Syrian town

Brent crude futures fell $2.15 to $31.40 a barrel by 1:19 p.m. EDT (1819 GMT), their lowest since April 2004. Brent has fallen more than 15 percent in six straight days of losses, the worst such slump in a year ago. Long-dated Brent crude prices for 2017 and 2018 fell nearly as hard as the tumbling front-month contract on Monday amid a scramble of producer hedging, according to dealers. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped $2.05 a barrel to $31.11, the lowest since December 2003.

Merkel under pressure as German gangs lash out against foreigners (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel faced growing pressure to harden her line on refugees yesterday as the first extensive police report on New Year’s Eve violence in Cologne documented rampant sexual assaults on women by gangs of young migrant men. Cologne police said at least 11 foreigners, including Pakistanis, Guineans and Syrians, had been injured on Sunday evening in attacks by hooligans bent on revenge for the assaults in the city. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere condemned those attacks and warned against a broader backlash against refugees following the events in Cologne, which have deepened scepticism toward Merkel’s policy of welcoming migrants. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party seized on the latest developments to

Tuesday January 12, 2016

down any investigation into the incident. As a result, members of the public continue to agitate for a full investigation. “Like me, the Guyana Bar Association believes that His Excellency has erred and it has issued a call for a full inquiry into this matter. The Bar Association in a statement had disagreed with the president's position. “In my humble view, rather than obfuscate the matter further by its statement, a more prudent course would have been for the Ministry of the Presidency to make it excruciatingly clear that a full and thorough investigation into the incident by the Guyana Police Force is expected,” Nandlall stated.

A convoy consisting of Red Cross, Red Crescent and United Nations (UN) gather before heading towards to Madaya from Damascus, and to al Foua and Kefraya in Idlib province, Syria yesterday. (Reuters/Omar Sanadiki) (Reuters) - An aid convoy entered a besieged Syrian town yesterday where thousands have been trapped without supplies for months and people are reported to have died of starvation. Trucks carrying food and medical supplies reached Madaya near the Lebanese border and began to distribute aid as part of an agreement between warring sides, the United Nations and the Red Cross said. Dozens are said to have died from starvation or lack of medical care in the town and activists say some inhabitants have been reduced to eating leaves. Images said to be of emaciated residents have appeared widely on social media. At the same time, another convoy began entering two Shi’ite villages, al Foua and Kefraya in the northwestern province of Idlib 300 km (200 miles) away. Rebel fighters in military fatigues and with scarves covering their faces inspected the aid vehicles in

the rain before they entered. Madaya is besieged by pro-Syrian government forces, while the two villages in Idlib province are encircled by rebels fighting the Syrian government. Women cried out with relief as the first four trucks, carrying the banner of the Syria Red Crescent crossed into Madaya after sunset, with civilians waiting on the outskirts of the town as the temperature dropped and it began to get dark. Offloading aid supplies was expected to last through the night, and the full aid operation several days, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. Images said to be from Madaya and showing skeletal men with protruding ribcages were published by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group that monitors the war, while an emaciated baby in a nappy with bulging eyes was shown in other posts. Madaya residents on the

outskirts of the town said they wanted to leave. There was widespread hunger and prices of basic foods such as rice had soared, with some people living off water and salt, they said. One opposition activist has said people were eating leaves and plants. The blockade of Madaya has become a focal issue for Syrian opposition leaders, who told a U.N. envoy last week they would not take part in talks with the government, slated for later this month, until it and other sieges are lifted. The United Nations said on Thursday the Syrian government had agreed to allow access to Madaya, where U.N. officials say there have been credible reports of people dying of starvation. Dr Mohammed Yousef, who heads a local medical team in Madaya, said on Monday that 67 people had died either of starvation or lack of medical aid in the last two months, mostly women, children and the elderly.

Villagers blame three gruesome... From page 3 cooperation. “If the vigilante come back it would be good yes, but people got to come out and nah only come out for a couple hours and go back in, but patrol whole night. Even daytime too because sometimes during the day things happening…” he said. At Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice, members of the same gang allegedly attacked Anita Baichan and badly injured her son Moshim Khan. Mother and son were bound with duct tape and repeatedly beaten to hand over 'more money.' Their home set alight while they were inside. The son managed to escape, while his mother was burnt alive.

Police had initially suspected persons close to the family of setting up the attack. However, following his arrest on Saturday, one of the teens, Gokun Madanpaul, confessed to helping to kill Mrs. Baichan, and admitted his involvement in the killing of the couple at Bush Lot. He was allegedly assisted by a former murder accused. He allegedly told police that hours before invading Anita Baichan's Plantain Hope, West Coast Berbice home, he and the former murder accused entered an abandoned house which is located near to Mrs. Baichan's property. There, the suggestion came up about robbing Mrs. Baichan.

They then left the house, and while walking in the community, they used a cutlass to 'broadside' the hut of a guard who was on duty at a school. They also relieved the guard of his bicycle. The two men then headed to Mrs. Baichan's home, and one of them entered through a window, before letting his accomplice in. He said they attacked Baichan and her son, Moshim Khan, in their bedrooms. They then set the house alight. Yesterday, some villagers of Plantation Hope were happy and relieved that the killers were caught. The community is now a safer place with the arrest of the gang, they said.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

This year has started tragically for Guyana. A spate of robberies, in which the victims were murdered, has been accompanied by a spate of suicides and attempted suicides. The government has been quick to respond. But how successful will be that response considering that data on suicide in Guyana, its incidence and its distribution are a well-guarded secret? There is also a paucity of in-depth cross-sectional studies on this phenomenon which has countless lives in Guyana. It is easy, of course, to detect, without research, patterns of suicide in Guyana. It occurs predominantly in rural communities. Suicide rates are higher in farming areas which have easy access to herbicides and weedicides. Suicide amongst women is higher than men. More East Indians commit suicide that any other ethnic group. These patterns which can be empirically verified do not tell the whole story. They tell us that suicide is a major problem within East Indian communities. They tell us that most victims prefer the use of toxic poisons to kill themselves. But do they indicate why people kill themselves?

Kaieteur News

There are a number of problems with analyzing suicides in Guyana. Apart from the issue of the reliability of the data, there is the more serious issue of analyzing the data. Suicide rates in Guyana are high. These high rates have in recent times been distorted by the fact that counting among the persons who commit suicides are those persons who commit murder in the course of domestic violence and then decide to end their own lives. The large numbers of murders who opt to take their lives rather than face the Courts suggest two things. They indicate that in any analysis of suicide account has to be taken of this factor which should not be confused with other cases in which persons take their lives within having committed a crime. The large number of murder-based suicide also point to an important causal factor, hopelessness. The presumption has always been that people who kill themselves have problems and these problems that push people to suicide. This may be true but it is not the reason why they kill themselves. Research elsewhere has

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo not wanted at Sarwan gym When Soulja Bai open he mouth and wrang talk to de police, how dem mustn’t kill dem criminals was big celebration through de length and breadth of Guyana. Some of dem criminals even go to church to celebrate. Dem cry out, “Thank you father fuh sending Soulja Bai.” De whole nation vex wid him, including dem boys. Even Soulja Bai own Cabinet members tell dem boys that he shoulda talk de thing quietly to de top brass of de police force. This is wha give dem criminal spunks because none policeman want to shoot anybody and get charge and got to go to prison. Is nah only Soulja Bai eye pass de police force. De Canadians shy a few pennies to de police and demand big publicity. De money is fuh equipment fuh help See-all and he boys see and hear all de criminal activities across de country. But de money can only buy one hearing aid fuh See-all alone. Dem boys seh he hard of hearing and on top of that he out of shape. Is a good thing Sarwan open a gym. Dem boys want wish him well and hope that he fuss join de gym so that See-all can follow suit. Dem boys hear he come to give Buddy’s gym a run fuh its money. De only way he can do that he got to mek sure Irfaat wuk out deh. He got to bring back big fat Brazzy, he deputy, plus Luncheon fuh raise he hand. Dem boy seh dem got one, one friends, colleagues, associates and couple criminal that dem plan to recommend. But dem warning Sarwan if he want to be successful wid that business he open, which dem boys believe he gun do good wid, he betta don’t fuh one second think fuh let that scamp Jagdeo be a member, there. Fuh sure dem boys don’t believe that Sarwan so stupid fuh know wha Jagdeo do to Guyana fuh keep he close, much less accept him as a member. Talk half and invite Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan.

established this. Last year, Psychology Today published an article by Dr. Todd Kashdan in which he asserted that people do not commit suicide because they are in pain; they commit suicide because they see no reason for going on living. Hopelessness is therefore, according to this research conducted in the United States, one of the main reasons for suicide. This will explain why a well off young lady would throw herself off the Kaieteur Falls after putting a note on social media asking, “What is the use having everything and not being happy?” She

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had everything except happiness. She saw no hope and therefore she jumped. The men who kill their paramours and then take their lives also see no hope. They know that the death penalty is facing them. They therefore end their lives. A man was once charged by the Guyana Revenue Authority for not paying his entertainment tax for a small dance that he usually holds. The man was taken before the court and his composure crumbled. He saw only problems ahead and so he ran out of the court and jumped into the river. A former part-time cricket commentator had can-

cer. One New Year’s eve, he parked his vehicle in front of a funeral parlour and blew his brains out. It was not the pain that he was enduring that drove him to kill himself; it was the fact that he had nothing to look forward to in the future other than this pain. It was hopelessness that drove him to commit suicide. Another prominent citizen who had everything he wanted also killed himself because of his illness. He also saw only hopelessness. The problem that the government should be addressing is not suicide, it is hopelessness. Everyone has their problems but not everyone

will take to committing suicide. Why some people succumb to the fear of hopelessness, it is just as complicated. There are cultural rather than ethnic factors at work. There is also the issue of the easy availability of deadly poisons. It is important that the government not go looking to solve relational problems as a strategy to reduce suicide. They should address why people see no light ahead.

PPP sees Broomes’ new post as conflict of interest - in light of contractual agreement with Pharsalus Gold Inc The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is decrying the transfer of former junior Minister of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, to the Ministry of Natural Resources, claiming that a conflict of interest will arise. This was communicated at the party’s weekly press conference by General Secretary, Clement Rohee. According to Rohee, the Minister will be hampered in the conduct of her duties, as she has a “contractual agreement” with Pharsalus Gold Inc. “How can Broomes be responsible for overseeing the natural resources sector in Guyana, when she has a contractual agreement with Pharsalus Gold Inc (Troy Resources)?” Rohee asked. He queried whether Broomes would act or turn a blind eye, should there be breaches in the Occupational Safety and Health Protection of workers’ rights in the forestry and mining sectors. In addition, he posited a scenario of what would happen if the company did not com-

Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes ply with the various laws. Rohee stated that even if Broomes’s subject Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, steps in if a conflict of interest arises, the damage would have already been done. REMOVAL WAS ANTICIPATED Rohee said that Broomes’s removal had been anticipated by the party, as “her forays into the interior

to address Trafficking in Persons (TIP) matters, without informing or consulting the subject Minister did not go down well.” “Broomes found herself embattled with several of her Cabinet colleagues, including the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Business, and more especially with her subject Minister, Volda Lawrence.” “(But) what was not expected was her placement at the Ministry of National Resources, to keep a watchful eye on Trotman,” Rohee went on to declare. “The move can be characterized as putting a cat to watch milk.” To support this conclusion, Rohee said that Trotman came under criticism for “flip-flopping” on Chinese logging giant Bai-Shan Lin. Rohee also had harsh words for former Junior Minister of Communities, with responsibility for housing Keith Scott. Referring to Scott as an “abysmal failure,” he laid the blame for the slowdown in the sector at the feet of Scott.

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee “Scott has proven to be an abysmal failure at a once dynamic and progressive Ministry.” Rohee said. “The sector is now on its death bed. Whether Valerie AdamsPatterson will be capable of reviving the housing sector is left to be seen.” Simona Broomes, after more than seven months as Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, is now a Minister within the Minister of Natural Resources. She will have sweeping powers to oversee a clean-up of labour problems in the gold bush and logging operations. But her appointment did not come without some (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 12, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

President Granger has to stop the City Council’s asininities Is there a conspiracy inside the upper echelons of the City Council to embarrass the Coalition Government? Is it possible there are elements that have a long incestuous relation with the Jagdeo regime that, in highly subtle ways, want to embarrass the Government so as to provide widening space for the PPP’s activism in the upcoming local government elections?

As soon as the Coalition got into office, acts of bravado in the City Council became graphically conspicuous. The Town Clerk issued edicts on the atrocity of pavement encumbrances. But open occupation of the pavements by rich business people was not manifest. This writer highlighted a fruit and vegetable importer whose business place is on the pavement.

A major private school has taken over a part of the parapet and has canopied it. I go to the perimeters of Bourda Market quite often. This area would take in North Road, Orange Walk and Bourda Street. The vendors make serious accusations of corruption against certain City council officials. Any analyst who is worth his/her salt would be a fool to deny that corruption was not

entrenched in the City Council from way, way back and is still there. This columnist knows about a big, big vendor on Bourda Street that has an oligarchic relation with the City Constabulary. It is a barefaced form of village hegemony that needs to be extirpated after the local government elections. These city police personnel would be openly seen remonstrating with poor vendors about pieces of their stands jutting out on the roadway, of dirty woods, of goods not properly stacked but would not touch the village oligarch. Obviously! The man has a billion boxes of brown envelopes. Interestingly, the boys on the street corners refer to a $500 bill as a Ramotar; $1,000 note as a Jagdeo and the recent green-coloured five thousand bill as a Granger. Maybe the large vendor with his huge building likes to give Grangers away. I have heard millions of times people say; “Owh maan, dem city constabulary and policemen wuk hard and draw down little so deh must tek duh ting.” That is nonsense. I grew up as a pauper on Wortmanville and never tek

nobody ting, so did my sisters and brothers. I know of thousands of poor folks who aren’t tekking anybody ting but wukking for a living. If City Constabulary personnel and policemen need more money then find another avenue to get it but not at the expense of people’s rights. How can you justify a traffic cop stopping a woman with her baby and bullying her to give him two Grangers? After pavement encumbrances, City Council moved to Bourda Street and coerced vendors all because a rich businessman wanted to remove the derelict former Bedford School. One can understand the building had to be demolished but you cannot go like a tyrant and forcefully remove poor vendors like that. The present City Council hates the word, “consultation.” The City Council is a bully that is contemptuous of consultations and the people of this country that voted for democracy must put a stop to this autocracy immediately. So we come now to the car park on the East Street Avenue between Middle Street and New Market Street. Again no consultation. The residents woke up to find a circle of steel poles and are

Frederick Kissoon instructed to pay $360 for the first hour and $300 for every hour thereafter. If ever journalism was entitled to use the word asininity to describe mal-administration and bad governance in a country, this is the occasion. Where are second and third level white collar workers who have a modest car and work for over nine hours at the Georgetown Public Hospital going to find $60,000 a month in parking fees? How could any city official be so stupid to come up with that? Why should residents and employees of the Georgetown Hospital pay $60,000 a month to park where they live and work? Hamilton Green and Royston King should tell the nation how much they pay City Council to park where they work. President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo and the Cabinet should tell the nation how much in monthly parking fees they pay when they go to their offices. The answer to both questions is not one cent. They have parking facilities on the streets outside of City Hall and the Ministries. Why then should nurses, doctors, clerks, X-ray technicians and other medical employees pay $60, 000 per month to park where they work? I wonder who is advising the City Council. Is it, Chris Gayle?

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

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GAWU denies receiving $18M from GuySuCo for workers training The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has denied receiving millions of dollars from the Guyana Sugar Corporation to train sugar workers. The union made the statements, yesterday, in reference to a news story which appeared in the January 06, 2016 edition of the Guyana Chronicle titled “GAWU pocketing millions to train sugar workers”. “The Union, having reviewed the article, is of the view that it is misleading and an attempt to hoodwink and misguide its readership and the public. The assertion that the union received some $18M from GuySuCo for training of sugar workers at the GAWU Labour College between 2011 and August, 2015, is completely and utterly fallacious.” Rather, the

sum referred to, if correct; represent wages paid to employees who were granted paid-release to attend union sponsored courses. “This practice has been in existence for many decades now and is enshrined in the Collective Labour Agreement between the union and the corporation,” GAWU said. With regards to the article also asserting that the college curriculum has no bearing on the sugar industry, GAWU said this, too, is furthest from the truth. “In the short duration of a standard course, the union in support of the sugar industry has allotted GuySuCo six sessions during each course in which the corporation’s personnel have the opportunity to interface with participants to discuss the challenges and problems

which face and confront the sugar industry.” GAWU said that it should be noted, also, that the paidrelease of workers to attend union-sponsored courses, or other courses, is not peculiar to the sugar industry, but indeed an activity embraced by all trade unions and entities whether publicly or privatelyowned, and has been an invaluable practice that sustains healthy industrial relations in our society. “GAWU calls to attention that the attendance of workers to our union courses, conferences and similar educative activities, was won out of the struggles of the working-class and not without resistance from the owner-class circles and their collaborators. “Today, such an activity has become, in a sense, part

GAWU Labour College

of the workers’ expectation and their work-life. Workers cherish this right dearly. It is a right to be steadfastly defended by the Trade Union Movement if there are attempts to roll back this hardwon gain.” GAWU said that the Chronicle story is not only a clear distortion of what is

conveyed in the Commission of Inquiry Report, but represents the latest attack on the right of sugar workers to benefit from Trade Union education and training. “The story cannot be delinked from the other misinformation and other assaults which have been perpetuated in recent times

against the workers and their primary organizations. Of course, the COI’s recommendation to discontinue payment for employees’ participation in courses run by the GAWU Labour College, is not only difficult to fathom but provides a glimpse of what might be further assaults on workers’ gains and benefits.”

MPI renames Force Account Unit

The rebranding has already taken effect. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Force Account Unit has officially been renamed – it is now the Special Projects Unit. The new name recently took effect after a decision was made last month. According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the name change was a needed one. He explained that the unit was initially created to conduct minor and emergency works. However, Minister Patterson said that

over the years the unit evolved and took on greater responsibilities. “The unit moved from simply being for emergency works and it took on some special projects. Due to this expanding role, we decided to find a more suitable name,” Minister Patterson explained. He further said that the rebranding will allow the unit to play an active role in the Ministry’s annual workload. The Special Projects Unit will still fall under the Ministry’s Works Services Group.

The Special Projects Unit conducting repair works on a section of a badly damaged road in Tucville, Georgetown.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 12, 2016

UNICEF assessment... Figures decreasing in Gastro outbreak GPHC fails to meet Baby

...doctor says everything under control The number of cases in the recent gastroenteritis outbreak at Baramita, Region One, which infected over 60 persons, is rapidly decreasing, Public Health Minister George Norton said. Norton stated that the doctor, who is responsible for controlling the pandemic in the small Amerindian village, informed the ministry that the situation is under control and that there are sufficient medical supplies to treat patients there. “The only problem we are having is, patients are not complying with the doctor and the medex’s instructions. They are refusing to take their medications and drink the purified water,” he said. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, has cited the cause of the outbreak to be contaminated water in res-

ervoirs. He had stated that the contamination was caused by the presence of a coliform germ in the water, while adding that, stool samples from the infected persons were taken and sent to the Caribbean Public Health Organization (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago for testing. Gastroenteritis is a digestive system condition where the stomach and the intestines become inflamed. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection found in water, food and animals. The major symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting, along with minor abdominal cramps, dehydration and headaches. There is no specific treatment for the infection but it is important for the infected person to be hydrated; usually an oral rehydration solution

GPL’s pre-Paid services goes down On Saturday, at approximately 08:00 hours, service at the Main Street office of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) was temporarily disrupted due to a damaged transformer. As a result of this, the power services said that its

Emergency Call Centre and Prepaid services were disrupted. “Our Emergency Crews worked ardently to replace the defective transformer which resulted in the disrupted services being restored at approximately 15:00 hours.”

is administered. The outbreak so far has left one infant dead. The pandemic falls on the heels of another outbreak in the North West District area in 2013, where some 529 villagers were infected, the majority being children. Three persons had died. However, there is some controversy surrounding the amount of children that actually died. He had indicated that a “house to house” education awareness programme was helping to control the situation. “It is having tremendous impact there and that is what we need. We need to reduce the numbers,” he said, noting that medical supplies were dispatched to the village and included rehydration salt and bleach to purify the water. When questioned about the possible reason for indigenous communities being affected by the condition, Persaud explained that poor sanitation and lack of purified water are two major reasons. He said that many of these villagers use creek water or water from reservoirs for drinking, and so are easily exposed to contamination. He said that many of these areas do not have proper toilet facilities, causing stool to be washed into the soil and water supplies.

Friendly Hospital Status

The Georgetown Public Hospital last year failed to meet the world renowned Baby Friendly Hospital status following an assessment by a team from UNICEF, but Public Health Minister George Norton says the hospital is gearing to pass the assessment this year. Norton had announced last year that six hospitals in Guyana were accredited with the Baby Friendly Hospital status. He had stated that 12 of the 19 hospitals in the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), had signalled their intention to be assessed in order to be accredited. However, only six of the 12 reached the criteria for accreditation—two of them were previously accredited in 2014. These hospitals, he said, were assessed by the External Assessment Team recruited by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to determine their eligibility to be certified. Strangely enough, the country’s leading medical institution which delivers thousands of babies each year— Georgetown Public Hospital— had failed to meet the criteria. Norton stated that the ministry was not worried about the situation because

the hospital was now equipped with a competent medical staff. He stated that since the external assessment, which was conducted during the period of February to March 2015, the hospital has been working diligently to address the issue and was aiming to pass the next assessment sometime this year. When questioned about the criteria that the hospital failed to meet, the minister stated that during the assessment doctors did not allow for mother to infant immediate bonding post-delivery. He said the doctors at the hospital, at that time, were accustomed to waiting a while before giving the baby to the mother. The Baby Friendly Hospital criteria includes that: every facility providing maternity services and care for newborns, should have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff; all staff should be trained to implement the policy; help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth this step, it states, includes placing the babies in skin-toskin contact with their mothers immediately following birth for at least an hour;

show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants. Norton stated that the accredited hospitals would have met all of the Global criteria of the BFHI, including the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk substitutes and HIV and infant feeding. He noted that the accredited hospitals were West Demerara Regional Hospital—which was re-accredited; Davis Memorial Hospital; Mahaicony Cottage Hospital; Lethem Regional Hospital and the Upper Demerara Hospital, which was also re-certified. Hospitals that were assessed included the Suddie Regional Hospital, Oscar Joseph District Hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Skeldon District Hospital, Mahdia Regional Hospital and the Linden Regional Hospital. He stated that even though these hospitals were not accredited, they were tasked to strengthen the identified deficient areas. He stated that work will continue to ensure that there are Baby Friendly hospitals in all of the Regions.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Guyanese-born machine operator jailed for deadly US building collapse

Jailed 7-15 years, Sean Benschop, for a deadly 2013 Philadelphia building collapse that killed six persons. Philadelphia, US- As he drank coffee at his job site in the mornings, demolition subcontractor Sean Benschop often talked with Borbor Davis, who worked at the adjacent Salvation Army in downtown Philadelphia. The men, both immigrants, asked where the other was from. “I say, ‘I’m from Guyana.’ He say, ‘I’m from Liberia,”’ Benschop testified Friday before he was sentenced for his role in a 2013 building collapse that killed the 68year-old Davis and five others. “When I learned … he was dead, I couldn’t believe it.” Benschop, who was operating heavy machinery the day of the collapse despite taking Percocet and marijuana for medical problems, was sentenced to 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison. Co-defendant Griffin Campbell was the cut-rate contractor who gutted the building from the inside, destabilizing it, rather than take it down floor by floor. He was sentenced to 15 to 30 years. Judge Glenn Bronson deemed Campbell a danger to the community, ignoring warnings the building was at risk of imminent collapse. And he said the collapse “shook this city to its core.” The men were convicted of similar crimes, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and causing a catastrophe, although a jury last year acquitted Campbell of thirddegree murder. Benschop pleaded guilty and testified against Campbell.. Prosecutors said Campbell ignored standard demolition practices in order to salvage joists and other materials. The joists were resold for $6 apiece. Campbell, 51, denied any profit motive, and said he had a long history of generosity in his North Philadelphia

neighbourhood. He said he had been thrilled to get the $112,000 contract and hoped it would be his big break after years running a lunch truck. “This job meant a lot to me – a lot. I was going to be out of debt, and life was going to be good,” said Campbell, 51, a married father of four. City Treasurer Nancy Winkler called it “disturbing and distressing” that her family will have to go through a second trial in civil court to seek justice for others involved in the building demolition that killed her 24year-old daughter, Anne Bryan. Many families are suing building owner Richard Basciano, who was redeveloping the long-vacant strip of stores after owning them for about 20 years, along with the Salvation Army and other entities. A city inspector who had visited the site committed suicide days later, although officials found no evidence of any wrongdoing. The four others killed were Kimberly Finnegan, 34, a newly engaged woman working her first day at the thrift store; Bryan’s close friend, Mary Simpson; Juanita Harmin, 75, a retired University of Pennsylvania secretary; and Roseline Conteh, 52, a mother of nine looking for bargains to send

to her native Sierra Leone. “They suffered a terrible death, buried alive, suffocating,” the judge said. Myra Plekan, a widow from the Ukraine shopping at the thrift store’s weekly sale, lost both legs after spending 13 hours trapped in the rubble. She was not in court Friday as she recuperates from her 31st surgery. Her medical bills have topped $10 million, her lawyer said. “The doctors tell me I will live to a normal age, but my life will be anything but normal,” Plekan, who now lives in a nursing home, wrote in a letter to the judge. “I do look forward to when all people responsible for what happened when the Salvation Army store collapsed will be brought to justice.” Davis died in the store basement after switching posts with a younger clerk called away to hang a picture, the surviving co-worker testified last year, fighting back tears. Benschop, 44, asked the judge Friday if he could write to the victim’s families. The judge found his remorse sincere. Mr. Benschop advised others of the proper way to do things,” defense lawyer William Davis said. “Then, faced with a decision to keep working to provide for his family or to walk away … he made a mistake.” (claimsjournal.com)

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Kaieteur News

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One domestic to work at Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a week –Call: 220-0302 One graphics artiste & junior technician- Call: 223-4555; 695-2199 One live in maid-Call: 6683985; 264-2563 We buy land in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Prospect and Farm- Call: 6117223; 604-2207 One nail technician: apply in person with written application to Zytech Building Regent Street. Call: 225-0563 Middle aged couple (40-50) to live and work on farm/ resort at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Highway. Call: 6430333; 697-8007 One live in or live out maid, assistant salesgirl- Tel: 6035416, 644-9802 Security to work in the Interior, must have past military/police experienced, ages 40-50. Call: 226-9768; 615-6172 One live in domestic or couple to work Mahaicony River, well paid-Call: 6446905; 225-6571

SALON -Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Earn a Certificate in cosmetology, nails, wig designs & hair cutting etc. Classes commencing February! Register Now! Call: 666-5241; 619-7603

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

33.6 Acres farm land @ Kuru Kururu, Linden, Soedyke, Highway-Call:679-1151;225-7794

1 Unit at Satro Building 17 Croal Street, for variety store, fast food. Call: 6427743

Pressure washers 2800 6 inches bench grinders, plate joiners, tools kits, reciprocating saws, router angle grinder- Call: 655-3741

Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606

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

One receptionist ages 25yrs and older with working experienced. Contact us for more information: 223-0090

AMERICAN BULLY DOGS, REMYLINE & GOTTILINECONTACT HARRY: 6100068/220-7933, WHATSAPP: 667-4845

1 Experienced cook for a family in the Interior. Call:6780565

Female & male factory workers ages 19yrs & older with working experienced. Contact: 223-0090 TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

Computer literate person, CXC passes in Mathematics & English, apply with written application @ Trophy Stall (Bourda Market).

Tuesday January 12, 2016

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

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

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

Hutson Ville E.B.D Bungalow- 3 bedrooms (1 self contained) A/C, hot & cold water, secured-$16M negotiable .Call: 622-3736; 697-4131

TO LET One bottom flat 3 bedrooms to rent at Eccles. Call: 6727756 or 694-3421 One- two bedrooms flat concrete house for rent. Call: 265-3616 or 643-0782 Alberttown (business or dwelling) -$75,000, Campbellville -$US900, BelAir Park -$US650, Atlantic Gardens -$US850. Call Diana: 227- 2256; 626-9382

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

ACCOMMODATION

Fully furnished luxury apartment: 3 bedrooms for rent- Call: 603-6351

1 Personal assistant to work, must be 25 years & older with prior experienced. email detailed CV: humresdes@gmail.com

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

FOR SALE/RENT Property for sale & 1 apartment to rent @ 1 Church Street Friendship, E.B.D-Cal: 661-8700

Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 670-2343

D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031 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 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 Bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call:227-5194

2 Complete 6" land dredge with 320 DL CAT excavator 3 Storey building for rent on 2900hrs, everything needed Durban & Smyth Street, for mining included. Call Werk-en-Rust- Call: 697-9540 owner: 621-1404; 667-1967 Two bedrooms apartment ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR $47,000 monthly @ Middle Road La Penitence-Call: 226SALE. CALL: 6004212 6374; 666-9534 One 15 Cu.Ft Frigidaire Chest Freezer, like new, great for 1-3 Bedrooms top flat, front home or business –Call: 622- & back verandah & parking space at Austin Street. Call: 2899 628-7953 One Power mate 3000 watt Office Space at Camp Street portable generator, like new - –Call Naz: 639-4499 $80,000 negotiable- Call: 6222899, 666-6592 House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ Lots @ Blankenburg behind downstairs, all modern the gas station- $3.9M- Call conveniences - $1600US Us Today: 650-0402 monthly-Call: 231-7839 Riobie & AB dick printing during working hours m a c h i n e s , transformer & 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air paper/cardboard. Call: 233-2725 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 EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course SD Real Estate: executive 2 beginning 26 th January. bedrooms Apartment, in Register early! Call: 226-6551; exclusive residential area with all modern amenities. 225-0391 Call for appointment Tele 653LESSONS FOR PRIMARY 2920 & 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 Private customs brokerage, training certificate course from 2nd Feb 2016, register now & save –Call: 694-8322; 223-1506

TOURS Suriname tour (return): Mashramani weekend February 20 th -23 rd 2016. Shopping, site seeing and more. Call: 639-2663; 6655171 LAND FOR SALE Land with building foundation @ Second Bridge Diamond/Grove, price $2.9M. Call: 624-2857 Continued on page 23

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Japan to assist with city’s drainage problems

Improved relations between Guyana and Japan will see much-needed resources being made available to improve the drainage of the capital city, Georgetown. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Second Vice President, Carl Greenidge, indicated that the proposal from Japan will contribute to the reduction of flooding in Georgetown. “…It now brings in addi-

tional resources and skills from Japan…as part of that mechanism we will put together the existing programmes to which other bilaterals may have been contributing,” Minister Greenidge explained. The execution of this project will see the Ministry of Agriculture, its National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Municipality and Central

Georgetown being brought together within a single framework in order to have a coherent plan to treat the problem of the city’s constant flooding. “The physical work is perhaps the last stage because they now have to devise this plan, draw up plans, then integrate them …before construction commences…that dimension is already on the way…in the case of the next

18 months or so the results of a number of these can be seen,” Greenidge said. Throughout the years, Japan has financed a number of projects that assisted with Guyana’s development. These include, but are not limited to a US$9.5M for the establishment of a new water treatment plant at Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice in 2009; and a US$2.9M grant aid project, which was utilised to import civil engineering equipment and electric power machinery in 2014.

Letters... Where your views make the news

Advocacy of castration for Guyanese... From page 4 of the nation lies with the young, the victims who sadly are the most vulnerable. Males are not exempt from being raped, case in question being the recent imprisonment of Charlestown businessman Kevin Jordan for 18 years on a conviction of buggery. The age of his victim -7 years. How low can someone go, although in Guyana, there is no legislation that deals specifically with the rape or indecent assault of a male child, “buggery” is illegal under Section 353 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act (Guyana 1998b, Art. 353; The

fact that this practice persists with alarming frequency, in my opinion brings with a call for the government to impose sterner measures that would send a clear message resulting in deterrence and desistence. The time has come for Guyana to consider tougher punishment and stronger preventive measures. In answer to this growing dilemma, I am seriously advocating the institution of chemical castration for sexual offenders. No need to gasp, as barbaric and inhumane as it may seem, it is an accepted manner of treatment for sexual of-

Citizen writes the President on three... From page 4 person is being treated with kid gloves for some reason. He needs to be disciplined condignly after a transparent investigation is done. I am also perturbed that the issue of this person’s qualifications remains unresolved. Can we put this matter to rest by you asking the subject minister to instruct this person to make public his qualifications? It must be done to satisfy myself and others who need to know that we have competent, qualified and experienced persons running our Corporations and other agencies. No more square pegs in round holes. Please Mr. President, I beg of you to have these matters resolved in a proper manner.

Mr. President, listening to the people must guide your decision making for you are placed in your office by us to do the best for us. Please don’t fail us. It is a pity that our media rarely do surveys or polls for I am sure if a poll is done on the issues I raised here I am sure that the returns would support what I have said; especially in the matter concerning Minister Broomes. She needs her own ministry Mr. President. May God Bless you and in parting, I wish to repeat – please listen to the people and forget politics. John London

fenders in certain countries even those classified as First World. In fact, California was the first U.S state to specify the use of chemical castration as a punishment for child molestation, and treatment is mandatory after a second offence. Furthermore offenders are not allowed to reject the treatment. The drug of choice Depo Provera, which is also a FDA approved birth control drug, does not bring about any permanent physical change to the body, and is intended through lowering of the testosterone level to reduce the sex drive, compulsive sexual fantasies and capacity for sexual arousal. In addition to California, at least seven other U. S states have experimented with chemical castration. Senate Bill 144 signed by Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal allows Louisiana judges to sentence convicted rapists to chemical castration The government of India as part of an anti-rape law,following the worldwide outrage over the gang rape of a woman in Delhi, proposed chemical castration along with a 30 year prison sentence for rape convicts. South Korea passed a law in 2011, whereby judges were given the power to sentence sex offenders who have attacked children under the age of 16 years to chemical castra-

tion. In January 2013 the country carried out its first ever chemical castration sentence. The Russian parliament has also approved a law that permits court requested forensic psychiatrists to prescribe chemical castration for sexual offenders who have harmed children under the age of 14 years. It is blatantly clear that Guyana needs to clean up both her sex act and after- treatment. Nothing that has been tried thus far have proven efficacious, or at the minimum served as a deterrent. Available data purports that this type of treatment has proven effective in other countries. On May 11, 2015, the Guyanese populace voted for a change, not just in government but also a change in the overall handling of things. President Granger cannot act like a stranger, instead his government is now given a choice – No procrastination on the issue of castration for frustration may lead to castigation. Sound the clarion there’ll be no escape for those who rape. Yvonne Sam

From page 22

VACANCY Immediate vacancies exist for at least 12 workers to work @ Ice Factory, MeadowbankCall: 231-1408/ 642-9191 Exist for supervisors, cashiers, counter staff, cleaners. Bring application to Hot & Spicy. Call: 226-9000 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.

House lot for sale, located at 246 Mon Repos, E.C.D. Foundation and columns completed-Call: 233-2486

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota IST, PLL series, alarm, rims, etc. Price $1.350M negotiable –Call: 666-2027, 673-7652

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, TVCall: 617-5536

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Land for sale with structure at 407 Great Diamond, 8th Street front half. Call: 6533381; 609-3692 Parfaite Harmonie -$ 1.6M, 1.8M, $1.5M, 1.3M, Tuschen 11 street -$3M with foundation, Phase 2 – $1.4M, Uitvlugt $3M,Terms available – Call: 6046724 Gold & Diamond mining land for rent in the Ekereku, Puruni & Siparuni area- Call: 6683100 or 615-8810 Prime corner lot @ Main Road (85ftX50ft) -$1.3M, Pafarfaite Harmonie - suitable for church-Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 22 Acres@ Silver Hill, 5 minutes from Highway, land cleared and planted, good for mix farming. Call: 689-0003

2008 Fielder- fully loaded vehicle, never registered $2.5M- Call: 617-2891 Mercedes Benz C250, 2014 Model , 223-5273/4 Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.2M negotiable –Tel: 6688431 Toyota Ipsum, fully loaded, music system – 5,800 watt, excellent condition – Call: 653-1003 1 Toyota Hilux Surf, 3RZ engine, alarm /rims, price $2.850 negotiable. Call: 6662027; 673-7652 One Toyota ISIS, 7 seats, alarm, chrome rims, DVD, rev. camera, price -$3.2M negotiable- Call: 666-2027; 673-7652

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Guyhoc Park resident jailed for armed robbery

Kennard Persaud A labourer who was on remand since last year on an armed robbery charge has to serve another year behind bars. Yesterday, Kennard Persaud was found guilty by City Magistrate, Annett Singh in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the offence. Persaud, a 27-year-old labourer , who resides at Lot 12 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown had initially denied the allegation which read on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Laing Avenue, while armed with a handgun, he robbed Stacy Mansfield of a gold chain valued $215,000. The Magistrate found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment. Mansfield, who was called as a witness, related the occurrences of the day in question to the court. According to her testimony, she was at a local shop in Laing Avenue talking to the owner. She explained that sometime later the defendant

approached her, held a gun to her head and demanded that she hand over the chain. Persaud then reportedly snatched the chain and made good his escape. The complainant then made a report to the Police and an investigation was launched. On February 3, 2015, Mansfield spotted Persaud in Laing Avenue and confronted him. This led to a scuffle and nearby Police Officers went to her rescue. The defendant was told of the offence, arrested and later charged. The Court heard statements of two Police Officers, including the Investigating Rank. Police Corporal Adunni Inniss closed the case of the prosecution yesterday. The defendant was subsequently called on to lead his defence. However, he chose to remain silent. The Magistrate told Persaud that the Prosecution had produced sufficient evidence to convict him while pointing out that the months he spent on remand were taken into consideration.

PPP sees Broomes’ new... From page 9 questions. Broomes has been involved in the mining business for some years now, holding a number of concessions. During a press conference after her appointment, with Minister Raphael Trotman at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, Broomes when questioned about her links to Australian-owned mining company, Pharsalus Gold Inc, disclosed that indeed they have a long-standing agreement. The company is moving to develop large scale mining operations in Issano, Region Seven. The Minister said that she sees no conflict of interest situation as regards to her job, with the agreement with Pharsalus dating back for a number of years. She said that when the company is ready to mine, they will have the option of buying her out or offering a deal. Minister Trotman had

also backed up his Minister, stating that there is no conflict of interest. He pointed out that there are other government officials and even exministers who own vast properties and businesses. In the event that transactions regarding Pharsalus come up, Trotman had said that he will handle it, ensuring Broomes is insulated and “kept at arm’s length”. He also stated that Broomes would lend a wealth of knowledge to the natural resources sector, particularly mining. In addition to Broomes, Keith Scott moved to the Ministry of Social Protection, from the Ministry of Housing. Valerie Sharpe-Patterson took his place as Minister within the Ministry of Communities. In addition, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications was established, with Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes being appointed as Minister.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Min. of Natural Resources throws support behind Broomes -seeks legal opinion on conflict of interest Statements by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, about the suitability of junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, have drawn the ire of the Ministry. This is after Rohee, during a press conference at Freedom House yesterday, stated that Broomes involvement with Pharsalus Gold Inc. constituted a conflict of interest with her new post. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry insisted that it had confidence in Broomes’ appointment to the Ministry. It also stated that Rohee’s statements were a “red herring.” The statement in its entirety reads as follows; “Echoing earlier assertions directed at Minister in the Ministry of

Natural Resources the Hon. Simona Broomes in sections of the media, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, at a party press conference repeated those assertions, numbered amongst which were charges of conflict of interest in relation to the portfolio which she now holds and other accusations intended to impugn her character.” “The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to make it clear that it has abundant confidence in the capacity and integrity of Minister Broomes and stands firmly behind her in the course of her execution of the responsibilities that fall under her new portfolio.” “In the first instance, we reject entirely the assertions that allude to ‘conflict of interest’ alluded to by Rohee in his statement. That notwith-

standing, the Ministry has solicited a legal opinion on the matter of conflict of interest and will pronounce with greater specificity on this issue very shortly.” “The Ministry wishes to state that Rohee’s recent utterance is no more than a red herring, designed, it seems, to cause the nation to forget the PPP’s mountain of reprehensible transgressions. Unfortunately for Rohee the people of this country have longer memories than he gives them credit for.” “Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to state categorically that the shenanigans of the PPP will do nothing to diminish its confidence, and for that matter, the confidence of the Government of Guyana in the Honorable Minister.”

Page 25

Jamaican Gov’t saves $80M in Light Bill

Canada donates over G$3M in equipment to strengthen police investigations In this 2013 photo, Minister Phillip Paulwell (left) and Roy Lafayette, chief executive officer at Geddes Refrigeration Limited, sign a US$2.65-million contract for the design, supply and retrofitting of efficient air-conditioning solutions in four State entities.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Mr. Pierre Giroux hands over a piece of the equipment to Minister of Public Security Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, while Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM looks on appreciatively. High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mr. Pierre Giroux, yesterday handed over several pieces of equipment to Minister of Public Security Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan for use by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The equipment, which includes crime scene kits, six Canon cameras and an Ocean System hardware and software system, valued at C$22,000 (GYD $3,043,280) was handed over at the Police Officers Training Centre, Eve Leary. This donation is part of Canada’s two year “Strengthening the Guyanese Criminal Justice System” project being implemented by Canadian NGO, the Justice Education Society (JES). The JES project aims to increase evidence-led investigations. The JES is currently con-

ducting its second set of training activities with the Guyana Police Force on Major Case Management, Forensic Video Analysis and Crime Scene Management. High Commissioner Giroux emphasized the importance of having the necessary tools to implement the knowledge gained through training and highlighted the particular usefulness of the forensic video analysis equipment, which will capitalize on the numerous Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras around Georgetown. The equipment will enable officers in the newly established Forensic Video Analysis Unit to extract the relevant video footage and enhance images. High Commissioner Giroux also commended the admirable work of JES, citing personal experience of success-

ful work with JES in El Salvador. Minister Ramjattan reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening security in Guyana and thanked the Canadian Government and the JES for their timely support in strengthening Guyana’s criminal justice system. The Government of Canada, through its AntiCrime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP), is providing CAD $750,000 (GYD $106 million) to the Justice Education Society (JES), to implement this project over two years. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Public Security and Legal Affairs, as well as the Office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Police Force.

The Jamaican Government has so far realised savings of $80 million over the past two years under an energy efficiency programme which has been implemented in 40 public-sector facilities. Dubbed the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme (EECP), its general objective is to enhance Jamaica’s energy efficiency and energy conservation. Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell said that the State is now contemplating an expansion. “We intend to take it much further, we are expanding it,” Paulwell said. Among the methods employed to boost energy efficiency thus far is the use of film to reflect sunlight from windows, the painting of roofs with white paint to improve cooling, and the changing of lighting fixtures. The Government has had to pay annual costs of almost $13 billion for electricity used by its entities, and the aim is to reduce the figure by $2 billion with the introduction of several key strategic energy-saving interventions.

The measures were recommended following an audit of the energy use by the public sector, with the overall objective to cut public-sector energy consumption by 30 per cent in 2017. “The money is being absolutely well spent. I am very proud of this project,” Paulwell said. This year, the Government is spending $379.8 million on the conservation programme, which is funded by a loan, up from the $310 million spent last year. A total of $748.8 million is being spent on energy con-

servation and efficiency programmes this year, up from $599 million last year. The targets set for this fiscal year include executing two contracts to replace inefficient air-conditioning systems in 11 state institutions at a cost of $254.9 million, and commencing the replacement of inefficient lighting in several public institutions ($77.3 million). The Jamaica Information Service, which is among the entities that benefited from the programme, is reporting savings of 17.5 per cent per annum on its energy bill.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 05, 2016

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

US general reiterates warning on Islamic extremists in the C’bean WASHINGTON, USA — General John Kelly, commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has repeated an earlier warning that Islamic extremists leaving the Caribbean to join the international terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East could return to commit acts of terror in the region. Kelly told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday that about 150 Islamic extremists left the Caribbean to join ISIS last year, about 50 more than in the previous year. However, he added, the biggest threat might not be the extremists who leave to train and fight with ISIS, but the ones who stay behind. These would-be attackers largely come from former British colonies in the Caribbean region and some have been killed fighting for ISIS, said Kelly, a former combat commander in Iraq who will retire later this month. He said he has seen a shift in extremist leaders’ rhetoric toward these few “very, very radical mosques” to direct their attacks from their homes, rather than attempt the increasingly difficult journey to Iraq or Syria. Kelly noted that Islamic extremist groups seem to have a new message for would-be jihadists.

“And that [message] is, ‘Rather than coming here to Syria, why don’t you just stay at home and do San Bernardino or do Boston or do Fort Hood?’ “ the general said, referring to attacks in the US perpetrated by Muslims sympathetic to extremist groups. Kelly told the Senate Armed Services Committee last year that those who are radicalized enough to leave their homes in the Caribbean to participate in the current conflict in the Middle East would return with greater terrorism skills and motivations and that it would be relatively easy for those terrorists to “walk” north to the US border along the same networks through South and Central America used to traffic drugs and humans. “If they went over radicalized, one would expect they’d come back at least that radicalized,” he reiterated on Friday. “Even just a few of these nuts can cause an awful lot of trouble down in the Caribbean because they [Caribbean nations] don’t have an FBI, they don’t have law enforcement like we do. And many of these countries have very, very small militaries – if they have militaries at all,” he said. Kelly pointed out last year that Americans “take for

granted” the nation’s functioning legal system, agencies like the FBI and the layers of uncorrupt law enforcement that can monitor and track potential terrorists in the United States. “A lot of these countries just don’t have that,” he noted previously, naming Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Venezuela, in particular. According to security experts, extremists could exploit those countries’ relatively open borders with the US and Canada and have also expressed concern over a possible attack within the Caribbean against Westerners. More than ten million Americans visited the Caribbean and Central America in 2014, according to statistics from the US Department of Commerce. Kelly told the Senate Armed Services Committee last year that SOUTHCOM has insufficient airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets available in the area. Answering a question about how much SOUTHCOM knows what’s going on in the Caribbean that it can’t really stop because of limited assets in the region, Kelly said, “I don’t have the assets [in the Caribbean]. I have two navy ships right now, that will go to zero for ever by the summer and that’s not even with sequestration.”

Page 27

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Cops harassed - Commish warns sleazy senior officers about sexual advances -Minister says ‘name and shame’

Senator Sandrea Falconer (Jamaica Gleaner) - Some senior officers in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been sexually harassing their subordinates, leading the Commissioner of Police to issue a warning in the Force Orders that criminal charges and dismissal could result if they are found guilty of the offence. “Numerous complaints have been received from some of our members of sexual harassment by senior officers. These reports indicate that sexual harassment occurs in the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the form of unwanted physical contact such as actual touching, fondling, pinching, cornering or trapping by leaning over a worker,” Dr Carl Williams, wrote in the Force Orders published last Thursday. The commissioner said that harassment within the Force also takes the form of sexual teasing or the telling of sexually explicit jokes, sexually suggestive looks or gestures, repeated requests for dates or meetings outside work. Williams’ warning to cops follows the tabling of the sexual harassment bill in the House of Representatives in parliament last December by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. The bill seeks to outlaw sexual intimidation, coercion and pestering in the workplace, institutions and in landlord-tenant relationships. For a first offence, Williams said the accused cop will be given an opportunity to put forward his or her version of the allegation. He said that if there is evidence to substantiate the allegation, then such an offender will be

Police Commissioner Carl Williams

required to seek professional counselling. “If there is recurrence, the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the file sent to the Police Services Commission and/or the Director of Public Prosecution with a view of preferring disciplinary and or criminal charges,” the commissioner said. Williams said that he is cognisant that instances of sexual harassment are likely to take place in privacy and without witnesses. He said, however, that it is important to preserve any circumstantial evidence which may corroborate the complaint. But the commissioner has warned that mischief-makers would not be tolerated. “I cannot overemphasise the fact that these are serious allegations and, as such, it should be borne in mind that malicious, mischievous, frivolous complaints can cause injury, embarrassment, apprehension or discomfort to the alleged offender. Such complaints, where they occur, will become the subject of disciplinary action,” the commissioner said. The Reverend Gary Buddoo Fletcher, head of the JCF chaplaincy unit, told The Gleaner last night that he has never received any reports of sexual harassment by senior cops since taking over in August. “We haven’t have any such formal thing coming to chaplaincy ... “There might be situation of the sort in the organisation which comprise majority men, but I would not say we have a great number of persons reporting sexual harassment,” Fletcher said.

“Some of those complaints could also go to superior officers ...People also complain to senior officers about what they might be undergoing at various levels of the Force and it might have come to the attention of the commissioner,” he added. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s proposed sexual offence legislation frowns upon unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature and provides a framework for offenders to pay civil damages in court to persons whose feelings have been injured or who have suffered humiliation as a result of sexual harassment. Sexual advances such as a demand or request for sex or favours of a sexual nature are to be prohibited within the workplace or institutions if the bill becomes law. Sexual harassment is defined in the bill as making of any sexual advance towards a person, by another person, which is reasonably regarded as unwelcome, offensive or humiliating by the person towards whom the advancement is made. The bill places an obligation on employers to “make every reasonable effort to ensure that ... workers are not sexually harassed in the course of their employment”. Williams said that there is a growing awareness in the workplace of sexual harassment as well as less tolerance of it by both the management of the Force and those individuals affected by it. He said that victims should report the offence as soon as possible after the occurrence to an officer who is senior to the offender, to the Force Chaplain or to some other person in whom he or she can confide.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

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South Africa’s Oscar Apparel giant to make Bolt’s Rio... Pistorius files papers to appeal his murder conviction Oscar Pistorius enters the dock at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa for a bail hearing, December 8, 2015. (Reuters/ Herman Verwey/Pool)

(From page 29) man, Usain Bolt, once again proved his status as the greatest athlete of all time with triumphs in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relays, extending his record-breaking personal haul of IAAF World Championships gold medals to 11,” stated the report. It continued: “The stellar performances of the Jamaican team, which finished second in the medal table after Kenya, as well as the performances of the other PUMA teams, including The Bahamas, Cuba, Grenada, Cayman Islands,

Switzerland and the Dominican Republic, secured a strong brand visibility of PUMA throughout the competition.” Last September, PUMA signed former world record holder Asafa Powell, and earlie r i n t h e y e a r t h e y gobbled up the promising youngsters Javon Francis, J a h e e l H y d e, Michael O’Hara, and Tyler Mason. Then recently, in an unprecedented move, PUMA signed discus thrower Jason Morgan, the national record holder.

“In the last months we collaborated with Asafa Powell, Jaheel Hyde, and the more recent one being Jason Morgan. We have never been involved with a thrower before,” said Rolling. “He is the first one we signed as a thrower, but it’s more to do with his personality and charisma. He is a great entertainer as well, and even though he is not in the most attractive event for us, because of his personality, character and charisma, he is the perfect fit for the brand,” he noted.

RAMNARINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN...

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius filed papers to appeal against his conviction for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a family spokesperson told

Reuters on Monday. The athlete, nicknamed “Blade Runner” because of the prosthetic legs he uses to race, has spent the last three months under house arrest at his uncle’s home in a wealthy

Pretoria suburb. Asked whether papers were filed requesting leave to appeal Pistorius’s conviction, family spokesperson Anneliese Burgess said: “Yes. This afternoon 15:00h.”

Tuesday Jan 12, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might have a problem hanging on to your money today. You may find it difficult to communicate. . TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Emotional upset at work will set you back. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature. You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) There's a good chance that they won't come back. You need to take some time out to decide what you want to do. You need to be around friends and family. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be sure to double-check the house on your way out. Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for those who attend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favorable. Finish off old projects before starting something new. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel will be enjoyable but could be expensive. You will have to be careful not to let others find out about your intentions. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your colorful conversation may attract new mates. Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving. Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Don't overreact to someone's advances. Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Travel should be on your agenda. Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be sure to find out all you can before you commit to anything. Friends may not be completely honest with you. You will have a problem dealing with groups.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Clear up domestic chores that have remained undone for some time. If you can, make phone calls instead of going out.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now.

(From page 31) last meeting held under a quorum? 5- Is the ECB Administrator being paid to work at home or at the ECB Office? 6- Why were the other two franchise league matches cancelled from being played in Essequibo?

Leacock, Denhart, DeNobrega... (From page 31) N.O; Joshua Leacock 31 and Byron Lindee 4 for 50. Kimbia 90 in 20.5 Overs with Lloyd Gilliard 33, Brian King 4 for 5 and Daniel Leacock 2 for 9. At Ebini, Friendship Cavaliers beat Ebini Ranch Raiders by 53 runs. Friendship Cavaliers 126 in 29.2 Overs with Ryan De Nobrega 56, Alvin Hareman 4 for 22, Ian Lyte 2 for 22 and Martin Leacock 2 for 30. Ebini Ranch Raiders 73 in 21.1 Overs with John Mc Kenzie 3 for 10, Joshua Leacock 3 for 12 and Daniel Leacock 2 for 3.

These are only a few pertinent questions which I hope the Secretary can bat even though he is not known to have either held one or would attempt to ever do so. I wish the GCB well though in the future as I reiterate my fervent plea to have Mr. Ramnarine investigated for gross misconduct as an official who claim to be proactive for the wrong reasons. I am willing to provide the evidence as well as the official letters that I would have sent to both the ECB and GCB documenting my disgust and for him to be

investigated. I do believe he is incompetent and unfitting to be managing and coaching at any level especially minors given his risky methods of operation. On the contrary though, I believe Mr. Stephney was correct when he opined that the GCB is being managed like a private club. Is Mr. Ramnarine a member of that club and cannot be sanctioned? Yours Faithfully, Prince Holder Former President of the Essequibo Cricket Board

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Tuesday January 12, 2016

Debuts for Paris, Boland in series opener

Scott Boland (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - The last time Australia and India met in an international match, the stakes were enormous. A place in the World Cup final was the prize. Steven Smith’s 105 at the SCG set up an Australian victory that ended India’s hold on the World Cup, and propelled Australia into a final against New Zealand, in which they would ultimately triumph. That was less than 10 months ago, but much has changed in Australia’s oneday setup since then. Gone from that team are Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin, all retired, Mitchell Starc, who is injured, and Shane Watson, who has been dropped. Smith is now the captain, and his side won its only ODI series since the

Virat Kohli © Hindustan Times

World Cup, against England after the Ashes. India’s 2015 was far less satisfying. After being knocked out of the World Cup, they found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-1 result in a bilateral series against Bangladesh, and also lost at home to South Africa. Their only ODI series win since the World Cup was against Zimbabwe. Their lineup has undergone far less change than Australia’s, though from the XI that lost the World Cup semi-final they will be missing the injured Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami, as well as Suresh Raina, who was axed after a disappointing series against South Africa. It is against this backdrop that they could blood three new

players in this series - the uncapped Barinder Sran, Gurkeerat Singh and Rishi Dhawan. Australia will have two debutants in the opening ODI in Perth, the fast bowlers Joel Paris and Scott Boland. And so this series begins with a few different names, but enough familiar ones to ensure the AustraliaIndia rivalry will live on. In fact, Channel Nine have been billing this as the summer’s most anticipated series, quite a statement for a bilateral oneday series at the wrong end of a World Cup cycle, but such were the broadcaster’s low expectations of the Tests against New Zealand and West Indies over the past two months. The prize may not be as valuable as that which was on

UK athletics wants world records wiped out

Joel Paris (BCCI) offer the last time they played, but Australia versus India is always worth watching, whatever the format, whatever the venue. IN THE SPOTLIGHT Joel Paris will make his ODI debut on his home ground at the WACA, although because the Matador Cup is these days played exclusively in the eastern states he has never played a List A game at the venue. Still, Paris knows the WACA well enough to be aware of what works there, as his 14 wickets from two Sheffield Shield games this season prove. The Australians hope that Paris

can use the Perth breeze to his advantage in the same way Starc and Johnson have in past years, even if he doesn’t quite boast the same pace. In the Test series last summer, Virat Kohli proved that he enjoys batting in Australian conditions, scoring four centuries in the four Tests. In fact, in eight Tests in Australia he averages 62.00. But he has struggled to display that same form when playing in Australia against Australia in the one-day format, with an average of 15.83 from seven matches. It is a strange anomaly for Kohli,

and one he will be keen to rectify in this series. TEAM NEWS Australia confirmed their XI on the eve of the match, with fast bowlers Paris and Boland both named to make their ODI debuts. Kane Richardson is the fast bowler who misses out, while there was no room for Shaun Marsh in the batting order. India have come to Australia with just five established specialist batsmen, which means a big opportunity at No. 6 for either Gurkeerat Singh or Manish Pandey. Early indications suggest Gurkeerat is in line for a debut but Pandey presented a strong case with a fifty in the warm-up match. The injury to Mohammed Shami suggests l e f t - a r m q u i c k Barinder Sran will get his debut. If India play only two spinners, the fifth bowler to partner Sran, Umesh Yadav, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja could be the allrounder Rishi Dhawan, who is yet make his debut, or Ishant Sharma, who is making a return to the limitedovers side. PITCH AND CONDITIONS The WACA pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce, and the forecast for the match is for a top temperature of 26C.

Part 1: Defiant US fraudster Allen...

From left, Tyson Gay from the USA, Justin Gatlin from the USA and Asafa Powell from Jamaica c(Photo: AP) LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Britain’s athletics federation on Monday called for all world records to be reset because of drugs and corruption scandals that have tainted the sport. UK athletics also said in “A Manifesto for Clean Athletics” that serious drug cheats should face a lifetime ban. “The integrity of athletics was challenged as never before in 2015. Clean athletes and sports fans the world over have been let down. Trust in the sport is at its lowest point for decades,” said UK Athletics chairman Ed

Warner. “Greater transparency, tougher sanctions, longer bans - and even resetting the clock on world records for a new era - we should be open to do whatever it takes to restore credibility in the sport.” The International Association of Athletics Federations has been hit by doping scandals, while Russia was suspended and corruption involving top officials taking money to cover up doping failures rocked the sport and its governing institution. With Kenya also at the centre of doping allegations,

a new report by the World Anti-Doping Agency on Thursday is expected to cause a new storm. The British 14-point manifesto also calls for WADA to further tighten rules on permitted drugs, a public register of all tests and for all athletes at world championships to have a valid biological passport. UK Athletics also said that sponsors should not support athletes found guilty of serious doping offences. “UKA believes the time has come for radical reform if we are to help restore trust in the sport,” said Warner.

(From page 27) MRI on and refused to give me proper neurological care on. “It’s really beyond comprehension when you’re in a penitentiary - there’s four levels of custody: camp, low, medium - and I’m in the maximum security setting - and I’ll just use some penitentiary language here; a penitentiary is violent... and it is a violent existence, and it will test everything you are made of. “I have been able to weather this storm from hell probably better than most people could have, and you don’t really know what you’re made of until these things unfortunately come your way. I certainly never thought I’d spend now nearly seven years of my life in a US penitentiary and be subjected to things that are really horrific but mentally I’m back, I think, close to where I was before all this started. Physically I’m doing very well, thank God, and I’m fighting every single day. I am not going to lose this, this was a wrongful prosecution and I am going to win. “There’s a points system in prison in the US. It goes from 1 to 46, 46 being the most

violent and most lengthy of criminal history, 1 being the least. I am a 1. I’ve been told I am the lowest points-system inmate in the whole prison. I would normally qualify for a camp or a ‘low’ prison, but they’ve stuck me here... The purpose for that - there’s no question - is to make it more difficult to continue to fight. This is not conspiratorial, conjecture or whining - I’m certainly not whining about a damn thing. In a statement, Mr Janvey said his work was court-approved and complex, and that $200m of frozen assets in Switzerland could not be released until Stanford’s appeals were concluded. “It is Stanford’s wildly delusional persistence in his innocence that is the major immediate stumbling block to the return of those assets…he stands convicted of a crime of epic proportions,” he said. In September 2009 while awaiting trial, Stanford was severely beaten by fellow inmates. He was transferred to a federal prison medical facility as the result of an addiction to anti-depressants, which he developed after the assault. His lawyers claimed this led to memory loss. After

two year delay, a judge determined he was fit to stand trial. “I was on the phone trying to reach my daughter inside a four-man cell that they had crammed 10 of us into, and I was attacked from behind. Some guys slammed my head into a concrete wall, split my skull open and then proceeded to put me in a choke hold... and then they stomped on my face and broke 32 bones in my head and face... After my brain swelling went away five days later they did an eight-hour operation to repair the damage. Thirty-two fractures were put back together with mesh and titanium screws. They then put me into a 7 by 6 ft ‘hole’ - that’s the slang we use for the special housing unit where they separate you from everyone else. And I was left there for a month to recover and I saw the doctor one time in that 30 days to remove some stitches. I was given no antibiotics and no painkillers. I was put on psychotropic drugs which is the worst thing you can do for someone with a severe brain injury. I had severe concussion and my skull was cracked. (To be continued tomorrow)

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Part 1: Defiant US fraudster Allen Stanford vows to clear name

Stanford appeared bloodied and handcuffed in footage taken after the 2009 prison assault. (Youtube/VirginaSS) BBC News – (Dan Roan and Patrick Nathanson) - In his first interview since being indicted in 2009 for masterminding the second-largest Ponzi scheme in history, convicted US fraudster Allen Stanford has told the BBC he is innocent. “I didn’t do anything wrong” said the 65-year-old Texan, speaking from a maximum security penitentiary in Florida. “Will I apologise? No. Mark my words... I am going to walk out the doors of this place a free man.” Stanford says his life behind bars is “hell”. He describes being assaulted by fellow inmates in 2009, saying the treatment he received by the authorities after the attack was “barbaric”. Stanford’s lack of contrition is sure to anger the victims of his fraud, thousands of whom have little hope of ever recovering the money they lost in his $7bn (£5bn) scam. The former Houston banker was handed a 110-year sentence in March 2012 on fraud, conspiracy and obstruction charges after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shut down his global empire. Prosecutors said the former billionaire had run a massive, two-decade scam centred on the sale of certificates of deposit. They alleged he was a swindler, misusing the money of thousands of clients to fund risky investments and an opulent lifestyle, including the sponsorship of cricket tournaments. Once considered one of the richest men in the world, Stanford has always insisted he is not a conman, blaming the federal government, the SEC and a court-appointed receiver for tearing down his business empire and preventing investors from getting their money back. In October an appeals court rejected his bid to overturn his conviction

but Stanford has now filed for a rehearing. “I am going to win this” he said. “And I’m going to win for the people who were harmed also.” Stanford is housed in the high-security Coleman II federal prison in Sumterville, Florida. He is not eligible for release before 2105 and for the last three years he has been helping a fellow inmate write a book, Brutal Takeover, detailing his demise. It says he was made a scapegoat by the US authorities for the financial crisis in 2008, and following their failure to detect infamous financier Bernard Madoff’s record $65bn fraud. “I am in this situation caused by the wrongful actions of the US government and particularly the SEC,” he insists. “There is no question that I was a scapegoat for what happened in 2008 and 2009, post-Madoff... They needed a head on a block.” ‘ARROGANTAND WITHOUT REMORSE’ Stanford was born into a lower middle-class family in the small Texan town of Mexia in 1950. After his early business ventures ended in failure, he founded Stanford International Bank in 1991 on Antigua, laying the foundation of his empire and becoming the island’s largest employer. At its most successful, the Stanford Financial Group claimed clients from 140 countries with assets of $50bn under management. By 2008, Stanford was one of the richest men in America, worth an estimated $2.2bn, and living an extravagant, jetsetting lifestyle in which he enjoyed power and privilege. But amid suspicions he was treating the savings of depositors as his own personal piggybank, and using certificates of deposit sold as safe investments for far riskier private equity and real estate, the SEC filed a civil complaint,

accusing Stanford of fleecing about 25,000 investors worldwide. Jim Davis - Stanford’s right-hand man since the 1980s and the company’s chief financial officer - then agreed to testify in exchange for a reduced sentence. In 2012 Stanford was convicted on 13 of 14 criminal charges against him. Calling Stanford arrogant and without remorse, prosecutors asked for a 230-year sentence, with defence lawyers arguing for a lenient term of 44 months. ‘WILDLY DELUSIONAL’ Throughout his trial, he steadfastly maintained his innocence, insisting his businesses were legitimate. He said that Mr Davis’s testimony was false, and that he had been scapegoated by the authorities, but the jury rejected his story, and believed Mr Davis. Federal prosecutor William J Stellmach called Stanford’s version of events “obscene”. “This is a man utterly without remorse,” he said. “From beginning to end, he treated all of his victims as roadkill.” “I did not do anything wrong,” Stanford counters. “When I was sentenced I got up before the judge and the packed courtroom, and I looked everyone in the eye and I said ‘I did not do what you have accused me of doing, and I am not guilty but I’m going to prison and if I go to prison for the rest of my life, I will go to bed in a prison cell at peace with myself knowing that I never did anything illegal or unethical’. I never stole a damn penny from anyone in business in my life. I was audited every single year for 12 years, prior to the SEC coming in, by the Internal Revenue Service.” “This is the biggest unjust act ever committed by the SEC and probably by the Department of Justice in the history of the US. As I am sitting here right now, and as God is my witness, I did not misspend one penny ever. What

Stanford remains unrepentant after being convicted of one of the biggest frauds in US history. (Reuters) I earned, I earned legally, ethically, honestly. “If I was in somebody else’s shoes and for seven years all I had seen and heard was ‘this guy is the biggest Ponzi schemer that ever lived, he stole money from widows and orphans’, yeah, than I would probably think, ‘Allen Stanford got what he probably deserved, and he’s a sorry son of a bitch’. “But on the other hand if you take the time to read the book, you understand that there is another side to this story, not just the government propaganda of disinformation, their trawling of lies. They have hoodwinked everybody, it will shock you. This story is as big as it gets… what anybody thinks of me quite frankly at this point in my life, I don’t give a damn.” To date only around $292m has been recovered, with $73m returned to Stanford’s estimated 28,000 investors. Many are elderly and more than 170 have died since the scandal broke in 2009. Stanford is highly critical of the way the receivership has been handled, describing it as “a court-sanctioned theft of unimaginable proportions”. Some $90m has been paid in fees and expenses to receiver Ralph Janvey and other professionals working on the case. “My business was effectively ruined, with assets sold at fire sale prices immediately under a receivership, all before I was ever convicted,” says Stanford. “There had been no proof of fraud, no proof of wrongdoing, assets were frozen, were starting to be spent on attorneys, accountants and other so-called professionals to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. What if I had been

found not guilty? Who was going to undo the damage that had been done? I had to be found guilty. “Let me tell you what my feelings are to the people who have been impacted by this in a negative way because of the actions of the SEC, the Department of Justice, and the US government. I am so incredibly sad for what happened to you and I cannot do anything about that, but do I owe you an apology? No. Will I apologise? No. Will the government ever apologise? I don’t know. But they are going to financially make whole these people. Can they undo what they have done? Can they take back the seven years of my life, the seven years of damage to these other real victims? No. But nobody lost a single dollar until the government of the US stepped in, and only then did anybody suffer any financial harm.” In a statement, a law firm acting on behalf of US victims told the BBC, “Allen Stanford, the group of brokers, and third party institutions supporting the Stanford Platform have destroyed the lives of working people. Victims are left wondering, where does this story end? No one knows what will happen and who will recover what monies.” In a statement, Mr Janvey said his work was court-approved and complex, and that $200m of frozen assets in Switzerland could not be released until Stanford’s appeals were concluded. “It is Stanford’s wildly delusional persistence in his innocence that is the major immediate stumbling block to the return of those assets…he stands convicted of a crime of epic proportions,” he said. In September 2009 while awaiting trial, Stanford was

severely beaten by fellow inmates. He was transferred to a federal prison medical facility as the result of an addiction to anti-depressants, which he developed after the assault. His lawyers claimed this led to memory loss. After two year delay, a judge determined he was fit to stand trial. “I was on the phone trying to reach my daughter inside a four-man cell that they had crammed 10 of us into, and I was attacked from behind. Some guys slammed my head into a concrete wall, split my skull open and then proceeded to put me in a choke hold... and then they stomped on my face and broke 32 bones in my head and face... After my brain swelling went away five days later they did an eight-hour operation to repair the damage. Thirty-two fractures were put back together with mesh and titanium screws. They then put me into a 7 by 6 ft ‘hole’ - that’s the slang we use for the special housing unit where they separate you from everyone else. And I was left there for a month to recover and I saw the doctor one time in that 30 days to remove some stitches. I was given no antibiotics and no painkillers. I was put on psychotropic drugs which is the worst thing you can do for someone with a severe brain injury. I had severe concussion and my skull was cracked. “I was pre-trial, I was presumed innocent… I was denied bail and my treatment, I would call it barbaric. It was something you’d think you’d receive if you were in North Korea or Iran or Russia or somewhere, but not the US. “My memory began to go on me... I was having residual bleeding on my temporal lobe which they refused to do an (Continued on page 26)

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Tuesday January 12, 2016

Mayor Hamilton Green’s 81st birth anniversary Football

Uitvlugt reigns supreme; Trayon Bobb carts off lion’s share of incentives

The dapper striker did not disappoint and led his team to championship honours and $200,000, complete with the John Fernandes trophy when the action concluded at the Den Amstel Ground, West Coast Demerara last Sunday evening. Bobb also scored 10 goals in the championship, the most by any player, and for that accomplishment he received a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Ltd. The striker was not yet done and he also carted off a beautiful trophy after he was adjudged the Most Valuable Player. Pouderoyen won the second prize of $100,000 and the Youth and Sports Trophy,

while the third place playoff was decided on sudden death penalty kicks where Kitty prevailed over Den Amstel 1 nil to take the $70,000 and the China Trading trophy with Den Amstel taking away $30,000 and the Business School trophy after ending the tournament in fourth place. Further, each member of the winning and runner up teams received food hampers compliments of Ricks and Sari Ltd. Mayor Green travelled from Georgetown to the West Coast location to witness the matches and afterwards delivered a few remarks while assisting in the distribution of prizes shortly after the final whistle sounded.

He congratulated the players for their individual efforts in making the tournament a success even as he hinted of Government’s intention of rendering support to football and other disciplines. The championship match was played under slightly darkened conditions and Mr. Green promised that very soon floodlights would be installed at the facility. The Mayor also had special congratulatory words for Bobb and afterwards extended a warm handshake after presenting the dapper footballer with the MVP trophy. When activities got underway at 14:00hrs, Kitty brushed past Lima Dam 4-1 following a hat-trick by An-

thony Sancho with support from Donald McKenzie. Uitvlugt then humiliated Haslington 5-1 on the back of Trayon Bobb’s 4 successes with the other goal coming off the boot of Cordell Mars. Jamal Harvey was Haslington’s scorer, from the penalty spot. The Victoria/Pouderoyen quarter final affair ended in a goalless stalemate and necessitated penalties to separate the teams. In the end the latter team prevailed 3-2 to seal off a semi-final place. The other semi-final slot was also determined on penalty kicks after Den Amstel and Mahaica Determinaters played to a nil all stalemate during regulation and Den Amstel prevailed 2-1.

Kitty’s luck ran out when it faced Pouderoyen in their semi-finals match after a rampaging Sancho was kept in check and Marvin Josiah and Dextroy Adams exploiting the opposition’s defence with one goal apiece. The Uitvlugt/Den Amstel semi-final affair was also keenly contested and regulation time was characterized by near misses and obvious blunders to the extent that no team managed to score during regulation time and once again the match was decided on the penalty line where Uitvlugt prevailed 1-0. The final between Uitvlugt and Pouderoyen was a gem as both teams fought ferociously to take the

initiative and the smattering of spectators was treated to a delightful display of skill and guts. Both teams also squandered great opportunities and when the final whistle sounded the score was nil all and necessitated a penalty shootout. Uitvlugt sunk their first two efforts, while Pouderoyen was successful in the first but botched the second. The organizers enjoyed the patronage of several business entities including Banks DIH Ltd, Massy, Beepat and Sons, CBR Mining, MACORP, Guyana Beverage, home of Busta soft drinks, Aruwai Mining, IPA, Muneshwar’s, E Networks, CIDI, BEV Processors, EC Vieira and Cummings Electrical.

White, Bravo keep Renegades’ campaign alive ESPNcricinfo - Melbourne Renegades fought back brilliantly to keep their Big Bash League season alive after Sydney Thunder made a flying start at the Sydney Showground Stadium. This was a result with ramifications elsewhere: defeat for Thunder - their fourth on the spin keeps Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes in with a slim chance of reaching the knockouts, too. Such a result had seemed laughable as Usman Khawaja got to work after Thunder opted to bat. His first 50 runs were nothing short of stupendous. First, came the beauty; away he went to Tom Cooper’s opening ball of the match with a caress through the covers, then down he danced to knock Xavier Doherty over mid-off in the next over. The following two balls in Doherty’s over showed extra power - although the elegance was never sacrificed, of course - as he threw the hands to send the bowler through the covers for four, then rocked back and pulled for six. Three more fours off Chris Tremain - twice whipped through midwicket, once pinged through extra cover - took him to 31 from three overs. Few could believe that the cleanest stroke - a perfect straight drive off Dwayne Bravo that veritably fizzed off the bat’s face - was still to come. It was a wristy, bristling, brutal exhibition that saw Khawaja continue two extraordinary runs of form; he

became the first man to reach 20 in 10 consecutive BBL innings, and has still not been dismissed for under 50 since the start of November. When Jacques Kallis was caught behind off Cooper, Shane Watson joined in the fun. He launched his sixth and seventh deliveries for sixes, rocking back, dropping onto one knee to send Doherty over cow corner. Later, Cameron Gannon was slapped for six behind square; Nathan Rimmington was crashed for four, then a flat-batted six over long-on. As the ball softened and the pitch slowed, however, the Thunder ’s fortunes turned. Khawaja - who eventually miscued a Cameron Gannon slower ball to deep midwicket - scored his last 14 runs off 18 balls, while Watson slowed considerably before holing out to Bravo’s penultimate ball of the innings. Mike Hussey was pinned in front by the last ball, ending an over that conceded just four singles, illustrating quite how the innings had slowed. Rimmington had been at the forefront of the fightback with a fine mix of slower balls and bouncers, one of which crashed into the collar bone of Andre Russell - who looked set to let fly causing him to crash into his own stumps and later spend some time off the field. Kallis also left the field with a groin injury. Khawaja later admitted batting had become “tougher and tougher”, and while 173 looked better than par, only

Dwayne Bravo scored 47 as Melbourne Renegades beat Sydney Thunder ©Getty Images 78 of those had come in the second half of the innings. The Renegades had fought back and were left a chaseable target, just when the Thunder had looked ready to end their season. On the field, Chris Gayle has appeared to be a tetchy, caged bear, forever a moment from being poked. Tonight, just as it looked like he was set to get grizzly, he dozed off. Five fours - and even a couple of twos - had carried him to 28; twice he handsomely

cleared the front leg and swiping to off. Then he drilled Clint McKay to Russell at long-on, an easy single waiting to be taken. He remained unmoved and, remarkably, steered the next ball to short fine-leg. “It wasn’t a great bit of cricket,” his partner Cooper later grumbled. Luckily for Gayle, Cameron White and Dwayne Bravo produced a remarkable chase to spare his blushes as dew set in and the bowlers struggled to grip the ball.

Cameron White took charge of Melbourne Renegades’ chase with a series of flat sixes down the ground © Getty Images Cooper started well and took four inside out over cover off Fawad Ahmed’s second ball before being bowled while attempting a cut two balls later. That saw Bravo join White, who hit some remarkable flat sixes over long-on while picking on Watson’s bowling and exuding class. He rode his luck, incorrectly given not out lbw off Kallis on 29, and always looked in control from there. Bravo went after Gurinder

Sandhu and Russell, who eventually dismissed him with a slower ball immediately after being nailed for a pair of sixes. White fell later in the over and Tom Beaton was run out, but there was little left to do, and the calm head of Peter Nevill drilled a straight drive to see Renegades home. Scores: Melbourne Renegades 5 for 176 (White 61, Bravo 47) beat Sydney Thunder 5 for 173 (Khawaja 62, Watson 62, Bravo 2-26) by five wickets.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Fudadin, Permaul see Jaguars to 6-wkt win over Marooners Assad Fudadin batted positively to score 71 after Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l grabbed 4-22 as Guyana Jaguars roared to a sixwicket win over the Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners in the third round of the NAGICO Super50 tournament at the St Paul’s ground yesterday in St Kitts. A 76-run opening partnership between 30year-old Fudadin, who faced 96 balls and struck six fours and three sixes, and Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble (20), spearheaded the Jaguars to 153-4 from 38.4 overs in reply to the 149 in 48.3 overs made by CCC Marooners. The 34-year-old Player/Coach Ryan Hinds fell three short of 14th

Regional 50-over halfcentury but no other batsman reached 20 as left-arm spinner Permaul bowled 10 frugal overs to follow up his 3-32 in the last round against the Leewards Hurricanes. Aaron Jones (17), Akeem Dewar (15), Anthony Alleyne (14), Christopher Powell (14) and Nino Henry (12) were the other batsmen to reach double figures for the Students. When the Jaguars began the run-chase, Fudadin dominated the stand with the usually aggressive Bramble, who replaced Vishaul Singh at the top of the order. Fudadin scored 40 of the first 50 runs with Bramble playing the supporting role as the bowlers failed to make an early breakthrough on another slow track.

Fudadin, who made an unbeaten 44 in the first match before scoring five in the last game, registered his 6th fifty at this level from 63 balls with five fours and two sixes as the Berbician pair played without any worries. Fudadin, who has played three Tests but none in almost four years, continued to play fluently but soon lost Bramble (20) off fast bowler Chris Powell, who finally made the breakthrough in the 18th over with the score on 76-1. Vishaul Singh joined Fudadin and left-handed pair brought up the 100 in 27 overs with the bearded Fudadin moving quickly to 71 before he was removed by off-spinner Vikash Mohan at 109-2 in the next over to bring Skipper Leon Johnson

to the crease. The Jaguars slipped to 11 4 - 3 w h e n J o h n s o n departed for two off Mohan and 10 runs later pacer Rovman Powell got rid of Chris Barnwell (4) as conditions became very overcast and when a shower sent the players off the field, the Jaguars were 131-4 in 35.2 overs. At that stage Singh had progressed to 23 and Raymon Reifer was with him on two with the South American Franchise needing another 19 runs for victory. After play resumed Singh lifted Mohan for six down the ground to put an exclamation mark on the victory in the 39th over as he finished unbeaten on 36 and Reifer on 10. Meanwhile, in other

Assad Fudadin

action yesterday: Barbados vs Jamaica – Jamaica won by 2 wickets. Jamaica 139/8 38.0 overs (Mccarthy 49, D Thomas 33, Benn 10 Overs 4/28) replying to Barbados 138 (Stoute 39, Rampersaud 20,

Jacobs 10 3/38, Cottrell 7.5 3 / 1 8 ) . Result: Jamaica win by 2 w i c k e t s . MOM: Cottrell. T&T vs Americas Match Abandoned due to wet outfield.

Floyd Mayweather ‘Shocked’ by Apparel giant to make Bolt’s Rio romp memorable Manny Pacquiao’s Payout, Says Alex Ariza Jamaica Observer Long-standing sponsor of Usain Bolt, PUMA, is planning to make his final Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, a special and memorable one. Pascal Rolling, PUMA’s international head of sports marketing for running, revealed to the Jamaica Observer in an exclusive interview on Friday some of what his company has planned to mark the occasion. “PUMA has a long partnership with Jamaica, but for Rio I think the major star will be Usain Bolt and it will be his last Olympics. He is already a living legend, but he can really enter the history books being the first man to win three gold medals consecutively in the 100m. So most of our efforts will be around Usain Bolt [in] advertisement and communication,” said Rolling. Rolling and his PUMA team are currently in Jamaica doing commercials with Bolt, Asafa Powell and Canadian rising star Andre De Grasse. “You can expect great things in Rio for sure. We have a new philosophy, new strategy at PUMA, going back to performance with a new ‘Forever Faster’ motto. So Jamaica is the perfect fit. Who better than Jamaica and

Usain Bolt... sprint star to get sizzling send-off from apparel giant PUMA in 2016.

the Caribbean can represent that?” he pointed out. PUMA is a global athletics brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and f as h io n . Th eir u n iq u e industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories through technical innovation and revolutionary design. With that in mind, Rolling revealed that there would be a different and special design of the Jamaican kit in Brazil. “We will be doing different stuff and trying to surprise the public. There will be different outfits, and for certain events there might be certain designs,” said Rolling, who made reference to the dazzling 2004 kits that the golden girls — Veronica Campbell

Brown, Sherone Simpson, Tayna Lawrence and Aleen Bailey — wore in winning the 4x100m relay at the Athens Olympics. “There will be a special design for everyone who makes the 100m final,” he added. PUMA, which has been a sponsor of athletics poster boy Bolt and Jamaica’s track and field by extension, revealed in their third quarterly report that Jamaica continue to be a major player for their brand. “In our running and t r a i n i n g c a t e g o r y, w e benefited from excellent athlete and team performances at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, with 18 podium positions for PUMAsponsored athletes and teams. The world’s fastest (Continued on page 25)

Bleacher Report (Yahoo Sports) Floyd Mayweather Jr. believes Manny Pacquiao did not get the money he deserved for the pair’s megafight last May, according to strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza. Ariza has worked with both Mayweather and Pacquiao during his career and was part of Money’s team in his preparation for what turned out to be the penultimate fight of his unbeaten career against the Filipino. Speaking to Viva Sports (via Ronnie N a t h a n i e l s z o f BoxingScene.com), Ariza said that the American was surprised at reports of Pacquiao’s payout for the Las Vegas bout. “[Floyd] was shocked at what he (Pacquiao) got.” Ariza said. “That’s another reason that Floyd says Manny is in the upper echelons and should become independent so he gets what he deserves.”Per ESPN’s Dan Rafael and Darren Rovell, Mayweather earned at least $220 million for the clash, which he won by unanimous decision. The report indicates that because of the pre-agreed 6040 split between the two fighters and because PacMan had to pay off his promoters, Bob Arum and Top Rank, the 37-year-old

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao (right) during their mega fight. (John Gurzinski Getty Images) made around $150 million from boxing’s richest-ever fight. Following that bout, Mayweather went on to beat Andre Berto in a lopsided final fight and retired with a perfect 49-0 record. Pacquiao has not fought since he met Mayweather as he has been recovering from a shoulder injury, which he partially blamed for his defeat to the American. As Arum confirmed at the end of 2015, he is set to return to the ring in April in Las Vegas to face Timothy Bradley for a third time, per the Manila Times (via Richard Damerell of Sky Sports). And the eight-division champion has now confirmed it will be his last

fight before retirement, per Sky Sports News (via Eurosport’s Marcus Foley). The 37-year-old’s choice of Bradley as his next and final opponent has not been met with great enthusiasm by the boxing public, per BoxNation: Manny P a c q u i a o c h o s e Ti m Bradley as his April opponent - what opponent would the #boxing fans have gone for? 4:21 PM - 10 Jan 2016. However, given that the much-hyped meeting between Mayweather and Pacquiao ended up being a stale, boring affair, the Filipino legend’s clash with Bradley could yet prove unexpectedly eventful by comparison.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Guyana-born Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Bunbury arrives for two-week visit -starts consultations to open Sports and Academics Academy By Rawle Welch Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Alexander ‘Alex’ Bunbury of Guyanese parenthood arrived in Guyana yesterday and immediately got his busy two-week schedule off to a fast start. The former outstanding Canadian national player, who was born in Plaisance to Harry and Dorren Bunbury in 1967, before migrating to Canada at the age of nine held a Press Briefing at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday morning to outline the purpose of his visit which is to meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss the possibility of setting up a Sports and Academics Academy. The initiative which will be named the Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA) is expected to create hope and opportunities through sports and academics for aspiring young athletes with football and academia being the main theme. B u n b u r y, w h o w a s accompanied by his brother Samuel, a scout for Guyanese talent and members of the Local Organising Team for his visit, was returning to the country of his birth for the first time after a 40-year absence and he made a very emotional speech which

captured the attention of all those who were present at the occasion exclusively. According to the former Canadian striker, who played professionally in Portugal and in Major League Soccer in the United States of America, his success was due entirely on the upbringing he received during his formative years here in Guyana. He said that becoming a professional athlete in any discipline is not easy it requires a strong commitment to every aspect of the sport and that is why a solid academic foundation is crucial to the athlete’s holistic development. Bunbury, who disclosed that his real introduction to the sport started at the age of twelve years when quizzed on why it took him so long to return said that,” God’s timing is the best timing and I certainly believe that.” He said that his purpose is to give back to the land of his birth, adding that while he was fortunate to play professionally he is aware that he could not do it alone, but rather it was the help of so many others that made it possible and it is his intention to assist others as well. “I have a vision and I believe it’s a great vision which stems from how I was raised,” Bunbury told the

gathering. Asked about whether there was a timeline for the initiative, the outstanding Canadian footballer said that at present it is more like a concept and while the connections are there to secure funding, he is hoping that following consultations with the various stakeholders such as the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the Ministry of Education among others, the model could become a reality soon. “There are kids falling through the cracks for the lack of opportunities and I know that all it takes to rescue them is someone making bold decisions,” he stated. He, however, stressed that he is a stickler for combining talent with education and promised that the Academy will make this a top priority should it take off. It was revealed that Bunbury was instrumental in getting two locally-based players to tryout in the MLS recently. President of the GFF Wayne Forde, who was in attendance, said that the star footballer’s visit was timely and the organisation fully embraces his philosophy in attempting to bridge the gap between sports and academics.

Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Guyana-born Alex Bunbury addresses the gathering at yesterday’s Press Briefing at the Pegasus Hotel. He pointed out that such a venture is good for Guyana, adding that with the composition of the business team there is no doubt in his mind that the initiative will be a success. Also present at the occasion was Director of Sport Christopher Jones, who in his remarks first welcomed the team and promised his entity’s support in whatever initiatives that the Academy would be having. President of the Wo m e n ’s F o o t b a l l Association Charmine Wade in her presentation spoke of her elation when approached b y B u n b u r y ’ s representatives, informing

that it will help the Association in its drive to stress the need to its members the importance of balancing their on-field pursuit with academic excellence. Ministry of Education representative Nicholas Fraser in his remarks stated his CEO’s pledge to support the Academy in its endeavour, adding that from what he has learnt there are

quite a few areas that the two entities could collaborate and they are looking forward to meeting with the principals. Meanwhile, Bunbury’s tour will continue today with a tour of the prospective site for the Academy on the East Coast of Demerara. A packed agenda is planned for his visit which will run until January 25.

Sarjoo guides Laluni to victory

Steyn ruled out of third test vs England JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) Fast bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of this week’s third test against England in a major blow to South Africa’s bid to get back into the four-match series. The shoulder injury which restricted his bowling in the first test and forced him out the second has not healed in time for the third game starting at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Thursday, South Africa coach Russell Domingo said on Monday. A spasm meant Steyn was able to bowl only 22 balls in the second innings of the first test in Durban that England won by 241 runs. The second test at Newlands was drawn last week. Scans on Steyn’s injury initially showed no muscle

South Africa’s Dale Steyn celebrates the wicket of England’s Alistair Cook (L) during their first cricket test match in Durban, South Africa, December 26, 2015. (Reuters/Rogan Ward)

damage but he has returned to doctors this week to try to diagnose the problem. The sore shoulder followed a groin injury that kept him out of three of four tests against India in

November and raises questions about his future. Domingo, however, believes the 32-year-old paceman will recover. “I don’t think it’s the end of Dale Steyn,” he said. “All

players will experience some sort of niggles. He is a great athlete. He is as fit as they come.” South Africa had been hoping Steyn, the world’s top-ranked test bowler, would return to spearhead a four-man seam attack in the high altitude conditions of Johannesburg as they seek to preserve their position at the top of the test rankings. “We haven’t had him since the first test in India and that has been disappointing,” Domingo told a news conference. South Africa are also without another key p a c e m a n i n Ve r n o n Philander, who tore ankle ligaments in India and did not recover as quickly as the team’s management had hoped.

Sunil Sarjoo

Sunil Sarjoo struck consecutive half centuries to guide Laluni to successive victories over host Lusignan when the teams collided in two T20 fixtures on Sunday. Laluni won the first encounter by five wickets. Batting first the home team managed 121-8 in 20 overs. Steve Ramdass scored 30, Brian Sattaur 27 and L. Morgan 18. Troy Domingo, Wayne LaRose and Romel Kaidoo claimed two wickets each. Laluni responded with 122-5 in 15 overs. Sarjoo hammered one four and six

sixes in a top score of 54, while David Francis got 16 and Tagnarine Derick 14. Tameshwar Motiram snared 3-36. Lanuni triumphed by 28 runs in the second match. Laluni posted 115 all out in 18.3 overs, taking first strike. Sarjoo clobbered 52 with three fours and five maximums; Rajendra Naikbaran had 2-17 and F. Kadir 2-30. Lusignan were bowled out for 87 in 20 overs in reply. Sarjoo captured 310, Kaidoo 2-15 and LaRose 2-20.

Tuesday January 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Pacesetters set up U-23 showdown with Eagles tomorrow night -Colts, Guardians to play for GABA Division I League title

Nikkoloi Smith

Dave Causway

Pacesetters set up an Under-23 final showdown with Eagles last Saturday n i g h t f o r G e o rg e t o w n Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League title, edging Ravens 60-54 at Cliff Anderson’s Sports Hall. The best-inthree finals begin tomorrow night. National junior point guard, Nathan Saul poured in 18 points while Jaleel Duke scored 10 points and Quincy Dos Santos six points for Pacesetters, a team that failed to make the Division I finals in Georgetown as the current National Club Champions. For Ravens, Murtland Ward netted 15 points, while Carlos Edwards supported with 13 points and Shamar Huntley 10 points. Pacesetters survived a fourth quarter blitz from Ravens to come away with the win.

Eagles won their semi-final game last Friday night. Meanwhile, Plaisance Guardians scraped pass University of Guyana (UG) Trojans 65-62 to earn a place in the Division I final. Energetic guard, Nikkoloi Smith was the best scorer for Guardians with 19 points, while Ron Campbell added 16 points and Cassius Nicholas 10 points respectively. For UG, point guard Amoniki Archibald scored 16 points while Akeem Kanhai and Ewart Smith scored 13 points apiece. Pacesetters were obviously missing from this section of the League after finishing at the bottom of the table in the round-robin tournament. Guardians will oppose Colts, which edged Ravens 82-80 Sunday night at the same venue, in the Division I

Nathan Saul

final that starts Friday, also in a best-of-three format. Guard, Dave Causway recorded a game high 32 points in the win for Colts while shooting guard, Shelroy Thomas supported with 20 points and Kurt English 19 points. F o r R a v e n s , Ry a n Stephney and Ryan Gullen had 18 points apiece while centre, Jermaine Slater had 13 points and Dominic Vincente eight points. The opening period failed to separate the teams,

ending 20-20 before Colts snatched a one point 35-34 advantage going into the half-time break. Colts romped to 28 points in the crucial penultimate quarter, while restricting Ravens to 20 points to enter the fourth quarter ahead 63-54. Colts held on to the nailbiting win despite being outscored in the final period. The competition resumes tomorrow night with the commencement of the Under-23 Finals.

BCB/NSC/Berbice River Cricket Association second division cricket

Leacock, Denhart, DeNobrega and King ensure Friendship Cavaliers reach finals The 3-team Berbice River Second Division 40Over Cricket Competition got cracking recently with Friendship Cavaliers making light work for both Ebini Ranch Raiders and Kimbia in their preliminary matches to end on top and thus earning their place in the final of the competition. In the rain affected match against Kimbia, Friendship rattled up 300 for 6 their 35Overs with Daniel Leacock left high and dry on 97 N.O. which included 4 fours and 10 sixes. Supporting him were Jason Denhart with 51 (3 fours and 4 sixes),

Daniel Leacock

Ryan DeNobrega

Michael Caple 43, Brian King 35 N.O. and Joshua Leacock 31. When Kimbia relied, offspinner Brian King took 4 for 5 from 4-Overs to

help bowl them out for just 90 giving his team a whopping 210 runs victory. In the other match against Ranch Raiders, Ryan

DeNobrega made a crucial 56 (6 four) to help them to a modest 126 in 29.2 Overs. However it turned out to be more than enough for the boys from Ebini as they were bowled out for just 73 in 21.2 Overs with Joshua Leacock and John McKenzie picking up 3 wickets each. In summarised scores: At Friendship, Friendship Cavaliers beat Kimbia by 210 runs. Friendship Cavaliers 300 for 6 in 35-Overs with Daniel Leacock 97 N.O, Jason Denhart 51, Michael Caple 43, Brian King 35 (Continued on page 25)

Letter to the Sports Editor

RAMNARINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SANCTIONED BY THE GCB Dear Editor, I read with complete astonishment and sought time to digest Mr. Andy Ramnarine’s letter in the Kaieteur Newspaper dated 2015-12-31 under the caption ‘Elroy Stephney seems not to be thinking clearly’. I wish to let the public know that I would have written to both the Essequibo and Guyana Cricket Board to investigate substantial allegations against Mr. Ramnarine concerning his misconduct whilst coaching the Essequibo under-15 team in 2014 during an inter-county tournament. It was brought to my attention by some players that after a period of imbibing they were assembled one evening, lights off and were compelled to catch cricket balls in the dark. Is someone of such contemptuous ignorance fit to either coach or manage any team? Perhaps Mr. Ramnarine was referring to his pro-activeness in such a manner as against what he termed Mr. Stephney’s inability to do likewise. Further Mr. Ramnarine is on record to have violated the statutory decision of the South Essequibo Cricket Committee when at an election he voted contrary to the Committee’s choice. He should have been expelled. There is a matter relating the forged Birth Certificate of a relative in an effort to have that person selected in the national under-15 team two years ago. The GCB is aware of this matter. I would have publicly written before about Mr. Ramnarine’s faltering record and I am repeating same with even more conviction and disdain since nothing was done to investigate my concerns. In contrast Mr. Stephney is much wiser than that and in fact he is one of the most respected sports individual in the Region and holds a level 11 WICB accredited Coaching certificate. He continues to do extensive coaching within North Essequibo and has the full support of a wide cross section of both young and senior players. I have had direct working knowledge with Mr. Stephney both as a player and an executive of North Essequibo and he remains an invaluable institutional component of the cricketing fraternity based on his experience, knowledge, creativity and his calm approach even when he is involved in hostile situations. Mr. Ramnarine’s letter seems to imply that Mr. Stephney is political, claiming that he was imposed by the PPP Government to sit on the IMC. This is in fact grossly erroneous since Mr. Stephney was recommended by the ECB because he served as an executive member of the Board at the time. I also sat periodically as a member of the IMC whist serving as President, likewise Mr. Sheik Ahmad, former President of the ECB as well. I can also recall that Mr. Brian Christiani, Veren Chintamani and Wazeer Mohamed all attended IMC meetings on behalf of the ECB. They supported the IMC then, but now they are denouncing the IMC since they are now serving members of the GCB and this serves their individual interest not to see a democratic and transparent national Board through free and fair elections. The ECB is not benefitting from the GCB as there has not been one word uttered at the noted omission of Ransford Beaton from the senior team even though he has been the spearhead of the bowling department for the past three years. Perhaps bartering has become the norm where a fellow county player is being replaced by another. Being a constituent member of the ECB I am demanding an explanation as to Mr. Beaton’s omission as the BCB would have strongly done for Jonathan Foo. I am not surprised though that the GCB would have chosen its number eleven batsman in the form of Mr. Ramnarine to challenge Mr. Stephney’s wily off-spin since all he would have done was to flash recklessly and speculatively. Is this how the GCB is being captained? However in anticipation of the GCB reshuffling its batting order, would its opening batsman by default in the form of the Secretary answer the following questions? 1- Who are the members of the legal Demerara Cricket Board? 2- Who are the members of the DEB INC? 3- Which constituent do most of the successful players from the national teams come from? 4- Who are the members of the CDC and when was the (Continued on page 25)

t r o Sp

Guyana-born Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Bunbury arrives for two-week visit -starts consultations to open Sports and Academics Academy The Canadian football star signs autographs at yesterday’s Press Briefing.

Fudadin, Permaul see Jaguars to 6-wkt win over Marooners

Pacesetters set up U-23 showdown with Eagles tomorrow night -Colts, Guardians to play for GABA Division I League title

Apparel giant to make Bolt’s Rio romp memorable Mayor Hamilton Green’s 81st birth anniversary Football

Assad Fudadin & Veersammy Permaul (Flickr)

Uitvlugt reigns supreme; Trayon Bobb carts off lion’s share of incentives

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